In this episode of the Interfaiths Miami Podcast at Florida International University (FIU), Dr. Iqbal Akhtar sits down with Dr. Yasemin Saib—an FIU professor of religion, Muslim theologian, and key member of the Muslim-Jewish Dialogue. Born in Saudi Arabia and educated in strict Wahhabi madrasas for 12 years, Dr. Saib shares her remarkable transformation from a theology rooted in fear to one anchored in Divine Love. She discusses the pivotal moment she discovered the poetry of Rumi, her global travels across 70 countries, and why she believes moving beyond religious "cages" and legalism is essential for spiritual growth. Join us for a deep conversation on the challenges facing American Muslim communities, the difference between performative and genuine interfaith dialogue, and the pursuit of "Truth" beyond religious labels. Topics Discussed: Global Roots: Dr. Saib’s upbringing in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iraq, and her experience attending strict Saudi schools. The Rumi Shift: How a banned book of poetry transformed her view of God from a figure of fear to a source of love. Theology of Oneness: Moving from the "form" of religion to the "essence" of Tawhid (Oneness of God). Community & Isolation: The challenge of finding inclusive intellectual spaces within American Muslim communities post-9/11. True Interfaith: Why sharing pastries isn't enough—defining interfaith work as "imagining the other's truth as your own." Future Generations: Advice on character, conduct, and serving humanity.

About the Guest: Dr. Yasemin Saib is a Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Florida International University. Having lived in three continents and six countries, she brings a global and mystical perspective to Islamic theology and interfaith relations.

About the Host: Dr. Iqbal Akhtar is an Associate Professor at Florida International University, specializing in Islamic Studies and interfaith dialogue. #Interfaith #Islam #Rumi #Sufism #FIU #ReligiousStudies #Theology #Spirituality #MuslimJewishDialogue

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In this episode of the Interfaith Miami podcast, we are honored to sit down with Rabbi Jaime Aklepi of Temple Beth Am, one of South Florida’s most respected faith leaders and a key partner in our Jewish-Muslim dialogue initiatives.

Rabbi Aklepi shares her personal journey from a "somewhat observant" upbringing to becoming the only rabbi in her family—a path shaped by Jewish summer camp, her time at Brandeis University, and the evolving role of women in the rabbinate. We discuss the core tenets of Reform Judaism, with a special focus on Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and how the Torah’s laws are fundamentally designed to protect the powerless.

We also explore complex topics such as the current state of the American Jewish community, the rising concerns around antisemitism, and the deep, often misunderstood spiritual kinship many American Jews feel with Israel. Finally, Rabbi Aklepi reflects on why Miami’s unique cultural warmth makes it an ideal place for interfaith work and offers an inspiring message on the value of witnessing how others live.

Topics Discussed:

Rabbinic Journey: From Hillel at the University of Miami to leading at Temple Beth Am.

Tikkun Olam: Understanding the Jewish mandate for social justice and protecting the vulnerable.

Women in Religion: The evolution of female ordination and the challenges faced by the Progressive movement in Israel.

Jewish Identity: The balance between religion (relationship with God) and peoplehood.

Interfaith in Miami: Why our city’s diversity invites us to participate in each other’s lives.

Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 0:45 - Growing Up & The Path to the Rabbinate 4:15 - Core Values of Judaism: Love, Mitzvot, & Israel 5:20 - Explaining Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) 8:10 - The Evolution of Women in the Rabbinate 10:35 - Progressive Judaism in Israel vs. the US 14:55 - The State of the American Jewish Community 18:40 - The Spiritual & Political Connection to Israel 23:25 - Why Interfaith Dialogue Matters in Miami 30:30 - Final Message: The Beauty of Different Paths

Mentioned in this Episode:

Temple Beth Am

Brandeis University

Jewish-Muslim Dialogue

#Interfaith #Judaism #RabbiJaimeAklepi #TempleBethAm #TikkunOlam #Miami #SocialJustice #WomenInClergy #Podcast

For more information, please visit https://interfaiths.substack.com or https://theeastwestfoundation.org

In this episode of the Interfaiths podcast, we are honored to sit down with Professor Jeanette Smith, a dedicated social justice advocate and moral exemplar in the South Florida community. Jeanette takes us through her fascinating journey—from growing up in a small town in Northern Maryland and her adult confirmation in the Catholic Church, to her realization that her values naturally aligned with the Quaker tradition while applying to the American Friends Service Committee.

We dive deep into the tenets of Quakerism, including the concept of the "inner light," the challenging discipline of pacifism, and the importance of silence in worship. Jeanette also shares invaluable lessons from her decades of experience in interfaith organizing, particularly regarding workers' rights and wage theft. She discusses the nuances of building coalitions without "watering down" one's faith and offers inspiring advice for young people looking to live out their values in a turbulent world.

Key Topics:

• From Catholicism to Quakerism: A spiritual evolution.
• The American Friends Service Committee and social justice.
• Misconceptions about pacifism and non-violence.
• The "Miami Model" of diverse interfaith cooperation.
• Practical advice for organizing faith communities for social change.

