Martini Judaism

The Election and the Jews


Listen Later

Rabbi Jeff Salkin sits down with Rabbi Jonah Pesner, one of American Judaism's most prominent voices and the director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. Together, they dive into the deeply rooted relationship between Judaism, politics, and social justice, exploring why so many Jews align with liberal causes while maintaining a vibrant spectrum of political thought within the community.

From the historical and spiritual foundations of Jewish values to modern-day challenges in maintaining empathy amidst polarization, Rabbi Pesner offers insights that are both grounded in tradition and urgently relevant. The conversation spans critical topics, including:

  • The intersection of Jewish peoplehood and universalism in shaping political priorities.
  • The impact of October 7 and the ongoing war in Israel on Jewish voting patterns and political alliances.
  • Rising concerns about anti-Semitism across the political spectrum and its influence on communal discourse.
  • The role of religious institutions in fostering thoughtful, inclusive spaces for dialogue amidst deep societal divisions.

  • As always, Rabbi Salkin keeps the conversation shaken and stirred with humor, insight, and a dash of martini wisdom. Whether you lean left, right, or somewhere in the middle, this episode will challenge you to think critically about what it means to live into the Jewish covenant in today’s world.

    Episode Highlights
    • Roots of Jewish Liberalism: Rabbi Pesner reframes the stereotype, asserting that Jewish political values stem not from liberalism or conservatism but from Torah’s call to protect the widow, orphan, and stranger.
    • Navigating Polarization: A nuanced discussion on how synagogues can become havens for respectful debate and sacred disagreement.
    • Facing the Challenges of Anti-Semitism: Addressing the rise of anti-Semitism from both extremes and the Jewish community’s response.


      If you’re inspired by this episode, let’s continue the conversation:

      • Follow Rabbi Salkin’s Martini Judaism column on Religion News Service.
      • Rate and review the podcast on your favorite platform to amplify its reach.
      • Share this episode with your community to spark discussions about Jewish values, politics, and the power of hope.

      • Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

        ...more
        View all episodesView all episodes
        Download on the App Store

        Martini JudaismBy Religion News Service

        • 4.8
        • 4.8
        • 4.8
        • 4.8
        • 4.8

        4.8

        21 ratings


        More shows like Martini Judaism

        View all
        Hidden Brain by Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam

        Hidden Brain

        43,709 Listeners

        Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! by NPR

        Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

        38,727 Listeners

        The Rabbi Sacks Legacy by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

        The Rabbi Sacks Legacy

        544 Listeners

        Interesting Times with Ross Douthat by New York Times Opinion

        Interesting Times with Ross Douthat

        7,164 Listeners

        Identity/Crisis by Shalom Hartman Institute

        Identity/Crisis

        213 Listeners

        For Heaven's Sake by Shalom Hartman Institute

        For Heaven's Sake

        451 Listeners

        Call Me Back - with Dan Senor by Ark Media, Ilan Benatar

        Call Me Back - with Dan Senor

        3,211 Listeners

        The Times of Israel Daily Briefing by The Times of Israel

        The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

        1,074 Listeners

        Unholy: Two Jews on the News by Unholy Media

        Unholy: Two Jews on the News

        587 Listeners

        The Ezra Klein Show by New York Times Opinion

        The Ezra Klein Show

        16,038 Listeners

        SAPIR Conversations by SAPIR: Ideas for a Thriving Jewish Future

        SAPIR Conversations

        78 Listeners

        Honestly with Bari Weiss by The Free Press

        Honestly with Bari Weiss

        8,760 Listeners

        Your Mama’s Kitchen by Higher Ground

        Your Mama’s Kitchen

        2,329 Listeners

        Ask Haviv Anything by Haviv Rettig Gur

        Ask Haviv Anything

        835 Listeners

        Being Jewish with Jonah Platt by Jonah Platt

        Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

        484 Listeners