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Artwork for The Pillars: Jerusalem, Athens, and the Western Mind

The Pillars: Jerusalem, Athens, and the Western Mind

Lobel Center for Jewish Classical Education
Covenant
Judaism
Western Civilization
Hebrew Bible
The Torah
Ancient Political Thought
Economics
Governance
Social Responsibility
Jewish Thought
Covenantal Relationship
Tanakh
Epic Of Gilgamesh
Rabbinic Literature
Memphite Theology
Paganism
God
Egypt
University Education
Western Culture

Welcome to The Pillars: Jerusalem, Athens, and the Western Mind, a podcast that tells the story of the prophets, philosophers, and poets who created the West. In this podcast, Rabbi Dr. Mitchell Rocklin guides listeners through more than 3,000 years of Western history, offering a coherent, civilizational story of how the West came to be—along with a deepened understanding of the challenges it now ... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes111Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistoryReligion & SpiritualityJudaism

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Artwork for The Pillars: Jerusalem, Athens, and the Western Mind

Latest Episodes

The work of the major seventeenth century Christian Hebraists led to important advances in the development of the individual. As we learn more about this topic, we'll address the following questions:

• How does Milton's knowledge of Midrash suppor... more

The great poets of the seventeenth century are noteworthy in their innovations in engaging with earlier literature to promote their own ideas. As we explore why they are still relevant, we'll also answer the following questions:

• How did John Don... more

Many people know about Isaac Newton and his proverbial apple, but he and his contemporary, Leibniz, were responsible for a much wider array of scientific and mathematical advances. As we learn about these two thinkers, Rabbi Rocklin will help us answ... more

There are some figures of the Scientific Revolution who stand out in the annals of history. As we study a few of those monumental figures, we'll explore the following questions:

• Why did Copernicus dedicate his scientific book, On the Revolutions... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Rabbi Mark Gottlieb
Chief Education Officer at TIKFA
TIKFA
Episode: From Natures to Nature: The Scientific and Philosophical Revolution
Professor Jeffrey Wolf
Chief Education Officer at TIKVA, a renowned scholar in Jewish history
Bar-Ilan University
Episode: Italy and the Jews: A Vital Center for Isolation and Integration
Professor Allison Coudert
Professor Emerita of Religious Studies at UC Davis, focused on the interaction between religion and science in the West
University of California Davis
Episode: Kabbalah: Mysticism and Science
Reverend Dr. Victor Shepherd
A Presbyterian minister, theology professor, and author based in Toronto, Canada
Presbyterian Church in Canada
Episode: Erasmus: Humanist and Reformer
David Lavinsky
Associate Professor of English at Ushiva University.
Ushiva University
Episode: Medieval Literature IX: Drama and Tales
Dr. Anthony Nussmeyer
Chair of Modern Languages, Director of Italian, and Associate Professor of Italian at the University of Dallas
University of Dallas
Episode: Medieval Literature VIII: Dante and Boccaccio
Dr. Liliana Wirth
Specialist in medieval literature
TIKVA
Episode: Medieval Literature VI: Medieval Chivalry II
Dr. RJ Snell
Editor-in-Chief of Public Discourse and Director of Academic Programs at the Witherspoon Institute
Public Discourse
Episode: Medieval Literature III: Aquinas
Dr. Ronnie Perelis
Professor of Sephardic studies at Yeshiva University
Yeshiva University
Episode: The Golden Age of Spain: Jewish Culture under Islamic Rule

Host

Rabbi Dr. Mitchell Rocklin
Host of discussions focusing on Western civilization and the influences of Jewish and Greek traditions.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 55 ratings
  • Fantastic podcast about Western civilization

    Nov 2025 update — this podcast stitches together all the major sources of Western Civiluzation. I didn’t realize how little I knew about it until this podcast - even with seven years of Latin, etc.

    Update: I have listened to 67 episodes to date. Not one minute of my time was wasted. Best review of Western Civilizations in the history of Western Civilization. From the first episode, I was hooked. Rabbi Rocklin takes us on an historical journey into foundations of Western civilization.The Jewish... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AKGold8
    United States3 months ago
  • Fantastic podcast about Western civilization

    Update: I have listened to 67 episodes to date. Not one minute of my time was wasted. Best review of Western Civilizations in the history of Western Civilization.

