Episode 124: Rabbi Dr. Yohai Makbili "Lost in Transmission"

In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Dr. Yohai Makbili—a true modern Renaissance man. With a background in engineering and groundbreaking work translating and elucidating the writings of the Rambam, Rabbi Makbili brings a rare combination of analytical precision and deep Torah scholarship. His influential Hebrew translations of Maimonides' Guide for the Perplexed and other philosophical works have reshaped contemporary access to the Rambam’s thought. We explore key questions raised in his recent lecture, now presented in English for the first time. Rabbi Makbili shares how individuals can navigate the multiplicity of halakhic opinions, and why the Rambam’s approach remains profoundly relevant today. We discuss the balance between rabbinic authority and personal responsibility, especially in a post-Sanhedrin era, and the dynamic tension between communal customs and broader halakhic norms. He also shares insights from his newest book on tumah v’taharah, and gives us a preview of future projects on the horizon. This conversation is for anyone who cares about halakha, thinks deeply about how we make decisions today, and wants to hear from someone who’s bringing the Rambam’s voice into the modern world. Rabbi Makbili doesn’t just teach ideas—he lives them, challenges them, and helps others make sense of them.*This episode is dedicated to the refua shelema of our dear friend Yaakov ben Haya Sarah Malakh• Bio: Rabbi Dr. Yohai Makbili is the initiator of the "Mishneh Torah Project," dedicated to making Maimonides' works accessible to the general public. On a volunteer basis, he publishes editions of Maimonides' major works, Mishneh Torah and Guide for the Perplexed, accompanied by accessible commentaries, earning him awards for this initiative. He works professionally as an algorithm developer in the hi-tech industry at Johnson & Johnson and teaches "Jewish Political Philosophy" and "Philosophy of Maimonides" at the Technion. He lives in Kedumim and is married with seven children. Currently, he is engaged in the publication of the "Shira Hadasha" series—visually stunning and insightful books focused on the Jewish year cycle and lifecycle events.• Check out his classes here: https://www.youtube.com/@rambam4u• 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, Rod Ilian, Gold Patrons: Dovidchai Abramchayev, Lazer Cohen, Travis Krueger, Vasili Volkoff, Vasya, Silver Patrons: Ellen Fleischer, Daniel M., Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal, Fred & Antonio, Jeffrey Wasserman, and Jacob Winston! 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!