
Truths - Jewish Wisdom for Today
Hosted by Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman, "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today" is an insightful podcast exploring the confluence of religion, science, and philosophy.
The podcast serves as a platform for curious minds who value nuance and pursue wisdom. It is not designed for individuals seeking absolute truths or those inclined towards unquestioning religious adherence, but instead for those who traverse our rapidly evolving world as seekers and explorers.
With the mission to impart valuable insights rooted in Jewish perspective that resonate with contemporary times, "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today" learns from distinguished guests, shares insights with listeners, and adapts with time and context. This podcast stands as a guiding light for those questing for wisdom and a nuanced understanding of spirituality amid the complexities of the modern world.
Truths - Jewish Wisdom for Today
Siyum of Kiddushin: What's at Stake for the World in the War with Hamas
In this week’s episode of “Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today,” host Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman marks the completion of the order of Nashim in the Talmud, which covers topics related to women, marriage, and gender. Brackman creatively ties this milestone for Daf Yomi participants to an analysis of the current war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.
He explains how the Jewish concept of marriage involves a man acquiring intimate exclusivity with a woman, while she relinquishes intimacy with other men. Brackman argues this notion of acquisition establishes important boundaries that protect against anarchy and “might makes right.” He emphasizes how fundamental the Jewish values of property rights and respect for boundaries are.
Brackman then contrasts this with the Palestinian view. He argues they make no counterclaim to the land, lacking the Jewish concept of being granted ownership by God. Brackman states groups like Hamas reveal a worldview completely disregarding boundaries by seeking to eliminate any Jewish presence through violence. He argues they feel entitled to take whatever they wish, lacking Jewish ethics around the sanctity of life.
In closing, Brackman argues the conflict represents a clash between the Jewish worldview that progressed humanity and primitive forces rejecting those values. He contends Israel, with property rights and human life embedded in its identity, must prevail over the darkness of Hamas.
Overall, this episode creatively connects the wisdom of the Talmud around marriage and gender roles with an analysis of the ideological foundations of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Brackman aims to show the timeless relevance of Torah values to making sense of today’s complex world.
Levi Brackman is a rabbi, Ph.D. in psychology, best-selling author of Jewish Wisdom for Business Success, and founder of Invown, a platform for real estate fundraising and investing.