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Podcast: Jewish Ideas to Change the World
Episode: The Religious Significance of Secular Studies According to Rabbi Yosef Hayyim (1835-1909)
Description: A virtual event presentation by Professor Zvi ZoharThe event was co-sponsored by Congregation Or TzionAbout the Event: In ancient times, some rabbis held that since one is commanded to study Torah day and night (Joshua 1:8), other intellectual realms could be acquired only ‘when it is neither day nor night.’ An exception could be made only for learning a practical profession, enabling one to earn a living. (See, e.g., JT Pe’ah 1:1).Following in the spirit of those ancient scholars, many East European Rabbis in recent centuri...