What if your rabbi’s outfit had more to do with your spiritual experience than you ever imagined? In this eye-opening episode of In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning, Rabbis Jonathan Jaffe and Leora Landi dive deep into the controversial world of fashion, physical presentation, and the unique scrutiny faced by rabbis—especially women—in Jewish communities.

You’ll be shocked by the stories shared, from being asked to “turn into a man” for ceremonies in Israel to being gifted shoes by congregants in the U.S., all revealing just how much clergy are judged by how they look, and how these judgments intersect with power, gender, and leadership. Rabbi Landi opens up about the internal and external pressures faced around style, body image, and what it means to “look” like a rabbi, while Rabbi Jaffe explores the low expectations men benefit from and what happens when these stereotypes get perpetuated—even by bobbleheads!

The conversation isn’t just about clothes: it’s about identity, boundaries, values, and how congregational norms shape everything—even which career doors open for female and LGBTQ rabbis. From the theological meaning behind priestly garments in the Torah to the real-life negotiations rabbis must make between authenticity and relatability, this episode will make you rethink what you see (and don’t see) at the pulpit.

Whether it’s deciding what to wear for the High Holidays, figuring out the messaging behind headbands and kipot, or considering the subtle double standards for women in leadership, Rabbis Jaffe and Landi bring humor, vulnerability, and gripping honesty to a taboo topic. If you’ve ever wondered how much appearance matters in sacred spaces—or how to respectfully address your clergy—this is the episode you can’t miss.

Episode Highlights & Timestamped Overview:

• [00:00:00] Intro: What rabbis look like and why congregations care
• [00:01:17] Rabbi Landi’s Israel stories: Being asked to find a man for ceremonies
• [00:02:45] Challenges for women in leadership; rabbinic fashion scrutiny
• [00:04:17] Real congregant interactions: Unexpected comments and gifts
• [00:05:10] Bobbleheads & Rabbi stereotypes: The “old man” caricature
• [00:06:09] Clothing, identity & Torah: Meaning behind priestly garments
• [00:10:16] Formality, approachability, and synagogue culture shift
• [00:11:01] Robes, tallit, and the pressures of female clergy presentation
• [00:12:11] Gender roles, dress codes, and contradictory feelings
• [00:13:05] Head coverings as a statement: Politics, identity, and fashion
• [00:17:07] Synagogue “norms”; double standards for female clergy
• [00:19:02] Navigating rabbinic identity in Israel vs. the U.S.
• [00:23:29] The “whole package” dilemma for female rabbis
• [00:26:05] Authenticity and relatability: Sharing personal life on the bima
• [00:32:10] Dress & awe: Creating sacred moments vs. showing up “as you are”
• [00:34:46] Gendered interactions: Congregant stories about body boundaries
• [00:38:41] Practical advice for respectfully addressing female clergy
• [00:41:14] Social media, taboo, and owning rabbinic style

Download, listen, and join the conversation on Jewish leadership, identity, and what’s truly “appropriate” on the bima.

What happens when two rabbis admit they don't really like Thanksgiving—and one confesses he grew up celebrating Christmas with a tree and milk for Santa? In this eye-opening episode of “In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning,” Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy get candid about navigating non-Jewish holidays as Jewish Americans. Get ready for surprising personal stories, moments of humor, and the tough questions faced by modern Jewish families as they balance tradition, assimilation, and the lure (or loathing) of turkey and tinsel.

From volunteering at homeless shelters in lieu of turkey dinner, to longing for forbidden Halloween costumes, to the boundaries (and blurry lines) around Christmas trees, this week’s conversation is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to observe—or opt out of—American holidays through a Jewish lens. The hosts dissect where they draw the line between participating in broader cultural moments and holding fast to religious identity, sharing their own family compromises (think: Tofurky and Shabbat trick-or-treating) and how those decisions impact their children.

Key Highlights:

• Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe’s confessions about celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas as a child—and his take on why Thanksgiving food really isn’t that great.
• Rabbi Leora Londy’s reflections on volunteering during Thanksgiving and the tension of assimilating while protecting Jewish particularism.
• Honest dialogue about the "slippery slope" of participating in non-Jewish holidays and the challenge of setting (and justifying) family boundaries.
• The fascinating story of Russian-Jewish New Year tree traditions (“Novigod”) in Israel, and the reasons we cling to childhood rituals.
• Advice for navigating questions from congregants about celebrating Christmas, plus a bit of classic Jewish parental guilt for good measure.