In this episode of the Interfaiths project, Dr. Iqbal Akhtar welcomes Joanne and Susan, esteemed leaders from Temple Beth Am’s "Unbiased" (Understanding and Educating about Bias) initiative.

Together, they explore the personal and communal dimensions of interfaith work in Miami amidst rising tensions. Joanne and Susan share their deep personal histories—from growing up in a multicultural Miami to navigating complex family identities—and how these experiences fueled their commitment to social justice.

Key topics discussed include:

• The Mission of Unbiased: How Temple Beth Am is addressing the rise of antisemitism through education and alliance-building.
• Personal Histories: Reflections on historical quotas, integration in Miami schools, and the "layering" of identity in interfaith families.
• The Power of Small Groups: Inside the Jewish-Muslim dialogue group experience—building trust, embracing discomfort ("the wobble"), and the importance of breaking bread together.
• Future Hopes: Moving beyond hate speech to create deep, compassionate community connections.

Join us for an honest conversation about the challenges of the current moment and the enduring power of face-to-face dialogue.

In this episode of the Interfaiths program, host Iqbal Akhtar sits down with Stuart and Diane, a power couple deeply embedded in the Jewish community and the Muslim-Jewish Dialogue group. They share their unique personal histories—Stuart as a pioneer in nuclear medicine born before the founding of Israel, and Diane as a nurse midwife and "Jew by choice" active with Hadassah.

Together, they discuss the "Unbiased Initiative" and the challenges of maintaining interfaith relationships in a post-October 7th world. The conversation explores the role of medicine as a bridge to peace, the necessity of having "tough conversations" to build genuine trust, and the shared human desire for security and coexistence.

Key Topics:

• Navigating Jewish identity and Zionism.
• The impact of October 7th on interfaith dialogue.
• Healthcare as a model for coexistence in Israel.
• Moving beyond "Kumbaya" moments to address real prejudices.

In this episode of Interfaiths, we sit down with Joan Godoy, the CEO of Radical Partners, a social impact accelerator based in Miami. Joan shares her fascinating journey from growing up in Guatemala—influenced by her environmentalist father and feminist grandmother—to becoming a leader in the nonprofit sector.

Joan reflects on her early work with indigenous Mayan communities, where she learned the profound lesson that some cycles must be untied rather than cut. She discusses how these experiences shaped her approach to leadership and her transition from international NGO work in the Netherlands and Chile to social entrepreneurship in Miami.

Key topics discussed in this episode include:

• The Roots of Leadership: How navigating diverse spaces in Guatemala prepared Joan for work in Miami.
• Radical Partners: How the organization invests in leaders and builds coalitions to accelerate social impact.
• 10 Days of Connection: A deep dive into the annual initiative designed to burst echo chambers and bring people together across lines of difference (political, religious, and cultural).
• Combating Polarization: Why "sneaky" strategies involving food, music, and parks are essential for getting people to talk to one another.
• Advice for Students: Practical tips for aspiring social entrepreneurs on balancing passion with business strategy.

Join us for an inspiring conversation on how to be a bridge-builder in a polarized world.

In this episode of the Interfaiths podcast, Dr. Iqbal Akhtar sits down with Reverend Candace "Candy" Thomas and Bianca from Christ Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) in Miami. They discuss what it means to be a "small church doing big things" in today's political climate.

The conversation explores:

• Personal Journeys: Pastor Candy’s path from social work to ordination at age 50, and Bianca’s powerful story of fleeing communist Romania as a child refugee.
• Open and Affirming: The theological imperative for LGBTQ+ inclusion and the church’s active role in PFLAG and Pride events.
• Faith in Action: How the church mobilizes resources for the Florida Immigrant Coalition and SOS in Homestead, including their "15 for 15" charitable grant initiative.
• Moral Courage: The importance of standing up for marginalized communities and living out the "Golden Rule" beyond the pulpit.

Join us for an inspiring conversation on how progressive faith communities are navigating the challenges of modern Miami.

Join host Prof. Iqbal Akhtar for a conversation with Jenny Pearson about her transition from leading community engagement at the Arsht Center to navigating complex interfaith dynamics at the Jewish Federation.

Jenny opens up about her upbringing in New York and Florida, her drive to push the boundaries of Jewish culture beyond "Fiddler on the Roof," and her instinct to return to Jewish community work post-October 7th. They explore the necessity of crossing the aisle, the nuances of the Jewish diaspora in Miami, and how emotional connection can transcend ideological differences.

Show Notes & Key Takeaways:

• [00:00:00] Introduction: Professor Iqbal Akhtar welcomes Jenny Pearson from the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.
• [00:00:58] Early Life & Identity: Jenny discusses growing up between New York and Florida in an observant Reform home and the experience of being Jewish in non-Jewish neighborhoods.
• [00:04:15] Arts for Social Change: How Jenny’s career began in community-engaged arts, bridging cultural gaps through creativity.
• [00:06:05] Reimagining Tradition: A look at how Jenny produced a contemporary art interpretation of the Passover Seder to push the boundaries of Jewish culture.
• [00:11:30] The "Guava Rugelach" Festival: Celebrating the unique intersection of Miami culture and the global Jewish diaspora through music.
• [00:15:20] The Impact of October 7th: Jenny explains her professional pivot from general arts administration back to specific Jewish advocacy and community relations in the wake of the conflict.
• [00:16:45] Introducing "Rekindle Miami": Launching a new 6-month cohort for young adults focused on strengthening Black-Jewish relations and discussing racism and antisemitism together.
• [00:19:00] Navigating Polarization: Strategies for having difficult conversations about Gaza, misinformation, and political divides.
• [00:23:00] Beyond the Binary: Building deep friendships across the political aisle by focusing on shared values and life experiences rather than ideology.
• [00:26:30] Advice for Students: Jenny’s advice on finding your professional path: "Do what you love" and follow the work that gives you energy.

