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The Great Sources with Rabbi Shnayor Burton

The Great Sources with Rabbi Shnayor Burton

By Rabbi Shnayor Burton

Lecture series in Jewish Philosophy.
What was the purpose of Creation? What is man's place in the world? What are prophecy and prayer about? What is the significance of Shabbos and the Promised Land?
Explore these fundamental questions of Judaism from their sources, and become familiar with the systems developed by the great Torah thinkers: R' Saadiah Gaon, R' Yehuda HaLevi, R' Bachya ibn Paquda, Rambam and the school of the Mekubalim.

Opportunities for sponsorship of podcasts are available. Rabbi Burton can be reached at: oros.yaakov@gmail.com

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S1, E3 The Purpose of Creation, according to the Ramchal

The Great Sources with Rabbi Shnayor BurtonJan 19, 2020

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26:00
S7, E4, The Guide of the Perplexed, Creation, 04: Creation ex Nihilo as the Essence of the Torah's Teaching

S7, E4, The Guide of the Perplexed, Creation, 04: Creation ex Nihilo as the Essence of the Torah's Teaching

This shiur was generously sponsored by Mr. Ari Schwartz. This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. Highlights: 0:00 Abraham's project to strip away divinity from the universe and its association with Creation ex Nihilo

7:00 Divine bodies

11:00 Overview of the Guide 2:25

17:00 Maimonides' seven questions on the Torah

23:30 The middle question suggests that mitzvahs have no reason, contrary to Maimonides' opinion

29:00 That God has an unfathomable intent is the foundation of the Torah; Torah is irreducible to reason

34:00 If Aristotle's model of reality were to be proven, the Torah would be eventually abandoned, because if Torah is reducible to reason, it would be dispensable

45:30 The reasonableness of idolatry

49:15 Why is idolatry reasonable if it's based on the eternity of the universe?

51:00 The project of the Torah to uproot idolatry is the project of promoting the doctrine of Creation ex Nihilo and God's unfathomable intent in general 55:00 Abraham and Moses brought back God's intent into history

Mar 20, 202401:01:45
S5, E18 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 12: The Moral Limits of “An Eye for an Eye”

S5, E18 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 12: The Moral Limits of “An Eye for an Eye”

"Exodus, Exile and Redemption" is a study of the profound significance of Judaism's history. Written essays are published bi-weekly here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shnayor.substack.com/s/from-exodus-to-exile-to-redemption ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please subscribe! This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing projects of the foundation, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to the Substack newsletter or making a donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.

Mar 18, 202408:07
S7, E3, The Guide of the Perplexed, Creation, 03: Is Creation ex Nihilo Known via Philosophy or Prophecy?

S7, E3, The Guide of the Perplexed, Creation, 03: Is Creation ex Nihilo Known via Philosophy or Prophecy?

This shiur was generously sponsored by Mr. Ari Schwartz. This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. 2:00 Passages in the Guide that indicate that Creation ex Nihilo is known through revelatory prophecy

8:15 How Abraham reached knowledge of God through contemplating the heavens

19:30 Was Abraham an Aristotelian philosopher?

25:00 Prophecy revealed the truth that Creation ex Nihilo is the proper belief, not that Creation ex Nihilo is a scientific, cosmological fact

44:45 Since we believe that Abraham and Moshe had divine revelation, their personal philosophical speculations don't concern us

48:30 Maimonides' story about how Abraham discovered God is a deliberate anachronism

52:30 The project of the Guide of the Perplexed and how the perplexity shifts dramatically when it comes to Creation

Mar 13, 202459:10
S5, E17 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 11: The Development of Yaakov’s Character

S5, E17 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 11: The Development of Yaakov’s Character

"Exodus, Exile and Redemption" is a study of the profound significance of Judaism's history. Written essays are published bi-weekly here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shnayor.substack.com/s/from-exodus-to-exile-to-redemption ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please subscribe! This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing projects of the foundation, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to the Substack newsletter or making a donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.

Mar 07, 202407:05
S7, E2, The Guide of the Perplexed, Creation, 02: Creation from Nothing and Legislated Beliefs

S7, E2, The Guide of the Perplexed, Creation, 02: Creation from Nothing and Legislated Beliefs

This shiur was generously sponsored by Mr. Ari Schwartz. This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. 6:00 What are the possible reasons one would accept Creation ex Nihilo?

