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As Temple Israel's eighth senior rabbi, Greenstein's tenure and legacy live through intergenerational engagement and relevance of Reform Jewish values. In addition to serving as a pastoral anchor for his congregation, Greenstein is pouring his energy into innovating the pipeline for the next generation of Reform Jewish rabbis as well as building a healthy future for the religious and cultural fabric of post-October 7 Israel.
“Dos miradas: Israel y el judaísmo en Puerto Rico” by Dariel U. González García (אוריאל בן אברהם), Universidad de Puerto Rico en Mayagüez, was published in Perspectivas sobre cuestiones globales in 2024. The text examines the historical roots of the Puerto Rican Jewish community, from its beginnings during Spanish colonization in the 15th century, with emphasis on the arrival of Sephardic converts to the island. The author examines the diplomatic relations between the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the State of Israel. The article includes interviews with two community leaders of the Puerto Rican Jewish community: Shula Feldkran, an Israeli and former president of Temple Beth Shalom; and Rabbi Hernán D. Rustein, the first permanent rabbi of Latin American origin at Temple Beth Shalom. González García (אוריאל בן אברהם) is a Jew of Sephardic heritage, and his areas of interest are Middle Eastern politics, Zionism and the origins of the State of Israel and Jewish history. This interview includes Jeffrey Herlihy-Mera, Catedrático de Humanidades, Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Dariel U. González García (אוריאל בן אברהם) and Coordinador de Cultura Judía en Puerto Rico at the UPR-M, Joanna Cifredo de Fellman (יוחנה סיפרדו פלמן) UPR-M, and Rabino Hernán D. Rustein (הרב הרנן רוסטיין). They discuss Judaism, Israel, and the Puerto Rican Jewish community. This podcast and the Instituto Nuevos Horizontes are sponsored by the Mellon Foundation. This is the second episode about “Dos miradas: Israel y el judaísmo en Puerto Rico”; the first, in Spanish, is available on the New Books Network en español. Link to the article mentioned in this episode: “Dos miradas: Israel y el judaísmo en Puerto Rico,” Perspectivas sobre cuestiones globales, 2024. For more information about the Reform Jewish community of Puerto Rico, write to: info@tbspr.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/jewish-studies
Rabbis Jeffrey and Josh explore the current state of Conservative Judaism. Rabbi Matt is out this week but will be back for the next episode. Jeffrey and Josh are both Reform Jewish rabbis who took the leap into Conservative Jewish congregations. The two of them discuss the simiilarities and differences between Reform and Conservative Judaism and reflect on the current state of the Conservative Jewish movement. Along the way they reflect on the meaning of Jewish law and ritual and its significance in contemporary Jewish life and where things might be headed *Note: The audio of Rabbi Josh's voice is terrible in the first part of the conversation. Our apologies!
“Dos miradas: Israel y el judaísmo en Puerto Rico” by Dariel U. González García (אוריאל בן אברהם), Universidad de Puerto Rico en Mayagüez, was published in Perspectivas sobre cuestiones globales in 2024. The text examines the historical roots of the Puerto Rican Jewish community, from its beginnings during Spanish colonization in the 15th century, with emphasis on the arrival of Sephardic converts to the island. The author examines the diplomatic relations between the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the State of Israel. The article includes interviews with two community leaders of the Puerto Rican Jewish community: Shula Feldkran, an Israeli and former president of Temple Beth Shalom; and Rabbi Hernán D. Rustein, the first permanent rabbi of Latin American origin at Temple Beth Shalom. González García (אוריאל בן אברהם) is a Jew of Sephardic heritage, and his areas of interest are Middle Eastern politics, Zionism and the origins of the State of Israel and Jewish history. This interview includes Jeffrey Herlihy-Mera, Catedrático de Humanidades, Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Dariel U. González García (אוריאל בן אברהם) and Coordinador de Cultura Judía en Puerto Rico at the UPR-M, Joanna Cifredo de Fellman (יוחנה סיפרדו פלמן) UPR-M, and Rabino Hernán D. Rustein (הרב הרנן רוסטיין). They discuss Judaism, Israel, and the Puerto Rican Jewish community. This podcast and the Instituto Nuevos Horizontes are sponsored by the Mellon Foundation. This is the second episode about “Dos miradas: Israel y el judaísmo en Puerto Rico”; the first, in Spanish, is available on the New Books Network en español. Link to the article mentioned in this episode: “Dos miradas: Israel y el judaísmo en Puerto Rico,” Perspectivas sobre cuestiones globales, 2024. For more information about the Reform Jewish community of Puerto Rico, write to: info@tbspr.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
“Dos miradas: Israel y el judaísmo en Puerto Rico” by Dariel U. González García (אוריאל בן אברהם), Universidad de Puerto Rico en Mayagüez, was published in Perspectivas sobre cuestiones globales in 2024. The text examines the historical roots of the Puerto Rican Jewish community, from its beginnings during Spanish colonization in the 15th century, with emphasis on the arrival of Sephardic converts to the island. The author examines the diplomatic relations between the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the State of Israel. The article includes interviews with two community leaders of the Puerto Rican Jewish community: Shula Feldkran, an Israeli and former president of Temple Beth Shalom; and Rabbi Hernán D. Rustein, the first permanent rabbi of Latin American origin at Temple Beth Shalom. González García (אוריאל בן אברהם) is a Jew of Sephardic heritage, and his areas of interest are Middle Eastern politics, Zionism and the origins of the State of Israel and Jewish history. This interview includes Jeffrey Herlihy-Mera, Catedrático de Humanidades, Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Dariel U. González García (אוריאל בן אברהם) and Coordinador de Cultura Judía en Puerto Rico at the UPR-M, Joanna Cifredo de Fellman (יוחנה סיפרדו פלמן) UPR-M, and Rabino Hernán D. Rustein (הרב הרנן רוסטיין). They discuss Judaism, Israel, and the Puerto Rican Jewish community. This podcast and the Instituto Nuevos Horizontes are sponsored by the Mellon Foundation. This is the second episode about “Dos miradas: Israel y el judaísmo en Puerto Rico”; the first, in Spanish, is available on the New Books Network en español. Link to the article mentioned in this episode: “Dos miradas: Israel y el judaísmo en Puerto Rico,” Perspectivas sobre cuestiones globales, 2024. For more information about the Reform Jewish community of Puerto Rico, write to: info@tbspr.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/caribbean-studies
Welcome back to Just For This, a new podcast. Each week, host Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch (she/her) interviews women in leadership about women and leadership. Inspired by the story of Esther, we feature powerful stories of women who stand out in their fields, who have stepped up just for this moment. Our first guest of season 3 is CNN correspondent Dana Bash. She host of Inside Politics and co-anchor of State of the Union, covering major world and domestic news. We discuss our shared Reform Jewish upbringing, what it's like reporting on complex, nuanced topics, and what role gender plays on the world stage. View the transcript here. Follow Just For This on instagram: @justforthispodcast
CHLOE HECHTER on the pod!! Your favorite yentas are back and we are yapping with the iconic Jewish content creator from Tiktok and Instagram! Chloe is known for her skits about sleepaway camp, sororities, life in NYC, and Reform Jewish culture. Watch our video with Chloe on our Youtube channel! Youtube: @TwoYappingYentasPodcastDon't forget to follow us on Instagram!@TwoYappingYentas@amandasiegell@morganalipton@mealsandmorg
Growing up in a non-religious, Reform Jewish household in New Rochelle, New York, Rabbi Ken Spiro never imagined he'd find himself living a deeply Jewish life in Israel. Yet, a transformative experience witnessing the bravery of young Russian Jews practicing their faith in the Soviet era ignited his own spiritual journey. Rabbi Spiro shares the pivotal moments that led him to Aish HaTorah Yeshiva in Jerusalem, originally intended as a short visit but evolving into a lifelong commitment. With anecdotes of family expectations and the serendipitous role of Dennis Prager, Rabbi Spiro's story is a testament to the power of personal growth and rediscovering one's roots.This episode delves into themes of personal development, the delicate balance between religious obligations and personal life, and the joy found in aligning one's inner beliefs with outward actions. Rabbi Spiro reflects on the rewards and challenges faced within the yeshiva setting and discusses the ongoing tensions surrounding military service in Israel. Through exploring the integration of diverse communities in the IDF and the sacrifices made by the religious nationalist community, we highlight the resilience, unity, and productivity of the Jewish people. Join us for an enlightening discussion on Jewish identity, the value of traditional values, and finding peace in a rapidly evolving digital world.Recorded in TORCH Meyerland - Studio A in Houston, Texas on November 18, 2024.Released as Podcast on November 24, 2024_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area! ★ Support this podcast ★
Growing up in a non-religious, Reform Jewish household in New Rochelle, New York, Rabbi Ken Spiro never imagined he'd find himself living a deeply Jewish life in Israel. Yet, a transformative experience witnessing the bravery of young Russian Jews practicing their faith in the Soviet era ignited his own spiritual journey. Rabbi Spiro shares the pivotal moments that led him to Aish HaTorah Yeshiva in Jerusalem, originally intended as a short visit but evolving into a lifelong commitment. With anecdotes of family expectations and the serendipitous role of Dennis Prager, Rabbi Spiro's story is a testament to the power of personal growth and rediscovering one's roots.This episode delves into themes of personal development, the delicate balance between religious obligations and personal life, and the joy found in aligning one's inner beliefs with outward actions. Rabbi Spiro reflects on the rewards and challenges faced within the yeshiva setting and discusses the ongoing tensions surrounding military service in Israel. Through exploring the integration of diverse communities in the IDF and the sacrifices made by the religious nationalist community, we highlight the resilience, unity, and productivity of the Jewish people. Join us for an enlightening discussion on Jewish identity, the value of traditional values, and finding peace in a rapidly evolving digital world.Recorded in TORCH Meyerland - Studio A in Houston, Texas on November 18, 2024.Released as Podcast on November 24, 2024_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with 16-year-old Flynn Goldstein, a young man whose deep connection to his Jewish heritage led him on a personal and spiritual journey from a Reform Jewish home to embracing Orthodox Judaism. Despite his family's Reform background, Flynn's commitment to his faith has grown steadily over the years, and today, he stands as an example of dedication, and respect in the face of religious differences. Flynn shares how his passion for Judaism began at a young age, how he navigated the challenges of his evolving beliefs, and the strong support system he has from his family, including his father Doug, mother Michelle, and younger brother Charlie. Flynn's story is a beautiful testament to the power of family, respect, and the importance of following one's spiritual path, no matter where it leads. Join Meaningful Minute + https://chat.whatsapp.com/KWSjnaYDjUlDFpyyjPBpav Thank you to our sponsors: ►Colel Chabad Pushka App The easiest way to give Tzedaka download the Pushka app today https://pushka.cc/meaningful ________________________________________ ►Town Appliance Visit https://www.townappliance.com Message Town Appliance on WhatsApp: https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp __________________________________ ►Toveedo The Jewish videos your kids will love all in one happy place! Stream unlimited videos on your phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, and smart TV. From new releases, to your favorite classics, and exclusive originals, there's always something new to discover. Use MM10 for 10% off See our full library on https://toveedo.com __________________________________________ ► Dream raffle Win a Brand-New $1,000,000 Home in Yerushalayim! The Dream Raffle is back for its 7th year! All early bird tickets doubled + enters you to win a $12,000 cash prize! Hurry, offer ends 12.31 Use Promo Code MPP https://thedreamraffle.com __________________________________________ ► Key-Sync We provide reliable automotive locksmith services in Rockland County, Orange County, and North Jersey. Enjoy top-quality service at the best prices with us! https://www.key-sync.com __________________________________________ ► Touro University RSVP for our in-person open house on Sunday, November 17th at 12:45pm http://lcm.touro.edu/openhouse __________________________________________ Subscribe to our Podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2WALuE2 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/39bNGnO Or wherever Podcasts are available! Editor: Sruly Saftlas
Topic: Looking Outwards Guest: Rabbi Erica Gerson Bio: Rabbi Erica Gerson graduated from Amherst College, magna cum laude, and received both rabbinical ordination and a Masters in Religious Education from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Erica served as the inaugural Director of Jewish Life at JCP Downtown in Manhattan before relocating to NJ, where she taught in the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning. She is a member of the Board of Trustees of Rodeph Sholom School, a Reform Jewish day school. Erica is also a member of the international board of United Hatzalah of Israel. She and her husband are the co-founders of the Rabbi Erica and Mark Gerson L'Chaim Prize, an annual $500,000 award for Outstanding Christian Medical Missionary Service. It is administered by the African Mission Healthcare Foundation, of which Mark is a co-founder. *In this episode we hear a very unique perspective on Jewish philanthropy including donating significantly to non-Jewish causes and not diversifying too much.
