Truths - Jewish Wisdom for Today

Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman sits down with Prof. Moshe Koppel—mathematician, long-time Israeli resident, and author of Judaism Straight Up—to explore what it means to “speak” Judaism naturally instead of consulting a rule book at every turn.

Highlights include:

Welcome to Truths—"Seeking Ecstasy" season, Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman’s first solo deep dive in the new series.

After opening with a heartfelt prayer for Israel amid the current Iran conflict, Rabbi Levi tackles the heated debate sparked by Rabbi Manis Friedman’s bold claim that “God needs our mitzvot.”

► What do classic sources—Maimonides, Nachmanides, Ramak, the Arizal, and Chassidic masters like R. Aaron of Staroselye—actually say?
► How do Kabbalah and Chassidut reconcile an all-perfect, utterly simple Divine Essence with a universe that seems to matter?
► Is “God needs” even the right phrase, or is...

“In His Image: Why Maimonides Alone Isn’t Enough & Psychedelics Have Their Place — A Conversation with Rabbi Yuval Cherlow”

In this episode of Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today, Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman sits down with the esteemed Rabbi Yuval Cherlow to ask: Can a purely intellectual theology—à la Maimonides—ever deliver the full depth of Jewish transcendence? And might there be a role, however careful and halakhically framed, for psychedelics in our modern quest for ecstasy?

Episode Highlights
1. Beyond Maimonides: The Limits of Pure Reason
Why the Rambam’s philosophic approach, while indispensable, must be complem...

In this episode of Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today—part of the Seeking Ecstasy season—Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman visits Jerusalem to sit down with Yehuda Ber Zirkind for their second full-length conversation. After their first discussion in New Haven sparked passionate debate, they explored:

What “Jewish theology” really is: A living dialogue about God, tradition, and community rather than a fixed creed.

The possibility of knowing the Divine: Wrestling with doubt, agnosticism, and the nature of spiritual “knowledge.”

Personal versus collective faith: How individual experiences and Jewish peoplehood shape one’s spiritual journey.
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Welcome to the intro episode of the new season of Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today—“Seeking Ecstasy.” In this kickoff, Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman explains why the podcast paused, why he’s launching from the holy city of Safed, and what this season is all about: exploring personal Jewish theology and the paths each of us can take to encounter the Divine in ecstatic communion.

🔍 In this episode you’ll discover:

In this episode, Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman discusses the Torah portion "Lech Lecha" from Genesis 12, which introduces Abraham. Unlike Noah, Abraham's background and reasons for God's favor are minimally detailed in the text, though expanded upon in the Midrash.

Rabbi Brackman highlights the theme of journeying in Abraham's life, noting that he embarks on seven distinct journeys—including leaving his homeland at God's command, traveling to Egypt due to famine, and returning to Canaan. These journeys often repeat in the text, prompting deeper examination of subtle differences.

Throughout these travels, Abraham experiences five divine encounters. In...

In this episode of "Truth Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman explores the Torah portion of Noah, focusing on scholarly interpretations and anomalies within the biblical narrative of the Flood. He begins by acknowledging that while traditional commentaries often address specific questions, they may not consider the broader inconsistencies that academic biblical scholars highlight.

Rabbi Brackman notes that scholars point out anomalies suggesting the presence of two distinct flood narratives merged into one. Examples include discrepancies in the number of animals taken into the ark—sometimes mentioned as pairs of two, other times as groups of...

In his podcast on the Torah portion of Bereshit (Genesis), Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman explores a lesser-known aspect of the creation narratives. He examines Genesis 1:26-27, where God says, "Let us make human in our image, according to our likeness," and notes that God created humans "male and female." This suggests both genders were created simultaneously in God's image, raising questions about the nature of God and gender equality in the divine plan.

Moving to Genesis chapter 2, Rabbi Brackman highlights a different sequence. Here, God forms man from dust and breathes life into him. Seeing that "it...

