This special release of Searching for Common Ground brings together two full episodes in one, offering a powerful exploration of leadership, faith, division, and the possibility of unity in a deeply fractured world.

In Part One, Rabbi Mark Perman sits down with Senator David McCormick, the junior United States Senator from Pennsylvania, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond headlines. Senator McCormick opens up about resilience after political defeat, the emotional impact of public service on family life, and the unexpected friendships that can form across party lines, including his working relationship with Senator John Fetterman. Together, they examine the government shutdown, military funding, fentanyl legislation, polarized media landscapes, and the responsibilities of leaders in times of deep national division. Senator McCormick also discusses his book, Who Believed in You?, and the importance of mentors in shaping the next generation.

In Part Two, Rabbi Mark welcomes renowned theologian, historian, and interfaith pioneer Rabbi Irving "Yitz" Greenberg, whose work has influenced Jewish thought for decades. At 92 years old, Rabbi Greenberg brings a lifetime of wisdom, reflecting on the Holocaust, the meaning of the "image of God," and the evolving responsibilities of humanity in shaping a moral and just world. Their conversation explores the tension between faith and secularism, the dangers of ideological echo chambers, the need for genuine pluralism, and the profound Jewish idea that human beings are partners with God in repairing the world. Rabbi Greenberg also discusses messianism, both personal and collective, and explains why he believes humanity stands at a pivotal moment of both extraordinary risk and extraordinary potential.

Together, these two conversations offer something rare: a deep, nuanced, and hopeful look at how we might still find our way back to one another. Whether talking politics or theology, public policy or spirituality, both guests remind us that common ground is not only possible, it is necessary.

This combined episode is an invitation to pause, listen, and imagine a better, more connected world.

What does it mean to find common ground on immigration in today's polarized climate? Rabbi Mark sits down with Tessa Petit, Executive Director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC.org), to discuss the harsh realities facing immigrants in the U.S., from unjust detentions to the emotional toll of living in fear.

Tessa shares her personal journey from Haiti to the U.S., the challenges of navigating a broken system, and the urgent need for compassion, fairness, and truth in the national conversation. Together, they explore how legal definitions, political narratives, and public indifference shape the lives of millions—and what it will take to reclaim our shared humanity.

💡 Resources & How to Help: Visit www.flic.org to learn more, volunteer, or support the Florida Immigrant Coalition's work. You'll find donation links, ways to get involved, and resources for immigrant communities.

Listen now for a raw, eye-opening dialogue that pushes past politics and asks: can we still treat every person with dignity, no matter where they come from?

In this powerful episode of Searching for Common Ground, Rabbi Mark welcomes Emily Keller, Maryland's Special Secretary of Overdose Response and former mayor of Hagerstown. Together, they explore the state's progress in combating the opioid epidemic, the life-saving impact of naloxone, and the critical role of harm reduction efforts. Emily also shares her deeply personal connection to the issue, revealing how the loss of a lifelong friend inspired her advocacy. From breaking down stigma to building community-based solutions, this conversation sheds light on both the challenges and hope in the fight against addiction.

Listen and learn how Maryland is leading the way, and how you can help. StopOverdose.Maryland.gov

In this powerful episode of Searching for Common Ground, Rabbi Mark Perman welcomes Senator Chris Van Hollen for an honest discussion on political polarization, media echo chambers, and the growing challenges of finding bipartisan solutions in Washington.

From the starkly different worlds portrayed by competing news networks to the fear-driven gridlock in Congress, Senator Van Hollen shares candid insights on:

• The shrinking space for cross-party collaboration

• The media's role in fueling division

• His firsthand experience advocating for human rights abroad

• What Americans can do to stand up for democracy and due process

This conversation reminds us that despite deep divides, there is still hope for dialogue, courage, and leadership rooted in principle over politics.

🔹 Searching for Common Ground is sponsored by Kaufman Funeral Home, supporting thoughtful, bridge-building conversations for our community.

In this powerful episode of Searching for Common Ground, Rabbi Mark Perman and his wife Elizabeth are joined by Rabbi Ammos Chorny for a deeply thought-provoking discussion about conscience, moral clarity, and the urgent responsibility to speak out in the face of injustice. Drawing from his published statement with the Rabbinical Assembly, Rabbi Chorny reflects on the troubling parallels between historical persecution and today's treatment of immigrants and minorities in the U.S.

With a rich background in military chaplaincy, international scholarship, and interfaith leadership, Rabbi Chorny speaks candidly about what compelled him to denounce the proposed detention facility in the Everglades — which he refers to as the "Alligator Alcatraz" — and the broader moral implications of silence, scapegoating, and governmental overreach.

