Jewish Thoughtflow

Noah's Ark - Mistaken Premises of Biblical Criticism

Avraham Cohen — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 15:26:52 GMT

Over 4000 years ago, Hashem decided to restart the world, destroying the earth, and its inhabitants in a great flood. Only through building the ark were Noach and his family able to survive, and save enough animals for the world to continue. This story, described in the beginning of Genesis, has been subjected to many questions. How did Noach have the capability to build such an advanced ship? How did he collect all the animals? How did they fit? Why is there so much localized human diversity, if we are all descendants of one family? Why is there no geological evidence of a massive flood? Why do the histories of civilizations seem to predate the flood, which would have been the rise of those civilizations?

Join Jewish Thoughtflow on our voyage through the deluge of questions.

This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

How Nature Proves God Beyond a Reasonable Doubt - A thorough investigation of the Teleological Proof

Avraham Cohen — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 20:48:55 GMT

The History of Kabbalah - From Sinai to Tzfas

Avraham Cohen — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 03:17:35 GMT

Ever wonder where Kabbalah comes from? Was it a system of thought developed in the middle ages, or an oral tradition dating back to Har Sinai? What do Nevuah and Kabbalah have in common? Does our Kabbalistic mesorah have the same strength as our halachik mesorah? All this and more on the latest episode of Jewish Thoughtflow!
For all questions, comments, and concerns, please email me at Jewishthoughtflow@gmail.com or whatsapp following this link:
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Abortion In Halacha - Abridged Version

Avraham Cohen — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 22:26:41 GMT

Abortion in Halacha and Hashkafa, abridged version. For more information, please listen to the main version! For all questions, comments, and concerns, please email me at Jewishthoughtflow@gmail.com or whatsapp following this link:
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Conversations - Morality Without God Ft. Avi Cohen

Avraham Cohen — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 20:36:40 GMT

Jewish Thoughtflow Presents: Coversations - Morality Without God Ft. Avi Cohen
What ways do atheists attempt to explain right and wrong? What is the problem with naturalistic morality? Is right and wrong a function of physical pleasure? Do we naturally sense what is good and what is evil, and can that feeling ever influence particular decisions? Join us in a fascinating conversation with Avi Cohen and gain new perspectives on morality, religion, and God.
For all questions, comments, and concerns, please email me at Jewishthoughtflow@gmail.com or whatsapp following this link:
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Abortion In Halacha

Avraham Cohen — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 01:17:05 GMT

What is the halacha regarding abortion? Is it different for Jews and non-Jews? Why do atheists shift so much and so quickly on moral issues? Was Roe V. Wade being overturned a good thing for Jews?
For all questions, comments, and concerns, please email me at Jewishthoughtflow@gmail.com or whatsapp following this link:
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Creating Darkness - The Nature of Absence (Abridged Version)

Avraham Cohen — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 19:43:26 GMT

What is Darkness? Was it created, or just our description of 'lack of light'? What does science have to say, and do we care? All this and more, in our new 7 minute format, Abridged Jewish Thoughtflow

The Luchos - Ksav Ivri or Ashuri (Abridged Version)

Avraham Cohen — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:00:00 GMT

INTRODUCING A BRAND NEW FORMAT!!! For those who don't have a 45 minute attention span, we have condensed the basic sugya into a manageable 7 minutes. For more information, please listen to the regular version!

The Luchos - Ksav Ivri or Ashuri

Avraham Cohen — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:50:26 GMT

Were the Luchos written in Ksav Ivri or Ksav Ashuri? Is there psak in Hashkafa? Did Ezra really create a new Ksav? Did the Jews steal their holy ksav from the goyim? Was the ע in the Luchos floating? Join Jewish Thoughtflow as we tackle these questions and more on the latest episode - The Luchos - Ksav Ivri or Ashuri?

Purim Fest 1946 - The fascinating connection between Amalek and the Nazis

Avraham Cohen — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 19:13:17 GMT

A fascinating read on it's own right, the Megillah contains amazing hints to the history of the Jews. From the Pogroms in 1648, to the holocaust, the letters in the Megillah foretell the future suffering at the hands of Amalek through history. Perhaps the most famous of which, is the hanging of the ten Nazis following WWII. While many have heard of the famous words shouted at the gallows, the immense amount of hints and references contained in the Megillah will amaze even the most skeptical mind! The exact year of the hanging, the amount of Nazis hanged, the axis alliance, and even the name of the hangman! Join Jewish Thoughtflow as we do a deep dive in to the fantastic predictions from the Megillah and the Gemara, regarding the Nazis, the modern manifestation of Amalek.

600,000 Jews left Mitzrayim - The problem with Archeology

Avraham Cohen — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 19:41:14 GMT

Although Hashem tells us 600,00 Jews left Mitzrayim, and traveled through the desert, many academics don't understand how it's possible. Where is the archeological evidence? Wouldn't that make them the biggest nation? Why are there so few firstborns? How did they eat?

