Conversation with the Rabbi

Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre discuss "Jewish values" and whether or not that phrase is a meaningful way of talking about Jewish life. Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The Conversation with the Rabbi podcast is supported by a grant from Arizona Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act. The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre talk with political scientist Dr. Kamila Valenta about extremism and ethnic conflict. (Producer's note: This conversation was recorded in March 2021 and discusses national and international affairs in the context of that time.)Dr. Kamila Valenta is a part-time instructor at the Department of Global Studies at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, where she teaches two courses: “Ethnic Con

"A person should not need to choose between their religion and their rationality. The two are not in conflict."In this episode, Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre discuss the life and work of Maimonides. Rabbi Beyo explains what he sees as the untapped potential of Maimonides medieval theology and philosophy for helping contemporary Jews to strengthen their connection with Jewish tradition while navigating the modern world.Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The Conversation with the Rabbi podcast is supported by a grant from Arizona Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act.The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre talk with Rabbi Ysoscher Katz about leaving Orthodox communities and navigating the contemporary world.Rabbi Ysoscher Katz is the Chair of the Talmud department at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah and the past Senior Rabbi of the Prospect Heights Shul. He studied at the Satmar, Brisk, and Beit Yosef Navaradok yeshivot. Receiving his smicha shortly after high school, R. Katz has taught Talmud and halakhah at a wide array of institutions. For nine years, he delivered a daily daf yomi shiur- twice a day in Borough Park- attended by many. During the past years, he has taught weekly Jewish thought and Talmud classes for professionals on the Upper East Side and Park Slope, and at the Skirball Center for adult education. A graduate of HaSha'ar's educators program, he also worked as the Judaic studies coordinator for the innovative Luria school, and taught at Ma'ayanot, SAR, and Ramaz High Schools. In addition, he has directed the Lindenbaum Center for Modern Orthodox Halakhah, composed responsa on vital contemporary halakhic issues, and writes extensively on matters pertaining to Jewish society for publications including the Forward, Jerusalem Post, Makor Rishon, and the Times of Israel. He lectures widely, most recently in Jerusalem, Melbourne, Zurich, and LA, and has been a visiting scholar at Jofa, Eshel, Pearlstone and Limmud.Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The Conversation with the Rabbi podcast is supported by a grant from Arizona Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act.The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

Immediately after recording the podcast episode with Glenn E. Martin (Ep. 25), Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre continue the conversation and let the recorder run as they share some candid thoughts and personal views about racism, sexism, and more. Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The Conversation with the Rabbi podcast is supported by a grant from Arizona Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act.The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre talk with Glenn E. Martin about race and racism, antisemitism, equity, and criminal justice reform in America. For two decades, Glenn E. Martin successfully conceptualized, created and directed a handful of national multi-million dollar organizations in the non-profit sector. Glenn has occupied the important leadership role of "visionary," while developing a strong track record in the more pragmatic aspects of building and running successful organizations, including fundraising, operations, administration and communications. Before launching both GEMrealestate and GEMtrainers, multi-state real estate investment company and a successful non-profit consultancy, respectively, Glenn founded and served as President of JustLeadershipUSA for three years, an organization he built as a tribute to his son Joshua, dedicated to cutting the U.S. correctional population in half by 2030. For almost 20 years, since leaving prison, he's been a part of the vanguard of successful reform advocates in America. His leadership has been recognized with multiple honors, including the 2016 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award, the 2017 Brooke Astor Award, and the 2014 Echoing Green Fellowship. He is also a Founding Member of the Council on Criminal Justice. Prior to founding JustLeadershipUSA, Glenn was the Vice President of The Fortune Society, where he founded and led the David Rothenberg Center for Public Policy. He also served as the Co-Director of the National HIRE Network at the Legal Action Center, and co-founded the Education from the Inside Out Coalition. He's also the founder and visionary behind the #CLOSErikers campaign in NYC. Glenn has served as a public speaker and has been a media guest appearing on national news outlets such as NPR, MSNBC, Fox News, CNN, Al Jazeera and CSPAN. Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The Conversation with the Rabbi podcast is supported by a grant from Arizona Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act.The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

In preparation for an upcoming episode of the podcast, Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre have a candid, "behind-the-scenes" conversation about race and racism in America. Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The Conversation with the Rabbi podcast is supported by a grant from Arizona Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act.The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre talk with M. Zuhdi Jasser, MD, the Founder and President of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy and the author of “A Battle for the Soul of Islam: An American Muslim Patriot's Fight to Save His Faith.” A first-generation American Muslim, Jasser's parents fled the oppressive Baath regime of Syria in the mid-1960's for American freedom. A devout Muslim, he and his family have strong ties to the American Muslim community having helped lead mosques in Wisconsin, Arkansas, Virginia and Arizona. In the wake of the 9/11 attacks on the United States, Jasser and a group of American Muslims founded AIFD which promotes Muslim voices for liberty and freedom through the separation of mosque and state. They believe the root cause of Islamist terrorism is the ideology of political Islam (Islamism) and a belief in the supremacy of the Islamic state. AIFD's primary projects include the Muslim Liberty Project and the Muslim Reform Movement, which was launched in December 2015 and is comprised of a coalition of over 15 Western Muslim Leaders from the US, Canada, and Europe. Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The Conversation with the Rabbi podcast is supported by a grant from Arizona Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act.The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre talk with Carlos Galindo-Elvira about community partnerships, overcoming hate, and connections between the Latino and Jewish communities. Carlos Galindo-Elvira is Director of Community Engagement & Partnerships for Chicanos Por La Causa. A longtime civil rights, community and nonprofit leader, Carlos is part of CPLC's Resource Development team. His duties include corporate and community relations, donor relations, media engagement, advocacy, and policy initiatives. Prior to joining CPLC, Galindo-Elvira served as regional director of a national anti-hate organization bringing attention to the rise of antisemitism and white supremacy in Arizona.Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The Conversation with the Rabbi podcast is supported by a grant from Arizona Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act.The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre talk with Karolyn Benger about orthodoxy, inclusion, and prayer. Karolyn Benger is the principal of KB Enterprise, a consulting firm in Phoenix, AZ to nonprofit organizations specializing in social justice. Karolyn is a student at Yeshivah Maharat and was appointed by Phoenix's Mayor to serve on the Human Relations Commission for the City of Phoenix. She serves on the Jewish Advisory Board for the Phoenix Police Department, the Arizona Interfaith Movement, is a member of the Valley Interfaith Project's 3rd Monseigneur Ryle Public Policy Faith Leader Institute, a mentor in the Women's Leadership Institute, and a board member of the Albert Einstein Academy, a new STEAM and Hebrew/Arabic language charter school being developed. She was the founding Executive Director of the newly created Jewish Community Relations Council in Phoenix and served as the Executive Director of the Jewish Interest Free Loan of Atlanta. Ms. Benger is a graduate of Emory University with a degree in Political Science and a specialization in the Middle East where she studied Arab and Islamist opposition groups in Egypt. She has taught at Emory University, Georgia Tech, and Emerson College and is passionate about interfaith dialogue, race relations, and community relations between Jews and non-Jews. She regularly speaks on Women in Orthodoxy, Women in Islam, Democratization in the Middle East, Social Movements, Anti-Semitism, and Islamist organizations. Her publications can be found with Blue Avocado, eJewish Philanthropy, Kveller, Times of Israel, Binah, and the Arizona Republic. Additional Resources: Karolyn Benger on LinkedIn Karolyn Benger on Facebook Karolyn Benger on Twitter Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The Conversation with the Rabbi podcast is supported by a grant from Arizona Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act.The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

