In this episode, Rabbi Avi sits down with Professor David Graizbord, Director of the Arizona Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Arizona. A world-class historian and a beloved member of Congregation Bet Shalom in Tucson, Graizbord brings a unique vantage point to the modern Jewish experience. Born in Boston and raised in Mexico City, his academic expertise in the 17th-century conversos (secret Jews) serves as a powerful lens through which he analyzes Jewish identity, Zionism, and the challenges facing American Jews in 2026.

The Two Worlds of a Jewish Scholar

• The "Citizen" vs. The Professor: Graizbord reflects on the difference between being a "regular person" at Bet Shalom and the more guarded role of a professor at a state university.

• The "Cultural Artifact" Phenomenon: He discusses the reality of teaching Judaic studies in a university where 75% of the students are not Jewish, and the irony of being perceived as a representative "artifact" of a culture rather than just an instructor.

The "New Zionists" and the Generational Divide

• Identity Redefinition: A look at whether young Jews are dropping their identity or simply redefining Zionism in a way that feels less stigmatized in modern social circles.

• The Weight of Heritage: The struggle for young Jews to handle their heritage in contexts where it is poorly understood or viewed with condescension.

The Modern "Converso" Experience

• The Secret Jewish Self: Graizbord posits that many modern American Jews feel like "new conversos," hiding their identity or feeling a sense of internalized unease when demonstrating their Jewishness in public spaces.

• The Progressive Conflict: How Jewish students who identify as "passionate progressives" navigate spaces that are increasingly anti-Israel and, at times, echo medieval libels.

The "Liberal Bargain"

• The Cost of Acceptance: An analysis of the historical bargain offered by Western democracies: Jews are accepted as a "religious group" (analogous to Christians) but are often asked to forfeit their status as a "nation" or a distinct civilization.

• Religion vs. Culture: Why Graizbord rejects the term "Judaism" as a simple religion, arguing instead for a "comprehensive culture" that includes peoplehood, land, and Torah.

The Diaspora vs. Israel: A Prolonged Divorce

• A Bipolar World: The shifting centers of Jewish life between Israel and the Diaspora (specifically New York).

• The Freedom of the Israeli: A provocative look at how Israelis possess a fundamental freedom that Diaspora Jews do not: the freedom from needing to constantly justify their existence to their neighbors.

"Jewish organization is a contradiction in terms... ultimately it works because of the underlying anthropological reality, which is that we’re a people."

"Israeli soldiers don't worry about anti-Semitism. The anti-Semites worry about the Israeli soldiers. That is a kind of freedom that we do not have here."

"I’m a pessimist with regard to the future of Jews in America. I’m an optimist with regard to the future of Jews."

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In this deeply personal episode, Rabbi Avi and Rabbi Blum honor the life and legacy of their mentor, Rabbi Elijah Schochet, Zecher Tzadik L'ivracha (1935–2026). A descendant of the Vilna Gaon and a student of legendary scholars like Abraham Joshua Heschel and Saul Lieberman, Rabbi Schochet was a "Rabbi’s Rabbi" whose influence spanned the globe.

This episode explores the duality of a man who was both a towering intellectual and a simple practitioner of radical kindness. Through a rare 2015 recording and a moving dialogue with forensic psychiatrist Rabbi Dr. Bennett Blum, we examine how Rabbi Schochet navigated the darkest roots of human insecurity while remaining relentlessly committed to the joy and holiness within every individual.

The episode features a 2015 sermon by Rabbi Schochet in which he dives into the psychoanalytic roots of the Book of Genesis. Key themes include:

• Sibling Rivalry: Examining the conflicts of Cain and Abel, Isaac and Ishmael, and Jacob and Esau as the central dilemma of human existence.

• The Craving for Favoritism: How the desperate need for parental and divine love can lead to either destructive insecurity or lives of Chesed (loving-kindness).