8:00 Avraham and Moshe as authorities and leaders who we follow and from whom we accept the doctrine of Creation ex Nihilo

18:00 Jews are the community of followers of Avraham, their forefather, and Moshe, their prophet

21:45 What a person should do when facing an issue that isn't conclusively proven

30:30 Why authorities determine the appropriate beliefs and how belief is a kind of practice

36:00 The belief in Creation ex Nihilo is a matter of law, not only a matter of scientific truth

45:00 Was Maimonides himself developing original legislation regarding Creation ex Nihilo?

51:00 Why rhetorical arguments in favor of Creation ex Nihilo are appropriate

55:00 Maimonides' original legislation of dogma

57:15 Revelatory prophecy as the source for the belief in Creation ex Nihilo

Mar 05, 202401:04:05
S5, E16 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 10: Analyzing a Tsaddik’s Character with Reverence and Truth

S5, E16 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 10: Analyzing a Tsaddik’s Character with Reverence and Truth

"Exodus, Exile and Redemption" is a study of the profound significance of Judaism's history. Written essays are published bi-weekly here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shnayor.substack.com/s/from-exodus-to-exile-to-redemption ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please subscribe! This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing projects of the foundation, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to the Substack newsletter or making a donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.

Feb 28, 202404:17
S7, E1, The Guide of the Perplexed, Creation, 01: Why Creation from Nothing is so Central to Religion

S7, E1, The Guide of the Perplexed, Creation, 01: Why Creation from Nothing is so Central to Religion

This shiur was generously sponsored by Mr. Ari Schwartz. This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. 0:00 The Mutakallimun approach to creation and Maimonides' rejection thereof 9:00 The three opinions about how the world follows from God: that of the Torah of Moshe; that of Plato; and that of Aristotle 26:00 The goal of those who follow the Torah of Moshe and Abraham 29:00 The metric to determine what is possible and what is impossible, and how to apply this to creation ex nihilo 35:00 The fundamental difference between a religious person and a philosopher 39:00 Abraham and Moshe and the invention of religion 42:30 The meaning of Abraham's call in the name of "Hashem, God of the world" 51:45 The logic underpinning idolatry 59:00 The connection between idolatry and the eternity of the world 1:02:00 Maimonides as a blend of a religious person and a philosopher

Feb 21, 202401:07:01
S6, E12 Shemona Perakim; Should a Person be Moderately Humble or Extremely Lowly?

S6, E12 Shemona Perakim; Should a Person be Moderately Humble or Extremely Lowly?

This shiur was generously sponsored by an anonymous donor for the merit of the speedy, safe and healthy return of the Hostages. The source sheet for this shiur is available here.

Highlights 0:30 The 2 divergent Torahs and 2 divergent purposes of mitzvahs: one for the masses, the other for the elite individuals

9:30 Maimonides explicitly contradicts himself regarding whether a person should be moderately humble or practice extreme self-abasement

22:00 Maimoinides' own personal change of character as a result of experience and years

27:00 How life changes a person, and why a different kind of behavior is appropriate for young people than for older people

30:30 Maimonides teaches both a theoretical ideal and what is appropriate in practice

33:00 We no longer treat people according to how they themselves treat us

38:00 An eye for an eye (https://youtu.be/fpAdWSy_mZA?si=yoCYdDm12MGHZrRw)

42:00 Some texts are meant only as ideals and not to be executed in practice

44:00 We must study the ways of Hashem, and we must also know that we can't ever perfectly emulate them

47:30 Extreme lowliness stands in tension with good character and wisdom This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation.

Feb 08, 202455:31
S6, E11 Shemona Perakim; Moderation vs. Extremism

S6, E11 Shemona Perakim; Moderation vs. Extremism

This shiur was generously sponsored by an anonymous donor for the merit of the speedy, safe and healthy return of the Hostages. The source sheet for this shiur is available here.

Highlights 0:30 Overview of chapters 3-4 of Shemona Perakim 9:00 Contradictions in Maimonides' view regarding extremism 15:00 The view of R' Avraham son of Maimonides on the virtue of ascetism and extremism 17:30 Why law is necessary; man is a political animal 24:30 Extreme cruelty is not inherently wrong for an individual; it only hinders him from living in society 27:15 Are character traits natural or are they learned behaviors? 30:00 Ethics as politics 37:15 The need for political thinking and why it fell out of style 40:15 The Torah is for the whole nation, not for special individuals 43:00 Why the prophets didn't practice celibacy 46:30 Torah law engenders uniformity, and therefore any destabilizing, extreme behavior must be kept hidden 52:15 Moderation as the key to the redemption This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation.

