Rabbi David Wolpe on "The Portal", Episode

[@DEPARTMENTOFREDUNDANCYDEPT]

I am an atheist and this is the best discussion of faith, values, religion, belief, skepticism, and every related topic that I have ever listened to. Compare the wisdom and insight expressed by these two men to the trite garbage spewed by EVERY TV evangelist and you will understand why I listened to this with intention and attention while every TV evangelist whom I have stumbled upon was revolting and disgusting within minutes and I could not tolerate for more than a few minutes. This is priceless. Thank you for posting this in this time of extreme intolerance and partisan bickering.

[@DEPARTMENTOFREDUNDANCYDEPT]

@eblman5218 It seems that religion has played a significant part in the evolution of human society, most likely due to the "community" effect which creates solidarity and common goals. This effect has seemed to be positive overall, in spite of the many negative impacts religious extremism has had upon society. While religion brings people together, it also divides them, often violently. It is a terrible contradiction with which I have struggled for a lifetime. I simply found myself unable to believe as I grew into adulthood. The foundational stories seemed so childish and improbable. The worst effect of religion, in my opinion, is that it trains people to believe in nonsense unsupported by evidence, and this credulity spills over into all aspects of life, leaving people easy victims of hucksters and charlatans, both secular and religious.

[@leejacobus5305]

Jesus warned of “ Christian “ charlatans “ in wolves clothing “. Matthew 7: 21-3

[@JillFreeman-kb4ih]

you really need to back off the pride because enforced "look at me. i'm a...?" seems to be everyone's so-called religion. so much intolerance for others exists right now that many need to shut up about themselves and project a deeper sense of understanding. also--- fucking lesbians flagrantly hitting on women is just as gross and unwanted as when men do it-- you aren't special-- the rules apply to your gat ass as well, hypocrite.

[@jwelda1]

Maybe it’s just because it’s relatively small but so far this is one of the least toxic community’s on KZbin. Mostly very thoughtful comments. Way to go people, your humanity is showing :)

[@BoxRadishScissors]

Yes, my humanity, that's it! I'm definitely not four badgers stacked on top of one another in a trench coat.

[@matthewchunk3689]

judge judaism! (does the fortneit dance)

[@dominickschrute3084]

I thought this as well. I checked the comment section expecting massive amounts of anti-semitic tropes.

[@khatharrmalkavian3306]

Trolling is a force which selects against worthless conversations. If people take time to feed trolls, it's because the trolls are more interesting than the conversation.

[@downeybill]

I was so tempted to reply with something toxic! instead I'll say, yeah let's keep it that way.

[@joelvilleneuve7037]

5 minutes in and im already crazy impressed by the openness of this priest man

[@EvaLasta]

Hes a rabbi!

[@Dextermoon1]

EvaLasta he definite is nothing close to a rabbi

[@Adam-kx2tp]

Yeah he is a rabbi

[@Dextermoon1]

Philip J. Fry nope, nothing even close to a rabbi

[@Adam-kx2tp]

@@Dextermoon1 You already said that. Why not give your reason this time.

[@tannerpinney3608]

Such a beautiful talk, my father and I were talking about how amazing and robust and brilliant Jewish culture is, and how every culture could use such a robust structural integrity to call home. Thank you for providing great insight into just how nuanced and variable your culture is. Ive never felt as comfortable listening to a religious man speak as this dude right here! Thanks man, and keep em coming, we love you brotha!

[@Nudnik1]

We have dummies also

[@kersh1735]

I honestly didn't think I'd be into this one. However, I find myself listening to it intently in the supermarket car park hoping the misses takes a bit longer with the car, as I'm pretty enthralled. Answered a few questions I've always had on religious jews and none religious Jews. Cool beans, cheers eric

[@lesliesylvan]

Curious if you spoke to your wife about it?

[@roughdraught153]

There's an episode of Seinfeld about that one too!

[@ericjesse3753]

you prolly dont give a damn but does anybody know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly forgot the account password. I appreciate any assistance you can offer me

[@kadenkaiden4958]

@Eric Jesse Instablaster ;)

[@ericjesse3753]

@Kaden Kaiden Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site thru google and im trying it out now. Takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@sterlingveil]

The Rabbi mentioned an Asimov story. It's called "the last question" and it's will worth reading! Thanks for sharing this beautiful conversation!