To many of you who graduated 3rd grade, these questions should sound familiar, and the answer clear. Unfortunately, most biblical critics, and even scholars, appear to have been absent those days.

Join Jewish Thoughtflow as we deal with all the questions, as well as an in depth look into the methodology of archeology and population estimates, exposing the flaws, assumptions, and ignorance of those who question the Torah.

Creating Darkness - The Nature of Absence

Avraham Cohen — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 19:37:33 GMT

What is darkness? Is it just the absence of light, or is it an independent existence which expresses itself outside of light. Why does the Maharsha say it is heresy to say Hashem didn't create darkness? Why is this question relavant?

Join Jewish Thoughflow in another fascinating episode, where we do a deep dive into the nature of darkness, the difference between theory and Torah, and the distinction between absence and nothing. More than just a fun mental exercise, understanding this will help one comprehend Yichud Hashem and even has interesting Halachik ramifications!

If you enjoyed this episode, or any of our previous ones, please make sure to share with your friends and family! Email us at Jewishthoughtflow@gmail.com with any comments, questions, or compliments.

The Techeiles Debate - 26 Questions on the Moderen Techeiles

Avraham Cohen — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 03:58:17 GMT

Pamphlet Regarding the species of the Chilazon - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JwOXsYuawlltkpzLYgfv7YbEhbOqq2yC/view?usp=sharing

Pamphlet regarding sources in gemara and rishonim dealing with the Chilazon chapters:

2-3 -

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-nmQrxrkit6LDfhFNnOXg_bBigClkyle/view?usp=sharing

4-7 - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QEeLBSeVu6R1KZbvGirOrRQtUYRQHC5w/view?usp=sharing

7-8 - https://drive.google.com/file/d/12pwWVExIJOPxvEBS_ytndQm0X0N25Lak/view?usp=sharing

Teshuva from Rabbi Kleinman - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r-N1QQkMcilK7y7JS8sHghD-fEtmURc1/view?usp=sharingfile:///Users/user/Downloads/Chilazon%20Identity%20Chapter%202-3.PDF

Branches of the Menorah - Curved or Straight

Avraham Cohen — Sun, 28 Nov 2021 01:47:48 GMT

Were the branches of the menorah straight or curved? If you ask your average person (try it) you will generally recieve the response: It's a machlokes Rishonim. If you ask a more academic leaning person, the answer may be 'it was definitely rounded, haven't you seen the arch?'. However, the Lubavitcher Rebbe was adament that it was in fact straight. Who is correct?

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Sources used in the episode:

תרומה כה:לב - וְשִׁשָּׁ֣ה קָנִ֔ים יֹצְאִ֖ים מִצִּדֶּ֑יהָ שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה ׀ קְנֵ֣י מְנֹרָ֗ה מִצִּדָּהּ֙ הָאֶחָ֔ד וּשְׁלֹשָׁה֙ קְנֵ֣י מְנֹרָ֔ה מִצִּדָּ֖הּ הַשֵּׁנִֽי

רש'י תרומה כה:לב. - לְכָאן וּלְכָאן בַּאֲלַכְסוֹן, נִמְשָׁכִים וְעוֹלִין עַד כְּנֶגֶד גָּבְהָהּ שֶׁל מְנוֹרָה שֶׁהוּא קָנֶה הָאֶמְצָעִי.

רמב'ם ביאת המקדש 3:2 - וְשָׁלֹשׁ רַגְלַיִם הָיוּ לָהּ. וּשְׁלֹשָׁה כַּפְתּוֹרִים אֲחֵרִים הָיוּ בִּקְנֵה הַמְּנוֹרָה שֶׁמֵּהֶן יוֹצְאִים שֵׁשֶׁת הַקָּנִים. שְׁלֹשָׁה מִצַּד זֶה וּשְׁלֹשָׁה מִצַּד זֶה.

פירוש המשניות מנחות ג:ז. - ראיתי לצייר בכאן צורת המנורה שלימה... ואני מצייר עכשיו הצורה הזאת שהגביעים צורת דבר משולש והכפתור עגולה והפרח חצי עגולה כדי שיהיה קל להצטייר שאין הכוונה בצורה הזאת להודיע בה צורת הגביע על אמתתו לפי שכבר בארתי אותו לך אבל הכוונה להודיע בה מספר הגביעים וכפתורים והפרחים ומקומותם והשיעור הנשאר מעמוד המנורה שאין בו שום דבר והמקומות שהיו בהן הפרחים והכפתורים וכולה איך היתה וזו היא צורת כל זה:

אברהם בן הרמב'ם תרומה כה:לב -

בכור שור תרומה כה:לא - וכל הקנים היו שוים במדה אחת ועשוים כמין ענפי האילן קנה גוף המנורה גבוה מכולם שנים שבצדו נמוכים ממנה מעט כפי האלכסין והשנים נמוכים מן הראשונים כפי שהם יוצאים בנמוך והשלישיים יותר כפי שהם יוצאים בנמוך

