Did you hear the one about the Jewish guy who answered every question with a question?
In this opening episode, we explore the art and power of questioning as the raison d’etre for how and why Jewish wisdom still survives.
03:35 Ayeka? The first divine question from the Garden of Eden: God asks Adam and Eve, and by extension all of us: “Where are you? Why are you hiding?”
09:27 Eicha? In Lamentations, in suffering and facing injustice, we ask God, “How have we ended up here? Where are you, God?”
18:02 Mei'ei'matai? The Talmud asks, “When do we begin?” A reimagining of Jewish life bound by sacred time instead of physical space.
24:37 Evolving and growing. Asking a question is already half of the answer.
Drawing on thinkers, poets, and sages including Adrienne Rich, Hannah Arendt, Art Green, and Yehuda Amichai, this episode focuses on the power of constantly reexamining accepted truths and the courage to never stop seeking.
Alef Bet is a journey through ancestral Jewish wisdom reimagined for right now. Rabbi Amichai Lau-Levie is the tour guide for your experience. Whether you’re Jewish, Jew-ish, Jew-jacent, or Jew-curious, this is your starting point. No prior knowledge required - just bring your questions.
Explore More with Episode 1 Study Guide!