[@Sedurnas]

Thanks for pointing me towards this!

[@Jangel3995]

That was my introduction to Asimov, thank you

[@e1ementZero]

Such a beautiful, enlightening conversation. It was a joy to listen to! Much respect and admiration to both of you. :)

[@iskandariacordoba]

I absolutley love The Weinstein Brothers.... Phenomenal conversation Eric! Thank you for this learning experience...

[@tensevo]

26:00 "....Seinfeld the show was one of the greatest innovations in modern Judaism." It took a while but I knew there would be a gem in here. ..also there is Curb Your Enthusiasm.

[@PoliteAF]

I didn't think that would be anywhere near as fascinating a conversation about religious and secular Jewish culture as it turned out. I don't care how long it takes the two of you to finish an episode of Seinfeld pausing every 30 seconds to make commentary. I will watch EVERY. SINGLE. MINUTE.

[@618danielj]

Absolutely fantastic podcast. One of my favorites this far. I do have to say that I agree with the Rabbi in his answer to Eric’s final question

[@valoriel4464]

Wonderful! Have be excited to see another Portal episode. Thank you so much.

[@lesliesylvan]

Valorie: check Eric's past videos.

[@roncox4048]

Im not especially religious but always really liked listening to Rabbi David

[@batfink274]

Well done gentleman, that was my favourite podcast ever, and i've seen/listened to hundreds over the last 15 years, thank you Eric for inviting Rabbi Wolpe on, you both really impressed me.

[@TheFlameoftheWest]

A wonderful conversation

[@SamiulAlHossaini]

I'm a frequent podcast listener, and this is now my favourite podcast channel! Eric produces so much high quality content! I'm sure this podcast channel will surpass Joe Rogan if the quality is maintained and the show is continued!!!!! 👌💐 Keep it up Eric 👍 we love you

[@simonheaney8721]

Not likely

[@pianomeister40]

I listened to the whole thing twice. As an outsider, I am fascinated with Jewish culture and wisdom. Do more of this.

[@thomasmeloche1159]

So did I.... and I may listen again on a long drive. Just an enjoyable talk!

[@ToadalSimplicity]

Amazing episode, thank you both for having a discussion about these topics. I don't think I would have ever stumbled across Rabbi Wolpe otherwise, but I love that I did. More please!

[@lesliesylvan]

Nor stumbled upon Eric, if not for his brother's experience at the Evergreen State debacle.

[@guitarnutbolinuli5788]

Great episode, maybe the most sensible, intelligent, thoughtful discussion about religion I've ever heard. Thanks Eric.

[@JD..........]

Definitely the best portal to date! Both of you had excellent takes and responded to each other beautifully as well.

[@marijaivic8320]

Fantastic interview, Thank you.

[@anas.rashid]

Love the podcast, just because of the shout-out to my cities. Listened to it while I was in Belgrade and missing my home Lahore!

[@shader5410]

David Wolpe is one the only theists i like to listen even tho I disagree with him.

[@anderswb]

This discussion was utterly fascinating, thank you!

[@andrewpotapenkoff7723]

By some reason i am very happy that i found this channel. Eric, i'm grateful for your work, thank you.

[@hobobluesclown7337]

It took me awhile to get to this episode... what worthwhile could a rabbi have to say to a physicist? Always the fool-this was an incredible conversation and emphasizes everything I respect about religious thinking despite everything I do not. Plus I got to hear, “the struggle to give meaning to meaning,” which I have tucked snugly into my breast pocket.

[@matt_grossman]

I didn't realize how much I'd been craving intellectual conversation, I've watched all of the episodes multiple times!

[@shane_was_taken]

This was an excellent conversation, and I learned much about Judaism in terms of the intersection between family, culture, spirituality that I had never realized before. The rabbi is a very pleasant speaker to listen to as well. Eric, a conversation that would be fascinating to hear would be one between you and Christopher Langan, with his Cognitive Theoretic Model of the Universe and how it may tie into the nature of reality in a more mathematical/physical way.

[@logandembesky2400]

Ever since you announced the show on Joe Rogan's podcast I have been super pumped for every episode of the portal. This one is of no exception. Thanks Eric and thank you Rabbi David Wolpe. Great Job looking forward to the next one.

