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.
Episodes
127 episodes
The Wonder Effect: From Shliach to Business Success to Author – A Conversation with Adam Haston
In this episode of Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today, Levi Brackman sits down with his longtime friend Adam Haston, real estate investor and author of The Wonder Effect: An Adventurous Guide for Igniting Your Passions and Pursuing Yo...
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Season 7
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Episode 9
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1:19:20
Not Leaving, Not Faking: Staying Haredi While Asking Real Questions - With Rabbi Yitzchok Lowy
Rabbi Yitzchok Lowy grew up in Lakewood in a Hasidic–yeshivish home, learned in top Lithuanian yeshivot, and later immersed himself in the world of contemporary Hasidic and Kabbalistic teachers. In this conversation, we sit together...
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Season 7
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Episode 8
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1:59:36
Chabad Without Lubavitch — A Conversation with Rabbi Avrohom Wilner
Rabbi Avram Wilner has reissued, footnoted, and clarified key works of Rabbi Aharon of Staroshelye, a towering but under-learned student of the Alter Rebbe. We explore the fault line between learning Chabad as a path of inner avodah and affilia...
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Season 7
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Episode 7
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1:07:32
Can a Post-Talmudic Orthodoxy Become Talmudic Again? – A Conversation with Menachem Fisch
Is Orthodox Judaism still Talmudic — or has it slipped into safe, post-Talmudic conformity? Professor Menachem Fisch — Joseph & Ceil Mazer Professor Emeritus at Tel Aviv University, Director of its Center for Religious and Inter-reli...
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Season 7
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Episode 6
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1:25:31
First-Language Judaism vs. Rule-Book Religion: My Conversation with Prof. Moshe Koppel
Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman sits down with Prof. Moshe Koppel—mathematician, long-time Israeli resident, and author of Judaism Straight Up—to explore what it means to “speak” Judaism naturally instead of consulting a rule book at every tur...
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Season 7
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Episode 5
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1:02:29
Rabbi Manis Friedman vs. Classical Sources: Does God need Us?
Welcome to Truths—"Seeking Ecstasy" season, Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman’s first solo deep dive in the new series.After opening with a heartfelt prayer for Israel amid the current Iran conflict, Rabbi Levi tackles the heated debate sparked b...
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Season 7
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Episode 4
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48:52
Why Maimonides Falls Short and Psychedelics Matter - Rabbi Yuval Cherlow in Conversation
“In His Image: Why Maimonides Alone Isn’t Enough & Psychedelics Have Their Place — A Conversation with Rabbi Yuval Cherlow”In this episode of Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today, Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman sits down with the esteemed Rabbi...
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Season 7
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Episode 3
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45:06
The End of Certainty: A New Jewish Theology – A Conversation with Yehudah Ber Zirkind
In this episode of Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today—part of the Seeking Ecstasy season—Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman visits Jerusalem to sit down with Yehuda Ber Zirkind for their second full-length conversation. After their first discussion in New Ha...
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Season 7
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Episode 2
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1:21:37
New Season Introduction: Seeking Ecstasy
Welcome to the intro episode of the new season of Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today—“Seeking Ecstasy.” In this kickoff, Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman explains why the podcast paused, why he’s launching from the holy city of Safed...
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Season 7
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Episode 1
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9:39
The Chaos of God's Commands, Appearances, and Promises to Abraham - Lech Lecha
In this episode, Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman discusses the Torah portion "Lech Lecha" from Genesis 12, which introduces Abraham. Unlike Noah, Abraham's background and reasons for God's favor are minimally detailed in the text, though expanded upon ...
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Season 6
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Episode 27
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23:42
Noah's Flood: Two Texts, One Truth
In this episode of "Truth Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman explores the Torah portion of Noah, focusing on scholarly interpretations and anomalies within the biblical narrative of the Flood. He begins by acknowledging that whil...
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Season 6
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Episode 26
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20:15
Are Women Also Created in God's Image? - Beraishit
In his podcast on the Torah portion of Bereshit (Genesis), Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman explores a lesser-known aspect of the creation narratives. He examines Genesis 1:26-27, where God says, "Let us make human in our image, according to our likenes...
