Philosophical Jew

About Philosophical Jew

Do you ever feel that Orthodox Judaism does not engage enough with the global marketplace of ideas? That it's voice was missing in the great Theistic debates of the early 21st century? Interested in the deeper wisdom of Judaism? One that has much to say about the current age - not shying away from the truly big questions with cute answers? You've come to the right place. In this podcast, we will delve into the philosophical questions of the age as well as philosophical questions of the ages. All through the analysis of the methods of reason put forth by our Sages. Check our YT!

Publisher

Dovidchai Abramchayev

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Sept 2024

Latest episode

23 Oct 2025

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Oct 2025

   Ep. 9 - Why Judaism Lost Prophecy — and How to Get It Back

   In this deep and wide-ranging conversation, Rabbi Shnayor Burton joins The Philosophical Jew to explore his “Daat Hashem” (Knowledge of God) series — a profound re-examination of what it means to truly know God.Drawing on Tanakh, Rambam, and prophetic consciousness, Rabbi Burton argues that humanity’s highest calling isn’t wealth, status, or even meaning — but Da’at Hashem, a lived familiarity with divine reality.Together, we discuss:Why “knowing God” is central to the prophets but absent from the Torah itselfThe loss of prophecy — and how rationalism, idolatry, and Greek philosophy reshaped Jewish consciousnessThe danger and beauty of anthropomorphizing GodThe prophetic four-step path to Da’at Hashem: baring the soul, refining character, cultivating faith, and attaining experiential knowledgeWhat it means to “walk with God” in an age of science and skepticism📖 Rabbi Burton’s blog: Unapologetics (https://shnayor.substack.com) Check out Rabbi Burtons Pod - The Great Sources 📚 Explore the Daat Hashem series: [https://linktr.ee/rabbishnayorburton]✡️ Subscribe to The Philosophical Jew for more conversations bridging Torah, philosophy, and modern thought: [philosophicaljew.substack.com]#Judaism #Philosophy #RabbiBurton #DaatHashem #Prophecy #PhilosophicalJew #TorahThought #JewishPodcast

2. 

   3 Aug 2025

   Ep 8 - Ask Hillel: The AI🤔 That Thinks Like a Jewish Ethicist

   📜 Episode Description: In this groundbreaking episode, I sit down with the anonymous Substack writer Elder of Ziyon to explore his bold new creation: Ask Hillel (http://askhillel.com), an AI built to think like a Jewish ethicist. How might Jewish ethics reshape secular moral discourse—and could AI help? Join us as Elder of Ziyon explains the design of Ask Hillel, an AI framework that distills halakha methodology into a tiered value system. We explore pikuach nefesh, din v’rachamim, and more, examining what happens when millennia of Jewish thought meet cutting-edge technology. From defining Jewish values outside halakha to challenging the limits of secular moral philosophy, we dive into what it means to encode thousands of years of Jewish ethical tradition into a machine—and why that might be exactly what our confused moral discourse needs. You’ve never heard AI—or Jewish ethics—discussed like this. Purchase Elder’s Book on Anti-Semitism here - https://a.co/d/euJKfx6

3. 

   29 Jun 2025

   Ep.7 - From Golems to ChatGPT: AI, Halacha & Humanity 🧠📜 with Rabbi Gil Student from Torah Musings!

   Rabbi Gil Student from Torah Musings explores the Jewish perspective on Artificial Intelligence, discussing its halachic implications, ethical considerations, and potential impact on human connection in this interview.

4. 

   22 Jun 2025

   Ep 6 - Physics, Fine-Tuning & the Fingerprints of God with Rabbis Elie Feder and Aaron Zimmer🎙️

   Rabbis Elie Feder and Aaron Zimmer explore the fine-tuning argument for God, discussing shockingly precise constants and reshaping the debate about God and the multiverse in this interview.

5. 

