Episodes
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This week on Madlik, we’re diving into Parashat Vayeshev and exploring the Joseph story through a unique lens. Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz as we unpack this pivotal narrative that bridges Genesis and Exodus.
We’ll be taking a hard look at the uncomfortable truth at the heart of this parasha: human trafficking. It’s not just about Joseph in Egypt – we’re talking about the profound implications of ethnic groups selling their own people into slavery.
We’ll also examine how this story fits into the broader context of biblical literature. Is it a court legend? Wisdom literature? Or something entirely different?
Plus, we’ll discuss how the sale of Joseph has echoed through Jewish tradition, from Yom Kippur liturgy to modern-day rituals. It’s an approach that might break the oppressor/oppressed lense used by so many today.
Sefaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/612024
Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/12/19/joseph-slave-trade/
Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QkhOPS54nfc
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From the first chapters of Genesis, when Adam named the animals, naming in the Biblical narrative is a powerful tool which defines destiny. This process reaches a climax with the re-naming of Jacob and the birth of Israel. Although "Israel" is normally translated as "struggling with God" we explore other meanings that align more powerfully with the metamorphosis that Yaakov experiences. Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz as we explore the nuances of this name Israel, that until today defines and inspires the Jewish People and their land.
Sefaria source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/610333
Transcript: https://madlik.com/2024/12/13/what-israel-means/
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xQt2m7poFCE
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Missing episodes?
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Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz for another week of Madlik Disruptive Torah. We explore the biblical narratives surrounding Jacob and Abraham, the sanctity of places in the Ancient Near East and Jewish tradition, and the ongoing relevance of these themes in contemporary discussions about Jerusalem. The conversation highlights the deep connections between history, identity, and spirituality, emphasizing the importance of understanding the layers of meaning associated with sacred sites.
Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/608262
Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/12/05/scaling-the-temple-mount/
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/RHv0rHLtqXs
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Are we defined by our names or by the stories we tell? We explore Parashat Toldot, diving into the intricate relationships between the Philistines and ancient Israelites "up until today." Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz in a conversation that highlights the melting pot of cultures in ancient Israel. We reveal that the Philistines, like the Hittites and Hebrews, were newcomers to the land and for the most part contributed culturally and integrated well. When friction arose, they willingly separated and made agreements that showcased mutual recognition and trust. In a week that the 2024 cease fire between Israel and Lebanon is consummated and we in the US celebrate Thanksgiving we wonder what lessens from the past we can take to guide us in these challenging times.
Check out the Sefaria Source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/606744
Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/11/28/the-philistinians-and-the-israelites/
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cbPen_DRgmo
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Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz discussing the weekly Torah portion. What happens when ancient narratives of trauma echo through generations? This episode of "Madlik Disruptive Torah" delves into the parsha Chayei Sara, exploring the post-traumatic impact of the attempted sacrifice of Isaac. Through the lens of Jewish, Islamic and contemporary literature, we examine the emotional and familial fallout experienced by Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Isaac, and Ishmael. They pose intriguing questions: Did Abraham and Sarah live apart after the Akedah? Where did Isaac go after the attempted sacrifice by his father and how did he relate to his half-brother Ishmael and step-mother Hagar? How did Isaac's near-sacrifice shape his life? The discussion weaves historical context with contemporary reflections, drawing parallels to modern-day conflicts and shared traumas.
Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/605334
Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/11/21/the-day-after/
View on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jf-oCqMqbco
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Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz as we explore the intriguing theological debate where Abraham challenges God over the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah. Unlike typical moral or ethical arguments, Abraham's stance is deeply rooted in his understanding of God's nature. He questions whether it would be Godlike to act in a manner that contradicts his perception of the divine. Profaning God's name is a major them in the Torah but in this first instance, it is God Himself who is accused of the crime. Come and learn!
Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/603675
Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/11/14/god-forbid/
Youtube video: https://youtu.be/RMPRRuil5lY
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Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded in [location] on [date]. What does it mean to leave everything behind and embark on a journey of faith? This episode of "Madlik" delves into the Torah portion Lech Lecha, exploring Abraham's radical departure from his homeland and the birth of monotheism.
- Discover how Abraham's journey is not just a physical one but a profound internal quest for meaning and connection.
- Examine the midrashic interpretations that paint Abraham as a rebel, challenging the status quo and seeking a universal God.
- Consider the contemporary relevance of Abraham's story in a world where chaos and division often prevail.
Explore the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of Abraham's journey... and ponder what it means for us today.
For more insights, see the Sefaria Source Sheet (link below) and access the episode transcript. Recorded live on Clubhouse, this discussion invites you to reflect on the enduring question: What do we find when we truly leave everything behind?
Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/602012
Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/11/07/radical-disruption-and-the-birth-of-faith/
Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ud7D7ZWMnMI
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Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz in conversation regarding the weekly Torah portion. What happens when language becomes both a bridge and a barrier? In this episode of the "Madlik Disruptive Torah Podcast," the duo delves into Parashat Noah, exploring the Tower of Babel's tale and its implications on linguistic diversity. They unravel how the division of languages shaped rabbinic texts and Jewish tradition, posing questions about unity and communication. Discover how ancient narratives explain modern phenomena, and consider the power of translation in preserving and transforming sacred texts. Is the multiplicity of languages a divine gift or a source of chaos?
