The Rabbi's Husband

Solomon Choi, Founder and CEO of 16 Handles, NYC’s largest frozen dessert franchise, is Mark’s guest on the podcast today. Solomon has worked in Food and Beverage and Foodservice management for more than 15 years as an executive, advisor, and investor, and has served as an Advisory Board member for Rescuing Leftover Cuisine- a non-profit dedicated to eliminating food waste and hunger. If you are in the Tri-State area or Boca Raton, Mark highly recommends visiting your local 16 Handles - you and your kids will love it. The passage Solomon has chosen to discuss today is Leviticus 25. He starts off by sharing how he chose this passage, along with how he chose his own ‘American name’, as well as the names of his children. He and Mark continue by summarizing the passage and looking at its lessons for doing business, being a good steward, and considering 2020 as a year of Jubilee. They also bring this passage into the present day with its parallels to Solomon’s arrival in New York and the growth of his business, what God imparted to him through that process, and the economic realities and attitudes of landlords during the pandemic. Highlighted throughout is this passage’s call to treat others fairly, equitably and with dignity, especially in business, and how Solomon endeavors to bring that to life as a good steward. The episode concludes with the lessons about humankind that Solomon has learned and the importance and power of meeting people in person. Solomon’s tale of starting with very little, achieving very much, and doing so in a manner in alignment with biblical values, is one that you will not soon forget, providing yet another brilliant example of how this awesome text can ‘illuminate our lives and be our guide’. 

Quotes: “Somehow I named myself Solomon.” “To really have faith that even if you stopped working, you will have all that you need, that God will provide.” “In the year of Jubilee, the 50th year, any debt that was accumulated would be forgiven.” “Do not take advantage of each other.” “God is getting deep into the intricacies of commercial and contract law.” “How you conduct yourself in business is of divine importance.” “In God’s humor, this year could be looked upon as a year of Jubilee.” “This year was very much like stay home, be with family, spend time with family, spend time reflecting on Me, obey Me, and I am going to take care of your needs.” “Through faith, they are surviving.” “We shall proclaim freedom throughout the land for all of its inhabitants.” “We’ve all fallen on hard times.” “I’ve seen, kind of, more of a humanitarian approach to commercial real estate more than ever.” “They’re doing the opposite of, kind of, what this passage is talking about…they’re taking advantage of the situation…they’re not being good stewards.” “We grew 16 Handles organically.” “I just need to become the largest slice within that pie.” “That was almost like my journey going into this land of giants.” “This is exactly where I need to be.” “All of my franchisees initially were customers.” “Deep down inside, man is seeking reconciliation.” “When we are seeing and speaking to another person who is also created in God’s image, I think the presence of God is there.”  

Leviticus 25 - https://www.sefaria.org/Leviticus.25.1-55?lang=en&with=all&lang2=en  Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage:  http://therabbishusband.com/ Mark’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: [email protected]