[@618danielj]

This was a fantastic conversation.. so much in here that applies to all of us

[@ekoe5484]

thank you SO much for this. I am excited to hear more of your conversations.

[@wazzpqazzza]

Eric, brah, love your stuff. You're perhaps my favourite living thinker and listening to you just chat with other interesting people is as good as rare candy goddamn. Super stoked you made the decision to host your own podcast, enjoying it a metric shitload so please don't stop, important conversation are yet to be had.

[@musharrafdog]

Had only seen Wolpe in the context of Hitchens so was not expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. Thank you, Eric and David.

[@oO-_-_-_-Oo]

Lex Fridman brought me here. Glad he did too this was fantastic.

[@troythoden3438]

Great podcast gentlemen. Very enjoyable dialogue between two thoughtful individuals.

[@mdaniel202]

Thank you both for a wonderful discussion I feel like getting so much ❤️

[@stephenjones796]

Absolutely great dialogue Eric and Rabbi! I so look forward to every dialogue you allow me to follow.

[@andrewjackson7014]

Amazing podcast!! If this is an indication of the quality of debate on the Portal, bring it on!! Not a dull second in the whole show. Thank you to all concerned.

[@satchyan]

Thank you for this interview, Eric. It answered a lot of my questions about Judaism. I now have a better understanding and have you and Rabbi Wolpe to thank.

[@shanemumma9123]

Wonderful episode! Thank you for allowing us to be a fly on the wall.

[@NandaKumar-lt3pn]

So happy when I feel I learned something new. Portal, truly apt name!!

[@simongraham2516]

What a nice treat for the evening!

[@itchykami]

He has episode 6 on spotify

[@Gunbei2]

This was a fascinating and deep conversation. I've always enjoyed Rabbi Wolpe in the History Channel episodes on the Bible. This was a lot of fun. I'll have to watch this over several times.

[@michaelscott70]

This was a great, intellectually stimulating conversation. I’d love to see David and other religious leaders on the podcast more often.

[@InsolentMusicalPeasant]

Thanks for much for these conversations. Really enjoy listening in on them.

[@richardwilliamjohnson8566]

As a non Jew this was an excellent and very informative podcast. Please keep doing these Eric!!

[@xkc9689]

This was amazing, thank you

[@rometimed1382]

Really enjoying these conversations and the podcast Eric. I hope to listen to a whole string of them while walking across Spain this spring.

[@fr.davidlewis7768]

Yes, please. More of this. Absolutely have the good Rabbi back to talk about Seinfeld. I especially liked his stories about his congregation.

[@robertdressler2850]

Brilliant. Forcing me to think and deal with questions and statements that I have successfully avoided, 'thank you

[@royericksson9166]

One of the best podcasts I have listened to

[@amirresali4109]

As an American 🇺🇸 /Persian 🇮🇷, i see 100% truth in conversation, accurate info great podcast 🔥

[@ShamanBuddhaDread]

Splendid conversation: thank you both.

[@Saral_Lekhi]

The power of a Proper conversation 🙏

[@scottnorris9902]

Great discussion. Well done Eric thank you.

[@danellwein8679]

thanks for this … really enjoy your podcasts … and the guests that you have on … you and Lex are my favorite people to listen to …

[@guranajarhead]

very hard day and its an absolute delight to come home to an episode of The Portal, thanks Eric!

[@wilfredz]

I've sat through an hour and a half of this podcast and I have no idea what these two are selling, however, I'm absolutely certain I'm paying retail for it.

[@poltergeistfm]

i see a new portal episode and i give a thumbs up in advance.

[@pawelgos75]

It is so bizarre to listen to Jewish conversation in English and realise that some of what I considered polish words that my mum taught me are spoken here and might have yiddish root. Thank you Eric and thank you Rabbi for giving me a better window into our souls.

[@mathewscannell2759]

That was incredible!

[@enzowilson345]

Really enjoyed that, please keep going.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Another great conversation!

[@GnarlyBolt]

this is a fantastic conversation I'm loving it so much

[@97DarkSkull]

Damn Eric, You're killing it

[@andrewbautista7941]

yey new episode! keep more coming!!

[@thegimel]

Wonderful conversation. Keep the portal open Eric, the rest are on the way!

[@stop7556]

As an atheist this is what I do respect and desire from religion. The ability of religion to empower mindfulness and gratefulness.