• Theology of Insecurity: A challenge to define whether our personal theology leads us to "kill for God’s glory" or to serve through Tzedakah (righteousness) and Rachamim (mercy).

• The SLobodka Ideal: How Rabbi Schochet bridged the intellectual recognition of human flaws with a commitment to Gadlus HaAdam—the innate greatness of man.

• "Enjoy, Enjoy": An analysis of Rabbi Schochet’s signature catchphrase as a radical theological choice. He believed we must choose whether to live a "life of joy interrupted by tragedy" or a "life of tragedy interrupted by joy."

• Honoring the Individual: Stories of Rabbi Schochet’s unique ability to make every person feel like his "favorite," from his own family members to a woman struggling with self-esteem.

• The "Third Ear": Reflections on his quiet authority, his vast knowledge base ranging from Aramaic Talmudic texts to Bollywood musicals and football statistics, and his refusal to be "Pollyannish" about the realities of suffering.

• The Obligation of the Student: Discussing the responsibility to amplify Rabbi Schochet's example in a world that feels darker without his physical presence.

• Lamed Vavnikim: The Jewish mystical tradition of the 36 hidden righteous souls upon whom the world depends.

• Levayah: A funeral service; literally "escorting" the deceased.

• Neshama: The soul or inner essence of a person.

• Menschlichkeit: The quality of being a "mensch"—a person of integrity, honor, and compassion.

• Azkara / Kel Maleh Rachamim: The memorial prayer asking for the soul of the departed to find rest and be bound in the bonds of eternal life.

As Rabbi Schochet’s grandson noted at his funeral, he was a lighthouse. When a lighthouse goes dark, the ships do not stop; they must find a new way to navigate. This episode serves as a guide for all those seeking to calibrate their own lives toward joy, kindness, and intellectual honesty.

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Featured Guest

• Oleg Cohen: A theoretical nuclear physicist, MBA, and tech entrepreneur. Originally from Irkutsk, Siberia, Oleg is a black belt in American Kenpo and a dedicated instructor of self-defense for the Jewish community.

Episode Summary They say history repeats itself, but for Oleg Cohen, the future is already knocking at the door. Born in Irkutsk, Siberia, Oleg grew up in a society where antisemitism wasn’t just a sentiment—it was a fact of life. Today, as a successful tech entrepreneur and AI innovator in the United States, he sees haunting parallels between the collapse of the Soviet Union and the rising tide of hostility in modern America.

In this sobering yet empowering conversation, Rabbi Avi and Oleg discuss the "lifting of the taboo" on Jew-hatred, the dangerous "horseshoe" of political extremism, and why the image of the weak, victimized Jew must be left in the past. Oleg shares his journey from a young boy hiding his identity in Russia to a black belt in American Kenpo teaching self-defense to Jewish students. This is a call to wake up, build physical and mental resilience, and refuse to be an easy target.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• The Soviet Experience: Oleg opens up about growing up in Siberia, where being Jewish was effectively illegal and a source of shame. He recounts the chilling normalization of slurs and the "glass ceilings" in academia.

• The Lifting of the Taboo: Drawing from his experience with the collapse of the USSR, Oleg explains how societal instability can quickly turn "impolite" antisemitism into open, unchecked violence—a trend he now sees accelerating in the U.S. post-October 7th.

• The Horseshoe Theory: A discussion on how the extreme left and extreme right, despite their differences, ultimately meet at the point of antisemitism and anti-Zionism.

• Muscle Memory: Why intellectual success isn't enough. Oleg explains his transition into martial arts and why he believes every Jewish student needs to build the physical confidence to know "where the door is" and how to protect themselves.

• The Silence of Friends: The painful reality of non-Jewish friends and colleagues who stayed silent—or turned hostile—when the Jewish community needed them most.

• A New Strength: Why the "weak Jew" of the diaspora is a relic, and how Israel’s resilience should serve as a model for Jews in America.

