Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism
The Malcolm Gladwell of the Torah -- That’s how listeners describe Madlik™ – where sharp insight meets sacred text. With the curiosity of a cultural critic and the soul of a yeshiva bochur, Madlik ignites Jewish thought from a post-orthodox perspective. Each weekly episode explores the Torah with fresh eyes — drawing unexpected connections, challenging assumptions, and offering a heterodox yet deeply rooted take on halachic and philosophical questions. Born of a lifelong love for Jewish texts and a refusal to let tradition become static, Madlik keeps the flame of Judaism burning — not by preserving the embers, but by lighting new fires. In Hebrew, מדליק (Madlik) means to ignite. But in modern slang, it simply means cool. We aim to be both.
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We The Tribes
05/13/2026
We The Tribes
We usually think of the ancient world as being ruled by dangerous, power-hungry kings, but the Torah actually commanded a radical, unified democracy thousands of years before America. What if the Book of Numbers is not really about numbers? What if the census in the wilderness was actually the birth of the first constitutional government? Key Takeaways Bamidbar is not just a census — it is a constitutional moment. The Torah counts the Israelites not as isolated individuals but as tribes, clans, and representative units, revealing a revolutionary political vision: a nation built through covenant among distinct groups. The Torah’s model of unity preserves difference rather than erasing it. From tribal banners surrounding the Tabernacle to the Bible’s vision of the end of days, Judaism imagines a shared moral order where tribes, nations, and differing opinions retain their unique identities. Jewish political culture may explain Jewish intellectual culture. The same covenantal federalism that allowed tribes to remain distinct while united may also underlie Judaism’s enduring embrace of argument, dissent, and multiple opinions within a shared tradition. Timestamps [00:00] Numbers Reimagined [01:24] Bamidbar Setup [02:33] Census Text Walkthrough [05:46] Journey and Authority [07:40] Elazar Tribal Federation [10:48] Camp Flags Communication [12:33] Counting Methods Leaders [14:47] Twelve Tribes Problem [18:42] Sponsor Break [19:48] Elazar Biography [21:15] Numbers as Constitution [24:24] Federalism Covenant Model [30:39] Federal Mindset Today [31:40] Closing Shabbat Shalom Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here:
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Made on Sabbath
05/06/2026
Made on Sabbath
What if the Jewish secret to creating your best work is actually learning how to do absolutely nothing? Is Shabbat really about rest… or is it about creation? Is it about ceasing from activity—or a unique form of production? The Torah says something strange: during the Sabbatical year, you don’t eat crops—you eat “Shabbat.” And when we are commanded to keep the Sabbath—we are told to make it. Key Takeaways Shabbat Isn’t Passive — It’s Creative. The Torah doesn’t just say observe Shabbat—it says “make” Shabbat. Rest isn’t the absence of creation—it’s a different kind of creation. 2. Letting Go Produces More Than Holding On In Shemitah, you don’t eat what you grow—you eat what grows when you release ownership. Real abundance comes not from control, but from hefker, withdrawal, and trust. 3. Shabbat Only Exists Because We Create It. Unlike every other mitzvah, Shabbat has no physical form. It becomes real only when we live it— by stopping, we actually bring it into existence. Timestamps [00:00] Creation Through Stopping [01:14] Lag BaOmer And Sevens [02:01] Shmita Text And Shabbat Haaretz [03:41] Rashi Ramban And The Oxymoron [08:23] Nullification And Ownerless Yield [11:20] Tzimtzum And Hidden Goodness [15:12] To Do The Sabbath [16:39] Making Shabbat Commentaries [19:29] Sponsor Break [23:10] Torah Temimah Makes Shabbat Real [26:00] Shabbat As Human Construct [28:42] Closing Lag BaOmer And Chazak Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here:
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Holiness When Life Refuses to Cooperate
04/29/2026
Holiness When Life Refuses to Cooperate
What if the Torah's strictest, most uncomfortable laws about perfection weren't actually meant to keep us out, but to give us permission to be broken? What does holiness look like… when life refuses to cooperate? In this episode of Madlik, we dive into one of the Torah’s most uncomfortable passages—Parshat Emor—where the priestly caste is commanded to live a life untouched by death, imperfect relationships, and even physical blemish. No funerals. No complicated marriages. No broken bodies. It’s a vision of holiness that feels… impossible. But what if we’ve been reading it wrong? Key Takeaways Holiness as Separation, Not Just Morality The priestly laws aren’t random restrictions—they form a unified system built on distance from life’s messiness: death, complicated relationships, and physical imperfection. Holiness here isn’t about being good—it’s about being set apart. 2. A Vision of Perfection… or a Problematic Ideal The Kohen represents an almost utopian human—untouched by loss, imperfection, or disruption. But that raises a tension: is this an aspirational model meant to uplift, or the creation of a spiritual hierarchy that excludes real human experience? 3. From “Disqualified” to “Permitted” The word ḥalal, usually translated as profane or disqualified, may actually point in a different direction. What if it means not rejected—but released? Not unholy—but free to live fully human lives, where imperfection isn’t a flaw… but the norm. Timestamps [00:00] Holiness Without Cracks [01:40] Show Intro and Big Question [02:53] Priestly Mourning Limits [04:35] Marriage Rules and Separation [06:53] Rashi and Modern Practice [10:23] Talmud and Funeral Optics [13:52] Why These Marriage Bans [21:20] Physical Blemishes and Theater [27:00] Halal as Permission [29:57] Wrap Up and Shabbat Shalom Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here:
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Brotherly Love in Lisbon
04/22/2026
Brotherly Love in Lisbon
