In times of chaos and turmoil, how can we overcome our differences to tackle problems? How can we move from our own individual thinking into the thinking of what's the common good? Rabbi Joshua Lesser discusses the vital importance of nonprofit boards to Jewish and American life. By helping Jewish communities formulate and adopt board convenants, Lesser seeks to use Jewish wisdom to interject a bit of the sacred into the seemingly mundane business of running an organization. Healthy boards, he argues, are not just important for Jewish organizations. They are one of the arenas where people can participate in democracy on a micro level, and potentially reenergize democracy on a macro scale.

Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb

Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org

Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss

Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Joshua Lesser.

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• Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter
• Read Rabbi Joshua Lesser's Evolve Essay, "From Passion to Purpose: How a Board Covenant Transforms Jewish Leadership"
• Support Reconstructing Judaism's End of Year Campaign

What do North American Jews think and feel about Israel and why do they feel it? As researcher Matthew Boxer explains, we have, at best, an incomplete understanding of opinion. That's had a harmful impact on discourse and planning. So to find out, Boxer surveyed some 1,800 North American Jews. In this episode, he shares his findings and what he believes they mean. Among his major takeaways: he disproves the-oft sited statistic that 95 percent of American Jews identify as Zionist, even though most American Jews have attitudes that one would associate with Zionism. Many on the left and right feel that their interpretations are obvious and clear and think that opposing views are dangerous and outside the pale. Also, many American Jews feel strong emotional attachment to Israel, but that emotional attachment doesn't correlate to particular or obvious opinions about the relationship between Israelis and Palestinians. Boxer shares how he thinks future researchers can learn from his work. And, he makes a case that particular perspectives on Israel should not be a condition for inclusion in Jewish life and community.

Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb

Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org

Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss

Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Dr. Matthew Boxer.

Support Evolve

Links:

• Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter
• Register for the 8/25 Evolve Web Conversation with Rabbi Jacob Staub and Rabbi Megan Doherty — "Creating Sacred Community: Leadership and Connection with Rabbi Megan Doherty"
• Read Matthew Boxer's Evolve essay, "How We Talk About Jewish Young Adults’ Connection to Israel: The Evidence or Lack Thereof"
• Read Matthew Boxer's Evolve essay, "What is Zionism? It Depends on Who You Ask"
• Dig Into Matthew Boxer's Survey Results: "What is Zionism? Assessing the Diversity of Discourse in a Charged Environment" — See Dr. Boxer's PowerPoint, read about his methodology, and explore his dataset
• Explore Local Jewish Community Population Studies and more at the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies
• "What Is Zionism?" Matthew Boxer presents his research findings in this video presentation

Researcher-educator Ali Michael, Ph.D., who has written about concepts such as Whiteness and White Privilege, unpacks what they mean, responding to common critiques. Michael defends educational investment in DEI programs as the U.S. federal government has actively sought to dismantle this work. Also, after spending more than a year meeting with American educators who whose work was impacted by the Oct. 7 attacks and the war in Gaza, she shares some surprising themes that emerged. She also shares how differences over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict surfaced in the early years of her marriage and how she and her partner managed to work through disagreement.

Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb

Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org

Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss

Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Ali Michael, Ph.D. .

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Links:

• Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter
• Read Ali's Evolve essay, "Finding one another again: Israel and Palestine Conversation"
• Read Ali's Evolve essay, "The People of Color Conference and Antisemitism"
• Explore Evolve's Juneteenth essay collection
• Follow Ali's writing
• Learn more about Camp Havaya

In this month’s episode of Evolve, Rabbi Sid Schwarz, driven by a deep love for Israel, makes a powerful case for spiritual Zionism— the commitment to an Israel that nurtures Judaism’s deepest cultural, religious and ethical foundations, beyond just politics or military strength. It’s a timely and nuanced conversation for anyone wrestling with the complexities of Jewish peoplehood and the future of Israel.

Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb

Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org

Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss

Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Sid Schwarz, Ph.D..

Support Evolve

Links:

• Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter
• Read Rabbi Sid's Evolve essay, "World Jewry, Zionism and the State of Israel"
• Support Evolve
• Learn more about The Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI)

Activist and organizer Roan Boucher details the unprecedented surge in anti-trans legislation across America and its connection to Christian Nationalism. Despite addressing these troubling developments, Boucher discusses sources of hope and resilience, pointing to mutual aid networks and Jewish spiritual practices. This compelling dialogue weaves personal experience with sharp political analysis. It’s essential listening experience for anyone trying to understand our current moment. Boucher also addresses deep divisions within Jewish communities and stresses Jews need to work across divides to oppose antisemitism and assaults on human rights.

Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb

Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org

Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss

Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Roan Boucher.

Support Evolve

Links:

• Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter
• Read Roan's Evolve essay, "Defending Trans Communities: Why American Jews Should Mobilize Against the Christian Right Agenda"
• New on Evolve: ‘Covenantal Community’ and Classical Reconstructionism
• 2025 anti-trans bills tracker
• Vote Hatikvah in the World Zionist Congress elections

Jewish tradition emphasizes welcoming the stranger. Many organizations like Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts live that value by helping to resettle refugees. But what happens when government policies make that nearly impossible? Rabbi James Greene, CEO of Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts, shares how his organization supports refugees —despite legal and financial obstacles. Greene discusses the impact of recent policy shifts, the power of community-driven advocacy and why helping newcomers to the country is central to Jewish tradition. Tune in for a powerful conversation on justice, resilience and the fight for a more welcoming world.

Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb

Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org

Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss

Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi James Greeene.