Master of immersion journalism, A.J. Jacobs, joins Mark on the podcast today. Through his work, A.J. has immersed himself in topics ranging from the Bible to the family, to his most recent topic, gratitude, which he recounts in his book, ‘Thanks a Thousand: A Gratitude Journey’. He is also the author of a book about one of Mark’s heroes, Elvis Presley, and all told, he has written four New York Times bestsellers that, in his words, ‘combine memoir, science, humor and a dash of self-help’. The passage he has chosen to discuss with Mark is Psalms 35:18. A.J. begins by summarizing the passage, and sharing its importance for him based upon the theme of gratitude within it. He and Mark then go on to explore the nature of gratitude and especially A.J.’s experiences while immersing himself in it for his book. Along the way they touch upon the basis of cognitive behavioral psychology, the key to happiness, A.J.’s grandfather, and the effects of gratitude. They also look at ways to build gratitude into our days, and how we can improve our lives in the process. A.J. draws the episode to a close by offering a glimpse into his next book, and, as is tradition, the lessons about humankind that he has learned. Having taken the time to fully commit himself to the power of gratitude, A.J. Jacobs is, as you will hear, uniquely qualified to analyze this inspirational passage, and provide first hand accounts of its valuable lessons being brought to life in our world today. Episode Highlights: · A.J.’s summary of the passage and its importance for him · Prayers of gratitude · The basis of cognitive behavioral psychology · The key to happiness · A.J.’s grandfather · Some of A.J.’s experiences while writing ‘Thanks a Thousand’ · Gratitude and happiness · How gratitude changes people · Noticing, being mindful, slowing down and savoring · Changing routines · Slowing down time · A.J.’s next book · How we can improve our lives through the lens of gratitude · The lessons about humankind that A.J. has learned Quotes: “I’m kind of obsessed with gratitude.” “We acknowledge the existence of gratitude even before we acknowledge the existence of ourselves.” “The word Judaism comes from ‘Judah’, the word for thanks, for gratitude.” “There’s a prayer of gratitude for everything.” “There is a prayer of thanksgiving for gratitude about gratitude, it’s very meta. Grateful for gratitude.” “If you want to be a certain way, just act that way, and then, before you know it, you’ll become that way.” “Deed before creed.” “It’s easier to act your way into a new way of thinking than to think your way into a new way of acting.” “Gratitude makes the giver of gratitude more happy.” “We take hundreds of people for granted everyday.” “Gratitude teaches you to focus on what is going right.” “The gratitude is endless.” “Noticing is a prerequisite to gratitude.” “Why wait until someone’s funeral to say something nice about them?” “I think every Jew is our 12th cousin.” “You had a family reunion with 3700 people.”  Psalms 35:18 that I may praise You in a great congregation, acclaim You in a mighty throng. https://www.sefaria.org/Psalms.35.18?lang=en  Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage:  http://therabbishusband.com/ Mark’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: [email protected]

Mark is both delighted and highly honored to welcome Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Steven A. Schaick, the US Air Force Chief of Chaplains, to the podcast this week. In his role, Chaplain Schaick is the senior pastor for more than 685,000 active duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces serving in the U.S. and overseas. He leads a Department of the Air Force Chaplain Corps of approximately 2,000 chaplains and religious affairs Airmen from the active duty and Air Reserve components. The passage he has chosen to discuss with Mark is II Samuel 9-11.

Chaplain Schaick’s summary of the passage reaches back to its roots in an earlier chapter in II Samuel that introduces listeners to the relatively little known Mephibosheth, and the similarity of his story to that of Joseph. He and Mark explore the notion of people who have been ‘dropped’, their tendency to allow themselves to be defined by their setbacks, and the Chaplain’s strategies for encouraging all to focus upon their blessings in life. He finishes up the podcast by offering a glimpse of how chaplaincy works with so many service members of different faiths, and, of course, the lessons he has learned about humankind. Brimming with wisdom and insight, Chaplain Schaick’s analysis of this fascinating passage here today reveals its direct relevance not only to his noble ministry but to society as whole, particularly during the pandemic, offering enlightening information and valuable advice for us all in the process.

Episode Highlights:

· Chaplain Schaick’s summary of the passage, the character introduced in it, and why it’s important for him · The roots of the story in II Samuel 4 and Mephibosheth · This story’s similarity to Joseph’s story · People who have been ‘dropped’ · Focusing on what we can be grateful for even during the pandemic · Clinging to negative experiences · Ministering to those defining themselves by their setbacks · The value of journaling and finding blessings throughout the day · How chaplaincy works among so many people of different faiths · The lessons about humankind that Chaplain Schaick has learned

Quotes:

“I want to show God’s kindness to whoever remains.”

“He’s gone from a nothing to a Prince.”

“There is so much that has not changed, and, quite frankly, so much to be thankful for even in the midst of this difficult time.”

“This COVID pandemic has been renamed as ‘the thing who has taken everything away from us’, when, in fact, that simply is not true, especially for men and women of faith.”

“This was a life defining event for him, as it is for so many people in Africa today.”

“So many of us allow ourselves to be defined by what we’re not.”

“We’ve been welcomed to be Princes and Princesses and allowed to eat with the King.”

“Be a regular and disciplined rememberer of those things that are well with me.”

“Writing out five things that went well for you today.”

“Be on the hunt for things during the day that really, truly are blessings.”

“Increasingly, young people these days are really agnostic when it comes to the brand of theology.”

“Young people today are just looking for authenticity.”

“We’ll have Southern Baptists going to Muslim prayer service.”

“We’ll have Jews attending Christian service.”

“Some connect better with others…religion is largely personality informed and driven.”