This episode will challenge your assumptions, make you laugh, and inspire you to think about your own family’s practices in a whole new way.

Timestamped Overview:

• 00:00:00 – Intro Announcer sets the stage for this week’s discussion on Jewish life and non-Jewish holidays.
• 00:00:20 –Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy compare their vastly different upbringings around Thanksgiving and other “American” holidays.
• 00:03:43 – The rabbis explore what it’s like to grow up NOT celebrating Halloween or Christmas, and how interfaith work shaped Rabbi Leora Londy’s exposure to other traditions.
• 00:04:42 –Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe shares why he’s never loved Thanksgiving and offers a culinary hot take.
• 00:06:00 – The emotional significance of celebrating Thanksgiving as an immigrant in Israel.
• 00:09:29 – Where do families draw the line? Strategies for handling Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Christmas as Jewish parents.
• 00:13:18 – The complexity of Jewish families celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah together, and the contradictions therein.
• 00:18:48 – The discomfort with blurring boundaries between holidays, “Hanukkah bushes,” and Christian universalism.
• 00:22:11 – How Halloween serves as a test case for American Jewish communities and their boundaries.
• 00:26:44 – The surprise of Novigod “Christmas trees” in Israel and the power of cherished childhood traditions.
• 00:35:02 – Advice for families: How to fill the void with Jewish joy, not just holiday “fixes.”
• 00:38:29 – Outro and resources for further engagement.

Whether you cherish your Thanksgiving feast or wonder how to talk to your kids about Christmas lights, this episode offers authentic, thoughtful, and sometimes hilarious insight into Jewish life today.

What happens when a New York election upends Jewish unity and safety—and a wave of hope collides with centuries-old fears?

This electrifying episode of In Such a Time dives deep into the shockwaves reverberating through New York’s Jewish community after Momdani’s mayoral victory. Hosts Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy tackle the complicated fallout, exploring why so many Jews—especially younger, non-Orthodox voters—prioritized values like diversity, economic justice, and inclusion over traditional concerns about Israel and antisemitism.

Listeners will be captivated by brutally honest reflections: Why did core Jewish values shift so drastically for a new generation? Is Jewish physical and emotional safety being overlooked in pursuit of broader social ideals? Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe shares candid worries about the privilege of invisibility and the chilling reality for outwardly Jewish New Yorkers, while Rabbi Leora Londy weighs the painful trade-offs between self-interest, women’s safety, and collective Jewish responsibility.

Together, the rabbis wrestle with the rise of anti-Zionism, the power of hope, and how flawed media narratives shape Jewish identity and voting patterns. They confront the tension between healing fractured communities and challenging dangerous rhetoric, never shying away from tough questions about assimilation, generational divides, and what it truly means to be a Jew—in New York and beyond.

At heart, this episode is a wake-up call: How will Jewish leaders re-engage a community redefined by skepticism, idealism, and unease? Will new hope bring cohesion, or is deeper fracture inevitable?

Timestamped Highlights Overview:

• [00:00:00] – Intro to Jewish Life, Leadership, and current questions facing the community

• [00:00:29] – Framing the impact of Momdani’s election & generational shifts in Jewish identity

• [00:02:38] –Rabbi Leora Londy

  on the erosion of Jewish unity and instilling new values

• [00:04:26] – Are Jewish safety and cohesion being neglected? Alarm over political rhetoric

• [00:05:21] – Why young Jews view Israel as less central, even negative; sympathy vs. critique

• [00:07:17] – The tension between privilege and public Jewish vulnerability

• [00:08:13] – Fear, hope, and the chilling question: Are New York Jews safe in 2025?

