The Straw Hat

The Straw Hat episodes:

• 06.20.2023

  The Final Interview

  In this episode, Rabbi Wolkenfeld welcomes back to the podcast Rabbi Zachary Truboff—the Director of Rabbinic Education for the International Beit Din—who shares his insights into how Jewish divorce works today. On the occasion of Rabbi Wolkenfeld’s last Straw Hat...

  
• 03.30.2023

  A Briefing on Israel with Joel Braunold

  This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld is joined by ASBI Member Joel Braunold, the managing director of the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace, who shares his perspective of the ongoing turmoil and protests happening in Israel. Music credit: “Three” from the...

  
• 10.27.2022

  Noach 5783: Willing to Engage Contradiction

  This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld is joined by Rabbi Zachary Truboff, to discuss his recently published book, “Torah Goes Forth From Zion: Essays on the Thought of Rav Kook and Rav Shagar”. Learn about the book here. Music credit: “Three” from the album...

  
• 06.28.2022

  Korach 5782: Reproductive Technology & The Law

  This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld is joined by Dr. Rachel Weinerman, a reproductive endocrinology and infertility physician in Cleveland, Ohio. She explains her work, including the ways that helping her patients grow their families is predicated on reproductive freedom and how...

  
• 06.01.2022

  Bamidbar 5782: A Fond Farewell to Rabbanit Goldie

  This week marks Rabbanit Goldie’s final episode of The Straw Hat as ASBI’s Director of Religious Engagement! She and Rabbi Wolkenfeld reflect on her time at ASBI – the unexpected joys and challenges, what she’s learned, and also what’s on...

  
• 05.12.2022

  Emor 5782: Shabbat Mic Drop

  This week we look forward to a wonderful opportunity to have Dr. Erica Brown visit ASBI! It will also be Rabbanit Goldie’s last drasha at ASBI and she and Rabbi Wolkenfeld discuss the pros and cons of sharing Torah in...

  
• 04.28.2022

  Achrei Mot 5782: History & Modernity

  This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie reflect on Passover and Rabbanit Goldie shares her experience attending a Mimouna. They detail all the reasons to join us at our Annual Soiree on May 23rd and also explore the history and...

  
• 03.30.2022

  Tazria 5782: A Community Seder

  This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie explain why everyone should join our second night Community Seder at shul and also share some of their own family seder traditions. They also offer some ways to approach the issues of the...

  
• 03.16.2022

  Tzav 5782: Showing Up

  This week, in addition to the excitement of Purim, it’s also a time of anxiety and sadness as we listen to the news out of Ukraine. Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie talk about the situation there and the work that...

  
• 02.25.2022

  Vayakhel 5782: Reptiles are Friends, Not Food

  This week, we wish a hearty Mazal Tov to Rabbanit Goldie on her engagement and also share the bittersweet news that she will be leaving ASBI this summer. In light of a greater ability to gather together once again, Rabbi...

  
• 02.09.2022

  Tetzaveh 5782: You Never Have to Eat Hamentashen

  This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie reflect on Pastor Donovan Price’s visit to ASBI last Shabbat and the power of this show of solidarity as well how we, as an urban orthodox congregation, have a duty to support our...

  
• 01.26.2022

  Mishpatim 5782: Lost & Found

  This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie talk about our Mishnah Club program and share some of the Torah they have been learning—plus interview Mishnah Club participant and ASBI Member Shira Berkowitz! They also talk about Parshat Mishpatim, give an...

  
• 01.13.2022

  Beshalach 5782: The Shabbat Dimension

  Looking to this week’s Torah portion and Haftorah, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie talk about Devorah both as a person and as an example in halakhic literature. Rabbanit Goldie also gives a preview of her upcoming shiurim on forgiveness in...

  
• 12.15.2021

  Vayechi 5782: Sanctifying Passage

  In this episode, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie talk about some of the practical halachot covered in Masechet Megillah, which just began in Daf Yomi (and in particular, how it can be applied to our shul). Rabbi Wolkenfeld also gives...

  
• 11.17.2021

  Vayishlach 5782: A Joyous Younger Generation

  This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie reflect on Masechet Rosh Hashanah, which was recently completed in Daf Yomi, and the many relevant topics it covers, including the laws and practices of tefillah. They also celebrate the return of inviting...

  
• 11.03.2021

  Toldot 5782: Beyond Shabbat Morning

  The clocks are about to change and Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie explore some of the opportunities to engage in mitzvot in ways that are uniquely available during this time of year. In particular, they present some ways to engage...