“Human beings are extraordinary actors and actresses.”

“Even the most joyful among us are walking a hard road.”

“Persons who give the great religions of the world a chance, almost never come up, you know, wanting.”

“Faith, for me, is a compass.”

“Religion and the word, ligament, come from the very same root word.”

II Samuel 9-11 - https://www.sefaria.org/II_Samuel.9.1-11.27?lang=en&with=all&lang2=en

Links:

The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/

Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en

The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: [email protected]

This week, Mark is delighted to welcome Pastor Jesse Bradley to the podcast. After graduating from Dartmouth College, Jesse went on to become a professional soccer goalkeeper in Zimbabwe, Aberdeen, and Minnesota, before a life threatening illness ended his career. With his Master's Degree in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, Jesse is now the Pastor at Grace Community Church in Washington State, and, recently, his brilliant sermon series on the Book of Jonah caught Mark’s attention and admiration. The passage he has chosen to discuss is one of which Mark was previously unaware, The Book of Haggai.

Their conversation begins with Jesse describing his faith journey and his illness, before summarizing the passage and why it is of consequence to him. Relating the themes of hope and rebuilding within the passage to the situation through which the world has moved in 2020, Jesse stresses the need for strength to achieve success in the ‘new normal’, the importance of a God-centered life, the greatest need in America these days, and God’s ability to help rebuild lives. He and Mark also discuss the notions of taking a step of faith, God working through us, the greatest gift a parent can give a child, and Jesse’s perspective on the physical church in 2020. As is the tradition for this podcast, it concludes with the lessons our esteemed guest has learned about humankind. As Jesse rightly points out, this passage’s prophet is considered minor solely for the length of the books, definitely not for the power of his words – a fact that is proven beyond a shadow of a doubt in today’s rich and rewarding discussion.

Episode Highlights:

· Jesse’s faith journey · His life threatening illness · Jesse’s summary of the passage and why it is consequential to him · Strength and success in the ‘new normal’ · A me-centered life compared with a God-centered life · The greatest need in America right now · Rebuilding lives · Taking a step of faith · God working through us · What Jesse has learned about the physical church in 2020 · The greatest gift a parent can give a child · The lessons that Jesse has learned about humankind

Quotes:

“Sometimes your passion isn’t where your greatest gifts are.”

“I never thought I’d be a pastor.”

“When my world was truly rocked, that’s where I found, first finding Jesus and then also finding an identity and a security that I’d never had before.”

“There was a foundation that began, that ends up being like a rock instead of sand.”

“It’s like you have a source of love and joy and peace that you never had before.”

“We’ve had six months of rubble.”

“We’re not just going to return to what it was like in 2019. We can’t put new wine in old wine skins.”

“Success isn’t going to be rebuilding the past.”

“The later glory will be the greater glory.”

“It’s easy to drift into selfishness.”

“Laws don’t change hearts.”

“God can rebuild any life.”

“I think the home is the place that has to be vibrant. The home is the hub right now.”

“When all of God’s people are filled with God’s presence and it’s everywhere they go, 24/7, now you’ve got a church that’s alive.”

“When somebody truly knows the living God, it’s like a fountain that can’t be stopped.”

“Don’t miss God’s grace. Don’t miss the God of the Bible.”

“We need each other far more than we realize.”

“We need unity. We need that now.”

“We need peace right now.”

Book of Haggai - https://www.sefaria.org/Haggai.1.1-2.23?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en

Links:

The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/

Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en

The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: [email protected]