Mentioned in this Episode

• The "Guy with the Guitar" Song: Oleg references a viral Russian song that contrasts the "old" image of the weak, victimized Jew of the Soviet era with the "new" Jew of Israel who will fiercely defend their land.

  • Note: The song Oleg is likely referring to is by the famous Russian-Israeli bard and comedian Semyon Slepakov, whose songs about the war and Jewish identity went viral after October 7th. You can listen to his poignant (and often humorous) take on these themes here:

  • Semyon Slepakov - "Song about the situation" (Note: While there are several viral songs fitting this description, Slepakov is the most prominent "guy with a guitar" addressing this exact sentiment).

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In this episode, Rabbi Avi sits down with Rabbi Daniel Levine, the Senior Jewish Educator for Hillel at UC Irvine and a lecturer in Jewish Studies. They dive deep into the intellectual and spiritual evolution of a modern rabbi, the challenges facing Jewish students on campus today, and the delicate balance of maintaining a "principled centrist" identity in a polarized world.

• The Intellectual Journey: Rabbi Daniel shares his transition from the "hyper-intellectual" world of the Brisk/Soloveitchik Yeshiva tradition to the pluralistic "soup" of modern American Judaism. He discusses how studying Jewish history from an academic perspective changed his view of Torah from a "top-down" static revelation to a "bottom-up" organic creation of the Jewish people.

• Biblical Criticism vs. Tradition: A candid discussion on the "shock to the system" that comes from encountering biblical criticism. Daniel explains how viewing the Torah as a composite text actually enhanced his connection to Jewish tradition and peoplehood, even as his relationship with halakha (Jewish law) changed.

• The "Slippery Slope" of Observance: Avi and Daniel grapple with the "slippery slope" of non-Orthodox life—how to define parameters for Jewish commitment and continuity without the strict boundaries of traditional law.

• The Fifth Question: Daniel discusses the philosophy behind his own podcast, The Fifth Question, and why long-form dialogue is the only way to preserve the nuance essential to Jewish thought.

• Zionism as an Indigenous Movement: Why Daniel views Zionism as a successful de-colonial, indigenous rights movement and his concerns about why it isn't celebrated as such by modern progressives.

• Jewish Identity and Intermarriage: A nuanced look at the reality of assimilation and intermarriage in America. Daniel introduces the halakhic framework of L’chatchila (ideal) vs. B’dyeved (post-facto) as a way to remain welcoming to all families while advocating for Jewish continuity.

• The Overton Window of Judaism: A debate on what constitutes "authentic" Judaism. Daniel argues for a wide "Overton Window" that includes everyone from female Reform rabbis to the ultra-Orthodox in Borough Park. *

• Life on Campus Post-October 7: An honest assessment of the climate for Jewish students at UC Irvine and across the country. Daniel explains how modern anti-Zionist rhetoric often mirrors Soviet-era propaganda and why Jewish education is the best defense against campus hostility.

• The "Fast Takes" Round: Daniel’s preference for Persian cuisine over Ashkenazi cholent, his recommendation for the one book every centrist should read (As a Driven Leaf by Milton Steinberg), and what he would ask Maimonides if given the chance.

• Torah Min HaShamayim: The traditional belief that the Torah was given directly by God at Sinai.

• Kiruv: Jewish outreach aimed at bringing Jews closer to tradition.

• Halakha: The collective body of Jewish religious laws.

• Brisk Method: An analytical approach to Talmud study emphasizing conceptual definitions. *

• Listen to his podcast: The Fifth Question

• Follow his work at: Hillel at UC Irvine https://www.ochillel.org/ucirvine

Enjoyed the show? Please like, rate, and subscribe to The Rabbi Avi Show. To support the podcast, become a member at patreon.com/horizontalmedia

In this episode, Rabbi Avi sits down with Rabbi Daniel Levine, the Senior Jewish Educator for Hillel at UC Irvine and a lecturer in Jewish Studies. They dive deep into the intellectual and spiritual evolution of a modern rabbi, the challenges facing Jewish students on campus today, and the delicate balance of maintaining a "principled centrist" identity in a polarized world.

