What if one of the most influential anthems of hope—Hatikvah—was written by a restless, misunderstood family outcast?

In this special Yom Kippur episode of "In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning," Rabbi Leora Londy unveils a deeply personal and surprising family connection to Naftali Hertz Imber, the poet behind the immortal words of Hatikvah, Israel's national anthem. Through the story of her own genealogical journey, Rabbi Londy explores not only the origins of these iconic lyrics but uncovers how hope is woven into the very DNA of the Jewish people.

Join Rabbis Leora Londy and Jonathan Jaffe as they reflect on the true nature of hope in our faith tradition—how it's not just a passive feeling but an active choice and collective mission, especially in times of uncertainty and division. Hear poignant moments from Jewish history, the complexity of present-day challenges in Israel and America, and a heartfelt call for unity, resilience, and communal action. This episode will leave you inspired to not only yearn for a better world but to help create it, together.

Timestamps & Episode Overview:

• [00:00:00] Intro: Exploring Jewish life, meaning & leadership
• [00:00:20] Sharing high holiday sermons with the podcast community
• [00:00:36] Rabbi Londy begins her sermon, introducing her Ancestry.com search and family history
• [00:01:39] The incredible story of Naftali Hertz Imber—a complex ancestor and the writer of Hatikvah
• [00:04:17] Hatikvah’s poetic message and its enduring role as an anthem of hope
• [00:07:05] Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ distinction between optimism and hope
• [00:07:41] Grappling with hope amid modern Jewish and American challenges
• [00:11:40] The collective power of communal practice—how Yom Kippur reweaves the fabric of Jewish identity
• [00:13:38] The strength of inclusive, supportive Jewish community at Beth El
• [00:15:36] Personal reflections on overcoming worry, reclaiming agency, and finding hope through heritage
• [00:16:29] A blessing for hope, resilience, and restorative community in the new year

If you’re seeking inspiration on how to stay hopeful—no matter how fractured the world may feel—this episode is for you.