Mark is delighted to welcome Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl to the podcast today. Rabbi Buchdahl is the first woman to serve as the Senior Rabbi of Central Synagogue in New York City in its 180-year history, and she is also the first Asian American to be ordained as cantor or rabbi in North America. Having been nationally recognized for her innovations in leading worship, which draw large crowds both in the congregation’s historic Main Sanctuary and via live stream and cable broadcast to viewers in more than 100 countries, Rabbi Buchdahl is, Mark believes, the great role model of what the future of institutional Reform Judaism can be. The passage she has chosen to discuss with Mark is Deuteronomy 29:9-11. Rabbi Buchdahl begins by sharing her summary of the passage and its significance for her based upon the message of inclusion that she finds within it. She and Mark then explore the foundation of Jewish identity, the accessibility of the Torah and how to teach it, and the most important of the Jewish holidays. They also discuss the power of truly understanding the experience of the stranger, the Rabbi’s bowling alley analogy regarding parenting, and the collective redemption and order found in the Jewish faith. As is the tradition, the episode concludes with the lessons our guest has learned about humankind. As Mark notes, Rabbi Buchdahl is ‘leading American Jewry to a better, better place’, and this truth is brilliantly displayed here today as she reveals so many lessons from this relatively short but incredibly powerful passage for us all to learn and enjoy. Episode Highlights: · Rabbi Buchdahl’s summary of the passage and its significance to her · The message of inclusion within the passage · The foundation of the Jewish identity · The Torah’s accessibility for all · How to teach Torah · Rabbi Buchdahl’s advice about keeping holidays · Understanding being a stranger in a strange land · The Rabbi’s bowling alley analogy regarding parenting · Collective redemption and order · The lessons about humankind that Rabbi Buchdahl has learned  Quotes: “I spent a lot of my Jewish life feeling like I wasn’t sure that I also was really standing in Sinai like everybody else.” “Everyone brings what they have.” “If you convert to Judaism, you were at Sinai also.” “This sense of inclusion is very powerful.” “This to me is a statement of who we are as a people.” “If you want to commit to this covenant, you’re a part of our people.” “This Torah is for you. It’s for you today.” “Oftentimes, the adults learn through the children.” “There is something very deep about how you own your identity and you own your knowledge when you pass it on.” “If you actually carry that Jewish memory, like, as if it’s your memory, you cannot walk through the world in the same way.” “We taste our tears.” “We’re all born good and pure…there’s the promise that we can return to that original goodness.” “There’s no way that you can emerge from that crucible, in a sense, without being a changed person if you take Yom Kippur seriously.” “What you’re doing is what they’re going to learn.” “Every person is infinitely more powerful than they think they are.” “Every human has the capacity to change.” “The power of one person.”  Deuteronomy 29:9-11 You stand this day, all of you, before the LORD your God—your tribal heads, your elders and your officials, all the men of Israel, your children, your wives, even the stranger within your camp, from woodchopper to water drawer— to enter into the covenant of the LORD your God, which the LORD your God is concluding with you this day, with its sanctions; https://www.sefaria.org/Deuteronomy.29.9-11?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en  Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/ Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: [email protected]

Joining Mark on the podcast today is Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Senior Rabbi of Boca Raton Synagogue (BRS), the largest Orthodox Synagogue in the Southeast United States. In addition to his role at BRS, Rabbi Goldberg also serves as Vice President of the Rabbinical Council of America, and as a member of both the Board of Trustees of the Beth Din of America and the AIPAC National Council. He has been deeply involved in Israel in a variety of ways over many years, and his popular blog and podcast, along with his frequent contributions to Aish.com and OU.org, allow him to regularly connect with a vast number of people throughout the world. This great Torah intellectual, scholar, and communicator has selected Exodus 12:1-3 to discuss with Mark. Rabbi Goldberg begins by sharing his summary of the passage, its meaning for him, and the invitation it offers for all to interpret it. He and Mark engage in an extensive analysis of the importance of the journey in life, our spiritual antenna, Abraham’s role as the father of ethical monotheism, and the passage’s central theme of discovering yourself. They also explore the notion of running away from honor, the meaning of Genesis 12:3 to both Evangelical Christians and to the Rabbi, the sacred obligation of the Jewish people, and our ability to overcome our nature and biology. The episode draws to a close with a discussion of the relationship we have with ourselves, and, of course, with the lessons about humankind that Rabbi Goldberg has learned. As you listen in on today’s conversation, you will quickly discover precisely why so many people refer to Rabbi Efrem Goldberg as ‘a legend’, and will undoubtedly just as quickly agree with them. Episode Highlights: · Rabbi Goldberg’s summary of the passage and its meaning for him · The passage’s invitation for all to interpret · The importance of the journey · Our spiritual antenna · Abraham as the father of ethical monotheism · Discovering yourself · Running away from honor · The meaning of Genesis 12:3 to Evangelicals and to the Rabbi · The sacred obligation of the Jewish people · Overcoming your nature and biology · The relationship we have with ourselves · The lessons about humankind that Rabbi Goldberg has learned.