Rabbi Michael Beyo talks with Avi Jorisch about Israeli innovators and technology companies that are solving global problems. Avi Jorisch is a seasoned entrepreneur and the author of five books, including Thou Shalt Innovate: How Israeli Ingenuity Repairs the World (2018). A former official in the U.S. Departments of Treasury and Defense, Avi is a senior fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council, a member at the Council on Foreign Relations and the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO). He is also the founder of IMS, a merchant processing company that works with clients nationwide. In the past two decades, Avi has lectured around the world and has published articles in nearly 50 influential outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Foreign Affairs, and has appeared on CNN, CSPAN, Fox News, MSNBC and the 700 club. Meet him online at https://avijorisch.com/ Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The Conversation with the Rabbi podcast is supported by a grant from Arizona Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act. The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre talk with Peggy and David Schlesinger about the origins of the Baha'i Faith and its outlook on the past, present, and future of our world. Peggy and David Schlesinger are members of the Baha'i Faith, an independent world religion that began in Iran in 1844 and has spread to well over 200 countries and territories. The Prophet-founder is Baha'u'llah, which means Glory of God in English. Baha'is believe in the Oneness of God, meaning all religions stem from the same God; the Oneness of Religion, in that all religions are different installments of the same plan of God; and the Oneness of Humanity, i.e. we are all from the same family and need to eliminate prejudice of all kinds in order to achieve a peaceful and thriving society. They also believe in Harmony of Science and Religion, the equality of women and men, and the requirement of education for all. Learn more at https://www.chandlerbahai.org/ Peggy Schlesinger was a teacher of the hearing-impaired and worked in Fort Madison, Iowa and Albuquerque, New Mexico. She received her Masters of Business Administration at University of New Mexico and worked for Sandia National Laboratories for many years. She moved to Chandler 27 years ago and worked for Intel Corporation as an Enterprise Data Architect, analyzing and organizing data structures throughout the corporation, until she retired. She is married with one grown child. Peggy is a member of the Baha'i Faith. The Baha'i Faith does not have any clergy, but she has served many years on the Local Spiritual Assembly, an elected administrative body. In her hope to raise awareness of the importance of unity in diversity, which requires us to eliminate all forms of prejudice, she has served on the For Our City Chandler, Chandler Diversity Advisory Group, and Chandler-4-Change. She is one of the organizers for the Chandler Baha'i "Race 4 Unity" Family Fun Walk-Run annual event, which is hoped to resume next year at Tumbleweed Park. She also teaches children's spiritual education classes on a weekly basis and hosts a monthly interfaith devotional, focusing on social justice. David Schlesinger has been a Baha'i for many years, and lived in a number of different Baha'i communities across the nation. His career background includes public communications, writing, cinematography, marketing management, advertising, management consultation, TV and film production, and for the past twenty years, he has worked in the field of Information Technology and cyber security. His recent experience before retiring includes Intel Corporation, where he was Data Security Architect. David has a Masters in Organizational Management, authored two US government patents for innovative data security methods on behalf of Intel Corporation, and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). He serves the Baha'i Faith as a volunteer at the Baha'i Internet Association Cyber-Security committee which publishes the Cyber Trends and Analysis Report. David is also a supportive husband and helps his wife in her volunteer projects. Currently, David is retired and lives in Chandler, Arizona with his wife Peggy, and a roomful of computers. Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The Conversation with the Rabbi podcast is supported by a grant from Arizona Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP)...

Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre talk with Yale Strom about Jewish music, folklore, and other forms of cultural expression. Yale Strom is a professor at San Diego State University and a violinist, composer, filmmaker, writer, photographer, and playwright. He is a pioneer among revivalists in conducting extensive field research in Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans among the Jewish and Roma communities. Initially, his work focused on the use and performance of klezmer music among these two groups. Gradually, his focus increased to examining all aspects of their culture from post-World War II to the present. From more than 3 decades and 75 such research expeditions, Strom has become the world's leading ethnographer-artist of klezmer music and history. His klezmer research was instrumental in helping form the repertoires of his klezmer band, Hot Pstromi in New York and San Diego. Since Strom's first band began in 1982, he has been composing his own New Jewish music, which combines klezmer with Khasidic nigunim, Roma, jazz, classical, Balkan and Sephardic motifs. These compositions range from quartets to a symphony. Strom is also one of the only top composers of Jewish music to carry on the tradition of writing original songs, with Yiddish lyrics, about humanitarian and social issues. His fifteen CDs run the gamut of traditional klezmer to "new" Jewish music. Yale Strom was the first klezmer musician to perform at the United Nations General Assembly. His research has also resulted in photo documentary books, documentary films, as well as CD recordings. Strom latest children's illustrated, “Shloyml Boyml and His Lucky Dreydl,” was published in November 2020. Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The Conversation with the Rabbi podcast is supported by a grant from Arizona Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act. The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre talk with opera singer, actor, producer, director, and author David Serero about depictions of Jewish characters in the arts. Actor and baritone David Serero has received international recognition and critical acclaim from all over the world. At 39 years old, he has already performed more than 2,500 concerts and performances throughout the world, in more than 45 countries. He starred in over 100 films and TV series, recorded over 50 albums and played more than 50 lead and title roles (in several languages) from the opera, theatre, and musicals repertoire. In New York, he starred Off-Broadway as Shylock, Cyrano, Othello, Barabas, Yiddish King Lear, Don Giovanni, Figaro, Romeo, Nabucco...and in Paris as Don Quixote (Man of La Mancha) and Happy Mac (Beggar' Holiday). He entered the prestigious Who's Who in America for demonstrating outstanding achievements in the entertainment world and for the betterment of contemporary society. In 2019, he received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, the Morocco Day Distinguished Achievement Award, and the Trophy of the Culture of Morocco, and was named among the 15 most influential Moroccans worldwide by Royal Air Maroc, Morocco's airline. David Serero is a member of the Recording Academy and the Television Academy and a voting member both of the Grammys and Emmys. In 2020, he received the Award for Diversity by the UNESCO in Paris.Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The Conversation with the Rabbi podcast is supported by a grant from Arizona Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act.The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre talk with Jason Caplan about his spiritual journey through Torah and music, his creation of the Universal Language Room, and the writings of Rabbi Abulafia. Jason Caplan is an entrepreneur, musician, and founder of The Bridge Institute and Beit Abulafia. He has devoted his life to interpersonal communication and bridge building through improvisational music. In 2004 Jason began to create and implement The Universal Language Room, a musical experience that guides participants to exchange ideas and communicate through melody and rhythm. No music background is required. Facilitators show individuals how to create simple melodic statements and share them in a dynamic and fun experience. Participants in the Universal Language Room enjoy the music interaction within the group and engage with each other. Each session leads to a greater sense of well-being, belonging, and community. Jason's musical work and the Universal Language Room is inspired by his ongoing study and engagement with the mystical teachings of Rabbi Abraham Abulafia. Jason also leads his music group, Naqshon's Leap, a multi-faith music group in Memphis, TN. Follow Jason Caplan on Facebook and Twitter. Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The Conversation with the Rabbi podcast is supported by a grant from Arizona Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act.The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre talk with Richard Kasper of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix and Marty Haberer of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix about philanthropy, fundraising, and nonprofit leadership in the Jewish community. (Producer's note: This conversation was recorded in December 2020 and discusses Covid-19 in the context of that time.) Topics discussed in this episode include: effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on local Jewish people and organizations changing demographics for the Jewish community changing patterns in charitable giving and how we respond how nonprofit and philanthropic organization can adapt to unpredictable circumstances. Richard Kasper is President & CEO of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix. Founded in 1972, the Jewish Community Foundation strives to create a permanent legacy for a strong, vibrant, enduring Jewish community locally and abroad. The Jewish Community Foundation is the largest resource for Jewish philanthropy in the Greater Phoenix area. They have earned the trust of donors and the community of professional advisors - attorneys, estate planners, trust officers, insurance professionals, accountants, and financial advisors - who work with them to