In this episode of the In Search of More podcast, Eli Nash speaks with Zach Gould about his journey through Judaism and spiritual exploration, tracing his path from a Reform Jewish background to a deeper search for meaning within his Jewish identity. They discuss the importance of self-awareness, authenticity, and discernment when engaging with spirituality, particularly when it comes to integrating practices like plant medicine, prayer, and meditation. They also engage in a thoughtful discussion about the risks related to plant medicines. Zach reflects on the risks of consumer-driven approaches to spirituality, emphasizing that personal guidance and respect for tradition are essential for true growth. Together, they explore how to thoughtfully approach Jewish outreach, connect with people authentically, and the significance of meeting individuals where they are on their spiritual journeys. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with Eli Website | https://bit.ly/eliyahunash Instagram | https://bit.ly/eliyahu_nash Facebook | http://bit.ly/3h3rFSr YouTube | https://youtube.com/@insearchofmore ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to the In Search of More Podcast: www.youtube.com/@InSearchOfMore?sub_confirmation=1 For booking inquiries, email: booking@insearchofmorepodcast.com Join Our WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/PBH5QDJQNQ5LJ1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow us on social media Facebook | http://bit.ly/3jr9eYT Instagram | http://bit.ly/3JsvU5I TikTok | http://bit.ly/3XZ60Lo Twitter | http://bit.ly/3XNgxsR --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/in-search-of-more/support
Rabbi Dov Yona Korn grew up in Morris Plains, NJ in a “very Reform” Jewish family and is today the shliach in NYU and several other schools in the Bowery district of NYC. In this episode, we discuss his discovering Chabad in the months after the Rebbe's passing and the difference this timing made in his own understanding of the Rebbe and Lubavitch. We also discuss how the Rebbe's ideas are filtered through layers of communal understanding, and how this communal understanding is sometimes in tension with the literal understanding of the individual. ____ Homesick for Lubavitch began a year ago as a small passion project and has grown into an important conversation in the Lubavitch community. As we look forward to year two and iyH the years after that, I invite the listeners and viewers of this podcast to take part in ensuring this podcast is sustainable and continues to grow. To help support this project please visit: https://www.hflpodcast.com/donate ____ This week's episode is brought to you by "This World Is A Garden," a new film and live concert production by Yuvla Media based on the Rebbe's first talk, Bosi Lgani. Combining beautiful cinematography with a live performance by a string quartet, this production is a meditation on hope and holding on to a vision even as time passes by. Now you can bring this groundbreaking experience of Bosi Lgani to your community. For more info please visit: https://www.thisworldisagarden.com ____ Homesick for Lubavitch is a project of Yuvla Media. Bentzi Avtzon is a filmmaker who specializes in telling the stories of thoughtful and heartfelt organizations. Business inquiries only: hello@yuvlamedia.com Connect with Bentzi Website | https://www.yuvlamedia.com
Two of my favorite people — Abigail Pogrebin and Rabbi Dov Linzer — who have just written a new book, "It Takes Two To Torah: An Orthodox Rabbi and Reform Journalist Discuss and Debate Their Way Through the Five Books of Moses," with a foreword by Mayim Bialik. This is a book about each Torah portion, as read through their lenses, and is a series of conversations and intellectual wrestling matches.
In the spirit of the Talmudic teaching of Eilu v'Eilu, principled disagreement, Rabbi David Saperstein, a Reform Jewish leader and former Obama appointee, and Dr. Tevi Troy, an Orthodox Jew who served in the Bush administration, will model the type of respectful discord all too uncommon in these contentious times...and explore how we might forge a Jewish path to greater bipartisan cooperation and tolerance.
It is time to question why so many people raised in Reform Judaism become “anti-Zionists” and why many Reform Jewish spaces tolerate antisemitic rhetoric.
Pesach and Doug sit down with Josh Hammer, Senior Editor at Large at Newsweek and host of the Josh Hammer Show to discuss his faith and journey. As the conversation takes shape Josh explains that it was a trip to Israel and his politics that ultimately lead him to be more religiously observant after being raised in a Reform Jewish home. His unique journey towards a deeper faith in God has affected his thinking on everything from parenting to education to separation of church and state, and more. You won't want to miss this fascinating discussion where - perhaps atypically - political beliefs led to faith rather than the other way around.
It's Valentine's Day, the day that all people either adore or despise depending on whether or not they are single (or whether or not they're in a good relationship). Love is an abstract concept. There certainly are easy-to-spot actions that lovers take like giving and receiving affection, doing favors for each other, exchanging gifts, and even verbally saying "I love you." But how those feelings develop and how they change over time is an intangible emotion that no one has ever perfectly mastered. Rabbi Melinda Bernstein is a freelance Rabbi who regularly officiates weddings and helps guide the spirituality that couples can struggle to tap into. Bernstein guides us through the evolution of relationships, the art of communication, and the pursuit of a soulmate. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, learns about Rabbi Melinda's reframing of "roadblocks" to "road walks" in relational paths; She shares her personal experiences and Kabbalistic insights on being a vessel for divine energy. Episode Timeline: 00:00 Introduction to Rabbi Melinda Bernstein. 06:20 Choosing to heal, see passion, be real. 08:20 Road walk: conflict resolution through open dialogue. 11:01 Navigating inner conflict, seeking connection and guidance. 13:21 Kabbalah as conduit to connect with energy. 19:13 Seeking deep wisdom and joy in life. 20:35 Individual sexual energy and healing vs herd. 24:13 Manifesting good or bad outcomes is uncertain. 27:51 Seeking love and companionship after 18 years. 29:28 Time is precious, make every moment count. About Rabbi Melinda Bernstein: Melinda is a freelance rabbi in Southeast Florida. She was Ordained May 14, 2009 on the sandy beach in Hollywood, Florida. She chose this date in honor of Mother's Day and Israel Independence Day. As a native Floridian, Melinda was born in Miami Beach, was raised Reform Jewish in Dade County, raised children Orthodox Jewish in Broward County, and raised many eyebrows with her open-minded, eclectic & unique Rabbinical style. As a child of the reform movement, Melinda felt bored and uninspired. As a wife and mother, Melinda became a Ba'al Teshuvah in the orthodox lifestyle, which was nourishing yet void of her mystical, musical and shamanic interests. As a divorcee', Melinda embraced an embodied path and has helped others do the same. Melinda embraces the present as a loving energy between God, her Ancestors, family and beyond. From her life experiences Melinda has found and accessed a loving conduit of energy with God. Melinda's approach to Judaism is anchored with the consciousness of the heart, the passion of the soul, and the delight of knowing the body. Through years of study and practice, Melinda transcends the ordinary and knows how to meet people where they are. Her covenant with God is rooted in compassion, understanding and love upon our neighbors of the earth. Each of us has a unique journey towards redemption and in that journey is a roadmap of our soul work. Learning to map out the road ahead is Melinda's divine specialty and joy. Read Melinda's Journey to Redemption and get her free Roadmap to assist you map out the road ahead. Melinda is a devoted mother of two, mother-in-law to one and grandmother of three. Melinda knows that family and faith are at the forefront of every endeavor and in her "free" time, she explores new ways of being best herself. Melinda's approach to Judaism is anchored with the consciousness of the heart, the passion of the soul, and the delight of knowing the body. Through years of study and practice, Melinda transcends the ordinary and knows how to meet people where they are. Her covenant with God is rooted in compassion, understanding and love upon our neighbors of the earth. Personable, professional & easy to work with, Melinda has excellent references! Connect with Rabbi Melinda Bernstein: www.MelindaBernstein.com Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod
Embark on a journey of discovery with Rabbi Juli, whose story is as rich and complex as the tapestry of her faith. From an early age, Juli's life within the Reform Jewish community was profoundly shaped by the presence of female rabbis, leading her to transition from a budding diplomat to a dedicated rabbi. Our conversation unveils the deep historical roots of Reform Judaism and how Juli's personal experiences – from her b'nai mitzvah to her impactful time at with Hebrew Union College – influenced her spiritual calling.Navigating the challenges and rewards of the Hebrew Union College admissions process, Juli offers an intimate look into the preparation for rabbinical life. She candidly discusses the rigorous psychological assessments, the Hebrew competency exams, and the transformative first-year experience in Jerusalem. We also dissect the misconceptions surrounding conversion within the Reform movement, revealing its inherently welcoming nature. Juli's insight into the evolving role of modern rabbis further illuminates the possibilities that lie beyond traditional congregational leadership.As we explore Juli's multifaceted life, we touch on her meaningful engagement with the American Friends of the Parents Circle Family Forum. Julie also shares the personal side of her journey, including her approach to motherhood in New York City and the joyous celebration of Jewish traditions through her children's eyes. Each chapter of our dialogue with Julie serves as a testament to the enduring bond between a rabbi and their community, offering sage advice to anyone considering this sacred path.TopDogTours TopDogTours is your walking tour company. Available in New York, Philly, Boston, & Toronto!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show
An Interview with Rabbi Evan Moffic Rabbi Evan Moffic, senior rabbi at a vibrant Reform Jewish congregation in northern Illinois, thinks Christians can understand Jesus's words and works better – and Jews and Christians can understand each other better -- by considering the Jewish world of Jesus more fully. In this podcast interview, he explains Jesus's relationship to his students, why Jesus himself was not apocalyptic, the Jewish origin of his ‘Lord's Prayer,' and the spiritual purpose behind his miracle acts and healings.