Jan 31, 202456:52
S5, E15 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 9: Yaakov’s Fear and the Unfinished Quest for Divine Understanding

S5, E15 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 9: Yaakov’s Fear and the Unfinished Quest for Divine Understanding

"Exodus, Exile and Redemption" is a study of the profound significance of Judaism's history. Written essays are published bi-weekly here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shnayor.substack.com/s/from-exodus-to-exile-to-redemption ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please subscribe! This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing projects of the foundation, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to the Substack newsletter or making a donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.

Jan 29, 202406:01
S6, E10 Shemona Perakim; Is a Good Imagination Part of Being a Good Person?

S6, E10 Shemona Perakim; Is a Good Imagination Part of Being a Good Person?

This shiur was generously sponsored by an anonymous donor for the merit of the speedy, safe and healthy return of the Hostages.

The source sheet for this shiur is available ⁠here⁠

Highlights: Why doesn't Maimonides include a good imagination among the human virtues?

What the imagination does and what makes it good

The definition of prophecy, the human being's highest perfection

Prophets need to have a good imagination

Animals also have an imaginative faculty on a par with humans

What imagination does, and how it is similar to and differs from reason

The imagination can't avoid materialism

Prophecy is not a characteristic inherent to being human

Three opinions about prophecy

Analyzing Maimonides' understanding of prophecy

There are two ways to view man: As intellect alone, or as a composite of intellect and body

The imagination is part of man's perfection only from the perspective of as a composite being comprised of intellect and body as well

Why many wise people didn't become prophets

Those who consider prophecy a characteristic inherent to being human consider man to be a body

This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation.

Jan 25, 202459:52
S5, E14 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 8: Good Character

S5, E14 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 8: Good Character

"Exodus, Exile and Redemption" is a study of the profound significance of Judaism's history. Written essays are published bi-weekly here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shnayor.substack.com/s/from-exodus-to-exile-to-redemption ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please subscribe! This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing projects of the foundation, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to the Substack newsletter or making a donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.

Jan 15, 202406:02
S6, E9 Shemona Perakim; Which Parts of the Soul Participate in Human Excellence?

S6, E9 Shemona Perakim; Which Parts of the Soul Participate in Human Excellence?

This shiur was generously sponsored by an anonymous donor for the merit of the speedy, safe and healthy return of the Hostages.

The source sheet for this shiur is available here.


Highlights:

Overview of chapter 2 of the Shemona Perakim The definition of "virtue" – human excellence Which parts of the soul can the Torah mold? Why the imaginative faculty can't be obedient or disobedient Which parts of the human being participate in reason, which is the essence of the human being Desire can become rational, but imagination can't become rational Why mitzvahs and aveirahs are primarily related to actions There are no chukkim when it comes to thoughts or words, only actions The nutritive faculty of the soul acts unreasonably Did the nutritive faculty of Moshe's soul act unreasonably? This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation.

Jan 11, 202458:54
S5, E13 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 7: Anti-Faith and Indirect Knowledge

S5, E13 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 7: Anti-Faith and Indirect Knowledge

"Exodus, Exile and Redemption" is a study of the profound significance of Judaism's history. Written essays are published bi-weekly here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shnayor.substack.com/s/from-exodus-to-exile-to-redemption ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please subscribe! This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing projects of the foundation, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to the Substack newsletter or making a donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.

Jan 01, 202407:14
S6, E8 Shemona Perakim; Was Moshe an Angel?

S6, E8 Shemona Perakim; Was Moshe an Angel?

