In this week's episode of In the Valley of Giants, Rav Yonatan Dorfman interviews Rabbi Tuvia Singer, a specialist in counter-missionary education, about the theological origins and historical impact of the New Testament. Rabbi Singer outlines his perspective on the inherent anti-Semitism within Christian scripture, arguing that the storytelling often casts Jewish people as the primary antagonists to Jesus's mission. The conversation explores the historical figure of Jesus through a Jewish lens and critiques the influence of Paul the Apostle, whom Rabbi Singer describes as a polarizing figure who separated Christianity from its ritual Jewish roots. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the fundamental differences between Judaism’s focus on elevating the physical world through commandments and Christianity’s early shift toward a more spiritual, dualistic philosophy.

Rabbi Tuvia Singer is an internationally renowned speaker, author, and counter-missionary specialist who serves as the founder and director of Outreach Judaism. He is widely recognized for his expertise in defending Judaism against the proselytization efforts of groups such as "Messianic Jews" and evangelical Christians by highlighting theological discrepancies between the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. Through his extensive lectures, media appearances, and his book Let’s Get Biblical, he aims to provide Jewish people and Noahides with the knowledge and tools necessary to maintain their faith and understand the Jewish perspective on the Messiah.

Chapters:

0:00 – Introduction

2:18 – Why Rabbi Singer Became a "Polemic Warrior"

3:52 – Early Encounters and Researching the New Testament

12:22 – Deconstructing Anti-Semitism within New Testament Storytelling

20:12 – Jewish Perspectives on Repentance vs. Christian Forgiveness

30:52 – The Historical Jesus and the "Lost Soul" Perspective

1:04:56 – Antinomianism: Why Christianity Moved Away from Ritual Law

1:21:40 – Modern Zionism and the Messianic Epoch

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In this week's episode, Rabbi Yonatan Dorfman talks with Archbishop Timothy Costello, exploring the shared moral values between Catholic and Jewish traditions, emphasizing their importance in today's world. Discover how positive relationships and storytelling can effectively pass on these values to the next generation. This episode delves into the role of faith in fostering unity and understanding in multicultural societies. Perfect for anyone interested in deepening their moral and ethical understanding.

Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB is a Melbourne-born clergyman who joined the Salesians of Don Bosco in 1977 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1986. After serving in various educational and parochial roles in Melbourne and Perth, including earning a doctorate in theology, he was appointed an Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne in 2007. In this capacity, he oversaw significant portfolios in education and youth ministry before being appointed the sixth Archbishop of Perth by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. Throughout his career, he has remained deeply committed to the Salesian mission of serving young and marginalized people while holding key leadership positions within the Australian Catholic Church.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction and shared Judeo-Christian ethics

1:08 Personal relationships: The key to passing faith to the next generation

2:15 The fundamental Catholic ethical foundation: The image of God in every human

4:10 Comparing Jewish and Catholic teaching styles: Stories vs. intellect

7:47 Challenges of adult faith development and "childlike" understanding

10:30 Addressing the "superficial society" and the decline of deep thought

12:52 The state of the Church in Australia: Belonging vs. commitment

15:22 Growth through multiculturalism and migration in Australia

17:25 The secret to success: Parishes, youth festivals, and living with integrity

20:51 Faith as an anchor for young people in a confusing world

22:25 The "biggest evil": Superficiality and the loss of a moral compass

25:27 Moving from tolerance to respect: Insights from Rabbi David Freilich

28:33 Dogmatic hatred vs. passionate commitment to belief

31:42 Addressing historical "holy wars" and the failures of religious followers

35:43 The danger of intertwining religion with political power

1:03:00 Jesus as the "fulfillment of the Law" for Christians

1:07:20 Rediscovering the Jewish identity and spirituality of Jesus

1:09:46 The Jewish roots of Catholic liturgy and the Psalms

1:12:58 Emulating the "mind and heart" of Jesus over external observances

1:17:23 Exploring the humanity of the Apostles: The story of Peter

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Join host Rabbi Yonatan Dorfman as he sits down with palliative care social worker Yossi Bleiberg for a profound and moving conversation about life, death, and what truly matters in our final moments. Yossi shares his personal journey of losing his mother at a young age and how that experience led him to become a "wounded healer" in the field of end-of-life care.

