• 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
  • Feast of Fools

    Feast of Fools
    Mar 13 2025
    Purim Unveiling the Hidden Wisdom of Purim: A Feast of Fools for Modern Times As we approach the joyous holiday of Purim, it's time to look beyond the costumes and revelry to uncover the profound lessons this ancient celebration holds for our modern world. In this eye-opening episode of Madlik, we explore the surprising connections between Purim and other global festivals of excess, revealing how these celebrations can transform our perspective on joy, tragedy, and the human experience. The Universal Language of Celebration Did you know that Purim shares striking similarities with Mardi Gras, Carnival, and even the Indian festival of Holi? These seemingly disparate celebrations all occur around the same time of year and share common themes: • Marking the end of winter and the arrival of spring • Indulging in excess food and drink • Wearing elaborate costumes and masks • Temporarily upending social norms and hierarchies This universal impulse to celebrate and "let loose" speaks to a fundamental human need. As Harvey Cox, the esteemed Harvard theologian, argues in his seminal work "Feast of Fools," these festivals serve a crucial purpose in our lives: "Festivity is the way we cool history without fleeing from it." In other words, celebrations like Purim allow us to step back from the intensity of our daily struggles and gain a fresh perspective. They remind us that while we are part of history, we are not solely defined by it. Rethinking Celebration in Times of Tragedy You might be wondering: How can we justify such exuberant celebration when there's so much pain and suffering in the world? Isn't it insensitive or even irresponsible? Here's where Cox's insights offer a powerful reframe: > "Those cultures that are closer to real tragedy, brutality, chaos, failure and death, as well as triumphant compassion, are the ones whose celebrations are deeper." Counterintuitively, it's often the communities most familiar with hardship that have the richest traditions of celebration. This isn't about ignoring pain, but rather about cultivating resilience and maintaining hope in the face of adversity. For those of us grappling with how to celebrate Purim in the wake of recent tragedies, this perspective offers a path forward. Our celebrations can be an act of defiance against despair, a way of affirming life and human connection even in dark times. The Wisdom of "Vinahapechu": Embracing Contradiction One of the central themes of Purim is "vinahapechu" – the idea of things being turned upside down. We're instructed to drink until we can't distinguish between the villain Haman and the hero Mordechai. While this might seem like mere frivolity, there's profound wisdom in this practice. Cox argues that true festivity involves "juxtaposition" – the ability to hold contradictory ideas without trying to resolve them. This mirrors the Talmudic approach of embracing multiple perspectives without forcing a single conclusion. In our polarized world, where people often retreat into echo chambers of like-minded opinions, Purim's lesson of "vinahapechu" is more relevant than ever. It challenges us to: • Question our assumptions • See beyond black-and-white thinking • Find common ground with those who hold different views Practical Ways to Embrace the Spirit of Purim So how can we apply these insights to make our Purim celebrations more meaningful this year? 1. Reflect on resilience: As you celebrate, take a moment to acknowledge the challenges you've overcome. Let your joy be an affirmation of your strength. 2. Reach across divides: Use the holiday as an opportunity to connect with someone you might not normally interact with. The costume tradition can be a great icebreaker! 3. Embrace playfulness: Allow yourself to be silly and let go of self-importance. This "recess from history-making" can actually make you more effective when you return to serious matters. 4. Practice perspective-taking: Try to see things from a different angle, just as the "vinahapechu" tradition encourages. This can lead to creative problem-solving in other areas of life. 5. Cultivate gratitude: In the midst of celebration, take time to appreciate the good in your life and in the world around you. What We've Learned: A Call for Balance As we navigate the complexities of our modern world, the ancient wisdom of Purim offers a powerful reminder: we need both seriousness and celebration, both engagement and respite. In the words of Harvey Cox: "There is an unnecessary gap in today's world between the world changers and the life celebrators. There is no reason why those who celebrate life cannot also be committed to fundamental social change, and world changers need not be joyless and ascetic." This Purim, I challenge you to embrace both roles. Allow yourself to fully experience the joy and revelry of the holiday, knowing that this celebration can actually fuel your ability to create positive change in the world. As you ...
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    32 mins
  • Tribal Revolution