Menachos 28b - ר' יוסי בר רבי יהודה אומר אף של עץ לא יעשה כדרך שעשו מלכי בית חשמונאי אמרו לו משם ראיה שפודים של ברזל היו וחיפום בבעץ העשירו עשאום של כסף חזרו והעשירו עשאום של זהב

אבן עזרא כה:לב - וששה. טעם קנים. עגולים ארוכים חלולים

braaisa in midos 46 (yalkut brings down pretty much the same) - שבעה נרותיה כנגד שבעה כוכבים המשמשין את העולם ואלו הן שצ״מ חנכ״ל

https://templeinstitute.org/menorah-archeological-evidence/

https://outorah.org/p/5720/

The Techeiles debate - Part 2

Avraham Cohen — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 16:24:51 GMT

After shedding light on the history of the Chilazon and the Murex respectively, we know turn our attention to the descriptions given in the gemara and rishonim, starting with the most important question: What species was the Chilazon? After establishing the species, the aesthetic of the Chilazon must be compared to our foundering candidate. What does a fish look like? What color is the sea? Think those are easy questions? Think again. Join us in part two of the fascinating topic sweeping across Judaism: The Great Techeiles Debate!

The Techeiles debate - Part 1

Avraham Cohen — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 03:54:20 GMT

With the rediscovery of the Murex's dying capabilities came a reborn interest in finding the Chilazon, the source of the 'Biblical Blue' Techeiles. From Reb Herzog's thesis, to Prof. Elsner's discovery, and finally Rabbi Eliyahu Tavger co-founding the ptil-tekhelet institute, the Murex has a rich history, and has convinced many that we have finally found the elusive chilazon.

However, many remain unconvinced. Despite the fact that we have found mounds and mounds of Murex shells in obvious dying industries in the exact locations the Talmud tells us the chilazon was found, despite the fact that many rishonim identified the chilazon as a certain snail, despite the fact that the word chilazon MEANS SNAIL, despite the fact that the ancient decrees against Murex use explains its gradual disappearance from Jewish life, many in the ultra orthodox world won't wear Murex Techelis Tzitzis.

Why not? Join Jewish Thoughtflow in the most comprehensive review of the Murex as the chilazon that can be found, and learn a new, yet unexplored angle that may change the way you view the topic of Murex Techeiles, and perhaps academia at large, forever.

Eilu V'Eilu Divrei Elokim Chaim

Avraham Cohen — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 22:55:07 GMT

The Un-mysterious Origins of Lag B'Omer

Avraham Cohen — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 21:48:17 GMT

The Aguna Problem

Avraham Cohen — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 01:00:17 GMT

Why Lady Justice Should Have Been a Man

Avraham Cohen — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 19:56:18 GMT

Nashim Da'aton Kalos - Understanding the Women's Intellect

Avraham Cohen — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 13:05:33 GMT

נשים דעתן קלות - Roughly translated as "Women's intellect is light/weak", this phrase has, by many, been slotted into the "ancient misogynistic attitudes" category. For, as is well known, women are just as capable as men at intellectual capabilities. Differences between men and women are caused by social stigma, and have been rapidly decreasing as our societies become more egalitarian. Just look at average SAT math scores, which had men outperforming women at rates of 10:1 in the 80's, and just 2.5:1 in the 90's as the women's rights movement gained in popularity. So why would the Talmud make such a claim about women? Join Jewish Thoughtflow in their long awaited episode exploring the intellect of the man and the women, as well as the implications for our every day life. This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

Was the Akeida Evil? - Part 3: The Solution

Avraham Cohen — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 01:04:48 GMT

Was the Akeida Evil - Part 2: The Problems

Avraham Cohen — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 19:08:20 GMT

In part 1 we examined a few different methods of having morality without religion, ranging from an innate sense of morality, to a strictly logical (slightly robotic) version aimed at creating the perfect society ("perfect" again being subject to numerous theories). In Part two we begin to question these theories. Is it truly possible, without a God, to come up with rules which will actually lead to a Perfect society? If the only reason I'm listening to God is because this will lead to the best society, or best personal perfection, can that really be called service of God? Is it heretical to propose that God is limited to being Moral? And lastly, but most importantly, why should we follow this emotion called "morality" more than any other? Join us for part 2 of the Morality trilogy, as we take conversations to paths rarely treaded, and thoughts to conceptual planes most minds flee from, all in the hopes of spreading the beauty of Judaism, God, and the Torah. This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

Was the Akeida Evil?? - Part 1: The Setup

Avraham Cohen — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 19:11:53 GMT

