Unperplexed: Parsha Lessons from Maimonides's Guide of the Perplexed
Yitzchak Sprung
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About This Podcast
Each week, Rabbi Sprung uncovers a hidden layer of the Parsha through the lens of the Maimonides's Guide of the Perplexed — where reason meets revelation, and ancient words illuminate timeless questions. Listen to Unperplexed on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Recent Episodes
S4E30 Naso: The Holy Patient
The Holy PatientWhy does the Rambam compare the Nazir to the Kohen Gadol?This week's episode explores a striking paradox: the Nazir is both a patient in need of treatment and a model of holiness.…
S4E29 Bemidbar: The Ark on Their Shoulders
Why was the Ark carried on shoulders rather than transported by wagon? This week, we explore the Rambam’s surprising answer—and what it reveals about leadership, honor, and the responsibilities that…
S4E28 Behar/Bechukotai: Does the Merit of the Patriarchs Ever Run Out?
How long does the merit of the patriarchs really last?This week on Unperplexed, we explore a striking debate among the Sages—and the Rambam’s surprising answer. Why do Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov…
S4E27 Emor: Uncertainty and the Art of Torah Study
We often turn to great thinkers for answers. But what happens when they refuse to give them? This episode considers one of the most striking moments in the Guide of the Perplexed—and what it reveals…
S4E26 Acharei Mot/Kedoshim: We All Sin. But How Do We Feel?
We all sin. But how do we feel when we do?The Sin Offerings are there to ask us this question. And to give us an answer.
S4E25 Tazria-Metzora; The Gift of Tzara'at
Tzara'at is a gift. In fact, it's a good example of why punishments in general are so good and helpful for us. And it's something that we need to be prepared to learn from and imitate.
S4E24 Tzav: Why Some Sins Matter More
Sins and violations are not always treated equally in the Torah and that can seem arbitrary. Wouldn’t it make more sense for sins to be treated in the same way?As always, the Rambam helps us…
S4E23 Vayikra: Make it Easy
Make it easy for people. Sin offerings could be very expensive. But what of someone who cannot afford to bring these animals for a sacrifice? This issue is addressed in our Parsha. And it's not just…
S4E22 Vayakhel-Pekudei: Where is the Glory of God?
What is the kavod, the “glory” of God, so often referred to in the Bible? It settled on Mount Sinai and Moses begged to see it. All the earth is filled with it and Jeremiah teaches us to render glory…
S4E21 Ki Tisa: Nietzsche and the Will to Shabbat
Nietzsche wasn’t wrong about everything. No, the will to power- pure human desire that crosses all moral boundaries- will never be Jewish. But he got something fundamentally right. We will call it…
S4E20 Tezaveh: Sometimes a Cigar is Not Just a Cigar
Why is blood forbidden? Is it inherently wrong, or did it once mean something rejected by the Torah? As we shall see, sometimes a cigar is not just a cigar and we are going to turn the mirror on…
S4E19 Bonus Episode!: Does the Rambam Believe in the Third Temple?
Our episode for Parshat Terumah raises some serious questions about the nature of Jewish Law and the Rambam's views in particular. So does the Rambam believe that Judaism requires building a third…
S4E18 Terumah: The Truth is Not Enough
The truth is very important. But it is not sufficient. So we see in the Rambam's famous explanation for the commandment to build the Tabernacle. There is a great lesson here, as always. The Rambam's…
S4E17 Yitro: Jewish Belief is Not Enough
Jewish belief is not enough, the Rambam says. This isn’t just about habits or culture- it’s about Jewish identity. And if we want that identity to last, we’ll need to learn the lessons of…
S4E16 Beshalach: Don't Try to Change People
God doesn’t change people. And we shouldn’t try to. In this week's episode, we see just how central this principle is to Torah. And then we think about how important it ought to be to us. Sources:…
S4E15 Bo: Slaughtering Ideas
How do we overcome false ideas and ideals? We slaughter them publicly. This is the purpose of the Paschal lamb and a great lesson for our time.
S4E14 Vaera: No Freedom to Choose
What happened to Pharaoh's free will when God hardened his heart? And isn’t it unfair for God to punish Pharaoh for something he really didn’t have a choice in? These are great questions. And there…
S4E13 Shemot: Moshe before Prophecy
Moshe was not always a prophet. First, he was a person inspired by the Spirit of God. And we can be too.
S4E12 Vayechi: How Do We Know It’s Prophecy?
Who decides what’s prophecy- and who decides what to trust? And what surprising spiritual lesson is revealed when we learn the answers to these questions? Sources: Gen. 48:3, 35:6-11, Kings 1 3:15,…
S4E11 Vayigash: Unkelos's Translation, the Rambam, and Scholarly Trust
Why does Unkelos translate “I will go down with you to Egypt” literally—when he usually avoids any language that suggests God has a body? In this episode of Unperplexed, we follow the Rambam’s answer…
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Unperplexed: Parsha Lessons from Maimonides's Guide of the Perplexed has published 177 episodes since October 2022, covering topics in Judaism, Philosophy.
Unperplexed: Parsha Lessons from Maimonides's Guide of the Perplexed is currently highly active with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 3m.
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