I sit down with two remarkable guests: Soraya M. Deen—a Muslim feminist lawyer, interfaith organizer, and outspoken critic of antisemitism within Muslim spaces—and Julie Marzouk—an immigrants’ rights attorney and professor who’s been building bridges across communities for two decades.We dive into:Whether the Israeli–Palestinian conflict is primarily religious or political?Antisemitism inside parts of the Islamic world and how to challenge it from withiThe Quran, Israel, and why Soraya believes Zionism aligns with Quranic prophecyPost–October 7 interfaith ruptures—and practical steps for rebuilding trustImmigration policy, vetting, and liberalism vs. fundamentalismFeminism, LGBTQ rights, and the progressive–Islamist contradictionUnion politics (UAW), ethnic studies (AB-101), and coalition-building around shared American valuesIf you value honest dialogue across real differences, this episode is for you.⏱️ Chapters0:00 Intro0:06 Meet today’s guests1:16 Soraya on faith, Zionism & condemning Hamas3:22 Is this conflict religious, political—or both?5:12 “Palestinianism,” media narratives & accountability7:35 American mosques, sermons, and rising tensions post–10/79:30 How borrowed European antisemitism spread in Muslim contexts12:17 Growing up in South Asia: early signals & stereotypes13:59 From bullying to bridge-building: Soraya’s interfaith path17:01 Fear, threats, and speaking up anyway19:40 Liberal discomfort vs. calling out radicalism21:58 Why outreach often stalls—and what to try next24:39 What the Jewish community can do better (concrete steps)27:10 “Islamophobia” accusations & staying principled31:00 Re-centering Jewish strength without abandoning dialogue34:18 Julie on losing progressive allies & finding new bridges37:01 Immigration ideals vs. ideological vetting41:02 What U.S. asylum law already requires42:58 Screening gaps & community responsibility45:38 Compassion, gratitude, and reform from within49:03 Building broad coalitions (Latino, Asian, Black, Hindu, Christian)51:02 Unions, mission drift & shared interests53:38 Schools, AB-101 & prioritizing core education55:03 The feminism/LGBTQ breaking point with Islamism56:45 Is Islamic reform gathering steam?1:00:01 Textual literalism vs. living tradition1:01:35 Why medieval Islamic intellectuals matter today1:03:44 Cost of dissent: reformers under threat1:06:00 What should Israel do now? A “Chief Compassion Officer”?1:08:05 Progressives, Zionism & owning the narrative1:12:30 Focus Jewish orgs on Jewish needs; keep allies honest1:12:58 Closing thoughts & a call to action🔔 Support the showLike, subscribe, comment, and share to help us host more courageous conversations. We’ve got Members of Congress and major community leaders lined up—your engagement makes that possible.Zionism, antisemitism in Muslim community, Quran and Israel, Islamic reform, interfaith dialogue, October 7, Hamas condemnation, liberalism vs. fundamentalism, feminism in Islam, LGBTQ rights & Islam, progressive Judaism, coalition-building, unions UAW Israel, ethnic studies AB-101, immigration vetting, American Muslim leadership, Bernard Lewis, Maimonides, Ibn Rushd (Averroes), diaspora vs. nationalism.Jewish History, Politics, Israel, Antisemitism, and Zionism - I cover it all.

