The Podcast from The Temple

By Rabbis Berg and Lapidus

What's The Podcast from The Temple about?

Rabbis Peter Berg and Loren Filson Lapidus host this podcast from The Temple, a Reform Jewish synagogue in midtown Atlanta. Delve into Jewish topics and get to know our historic congregation and the Atlanta Jewish community through meaningful and fun conversations and interviews.

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The Podcast from The Temple episodes:

01.12.2024
SALT-y Hotel Bar
We travel to Nashville, Tennessee to attend a media conference! As we sit in the hotel restaurant we talk about the conference that we just attended, our similarities and differences, talking to and making friends with our seatmates on flights,...
01.05.2024
And a Happy New Year
There are so many things coming up for the year of 2024! We talk about the new full-time Event Coordinator, Dance Moms, resolutions, and more. Plus there's a small teaser for an upcoming episode.
10.20.2023
The Attack on Israel
The Podcast from The Temple will be returning next week with all new episodes!! Inspiring Lives, Transforming Our World Follow The Temple: Instagram: thetemple_atl Facebook: thetempleatlanta Email: [email protected]
09.15.2023
Episode 75: THIS Episode
Shana Tova!! In THIS episode we welcome Rabbi Lapidus back from her sabbatical and Rabbi Berg becomes a University of Michigan abba. Stay tuned to the end of the episode
09.08.2023
Episode 74: Teens Ask the Rabbis
The rabbis candidly answer anonymous questions from The Temple teens gathered by our producer.
09.01.2023
Episode 73: The Impact of Covid, Part 3 with Dr. Phyllis Kozarsky
In this episode (the final in a 3 part Covid series), we sit down with Dr. Phyllis Kozarsky, aka THE official Covid advisor to The Temple, and special travel advisors to the rabbis when they prepare for travel. We have...
08.25.2023
Episode 72: The Impact of Covid, Part 2 with Caryn Hanrahan
This episode is part 2 of a 3-part series. In this episode, we talk about loss, grief, and hope during the pandemic with Caryn Hanrahan.
08.18.2023
Episode 71: The Impact of Covid, Part 1 with Dr. Jeff Siegelman
We will be exploring a new 3 part series talking about the impact of Covid. This is part one with Dr. Jeff Siegelman. Dr. Siegelman talks about his experience with being a frontline worker dealing with the effects of long-term...
04.06.2023
Episode 70: Ollie Takes Over
Today's episode features a very loveable, furry guest host... Ollie!! Rabbi Berg brings Ollie (1 of 2 of his pups) to podcast with us this episode.
03.30.2023
Episode 69: Chanukkah & New Years Past
Sorry about the delay in podcasting. We are working on some amazing and fun podcast episodes and needed a bit of time to gather them for you all. This episode was recorded after Chanukkah and just before New Year's, you...
12.16.2022
Episode 68: Eight Days & Eight Nights
HAPPY HANUKKAH ONE AND ALL!! This episode is filled with Rabbi Berg and Rabbi Lapidus' take on the history behind Hanukkah, gift-giving, and decorating. We play a game at the end of the episode. ** Rate us 5 stars and Stick...
12.13.2022
Episode 67: From ATL to RAK
Rabbi Lapidus and Rabbi Rau play a little practical joke on Rabbi Berg whilst he's away in Morocco. Inspiring Lives, Transforming Our World Follow The Temple: Instagram: thetemple_atl Facebook: thetempleatlanta Email: [email protected]
11.11.2022
Episode 66: Oh, the Places the Rabbis Have Been!!
WE'RE BACK! Now recording in our new studio with our podcast producer, the rabbis recall the past few months of travel. From the Interfaith Marriage trip to Isreal to Colorado to Canada to Morocco, and more, the rabbis have been...
11.04.2022
Episode 65: The New Cantor
**This episode was recorded in July** In this episode, we welcome the new cantor and learn a little bit about where she's from, how she came to the temple, and about mysteriously missing boxes. The Podcast from The Temple will be returning...
07.08.2022
Episode 64: Uvalde
**Content Warning:** Some of the discussions expressed in this episode may be triggering to listeners. Please be advised. In this episode, we discuss the tragic events that occurred in Uvalde, TX. Inspiring Lives, Transforming Our World Follow The Temple: Instagram: thetemple_atl Facebook: thetempleatlanta Email: [email protected]
06.03.2022
Episode 63: Israel Preparations
The rabbis are off to Israel!!! In this episode we talk about what we are packing, memorable outfits, and what our favourite parts of the Israel trips are. Stay tuned because we plan to bring you with us with episodes...
03.25.2022
Episode 62: Magical Miss Sarah!
There are few people more special and dear than a beloved preschool teacher and director. Meet “Miss Sarah”—Sarah Shinsky, who serves as the director of our Weinberg Early Learning Center. Learn more about her background and what she loves about...
03.14.2022
Episode 61: The Man, the Myth, the Legend
In every congregation, there is someone (or many) behind the scenes who make sure things are set up and that programs can happen. For The Temple, that person is Lonnie Fitzgerald. Many hear about Lonnie, but here's the chance to...
03.04.2022
Episode 60: Teen Youth Camps
Inspiring Lives, Transforming Our World Follow The Temple: Instagram: thetemple_atl Facebook: thetempleatlanta Email: [email protected]
02.25.2022
Episode 59: It’s worth the five years!
Peter and Loren reflect on the trend of “online ordination” and the importance of a full course of rabbinic study. And, we contemplate what we wish we had learned in rabbinical school! Inspiring Lives, Transforming Our World Follow The Temple: Instagram: thetemple_atl Facebook: thetempleatlanta Email:...
02.11.2022
Episode 58: Every Day is Tu b'Av
We take a break from serious business and talk about Valentine's Day (and all the other days that are not part of the Jewish calendar) and other times it's good to buy flowers. Inspiring Lives, Transforming Our World Follow The Temple: Instagram: thetemple_atl Facebook:...
02.04.2022
Episode 57: Let’s go to the movies!
Grab the popcorn! This week we are in conversation with Kenny Blank, Executive Director of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF), and Dr. Matthew Bernstein, AJFF Board member and Professor of Film at Emory University. They talk with us about...
01.28.2022
Episode 56: Anti-Defamation League
In the wake of the Colleyville, Texas hostage situation, we sit down and talk with the Anti-Defamation League's Vice President of the Southern Division, Allison Padilla-Goodman. Visit adl.org for more on education, research, and resources. Inspiring Lives, Transforming Our World Follow The Temple: Instagram:...
01.21.2022
Episode 55: Another Act of Antisemitism
As we reflect on the events at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, TX, and the heroic escape of the hostages, Peter and Loren talk about what this means for the Jewish community and what we do next. This is a...
01.14.2022
Episode 54: Rise Up!
This week we celebrate MLK Shabbat, an annual tradition of The Temple and Ebenezer Baptist Church coming together for worship as one community. Unfortunately, it will be virtual due to COVID, but the celebration continues. In this podcast, we focus...
01.05.2022
Episode 53: JScreen
We are joined today by Jane Meisel, MD, and Karen Grinzaid, MS from JScreen talk about the importance of getting reproductive and cancer screening, what options you have, and how easy it is to be screened for over 200 Jewish...
12.22.2021
Episode 52: The Man Behind the Camera
Lights!...Camera!.... Dan. In today's episode, we talk to the man who is responsible for helping to build and produce the multi-access platform of The Temple, Dan Fishman. Find out about how he became an intrinsic part of The Temple, his rock...
12.15.2021
Episode 51: Next Year in Jerusalem!
In this episode of The Podcast from the Temple we welcome our special guests, Rabbi Steven Rau and Roni to talk about The Temple's adventures in Israel: past trips, questionable fashion choices, and the future trips we hope are ahead...
12.08.2021
Episode 50: The Grand 50th
In this episode of The Podcast from the Temple, we talk about the importance of the 50th being a major milestone. We also talk to the illustrious Rabbi Alvin Sugarman as he reflects on the past 50 years of being...
12.01.2021
Episode 49: Chanukah Memories
We’re back just in time for Chanukah! The entire Temple clergy team shares some Chanukah thoughts, memories, and stories to add to your Chanukah spirit and celebration. To ask questions or share ideas for future episodes, email us at [email protected]....
09.01.2021
Episode 48: The Final Countdown to 5782!
During the High Holy Days, thousands of people will join us in person and virtually for what we hope is a warm, welcoming, and smooth experience...but to make that happen, our entire clergy, staff, and board of trustees are working...
08.23.2021
Episode 47: Food for the Body and Soul
We continue to reflect on Elul and the High Holy Days with a mix of reflection and humor. With the help of a 10 year old "mystery guest" we get some insight into the spiritual side of this season, and...
08.17.2021
Episode 46: Stepping Back into the Wilderness
This conversation, recording during the first week of August, is our processing the latest COVID news and the implications for our community. Our Jewish story includes plenty of time in the wilderness, and while we didn't want to be in...
08.03.2021
Episode 45: Time to Get Creative!
Peter and Loren talk about the creative process—how do we find inspiration for the sermons, programs, and feel free to try new things as rabbis (and people)? We also find out how Peter always has the perfect funny story or...
06.29.2021
Episode 44: Meet our Rabbinic Intern!
In this episode we talk to Molly Edlein, The Temple's summer rabbinic intern. She shares about growing up at Temple, her interest in becoming a rabbi, and also the realities of being a Jewish college student in these times of...
06.17.2021
Episode 43: Settling into Summer
In our first time recording together in person in many months, Peter and Loren chat about the new Israeli government, Jewish overnight camp, and some summer goals.
05.26.2021
Episode 42: The Man Behind the Scenes
Now that we are through "high season" for Jewish professionals, we finally get to sit down with our executive director, Mark Jacobson. He shares his story of growing up at The Temple and then serving in this professional role for...
05.20.2021
Episode 41: The Power of Relationships
This week's episode features a conversation with Soumaya Khalifa, the founder and executive director of the Islamic Speakers Bureau (ISB) of Atlanta. We talk about the importance of grassroots relationships and recognizing that we don't have to agree 100% of...
05.04.2021
Episode 40: The "Rated Rabbi"
We had a lot of fun catching up with Rabbi David Spinrad, who served at The Temple from 2013-2018 and is now the senior rabbi at Beth-El Hebrew Congregation in Alexandria, Virginia. Hear about his social justice work, how he's...
04.22.2021
Episode 39: What's Jewish about National Cheese Fries Day?
We're back! In this first episode of Year 2 of our podcast, we decided to keep it light...a brief conversation sparked by National Administrative Assistants' Day and Earth Day and 1500 other national days we didn't know existed. We'll chat...
03.25.2021
Episode 38: "The Four Clergy"
In Passover we have the four questions, the four children, the four cups...so this week, we have the four clergy! Rabbis Berg and Lapidus are joined by Cantor Deborah Hartman and Rabbi Sam Kaye to talk about holiday preparations and...
03.09.2021
Episode 37: Questions and Answers
This week, Rabbis Berg and Lapidus discuss a few questions submitted by listeners to [email protected] also go on a few tangents too. Hear what we're thinking about Passover this year, life after b'nei mitzvah for the Kerness-Berg family, and reflections...
03.01.2021
Episode 36: Funding College and Finding Love
On our double-chai episode, we talk with Jenna Shulman, executive director of JELF (Jewish Education Loan Fund) and co-founder of JuLuv, a matchmaking service. We'll learn more about the amazing work of JELF to provide families with last-dollar funds for...
02.22.2021
Episode 35: Meet the President
This week’s episode features a conversation with Rabbi Rick Jacobs, the President of the Union for Reform Judaism. We talk about all of the ways Reform Judaism is growing, how the URJ helps to strengthen liberal Judaism in Israel, what...
02.16.2021
Episode 34: From Senate to CEO
This week we are in conversation with Terri Bonoff, who joined Jewish Family and Career Services as CEO in June 2019. We talk about her transition from being a State Senator in Minnesota to leading JF&CS; here in Atlanta, and...
02.09.2021
Episode 33: Everyone is Welcome
This week we talk with our colleague Rabbi Steven Rau, RJE, The Temple's Director of Lifelong Learning and co-author of Everyone is Welcome: Creating a Culture of Inclusion in Congregational Schools. In honor of Jewish Disability Awareness Month, we discuss...
02.01.2021
Episode 32: Talking with the "Tech Rabbi"
This week, we have fun talking to Rabbi Dan Medwin. Most of our Temple family knows him first as the spouse of Rabbi Lydia Medwin, our director of engagement, but to the rest of the Reform Jewish world, he is...
01.20.2021
Episode 31: Our Neighbor Down the Street
This week we talk with our friend and clergy colleague Rev. Tony Sundermeier, senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. As neighboring congregations on Peachtree Street, we have a long history of clergy and congregants friendships and interfaith study....
01.13.2021
Episode 30: Our History and Our Future
As our Temple Vision and Values statement says, "We are our history, our future." This week, Peter and Loren talk about MLK Shabbat, a longstanding tradition for The Temple and a meaningful partnership with Ebenezer Baptist Church. We also talk...
01.06.2021
Episode 29: Our Jewish Future
We are excited to kick off 2021 by having a conversation with Mike Leven, who most recently was CEO of the Georgia Aquarium, after a distinguished career in the hospitality industry. He'll share about the Jewish Future Pledge (jewishfuturepledge.org) and...

What's The Podcast from The Temple about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Podcast from The Temple episodes:

SALT-y Hotel Bar

And a Happy New Year

The Attack on Israel

Episode 75: THIS Episode

Episode 74: Teens Ask the Rabbis

Episode 73: The Impact of Covid, Part 3 with Dr. Phyllis Kozarsky

Episode 72: The Impact of Covid, Part 2 with Caryn Hanrahan

Episode 71: The Impact of Covid, Part 1 with Dr. Jeff Siegelman

Episode 70: Ollie Takes Over

Episode 69: Chanukkah & New Years Past

Episode 68: Eight Days & Eight Nights

Episode 67: From ATL to RAK

Episode 66: Oh, the Places the Rabbis Have Been!!

Episode 65: The New Cantor

Episode 64: Uvalde

Episode 63: Israel Preparations

Episode 62: Magical Miss Sarah!

Episode 61: The Man, the Myth, the Legend

Episode 60: Teen Youth Camps

Episode 59: It’s worth the five years!

Episode 58: Every Day is Tu b'Av

Episode 57: Let’s go to the movies!

Episode 56: Anti-Defamation League

Episode 55: Another Act of Antisemitism

Episode 54: Rise Up!

Episode 53: JScreen

Episode 52: The Man Behind the Camera

Episode 51: Next Year in Jerusalem!

Episode 50: The Grand 50th

Episode 49: Chanukah Memories

Episode 48: The Final Countdown to 5782!

Episode 47: Food for the Body and Soul

Episode 46: Stepping Back into the Wilderness

Episode 45: Time to Get Creative!

Episode 44: Meet our Rabbinic Intern!

Episode 43: Settling into Summer

Episode 42: The Man Behind the Scenes

Episode 41: The Power of Relationships

Episode 40: The "Rated Rabbi"

Episode 39: What's Jewish about National Cheese Fries Day?

Episode 38: "The Four Clergy"

Episode 37: Questions and Answers

Episode 36: Funding College and Finding Love

Episode 35: Meet the President

Episode 34: From Senate to CEO

Episode 33: Everyone is Welcome

Episode 32: Talking with the "Tech Rabbi"

Episode 31: Our Neighbor Down the Street

Episode 30: Our History and Our Future

Episode 29: Our Jewish Future