The Caesar & Rebbe: Are Fetuses Alive?: The Talmud on the World to Come, Lesson 12
In this final exchange between a famous Royal Roman and a legendary Talmudic Sage they debate the proverbial question of “when life begins.” Superficially studied, it appears that the wisdom of Rome's Philosopher King prevails, as the Sage seems to acquiesce to his position. This class draws deeply on biblical precedent and hallowed mystical tradition to demonstrate the fallacy of that approach. Based on this thesis, we elucidate the conclusion of their historic discussion on the subject of the earliest influence of the Yetzer Hara (= evil inclination) into our human consciousness.
| Audio: | Listen to Audio | Download this MP3 |
| Topics: | Sanhedrin, Fetus, 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.
© Copyright, all rights reserved. If you enjoyed this article, we encourage you to distribute it further, provided that you comply with Chabad.org's copyright policy.
Join the Discussion