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Season 6
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Episode 25
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16:15
Two Models of God: Invoking Divine Protection for Israel in Times of Crisis - Vayelech/Ha'azinu
In this episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman delves into the Torah portions of Vayelech and Ha'azinu from the Book of Deuteronomy. He explores the contrasting depictions of God's reaction when the Israelites aba...
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Season 6
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Episode 24
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22:48
Understanding 'Allah' is the Key to Preventing Societal Collapse - Nitzavim
In this episode of "Truths Jewish Wisdom for Today," host Rabbi D Levi Brackman delves into the Torah portion of Nitzavim, found in Deuteronomy chapters 29 and 30. He explores the profound themes of covenant, blessings, and curses that define t...
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Season 6
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Episode 23
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26:37
The Biblical Covenantal Relationship's Inbuilt 'Day One' Mindset - Ki Tavo
In this episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman delves into the Torah portion of Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26) to explore the mitzvah of Bikkurim—the offering of the first fruits—and its profound im...
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Season 6
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Episode 22
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27:58
Rabbinic Reinterpretation of the Torah: Ethical Adjustments in the Oral Law - Ki Teitzei
In this episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman explores the Torah portion of Ki Teitzei, focusing on its complex laws regarding marriage and divorce. He examines how these ancient texts can be interpreted to align...
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Season 6
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Episode 21
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31:17
Why Torah Needs Two Sections on False Prophets - Mishpatim
In this episode of Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today, Levi Brackman delves into the topic of false prophets as presented in two Torah portions, Re'eh and Shoftim, from Deuteronomy. He begins by exploring why the Torah addresses false prophets in ...
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Season 6
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Episode 20
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16:32
Candace Owens' Lies About Jews, Judaism, and Rabbi Schneerson, and Boteach's Failure to Respond
In this episode of Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today, Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman reflects on a recent debate between Candace Owens, a right-wing political commentator, and Rabbi Shmuley Boteach. The core focus of Brackman's discussion is Candace Owe...
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32:05
Is Your Leader a False Prophet? - Re'eh
In this episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabb Dr. Levi Brackman discusses the Torah portion of Re'eh from Deuteronomy, focusing on the concept of prophets and how to distinguish between true and false prophets. He addresses the cha...
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Season 6
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Episode 19
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20:08
A Festival of Love - Jewish Engagements and Marriage Explained
In this episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today", Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman dedicates the discussion to the Jewish holiday of Tu B'Av, the 15th of Av, and its connection to romantic relationships and engagements, in honor of his son Dovi's en...
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Season 6
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Episode 18
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21:06
The Competing Spies Narrative Shows You Won't Find the Truth in the Torah
In this episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman explores the first Torah portion in the book of Deuteronomy, known as "Devarim" or "Mishneh Torah." He begins by discussing the nature of Deuteronomy, which largely c...
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Season 6
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Episode 17
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24:20
Passing the Test: Fighting for the Land from the East Side of the Jordan - Matot
In this episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman delves into the Torah portion of Matot, focusing on chapter 32 of the Book of Numbers. The story centers around the tribes of Reuben and Gad, who request to stay on t...
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Season 6
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Episode 16
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17:34
The Politics of Succession: Biden's Choice vs. Moses' Wisdom - Pinhas
In this episode of "Truths, Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman discusses the Torah portion of Pinhas, particularly focusing on the succession of leadership from Moses to Joshua. He begins by drawing a parallel between recent even...
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Season 6
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Episode 15
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15:25
Moses's Biblical Fiction - Balak
In this episode of "Truths, Jewish Wisdom for Today," Levi Brackman discusses the Torah portion of Balak, offering an ideological perspective on its authorship and historical authenticity. Brackman begins by summarizing the story of Balak, the ...
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Season 6
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Episode 14
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18:10
The Torah’s Rejection of Venerating Dead Leaders - Chukat
In this episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman discusses the Torah portion "Chukat," which heavily focuses on the concept of death. He explores the significance of death in the Torah, emphasizing that while life i...
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Season 6
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Episode 14
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17:08