[@Macheako]

I dont understand, do you see Religion AS God, or like, Im trying to wrap my head around Athiests definition of Religion, cause its a pretty loosely used word lol When you talk about "When religion does....", just exactly WHAT is doing the "does" in that statement? Because Religion can mean a LOT of different things, cuz ya know....there's a lot of different "Religions". And just for reference Religion to me is merely the resultant cultural, and personal expression that adopting a faith brings. But I assure you, most religious talks Ive had with Christians, we dont EVER say what "Religion" does, we talk about what God, or Christ, or Humankind, or even Angels and Demons DO. Like, im saying theres an actual ACTOR in many of my "religious" thoughts. So i just cant wrap my head around most Atheists usage of the word Religion.

[@stop7556]

@@Macheako, I will speak for myself as I know some will call those with belief as religious but as I would define non militant atheist like myself. I define religion is a belief structure with an institution. For example a small town with a church who reads the bible and identifies as a sect of Christian but does not report to a higher bureaucratic structure. Then I would not instantly label them as religious. I would just identify them as a group with like minded belief. I guess similar to native american shamanism structure often not. Although yes that can go down the slide of cultism but my point is more so I enjoy when someone who has influence in a large religious structure is bringing the topic back from money power and fear. Feel free to criticize or clarify. I am not 100% certain if I have properly described my stance or view.

[@jbsweeney1077]

51:10 "God answers sharp and sudden on some prayers, And thrusts the thing we have prayed for in our face, A gauntlet with a gift in it" - Elizabeth Barrett Browning

[@andrewjackson7014]

Thank you!! I was wondering who rabbi Wolpe was quoting and you provided the answer. I salute you!!

[@thomaskafafian2871]

I lived with my friend and his family, who was very Greek, for a few years. While I was living with them, I was taught I should sing and play my guitar at all family functions. They said it was because I wasn't any good at cooking. ;) Or in otherwords, everyone should bring what they are good at to the family table. Don't be afraid to share your skills with others everywhere you go. If we were all good at the same things we would have no need for community. All squirrels are good at finding nuts. People are not squirrels. Tradition is what we bring to the table. We don't want a homogenized society, no matter what people have been saying as of late. Keep spreading the truth.

[@piffpete420]

Eric “the courage to stand alone” Weinstein

[@cryptocred5754]

Eric “the guy who lets negative comments affect him” Weinstein Wish he’d let go of that so that we can have more of his thoughts through word form

[@JimyLynn]

My new favorite podcast.

[@alexcatchpole]

The portal is out and out the best pod cast ! Thabks Eric

[@bluebottle4]

Did not expect a mention of cities I lived in as a kid, Lahore and Karachi. Listening to this from Sydney and wanna thank Eric for getting into some of the tensions that I have grappled with myself at a very personal level. I wish he could keep Rabi a bit longer and delve a bit deeper, but Kudos to Rabi for his stamina. Such an honest and humble religious figure, deriving his opinions and understandings from an understanding of the text of his tradition. He was respectful of science and other philosophies and recognised his limitations as a human as he mentioned towards the end. I wonder how fascinating would it be, if Eric could find a similar figure from Islamic world who is able to talk openly and freely without a fear of the loudest mob.

[@lakeridgereservations7053]

Found Eric because of Physics but thought this conversation one of the most enlightening. Grew up in Workmens Circle as well.

[@JohnThinks]

Wow, that ending. Amazing episode.

[@lukecunningham8793]

Anyone know where I can find the intro/outro music? It's so beautiful. Inspiring. Meditative.

[@amans228]

1:31 Eric, you are very kind. I understand your desire to rid young Germans of guilt: however, there is more to it than just "absolving" young individuals of it. Consider the large (historical) context here: on one side is their history from Odoacer, to the crusades, to the Holocaust--impressively consistent. On the other hand, look at how they (Germans) behaved in the most recent history: the fact that German banks mauled Greece so brutally and mercilessly during the Greek financial crisis a few years ago speaks volumes. By the way, how many of those young guilt-ridden Germans stood up for Greece against the German banks which obscenely enriched themselves at the time? Given their history, they are just biding time...