Where does morality come from? Is it an innate sense of justice that all humans share? Is it a system of "should"s and "shouldn't"s aimed to create the best society? The best personal experience? Or can it only exist in a God-Given Code of rights and wrongs? This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

Age of the Universe Part 2: The Omphalos Hypothesis

Avraham Cohen — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 23:54:16 GMT

After establishing the rules of reinterpretation in episode one, we move on to the greater challenge of actually dealing with the problem at hand. The verses say one age, thee science says another. What to do, what to do. Perhaps if the verses can't be taken non-literally, science can. Maybe the scientists have made a colossal blunder! Perhaps the light moves faster than we think, every dating method is off (conveniently so, as the mistake doesn't apply to any of the practical sciences), and fossilization happened within the past 6000 years! Maybe, but probably not so defensible for anyone with even a basic level of scientific knowledge. (this is not to say the science is perfect, it is too suggest there is a range of reasonably expected error, a topic Jewish ThoughtFlow will go more in-depth at a later time) Another famous explanation coined the Omphalos Hypothesis is that Hashem created the world in a completed state. Put simply, Hashem wanted a functioning universe for man. In order to do so, he created a world that was inhabitable. This includes full mountains, rivers, sun with starlight reaching the earth, and all the other luminaries. As simple as it sounds, this answer actually raises many philosophical problems. First, if we are assuming the world was created formed, with a suggested but non-real history, what is stopping us from suggesting that the world was in fact created last Thursday!? This is termed the "Last Thursdayism Problem", and is the main attack on the Omphalos Hypothesis. Second, the Omphalos Hypothesis is by definition unfalsifiable. There is no way to disprove that the world was created formed. If so, this should make it scientifically untenable. Third, the suggestion that the world was created old is to suggest that Hashem is misleading us with information. He is expecting us to believe Him and not our own eyes. Is this really what Judaism expects from us? Lastly, what is the purpose? I understand Hashem wanted a complete world. Fine. I can accept that part of a functioning world is sunlight, starlight, etc. Fine. But why the Earthly history? Why the fossils of animals that never really existed? Why the history of humans who never existed?? Why are there strata of Earth, suggesting an evolution which never happened? What is the purpose? As usual, Jewish ThoughtFLow goes where few have gone before, delving into the opposition to make sure the Torah perspective, perfect as we know it to be, can be understood by those with questions. And the way to figure out the answers? Delving into the sources to reveal the way Hashem wants us to view the world. This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

Age of the Universe part 1: Taking verses non-literally

Avraham Cohen — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 23:26:53 GMT

The Age of the Universe has been debated for millennium. The Jewish perspective through the years has been, for the most part, that the universe was created approximately 5781 years ago. The Non-Jewish perspective has shifted from Eternal, popularized by the great philosophers Aristotle and Plato, to a more finite number in the mid 19th century, which has slowly (and sometimes quickly) grew from 10's of millions, to the current number scientists run with today; 13.81 billion years old. As we know, the scientific assumption has never really matched, or been close to the number a literal reading of Genesis will give us. So what do we do..... Well, the simplest thing to do, when dealing with an issue of a text and empirical data, is reinterpret the text. Unfortunately, in this case, the text is the Torah, and the writer was the greatest prophet in history, transcribing Hashem's story to the Jewish people, making it more difficult to just allegorize. In "The Age of the Universe: Part 1", we go in depth into the four rules of reinterpretation, so beautifully categorized by the Great 10th century Rabbi, Rav Saadia Goan, in his magnum opus, Emunos V'Daos. Think all Verses are literal? Think again! Think no verse needs to be understood literally? Think again! Learn (or hear again) the difference between logic and reason, vision and extrapolation, Aristotle and Plato, and much much more in the latest episode from JewishThoughtFlow! This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

Mailbag on the Difference between Jewish and Non-Jewish Souls

Avraham Cohen — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 18:03:27 GMT

Avi and Mottie answer questions on the difference between Jewish and Non-Jewish Souls, They clarify many ideas including why differences are moral, how we know those differences are inherent, and why is this conversation so important. To be part of the conversation, email us at Jewishthoughtflow@gmail.com This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

The First Cause Proof

Avraham Cohen — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 00:25:56 GMT