Explore the Sefaria source sheet www.sefaria.org/sheets/599916
Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/10/31/words-without-borders/
Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KtJ-aPx1Kfc?si=zNV9Fdfj6lT_UCSA
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Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz as they explore the creation myth. There are those who would have us believe that in Creation, God made unity from chaos and that the Torah’s end game is to find that unity, tikkun and nirvana once again. We explore an alternative, counterfactual approach, where God created through division and with a goal of creating a world where divisions are emphasized, managed but definitely not erased.
Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/598674
Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/10/24/splitting-the-adam/
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At sunset the holiday of Sukkot begins and we leave the security of our homes and dwell in the temporary booths of farmers. In previous episodes we have focused on what makes this falling dwelling so permanent and eternal, but this year, in the shadow of Oct 7th we focus on the darker side of these exposed dwellings. We also explore the potential of the sukkah and the Jewish People to rise from the ashes like the Phoenix.
Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/597045
Transcripton episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/10/16/the-sukkah-will-rise-again/
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While I considered writing a sermon for this Yom Kippur I listened to the Madlik Sermon given a week before October 7th 2023. So much of what concerned me, even terrified me, came to fruition that I decided to re-broadcast. Maybe next week as we approach the anniversay of last year's dreadful Simchat Torah we can discuss further the concept of סֻכַּת הַנּוֹפֶלֶת; "the falling Sukkah" but for now, let's try to learn the lesson of Yom Kippur 1973 and 2023. Hatima Tova for all of us.
Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/513577
Episode web page: https://madlik.com/2023/09/26/the-yom-kippur-sermon-i-wanted-to-hear/
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Join Geoffrey Stern recorded live at the Conservative Synagogue of Westport, Connecticut with guest appearences of Madlik Faithful Henry Feuerstein, Martin Rosenfeld z'l, Martha Rosenfeld, Judy Shapiro and others.
Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/594972
Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2016/10/01/whats-new-with-the-jewish-new-year/
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Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded in front of a live audience. God, so to speak, “joining the Jewish People in Exile”, is a radical Rabbinic concept that in the words of Rabbi Akiva would have been blasphemous had it not been supported by Scripture. We explore the source of “God in Exile” (Shechinta B’Galuta - שְׁכִינְתָּא בְּגָלוּתָא) in Rabbinic texts and ponder its ramifications for modern-day Jewish Thought.
Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/592663
Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/09/25/god-in-exile/
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Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded in front of a live audience on Clubhouse. Moses warns the Israelites that if they do not live up to God’s expectations, they will be vilified as a caricature of evil. The world will use the Jew to personify failure and depravity. We discuss the use of the Jew as metaphor in our texts and literature.
Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/591169
Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/09/18/jew-as-metaphor/
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Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded on Clubhouse in front of a live audience. The Torah teaches that one must return a lost object to its rightful owner. The great sages Abaye and Rava use this as an opportunity to argue over the dynamics of loss and despair! We swim into this iconic Talmudic text to find what we have lost…
Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/589057
Link to The Eli Fishman Podcast: Rabbi Adam Mintz: On the topic of Conversion (gerus).
Transcript on Episode Web Page: https://madlik.com/2024/09/11/lost-found/
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Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded on Clubhouse. הי״ד the Hebrew acronym הַשֵּׁם יִקּוֹם דָּמוֹ “May Hashem avenge his blood” has been carved after the names of too many victims of bloodshed in the past few months, and especially in the last few days. This week's parsha addresses tribalism, revenge killings and blood feuds which in the Ancient Near East, especially in the Sinai Peninsula, have a too rich history. Today we review the Biblical texts in light of pre-Islamic customs preserved by the Bedouin and we wonder …. when will it ever end.
Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/587623
Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/09/04/may-god-avenge-his-blood/
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Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded on Clubhouse on August 25th 2022. The Torah prohibits us from adding or detracting to its directives and also against rewriting history. It even predicts that there might be a time where our leaders will try to reinvent our past. We discuss.
Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/426413
Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2022/08/24/a-time-that-never-was/
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Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded in front of a live audience on Clubhouse. The Book of Deuteronomy presents the Torah’s various rules and regulations as a corpus. It uses a unique expression; כׇּל־הַמִּצְוָ֗ה variously translated as “All the commandment” or “instruction”, the “entire mitzvah”. It is mitzvah in the singular … not in the plural as we would expect. So, we explore how the concept of a corpus of 613 commandments as well as the value of a single mitzvah developed in Rabbinic thought and Jewish practice.
Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/584896
Trancript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/08/21/the-whole-mitzvah/
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Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded in front of a live audience on Clubhouse. The Torah proclaims that its laws are our wisdom and understanding in the sight of the nations. The nations of the world will say of the Israelites that this is a wise and understanding people. We explore the traditional commentaries and then we discover Rabbi Moshe Shmuel Glasner; born at the end of the 19th century and a radical thinker and early religious Zionist. Based on this verse, he taught that if our Torah does not match the most enlightened moral, ethical, cultural and aesthetic standards of the day…. It…. And we... need to evolve. So, join us for “What they say about us actually matters...”
Sefaria source sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/583652
Transcript on episode webpage: https://madlik.com/2024/08/14/what-they-say-about-us-actually-matters/
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Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded in front of a live audience on Clubhouse. The book of Deuteronomy known as the Second Torah, is not only spoken in the first-person voice of Moses but is also a reworking and reinterpretation of earlier events. This is nowhere more apparent then in the retelling of the story of the spies where, in our disruptive reading, the spies and their generation are not blamed for being too meek, but rather…. for being too militaristic.
Sefaria source sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/582307
Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2024/08/07/just-war/
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