In this episode of the Moral Courage Podcast, Rabbi Adam Greenwald shares his journey from a student to a rabbi, discussing the influences and mentors that shaped his path. He reflects on the importance of community in Jewish identity, the transformative work he did with the Introduction to Judaism program, and the impact of conversion on Jewish identity. The conversation also delves into the legacy of Rabbi Schulweis, the significance of community engagement, and the theological challenges faced by modern Jews. Greenwald emphasizes the importance of experiential learning in Judaism and recommends resources for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the faith.

In this episode of the Moral Courage podcast, Rabbi David Wolpe shares his journey from being a reluctant rabbi to becoming a prominent voice in the Jewish community. He discusses the challenges of modern rabbinical life, the importance of mentorship, and the moral courage required to lead in today's world. Rabbi Wolpe reflects on his experiences with public speaking, the impact of his sermons, and the ongoing pursuit of knowledge and learning in his life. Rabbi David Wolpe is an American author, lecturer, and the Max Webb Emeritus Rabbi of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles. He is known for being named the most influential rabbi in America by Newsweek and has authored eight books, including the bestseller "Making Loss Matter". He is also a Visiting Scholar at Harvard Divinity School and the inaugural rabbinic fellow for the ADL. 

This week, we're joined by Rabbi Joshua Hoffman, President and CEO of Academy for Jewish Religion California (AJRCA). Rabbi Hoffman has deep roots in the Los Angeles community. He is the current President of the Board of Rabbis of Southern California and previously served as a rabbi at Congregation Valley Beth Shalom in Encino from 2003-2021. He was a colleague, friend and student of Rabbi Schulweis and engages in lively conversation, reflecting on their special relationship.  

This week, we're joined by Janice Kamenir-Reznik—prominent figure in the Jewish and civic communities, known for her work as an activist, retired environmental attorney, and co-founder of Jews United for Democracy and Justice and Jewish World Watch. She co-founded Jewish World Watch (JWW) in 2004 with Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis (z"l), a non-profit dedicated to fighting genocide and mass atrocities globally

Join our host Rabbi Ari Averbach for a very special episode as we're joined by his friend, colleague and student of Rabbi Harold Schulweis, Rabbi Noah Farkas. Both Rabbi Farkas and Rabbi Averbach were mentored by Rabbi Schulweis, Rabbi Farkas during years as a member of the Clergy at Valley Beth Shalom, and Rabbi Averbach, who followed Rabbi Schulweis’ advice to become an ordained Rabbi and served as an intern at VBS during Rabbinical school. They discuss how they are guided by Rabbi Schulweis’ teachings in their current positions,

Rabbi Noah Farkas currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Federation Los Angeles.  

Prior to joining Federation, he served from 2008 to 2021 as a member of the Clergy at Valley Beth Shalom, the largest Jewish congregation in the San Fernando Valley, where he led successful innovations in synagogue life through social action, mental health, and next-generation spiritual initiatives, and was named by The Forward as one of America’s most inspiring rabbis,

Join our host Rabbi Ari Averbach we discuss the influence and poetry of Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis with Cantor Jacqueline Rafii of Valley Beth Shalom in Encino California. 

Actress, author, producer, and podcaster Mayim Bialik joins the Moral Courage podcast and host Rabbi Ari Averbach for an intimate discussion.  Part 2 of 2

Actress, author, producer, and podcaster Mayim Bialik joins the Moral Courage podcast and host Rabbi Ari Averbach for an intimate discussion. We touch on her upbringing and start in the world of acting, as well as her Judaism and connection to the teachings of Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis. Part 1 of 2

Benay Lappe, the founder of SVARA: A Traditionally Radical Yeshiva joins Rabbi Ari Averbach for an interesting look into her background, Rabbinic journey and connection with Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis.

Rabbi Elliot N. Dorff, an American Conservative rabbi. He is a Visiting Professor of Law at UCLA School of Law and Distinguished Professor of Jewish theology at the American Jewish University in California, author and a bio-ethicist. He describes his relationship with Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis (z”l) that began when he arrived in Southern California, and how Rabbi Schulweis’ teachings are relevant in this troubled world. 

Moderated by Rabbi Ari Averbach, Senior Rabbi at Temple Etz Chaim in Thousand Oaks, CA.