Hi guys! This is my first podcast ever so please excuse all the rookie errors.Below, you should find the sources used in the podcast plus an outline of what we spoke about. I hope both will be of aid. Remember, please feel free to email me with any questions, or comments, at jewishthoughtflow@gmail.com. Sources. Rambam Introduction to 11th Chapter of Sanhedrin להאמין מציאות הבורא יתברך והוא שיש שם נמצא שלם בכל דרכי המציאות הוא עילת מציאות הנמצאים כלם בו קיום מציאותם וממנו קיומם ואל יעלה על הלב העדר מציאותו כי בהעדר מציאותו נתבטל מציאות כל הנמצאים ולא נשאר נמצא שיתקיים מציאותו ואם נעלה על לבנו העדר הנמצאים כלם זולתו לא יתבטל מציאות הש"י 2)Sefer Hachinuch, 25 וענין האמנה הוא שיקבע בנפשו שהאמת כן ושאי אפשר חלוף (בחלוף) זה בשום פנים. ואם נשאל עליו, ישיב לכל שואל שזה יאמין לבו ולא יודה בחלוף זה אפילו יאמרו להרגו, שכל זה מחזיק וקובע האמנת הלב כשמוציא הדבר מן הכח אל הפעל, רצוני לומר כשיקים בדברי פיו מה שלבו גומר. ואם יזכה לעלות במעלות החכמה ולבבו (ישעיהו ו י) יבין ובעיניו יראה במופת נחתך, שהאמנה הזאת שהאמין אמת וברור, אי אפשר להיות דבר בלתי זה, אז יקים מצות עשה זו מצוה מן המבחר. 1) Introduction to specific Podcast. a) The first cause proof is a logical demonstration aimed at proving the existence of a free willing cause of all physical existence. b) The reality of such an existence is important for a Jew to know as this represents the first principle of belief in Maimonides 13 principles of faith. (Source #1,#2) 2) Why is belief not enough? a) There is a Mitzveh to bring that belief into rational knowledge. (Source #3) b) Bringing belief into rational knowledge is helpful in fully understanding the topics that we are supposed to belief. (E.G. we are supposed to belief that G-d is an uncaused first cause, What does this mean?) c) Most important. The key to inappropriate behavior is self-justification. Easier to introduce doubt in the level of belief that most of us have than in to things we know to must be true. 3) What the proof will and will not demonstrate a) Will demonstrate that an unforced, causal being is responsible for the existence of everything. b) Will demonstrate that said being is higher than time. ( And even now cannot be in time, because if it started to be part of time, then by definition it had times it could have started this being in time, which would be measured in potential added time to universe. If out of time it is always) c) Will demonstrate that the being is conscious. d) Cannot demonstrate that there is only one of them. e) Cannot demonstrate that this is the Jewish idea of G-d, outside of it being out of time. (i.e. Omnipotent, omniscient etc.) Both seem to be rational, but unproven. f) Cannot prove that G-d created the universe something from nothing. Again, seems to be rational, but cannot prove it. 4) Assumptions a) Logical necessity is also reality. This is the basis of all rational inquiry; man cannot live his life any other way. This will be an assumption in every one of our proofs. 5) Let’s get started a) The universe is here. This is either in reality or in illusion. Makes no difference. b) There are only 2 possible ways that could be. 1) Always was here. 2) Came into being at a certain point. c) Within coming in to being at a certain point there are only 2 options. 1) created by self. 2) created by something else, lets call else Jim. (We will define his properties later.) d) Those are all the options, nothing else. 6) Eliminating options. a) Once we have concluded these are all the options, we can focus on narrowing down the field. b) Assuming it was not always here we had two options 1) created by self. 2) created by Jim. c) Nothing can create itself, it would, have to already be here in order to create itself, so in essence you are saying “was always here”. d) Therefore, if it was not always here, it must have been caused by Jim. e) Essentially, we are left with two options. Universe was always here, or it was created by Jim. 7) Could it have always been here? a) The universe as we know it is changing and one moment precedes the next. This could be in reality, or illusion makes no difference. b) If the universe always existed, then from this perceived moment, going backwards, there would have been an infinite amount of changes. Again, whether in reality or illusion, makes no difference. c) This is a problem. As anyone knows. The definition of infinite is that it is not finite. That being said, since we are at a particular moment in history, and that moment has supposedly been pre-empted by an infinite amount of events, it would seem we have the end of infinite. d) Example of birthday cake with infinite amount of kids eating before you. e) Example of counting to infinite. Etc. You get the idea. f) Therefore, since we are at an event, the universe could not have already existed infinitely. Since that was the necessary conclusion of saying the universe always existed, this must not be true. Jim must have done it a) Since we have knocked out always existing, and we have knocked out self-creation the only logical possibility left is Jim must have done it. b) But in order for Jim to have done it we have to make sure that Jim does not have the same pitfalls as the universe. So, Jim must have the following prerequisites 1) Jim cannot be subject to Change. If he could, he also wouldn’t be able to be around forever. So there must have been zero processes prior to creation. 