The Maggid of Melbourne

Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies

About

Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper, the Maggid of Melbourne, invites us to join him on an exploration of a wide array of Jewish ideas and their relevance in our contemporary Jewish lives. The Maggid of Melbourne features both written and podcast series, each taking an in-depth look at a different Jewish topic. Whether you are interested in the laws of government according to halakha or learning about the spiritual practices of the Hasidic masters, you are sure to find inspiration with the Maggid of Melbourne, Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper.

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282 episodes

Pidyon Shvuyim Episode 7: Releasing Terrorists to Free Hostages

img If terrorists demand the release of other terrorists in order to free hostages, is this a case of ? Perhaps this scenario should be considered under a different legal rubric? CREDITS: Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper – Pardes Faculty… Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2024/01/pidyon-shvuyim-episode-7-releasing-terrorists-to-free-hostages/ The post Pidyon Shvuyim Episode 7: Releasing Terrorists to Free Hostages https://elmad.pardes.org/2024/01/pidyon-shvuyim-episode-7-releasing-terrorists-to-free-hostages/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Pidyon Shvuyim Episode 7: Releasing Terrorists to Free Hostages at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2024/01/pidyon-shvuyim-episode-7-releasing-terrorists-to-free-hostages/

1s
Jan 29
Pidyon Shvuyim: Prepared to Pay

img In the final episode of the Maggid of Melbourne’s series on the mitzvah of 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 … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/12/pidyon-shvuyim-prepared-to-pay/ The post Pidyon Shvuyim: Prepared to Pay https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/12/pidyon-shvuyim-prepared-to-pay/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Pidyon Shvuyim: Prepared to Pay at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/12/pidyon-shvuyim-prepared-to-pay/

1s
Dec 27, 2023
Pidyon Shvuyim: Contact with the Outside

img 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 … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/12/pidyon-shvuyim-contact-with-the-outside/ The post Pidyon Shvuyim: Contact with the Outside https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/12/pidyon-shvuyim-contact-with-the-outside/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Pidyon Shvuyim: Contact with the Outside at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/12/pidyon-shvuyim-contact-with-the-outside/

1s
Dec 20, 2023
Pidyon Shvuyim: Choosing to Stay

img WAS THERE EVER A TIME THAT OUR PEOPLE LEFT A HOSTAGE IN CAPTIVITY? In this episode of our series exploring the mitzvah of the Maggid of Melbourne takes on a trip to 13th century Germany. CREDITS: Rabbi Levi … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/12/pidyon-shvuyim-choosing-to-stay/ The post Pidyon Shvuyim: Choosing to Stay https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/12/pidyon-shvuyim-choosing-to-stay/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Pidyon Shvuyim: Choosing to Stay at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/12/pidyon-shvuyim-choosing-to-stay/

1s
Dec 13, 2023
Pidyon Shvuyim: The People Act

img 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 … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/11/pidyon-shvuyim-the-people-act/ The post Pidyon Shvuyim: The People Act https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/11/pidyon-shvuyim-the-people-act/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Pidyon Shvuyim: The People Act at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/11/pidyon-shvuyim-the-people-act/

1s
Nov 30, 2023
Pidyon Shvuyim: Exorbitant Ransoms

img 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 , discussing when exceptions to our obligation to free captives may be made.… Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/11/pidyon-shvuyim-exorbitant-ransoms/ The post Pidyon Shvuyim: Exorbitant Ransoms https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/11/pidyon-shvuyim-exorbitant-ransoms/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Pidyon Shvuyim: Exorbitant Ransoms at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/11/pidyon-shvuyim-exorbitant-ransoms/

1s
Nov 16, 2023
Torah for Tough Times: Lauded Objective

img WHAT DOES JUDAISM SAY REGARDING THE MITZVAH OF , FREEING CAPTIVES? In a timely new addition to his impromptu mini-series, Levi explores the importance of freeing captives through the lens of Torah. CREDITS: Rabbi … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/11/torah-for-tough-times-lauded-objective/ The post Torah for Tough Times: Lauded Objective https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/11/torah-for-tough-times-lauded-objective/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Torah for Tough Times: Lauded Objective at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/11/torah-for-tough-times-lauded-objective/

1s
Nov 09, 2023
Embracing Our Soldiers

img On Rosh Hodesh Heshvan (October 15-16, 2023) – just over a week after the Simhat Torah massacre – the Boyaner Rebbe, Rabbi Nachum Dov Brayer (b. 1959) dispatched a book of prayers to his hasidim who have children or spouses … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/11/24141/ The post Embracing Our Soldiers https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/11/24141/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Embracing Our Soldiers at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/11/24141/