In this episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman delves into the Torah portions of Vayelech and Ha'azinu from the Book of Deuteronomy. He explores the contrasting depictions of God's reaction when the Israelites abandon Him to follow other gods.

In Vayelech (Deuteronomy 31:16-18), God informs Moses that after his death, the Israelites will stray by worshiping foreign gods native to the land they inhabit. God's response is to "hide His face," symbolizing a withdrawal of divine protection. This passive stance means that without God's safeguarding presence, the Israelites become vulnerable...

In this episode of "Truths Jewish Wisdom for Today," host Rabbi D Levi Brackman delves into the Torah portion of Nitzavim, found in Deuteronomy chapters 29 and 30. He explores the profound themes of covenant, blessings, and curses that define the relationship between God and the Israelites.

Brackman begins by discussing the covenant as a double-edged sword: adherence brings blessings and prosperity, while abandonment leads to severe curses and exile from the Promised Land. He highlights the Hebrew terms used for "curse," particularly "alah," which also means "oath," emphasizing that the curses are part of a divine oath linked...

In this episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman delves into the Torah portion of Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26) to explore the mitzvah of Bikkurim—the offering of the first fruits—and its profound implications for our understanding of gratitude, responsibility, and continuous renewal.

Discover how the ancient practice of Bikkurim embodies a "Day One" mindset—a concept popularized by Jeff Bezos but deeply rooted in the Torah long before. By examining the unique declaration made during the Bikkurim ritual, Levi highlights the Israelites' journey from oppression in Egypt...

In this episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman explores the Torah portion of Ki Teitzei, focusing on its complex laws regarding marriage and divorce. He examines how these ancient texts can be interpreted to align with modern ethical standards. Brackman discusses a case where a man falsely accuses his wife of not being a virgin, leading to intricate legal and moral questions. He highlights the role of the Talmud and rabbinic interpretations in ensuring fairness, particularly for women, through the concept of "ethical corrective." This approach allows for a more equitable application of the...

In this episode of Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today, Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman reflects on a recent debate between Candace Owens, a right-wing political commentator, and Rabbi Shmuley Boteach. The core focus of Brackman's discussion is Candace Owens' opening remarks during the debate, particularly her references to Judaism, Jewish teachings, and the nature of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson's views.

Brackman agrees with Owens' general point about the existence of radical fringe elements in most religions, including Judaism. However, he strongly criticizes her for equating Jewish religious beliefs with white supremacy. He calls her out for falsely accusing...

In this episode of Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today, Levi Brackman delves into the topic of false prophets as presented in two Torah portions, Re'eh and Shoftim, from Deuteronomy. He begins by exploring why the Torah addresses false prophets in two separate sections (Chapters 13 and 18) rather than consolidating them into one. Through his analysis, Levi concludes that these two sections represent different contexts that justify their separation.

Chapter 13 emphasizes that the Torah is immutable, meaning no prophet can add to or take away from it. Any prophet who attempts to introduce new laws or encourage following other...

In this episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabb Dr. Levi Brackman discusses the Torah portion of Re'eh from Deuteronomy, focusing on the concept of prophets and how to distinguish between true and false prophets. He addresses the challenge of discerning genuine divine communication in a religious context, where false prophets can easily deceive people by claiming to have access to divine truth.

The Torah provides guidelines for identifying a false prophet: even if a prophet performs signs and wonders that come to pass, if they advocate worshiping other gods, they are a false prophet. Brackman...

In this episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today", Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman dedicates the discussion to the Jewish holiday of Tu B'Av, the 15th of Av, and its connection to romantic relationships and engagements, in honor of his son Dovi's engagement. He explains that Tu B'Av is considered a joyous holiday, akin to Yom Kippur, as young women would traditionally meet their future husbands on this day, symbolizing love and partnership.

Brackman delves into the Jewish engagement and marriage process, which consists of two parts: **Erusin (betrothal)** and **Nisuin (marriage)**. In the past, these two stages...