  
• 10.20.2021

  Vayera 5782: Part of the Same Conversation

  This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie discuss some of the themes and interpretations of Parshat Vayera. They also talk about an idea that has come up in Daf Yomi of adding some of the holy to the mundane. Finally,...

  
• 07.15.2021

  Devarim 5781: The Words of Moshe

  In this episode, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie discuss the unique perspective of Sefer Devarim, which begins this week. Rabbi Wolkenfeld also shares some of the insights from his Shabbat afternoon shiur on Gesher Hachaim by Rabbi Tucazinsky, and Rabbanit...

  
• 06.30.2021

  Pinchas 5781: Boundless Generosity

  This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie discuss the Three Weeks and explore how the messages of unity and coming together during this time can be at odds with the way we’ve been living during the pandemic. They discuss how...

  
• 06.09.2021

  Korach 5781: Chosenness

  This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie discuss Parshat Korach and explore the question of if every Jew is inherently holy or if holiness is the product of Mitzvot. They also discuss the art of drasha writing and share an...

  
• 05.13.2021

  Bamidbar 5781: The Definition of Antisemitism

  This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie share some Torah relating to our current moment as we begin to reopen and increase our in-person capacity on Shabbat. Rabbi Wolkenfeld also speaks with ASBI Members Joel Braunold and Dr. Sara Hirschhorn...

  
• 04.08.2021

  Shmini 5781: 1 Mitzvah or 49 Mitzvot?

  This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie reflect on Pesach and look ahead to spring and the excitement of welcoming back more people in our community to davening. They also discuss Sefirat HaOmer and some of the Halakhic questions it...

  
• 03.24.2021

  Tzav 5781: Consciously Rebuilding

  This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie discuss Pesach 5781 – some of the solutions to conundrums caused by Passover beginning on Shabbat and the exciting prospect of extending hospitality. They also talk about some of the other things happening...

  
• 03.10.2021

  Vayakhel-Pekudei 5781: Light at the End of the Tunnel

  Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie are back after a podcast hiatus! They reflect on the past year as this week marks the one-year anniversary of the shul shutting down at the beginning of the pandemic. They also talk about the...

  
• 12.09.2020

  Vayeshev 5781: Religious Freedom & Public Safety

  This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie share some of their different perspectives on the upcoming holiday of Hanukkah. Rabbi Wolkenfeld also speaks with Professor Avi Helfand, Professor of Law at the Caruso School of Law and an expert on...

  
• 11.25.2020

  Vayetzei 5781: Recognizing & Giving Thanks

  This week Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie talk about the conclusion of Tractate Eruvim in Daf Yomi and the recent presentation about our eruv by ASBI Member Ann Levenson at Hadran’s Siyum Masechet Eruvin. They discuss (and answer) the question...

  
• 11.11.2020

  Chayei Sara 5781: Shaping the Culture

  This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie reflect on the legacy and impact of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, a”h, in the wake of his passing. They also examine a question that has recently arisen of how we define a city...

  
• 10.28.2020

  Lech Lecha 5781: Touchstones from our Ancestors

  This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld shares the story of a package the shul recently received that held insights into our congregation’s history. He and Rabbanit Goldie also preview our upcoming Beit Midrash Wednesday class series and discuss some of the topics...

  
• 10.15.2020

  Bereshit 5781: After the Chaggim

  This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie reflect on the highlights of this unusual High Holiday year at ASBI. They also discuss the concept of breira that has come up in Daf Yomi recently and explore why it is both...

  
• 09.11.2020

  Nitzavim-Vayeilech 5780: Small Moments of Connection

  This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie discuss this week’s double parsha and one of its themes – gathering together. They share some of the upcoming opportunities to gather together safely in person at shul and also offer some practical...

  
• 08.28.2020

  Ki Teitzei 5780: Mitigating Harm

  This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie discuss Parshat Ki Teitzei, with a particular focus on Rashi’s commentary. They also look ahead to ASBI’s plans for the holidays and talk about some of the upcoming programing we have in store.Music...

  
• 08.13.2020

  Re’eh 5780: Look Over Here!

  This week, we welcome Rabbanit Goldie Guy to ASBI and to The Straw Hat! She and Rabbi Wolkenfeld discuss this week’s parsha, Parshat Re’eh, and also begin to look ahead to the High Holidays.Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by...

  
• 07.29.2020

  Vaetchanan 5780: A Farewell to Rabbanit Sarna

  This week, we wish a fond farewell to Rabbanit Sarna, whose time at ASBI has come to an end. She offers reflections on her work at ASBI, what she loves about our community, and what she hopes for our congregation...