help donors achieve their charitable and financial goals. As a primary, trusted and expert resource for philanthropy, the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix engages, educates, and inspires generations of givers throughout the Jewish community. The organization provide resources to make the community's vision a reality, and it responds to emergencies facing the Jewish people. Marty Haberer is President & CEO of The Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, an organization that has been serving the Valley's Jewish and greater community since 1941. A collective of professionals, lay leadership, and generous donors and supporters working together to improve the lives of Jews locally and globally, the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix strengthens and sustains Jewish life and identity while meeting critical needs in the community, in Israel, and around the world. The organization serves the community as a resource by maximizing the impact of the dollars raised and by supporting organizations that make a difference every day. It enables change, promotes innovation, and builds community. Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The Conversation with the Rabbi podcast is supported by a grant from Arizona Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act.The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre talk with Daphne Lazar Price about her commitment to feminism, Orthodox Judaism, and justice.Daphne Lazar Price is Executive Director of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance. JOFA advocates for expanding women's rights and opportunities within the framework of halakha, to build a vibrant and equitable Orthodox community. Daphne stepped into the role of Executive Director after years of experience in the Jewish non-profit world. She has partnered extensively with lay leaders and professionals. Daphne worked at the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC), where she was the Development Director. During her tenure she engaged in program planning, management, strategic planning, alumni engagement and development. She is also the former North American Director of the Muslim Leadership Initiative at the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, where she was responsible for fostering connections between Muslim and Jewish communities. More recently she served as a Vice President at West End Strategy Team. Daphne received a BA with honors in Religious Studies from York University and an MA in Judaic Studies from Concordia University. She is currently an adjunct professor of Jewish Law at Georgetown University Law Center. She is active in the Orthodox community in her hometown of Silver Spring, MD, where she lives with her husband and two children. Additional Resources: Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance website: https://www.jofa.org Connect with JOFA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jofaorg Follow JOFA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JOFAorgFollow JOFA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jofaorgConversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The Conversation with the Rabbi podcast is supported by a grant from Arizona Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act.The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre talk with Rev. Larry Fultz about interfaith dialogue, the Golden Rule, and the rise of the "nones." Rev. Larry Fultz is Executive Director of the Arizona Interfaith Movement, an organization comprised of over 22 different faith communities who have joined together in order to build bridges of understanding, respect and support among diverse people of faith through education, dialogue, service and implementation of the Golden Rule. The Arizona Interfaith Movement has been in existence since 1965 and been instrumental in making Arizona the first Golden Rule State in the nation. In addition, 13 cities have become Golden Rule cities and subscribed to treating their citizens with respect regardless of their faith, ethnicity or creed. A license plate was granted reading "Live the Golden Rule" was granted by the legislature in 2005, and there are now over 20,000 of these plates in existence. The proceeds goes to helping to provide Golden Rule education in the schools throughout the State of Arizona through the AGREE program that is non-religious and meets all the State requirements for use in the public school system. Rev. Fultz is no stranger to the Arizona Interfaith Movement, having been a member from its very beginnings in 1995 and serving on various boards and committees up to the present time. Rev. Fultz became a minister in 1969 after receiving his BA, Masters in Theology, and Masters in Counseling. He retired in December 2005. Larry's life is rich with interfaith activity and experience having been a part of the beginning of the InterFaith Action Coalition of Arizona (AZIFM's prior name). He participated in the first “Experience Interfaith” event as a speaker and participant. He was active in helping organize and produce the first “Voices of Faith” concert and those afterwards. He was present in 2003 when the declaration was granted to make Arizona the First Golden Rule State in the Union. He participated in the campaign for the “Live the Golden Rule “License Plate and was present at the signing of the bill. Larry participated in the Interfaith Habitat for Humanity building project in Phoenix and has appeared on radio and television as part of the Arizona Interfaith Movement Speaker's Bureau. In 2002 he traveled with the United Nations Committee of Religious NGOs delegation to Kosovo, Macedonia, and Albania to aid the Muslim refugees in their plight, helping build refugee camps, counseling and education. Larry's life work has been devoted to bringing peace, understanding and the love of God to all people. Additional Resources: Visit the Arizona Interfaith Movement website and follow them on Facebook. "Nones on the Rise," Pew Research Center (2012) "Religious Landscape Study: The Unaffiliated," Pew Research Center "How younger US Jews are similar to – and different from – older US Jews," Pew Research Center (2021) Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families...

Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre talk with Dr. Gary Smith about medical ethics, religion, and living together in community with people who have different values. (Producer's note: This conversation was recorded in November 2020 and discusses Covid-19 vaccine research and other topics in the context of that time.) Gary A. Smith, MD is Mission President of the California San Jose Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For additional information about Dr. Smith's community and the California San Jose Mission, see "How Missionaries Are Comforting Californians During COVID-19" (March 4, 2021). Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The Conversation with the Rabbi podcast is supported by a grant from Arizona Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act.The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre talk with Arizona State Senator Paul Boyer about politics and public service in an era of polemics and hyper-partisanship. (Producer's note: This conversation was recorded on June 9, 2021 and mentions legislative issues that may have evolved since that time.)State Senator Paul Boyer has served in the Arizona Legislature since 2013, first in the House of Representatives and now in his second term in the State Senate. Senator Boyer is a junior high school teacher and represents Arizona's 20th legislative district, which includes much of Glendale and North Phoenix. He is the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee and serves on the Finance and Transportation and Technology Committees. Senator Boyer has championed policies to provide more funding for first responders, responsibly invested in our K-12 and higher education systems, supported local business throughout Arizona, and fought to provide justice for victims of sexual abuse. As a dad and husband, Senator Boyer has fought to protect kids and families, while ensuring Arizonans have access to the healthcare benefits they have earned. Senator Boyer is an Arizona native who grew up in the West Valley and graduated magna cum laude from ASU with a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in communication studies.Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The Conversation with the Rabbi podcast is supported by a grant from Arizona Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act.The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

In this second episode of a two-part sequence, Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre continue to share about their religious and cultural backgrounds and some of the key moments that changed their respective opinions and points of view. Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The Conversation with the Rabbi podcast is supported by a grant from Arizona Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act.The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

In this episode, Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre talk openly about their religious and cultural backgrounds, their families, and their individual journeys through (and beyond) the belief systems they inherited from their respective communities. Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The Conversation with the Rabbi podcast is supported by a grant from Arizona Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act.The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre talk with Dr. Matthew Gunning about religion and politics in America. We dig into topics such as: Patterns in how religious affiliation impacts voting in US politics What the increase in "religiously unaffiliated" means What the Trump presidency revealed about differences between religious conservative groups (e.g., Mormons and White evangelicals) Voters who adopt conservative issue positions but vote for Democratic candidates And more ... Dr. Matthew Gunning is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Georgia Gwinnett College. He has taught courses on Congress, the presidency, political parties, Georgia government, comparative politics, American government and interest groups. He has published works in The Journal of Politics and Social Science History, and written a book chapter on Georgia voting law reforms. His dissertation explored patterns of roll call voting in southern state legislatures and the Georgia legislature over time. Dr. Gunning's academic interests include: Congress, political parties and elections, Georgia and southern politics, U.S. presidency, and comparative legislatures. Currently he is working on expanding his research on the Georgia Assembly into a book. Additional Resources: Follow Dr. Matthew Gunning on Twitter: https://twitter.com/matthewlgunning Political Science at Georgia Gwinnett College: https://www.ggc.edu/academics/degrees-and-programs/political-science/ Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B online radio station and podcast studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre talk with Pastor Dan Hoeger about leading a diverse congregation, Lutheran theology, and how to deal with the problematic legacy