Exodus 12:1-3 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month shall mark for you the beginning of the months; it shall be the first of the months of the year for you. Speak to the whole community of Israel and say that on the tenth of this month each of them shall take a lamb to a family, a lamb to a household. https://www.sefaria.org/Exodus.12.1-3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en  Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage:  http://therabbishusband.com/ Mark’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: [email protected]

Mark is deeply honored to welcome living legend, Pat Boone, to the podcast today. Pat is obviously one of the most successful singers in history, but he is also an actor, TV host, producer, songwriter, author, motivational speaker, TV pitchman, radio personality, record company head, TV station owner, sports team owner, family man, and humanitarian. As you will hear today, Pat is also very much one of the people most responsible for the current historic friendship between Christians and Jews centered around Israel and the Torah. Today, he and Mark discuss his love of the Torah, the Jewish people, and the Jewish State.

Pat’s unwavering love and support of the Jewish people and State is palpable throughout this episode, particularly as he discusses the impact on his life of the lyrics he wrote for ‘Exodus’, and, in what would come to be known as singing ‘a prophecy’, his opportunity to perform it for troops during his visit to Israel in the midst of the Yom Kippur War. His relationship with Elvis Presley, his plan for peace, his definition of Zionism, and his many tours in Israel are also discussed. Pat tenderly shares the details of his successful 65 years of marriage to his beloved wife, Shirley, and The Boone Life Centre they founded together in Tanzania in conjunction with GOD TV. This thoroughly fascinating episode draws to a close with Pat sharing the lessons he has learned about mankind, and the story behind his role as a Christian Ambassador of Tourism for Israel. In this entertaining and informative conversation that spans many decades in the life of this truly remarkable individual, what becomes crystal clear is Pat Boone’s pioneering role in leading the formidable Christian Jewish friendship that is enjoyed throughout the world today, and the strength of his commitment to ensure its continuity for the future.

Episode Highlights:

· The story of Pat’s lyrics for the movie ‘Exodus’ · How they came to be displayed on the wall of the Righteous Gentiles at the Yad Vasham · His love of the Torah, the Jewish people, and the Jewish State · Pat’s visit to Israel during the Yom Kippur War · The story of Pat’s friendship with Elvis Presley from their first meeting to their last · Elvis’ relationship with the Jews · His definition of Zionism · The One Year Bible · Pat’s book, ‘“Questions About God And the Answers That Could Change Your Life” · Pat’s tours in Israel · Pat’s wife, Shirley, and her dad, Red Foley · The secret to a long and happy marriage · The Boone Life Centre in Tanzania · GOD TV · The lessons Pat has learned about humankind · Christian Ambassador of Tourism

Quotes:

“We have so much more in common than we even know yet.”

“You sang a prophecy.”

“We were two boys from Tennessee that had hit it big.”

“We were bonded to Israel.”

“The man is spiritually hungry.”

“Israel and the Jews were always...part of our history.”

“Through Israel all the nations of the Earth will be blessed.”

“Israel has become a blessing to every nation in the world.”

“We didn’t kiss for 9 months…I came home on Cloud 9.”

“Shirley was the ultimate mother and wife.”

“It was our commitments to God as well as to each other that made us hang in there.”

“I miss her, I love her, she’s all over this house I’m still living in.”

“She’s hovering nearby, I think.”

“You’re giving water and education. What could be more important?”

“Love the Lord thy God.”

“The whole duty of man is to fear God and keep his commandments.”

Links:

The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/

Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en

The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: [email protected]

Senior Vice President of OpenDor Media (formerly Jerusalem U), Noam Weissman, joins Mark on the podcast today. Noam is also the host of the podcast ‘Unpacking Israeli History’, and prior to his current roles, he was the Principal of Shalhevet High School, where he taught a range of subjects, including Talmud, Tanakh, Jewish philosophy and Israel Education. Today, he has chosen two stories from Genesis, the narrative of Sodom and the binding of Isaac, as well as the connection between them, to discuss with Mark.

