OnScript Shai Held – Judaism is About Love
19 snips
Dec 2, 2024 Shai Held, President and Dean of Hadar Institute and acclaimed author, delves into the profound relationship between love and law in Judaism. He discusses how the Torah fosters community love and the joy in rituals. The conversation explores the complexity of divine love, contrasting Jewish and Christian views, and highlights personal experiences that challenge definitions of love. Alongside humorous banter about Jewish food and love songs, Held emphasizes community responsibility and the ethical implications of loving our neighbors and adversaries.
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Torah and Love
- The Torah leads to love, not opposes it, as some Christian traditions suggest.
- Jewish law is a manifestation of love, expressed through commandments for human flourishing.
Interpreting Jewish Texts
- Rabbi Held interprets Jewish texts through traditional and academic lenses.
- He acknowledges that not all texts reconcile easily with a loving God, embracing the tradition's complexities.
Rituals of Love
- A Jewish ritual involves saying "grateful" upon waking, fostering gratitude and generosity.
- Maimonides taught that holiday meals should include the poor, connecting celebration with care for the vulnerable.
