Episode 83: Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin "Rationalism vs. Mysticism"

In this monumental episode, we interview Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin, popularly known as the "Zoo Rabbi," director of the Biblical Museum of Natural History in Beit Shemesh, Israel. Slifkin is best known for his interests in zoology, Judaism's relationship to evolution, Jewish and biblical history, and his popular website www.RationalistJudaism.com. Our focus in this discussion is his book "Rationalism vs. Mysticism: Schisms in Traditional Jewish Thought." There are specific chapters that we feel deserve a closer look, such as "The Sages vs Science: The Sun’s Path at Night," "Wrestling with Demons," "Ayin Hara: Ocular Radiation or Heavenly accounting,” "The Nature of Torah," and "The function of Mitzvot." Rabbi Slifkin also reflects on his infamous Torah-Science controversy/ban, otherwise known as "The Slifkin Affair." Additionally, he shares his thoughts on the future of the Haredi relationship to Zionism in the aftermath of October 7th. You don't want to miss this fascinating interview. *This episode is dedicated to the neshama of Meir ben Moshe a'h — Abdolrahim Ilian, the late father of our dear friend, Rod Ilian. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/judaismdemystified/support