Shoulder to Shoulder

Pesach and Doug meet up - in person! - in Toronto, where Pesach makes a big announcement you don't want to miss. Then they sit down with Dr. Michael Reardon to discuss Israel, Biblical Theology, and why all Christians should be pro Israel, regardless of their denomination. Dr. Reardon does a masterful job explaining some central concepts in Christian theology, and why they matter when it comes to fostering positive attitudes towards Israel.

Doug and Pesach first speak to Tali Shalem, CEO of Holy Gems, about the remarkable discovery of precious stones in northern Israel - and the miraculous way they were found, despite the assurances of scientists that they didn't exist. Then they welcome back David Lange of Israellycool.com for the latest from the wacky world of high-profile anti-Semitism. (Roger Waters gets a starring role today; even his BDS-supporting bandmate thinks he's gone over the edge.) You might get depressed, but you'll laugh on the way there.

The biggest issue dominating the headlines in Israel is "Judicial Reform." Yet thet media narrative is that Netanyahu's proposed legislation will threaten Israel's democratic character, and even the most ardent supporters of Israel worldwide are largely ignorant of the issues. With the help of Rabbi Steven Pruzansky, Pesach and Doug clarify the misconceptions, explain what's at stake, and why it should matter to anyone who cares about the Jewish state.

On this episode, Doug & Pesach catch up on life and news in Israel. Doug excitedly talks about how his favorite football team, the Philadelphia Eagles, are headed to the Super Bowl! Pesach gives some insights into the recent terrorist attacks in Jerusalem and elsewhere, and explains why everyone - including you - should be praying for rain in Israel.

Pesach flies solo this week and has a wide-ranging conversation with Rev Dr. Dru Johnson of The King's College and the Center for Hebraic Thought in New York. Dr. Johnson shared his journey and passion for teaching Christians how to read the Bible the way it was intended to be read, what he calls "Hebraically." Pesach then asked Dru for his thoughts on the changing attitudes of young Christians about Israel. His answer was not what Pesach expected!

A recent study suggested that over a quarter of young evangelicals think that their pastors harbor antisemitic viewpoints, such as believing that Jews in America have too much power. This may or may not be accurate, but it raises the important question of where such attitudes arise... and the answers are potentially disturbing. Pesach and Doug, along with their good friend Pastor Mikel Lagaras, discuss where young evangelicals draw their values from. Some of the stats are staggering and could indicate further troubling trends. Pesach even suggests that while antisemitism is wrongheaded and misguided, there might be understandable reasons why young people assume that their pastors espouse these troubling viewpoints. Don't miss this provocative and important episode.

Doug and Pesach have a great conversation with David Lange of Israellycool.com, a popular website dedicated to debunking anti-Semitic lies about Israel and the Jewish people (with more than just a touch of humor). David shares some highlights from 2022 in the world of anti-Israel propaganda.

After Pesach opens with some thoughts on the recently passed Pope Benedict, Doug and Pesach catch up and discuss the recent death of Doug's grandfather, "Poppop." Doug shares stories and lessons from Poppop's life. Then the discussion turns to the topic of family roles in wake of the death of a patriarch.

Doug and Pesach sit down with Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm, founder of Soul Shop Studios and a leading public intellectual in the Orthodox Jewish community. Rabbi Lamm has successfully leveraged new media platforms to spread the message of Biblical faith as a response to the spiritual needs of Gen Z and beyond. While explaining why he is optimistic about what he sees as a new Great Awakening underway, he shared a few inspiring stories you want want to miss!

Pesach and Doug sit down for a conversation with Rabbi Natan Alexander who does incredible work with men of varying backgrounds, couples trying to better their marriages, and organizations working to improve their security. No matter the arena Rabbi Natan encourages all people to live their lives purposefully, taking responsibility for themselves as well as those around them, and to always remain humble. Plus: Pesach offers his take on Ilhan Omar's recent attempt to paint President Trump as antisemitic.