1s
Nov 08, 2023
Holy Darkness

img In dark times, it is difficult to see the glow of holiness; blackness covers any speck of light and a sense of gloom is pervasive. This is an all-too-familiar feeling for us in these times. A hasidic perspective on winter … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/11/holy-darkness/ The post Holy Darkness https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/11/holy-darkness/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Holy Darkness at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/11/holy-darkness/

1s
Nov 02, 2023
Torah for Tough Times: Images of Atrocities – A Torah Perspective

img 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 … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/10/torah-for-tough-times-images-of-atrocities-a-torah-perspective/ The post Torah for Tough Times: Images of Atrocities – A Torah Perspective https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/10/torah-for-tough-times-images-of-atrocities-a-torah-perspective/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Torah for Tough Times: Images of Atrocities – A Torah Perspective at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/10/torah-for-tough-times-images-of-atrocities-a-torah-perspective/

1s
Oct 17, 2023
Torah for Tough Times: Prayer for the Communities Attacked

img 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 … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/10/torah-for-tough-times-prayer-for-the-communities-attacked/ The post Torah for Tough Times: Prayer for the Communities Attacked https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/10/torah-for-tough-times-prayer-for-the-communities-attacked/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Torah for Tough Times: Prayer for the Communities Attacked at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/10/torah-for-tough-times-prayer-for-the-communities-attacked/

1s
Oct 17, 2023
Torah for Tough Times: Hallel During Wartime

img 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 … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/10/torah-for-tough-times-hallel-during-wartime/ The post Torah for Tough Times: Hallel During Wartime https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/10/torah-for-tough-times-hallel-during-wartime/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Torah for Tough Times: Hallel During Wartime at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/10/torah-for-tough-times-hallel-during-wartime/

1s
Oct 16, 2023
Grab a Good Deed

img Enjoy learning with the Maggid of Melbourne? Find more content by Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper on the Maggid of Melbourne page. On Rosh Hashana we sound the shofar during the day and not during the night following the biblical verse … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/09/grab-a-good-deed/ The post Grab a Good Deed https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/09/grab-a-good-deed/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Grab a Good Deed at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/09/grab-a-good-deed/

1s
Sep 12, 2023
Episode 18: Eternal Light

img Where did the tradition of lighting a (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 … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-18-eternal-light/ The post Episode 18: Eternal Light https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-18-eternal-light/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Episode 18: Eternal Light at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-18-eternal-light/

12m
Aug 25, 2023
Episode 17: Dedication Plaques

img 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 … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-17-dedication-plaques/ The post Episode 17: Dedication Plaques https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-17-dedication-plaques/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Episode 17: Dedication Plaques at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-17-dedication-plaques/

9m
Aug 24, 2023
Episode 16: Unfinished Synagogues

img 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 … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-16-unfinished-synagogues/ The post Episode 16: Unfinished Synagogues https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-16-unfinished-synagogues/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Episode 16: Unfinished Synagogues at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-16-unfinished-synagogues/

9m
Aug 22, 2023
Episode 15: Structural Damage

img 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? … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-15-structural-damage/ The post Episode 15: Structural Damage https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-15-structural-damage/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Episode 15: Structural Damage at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-15-structural-damage/

12m
Aug 21, 2023
Episode 14: Mysticism in Window Design

img 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 … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-14-mysticism-in-window-design/ The post Episode 14: Mysticism in Window Design https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-14-mysticism-in-window-design/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Episode 14: Mysticism in Window Design at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-14-mysticism-in-window-design/

9m
Aug 18, 2023
Episode 13: Window Design

img 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. … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-13-window-design/ The post Episode 13: Window Design https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-13-window-design/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Episode 13: Window Design at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-13-window-design/

11m
Aug 17, 2023
Episode 12: Smell and Sight

img 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 … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-12-smell-and-sight/ The post Episode 12: Smell and Sight https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-12-smell-and-sight/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Episode 12: Smell and Sight at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-12-smell-and-sight/

10m
Aug 15, 2023
Episode 11: Windows for Prayer

img   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 … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-11-windows-for-prayer/ The post Episode 11: Windows for Prayer https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-11-windows-for-prayer/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Episode 11: Windows for Prayer at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/episode-11-windows-for-prayer/

