This edition of The Torah Blog feels like I’m talking about Netflix because most OU Torah series don’t have “seasons!” And yet, here we are, announcing the exciting return of one of our most popular and acclaimed features.
The Kuzari is a classic work of Jewish thought and philosophy by Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi (d. 1141). The Kuzari represents a fictionalized re-telling of a series of historical discussions that took place in the eighth century between a rabbi and the king of the Khazars, who was searching for the truth among his various religious options. During the course of their talks, the rabbi enlightened the king on matters of Torah, particularly in contradistinction to other religions and philosophies.
OU Torah’s Kuzari series is delivered by Rabbi Daniel Korobkin, formerly director of OU West Coast‘s Department of Community and Synagogue Services and currently spiritual leader of Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto (BAYT). There literally could be no one better to deliver a shiur on this sefer as Rabbi Korobkin is the author of a groundbreaking annotated translation of The Kuzari, published by Feldheim.
Kuzari “season 1” began with this Introduction to the Kuzari. “Season 2” – really more a six-episode “prequel” mininseries – began with a shiur entitled R’ Yehuda HaLevi and the World of Medieval Andalusian Jewry. Season 3, a series “reboot” of fifty episodes, begins with Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi’s Introduction. And now, after a hiatus of eight months, Kuzari returns with The Precision of the Mitzvos! And here’s the best part: we have enough new shiurim on hand to run a new one every week for the next year!
Rabbi Korobkin’s Kuzari series covers a number of fascinating topics, including The Origins of Language and Civilization, Biblical Historicity, Does Science Contradict or Support Torah?, and HaLevi vs. Ramban on Creation Ex Nihilo, among many others. So start at the very beginning, with the first shiur of the current series, with the latest shiur, or skim the list for more thought-provoking areas of study!
Check out Kuzari and other great OU Torah series on our web site or by using the OU Torah app for iOS and Android! And while you’re at it, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Rabbi Korobkin’s translation of Kuzari, which will greatly enhance your experience!