Arch-skeptic Michael Shermer on the secular roots of moral progress. An ex-Hasid on losing his faith. And an exclusive performance by the Hasidic soulsters of Zusha.
Arch-Skeptic Michael Shermer on the Roots of Moral Progess
September 22, 2017
Michael Shermer is one of the world’s most articulate debunkers of all things supernatural: from ghost sightings and ESP to the entire concept of religion. He shares with us his thoughts on the origins of moral progress, which he argues is firmly rooted in science and empiricism. And he tells us the strange story of a dead radio that came to life on his wedding day, and helped him to appreciate the emotional draw of supernaturalism. From 2015.
If you’ve ever had a crisis of faith, felt like an outsider, or found yourself making up for years of lost time, you’ll probably identify with Shulem Deen’s story. Now an author, he spent his formative years in the Skever community of New Square, NY, one of the most insular Hasidic sects in America. He talked to producer Libby Boulter about his painful realization that he could no longer believe in God. From 2015.
The Brooklyn-based members of Zusha infuse their music with soulful niggunim-- the wordless Jewish melodies sung in synagogue and around the Shabbat table. Their mix of Hasidic mysticism and folk-rock harmonies launched their debut EPto the top ten of Billboard’s world music chart. Their new album is called A Colorful World.From 2015.
