The Podcast of Jewish Ideas

Torah in Motion

Judaism

Philosophy

Kabbalah

Talmud

Sabbateanism

Haskalah

Maimonides

Rabbinic Literature

Zionism

Universalism

Jewish Identity

Second Temple Judaism

Midrash

Jewish Education

Ethics

Tzimtzum

Wissenschaft Des Judentums

Rabbi Yonatan Eibeschutz

Rabbi Yaakov Emden

Christianity

A space for exploring the great ideas at the heart of the Jewish tradition.

118 ratings

Publishes	Twice monthly	Episodes	93	Founded	3 years ago
Number of Listeners		Categories	Religion & SpiritualityJudaismSociety & CulturePhilosophy

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Guests Host Reviews Charts Talking Points

Latest Episodes

92. Analytic Philosophy (Repent!): Dr. Noam Oren

J.J. and Dr. Noam Oren bridge the gap between the analytic philosophical tradition and the Jewish one.

If you or your business are interested in sponsoring an episode or mini-series, please reach out at podcasts@torahinmotion.org

Yesterday • 56 min

91. The Halakhic Man | Dr. Lawrence Kaplan

J.J. and Dr. Lawrence Kaplan analyze the life and thought of Joseph B. Soloveichik through the lens of Halakha.

The new edition of Halakhic Man (edited, annotated, and introduced by Dr. Kaplan) is available for purchase here: Link

If you or your bu... more

14 May 2026 • 1 hr 23 min • Most popular

90. Joseph B. Soloveichik's Existentialism | Dr. Daniel Rynhold

J.J. and Dr. Daniel Rynhold discuss lonely and halakhic men and minds.

If you or your business are interested in sponsoring an episode or mini-series, please reach out at podcasts@torahinmotion.org

17 Apr 2026 • 1 hr 7 min

89. The Rashbam | Dr. Martin Lockshin

J.J. and Dr. Martin Lockshin discuss the (not so) plain and simple ideas of Rabbi Samuel ben Meir of Troyes, a leading Tosafist and grandson to Rashi.

If you or your business are interested in sponsoring an episode or mini-series, please reach out ... more

26 Mar 2026 • 59 min

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Recent Guests

Lawrence Kaplan

Professor of Rabbinics and Jewish Philosophy, McGill University

McGill University

Episode: 91. The Halakhic Man | Dr. Lawrence Kaplan

Daniel Rynhold

Dean and Professor of Jewish Philosophy at the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, Yeshiva University

Yeshiva University

Episode: 90. Joseph B. Soloveichik's Existentialism | Dr. Daniel Rynhold

Martin Lockshin

Professor Emeritus of Jewish Studies at York University; Rashbam scholar

York University

Episode: 89. The Rashbam | Dr. Martin Lockshin

Vivian Liska

Professor of German literature and director of the Institute of Jewish Studies at the University of Antwerp; visiting professor at the Hebrew University

University of Antwerp; Hebrew University

Episode: 88. Walter Benjamin | Dr. Vivian Liska

Dr. Carson Bay

Associate Professor of Classics and Biblical Studies at the University of Austin, Texas

University of Austin, Texas

Episode: 87. Sefer Yosippon | Dr. Carson Bay

Dr. Alan Mittleman

Emeritus Professor of Jewish Philosophy at the Jewish Theological Seminary

Jewish Theological Seminary

Episode: 86. The Meaning of Life | Dr. Alan Mittleman

Dr. Chaim Saiman

Professor of law and chair in Jewish law at Villanova University

Villanova University

Episode: 85. Halakhic Codes & Responsa | Dr. Chaim Saiman

Dr. David Moster

Rabbi and Director of the Biblical Hebrew Program at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York.

Jewish Theological Seminary

Episode: 84. The Mesorah & the Masoretes | Dr. David Moster

Dr. Hindy Najman

Oriel and Laing Professor of the Interpretation of Holy Scripture and Director of the Centre for the Study of the Bible at Oxford University.