Interfaith, Miami, Jewish Federation, Black-Jewish Relations, Community Engagement, Arts for Social Change, Dialogue, Rekindle Miami, FIU.

In this episode, Professor Iqbal Akhtar interviews Philip Louisa, a graduate student in Politics, International Relations, and Religious Studies at FIU. Born in Tanzania and raised between the UK and the US, Philip shares his personal transition from a cultural Catholic upbringing to a deep Protestant faith.

The conversation moves from personal spirituality to academic research, focusing on the geopolitical challenges of Christian communities in the Global South. Philip unpacks the complexities of the conflict in Nigeria, arguing that it is not a monolithic religious war but a multi-layered struggle involving ethnicity and economics. The discussion also covers the status of Christians in Northern India, the impact of anti-conversion laws, and the unique "under-churched" religious landscape of Miami.

Key Topics & Statistics:

• Conflict in Nigeria: Philip discusses the violence in Nigeria, citing estimates of 100,000 deaths in recent years linked to persecution and conflict. Nigeria’s population is deeply divided, roughly 53.5% Muslim (predominantly in the North) and 45.9% Christian (predominantly in the South), creating a volatile fault line that groups like Boko Haram exploit.
• Minority Status in India: The episode highlights the challenges of the Christian minority in India. While Christianity has historic roots in the subcontinent, it remains a small minority, comprising approximately 2.3% of the population (roughly 28 million people) in a nation of 1.4 billion, facing increasing pressure from religious nationalism.
• Advice for Seekers: Philip encourages students to bypass YouTube "talking heads" and engage directly with primary scriptures (the Bible and Quran) and local faith leaders to understand religious traditions authentically.

Show Notes

• [00:00:00] Introduction: Professor Iqbal Akhtar introduces Philip Louisa, a graduate student in Religious Studies and International Relations at Florida International University.
• [00:01:11] A Global Upbringing: Philip discusses his early life in Tanzania and Wales, his father’s academic influence, and early exposure to Buddhist traditions via Sri Lankan caretakers.
• [00:05:00] Science & Faith: How growing up with a scientist father helped Philip reconcile biblical narratives with scientific worldviews early on.
• [00:06:40] Spiritual Transition: Philip chronicles his journey from a "cultural Catholic" to a period of agnosticism, and finally to finding a deep, authentic Protestant faith in adulthood.
• [00:08:10] Research Spotlight: India: A look at the situation of Christians in Northern India, the impact of anti-conversion laws, and the historical struggle for the growth of Christianity in the subcontinent.
• [00:11:05] Research Spotlight: Nigeria: Dissecting the North-South divide in Nigeria. Philip argues that while groups like Boko Haram exploit religion, the conflict is deeply layered with ethnic, political, and economic grievances.
• [00:14:28] The Miami Religious Landscape: Observations on Miami as an "under-churched" city and the unique opportunities for interfaith engagement in a diverse Afro-Caribbean diaspora.
• [00:18:01] Advice for Students: Why students should prioritize reading primary scriptures (Bible, Quran) and speaking to local leaders over listening to online "talking heads."

In this episode of Interfaiths, Dr. Iqbal Akhtar sits down with Jon Warech, the Executive Director of Hillel at Florida International University. Jon shares his unique personal journey from a career in entertainment journalism and Hollywood back to his roots in North Miami Beach to serve the Jewish community.

Together, they explore the evolving landscape of Jewish student life at a public university. The conversation delves into:

• The Role of Hillel: Moving beyond traditional misconceptions to discuss how Hillel acts as a center for education, Israel engagement, and a safe haven against antisemitism.
• Post-October 7th Realities: How the mission has intensified recently, the unique supportive atmosphere at FIU compared to other campuses, and the importance of distinct student voices over outside agitators.
• The Meaning of Israel: A look at the emotional and historical connection American Jews hold with Israel as a safeguard against history repeating itself.
• Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World): A candid discussion on the challenges of applying this central Jewish tenet in a polarized 2025 society.
• The "Miami Factor": How Miami’s close-knit, family-like dynamic fosters a unique environment for interfaith relations, contrasting with other major cities like New York or Los Angeles.

Key Stat: The discussion highlights the shared reality of minority faith groups in the U.S., noting that the Jewish population constitutes approximately 2% of the American population and 0.2% of the global population, underscoring the vital need for Jewish-Muslim partnership.

Guest: Jon Warech, Executive Director, Hillel at FIU Host: Dr. Iqbal Akhtar, Florida International University