    Tribal Revolution
    Mar 6 2025
    In this week's episode of Madlik Disruptive Torah, we delve into a fascinating exploration of the tribal structure in biblical Israel. As we unpack the significance of the high priest's breastplate and its representation of the 12 tribes, we uncover a revolutionary social organization that challenges our modern understanding of politics and community. The High Priest's Breastplate: A Symbol of Unity and Representation At the heart of our discussion is the high priest's breastplate, described in Exodus 28. This ornate piece of priestly attire wasn't just a decorative element—it was a powerful symbol of the entire Israelite nation. The breastplate featured 12 precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel. This was a profound representation of a radical social structure God was establishing for His people. "The stone shall correspond in number to the names of the sons of Israel, 12 corresponding to their names. They shall be engraved like seals, each with its name for the 12 tribes." This description emphasizes a crucial point: every tribe had equal representation on the breastplate. There was no hierarchy, no favored position. Each tribe, regardless of size or perceived importance, had its place. Even one missing letter would render it unusable - every tribe mattered. A Radical Departure from City-State Politics To truly appreciate the revolutionary nature of this tribal structure, we need to contrast it with the prevailing political systems of the time. Citing the Biblical scholar Norman Gottwald, we contrast the Greek city-states, for instance, which were based on geographic boundaries and often had different religions and customs within each city. The Israelite tribal system, however, was something entirely different: 1. Unified Ideology: Despite being separate tribes, they were united by a single religious and ethical framework. 2. Primal Legal Community: The confederacy itself was the foundation of their legal system. 3. Military Cooperation: Tribes united for defense and conquest, as seen in various biblical accounts. 4. Social Responsibility: The system encouraged inter-tribal support, such as interest-free lending. This “retribalization” wasn't just different—it was radically egalitarian for its time. It provided a framework for diverse groups to coexist while maintaining their unique identities. The Levites: Glue of the Tribal Confederacy One of the most intriguing aspects of this system was the role of the Biblical narrative stories and the Levites. The shared stories of the Patriarchs and the Exodus created a mythical bond. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites didn't receive a territorial inheritance. Instead, they were scattered throughout the land, serving as idealogues, teachers, priests, and the connective tissue of the nation. The Levites acted as a neutral party, reinforcing the shared heritage and laws across all tribes. Relevance for Today: The Four Tribes of Modern Israel The brilliance of this ancient system becomes even more apparent when we consider its relevance to modern challenges. Former Israeli President Reuven Rivlin's speech about the "four tribes" of contemporary Israel—secular Jews, national religious, Arabs, and Haredim—echoes the challenges and opportunities of the biblical tribal structure. In a world where clear majorities are becoming increasingly rare, the biblical model offers insights into how diverse groups can coexist and cooperate without losing their distinct identities. What We Can Learn from the Tribal Confederacy 1. Equality in Representation: Every group, regardless of size, deserves a voice. 2. Unity Without Uniformity: Shared core values can coexist with diverse practices and beliefs. 3. Distributed Leadership: Preventing the concentration of power in a single group or location. 4. Interconnectedness: Creating systems that encourage interaction and mutual support between different communities. As we grapple with increasingly diverse and fragmented societies, the biblical tribal structure offers a compelling model for social organization. It challenges us to think beyond simple majorities and minorities, encouraging a more nuanced and inclusive approach to community building. Sefaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/629914
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    32 mins
  • Torah On the Move

    Torah On the Move
    Feb 27 2025

    Ever wondered why we stand when the Torah is taken out? Our latest Madlik episode uncovers the surprising history behind this universal Jewish tradition.

    Join Rabbi Adam Mintz and Geoffrey Stern as they explore the concept of "Torah on the Move" in this week's parsha, Terumah.

    We unpack the symbolism behind the Ark of the Covenant and its enduring impact on Jewish tradition.

    Some highlights:

    • The origins of Jews being called "People of the Book"

    • Surprising details about the Mishkan's construction and materials

    • How the Ark's design emphasized mobility and permanence

    • What was actually kept inside the Ark (you might be surprised!)

    • Parallels between ancient practices and modern synagogue rituals

    We also touch on some unexpected traditions, including an Orthodox community that doesn't always stand when the ark is open. And a personal story about an embarrassing synagogue faux pas that taught an important lesson about honoring the Torah.

    This episode really opened our eyes to how central the idea of a "moving Torah" is to Jewish identity. I think you'll find it both enlightening and thought-provoking.

    Here are 3 key insights from our discussion:

    • The Ark's Mobility: The Torah emphasizes the permanent nature of the Tabernacle's portability, hinting at its enduring significance.

    • A mobile Icon: Ancient Israelites, like their neighbors, carried sacred texts into war as divine protection and inspiration.

    • Unifying Ritual: The Torah procession remains a powerful, shared tradition across all Jewish denominations.

    Discover how this ancient practice connects us to our ancestors and why it's more relevant than ever in today's world.

    Sefaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/628017
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    29 mins

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