   4 May 2025

   Ep. 5 - Media, Meaning, and Torah

   🎧 NEW EPISODE “Media, Meaning, and Torah” w/ Rav Mo (@MenschSense)* 🎬 What if your favorite show... was sacred? 💭 Rav Mo breaks down how Torah + pop culture can tell the same deeper story.From X-Men ➡ Kabbalah ➡ spoken word 🎤 This one’s 🔥 for thinkers, seekers, & storytellers.📲 Tap the link in bio to listen! 👂🎙 #JewishPodcast #TorahAndCulture #MenschSense #DeepTalks #PhilosophyVibes In this episode of The Philosophical Jew Podcast, we sit down with Rav Mo (@MenschSense)—rabbi, poet, YouTuber, and cultural thinker—for a rich and inspiring conversation about seeing life as a story. Check out his channel here https://www.youtube.com/@menschsense1 We explore how pop culture, from The Simpsons to X-Men to Jordan Peterson, can actually mirror ancient Jewish wisdom. Rav Mo shares his journey from a media-saturated childhood to deep Torah study, and how he now uses spoken word, rap, and modern storytelling to bridge secular culture with spiritual growth.Together, we unpack the concept of “dynamic perfection,” the redemptive power of imperfection, and how even the most unlikely moments can be part of a sacred narrative. Whether you’re navigating your Netflix queue or your personal growth, this episode will help you see both through a deeper lens.

6. 

   27 Apr 2025

   Ep 4 -Judaism as Rebellion with Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

   In this soul-stirring episode of Philosophical Jew, we sit down with Rabbi Nathan Lopez Cardozo to explore a bold and inspiring vision of Judaism—one that reclaims its rebellious roots. Drawing from his work Jewish Law as Rebellion, Rabbi Cardozo argues that the Torah was never meant to be a static legal code but a living, breathing call to moral and spiritual revolution.We begin by unpacking the revelation at Sinai as the ultimate act of divine rebellion—an invitation to challenge societal norms and spiritual complacency. Rabbi Cardozo challenges us to reimagine Halakha not as rigid and finalized, but as a dynamic force that must evolve in response to the historical and existential realities of the Jewish people.As we navigate morally difficult passages in the Torah, Rabbi Cardozo offers a radically faithful yet critical approach—one that honors the divine core while engaging modern ethical consciousness. He passionately defends the relevance of Torah in the modern world, not merely as a cultural artifact but as a transcendent path that uniquely binds heaven and earth.And finally, in his signature blend of honesty and spiritual urgency, Rabbi Cardozo shares one practice he believes could reignite the Jewish soul worldwide.If you’ve ever struggled with the tension between tradition and modernity, law and spirit, faith and reason—this conversation is your invitation to join the rebellion.Website - https://www.cardozoacademy.org/author/nlcardozo/Books - https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nathan-Lopes-Cardozo/author/B00J8UMWEA?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1743972209&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=trueGet his new book now! - https://www.cardozoacademy.org/book/cardozo-on-the-parashah-volume-3-the-book-of-vayikra-leviticus/

7. 

   15 Apr 2025

   Ep 3 - Free Will with Rabbi Shmuel Phillips

   In this thought-provoking episode of Philosophical Jew, we are joined by Rabbi Shmuel Phillips, author of Judaism Reclaimed, to explore one of the most pressing philosophical debates of our time: Do we truly have free will?With contemporary thinkers like Robert Sapolsky and Sam Harris casting serious doubt on human agency, Rabbi Phillips offers a powerful counterpoint rooted in classical Jewish philosophy. Drawing on the works of Maimonides (the Rambam), he explains why free will is not only real but essential to the Jewish understanding of what it means to be human.💡 Rabbi Phillips delves into:The Maimonidean view of free will as a divine gift that sets humans apart through our Tzelem Elokim—the capacity to transcend nature via intellect.How free will is linked to our moral and spiritual potential, enabling us to align with God’s will.The ethical tension raised by those who may lack the full capacity for free will—such as individuals under oppression or with cognitive limitations—and whether this challenges the Rambam’s framework.A sobering look at the problem of evil and suffering, and whether the value of free will can justify the pain it permits.Throughout the conversation, Rabbi Phillips maintains a rigorous yet compassionate approach, navigating between deep theology and modern moral concerns.If you've ever wrestled with the fairness of human suffering or questioned whether your choices truly matter, this episode will leave you with profound insights and challenging questions.LinksBooks - https://www.amazon.com/stores/Shmuel-Phillips/author/B07Z9DT7R8?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=trueWebsite - https://www.talmudreclaimed.com/Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2481564922072669Bio - Born and raised in England, Rabbi Shmuel Phillips has spent almost two decades studying in Yeshiva and Kollel in Israel, during which time he has also completed a law degree from the University of London. Shmuel currently resides in Rechavia, Jerusalem, with his wife Rivka and four children. There he divides his time between Torah study and managing a suite of serviced offices in downtown Jerusalem.

