Rabbi Shai Held

Rabbi Dr. Shai Held, president and dean of the Hadar Institute, explores the profound connection between love and law in Judaism. He argues that Jewish commandments are not mere rules but pathways to cultivate love for God and others. Through examples, he illustrates how practices like loving the stranger embody this belief. The discussion also highlights the importance of Jewish rituals and their role in fostering community through love. Held’s blend of traditional and modern interpretations offers an accessible glimpse into Jewish spirituality.

Rabbi Shai Held, an author and expert on Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, shares insights into Heschel's profound spirituality and activism. They discuss Heschel's radical amazement and belief that God is omnipresent. The conversation navigates Heschel’s role in the Civil Rights movement and his collaboration with Martin Luther King Jr. Held highlights Heschel’s critiques of consumerism, his views on the Sabbath's sacredness, and the importance of human dignity, illustrating how Heschel’s teachings remain relevant in today’s world.

Rabbi Shai Held discusses why Judaism is about love and how Christianity's adoption of this idea led to misconceptions. He explores the portrayal of God in religious texts and delves into the intersection of love and law in Judaism. The conversation also touches on embracing interconnectedness through self-love and the radical message of love and suffering in religious traditions.