of Martin Luther's antisemitism. Dan Hoeger is the senior pastor of All Saints Lutheran Church in north Phoenix. He has been a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America since 1989. Prior to that he was a lay missionary teaching ESL in Japan for 3 years. Pastor Dan has served congregations in Michigan, Colorado, Illinois, California and for the last 4 years in Phoenix, Arizona. His wife, Yumiko, is a Family Medicine Doctor, and they have two grown children. Additional Resources: All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix: https://www.allsaintsphoenix.org Connect with All Saints Lutheran Church on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASLCPHXAZ Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B online radio station and podcast studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre talk with Kitra Cahana of Artists 4 Long-Term Care about the devastating impact of Covid-19 on long-term care homes and the role of visual art and poetry in responding to crisis. The statistic is shocking: only 1 percent of Canadians live in a retirement or long-term care home, yet 69 percent of Covid-19 fatalities in Canada have occurred in these facilities. Kitra Cahana is an award-winning photojournalist and the daughter of Rabbi Ronnie Cahana, who has lived in a long-term care home in Montreal since he experienced a massive brain stem stroke in 2011. Kitra joins us to share about her work, her family's story, and her latest project: Artists 4 Long-Term Care, an art and storytelling initiative to advocate for residents and workers in long-term care facilities during Covid-19 and beyond. Kitra is a freelance documentary photographer, videographer, a photo/video artist and a TED speaker. She is a contributing photographer to National Geographic Magazine. She has a B.A. in philosophy from McGill University and a M.A. in Visual and Media anthropology from the Freie Universitat in Berlin. Kitra is the recipient of numerous grants and awards, including two Canada Council Grants for the Visual Arts, a 2016 TED Senior Fellowship, a 2015 Pulitzer Center for Investigative Reporting grant, a 2014-2015 artist residency at Prim Centre, the 2013 International Center of Photography's Infinity Award, first prize for the 2010 World Press Photo, a scholarship at FABRICA in Italy and the Thomas Morgan internship at the New York Times. Additional Resources: Artists 4 Long-Term Care: https://www.artists4longtermcare.org/ Follow Artists 4 Long-Term Care on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artists4longtermcare/ Kitra's website: https://kitracahana.com/ Kitra's TED talks: https://www.ted.com/speakers/kitra_cahana/ Follow Kitra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitracahana/ Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B online radio station and podcast studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre talk with Craig Cardon, President of the Queen Creek Arizona West Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, about faith, trust, and seeking the truth. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a worldwide faith of over 16 million members, with over 30,000 congregations in more than 160 countries and territories. Each of these congregations is led by non-paid leaders selected from the congregation who serve on a limited-time, volunteer basis. The Church provides gospel resources and programs in over 110 languages. It also operates several universities; a religious education program for youth and young adults with enrollment of more than 400,000 in 170 countries; FamilySearch, the world's largest genealogical organization; and Latter-day Saint Charities, a vast humanitarian aid program that provides nearly $1 billion annually in worldwide relief. The Church's worldwide headquarters are located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Craig Cardon was sustained as the President of the Queen Creek Arizona West Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February 2020. He has previously served as a stake executive secretary, bishop, bishopric counselor, stake high councilor, and elder's quorum president. President Cardon is an owner and managing partner of the Cardon Hiatt Companies, a private business and real estate investment firm with holdings throughout the United States. He currently serves on the boards of various private real estate, finance, petroleum companies, and philanthropic entities. President Cardon married Aimee L. Dean in July 1998. They are the parents of six children. He received his juris doctorate from Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College in 2002 and was licensed by the State Bar of Arizona to practice law on October 22, 2002. Additional Resources: Learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Connect with Craig Cardon on LinkedIn Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B online radio station and podcast studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre talk with Doron Krakow about the past, present, and future of the JCC Movement and the work of JCC Association