    From the first episode, I was hooked. Rabbi Rocklin takes us on an historical journey into our roots. The Jewish perspective on Western civilization ties the knot on what makes (or dare I say) made America exceptional. This is a wise teacher with a wonderful voice. Updated - Made it to

    Episode 40. Yashar Koach Rav Rocklin! I am lea... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AKGold8
    United States9 months ago
  • Incredible content

    I am blown away every podcast by the level of expertise and depth on these disparate subjects. We are truly lucky to have this level of erudite content.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SEB Miami
    United States10 months ago
  • Fantastic podcast about Western civilization

    From the first episode, I was hooked. Rabbi Rocklin takes us on an historical journey into our roots. The Jewish perspective on Western civilization ties the knot on what makes (or dare I say) made America exceptional. This is a wise teacher with a wonderful voice.

    Updated - Made it to Episode 40. Yashar Koach Rav Rocklin! I am learning a ton about Weatern Civilization.

    Every Tuesday and Thursday I look forward to my fresh dose of knowledge. Count me in for this whole journey.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AKGold8
    United Statesa year ago
  • A fantastic show - and one of a kind

    A tour de force of the West’s philosophical and cultural pillars and its Hebraic foundations

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Erik Glynn
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The podcast is praised for its clarity and engaging storytelling, making complex historical themes accessible.
Listeners often commend the hosts for their expertise and the thoughtful discussions that prompt deeper reflection on societal issues.
Listeners appreciate the in-depth exploration of Western civilization's foundations, particularly the unique perspectives offered on the interplay between Jewish and Greek traditions.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Kabbalah: Mysticism and Science
Q: Why is Kabbalah more associated with mystical religion and the arts rather than science?
Mysticism tends to draw more attention, and there is more scholarship on that aspect, leaving the scientific connections less highlighted.
Kabbalah: Mysticism and Science
Q: How was Kabbalah important intellectually as the modern era as we see it began?
It provided new perspectives on difficult ethical issues and moral questions arising from the Reformation.
Erasmus: Humanist and Reformer
Q: Can you spend a little bit of time on his long-term impact when it comes to the course of Western civilization over the centuries?
Erasmus and the humanist movement he led recovered the languages of antiquity and fostered the development of the humanities, which remain critical to our understanding of human complexity.
Erasmus: Humanist and Reformer
Q: Could you give our listeners some background on his life? Why do we need to consider him when we think about the course of Western civilization?
Erasmus, born in 1466, played a crucial role in the Renaissance which marked the transition from the Medieval to the modern world, contributing significantly to literature and the humanities.
Medieval Literature VIII: Dante and Boccaccio
Q: Why is it particularly important for us to read Dante today?
Understanding Dante offers valuable insights into cultural and spiritual dimensions of literature and human experiences.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A focused examination of Western civilization, particularly the intertwining histories of religious and philosophical thought, is presented through a series of engaging discussions. The narrative intricately weaves together the contributions of key figures such as prophets, philosophers, and poets over the span of three millennia. Rabbi Dr. Mitchell Rocklin emphasizes the ongoing dialogue between the Jewish spiritual tradition and Greek philosophical framework, positing that this synthesis is essential for a comprehensive understanding of Western history. The podcast is distinct in its approach, offering insightful perspectives that connect historical events and ideas with contemporary issues, appealing to those interested in the humanities... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. What Really Matters with Walter Russell Mead
2. Call Me Back - with Dan Senor
3. What Matters Now
4. Ask Haviv Anything
5. For Heaven's Sake

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this podcast launched a year ago and published 111 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Rabbi Mark Gottlieb
2. Professor Jeffrey Wolf
3. Professor Allison Coudert
4. Reverend Dr. Victor Shepherd
5. David Lavinsky
6. Dr. Anthony Nussmeyer
7. Dr. Liliana Wirth
8. Dr. RJ Snell

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