How does a gay man raised in a Southern Black church end up the Executive Director of Washington DC's LGBTQA synagogue, Bet Mishpachah? Growing up attending the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Josh Maxey always had a relationship with God and religion, but after hearing his pastor talking about how gay people are destined for hell, he started pulling away from Christianity. As a religious studies minor, many routes for exploring his spirituality were available. He found his connection to Judaism during a chance encounter with the legendary Temple Emanu-El in New York City, established in 1845, when a loving stranger invited him to sit and pray, and he found himself in tears, and at peace. Josh says that in Judaism, he found a home, where he could be 100% authentic, live his values, and follow his purpose, surrounded by diverse people and their diverse beliefs and ways of being Jewish in the world. We talk about the importance of diversifying leadership and the continual efforts needed to create a fair and equitable space, and the relationship between American Black and Jewish communities. Josh's story is more than an enlightening conversation; it is a testament to the beauty of diversity within the Jewish community and the power of authenticity in faith. Join us for a refreshing viewpoint on faith, race, and identity.GLOSSARY: Mishpachah: the Hebrew word for “family”.Siddur: the Hebrew word for prayerbook, derived from the root meaning “order”, as in, the order of the words and prayers in the service.Tikkun Olam: meaning “world repair,” is a concept that all human beings are responsible for one another and the world, and for repairing harm and damage through their actions, big or small.Hadassah: meaning “myrtle tree” in Hebrew, it is a relatively common Jewish girl's name and the Hebrew name of Queen Esther from the Purim story.Kvetch: Yiddish for “complain,” meaning both to complain, and what a person who complains is called. Halachically/halakha: Jewish law code based on the Talmud, which is the central text of Rabbic Judaism Hebrew Israelites: Commonly called “Black Jews” until the mid-1960s, the Hebrew Israelite movement gained a following in the late 1800s and comprises people of color, primarily African Americans, “who view the biblical Israelites as their historic ancestors.” Some may not necessarily identify as Jews, and the larger group should not be confused with the “Radical Black Israelites” which the SPLC identifies as an antisemitic hate group. More:Temple Emanu-El is the first Reform Jewish synagogue in the United States and an architectural landmark in the Lower East Side. Bet Misphachah, founded in 1975, is DC's only LGBTQA synagogue. Join them for services on Fridays and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays.The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is a community organization that provides support for the Jewish community through social action, impact grants and other connecting and educational activities. Support the showLike the show? Support it! Or don't, that's cool too. Just glad you're here! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2196108/supporters/new
Rabbis Splansky (Holy Blossom Temple, Toronto), Stoller (Temple Beth-El, Great Neck) and Rabbi Dr. Hoffman (HUC-JIR), discuss ways to better channel vibrant Reform Jewish spirituality through the medium of religious observance and practice. Plenum II of the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue conference.
David Lieberman's Transcendental Judaism: Enlivening the Eternal Within to Uplift Ourselves and the World Jews are seekers and share the universal yearnings: to connect with God or a higher source and to build meaningful lives for us, our families, and our communities. Yet our paths are varied some are more religious, cultural, spiritual, or secular. In clear, modern language, teaching a message that our sages and mystics have known for thousands of years, Transcendental Judaism speaks to us all, offering an avenue that connects us an enlivens and empowers each one of us. The texts and teachings that guide our beliefs and behaviors can be confusing. Why do Torah and Kabbalah seem to be such radically different teachings? What kind of an all-powerful God permit the holocaust? Do we follow the commandments, or do we follow our conscious? What's the difference between prayer and meditation? Is the Messianic age really coming, or is it our traditional to eternally anticipate it? This book addresses all these questions through an inclusive theology that is based on the shared teachings of Torah and Kabbalah ̶ that all existence arises from “no-thingness”, and that no thingness is the essential makeup of all creation. David Lieberman was raised in a Reform Jewish household and began to immerse himself in Torah in 2003. He is trained as a Spiritual Director, someone who accompanies others on their spiritual journeys. Website(s): https://transcendentaljudaism.com/ http://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
David Lieberman's Transcendental Judaism: Enlivening the Eternal Within to Uplift Ourselves and the World Jews are seekers and share the universal yearnings: to connect with God or a higher source and to build meaningful lives for us, our families, and our communities. Yet our paths are varied some are more religious, cultural, spiritual, or secular. In clear, modern language, teaching a message that our sages and mystics have known for thousands of years, Transcendental Judaism speaks to us all, offering an avenue that connects us an enlivens and empowers each one of us. The texts and teachings that guide our beliefs and behaviors can be confusing. Why do Torah and Kabbalah seem to be such radically different teachings? What kind of an all-powerful God permit the holocaust? Do we follow the commandments, or do we follow our conscious? What's the difference between prayer and meditation? Is the Messianic age really coming, or is it our traditional to eternally anticipate it? This book addresses all these questions through an inclusive theology that is based on the shared teachings of Torah and Kabbalah ̶ that all existence arises from “no-thingness”, and that no thingness is the essential makeup of all creation. David Lieberman was raised in a Reform Jewish household and began to immerse himself in Torah in 2003. He is trained as a Spiritual Director, someone who accompanies others on their spiritual journeys. Website(s): https://transcendentaljudaism.com/ http://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/
David Lieberman's Transcendental Judaism: Enlivening the Eternal Within to Uplift Ourselves and the World Jews are seekers and share the universal yearnings: to connect with God or a higher source and to build meaningful lives for us, our families, and our communities. Yet our paths are varied some are more religious, cultural, spiritual, or secular. In clear, modern language, teaching a message that our sages and mystics have known for thousands of years, Transcendental Judaism speaks to us all, offering an avenue that connects us an enlivens and empowers each one of us. The texts and teachings that guide our beliefs and behaviors can be confusing. Why do Torah and Kabbalah seem to be such radically different teachings? What kind of an all-powerful God permit the holocaust? Do we follow the commandments, or do we follow our conscious? What's the difference between prayer and meditation? Is the Messianic age really coming, or is it our traditional to eternally anticipate it? This book addresses all these questions through an inclusive theology that is based on the shared teachings of Torah and Kabbalah ̶ that all existence arises from “no-thingness”, and that no thingness is the essential makeup of all creation. David Lieberman was raised in a Reform Jewish household and began to immerse himself in Torah in 2003. He is trained as a Spiritual Director, someone who accompanies others on their spiritual journeys. Website(s): https://transcendentaljudaism.com/ http://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/
Transcendental Judaism: Enlivening the Eternal Within to Uplift Ourselves and Our World with David L. Lieberman Through the meditative quieting of the mind, we can directly experience that "still small voice." It is the awesome voice of infinite intelligence that created and upholds our world with compassion and justice. When we repeatedly experience it, we enliven its qualities into our lives; we "walk in God's ways." When we do so, we uplift not only ourselves, but the world around us. David Lieberman was raised in a Reform Jewish household and began to immerse himself in Torah in 2003. He is trained as a Spiritual Director, someone who accompanies others on their spiritual journeys. David started his career as an elementary school teacher and was a management consultant for 35 years. Thus, he has a successful track record of introducing new concepts to a wide range of audiences clearly and concisely. For more information visit: www.valleybeitmidrash.org https://transcendentaljudaism.com/ *************************************************** For more information about BITEradio products and services visit: http://www.biteradio.me/index.html To view the photography of Robert at: rpsharpe.picfair.com
Just kidding we couldn't possibly answer a question that big in one show. Or one lifetime. But, in this first episode of Jew-ish, Rabbi Susan Shankman, Senior Rabbi of Washington Hebrew Congregation, will take our hand, and walk us through some of the basics, just in time for the end of Jewish American Heritage Month! We'll cover things like whatever the heck “identity and culture” is, to the formulaic structures of prayer, to things you've possibly never heard of (oh you've heard of keva and kavanah? Suuuuure..), and do some deeper dives into things you maybe thought you knew. And, there's a glossary below of terms you may hear in the show.We'll cover some lighter fare, too of course, like what it really means to be “the Chosen People” (it's probably not what you think) and how to repair all that is broken in the world. Ok but really, don't worry, there will be giggles, and hopefully I didn't say anything my mother is going to call me about.GLOSSARY:Beshert: a Yiddish word meaning “destiny.” It's often used to talk about soulmates but works for anything that's “fated.” Torah: The first five books of the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament (AKA Pentateuch) Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. A physical Torah is a two-handled scroll on kosher animal hide parchment, hand-lettered by a trained scribe, and kept in the ark of a synagogue. Bimah: also spelled bima, the raised platform from which services are led and the Torah is read.Ark: also known as the Aron HaKodesh, the ark houses the Torah at the front of the synagogue and is usually ornately decorated and accompanied by an “eternal light,” or “ner tamid” Confirmation: a ceremony primarily in Reform Jewish tradition for high-school age kids, usually in 10th grade, age 16-17, marking the end of their “formal” Jewish education and reaffirming their commitment as “adults” to Jewish learning and living.Bar/Bat/B'nai Mitzvah: the name for both the ceremony, and what a person becomes (“bar” for boys, meaning son, “bat” for girls, meaning daughter, “b'nai” is plural) when they have “come of age” in Judaism and lead a Torah service for the first time. Shul: a Yiddish word meaning “school” used interchangeably for “synagogue” and “temple” for the place of worship and learning in Judaism. Pirkei Avot: Translated at the “Ethics of the Fathers” or “Chapters of the Fathers”, this is a collection of writings on ethics and education from great rabbis in history. It is part of the “Mishnah,” the code of Jewish law compiled in the early third century C.E.A note on Jewish American Heritage Month: The month was first designated in 2006 by President George W. Bush, after the efforts of the Jewish American Heritage Month Coalition, and passage of a 2005 resolution introduced by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of FL and Sen. Arlen Specter of PA. Since then, presidents have made annual proclamations recognizing the designation and contributions of American Jews. Read President Joe Biden's 2023 proclamation here, and learn more at the official website here. A note on Washington Hebrew Congregation: Rabbi Shankman was unable to comment on events surrounding the Edlavitch-Tyser Early Childhood Center, but the congregation has a statement, Support the showLike the show? Support it! Or don't, that's cool too. Just glad you're here! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2196108/supporters/new
We had a ton of questions for Kevin Singer, President of Neighborly Faith which conducts research and organizes events “introducing Christians to neighbors of every faith.” For example, considering Kevin has Jewish relatives, were there ever discussions about Jewish people's cultural allergy to proselytization and ways that American Evangelicals - perhaps unknowingly - cross that line? How does Neighborly Faith go about "train(ing) tomorrow's leaders to be faithful and flourish in an increasingly diverse world” and “knowing and serving all of our neighbors.” Is it an Evangelical bait and switch? Yaqeen Institute founder Imam Omar Suleiman said at one of NF's events, “I was and am fine with his (SBC President JD Greear) vision of the hereafter not having space for me, so long as it doesn't become an obstacle to me having space in the here and now.” Is that part of the point of the work Neighborly Faith does? We also discussed where folks that are part of GenZ find meaning as individuals and within communities compared to previous generations? Kevin was raised at the intersection of his mother's Evangelical faith and his father's Reform Jewish roots. He earned graduate degrees in Theology from Wheaton College and Higher Ed from NC State. Kevin has extensive teaching and leadership experience in churches, campus ministries, and colleges. He planted two churches with the North American Mission Board (2009-14) and is also head of Media Relations and PR at Springtide Research Institute. Kevin is a prolific writer with placements in Christianity Today, Religion News, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Psychology Today, InsideHigherEd, and more. www.neighborlyfaith.org https://www.neighborlyfaith.org/evangelicals-politics-report twitter.com/coreysnathan post.news/@coreysnathan
We had a ton of questions for Kevin Singer, President of Neighborly Faith which conducts research and organizes events “introducing Christians to neighbors of every faith.” For example, considering Kevin has Jewish relatives, were there ever discussions about Jewish people's cultural allergy to proselytization and ways that American Evangelicals - perhaps unknowingly - cross that line? How does Neighborly Faith go about "train(ing) tomorrow's leaders to be faithful and flourish in an increasingly diverse world” and “knowing and serving all of our neighbors.” Is it an Evangelical bait and switch? Yaqeen Institute founder Imam Omar Suleiman said at one of NF's events, “I was and am fine with his (SBC President JD Greear) vision of the hereafter not having space for me, so long as it doesn't become an obstacle to me having space in the here and now.” Is that part of the point of the work Neighborly Faith does? We also discussed where folks that are part of GenZ find meaning as individuals and within communities compared to previous generations? Kevin was raised at the intersection of his mother's Evangelical faith and his father's Reform Jewish roots. He earned graduate degrees in Theology from Wheaton College and Higher Ed from NC State. Kevin has extensive teaching and leadership experience in churches, campus ministries, and colleges. He planted two churches with the North American Mission Board (2009-14) and is also head of Media Relations and PR at Springtide Research Institute. Kevin is a prolific writer with placements in Christianity Today, Religion News, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Psychology Today, InsideHigherEd, and more. www.neighborlyfaith.org https://www.neighborlyfaith.org/evangelicals-politics-report twitter.com/coreysnathan post.news/@coreysnathan
Quest for the Questions explores the great, the minute, and the most ridiculous Jewish myths. Hosted by Rabbi Alexis Berk and Terry Wunder, Director of Community Engagement, this podcast mini-series was created at Temple Solel in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, a Reform Jewish community. To learn more about our community, the podcast, and the hosts, visit: templesolel.net
Quest for the Questions explores the great, the minute, and the most ridiculous Jewish myths. Hosted by Rabbi Alexis Berk and Terry Wunder, Director of Community Engagement, this podcast mini-series was created at Temple Solel in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, a Reform Jewish community. To learn more about our community, the podcast, and the hosts, visit: templesolel.net
Quest for the Questions explores the great, the minute, and the most ridiculous Jewish myths. Hosted by Rabbi Alexis Berk and Terry Wunder, Director of Community Engagement, this podcast mini-series was created at Temple Solel in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, a Reform Jewish community. To learn more about our community, the podcast, and the hosts, visit: templesolel.net Learn more about Eid Al-Banat HERE.
