Discover this podcast and so much more

Podcasts are free to enjoy without a subscription. We also offer ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more for just $11.99/month.

Episode 40: Rabbi David Fohrman "Method of Midrash & Divine Authorship"

Episode 40: Rabbi David Fohrman "Method of Midrash & Divine Authorship"

FromJUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today's Perplexed: Confronting the Challenges of This Generation


Episode 40: Rabbi David Fohrman "Method of Midrash & Divine Authorship"

FromJUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today's Perplexed: Confronting the Challenges of This Generation

ratings:
Length:
166 minutes
Released:
Jan 26, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

Rabbi David Fohrman has changed the game of online Torah learning with AlephBeta.org, a remarkable and innovative tool for the modern age. In this episode, he describes his methodology in learning the biblical text, of which he brilliantly draws a parallel to the complex interconnectivities of the worldwide web. Additionally, since Midrash is often misunderstood in today’s generation by both the Orthodox and secular world, he advocates for the healthier, classical approach to learning Chazal's lessons. He gives some incredible textual examples of how to "crack the code" of what Midrash is and how it is to be understood. In the second segment of the podcast, we discuss the fact that the unity of the biblical text has sadly been scrutinized with the advent of modern biblical scholarship i.e., Source Criticism. Thankfully, his profound methodology includes noticing literary constructs, chiastic structures, and intertextuality littered throughout the biblical texts, which heavily undermine the assertions made by biblical critics. He shares his favorite examples of intertextuality that showcase the fact that seemingly disjointed biblical texts are in fact utilizing sophisticated literary devices that serve to induce meaning, inspire interpretation, and deepen understanding of the verses. His presentation dismantles the Documentary Hypothesis, proving that the Torah cannot possibly be the work of multiple authors. He ends with a powerful slideshow analyzing the supposed "disharmony" of Genesis 1 and 2 (for this part, switch over to the video version on YouTube so you can view his slideshow).
Released:
Jan 26, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (93)

Benjy & Benzi are 2 young and inquisitive Orthodox Jews who decided to create the content they always craved but couldn't find elsewhere. When they're not engaging in passionate 1-on-1 discussions, they have long-form conversations with Jewish thinkers from all walks of life. The goal of the show is to shed light on taboo topics, tackle the problems facing Judaism today, delve into philosophical & theological issues, and most importantly - find common ground with prestigious guests from different religious backgrounds who may have views that aren't often shared in mainstream Orthodox circles.