From the surprising humor found in hospice rooms to the common regrets shared by both the young and old, this episode explores how confronting our mortality can actually help us live more meaningful lives. Whether you are navigating a difficult diagnosis with a loved one or simply looking for perspective on how to prioritize your time, Yossi’s insights offer a rare and honest look at the beauty and vulnerability of the human experience.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction: The Heroism of Palliative Care

1:19 – Becoming a "Wounded Healer"

2:27 – A Personal Story: Losing a Mother at 20

4:51 – How Families Cope Together

6:46 – Why Choose to Revisit Grief Professionally?

7:56 – Navigating Well-Meaning but Unhelpful Comments

10:48 – Avoiding Burnout and Practicing Self-Care

12:17 – The Importance of Empathy and Detachment

14:09 – Working with Patients of All Ages

15:48 – What People Tell You at the End

17:11 – Common Regrets: Family vs. Work

19:30 – Why We Avoid Thinking About Death

21:13 – Living Without the Facade

22:50 – Confronting Fear to Cherish the Moment

26:20 – The Need for Resilience Training

27:45 – An Initiative for Healthy Death Education

30:10 – What Children and Teens Say at the End

33:41 – Advice for Supporting Loved Ones

43:30 – What to Look for in a Doctor

46:39 – The Power of Presence

57:12 – Closing Quote: Time as a Companion

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In this engaging interview, comedian Eli Lebowicz shares insights on balancing comedy with religious values, navigating red lines, and using humor to address serious issues within the Jewish community. Discover how his unique perspective enhances his craft and contributes to meaningful conversations.

Eli Lebowicz is a staple of the Jewish comedy scene, known for his relatable take on communal life and his constant appearances at everything from shul dinners to Passover programs. When he isn't opening for Elon Gold or performing at events like the Chosen Comedy Festival, he’s likely busy as a co-creator of the viral sketch group J-Sketch. If you've ever seen a comedy clip pop up in a family WhatsApp group, there’s a good chance it was his work. He’s essentially the go-to guy for humor that hits home for the Orthodox community.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction to Comedy and Identity

2:59 Navigating Red Lines in Comedy

5:55 The Challenge of Clean Comedy

8:58 The Impact of Being an Orthodox Comedian

11:56 Hyper-Validation in the Comedy World

15:06 Self-Validation vs. External Validation

18:05 Finding Authenticity in a Digital Age

33:30 Revisiting Historical Patterns of Anti-Semitism

34:54 The Nature of Grief and Moving On

37:09 The Importance of Perspective in Daily Life

52:15 The Role of External Validation

53:30 Judaism's Relevance in Modern Life

56:26 Comedy as a Tool for Connection

1:00:47 The Power of Laughter in Difficult Times

1:08:10 Transforming Spaces: The Role of Comedy in Shuls

1:12:57 The Art of Joke Crafting and Resilience

For more from Eli Leibowicz:

Website:

http://www.elicomedy.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/EliLebowicz/

Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/@UCBuInsH7mdXny_xUjEYHUag

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/elicomedyagram/

X:

https://x.com/EliLebowicz

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lebowicz

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Join us as Dr. Aron Cherniak explores the intersection of attachment theory, spirituality, and psychedelic science. Discover how these experiences influence mental health, the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, and their role in spiritual growth.