I love that old song by Player: “Baby Come Back” — especially when the singer says: “I was wrong…” It is not that easy to say. But, we do. Because we must. In late July, the Sunday New York Times devoted an entire section to that topic – “I Was Wrong.” The editors of the New York Times invited a cadre of their op-ed writers – among them, as pictured above, Farhad Manjoo, Paul Krugman, Bret Stephens, and Gail Collins – to describe how they had been wrong about what they had once thought, and about what they had once written. It was dazzling — an evocation of one of the themes of the High Holy Day season. “I was wrong.” I asked several of my friends and colleagues — all of them, veteran thought leaders in the American Jewish community — to describe those moments in their careers when they were wrong, didn't get it, or didn't see something coming. My guests: Rabbi Dan Freelander, one of the senior leaders of the Reform movement – who has held many positions within the Reform Jewish world, and is retired from his position as president of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, and is a popular singer of Jewish music, with Kol B'Seder. Rabbi Laura Geller, one of the first woman rabbis in North America; former Hillel director, director of Los Angeles office of the American Jewish Congress, and rabbi emerita of Temple Emanuel in Beverly Hills. She, along with her late husband Richard Siegel, is the author of Getting Good at Getting Older. Rabbi Sherre Hirsch, a rabbi and author who currently serves as the Chief Innovation Officer for American Jewish University. Rabbi Karyn Kedar, rabbi emerita of Congregation B'nai Joshua Beth Elohim in Deerfield, Illinois, and author
Quest for the Questions explores the great, the minute, and the most ridiculous Jewish myths. Hosted by Rabbi Alexis Berk and Terry Wunder, Director of Community Engagement, this podcast mini-series was created at Temple Solel in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, a Reform Jewish community. To learn more about our community, the podcast, and the hosts, visit: templesolel.net
Quest for the Questions explores the great, the minute, and the most ridiculous Jewish myths. Hosted by Rabbi Alexis Berk and Terry Wunder, Director of Community Engagement, this podcast mini-series was created at Temple Solel in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, a Reform Jewish community. To learn more about our community, the podcast, and the hosts, visit: templesolel.net
Get ready for the High Holy Days by intentionally disrupting your every day rhythm. What does that mean? Find out in this episode. Quest for the Questions explores the great, the granular, and the most ridiculous Jewish myths and mysteries. Hosted by Rabbi Alexis Berk and Terry Wunder, Director of Community Engagement, this podcast mini-series was created at Temple Solel in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, a Reform Jewish community. Submit your own question for Rabbi Berk and it may be used in a future podcast: https://anchor.fm/templesolel/message To learn more about our community, the podcast, and the hosts, visit: templesolel.net
Links from our discussion with Cantor Billy Tiep: Yeminite chanting of torah - melismatic and very rhythmic Shir Hashirim Quest for the Questions explores the great, the minute, and the most ridiculous Jewish myths. Hosted by Rabbi Alexis Berk and Terry Wunder, Director of Community Engagement, this podcast mini-series was created at Temple Solel in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, a Reform Jewish community. To learn more about our community, the podcast, and the hosts, visit: templesolel.net
What makes a Jew, a Jew? Is it a faith, an ethnicity, a race, something else? Who belongs - and who gets to decide? Quest for the Questions explores the great, the granular, and the most ridiculous Jewish myths and mysteries. Hosted by Rabbi Alexis Berk and Terry Wunder, Director of Community Engagement, this podcast mini-series was created at Temple Solel in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, a Reform Jewish community. Submit your own question for Rabbi Berk and it may be used in a future podcast: https://anchor.fm/templesolel/message To learn more about our community, the podcast, and the hosts, visit: templesolel.net
Quest for the Questions explores the great, the granular, and the most ridiculous Jewish myths and mysteries. Hosted by Rabbi Alexis Berk and Terry Wunder, Director of Community Engagement, this podcast mini-series was created at Temple Solel in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, a Reform Jewish community. Submit your own question for Rabbi Berk and it may be used in a future podcast: https://anchor.fm/templesolel/message To learn more about our community, the podcast, and the hosts, visit: templesolel.net
Quest for the Questions explores the great, the granular, and the most ridiculous Jewish myths and mysteries. Hosted by Rabbi Alexis Berk and Terry Wunder, Director of Community Engagement, this podcast mini-series was created at Temple Solel in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, a Reform Jewish community. Submit your own question for Rabbi Berk and it may be used in a future podcast: https://anchor.fm/templesolel/message To learn more about our community, the podcast, and the hosts, visit: templesolel.net
Quest for the Questions explores the great, the granular, and the most ridiculous Jewish myths and mysteries. Hosted by Rabbi Alexis Berk and Terry Wunder, Director of Community Engagement, this podcast mini-series was created at Temple Solel in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, a Reform Jewish community. Submit your own question for Rabbi Berk and it may be used in a future podcast: https://anchor.fm/templesolel/message To learn more about our community, the podcast, and the hosts, visit: templesolel.net
Quest for the Questions explores the great, the granular, and the most ridiculous Jewish myths and mysteries. Hosted by Rabbi Alexis Berk and Terry Wunder, Director of Community Engagement, this podcast mini-series was created at Temple Solel in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, a Reform Jewish community. Submit your own question for Rabbi Berk and it may be used in a future podcast: https://anchor.fm/templesolel/message To learn more about our community, the podcast, and the hosts, visit: templesolel.net
Quest for the Questions explores the great, the minute, and the most ridiculous Jewish myths and mysteries. Hosted by Rabbi Alexis Berk and Terry Wunder, Director of Community Engagement, this podcast mini-series was created at Temple Solel in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, a Reform Jewish community. In this episode we introduce the podcast, explore the role of questions in Judaism, and hear from Jane about cremation and getting yourself hyped up, day in and day out, to create and lead Jewish community. This is episode 1 of 4 in our first season. Episodes 2-4 are about 30 minutes long. To learn more about our community, the podcast, and the hosts, visit: templesolel.net
Uncomfortable Conversations Podcast The Untold Stories of the 3HO Kundalini Yoga Community
Kartar Diamond was Born in 1961 and grew up in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles County with a Reform Jewish upbringing. First exposure to 3HO was about 10 years old. She started practicing Kundalini Yoga at age 14. She took Sikh vows at age 19. She had a semi-arranged marriage at age 20, which lasted 2 years. She dropped out of college before marriage and worked as a secretary for a 3HO chiropractor for 10 years. Married again in 1986 at age of 25. She continued to work until the end of her pregnancy and had her son in 1991. Her 2nd marriage ended in 1995 and she left 3HO while simultaneously getting a divorce. She's a full-time fengshui consultant, published author, and mental-illness advocate, and still resides in the southern California area. Co-parenting her disabled son, now 31 years old, and interacts with, her ex-husband who remains in 3HO to this day. You can learn more about her brilliant writings, works and advocacy at www.fengshuisolutions.net And www.noahsschizophrenia.com You can DONATE to this broadcast at: http://www.gurunischan.com/uncomfortableconversations Uncomfortable Conversations Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2lEfcoaDgbCCmztPZ4XIuN?si=vH-cH7HzRs-qFxzEuogOqg
Do you want to have a long-lasting vibrant relationship? In this segment, Dr. Bruce Chalmer & Judy Alexander shares the seven-word formula ("Be kind, don't panic, and have faith") for couples' therapy. We also get into the needs for stability and intimacy, and how they require different skills. See video here - https://youtu.be/lMiyA0vjDcA WHO IS BRUCE & JUDY? We're Dr. Bruce Chalmer and Judy Alexander, a married couple living in Vermont. Bruce has been helping individuals, couples, and families in private practice for over thirty years. His practice is now focused on couples. Bruce's other notable interests include musical composition, performance, and choral directing. Bruce is the author of "Reigniting the Spark: Why Stable Relationships Lose Intimacy, and How to Get It Back." Judy recently retired after 23 years as education director at Temple Sinai, a Reform Jewish congregation in South Burlington, Vermont. Previously, she was a classroom teacher, and was also an award-winning advertising copywriter. She is also a playwright, with several of her plays having been produced at theater festivals. Judy and Bruce have five adult children, and a delightfully increasing collection of grandchildren! BRUCE & JUDY'S CALL TO ACTION Be kind, don't panic, and have faith Podcast website: https://ctin7.com Dr. Bruce Chalmer's website: https://brucechalmer.com GENESIS'S INFO https://genesisamariskemp.net/ CALL TO ACTION Subscribe to GEMS with Genesis Amaris Kemp Channel, Hit the notifications bell so you don't miss any content, and share with family/friends. **REMEMBER - You do not have to let limitations or barriers keep you from achieving your success. Mind over Matter...It's time to shift and unleash your greatest potential. If you would like to be a SPONSOR or have any of your merchandise mentioned, please reach out via email at GEMSwithGenesisAmarisKemp@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/genesis-amaris-kemp/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/genesis-amaris-kemp/support
Peacebuilding, social justice, and bridge building all overlap and interweave. My guest for this episode exemplifies the desire and quest for all three of these. The Rabbi Dr. Joseph A. Edelheit has been a long-time activist in interfaith dialogue. He is Emeritus Professor of Religious and Jewish Studies at St. Cloud State University (St. Cloud, Minnesota) where he initiated and facilitated the transition of a Religious Studies program from a minor in the Philosophy Department to an independent college level program in the College of Liberal Arts, and worked in the surrounding communities on issues of anti-Semitism and interfaith dialogue. In addition to teaching for over 25 years in university settings, Rabbi Edelheit served over 45 in the rabbinate, serving Reform Jewish congregations in Michigan City, Chicago, and Minneapolis. He is currently volunteering in Jewish communities in Brazil. Rabbi Edelheit served on the Clinton administration's Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (1995-2000) and also initiated and directed a non-governmental organization, Living India, for almost a decade, providing HIV/AIDS care to orphans in India. Rabbi Edelheit is coeditor of and contributor to Reading Scripture with Paul Ricoeur and is the author of What Am I Missing: Questions on Being Human. Rabbi Edelheit is the 2021 University of Chicago Divinity School Alumnus of the Year. The intro and outro music for this episode is from a clip of a song called 'Father Let Your Kingdom Come' which is found on The Porter's Gate Worship Project Work Songs album and is used by permission by The Porter's Gate Worship Project.
