Voices of Israeli Rabbis with Rabbi Phil M. Cohen

Rabbi Ezra (Ezzie) Ende shares insights on reform Judaism in Israel, his multifaceted roles, and his vision for peace and inclusivity in Israeli society.

Rabbi Leah Shakdiel shares her inspiring journey of breaking barriers in Israeli religious councils, her activism for women's rights, and her insights on democracy, peace, and social justice in Israel.

This episode explores the transformative influence of Israeli religious thinkers and institutions, highlighting their impact on modern Judaism and Israeli society. Rabbi Phil Cohen and Rabbi Adam Ferzinger delve into the lives of key figures like David Hartman and Chaim Soloveitchik, and examine how their ideas foster a more inclusive and innovative religious landscape.

Rabbi Phil M. Cohen interviews Israeli journalist Amotz Asa-El.

The conversation explores the current state of interfaith and interdenominational relations in Israel, highlighting the regression in these areas and the impact of political alliances on Jewish denominations. It discusses the broad Israeli consensus on various issues, the role of the Hartman Institute in fostering Jewish scholarship and tolerance, and the cultural values that shape family dynamics in Israeli society. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a more inclusive Jewish community and addresses the implications of messianism in contemporary Israeli life.

Amotz Asa-El is a research fellow at Shalom Hartman Institute and the Jerusalem Post's senior commentator. Author of the bestselling book The Jewish March of Folly (Yediot, 2019), his forthcoming book is The Last Jewish Frontier (Yediot).

Formerly the executive editor of the Jerusalem Post, Asa-El's column "Middle Israel," a unique attempt to present in English an Israeli view on anything, from politics and foreign affairs to culture and faith, has been running on Jpost.com since the Internet's inception in 1995, and is thus one of the world's most veteran online opinion columns.

Author of The Diaspora and the Lost Tribes of Israel (Universe, 2004), a geographic history of the Jews, and editor of the Hartman Institute's Hebrew anthology Israel and the Jewish World (Carmel, 2020), Asa-El's five-essay series in the Jerusalem Report about the future of the Jewish people won the B'nai Brith Journalism Award.

In this episode, Yehuda HaKohen shares his journey from New York City to making aliyah, his evolving perspectives on Jewish identity, and his innovative ideas for decolonizing and revitalizing Jewish civilization. We delve into his critiques of traditional Jewish and Israeli narratives, his thoughts on Jewish sovereignty, and ideas for future reconciliation efforts in Israel and beyond.

Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger shares his transformative journey from a traditional Orthodox upbringing to becoming a peace activist and educator. He discusses his pivotal moment of realization regarding his perceptions of Palestinians, leading to the founding of the Roots organization, which aims to foster understanding and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. The conversation explores the complexities of identity, the need for mutual recognition, and the challenges faced in the current political climate, especially after the events of October 7th, 2023.

In this episode, Rabbi Marc Rosenstein shares his extensive experience in Jewish education, rabbinical leadership, and the evolving landscape of Jewish life in Israel. This conversation explores the role of reform Judaism, the impact of rabbinical programs, and the future of Jewish communities in Israel.

In this conversation, Rabbi Leora Ezrahi Vered shares her journey from a rabbinic family to becoming a rabbi herself, discussing her experiences in a secular community and her current role in interfaith initiatives in the Galilee. She emphasizes the importance of prayer in modern Judaism, the values of liberal Judaism in Israel, and her work on the emerging Machzor project, which aims to create a contemporary prayer book that reflects the diverse needs of the community.

Takeaways

• Rabbi Leora Ezrahi Vered comes from a long line of rabbis.
• She initially pursued education before becoming a rabbi.
• Her experiences in a secular community reshaped her views on liberal Judaism.
• Prayer can be a personal and internal experience, not necessarily tied to God.
• Interfaith dialogue is crucial for peace in the Galilee region.
• The emerging Machzor project aims to modernize Jewish prayer for contemporary needs.
• Liberal Judaism values equality, informed choice, and democratic principles.
• Rabbinic leaders in Israel are active in social justice movements.
• Cultural and musical elements are important in her community work.
• The Machzor will incorporate diverse traditions and contemporary issues.

Rabbi Nama Kelman, Israel's first female rabbi, shares her journey from a rabbinic family to becoming a pioneer in the Reform movement in Israel. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of women in the rabbinate, the evolution of Jewish identity, and the importance of community engagement and spiritual care in contemporary society. Kelman's experiences reflect the broader changes in Jewish feminism and the role of non-Orthodox Judaism in Israel.

In this conversation, Rabbi Aryeh Ben-David shares his spiritual journey from a confused young man to a rabbi who emphasizes the importance of personal growth, vulnerability, and love in Judaism. He discusses his experiences in various educational settings, the influence of Rav Kook, and the creation of his organization, Ayekah, which focuses on helping individuals confront their obstacles and grow spiritually. Aryeh highlights the significance of listening to one's inner voice and the communal aspect of spiritual growth, ultimately conveying that Judaism is about the journey of self-discovery and connection.