Pluralism, Conflict, and Jewish Community: A Conversation with Rabbi Ben BergerRabbi Ben Berger, Senior Vice President for Education, Community, and Culture at Hillel International, joins the podcast for a deep dive into Jewish texts, pluralism, disagreement, and the challenges of building community in times of conflict. From the fiery debates of Hillel and Shammai to the complexities of pluralism on today’s campuses, we explore what it means to hold conviction and humility at the same time.This episode touches on Talmudic stories, the nature of disagreement, the risks of polarization, and the boundaries of pluralism in relation to Jewish life, weddings, education, Zionism, and community leadership.📌 Timestamps0:12 – Introduction to Rabbi Ben Berger0:24 – The story of Hillel and Shammai: when disagreement goes too far1:13 – Why this story resonates in times of conflict2:04 – The day Shammai won: purity laws and tension in the Beit Midrash3:09 – The sword at the entrance: conflict, violence, and boundaries5:24 – From threat to violence: when students of Hillel and Shammai clashed6:04 – Sectarianism in the Second Temple era: Josephus and Yavneh7:34 – The tragedy of Reish Lakish and Rabbi Yohanan: why we need disagreement9:15 – The necessity of challenge vs. constant agreement10:14 – Leaders’ role in keeping the “sword” sheathed12:10 – Pluralism as practice, not neutrality13:10 – The risks of polarization in Jewish and American life15:01 – Pluralism as action, not ideology17:14 – “These and these are the words of the living God”: behavioral pluralism19:36 – Boundaries of pluralism: behavior vs. belief20:19 – Do we include non-pluralists in pluralism?21:02 – The Oven of Aknai: Torah is not in heaven & the limits of dissent23:08 – Lessons from Spinoza’s excommunication25:57 – When ideas attack identity and dignity27:44 – Pluralism and strong identity: is it sustainable?30:07 – Rabbi Berger’s personal journey: pluralism as a pathway to tradition36:08 – Choice paralysis: weddings, Jewish practice, and pluralism in action41:56 – Educator’s role: pastoral care, constraints, and tradition47:16 – Constraints of tradition as a framework for pluralism52:02 – Boundaries on platforming: inclusion vs. pluralism53:57 – Challenges from both right and left58:33 – Inclusion at Shabbat dinner vs. who gets the microphone1:02:00 – Avoiding polarization and resisting hatred1:06:53 – Closing reflections✨ If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, share, and subscribe for more episodes on Jewish life, thought, and contemporary challenges.#hillel #campus #talmud #debate #jewishidentity Jewish History, Politics, Israel, Antisemitism, and Zionism - I cover it all!Politics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6QupJZ1HLY&list=PLQ3aQmFcYiCqqL-GSNw6NhSZWOvzaDdIKJewish History: https://youtu.be/1u4jHoZ8stM?si=0jZP4uhXlVEg2NOTAntisemitism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCgnEZ1d24Q&list=PLQ3aQmFcYiCqkU_aPIJGbE1xTKEbkh8euFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Israel #Rabbi #Jewish #WhatisZionism #DoJews?

I discuss why I think that the DC shooter should be given the death penalty and why the Reform movement is incorrect to speak out against it#deathpenaltydebate #reformjudaism #judaism Jewish History, Politics, Israel, Antisemitism, and Zionism - I cover it all.Politics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6QupJZ1HLY&list=PLQ3aQmFcYiCqqL-GSNw6NhSZWOvzaDdIKJewish History: https://youtu.be/1u4jHoZ8stM?si=0jZP4uhXlVEg2NOTAntisemitism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCgnEZ1d24Q&list=PLQ3aQmFcYiCqkU_aPIJGbE1xTKEbkh8euFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Israel #Rabbi #Jewish #WhatisZionism #DoJews?

John Gambadoro on his visit to Dachau and his thoughts on how to preserve memory of the Holocaust and World War Two.

#sports #dachau #holocausteducation #holocaustremembrance #jewishhistory #israel Jewish History, Politics, Israel, Antisemitism, and Zionism - I cover it all.Politics:    • Should Jews Abandon the Democratic Party? ...  Jewish History:    • Law, Revolution, and the Messiah w/ Zevi S...  Antisemitism:    • To Be a Pro-Israel Student Leader — A Conv...  Facebook:   / daniel.levine.31  Instagram:   / rabbidaniellevine  #Israel #Rabbi #Jewish #WhatisZionism #DoJews? #philosophy

Why is American Judaism fundamentally different from its European or Middle Eastern counterparts?I discuss the past, present, and future of American Judaism with Professor Zev EleffLet me hear your thoughts belowHope you enjoy!#rabbi #americanjudasim #reformjudaism Jewish History, Politics, Israel, Antisemitism, and Zionism - I cover it all.Politics:    • Should Jews Abandon the Democratic Party? ...  Jewish History:    • Law, Revolution, and the Messiah w/ Zevi S...  Antisemitism:    • To Be a Pro-Israel Student Leader — A Conv...  Facebook:   / daniel.levine.31  Instagram:   / rabbidaniellevine  #israel #rabbi #jewishhistory #WhatisZionism #dojews ?

