Episode 102: Rabbi Steven Pruzansky "Repentance for Life"

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today's Perplexed: Confronting the Challenges of This Generation

In this episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Rabbi Steven Pruzansky to explore the rich themes of his latest book, "Repentance for Life" (Kodesh Press). Rabbi Pruzansky begins by sharing the inspiration behind the book, including the significant impact of his teacher, Rabbi Yisroel Chait. We then delve into the chapter "Repentance and the Land of Israel," where Rabbi Pruzansky sheds light on the deep connection between teshuva and the Land of Israel. Our conversation continues with an exploration of "Repentance and Suffering," as Rabbi Pruzansky unpacks the crucial lessons he hopes readers will grasp about the transformative power of suffering in the process of repentance. Finally, we dive into the symbolism of the Yom Kippur scapegoat and its profound relationship to teshuva, as outlined in the chapter "Repentance and the Yom Kippur Scapegoat." Whether you're deeply familiar with these topics or just beginning to explore them, this episode offers thought-provoking insights and reflections that will help you get into the right mindset as we approach Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.

---

• Bio: Rabbi Steven Pruzansky is Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Bnai Yeshurun of Teaneck, New Jersey, where he served from 1994–2020 when he made Aliyah. He currently serves as Israel Region Vice President of the Coalition for Jewish Values and as Senior Rabbinic Scholar at Yeshivat Migdal HaTorah in Modi’in. He is a graduate of Columbia University (BA in History), earned his law degree at Cardozo School of Law and practiced law in New York City for 13 years. Rabbi Pruzansky is a musmach of Yeshiva Bnei Torah under the guidance of Rav Yisroel Chait. Rabbi Pruzansky resides in Modi’in.

---

• Get his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Repentance-Life-Steven-Pruzansky/dp/1947857703#:~:text=Repentance%20for%20Life%20explores%20eighteen

---

• Welcome to JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED: A PODCAST FOR THE PERPLEXED | Co-hosted by Benjy & Benzi | Thank you to...Super Patron: Jordan Karmily, Platinum Patron: Craig Gordon, Gold Patrons: Dovidchai Abramchayev, Lazer Cohen, Travis Krueger, Vasili Volkoff, Rod Ilian, Silver Patrons: Ellen Fleischer, Daniel Maksumov, Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal, Fred & Antonio, Jeffrey Wasserman, and Jacob Winston! Please SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel and hit the BELL so you can get alerted whenever new clips get posted, thank you for your support!

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/judaismdemystified/support