The Pillars: Jerusalem, Athens, and the Western Mind
Lobel Center for Jewish Classical Education
Welcome to The Pillars: Jerusalem, Athens, and the Western Mind, a podcast that tells the story of the prophets, philosophers, and poets who created the West.
In this podcast, Rabbi Dr. Mitchell Rocklin guides listeners through more than 3,000 years of Western history, offering a coherent, civilizational story of how the West came to be—along with a deepened understanding of the challenges it now faces. While many of the texts discussed will be familiar to students of the humanities, Rabbi Rocklin offers a new framework for understanding them—a framework in which the teachings of the Jewish religious tradition play a central role. For, as Rabbi Rocklin explains, Western civilization can only be understood as the product of a transformative and ongoing collision between the great traditions of Jerusalem and Athens—between the religious spirit of the Jews and the philosophical spirit of the Greeks.
In this podcast, Rabbi Dr. Mitchell Rocklin guides listeners through more than 3,000 years of Western history, offering a coherent, civilizational story of how the West came to be—along with a deepened understanding of the challenges it now faces. While many of the texts discussed will be familiar to students of the humanities, Rabbi Rocklin offers a new framework for understanding them—a framework in which the teachings of the Jewish religious tradition play a central role. For, as Rabbi Rocklin explains, Western civilization can only be understood as the product of a transformative and ongoing collision between the great traditions of Jerusalem and Athens—between the religious spirit of the Jews and the philosophical spirit of the Greeks.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 24, 2025 • 35min
The Early Middle Ages: Church and Society
Dive into the fascinating evolution of the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages. Discover how the church became a cornerstone of stability in a collapsing society, preserving ancient texts alongside Muslim and Jewish scholars. Explore the transformative impacts of serfdom, which replaced slavery, and how Christianity assimilated various cultures. The rise of Charlemagne sparked a cultural renaissance, reshaping Europe's identity from Roman citizenship to Christendom, ultimately paving the way for a complex interplay of trade and governance.
Apr 22, 2025 • 31min
The Birth of a New West: An Introduction to the Middle Ages
As the sun set on the Greco-Roman era, a new dawn will break over Christian Europe. To help introduce us to the Middle Ages, Rabbi Rocklin will address the following questions: The Middle Ages are often referred to as the Dark Ages, but how dark were they really? How did the chaos that followed the fall of the Roman empire influence the institutions of the Middle Ages? How does the tension between reason and revelation drive philosophical thought during this time?
Apr 10, 2025 • 55min
The Golden Age of Spain: Jewish Culture under Islamic Rule
The Jewish population of Spain thrived under Muslim rule. As we explore that time period, we'll take a look at the following questions: How do different cultural hubs develop in the region of Spain? How do the Jews develop their own genre of poetry in this region and what makes it uniquely beautiful? How do political turmoil and religious wars affect the Jews of Spain Recommended Reading: Lewis, Bernard. The Jews of Islam. New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1987. Perelis, Ronnie. Narratives from the Sephardic Atlantic: Blood and Faith. Indiana: Indiana University Press, 2016.
Apr 8, 2025 • 40min
Islam 101: A Religious and Historical Overview
Explore the origins of Islam in 7th-century Arabia and Muhammad's exposure to Jewish and Christian teachings. Discover how Islam fits into the narrative of Western civilization and its emphasis on submission to God's will. Dive into the Five Pillars of Islam, and understand theological differences with Judaism and Christianity. Unpack the Sunni-Shia split, the rise of the Abbasids, and the intellectual flourishing during the Islamic Golden Age. Learn about the spread of Islam through trade and the Ottoman Empire's influence on Europe.
Apr 3, 2025 • 49min
The Talmud: Jewish Law and Life
Professor Chaim Saiman, a law professor and rabbinic court judge specializing in Jewish law, delves into the significance of the Talmud. He defines its structure and the importance of orality in Jewish tradition. Listeners learn about the dual aspects of Talmudic study as both religious worship and communal dialogue. Saiman contrasts the Talmudic method with Greek philosophy, highlighting its dialogical nature. He also discusses historical challenges faced by the Talmud and its enduring role in Jewish identity and law.
Apr 1, 2025 • 38min
Imperial Collapse: Rome's Fall in the West and Longevity in the East
Explore the dramatic fall of the Western Roman Empire as it succumbs to fragmentation, economic decline, and barbarian invasions. Dive into whether Christianity played a role in this collapse or if it actually helped preserve the empire's legacy. Learn about the rise of monasticism and the complex relationship between church and state. Discover how the Eastern half thrived under leaders like Justinian, shaping legal frameworks that would influence Europe for centuries. The journey through Rome's tumultuous history is both enlightening and thought-provoking!
Mar 27, 2025 • 34min
Commodus to Constantine: The Peak and Decline of the Roman Empire
The late Roman Empire faced unprecedented instability as Commodus's erratic reign led to military pressures from external foes and economic hardships. Diocletian's reforms attempted to stabilize the economy, even as he split the empire and persecuted Christians to bolster unity. Meanwhile, Constantine's rise marked a pivotal shift: his conversion to Christianity, the Council of Nicaea, and founding of Constantinople set the stage for a new era. Yet, these reforms provided only a temporary reprieve before the inevitable decline.
Mar 26, 2025 • 50min
An Animating Spirit: Midrash and the Roman-Jewish Clash
Explore the fascinating world of Midrash, where textual inquiry reveals deeper meanings in Jewish tradition. Discover how 4th–6th century midrashic texts became authoritative and the ways in which they fill gaps in scripture. Delve into the debates over Abraham's choices and the role of Midrash in shaping Jewish identity amidst Roman dominance. Learn why Midrash is an animating spirit in Judaism, influencing not only Jewish thought but also impacting early Christianity. Join in on the discussion about poetic interpretations and historical contexts.
Mar 20, 2025 • 35min
Masters of Satire: Tacitus and Juvenal
In this discussion, Tacitus and Juvenal take center stage as sharp critics of society. Tacitus reveals his complex and often hostile views on Jews, demonstrating a deep misunderstanding rooted in Roman paganism. His reflections on the Sabbath highlight cultural clashes of ideology. Meanwhile, Juvenal's biting satire attacks Roman vices, famously critiquing the notion of 'bread and circuses.' Together, they showcase the power of humor and self-critique in understanding human behavior throughout history.
Mar 19, 2025 • 29min
Josephus II: The Legacy of Masada
The legacy of Masada resonates deeply within Jewish identity. Rabbi Rocklin delves into Josephus' dramatic account of the mass suicide and its timing during Passover, presenting it as both sacrificial and redemptive. He examines the tensions between martyrdom and survival, contrasting Josephus' valorization of death with rabbinic teachings that prioritize life. The discussion also explores Masada's influence on modern Israeli identity and military ethos, highlighting the ongoing debate between heroism and the ethics of self-destruction.