• [00:11:14] – Voting as Jews, women, and parents: the painful calculus between competing values

• [00:17:33] – Unpacking Mamdani’s worldview: anti-Zionism, scapegoating, and media influence

• [00:20:43] – Why young Jews mistrust Israel and how social media warps reality

• [00:24:50] – The seduction of hopeful narratives and their dark side—rewriting history and risk

• [00:26:10] – Islamophobia and antisemitism: drawing boundaries, challenging false equivalence

• [00:31:15] – The privileged pains of New York youth: entitlement, expectation, and disappointment

• [00:37:02] – Empathy for young voters—real struggles behind the hope

• [00:39:25] – Jewish leaders’ dilemma: opposition, collaboration, or listening to new voices

• [00:41:00] – Parenting, education, and reclaiming Jewish identity in a fractured moment

• [00:44:20] – Hanukkah vs. Purim antisemitism: assimilation’s dangerous cost

• [00:47:37] – Closing wisdom: The privilege and power of joyful Jewish identity

Tune in for a riveting, no-holds-barred conversation that challenges, inspires, and demands reflection from Jews—and all New Yorkers—living in such a time.

What if the most celebrated Jewish rite of passage—the B’Nai Mitzvah—has unintentionally become a barrier to lifelong Jewish engagement, rather than the gateway it was meant to be?

In this eye-opening episode of “In Such a Time Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning,” hosts Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy pull back the curtain on the history, complexities, and personal realities behind the B’Nai Mitzvah, revealing how decades of synagogue decisions have shaped this ritual—from meaningful spiritual transformation to occasionally rote memorization and lavish celebrations.

The rabbis candidly share their own B’Nai Mitzvah experiences, highlighting moments of genuine connection—and missed opportunities. They unpack how American synagogue structures evolved to center the B’Nai Mitzvah as the “diploma event” of Jewish life, sometimes at the cost of deeper Jewish education and continuity. Hear their passionate conversation about the pitfalls of conflating Hebrew chanting with Jewish literacy, the impact of outsized parties, and the critical importance of authentic family Jewish practice.

Key highlights include: why post-mitzvah engagement matters more than ever, bold questions about the rites and rituals (should we even keep the Haftarah?), and refreshing, practical ideas for parents and communities who want to make Jewish milestones truly meaningful. This episode will challenge you to rethink not only what a B’Nai Mitzvah means—but what it could become.

Episode Overview & Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 – 00:04:33: Personal B’Nai Mitzvah memories from

  Rabbi Leora Londy

  and

  Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe

  : the process, communal involvement, and “cramming” for the big day.

• 00:04:34 – 00:08:02: The emotional aftermath, sense of responsibility, and what it means to be counted as part of a minyan.

• 00:08:03 – 00:12:48: The American synagogue’s transformation: How B’Nai Mitzvah became the centerpiece, fueling membership and financial support, and the dangers of equating preparation with genuine education.

• 00:12:51 – 00:17:19: Challenges for continuity: Are we setting kids up for Jewish adulthood, or just for relief when it’s “over”? Thoughts on practical knowledge versus ritual memorization.

• 00:17:20 – 00:28:30: What are the right outcomes? The synagogue’s efforts to foster lasting connection, working with teens, and the importance of community bonds.

• 00:28:31 – 00:33:11: Rethinking curriculum: Real-world Jewish learning, experiential education, and the debate about keeping tradition vs. adapting old rituals.

• 00:33:12 – 00:41:39: The family’s role: Can synagogues make kids Jewish without Jewish homes? Comparative insights from Israel and innovative ideas for deeper spiritual preparation.

• 00:41:40 – 00:47:39: The party paradox: The rise of extravagant celebrations vs. authentic, values-driven alternatives, especially in the wake of COVID restrictions.

• 00:47:40 – 00:53:04: Final reflections: Why lasting identity comes from real involvement, not just ceremonies; passing on Jewish legacy in a way that truly endures.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or lifelong learner, this episode will inspire you to ask the big questions about what Jewish tradition means today—and what it could mean tomorrow.

What if the Torah was the original blueprint for democracy?

On this eye-opening episode of "In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning," Rabbis Jonathan Jaffe and Leora Londy dismantle the myth that democracy is a purely modern invention—and reveal its surprising roots in ancient Jewish texts.

In a time when democracy faces challenges around the world, Jonathan and Leora mine the wisdom of Deuteronomy, rabbinic debate, the roles of kings, prophets, and priests, and even the construction of the Sanhedrin, to ask: What does Judaism teach us about governance, dissent, and real communal leadership?