For centuries, we’ve used the word "scapegoat" to mean blaming someone else—but what if the Torah meant the exact opposite? What does the scapegoat really mean on Yom Kippur? In Parashat Acharei Mot, two identical goats stand at the center of the ritual—one for God, one sent into the wilderness. Most read this as ancient ritual. Isaac Abarbanel reads it as something far more radical. Key Takeaways The Scapegoat Isn’t About “Them”—It’s About Us Abarbanel reframes the ritual: the two goats are not Israel vs. its enemies, but two possible versions of Israel itself—closeness or distance, covenant or exile. 2. In the Face of Persecution, He Chooses Hope Over Revenge Writing in the shadow of expulsion, Abarbanel could have turned the scapegoat into a symbol of blame. Instead, he offers introspection and resilience—a theology of survival, not vengeance. 3. Exile Is Not the End—It’s Part of Redemption The goat sent away does not die. It survives. For Abarbanel, exile becomes a stage in a larger story—one that ultimately bends toward return and renewal. Timestamps [00:00] Twin Goats Opening [01:01] Show Intro Lisbon Setup [01:45] Why Study Abarbanel [03:04] Don Isaac Biography [08:24] His Commentary Method [11:43] Two Goats Text [13:18] Abarbanel Long Preface [14:49] Sponsor Break [15:56] Twenty One Questions [19:58] Jacob Esau Reading [26:36] Israel In Exile Reading [30:26] Hopeful Takeaways [31:39] Closing Shabbat Shalom Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here:
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When Homes Are Torn Open
04/15/2026
When Homes Are Torn Open
Look closely at the broken walls of Israel, and you might just see the hidden history, resilience, and ancient secrets waiting to be uncovered in the rubble. The Bible contains an enigmatic set of laws about a house that becomes afflicted—and somehow needs to be cured. But the Rabbis flip the script. What if this “plague” isn’t a punishment… but a gift? What if tearing down a wall reveals something hidden בתוך הקיר—inside the wall? Key Takeaways Our homes are not just structures—they are stories The Torah teaches that a house can carry memory, history, and even moral weight. Whether through Midrash, archaeology, or modern Israel, we learn: What’s inside the walls is not empty—it’s the past, waiting to be uncovered. 2. Sometimes breaking is a form of revealing What looks like destruction can also be exposure. The Rabbis reframed tzara’at not as punishment—but as a gift: When the walls come down, hidden truths—about the past and about ourselves—come to light. 3. The real “treasure” is resilience Today, as we see homes in Israel torn open, it’s hard to imagine anything positive. And yet: The treasure isn’t gold in the walls— it’s the strength, courage, and resilience of the people who built—and will rebuild—again. Timestamps [00:00] Afflicted House Mystery [01:08] Meet The Hosts [01:29] Reading Metzora Laws [03:32] Rashi Hidden Treasures [08:00] Why Only In Israel [09:34] Mold Medicine And Ritual [15:37] Walls Have Ears [18:26] Sponsor Break [19:33] Archaeology And Spolia [25:50] Artist Finds In Concrete [29:15] War Ruins And Resilience [31:10] Closing Blessings Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here:
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Where is the Stranger?
04/08/2026
Where is the Stranger?
There is one powerful verse the ancient rabbis purposefully cut from the Passover story—and for good reason. Everybody asks why Moses is missing from the Haggadah. But what if we’re asking the wrong question? In this final episode of the Madlik Haggadah, we explore a deeper and more urgent mystery: Where is the stranger? Key Takeaways The Haggadah Stops Too Soon The Mishnah tells us to read the Exodus story “until the end.” But we don’t. And the ending we skip is the most important part: “You, and the stranger in your midst.” 2. Being Oppressed Doesn’t Automatically Make You Moral The Torah doesn’t assume we’ll learn the right lesson. It commands—again and again: Love the stranger. Because history shows: those without power don’t always become compassionate when they gain it." 3. Redemption Isn’t Leaving Egypt—It’s What You Do After For centuries in exile, this was theoretical. Not anymore. Now that we have power, the story changes: The real test of freedom is how we treat the stranger. Timestamps [00:00] Welcome to Malik [00:26] Where Is the Stranger [02:21] Mishnah's Hidden Clue [03:52] The Verse We Skip [05:57] Why Rabbis Cut It [06:28] Power and Hagar [08:31] Sponsor Break [09:29] Back in the Land [11:24] Responsibility With Power [12:30] The Real Praise Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here:
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The Haggadah After October 7
03/25/2026
The Haggadah After October 7
What if I told you that the most powerful way to read the Passover Haggadah... is to write your own? In this episode of Madlik, we explore a radical idea born on Israel’s early kibbutzim in the 1920s and 30s: that Judaism isn’t just inherited—it’s authored. We’re joined by Eran Yarkoni and Anton Marks of the Shittim Institute, who are traveling the U.S. with their exhibition Haggadah of Hope. Key Takeaways 1. The Haggadah Isn’t a Book—It’s a Framework The kibbutzim didn’t treat the Haggadah as sacred text to preserve, but as a structure to fill. They understood something we often forget: the power of the Seder comes not from repeating the words—but from making them speak to your moment. 2. “Bechol Dor Vador” Is a Command to Create We’ve been taught to relive the Exodus. The kibbutzim took it one step further: we are obligated to rewrite it. Every generation doesn’t just inherit the story—it adds a chapter. 3. Ritual Isn’t Escapism—It’s How We Process Reality From pioneers in the 1930s to displaced families after October 7, the Seder became a place to confront the present, not escape it. By writing their pain, loss, and hope into the Haggadah, these communities show that ritual, at its best, is not about the past—it’s about making meaning in real time. Timestamps [00:00] Kibbutz Haggadah Reimagined [01:24] Meet the Shitim Institute [04:07] Haggadah of Hope Tour [07:09] Inside the Kibbutz Archive [10:44] Haggadah as a Living Story [13:23] After October 7 Texts [15:01] Sponsor Break [16:08] Return Home in the Fourth Cup [23:26] Ma Nishtana Then and Now [28:23] US Reactions and Roadshow [30:16] Wrap Up and Passover Wishes Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter https://madlik.com/ Sefaria Source Sheet: https://voices.sefaria.org/sheets/715964 Transcript here: https://madlik.substack.com/ To donate to Shitim Institute: https://pefisrael.org/charity/machon-shittim/
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How the Rabbis got their Power
