Tel: 077-332-0678 (Home), 054-599-5058 (Mobile)
E-mail: zoorabbi@zootorah.com
Websites: www.zootorah.com; www.rationalistjudaism.com
These presentations are of around one hour in duration
(except the topics in the “Torah and Science” section which are best done over
a longer period). Many have source sheets that can be used to enhance the
presentation; both English and Hebrew source sheets are available (there are
usually around 10-20 sources for each topic). Several of the lectures are also
accompanie
An introductory lecture that gives an overview of all the
various aspects of the interaction between Torah and the animal kingdom
(drawing inspiration from the wonders of nature, identifying animals in the
Torah, their symbolism, the laws and principles governing man’s interaction
with them, and resolving conflicts between Torah and zoology), with a special
focus on lions and eagles.
Contemplating animals and animal imagery in Torah law and
custom. What do different rabbinic authorities say about visiting zoos? Why are
some opposed to it, and why don’t Chabad families have teddy bears in their
homes?
An important discussion of man’s status vis-à-vis the animal kingdom. What does man have in common with animals, and what is it exactly that distinguished him from them? Given the latest insights from zoology, the answer is not as simple as it may seem.
Why is it important to save animals from extinction? The normal reasons about the global ecosystem do not apply to animals in isolated ecosystems. This presentation analyzes Jewish perspectives on this topic and ends up with a surprising conclusion.
If being kind to animals makes you into a better person,
why do we see animal lovers who are not good people? This presentation explores
several aspects to this problem, as well as the opposite question of why there
are religious Jews who are not kind to animals.
A study of the nineteen Scriptural commandments that relate to sensitivity to animals in different ways – sensitivity to physical pain, emotional distress, the value of animal life, and the role of animals in our own lives.
Does Judaism approve of keeping pets? What factors are there to consider? And when keeping a pet, what are the relevant laws and principles that apply?
A balanced and comprehensive study of vegetarianism in Jewish sources.
Can an animal commit a sin? An analysis of the philosophy behind the practice of sentencing animals in Torah courts.
When are we allowed to inflict pain upon animals, and why?
Can we hunt them? Experiment on them? Exterminate them? Wear their fur or skin?
A survey of the principles governing which animals and birds are kosher, with a special look at the intriguing cases of giraffe, buffalo, and turkey.
A halachic discussion of the laws of shofar, using
examples from a wide variety of species.
A look at Perek Shirah, the ancient midrash that assigns verses from Scripture to various elements of the natural world, thereby teaching lessons on life and the universe.
Insights into the characteristics of these extraordinary
creatures as reflected in Jewish law and thought.
A profound look at the symbolism of the hippopotamus in the
Book of Job.
An exploration into different unicorns that seem to be described in the Torah, including the re'em, the tachash, and the keresh, and their real-life possible identities.
The significance of the bear as it appears in Scripture and Midrash, with the latest zoological studies shedding light on the centrality of the bear to the Purim story.
A profound study at the symbolism of the leopard in Jewish thought and its connection to Greek and Chanukah.
Insights into the characteristics of these creatures in Jewish law and thought.
A look at the redeeming features of this much-maligned creature. Its portrayal by Disney is contrasted with its portrayal in the Talmud.
An detailed analysis of the topic of animals with one
kosher sign, which is used by some as evidence for the Torah’s divine origins
and by others as evidence against it.
The symbolism of ostriches, ravens and other birds in Torah literature, and a look at the laws of kosher eggs. Why is an egg of a kosher bird permissible as food, and why do we never see a hechsher on eggs to certify that they come from kosher birds?
The Biblical episode of the quail sheds important light on the nature of miracles in general, and modern zoology in turn sheds much light on this.
The “Stincus Marinus” is a bizarre creature cited in
medieval halachic literature as a challenge to the Talmud’s laws of kosher
fish. What is this creature, and does it indeed present a problem?
The deeper significance of the frog plague in
King Shlomo speaks about the wonder of the gecko’s grasp, and modern science explains it
The salamander is described in the Talmud and Midrash as
being generated from fire and possessing blood that can render one fireproof.
This presentation unravels this legend, with some surprising results.
A look at bees, stings, honey, propolis, and all other apiary related topics in Jewish philosophy and law.
A practical kashrus guide! There are some Jewish communities that eat locusts – why and how do they do this, and why do others refrain? Is it permissible for someone to adopt their custom?
A fascinating exploration into what is probably the most amazing of all animals. This presentation shows how something that appears so lowly and mundane can be a source of tremendous inspiration.
A fascinating investigation into the dragons, griffins, phoenix, centaurs and mermaids that are discussed in the Talmud and Midrash. Are these creatures real, and if not, what are we to make of them?
A unique presentation on Judaism, dinosaurs, and the age of the universe.
An original and analytical approach to a famous topic, very different from any other. This is a complex and lengthy presentation that is best done in two or three sessions.
The question of human evolution involves a number of
theological issues that render it distinct from the topic of evolution in
general. This is a careful presentation of the topic based on numerous sources
in Rishonim and recent Torah scholars.
The height of Og is given by various authorities as
anything from nine to nine hundred feet. Moses is said to be fifteen feet in
height, and Pharaoh just eighteen inches. What are we to make of all these
views, especially since they cannot all be relegated as allegories?
Are there mice that grow in the mud? Or lice that develop from dust? What about creatures that grow on trees? This presentation explores these and other cases of spontaneous generation in Torah sources.
Can an elephant jump? This question launches a discussion
into the controversial area of rabbinic science.
An important study of the vast differences between the rationalist and mystical approaches to Judaism, and a look at how the latter has overtaken the former.
Did the Sages of the Talmud believe the world to be flat?
In the Talmudic era, the rabbis faced a challenge from Ptolemy in astronomy.
The way that they coped with it is remarkably different from how it is commonly
portrayed.
It was not just the Church that felt threatened by
heliocentrism – in the Jewish world, there was also vehement opposition, and
with good reason. A look at the reaction to the “new astronomy.”
An analysis of the theological and sociological factors at work in the controversial ban of three of my books.