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? Credits: Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper - Pardes Faculty

In this episode of the Maggid of Melbourne's series on the mitzvah of pidyon shvuyim, we recap the remarkable story of the 1970 Dawson’s Field hijackings, in which 4 airplanes were hijacked by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and examine the responses of American rabbis. Credits: Rabbi Levi Cooper - Pardes Faculty  

During the recent cease-fire, Israel requested that the International Committee of the Red Cross be granted the ability to visit our brothers and sisters held hostage in Gaza. With this in mind, the Maggid of Melbourne dives into the annals of Jewish history in search of cases in which hostages were allowed visitors. Credits: Rabbi Levi Cooper - Pardes Faculty

Was there ever a time that our people left a hostage in captivity? In this episode of our series exploring the mitzvah of pidyon shvuyim, the Maggid of Melbourne takes on a trip to 13th century Germany. Credits: Rabbi Levi Cooper - Pardes Faculty

In the previous episode, we learned that, despite the importance of the mitzvah of redeeming captives, there are exceptions to the rule, specifically when it comes to paying exorbitant ransoms. However, there may be exceptions to this exception. Join the Maggid of Melbourne as he examines halachic, historical, and hasidic texts in a quest to understand Jewish approaches to freeing captives.

At what point are we unable to commit to the obligation of redeeming captives? The Maggid of Melbourne continues his exploration of the mitzvah of pidyon shvuyim, discussing when exceptions to our obligation to free captives may be made. Credits: Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper - Pardes Faculty  

What does Judaism say regarding the mitzvah of pidyon shvuyim, freeing captives? In a timely new addition to his impromptu Torah for Tough Times mini-series, Levi explores the importance of freeing captives through the lens of Torah. Credits: Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper - Pardes Faculty  

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...

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...

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...

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. Credits: Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper - Pardes Faculty

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. Credits: Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper - Pardes Faculty

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. Credits: Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper - Pardes Faculty

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? Credits: Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper - Pardes...

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. Credits: Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper - Pardes Faculty

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. Credits:...

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. Credits:...

  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. Credits: Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper - Pardes Faculty

  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. Credits: Rabbi Dr. Levi...

  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. Credits: Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper - Pardes Faculty

  The symbolism of lions has been seen throughout Ashkenazi synagogues. Yet, in 1949, Ben-Zion Meir Hai Uziel cautioned the use of images in synagogues due to the prohibition of graven images. How do we approach these images in synagogues? How can we find a decor that aids us in spiritual connection while also respecting Jewish law? Credits: Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper - Pardes Faculty

  In today's episode of the Maggid of Melbourne's "Exploring Sacred Spaces" we dive into the significance of the Holy Ark in a synagogue and the dilemma of dealing with an existing Ark when moving to a new space. Various options, from burial to repurposing, are considered within the framework of Jewish Law. Credits: Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper - Pardes Faculty

  Is there an obligation to have air conditioners or heaters in a synagogue? If we do have air conditioners, what considerations do we need to take? Is it alright to leave an air conditioner on when the synagogue isn't in use? What if someone accidentally leaves the air conditioner on? Take a deep dive into the halakhot of air conditioners with this episode of the Maggid of Melbourne's "Exploring Sacred Spaces." Credits: Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper - Pardes Faculty

  We continue our examination of the duchan (platform) from which the Kohanim offer blessings to the congregation. As we know from the previous episode, the Kohanim are meant to go up to the duchan, meaning the duchan should be raised up from the floor. While we have learned that the blessing should be done whether or not there are steps, we must ask what we should do in such cases. The Maggid of Melbourne walks us through several possible solutions, including the use of symbolic...