• Episode 83: Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin "Rationalism vs. Mysticism"
• In this monumental episode, we interview Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin, popularly known as the "Zoo Rabbi," director of the Biblical Museum of Natural History in Beit Shemesh, Israel. Slifkin is best known for his interests in zoology, Judaism's relationship to evolution, Jewish and biblical history, and his popular website www.RationalistJudaism.com. Our focus in this discussion is his book "Rationalism vs. Mysticism: Schisms in Traditional Jewish Thought." There are specific chapters that we feel deserve a closer look, such as "The Sages vs Science: The Sun’s Path at Night," "Wrestling with Demons," "Ayin Hara: Ocular Radiation or Heavenly accounting,” "The Nature of Torah," and "The function of Mitzvot." Rabbi Slifkin also reflects on his infamous Torah-Science controversy/ban, otherwise known as "The Slifkin Affair." Additionally, he shares his thoughts on the future of the Haredi relationship to Zionism in the aftermath of October 7th. You don't want to miss this fascinating interview.
*This episode is dedicated to the neshama of Meir ben Moshe a'h - Abdolrahim Ilian, the late father of our dear friend, Rod Ilian.
• IF YOU PREFER TO LISTEN TO THE FULL AUDIO VERSION (WHICH INCLUDES AN INTRO), CLICK HERE:
open.spotify.com/episode/3cqA...
• Bio: Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin is the director of the Biblical Museum of Natural History in Beit Shemesh, Israel. Born in Manchester, England, he spent many years of study at yeshivot in Israel. He then taught Talmud and Jewish philosophy at Ohr Somayach Institutions, where he received rabbinic ordination. Rabbi Slifkin also has an MA in Jewish Studies from the Lander Institute in Jerusalem, where he graduated summa cum laude, and he is currently pursuing a PhD in Jewish History at Bar-Ilan University, writing a dissertation on Rabbinic encounters with zoology in the nineteenth century. The Rabbi has also taught extensively on Judaism, science and zoology at Yeshivat Lev HaTorah in Ramat Bet Shemesh and at numerous synagogues worldwide. He has also run many educational programs at zoos and natural history museums, as well as serving as scholar-in-residence on African safaris. Rabbi Slifkin has written numerous books on the topic of Judaism and the natural sciences, and he has also written extensively for the Daf Yomi Advancement Forum, as well as for many newspapers, websites and journals. He also maintains a popular blog, www.RationalistJudaism.com. Rabbi Slifkin lives in Ramat Bet Shemesh with his wife and 5 children.
• Get his incredible book here: www.biblicalnaturalhistory.or...
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