Looking at the history of the Jewish calendar as well as other calendars.

Rabbi Kaufman's Understanding The World

Connecting to the Calendar

I discussed what happened during the elections based on the information that I had at the time. While some details changed in regard to which candidate won certain states, I discussed the elections as if what ended up happening, would. So the conclusions are accurate.

Understanding the World - November 2020

I discussed Israel's agreements with the UAE and Bahrain, Israeli-Arab peace generally, the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, and discussing Turkey and Iran in the region.

Understanding the World - October 2020

I discussed the long term impacts of COVID 19

Understanding the World - September 2020

Rabbi Kaufman's presentation about the Origins and History of Antisemitism.

Origins and History of Antisemitism

Interview by Rabbi David Kaufman along with Michael Wolnerman of David Wolnerman, a survivor of the Holocaust, who spent time at a number of camps including Auschwitz and Dachau. He was liberated by General Eisenhower's forces from Dachau. The interview took place at the Des Moines Jewish Community commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz.

An Interview with David Wolnerman - Holocaust Survivor

This class looks at the origins of rabbinic Judaism and the early rabbinic period.

Rise of the Rabbis

A look at the evolution of the concept of the messiah in the Jewish tradition. What was expected and is expected?

Concept of the Messiah in Judaism

Looking at the how the concept of God changes from ancient times going forward. And then looking at how the concept of forgiveness, achieving purity, and later the concept of salvation, being saved from a status of sinfulness.

Evolution of the Concepts of God and Salvation

Looking at the History from the 2nd Century BCE and the Origins of the festival of Chanukah.

History and Origins of Chanukah

A basic introduction to life cycle events in Judaism.

Life Cycle Events in Judaism

My class for the Ray Society of Drake University on current events, December 2019. Looking at Rabbi Mirvis' letter before elections in Britain. Discussing impeachment. Rising Antisemitism, including on college campuses.

Understanding The World - December 2019

I explain how we got the calendars that we have today and offer a basic outline of the Jewish holidays through the calendar year.

Taste of Judaism - An Outline of the Jewish Calendar and Holidays

This is part of an ongoing class for the Ray Society of Drake University on current events. I began with the conflict between the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Israel which broke out the night before. Then I spoke about the Whistleblower law and need for it. I also spoke about the killing of al-Baghdadi, the impact of the killing on ISIS, and new US-Syria policy in light of the President's press conference about the killing of al-Baghdadi.

Understanding the World November 2019

My class for the Ray Society of Drake University in October 2019. I primarily spoke about events in Syria, explaining who is who and what is going on. This class took place five days before the killing of al-Baghdadi and was at a time of grave concern about Turkey's invasion of northern Syria and an anticipated complete withdrawal of US forces from Syria.

Understanding the World October 2019

Rabbi Kaufman's Understanding the World is a podcast about Israel, the Middle East, American Foreign Policy, Current Events, Judaism, and issues of concern to Jews around the world.