Episode 89: Rabbi Matt Schneeweiss & Rabbi Dovid Campbell "Getting to Know Ralbag"

In this premiere episode of Judaism Demystified's "Getting to Know the Rishonim" series, we dive into the life and legacy of Rabbi Levi ben Gershon, also known as RaLBaG or Gersonides, a prominent medieval French Jewish philosopher, Talmudist, mathematician, physician and astronomer/astrologer. We uncover who Ralbag was, shedding light on his immense contributions not just to Jewish thought but also to the realms of science and philosophy. Rabbi Matt Schneeweiss and Rabbi Dovid Campbell share their personal journeys of discovering Ralbag's work, with Rabbi Campbell delving into Ralbag's scientific and philosophical achievements, and Rabbi Schneeweiss focusing on the structure and depth of Ralbag's Tanakh commentary. The conversation then zooms in on Ralbag's unique interpretation of Akedat Yitzhak (The Binding of Isaac), particularly his novel approach to the concept of "nisayon" or "Divine test." Rabbi Campbell takes the reins to explain how this ties into Ralbag's sophisticated understanding of Divine knowledge. As Rabbi Schneeweiss navigates through Ralbag's commentary, Rabbi Campbell interjects with insights into Ralbag's views on human perfection and prophecy, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of Ralbag's philosophical underpinnings. Rabbi Schneeweiss rounds off the discussion on the Akedah, exploring the practical outcomes and lessons derived from the narrative, known as "toalot" in Ralbag's framework. He also introduces listeners to the Maaliot Edition, providing a teaser for the rich, multifaceted nature of Ralbag's commentary. This episode not only offers an in-depth look at Ralbag's approach to one of Judaism's pivotal narratives but also invites listeners into the broader, intricate tapestry of Jewish scholastic heritage through the lens of one of its most profound thinkers. --- *This episode is dedicated to the refua shelema of our dear friend Yaakov ben Haya Malakh and to the neshama of Meir ben Moshe a'h — Abdolrahim Ilian, the late father of our dear friend, Rod Ilian.

---

• Bio: Rabbi Matt Schneeweiss is the author of the Rabbi Schneeweiss Substack (rabbischneeweiss.substack.com), featuring hundreds of articles on Torah and Jewish philosophy. His recorded shiurim are available on YouTube and through his five podcasts: Machshavah Lab, Mishlei, Tefilah, Rambam Bekius, and The Stoic Jew. Rabbi Schneeweiss studied at Yeshiva Bnei Torah (YBT) in Far Rockaway, NY, for seven years, earning a BA in Psychology from Touro College and an MA in Jewish Education from the Azrieli Graduate School. He taught at HAFTR High School and Rambam Mesivta before finding his dream job at Midreshet Shalhevet, where he taught a variety of Limudei Kodesh and English classes for 10 years, until the school's permanent closure in 2020. He currently teaches at YBT and the New England Jewish Academy (NEJA), while also offering a variety of his own Zoom shiurim open to the public, including in-depth Torah classes specifically for women. His Torah teachings are characterized by curiosity-driven learning, transformative insights, and real-world application. Rabbi Dovid Campbell writes on various subjects of Jewish thought, focusing on the importance of curiosity and creativity as Jewish values. His articles have appeared in the peer-reviewed journals, Tradition and Hakirah, and online at numerous Jewish content sites, including Aish.com, the Lehrhaus, and SeforimChatter. He can be reached through his website, NatureofTorah.com.

---

• Check out more from Rabbi Schneeweiss here: www.rabbischneeweiss.substack.com

---

• Welcome to JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED: A PODCAST FOR THE PERPLEXED | Co-hosted by Benjy & Benzi | Thank you to...Super Patron: Jordan Karmily, Platinum Patron: Craig Gordon, Gold Patrons: Dovidchai Abramchayev, Lazer Cohen, Travis Krueger, Vasili Volkoff, Rod Ilian, Silver Patrons: Ellen Fleischer, Daniel Maksumov, Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal, and Jeffrey Wasserman! Please SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel and hit the BELL so you can get alerted whenever new clips get posted, thank you for your support!