Key episode highlights include:

• Why the Torah presents the king as subject to law, not above it, and how that radical idea reshapes our understanding of power.
• The deep Jewish value of multivocality: robust arguments, multiple truths, and why a room full of loud opinions may actually be the healthiest sign of a community.
• Candid reflections on the fractures facing American and Israeli democracies, and what remains hopeful when governments falter—grassroots power, resilience, and chutzpah.
• A powerful discussion on whether we can still build bridges across political divides, or if polarization is the new norm—even in our own Jewish communities.
• How the process of "writing new Torah" and the real-life stories of Moses, David, and the daughters of Salophchad teach us about adapting and amending our systems for justice.
• Personal, vulnerable moments: When does Jewish identity outweigh civic identity? How do current events force us to question where we're safe, and who truly represents our values?

If you’ve ever wondered how Jewish tradition can light a path through the chaos of modern politics, or if it’s possible to repair democracy using ancient wisdom, this episode is for you.

Episode Overview

• [00:00:00] Introduction and framing: Where democracy and Torah collide
• [00:02:04] Covenant, community, and how Judaism models democratic debate
• [00:04:07] Why the king must carry—and obey—the law
• [00:06:16] The three crowns: Priesthood, monarchy, and Torah for everyone
• [00:10:35] What Jewish sources teach us about leadership and human flaw
• [00:13:44] Are American and Israeli democracies really in peril? Differing concerns and historical context
• [00:17:26] Grassroots activism: What Israel and the U.S. can learn from each other
• [00:24:40] Political polarization: Is there any room left for “purple” communities?
• [00:33:20] Can empathy bridge America’s gaping political divide?
• [00:42:29] Balancing Jewish particularism with civic responsibility
• [00:44:15] Amendment, adaptation, and lessons from the daughters of Salophchad
• [00:46:29] The sacredness of open argument—and Hillel vs. Shammai as a model for today
• [00:48:07] Final reflections: What Jewish values teach us about keeping democracy alive

Tune in for real talk, hard questions, and a journey through Jewish text as a roadmap for our moment in history.

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.

What if the creation story in Genesis isn’t meant to be taken literally—or even as history at all?

In this thought-provoking episode of "In Such A Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership, and Meaning," Rabbis Leora Londy and Jonathan Jaffe dig deep into the cyclical return to the Torah’s origin stories and uncover how myth, memory, and meaning shape our Jewish identities.

Together, they unravel the two versions of creation in Genesis, exploring why these ancient stories still captivate and challenge the Jewish imagination year after year. Is the point of rereading the Torah about discovering new facts, or about remembering deeper truths that have been with us all along? The conversation dives into Jewish tradition’s interplay between myth and reality: Why does Torah remain central even in a world of modern science, evolution, and alternative creation narratives?

Rabbis Londy and Jaffe deftly bridge the gap between ancient mythologies and today’s spiritual quests, touching on the power of words, the importance of creating order from chaos, and the humbling notion that we are curators—not conquerors—of the world. You’ll also hear fascinating insights comparing the Jewish story of Eden with its Christian counterpart, and how the banishment from Eden might actually be a blessing.

Their discussion gets personal with stories from Israel and rabbinical school, and wraps with hopes for renewal—not just in the Torah cycle, but in our lives and even in the future of Israel itself.

Key highlights include:

• The mystical notion that learning Torah is actually “remembering” what’s already inside us.
• The significance of reading two creation stories—and why we need both a cosmic and a personal God.
• How Jewish tradition embraces multiple truths and resists simplistic answers.
• The role of time, organization, and the spoken word in the Torah’s vision of creation.
• Reconciling belief in science and evolution with love for the Torah’s stories.
• Why the Garden of Eden is not a place Jews seek to return to—and what partnership with God really means.
• Hopes for redemption, renewal, and deeper connection as we begin a new cycle of Torah and face new chapters in Jewish life.

Timestamped Overview:

• 00:00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to the new Torah reading cycle
• 00:01:45 – Why Jews reread the Torah: Memory vs. learning, and the journey of Torah
• 00:03:08 – Two Genesis stories: Cosmic vs. personal creation
• 00:06:32 – Creation as organization, not just “making” the world
• 00:09:20 – Creation as birth, mess, and the human struggle for order
• 00:14:13 – The power of words in Torah and daily life
• 00:15:01 – Jewish mythology versus other ancient mythologies
• 00:18:38 – A rabbinic story: Can evolution and Torah coexist?
• 00:23:13 – Why the Torah remains “our story” and shapes Jewish perspective
• 00:25:30 – Humility and responsibility: Humanity’s role in creation
• 00:27:31 – Eden: Why Jews embrace imperfection and creation outside paradise
• 00:31:08 – Kabbalah, withdrawal, and the space for human partnership
• 00:32:46 – Intentions for the new Torah cycle
• 00:33:57 – Hopes for renewal and redemption in Torah and Israel
• 00:36:05 – Closing blessings and wrap-up

Don’t miss this rich, heartfelt exploration of how the Torah’s oldest stories continue to challenge, renew, and connect us, no matter where—and when—we read them.