Dr. Aaron Cherniak is a clinical psychologist and researcher working at the fascinating intersection of attachment theory, spirituality, and psychedelic science, with a PhD from Stockholm University. Aaron brings a rare, multidimensional perspective to how our relationships shape our mental health. He is dedicated to bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern clinical practice. He’s here to dive into the "relational" side of healing and what the future holds for psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Chapters:

0:00 Exploring Psychedelics and Spirituality

1:09 The Therapeutic Context of Psychedelics

6:55 Personal Experiences with Psychedelics

12:08 The Role of Narrative in Mental Health

18:57 Integration of Psychedelic Experiences

30:37 The Future of Psychedelic Therapy

37:20 Navigating Life's Challenges and Growth

39:15 The Journey of Becoming a Hero

42:35 The Non-Linear Path of Growth

44:32 Understanding Inner Dialogue and Self-Perception

46:59 Cognition vs. Metacognition in Decision Making

49:52 Exploring the Role of Inner Voice in Life Choices

52:16 The Complexity of Personal Growth and Expectations

55:39 The Importance of Being vs. Doing

58:55 Psychedelics and Their Role in Self-Discovery

1:01:20 The Intersection of Therapy and Spirituality

1:05:35 The Risks and Benefits of Psychedelic Use

1:09:04 Addiction and Behavioral Avoidance

1:12:57 Ethical Considerations in Psychedelic Therapy

Links from the episode:

Dr. Cherniak's website

https://linktr.ee/aaroncherniak

Orginization for Jewish psychedfelic support

http://shefaflow.org/

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Rabbi Zsolt Bala shares his unique journey from Hungary to becoming the first military rabbi in the German armed forces, discussing Jewish life in Europe, the moral challenges of living in Germany, and the importance of honest dialogue and historical awareness.

Rabbi Zsolt Balla is a prominent figure in modern European Jewry, notably becoming the first military rabbi in the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) since the 1930s. Born in Hungary and educated in Berlin, he serves as the State Rabbi of Saxony and leads the Orthodox community in Leipzig. His 2021 appointment was hailed as a historic milestone for Jewish-German reconciliation, signaling a profound shift in the integration of Jewish life within German state institutions. Through his work, he focuses on providing spiritual guidance to soldiers while promoting a vibrant, visible future for Jewish culture in contemporary Germany.

Chapters:

0:00 A Journey of Reconciliation: The German Luftwaffe's Support for Israel

1:32 Rabbi Zsolt Bala: A Historic Figure in Jewish-German Relations

2:30 Discovering Jewish Identity: A Personal Narrative

6:44 Generational Challenges: Connecting with Jewish Heritage

11:54 Living with History: The Weight of the Past in Germany

18:21 Moral Obligations: Jewish Identity and Responsibility in Germany

24:44 Building a Makom Torah in Germany

27:16 Reflections on Jewish Identity and History

30:28 Breaking the Cycle of Perception

32:34 The Evolution of the German Military

35:50 The Role of the Jewish Community in Germany

39:34 Understanding Anti-Semitism in Modern Europe

43:41 The Power of Honest Conversations

48:03 Dialogical Bible Reading: A New Approach

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In this week's episode, Rabbi Yonatan Dorfman talks with Rabbi Cary Friedman, discussing how Batman saved his sanity, his surprising connection to Rav Avigdor Miller, and what we can all learn from Batman. They also go into Rabbi Friedman's role as a chaplain for the FBI and police, and how having an advisor for spirituality saves the lives of both citizens and law enforcement.

Rabbi Cary Friedman is a multifaceted educator, author, and chaplain recognized for his pioneering work in providing spiritual and ethical support to the law enforcement community. He serves as a consultant to the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit and is the Associate Director of the Law Enforcement Survival Institute, where he develops curricula focused on "spiritual survival" for officers facing the rigors of high-stress careers. An expert in the intersection of pop culture and faith, he is famously known for his book Wisdom from the Batcave, which uses the Batman mythology to illustrate profound moral and spiritual lessons, along with many other seforim. In addition to his specialized training for agencies like the FBI and various police academies, he is an accomplished author of several books on marriage and Jewish philosophy, holding a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University and rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University.