2) Jim cannot have a prior cause. If he did, that cause would be the Jim. There cannot be an infinite amount of Jims or else we would never get to the Jim who created the universe. 3) Since Jim cannot have a prior cause, he must be able to effectuate the cause by himself, because if he isn’t causing it, and no one else is, it couldn’t happen. This necessitates consciousness as he has to trigger the cause. c) So, to recap. These are the characteristics of Jim. He is; Creator of the universe, Above time and change, and he is the primordial cause. d) Let us replace Jim’s name with G-d and there you have a demonstration of all the things promised. An unforced causal being created the universe. That being is above time and change. That being is conscious. 9) Common objections and their answers. a) How can you say G-d is above time and change if he created the universe? b) Could say doesn’t need to be above time post-creation. Just can’t have change prior to creation. This would allow him to ”get” to creation. c) Bad answer. The very ability to create at a time already places the creator in time by definition. This can be measured by the amount of time that could have been added to the existent finite universe. There obviously couldn’t have been infinite additions or else an infinite amount of potential time would have had to be negated prior to creation. This is a problem. d) Real answer. G-d must be able to create without changing. The mechanism I will address at a later podcast, in short since he is above time there is no period of before creation so post creation is not a change in his reality. But either way, we have proved that said entity must exist, we don’t have to explain mechanism of said entity. The reason why it cannot be universe is because universe changes. Therefore, it is not the entity. However, we have demonstrated that something must be. e) Why could the universe not have always existed, but only have started changing a finite amount of time ago? f) Same problems. If its state of always existing was stagnant, meaning no change, then no change would be occurring. Since there is no time, this would be the eternal state. If something else came and changed it, that other thing would have to be Jim or face the consequences of not being him. This on top of the fact that we previously demonstrated that ability to change also causes problems g) What if time is just an illusion? h) Does not matter. How long ago did the illusion start? Finite, or infinite? Has to be finite. Was state before stagnant, or changing. If stagnant, always stagnant. If changing, could not have always existed. Cause of change from non-change to illusion of change must have been caused by Jim. i) Maybe we just do not understand infinite? j) We do understand it is not finite, and that is all we need to know 10) What we could not demonstrate a) We couldn’t demonstrate how many of these causes exist simultaneously. i.e. monotheism vs. polytheism. But no reason to assume existence of unproved causes. b) We couldn’t demonstrate if the being is aware of what occurs in the world. But no reason to assume not, after all he is the cause of it. c) We couldn’t demonstrate the being has any abilities within the world (Omnipotence) d) We couldn’t demonstrate that the being created the universe from nothing. Only that he is the cause for its transformation into a functioning and changing universe. 11) What we have achieved a) We have achieved in proving the existence of an above time, free-willing cause of our reality. While we have not proven everything we have wanted to about the G-d we know in the Torah, we have taken quite a few steps closer. The rest for now will still have to be Emunah. Closing Remarks A) I hope you have enjoyed the podcast. For questions, comments or clarification please feel free to email me at Jewishthoughtflow@gmail.com. If there are good questions, we will release a supplementary podcast answering the questions. B) Don’t forget to subscribe and share! This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