I had heard of Mitch Forman many years ago, but I guess the timing wasn't right. So happy to finally connect with him and hear his story.Mitch was raised in a traditional Reform Jewish home near Boston. After graduating from high school, he went to the University of Massachusetts and focused all his attention on a culinary career. Mitch worked at some of the finest hotels in Boston, achieving his goal of cooking with the best chefs in the world. In 1982 Mitch moved to San Francisco and started working at some of the top restaurants on the west coast as well.However, as a result of his wild lifestyle, he could no longer keep up with the high demands and pressure of cooking at the top and was fired from his job. While lying on his couch one day, he realized that his life was a wreck and prayed to God for the first time in years. The next day, he quit smoking and drinking. As Mitch began to trust God for the first time in his life, he talked with a Christian co-worker about the Bible and Jesus and finally began to grasp the Gospel message.Mitch invited Jesus into his life in 1987. Afterward, Mitch became involved with Jewish missions and served 12 years in the field both in San Francisco and New York City. In 2002, Mitch and his family moved back to Boston to help in a family business. They started to attend Grace Chapel and Mitch became involved in the adult discipleship team where he taught classes focusing on the Jewish background of the Scriptures. He was also involved in the founding and leadership of Beth Yeshua Messianic Congregation in Newton, which is the heart of Boston's Jewish community.Today Mitch is back in full-time ministry as VP of US Ministries for Chosen People, the oldest Jewish mission in the United States. Mitch is based in Boston but oversees all recruitment, training, mentoring and leadership of the entire US-based missionary staff. Mitch is married to Kina, a second-generation Jewish believer, and they have two daughters Kaelee and Alana and a son Joshua.Enjoy some great music too!
With oil prices volatile, many are reconsidering viable alternative fuel sources. We revisit a conversation with Devin DeWulf, founder of Krewe of Red Beans, about his idea for neighborhood solar hubs when the power goes down. And we hear an update on the momentum of his grass roots project, Get Lit, Stay Lit. Back in January, Baton Rouge's two reform Jewish synagogues, Congregation B'nai Israel and Congregation Beth Shalom, officially merged. WWNO's Alana Schreiber spoke to the President of the new congregation, Dr. Steve Cavalier, about how this unification came together after years of discussion. Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Diane Mack. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber and our digital editor is Katelyn Umholtz. Our engineers are Garrett Pittman, Aubrey Procell, and Thomas Walsh. You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at 12:00 and 7:30 pm. It's available on Spotify, Google Play, and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to. Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Temple Emanu-El, home to New York's first Reform Jewish congregation and the largest synagogue in the city, sits on the spot of Mrs. Caroline Astor's former Gilded Age mansion. Out with the old, in with the new.The synagogue shimmers with Jazz Age style from vibrant stained-glass windows to its Art Deco tiles and mosaics. When its doors opened in 1929, the congregation was making a very powerful statement. New York's Jewish community had arrived.This story begins on the Lower East Side with the first major arrival of German immigrants in the 1830s. New Jewish congregations splintered from old ones, inspired by the Reform movement from Europe and the possibilities of life in America.Congregation Emanu-El grew rapidly, moving from the Lower East Side to Fifth Avenue in 1868. Their beautiful new synagogue reflected the prosperity of its congregants who were nonetheless excluded from mainstream (Christian oriented, old moneyed) high society.Why did they move to the spot of the old Astor mansion? What does the current synagogue's architecture say about its congregation? And where in the sanctuary can you find a tribute to the congregation's Lower East Side roots?PLUS Greg visits Temple Emanu-El and chats with Mark Heutlinger, administration of the congregation, and Warren Klein of the Herbert and Eileen Bernard Museum of Judaica. FURTHER READING FURTHER READINGStephen Birmingham / Our CrowdStephen Birmingham / The Rest of UsMichael A. Meyer / Response to Modernity: A History of the Reform Movement in JudaismDeborah Dash Moore / Jewish New York: The Remarkable Story of a City and a PeopleMarc Lee Raphael / Judaism In AmericaSteven R. Weisman / The Chosen Wars: How Judaism Became An American ReligionThe Jewish Metropolis: New York City from the 17th Century to the 21st Century / Edited by Daniel SoyerFURTHER LISTENINGAfter listening to this week's episode on Temple Emanu-El, dive back into past episodes which intersect with his story:The Miracle on Eldridge Street: The Eldridge Street SynagogueWelcome to Yorkville: German Life on the Upper East SideThe Real Mrs. Astor: Ruler or Rebel?
I have known Eliot Katz for many years. He and his wife Claude were on Bagels and Blessings over 15 years ago and it was wonderful to reconnect.Eliot Katz is a retired attorney and active real estate investor who was raised in a Reform Jewish household and became Bar Mitzah at 13. He has an interfaith marriage with his wife of 39 years, Claude. Eliot had been at times an atheist, at times an agnostic, and at times simply a cultural Jew. He came to the Lord and accepted Yeshua late in life 19 years ago. He is thankful to Congregation Shema Yisrael and Rabbi Jim Appel for this. Eliot is the father of four children, all adopted from the Far East. All of his children are young adults and he is pleased that all four of his children are believers and have relationships with the Lord. Eliot is also a grandfather with three grandsons and one granddaughter. As a Messianic Jew, Eliot is part of the Adult Sunday School Teaching Team at the Rochester Chinese Christian Church. He says that the Lord has a sense of humor in placing this “Jew Born Anew” with a Chinese church that has supported his youngest daughter from China from the time that she came to the U.S. at 12.I know you will enjoy the music too!
Rachael Simon is an educator, wife, and mother of two daughters from the Elkins Park suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She has taught both religious and secular topics in non-denominational, Orthodox, and Reform Jewish settings. Rachael is currently the Religious School Director for Congregation Kol Ami in Elkins Park, a Reform congregation. She holds a master's degree in Jewish Education from Gratz College as well as a bachelor's degree in International Politics from Georgetown University. Born to a Jewish father and a Catholic mother, Rachael was raised Jewish in the Reform movement before undergoing an Orthodox conversion. Join the WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Lj6a5VZhRnBKCumXLE43QK Contact Franciska- franciskakay@gmail.com I love hearing from you!
What is Shabbat? The bible says it took God 6 days to create the earth, and that on the seventh day he rested. That day of rest is Shabbat, or Shabbos if you speak Yiddish.Shabbat starts at sundown on Friday night, and ends after sunset on Saturday night. In the Jewish community, shabbat is declared a day of rest, contemplation, thought, and prayer. The Reform Jewish community sees Shabbat as a time of rest & family. The Orthodox Jews have many strict rules which specify which activities are permitted on Shabbat, and which are not. Specifically, farming, sewing, cooking, and lighting fires are prohibited. Those rules were created centuries ago, but are now interpreted to include electricity and telephones. These rules also prohibit driving on shabbat.As a vendor, you should respect your Jewish client's desires regarding Shabbat, and not expect phone calls or emails on Shabbat.Join Pat Blackwell here every week to learn and understand the traditions & vocabulary so important in Jewish celebrations. So glad you are here! Links mentioned in this episode: CLICK HERE to get the FREE DOWNLOAD JPM Top 12 Wedding Words the Best Vendors Know For more information, check out the Jewish Party Maven website Click HereDon't miss future episodes!SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A REVIEW: Apple Podcasts - Google Play - Spotify and MORE!For more platforms visit: BUZZSPROUTJust like in the party world, reviews are like GOLD. If you liked what you heard, please leave me a review and share what you liked the most about the episode. CONNECT: EmailLIKE & FOLLOW: Facebook InstagramLEARN MORE: Website
An edited excerpt from this week's Temple Talks follows below. Rabbi HartmanI remember when you were dreaming up this women's commentary on the Torah, back in the early 90s when I was just a girl. And now that book sits in this and so many other congregations, with your preface written in it.Cantor SagerYes, my involvement with The Torah: A Women's Commentary was probably the proudest moment of my career. I received an invitation from Region 3 of what was then the National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods (NFTS), and is now the Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ). They asked me to speak at their regional convention in '91 or '92 on the topic of the Torah from the perspective of Reform Jewish women. I received that call during the week with the Torah portion containing Akedat Yitzchak, the binding and almost-sacrifice of Isaac. Before the call came, I had been thinking about the portion for a d'var Torah I was giving at the board meeting that month. For some reason, maybe because I was a relatively new mother, it occurred to me that if Sarah had been asked to sacrifice her child, the story would have stopped right there. She'd have just said no; this is not my God; this is not possible.Because the call came as I was considering that possibility, I said yes to being the scholar in residence at this regional convention, which was to be about a year later. I spent a year studying and creating two major presentations. I realized that there was an article there, and a book there, and something here, but there was no central place I could go to find the literature and the scholarship on women in biblical times and as represented in our sacred texts. I thought to myself, what if there was as a central place—and I thought about it for me! It was kind of selfish in that way, but it also occurred to me that if there was a place that could bring together all the rewards of all the women who had recently conducted Jewish feminist scholarship, it would be a terrific tool, and a tool for study for decades. As part of my presentations at that convention, I charged the NFTS to commission a women's commentary to the Torah that would make use of every woman scholar or rabbi who had something to say about our tradition. They were so excited that I was asked to speak at the WRJ national convention. They embraced the idea, raised the money, and we were able to move forward. ****************Welcome to Temple Talks, a new podcast from Temple Israel in Minneapolis, where Jewish wisdom meets our ever-changing world. Join us as we talk with our favorite partners and thought leaders, from around town and around the world. We hope these talks will inspire you, challenge you, and give us all new ideas about Judaism, religious life, and social justice. Join us for services, learning, and community at TempleIsrael.com.
With the fourth Israeli elections in two years upon us, I spoke with Simcha Rothman, a candidate for the Religious Zionist party, about the issues that his party is focused upon. For the full deep dive interview on the Israeli justice system click here:
This week, we have fun talking to Rabbi Dan Medwin. Most of our Temple family knows him first as the spouse of Rabbi Lydia Medwin, our director of engagement, but to the rest of the Reform Jewish world, he is the Director of Digital Media for CCAR. Our conversation focuses on the opportunities for using technology in worship and Jewish life, and learning how he came to be a "tech rabbi." To see some of the apps and e-books Rabbi Medwin mentions, go to www.ccarpress.org.
When Clara shows up to her first day of cross country practice at Potato Chip High School, she’s shocked to see that her old Hebrew school classmate, Sarah is hosting Christian youth group meetings in her basement after school! The twist? Everyone on the Potato Chip High School cross country team goes to these meetings- including the coach- Coach Boredom. Will Clara stay loyal to her Reform Jewish upbringing, or will she drop it all for the approval of her teammates? This play was recorded as a live reading through Brooklyn Comedy Collective on the TVCO app on October 1, 2020. It is a work of fiction. Written by Catherine Bloom. Edited and produced by Anya Kopischke. Starring Olivia Abiassi, Aarushi Agni, Gideon Berger, Rachael Cain, Emma Rogers, Leanne Velednitsky, and Catherine Bloom
Mr. Ross Schriftman joins us to share his pro-life journey. As a young Jewish man raised in a loving Reform Jewish home, Ross embraced a life affirming view after learning the Talmudic expression, Whoever saves a single life, it is as if you saved the whole world. Ross was very active in the Reform movement leadership, and active in Democrat party politics. While running for PA state office in 1974, though personally against abortion, his supporters convinced him to adopt a pro-choice platform. Three years ago, Ross began exploring the abortion issue. He is now a pro-life advocate. You'll enjoy and appreciate his personal perspective and Jewish pro-life experience. Aired 5/1/20. For Info, Help & Healing please visit jewishprolifefoundation.org
Originally aired March 1st 2019. From expert tips on food photography all the way to editing and publishing a cookbook, Sara Gardner walks us through her journey in putting together the Rosh Hashanah Seder Cookbook: Stories and Recipes from the Reform Jewish community of Madrid.