In this episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman explores the first Torah portion in the book of Deuteronomy, known as "Devarim" or "Mishneh Torah." He begins by discussing the nature of Deuteronomy, which largely consists of Moses' speeches to the Israelites before they enter the land of Israel. The focus of this episode is on the story of the spies, a well-known narrative that appears both in the book of Numbers and in Deuteronomy, but with significant differences.

Brackman highlights how the story is told differently in each book. In Numbers, the...

In this episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman delves into the Torah portion of Matot, focusing on chapter 32 of the Book of Numbers. The story centers around the tribes of Reuben and Gad, who request to stay on the east side of the Jordan River due to the land's suitability for their cattle, rather than crossing into Canaan with the rest of the Israelites. Moses initially interprets their request as reminiscent of the earlier generation's lack of faith, which led to the 40-year desert wandering.

Brackman draws a parallel between this story...

In this episode of "Truths, Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman discusses the Torah portion of Pinhas, particularly focusing on the succession of leadership from Moses to Joshua. He begins by drawing a parallel between recent events in American politics, where President Joe Biden stepped aside in favor of his Vice President Kamala Harris, and the biblical story where Moses is informed by God that he will not enter the Promised Land and must appoint Joshua as his successor.

Brackman delves into the verses from Numbers 27:12-23, where God instructs Moses to view the Promised...

In this episode of "Truths, Jewish Wisdom for Today," Levi Brackman discusses the Torah portion of Balak, offering an ideological perspective on its authorship and historical authenticity. Brackman begins by summarizing the story of Balak, the Moabite king, who hires the Gentile prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites. Despite his efforts, Balaam ends up blessing them, influenced by divine intervention.

Brackman then delves into the story's authorship, exploring the notion that it stands apart from other Torah narratives in style and content. He references the Talmud, specifically Bava Batra 14b, which attributes the writing of certain texts...

In this episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman discusses the Torah portion "Chukat," which heavily focuses on the concept of death. He explores the significance of death in the Torah, emphasizing that while life is sacred and filled with purpose, death represents the cessation of this purpose and the ultimate impurity. Brackman explains that a dead body is considered the "father of all fathers of impurity" because it no longer contributes to the world or fulfills a divine mission.

The episode delves into the purification process from the impurity caused by contact...

In this episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman discusses the Torah portion of Korach, focusing on the rebellion led by Korach against Moses and Aaron. Korach's challenge was based on the idea that all Israelites are holy and should be allowed to serve as priests, not just Aaron and his descendants.

Levi highlights three instances when God wanted to destroy the Israelites:

1. **The Spies' Report (last week's Torah portion, Shelach)**: The spies gave a negative report about the land of Israel, causing the Israelites to wish to return to Egypt...

In this episode of "Truths, Jewish Wisdom for Today," host Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman and guest Rabbi Yehudah Ber Zerkind discuss the Torah portion of Shlach, focusing on the story of the man gathering sticks on Shabbos (the Makoshesh). This story is juxtaposed with another incident from the portion of Emor in Leviticus, where a man curses God and is similarly punished by stoning. They explore why these stories appear where they do in the text and the broader implications.

Key points discussed include:

In this special episode of "Truths, Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman marks the completion of the Talmudic tractate Bava Metzia with a Hadran, a traditional concluding reflection. He explains the significance of the Hadran prayer, which expresses the commitment to continually return to and study the Torah.

Brackman delves into key themes of Bava Metzia, primarily focusing on property rights, ownership disputes, and business ethics. He highlights a piece of Talmudic business advice that advocates diversifying investments: one-third in real estate, one-third in merchandise, and one-third in cash. This diversification ensures both security and...

In this episode of "Truth Jewish Wisdom for Today," Levi Brackman discusses the Torah portion of Beha'alotcha from Numbers 11, highlighting the people's complaints and God's response. He examines the Israelites' grievances, including their lack of gratitude for manna and desire for meat, and contrasts this with their earlier complaints in Exodus 16, where they lacked food entirely. Brackman notes that in Numbers, the people are referred to simply as "ha'am" (the people) rather than "Adas B'nei Yisrael" (the congregation of the Children of Israel), suggesting a shift from a particularist identity to a more universal one.