What if the secret to a more meaningful, joyful year wasn’t found in a grand temple but inside a flimsy hut exposed to rain, wind, and the unknown?

In this energizing episode of “In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning,” Rabbis Leora Londy and Jonathan Jaffe invite listeners into the spiritual heart of Sukkot—the Jewish festival celebrated by literally moving life outdoors into temporary, decorated huts. Together, they reveal how this ancient holiday teaches powerful lessons on impermanence, vulnerability, and the joy of getting lost.

You’ll hear Rabbi Londy’s stories of Sukkot traditions from America to Israel—think cotton-walled sukkahs on city balconies and the annual scramble for palm fronds. Rabbi Jaffe reminisces about Jewish holidays in tropical Hawaii and draws inspiration from urban adventures, showing how stepping outside your comfort zone creates deep spiritual growth.

Key highlights include:

• Why Sukkot’s impermanence is actually grounding—and why getting “lost” is essential for spiritual renewal.
• Personal stories of Sukkahs destroyed by wind, rebuilt with resilience, and the beauty of inviting guests, both real and symbolic.
• How Sukkot rituals—decorating, gathering, petitioning for rain—build community and echo the transformative journey through the desert.
• Practical inspiration for making Sukkot meaningful wherever you live, from backyard tents to urban explorations and popping into bustling Jewish neighborhoods for lulav shopping.
• A recurring theme: that embracing fragility, chaos, and uncertainty adds color and meaning to life.

If you’ve ever wondered why a holiday about living in huts can be the most joyful week of the year—or how “getting lost” might just help you find yourself—this episode will surprise and inspire you.

Timestamped Episode Overview

00:00 — Intro: What makes Sukkot the most joyful Jewish festival?00:20 — The heart of Sukkot: traditions, family, and outdoor living01:39 — Sukkot weather around the world and the agricultural cycle04:32 — Sukkot in American Reform Jewish life: a missed outdoor opportunity?05:41 — Sukkah shopping adventures in Israel and America07:41 — The deeper meaning: joy, tradition, impermanence, and wandering09:15 — Honeymoon or boot camp? The wilderness as spiritual metaphor11:25 — Getting lost: why stepping outside your comfort zone matters13:26 — Sukkot as grounding after the high holidays; why your sukkah must leak!14:31 — Stories: Sukkah destroyed by wind, resilience and rebuilding16:04 — Adventures in getting lost: urban biking, spiritual travel19:13 — Welcoming guests: ushpizin and revisiting Jewish history21:24 — Building and decorating the sukkah: physical and spiritual renewal23:41 — Sukkot as community celebration: Lego, magna tile, graham cracker sukkahs 24:51 — Practical tips for celebrating Sukkot, wherever you are25:57 — Experiencing Sukkot in a lively Jewish neighborhood26:19 — Rabbi Jaffe’s story of spiritual “lostness” in Turkey and Greece28:35 — Life’s fragility and impermanence: Sukkot’s lessons29:31 — Closing wishes and reflections

Ready to get lost—and discover the joy waiting outside your door? Press play and step into the sukkah!

What happens when the entire fate of a nation changes overnight?

This episode of "In Such A Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning" confronts the raw emotions and heavy realities surrounding Israel’s acceptance of a deal to end the war in Gaza and bring hostages home—a moment Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe describes as “deeply bittersweet” and Rabbi Leora Londy admits left her “speechless.”