Rabbi Benjy Maor (Munitz) raises a serious of important questions in this discussion on Zoom. How do we make sense of the world today as we move forward from Elul into Tishre and the New Year? Can we find all the answers rationally, or is it all simply a matter of faith? Can we learn anything from Israel, where we/they are so used to having crises all the time (almost all the time…)? Rabbi Maor, a former Los Angelean, is now Director of Development & Israel Diaspora Relations at the Leo Baeck Education Center in Haifa, the oldest Reform Jewish institution in Israel, founded in 1938. This discussion took place on September 3, 2020 as part of the Elul+ Pre-Tishre study program presented by Temple Beth Am Los Angeles.
Judaism is in a constant state of reform, and our approach to LGBTQ+ inclusivity should be, too. Leonard Slutsky (he/him), a Union for Reform Judaism lay leader and college admissions counselor, shares his experiences as a gay cisgender Jewish man; how Reform Jewish spaces affirmed his gay identity; how Judaism inspires his work as a suicide hotline volunteer; and how our communities can better serve queer Jews of all backgrounds. “I feel that it’s my role as someone who has a great deal of privilege, especially within the queer community,” he says, “to use it and help support those who don’t have as much as a voice.”
Raised in a Reform Jewish family, CBN's chief political analyst David Brody shares how he became follower of Christ.
Raised in a Reform Jewish family, CBN's chief political analyst David Brody shares how he became follower of Christ.
Rabbi Charles P. Sherman retired in 2013 after serving Temple Israel for nearly 40 years. Temple Israel is Tulsa’s only Reform Jewish congregation. Reform Judaism is the nation’s largest branch of Judaism, with about 1.5 million members in some 900-plus congregations in North America.A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Rabbi Charles P. Sherman was educated at the University of Pittsburgh and the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio where he was ordained in 1969.Rabbi Sherman has been an Adjunct Instructor at the Phillips Theological Seminary and has taught in the Department of Philosophy and Religion at the University of Tulsa.Rabbi Sherman has served as President of the Southwest Association of Reform Rabbis, the Tulsa Ministerial Alliance and the Tulsa Police and Fire Chaplaincy Corps. He is the only person to serve as president of both the National Conference for Community and Justice, Tulsa Region and the Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry.Since his retirement Rabbi Sherman became a Cruise Rabbi and a mediator in our court system.He has received many awards, including the Community Interfaith Understanding award.
In the first Proles of the Minyan interview episode, Shelby Shoup joins the Minyan to discuss Zionist cultural replication and the potential for leftist organizing among Reform Jewish youth. Shelby is the former Social Action Vice President (SAVP) of the North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY), the youth organization within the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), and she is the current president of the Florida State University (FSU) chapter of Students for Justice with Palestine (SJP). There are a lot of acronyms in this one. She gives us the inside scoop on throwing diary products at reactionaries, the "progressive except for Palestine" hypocrisy within the URJ, and the mechanisms by which NFTY, and their summer camp system in particular, serves to prop up Zionist hegemony over Jewish youth in the United States and Canada. She also shares her journey out from under that hegemony and towards anti-Zionism, anti-racism, and anti-imperialism organizing with SJP and Tallahassee Dream Defenders. The Minyan also debuts two new segments, shouts out Eli Valley and Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP, as if there weren't enough acronyms), and declares undying love and support for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP... last one, promise). You can find us on twitter @ProlesMinyan or get in touch by email at: prolesminyan@gmail.com You can find Shelby on instagram @s.helbo and further links for her organizations and our shoutouts below: Students for Justice In Palestine: on twitter @NationalSJP & on Facebook @sjpal. Their FSU branch, on which Shelby serves as president, is on twitter @FSU4Palestine and on facebook @FSUSJP Dream Defenders: on twitter and facebook @DreamDefenders, and the Tallahassee branch that Shelby works with on facebook @TallahasseeDreamDefenders. Jewish Voice For Peace: on twitter @jvplive and on facebook @JewishVoiceForPeace. Their partners, the Jews of Color Sefardi-Mizrahi Caucus: on twitter and facebook @jocsm4pal Eli Valley: on twitter @elivalley Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine: Suggested reading includes all of their historical documents and current statements, up in Arabic, Italian, French, and Polish, as well as English, on their site.
Ben Wolf grew up as a Reform Jewish home in Nashville. He became religiously observant while attending Father Ryan High School and went on to study at Yeshiva University and Hofstra University School of Law. He created and ran a college outreach program while he was a member of the Community Kollel of Des Moines, Iowa, served as a corporate bankruptcy and restructuring attorney at a NYC law firm, and was Chief Development Officer and General Counsel at a successful healthcare startup. Ben is now a consultant helping leadership teams at entrepreneurial businesses get traction and reach their goals.
How many of you joined Isaiah because you knew a Reform Jewish community on the Westside of LA would best represent your family's spiritual needs and nurture a meaningful Reform Jewish Identity for you and your children? And how many of you joined for the preschool? Rabbi Frimmer explores the moments Isaians first encounter Reform Judaism and the 2 types of reactions leading us to positive or negative associations with a tradition that privileges an openness to different interpretations, celebrates choice-through-knowledge, and professes faith in the ever-changing nature of tradition and the necessary evolution of practice. Is Reform Judaism the slow, dilution of tradition or the necessary adjustments to keep an ancient practice relevant for each new generation to discover and inherit? Is it someone else's Judaism…or is it yours?
Today we discuss the state of Jewish of Jewish identity with April Baskin. April Baskin has been committed to opening doors and embracing diversity in the Jewish community throughout her career. Raised in Sacramento, CA, by a white Jewish mother and a black Jewish father, Baskin was immersed in Reform Jewish life from an early age, and relished opportunities in her synagogue, camp, and youth group to engage in Jewish learning and participate in social action. “I was that rare kid who not only liked, but loved Hebrew school,” she has said. As an adult, she drew on her experience as a young, multiracial Jew who had felt both inside and outside mainstream Jewish life, to consult with Jewish organizations across the country on diversity initiatives. Baskin attended Tufts University, graduating with a degree in Sociology in 2007. She served as president of the Jewish Multiracial Network from 2010 to 2013, and worked at InterfaithFamily as their Director of Resources and Training. In 2015, she joined the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ) as Vice President of Audacious Hospitality, a title that reflects the URJ’s commitment to welcoming groups of Jews who have traditionally been marginalized from institutional Jewish settings. This inaugural position, which she still held until the end of 2018, was a natural outgrowth of Baskin’s dedication to social justice, activism, and outreach and enabled her to shape programs and policies that she says “incorporate the diversity that is the reality and future of Jewish life.” April is a member of Bend the Arc’s Selah Leadership Network and has served on the leadership team of the Jewish Social Justice Roundtable since 2017.
As our level of religious observance changes, explaining what we do and don't adhere to can present specific challenges within an I.T. context. Transcript Josh: 00:00 Welcome to our podcast where we talk about the interesting, frustrating and inspiring experiences we have as people with strongly held religious views working in corporate it. We're not here to preach or teach you our religion. We're here to explore ways we make our career as it professionals mash or at least not conflict with our religious life. This is technically religious Josh: 00:22 Hey Leon, regardless of your level of religious observance. Now there was probably a time when it was was different. Um, it might've been more or less or you may have been part of a different denomination or even an entirely different religious practice while changing levels of observance carries with it a whole set of challenges religiously. What what we and what I want to look at today is a here on technically religious is the other side of the coin. How does it impact your life at work? Uh, in the IC trenches? Did you suddenly have to change your on call schedule? Uh, were you in the life of the Christmas party or, or maybe the perennial, no show. And then suddenly you were able to participate in things that were once verboten, but you found no real idea how to navigate them? Leon: 01:08 Right. So, yeah, that's what we want to talk about today is, you know, if your religion changed or religious observance change and uh, you know, and then you had to adapt and explain it and all of that. Um, I think the first thing is that for some of us and certainly those of us on the program, um, we do tend to frame our work identity around our religious beliefs. It's not the only thing that we talk about, but it definitely is sort of front and center. Right. Um, I know that, you know, when we were working together, there was, you know, ongoing comments. It wasn't even teasing or anything, but you know, oh, we can always depend on Josh to be the designated driver because, you know, he's Mormon, he doesn't drink, you know, and, and that was it. It wasn't a joke or a jibe. It was just like, oh yeah. Right. That's, that's a thing. Right, Josh: 01:54 right. I don't, like we discussed on the first episode, you are always the go to guy if there's a Sunday, if it needs to be covered, especially if you can change it so that someone covers your Saturday on call. You know, Leon is the super dependable, you know, hey, as long as it doesn't conflict with, you know, my sabbath observance, I'll help you with your sabbath observance. Leon: 02:15 Right? And, and I'm sure that other religious perspectives, you know, have the same thing where they get known for something, whether it's a positive or a negative. I think some of it depends on how you, how you spin it or how you present it. And some of it just depends on what that thing is. And that's, I think the meat of what we're going to get into, um, along the way. However, because this is about technically religious, right, not just religious. I think that there are other religions that are worth mentioning also. For example, you know that, that great commercial, I'm a Mac, I'm a PC, right? Our technical identity holds the same place. Everyone knows that I am a deep lover of Linux. Of all things, Linux, that is part of my persona. And, um, that also defines me. Right? Josh: 03:02 Yeah, I agree. In fact, I would say that, um, the Linux worship is really a religion unto it's own, right? Leon: 03:09 Careful. I think we're on dangerous ground there, but, okay. Yeah. Josh: 03:12 Hey, I, I'm a recent convert to a, to the love of Linux. I understand. I, I'm, I'm, you know, I'm still a still developing my skills, but I've learned to love Linux and not fear it. So that's a good thing. Um, you know, some other identities that we tend to develop, right? There's a, you know, hey, um, there's Jane, she's, she's the network engineer. Leon: 03:33 Uh Huh. Josh: 03:34 Always. Or, um, someone who we hope to, to have on shortly. Um, hey, there's Dez. Dez is the security engineer. She has the all things security all the time. You know, those are some great identities to have. But you know, I, I've been in roles before that tend to pigeonhole you into, well, you know, Leon is just the Linux admin. Knowing you, Leon, you are far more than just a Linux admin. Leon: 04:01 Well, but I think again, the role and the job, um, can be limiting factors depending on your personality, depending on the group, depending on how they want to see you. And sometimes it's not about pigeonholing. Like I, you know, they only do x, but people tend to not look any further. Right. Oh, I need to write a query. I'm going to go talk to, you know, Mary, she's the DBA. Look, there's lots of people who can write a query, right? Like you don't have to go to with the DBA, you know, you don't have to go to the Linux team because you need a shell script written. Um, necessarily. It's always nice to get a second set of eyes because they might have more experience with it. Um, but yeah, Josh: 04:41 Now, I, I will admit that if I need a perl script written, I'm coming to see you. Leon: 04:45 Yeah. Well that's because it's an ancient skill and not a lot of people, but that's a different story. Um, so, right. So before we go any further, I think it's important that we acknowledge that we're probably gonna use words like less and more, especially as it regards, um, actual religion, not Linux versus, you know, mac or PC, but real actual recognized 501c3 religion type things. And, and I think it's, you have to be careful about that, right? There's really what we're talking about is differences in religious expression, um, not more or less higher or lower. Um, but for the sake of conversation and just so that we're not tripping over ourselves and trying to define things, I think that we'll probably use that, but I, I just wanna make sure anyone who's listening to this doesn't think that we're making a value judgment, um, a value statement about anyone's particular expression of their religious, uh, behaviors. Josh: 05:38 Yeah. You know, that's a great point to make Leon in it. It's something that I'm candidly working through myself right now for the listeners. I, I am currently Mormon and I was a practicing Mormon for, for 41 years. And, uh, in 2018, I