This shiur was generously sponsored in memory of R' Moshe Chaim ben Yitzchak David. 0:00 The importance of the Golden Mean in Maimonides' thought 4:15 What makes the Torah divine? 7:45 Is it possible for a person to be absolutely perfect? 10:00 Maimonides considers a perfect human being to be not a human being but rather an angel 14:00 How a person can become an angel 17:45 How the perfect person can transfer himself from the angelic realm back to the human realm 22:00 People who have no virtues are not human beings but animals 25:00 The behavior of humans that became angels 28:00 For 40 days, Moshe didn't eat – only his body did 32:30 What does it mean that Moshe was made an "Elohim"? 40:15 Moshe's sin: anger 45:00 When Maimonides mentions that he went off topic, it's a red flag that there is a secret that he's concealing 46:00 How could it be that Moshe became angry if he was perfect in character? 49:30 The perfection of the Torah depends on the perfection of Moshe 51:00 How a leader should pretend to get angry to scare his followers, and why Moshe couldn't do that 54:00 The absolute impossibility of an absolutely perfect leader 58:30 Hashem gets angry only regarding idolatry 1:00:00 The lowest Jew was like a prophet by virtue of being in the presence of the angel, Moshe 1:03:00 Moshe's actions are akin to prophecy, and therefore his actions of pretending to lose his temper represent that it is appropriate to lose his temper 1:05:00 Moshe's anger was inappropriate because his leadership is not the only viable leadership, and that's why his leadership was brought to an end


This lecture series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation

Jan 01, 202401:09:48
S6, E7 Shemona Perakim; Why Know God? Knowing God as the Perfection of a Human Being

S6, E7 Shemona Perakim; Why Know God? Knowing God as the Perfection of a Human Being

This shiur was generously sponsored in memory of R' Moshe Chaim ben Yitzchak David. 0:00 The Structure of Chapters 1-5 of the Shemona Perakim 2:45 The essence of man and the aim of man is reason, and the ultimate reason is God 9:00 Doing everything for the sake of heaven isn't a religious exercise, but is rather a selfish exercise 15:30 A person should do everything for the sake of heaven in order to be a true human being 23:45 Knowing Hashem is knowing truth 28:00 The divinity of intellect 36:00 Man should be aware of being in the constant presence of his own godly intellect 39:45 "The Holy, Blessed, be He," as codeword for intellect according to Rema 43:15 If a human is supposed to become an intellect, then why does he have a body? 48:30 Maimonides isn't here to tell human beings what to do; he's here to make them into human beings who will then know themselves what to do53:30 Is the perfection of man intellectual or practical?

This lecture series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation

Dec 28, 202356:25
S6, E6 Shemona Perakim; Man as Explicator and the Limits of Explanatory Power

S6, E6 Shemona Perakim; Man as Explicator and the Limits of Explanatory Power

This shiur was generously sponsored in memory of R' Moshe Chaim ben Yitzchak David.


Highlights:

Themistius' Law: Reality doesn't follow opinion; rather, correct opinions follow from reality

The universe comports with how humans think

The centrality of humans to the universe is based on the fact that humans can understand the universe

On Kabbalah and philosophy

According to Maimonides, explanatory power reflects truth, but there are also things that are inexplicable; according to Aristotle, everything is explicable

Human beings are explicators

Maimonides opposes predicating the existence of God on creation ex nihilo because creation ex nihilo is inexplicable

If we could explain everything, we wouldn't have awe of God

God is the ultimate explanation, and the human that knows Him is the ultimate human being

The Will of God is inexplicable

The awe that miracles induce is based on us considering ourselves explicators and considering explanation valid; why animals don't have awe of Heaven

Maimonides' strange description of the Chanukkah miracle

Man's sphere lends itself to explanation, and the heavens don't lend themselves to explanation

This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation.

Dec 21, 202301:05:15
S5, E12 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 6: Faith before Knowledge, Engagement before Marriage

S5, E12 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 6: Faith before Knowledge, Engagement before Marriage

"Exodus, Exile and Redemption" is a study of the profound significance of Judaism's history. Written essays are published bi-weekly here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shnayor.substack.com/s/from-exodus-to-exile-to-redemption ⁠⁠⁠⁠Please subscribe! This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing projects of the foundation, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to the Substack newsletter or making a donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.

Dec 19, 202305:29
S6, E5 Shemona Perakim; Scientific Knowledge and its Basis in the Eternity of the Universe

S6, E5 Shemona Perakim; Scientific Knowledge and its Basis in the Eternity of the Universe

Highlights: Maimonides' definition of scientific knowledge Science and permanent, unchanging rules Science, reason and the eternity of the universe The definition of scientific knowledge according to Aristotle, and the eternity of the universe a parte ante and a parte post Maimonides believes that the universe will always exist in the future The duality of God's wisdom and His will; how creation is His will that there be wisdom The world, created ex nihilo, was created as something that must have existed eternally The age of the universe The proof to the existence of the deity and the eternity of the universe R' Y. Emden's criticism of the 1st chapter of Mishneh Torah and its reference to the eternity of the universe a parte ante This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. To sponsor this lecture or other projects, contact us at jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.

