Jewish Multiplicity - Season 4's Wisdom, Insights & the Need for a New Theology

Truths - Jewish Wisdom for Today

In the final episode of the 4th season of "Truths, Jewish Wisdom for Today," hosted by Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman, listeners are treated to a comprehensive review of the season's guests and the core takeaways from their discussions. The podcast has been a space for conversations with individuals who embrace the idea of multiple truths and pathways.
Guests this season include:
- Zevi Slavin: Who delved into the capitalistic perspective and the intriguing concept of transcending rational thinking.
- Rabbi Dr. Zev Farber: Shared the idea of the Torah containing various truths and the harmonious coexistence of religion and science.
- Professor Daniel Rynhold: Elaborated on the importance of practice in understanding the mitzvot and the Torah's aesthetic perspective.
- JJ Kimche: Discussed modern Jewish philosophy and the fine line between heresy and orthodoxy.
- Dan Rickman: Championed a rationalistic yet empathetic approach to Judaism.
- Mark Oppenheimer: Perceived Jews as a family bound by the Torah and speculated on Orthodox Judaism's future.
- Rabbi Professor Don Seeman: Felt a pressing need for more profound theology in Judaism and attempted to define orthodoxy.
- Rabbi Eliyahu Fink: Emphasized the importance of engaging with Jews without imposing beliefs on them.
- Rabbi Professor Michael Broyde: Highlighted the evolution of Jewish law and the pitfalls of making it absolute.
- Rabbi Reuven Stepsky: Introduced listeners to his unique meditation techniques and ways of visualizing God.
From these enlightening conversations, Levi distilled the essence of the discussions, touching on the community's diverse opinions on orthodoxy, Torah, and God. A recurring theme was the yearning for a more profound connection to faith through theology and philosophy.
In his summary of the season, Levi musses on the complexities of understanding God, emphasizing the challenge of simplifying such a profound concept without diminishing its essence. He delves into the abstract nature of God and the human attempts to grasp this through various representations, therefore demonstrating the need for the idea of truths (plural) that lead humans closer to understanding the abstract concept of God. The conversations with the scholars point to the notion that each perspective, while unique, converges on the same abstract essence.
The episode concludes with a preview of the next season, which will offer a deep dive into Kabbalah, approached not as definitive truths but as musings on metaphysics, psychology, and theology, aiming to provide listeners with a richer understanding of Jewish wisdom from a mystical perspective.

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Levi Brackman is a rabbi, Ph.D. in psychology, best-selling author of Jewish Wisdom for Business Success, and founder of Invown, a platform for real estate fundraising and investing.