Support Evolve

Links:

• Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter to stay up to date on the latest essays, videos and podcasts
• Read the Evolve Essay, "Praying in the Language of Welcoming: Refugee and Immigration Advocacy"
• Order "A Night of Questions," the Reconstructionist Haggadah
• Vote for the Hatikvah Slate in the World Zionist Congress elections
• Reconstructing Judaism Joins Federal Lawsuit in Defense of Religious Freedom and Opposition to ICE Policy
• Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts
• Refugee resettlement agencies cut staff and programs across New England
• Local resettlement agencies facing dire effects after Trump’s federal funding freeze
• Also by Rabbi James Greene, "Lessons From Transitioning in the Pandemic"

What does it mean to apply the concepts of Mussar (Jewish ethical teachings) to everyday life? What about to confronting racism in the world, at a particular institution or even in oneself? Rabbi David Jaffe, author of Changing the World From the Inside Out and Yehuda Webster, a noted activist and teacher, point to examples of how this can work. Each shares how Mussar taught them how they could have behaved differently in certain situations and where drawing on its lessons led to more positive outcomes. They also discuss anti-racism work in the broader Jewish community, addressing the post Oct 7 pushback while making the case for a renewed focus.

Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org

Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss

Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guests: Rabbi David Jaffe and Yehudah Webster.

Support Evolve

Links:

• Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter to stay up to date on the latest essays, videos and podcasts
• Read the Evolve Essay, "Racial Justice Is a Path to Jewish Security"
• Make a gift to Reconstructing Judaism's Momentum Campaign
• Follow Kirva on Instagram
• Learn more about Kirva
• Listen to our January Episode "Dismantling Racism from the Inside Out" with Rabbi Sandra Lawson and Rabbi Alex Weissman
• Read more about Yehuda's recent visit to Nigeria as part of "Teshuvah Across the Waters"
• Jaffe and Webster's op-ed in The Forward, "Equity and Justice Values from a Jewish Perspective"

In a conversation both deeply personal and grounded in history and sociology, Ilana Kaufman, CEO of the Jews of Color Initiative, shares her mission and why the work has been so challenging in a post-October 7 world. Kaufman explains why it’s been so counterproductive to consider Blacks and Jews as separate groups — erasing a sizable population identifying as both. She talks about why statistics and demographic matter for Jews of Color and the entire Jewish community. She shares how she came to write the afterward to Marc Dollinger’s book, “Black Power, Jewish Politics.” The conversation also touches on the Civil Rights and Soviet Jewry movements and why educators should draw more explicit connections between the two.

Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org

Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss

Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Ilana Kaufman.

Support Evolve

Links:

• Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter to stay up to date on the latest essays, videos and podcasts
• Read Ilana's Evolve essay
• Watch Ilana's Eli Talk
• Learn more about the Jews of Color Initiative
• Listen to Bryan's conversation with Marc Dollinger
• Read Marc's Evolve essay
• Check out The Forward's coverage of the controversy surrounding the publication of "Black Power, Jewish Politics"
• Register for Writing Disability Torah
• Support Evolve with a donation of $36

“Dismantling Racism from the Inside Out.” The idea is deceptively simple and strongly rooted in Jewish tradition. To change society, individuals must first address their own attitudes, biases and inner lives. Easy to say, much harder to carry out. With funding from the Wabash Center, Rabbi Sandra Lawson and Rabbi Alex Weissman decided to try this approach at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, which is committed to anti-racism. Working with faculty, Lawson and Weissman led a year-long process grounded in mussar (Jewish ethical practice.) The work was set to begin in earnest on Oct. 17, 2023. In this episode, Weissman and Lawson talk about how the attacks of Oct. 7 and subsequent war cast a shadow over the project but ultimately led to some important insights about how racism has impact Jewish institutions. They also address why, in an age of skyrocketing antisemitism, it’s as important as ever for Jewish communities to address racism.

Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb

Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org

Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss

Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guests: Rabbi Alex Weissman and Rabbi Sandra Lawson.

Support Evolve

Links:

• Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter to stay up to date on the latest essays, videos and podcasts
• Read Bryan's story about Dismantling Racism From the Inside Out at RRC
• Learn more about the Wabash center
• Learn more about the Dismantling Racism curiculum
• "MLK and the Power of Community" by Rabbi Sandra
• Read Bryan's recent piece, "What MLK’s Friendship with Stanley Levinson Can Teach Us Today"
• Register for Reconstructing Judaism's "Reparations in Action" event on 2/2
• Register for Ritualwell's "Writing Disability Torah" event on 2/18
• Learn more about Kirva
• Support Evolve with a donation of $36

In losing her two-year-old daughter, Havi, Myra Sack suffered the kind of loss most people cannot even fathom. By telling her Havi’s story, Sack discovered she can help others live with grief. Sack is the author of Fifty-Seven Fridays: Losing Our Daughter, Finding Our Way, an excerpt of which appears on the Evolve website. She discusses the important role ritual played after Havi’s diagnosis and following her passing. Sack traces her journey into grief literacy and how she has used her own painful experiences to help others process grief. She talks about the tragic consequences of a doctor’s mistake and how she and her husband, Matt, have worked to ensure no family suffers a similar fate. The former collegiate soccer standout also shares the place that sports have played in her life and the blessings she’s looking forward to in the New Year.

Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb

Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org

Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss

Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Myra Sack.

Support Evolve

Links:

• Support Evolve with a donation of $36
• Read Myra's Evolve essay, "Rituals of Grief"
• Purchase Myra's book, "Fifty-Seven Fridays: Losing Our Daughter, Finding Our Way"
• From Ritualwell, "The Four Yizkors: Grief and Memory Hold Hands"
• From Ritualwell, "Balancing Grief and Gratitude"
• Bryan's previous conversation with Myra
• Myra's Philly Jewish Sports Hall of Fame profile
• J-Screen
• Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief
• Learn more about Shelley Barnathan, Myra's rabbi