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PODCAST · religion

Sephardic Luminaries

by Rabbi Haim Ovadia

In this podcast we explore the life and work of the great Sephardic scholars.

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Episodes

  1. Sephardic vs. Ashkenazi: Culture and Theology

    In this podcast we explore the cultural and theological differences between Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews, differences which stem from interaction with their surrounding cultures and religions.

  2. Rabbi Ezra Labaton

    This podcast is dedicated to of my dear friend and mentor, Rabbi Ezra Labaton זצ"ל, on the fifth anniversary of his passing , which was a devastating loss for his loving family and loyal friends and disciples, and also left a tremendous void in the Jewish world and particularly in the Syrian...

  3. Yonat Rehokim - poem and commentary

    Text and commentary of a beautiful poem by R Yehuda HaLevi.

  4. Seph. Cust. KST18: Unity - If only!

    R Gaguine discusses the strict boundaries between the Sephardic and Ashkenazie communities in Amsterdam. He presents the historic argument that has to do with the attempt to convince people to stay within the fold of their communities so not to lose their membership fees and taxes. He also tries…

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  5. Soferim 7: Torah in Greek and Learning Tanakh

    In this session we discuss the possibility of writing the Torah in other languages. The dispute between the rabbis regarding the ways to analyze the Torah. The importance of studying the whole Bible.

  6. Soferim 6: Aliyah for the Blind and Deaf

    On limitations, empathy, and flexibility.

  7. Soferim 5: Torah Rituals/Minors reading

    In this session we discuss the ritual of returning the Torah to the Ark. The different titles of the positions in the synagogue. The structure of the social system in Jewish communities, in the role of the minors in the snow.

  8. Soferim 4: Maftir and Raising Sefer Torah

    The practices described in chapter 14, and the ceaseless Torah scroll are more reminiscent of the Ashkenazi tradition.

  9. Soferim 3: Forgotten blessings and holy union

    In this session we discussed the blessings for reading other portions of the Bible. We also discussed the special connection according to mystical teachings of the song of songs to Friday night.

  10. Soferim 2: Blessings and Curses

    In this session we discuss the stops during the reading of the Torah. How one should read the blessings and the curses in the Torah. What sections have a special status.

  11. R Yehudah HaLevi & R Uziel

    The Zionism of R Yehuda HaLevi as reflected in his poetry, the Kuzari, and his actions.

  12. R Uziel on National Identity 1

  13. Cust. KTS 6: Baking matzah

    Practices and laws related to matzah baking. Soft matzah and more.

  14. Cust. KST 5: Search for Hametz

    Kabbalistic practices and practical approach to the Search for Hametz

  15. Seph. Cust. KST4: Shabbat HaGadol/Searchin Hametz

    On the origin of the name Shabbat HaGadol; Christian influence; Why search on the 13th.

  16. Seph. Cust. KST 3: On Unity

    The introduction of R Gaguine to the laws of Pesah deals with unifying or switching a minhag.

  17. 87 Words & Cohen w/ shoes: Seph. Cust. ? KST 5

    Why are there 87 words in Barukh Sheamar, and can a Cohen say the blessings with shoes on.

  18. Early Bar Mitzva and Customs: Seph. Customs 4. KST

    Most Sephardic communities celebrated BM early. In North Africa it was more emphasized than in the Middle East or Europe.

  19. Kabbalah vs. Halakha. Seph. Customs KST 3

    When Kabbalah and Halakha disagree, who rules?

  20. Seph. Customs KST 2: Tefillin

    Tefillin on Hol HaMoed ; Covering your head with tzitzit.

  21. Between Sephardic and Ashkenazi - Talk at VBM, AZ

    A talk at Valley Beth Midrash on the cultural and ideological differences btw Sephardim and Ashkenazim and about the origin of those differences.

  22. Wom. Seph. Lit. 11: 24 Advantages of Women- R. Gedalya ibn Yahya

    Rabbi Gedalya ibn Yahya continues to praise women. This time, 24 qualities which make women superior.

  23. Wom. Seph. Lit. 10: 39 Illustrious Women - R Gedalya ibn Yahya

    Rabbi Gedalya ibn Yahya’s book is all about the superiority of women.

  24. Wom. Seph. Lit. 9: Helpmate in medieval thought

    Unsettling but somewhat familiar views regarding the status of women vs. men from R Avarbanel, R Ovadia of Bertinoro, R Ovadia Sforno, and R Moshe Al-Sheikh.

  25. Wom. in Seph. Lit. 8: On Women’s Role

    Negative attitude and myths were common in bothers the Sephardic and Ashkenazi world. Also in this session interesting insights by R Yitzhak Arama.

  26. Wom. in Seph. Lit. 7: Physical Violence

    Some sources allow physical violence towards women. The Geonim rule against the Talmud in favor of women.

