Join two rabbis at the University of Pennsylvania, one a Wharton Business School graduate, the other a yeshiva-trained master Talmudist, exploring Torah Judaism's perspective on just about everything in life.
Demons
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the Jewish sources for the existence of demons, including in the Torah itself, as well as the approach many authoritative commentaries have taken to the literal, physical, metaphysical, or allegorical existence of demons. Enjoy!
(another shoutout to Rebecca!)
2/16/2024 • 32 minutes, 13 seconds
Who wrote the Prophets and Writings (and who cares?) | TaNaCH authors
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the debate about who wrote the books of Prophets and Writings, including the works of King Solomon and King David. A fascinating discussion, as it is not as obvious as it seems, and how this has lead to an overly academic approach to these moral teachings. (Shoutout to Rebecca!)
2/12/2024 • 36 minutes, 4 seconds
'Tis the season! | Gift-giving in Judaism | Chanukah and beyond
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the age-old practice of exchanging and giving gifts at seasoned times, like Chanukah and anniversaries. Is giving and receiving gifts a Jewish value or a copy-cat keep up with the Joneses attempt to be like other cultures we see in America?
12/22/2023 • 23 minutes, 56 seconds
Kohanim (Priests) | Role Models vs. Leadership
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the priests of the Jewish nation, the Kohanim, and their unique position as role models as opposed to leaders or kings of the nation. What was special about Kohanim during the times when the Temple stood and how does that carried out today in our times? Are Kohanim special today?
12/22/2023 • 20 minutes, 43 seconds
Abraham's Greatness
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the unique character traits and actions that made Abraham great in God's eyes and in the eyes of the world, and fitting to be the progenitor of the Jewish people.
11/8/2023 • 34 minutes, 21 seconds
War Response | We’re all in a position to help!
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss how we’re all in a position to help. Every Jew can make a substantial contribution when Israel is under attack , no matter where we are in the world, we can contribute to the war effort in Israel, not only financially, but through our individual activism, actions, and spiritual and emotional support.
10/13/2023 • 32 minutes, 16 seconds
War & Wartime Strategy
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the Torah and Rabbinical sources for how the Jewish people prepare for war, and the strategies and attitudes necessary to ensure the safety and security of the Jewish people and Israel, including diplomacy, force, and prayer.
10/13/2023 • 19 minutes, 38 seconds
Anti-semitism: A call to observance!
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss how a robust response to Anti-Semitism requires understanding the roots of this hate, what makes the Jewish people unique, and that it might take more effort than just changing your Instagram profile.
9/22/2023 • 25 minutes, 8 seconds
Forgiving Others Selfishly!
Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier delve into the complex concept of how forgiving others (and forgoing your just desserts and sweet, sweet revenge), hold the key to our own success in life and a good judgment from the Almighty on Rosh Hashana.
9/11/2023 • 22 minutes, 20 seconds
Vegetarian
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss the lifestyle and morals of Vegetarianism from the Torah perspective, drawing on Biblical and Talmudic sources to understand sensitivities to humans and animals, their similarities, differences, and diets.
9/11/2023 • 21 minutes, 4 seconds
Elul | Preparing for Rosh Hashana with Psalm 27
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox decipher Psalm 27 crafted by King David and choses by the Jewish Sages to be recited during the month of Elul as the most effective way to prepare for Rosh Hashana 30 days later.
8/25/2023 • 28 minutes, 13 seconds
Rabbis as leaders as opposed to mentors
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox discuss this interesting dual role posed to Rabbinical authorities to be both mentors and role models to individuals as well as effective leaders making decisions that affect the entire Jewish community at large.
8/25/2023 • 27 minutes, 40 seconds
The Unique Prophecy of Moses | (4 of 4)
Recorded long ago, and once believed to be lost forever, after digging in the vaults for months, Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier are excited to present their fourth installment on prophecy, focusing on the unique and special prophecy of Moses. Enjoy!
8/25/2023 • 21 minutes, 48 seconds
Havdala
One of the most cherished rituals in Jewish history, popularized in Jewish youth groups summer camps across all denominations, Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox delve into the meaning and significance of the Havdala ceremony that takes place after Shabbat and Holidays.
8/25/2023 • 20 minutes, 4 seconds
Finding a good Rabbi
Rabbi Fox and Rabbi discuss the essential topic of finding a good Rabbi or Rebbe and what a personal relationship with your Rebbe/Rabbi should be, ideally.
8/10/2023 • 23 minutes, 8 seconds
Reincarnation | Gilgulim
Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier discuss the concept of reincarnation in Judaism, what the word in Hebrew "Gilgul" reveals about the soul's mission, and what we can practically take away for our own lives.
8/10/2023 • 39 minutes, 29 seconds
Shema Part 6 | "v'haya," the paragraph after "v'ahavta" (updated audio)
Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier delve even deeper into the Shema liturgy, delving into the "v'haha" paragraph that follows the more famous "v'ahavta." Noting both striking similarities and subtle changes between both paragraphs of the Shema, Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox highlight the the significance of these grammatical and liturgical changes, and how they influence our daily lives.
[note: this audio was corrupted and replaced]
8/4/2023 • 30 minutes, 12 seconds
Gimme gimme! | Praying for myself and my needs**
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox compare the spiritual quandary and merits of praying for yourself and what you feel you need versus a more altruistic approach to prayer that prioritize others' needs first.
** [Unfortunately, this file was corrupted during the recording process. We apologize for the sound quality and will try and re-record this episode in the future]
8/1/2023 • 22 minutes, 23 seconds
Dating for Marriage | w/ Rivkah Fox
Internationally renowned matchmaker, Mrs. Rivkah Fox, joins Rabbi Rick Fox (they are married!) and Rabbi Meir Bier for an in depth discussion about dating in the modern Jewish world.
7/31/2023 • 34 minutes, 33 seconds
Tisha B'av | Source of the Destruction of the Temple
Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier discuss the root cause of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem - (what was behind the breakdown of Jewish society, the murder, immorality, and idol worship that took place at that time) - and how we can improve on the shortcomings of the previous generations.
7/26/2023 • 23 minutes, 47 seconds
Tisha B'av | A Holiday?
Rabbi Bier & Rabbi Fox discuss the vexing dialectic nature of Tisha B'av. On the one hand, Tisha B'av is the saddest, most tragic day on the Jewish calendar, and on the other hand, the Talmudic Sages refer to this day as a "holiday" using the Hebrew, "Moed" which is only found in reference to the joyous festivals throughout the year.
7/26/2023 • 22 minutes, 32 seconds
Shema Part 5 | V'shinantam - Teach your children well!
Rabbi Bier and Rabbi Fox continue their in-depth discussion about the words of the "v'ahavta" paragraph of the Shema, discussing the complexities of the continuity of Judaism. Not only that you must teach your children, but you should successfully model proper character and a deep passion for Judaism yourself.
7/21/2023 • 22 minutes, 30 seconds
The Temple and the Western Wall | The Beit haMikdash and the Kotel
Rabbi Fox and Rabbi Bier discuss the significance of the Temple of Jerusalem, the remaining Western Wall, and the obligation from the Torah for all healthy Jewish citizens to visit 3-times a year when the Temple stood.