Their conversation today is a wide ranging one which not only summarizes the two stories, but also delves deeply into the many themes and lessons within, their relevance to our present day, and, of course the connection between the two. Such notions as becoming the Chosen People, the invention of morality, divine commands and moral philosophy, Abraham’s great accomplishment, and identity protective cognition are explored all within the context of Abraham’s journey toward becoming a knight of faith. Noam concludes with the lessons he has learned about humankind, which quickly segues into the nature and styles of parenting. Drawing upon their own insights and the wisdom of a number of Torah scholars, Noam and Mark engage in a thoroughly rewarding back and forth exchange, alternating between challenging, supporting, and building upon each other’s interpretation of these two pivotal texts, ultimately revealing the eternal guidance the texts have to offer.

Episode Highlights:

· Noam’s summaries of Genesis 18 and 22 · “Perhaps the most instructive verse in the entire Bible.” · Covenantal morality · Becoming the Chosen People · God enjoying Abraham’s challenging Him · The invention of morality · The spiritual zenith of Abraham’s career · Why Abraham challenges God in Genesis 18 but no Genesis 22 · Divine commands and moral philosophy · The last encounter of Abraham with God, Isaac, and Sarah · Abraham’s great accomplishment and 21st Century social science · Humility – the most important quality · Identity protective cognition · Viewing the history and society of Israel from multiple perspectives · The tension of ideas · What it means to be a Jew · Becoming a knight of faith · The lessons Noam has learned about humankind · Parenting styles and the relationship between parent and child

Quotes:

“I’m going to invite Abraham into My thinking.”

“Inviting Abraham into the conversation in order to construct morality.”

“The very purpose of the Jewish people in the Bible, not because they are…the Chosen People, but to be the Chosen People.”

“Are you really willing to kill the innocent with the guilty? That doesn’t seem to be very ethical.”

“God never directly commands Abraham to sacrifice his son.”

“For Abraham to take Isaac off of the altar was many times harder than for him to offer him up in the first place.”

“Self-justification of our past…dictates our future.”

“This was Abraham’s great accomplishment, is being able to say, ‘I was wrong, and I’m going to change’.”

“Embracing the joy of being wrong.”

“People don’t change their minds.”

“We see Abraham transcend himself at the end without getting anything in return for it.”

“I believe that people are good.”

“Teaching students and teaching adults is really quite similar.”

“In order to do good, you need a bilateral relationship.”

Genesis 18 - https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.18.1-33?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en

Genesis 22 - https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.22.1-24?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en Links:

The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/

Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en

The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: [email protected]

‘Unpacking Israeli History’ podcast: https://unpacked.media/unpacking-israeli-history-podcast/

Rabbi Yehuda Sarna is Mark’s very special guest on the podcast today. Rabbi Sarna serves as the University Chaplain and Executive Director at the Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life at New York University, and as the Chief Rabbi of the Jewish Community of the United Arab Emirates. He is also the editor of ‘The Koren Shabbat Evening Siddur’, and the ‘Orthodox Forum Series: Toward a Jewish Perspective on Culture’, and is a prolific author. The passage he has chosen to discuss with Mark is Genesis 12:1-3. Rabbi Sarna begins by sharing his summary of the passage, its significance for him, and his perspective on the uncertainty of Abraham’s journey. He and Mark then engage in an extensive examination of the notions of God’s ambiguous directions, Abraham’s response to these and how it reflects his priorities, and the virtually universal approach to interpreting ambiguities. They also look at the most important passage in the Torah for Evangelical Christians, and the importance of the hospitality message of the Abrahamic Narrative for Muslims including its contributions to the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. The episode concludes with their discussion of power and influence, Abraham’s role as a dealmaker, and the lessons that Rabbi Sarna has learned about humankind. As the Rabbi states, ‘We are a learning species’, and, indeed, there is so much for us all to learn from this informative, insightful, and joyfully passionate discussion here today. Episode Highlights: · Rabbi Sarna’s summary of the passage and its significance for him · The uncertainty of Abraham’s journey · God’s intentional ambiguity and Abraham’s interpretation · The promise of becoming a great nation · Abraham’s priority of family over land · Interpreting ambiguities · The most important passage in the Torah for Evangelical Christians · The importance of the hospitality message of the Abrahamic Narrative for Muslims · The Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi · Power and influence · Abraham as a dealmaker · The lessons Rabbi Sarna has learned about humankind Quotes: “Abraham is called and he begins his journey.” “The truth is…in one way or another, we’re all on a journey.” “There’s actually no part of what God says to Abraham which is straightforward.” “Very often when we have an instruction from God, actually it’s not clear exactly what He wants.” “God speaks in ambiguous terms and Abram has to make a decision about what it is that God is actually telling him to do.” “It’s the promise of continuity, it’s the promise of a next generation, it’s the promise of becoming a great nation.” “Abram feels like he is coming from a cursed place…change of place, change of luck – that’s what Abram was looking for.” “What you’re seeing here is a negotiation between the ambiguous word of God and Abram’s circumstance.” “The very first Jewish accountant.” “How can we make you feel as you belong?” “The war for hearts and minds is becoming increasingly important in the information age.” “Abram more than any other biblical character is a dealmaker.” “When you are an influencer, you can rely and you can trust the power of others.” “We need each other.” “At our core, we are a learning species.”  Genesis 12:1-3 The LORD said to Abram, “Go forth from your native land and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, And I will bless you; I will make your name great, And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you And curse him that curses you; And all the families of the earth Shall bless themselves by you.” https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.12.1-3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en  Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage:  http://therabbishusband.com/ Mark’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: [email protected]