11m
Aug 14, 2023
Exploring Sacred Spaces 10: Karate Kicks on Synagogue Walls

img   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. … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-10-karate-kicks-on-synagogue-walls/ The post Exploring Sacred Spaces 10: Karate Kicks on Synagogue Walls https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-10-karate-kicks-on-synagogue-walls/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Exploring Sacred Spaces 10: Karate Kicks on Synagogue Walls at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-10-karate-kicks-on-synagogue-walls/

10m
Aug 11, 2023
Exploring Sacred Spaces 9: Menorah or Chanukiya

img   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 … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-9-menorah-or-chanukiya/ The post Exploring Sacred Spaces 9: Menorah or Chanukiya https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-9-menorah-or-chanukiya/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Exploring Sacred Spaces 9: Menorah or Chanukiya at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-9-menorah-or-chanukiya/

12m
Aug 10, 2023
Exploring Sacred Spaces Ep. 8: Lions in Shul

img   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? … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-ep-8-lions-in-shul/ The post Exploring Sacred Spaces Ep. 8: Lions in Shul https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-ep-8-lions-in-shul/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Exploring Sacred Spaces Ep. 8: Lions in Shul at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-ep-8-lions-in-shul/

9m
Aug 09, 2023
Exploring Sacred Spaces Ep. 7: Holy Arks

img   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 … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-ep-7-holy-arks/ The post Exploring Sacred Spaces Ep. 7: Holy Arks https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-ep-7-holy-arks/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Exploring Sacred Spaces Ep. 7: Holy Arks at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-ep-7-holy-arks/

11m
Aug 08, 2023
Exploring Sacred Spaces Ep. 6: Halakhot of Air Conditioners

img   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 … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-ep-6-halakhot-of-air-conditioning/ The post Exploring Sacred Spaces Ep. 6: Halakhot of Air Conditioners https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-ep-6-halakhot-of-air-conditioning/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Exploring Sacred Spaces Ep. 6: Halakhot of Air Conditioners at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-ep-6-halakhot-of-air-conditioning/

10m
Aug 07, 2023
Exploring Sacred Spaces Ep. 5: Blessings at Eye Level

img   We continue our examination of the (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 , meaning the should … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-ep-5-blessings-at-eye-level/ The post Exploring Sacred Spaces Ep. 5: Blessings at Eye Level https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-ep-5-blessings-at-eye-level/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Exploring Sacred Spaces Ep. 5: Blessings at Eye Level at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-ep-5-blessings-at-eye-level/

10m
Aug 04, 2023
Exploring Sacred Spaces Ep. 4: Stepping up to Offer Blessings

img   In previous episodes, the Maggid of Melbourne discussed how the should approach the lectern, examining the question of whether one should step up or down. What about when the come forward to lead the priestly blessing? Must … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-ep-4-stepping-up-to-offer-blessings/ The post Exploring Sacred Spaces Ep. 4: Stepping up to Offer Blessings https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-ep-4-stepping-up-to-offer-blessings/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Exploring Sacred Spaces Ep. 4: Stepping up to Offer Blessings at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-ep-4-stepping-up-to-offer-blessings/

12m
Aug 03, 2023
Exploring Sacred Spaces Ep. 3: Tied to the Lectern – A Hasidic Tale

img   Join the Maggid of Melbourne as he continues his exploration of where the (prayer leader) stands as he leads prayers. Levi brings in a tale of a Hasidic man who ties himself to the lectern during their service, … Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-ep-3-tied-to-the-lectern-a-hasidic-tale/ The post Exploring Sacred Spaces Ep. 3: Tied to the Lectern – A Hasidic Tale https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-ep-3-tied-to-the-lectern-a-hasidic-tale/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Exploring Sacred Spaces Ep. 3: Tied to the Lectern – A Hasidic Tale at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-ep-3-tied-to-the-lectern-a-hasidic-tale/

11m
Aug 02, 2023
Exploring Sacred Spaces Ep. 2 – Small Steps for Prayer Leaders

img   In this second episode of “Exploring Sacred Spaces,” the Maggid of Melbourne shares insights into the bimah and how we approach it. How is the Hazzan supposed to approach or descend, and what are the practical and spiritual implications?… Read the rest https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-ep-2-small-steps-for-prayer-leaders/ The post Exploring Sacred Spaces Ep. 2 – Small Steps for Prayer Leaders https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-ep-2-small-steps-for-prayer-leaders/ first appeared on Elmad Online Learning https://elmad.pardes.org. Continue reading Exploring Sacred Spaces Ep. 2 – Small Steps for Prayer Leaders at Elmad Online Learning. https://elmad.pardes.org/2023/08/exploring-sacred-spaces-ep-2-small-steps-for-prayer-leaders/

12m
Aug 01, 2023