Rabbi Sam joins the podcast to discuss some of her profound takeaways from her recent trip to Israel. We talk about the release of the hostages, the resilience to rebuild, the spirituality infused in Israeli society now, and we even venture into political territory on both sides of the ocean. We end by discussing something concrete that each and every person can do to get more involved. 

Join Rabbi Natan for an inspiring conversation with Sally Poolat, the director of the Southeast U.S. for Leket, Israel's National Food Bank. How has the war impacted the neediest families within Israel? In times of urgent crisis, how does Israel uphold the biblical mandate to feed the hungry and care for the vulnerable? As a new hostage deal has just been announced and as the needs within Israel continue to mount, we focus on learning about, supporting, and fulfilling our Jewish mandate for tikkun olam, repairing the world, starting with those in our own extended family of "am yisrael."

Join Rabbis Ron and Natan for a special Hanukkah episode as they discuss the meaning of the holiday in light of the current conflict in Israel. How do we focus on light even in a time of darkness? How do we show Jewish pride in a time of rising antisemitism? Together, they break down the various miracles of Hanukkah and how we can see them playing out in modern day Israel. A joyful and light-filled Hanukkah to all!

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Jeremy Schube as we discuss Zionism, antizionism, Jewish pride, and how we are raising our own kids to be proud Jews and lovers of Israel. Jeremy's voice is an important one and a refreshing one as a product of Jewish day schools and formative experiences in Israel before deciding to start a family. 

We are back with the second part of this special episode with Noa Fay and others. Join us for a fascinating panel discussion on antisemitism on college campus as we continue to hear from Noa and her perspectives on varied topics such as intersectionality, taking back the term Zionism, the future of higher education for young Jews, among many other timely topics. In addition to Noa, we will be in conversation with Abi Streger, a current high school senior who has become very involved in these issues, and Rabbi Larry Sernovitz, CEO of Hillel of Georgia. 

Join us for the first part of this two-part episode! Noa Fay, a recent college student whose efforts have garnered respect from teens all over the country,  was a Jewish student leader at Columbia University, the epicenter of the anti-Israel protest movement that unfolded on American college campuses this past spring. Pro-Hamas, antisemitic, and anti-Israel demonstrators occupied academic buildings, set up overnight tent encampments, and staged demonstrations, all while Jewish students faced increased threats, antisemitism, and violence.

Noa will share her first-hand perspective, a perspective experienced by many high school and college students, on what it was like to be Jewish on campus during that time and offer insights into both what to look for when considering schools and how to respond should something similar happen on your campus.

Welcome!

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.