When a third-generation Conservative rabbi leaves the Rabbinical Assembly for officiating interfaith marriages, it sparks a national conversation. Rabbi Ari Yehuda Saks joins us to unpack why he made this choice, the halakhic and sociological debates around marrying outside the faith, and what it means for Jewish identity in a post-denominational world.JTA Article: “Third-generation Conservative rabbi resigns from movement after facing punishment for performing intermarriages”https://www.jta.org/2025/08/11/united-states/third-generation-conservative-rabbi-resigns-from-movement-after-facing-punishment-for-performing-intermarriagesWe discuss the myths of interfaith marriage, raising Jewish children in multi-faith homes, navigating patrilineal vs. matrilineal descent, and whether pluralism can strengthen or dilute Jewish life. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in Jewish inclusion, tradition, and change.Chapters:0:00 – Introduction & why this story went viral1:05 – Rabbi Ari’s family background in Conservative Judaism2:24 – The call to work with interfaith families3:16 – Two approaches to intermarriage in the non-Orthodox world4:53 – Is there a benefit for Jews to marry Jews?6:09 – Queen Esther, chance encounters, and finding meaning in relationships8:13 – College campuses, pluralism, and American Jewish reality10:26 – The “is” vs. “ought” argument in sociology & ethics13:24 – Personal stories shaping Ari’s views15:21 – Marriage as a type of “intermarriage” and core values16:03 – Raising kids in interfaith homes – opportunity vs. confusion19:00 – Theological differences: when faiths diverge fundamentally21:17 – Lessons from teaching interfaith children24:01 – Six myths of “interfaithing”27:16 – Rabbinic sources on Jews living among other nations29:55 – Tradition vs. assimilation: setting limits32:03 – Rock climbing analogy: stability before flexibility35:03 – Guiding young adults vs. officiating for established couples36:04 – The patrilineal/matrilineal divide and identity struggles on campus39:22 – Historical caution: Philo of Alexandria on intermarriage41:12 – Halakhic fear vs. openness in relationships43:07 – Ari’s grandfather on interdenominational unity45:00 – Why officiating intermarriage requires rethinking patrilineal descent47:23 – Final reflections: inclusivity and realistic expectations#interfaith #jewishhistory #conservative , #interfaithwedding patrilineal descent, matrilineal descent, Jewish inclusion, Jewish community, pluralism in Judaism, halakhic debate, Jewish tradition and change, Rabbi Ari Lavine, Rabbinical Assembly resignation, Jewish controversy, Jewish podcastNotes & Links:Season 1 of Interfaithing – “Debunking the Myths”https://www.patreon.com/collection/1663981Emergency Pod reacting to the buzz from the JTA article:https://www.patreon.com/posts/emergency-pod-to-136322351Jewish History, Politics, Israel, Antisemitism, and Zionism - I cover it all.Politics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6QupJZ1HLY&list=PLQ3aQmFcYiCqqL-GSNw6NhSZWOvzaDdIKJewish History: https://youtu.be/1u4jHoZ8stM?si=0jZP4uhXlVEg2NOTAntisemitism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCgnEZ1d24Q&list=PLQ3aQmFcYiCqkU_aPIJGbE1xTKEbkh8euFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Israel #Rabbi #Jewish #WhatisZionism #DoJews?