8. 

   6 Apr 2025

   Ep 2 - What is the Torah with Rabbi Dweck

   Get ready for a mind-bending journey into faith and reason on this explosive episode of the Philosophical Jew podcast with Hakham Rabbi Joseph Dweck. In this can't-miss conversation, Rabbi Dweck opens up about his life and the magnetic pull of Maimonides—the medieval “north star” who continues to illuminate his spiritual and intellectual path.Discover how Rabbi Dweck deciphers the prophetic language of the Torah, revealing hidden layers of meaning behind Rambam’s most famous insights. With today’s clash between ancient wisdom and modern science, he tackles head-on the challenges of reconciling the Torah’s narrative with evolution and the Big Bang, questioning whether traditional texts should bend to scientific thought—or if prophecy defies mere facts.But it doesn’t stop there. In his provocative session, "The Edge of Reason," Rabbi Dweck challenges us to explore the limits of human logic when confronting the divine. Whether you lean toward reason or feel drawn to the uncharted realms beyond, his advice is a game changer for anyone wrestling with faith in our modern world.Tune in for a riveting discussion that promises to ignite your curiosity and transform the way you think about Torah, prophecy, and the delicate dance between faith and reason. Don't miss this episode—it's sure to get you clicking, thinking, and questioning everything you thought you knew!LinksRabbi Dweck's Substack - https://josephdweck.substack.com/Rabbi Dweck's Whatsapp Group - https://chat.whatsapp.com/HONcznKDXy6KqXHI2HptojRabbi Dweck's website - seniorrabbi.comBio - Rabbi Joseph Dweck is the Senior Rabbi of the S&P Sephardi Community of the United Kingdom. Rabbi Dweck is American born and has lived in Los Angeles, California and Brooklyn, New York. He studied in Jerusalem at Yeshiva Hazon Ovadia under the tutelage of former Sephardi Chief Rabbi Ovadia Yosef z”l. He also studied psychology and philosophy at Santa Monica College in California and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from Excelsior College. Rabbi Dweck received his Semikha (rabbinic ordination) from Rabbi Ovadia Yosef under the auspices of the Sephardic Rabbinical College of Brooklyn, New York. He received a Master of Arts Degree in Jewish Education from Middlesex University at The London School of Jewish Studies. Rabbi Dweck served as Rabbi of Congregation Shaare Shalom, a Syrian Sephardi synagogue of over 700 members, in Brooklyn, New York from 1999 to 2014 and also served as Headmaster of Barkai Yeshivah, a large Jewish day school in Brooklyn from 2010 to 2014. He has an eclectic taste in music and has received training as a hazzan in the Oriental Sephardi tradition by Rabbi Rephael Elnadav z”l and Cantor Moshe Habusha. In his capacity as Senior Rabbi, Rabbi Dweck has the honour of being the Deputy President of the LSJS; a President of The Council of Christians and Jews and Ecclesiastical Authority of The Board of Deputies of British Jews. Rabbi Dweck also serves as a member of the Standing Committee of the Conference of European Rabbis. Currently, Rabbi Dweck resides in London with his wife, Margalit, and five children.

9. 

