About this episode

Hakham Mordehai discusses critical issues in contemporary Judaism, including military service, Maimonidean thought, and the influence of Sabbateanism.

In his highly anticipated return to the Judaism Demystified Podcast, Hakham Mordehai joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on some of the most important issues facing the Jewish world today. We discuss the concept of Milhemet Mitzvah (obligatory war), his perspective on the Dati Leumi movement, and how the Torah's approach to war radically differs from the glorification of warriors found throughout ancient literature. Hakham Mordehai explains how these ideas have shaped his own view of military service and what it means to wear the uniform. We also explore the remarkable growth of his YouTube channel, ⁨@shivreluhot⁩ , and the resurgence of interest in Maimonidean thought, particularly in Israel and even within segments of the Haredi world. What exactly is Maimonidean Judaism? What does it stand for, what does it reject, and what is the true purpose of halakhah according to the Rambam? The conversation then turns to the lasting influence of Shabbetai Tzvi and Sabbateanism on contemporary Judaism. Hakham Mordehai argues that its impact is far greater than most people realize and explains why identifying and removing these influences remains an urgent task. Finally, we discuss…

People in this episode

Hosts: Ben Koren, Benzi Siouni

Guest: Hakham Mordehai

Topics covered

• Judaism
• Military service
• Maimonidean thought
• Sabbateanism
• Contemporary Judaism
• Mekorist community

Keywords

• Milhemet Mitzvah
• Dati Leumi
• Maimonidean Judaism
• Shabbetai Tzvi
• Mekorist community
• halakhah
• Siddur

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Dati Leumi, Maimonidean, Haredi, Mekorist, @shivreluhot

Books & works: Rambam's Thirteen Principles of Faith, Rav Qafih's Milhamot Hashem

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