Brackman argues...

In this episode of "Truths, Jewish Wisdom for Today," host Rabbi Dr Levi Brackman engages in an in-depth and candid conversation with Rabbi Yehudah DovBer Zirkind, a learned scholar deeply rooted in both traditional and critical Jewish studies. The episode, lasting over two hours, explores Zirkind's unique perspective, influenced by his lineage as a direct descendant of the founder of the Chabad movement, the Alter Rebbe. Zirkind shares his personal religious journey, including his upbringing in Crown Heights, teaching experiences, and his eventual move to Israel.

During their discussion, Brackman and Zirkind delve into the complexities of...

This episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," by Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman introduces the Book of Numbers (Bamidbar) and delves into the commandment to count the Israelites, explaining that this is the third time they have been counted. Levi explores why the numbers remained the same despite events like the sin of the Golden Calf. He mentions commentators like Or HaChaim, who suggest that the count did not include the Levites, explaining the consistency in the numbers.

Levi addresses the purpose of counting, referencing traditional views that see counting as a way to show God the...

Welcome to another episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," presented by Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman. In our Torah Portion Uncensored series, Rabbi Brackman delves deep into the weekly Torah readings, offering profound insights and contemporary relevance.

In this episode, Rabbi Brackman explores Parashat Bechukotai, the final portion in the book of Leviticus, or Vayikra. This parashah is both fascinating and, at times, quite disturbing due to its vivid descriptions of rewards and punishments. Listeners can expect a thorough examination of the text, beginning with the blessings that will be bestowed upon the Israelites if they follow...

Welcome to another episode of "Truths, Jewish Wisdom for Today." In this installment of the "Torah Portion Uncensored" series, Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman delves into the Torah portion of Behar, found in Leviticus chapter 25. This chapter addresses the significant themes of Shmita (the sabbatical year) and Yovel (the Jubilee year).

The land rests every seventh year, culminating every seven cycles of seven years (49 years), with the Yovel in the 50th year. During Yovel, the land rests again, and on Shmita, significant societal resets occur: Jewish slaves are freed, and loans are forgiven. This cyclical rest serves as...

In this episode of "Truths, Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman explores the profound call to holiness found in Leviticus chapter 19, beginning with the directive, "You should be holy for I, the Lord your God, am holy." This invitation to holiness is addressed to the entire congregation of Israel, emphasizing that holiness is an expectation for all, not just a select few or religious elite.

Brackman discusses various interpretations of what it means to be holy. He mentions Ramban's perspective on "naval b'reshut haTorah," which highlights the potential to adhere to the Torah's laws while...

In this episode of Truths Jewish Wisdom host Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman delves into an often-cited yet deeply contested portion of the Torah: Leviticus chapter 18, the chapter that lays down the foundations of forbidden marriages, famously known for its controversial stance on incestuous relationships and homosexuality.

This particular chapter has profoundly influenced Western society, serving as the bedrock of Judeo-Christian values. However, its principles have been heavily debated, especially in recent decades, raising important questions about sexual morality and cultural norms. Despite the contention, it's critical to understand the context in which these laws were introduced to...

This episode of "Truths Jewish Wisdom for Today," hosted by Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman, focuses on a lesser-discussed aspect of the Torah concerning bodily impurities, particularly genital discharges, as detailed in Leviticus Chapter 15. This segment, usually overlooked due to its sensitive nature, delves into the implications and types of impurities categorized under the term "Zov," which denotes an abnormal genital discharge that leads to spiritual impurity.

The episode begins by explaining two primary types of genital discharges affecting males and females, distinguished from regular menstrual and seminal emissions. Brackman explains the difference between the common seminal discharge...

Welcome to today's episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," with your host, Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman. This season, we're diving deep into the uncensored aspects of our Torah portions, and today's focus lands on Parashat Tazria. 