Mothers Against Campus Antisemitism: Fighting Hate on College Campuses | Grassroots Jewish ActivismDescription:In the wake of October 7th, Mothers Against Campus Antisemitism (MACA) has become one of the largest Jewish activist movements in the United States—mobilizing tens of thousands of parents to protect Jewish students and faculty from antisemitism on college campuses.In this episode, we speak with Miriam and Jerry, two of the founders of MACA, about:The rapid growth of the organizationThe disturbing rise in antisemitism in higher educationThe tension between grassroots activism and legacy Jewish organizations like Hillel, ADL, and FederationOngoing lawsuits against major universities (including UCLA’s $6M settlement)The dismantling and politicization of Jewish Studies and Holocaust programsThe broader cultural and political fight to safeguard Jewish life on campusThis conversation dives deep into Title VI legal protections, faculty pushback, indoctrination in academia, and how grassroots Jewish activism is changing the landscape.If you care about Jewish student safety, campus free speech, and the future of Jewish life in America, this is a must-watch.📌 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on our ongoing conversations about Jewish life, antisemitism, Israel, and the challenges facing our communities.#antisemitism #jewishstudents #campussafety #jewishhistory #MothersAgainstCampusAntisemitism #israel #jewishlife #CampusAntisemitism #titlevii #JewishStudies #holocausteducation Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Mothers Against Campus Antisemitism02:00 The rise of antisemitism after October 7th04:27 How MACA mobilizes thousands of parents nationwide06:00 Tensions between grassroots activists and legacy Jewish organizations10:50 UCLA’s $6 million settlement over campus antisemitism13:00 Working inside vs. outside the university system16:40 Congressional hearings & university president testimonies19:04 Legal tools: Title VI, Title VII, and Title IX in antisemitism cases24:20 Faculty fear, silence, and pushback30:00 The collapse and politicization of Jewish Studies programs37:15 Indoctrination vs. civil discourse in academia45:00 The role of federal funding in accountability47:02 How to get involved & support MACA’s missionJewish History, Politics, Israel, Antisemitism, and Zionism - I cover it all.Politics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6QupJZ1HLY&list=PLQ3aQmFcYiCqqL-GSNw6NhSZWOvzaDdIKJewish History: https://youtu.be/1u4jHoZ8stM?si=0jZP4uhXlVEg2NOTAntisemitism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCgnEZ1d24Q&list=PLQ3aQmFcYiCqkU_aPIJGbE1xTKEbkh8euFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Israel #Rabbi #Jewish #WhatisZionism #DoJews?

What has Hamas truly cost the Palestinian people? How has October 7th reshaped Israeli politics and Palestinian prospects for statehood? In this episode, Rabbi Daniel Levine sits down with global terrorism expert Professor Victor Asal to explore the fallout from the October 7th attacks, the rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia, and the future of peace in the region.We cover everything from Hezbollah’s silence, to the dangers of political extremism, to how academic fields have handled discourse around Zionism and colonialism. This is a candid, nuanced, and sometimes heated conversation you won’t want to miss.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more thoughtful conversations at the intersection of politics, religion, and identity.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction: Hamas’ Cost to Palestinians00:38 – Hezbollah’s Role and Damage Assessment1:24 – Why Hamas Chose October 7th2:40 – Israel’s Strategic Dilemma in Gaza3:48 – The Hostage Factor and Israeli Public Opinion5:11 – Is Hamas Letting Palestinians Die on Purpose?7:04 – Comparing Hamas and Netanyahu8:08 – War Crimes vs. War: October 7th's Impact9:36 – Future of Gaza: Conquest, Withdrawal, or Stalemate?11:02 – Pro-Palestinian vs. Pro-Hamas on Campus13:01 – Why We Must Avoid Group Generalizations15:01 – Mass Protests and October 7th Celebrations16:00 – Is Western Terrorism Risk Growing?17:20 – Rising Antisemitism and Islamophobia19:01 – Cultural Relativism and the Left’s Blind Spots21:02 – Why Extremism in Any Religion is Dangerous24:06 – Do Muslims Support Political Violence More?25:52 – Hezbollah, Hamas, and Anti-Israel Obsession26:30 – Iran’s Nuclear Program: What’s Next?28:03 – Anti-Zionism and Academia: A Growing Trend?29:41 – Colonialism, Hypocrisy, and Historical Context32:00 – Missed Opportunities Post–October 7th34:14 – Why We Desperately Need New Leadership36:29 – Closing ThoughtsHamas October 7th attackIsrael Hamas war 2024Victor Assal terrorism expertGaza conflict analysisFuture of GazaHezbollah and IsraelZionism vs colonialismHamas and Palestinian civiliansHostages in GazaAntisemitism on campusIslamophobia and extremismPeace in the Middle EastHamas ideology explainedAnti-Zionism in academiaTerrorism and Middle East policyHamas, Israel, Gaza, October 7, Hamas attack, Victor Assal, Gaza war, Terrorism, Hezbollah, Middle East conflict, Zionism, Colonialism, Antisemitism, Islamophobia, Palestinian statehood, hostage crisis, pro Palestinian protests, campus antisemitism, Israeli politics, Netanyahu, Iran nuclear, Rabbi Daniel Levine, Jewish podcast, Peace in Gaza#Israel #Hamas #Gaza #October7 #VictorAssal #Terrorism #MiddleEast #JewishPodcast #Palestine #Antisemitism #Zionism #Peace #Protests #AcademicFreedomJewish History, Politics, Israel, Antisemitism, and Zionism - I cover it all.Politics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6QupJZ1HLY&list=PLQ3aQmFcYiCqqL-GSNw6NhSZWOvzaDdIKJewish History: https://youtu.be/1u4jHoZ8stM?si=0jZP4uhXlVEg2NOTAntisemitism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCgnEZ1d24Q&list=PLQ3aQmFcYiCqkU_aPIJGbE1xTKEbkh8euFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Israel #Rabbi #Jewish #WhatisZionism #DoJews?