   30 Mar 2025

   Ep 1 - Heaven and Hell with Rabbi Samuel Lebens

   Join us on this thought-provoking episode of the Philosophical Jew podcast as we sit down with the esteemed Hakham Rabbi Dr. Samuel Lebens—a renowned Orthodox Rabbi and philosopher whose work bridges ancient tradition with modern thought. In our captivating conversation, Rabbi Lebens delves into the transformative ideas presented in his acclaimed book, *Principles of Judaism*. He reveals how Rabbi Albo distilled Judaism's Principles into three essential tenets, challenging long-held assumptions about belief and practice. We also explore the enigmatic realms of reward and punishment in Judaism. Rabbi Lebens examines the intricate balance between earthly justice and the profound concepts of Heaven and Hell, dispelling common misconceptions and shedding light on their deeper significance in our faith. The discussion takes an even more intriguing turn as we consider the power of repentance. In his forthcoming paper, “It’s Time for Some Robust Atonement,” Rabbi Lebens argues that true atonement has the potential to erase sin from our very history—even after death. How does this radical idea coexist with our everyday call for penitence? And what might it mean for modern approaches to repentance when traditional methods like purification and sacrifice no longer exist? Finally, we journey into the philosophical frontiers of time and hypertime, discussing whether God can rewrite the past and how these concepts intertwine with divine justice. Could these ideas be likened to a cosmic “do-over,” reminiscent of modern tales like *The Good Place*? Tune in for an engaging and intellectually stimulating exploration of faith, justice, and transformation with Rabbi Lebens, and discover new ways to understand and practice repentance in the modern era. Links - Check out his website - samlebens.com Maimonides on the Afterlife paper - https://www.samlebens.com/_files/ugd/7cf7e9_2dbd63bcede044e2b28db6e1f3caf74b.pdf Two P's in a Pod (Parenting Podcast) - https://open.spotify.com/show/2lNIqWtZvD2gulpIJLKA5h?si=8b05afcc8c10443b Amazon Books - https://www.amazon.com/stores/Samuel-Lebens/author/B0BF5L6XK6?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1742771219&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Bio - Rabbi Dr, Samuel Lebens is associate Professor in the philosophy department at the University of Haifa, he is also an Orthodox Rabbi and Jewish educator. He has written books on the nature of propositions, the philosophy of fiction, and the foundational principles of the Jewish faith.Rabbi Lebens' academic interests span the philosophy of religion, metaphysics, epistemology, and the philosophy of language. He is also the co-founder and served as the founding chair of the Association for the Philosophy of Judaism. He studied for his PhD at Birkbeck College, University of London, and completed post-doctoral fellowships at the University of Notre Dame and at Rutgers University. In addition to his philosophical pursuits, Rabbi Lebens studied at various Rabbinical Schools (Yeshivat Hakotel, Yeshivat Hamivtar, and Yeshivat Har Etzion) before attaining his Rabbinic Ordination from Rabbi Zalman Nechemia Goldberg זצ"ל. Check out the Philosophical Jew on Youtube, Substack, Instagram, and Spotify!

10. 

    15 Sept 2024

    Ep 0 - Welcome to Philosophical Jew!

    Hi everyone - welcome to Philosophical Jew! The goal of this channel is twofold: 1. I hope to encourage Jews around the world who believe that Orthodox Judaism resorts to fluff too often that there is a deep intellectual history within Judaism which is swept under the rug. Much of the attitude of Jewish Sages from before the 15th century bended toward rationalism (as much as one could be back in the day). Reintroducing ourselves to their thought can help reinvigorate our faith and love for Judaism. 2. I hope to steer Orthodox Judaism toward the philosophical arena on the world's largest platform for conversation, as I feel its voice remains very insular and shies away from interacting with Atheists. Hopefully this channel will help contribute positively to these conversations. Youtube - youtube.com/@philosophicaljew Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aphilosophicaljew?igsh=MWdwb2p2NHFybTMxZw== X (Twitter) - https://x.com/PhilosophyJew?t=5enuFmmANlch16w5Z331dQ&s=08 Substack - https://philosophicaljew.substack.com/ Patreon - patreon.com/PhilosophicalJew

Who has been a guest on Philosophical Jew

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Rabbi Gil Student
• Elie Feder
• Aaron Zimmer

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

41,885

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

17

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

32