Kenneth Seeskin's guest appearances

Kenneth Seeskin

Adventures in Jewish Studies Podcast

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED : A Guide for Today's Perplexed | Jewish Philosophy | Torah | Rational Bible

Yaacov Lozowick

Jeremy Shere

Vincent Calvetti-Wolf

Jonathan Sarna

Cynthia Baker

Ofri Ilany

Beth Alpert Nakhai

Steven Weitzman

David Wolpe

Eve Jochnowitz

Mark Russ Federman

Norma Joseph

Hasia Diner

Warren Hoffman

David Berger

OwlTail

The idea of the Messiah is both "Pandora's Box and the Elixir of Life," as Dr. Kenneth Seeskin puts it. Join us as the professor dives into the evolution of the Messianic idea throughout history and presents five distinct approaches of the sages (all of which are deeply rooted in explicit TaNaKh verses) aimed at contending with the dichotomy between the hopeful and dangerous aspects of messianism in Jewish thought. He begins by introducing us to the five categories of understanding the Messiah, from the Torah to the Prophets to the Rabbis. The first approach, which he refers to as "inflation," emphasizes the supernatural and almost impossible nature of the Messianic age. Drawing from fantastical Aggadot, this perspective creates a formidable barrier against false messiahs, wars, and manipulation. The second approach, "Deflation," is the view of Maimonides. This perspective seeks to maximize hope while remaining grounded in the realistic understanding of human limitations and a hope for a utopian society that is built on the pursuit of knowledge but where nature stays the same. Ironically, this model is susceptible to false messianic movements because the required conditions are seemingly within reach. Dr. Seeskin has a unique perspective on the approach of the sages and why they felt the need to downplay rather than eliminate certain notions about the messiah. He shares his personal uneasiness with the reinstitution of animal sacrifice in the Third Temple but acknowledges that any law mentioned in the Torah will not be done away with, whereas we defend that fact that the Temple service would very much be as relevant today as it was in ancient Israel. From Bar Kochba to Jesus to Shabbetai Zevi to Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the demand for the Redeemer is usually met with disappointment, and the repercussions endure. Yet, at the same time, the concept of the Messiah inspires much-needed dreams about a better future that lies ahead. How must we approach this in an age of despair?--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/judaismdemystified/support

The idea of the Messiah is both "Pandora's Box and the Elixir of Life," as Dr. Kenneth Seeskin puts it. Join us as the professor dives into the evolution of the Messianic idea throughout history and presents five distinct approaches of the sages (all of which are deeply rooted in explicit TaNaKh verses) aimed at contending with the dichotomy between the hopeful and dangerous aspects of messianism in Jewish thought. He begins by introducing us to the five categories of understanding the Messiah, from the Torah to the Prophets to the Rabbis. The first approach, which he refers to as "inflation," emphasizes the supernatural and almost impossible nature of the Messianic age. Drawing from fantastical Aggadot, this perspective creates a formidable barrier against false messiahs, wars, and manipulation. The second approach, "Deflation," is the view of Maimonides. This perspective seeks to maximize hope while remaining grounded in the realistic understanding of human limitations and a hope for a utopian society that is built on the pursuit of knowledge but where nature stays the same. Ironically, this model is susceptible to false messianic movements because the required conditions are seemingly within reach. Dr. Seeskin has a unique perspective on the approach of the sages and why they felt the need to downplay rather than eliminate certain notions about the messiah. He shares his personal uneasiness with the reinstitution of animal sacrifice in the Third Temple but acknowledges that any law mentioned in the Torah will not be done away with, whereas we defend that fact that the Temple service would very much be as relevant today as it was in ancient Israel. From Bar Kochba to Jesus to Shabbetai Zevi to Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the demand for the Redeemer is usually met with disappointment, and the repercussions endure. Yet, at the same time, the concept of the Messiah inspires much-needed dreams about a better future that lies ahead. How must we approach this in an age of despair? --- Support this podcast: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/judaismdemystified/support" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/judaismdemystified/support</a>

Episode 67: Professor Kenneth Seeskin "Messianic Thoughts in an Age of Despair"

Professor Seeskin displays his vast expertise in the subject of Maimonidean Rationalism. He educates us on important topics such as negative theology, creation, prophecy, commandments, idolatry, love of God, and human suffering (in the Book of Job)--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/judaismdemystified/support

Professor Seeskin displays his vast expertise in the subject of Maimonidean Rationalism. He educates us on important topics such as negative theology, creation, prophecy, commandments, idolatry, love of God, and human suffering (in the Book of Job) --- Support this podcast: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/judaismdemystified/support" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/judaismdemystified/support</a>

Episode 2: Professor Kenneth Seeskin "A Religion of Reason"

Laura Arnold Leibman

Since the period of the late 2nd Temple, starting in the 2nd century BCE, messianic figures began appearing in Roman-controlled Judea. The idea of the messiah, a divinely annointed person who will arrive and redeem the world and restore the lost tribe of Israel to the promised land, has been a central part of traditional Judaism since the time of Maimonides, who in the 12th century made belief in the coming of the messiah a core tenet of his 13 Principles of Faith. In this episode. we explore the messianic concept in Jewish history and thought, from the time of the Bar Kohba rebellion in 132 CE to the messianic fervor surrounding Chabad Lubavitch rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson in recent times.

Since the period of the late 2nd Temple, starting in the 2nd century BCE, messianic figures began appearing in Roman-controlled Judea. The idea of the messiah, a divinely annointed person who will arrive and redeem the world and restore the lost tribe of Israel to the promised land, has been a central part of traditional Judaism since the time of Maimonides, who in the 12th century made belief in the coming of the messiah a core tenet of his 13 Principles of Faith. In this episode. we explore the messianic concept in Jewish history and thought, from the time of the Bar Kohba rebellion in 132 CE to the messianic fervor surrounding Chabad Lubavitch rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson in recent times.

(False) Messiahs: Messianism in Jewish History & Thought with David Berger, Laura Arnold Leibman & Kenneth Seeskin