In this episode, we're honing in on the first two verses of Parashat Tazria, exploring the intriguing and less frequently discussed subject of conception and birth as presented in the Torah and the Talmudic interpretations accompanying these verses. The text raises fascinating questions about the ancient understanding of gender determination, sexual intercourse, purity laws, and the spiritual implications of childbirth. W...

Welcome to this week's "Torah Portion, Uncensored" episode with your host, Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman. Levi broadcasts from the scenic beauty of Evergreen, Colorado, a place that holds a special significance for him, having served as a rabbi there for over a decade. Despite the challenges of recording on the road, his commitment remains unwavering—to bring insightful episodes each week exploring the teachings of the Torah.

This episode focuses on "Shmini," the third portion of our series, albeit in a more concise format due to travel constraints and business commitments.

"Shmini" unfolds with a pi...

In this insightful episode of "Torah Portion Uncensored," host Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman explores the second Torah portion, Tsav, from Leviticus. This episode delves into the intricate ceremonies of consecration and anointment of the Tabernacle, the sacred vessels, and the inauguration of Aaron and his sons as the priesthood under the guidance of Moses. With a deep dive into the last chapter of this portion, Brackman challenges and revisits initial perceptions of nepotism and exclusivity within these ancient rituals, shedding light on the deeper meanings and responsibilities they encapsulate.

Through meticulous analysis, Brackman brings to the forefront...

Welcome to the exciting new season of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," where your host, Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman, explores the Torah. This episode, the first in the "Torah Portion Uncensored" season, explores Leviticus and the Quest for Evidence-Based Faith and invites listeners to delve deep into the Book of Leviticus, challenging conventional interpretations and uncovering layers of meaning beneath the surface.

This season, Rabbi Brackman sets an ambitious agenda: to dissect the weekly Torah portions with an unfiltered lens, prioritizing honesty, critical analysis, and a robust commitment to reason and tangible evidence. The study will not...

In the final episode of "Truth Jewish Wisdom for Today" on Postmodernism, Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman takes his listeners on a review of the intricacies of postmodernism, its impact on society, and its intersection with Jewish thought and history. This final episode of the season not only serves as a recap of the series' exploration into the postmodern mindset—sparked by the tragic events in Israel in October 2023—but also sets the stage for an enlightening next season focused on studying the Torah through the lens of evidence and enlightenment values.

Brackman, a Judaic scholar with extensive acad...

Welcome to another episode of Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today, exploring postmodernism hosted by Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman. This episode examines what scholars such as Naftali Loewenthal and Elliott Wolfson claim are the postmodern aspects of Chabad's teachings, particularly as expounded by the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe, the late Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. 

The episode navigates the contrasting views within Chabad as explained by Loewenthal—those who interpret the Rebbe's messages about the imminent arrival of the Messiah in a literal manner, advocating for physical actions towards redemption, against those who might adopt a more metaphorical or philosophical app...

In this episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," we have the privilege of hosting Professor Daniel Rynhold, a luminary in Jewish philosophy and the Dean at the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies at Yeshiva University. Host Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman engages Professor Rynhold in a deep and nuanced dialogue that explores the fascinating interplay between Judaism and postmodernism, a subject that both challenges and enriches our understanding of Jewish thought and practice.

This episode examines the complexities of postmodern philosophy, examining its implications for truth, knowledge, and reality from a Jewish perspective. With his...

In this episode of "Truths - Jewish Wisdom for Today," marking the completion of the tractate Baba Kama, host Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman delves into the relationship between Judaism and postmodernism through the lens of this significant Talmudic Tractate. Join us as we engage in a Hadran, reflecting our commitment to continual learning and revisiting the depths of Talmud study.

This episode highlights the contrasts between Judaism, particularly through Halakhah—Jewish law—and postmodernist thought. We unravel how Halakhah serves as a legal framework and a dynamic path guiding ethical and moral behavior within a reality acknowledged by s...