[@angelatakano6072]

Thank you Rabbi for your faith and message to believers like me, and so sad that an extremely smart scientist cannot see how mysterious our own existence is

[@TigburtJones]

Thank you Eric! I shared this on my Facebook to my tribe (not Tigburt Jones) They’re a group of entrepreneurs, i hope they jump on board!

[@TonGolem]

Just a beautiful conversation between two intelligent and wise men. And I say this as an atheist.

[@thinkingpistol2000]

I love this podcast. Such valuable lines of thought, opposition, and collaboration simultaneously. Generosity without the free lunch.

[@mrmarvellous5378]

As a Roman Catholic, turned Athiest, turned Pantheist I found this conversation informative and respectful as against some of the confrontational believers vs atheist debates, well done Rabbi Wolpe and Mr Weinstein.

[@CunningOfReason]

Mr Marvellous Stopp watching porn.

[@dadman9799]

Only 30 minutes into this one and I would recommend it to anyone. I LOVE these types of conversations!!!

[@superregera799]

Great podcast Eric, always interesting to hear the perspective of those of faith, gives useful context to the atheist perspective. Keep it up!

[@stephenjones796]

Logan Dausel I totally agree.

[@__-on8rk]

Same, I'm coming from an orthodox perspective, it was nice to hear conservative and reform in more detail.

[@ethanshaben3536]

You guys finally did it!!! No stray cords to distract the viewer from the conversation!😀

[@ethanshaben3536]

Although, Eric's mike cord could obviously have been a bit tighter

[@catharsis21]

Great interview, thanks! I suspect one advantage of a well defined community or tribal unit is that each member thereto tends to know exactly who their own scoundrels are.

[@whatitdu6368]

My favorite so far, by a country mile.

[@roncox4048]

What are the objects on the desk please? Anyone?

[@auroraborealis13579]

I don't know what the ivory egg shaped thing is, but, the blown glass is a Klein Bottle.

[@auroraborealis13579]

In topology, a branch of mathematics, the Klein bottle is an example of a non-orientable surface; it is a two-dimensional manifold against which a system for determining a normal vector cannot be consistently defined. Wikipedia

[@bazurk_dot_com]

I am very happy I found this channel. I have no doubt that in a very short time this podcast will explode with popularity. Its a shame that more content on youtube isn't more like this. I happened upon you by the way of Joe Rogan's podcast.

[@johnnywatkins]

Fantastic conversation i have a lot to think about

[@winfriedbauer2280]

Always enjoyed the debates between the Rabbi and Christopher Hitchens... Could always see the respect between the two men!

[@winfriedbauer2280]

Amazing conversation! Thanks!

[@elisawinter4520]

Thank you so much for the 5 generations of Jewish atheists. It's so much more reasonable than I thought it was. Thank you. Thank you.

[@zalen_Offical]

Really enjoy this podcast good work 👍

[@leedufour]

Thank you both.

[@charleswilson8897]

1:12:40 - And this is why I am following The Portal.

[@imperfectious]

8:37 Atheist here. Favorite holiday is Christmas. There are cultural Christian atheists.

[@belar836]

Yes, the Rabbi was completely wrong about there being no secular Christian culture. He is making a wide-sweeping, unsupported claim.

[@BirdieDev]

Cause of all the presents

[@imperfectious]

@@BirdieDev Lego advent calendar😎

[@BirdieDev]

@@imperfectious Oh fuck yeah dude

[@Macheako]

Wait...so you consider yourself culturally Christian.... Cuz you LIKE doing a FEW things us Christians do? Yea dude, thats literally Cultural Appropriation lol. Im not hating, im just saying, if thats ALL this is.... You're just taking what you like from Christianity and ignoring the rest, and what you take is just based on your subjective whims. So thats cool I guess

[@oscarbrienzo3244]

This has been on the Castbox app for 2 and a half weeks as well as his next episode with Jocko Willink. For all of you fans out there.. :)

[@gregorywitcher5618]

Bless you.

[@harmonicresonanceproject]

Thanks for the heads up, I wasn't aware of Castbox. Gonna try it out.

[@gg-pv3ie]

Its also on spotify

[@cryptouncle6630]

I do not know what Castbox is. But I know this; no one can cast Jocko into a box unless he wants to. Not even Chuck Norris!

[@annecampbell8931]

Superb podcast. Thank you both.

[@leedufour]

Thanks Rabbi and Eric.