• The Intellectual Journey: Rabbi Daniel shares his transition from the "hyper-intellectual" world of the Brisk/Soloveitchik Yeshiva tradition to the pluralistic "soup" of modern American Judaism. He discusses how studying Jewish history from an academic perspective changed his view of Torah from a "top-down" static revelation to a "bottom-up" organic creation of the Jewish people.

• Biblical Criticism vs. Tradition: A candid discussion on the "shock to the system" that comes from encountering biblical criticism. Daniel explains how viewing the Torah as a composite text actually enhanced his connection to Jewish tradition and peoplehood, even as his relationship with halakha (Jewish law) changed.

• The "Slippery Slope" of Observance: Avi and Daniel grapple with the "slippery slope" of non-Orthodox life—how to define parameters for Jewish commitment and continuity without the strict boundaries of traditional law.

• The Fifth Question: Daniel discusses the philosophy behind his own podcast, The Fifth Question, and why long-form dialogue is the only way to preserve the nuance essential to Jewish thought.

• Zionism as an Indigenous Movement: Why Daniel views Zionism as a successful decolonial, indigenous rights movement and his concerns about why it isn't celebrated as such by modern progressives.

• Jewish Identity and Intermarriage: A nuanced look at the reality of assimilation and intermarriage in America. Daniel introduces the halakhic framework of L’chatchila (ideal) vs. B’dyeved (post-facto) as a way to remain welcoming to all families while advocating for Jewish continuity.

• The Overton Window of Judaism: A debate on what constitutes "authentic" Judaism. Daniel argues for a wide "Overton Window" that includes everyone from female Reform rabbis to the ultra-Orthodox in Borough Park. *

• Life on Campus Post-October 7: An honest assessment of the climate for Jewish students at UC Irvine and across the country. Daniel explains how modern Antizionist rhetoric often mirrors Soviet-era propaganda and why Jewish education is the best defense against campus hostility.

• The "Fast Takes" Round: Daniel’s preference for Persian cuisine over Ashkenazi cholent, his recommendation for the one book every centrist should read (As a Driven Leaf by Milton Steinberg), and what he would ask Maimonides if given the chance.

• Torah Min HaShamayim: The traditional belief that the Torah was given directly by God at Sinai.

• Kiruv: Jewish outreach aimed at bringing Jews closer to tradition.

• Halakha: The collective body of Jewish religious laws.

• Brisk Method: An analytical approach to Talmud study emphasizing conceptual definitions.

• Listen to his podcast: The Fifth Question

• Follow his work at: Hillel at UC Irvine https://www.ochillel.org/ucirvine

Enjoyed the show? Please like, rate, and subscribe to The Rabbi Avi Show. To support the podcast, visit patreon.com/horizontalmedia.

Episode Summary: They say if you want to see the future of the Jewish people, don’t look at a spreadsheet of statistics—look at who is sitting around your Shabbat table.

In this episode, Rabbi Avi is joined by four dynamic young Jewish leaders—Shoshana Levine, Jacob Sandler, Ed Gelernt, and Aleeza Schoenberg—for a conversation that started as a Friday night dinner and turned into a high-energy debate about the future of American Jewry in 2026.

Together, they wrestle with the "slippery slope" of standards versus inclusivity, the transition from Modern Orthodoxy to Egalitarianism, and how to build meaningful communities for a generation that demands authenticity. Whether you are a daily minyan-goer or someone who hasn’t stepped inside a synagogue in years, there is a seat for you at this table.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• The Fifth Child: We know the four children from the Haggadah, but what about the one who didn't even show up? The group discusses how to reach the disengaged and "on the bubble" Jews who are falling through the cracks.

• Standards vs. The Slippery Slope: A debate on whether maintaining strict standards preserves the community or alienates the very people we are trying to reach.