This episode explores:

• What Judaism teaches about the stranger, justice, and moral responsibility

• The dangers of repeating history by vilifying minority communities

• The balance between prophetic leadership and pulpit neutrality

• How we can advocate for compassion, justice, and human dignity in divisive times

Rabbi Chorny reminds us that speaking up for others is not political — it's a sacred obligation rooted in shared humanity.

🕊️ "Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor." — Elie Wiesel

🔗 To read Rabbi Chorny's full piece, visit bethtikvahnaples.org

This episode is made possible by our sponsor: Andrew K. Coffman Funeral Home, Inc. Address: 40 E Antietam Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740 Phone: 301-739-1444 Email: [email protected]

Serving the Hagerstown community with compassion, dignity, and respect

In this inspiring episode of Searching for Common Ground, Rabbi Mark Perman welcomes Father Andy Switzer, pastor of Saint Agnes Catholic Church in Shepherdstown, WV. Together, they dive into the importance of interfaith collaboration, the role of clergy in public life, and how social justice and faith can intersect to create positive change.

Father Andy reflects on his upbringing in a family rooted in community organizing, his path to priesthood, and his commitment to building bridges across religious and political divides. From being arrested during a labor rally to studying in Israel and engaging in interfaith work, his story is one of compassion, courage, and conviction.

This episode is sponsored by Andrew K. Coffman Funeral Home, Inc., a long-standing part of the Hagerstown community, dedicated to serving families with dignity and care.

Sponsor Contact Information: Andrew K. Coffman Funeral Home, Inc. 40 E Antietam Street Hagerstown, MD 21740 📞 301-739-1444 📧 [email protected] 🌐 www.akcoffmanfh.com

To contact Father Andy Switzer: Email [email protected] or visit Saint Agnes Roman Catholic Church in Shepherdstown online for more information.

In a world often defined by division, this conversation is a hopeful reminder that empathy, action, and honest dialogue can still unite us.

On this powerful episode of Searching for Common Ground, Rabbi Mark Perman sits down with former Hagerstown mayor, expert mediator, and poet Tekesha Martinez. In an intimate and unflinching conversation, Tekesha shares her extraordinary journey—from a childhood in foster care to becoming Hagerstown's first Black mayor.

Together, they explore what it takes to truly mediate conflict in today's polarized world, the role of trauma in building empathy, and how Tekesha's spirituality and poetry fuel her purpose. From navigating systemic barriers to leading with integrity and compassion, her story is one of resilience, leadership, and radical hope.

Hear about:

• Mediating with an Aryan Brotherhood member in prison

• What it really means to "stay neutral" in conflict

• Her critique of DEI in Western Maryland

• Raising children and grandchildren with love, truth, and courage

• A live performance of her original poem on motherhood

This episode is a moving reminder that common ground isn't found—it's created.

Learn more: listenfrederick.com Presented by the Frederick Podcast Network Sponsored by Kaufman Funeral Home

In this compelling episode of Searching for Common Ground, Mark Perman sits down with renowned whistleblower attorney Mark Zaid, known for defending civil servants, media figures, and intelligence officers across the political spectrum. Together, they dive into the erosion of democratic norms, the rise of fear-driven politics, and how due process and constitutional values are being tested in today's America.

With stories from inside Washington and reflections on historical parallels, Zaid challenges us to consider what it really means to protect democracy—and whether there's still a path forward for civil discourse and bipartisan cooperation.

This episode is generously sponsored by Andrew K. Coffman Funeral Home, supporting meaningful community dialogue and thoughtful conversations across lines of division.

Learn more about the Frederick Podcast Network at ListenFrederick.com.

In the premiere episode of Searching for Common Ground, Rabbi Mark Perman of Hagerstown, Maryland, introduces the purpose behind the podcast: creating space for civil, honest conversation in a time of deep cultural and political division. With support from his wife Elizabeth, Rabbi Mark explores themes like empathy, generational differences, religious identity, and media polarization — all while inviting listeners to reflect, listen, and engage beyond labels.

Whether you're left, right, or somewhere in between, this episode lays the foundation for a series rooted in shared values and respectful dialogue.

Sponsored by Andrew K. Coffman Funeral Home, proudly serving the Hagerstown community. For more information, call 301-739-1444.

Learn more about the Frederick Podcast Network at ListenFrederick.com/about, and contact Rabbi Mark directly at [email protected].