Chapters:

0:00 The Impact of Trauma and Resilience

2:54 Batman as a Symbol of Hope and Strength

6:07 Pop Culture's Role in Moral Lessons

9:08 The Intersection of Faith and Superheroes

12:02 Personal Growth Through Fiction

14:56 The Relevance of Batman in Modern Society

18:09 The Role of Torah in Understanding Life

20:55 Leadership and Humility in the Modern World

35:30 Infinite Human Potential

38:21 The Power of Anonymity and Chesed

40:14 The Symbolism of the Batman

45:56 The Role of Symbols in Identity

55:29 Spiritual Survival in Law Enforcement

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In this week's episode, Rabbi Yonatan Dorfman interviews Dr. Zalut, discussing the complexities of working in emergency medicine, particularly in high-stress situations such as resuscitating patients. He shares insights on stress management, the importance of understanding medical processes, and the ethical dilemmas faced when treating individuals with malicious intent. The discussion also touches on cultural challenges in patient care, the role of education in health decisions, and the intersection of medicine and faith. Finally, the potential of AI in improving patient communication is explored.

Dr. Todd Zalut is a prominent leader in emergency medicine who currently serves as the Director of the Emergency Department at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, a position he has held since 2003. After training in Chicago and serving as an EMS Project Medical Director, he became the first residency-trained specialist in emergency medicine in the State of Israel. His extensive career includes over 25 years of experience in both hospital and community emergency care, as well as more than 15 years as an airborne doctor for elite helicopter rescue units. Beyond his clinical duties, he is recognized for leading international humanitarian missions to disaster zones like Haiti and Nepal and for overseeing the massive expansion of Shaare Zedek's emergency services to meet growing regional needs.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

2:49 The Calm in Chaos: Resuscitation and Decision Making

6:07 Navigating Stress: Personal Experiences and Coping Mechanisms

9:01 The Ethics of Care: Treating Patients with a Dark Past

11:49 Cultural Sensitivity in Emergency Medicine

15:09 The Complexity of Care: Balancing Ethics and Duty

23:45 Cultural Challenges in Medical Treatment

26:40 Navigating Patient Beliefs and Medical Decisions

28:46 The Impact of Misinformation on Health Choices

31:30 The Role of Education in Health Awareness

33:44 The Complexity of Convincing Patients

36:08 Integrating Medical Knowledge with Religious Beliefs

39:51 The Future of Medical Communication and AI

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This week, Rabbi Dorfman discusses the rise of anti-Semitism in Australia, particularly following the events of October 7, 2023, with Rabbi David Freilich, former chief rabbi of Perth. discusses the historical contributions of the Jewish community in Australia, the government's response to rising anti-Semitism, and the dynamics of interfaith relations. He emphasizes the importance of Jewish identity and the challenges faced by the community, including assimilation and intermarriage. The discussion highlights the need for financial independence among rabbis to lead effectively without fear of repercussions.

Rabbi Dovid Freilich was raised in Sydney and educated under leading rabbonim in Australia, London, and Eretz Yisrael, developing a broad Torah outlook across Chassidish, Litvish, and Modern Orthodox traditions. He served as Rav of Maroubra Shule in Sydney for 15 years before becoming Chief Rabbi of Western Australia for 30 years. During that time, he headed the state kashrus authority and served as President of the Organisation of Rabbis of Australasia. Today, based in Perth, he remains actively involved in community leadership, interfaith engagement, and weekly Torah shiurim.

Chapters:

0:00 The Rise of Anti-Semitism in Australia

7:02 The Jewish Community's Historical Contributions

13:46 Government Response to Anti-Semitism

16:08 Interfaith Relations and Community Dynamics

34:54 Challenges in the Jewish Community

50:02 The Importance of Jewish Identity

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To come on the podcast or recommend a guest, contact our manager at: [email protected]