  
• 07.15.2020

  Matot-Masei 5780: Striving for Moments of Community

  This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld talk about the challenges of welcoming newcomers to Lakeview this summer; the Three Weeks (and some things that may be a little different this year); and have a discussion about vows, as pertains to...

  
• 07.01.2020

  Chukat-Balak 5780: Brush Your Teeth Before Wearing Your Mask

  This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld welcomes Rabbanit Sarna back to The Straw Hat! They discuss the return of in-person Minyan at ASBI and what that looks like. They also speak briefly about this week's Parsha, and we hear from Rabbanit Sarna...

  
• 06.05.2020

  Nasso 5780: The Poetry of Torah

  This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld is joined by guest Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm who shares some of his memories and the legacy of his grandfather, Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm, a”h, including the art of the drasha and his thoughts on how the Torah’s message...

  
• 05.21.2020

  Bamidbar 5780: More Shavuot Than Ever

  This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld is joined by guest co-host Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Zuckier who shares some insights from his recent writing and teaching on coronavirus-related issues. They also look ahead to Shavuot and think about the holiday's meaning when we're isolated from our...

  
• 05.06.2020

  Emor 5780: A Shul Without Walls

  This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld reflect on what it means for the shul and the shul's mission when our community can't gather together in person. They discuss what effect this unprecedented time has had on our Jewish home lives and what new practices...

  
• 04.22.2020

  Tazria-Metzora 5780: Tumah Happens

  In this episode, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld discuss this week's Parsha, Parshat Tazria-Metzora as well as the upcoming holidays of Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut and offer suggestions about how to make these days meaningful at home. Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used...

  
• 04.08.2020

  Pesach 5780: A Seder Bar Mitzvah

  This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld discuss some of the Passover resources our shul is offering and share some advice for how to approach your seders this year given the enormously unusual circumstances.   Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les...

  
• 03.25.2020

  Vayikra 5780: Passover & Pandemic

  This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld talk about the ways the shul is adapting during social distancing and offer advice on preparing for an unprecedented Passover – with a particular focus on koshering your dishes at home.   Music credit: “Three” from the...

  
• 03.11.2020

  Ki Tisa 5780: Happy Birthday to Us!

  This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld discuss Masechet Shabbat, the tractate we’ve just begun in Daf Yomi. Next, they’re joined by Straw Hat producer Hayley Leventhal to celebrate The Straw Hat’s first birthday!Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by...

  
• 03.09.2020

  The Straw Man: Purim 5780

  Join Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld for a very special Purim episode of The Straw Man! Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

  
• 02.26.2020

  Terumah 5780: The Four M’s

  This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld discuss the Uptown Café, a once-a-month volunteer opportunity for ASBI members, and also review the laws of Purim. They also interview former ASBI Program Director Julie Meyer. Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by...

  
• 02.12.2020

  Yitro 5780: Count the Commandments

  This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld talk about the Ten Commandments, featured in this week’s parsha, followed by a discussion about birth control. They also interview ASBI Board Member Elana Pentelnik. Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden,...

  
• 01.29.2020

  Bo 5780: Rise & Shine

  This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld start off with a discussion of the Halachot of what to do when you wake up in the morning and the tefillot and brachot you can and should include at the start of...

  
• 01.15.2020

  Shemot 5780: Saying Less, Meaning More

  This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld start off with a discussion of Tefillah, exploring what parts of the service must be said and what parts might be about saying less but with more intention. They then examine some of...

  
• 01.02.2020

  Vayigash 5780: Old Questions, New Answers

  This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld discuss Parshat Vayigash and an exciting recent interpretation. They also talk about Tractate Niddah which will be completed this Shabbat and interview our Gabbai, Dr. Josh Ehrlich.  Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by...

  
• 12.18.2019

  Vayeshev 5780: The Daf Yomi Episode

  This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld welcome special guest Rabbanit Sara Wolkenfeld to discuss the upcoming holiday of Hanukkah. Next, they shift focus towards Daf Yomi in advance of the renewal of the 7.5-year cycle on January 5. They...

  
• 12.05.2019

  Vayetzei 5780: Generations Under One Roof

  This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld reflect on some of the ideas shared by our recent Scholar-in-Residence, Rabbi Dr. Zev Eleff, particularly about denominational titles within Orthodoxy. Next, based on a conference Rabbanit Sarna recently attended, they discuss the...