03/18/2026
How the Rabbis got their Power
Unlike almost every other major world religion, Judaism has absolutely no Pope—and the beautiful reason why is hidden deep in the Book of Leviticus. Rabbis today are “ordained.” But the original system of rabbinic ordination—semikhah, the laying on of hands—collapsed almost 1,600 years ago. So how did rabbinic authority survive? In this episode of Madlik Disruptive Torah, Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz trace the surprising story of how a simple biblical gesture—placing hands on a sacrifice—became the foundation for Jewish leadership and authority. Key Takeaways Authority in Judaism started as a gesture, not an institution Rabbinic authority survives not because the chain held—but because it broke Judaism chose influence over control Timestamps [00:00] Hands and Authority [01:49] Leviticus Semikhah [05:26] Blessing and Transference [08:50] Two Hands Rule [11:40] Women and Semikhah [15:17] Sponsor Break [16:23] Communal Offerings [21:30] Joshua Commissioned [23:22] Chain of Tradition [25:13] Ordination Disrupted [29:14] No Pope in Judaism [30:53] Closing Reflections Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here:
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Midrash Through the Looking Glass
03/11/2026
Midrash Through the Looking Glass
The Torah is incredibly strict about what goes into its holiest sanctuary, which is why one bizarre detail in Exodus chapter 38 makes absolutely no sense. In the inventory of materials used to build the Mishkan, the Torah accounts for the weight and value of all the gold, silver, copper, wood, and linen material used. It’s very clinical, with no reference to significance or context. There is one striking exception. Exodus 38:8 tells us that the priestly washing basin was made “from the mirrors of the women who gathered at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting.” Why does the Torah suddenly reveal the provenance of this one object? Who were these women—and what were they doing there? In this episode of Madlik Disruptive Torah, Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz explore how a single enigmatic verse sparked generations of interpretation. Key Takeaways The Holiest Objects May Come from the Least Holy Places A Tiny Detail Can Create a Whole Tradition A Mirror Is the Perfect Metaphor for Interpretation Timestamps [00:00] Mirrors in the Mishkan [00:56] Meet the Hosts [01:36] Podcast Intro [02:51] Reading Exodus 38 [04:48] Women at the Tent [07:40] Rashi’s Famous Midrash [13:01] Word Study on Mirrors [14:32] Sponsor Break [15:45] Eli’s Sons and Innuendo [19:22] Scholars Offer Explanations [22:43] Egyptian Mirrors and Fertility [26:02] Repurposing Pagan Objects [26:42] Cassuto and Poetic Memory [29:39] Found Object Theology [31:26] Modern Fertility Sculpture [32:52] Wrap Up and Farewell Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here:
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Upside Down Thinking
03/04/2026
Upside Down Thinking
What if I told you the Talmud’s greatest secret for surviving a crisis isn’t fighting harder—it’s assuming the exact opposite of what you think is true? In this special Purim episode of Madlik Disruptive Torah, Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz explore the Megillah’s phrase וְנַהֲפוֹךְ הוּא (ve-nahafoch hu) — “everything was turned upside down” — and ask what it means after Purim, in a world facing crisis and uncertainty. Key Takeaways Reversal Is a Mindset, Not a Miracle. Crisis Is an Invitation to Rethink the Paradigm. Argue Hard. Stay Together. Timestamps [00:00] Purim Eve Tension [00:43] V'nahafoch Hu Mindset [01:57] Meet the Hosts [03:20] Esther Texts Reversal [05:01] Greenberg on Paradox [07:15] Turn It Over, Pirkei Avot [09:18] Talmudic Opposite Logic [14:55] Cafe Hafuch and Disagreement [18:31] Purim Rule Breaking [21:44] Kuhn and Paradigm Shifts [25:26] Startup Nation Debate Culture [28:26] War Reality and Prayer Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here:
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The Lost Color of the Jewish People
02/26/2026
The Lost Color of the Jewish People
If you want to understand the Jewish story, start with a color. This week we’re rebroadcasting one of my favorite episodes from 2022 — an episode about a single color that somehow contains an entire Jewish narrative: tekhelet, that rare, stubborn, unforgettable blue. We’re revisiting a conversation that feels more timely than ever. As antisemitism re-emerges in public life, people are reaching again for symbols — simple, visible markers that say: I’m here. I’m not hiding. I’m not alone. One of those symbols is the Blue Square Campaign — a small square of blue worn or posted as a public expression of solidarity. Key Takeaways Blue teaches that holiness belongs to everyone. Blue reminds us that identity is visible, resilient, and remembered. Blue proves that a people can lose its Temple and still keep its thread. Timestamps [00:00] Why Blue Now [02:23] The Torah's Blue Thread [04:19] Tekhelet in the Mishkan [08:27] From Priest to People [13:19] Sea, Sky, and the Throne of Glory [17:04] The Desert Supply Mystery [19:45] Royal Blue and Authority [22:40] Lost and Found Tekhelet [25:20] Fakes and Black Markets [28:01] Tzitzit and P'til Tekhelet: Wordplay [32:29] Blue and White, and Israel [34:18] Shabbat Wrap Up Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here:
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No Free Gifts
02/18/2026
No Free Gifts
We usually think a 'gift with strings attached' is a bad thing, but the Torah actually forbids giving without them. No Free Gifts | Terumah, Purim & The Language of Reciprocity There is no such thing as a free gift. In this episode of Madlik Disruptive Torah, Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz explore Parshat Terumah through the provocative lens of French sociologist Marcel Mauss and his groundbreaking work The Gift. Key Takeaways Every gift binds. Giving is a language. Reciprocity builds society. Timestamps [00:00] No Such Thing as a Free Gift: Torah Meets Anthropology [00:43] Terumah & Purim: Gifting as Covenant and Community Glue [01:57] Welcome to Madlik: What We’re Really Exploring This Week [02:36] Hong Kong & Chinese New Year: Ritual Exchange in Real Life [04:33] Exodus 25 ‘Take for Me a Gift’: The Strange Language of Terumah [06:21] Rashi’s French ‘Apaisement’: Gifts, Favor, and Propitiation [12:24] Marcel Mauss’ The Gift: Reciprocity vs. Utilitarianism [14:33] Potlatch, Honor, and Sacrifice: When Gifts Demand a Return [19:06] Sponsor Break: Voice Gift Tag (A Gift That Speaks) [20:00] Purim’s Unique Mitzvah: Mishloach Manot as Required Reciprocity [21:38] Why No Blessing on Charity? Fixed Measures & Receiver Dependence [23:30] Megillat Esther’s Two Gifts: Friends vs. the Poor [24:48] Halakhic Details: What Counts as Mishloach Manot (and Why) [28:18] Talmud Stories: Reading Meaning into the Gifts We Send [31:35] Meals, Kashrut, and Unity: Maimonides & Rabbi Riskin’s Take [32:50] Closing Blessings: Shabbat Shalom and Heading Toward Purim Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here:
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From Freedom to Slavery
02/12/2026
From Freedom to Slavery
The Torah doesn’t celebrate freedom. It teaches dependence. Parashat Mishpatim opens with a shock: the Torah’s great civil code begins with laws of slavery—spoken to a nation freshly freed from slavery. In this episode of Madlik Disruptive Torah, Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz ask why the Torah doesn’t give an “Emancipation Proclamation,” and what freedom even means in a world built on mutual dependence. From Thoreau’s Walden myth to Bob Dylan’s “You’ve got to serve somebody,” and Yeshayahu Leibowitz’s insistence that the Exodus is about serving God, we explore a radical reframing: freedom in the Torah isn’t the absence of dependence—it’s learning how to depend justly. Key Takeaways Freedom in the Torah is not independence. Mishpatim isn’t about preserving slavery — it’s about dismantling it. The Torah meets society where it is — and pushes it forward. Timestamps [00:00] Introduction: The Illusion of Absolute Freedom [00:17] Thoreau's Shack and the Reality of Independence [00:40] The Torah's Perspective on Slavery and Freedom [01:35] Welcome to Malik: Exploring Jewish Texts [01:57] The Paradox of Emancipation and Slavery in the Torah [02:56] Analyzing the Laws of Slavery in Exodus [05:18] Rabbinic Interpretations and Commentaries [09:28] Modern Reflections on Slavery and Freedom [29:19] Conclusion: The Interdependence of Society Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here:
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Blessed are the Survivors
02/04/2026
Blessed are the Survivors
In the darkest place imaginable, four men discovered that gratitude can keep you alive. This episode of Madlik Disruptive Torah begins not in ancient text, but underground—inside the testimony of former hostage Eli Sharabi, who describes a ritual he and three others created in captivity: every night, they forced themselves to name one good thing that happened that day. Not because it felt true—but because without gratitude, hope would die. Key Takeaways Gratitude isn’t a feeling—it’s a practice Jethro’s greatest gift wasn’t law—it was blessing Saying it out loud is how we stay human Timestamps [00:00] Introduction: The Power of Gratitude [02:04] Elie Sarabi’s Story of Survival [03:05] The Ritual of Thanksgiving [06:24] Jethro's Blessing and Its Significance [09:45] The Concept of Blessings in Judaism [13:24] Voice Gift Play: A New Way to Share Stories [14:27] The Importance of Verbalizing Gratitude [27:31] Finding the 'Why' in Survival [30:52] Conclusion: The Secret to Survival Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here:
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Left Behind-The Jewish Rapture
01/28/2026
Left Behind-The Jewish Rapture
How a Story of Liberation Was Used to Exclude What if the Exodus wasn’t just a story of freedom… but also a story of exclusion? Key Takeaways Redemption stories are rarely neutral—they are often weapons. The charge of being “left behind” usually says more about the accuser than the accused. A story about leaving becomes an excuse for not moving at all. Timestamps [00:00] Moses' Uncompromising Message to Pharaoh [00:24] The Irony of the 'Left Behind' Story [01:48] Introduction to Madlik and This Week's Topic [02:42] Exploring the Tradition of Those Left Behind [04:00] The Ambiguous Word in Exodus 13:18 [05:24] Rashi's Interpretation and the Fifth Child [11:08] Ezekiel's Rewriting of the Exodus Narrative [13:25] The Polemic Against Those Who Stayed Behind [25:05] The Tradition of Jewish Names, Language, and Dress [29:56] Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here:
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Who’s In, Who’s Out — A 3,000-Year-Old Debate
01/21/2026
Who’s In, Who’s Out — A 3,000-Year-Old Debate
The Exodus isn’t just a freedom story — it’s the Torah’s first argument about gatekeeping. Pharaoh asks a simple question: “Who exactly is going?” — mi va-mi ha-holchim. Moses answers with a revolution: Everyone. Key Takeaways Who’s going?” really means “Who counts? Inclusion isn’t modern — it’s Torah. Presence matters more than status. Timestamps [00:00] Pharaoh's Question: Who's Going? [01:26] Introduction to Madlik and This Week's Topic [01:58] The Essence of Hasidism and Inclusion [05:03] Exploring the Exodus Story [07:14] Moses' Radical Answer to Pharaoh [17:08] Modern Interpretations and Commentary [20:45] The Inclusive Revolution in Judaism [27:35] Concluding Thoughts and Reflections Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here:
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Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe - The Answer Within
01/15/2026
Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe - The Answer Within
Rav Shlomo Wolbe, Mussar, and the Theology of Human Greatness Moses delivers the greatest promise in Jewish history—freedom, redemption, a future—and the Torah says something heartbreaking: the Israelites don’t listen. Not because they reject God or Moses, but because of “kotzer ruach” (Exodus 6:9)—shortness of spirit. Key Takeaways The Torah’s Greatest Threat Isn’t Sin — It’s Smallness True Greatness Is Internal, Not External Mussar Teaches Us How to Grow, Not Just What to Do Timestamps [00:00] The Devastating Reality of kotzer ruach [00:45] Introduction to Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe [03:11] The Teachings of Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe [08:08] The Greatness of the Human Being [10:25] The Inner Life and Human Potential [17:15] Modern Reflections and Critiques [27:40] Conclusion: Embracing Our Greatness Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here:
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Reading the Torah like a Child
01/08/2026
Reading the Torah like a Child
What Children Hear That Adults Miss We begin the Book of Shemot (Exodus) with a New Year’s-style resolution: read more Torah out loud—to our children, and to our grandchildren. Because the Exodus isn’t just Judaism’s greatest story; it’s Judaism’s most re-read story—told at the Seder, year after year, the longest-running book club in history. We’re joined by scholar and author Ilana Kurshan to discuss her new book Children of the Book, a beautiful exploration of how reading to kids shapes not only them, but us. Together we read Exodus through young eyes: the burning bush as a lesson in attention, “seeing” as a form of leadership, pictures as commentary, and Moses himself sounding like a nervous child—“slow of speech.” Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or just someone who loves texts, this episode is about the power of rereading—and the intimacy of reading aloud. Key Takeaways The Torah is meant to be reread Reading out loud is how Jewish memory is formed Reading with children changes how we read. Timestamps [00:00] Introduction to Malik Disruptive Torah [00:35] Guest Introduction: Scholar Arthur Ilana Khan [00:54] The Importance of Reading Aloud [01:38] Meet Ilana Khan: Author and Scholar [03:43] The Concept of Repetition in Jewish Reading [08:54] The Burning Bush: A Story of Attention and Vision [10:52] The Role of Close Reading in Jewish Tradition [13:52] The Art of Reading in Modern Times [24:05] Children's Unique Perspective on Stories [31:41] The Power of Reading Aloud to Children [34:53] Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Link to Ilana's Book: Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here:
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When Shiloh Comes: Religion at Its Best and Worst
12/31/2025
When Shiloh Comes: Religion at Its Best and Worst
In this episode of Madlik Disruptive Torah, Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz explore one of the Torah’s most enigmatic verses—Jacob’s blessing of Judah and the phrase “until Shiloh comes.” Claimed by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, this single line opens a sweeping conversation about the power of religion to shape history—for good and for evil. Drawing on classical commentators, medieval Jewish-Christian encounters, and modern interfaith scholarship, we ask hard questions: What happens when sacred texts become battlegrounds? Can religion be part of the solution to religious conflict? And where are the moral red lines that faith must never cross? The episode concludes with a remarkable live contribution from Yochanan, known as the Rosh Kollel of Clubhouse—a former Hasidic Jew with encyclopedic Torah knowledge who left his community, is suing for lack of secular education, and brings both sharp critique and disarming wonder to his rediscovery of the wider world—including celebrating his first-ever birthday. This is a conversation about scripture, identity, responsibility, and hope—offered as a reflective closing to the year, and a thoughtful opening to what comes next.
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Sacred Numbers Without Superstition
12/24/2025
Sacred Numbers Without Superstition
As we close one year and step into another, we’re revisiting a live Madlik Disruptive Torah conversation recorded in December 2022, back when the podcast was broadcast weekly on Clubhouse in front of a live audience. This episode explores the enduring power of numbers in Jewish thought—especially the number 70. From the seventy souls who descend to Egypt, to seventy nations, seventy languages, seventy judges on the Sanhedrin, and the rabbinic idea that Torah itself has shiv’im panim—seventy faces—this conversation asks what numbers can teach us without turning Torah into superstition. Along the way, we discuss: Why seven and its multiples signal cycles, completeness, and transition The difference between structural symbolism and later gematria Umberto Cassuto’s insight into numerical patterns in the Creation story Why unanimity among seventy judges invalidates a verdict How translation, disagreement, and plurality are built into Torah itself
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Hanukkah: The Civil War We Forgot
12/17/2025
Hanukkah: The Civil War We Forgot
Was Hanukkah really a war of Jews vs. Greeks — or a Jewish civil war we chose to forget? Was Hanukkah really Jews vs. Greeks — or a Jewish civil war we chose to bury under a story about oil? In this episode of Madlik Disruptive Torah, Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz revisit the Hanukkah story through the sources. From Maccabees I and the politics of Ptolemy vs. Antiochus, to the lone Talmudic mention of the oil miracle (Shabbat 21b), they show how a messy internal power struggle became a clean miracle narrative. Key Takeaways Hanukah began as a Jewish civil war — not just Jews vs. Greeks. Each generation rewrites the Maccabees to fit its own battles. The shamash — the helper candle — may be Hanukkah’s real hero today. Timestamps [00:00] Hanukkah beyond oil and miracles [03:12] Why the Talmud barely explains Hanukkah [05:01] The forgotten Jewish civil war [07:22] Hellenists vs. Maccabees reexamined [09:48] Power, empires, and internal factions [12:30] Modern culture wars through Hanukkah [14:55] Why the rabbis hid the conflict [17:05] Hillel vs. Shammai as metaphor [19:10] The shamash in Israeli children’s stories [23:40] Hanukkah as a model for unity Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here:
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Bottom Up Torah: How Queer Jews Are Changing Orthodoxy
12/09/2025
Bottom Up Torah: How Queer Jews Are Changing Orthodoxy