Join Rabbis Jaffe and Londy as, just hours after this historic news, they share their personal reflections, process their hopes and resentments, and grapple with the consequences for Israel, the Jewish people, and the world. Through honest dialogue, they unpack:

• The psychic aftermath of a two-year war: loss, trauma, reunification, and enduring pain
• Historic patterns and spiritual echoes from Jewish liturgy, and the meaning of “return” in Jewish history
• Deep anger and disappointment with world responses, double standards, and missed humanitarian opportunities
• The surge of antisemitism worldwide, its transformation through history, and its impact on diaspora Jewish identity
• The unique moral struggles faced by the Israeli public, government, and the IDF in times of war
• Hopes (and fear) for the “day after”: rebuilding, healing, and reimagining Israel and Jewish life
• How tragedy renews Jewish connection, identity, and community, even in moments of insecurity

In the final moments, Rabbi Londy shares a poignant story from the Israeli front lines—a soldier, the first rain of Sukkot, and stray dogs, offering a message of hope, humanity, and unexpected beauty amid destruction.

If you’ve ever wondered what it truly means to live through a moment that will be remembered for generations, this episode is for you.

Episode Overview:

• [00:00:00] Intro & context for the episode: Israel’s accepted ceasefire and hostage deal
• [00:01:09] Rabbi Londy’s emotional response and reflections on historic cycles
• [00:03:28] Fractures, losses, bittersweet hopes, and feeling haunted by the bookends of war
• [00:04:38] Rabbi Jaffe’s gratitude and anger: criticism of global response and missed opportunities
• [00:07:29] Processing grief, resentment toward Israeli government, and nervousness about the future
• [00:10:11] The morality of the IDF, government missteps, and dreams for redeemed leadership
• [00:13:03] An “MRI” of Jew-hatred: the shocking visibility of antisemitism worldwide
• [00:15:31] Rabbi Londy’s hope vs. fear: Is the majority of humanity hateful or just silent?
• [00:17:22] Turning to Judaism in the face of threat—and the challenge of sustaining that connection
• [00:18:26] Three eras of Jew-hatred & Israel as the new focal point
• [00:22:16] Reclaiming family: Renewed bonds among Jews amid crisis
• [00:23:02] Personal stories: When did the rabbis first feel Jew-hatred?
• [00:28:18] Disagreement, worries, and hope for Israel’s future
• [00:31:13] A soldier, rain, and stray dogs—finding beauty and faith at war’s end
• [00:32:47] Closing prayers and reflections for a better future
• [00:33:06] Outro and resources

Listen for a gripping, deeply personal conversation that will stay with you long after the episode ends.

What if one of the most influential anthems of hope—Hatikvah—was written by a restless, misunderstood family outcast?

In this special Yom Kippur episode of "In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning," Rabbi Leora Londy unveils a deeply personal and surprising family connection to Naftali Hertz Imber, the poet behind the immortal words of Hatikvah, Israel's national anthem. Through the story of her own genealogical journey, Rabbi Londy explores not only the origins of these iconic lyrics but uncovers how hope is woven into the very DNA of the Jewish people.

Join Rabbis Leora Londy and Jonathan Jaffe as they reflect on the true nature of hope in our faith tradition—how it's not just a passive feeling but an active choice and collective mission, especially in times of uncertainty and division. Hear poignant moments from Jewish history, the complexity of present-day challenges in Israel and America, and a heartfelt call for unity, resilience, and communal action. This episode will leave you inspired to not only yearn for a better world but to help create it, together.

Timestamps & Episode Overview:

• [00:00:00] Intro: Exploring Jewish life, meaning & leadership
• [00:00:20] Sharing high holiday sermons with the podcast community
• [00:00:36] Rabbi Londy begins her sermon, introducing her Ancestry.com search and family history
• [00:01:39] The incredible story of Naftali Hertz Imber—a complex ancestor and the writer of Hatikvah
• [00:04:17] Hatikvah’s poetic message and its enduring role as an anthem of hope
• [00:07:05] Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ distinction between optimism and hope
• [00:07:41] Grappling with hope amid modern Jewish and American challenges
• [00:11:40] The collective power of communal practice—how Yom Kippur reweaves the fabric of Jewish identity
• [00:13:38] The strength of inclusive, supportive Jewish community at Beth El
• [00:15:36] Personal reflections on overcoming worry, reclaiming agency, and finding hope through heritage
• [00:16:29] A blessing for hope, resilience, and restorative community in the new year

If you’re seeking inspiration on how to stay hopeful—no matter how fractured the world may feel—this episode is for you.