• Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism

  • By: Geoffrey Stern
  • Podcast

Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism

By: Geoffrey Stern
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  • Summary

  • Madlik – Disruptive Torah thoughts from a post-orthodox Jew with a life-long love and appreciation of Jewish texts and a fresh and sometimes heterodox perspective on their meaning, intent and practical (halachic) implications.
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Judaism Spirituality World
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Episodes
  • The Art of the Steal

    The Art of the Steal
    Feb 14 2025
    The Art of Stealing: Unraveling the Complexities of the Eighth Commandment "Thou shalt not steal" seems straightforward, but is it? This week's episode of Madlik delves into the intricate world of Jewish law and ethics surrounding theft, revealing surprising insights that challenge our assumptions about this fundamental commandment. Background and Context The Ten Commandments are a cornerstone of Judeo-Christian ethics, but their interpretation is far from simple. In this episode, we explore the eighth commandment, "Thou shalt not steal," uncovering layers of meaning that go far beyond the obvious prohibition of theft. Rabbi Adam Mintz and Geoffrey Stern guide us through a fascinating journey, examining rabbinic interpretations that span millennia. From the Talmud to Maimonides, we discover how Jewish scholars have grappled with the concept of stealing, expanding it to encompass a wide range of ethical considerations. Key Insights and Takeaways 1. Kidnapping vs. Theft Contrary to popular belief, the rabbis interpreted "Thou shalt not steal" in the Ten Commandments as referring specifically to kidnapping, not theft of property. This interpretation stems from the context of the other commandments, which deal with capital offenses. > "Scripture here is speaking about a case of one who steals human beings, whilst the command in Leviticus, 'you shall not steal,' speaks about a case of one who steals money from another person's property." - Rashi This distinction highlights the gravity with which Jewish law views the theft of a person's freedom, placing it on par with murder and adultery. 2. The Spectrum of Stealing While the Ten Commandments may focus on kidnapping, Jewish law expands the concept of stealing to cover a wide range of actions: - Theft of property - Deception (geneivat da'at) - Stealing sleep (gezel sheina) - Unfair business practices - Plagiarism This broad interpretation encourages us to consider how our actions might "steal" from others in less obvious ways. 3. The Psychology of Stealing Maimonides warns against stealing even in jest or with the intention to return the item: > "It is forbidden to steal as a jest, to steal with the intent to return, or to steal with the intent to pay, lest one habituate oneself to such conduct." This perspective emphasizes the importance of cultivating ethical habits and avoiding even the appearance of impropriety. 4. The Social Impact of Theft Nachmanides (Ramban) connects the prohibition against stealing to the broader social fabric: "If you do any one of the Thou Shalt nots in the second tablet, you are breaking the social network that is formed by saying God created everyone in His image, and your parents are partners in that." This interpretation encourages us to view ethical behavior not just as individual actions, but as part of maintaining a harmonious society. Challenges and Practical Advice 1. Redefining Theft in the Modern World As our world becomes increasingly digital and interconnected, we face new challenges in defining and preventing theft. Consider: - Intellectual property rights - Data privacy - Time theft in the workplace Action Step: Reflect on your digital interactions. Are there ways you might be "stealing" that you haven't considered before? 2. Cultivating Ethical Habits Maimonides' warning about habituating oneself to stealing applies to many areas of life. How can we build positive ethical habits? - Practice mindfulness in your interactions with others - Regularly reflect on your actions and their potential impact - Seek feedback from trusted friends or mentors on your ethical conduct 3. Balancing Intent and Impact The rabbinic discussions highlight the complexity of ethical decision-making. Sometimes, good intentions can lead to harmful outcomes. Challenge: Think of a situation where you tried to help someone but may have inadvertently caused harm or discomfort. How could you approach similar situations differently in the future? What We Learned About Stealing Our exploration of "Thou shalt not steal" reveals that this commandment is far more nuanced and far-reaching than we might have assumed. It challenges us to: 1. Consider the broader implications of our actions 2. Cultivate ethical habits in all areas of life 3. Recognize the interconnectedness of individual ethics and social harmony By delving into these ancient texts and interpretations, we gain valuable insights that can guide our ethical decision-making in the modern world. The Jewish tradition's expansive view of stealing encourages us to be more mindful of how our actions impact others and to strive for a higher standard of ethical behavior. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let's carry these insights with us, always striving to uphold the spirit of "Thou shalt not steal" in its fullest sense. Ready to dive deeper into this fascinating topic? Listen to the full episode of Madlik for more insights and join the conversation about ethics, law, and the ...
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    34 mins
  • Root Experiences... Beyond Philosophy

