JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today's Perplexed: Confronting the Challenges of This Generation

In this episode, we welcome back David Curwin to discuss his recent essay, "Rabbi Eliezer Berkovits and Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik: Neighbors Behind Fences," published in Hakirah: The Flatbush Journal of Jewish Law and Thought. Curwin’s essay explores the lives and legacies of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik and Rabbi Eliezer Berkovits, two of the 20th century’s most influential Orthodox Jewish thinkers. While their biographies are strikingly similar, their legacies have taken dramatically different paths. Rabbi Soloveitchik’s impact endures strongly in Modern Orthodoxy, while Rabbi Berkovits remains relatively overlooked, though his philosophy offers urgent relevance today. Curwin guides us through a comparative analysis of their philosophical approaches, examining how each viewed the role of history, the purpose of halakha, and taamei hamitzvot (the reasons for the commandments). He shares unique insights into their different understandings of evil, particularly the Shoah, and the distinctive ways each thinker approached the nature and purpose of halakha itself. As we conclude, Curwin reflects on why Rabbi Soloveitchik’s legacy remains prominent, while Rabbi Berkovits’ contributions are still waiting for their due recognition. This conversation offers an illuminating perspective on why Rabbi Berkovits’ message is increasingly vital to Orthodoxy today, making this episode a must-listen for those interested in Jewish philosophy and contemporary Orthodox thought. --- • Bio: David Curwin is an independent scholar who has researched and published widely on Bible, Jewish thought and philosophy, and Hebrew language. His writings, both academic and popular, have appeared in periodicals such as Tradition, Hakirah, and Jewish Bible Quarterly, and he blogs about language topics at Balashon.com. Curwin studied at Yeshivat HaKibbutz HaDati and currently works as a technical writer in the software industry. Born in Massachusetts, he has lived in Rochester, New York, and San Francisco, but has made his home in Israel since 1996. He resides in Efrat with his wife and family. Kohelet: A Map to Eden is his first book. --- • Get his book here: https://korenpub.com/products/kohelet-a-map-to-eden --- • 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, 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!

Renowned Christian philosopher and theologian Dr. Paul Copan joins us to explore our shared values and address the ethical questions people are faced with when reading the Bible. He discusses how modern readers often overlook the Torah’s revolutionary impact by viewing it solely through a contemporary lens, which strips it of historical context. Together, we examine the Mosaic laws in contrast to other ancient laws, like the Code of Hammurabi, revealing just how transformative the Torah was within its pagan surroundings. Dr. Copan shares his approach to interpreting morally challenging passages, applying a “charitability and Golden Rule” perspective that uncovers the depths in the Torah’s narratives. Dr. Copan provides a nuanced understanding focused on careful textual analysis. He highlights the Bible’s distinct stance on slavery, distinguishing it from the brutal chattel slavery of later times and showing how Judeo-Christian values contributed to its eventual abolition. Naysayers and skeptics are challenged to rethink their preconceived notions about the Torah, especially regarding topics like divine justice, slavery, capital punishment, the Wayward Son, the Sotah ritual, and other often misunderstood sections. What are we to make of what appears to be God's call to wipe out Canaanites and Amalekites? How do we understand the massive loss of life decreed by God in the Great Flood and the death of the Egyptian first-born? This is a discussion you don't want to miss. --- • Bio: Paul Copan (Ph.D., Philosophy, Marquette University) is a Christian theologian, analytic philosopher, apologist, and author. He is currently a professor at the Palm Beach Atlantic University (Florida) and holds the endowed Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics. He is author or editor of nearly 50 books, including the very popular, strong-selling book Is God a Moral Monster? as well as its companion volume, the award-winning Is God a Vindictive Bully? He is coeditor of The Routledge Companion to Philosophy of Religion, The Naturalness of Theistic Belief, Philosophy of Religion: Classic and Contemporary Issues, and The Kalām Cosmological Argument (a two-volume anthology). He is coauthor of Creation out of Nothing and Biblical Ethics: Walking in the Way of Wisdom. He has also contributed essays to over 60 books, both scholarly and popular, and he has authored a number of articles in professional journals. In 2017 and 2024, he has been a Visiting Scholar at the University of Oxford (Wycliffe Hall and Oriel College). For six years, he served as president of the Evangelical Philosophical Society. He also helped establish the PBA's M.A. in Philosophy of Religion; PBA also a B.A. in Apologetics, and it offers a Program in Cultural Apologetics (which is heavily scholarshiped). He is co-chair of Tyndale Fellowship's Philosophy of Religion Study Group, which meets every summer in England. Paul is married to Jacqueline, and they have six children. --- • 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, 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!

Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum offers a refreshingly different approach to the deep questions of faith, one that immediately stands out from the typical answers often heard in outreach settings. For those who think critically and seek more than surface-level responses, his intellectual honesty and respect for scientific thought set him apart. In our conversation, we explore how Rabbi Zarum confronts issues like the compatibility of creation and evolution, the historicity of the flood story, and grappling with belief in the modern era, without shying away from the intellectual rigor such topics require. He engages directly with scientific perspectives and provides answers that are not only rooted in traditional Jewish thought but also show a deep respect for modern scientific inquiry. His responses invite reflection and dialogue, rather than offering neat conclusions, making his approach especially valuable for those who are unsatisfied with overly simplistic explanations. Rabbi Zarum’s method bridges the gap between faith and reason, allowing for a more sophisticated, thoughtful exploration of belief that resonates with individuals who crave both intellectual honesty and spiritual depth. His work acknowledges that doubt isn't something to be brushed aside, but rather, it can lead to a more profound and mature faith. As his mentor, the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, said, "Faith is the courage to live with uncertainty." (A special thank you goes out to our dear friend and podcast guest, Daniel Jonas, for setting this up). --- • Bio: Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum is Dean of the London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS), formerly known as Jews’ College, where he holds the Rabbi Sacks Chair of Modern Jewish Thought, established by the Zandan family. He also serves as Scholar-in-Residence at the Central Square Minyan in Hampstead Garden Suburb. He has a PhD in Theoretical Physics from King’s College London, an MA in Education from University College London, rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Sacks zt”l and the Montefiore Kollel, and is a graduate of the Mandel Leadership School in Jerusalem. His writings on Bible, philosophy, education, and Jewish life regularly appear in the Jewish press, academic journals, and book collections. www.lsjs.ac.uk --- • Get his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Questioning-Belief-Torah-Tradition-Doubt/dp/1592646190 --- • 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, 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!

In this episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Rabbi Steven Pruzansky to explore the rich themes of his latest book, "Repentance for Life" (Kodesh Press). Rabbi Pruzansky begins by sharing the inspiration behind the book, including the significant impact of his teacher, Rabbi Yisroel Chait. We then delve into the chapter "Repentance and the Land of Israel," where Rabbi Pruzansky sheds light on the deep connection between teshuva and the Land of Israel. Our conversation continues with an exploration of "Repentance and Suffering," as Rabbi Pruzansky unpacks the crucial lessons he hopes readers will grasp about the transformative power of suffering in the process of repentance. Finally, we dive into the symbolism of the Yom Kippur scapegoat and its profound relationship to teshuva, as outlined in the chapter "Repentance and the Yom Kippur Scapegoat." Whether you're deeply familiar with these topics or just beginning to explore them, this episode offers thought-provoking insights and reflections that will help you get into the right mindset as we approach Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. --- • Bio: Rabbi Steven Pruzansky is Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Bnai Yeshurun of Teaneck, New Jersey, where he served from 1994–2020 when he made Aliyah. He currently serves as Israel Region Vice President of the Coalition for Jewish Values and as Senior Rabbinic Scholar at Yeshivat Migdal HaTorah in Modi’in. He is a graduate of Columbia University (BA in History), earned his law degree at Cardozo School of Law and practiced law in New York City for 13 years. Rabbi Pruzansky is a musmach of Yeshiva Bnei Torah under the guidance of Rav Yisroel Chait. Rabbi Pruzansky resides in Modi’in. --- • Get his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Repentance-Life-Steven-Pruzansky/dp/1947857703#:~:text=Repentance%20for%20Life%20explores%20eighteen --- • 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, 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!

