In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon explores the parable of the king and the violinist and how the story raises questions about the nature of religious observance and the role of passion in it, as well as the morality of the king's actions. The interpretation of the parable is left open to discussion and debate.
Parables and Princesses
Int his essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon discusses the use of parables in early Tannaitic midrashim to explore the relationship between the feminine hypostasis and the world. He draws on the work of Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlav to explore the tragic consequences of the split within the divine and the paradox of creation.
Tikkun Olam Revisited
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon explores the various meanings and uses of the term "tikkun olam" in Jewish thought and practice.
Silent Prayer: Afterthoughts
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon discusses various aspects of prayer, including the approach of Ahavah, the hasidic doctrine of self-annihilation, and the hasidic solution to the problem of petitionary prayer.
On The Death of Elie Wiesel
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon reflects on the passing of Elie Wiesel and shares the Baal Shem Tov’s story of the king and the fiddler, which deals with the tension between religion as rote versus passionate ritual expression.
Silent Prayer
These are the remarks that Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon delivered at the OSMTH-International Ecumenical Spiritual Retreat in Maribo, Denmark.
Memorial Dedication for Rabbi Gettinger
Memorial Dedication for Rabbi Gettinger
These are the remarks that Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon delivered at the memorial dedication in Lakewood, NJ, in honor of his departed father in-law Rabbi Gettinger.
The Exile of the Soul
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon articulates a vision of what "Galut mentality" looks like. He suggests that it perpetuates the moves that maintain a disconnection within the self, the divorcing of the conscious from the unconscious, and a splitting between ought and is.
Mirror of The Divine
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon discusses the Ropczyce's radical idea that Revelation was connected to the very image making at the dawn of creation and can be thought of as nothing less than human recognition of the Divine.
The Banquet of Esther and Ahasuerus by Jan Victors
Bribing Satan and Queen Esther
Bribing Satan and Queen Esther
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon explores the connection between the Jewish holidays of Purim and Yom Kippur through the Zohar on parshat Tetzaveh and the chassidic masters.
Yael Zipporah
These are the remarks that Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon delivered at the naming ceremony of his granddaughter Yael Zipporah Sror.
Broken Hearts-Broken Tablets: A Visual Midrash
Broken Hearts-Broken Tablets: A Visual Midrash
These are the source materials that accompanied Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon's midnight class at Khal Chasidim congregation on Shavuot of 2015.
Rebbetzin Henya
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon writes about the passing of Rebbetzin Henya.
Tzafun
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon reflects on the sage Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakkai and his dramatic death.
The Sign Has A Reality
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon reflects on the meaning of the chapter headings of the Passover Hagadah. He draws on the academic discipline of semiotics to frame the discussion as well as some ideas gleaned from Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach.
Norah Alila : Divine Complicity in Human Malfeasance
Norah Alila : Divine Complicity in Human Malfeasance
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon explains the concept of Nora Alilut, attributed to the medieval scholar Moses Ibn Ezra. He traces the concept through the world of the chassidic masters and puts his own spin on its resonance in today's day and age.
Comments on Abraham
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon weighs in on the dispute between Simkovich and Millikowsky on the subject of circumcision.
The Schechina Consciousness and Reb Nachman’s Lost Princess
The Schechina Consciousness and Reb Nachman’s Lost Princess
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon draws a line from Rebbe Nachman's concept of the Heart and the Zohar's depiction of the anthropomorphized "Ayalta."
Sibling Romance As Metaphor For Divine Fracture
Sibling Romance As Metaphor For Divine Fracture
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon examines a Midrash from Eicah Rabbah in which a dramatic story is retold about two enslaved siblings. He draws our attention to the symbolic resonance between the intimacy of the siblings in the story and the Rabbinic understanding of the Divine.
The Absent Seventh Beggar: More Thoughts
The Absent Seventh Beggar: More Thoughts
In this essay, Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon revisits Reb Nachman's Tale of the Seven Beggars that he discussed here and offers some new insights