    Root Experiences... Beyond Philosophy
    Feb 6 2025
    The Maidservant's Vision: Redefining Jewish Experience and Philosophy Our latest Madlik Disruptive Torah episode challenges conventional wisdom about Jewish history and philosophy. Exploring the concept of "root experiences," we delve into how a simple maidservant's vision at the Red Sea can reshape our understanding of Jewish thought and practice. Background and Context The episode centers on Parashat B'shalach, specifically the Song of the Sea in Exodus 15:1. This iconic moment in Jewish history is recited daily in morning prayers, underscoring its significance. Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz examine various interpretations of this passage, focusing on a particular Midrash that claims a maidservant at the Red Sea saw more than even the greatest prophets. This seemingly innocuous Midrash becomes the springboard for a profound discussion on post-Holocaust Jewish philosophy, drawing on the works of Emil Fackenheim, Martin Buber, Elie Wiesel, and Yitz Greenberg. Key Insights and Takeaways 1. The Power of Collective Experience The episode emphasizes the unique aspect of Jewish tradition that values collective experience over individual revelation. Unlike other religions founded on the visions of a single prophet, Judaism's foundational moments involve the entire community. This perspective challenges us to reconsider the importance of communal participation in religious and cultural experiences. 2. Redefining historical perspective and theology The Midrash's assertion that a maidservant saw more than the prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel challenges traditional hierarchies of religious knowledge. It suggests that direct experience can trump even the most sublime visions. Geoffrey explains Fackenheim's interpretation: "After the Holocaust, we can no longer run away from those... inconvenient truths of good and evil, those inconvenient truths of what happened to God's chosen people. We cannot escape into the world of philosophy and Kabbalah." This idea invites us to question our assumptions about wisdom and authority, especially in the face of profound historical events. 3. The Concept of "Root Experiences" Fackenheim introduces the idea of "root experiences" - pivotal moments in Jewish history that shape the collective consciousness. These experiences are characterized by: - Involvement of the multitude - Transformation of earthly reality, not just heavenly visions - Ongoing impact on future generations - Inspiring action and change This framework offers a new lens through which to view Jewish history and tradition, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of past events. Challenges and Practical Advice 1. Embracing Contradiction Fackenheim argues that Jewish thought, particularly Midrashic thinking, thrives on contradiction. Rather than seeking to resolve these tensions, we should embrace them as reflective of the complex nature of human experience. Fackenheim writes: "Midrashic thinking cannot resolve the contradictions in the root experience of Judaism, but actually expresses them. Midrashic thought, therefore, is both fragmentary and whole." This perspective challenges us to move beyond black-and-white thinking and embrace the nuances of our traditions and experiences. 2. Balancing Tradition and Contemporary Challenges The episode grapples with the challenge of honoring Jewish tradition while remaining responsive to modern realities. Fackenheim warns against making Judaism "absolutely immune to all future events except Messianic ones," arguing that this approach dismisses the challenges of contemporary events. Instead, we're encouraged to engage with our traditions in a way that allows for growth and adaptation in response to new circumstances. 3. Redefining the Importance of Historical Events The discussion suggests that the literal historical accuracy of events like the splitting of the Red Sea may be less important than how these stories have shaped Jewish consciousness over time. Geoffrey explains: "What makes the Jewish people, what guarantees its future, what gives us hope and faith, is that we can still look at the Red Sea event and look at it from the perspective of 2000 years of Jews who have reacted to it, 2000 years of Jews who can talk about it without even talking about the historical event." This perspective invites us to engage with our traditions not as fixed historical facts, but as living, evolving narratives that continue to shape our identities and values. What We Learned About Jewish Philosophy and Experience This episode of Madlik Disruptive Torah offers a profound reimagining of Jewish thought and experience. By exploring the concept of "root experiences" and the power of collective memory, it challenges us to reconsider our approach to tradition, wisdom, and contemporary challenges. The discussion invites us to: - Value collective experiences over individual revelations - Recognize wisdom in unexpected places - Embrace contradiction as a source of depth and meaning - Engage with ...
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    31 mins
  • Solaluna

    Solaluna
    Jan 31 2025

    This week on Madlik, we're diving into a fascinating exploration of the Jewish calendar - a topic that's not just about marking time, but about renewal, liberation, and the very essence of what it means to be Jewish.

    In our discussion of Parashat Bo, Rabbi Mintz and I unpack the significance of the first commandment given to the Israelites as a nation: establishing their own calendar. We examine how this seemingly simple act was actually a radical departure from other ancient calendars, and how it embodied core Jewish values of human agency and imperfection.

    Some highlights from our conversation:
    - Why the lunar-solar Jewish calendar was seen as revolutionary by other cultures
    - The deeper meaning behind witnessing the new moon
    - How the Essenes and early Muslims viewed the Jewish calendar
    - The beautiful tension between divine perfection and human imperfection in our timekeeping

    This episode really drove home for me how our calendar reflects so much about our worldview as Jews. I hope it sparks some thoughtful reflection for you too.

    Tune in for a mind-expanding journey through time, Torah, and Jewish thought!

    Please also be sure and give the Sefaria Source Sheet Link in the notes: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/620499
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    31 mins

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