In this insightful episode, we welcome Rabbi Yaakov Beasley to discuss his book "Joel, Obadiah, and Micah: Facing the Storm," part of the acclaimed Maggid Studies in Tanakh series. Rabbi Beasley begins by sharing his background and what inspired him to write this work. He also introduces the Gush Tanakh Method for listeners unfamiliar with it, before directly addressing JJ Kimche’s criticisms from our previous interview. We then dive into the etymology and role of a נביא (prophet) and explore how we should understand prophecies that seem to have gone unfulfilled. Rabbi Beasley identifies three key reasons why modern readers often struggle to connect with the writings of the prophets, while also providing a brief history of Yisrael and Yehudah, essential for understanding the prophets' messages. Next, we turn to the specific prophets discussed in his book. Rabbi Beasley elaborates on why Yoel is particularly challenging to interpret, offering insights into the various opinions about when and where he prophesied. We also examine Ovadiah's sharp condemnation of Edom, exploring the debates about the date, authorship, and audience of his prophecies. Finally, we delve into the life and message of the prophet Micah, discussing what sets him apart from other prophets and how his unique style enhances our understanding of his book. To close, Rabbi Beasley gives us a preview of his upcoming work on the prophets Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the biblical prophets and their relevance today. --- • Bio: Rabbi Yaakov Beasley is the Tanakh Coordinator at Yeshivat Lev haTorah and completed a doctorate on the book of Micah at Bar Ilan University. He is the author of "Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah: Lights in the Valley" and "Joel, Obadiah, and Micah: Facing the Storm" for the Maggid Studies in Tanakh series. Rav Yaakov has been teaching and writing about Tanakh for over twenty years. A popular lecturer around Jerusalem and Israel, including such yeshivot as Matan, Darchei Noam, Midreshet Rachel, and others, he co-edited Yeshivat Har Etzion's groundbreaking series "Torah MiEtzion" on the application of new literary methodologies to the study of parashat ha-shavua. Additionally, he authored several years of Har Etzion's Virtual Beit Midrash Introduction to the Parasha series, and his articles on Tanakh have appeared in Tradition and other publications. --- • Get his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Joel-Obadiah-Micah-Facing-Storm/dp/1592645976 --- • 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, 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!

Prepare for a timely, sensitive, and important conversation as Rav Abe Faur makes his much-anticipated return to the podcast. In the wake of the traumatic and transformative attacks on October 7th, Hakham Faur has become increasingly vocal on social media, especially regarding issues within the Haredi community. He shares why these events compelled him to speak out more openly and discusses how this moment has shifted his approach to leadership and advocacy. We dive into the contentious issue of military service, a major point of friction between the Haredi community and the state of Israel. Despite some Haredim volunteering after the attacks, the majority have not, and many leaders continue to oppose involvement with the IDF, even in times of war, while still benefiting from state resources. Hakham Faur responds to these leaders and the arguments they use, such as "Shevet Levi did not go out to war" and "our Torah study protects all," to justify their stance against national service. Hakham Faur explains why the argument for Haredi antizionism is now irrelevant, emphasizing that we are at the point where all Jews are fighting for their survival. He contextualizes the reasons behind the Haredi community's misguided stance on Israel, offers analysis on how the modern state can improve by learning from past mistakes, and discusses how the kollel movement has strayed from true Torah values and halakha. He stresses that while God may protect us from external harm, He does not shield us from our own folly. This episode promises to offer deep insights into the future of Israel, the role of hakhamim, and the pressing need for courageous leadership in times of crisis. --- • Bio: Rabbi Abe H. Faur is the rabbi of Congregation Ohel David & Shelomo, in Manhattan Beach, NY. Rabbi Faur was ordained by Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu and Rabbi Abraham Shapira. He teaches Talmudic and Rabbinic thinking in accordance with the Andalusian sages, and the teachings of his father, the Great Hakham José Faur a"h. His father was a Sepharadi rabbi, teacher and scholar in the Syrian-Jewish community in Brooklyn for many years. He was also a professor at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership, and Bar Ilan University, and was Professor of Law at Netanya Academic College. Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu once said "the greatest Sephardic Hakham living in the US today is Rabbi Faur" and his books and articles continue to have a tremendous impact in both religious and academic circles around the world. You can find his shiurim on his YouTube channel, Torat Andalus. --- • Yafe Be'ito, meaning "nice in its time" in Hebrew, is a foundation devoted to spreading the profound Torah teachings of Hakham Dr. José Faur: https://yafebeito.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, 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!

