Judaism

Season 1: Episode 10 – Through the Flames

In this episode, R’ Mike describes the destruction of Jerusalem from without and from within. In order to do so he compares the perspectives of the great Jewish historian Josephus and the leading Sage R’ Yochanan ben Zakkai. In the end it is clear that the real question is not how was Jerusalem destroyed, but…

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Season 1: Episode 9 -The Eve of Destruction

We are on the eve of destruction. As the national vessel begins to fray at the seams and the Temple’s burning looms, the cultural battle within the text of the Torah erupts. When the smoke clears from the destruction it will be the divergent understandings of God’s will as embodied in the text which will…

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Season 1: Episode 8 -Hillel Prince of the Torah

In this episode Rav Mike discusses the persona of HiIlel the Elder. Hillel was named Nasi, prince, at the same time as Herod was king. In addition, Jesus of Nazareth was born in his lifetime. Together, these three represent competing models of the kingdom of God, and they and their followers will live out a…

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Season 1: Episode 7 – Herod and the Two Faces of Kingship

Herod the Wicked or Herod the Great? In this episode Rav Mike talks about Herod’s kingdom, the final phase of Judea preceding the destruction of the Second Temple. Herod’s complex personality matched the fragmented nature of his kingdom, but the state he built was strong enough to hold off the disaster to come. Want to…

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Season 1: Episode 6 -The Hasmonean Kingdom

Rav Mike discusses the rise and fall of the Hasmonean dynasty, from a kingdom of priests to Hellenestic kingdom. Also hear how Judean society began to tear along lines which will define things for some time to come. Want to help tell the Jewish Story? Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/mfeuer

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Season 1: Episode 5 – The Channuka Revolt

In this episode, Rav Mike describes the rise of Hellenistic Judaism as the background for the Channukah story. Judah and his brothers rose in revolt because they understood that identity is a matter of life and death. Their determination liberated the Temple, but what was the nature of the light they kindled there? Want to…

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Season 1: Episode 4 – The Greek Encounter

The encounter between Greek and Jewish culture was love at first sight. The two cultures were bridged by language, and one of its great products of their fusion was the Septuagint – the Greek translation of the Bible. But every translation is an interpretation, and it was not clear how long Hellenistic Judaism could walk…

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Season 1: Episode 3 – The Men of the Great Assembly

The Men of the Great Assembly lie on the other side of the mists of the Persian period from Daniel. They will begin to lay the foundations of Judaism as we know it, guiding Israel away from prophecy and toward wisdom. Aside from their place in chronology, what makes them so great? Want to help…

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Season 1: Episode 2 – The Return To Zion, Re-building the Walls of Identity, Religion, and Jerusale

In Episode 2 of The Jewish Story, Rav Mike explores the walls built by Ezra and Nechemia, and the power which exclusivity over our story gives in the shaping of identity. Want to help tell the Jewish Story? Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/mfeuer

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