Unraveling Religion, Judaic Edition

This two Part talk was a previously archived conversation from 2014, the second Unraveling Religion, Judaic Edition with Rabbi Gedaliah Gurfein from Jerusalem, and it surveys:

• Who is Kabbalah meant for? 
• What is Torah? 
• The word 'kabbalah' means 'receive' 
• An examination of the influence of the Ba'al Shem Tov
• A synopsis of Jewish history pre-Ba'al Shem Tov
• There are four rivers out ...

Pulled from the Archives of Unraveling Religion, Judaic Edition, this January 2010 conversation with Rabbi Gedaliah Gurfein of Jerusalem opens to the importance of Judaism's connection to the land of Israel.

Also discussed is the nature of a human being, being is less important than becoming.

Rabbi Gedaliah shares utilizing the time on our planet might be best served by refining ourselve...

In this episode, Rabbi Jess explores and delves into the topic of divorce with Rabbi Ezra Weinberg, examining 'why does divorce make some people so uncomfortable?' 

• divorce touches on the idea that there is nothing more painful than dashed hopes
• people think of divorce as a synonym for 'a failed marriage'
• Reb Ezra shares reframing divorce as 'marriage coming to completion'
• is there ...

Rabbi Jess and Reverend Amanda Barker discuss the relationship of Redemption in Judaism and Christianity.

• What is Redemption? 
• What is Redemption in Christianity?
• In Judaism? 
• How do they overlap?
• How do they differ? 
• Is redemption an active process? 
• What does re​demption call us to?
• What actions? 
• What obligations?
• How does one become redeemed? 
• ...

In this initial conversation of Rabbi Jessica hosting, Rabbi Jess and Rabbi Elihu Moshe Gevirtz explore the mystical and practical reasons, and implications of circumcision from his book 'Sacred Insignia' and the seven years of research that went into the writing, research, thought, and reflection of the book.

Aspects of the discussions include:

• why circumcision?
• addressing argument...

Rabbi Jessica Minnen is the new Host of Unraveling Religion, Judaic Edition and sat down to talk with Joel as a way of introduction.

Rabbi Jessica and Joel explore Judaism and the origin and reason for the name Unraveling Religion, Rabbi Jessica's experiences growing into Judaism and becoming a Rabbi, the influence of Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, explore Hevruta, what it is and wh...

Rabbi Jessica Minnen and Joel sit for a deep examination of work and the different forms work takes for us as human beings.

Rabbi Jessica and Joel start with discussing Torah and the teaching of G-d's Work (i.e., Six (6) Days of Creation) and G-d's Rest, and how that relates to Shabbas:

• The conversations about the Shabbas Hebrew shoresh (i.e., root of the word) 'shin, bet, and taf' ...

In this panel discussion with four Rabbis from America's West Coast to Israel, Joel guides an exploration of mobilizing Jewish outreach (i.e., or 'inreach' or 'in reach') how to, why, and what Jewish tradition teaches and offers from a wide range of teachings including Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson and the Baal Shem Tov.

This collection of dedicated and diverse Jewish voices guide the...

From The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, to the Ba'al Shem Tov, to Maimonides and Moses this discussion includes topics of the security of the Jewish people and the Land of Israel and how the Jewish people can fortify their existence and safety. Rabbi Greenberg and Joel examine the best Jewish responses to the terror attack October 7th, 2023. The journey of this conversat...

In Part 2 of this talk, Rabbi Brian Yosef and Joel talk about the second and third Portals of Awareness, as taught by Reb Brian. Feeling the breath, the relation of the many meanings of the Hebrew word 'Ruach:' spirit, wind, breath, and soul. The practical instructions of mystical teachings, awareness, and consciousness, meditation. 'I am this awareness, the open field.' Encouraging the ...

Part 1 of this talk, Rabbi Brian Yosef and Joel share thoughts and perspectives on Divine Providence, dreams, spiritual awakening, meditation, and the importance of how to integrate awakening experiences into our daily lives, in an enduring way. Also, seeing beyond our human conditioning into our deeper self, our Soul, and the intellect as a tool for spirituality. Buddhism and Judaism ar...

Rabbi Gedaliah Gurfein and Joel discuss a vast terrain of time and topics in Judaism, Judaism's relation to the World, and a Jew's responsibility and obligation to their community. 

Curiosity delving deeply into the Talmud and Rabbi Gedaliah Gurfein's website 'The People's Talmud'  (which is all in English). 

The People’s Talmud is not a translation of Talmud, but a narration of the Talm...

During 2015 Joel spent two months in Nepal and spoke with the NGO Tevel B'Tzedek's Founder Micha Odenheimer about Judaism, globalization, poverty, and the Prophets of the Bible. Tevel's mission is to form education and bonds in rural communities of developing nations, to enrich communities through sharing and knowlege education and resources. This talk centers on Judaism's rich tradition...