Dec 07, 202301:01:32
S5, E11 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 5: How to Train a Prophet: The Path of Knowledge

S5, E11 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 5: How to Train a Prophet: The Path of Knowledge

"Exodus, Exile and Redemption" is a study of the profound significance of Judaism's history. Written essays are published bi-weekly here: ⁠⁠⁠https://shnayor.substack.com/s/from-exodus-to-exile-to-redemption ⁠⁠⁠Please subscribe! This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing projects of the foundation, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to the Substack newsletter or making a donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.

Dec 05, 202305:30
Presentation of הארץ אשר אראך at the Congregation Shomrei Torah Sefer Fest: "The Second Temple: a Partial Redemption"
Dec 04, 202334:31
S6, E4 Shemona Perakim; What is a Human?

S6, E4 Shemona Perakim; What is a Human?

This shiur was generously sponsored in memory of R' Moshe Chaim ben Yitzchak David.

Highlights:

Summary of chapter 1 of SP: What is a human being?

The definition of "soul"

Hylomorphism

Do humans have 1 or 3 souls?

The significance of humans having 1 soul

Second-level human beings

Human beings can be animals or something more sublime

Why a person become a different entity when he gains intelligence This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation.

Nov 30, 202301:10:24
S6, E3 Shemona Perakim; How to Properly Change the Torah and how Maimonides Once Did so Himself

S6, E3 Shemona Perakim; How to Properly Change the Torah and how Maimonides Once Did so Himself

This shiur was generously sponsored in memory of R' Moshe Chaim ben Yitzchak David.

Highlights: The tension at the heart of being a human The divine intellect The honor of one's Maker is his own intellect Who can bend the Law The laws of Chazal are also from God and become part and parcel of the divine Torah When Maimonides himself bent the Law, and how he viewed himself as a divine legislator Maimonides bent the Law so that he shouldn't develop bad character traits The one who can say what the Torah is all about is the one who can adjust the Torah Why Rabbinical mitzvahs and enactments are not considered an addition to the Torah Accept the truth from whoever said it The argument against accepting the truth from whoever said it This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation.

Nov 16, 202301:10:28
S6, E2 Shemona Perakim; Character Perfection as the Path to Prophecy

S6, E2 Shemona Perakim; Character Perfection as the Path to Prophecy

The video shiur is here


Highlights:

How does the study of ethics lead to prophecy?

The end of all human activity and the primacy of reason

The Golden Mean and the rule of reason

The spiritual level of prophets

The Holy Spirit and prophecy

What kind of divine spirit rests on a person who transcends his habits? Through transcending the bodily urges and habits a person becomes connected with the divine

Why should we heed Chazal's laws?

Divine inspiration and Chazal, according to the Kuzari

What makes the Torah divine?

Q & A
This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation.This shiur was generously sponsored in memory of R' Moshe Chaim ben Yitzchak David.

Nov 09, 202358:14
S5, E10 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 4: Knowledge in the Land

S5, E10 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 4: Knowledge in the Land

"Exodus, Exile and Redemption" is a study of the profound significance of Judaism's history. Written essays are published bi-weekly here: ⁠⁠https://shnayor.substack.com/s/from-exodus-to-exile-to-redemption ⁠⁠Please subscribe! This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing projects of the foundation, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to the Substack newsletter or making a donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.

Nov 07, 202305:25
S6, E1 Shemona Perakim; Avos as Training to be a Divine Legislator

S6, E1 Shemona Perakim; Avos as Training to be a Divine Legislator

The video shiur is here


Highlights:

Rambam begins by referencing the author of the Mishnah, Rabbi Yehudah the Prince Why should we heed Chazal's laws? Rambam is hinting to us to think of Avos as the teaching for political leaders and prophets The differences between Rambam's list of the chain of tradition and the chain given in Avos The veracity and reliability of the Torah's tradition What does it take to be a Tanna? Avos as Rabbi Yehudah the Prince's introduction to Mishnah Rambam and al-Farabi's "Aphorisms of the Statesman" Rambam talks about the wise man where al-Farabi talks about the king or statesman Once we have the Torah, we have no need for the science of legislation Do we need to study ethics if we have halacha? Legislators are the ones who really need to have ethical wisdom Q & A

This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation.
This shiur was generously sponsored in memory of R' Moshe Chaim ben Yitzchak David.

Nov 02, 202301:14:06
S5, E9 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 3: When Was the Name of Hashem Revealed?

S5, E9 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 3: When Was the Name of Hashem Revealed?

"Exodus, Exile and Redemption" is a study of the profound significance of Judaism's history. Written essays are published bi-weekly here: ⁠https://shnayor.substack.com/s/from-exodus-to-exile-to-redemption ⁠Please subscribe! This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing projects of the foundation, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to the Substack newsletter or making a donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.

Oct 24, 202305:51
S5, E8 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 2: The Profound Meanings within the Simple Narratives of the Torah

S5, E8 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 2: The Profound Meanings within the Simple Narratives of the Torah

"Exodus, Exile and Redemption" is a study of the profound significance of Judaism's history. Written essays are published bi-weekly here: https://shnayor.substack.com/s/from-exodus-to-exile-to-redemption Please subscribe! This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing projects of the foundation, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to the Substack newsletter or making a donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.

Sep 26, 202305:18
S5, E7 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 1: Prophecy: A Definition

S5, E7 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 2, Chapter 1: Prophecy: A Definition

"Exodus, Exile and Redemption" is a study of the profound significance of Judaism's history. Written essays are published bi-weekly here: https://shnayor.substack.com/s/from-exodus-to-exile-to-redemption Please subscribe! This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing projects of the foundation, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to the Substack newsletter or making a donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.

Sep 26, 202308:22
S5, E6 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 1, Chapter 3: A Chronology of Judaism

S5, E6 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 1, Chapter 3: A Chronology of Judaism

"Exodus, Exile and Redemption" is a study of the profound significance of Judaism's history. Written essays are published bi-weekly here: https://shnayor.substack.com/s/from-exodus-to-exile-to-redemption Please subscribe! This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing projects of the foundation, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to the Substack newsletter or making a donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.

Sep 26, 202305:02
S5, E5 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 1, Chapter 2: The Vanishing Essence of Judaism

S5, E5 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 1, Chapter 2: The Vanishing Essence of Judaism

"Exodus, Exile and Redemption" is a study of the profound significance of Judaism's history. Written essays are published bi-weekly here: https://shnayor.substack.com/s/from-exodus-to-exile-to-redemption Please subscribe! This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing projects of the foundation, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to the Substack newsletter or making a donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.

Sep 26, 202306:21
S5, E4 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 1, Chapter 1: Has Judaism Come to an End?

S5, E4 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Sec. 1, Chapter 1: Has Judaism Come to an End?

"Exodus, Exile and Redemption" is a study of the profound significance of Judaism's history. Written essays are published bi-weekly here: https://shnayor.substack.com/s/from-exodus-to-exile-to-redemption Please subscribe! This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing projects of the foundation, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to the Substack newsletter or making a donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.

Sep 26, 202302:49
S5, E3 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Introduction, Part 3: How to Elicit the Torah's Deepest Secrets

S5, E3 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Introduction, Part 3: How to Elicit the Torah's Deepest Secrets

"Exodus, Exile and Redemption" is a study of the profound significance of Judaism's history. Written essays are published bi-weekly here: https://shnayor.substack.com/s/from-exodus-to-exile-to-redemption Please subscribe! This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing projects of the foundation, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to the Substack newsletter or making a donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.

Sep 26, 202302:41
S5, E2 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Introduction, Part 2: Torah Subjects, Stories and Heroes

S5, E2 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Introduction, Part 2: Torah Subjects, Stories and Heroes

"Exodus, Exile and Redemption" is a study of the profound significance of Judaism's history. Written essays are published bi-weekly here: https://shnayor.substack.com/s/from-exodus-to-exile-to-redemption Please subscribe! This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing projects of the foundation, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to the Substack newsletter or making a donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.