of North America. Doron Krakow is president and CEO of JCC Association of North America, the largest platform of Jewish engagement on the continent. JCC Association partners with JCCs (Jewish Community Centers and Jewish Community Camps), advancing and enriching North American Jewish life. 1.5 million people walking through the doors of JCCs each week, and the JCC Movement includes approximately 53,000 staff members—12,000 full-time skilled professionals, 24,000 part-time staff, and 17,000 seasonal summer staff. Under Krakow's leadership, which began in May 2017, JCC Association is forging new partnerships throughout the Jewish community, deepening its relationship to individual and foundation philanthropy, and strengthening the fabric of Jewish life across the U.S. and Canada. Krakow brings more than 25 years of experience with national and international Jewish organizations to JCC Association. He previously served as executive vice president of American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev; senior vice president, Israel and overseas at United Jewish Communities (now the Jewish Federations of North America); and national director of Young Judaea. Doron is also a board member of JPRO and Tzofim: Friends of Israel Scouts. Connect with JCC Association of North America: Website https://jcca.org/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/jcc-association Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JCCAssociationOfNorthAmerica/ Twitter https://twitter.com/jccassociation Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jccassociation/ Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B online radio station and podcast studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre talk with Jerzy Wójcik of the Holocaust Memorial Partnership about the Auschwitz Virtual Tour & Seminar he created to share with online visitors from around the world. Jerzy Wójcik was born in the town of Oświęcim (Auschwitz), Poland. He works as a guide and educator at Auschwitz-Birkenau and runs the Holocaust Memorial Partnership. Jerzy is a graduate of International Relations at the Faculty of Political and International Studies, and of postgraduate studies on the Middle and Far East at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. In 2010, he was awarded a PhD in political science at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. For a number of years, Jerzy has worked with several organizations and institutions in Poland, including the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, the Center for Holocaust Studies in Krakow, the Center for International Relations in Warsaw, and the European Association of Israel Studies. In 2020 he created the Auschwitz Virtual Tour, an independent project supported by the IZROPA Foundation.Additional Resources: Auschwitz Seminar & Virtual Tour Holocaust Education at the East Valley JCC Holocaust Memorial Partnership Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B online radio station and podcast studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

Rabbi Michael Beyo and Dr. Adrian McIntyre talk with Azra Hussain about the essence of Islam, what Muslims and Jews have in common, and the importance of educating our own communities. Azra Hussain is the President and co-Founder of the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Arizona (ISBA), an organization that just celebrated its 21st anniversary. She is also one of the founders of the Scottsdale mosque, and she has spent the past 28 years educating about Islam and Muslims. Azra trains speakers, plans and facilitates educational and creative interfaith events for ISBA. As a speaker, she presents mainly on beliefs and practices, gender roles in Islam and conducts Cultural Sensitivity Training for police departments, hospital personnel, educators, and corporations. Azra serves on many interfaith committees and believes that people of faith have shared values and are called to serve and protect humanity and our environment. Additional Resources: Islamic Speakers Bureau of Arizona FAQs about Islam and Muslims Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B online radio station and podcast studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm

In this inaugural episode, Rabbi Michael Beyo talks with co-host Dr. Adrian McIntyre about what you can expect from the new Conversation with the Rabbi podcast. Rabbi Beyo also talks about his role as CEO of the East Valley JCC in Chandler, Arizona and hints at some of the twists and turns in his personal journey -- which we will explore more fully in future episodes. Conversation with the Rabbi is a project of the East Valley Jewish Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, neighborhood organization that has served individuals and families inclusive of all races, religions, and cultures since 1972. Visit us online at https://www.evjcc.org The show is recorded and produced in the studio of PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B online radio station and podcast studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://phx.fm