Imagine being told you belong to a faith that is fighting to keep you out—and refusing to leave. In this week's Madlik, Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz welcome Rabbi Steve Greenberg, the first openly gay Orthodox-ordained rabbi, for a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation. Key Takeaways Vulnerability transforms the meaning of Torah. Bottom-up change is reshaping Orthodoxy. The tradition has the capacity — and the precedent — to grow. Timestamps [00:00:12] Rabbi Steve Greenberg’s coming-out context and the question of LGBTQ+ Jews as teachers of Torah. [00:03:11] Steve’s Yom Kippur aliyah story and being vulnerable to the text. [00:04:46] Confronting the biblical verses; reframing what Leviticus might mean. [00:06:22] Tamar’s courage and parallels to LGBTQ+ belonging. [00:08:57] “Bottom-up Judaism”: queer Jews staying, not leaving — shifting the halachic landscape. [00:11:39] Google rabbis, post-COVID authority shifts, and personal autonomy in community life. [00:15:08] Israeli changes: rejecting the Rabbanut, forming new models of partnership. [00:17:42] A painful role-play with a rabbi exposes how harmful “lifelong celibacy” messaging is for gay teens. [00:21:19] New data on LGBTQ+ rabbinical students and why queer spiritual sensitivity strengthens Jewish leadership. [00:24:56] Parents as powerful advocates: Orthodox families pushing shuls and schools to stop rejecting their children. Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here: Eshel:
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The Jewish Future Israel Wants… But Fears to Admit
12/04/2025
The Jewish Future Israel Wants… But Fears to Admit
Beneath the surface, Israel is fighting for the soul of its religion — and most of us don’t even see the battle lines. In this episode of Madlik Disruptive Torah, Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz are joined by Professor Adam S. Ferziger to explore the quiet revolution reshaping Israeli Judaism. Drawing on his new book, Agents of Change, Ferziger reveals how American Modern Orthodoxy—its values, institutions, and worldview—has profoundly influenced Religious Zionism and the broader Israeli religious landscape. From the tension between nationalism and modernity to the emergence of a new Israel-born generation, we uncover the cultural, political, and spiritual crossroads Israel now faces. Beneath the surface, Israel is fighting for the soul of its religion—and American Jews are playing a bigger role than anyone expected. Key Takeaways American Modern Orthodoxy Has Become a Quiet Force in Israeli Judaism Israeli Religious Zionism Is Splitting Into Two Distinct Paths Israel’s Next Generation of Leaders Will Be Religious — But Neither Haredi or National Religious Timestamps [00:00:00] Jacob returns from exile with wealth, family, and a new identity; exile reframed as productive, not just punishment. [00:01:00] Intro to Professor Adam Ferziger and his book Agents of Change about American Jews reshaping Israeli Judaism. [00:02:00] Host sets the frame: modern Orthodoxy’s influence on Israeli religious life, education, feminism, and LGBTQ inclusion. [00:03:00] Ferziger’s personal story: gap year yeshiva, Aliyah in 1987, building family and rabbinic life in Kfar Saba. [00:04:54] Early political snapshot: the failed “Meimad” experiment and how Anglo moderates felt marginal and deviant. [00:06:36] Shift in the 2000s: religious-Zionist camp diversifies; modern Orthodox voices gain legitimacy and visibility. [00:09:05] Explaining American Modern Orthodoxy: Torah plus general culture, YU, day schools, Rav Soloveitchik’s synthetic model. [00:14:10] Rise of “Hardal”: nationalist-Haredi style religiosity, stricter halakha, and a more redemptive, messianic Zionism. [00:21:45] The “agents of change”: eight American rabbis/educators whose Israeli students indigenize and radicalize their ideas. [00:34:15] Why this matters beyond religion: “Israeli Judaism” and how moderate Orthodox trends may shape Israel’s future leadership. Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here: Adam Ferziger's Book
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He’s Christian. He Fights for Israel. He Speaks Talmudic Aramaic.
11/26/2025
He’s Christian. He Fights for Israel. He Speaks Talmudic Aramaic.
Ready to discover how reviving a lost language can reshape the whole Middle East? Ta Shma (come and hear) Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz are joined by Shadi Khalloul—IDF paratrooper veteran, founder of the Israeli Christian Aramaic Association, and one of the world’s most passionate advocates for reviving the Aramaic language. Together, they explore Parshat Vayetzei and the hidden “Rosetta Stone” moment in Genesis 31, where Jacob and Laban name the same monument in Hebrew and Aramaic. Key Takeaways Aramaic is the Hidden Backbone of Jewish Life Aramaic Once United the Ancient World—And Can Still Bridge Communities Today Israel’s Aramean Christians Are a Forgotten but Loyal Minority whose story will surprise and inspire you Timestamps [00:00:00] Opening: Jewish prayers written in Aramaic & introduction to Shadi Kaul [00:01:03] Shadi’s unique role: soldier, educator, reviver of Aramaic culture [00:02:12] Shadi’s background: identity, community history, and connection to Israel [00:03:47] Serving in the IDF and discovering his Aramaic purpose in the U.S. [00:05:32] Founding the Israeli Christian Aramaic Association & education initiatives [00:07:14] Plans for Aramaic towns, schools, and coexistence programs [00:09:22] Daily language reality: Arabic spoken, Aramaic preserved in prayer [00:11:48] Parallels with Jewish language revival and historical connections [00:14:27] Shadi’s family displaced in 1948 and the ongoing struggle for recognition [00:32:41] Aramaic as the ancient international language—the “first internet” Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Israeli Christian Aramaic Association - A History of the First World Language - Transcript here:
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Trickery or Evolution? Rethinking Jacob’s Stolen Blessing
11/20/2025
Trickery or Evolution? Rethinking Jacob’s Stolen Blessing
What if one of the Torah’s greatest heroes was actually its most scandalous trickster? In this episode of Madlik Disruptive Torah, Geoffrey Stern and Adam Mintz dive into one of the most provocative moments in the Torah: Jacob’s audacious act of deception to secure his father Isaac’s blessing in Parashat Toldot. Rather than smoothing over the ethical wrinkles, we sit with the discomfort, exploring why the Torah insists on portraying our third patriarch as a trickster—and what we’re meant to learn from a hero whose virtues are tangled with flaws. Key Takeaways The Torah Embraces Imperfect Heroes prompting readers to grapple with imperfection as part of the human and spiritual journey. Biblical stories were shaped by and for public reading; audiences came with expectations based on oral traditions and prior knowledge. Spiritual growth often requires confrontations with failure and the “divine ruse”—a process of growth through challenge, not perfection. Timestamps [00:00:00] Geoffrey opens the episode and introduces the problem of Jacob stealing the blessing. [00:00:25] He reframes the question: maybe the Torah wants us to sit with the discomfort. [00:00:47] Overview of themes: ancient oil traditions, imperfect heroes, Maimonides on change. [00:01:08] Show intro + housekeeping (YouTube, Substack, source sheet, reviews). [00:01:27] Main question of the week: why portray Jacob this way, and are we projecting modern morality? [00:02:18] Opening character analysis: Jacob’s name, symbolism of “heel holder,” zig-zag personality. [00:04:01] Plot recap: Isaac asks Esau for hunted game, Rebecca overhears and initiates the plan. [00:05:02] The key deception moment: Jacob tells Isaac, “I am Esau your firstborn.” [00:07:27] Esau’s character through rabbinic commentary: glutton, outdoorsman vs. Jacob the tent-dweller. [00:22:03] Jacob’s consequences begin: exile, never seeing his mother again, being tricked by Laban. Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here:
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Sarah's Separation from Abraham | With Prof. Rabbi Wendy Zierler
11/12/2025
Sarah's Separation from Abraham | With Prof. Rabbi Wendy Zierler
What happens when women finally enter the conversation that’s been about them all along? In this episode of Madlik: Disruptive Torah, Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz are joined by Prof. Rabbi Wendy Zierler — Sigmund Falk Professor of Modern Jewish Literature and Feminist Studies at HUC-JIR, ordained by Yeshivat Maharat, and author of Going Out with Knots: My Two Kaddish Years with Hebrew Poetry. Key Takeaways Expect to rethink assumptions about primary biblical characters—especially the matriarchs—and appreciate the living tradition of midrash as a vehicle for creativity and challenge. Hear how feminist perspectives and modern poetry revitalize Jewish text study, offering new interpretations for “the life of Sarah”—and the legacies that women shape. Explore the argument that literary and artistic creation in Hebrew is as much a part of Jewish commentary as classic text study. Timestamps [00:00:00] Geoffrey introduces the episode and guest Rabbi Professor Wendy Zierler, setting up a feminist exploration of Sarah’s story in Genesis. [00:02:31] Discussion begins on Sarah’s laughter and how women’s scholarship reframes her response and role in Torah narratives. [00:03:46] Wendy explains the irony of “Chayei Sarah” focusing on Sarah’s death and how reading the gaps reveals her inner life. [00:05:36] They examine Abraham and Sarah’s separation after the Akedah and what it reveals about love, obedience, and divine testing. [00:09:02] Wendy argues the Akedah causes a rupture—between Abraham and Sarah, Abraham and Isaac, and even Abraham and God. [00:12:40] The hosts explore new feminist midrash: Sarah’s imagined agency, waiting for angels, and representing love over fear. [00:17:22] Conversation turns to Sarah’s burial choice as an act of leadership that shaped the matriarchal roots of the Jewish story. [00:19:53] Transition to Wendy’s book Going Out with Knots and how Hebrew poetry became her lens for mourning and feminist study. [00:21:41] Wendy teaches Leia Goldberg’s reinterpretation of “the three pillars of the world,” highlighting women’s creative renewal of tradition. [00:26:42] Discussion closes with Yehuda Amichai’s outsider voice, women’s return to Hebrew literature, and modern creativity as living midrash. Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here: Link to Wendy's Book: Link to article:
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Nobody Wants This - Argument With God
11/05/2025
Nobody Wants This - Argument With God
A Netflix rom-com jokes that Judaism “encourages me to argue.” Turns out, that’s not a joke—it’s what set Abraham apart. A Netflix rom-com gives us a throwaway line that might be the most Jewish thing ever said on screen. When a young rabbi admits that Judaism loves two opposing opinions, his girlfriend lights up: “A religion that encourages me to argue? Love that.” It’s meant as a joke, but this week’s Torah portion proves her right. Sarah laughs at divine promises, Abraham bargains with God over justice, and on Mount Moriah, even silence feels like protest. Judaism doesn’t shy from disagreement—it builds holiness out of it. In Nobody Wants This Argument With God, we explore how faith, laughter, and dissent became inseparable in the Jewish imagination. Key Takeaways From Sarah’s laughter to Abraham’s debate, the Torah’s heroes don’t obey blindly — they question boldly. In Judaism, arguing with God isn’t heresy — it’s how prayer begins. Laughter is not only a survival mechanism its an act of defiance. Timestamps [00:00:00] Opening story – bingeing “Nobody Wants That” and connecting its theme of argument to the Abraham story. [00:01:22] Framing the Torah portions – arguing as Judaism’s “love language.” [00:02:19] Introduction to the podcast and this week’s Parsha topic. [00:05:34] Beginning analysis of Genesis 18 – Sarah’s laughter and disbelief. [00:08:09] Discussion of women’s Torah commentary and reinterpretation of Sarah’s fear. [00:12:30] Transition to the Sodom narrative – Abraham arguing with God. [00:17:41] Exploration of rabbinic interpretations that amplify Abraham’s argument. [00:20:07] “Prayer as battle” – how the rabbis turned debate with God into daily practice. [00:26:13] Transition to the Binding of Isaac – silent inner arguments and faith. [00:30:44] Closing reflections – dialogue with God as Judaism’s defining feature and farewell. Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here:
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Israel More Inclusive? An Immigrant's Perspective
10/29/2025
Israel More Inclusive? An Immigrant's Perspective