In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Avi Grossman to explore the complexities of Halakha and its relevance to contemporary Jewish life. Rabbi Grossman begins by discussing why "Demystifying Halakha" is crucial for understanding and practicing Judaism today. We dive into the idea that the entire Torah was always meant to be practiced, a concept that significantly shapes our understanding of Halakha. Rabbi Grossman explains how Maimonides' Mishneh Torah stands out from other halakhic codes, particularly in its detailed guidance on practices like observing Passover with a paschal lamb and instructions for when it is not available. Rabbi Grossman further elaborates on the Mishneh Torah's intention to serve as a complete legal code for all generations and all aspects of Halakha. We also discuss the Vilna Gaon's role in reviving “orphaned” commandments, understanding the importance of these commandments, and their impact on Halakhic practice. The conversation shifts to the importance of maintaining a critical approach to halakhic issues, questioning the automatic precedence given to later authorities. We explore the significance of national obligations and self-governance in Halakha, questioning why these aspects may have fallen out of common practice. Finally, Rabbi Grossman challenges the “fallen-out-of-use” fallacy, addressing the belief that if certain practices are no longer observed, it must be by divine will. You don't want to miss this fascinating discussion. --- • Bio: Rabbi Avi Grossman brings a diverse and rich background to our discussion on Halakha. He holds a BS in Biology from Queens College of the City University of New York and an MBA from Jerusalem College of Technology in Israel, with teaching credentials from the David Yellin Academic College of Education in Jerusalem. Ordained by both Beis Medrash L’Talmud and Rabbi Abba Bronspiegel, Rabbi Grossman is the director of the Torah L’Maaseh program at Yeshivat Ramot in Jerusalem and is widely recognized for his shiurim on Machon Shilo's YouTube channel. Additionally, he serves as a senior editor for the Steinsaltz Center’s Tanakh publication project and is the founder of Torah Le’Maaseh. Rabbi Grossman is also the author of *Haggadat Hapesach*, a unique Passover Haggadah that emphasizes the Paschal offering as the centerpiece of the Seder. His extensive academic and rabbinical achievements, coupled with his commitment to Jewish education, make him a compelling authority on the application of Halakha in contemporary Jewish life. --- • Get his book here: amazon.com/Haggadat-Hapesah-Seder-Korban-Pesach/dp/9655983463/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CIJSwOCOZ3sr7hqWqNcPLQ.XIiYVRpH_r5_wch1f9AtgPGXGj0ztjJ7mUy4gerlrWg&dib_tag=se&qid=1725332248&refinements=p_27%3ARabbi+Avi+Grossman&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Rabbi+Avi+Grossman --- • 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, 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!

In this highly anticipated episode, we sit down with Rabbi Chaim Eisen and Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein to explore some of the most critical theological questions in Jewish thought. The conversation begins with an in-depth discussion on God's Oneness and Uniqueness, particularly through the lens of the phrase "Ein Od Milvado" ("There is nothing other than Him"), which is often misrepresented nowadays to suggest that all is God and God is all. We then address a recent viral campaign by a popular rabbi claiming that "God needs us." Our guests critically examine the dangers of interpreting Torah in ways that anthropomorphize God. They thereby challenge the controversial (and heretical) position currently popular in some circles that advocates rejecting classic Jewish theology by branding it a supposed attempt to read the Torah through "Greek eyes." The discussion also delves into the neo-Kabbalistic and Hasidic belief in Panentheism—the idea that the universe emerged from God and remains inherently united with His being—and whether this belief crosses into what some traditionalists might consider to be "spiritual polytheism." Rabbi Eisen and Rabbi Adlerstein offer their unique perspectives, presenting different angles on these complex issues. They also tackle the misconception that the human soul is a literal piece of God, and the question of whether the Shekhina represents God's actual presence in the physical realm. Join us for this profound theological reflection on arguably the most fundamental aspect of Judaism: Knowing Hashem (more accurately, what He is not) in order to serve Him properly. --- • Bio: Rabbi Chaim Eisen is the founder and dean of Yeshivath Sharashim – Zion Bible Studies, a Web-based educational venture to engage users worldwide in a deepening understanding of the Hebrew Bible and other religious classics, through live, recorded, and written content. An acclaimed speaker, he’s been stimulating audiences throughout Israel, North America, and Europe for over 40 years. For nearly all his career, he’s been involved in adult education, principally as a senior rabbinical lecturer at the Orthodox Union (OU) Jerusalem World Center, where he taught for more than 36 years. For over 20 years, he also taught Talmud and Midrash, Biblical commentary, and especially Jewish thought and philosophy at various yeshivot in Israel. In addition, he served as a Torah lecturer in the Israel Defense Forces Rabbinate Torah Lecture Corps (reserves), for over 16 years, and continued to volunteer there, after his retirement. Besides teaching, he was founding editor of the OU journal 'Jewish Thought: A Journal of Torah Scholarship' and has written and edited numerous essays in this field. Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein is the Director of Interfaith Affairs for the Simon Wiesenthal Center. He also serves as a faculty member at Yeshiva of Los Angeles and its high schools, and holds the Sydney M. Irmas Chair in Jewish Law and Ethics at Loyola Law School. Rabbi Adlerstein is a contributing editor of the quarterly Jewish Action, as well as its regular computer columnist. His essays have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Present Tense, Tradition, Shma, the Los Angeles Daily Law Journal, and a host of Jewish and general printed and electronic media. He was frequently heard on KABC’s Religion on the Line, and appears often in the printed media as a voice of traditional Judaism. He co-hosted Rabbis With Attitude, a weekly radio program. His Be’er Hagolah, the classic defense of rabbinic Judaism by Maharal of Prague, was published by Artscroll/Mesorah Publications. Rabbi Adlerstein received his ordination from the Chofetz Chaim yeshiva in New York. He is a summa cum laude graduate of Queens College, and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. --- • Check out his channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UC6hfscHFb9At83OFRw9yE6A --- • 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!

