Is Judaism more about peoplehood than religion—and what if “Jewish pride” doesn’t involve Israel at all?

This episode is bound to provoke surprising thoughts: Rabbis Jonathan Jaffe and Leora Londy dive headfirst into one of the most emotionally charged questions facing American Jews today—how central should Israel be in our Jewish identity? From generational divides to personal stories of longing and belonging, the conversation goes far beyond politics, exposing some uncomfortable truths about how our identities as Jews and Americans have evolved.

Together, they wrestle with the idea of covenant versus individualism, and the loss of communal responsibility in American society. The hosts share poignant reactions to recent hostage releases in Israel, discuss the role of the Diaspora, and even turn the tables with an idea for “Reverse Birthright”—inviting Israelis to experience the vibrancy and inclusivity of American Jewish life.

From family mahjong games to mandatory military service and the divide between prophetic values and peoplehood, this episode asks: What happens when the most vital parts of Judaism outgrow old definitions? Can there be space for Jews who love their tradition but feel ambivalent, or even critical, about Israel?

Whether you’re a passionate Zionist, a progressive critic, or somewhere in between, this episode will give you new language—and empathy—to think about how Israel and America shape your Jewish identity.

Timestamped Overview:

• 00:00:00 – Intro to the topic: Israel’s place in Jewish identity, generational shifts, and the American-Jewish balance.
• 00:01:15 – Rabbi Londy’s evolution from Zionist upbringing to nuanced connection with Israel and Diaspora.
• 00:04:18 – Rabbi Jaffe: Assimilation patterns, particularism vs. universalism, impact of 1960s pride and Israel’s 1967 war.
• 00:07:35 – The “Jewish first, American second” dilemma and thoughts on future generations.
• 00:10:07 – Generational chapters: Baby boomers, birthright Judaism, and the new Jewish ambivalence toward Israel.
• 00:11:06 – Rabbi Londy’s personal story: Living in Israel vs. American critique, values and Tikkun Olam.
• 00:13:41 – Hostage releases in Israel: Emotional impact vs. religious connection; peoplehood as the heart of Judaism.
• 00:16:12 – Seder’s four children as a metaphor for diverse Jewish responses.
• 00:17:07 – Concerns for those who feel left out by Israel-centered Jewish life; making space for non-Israel-centric Judaism.
• 00:20:03 – “Reverse Birthright” explained: Israelis experiencing American Diaspora Judaism, pluralism, and mutual learning.
• 00:22:12 – Jewish learning in Israel vs. Diaspora: Talmudic roots, multi-generational debate, and complementarity.
• 00:25:56 – Franz Rosenzweig’s warning: Political vs. spiritual Judaism, and effects in Israel.
• 00:26:44 – Where American and Jewish values diverge: Individual freedom vs. communal responsibility and covenant.
• 00:28:50 – Rabbi Londy and teens on activism, responsibility, and civic engagement.
• 00:30:28 – The power of covenant in Israeli life; hostages as personal family, community strength.
• 00:33:42 – Ultra-Orthodox exemption from Israeli military service: Covenant, collective obligation, and emotional resonance.
• 00:34:52 – Decline of communal life and fraternal organizations in America, impact of Covid and individualism.
• 00:37:44 – Free Palestine movement & American activism; longing for community.
• 00:39:32 – Generational culture shifts, communal activities among boomers, and Covid’s aftermath.
• 00:41:34 – Dreaming of “national service” in America; learning from Israeli society.
• 00:42:20 – Closing reflections: Learning from both Americas and Israel, pride in both identities.
• 00:42:47 – Event plug for Reform Judaism in Israel.
• 00:43:31 – Outro and contact information.

Ready for a conversation that challenges old paradigms and brings new meaning to Jewish life, leadership, and identity? Tune in now.