3,000 years after Abraham heard the call to go forth, a group of 20 somethings booked a one-way ticket to Ben-Gurion. What if the journey of Abraham in the Torah mirrors the modern-day aliyah experience? In this episode we dive into the modern-day "Lech Lecha" story with Noah Efron from The Promised Podcast. From his Young Judea roots to teaching at Bar Ilan University, Noah shares his journey of making aliyah (immigration to Israel) from America in the early 80s, offering a fascinating perspective on what it means to "go forth" in our generation. Key Takeaways The power of community in the aliyah experience The unique perspective of being both an insider and outsider in Israel The evolving nature of Israeli society towards greater inclusivity Timestamps [00:00:00] – Opening narration: “Picture standing on the edge of an unfamiliar land…” — Sets up Abraham’s journey and the metaphor for modern Aliyah. [00:00:48] – Introduction of guest: Geoffrey introduces Noah Efron and outlines his background—academic, political, and as host of The Promised Podcast. [00:02:00] – Podcast welcome + theme framing: Geoffrey and Rabbi Adam introduce the episode’s focus—connecting Abraham’s “Lech Lecha” journey to Noah’s personal Aliyah story. [00:05:46] – Noah begins his Aliyah story: Reflects on family, children, and how Young Judaea shaped his decision to move to Israel with his wife and friends. [00:09:54] – Community and creation: Noah describes building new communities, egalitarian spaces, and shaping Israel through civic involvement and local politics. [00:11:22] – Raising Israeli-born children: Noah reflects emotionally on seeing his kids grow up Hebrew-speaking, communal, and connected—contrasting American vs. Israeli culture. [00:15:42] – Anglo influence in Israel: Discussion turns to American Jews’ cultural and social contributions—environmentalism, NGOs, and pluralism—forming a distinct “ethnic group” within Israel. [00:20:31] – Bridging identities: Noah explains how he respects Haredi (Ultra-Orthodox) culture and values, despite being secular-left politically—revealing his nuanced, integrative outlook. [00:28:24] – Text study & reflection: Geoffrey brings in a Midrash about Abraham choosing industrious Canaanites; parallels to modern Israeli industriousness (“startup nation”) and shared society. [00:29:55] – Closing vision: Noah’s optimism—believing Israeli society continues to expand its “us,” becoming more inclusive, compassionate, and interconnected. Ends with reflection on Ger v’Toshav (stranger and citizen) identity. Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here:
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The Role of Language in Preventing Global Conflicts
10/22/2025
The Role of Language in Preventing Global Conflicts
Do They Really Speak with One Voice?” Yigal Carmon on the Arab Street In a world where words can both unite and divide, understanding the true meaning behind them is more crucial than ever. This week's Madlik episode delves deep into the power of language, translation, and cultural understanding with special guest Yigal Carmon, founder of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI). Key Takeaways The Deception of Unity: The illusion of a single voice in the Arab world often masks complex realities and diverse opinions. Translation is Not Enough: Simply bridging the language gap doesn't guarantee understanding. Context and cultural nuances are crucial. Hope in Unexpected Places: Amid challenges, there are voices of reform and progress in the Middle East that often go unnoticed. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Yigal Carmon and MEMRI 01:50 Welcome to Madlik 02:13 Introducing Yigal Carmon 04:09 Yigal Carmon's Personal Journey 07:28 The Power of Language and Translation 11:42 Warnings and Ignored Signs 22:25 Current Geopolitical Landscape 35:03 Challenges and Hope for the Future 37:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here: Memri website:
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The 3000-Year-Old Idea That Shaped Modernity
10/21/2025
The 3000-Year-Old Idea That Shaped Modernity
The Bible's most revolutionary concept wasn't monotheism - it was something far more profound. What if the most revolutionary idea in human history wasn’t freedom, democracy, or even monotheism — but a single verse from Genesis? This week on Madlik Disruptive Torah, Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz are joined by Dr. Tomer Persico, author of In God’s Image: How Western Civilization Was Shaped by a Revolutionary Idea. Together, they explore how the Torah’s concept of tzelem Elohim — the image of God — was originally understood not as a metaphor, but as something startlingly literal: humanity as the actual analog of the divine. The conversation also traces how Christianity, more than Judaism, adopted and amplified this idea — translating it into the language of conscience, equality, and individual dignity. Does that history diminish the Jewish claim to tzelem Elohim or, paradoxically, confirm its enduring power? Finally, the discussion turns inward: once God’s mind becomes internalized within the human mind, religion itself becomes a human sense — like music or beauty — embedded in the architecture of our consciousness. Studying religion, then, is not just the study of the divine, but the study of what makes us most profoundly human. Key Takeaways The concept of humans being created in God's image was revolutionary because it applied to everyone, not just rulers or heroes. Taking the idea of God's image literally led to profound implications for human rights and dignity. The "image of God" concept evolved through Christianity and ultimately influenced secularization and the emancipation of the Jews Timestamps [00:00:27] — Opening narration begins: “What if one of the most radical ideas in human intellectual history…” [00:01:42] — Host commentary: Jeffrey connects the “image of God” to the modern idea of dignity and introduces the hope for the hostages. [00:02:34] — Guest introduction: Dr. Tomer Persico is welcomed; he explains his research journey and the origins of his book. [00:05:19] — Defining the radical idea: Persico explains how “in God’s image” reframed power, privilege, and ethics in Western culture. [00:07:45] — Literal God debate: Discussion turns to the ancient Israelite belief that God had a visible, bodily form. [00:10:12] — Reframing idolatry: Persico redefines idolatry as failing to see the divine in people, not in statues. [00:14:18] — Birth of human rights: Conversation about Genesis 9:6 and how individuality replaced collective punishment. [00:18:47] — The Christian turn: How Christianity internalized the “image of God” into conscience and reason—laying foundations for science. [00:25:26] — Secular autonomy and modernity: How reverence for human autonomy led to the rise of secularism and liberal rights. [00:31:38] — Closing reflection: The innate “hunch” or instinct toward the sacred—“we do God” naturally—and the episode’s farewell prayer for hostages. Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter Sefaria Source Sheet: Transcript here:
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