With the help of this week's double Torah portion (Mattot-Massei), and Hulu's new show "The Bear", Rabbi Shira explores with Joshua alternatives to violence when conflict arises.

Episode Timecode:

(33:40) Rabbi Shira's Guided Meditation

What’s to be done when the Torah text we revere appears problematic? Dig deeper! Rabbi Shira guides Joshua through the challenges of this week’s portion, Pinchas, and what it has to say about interfaith marriages.

(36:15) Rabbi Shira’s Guided Mediation

On our 2nd Mailbag Edition, Rabbi Shira and Joshua answer listener questions. Is chicken parm kosher? And how do we make circumcision cool again? These are just two examples of what you'll hear in this episode.

Episode Timecodes:

(04:48) Q1 on circumcision

(15:01) Q2 on chicken parmesan

(21:56) Q3 on Jewish events & mask protocols

(27:06) Q4 on Philosemitism

(35:00) Rabbi Shira's Guided Meditation

Rabbi Shira and Joshua welcome Sarah Hurwitz. A senior speechwriter for President Obama, and head speechwriter for the First Lady, Sarah critiques Moses as a communicator in this week’s Torah portion, Chukat.

(10:20) Interview with Sarah Hurwitz

(46:20) Rabbi Shira’s Guided Meditation

After the Supreme Court's ruling, Rabbi Shira and Joshua welcome three esteemed rabbis to take a look at some Jewish text in an effort to contemplate the court's decision, and frame a Jewish response.

Episode Timecodes:

(06:05) Rabbi Lauren Holtzblatt and Rabba Sara Hurwitz join the show

(31:30) George Newbern defines the Hebrew/Yiddish terms used in our episode

(36:15) Rabbi Annie Lewis’ Guest Meditation

This week the Rabbi and Joshua speak to an unforgettably unique guest, author Michael Twitty as this weekend is "NYC Pride".  Michael is an African-American Jew, who identifies with the LGBTQ community, and has an upcoming book titled: "Koshersoul: The Faith and Food Journey of an African American Jew".

Episode Timecodes:

(08:30) Michael Twitty Interview

(37:35) Rabbi Shira's Guided Meditation

As World Refugee Day is on Monday June 20th, Rabbi Shira and Joshua welcome on a pair of important voices from the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), which is the oldest refugee organization in the world.  Mark Hetfield is the CEO & President of HIAS and Melanie Nezer is its Senior VP, Global Public Affairs.

Episode Timecodes:

(05:10) Interview w/ Mark & Melanie

(39:10) Rabbi Shira's Guided Meditation

The rabbi and Joshua get back to basics, taking a look at this week’s Torah portion, Nasso, and exploring Judaism’s perspectives on asceticism, charity, and humility.

Episode Timecode:

(34:08) Rabbi Shira’s Guided Meditation

Rabbi Shira and Joshua shine a spotlight on the surprisingly esoteric Jewish holiday of Shavuot, which is coming up in early June. A tradition of the holiday is to stay up all night studying Torah and in that spirit, we welcome on Rabba Yaffa Epstein and Rabbi David Schuck.

Episode Timecodes:

(00:00) Rabbi Shira’s thoughts after the shooting in Texas

(13:44) Rabba Yaffa Epstein and Rabbis David Schuck join the show

(46:01) Rabbi Shira's Guided Meditation and Counting of the Omer

SUMMARY: Rabbi Shira and Joshua welcome the CEO of the National Council of Jewish Women, Sheila Katz. Together, they discuss Jewish thought on reproductive rights, when life begins, and what can be done in response to the Supreme Court's intention to overturn Roe vs. Wade.

Episode Timecodes:

(04:45) Sheila Katz Interview

(35:04) Quick interviews with those attending the Abortion Justice Rally in D.C.