opted to leave Mormonism and figuring out what to call myself or what to refer to that change was really difficult. Am I an ex Mormon? Am I a post Mormon? Am I a Mormon and transition? And what was that experience that I had? What did it look like? Was it a faith crisis? Was it a faith transition? Um, I've landed on being a "post Mormon who is undergoing a phase transition". Uh, and for me that feels like the, the balance between that, you know, hey, Josh has less Mormon and more religious or less religious and less Mormon. I that the math just seems to work out there. Leon: 06:33 Right. And again, that's where we go. That's, that's why I want to be careful about using terms like less and more. It's not, it's, it's a different expression to, I actually had the opposite thing for 43 years I was, you might say, lightly religious. Um, we were part of the Reform Jewish movement, um, part of the, sort of the three major Jewish movements, uh, at least in America. Um, and that was fine. And what it means is that I didn't really observe any of the restrictions. I worked on Saturday and the holidays and I ate whatever I wanted and stuff like that. And then more or less overnight, I mean, very quickly my family and I, uh, stopped, we changed, uh, my clothing, uh, changed my availability, uh, for work and for different things, change my diet, you know, what I ate and what I didn't eat changed. Um, it created a very interesting dynamic at work, um, because uh, Judaism and Jews are not the majority religion, so you tend as that a minority group to tend, to keep an eye out for other people. So, you know, Jews tend to say, I have a sense of, you know, who else in the, in the group and the department in the company is or isn't. So, uh, so other coworkers who heard that I, you know, my family and I were becoming more Orthodox. Uh, we're waiting for the judgmental shoe to fall. Um, they were waiting for me to become like that ex smoker who suddenly has to, you know, complain about everyone else who's a smoker, like "Wait a minute, you know, Fred, you were, you were smoking with me last week", like, you know, but there they were waiting for that and, and I'm, I'm happy to say I don't believe that that happened. Uh, if, if you were one of my coworkers in the past, and I did do that to you, a, I apologize and be, we'd love to hear about it on the program. Um, uh, but you know, there was that, but, uh, this was another place I found where that religious synergy we talked about in the previous episode, um, came in handy. What I found was that people who were more, again, I'm going to use the word devout, but I mean more outwardly expressive of their religious observance tended to, uh, be less concerned. When I said, oh, it's, it's the sabbath. It's Shabbat. Oh, it's a holiday and I can't work that. They, they said, oh, that's wonderful. They didn't really go back and say, "but wait a minute, you know, last year, you x or y or z." Um, and what I find, because, you know, again, rolling it back into the it thing is that people who have changed groups, people who went from the network team to the sysadmin team, or from the DBA team to the monitoring team, I know that you had that, uh, where you're working now that somebody came from the DBA group and became part of the monitoring team, people who've made those transitions tend to carry with them less a tendency to stigmatize other people who came from outside. Right. At least I think that's, that's what I've seen. Josh: 09:32 Yeah. And I think that that is, that is truly on a, if you've made career changes in your life or in your career life, then you tend to be more empathetic. Um, so I was talking to someone the other day about an a my career path and how I got to where I was. And I remember, um, adamantly believing when I, when I was going to school, I want to be a network engineer. I love that very tactile, hey, plug a cable in, lights go, blinky light, Leon: 10:05 The blinky lights! Josh: 10:06 Oh yeah. Yeah. That's what I loved. I was super excited about it. And as my career progressed I realized that my true passion is not networking. It's actually data. Uh, and in spite of the fact that I'm a monitoring engineer, I love data. I love to tell stories with, with the words and numbers, I still can't quite do the visualization thing cause I'm not very artistic. But it's that pivot. And so when I see other people who are in roles and I look at them and I say, you know, you, you're in this thing, you know, you are a windows admin or you are a DBA. But I see, I see them expressing some unhappiness. Those people, I love to reach out to them and grab hold of them and say, what do you really love to do? Like what makes you whole? And when you listen to them and then you, you find a way to connect them to those opportunities that you're involved in or help build those skills, maybe some overlap. Ah, suddenly there was this like Hallelujah, whoa. They're like, oh, this joy and happiness Leon: 11:13 it's literally an epiphany that people see. And I think that having a religious sensibility of some kind, I think that the, the study of the texts and things like that and looking for deeper meanings, not just, you know, stop it. Not just taking what you learned in third grade Sunday school as like, oh well that's all there is to it. But looking at the text as an adult and saying what more is there, what facts were left out? Because I was in third grade and there were pieces of information I couldn't process. I think that that also lets us look at our it careers and say what is the deeper level of this? You know you are a, you know, just use it. Use a personal example. You said that you're in monitoring because you love the data. I'm in monitoring because I love the stories. I'm a storyteller by nature and so I love the story that monitoring tells it was this and then in the dark of night there was a flash of lightening and this thing happened and then there was this other thing happened. Like, I love the, the narrative that you can pull from the monitoring data that comes in and how it creates an entire picture of a sequence of events, which leads us to the same place, but from different directions or from a different place, which allows us to both look at the same information but derive vastly different, um, you know, meanings from it. Which again, I think as a wonderfully religious metaphor, but also a wonderfully it metaphor, but I don't... Go ahead. Josh: 12:44 I wanted to say if alerts came in with that sort of enthusiasm, I would pay way more attention. Leon: 12:51 Yeah right. Josh: 12:52 Yeah, we work on that. But, you know, maybe like voiceovers for, you know, Leon instead of like those robotic notifications that you get in the middle of the night. Right. You know, Leon: 13:03 I was stormy data center only a cable right out and, yeah. Yeah, exactly. A packet right now. That's it. Yeah. Um, so I think also though that, um, when we're talking about these transitions, talking about these religious transitions that we've gone through and what that means, at work. Um, I wonder about coworkers reactions, like, you know, when you have talked about it with your coworkers about this shift in, in your religious expression where they looking for their own private episode of like, "Breaking Mormon". Like, did they want to take you on a night on the town and like, you know, this is what scotch tastes like and this is what vodka tastes like. And like what, how did that go? What was that like? Josh: 13:44 Uh, so, uh, so far I have not had that experience. Um, uh, I did broach the topic with my manager at the time and I said, look, um, I was over to dinner at his house, um, happened to be in town, not working from home. And, um, he invited me over and his family and I sat down for dinner and afterwards, uh, he and his wife, uh, and I had a chat and I said, look, you're the first people outside of family that I've told this. And it was great to just share that experience with them. It was really positive. And I've, I've had lots of positive, um, input from my coworkers. You know, those who know that I've left also know that, um, you know, I don't swear. So it's not like Josh went from, you know, being, uh, in a clean Mormon, you know, vocabulary to making sailors blush over night. It just, it just didn't happen. It's been good. There are still a few people that I haven't yet broached it with. And one of my challenges of courses I've got, um, coworkers who are Mormon who are LDS and they don't know that I've transitioned away from Mormonism. And part of my ability to work with them I feel because hey, they tend to have some, some personalities that I struggle with, some personality traits that I struggle with. So part of the way that I've been able to connect with them is that shared experience of religion. And now I can't anymore. It's almost like I, I don't know, like, like I've shunned my vmware past, which I kind of have. Leon: 15:10 Right, right. But yet, right. And, and again, I think that, you know, if you were, if you were a dyed in the wool Linux person and then all of a sudden you're like a window sysadmin, uh, that could feel to some people like a betrayal. It could, it could definitely read like that. Josh: 15:28 I did say Linux observance is like religion. I get it. I understand it now. Right. Leon: 15:31 It really, you know, it feels, I mean, our technical choices are, I mean, we could talk about, you know, tabs versus spaces or things. I know. Josh: 15:40 No, that there's one episode we are, we are not melding religion in the tabs versus spaces. We will start a holy war, Leon. Leon: 15:46 I understand that. I understand that. Um, but there's only one true way to pronounce the word GIF I, I, this is a hill I'm willing to die on. Um, but I... Josh: 15:57 Feel free to leave us comments. I'd love to know a GIF versus JIF. I want to know. Leon: 16:00 Yeah, yeah. Uh, yeah. The the right way versus the wrong way. Exactly. So, um, yeah, but I think that that, yeah, the handling coworkers reactions to this information. I mean, you know, just to, to give you a couple of examples of the range of things that I've experienced, and again, I think there's IT analogs to these and the IT analogs helped prepare me for these. Um, I had one coworker when, uh, again, when, you know, we were Reform and then it became orthodox. I had one coworker who thought it was really cute to repeatedly, uh, engage me in discussions about, well, you know, can't you eat pork like this? You know, if I did this to it, would you then be able to eat it? But how about this? If you were on a desert island, would you be able to eat pork? Like it became this, this constant nagging itch for him to, to ask me about it. And he was relatively friendly. He wasn't out. He, it wasn't out in our baiting me, but it was, it was just a thing that he couldn't quite process for himself. Um, I also, I had a conversation with my manager at that time of my life and it was not a, at all the same experience you had. Um, I tried to rearrange my on call and, uh, he, he looked me flat and flat out and said, your religion is your problem, not mine. And just like shut it down. And that was when I learned that going to my coworkers, um, you know, especially some of my more religiously, outwardly expressive coworkers was really the thing that saved me because he said, no, no problem. We got you covered. Like, I thought I was going to have to move heaven and earth, forgive the pun, um, to make it happen. And they were like, no, no, this is awesome. What are you talking about? Josh: 17:42 No, I assume that those coworkers, they were not also Jewish, they were... Leon: 17:46 Correct Josh: 17:47 ...as a religious observance. Right? Yeah. So it wasn't, it wasn't that, you know, you had, uh, uh, same practicing, um, colleagues. You had people who just had a religious observance of their own. Right. Interesting. Leon: 18:01 Right. In fact, it was one, one gentleman was, uh, Mormon and one gentleman was Catholic and those were the two that, that really, you know, I hate to say stepped up, but they were the ones who just volunteered and made me feel very comfortable about making this work. And um, you know, they didn't really look askance at it at all. And that was sort of honestly, that was a saving point cause I wasn't sure how I was going to continue in that role if I couldn't make this work. You know, I couldn't sort of belligerently not be on call and let things crash for 24 hours and I didn't know how to manage it. Um, and what also struck me from the questions I got was how easy it is for people to take their religion and try and assume that that would be my frame of reference. For example, you know, well, but last week you had, you know, pepperoni pizza. So are you going to hell now? And I had to explain, well, that's not part of the Jewish framework. You know "What, pepperoni pizza" "no, hell isn't" "Well, well you, you have to have hell, everyone has hell" "No, actually." So again, they were, they were supportive, but they were also confused. And it ended up being some very interesting conversations that, you know, people can say, well that has no place in the workplace. But again, I think your experience, my experience is that it's part of who I am. Um, you know, and so it does. Um, and just to wrap this around to it again, you know, when you transition from the network team to the server team, you bring a wealth of experience and a wealth of perspective, but it can be, you know, a little prickly sometimes. "Oh, you were part of those active directory people who made my life miserable." Okay. Nice to meet you too, Bob. Yeah, well, Josh: 19:57 uh, and I, in our life, it's the sea, uh, the security people, um, you know, does don't hate me, but, uh, right. Uh, Hey, let's take your password and make it a ridiculously long, ridiculously complex and that you have to change it every 72 minutes. Yeah. I, you know, and I love that idea that we can change, um, and that we can, um, and uh, if we change and it enables others to change. Uh, so I'm five years in my current position, I've been an enterprise monitoring engineer. I love what I do and I'm now faced with this ask, do I change and take the skills and experiences of how does a monitoring engineer and do I pivot into another role, something that maybe isn't directly pure play IT, but takes all of the, the things that I know. And I think it's so important to understand that as we transition through our lives, whether it's our