Rabbi Simi Lerner | An Underappreciated Mind: Rediscovering Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch's Wisdom

• Episode 109: Rabbi Simi Lerner "Rediscovering Rav Hirsch's Wisdom"
• In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Simi Lerner to explore the enduring relevance of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, a thinker whose insights into faith, identity, and modernity deserve far more attention. Rav Hirsch’s teachings, though often overlooked, offer a powerful framework for modern Jews striving to live with purpose and clarity in a complex world. Rabbi Lerner reflects on his personal connection to Rav Hirsch’s revolutionary ideas and explains why he is passionate about bringing them to a wider audience. We dive into Rav Hirsch’s unique approach to aggadic literature and midrash, his masterful engagement with science, and his ability to harmonize faith and reason. Rabbi Lerner also shares examples of Rav Hirsch’s stunning interpretations of the weekly parasha, showcasing the brilliance and depth of his thought. This conversation is a reminder that Rav Hirsch’s wisdom is not just timeless-it’s timely, offering profound insights for anyone seeking to live a meaningful Jewish life today.
*This episode is dedicated to the refua shelema of our dear friend Yaakov ben Haya Sarah Malakh and to the neshama of Meir ben Moshe a'h - Abdolrahim Ilian, the late father of our dear friend, Rod Ilian.
• IF YOU PREFER TO LISTEN TO THE FULL AUDIO VERSION (WHICH INCLUDES AN INTRO), CLICK HERE:
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• Bio: Originally from Edgware, UK, Rabbi Simi Lerner now lives in Bet Shemesh, Israel, with his wife, Rivka, and their four sons. He teaches Jewish philosophy at several institutions, including Midreshet Rachel, Midreshet Tehilla, and Shapells, and serves as Senior Educator for Lema'an Achai. Rabbi Lerner hosts the podcast Judaism from Within and 2 Rabbis 3 Opinions, shares video discussions with his wife on Facebook, and lectures online. In addition to his scholarly work, he works as a licensed electrician, teaches woodworking, and works part-time as a science teacher at a local primary school.
• Check out his 2 podcasts here:
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