In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon discusses the work of Rabbi Chayim Mi’Volozhyn and his views on Chassidim, as well as analyzing two verses from Parshas Bereishis and Parshas Chayei Sarah.
Torah as Weapon in Fighting Evil: Antidote or Spice?
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon discusses the concept of the primordial mashal and its relationship to the Torah.
Revelation and Coercion: The Maharal's Radical Metaphor of Rape
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon discusses a radical metaphor put forth by the Maharal of Prague.
The Lazy Artisan II: Mirroring the Divine
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon examines the power of simplicity and mirrors to reflect reality, and the importance of purity of vision to see with the clarity of the divine.
Creation and Disappointment
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon discusses two parables that differ in their views on whether Israel or Torah is the purpose of creation.
The King and the Lazy Artisan
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon looks at the parable of a king who orders two people to decorate his palace, with one person completing his task beautifully and the other resorting to a mirror-like substance to reflect the work of the first person.
The Primordial Mashal as Key to Unlock the Torah and the Self
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon looks at The Story of the Seven Beggars by Rabbi Nachman. He explores the Rebbe’s idea that joy must underpin all worship.
The Soul of Conception
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon explores the Talmudic notion of learning as recollection, comparing it to the Platonic doctrine of anamnesis.
The Two Types of Discursive Study of Torah
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon suggests that Torah study should include both rational and non-rational aspects, connecting to all four levels of interpretation (PRDS) to access the divine.
The Four Humors and Avoda She’beGashmiut in the Apter Rov
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon explores the Rebbe’s connection of the medieval theory of the four elements/humors to the Tanhuma and Tehilim. He explores the Rebbe’s demand that we validate and grace both the introverted and unconscious aspects of our personality in his four-step analysis.
Mourning and the License to Interpret Torah
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon discusses the power of the license that rabbis had to interpret the laws of mourning, and the completion of the written law by the oral tradition.
Sanctity
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon explores the concept of "chiyus" in Hassidic discourse, he questions whether this is related to sanctity or an alternative matrix, and discusses various interpretations by Hassidic masters.
Becoming Israel: A Dialectical Path
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon discusses Jacob's ability to connect the divine source within him to the world of ASSIYA/Action, sweetening harsh judgments and integrating the dark side of the self. He digs into the faults of Er and Onan and how they relate to Jacob's desire for serenity and avoidance of integrating the dark side of the self.
Fallen Angels: Remythologizing and Recovery
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon looks at a midrashic interpretation of Genesis 6:1-4, which connects the fallen angels with the corruption of mankind and the subsequent flood. He explores the idea of incorporating non-rational aspects of the self, such as the Dionysian, in a post-Holocaust era, and calls for a return to a pagan mythical view of religion to rediscover those roots that satisfy man's blood lust.
Pulling the Wool Over the Eyes: Abimelech’s Paradoxical Gift
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon examines various interpretations of the term "kesus eynayim."
The Poetry of Paradoxical Faith, Aaron Zeitlin
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon discusses the poetry of Aaron Zeitlin which reflects his survivor guilt and struggle for faith after losing his entire family in the Holocaust.
The Two Torahs-Deut. 17:18-20
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon discusses the Talmudic notion that a king must write two Torah scrolls, one that goes with him wherever he goes, and one that is kept in his treasury. He puts forward an interpretation of this concept in which two revelations are implied, one public and one uniquely private, but both of equal authority.
Schechina Consciousness II
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon discusses the evolution of the notion of Schechina from Reb Nachman's work to the Degel Machaneh Efraim and how the feminine Divine was an essential and is a forgotten aspect of worship.
Thoughts From Jerusalem
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon discusses the interpretation of the verse "which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the LORD" and its connection to the concept of divine manifestation in the world. He explores the ideas of Reb Hershy and the Degel, who suggest that humans have the power to manifest the divine in both hidden and revealed manners.
"Manna From Heaven" and the Taste of God
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon shares some Torah from the Degel on parshat Beshalach.