Join us as we sit down with Rabbi Moshe Taragin to explore his deeply thought-provoking book, "Dark Clouds Above, Faith Below." We begin by delving into the motivations behind his writing and how recent tragedies have influenced his approach to discussing faith and doubt in the modern world. Rabbi Taragin opens up about the importance of validating feelings of doubt and anger during times of crisis, stressing how crucial it is for religious leaders to acknowledge these emotions within their communities. We also learn about Rav Yehuda Amital, a towering figure in Rabbi Taragin’s life, whose influence is felt throughout the book. The conversation turns to the unique relationship between belief in Hashem and human effort, particularly in the context of serving in the IDF. Rabbi Taragin provides insight into how these two concepts are reconciled in religious life and what it means for soldiers balancing their faith with their duties. --- • Bio: An alumnus of Har Etzion, Rav Moshe Taragin '83 has been a Ram at Yeshivat Har Etzion in Gush Etzion since 1994. He has Semikha from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, a BA in Computer Science from Yeshiva College, and an MA in English Literature from City University. Rabbi Taragin previously taught Talmud at Columbia University, lectured in Talmud and Bible at the IBC and JSS divisions of Yeshiva University, and served as Assistant Rabbi at the Fifth Avenue Synagogue. In addition, Rabbi Taragin currently teaches at the Stella K. Abraham Beit Midrash for Women of Yeshivat Har Etzion in Migdal Oz in Gush Etzion. --- • Find his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Clouds-Above-Faith-Below/dp/B0D2KP37WX --- • 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!

In this episode, we sit down with comedian and musician Ami Kozak, host of the Ami's House podcast and member of the band Distant Cousins, to delve into the nuances of his career and unique perspective as an orthodox Jew in the comedy world. We explore what initially drew him to comedy and the pivotal moments that solidified his path in the industry. Ami shares his thoughts on why there's a disproportionate number of Jewish comedians and how his Jewish identity shapes his material. We also discuss the challenges of navigating the comedy scene while staying true to his faith. Ami offers insight into the vital role of comedy in society, especially in tackling serious issues and pushing the boundaries of free speech. We then shift focus to his unexpected journey into Jewish activism, spurred by the events of October 7th, and his approach to engaging with audiences that hold opposing views. Ami also delivers a powerful message for young American Jews and non-Jews in the face of rising global antisemitism and antizionism. In a fun twist, Ami takes on the personas of various well-known figures, including Jordan Peterson, Donald Trump, and Prince Harry, in a rapid-fire Q&A segment. He hilariously and thoughtfully addresses questions on finding meaning in chaotic times, the current political climate, cultural shifts, and more. This episode is a blend of humor, introspection, and timely social commentary that you won't want to miss. --- • Bio: Versatile musician and comedian Ami Kozak is a well-established artist. As a composer and singer-songwriter, he is a member of the indie-pop band Distant Cousins, which he formed in 2013 with bandmates Dov Rosenblatt and Duvid Swirsky. The band's music has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials over the years, garnering a worldwide following. Born and raised in Englewood, New Jersey, Kozak began studying music under renowned producer, guitarist, and percussionist Ray Ippolito. He pursued his passion at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree, studying a broad range of genres, film scoring, arrangement, and music recording and engineering. Now a highly sought-after artist, Kozak is fast becoming a rising star. From the single “Are You Ready (on Your Own)” appearing in the How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World trailer to “Raise it Up” featuring in Criminal Minds, Kozak's versatility has fueled a remarkable career. With his unique style as a composer, bassist, vocalist, songwriter, and performer, Kozak continues to push boundaries and sharpen his craft. He's also known for his hilarious J-Sketch Comedy skits with fellow Orthodox Jewish comedians Mikey Greenblatt and Eli Lebowicz. An incredibly talented comedian and impressionist, Kozak has accumulated over 200,000 TikTok followers and over 8 million TikTok likes. His online videos have taken social media by storm, amassing millions of views on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter. Kozak has been featured on Sky News, The Daily Wire, and numerous other high-profile news segments and podcasts. His appearances on the Candace Owens podcast have generated significant media buzz, and his advocacy for Am Yisrael makes him one of the most important voices in the modern Jewish world. --- • Find Ami here: @AmisHousePod / @aj-comedy / @jsketch613 / @DistantCousins --- • 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!