Judaism From Within

Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch vision of Teshuvah

What if repentance isn’t about apologising to God but confronting yourself? In this episode, we explore Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch’s vision of Teshuvah as radical self-honesty:

confession not as ritual, but as recognition of your own capacity to change.

And what if sin itself isn't a flaw in the system, but a feature essential to human freedom, moral struggle, and divine purpose? Join us as we reframe failure, not as shameful, but as the starting point of meaning.

Rav Hirsch, Horeb, Mitzvah 78 – Rabbinic Authority

As we explore in this episode, Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch understood ancient legal authority not as personal influence, but as the outgrowth of a divinely mandated structure  a system rooted in Sinai that gives form to our mission in life. Drawing on his analysis, we reflect on the nature of our own rabbinic influences.

I examine its relevance to the idea of a personal rabbi not merely someone wise or kind, but someone embedded in a structure, someone who submits to a higher halachic authority. As Rav Hirsch points out, the Sanhedrin held legitimate power only when seated in the Chamber of Hewn Stone, and the Kohen could serve only while wearing his sacred garments. True Torah leadership is not about charisma, but continuity. Without submission to something beyond the self, we risk mistaking personality for Torah.

Horeb – Mitzvah #77 - Intermarriage -  Why Judaism Isn’t Racist, and What Makes a Marriage Sacred

In this episode, we tackle a common misconception: that Judaism's opposition to intermarriage is rooted in ethnic exclusivity. Drawing from the insights of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch’s Horeb, we explore how Judaism views identity through ethical and moral responsibility. We contrast the universalism of the Church with salvation through the institution, with Judaism's ethical universalism, which upholds that anyone can find favor through just and moral living. We also examine how love in Judaism is not an end in itself, but a foundation that matures into shared mission, where man and woman unite not just emotionally, but toward a higher purpose.

Horeb – Mitzvah #76: Your Moral Environment - Snared by Influence (and what is חֵרֶם)

Mitzvah #75 – תלמוד תורה

Learning as Calling in Rav Hirsch's Horeb

Exploring Rav Hirsch’s vision of study as transformation and mission.