Seeking Sinai

As we enter into the month of Elul and as we approach the High Holy Days, join us for this special episode as we search for the meaning behind these sacred moments. Through the voice of many members, we meditate on topics such as taking spiritual stock (cheshbon ha'nefesh), forgiveness, gratitude, joy, and progress. In these first High Holy Days since October 7th, these lofty ideas of Jewish value take on additional meaning and urgency. 

Rabbi Natan speaks with Israeli tour guide and lecturer Yoav Rotem about his thoughts and experiences living in Israel during this war. Yoav has been traveling around the USA visiting churches and synagogues, trying to spread the truth about Israel. He opens up about the difficulties of raising young children and talks openly about the prospects for Israel's future. 

As most Jewish Israelis have mobilized to serve Israel in one way or another, what does that mean for American Jews and the ways that we can serve the Jewish People? Rabbi Natan speaks with Jonathan Minnen and Judy Bloom Minnen and the inspiring decision they made to volunteer with the Israeli army for two weeks in logistical roles.

Judaism views human life as paramount and the commandment of redeeming the hostages is a sacred one in Israeli society. Israel has paid impossibly heavy prices in the past and will likely continue to do so to bring home her soldiers and her kidnapped civilians. And yet, this brings up difficult moral questions, ones that Israeli leaders and Jews around the world have been grappling with constantly since October 7th. Join Rabbis Sam and Natan for an intimate conversation about some of these most difficult and provocative questions. 

Join Rabbi Natan for a candid and comprehensive conversation with Pastors Nathan and Teddy from Sandy Springs Christian Church. This episode was the third of our congregational meetings together, and included many of the challenging questions that folks presented to the clergy. In conversations ranging from the perceived need for a ceasefire, the situation on college campuses, American politics, and antisemitism, no question, no matter how difficult, was out-of-bounds. These meetings were a wonderful example of interfaith and respectful dialogue around a pressing issue of current events that is critical to the Jewish People. 

Join Rabbi Natan for a highly relevant and provocative discussion with Alisha Tischler, Sinai member and the Southeast Regional Director for AIPAC. She speaks candidly about the impact of October 7th on the Israel American alliance, as well as the fluid situation in the Middle East as it relates to Hamas and Iran. Israel finds herself in a very precarious and isolated situation on the world stage, and the alliance with America has become even more significant. Alisha is on the front lines of this movement and works tirelessly to promote the relationship. 

Do not miss this episode with our recent scholar-in-residence, Dr Rachel Fish. In this conversation with Rabbi Natan, she discusses the precarious situation on college campuses in the wake of 10.7 and how this spills over into larger society. Dr Fish is one of the most articulate and passionate voices and has been sounding the alarms regarding college campuses and antisemitism for many years. Don’t miss this conversation and let us know your thoughts. 

Join Rabbi Natan and Dr. Chuck Fox for a fascinating conversation about supporting Israel during these critical times. He shares his experiences volunteering in Israel recently with Young Judea and discusses this through the prism of Zionism's founding purpose of building and redeeming the land. What is the current atmosphere in Israel and what role can each of us play once the dust settles in this war? 

Don't miss this relevant and urgent conversation with Dr John Eaves, former Fulton County Commissioner and social justice activist. Dr Eaves shares his perspectives on what has gone wrong with various social justice movements in the wake of October 7th, and what we can do to stem the tide. His unique perspective as a proudly Jewish and Black man informs his fresh and unfiltered opinions.   

The war has been going on for countless days, and yet we have been counting, meticulously. Join Rabbis Segal and Natan for a conversation about our emotional well-being during these difficult days. How can we find hope even when facing darkness? How do we nurture our souls even after the wounds they have endured, and what is the prayer that Rabbi Segal would like to give us all?