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 

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 

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 

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 

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/ 

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/ 

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/ 

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/ 

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/ 

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/ 

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/