religious observance, our spiritual observance, uh, even our physical observance, I'm currently on a diet trying to, you know, transition to smaller Josh versus larger Josh, all of those things help us to be better at. I once heard a great analogy and it was a boat traveling down a road, uh, and coming to a fork. And sometimes you take the fork on the right and you get so far down that road and then you hit a dead end and you back up. And you try again going down the left fork, some people get really frustrated by having to backtrack and take that left fork. But the person who was sharing the story said that they were grateful for having traveled the fork on the right, even though it led to a dead end. And when asked why, they said, well, we, when we traveled the left fork, now we can, uh, assuredly walk that path with confidence because we know that the right fork doesn't lead to where we want to be. Leon: 21:37 That's, and again, very it thinking like, you know, Edison said, you know, I failed a thousand times, but now I know a thousand things that you know, don't work. Josh: 21:47 Right. Exactly. Yeah. Leon: 21:48 I just have to find the one that does or you find another, a one that does. Right. Um, and I think that that actually expresses an IT professional and IT engineers attitude. I mean, isn't what we do isn't one of the reasons why we are drawn to this IT life because we not only are able to, but we enjoy the eye, the act of open mindedly considering a radically new way of looking at something, whether it's ITIL or SOA or you know, devops or you know, whatever it is, like, you know, or agile programming versus the lone programer or whatever it is that we love looking at this new idea and saying, oh, that's, I've never considered that before. But you know, I, I can integrate this into my life. I can make this part of who I am and the way I do things, whether that's a religious, uh, level of religious observance or, you know, a level of IT, observance, if you want to call it that, that that's what makes us good engineers. The ones who can't adapt to that, I think are the ones who find themselves limited in certain roles or in certain jobs or, or areas. Right. Josh: 22:59 And I will say that my migration from, uh, being a predominantly windows engineer, um, through that transition of having to learn a little bit of Linux to do the VMWare thing in my life and now really starting to focus on Linux, it's been, it's been a somewhat transcendental experience. I will have to admit it. It is the closest thing to a religious, um, uh, a resurgence in my life that I've, that I've, that I think I felt, you know, I've, I've had lots of forced changes, but this one is, is by choice. And I've gone from kind of being afraid of the Linux world because, oh my goodness, command line, I remembered, DOS was great, but this feels different to really being excited about what I can and cannot do. Now that I've got this grow, I haven't left behind my Windows, my Windows world. I love it and I love my VMWare world. But all of those things had been a foundation for me to build who I am today as an engineer. And I think that that, uh, for our listeners is the, is the biggest value here. If you've transitioned from a religion A to religion B, or if you've modified your observance of your religion as you've matured, recognize that the exact same experiences will happen within our careers. We will go from being, uh, you know, that person who walks in day one has no clue what we're doing to 20 years later realizing that you still have no idea what you're doing, but you know a whole bunch more things that you have no idea what you're doing about. Leon: 24:21 You've come to be at peace with the act of not knowing date moment by moment what is going on. Josh: 24:29 Absolutely! Leon: 24:29 I love it. I wonder maybe this isn't as big a deal as, as we've made it out to be. I mean, we certainly spent an entire episode on it, but maybe it's not a big deal for us because we work in IT, you know, uh, you know, because that is a state of being, of going from not knowing, to knowing something about this and then realizing how little you know, and growing into it and transitioning from one type of role to another kind of role. So I'm going to put out to all of the listeners, um, all, you know, two of you, hi Mom. Uh, have you gone through a change either in your IT role or faith at work, you know, how did your coworkers handle it? How did you handle it, you know, how did that go for you? Let us know. Um, at at the end of the episode you're going to get our website and our social media is there and all that stuff and we really want to hear from you and let us know how that went for you. Um, and maybe we'll have you on the program and we'll get to talk about it. Josh: 25:23 That's exciting. Leon: 25:24 All right, so I think we've, I think we've hit it for today. Um, it's great to talk to you. Thanks for making time for us this week to hear more of technically religious visit our website, technically religious.com where you can find our other episodes, leave us ideas for future discussions and connect to us on social media. Josh: 25:43 In the mortal words of David Bowie. Don't tell them to grow up and out of it Speaker 2: 25:47 (singing) ch-ch-ch-changes Speaker 1: 25:50 Turn and face the strange.
From expert tips on food photography all the way to editing and publishing a cookbook, Sara Gardner walks us through her journey in putting together the Rosh Hashanah Seder Cookbook: Stories and Recipes from the Reform Jewish community of Madrid.
Jonathan Neumann has written perhaps the seminal book on how modern Jewry has supplanted its traditional values and principles with Leftism, based on a perverse, sophistic reading of the concept of tikkun olam, "healing the world," that demands devotion to social justice as the highest good and organizing principle of the Jewish religion. By way of background, Neumann is a graduate of Cambridge University and the London School of Economics. He has written for various American, British, and Israeli publications, was the Tikvah Fellow at Commentary magazine, and has served as assistant editor at Jewish Ideas Daily I had Neumann on the podcast to discuss the triumph of tikkun olam-based Leftism as central to modern non-Orthodox Judaism, why Jewish social justice renders Jews qua Jews meaningless, the systematic debunking of this ideology, the ramifications for Israel and U.S. politics and much more. What We Discussed Defining tikkun olam, and its link to social justice, leftism and Kantian ethics How tikkun olam became the predominant ethos of non-Orthodox Jewry in the U.S. in a mere 40 year period -- and its radical roots The inextricable link between tikkun olam theology and the evolution of the Reform Jewish movement and its relation to the Social Gospel The perversion of Jewish values and principles by those who have supplanted the religion with Leftism -- based in a textually unsupported, fabricated concept of tikkun olam that Neumann systematically debunks Why Neumann argues that "Jewish social justice effectively has no need for Jews qua Jews" The correlation between tikkun olam ideology and anti-Zionism, in contrast to American Jewish leftism's historical affinity towards Israel Why and how Israel in U.S. politics has become effectively a one-party, Republican, issue -- and the conflicting trends of the growing Orthodox Jewish community and the declining non-Orthodox Jewish community Why Jews have historically gravitated toward the political Left Further Reading Show Notes & Transcript Thanks for Listening! Check out other episodes, show notes and transcripts at benweingarten.com/bigideas. Subscribe, rate and review: iTunes | Stitcher | Google | YouTube Follow Ben: Web | Newsletter | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn Advertising & Sponsorship Inquiries: E-mail us. ___________ Backed Vibes (clean) Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Public Trans is a new podcast for trans people by trans people. An informal conversation between your hosts, Mac and Ave, Public Trans talks about what it means to be trans in the public eye, taking the structure of your morning commute. Through the Morning Cup of Gender, the Commute, and the Platform, we talk about the questions we often ask each other, such as: how do you pass if you don't identify as a binary gender? How do we raise children with or without gender? What challenges does the modern dating landscape confront trans people with? What are the failings of mainstream androgeny? These questions raise different issues for trans people with varying gender identities, and though we attempt to explore the intersection of identity with these issues as much as possible, we acknowledge our viewpoints can be limited. That is why The Platform ends every episode. The Platform is a section of our show dedicated to contributions from our community and serves as a space for trans people to contribute their voices and thoughts about our episode's topic. Our wonderful Platform contributors for episode one include: Cass Adair (he/him), a radio producer, former academic, and Animorphsexpert (find Cass and his work here!); Lucy Brown (they/them), a rising third year at Oberlin College who is passionate about working with the Jewish community at Oberlin and making Reform Jewish youth spaces more accessible for trans youth, as well as playing ultimate and working to make that community a better place for trans players; Gregory Rosenthal (they/them), an Assistant Professor of Public History at Roanoke College who works with LGBTQ+ history, including trans history; and the Transmasculinidad project, which explores gender and masculinity throughout Latin America where gender roles are strict and machismo is unforgiving, headed by Sarah Barrett and Carmen Graterol, who travelled from Chile to Mexico documenting trans masculinity as they went (check them out here!). The excerpt from Transmaculinidad you will hear on episode one features Matias and Joaquin, from Peru. Check us out on Instagram as public.trans.podcast, on Twitter as @trans_podcast, on Facebook as Public Trans, and on Patreon! Public Trans is made possible by our audio editor and producer, Savannah Tracy (she/her), and our music producer Alexander Fiorentini (he/him). Alexander is a sweet tune mastermind located in Providence, RI and making hip-hop, pop, and everything in between - find him here or here. Your hosts are Mac Maclean (they/them), a writer and artist based out of Boston, and Ave Bisesi (they/them), a scientist and educator working in the Cleveland area.
Daniel Freelander, President of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, joins Dan and Lex for the first of a two-part conversation about the history of Reform Judaism. In today's episode, Freelander tells the story of the first 100 years of Reform Jewish history, beginning in Germany and continuing into the first few generations of Reform in the United States. If you're enjoying Judaism Unbound, please help us keep things going with a one-time or monthly tax-deductible donation. Support Judaism Unbound by clicking here. To access full shownotes for this episode, click here!
How do you know you when you are part of something? What does belonging to a congregation ask of us? Rabbi Matt of Kalamazoo’s Reform Jewish community, Temple B’Nai Israel, will explore what it means to belong to a religious community in an era when ‘none’ is the fastest growing religious affiliation.
Playwright and journalist Max Sparber was raised in a Reform Jewish household, attended an Orthodox high school, and, in college, majored in Jewish studies. After college, while living in Omaha, Nebraska, he set out to learn one thousand Yiddish words in a year—and in the process, discovered the richness of Yiddish culture. Max chronicles his efforts to teach himself Yiddish on his blog "Dress British, Think Yiddish." Episode 0130 January 13, 2017 Yiddish Book Center Amherst, Massachusetts
Dr. William Cutter argues both sides of California's Right-to-Die Initiative. Dr. William Cutter is Steinberg Emeritus Professor of Human Relations at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, where he held the Paul and Trudy Steinberg Chair in Human Relations, and was Professor of Modern Hebrew Literature and Education. He has taught at HUC-JIR since 1965, and has served in several administrative capacities throughout his academic career. In earlier stages of his career he founded three of the ongoing programs of the College-Institute, the training center for Reform Jewish leaders and nonprofit managers. These programs are the Rhea Hirsch School of Education, the MUSE program of the Skirball Museum, and the Kalsman Institute on Judaism and Health. He also was the founding director of the Louchheim School of Jewish Studies.
Dr. William Cutter argues both sides of California's Right-to-Die Initiative. Dr. William Cutter is Steinberg Emeritus Professor of Human Relations at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, where he held the Paul and Trudy Steinberg Chair in Human Relations, and was Professor of Modern Hebrew Literature and Education. He has taught at HUC-JIR since 1965, and has served in several administrative capacities throughout his academic career. In earlier stages of his career he founded three of the ongoing programs of the College-Institute, the training center for Reform Jewish leaders and nonprofit managers. These programs are the Rhea Hirsch School of Education, the MUSE program of the Skirball Museum, and the Kalsman Institute on Judaism and Health. He also was the founding director of the Louchheim School of Jewish Studies.
This week's links: Temple Isaiah's Confirmation ClassTop 10 Jewish sites for teens, from About.comRJ Teen, the portal to Reform Jewish teen lifeJVibe, a magazine and online community for Jewish teensConfirmation, from JewishEncyclopedia.com
THIS is the REAL dream for Israel and the Middle East...Not George Bush's hallucinatory fantasy...Planting, not uprooting...Building, not destroying...Giving birth, not murdering...Marty shares the length, breadth and depth of the mitzvah (commandment) of "Bircat HaIlanot", the blessing on the trees...This, as the palestinian Arabs confirm their commitment to destroying Israel...As the palestinian Arabs, aided by Peace Now terrorists and Reform Jewish leaders, uproot hundreds of trees planted by idealistic Jewish youth in Israel...All this and more on "The Marty Roberts Show"...