Podcast
The Curious Jew
Hosted by Yeshivat Orayta · EN
Judaism is a civilization built on big ideas—about God, morality, community, purpose, and what it means to live a meaningful life. But in a rapidly changing world, how do these timeless concepts speak to our modern reality?
The Curious Jew is a forum for thoughtful conversation, spirited debate, and intellectual exploration of Judaism’s most enduring questions and contemporary challenges. Through engaging discussions with leading rabbis, scholars, authors, and communal figures, we go beyond the surface to examine the core ideas shaping the Jewish future.
Hosted by Rabbi David Silverstein and produced by Yeshivat Orayta, our goal is not simply to provide easy answers, but to cultivate curiosity, challenge assumptions, and inspire a more thoughtful, self-aware, and committed Judaism for the twenty-first century.
Whether you're deeply learned in Torah text or just beginning your intellectual journey, The Curious Jew invites you to join the conversation. New episodes drop bi-weekly.
Questions? Feedback? Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed? Let us know: thecuriousjew@orayta.org
Intro music by Mykola Odnoroh.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
What We Misunderstood Before October 7th with Akiva Bigman [Israel at War, Part 7]
Jan 28, 202401:01:59Tap to summarizePrior to October 7th, the Israeli political and military establishment mistakenly thought that Hamas was deterred from attacking Israel. What other misconceptions lay behind Israeli thinking? How can the Israeli government rectify these errors moving forward? In this episode, Rav David Silverstein is joined by military strategist Akiva Bigman to discuss these questions and reflect on possible new paradigms for Israeli leaders to think about the war in Gaza.Akiva Bigman is the Chief Editor at Mida (Hebrew/English), an Israeli news and commentary website. He previously served as the Chief Investigative Journalist for Chanel 14 as well as a columnist for Yisrael Hayom. He holds a Master’s in Jewish history from Bar Ilan University and is currently pursuing his PhD in military strategy.Questions? Feedback? Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed?Email us at oraytapodcast@gmail.com and we look forward to "continuing the conversation."Music from "Ashreinu" by Omek HaDavarRecorded in the Old City of Jerusalem at Yeshivat Orayta (orayta.org) | Facebook | Instagram
Transcribe →
October 7th & National Teshuva with Rabbi Dr. Joshua Berman [Israel at War, Part 6]
Jan 14, 202400:47:25Tap to summarizeTraditional Jewish theology understands that a national crisis can serve as a catalyst for collective reflection and teshuva. What can we learn from the horrors of October 7th? What national sins must be rectified moving forward? In this episode, Rav David Silverstein discusses these questions with Rabbi Dr. Joshua Berman through the prism of his provocative and important article, "Is this war a divine punishment?"Rabbi Dr. Joshua Berman is a professor of Bible at BarIlan University and an Associate Fellow at the Shalem Center in Jerusalem. A graduate of Princeton University, Rabbi Berman received his rabbinical ordination from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel after learning for eight years at Yeshivat Har Etzion. He is the author of several books, most recently Ani Maamin: Biblical Criticism, Historical Truth and the Thirteen Principles of Faith (Maggid). He, his wife and their four children reside in Bet Shemesh.Questions? Feedback? Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed?Email us at oraytapodcast@gmail.com and we look forward to "continuing the conversation."Music from "Ashreinu" by Omek HaDavarRecorded in the Old City of Jerusalem at Yeshivat Orayta (orayta.org) | Facebook | Instagram
Transcribe →
A Civic Vision for the Day After with JJ Sussman [Israel at War, Part 5]
Dec 31, 202300:52:27Tap to summarize2023 was one of the most divisive years in Israel's history. Polarization and the debate surrounding the judicial reform lead Israel to the brink of civil war culminating in altercations on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year. After the horrors of October 7th, however, we have seen the country unified around a shared sense of mission and purpose. How do we maintain this feeling of unity for the duration of the war and after the war's completion? How can Israelis learn to live together despite their religious and political differences? In this episode, Rav David Silverstein is joined by JJ Sussman, the International Director of Gesher, to discuss these questions through the lens of his recent Jerusalem Post article.JJ Sussman is the International Director at Gesher where his role includes leading delegations of Israeli influentials to experience Jewish communities in the US. In addition, he is responsible for resource development. Prior to Gesher, JJ worked in Israel’s high-tech sector at leading firms such as SanDisk, Jerusalem Global, and Israel Seed Partners. Having made Aliyah from New York 25 years ago, JJ now lives in Modi’in. He holds a BA from Yeshiva University and an MBA from Kellogg/Tel Aviv University.Questions? Feedback? Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed?Email us at oraytapodcast@gmail.com and we look forward to "continuing the conversation."Music from "Ashreinu" by Omek HaDavarRecorded in the Old City of Jerusalem at Yeshivat Orayta (orayta.org) | Facebook | Instagram
Transcribe →