• Authenticity & Egalitarianism: Aleeza shares her powerful personal journey from Modern Orthodoxy to finding a space where her presence as a woman didn't just exist, but truly mattered.

• "LARPing" as Judeans: Ed proposes a provocative idea: Are we just live-action role-playing as ancient Judeans in modern America, or are we building a living, breathing civilization?

• High Ceilings, Low Floors: How to create educational programming (like Ed and Aleeza's Mishmar group) that is accessible to beginners without boring the experts.

• The Price of Admission: Addressing the financial and cultural barriers of suburban synagogue memberships and how to make Shul feel like home again.

• The Power of Singing: Why music and communal singing might be the "secret sauce" to engagement that transcends belief.

Featured Guests

• Shoshana Levine: A second-year rabbinical student at The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) and long-time student of Rabbi Avi.

• Jacob Sandler: Hazzan (Cantor) at North Suburban Synagogue Beth-El in Highland Park, Illinois.

• Ed Gelernt: A PhD student in Genetics at Stanford University and an active lay leader at Kol Emet in Palo Alto.

• Aleeza Schoenberg: A writer, Jewish communal leader, and board member at Kol Emet in Palo Alto.

Quotes from the Episode

• "The essence of what it is to be a Jew is to be engaged in the question of what it is to be a Jew."

• "We are a religion of collaborative overlap."

• "If you want to get Jews to want to be Jewish, figure out what part of it actually was home."

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Guest: E.C. Stilson (Elisa Magagna)

In this profound and deeply personal conversation, Rabbi Avi welcomes back author E.C. Stilson (Elisa Magagna) to discuss her new novel, The Unfinished Business of Opal Bloom. Born from Elisa's own face-to-face encounters with mortality while battling Stage IV melanoma, the book explores the "spiritual architecture" of the afterlife.

Elisa opens up about her health crisis, the "spirit of death" that visited her dreams, and how her main character, Opal, became a vessel for her to confront her own inner critic. They dive into a unique vision of Purgatory—not as a place of punishment, but as a school of craft led by a Master Luthier—where souls are repaired like weathered violins.

• The Catalyst of Mortality: Elisa shares the harrowing experience of a 2021 health crisis where she was 30 minutes away from death, and how that urgency fueled the completion of this novel.

• The Eternal Symphony: Why music and harmony serve as the central language for Elisa’s vision of Heaven and the soul.

• The Pleopyts (Purgatory) as a Workshop: A look at the "Master Luthier" and the concept that our souls, though dented and scratched by life, can be repaired through learning and "tuning."

• The Inner Critic vs. Grace: Confronting the "grating monologue" of failure and perfectionism, and finding the "gentle whisper" that says, "You were doing your best."

• Legacy and "The Ripple Effect": Shifting the definition of legacy from professional performance to the kindness and resonance we leave in the people we love.

• The "Knotty" String to God: A beautiful Jewish metaphor about how the more "knots" (mistakes and repairs) we have in our connection to the Divine, the shorter the string and the closer we actually are to God.

"The strings with the more knots, they're actually shorter and they're closer to God because they've had to learn more." — Elisa Magagna

"True legacy is not about what you did on earth. It's about the kindness and the resonance you leave within other people." — The Master Luthier (from the novel)

"I think God wants us to be perfectly imperfect... I'm me, and that's good enough." — Elisa Magagna

• Book: The Unfinished Business of Opal Bloom by E.C. Stilson 

• Book: Ring the Bell by E.C. Stilson

• Book Reference: When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold Kushner

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In this conversation, Alma Hernandez shares her journey as a Mexican-American Jew and her experiences in reclaiming her Jewish heritage. She discusses her political aspirations, the challenges she faced, and her commitment to advocating for her community. Alma reflects on her personal trauma and how it has shaped her resilience and dedication to public service. She emphasizes the importance of Holocaust education and her unapologetic support for Israel, while also addressing the need for unity within the diverse Jewish community. Throughout the discussion, Alma highlights the influence of her family and the legacy they have instilled in her, providing hope and motivation for her future endeavors.