  27. Wom. in Seph. Lit. 6: The re-writing of Ben Ish Hai on Modesty

    R. Yosef Haim writes that he has no counter argument against the claim of European women that times have changed. In the 20th century, how words were doctored and distorted.

  28. Wom. in Seph. Lit. 5: Maimonides’ harsh view on modesty

    Maimonides rules that a woman should not leave the house more than once or twice a month. Was his ruling followed?

  29. Wom. in Seph. Lit. 4: First Poets

    Great women poets and some negative expressions in medieval poetry.

  30. Wom. in Seph. Lit. 3: Scholarly Women of Iraq & Morocco

    Asenath Barazani served as a prominent Rabbi and Mrs. Farha Sassoon chaired the rabbinic assembly. Freha bar Adiba is venerated as a scholar.

  31. Sephardic Law 22: Hasidim=Sephardic Ashkenazim?

    A comparison of the Hasidic movement and Sephardic Jewry. Also: the hijacking of North African intelligentsia by the Ashkenazi world and its consequences.

  32. Sephardic Law 21: R. Y. Mesas - Exemplary Sephardic Sage

    We use Marc Shapiro’s article on R Messas to highlight trends and qualities of modern Sephardic poskim. Also: his banishment by R Ovadia Yosef.

  33. Sephardic Law 20: Sephardic Haredi. Part II

    Based on the research of Dr. Nissim Leon, we explore the history of the new Haredi trend of Sephardic Jews. Part 2

  34. Sephardic Law 19: Haredi Sephardic in Israel Part I

    Based on the research of Dr. Nissim Leon, we explore the history of the new Haredi trend of Sephardic Jews. Part 1

  35. M. Shabbat ch. 2

    Chapter 2 deals with oils wicks and candles, but offers some intriguing insights.

  36. Sephardic Law 18: Jews of Islam; Jews of Christianity

    Are Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews the product of the Crescent and the Cross?

  37. Sephardic Law 17: Arab, Mizrahi, Sephardic Jews

    Are Sephardic Jews only those who came from the Iberian peninsula? Who invented the term Mizrachi Jews and when? Who are the Arab Jews?

  38. Sephardic Law 16: Zionism and activism

    Conclusion of the discussion of Rabbi Toledano’s seminal responsa on diaspora life and independence.

  39. Sephardic Law 15: Right to Bear Arms; Zionism

    Continued discussion of R Toledano’s ruling regarding military training, in which he also discusses Zionism and the failure of diaspora rabbinic leadership.

  40. Sephardic Law 14: Right to Bear Arms 2

    2nd part of the discussion. Also examining the idea of martyrdom and the binding of Isaac

  41. Sephardic Law 13: Right to Bear Arms 1

    R Y M Toledano. Yam HaGadol, ch. 97, discusses the need to learn military tactics, in 1931! He rebukes leaders who believed in the image of the wandering suffering Jew.

  42. Sephardic Law 12: Life Cycle practices

    Sephardic practices pertaining to the birth of a baby girl, Berit milah, pidyon, and weddings.

  43. Sephardic Law 11: Prayer customs and practices

    A discussion of the differences between Sephardic and Ashkenazi communities regarding prayer and their origin.

  44. Sephardic Law 10: Influences; 20th C Struggles; Pronunciation

    A discussion of the influences on and of the Shulhan Arukh. The debate around Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. The correct pronunciation according to Sephardic tradition.

  45. Sephardic Law 9: Sephardic and Ashkenazi Tefila

    An introduction to the differences between Sephardic and Ashkenazi prayer customs. A discussion of the daily blessings

  46. Sephardic Law 8:

    Rabbi Messas on leadership and the unnecessary parts of Talmud

  47. Sephardic Law 7: "non"-kosher wine

    R Messas on kosher and non kosher wine.

  48. Sephardic Law 6:

    More rulings from אוצר המכתבים volume 1

  49. Sephardic Law 5

    Rulings from vol. 1 of אוצר המכתבים

  50. Sephardic Law 4: R Y Messas selection 2

    Responsa which shows sensitivity and practicality.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

In this podcast we explore the life and work of the great Sephardic scholars.

HOSTED BY

Rabbi Haim Ovadia

CATEGORIES

religion spirituality

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Sephardic Luminaries have?

Sephardic Luminaries currently has 76 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Sephardic Luminaries about?

In this podcast we explore the life and work of the great Sephardic scholars.

How often does Sephardic Luminaries release new episodes?

Sephardic Luminaries has 76 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Sephardic Luminaries?

You can listen to Sephardic Luminaries on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Sephardic Luminaries?

Sephardic Luminaries is created and hosted by Rabbi Haim Ovadia.
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