Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism

Beyond Faith: The Unexpected Joy of Torah Study

The Torah's allure is so powerful, rabbis had to warn against misusing it. Exploring the concept of "limud" (learning) unique to Deuteronomy, we uncover the rabbis' complex relationship with Torah study. From the joy of learning to the fear of misuse, the discussion spans intentionality, secular study, and the power of Torah to attract even non-believers. We delve into the debate between studying "lishma" (for its own sake) vs. applied learning, and examine how different Jewish movements approach Torah study. The rabbis recognized the profound allure of Torah study, to the point where they had to warn against misusing it for personal gain or pride… or even to make a living. We explore the emergence of the academic and scientific study of our texts as well as contemporary women’s yeshivot and secular yeshivot and different rabbinic opinions on the matter, from those who believe any Torah study can lead to observance to those who fear misinterpretation. The segment provides insight into an ongoing debate within Judaism about the nature and purpose of sacred text study. We conclude with the potential for new insights to arise from diverse groups studying Torah highlighted with the fascinating Talmudic story of Rabbi Meir learning from the heretic Elisha Ben Abuya, illustrating the idea that valuable wisdom can come from unexpected sources. Key Takeaways The word "limud" (learning) appears only in Deuteronomy, signaling a shift in Torah transmission. Rabbis grappled with the allure of Torah study for non-religious purposes. The debate continues: should Torah study be restricted to believers or open to all? Timestamps [00:00:00] – The episode opens with a provocative framing: Can the Torah survive being studied like secular literature? [00:02:00] – Discussion on Tisha B’Av and the idea that Torah learning brings too much joy to be permitted on a day of mourning. [00:03:00] – Story from Rabbi Riskin about the heretic who insists he’s not a goy, highlighting the irresistible pull of Torah study. [00:04:42] – Deep dive into Deuteronomy and the word “limud,” and how teaching and learning emerge in the text. [00:07:00] – Exploring Maimonides' take on the commandment to teach Torah not just to sons, but to students as children. [00:10:00] – Pirkei Avot is introduced, differentiating learning to teach vs. learning to practice. [00:13:00] – Cautionary wisdom from the sages: Don’t use Torah as a tool for ego or profit. [00:17:00] – Talmudic view that learning Torah for the wrong reasons may still lead to righteous practice. [00:23:00] – Norman Lamm and others weigh in on secular vs. sacred motivations for Torah study. [00:30:00] – The closing story of Rabbi Meir and Elisha ben Abuya explores the value of learning Torah even from a heretic. Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter https://madlik.com/ Safaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/667572 Transcript here: https://madlik.substack.com/

Moses last word: Judicial Independence

Ancient Jewish texts offer surprising insights into contemporary debates on judicial activism, restraint and independence Join us as we delve into a fascinating exploration of Moses' farewell address in Parashat Devarim. This episode uncovers striking parallels between ancient concerns about judicial integrity and modern debates over judicial reform in Israel. Key Takeaways Moses' emphasis on judicial reform highlights its critical importance to societal stability The tradition of leadership farewell addresses often includes moral warnings for the future Ancient Jewish texts offer surprising insights into contemporary debates on judicial activism and restraint Timestamps [00:00:00] – Opening: Moses’ Final Warning is About Justice [00:02:27] – Farewell Speeches as a Genre [00:05:12] – Eisenhower’s Farewell and Military-Industrial Complex [00:09:00] – Urian’s Speech and Jewish Exceptionalism [00:12:00] – Moses’ First and Final Acts: Appointing Judges [00:14:45] – Deuteronomy 1:12–18 – The Core Torah Passage [00:17:00] – Eicha (How?!) – Midrash and Lamentation Connection [00:21:32] – Ramban: Justice Means More than Judges [00:26:00] – Judicial Activism vs. Restraint in Rashi [00:28:00] – Maimonides (Rambam) on Appointing Unfit Judges Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter https://madlik.com/ Safaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/665537 Transcript here: https://madlik.substack.com/