Takeaways:

Alma identifies as an unapologetic Mexican Jew, reflecting her unique cultural background.

Her conversion to Judaism was a personal journey of reclaiming her heritage.

Alma became the youngest woman ever elected in Arizona, breaking barriers in politics.

She believes in the importance of unity within the Jewish community, regardless of differing opinions.

Alma emphasizes the need for resilience and thick skin in the political arena.

Her personal trauma has fueled her advocacy for criminal justice reform.

Alma is committed to Holocaust education, believing in the importance of sharing survivor stories.

She stands firmly with Israel, despite facing backlash from within her party.

Family legacy plays a crucial role in Alma's motivation and determination.

Alma's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and hope.

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Guest: Dr. David Dierks

Rabbi Avi sits down with his lifelong friend, Dr. David Dierks, for a conversation that spans from their junior high band room in Arizona to the high-stakes environment of a modern emergency room. Dr. Dierks shares his "uncommon path" from ER nurse to Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), offering a candid, frontline perspective on the realities of the US healthcare system.

They discuss the profound impact of their shared musical past, the "medical purgatory" created by a profit-driven system, and the critical importance of being an advocate for your own health. Dr. Dierks provides a sober look at physician burnout and the challenges facing rural hospitals, but also shares what gives him hope—and why, after seeing humanity at its best and worst, he still fundamentally loves people.

• (00:01) Introduction: The story behind the episode title, "Beyond the Band Room: The Rabbi and the ER."

• (01:57) Dr. Dierks discusses the "culture shock" of moving from a small farm in Iowa to Chandler, Arizona.

• (04:33) How the "many moving parts" of a high school marching band provided the perfect training for teamwork in the ER.

• (05:41) Reflecting on their high school friendship, being one of the few Jewish kids in school, and their shared period of questioning religion.

• (08:25) A personal memory: When Rabbi Avi's family trusted David to care for his grandfather, long before he was a doctor.

• (10:21) The "Uncommon Path": What driving force (including a divorce and a nudge from his brother) pushed him to go from a successful ER nurse to a physician?

• (12:03) What is a D.O.? Dr. Dierks explains the holistic philosophy of Osteopathic Medicine, founded by Dr. A.T. Still.

• (16:28) How his years as a CNA and nurse gave him a different, more confident approach to medicine than his colleagues.

• (18:14) The 12-Year Burnout: What it's like when both you and your spouse are ER doctors. (Spoiler: They have to talk shop at home).

• (20:20) The Single Biggest Challenge Facing Hospitals: Capitalism. Dr. Dierks explains how the profit-motive impacts patient care.

• (23:05) "Medical Purgatory": The daily reality of specialists refusing complicated or uninsured patients, leaving them stuck in the ER.

• (25:21) The critical importance of being an advocate for yourself and your family members in the hospital.

• (25:38) The impact of the burnout crisis, especially after 10% of the healthcare workforce left post-COVID.

• (28:54) Rural vs. Urban Medicine: The stark differences in resources between practicing in Iowa and Arizona.

• (31:02) How do we rebuild public trust? Dr. Dierks argues that most providers are good people "beaten down by the system."

• (33:21) A Sign of Hope: The rise of Advanced Practitioner Providers (APPs) in filling the primary care gap.

• (35:09) Will AI fix healthcare? The hope that AI will handle documentation and finally let doctors get back to the patient's bedside.

• (36:47) The "Magic Wand" Question: The one thing Dr. Dierks would change about the US healthcare system.

• (37:26) Advice for any young person considering a career in medicine: "Talk to as many people as you can."

• (39:02) A 35-Year Friendship: Dr. Dierks reflects on how their lifelong bond has been a "grounding force."

• (41:49) The Final Lesson: After all these years in the ER, Dr. Dierks shares the one lesson he carries every day.