The Jewish Tomorrow: Reimagining the Jewish future... one conversation at a time

What does it take to become the first native Farsi-speaking woman ever ordained as a rabbi, and then spend your career building bridges, between Persian and Ashkenazi Jews, between synagogue and university, between the AI age and 3,000 years of tradition?In this episode of The Jewish Tomorrow, host Robert Richman sits down with Rabbi Tarlan Rabizadeh, Vice President for Jewish Engagement at American Jewish University, where she directs the Maas Center, the Miller Introduction to Judaism program, and the AJU Community Mikvah. Born in LA to Iranian parents who fled after the 1979 revolution, Rabbi Tarlan grew up in the heart of "Tehrangeles," the Persian Jewish enclave that's home to the largest population of Iranians outside Iran. Her path to the rabbinate wasn't obvious. Her family expected a lawyer. The conversation ranges from the surprisingly unglamorous realities of the job (rabbis as therapists, judges, and "the entire admin team all rolled into one") to a genuinely funny theological debate about whether humanity's relationship to AI mirrors God's relationship to humanity. Rabbi Tarlan talks candidly about the widening rift over intermarriage between Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox movements, why nobody wants to talk honestly about Israel or God, and why she thinks kids should be forced to have Shabbat dinner the same way they're forced to learn math.Tune in to hear why Rabbi Tarlan believes technology "was supposed to save us time and now it's robbed us of it," what growing up as a religious minority in a Muslim-majority country taught her parents that America never had to teach them, and why she thinks the future of Judaism depends on making room for a Fiddler on the Roof-sized spectrum of belief, all of it right, none of it complete.In This Episode:[01:56] Meet Rabbi Tarlan Rabizadeh[02:24] Growing up in Tehrangeles[03:58] What "engagement" means at AJU[06:20] The unglamorous truth about being a rabbi[08:31] Rabbinical school vs. learning on the job[10:18] Intermarriage and the Fiddler on the Roof problem[15:04] God, AI, and arguing with what you created[19:19] Her wish list for the Jewish future[20:44] "Don't bring facts to a feelings fight"[24:15] Why nobody wants to talk about Israel, or God[28:01] Forcing kids to have Shabbat dinner[31:20] Gen Z, AI, and kids raised "part iPad"[39:26] Havdalah and unplugging from your phone[42:24] Yom Kippur, death, and repair[46:51] Closing thoughts: just ask questions Notable Quotes[15:04] "God's relationship to us is like our relationship to AI... we created it, but it's its own beast." — Rabbi Tarlan[20:44] "Don't bring facts to a feelings fight." — Rabbi Tarlan[27:44] "Sometimes I've noticed rabbis wanna push their own agenda, and it's like you're not listening to this person's struggle." — Rabbi Tarlan[39:00] "Technology was supposed to save us time, and now it's robbed us of it." — Rabbi Tarlan, citing Rabbi David WolpeOur GuestRabbi Tarlan Rabizadeh is the Vice President for Jewish Engagement at American Jewish University in Los Angeles, where she directs the Maas Center, the Miller Introduction to Judaism program, and the AJU Community Mikvah. Born in LA to parents who fled Iran after the 1979 revolution, she grew up in "Tehrangeles," the Persian Jewish community that is home to roughly half a million Iranians between LA and Orange County. She worked as an interior designer before pursuing the rabbinate, and was ordained in 2018 through Hebrew Union College as the only non-Ashkenazi Jew in her class. She has taught at Milken Community School, including during COVID, and previously worked with students at UCLA. She runs The Partnership Project (formerly Marriage for Life) alongside licensed therapists. Resources and LinksRabbi Tarlan RabizadehWebsiteInstagram Robert RichmanWebsiteLinkedInInstagram

What does it actually cost you to reject a tradition you never studied in the first place? And in a moment when antisemitism is spiking and Jewish identity feels newly public, where should someone start if they only have an hour a week to give?

Abigail Pogrebin, one of the sharpest chroniclers of American Jewish life. Abby is the author of Stars of David, in which she got dozens of prominent Jews, from Ruth Bader Ginsburg to Steven Spielberg, to talk candidly about what being Jewish means to them; My Jewish Year: Eighteen Holidays, One Wondering Jew, a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award; and It Takes Two to Torah, a book-length debate with Orthodox rabbi Dov Linzer that won the 2025 Independent Press Award for Religion Nonfiction.

The conversation ranges from AI as a research tool and a reporter's shortcut, to the "surge" in Jewish identity-searching since October 7th, to whether rabbis are still necessary when Judaism can feel like a buffet.

Tune in to hear why Abby thinks antisemitism can't be worn like a coat you simply take off, why she believes rabbis matter most one Jew at a time, and why she still hasn't gotten a yes from Barbra Streisand.

In This Episode:

[[01:30] Introduction and Welcome to Abigail Pogrebin

[03:46] AI and Her Work: Research, Aggregation, and Reporter’s Instincts

[05:32] A Secret Project: Writing a Broadway Show After Merrily We Roll Along

[06:53] Social Media, AI, and Finding “The Third Lane”

[08:52] Why She Quit Social Media but Stayed with AI for Creative Work

[10:28] “The Surge”: October 7th and the Reckoning with Jewish Identity

[12:15] Leon Wieseltier’s Challenge: “What Do You Actually Know?”

[15:21] The Mountain Metaphor: How Jewish Learning Opens New Views

[17:13] The Jewish Calendar as the Scaffolding of Jewish Life

[18:42] Sukkot, Hanukkah, and “Extreme Sport Judaism”

[21:39] Havdalah: The Ritual She Calls “The Stepchild” of Shabbat

[24:33] Do We Still Need Rabbis? The Jew-by-Jew Case for Them

[27:42] Judaism as a Buffet and the Anxiety of Ignoranc

[30:12] Antisemitism, Urgency, and “The Coat You Were Given”

[32:04] If You Only Have an Hour a Week, Where Should You Start?

[34:13] The “Adjacent Possible” and Judaism’s Fringes

[34:53] Lehrhaus: A Tavern of Jewish Learning in Boston

[37:34] Dream Guests for a Stars of David Sequel

[40:02] Feminism, Ms. Magazine, and the Feminist Seder

[43:11] Advice for Jewish Feminists

[45:04] Where to Find Abigail’s Work

Our Guest

Abigail Pogrebin is an author, journalist, and moderator known for chronicling American Jewish life. She wrote Stars of David, a bestseller in which she interviewed dozens of prominent Jews — including Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Steven Spielberg — about their Jewish identity. Her book My Jewish Year: Eighteen Holidays, One Wondering Jew was a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award, and her latest, It Takes Two to Torah (a debate with Orthodox rabbi Dov Linzer, with a foreword by Mayim Bialik), won the 2025 Independent Press Award for Religion Nonfiction.

Before her books, she was an Emmy-nominated producer for Mike Wallace at 60 Minutes and for Charlie Rose. She served as president of Manhattan's Central Synagogue, one of the largest Reform congregations in the country, and as director of Jewish outreach for Mike Bloomberg's 2020 presidential campaign. She currently hosts In the Spotlight on the Jewish Broadcasting Service and moderates conversations for the Shalom Hartman Institute, the Streicker Center, and the 92nd Street Y. She is a Yale graduate, an identical twin, and the daughter of Letty Cottin Pogrebin, co-founder of Ms. Magazine.

Abigail Pogrebin

• Website

• Books: Stars of David

• My Jewish Year: Eighteen Holidays, One Wondering Jew

• It Takes Two to Torah (with Rabbi Dov Linzer) 

Robert Richman

• Website

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

In this episode of The Jewish Tomorrow, host Robert Richman sits down with Zac Barnett, lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter of American Authors, the band behind the platinum hit “Best Day of My Life.”

Zac talks about growing up in a musical Reform Jewish family, from his grandfather’s time in an Army band to his father’s dream of becoming a rock star before finding his way into puppetry. He shares memories of Shabbat dinners, Hebrew singalongs, and a family that includes a deeply religious aunt, an Orthodox uncle, and cousins whose bar and bat mitzvahs were led by a trans rabbi.

The conversation also gets personal. Zac talks about self-awareness, radical self-forgiveness, learning to listen instead of trying to be right, and what happens when the energy of performing on stage gives way to the crash afterward. He and Robert also get into AI, including Zac’s experience using ChatGPT while touring and whether AI can actually challenge us or simply tell us what we want to hear.

They wrap things up by talking about the future of Jewish music, with Zac making an open pitch to any rabbi listening: let’s build a Jewish version of Hillsong and bring some real energy back into Jewish music.

Listen to the full episode of The Jewish Tomorrow and join the conversation about what Jewish life, culture, and music can look like tomorrow.

In This Episode:

• [03:16] Meet Zac Barnett

• [04:08] Choosing positivity every day

• [05:30] Finding purpose in an uncertain world

• [07:20] Self-forgiveness and moving forward

• [08:25] What failure can teach you

• [10:34] Fame, touring, and band brotherhood

• [13:41] Jewish roots and a musical family

• [19:24] Bringing Shabbat into modern life

• [21:05] Judaism, ethics, and becoming a better person

• [22:40] Learning patience and giving grace

• [23:36] Catching yourself before you react

• [24:08] What therapy taught Zac about listening

• [25:45] Why human connection matters in an AI future

• [26:57] Using ChatGPT while traveling

• [27:45] How to make AI challenge your thinking

• [30:04] Facts, family, and difficult conversations

• [33:11] Raising the next generation Jewish

• [35:14] Why Judaism needs better music

• [38:54] Building a new Jewish music scene

• [40:26] Where to find Zac and American Authors

• [41:02] New music and the chaos of modern marketing

• [43:54] Final thoughts and wrap-up 

Notable Quotes

• [08:12] "If you quit and you stop, you have a 0% chance. If you just keep going and keep working hard, you have a chance." — Zac

• [13:06] "You always have this core group that you can talk about whatever happens tomorrow for the rest of your life." — Zac, on being in a band

• [25:03] "It's not up to you to tell that person that their feelings are wrong." — Zac, recalling advice from his therapist

• [43:47] "I don't think anything good ever comes out of trying to push something that you don't enjoy." — Zac

Our Guest

Zac Barnett is the lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter for American Authors, the band behind the 7x platinum anthem "Best Day of My Life." The song has soundtracked World Series broadcasts, commercials, films, and stadiums worldwide. Zac has since gone independent, releasing new music at a relentless pace, including his 2024 album Call Your Mother. Offstage, he's become an outspoken advocate for mental health, writing openly about hope, family, resilience, and positivity. He grew up Reformed in Minneapolis and now lives in Los Angeles, where he continues to write, record, and perform.

Zac Barnett

• American Authors

• Instagram

• Spotify

Robert Richman

• Website

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

Mentioned

• American Authors - "Best Day of My Life"

• American Authors - "This Little Light of Mine" 

• Andy Grammer

• Seth Rogen

• Hillsong Worship

• For King & Country

• Forest Frank

• Temper City (Israeli band)

• Father of Peace (Israeli band)

• Craig Taubman - Friday Night Live

• Nobody Wants This (Netflix series)

• Abraham Joshua Heschel - The Sabbath ("palace in time")

• ChatGPT / AI in music

• The Alamo (San Antonio)

What does it mean to build a Jewish institution that truly welcomes everyone, not just Jews, but an entire diverse city? And how do you lead a cultural center through a pandemic, a reckoning with antisemitism, and the rise of AI, all while staying true to ancient values?

In this episode of The Jewish Tomorrow, host Robert Richman sits down with Jessie Kornberg, President and CEO of the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. Jessie's path to the Skirball is anything but conventional. She spent two decades as a civil rights lawyer, fighting for tenants' rights, representing death row inmates, and working with the NAACP and NOW, before being handpicked by the Skirball's founder to lead one of the nation's most beloved Jewish cultural institutions.

Jessie brings a lawyer's rigor, a community organizer's heart, and a deep commitment to Jewish values to her leadership. She explains why the Skirball is "the Jewish place for all of Los Angeles," how Jewish immigrants created the superhero mythos, including Captain America punching Hitler, and why the institution's guiding value, "welcome the stranger," is plastered on the front of the building for a reason.

Tune in to hear why Jewish joy matters more than ever, how October 7th has created a fissure in Jewish philanthropy, and why the Skirball's 2,700-year-old copper amulet feels more valuable in an age of artificial intelligence.

In This Episode:

• [03:35] Introduction and welcome to Jessie Kornberg

• [03:57] What is the Skirball, really?

• [05:10] Comic books, punk rock, and finding the Jewish angle everywhere

• [06:02] Jack Kirby, Captain America, and the power of mythmaking

• [07:47] From civil rights law to a life in the arts

• [09:33] "Welcome the stranger" and the Skirball's six essential values

• [11:14] Betting on risk: the punk rock exhibit she almost didn't trust

• [13:07] AI, the attention economy, and irreplaceable human creativity

• [14:45] AI, the Talmud, and democratizing Jewish learning

• [16:06] Succeeding a founder and honoring his legacy

• [17:22] Opening up a century-old collection to the public

• [18:51] Guiding principles: "No task too humble" and the art of repair

• [20:50] Jewish philanthropy's fork in the road after October 7th

• [22:38] Pride, fear, and self-censorship, side by side

• [23:24] Gathering before and after COVID

• [26:07] Judaism at the kitchen table

• [27:39] What she hopes to pass down to her kids

• [30:50] Shabbat as "a palace in time"

• [31:55] Reinterpreting the Ten Commandments for today

• [32:48] What she hopes for the Jewish future

• [34:12] Diversity, inclusion, and "For Us, By Us"

• [35:25] A changing LA and the many truths of one city

• [38:16] Why be Jewish?

• [41:35] What she believes that most people don't

• [42:13] Closing thoughts: the case for Jewish joy

Our Guest

Jessie Kornberg is the President and CEO of the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, a 15-acre campus that welcomes half a million visitors annually with its museum, performing arts venues, and family programming. Prior to joining the Skirball, Jessie spent two decades in civil rights and anti-poverty work, including leadership roles at Bet Tzedek Legal Services and the largest provider of homeless family housing in New York City. She has served as a trustee for the Los Angeles Urban League, the Motion Picture and Television Fund, and the Girl Scouts of the USA. She holds a BA in history from Columbia University and a JD from UCLA, and has been recognized by the American Bar Association as one of its "40 Under 40."

Jessie Kornberg

• Skirball Cultural Center

• LinkedIn

Robert Richman

• Website

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

Mentioned

• Jack Kirby (Jacob Kurtzberg) and the creation of Captain America

• Nothing Sacred by Douglas Rushkoff

• Rabbi Tovia Singer

• Abraham Joshua Heschel — The Sabbath (Shabbat as "a palace in time")

• Dr. Uri Hersher, founder of the Skirball Cultural Center

• Kate Thurston, Skirball curator (Ruth Bader Ginsburg exhibition, Jewish deli exhibition, punk rock exhibition)

• LL Cool J — "For Us, By Us"

Do you ever pause before putting on a kippah, wondering what people will think, what it signals, or what it might cost you? What does it really mean to be Jewish today?

In this episode of The Jewish Tomorrow, host Robert Richman sits down with Sasha Strauss, founder of Innovation Protocol and professor at UCLA, USC, and UC Irvine. Sasha has helped Fortune 500 companies, the Jewish Federation, and the Roman Catholic Church clarify who they are and how to communicate it.

His path was anything but traditional. He was thrown out of classrooms as a kid, rejected from every business school he applied to, and spent Hebrew school making art from trash outside the classroom because he could not stay inside.

Sasha brings an empathetic and deeply skeptical lens to the Jewish future. He explains why branding is really about building “easy religions,” why Judaism may be the hardest religion to practice, and why that difficulty can also be its strength. He shares what the Catholic Church taught him about welcoming back people who feel broken, and how a near-death experience forced him to ask whether he would be proud of the person he had become.

The conversation explores AI as a possible future religion, the coming “anthro mark” for human-made work, and why a simple doodle can be more powerful than polished presentation design. Sasha opens up about ADHD, the band Bad Religion, and why the Jewish future depends on factions uniting instead of fighting.

They also discuss the reawakening of Jewish identity after October 7th, especially among people who previously considered themselves only casually Jewish.

Tune in for a wide-ranging conversation about branding, belief, technology, identity, and the future of Judaism.

In This Episode:

[00:00] Introduction
[00:32] Meet Sasha Strauss
[02:55] The gift and burden of empathy
[04:04] Boy Scout guiding principles
[05:25] Sasha’s near-death experience
[07:20] Identity and Judaism
[10:41] Why be Jewish?
[14:35] Judaism without belief
[16:51] Brands and religion
[20:55] Why people do not return to faith communities
[22:40] What rebranding Judaism would require
[26:15] Why leaders’ opinions do not matter in branding
[28:38] Winning the Catholic Church contract
[30:24] The analog rebellion in an AI world
[32:38] Can you trust what you did not see created?
[38:27] Will AI become a religion?
[40:12] AI, the Talmud, and Jewish wisdom
[42:20] The “dinosaurs” moment that challenged belief
[46:09] The Secret Teachings of All Ages
[51:05] The future of Judaism
[52:31] October 7th and the reawakening of Jewish identity

Notable Quotes

[20:23] “Coming and going from religion is not sacrilege. It is not the devil’s work. It is not a failure on the part of our family. It is just a human journey.” — Sasha

[16:35] “We don’t have to have the same definition of what the creation force is, but we can still be a community, we can still have ritual practice.” — Sasha

[39:31] “AI or bots or robots or whatever will become worthy of religion. Because it will give you the answers to the questions you ask. But will it fulfill you spiritually? No.” — Sasha

[43:12] “We are not going to reignite passion in Judaism until stubborn answers to big questions stop happening.” — Sasha

About Sasha Strauss

Sasha Strauss is a leading brand strategist and founder of Innovation Protocol. His clients have included Google, Disney, PayPal, Lego, Nestlé, the Jewish Federation, and the Roman Catholic Church. He teaches brand strategy at UCLA, USC, and UC Irvine. He is also an Eagle Scout, near-death survivor, self-described “technosexual,” and lifelong skeptic who found an unexpected Jewish anchor in the punk band Bad Religion.Resources and Links

Sasha Strauss

• Website

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

• Company website

Robert Richman

• Website

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

Mentioned

• The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P. Hall

• Bad Religion (band)

• Dan Mezick – The Culture Game (three‑by‑five card technique)

• Joseph Campbell – The Hero with a Thousand Faces

What if one of Judaism’s oldest rituals is exactly what modern people need most?

In this episode of The Jewish Tomorrow, host Robert Richman sits down with Chaya Bindell, founder of TRYBE, to explore the future of Jewish community, belonging, ritual, and what it means to rebuild connection in a lonely age.

Chaya shares her unusual Jewish journey as the daughter of two hippie-turned-Hasidic Jews who found their way into Chabad in the 1970s. She reflects on growing up surrounded by Jewish mysticism, Shabbat tables, spiritual intensity, and deep community, while also speaking honestly about the pain of being a woman in Orthodox spaces and the pressure to marry young.

Her story takes a powerful turn after divorce, when she experiences the devastating loss of the community that had held her for her entire life. That loneliness becomes the beginning of her life’s work: learning what it takes to build meaningful community that does not depend on conformity, gatekeeping, or one central leader.

Together, Robert and Chaya explore how Shabbat can function as a “technology” for belonging, why TRYBE’s sold-out gatherings resonated with both Jews and non-Jews, and how ancient Jewish communal rituals might help solve a very modern human problem: isolation, disconnection, and the loss of meaning. Chaya also shares why she believes the future of religion is decentralized, co-created, multi-lineage, and rooted in beauty, consistency, and real face-to-face connection.

What if the future of Judaism depends less on protecting the walls, and more on who we invite to the table? In this episode of The Jewish Tomorrow, host Robert Richman sits down with Ari Bloom, founder and CEO of A-Frame Brands, to explore the future of Jewish identity, Jewish community, interfaith families, allyship, AI, and what it means to lead with Jewish values in a rapidly changing world.

Ari reflects on growing up as one of the few Jewish kids in Ventura, the formative power of Camp Alonim, the Jewish entrepreneurial spirit behind Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen, and how his time at Gap shaped his belief that brands can do well and do good at the same time. He also shares why Judaism may need a brand audit, why Jewish survival cannot depend on turning inward, and why bridge-building with other communities is not optional.

From AI bias and antisemitism to interfaith marriage, political representation, Jewish moral leadership, and the simple power of showing up and following up, this conversation is a sharp, honest look at how Jewish identity can stay alive, relevant, and connected for the next generation.

In This Episode:

• 00:00 - Episode preview

• 01:13 - Meet Ari Bloom, founder and CEO of A-Frame Brands

• 02:22 - How Camp Alonim shaped Ari’s Jewish identity

• 03:52 - The camp value Ari still uses in business and life

• 06:03 - The childhood antisemitism moment Ari never forgot

• 07:14 - Krav Maga, confidence, and reconnecting to Judaism

• 08:44 - How Jewish identity influenced Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen

• 10:10 - Why Ari told his brother to build a food brand, not just a restaurant

• 11:42 - What Gap taught Ari about values-driven business

• 15:27 - Judaism as culture, community, food, music, and family

• 16:57 - What AI has to do with Judaism

• 18:36 - Why Jews may be built for the age of AI prompts

• 19:21 - The danger of AI bias, TikTok education, and Jewish isolation

• 20:08 - Why the Jewish future depends on allyship

• 22:36 - What real Black-Jewish allyship can look like

• 25:22 - Ari’s biggest concern for Judaism’s future

• 27:00 - Why not every critique should be called antisemitism

• 30:07 - Why Judaism may need a brand audit

• 31:44 - The Jewish values Ari believes still unite the community

• 32:34 - What Ari would say to someone who feels disconnected from Judaism

• 34:09 - Jewish political representation and the next election cycle

• 35:46 - Would Ari ever run for office?

• 38:07 - Ari’s family motto: “Show up and follow up”

• 39:39 - Why “useless friends” might be essential to happiness

• 40:30 - The interpersonal skills the next Jewish generation cannot afford to lose

Notable Quotes

• [06:53] “I made a decision pretty early on in my life that I was gonna be a pay-it-forward person.” Ari Bloom

• [17:02] “You can’t avoid AI. It is here, and it is going to impact everything.” - Ari Bloom

• [27:00] “We can’t just call things antisemitism when it’s not. And when it is, we have to call it out.” - Ari Bloom

• [39:31] “You have to have people in your life that also are not going to make your business better. They’re just going to help you.” - Ari Bloom

Our Guest

Ari Bloom is the founder and CEO of A-Frame Brands, a beauty and personal care company that builds private label and standalone brands with major retailers and talent partners including Bath & Body Works, Target, Walmart, CVS, John Legend, Gabrielle Union, and Naomi Osaka. Before A-Frame, Ari spent seven years in merchandising at Gap and served as CEO of Avametric, which was acquired in 2018. He earned his MBA from Harvard Business School, has lectured at Harvard, NYU, Parsons, and FIT, and was named to the Glossy 50. He is also a co-founder and partner of Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen, helping carry forward Jewish food, culture, and community for a new generation.

Resources and Links

Ari Bloom

• LinkedIn

• A-Frame Brands

Robert Richman

• Website

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

What if the most influential rabbi in America told you the Exodus probably didn’t happen exactly as the Bible describes on Passover?

In this episode of The Jewish Tomorrow, host Robert Richman sits down with Rabbi David Wolpe, named by Newsweek as the most influential rabbi in America, to delve into the future of Jewish identity, community, and belief.

Rabbi Wolpe reflects on how October 7th has shifted Jewish emphasis toward peoplehood, the crisis of Jewish education, and the need for new institutional models. He shares his cautious perspective on AI, warning against losing serendipity and human faculties, while acknowledging its potential to spark religious revival. The discussion touches on the difference between spirituality (which demands nothing) and religion (which demands action), the underestimated value of the ADL, and why gathering with other Jews for Jewish purposes is the “minimum viable Judaism.”

Wolpe also challenges Jewish pessimism, quoting Rabbi Nachman: “The great sin is despair.” He urges hope, action, and small daily kindnesses. The episode closes with Wolpe teasing his upcoming book on religious values America has lost, decency, humility, and gratitude, and a reminder that any entry point into Jewish learning is a good one.

In This Episode:

• [00:00] Welcome and guest introduction   

• [02:22] Why Be Jewish? – Then and now, post-October 7th 

• [04:11] The tragedy of Jewish education ending

• [06:00] The Talmud as ancient Reddit

• [08:34] The birth of rabbinic Judaism after the Temple’s destruction

• [10:17] Three forces reshaping Judaism

• [14:10] Kindness as a daily practice  

• [20:27] Innovating synagogue experiences  

• [21:35] Can AI create personalized “Torah” or study plans?

• [25:20] Why great educators matter   

• [26:57] Making Judaism a brand and “cool” 

• [30:34] Teshuva and the value of boredom  

• [31:46] Minimum viable Judaism  

• [32:57] The danger of AI becoming a new “religion”

• [34:06] Are Jews over-focusing on antisemitism?

• [35:21] How the rabbi role is changing  

• [40:40] The role of proselytization in Judaism

• [41:49] Choosing hope over despair  

• [42:51] Finding your way into learning  

• [44:35]  A book on religious values that America has lost

Notable Quotes

• [05:25] “There is more Jewish content available in every conceivable form than there has ever been in history. The question right now is someone’s motivation.” — Rabbi David Wolpe

• [15:00] “If you love somebody, you treat them lovingly. If you treat them lousy, you don’t love them.” — Rabbi David Wolpe

• [15:36] “ Kindness is, exhibited in very small things sometimes, and it's exhibited in grand gestures.” — Rabbi David Wolpe

• [42:14] “The great sin is despair.” — Rabbi David Wolpe

• [42:20] “To be religious is to be in some deep sense hopeful.” — Rabbi David Wolpe

Our Guest

Rabbi David Wolpe was named the most influential rabbi in America by Newsweek. He led Sinai Temple in Los Angeles for 26 years, one of the largest congregations in the country. He’s the author of eight books, including Why Be Jewish?, Making Loss Matter, and David: The Divided Heart. He has debated Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, and Richard Dawkins and more than held his own. In 2001, he stood on his own bimah on Passover and told his congregation the Exodus likely didn’t happen as literally described, sparking a national controversy. He now hosts the podcast SaAPIR with Bret Stephens and continues to write, teach, and speak on Judaism, ethics, and the future of faith.

Resources and Links

Rabbi David Wolpe

• Website & archive: sinaitemple.org 

• Podcast: SAPIR

• Facebook: Rabbi Wolpe

• X (Twitter): @RabbiWolpe

• Book: Why Be Jewish? by Rabbi David Wolpe

Robert Richman

• Website

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

Mentioned

• Here All Along by Sarah Hurwitz

• Essential Judaism by George Robinson

• The Master and His Emissary by Iain McGilchrist

• Judaism Unbound (Bound) by Dan Libenson, Lex Rofeberg

•  Nobody Wants This
  

What does it really take to build a meaningful Jewish future in a world shaped by AI, shifting identities, and constant distraction? Can ancient rituals like Shabbat and Havdalah do more than endure, can they actually become anchors in a hyper digital age?

In this episode of The Jewish Tomorrow, host Robert Richman sits down with Jonah Platt, host of the number one Jewish podcast Being Jewish, to explore the future of Jewish identity, community, and meaning. Jonah shares how he uses AI as a creative thought partner, not to replace his voice but to sharpen it. He reflects on his own Jewish day school experience, the missing “why” in Jewish education, and how his wife’s conversion deepened his own commitment.

The conversation tackles big questions. Should Jews be more “evangelical” about their traditions? Can Shabbat become as universal as yoga? Jonah makes a compelling case for Shabbat as Judaism’s killer app, a weekly reset that offers mental wellness and presence in a hyperconnected world.

They also discuss the impact of October 7th, the rise of contemporary Jewish storytelling in Hollywood, and the danger of short form content eroding attention spans and meaning. Jonah calls for more Jewish joy and less fear, arguing that confident, self celebrating communities are the best defense against antisemitism.

For anyone feeling disconnected, whether lapsed or simply curious, Jonah offers two entry points: read Sarah Hurwitz’s Here All Along, or better yet, light some candles, grab challah and juice, and try Shabbat. No rabbi required.

In This Episode:

• [00:00] Introduction

• [01:15] Jonah Platt’s background and use of AI

• [02:37] AI in creative and organizational processes

• [05:21] Jewish day school experiences

• [08:08] The importance of “why be Jewish?” in education

• [11:30] Should Judaism be more evangelical?

• [13:21] Shabbat as Judaism’s “killer app”

• [16:16] Modern approaches to Shabbat observance

• [18:14] Havdalah: the undersold ritual

• [20:20] Contemporary Jewish storytelling and media

• [26:22] Judaism as a text-based tradition

• [27:23] General future trends and AI

• [29:07] Curiosity, open-mindedness, and meaning

• [31:49] Misconceptions and pet peeves about Judaism

• [34:27] The Jewish future: opportunity and challenge

• [35:48] AI and digital security in the Jewish future

• [47:37] Celebrating Jewish joy and excellence

• [51:05] Advice for lapsed Jews: where to start

• [56:03] Closing remarks

Notable Quotes

• [47:44] "The best way to combat antisemitism is a loud, proud, confident Jewish community that celebrates itself – without worrying about the optics." — Jonah Platt

• [13:46] "Shabbat should be like yoga. A Hindu practice that the whole world adopted because it's so useful. The principles of Shabbat are universal especially today." — Jonah Platt

• [25:30] "You can't find deep meaning in your life if you're only tapping into something for four seconds at a time." — Jonah Platt

• [54:43] "There's no such thing as a bad Jew. The kind of Jew you are is the kind of person you are. It's never all or nothing. You can pick and choose." — Jonah Platt

Our Guest

Jonah Platt is a Broadway actor, writer, producer, and host of the #1 Jewish podcast Being Jewish, where he's built one of the most compelling spaces for Jewish conversation today. His guest list spans Cheryl Sandberg, Van Jones, Cindy Crawford, Josh Gad, Tiffany Haddish, and Jason Alexander. A graduate of Jewish day school and a lifelong Shabbat practitioner, Jonah brings rare warmth, intellectual rigor, and a performer's instinct for connection to every conversation. Jonah believes the Jewish future isn't about more Holocaust movies or defensive posturing – it's about joy, confidence, and showing up

Resources and Links

Jonah Platt

• Website

• Instagram

• Podcast

Robert Richman

• Website

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

Mentioned

Books

• Here All Along by Sarah Hurwitz

• Jews Don't Count by David Baddiel

• Why Be Jewish? by Rabbi David Wolpe

Podcast Episodes

• Jonah's episode with David Baddiel

• Jonah's episode with his mom
  

What if the key to a vibrant Jewish future isn't about defending the past or pouring money into old models, but about a radical reinvention, one centered on belonging, storytelling, and fearless adaptation? In a world of rapid change, rising antisemitism, and shifting identities, the question isn't just how we survive, but how we thrive.

In this episode of The Jewish Tomorrow podcast, host Robert Richman sits down with the legendary Jay Sanderson, media pioneer, former CEO of the Jewish Federation, and now President & CEO of American Jewish University. Jay shares his incredible personal journey from a traumatic childhood in Boston housing projects to a transformative meeting with David Ben-Gurion, exploring how these experiences forged an "unafraid" leader. The conversation dives deep into the urgent need to disrupt outdated Jewish institutional models, prioritize the next generation, and rebuild a Judaism defined by purpose, inclusion, and dynamic storytelling. Together, they confront hard truths about denominational relevance, the cost of Jewish life, and the critical shift from fighting against antisemitism to fighting for a compelling Jewish future. Let’s dive in!

In This Episode:

• 00:00 Episode preview and introduction

• 01:28 Meet Jay Sanderson

• 02:13 Why the Jewish future needs a longer view

• 04:07 Why old Jewish labels are fading

• 05:41 Can Judaism adapt without losing its core?

• 07:14 Young Jews are gathering differently now

• 09:15 The real barriers to Jewish engagement

• 11:27 Moving Jewish life beyond politics

• 12:08 Disruption as a Jewish leadership mindset

• 13:20 Why free Jewish education is not enough

• 14:15 The synagogue model people are rejecting

• 15:18 Why the Jewish world needs to fail more

• 18:39 The evolving role of rabbis

• 22:34 The rabbinic skills communities need now

• 24:43 Why welcoming people changes everything

• 25:40 Seeing Judaism through fresh eyes

• 27:05 How do we measure Jewish success?

• 29:42 AI, technology, and the Jewish future

• 30:52 Why AI is an opportunity and a challenge

• 32:05 Why Jewish institutions cannot stand still

• 33:19 Changing the conversation around antisemitism

• 34:06 Jay Sanderson’s vision for what comes next

• 34:27 Closing thoughts

Notable Quotes

• [00:02:56] "I believe our story is an extraordinary story, but we need to take control of it going forward." - Jay Sanderson

• [00:15:24] "We are unable and unwilling to fail. You learn from failures, not from successes." - Jay Sanderson

• [00:24:59] "Being Jewish is complicated, and it should be somewhat complicated. It just shouldn't be as complicated as it is right now." - Jay Sanderson

• [00:26:40] "We all know what it feels like to be slaves, and we all know what it feels like to be free." - Jay Sanderson

Our Guest

Jay Sanderson is one of the most influential voices in Jewish communal life today. A lifelong storyteller and disruptor, Jay has served as Executive Producer of the Jewish Television Network, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation, and now President and CEO of American Jewish University. Known for challenging entrenched systems and reimagining Jewish engagement, Jay brings a bold, future-focused lens to leadership, education, and belonging. His work centers on asking better questions, embracing experimentation, and building Jewish life that helps people truly thrive.

Resources and Links

Jay Sanderson

• Website

• LinkedIn

Robert Richman

• Website

• LinkedIn

• Instagram