Sep 26, 202303:23
S5, E1 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Introduction, Pt. 1: The Unseen Author and the Human Drama

S5, E1 Exodus, Exile and Redemption, Introduction, Pt. 1: The Unseen Author and the Human Drama

"Exodus, Exile and Redemption" is a study of the profound significance of Judaism's history. Written essays are published bi-weekly here: https://shnayor.substack.com/s/from-exodus-to-exile-to-redemption Please subscribe! This series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing projects of the foundation, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to the Substack newsletter or making a donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.

Sep 26, 202304:07
S4, E5 Universalism vs. Particularism: Israel and the Nations in the End of Days

S4, E5 Universalism vs. Particularism: Israel and the Nations in the End of Days

In this 5-part miniseries, we explore the tension between the universalistic role of the Jewish people versus the particularism of their destiny, with a focus on residing in Eretz Yisrael.

For the video version of this lecture, click here

This lecture series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing projects of the foundation, please consider making a donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.

For more on this topic, subscribe to https://shnayor.substack.com/ and follow the essay series entitled "Exodus, Exile and Redemption."


Sep 05, 202357:31
S4, E4 Universalism vs. Particularism: What is the Reason of Jewish History?

S4, E4 Universalism vs. Particularism: What is the Reason of Jewish History?

In this 5-part miniseries, we explore the tension between the universalistic role of the Jewish people versus the particularism of their destiny, with a focus on residing in Eretz Yisrael.

For the video version of this lecture, click here.

This lecture series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing projects of the foundation, please consider making a donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.

For more on this topic, subscribe to https://shnayor.substack.com/ and follow the essay series entitled "Exodus, Exile and Redemption."


Aug 29, 202301:10:46
S4, E3 Universalism vs. Particularism: Is Hashem Manifest in Eretz Yisrael more than in the Diaspora?
Aug 22, 202301:15:38
S4, E2 Universalism vs. Particularism: Do We Need to Understand Redemption in Order to Effect it?

S4, E2 Universalism vs. Particularism: Do We Need to Understand Redemption in Order to Effect it?

In this 5-part miniseries, we explore the tension between the universalistic role of the Jewish people versus the particularism of their destiny, with a focus on residing in Eretz Yisrael.

For the video version of this lecture, click here 

This lecture series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing projects of the foundation, please consider making a donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.

For more on this topic, subscribe to https://shnayor.substack.com/ and follow the essay series entitled "Exodus, Exile and Redemption."


Aug 15, 202301:14:13
S4, E1 Universalism vs. Particularism: A Sketch of the Problems

S4, E1 Universalism vs. Particularism: A Sketch of the Problems

In this 5-part miniseries, we explore the tension between the universalistic role of the Jewish people versus the particularism of their destiny, with a focus on residing in Eretz Yisrael.

For the video version of this lecture, click here

This lecture series is a project of the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing projects of the foundation, please consider making a donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com. For more on this topic, subscribe to https://shnayor.substack.com/ and follow the essay series entitled "Exodus, Exile and Redemption."

Aug 09, 202301:20:04
Lecture on the Oaths and the Prohibition to Leave Bavel
Aug 06, 202350:50
S3, E23 אור השם, The Light of Hashem, Part #2 – Free Will; Reward and Punishment; Torah; Immortality of the Soul
Mar 13, 202349:46
Presentation of הארץ אשר אראך at the YU Seforim Sale: The Babylonian Community in the Second Temple Era
Feb 22, 202351:51
S3, E22 אור השם, The Light of Hashem, Part #1 – Positive Attributes of God
Jan 30, 202341:26
S3, E21 מורה נבוכים, The Guide of the Perplexed, Part #4 – Prophecy
Jan 09, 202301:05:39
S3, E20 מורה נבוכים, The Guide of the Perplexed, Part #3 – Creation ex Nihilo
Dec 12, 202258:46
S3, E19 מורה נבוכים, The Guide of the Perplexed, Part #2 – What is Man? What is His Perfection and Imperfection?
Nov 28, 202252:49
S3, E18 מורה נבוכים, The Guide of the Perplexed, Part #1 – Was the Guide Written with Divine Inspiration?
Nov 14, 202252:56
S3, E17 האמונה הרמה, The Exalted Faith, Part #5, Essay 2 - Angels; Providence; Omniscience; Evil; Free Will; Essay 3 - Torah
Oct 31, 202201:07:56
S3, E16 האמונה הרמה, The Exalted Faith, Part #4, Essay 2 - Angels; Prophecy; Torah
Oct 03, 202201:09:28