Oxford University

Episode: 83. The Biblical Canon(s) | Dr. Hindy Najman

Host

JJ Kimchi

Host of The Podcast of Jewish Ideas; engages guests with thorough preparation and deep knowledge of Jewish philosophy, Halakhah, and intellectual history.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 118 ratings

Highly recommended!
Very intelligent and well-informed discussions!
Apple Podcasts
5
Elmo Shupshlup
United States4 months ago
Insightful Conversations
These conversations go far deeper than your usual podcast fare. Many are in fact challenging, in all the right ways. No easy answers, no dogma.
Apple Podcasts
5
Ernesto Moreira
Spaina year ago
Best Jewish podcast
Superb and erudite and scholarly and uplifting interviews. You will always learn something new and insightful
Apple Podcasts
5
Ravgah
United Statesa year ago
This is a gem
Every episode in this series presents fascinating and provocative insights into aspects of Jewish intellectual thought down through the ages, some well known and some esoteric. JJ is a perfect host, always meticulously prepared to engage with his guests, and doing so with infectious enthusiasm and an impressive breadth and depth of knowledge. You don’t need an academic background in Jewish studies (I don’t have one) to appreciate this gem of a podcast.
Apple Podcasts
5
Toronto prof.
Canada2 years ago
Great show, but…
Just listened to your episode on the Mishna, Obviously fascinating and also entertaining. But given current events, I have to say that I was just slightly appalled to hear the mention of the odious Daniel Boyarin.
Apple Podcasts
5
Uzi Silbee
United States2 years ago

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Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Thoughtful, scholarly and well-prepared host.

Guests are consistently erudite and insightful, elevating the discourse.

Deep, challenging conversations that reward careful listening.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts	#63	United States/Religion & Spirituality/Judaism
Apple Podcasts	#69	Canada/Religion & Spirituality/Judaism
Apple Podcasts	#160	United Kingdom/Religion & Spirituality/Judaism
Apple Podcasts	#57	Italy/Religion & Spirituality/Judaism
Apple Podcasts	#106	Germany/Religion & Spirituality/Judaism
Apple Podcasts	#116	Australia/Religion & Spirituality/Judaism

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

90. Joseph B. Soloveichik's Existentialism | Dr. Daniel Rynhold

Q: Is Halachic Man prescriptive or descriptive, and what does Soloveichik intend with these archetypes?

It's an ideal type, not a guide for any single real person; Soloveichik uses Halachic Man and related archetypes to crystallize values and illuminate how faith can be expressed in the contemporary religious life, rather than prescribing a model for everyone.

90. Joseph B. Soloveichik's Existentialism | Dr. Daniel Rynhold

Q: What were the major issues that drove Soloveichik across his writings?

While he skip-ped critiques like Biblical criticism, his work consistently centers on how to make faith meaningful in the modern world, using archetypes to navigate the tensions between this-worldly and otherworldly impulses in religious life.

88. Walter Benjamin | Dr. Vivian Liska

Q: How does Benjamin's relationship with messianism differ from Marxist thinking in his work?

She notes that messianism for Benjamin demands a total redemption beyond class struggle, producing a dialectic where earthly justice and redemptive hopes influence each other, yet remain in tension with orthodox Marxism.

88. Walter Benjamin | Dr. Vivian Liska

Q: What is Jewish about Benjamin's ideas, given his secular, Marxist background?

Liska explains that Benjamin's Jewish commitments are intellectual, ethical, political, and metaphysical, expressed through motifs like messianism, language, and revelation, which are embedded in his writings even without traditional Jewish schooling.

86. The Meaning of Life | Dr. Alan Mittleman

Q: What might it mean if we consider human agency in relation to the acceptance of revelation?

Dr. Mittleman explains that the meaningfulness of human actions and the acceptance of revelation depend on the continual affirmation by the Jewish people, showcasing the importance of agency in these decisions.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Podcast of Jewish Ideas

What is The Podcast of Jewish Ideas about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtfully curated exploration of Jewish thought, philosophy, and religious history. Episodes feature scholarly guests and prominent thinkers who unpack ideas from Halakhic ethics to modern Jewish philosophy, often balancing classical texts with contemporary relevance. The show tends to attract listeners who value rigorous analysis, interdisciplinary perspectives, and nuanced debates about universalism, particularism, and the evolution of Jewish intellectual life. Noteworthy is the consistent pairing of a highly prepared host with diverse, expert guests—from historians and philosophers to theologians—creating a foundation for deep, informed conversations that still invite accessible, intellectually curious audiences.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Podcast of Jewish Ideas?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Podcast of Jewish Ideas:

1. The Tikvah Podcast
2. Orthodox Conundrum
3. SAPIR Conversations
4. Identity/Crisis
5. Ask Haviv Anything

How many episodes of The Podcast of Jewish Ideas are there?

The Podcast of Jewish Ideas launched 3 years ago and published 93 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Podcast of Jewish Ideas?

Recent guests on The Podcast of Jewish Ideas include:

1. Lawrence Kaplan
2. Daniel Rynhold
3. Martin Lockshin
4. Vivian Liska
5. Dr. Carson Bay
6. Dr. Alan Mittleman
7. Dr. Chaim Saiman
8. Dr. David Moster

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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