Episode 140: Hakham Mordehai Ish Yemini ”Has Judaism Been Subverted?”

In his highly anticipated return to the Judaism Demystified Podcast, Hakham Mordehai joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on some of the most important issues facing the Jewish world today. We discuss the concept of Milhemet Mitzvah (obligatory war), his perspective on the Dati Leumi movement, and how the Torah's approach to war radically differs from the glorification of warriors found throughout ancient literature. Hakham Mordehai explains how these ideas have shaped his own view of military service and what it means to wear the uniform. We also explore the remarkable growth of his YouTube channel, ⁨@shivreluhot⁩ , and the resurgence of interest in Maimonidean thought, particularly in Israel and even within segments of the Haredi world. What exactly is Maimonidean Judaism? What does it stand for, what does it reject, and what is the true purpose of halakhah according to the Rambam? The conversation then turns to the lasting influence of Shabbetai Tzvi and Sabbateanism on contemporary Judaism. Hakham Mordehai argues that its impact is far greater than most people realize and explains why identifying and removing these influences remains an urgent task. Finally, we discuss the thriving Mekorist community, the vision behind it, and several exciting upcoming projects, including a Mekorist Siddur, a new book on the Rambam's Thirteen Principles of Faith, and his forthcoming commentary on Rav Qafih's Milhamot Hashem. A thought-provoking and wide-ranging discussion that challenges assumptions and invites listeners to rethink some of the most fundamental ideas in Judaism.

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*This episode is dedicated to the refua shelema of Sarah Miriam bat Tamar, Binyamin ben Zilpa, and our dear friend Yaakov ben Haya Sarah Malakh, and l'ilui nishmat Zehara Yehudit bat Yaakov Ezra v'Ilana Shira

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• Bio: Hakham Mordehai Ish Yemini is an Israeli Torah scholar, educator, farmer, father of four, and grandfather, as well as a prominent advocate of Maimonidean Judaism. Through his Shivrei Luhot platform and the rapidly growing Mekorist community, he teaches a source-based approach to Torah grounded in the thought of the Rambam and deeply influenced by the teachings of Rabbi Yosef Qafih, Hakham Jose Faur, and other scholars within the Sephardic tradition. In addition to his educational work, he operates a farm in Israel, reflecting his commitment to a Torah life connected to the Land of Israel and serving his country. His lectures on Jewish philosophy, halakhah, theology, Tanakh, and contemporary issues have attracted a growing audience in Israel and beyond, including many seeking a thoughtful and intellectually rigorous approach to Judaism.

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• Check out his YouTube channel here: ⁨@shivreluhot⁩

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