Proving God's Attributes Part #1

Avraham Cohen — Sun, 15 Sep 2019 23:33:48 GMT

1).Rambam Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 1, 11וְאֵינוֹ מָצוּי בִּזְמַן עַד שֶׁיִּהְיֶה לוֹ רֵאשִׁית וְאַחֲרִית וּמִנְיַן שָׁנִים. וְאֵינוֹ מִשְׁתַּנֶּה שֶׁאֵין לוֹ דָּבָר שֶׁיִּגְרֹם לוֹ שִׁנּוּי.2) .Moreh Nevuchim 1, 11הנצחי העומד אשר לא ישתנה בפנים מאפני השינוי לא שינוי עצם ואין לו שום ענין זולת עצמו שישתנה בו ולא ישתנה יחסו לזולתו כי אין יחס בינו ובין זולתו שישתנה ביחס ההוא (כמו שיתבאר). ובזה ישלם היותו בלתי משתנה כלל ולא בשום פנים כמו שבאר ואמר "כי אני יי לא שניתי" - אין בי שינוי כל עיקר.3) Rambam Hilchos Teshuva 5,5.וּכְשֵׁם שֶׁאֵין כֹּחַ בָּאָדָם לְהַשִּׂיג וְלִמְצֹא אֲמִתַּת הַבּוֹרֵא שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות לג כ) "כִּי לֹא יִרְאַנִי הָאָדָם וָחָי" כָּךְ אֵין כֹּחַ בָּאָדָם לְהַשִּׂיג וְלִמְצֹא דַּעְתּוֹ שֶׁל הַבּוֹרֵא. הוּא שֶׁהַנָּבִיא אָמַר (ישעיה נה ח) "כִּי לֹא מַחְשְׁבוֹתַי מַחְשְׁבוֹתֵיכֶם וְלֹא דַרְכֵיכֶם דְרָכָי".4) .Emunos V'Dayos 2, Introרוצה לומר הבורא יתברך יותר דק מכל דק, ועמוק מכל עמוק, וחזק ‏מכל חזק, ונעלם מכל נעלם, וגבוה מכל גבוה, עד שלא יתכן לעמוד על קצתה כלל. ובזה אמר ‏הכתוב (איוב י"א ז') החקר אלוה תמצא5) The 13 Principles,Principle 2יחוד הש"י כלומר שנאמין שזה שהוא סבת הכל אחד ואינו כאחד הזוג ולא כאחד המין ולא כאיש האחד שנחלק לאחדים רבים ולא אחד כמו הגוף הפשוט האחד במנין שמקבל החלוק לאין סוף אבל הוא הש"י אחד באחדות שאין כמותה אחדות וזה היסוד השני מורה עליו מה שנאמר שמע ישראל ה' אלהינו ה' אחד:6)ֶׁRambam Hilchos Yesodei Hatorah 2,10אֵין אָנוּ וְדַעְתֵּנוּ אֶחָד אֲבָל הַבּוֹרֵא יִתְבָּרַךְ הוּא וְדַעְתּוֹ וְחַיָּיו אֶחָד מִכָּל צַד וּמִכָּל פִּנָּה וּבְכָל דֶּרֶךְ יִחוּד. שֶׁאִלְמָלֵי הָיָה חַי בַּחַיִּים וְיוֹדֵעַ בְּדֵעָה חוּץ מִמֶּנּוּ הָיוּ שָׁם אֱלֹהוּת הַרְבֵּה הוּא וְחַיָּיו וְדַעְתּוֹ, וְאֵין הַדָּבָר כֵּן אֶלָּא אֶחָד מִכָּל צַד וּמִכָּל פִּנָּה וּבְכָל דֶּרֶךְ יִחוּד. נִמְצֵאתָ אַתָּה אוֹמֵר הוּא הַיּוֹדֵעַ וְהוּא הַיָּדוּעַ וְהוּא הַדֵּעָה עַצְמָהּ הַכּל אֶחָד.7)Tur Orach Chaim 625תלה הכתוב מצות סוכה ביציאת מצרים וכן הרבה מצות לפי שהוא דבר שראינו בעינינו ובאזנינו שמענו ואין אדם יכול להכחישנו והיא המורה על אמיתת מציאות הבורא יתעלה שהוא ברא הכל לרצונו והוא אשר לו הכח והממשלה והיכולת בעליונים ובתחתונים לעשות בהן כרצונו ואין מי שיאמר לו מה תעשה כאשר עשה עמנו בהוציאו אותנו מארץ מצרים באותות ובמופתים8)Rambam Yesodei HaTorah 2,9כָּל הַנִּמְצָאִים חוּץ מִן הַבּוֹרֵא מִצּוּרָה הָרִאשׁוֹנָה עַד יַתּוּשׁ קָטָן שֶׁיִּהְיֶה בְּטַבּוּר הָאָרֶץ הַכּל מִכֹּחַ אֲמִתָּתוֹ נִמְצְאוּ. וּלְפִי שֶׁהוּא יוֹדֵעַ עַצְמוֹ וּמַכִּיר גְּדֻלָּתוֹ וְתִפְאַרְתּוֹ וַאֲמִתָּתוֹ הוּא יוֹדֵעַ הַכּל וְאֵין דָּבָר נֶעֱלָם מִמֶּנּוּ: This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

Proving God's Attributes Part #2

Avraham Cohen — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 22:28:19 GMT

The outline of the demonstration will be found in the transcript. Any questions please email us at Jewishthoughtflow@gmail.com. Please subscribe, share and give us your rating! This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

Proving God's Attributes Part #3

Avraham Cohen — Sun, 22 Sep 2019 23:37:24 GMT

Hey! As usual, a transcript will be included of all the basic points made in the podcast. For any questions please email me at Jewishthoughtflow@gmail.com. Please remember to subscribe and share! This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

Proving God's Attributes Part #4

Avraham Cohen — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 00:10:13 GMT

Hey Guys! Attached you should find a transcript. As usual feel free to email me questions at jewishthoughtflow@gmail.com. This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

Proving the Human Soul

Avraham Cohen — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 01:16:07 GMT

