Famed Talmudic, Chassidic and scientific scholar Rabbi Adin (Even Yisroel) Steinsaltz joined an audience at Chabad-Lubavitch of Westmount, Canada, for a conversation on all things kabbalah, science and Torah.
The conversation, now available online at www.Jewish.TV, the multimedia portal of Chabad.org, spans Steinsaltz’s many areas of expertise, from physics and chemistry to kabbalah and Talmud, on which he has written a highly-acclaimed translation and commentary. The frank and informal discussion includes a variety of topics, from politics to mysticism.
As a resident of Jerusalem, Steinsaltz addresses a request from the audience for the “truth, not propaganda” about Israeli attitudes and morale over the war in Gaza, and offers unique perspectives on contemporary politics in the Jewish state.
As author of a widely-read commentary on the Tanya, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi’s seminal work on Chassidic philosophy, Steinsaltz discusses the impact of the Tanya on Jewish thought and practice, referencing various sources and structures in culture and literature.
With high audience interaction, quality questions and intriguing answers and remarks throughout, the recorded video also showcases interspersed singing of niggunim (Chassidic melodies) with the audience.
Thoughts on Rabbi Steinsaltz's Interview 1. To understand the Talmud it helps to be partisan and root for certain sages as it sharpens the readers interest. I tend to identify with Rabbi Shimon and his school of thought which makes me favor Shmuel over Rav and pay more attention to Ulah and Rabbi Yehohua ben Levi . . .
2. Use peace of mind as a compass at least to a certain extent. However it's impossible though to escape from the fact that there is a war between darkness and light and, it can be expensive.
3. A man's soul is the feelings in his heart particularly his free will. The animal soul is the desires of the body. The G-dly soul is to be found in the desires of the mind.
4. I like the melodies from my youth. The Chabad nigunim open a new gate which requires development.
5. I had eye contact with the Rebbe during one of his farbrengens.
6. The Messianic world may be PHYSICALLY much different from this world. Search "giants" on YouTube.
7. Blessing: May the Lord bless you and keep you . . .
Very Nice Interview!