#holocausteducation #jewishidentity #sovietunion

Has Holocaust Education Failed the Jewish Community? | Rabbi Daniel Levine & Naya Lekht🎙️In this powerful episode, Rabbi Daniel Levine is joined by scholar and educator Dr. Naya Lekht to explore one of the most controversial questions in modern Jewish life: Has Holocaust education done more harm than good?Together, they unpack:🕍 The rise of Holocaust universalization—and its consequences📚 The Soviet origins of anti-Zionism and how they’ve been repackaged on American campuses🌍 Why Marxism appeals to Gen Z and its relationship to the decline of religion in the West✡️ How legacy Jewish institutions like the ADL and Hillel have struggled to address 21st-century antisemitism🧠 What it really means to fight the ideas that allow Jew-hatred to flourish🕯️ And why Holocaust remembrance must recenter Jewish experience to remain meaningful00:00 – Has Holocaust Education Backfired?06:00 – The Appeal of Marxism to Today’s Youth10:00 – Why the Soviet Union Erased Jewish Memory14:00 – The NEA, the ADL, and the Politicization of Holocaust Remembrance19:30 – Universalizing the Holocaust: A Dangerous Trend24:00 – Decontextualizing Antisemitism from Jewish History28:00 – How Do We Reclaim Jewish Particularism?32:00 – Jewish Institutions and the Crisis of Identity Post-Oct 736:00 – Hillel, Tikkun Olam, and the Limits of Jewish Liberalism41:00 – Protocols, Pogroms, and Postcolonial Memory Transfer44:00 – Why Soviet Anti-Zionism Still Shapes Campus Rhetoric47:00 – Living Memory: Why Soviet and Mizrahi Voices Matter49:00 – Wherever Anti-Zionism Is Practiced, Jews Are HarmedDr. Lekht, who holds a PhD from UCLA on Soviet Holocaust memory, draws on both her academic expertise and personal experience to expose the ideological foundations of modern antisemitism. Rabbi Levine challenges the Jewish communal status quo, asking whether our educational priorities and political alliances have left us unprepared for today’s threats.👉 This is a must-watch for educators, students, community leaders, and anyone concerned about the future of Jewish life in America.📌 Like, subscribe, and share to continue the conversation.#holocausteducation #antisemitism #jewishidentity #Zionism #sovietunion #nea #ADL #jewishhistory Politics:    • Should Jews Abandon the Democratic Party? ...  Jewish History:    • Law, Revolution, and the Messiah w/ Zevi S...  Antisemitism:    • To Be a Pro-Israel Student Leader — A Conv...  Facebook:   / daniel.levine.31  Instagram:   / rabbidaniellevine  #Israel #Rabbi #Jewish #WhatisZionism #DoJews?

There has been much information rooted in antisemitism in the current media coverage of the Gaza famine. I break this down here.#famine #gaza #israel #jesus #bloodlibel #jews Jewish History, Politics, Israel, Antisemitism, and Zionism - I cover it all.Politics:    • Should Jews Abandon the Democratic Party? ...  Jewish History:    • Law, Revolution, and the Messiah w/ Zevi S...  Antisemitism:    • To Be a Pro-Israel Student Leader — A Conv...  Facebook:   / daniel.levine.31  Instagram:   / rabbidaniellevine  #Israel #Rabbi #Jewish #WhatisZionism #DoJews?Jewish History, Politics, Israel, Antisemitism, and Zionism - I cover it all.Politics:    • Should Jews Abandon the Democratic Party? ...  Jewish History:    • Law, Revolution, and the Messiah w/ Zevi S...  Antisemitism:    • To Be a Pro-Israel Student Leader — A Conv...  Facebook:   / daniel.levine.31  Instagram:   / rabbidaniellevine  #Israel #Rabbi #Jewish #WhatisZionism #DoJews?