Meaningful Judaism

Meaningful Judaism is a podcast dedicated to exploring why we do what we do in Jewish life, by diving deep into the Torah text. So many of our practices can feel like they’re just there; we go through the motions but they don’t feel especially meaningful. In this podcast, we search for that meaning. Each episode will take you on a journey, tackling questions such as “Why can’t we mix milk and meat?” and “What’s the meaning behind the laws of niddah?” Join our host, Imu Shalev, along with Rabbi Fohrman and Aleph Beta’s other wonderful scholars for this special journey.

Meaningful Judaism is a project of Aleph Beta Labs. Aleph Beta is a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide. For our full library of over 1,000 videos and podcasts, please visit www.alephbeta.org. To support this podcast, subscribe to Aleph Beta. 

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

Nonahlove90

Learning Torah

Understanding the deeper meanings of Torah are SOOOO helpful in connecting to each law!
C-Bizkit

Compelling, relevant insights for anyone who studies the Bible

I’ve always wondered if there was more to some of the seemingly obscure laws of the Torah. These episodes employ Aleph Beta’s signature text-centric approach to exploring some of those laws and reveal God’s heart for his creation in surprising and inspiring new ways. One of my favorites is about tzitzit - for anyone feeling unworthy or not quite up to the task, check it out!
DaughterofAshandEmbers

Beautiful exploration of Torah

I’m so thankful to have found this podcast. I love the deep exploration of Torah and of G-d Himself.please keep going!
Asrumeu

It delivers

In the trailer, Imu expresses his desire to understand the meaning behind Jewish laws and taking us with him while he does it. He is delivering on that promise: along with his guests, Emu dives into Torah text, analyzing and making connections between different parts of the text to bring forth meaning. It’s like being part of a really great Torah study session.
Shifra Meir

Great project and honest refreshing conversations

Really enjoying this new venture. I may not agree with all the findings, but I appreciate the endeavor and the honest search for truth and growth.
Wordferd

Gratitude

Thank you, this is a beautiful podcast.
Inspeier

Just what we all needed

A thoughtful , funny, insightful and inspiring analysis of how we move through Judaism. Please keep the episodes coming they’re awesome!! Especially Beth !
fjfjdhr

So Revealing!

As a Christian middle-school Sunday School teacher, I like to better understand the teachings from the Torah, the prophets, the history, etc. to better teach the kids I mentor and often find myself confused about some laws I come across in my studies. I had already known that God is very intentional with his commandments and his preferences, but as someone who did not grow up in Judaism, some of the teachings are mystifying. This podcast not only helps ME understand- I have been able to better teach my students and they are growing spiritually! Thank you so much for your podcast ministry! I sincerely hope to be able to these lessons for years to come. God Bless 🥰
Benjamin ben Jacob

Life changing insights

The depth of analysis, explanations and connections are fantastic. Life changing understanding of the why we do what we do. Thanks!
Unis Young

So deep and beautiful

I absolutely am hooked on this podcast, I love it! I am learning so much, and I look forward to each new episode. I am excited it is weekly so I don’t have to wait too long 🙌🏾 Thank you for these discussions and opportunities to learn and contemplate the reasons and meanings. Oh and I love how they discuss directly from the Scripture itself.
Devoe4real

Women’s Perspective

The first episode I listened to was, “What’s meaningful about niddah?”. What a thought provoking double episode! Well organized presentation of evidence to state the position of the narrator and thoughtfully communicated regarding the sensitive subject matter. Would like to hear more from Beth and the ladies of Aleph Beta in the future regarding women’s topics and Torah correlation.
joyous-occasions

Bringing depth to the laws

I love this podcast! It’s bringing so much meaning into things i already do every day by rote I never heard of these ideas behind the halachot and it’s so inspirational! Thank you aleph beta!
MosesT86

Deep Insight on Torah

Feeling and poetry in meaning are so important to me. This show challenges me to own my Judaism. 🙏, משה לוי טולדנו
John Steven Wills

Kashrut

This first podcast of Meaningful Judaism was so profound. In addition to a deep understanding of why we separate milk from meat I finally understand the big deal about chamets … and the big deal about bread. Never before have I so clearly understood that bread represents our domination over nature … and thus interferes with our recognition of God as source. I have previously heard that charts represents arrogance but this explains why chamets represents arrogance …and that we avoid bread during Passover for more than one reason: firstly there was not time for the doe to rise; but also when we eat bread we distance ourselves from the Source … are tend to forget G-d as being the source
iamjeremymontel

Great Podcast for understanding Judaism in a clear way

In Proverbs we learn that getting understanding is paramount. I believe this podcast will help any listener who was either born Jewish but, never had a full understanding of the faith or someone who has converted to Judaism and needs clarity. It’s worth every minute of listening!
Poetwoman

Thinking Deeply

This podcast makes me think much more deeply about Torah and it’s true impact on my every day life. It gets underneath the ‘rules’ and the stories to touch on what truly makes life meaningful.
Iris-sue

Great first episode, yes!

I was worried you would avoid the problem of korbanot - but you did not! Touché for dealing with this incredibly difficult, and for a modern person - deeply disturbing Torah and temple reality. Thank you so much! And, in light of the story about the butcher, I was wondering if I was remembering correctly that korbanot are also consumed completely, either by fire or as food? Nothing was to be left over or simply thrown away as any other waste might have been. Am I recollecting correctly? There are so many korbanot and I am not a scholar - ao any comment would be great. Awaiting the next episode, and thanks again.
Carol2468

Meaningfully…Human

I am not Jewish, but can’t help but gravitate towards any content by Aleph Beta and the team. I don’t want to diminish any Jewish distinctiveness, and I’ll admit, I thought this podcast on Kosher foods may be too niche for me. But again, it was not. It brought new light to the absolute sacredness of life, our symbiotic connectedness with all that *is* and lifted our vision and hearts to the Source. Your mindfulness and commitment to Torah is a continued blessing to the world. Thanks!
anointedlifestyling

Excellent

The first episode is out and it’s excellent… full of “meat” to chew on (pun intended). I’m anxious to listen to future episodes!!
RWB.RWB

Thank you for the thoughtfulness!!

Love listening to Imu and Aleph Beta. You always bring thoughtfulness and intellectual approach to Torah.
jew6131109

10/10

Such good insight. Nothing in judism is black and white and I loved hearing both sides. I need more episodes:))