Hey guys! Below you will find the sources for the Podcast and attached you will find the transcript. Some of the sources are not quoted in full for some of the source was not relevant to the discussion. As usual, any questions or comments please email me at Jewishthoughtflow@gmail.com.Rambam Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 4,8.נֶפֶשׁ כָּל בָּשָׂר הִיא צוּרָתוֹ שֶׁנָּתַן לוֹ הָאֵל וְהַדַּעַת הַיְתֵרָה הַמְּצוּיָה בְּנַפְשׁוֹ שֶׁל אָדָם הִיא צוּרַת הָאָדָם הַשָּׁלֵם בְּדַעְתּוֹ. וְעַל צוּרָה זוֹ נֶאֱמַר בַּתּוֹרָה נַעֲשֶׂה אָדָם בְּצַלְמֵנוּ כִּדְמוּתֵנוּ כְּלוֹמַר שֶׁתִּהְיֶה לוֹ צוּרָה הַיּוֹדַעַת וּמַשֶּׂגֶת הַדֵּעוֹת שֶׁאֵין לָהֶם גּלֶם. Ibid, 9.אֵין צוּרַת הַנֶּפֶשׁ הַזֹּאת מְחֻבֶּרֶת מִן הַיְסוֹדוֹת לְפִיכָךְ כְּשֶׁיִּפָּרֵד הַגּלֶם שֶׁהוּא מְחֻבָּר מִן הַיְסוֹדוֹת לֹא תִּכָּרֵת הַצּוּרָה הַזֹּאת אֶלָּא יוֹדַעַת וּמַשֶּׂגֶת הַדֵּעוֹת הַפְּרוּדוֹת מִן הַגְּלָמִים וְיוֹדַעַת בּוֹרֵא הַכּל וְעוֹמֶדֶת לְעוֹלָם וּלְעוֹלְמֵי עוֹלָמִיםIbid, 7. לְעוֹלָם אֵין אַתָּה רוֹאֶה… צוּרָה בְּלֹא גּלֶם… וְהַצּוּרוֹת שֶׁאֵין לָהֶם גּלֶם אֵינָן נִרְאִין לָעַיִן אֶלָּא בְּעֵין הַלֵּב הֵן יְדוּעִין This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

The Sinai Proof Part 1

Avraham Cohen — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 00:06:38 GMT

The Sinai Proof (or indicator as we like to call it), is among the oldest rationals for believing in the Sinai account. But is it really so rational? Where does our belief in history come from? Why are some histories known as myth, while others assumed to be fact? How does our account from the prophet Moses differ from other notable prophets proclaiming alternative or additional histories? Join Jewish Thoughtflow in this exciting first installment of the Sinai Proof! Questions can and should be addressed to jewishthoughtflow@gmail.com and will be answered promptly either by email, or, if it’s a really good question, in a special episode. This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

The Sinai Proof Part 2

Avraham Cohen — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 18:59:57 GMT

Hey Guys! Below you should find the sources and attached you should find the transcript. For questions or comments email me at Jewishthoughtflow@gmail.com. Source #1 Sanhedrin 21bתניא רבי יוסי אומר ראוי היה עזרא שתינתן תורה על ידו לישראל אילמלא (לא) קדמו משה במשה הוא אומר (שמות יט, ג) ומשה עלה אל האלהים בעזרא הוא אומר (עזרא ז, ו) הוא עזרא עלה מבבל. This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

The Sinai Proof Part 3

Avraham Cohen — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 01:10:54 GMT

Hey guys, attached you should find a Transcript including sources. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at Jewishthoughtflow.com. If your questions are good we may even bring them up in the next episode. This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

The Sinai Proof Part 4

Avraham Cohen — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 21:34:03 GMT

Hey guys! Sorry for the delay. As usual the transcript will be attached and you can reach me at Jewishthoughtflow@gmail.com. Please share! This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

Mailbag Episode #1

Avraham Cohen — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 20:15:50 GMT

Our first ever mailbag episode. If you write in, your questions will be answered! Please Share! This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

The Sinai Proof Part 5

Avraham Cohen — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 02:32:15 GMT

Hey Guys! Please email me with all of your questions at Jewishthoughtflow.com! Also, if you are enjoying please share!! This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

Torah and Slavery

Avraham Cohen — Sun, 26 Jul 2020 17:30:10 GMT

We are finally back after our Corona Hiatus, and better than ever. The show is joined by Co-host Mottie Cohen as we continue to examine Torah's worldview. As usual, please feel free to contact us at Jewishthoughtflow@gmail.com. We do Mailbox episodes! IMPORTANT CORRECTION. Rebbi Eliezer ben Parata lived after Gamliel who had the slave Tevi, so Gamliel cannot be used as a counter-proof to the idea that Jews did in fact continue to own slaves. However, it is clear from the story itself that it was common for Jews to own slaves or else Rebbi Eliezer would not have been singled out for this accusation. This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

A Tale of Two Souls

Avraham Cohen — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 18:26:30 GMT

Hi Guys! Please excuse the error early on, it got past our professional team of editors. As usual sources are below, and feel free to contact us at Jewishthoughtflow@gmail.com so you can be part of a mailbag episode. This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

The Rambam’s view on the “Jewish” Soul

Avraham Cohen — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 21:58:15 GMT

In last weeks episode we explored an abundance of sources explicitly expressing the supremacy (at least in areas of spirituality) of the Jewish soul. Not withstanding this unanimous consensus, the academics think they have found the sole (soul) dissenter: Maimomides. Unfortunately, they may have missed a few sources. Join us as we delve into the plethora of sources from the Rambams extensive corpus, as we attempt to discover the Truth of the Rambams philosophical outlook on the Jewish Soul. Look below for the sources used in the episode. Plus, if you have any questions, comments, or ideas, please email us at Jewishthoughtflow@gmail.com This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate