Have you ever wondered why the clergy wear white robes for the High Holy Days? And have you wondered what to wear and what to do to set up your sanctuary at home for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur virtual services this year? During this episode, we answer these questions and reflect how to make these days meaningful, even amidst these unusual circumstances. 

This week starts the month of Elul, the last month of the Jewish year. Join us as we start to reflect on how we can prepare for the High Holy Days this year. Hear some updates on what The Temple is doing to make our virtual High Holy Days engaging and interactive, and get some ideas for how to make this experience meaningful from home. This is the first of many High Holy Day-themed conversations, so send your questions to [email protected] to be answered in a future episode! And, for more info about The Temple's offerings, please go to www.the-temple.org/high-holy-days.

It's the time of year when we read the Torah portion that includes the words of the Shema. Join us as we reflect on the power of the Shema during these times of uncertainty, the meaning of the commandments that are introduced in Deuteronomy...and an update on where rabbis like to hike in Atlanta! Many of our upcoming episodes will center around preparing for the High Holy Days, so send your questions to [email protected]!

As we sit socially distanced and acutely aware of our droplets and aerosols, Peter and Loren talk about the current debates happening about school openings and what Judaism says about a situation where both sides represent valid and important values. And, as we start to really count down to High Holy Days 5781, we give a brief preview of what it will mean to lead virtual services this year. 

This week we share our last of the pre-COVID interviews: a conversation with Temple members Ben and Jennifer Johnson, co-owners of The General Muir, West Egg, Yalla, and many other restaurants. Hear their story of creating an American Jewish deli, traveling in Israel, and join us in talking about one of our favorite things: food! 

Two hours before leading services from an empty sanctuary, Rabbis Berg and Lapidus reflect on returning to our sacred space and the special significance on this July 4th week. It’s a short and sweet episode! As always, feedback and questions can go to [email protected].

In honor of Father's Day, Rabbi Peter Berg talks with his fellow clergy dad, Rabbi Steven Rau, and clergy dad-to-be, Rabbi Sam Kaye. They talk about what they've learned from their fathers and what it means to be a dad (or dad-to-be)!

This week we are excited to speak with our new Temple president, Kent Alexander, about his journey to leadership and how he hopes The Temple will learn and grow from the transition to being open virtually. 

Amidst the events of this week, with protests unfolding around the country, we focus on what we as a Temple and Jewish community can do to respond. This episode is a conversation with Dr. John Eaves, co-chair of the Racial Justice group of the Rothschild Social Justice Institute at The Temple. He urges us to not wait for an invitation, but to find ways to be involved to combat systemic racism and respond to the call of these times. 

After an update on how it feels to wear dress shoes for the first time in 10 weeks and what happens when you launder a Kindle, Rabbis Berg and Lapidus reflect on life cycle events in the face of COVID-19. Babies are still being born, meaning the role of a mohel (ritual circumciser) is as important as ever. We feature an interview with Dr. Jonathan Meisel, who trained as a Reform mohel (ritual circumciser). In February, Dr. Meisel sat with us to talk about his journey into this new role in the community, reasons for circumcision on the 8th day, and what he learned from his own experiences as a father during his sons' brit milah ceremonies.