Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper, the Maggid of Melbourne, teacher of Hasidut, community rabbi, lawyer, IDF reservist and father to six – shares a straight shot of Torah on topics of current interest from his Pardes classroom, his research and from his shul in Zur Hadassa. L'chaim!
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Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper, the Maggid of Melbourne, teacher of Hasidut, community rabbi, lawyer, IDF reservist and father to six – shares a straight shot of Torah on topics of current interest from his Pardes classroom, his research and from his shul in Zur Hadassa. L'chaim!
If terrorists demand the release of other terrorists in order to free hostages, is this a case of pidyon shvuyim? Perhaps this scenario should be considered under a different legal rubric?
Israel requested that the International Committee of the Red Cross visits our brothers and sisters who are held hostage in Gaza. Do we have precedents in the annals of Jewish history for visiting captives?
The Maggid of Melbourne opens this series with a look at the centrality of securing the release of hostages. Why is this considered such an important mitzvah?
On October 7, as Jews around the world were celebrating Simchat Torah, terrorists crossed into Israel attacking communities across southern Israel. While left reeling from the pain of this tragedy, many of us are wondering, how do we pray during a time such as this? What guidance does the Torah have for us during such tough times?
In the final episode of this 3-part series, Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper discusses the issue of doomscrolling and addressing the horrific images that have been circulating the internet since the attacks.
On October 7, as Jews around the world were celebrating Simchat Torah, terrorists crossed into Israel attacking communities across southern Israel. While left reeling from the pain of this tragedy, many of us are wondering, how do we pray during a time such as this? What guidance does the Torah have for us during such tough times?
In the second episode of this 3-part series, Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper explore what prayers could be said for those southern communities affected by this tragedy.
On October 7, as Jews around the world were celebrating Simchat Torah, terrorists crossed into Israel attacking communities across southern Israel. While left reeling from the pain of this tragedy, many of us are wondering, how do we pray during a time such as this? What guidance does the Torah have for us during such tough times?
In the first episode of this 3-part series, Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper examines the question of whether we should be saying Hallel on Rosh Chodesh during a time of war.
Where did the tradition of lighting a ner tamid (Eternal Light) in a synagogue begin? In this final episode of Exploring Sacred Spaces, the Maggid of Melbourne looks to the sources once again, this time in search of the history of the ner tamid. We'll discover some of the earliest mentions of the ner tamid, and explore some of the spiritual beliefs tied to this important piece of a sacred space.
Is it acceptable to place a dedication plaque in a sacred space? In today's episode, we go back to the Tanakh, learning about the building of the Temple, and other early sources as we examine this complex topic.
Sometimes when you walk into a Jewish home you are immediately confronted by a portion of the wall that is incomplete. Why is that? In today's episode the Maggid of Melbourne explores this tradition, discussing the reason for it, and whether or not a synagogue should also remain incomplete.
In the wake of the terrifying earthquake that struck Turkey, the Maggid of Melbourne dedicated this episode on structural damage to the people of Turkey.
What do we do when there is a crack in the wall of a synagogue? We've already learned that we must treat the structure with proper sanctity and if one were to do damage, they are liable for the costs of repair, but what about cases where there is no liable adult to be blamed? Who pays for it?
There's more to windows and synagogues than meets the eye. In this episode, the Maggid of Melbourne continues his discussion on windows in synagogues. Searching for guidance on how many windows should be used, we look to the mystical text known as the Zohar. While we may find some answers, true to form, mysticism leaves much hidden.
If, as we've learned, we are meant to have windows, is there a specific way they should be designed? In today's episode the Maggid of Melbourne leads us with an examination of the windows that were found in the Temple. It isn't as simple as copying those windows, however, as many questions arise regarding how those windows may have been designed. Was there transparent glass? Simple shuttered openings? Listen now to learn what options we may have when designing synagogue windows.
The Maggid of Melbourne brings another tale, this time about the planning of the building of Yeshivat Har Etzion and Rav Amital's reaction to learning there would be no windows in the Beit Midrash. We learn of two versions of the story, one telling us that Rav Amital's reaction was based on scent, but another teaches that it was related to sight. Sight, perhaps we could understand, but scent? Listen in to find out why both senses are important when planning our sacred spaces.
Do synagogues need windows? Going back to the time of Daniel, we learn that windows have played a role in prayer, but does that mean that windows are required? Why would we even need windows, what particular role would they play in our synagogues? Join the Maggid of Melbourne as he examines the Rambam and later authorities on their position regarding windows in shul.
From watching children practice their karate kicks to remembering stories of shared walls with homes, the Maggid of Melbourne embarks on a fascinating discussion about the sanctity of synagogue walls and the challenges of using them for the mundane. Drawing on historical sources, including this week's parsha, and reflections from our modern context, in today's episode we'll learn about how to handle matters related to treating our synagogues with respect.
We see them all the time in our Jewish spaces, but what exactly is the role of the Chanukiya within synagogues? Join Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper, the Maggid of Melbourne, as he leads us on a fascinating exploration of the intricate relationship between the Chanukiya and synagogues, unveiling hidden connections, historical intricacies, and traditions that resonate through time.
Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper, the Maggid of Melbourne, teacher of Hasidut, community rabbi, lawyer, IDF reservist and father to six – shares a straight shot of Torah on topics of current interest from his Pardes classroom, his research and from his shul in Zur Hadassa. L'chaim!
