The Caesar & Rebbe: Sagacity in the Sunset: The Talmud on the World to Come, Lesson 11
In the second exchange between the stoic philosopher Antoninus, who was Caesar of Rome, and Rebbi, the redactor of the Mishna, they discuss the solar orbit—specifically, the nature of the sun’s setting. Although from a modern astronomical and scientific perspective of the stratosphere, the conversation sounds hopelessly antiquated or even buffoonish; a careful and insightful read reveals tremendously inspiring profundity. In illuminating the commentary of our Rabbis’ on this Gemara, this rumination effectively portrays their conversation as emblematic of the disparate spiritual philosophies and theologies of the Roman/Greco civilization and Torah Judaism.
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| Topics: | Torah & Science, Solar System & Planets, Sanhedrin, Sunset, Sun; Sunlight, Talmud |
Rabbi Mendel Kaplan is the Spiritual Leader and Executive Director of Chabad Flamingo in Thornhill, Ontario, serving one of Canada’s most dynamic Jewish communities. He also serves as Chaplain of the York Regional Police Service. He is an active member of Toronto’s Vaad HaRabbanim (Council of Orthodox Rabbis), and a voting member of the COR Kashruth Council of Canada’s executive rabbinical board. Rabbi Kaplan is featured regularly on many local television and radio shows. He is a sought after speaker, with hundreds of lectures on Chabad.org. He and his wife, Faygie, are blessed with eight children. Artistically endowed, the rabbi enjoys drawing, sketching and creating charcoal portraits.
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