What the Haredi Draft Crisis Says About Israel

70,000 mothers are fighting for Israel's future - one draft notice at a time. Mothers on the Front Line founder Agamit Gelb joins us to discuss the contentious issue of Haredi military service in Israel. We explore biblical parallels from Numbers, where Moses confronts tribes seeking exemption from conquest. The conversation delves into the social contract, national solidarity, and the unique perspective mothers bring to this debate. Agamit shares her organization's efforts to promote equality in service and challenge exemptions through legal and grassroots means. Agamit Gelb and her organization, Mothers on the Front Line, are at the forefront of this debate. Founded in April 2023, months before the October 7th attacks, this group of 70,000 mothers is fighting for equality in military service. But their mission goes beyond mere policy change—they're striving to redefine the very notion of national service and solidarity. Key Takeaways The issue of Haredi military service cuts to the core of Israeli society, affecting fairness and national unity Biblical texts offer relevant insights on shared responsibility and leadership in times of national challenge Mothers play a crucial role in shaping societal values and can be powerful agents for change Timestamps [00:00:00] – Introduction: The central issue of military service in Israel and its societal implications. [00:01:45] – Guest Introduction: Agame Gelb and the founding of Mothers on the Front Line. [00:04:55] – October 7th and the catalyst for mobilization of mothers across Israel. [00:06:45] – The emotional and demographic power of Israeli mothers and national unity. [00:10:40] – Inequality and the principle of service from the perspective of motherhood. [00:12:30] – Legal petitions, community organizing, and educational programming. [00:16:05] – Biblical context: Reuben and Gad's request and Moses’ moral leadership. [00:21:15] – Rabbinic insights on morale, equality, and the impact of opt-outs. [00:25:50] – The army’s evolving infrastructure for Haredi service and leadership resistance. [00:30:15] – Final reflections: Love of country, courage, and the hope for democratic unity. Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter https://madlik.com/ Safaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/663980 Transcript here: https://madlik.substack.com/ Link to Donate to Israeli Mother on the Frontline: https://pefisrael.org/charity/mothers-on-the-frontline/ Link to Imahot Bahazit: https://www.imahot.org/en Link to Podcast: A mother's Journey to a Beret: https://open.spotify.com/show/6cmqoZdNZnt6lF7LaDLngW?si=cf43c1b1d3504b62(Hooky First Line)

Serach - The Keeper of Israel’s Collective Memory

The only Israelite to go down to Egypt and enter the Promised Land was a woman. In the years after the Civil War, heritage groups began honoring a rare category of Americans: Real Sons and Real Daughters — children born to aging veterans of that war. Not grandchildren. Not great-grandchildren. Their actual children. Living, breathing links to a fading past. Today, the same honor is given to the children of Holocaust survivors. These are voices that don’t just remember history — they carry it. In the Torah, there is one figure who embodies this idea more than any other. Her name is Serach bat Asher. According to legend, she enters Egypt with Jacob’s family — and, somehow, centuries later, she helps Moses find Joseph’s bones, enters the Promised Land and even consults with 3rd Century Rabbis of the Talmud. She provides us with a paradigm for a social institution that is undervalued... the Living Legacy. We explore this critical source of cultural history in the Bible, Rabbinic texts, other religions and cultures. Key Takeaways The power of intergenerational wisdom The value of seeking out and listening to living witnesses That authenticity comes from experience, not just bloodlines Timestamps [00:00:00] – Introduction to “real daughters” and the historical role of living links to the past [00:02:48] – Rabbi Adam begins discussing the Parsha and the uniqueness of Serach bat Asher [00:05:08] – Reflections on personal connections to historical generations and legacy [00:08:06] – Discussion of adoption, inheritance, and authenticity in Jewish tradition [00:10:03] – Serach reveals the location of Joseph’s bones, showing her enduring memory [00:13:10] – Why Serach, as a woman, may have symbolized enduring legacy and transition [00:16:00] – Midrash: Serach gently reveals to Jacob that Joseph is alive through song [00:19:32] – Serach credited with prophetic knowledge of Joseph's survival [00:23:00] – Serach offers eyewitness testimony at the splitting of the sea [00:29:00] – Broader discussion on real sons/daughters, Holocaust survivors, and living legacy Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter https://madlik.com/ Safaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/662562 Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2025/07/16/serach-the-keeper-of-israels-collective-memory/

Understanding Anti-Semitism Through History

What happens when the sacred victim becomes the sovereign nation? We delve into a provocative exploration of Jewish identity and otherness in this week's episode. Drawing inspiration from the Torah portion Balak and a thought-provoking essay by Hussein Aboubakr Mansour, we challenge long-held beliefs about Judaism's role as the quintessential "other" in society. Have we been misinterpreting our own history? Key Takeaways The concept of Jews as universal "others" may be more modern than we realize Embracing particularism might be more authentic to Jewish tradition than universal symbolism Zionism can be seen as a return to Jewish particularity rather than just a political movement Timestamps [00:00] Introduction to the episode and the theme of “The Jew as Other” [01:45] How the term “other” appears in this week’s Parsha and Moab’s fear [03:50] Biblical context: Egyptians and Haman’s perspective on Jews [06:45] Jewish laws and their role in antisemitic narratives [09:30] Rabbinic interpretations and perceived Jewish separateness [12:15] Rabbinic blame of God for antisemitism through Jewish laws [14:30] Evolution from oppression to loving the stranger in Torah [17:00] Introduction of Hussein Aboubakr Mansour’s argument [20:15] Breakdown of the Jew as metaphor and object of culture [28:00] Zionism’s rejection of “otherness” and affirmation of sovereignty Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter https://madlik.com/ Safaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/661213 Hussein Aboubakr Mansour‘s Substack article https://open.substack.com/pub/critiqueanddigest/p/the-jew-after-otherness Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2025/07/09/understanding-anti-semitism-through-history/