Mark is delighted to welcome Ambassador Ido Aharoni to the podcast today. Currently the Global Distinguished Professor for international relations at New York University’s Graduate School of Arts and Science, Ido is a 25-year veteran of Israel’s Foreign Service, a public diplomacy specialist, founder of the Brand Israel Program, and a well-known nation branding practitioner. He has been Israel's longest serving Consul-General in New York and the tri-state area to date, holding that position with the rank of Ambassador for six years. The passage he has chosen to discuss with Mark is The Pesach Narrative. Their conversation begins with Ido reciting the passage in both Hebrew and English, describing his personal connection to it, and its significance during Pesach. He goes on to describe Zionism and the shared destiny of the Jewish people, maintaining survivability and continuity through storytelling, others’ perspective of the Jewish collective, and the play, ‘A Happy End’. He and Mark also explore the notion of the personal Exodus, the complementary national and psychological implications of the passage, the documentary ‘Children of the Inquisition’, and the impact of discovering one’s Jewish heritage. Ido concludes the episode with his belief in welcoming interested people into the Jewish collective, and the lessons he has learned about humankind. Ido’s wisdom, experience, and enthusiasm shine forth brilliantly in his analysis of this seminal passage here today, as he reveals both its relevance and guidance for all in our modern world. Episode Highlights: · Ido’s reading of the passage in both Hebrew and English · His personal connection to the passage · This significance of this passage during Pesach · Zionism and the shared destiny of the Jewish people · Maintaining survivability and continuity through storytelling · Others’ perception of the Jewish collective · Iddo Netanyahu’s play, ‘A Happy End’ · The personal Exodus · The complementary national and psychological implications of this passage · Joseph Lovett’s documentary, ‘Children of the Inquisition’ · The impact of discovering one’s Jewish heritage · Welcoming people to the Jewish collective · The lessons about humankind that Ido has learned Quotes: “My grandmother actually came out of Egypt.” “My entire public career was devoted to the celebration of Zionism.” “Zionism equals Jewish self-determination.” “Zionism was never a big hit among Jews…the biggest critics of Zionism were Jews.” “Jews substituted history for memory.” “We’re all trying to escape our own personal Egypts at all times.” “The power to define who you are is given to you, but you cannot ignore the others’ definition of yourself.” “It’s them who define who we are, and it’s an interesting lesson to be learned.” “Each person has his or her own Exodus, own liberating process.” “This is how our people survived throughout history.”  “One of our jobs is to provide safe haven for all Jews.” “There’s a contract, a legal contract, between the State of Israel and every person who is Jewish or of Jewish background in the world.” “I think it’s a mistake, from a historical perspective, to reject people who want to be part of the collective.” “It’s about being part of the same narrative.” “At the end of the day, the good guys always win.” “At the end of the day, touch the lives of the people around you.” “Diplomacy is the absolute opposite of war. Diplomacy’s all about relationships. It’s all about the promotion of goodness.”  Mishnah Pesachim 10:5 In every generation a person must regard himself as though he personally had gone out of Egypt, https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/63099.1?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en&p3=Mishnah_Pesachim.10.5&lang3=bi  Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage:  http://therabbishusband.com/ Mark’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: [email protected]