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The Jewish Way to a Good Life: A Conversation with Rabbi Shira Stutman
Jan 30, 2026
Unknown duration
Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie returns to discuss Jewish chosenness, love, and his film Sabbath Queen
Dec 11, 2025
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Hope Is a Muscle: The Hatikvah Slate with special guest Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie
May 1, 2025
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Why Voting for the Hatkivah Slate in the World Zionist Congress Matters: A Conversation Across Generations
Apr 21, 2025
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Reconstructionist Values, Covenantal Community and War in the Middle East
Dec 4, 2024
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
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| 1/30/26 | ![]() The Jewish Way to a Good Life: A Conversation with Rabbi Shira Stutman | What does it really mean to live a good life and how can ancient Jewish practices help us get there? Rabbi Deborah Waxman sits down with her teacher, colleague, and friend Rabbi Shira Stutman, author of The Jewish Way to a Good Life, for a wide-ranging conversation about meaning, resilience, and loving kindness. Together, they explore how Jewish wisdom offers practical tools for universal human challenges: how to love, how to mourn, how to care for our bodies, how to build justice, and how to show up for one another imperfectly but persistently. At the center of their conversation is hesed, loving kindness, which Shira describes as more than emotion: It’s the courage to show up in daunting spaces and do the hard, sustained work of caring. Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Special Guest: Rabbi Shira Stutman.Support HashivenuLinks:Buy Shira's book, "The Jewish Way to a Good Life" Listen to Rabbi Shira's podcast Chutzpod!Support Hashivenu with a donation to Reconstructing JudaismLearn more and register for Reconstructing Judaism's movement-wide convention "B'Yachad," March 12-15 in PhiladelphiaReconstructing JudaismEvolve: Groundbreaking Jewish ConversationsRitualwell | — | ||||||
| 12/11/25 | ![]() Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie returns to discuss Jewish chosenness, love, and his film Sabbath Queen | Rabbi Deborah Waxman continues her conversation with Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, founder of Lab/Shul and subject of the documentary The Sabbath Queen. They explore how to hold complexity in polarized times, discussing "both/and" thinking around Israeli and Palestinian identity, the theology of love and connection (symbolized by the Hebrew letter vav), and building strong Jewish peoplehood without chauvinism or supremacy. Their conversation weaves together personal narrative, liturgical innovation, and theological reflection, modeling nuanced dialogue about coexistence, justice, and evolving Jewish tradition to honor the dignity of all people while navigating disagreement with courage and compassion. Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Special Guest: Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie.Support HashivenuLinks:The Sabbath Queen (Film Site) — Find a screening near you, background information, and related materials. Lab/Shul — Lab/Shul is the experimental, artist-driven, God-optional Jewish community co-founded by Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie.Evolve: Rabbi Toba Spitzer on Chosenness — Rabbi Toba Spitzer argues that “chosenness” implies unjust superiority and needs to be replaced with a sense of shared moral responsibility.The World Zionist Congress and Reconstructing Judaism’s Engagement with Israel — Learn about Reconstructing Judaism's efforts to promote a democratic, pluralistic, human-rights-centered vision for Israel and support for a two-state solution.Octavia Butler Resources (for contextual reference) — Learn more about Octavia Butler’s writing and themes.B'Yachad, Reconstructing Judaism's movement-wide convention — Details about Reconstructing Judaism's 2026 convention, including programming related to peoplehood without chauvinism and community-centered resilience. Registration is open now! | — | ||||||
| 5/1/25 | ![]() Hope Is a Muscle: The Hatikvah Slate with special guest Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie | Rabbi Deborah Waxman is joined by Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie for a vital conversation about the complexities of Zionism, Israeli identity and progressive Jewish values. As delegates on the Hatikvah slate in the World Zionist Congress elections, Waxman and Lau-Lavie discuss the intersection of personal history, political activism, queer and feminist perspectives and Jewish theology. Each reflects on the legacy of Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, the power of hope, and the urgency of building a Judaism that is inclusive, resilient and committed to justice for all. Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Special Guest: Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie.Support HashivenuLinks:Vote Hatikvah Slate in the World Zionist Congress ElectionsLearn more about Hatikvah SlateExplore Reconstructionist Resources about the World Zionist CongressWhere We Stand: The Reconstructionist Movement, Israel and Progressive ZionismWatch: The Progressive Israel Network workshop about the World Zionist Congress Elections and why they matter urgentlyQ&A with Hatikvah Slate nominee Rabbi Elliott Tepperman about Hatikvah's progressive vision for Israel and Jewish communitiesLearn more about Lab/ShulLearn more about Storahtelling, Inc. In case you missed it: Rabbi Deborah Waxman's conversation with Rabbi Jodie Siff and Aaron Siff-Scherr about progressive Zionism, Jewish identity and the importance of voting in the World Zionist Congress elections | — | ||||||
| 4/21/25 | ![]() Why Voting for the Hatkivah Slate in the World Zionist Congress Matters: A Conversation Across Generations | In this special episode of Hashivenu, Rabbi Deborah Waxman welcomes Rabbi Jodie Siff and her son Aaron Siff-Scherr to discuss their deep personal and political commitments to progressive Zionism. Together, they reflect on how Jewish education, family experiences, and time in Israel shaped their values and why participating in the World Zionist Congress elections matters. With honesty and nuance, they explore the complexities of modern Zionism, antisemitism, and pluralism within Jewish life. This heartfelt conversation is a call to action for American Jews to raise their voices by casting their votes for the Hatikvah Slate in order to help shape a more inclusive future for the Jewish people. Vote now at http://azm.org Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Special Guests: Aaron Siff-Scherr and Rabbi Jodie Siff.Support HashivenuLinks:Vote Hatikvah Slate in the World Zionist Congress ElectionsLearn more about Hatikvah SlateExplore Reconstructionist Resources about the World Zionist CongressWhere We Stand: The Reconstructionist Movement, Israel and Progressive ZionismWatch: The Progressive Israel Network workshop about the World Zionist Congress Elections and why they matter urgentlyQ&A with Hatikvah Slate nominee Rabbi Elliott Tepperman about Hatikvah's progressive vision for Israel and Jewish communitiesSupport Reconstructing Judaism | — | ||||||
| 12/4/24 | ![]() Reconstructionist Values, Covenantal Community and War in the Middle East | In preparation for Reconstructing Judaism’s December 15 movement-wide virtual convening, Rabbi Elliott Tepperman and Rabbi Rachel Weiss join Rabbi Deborah Waxman for a deeply thoughtful and nuanced conversation about the difficult and rewarding work of maintaining unity within Jewish communities that sometimes have diverse views on Israel and Palestine and the War in Gaza. Their reflections on how to cultivate spaces of growth, respect and accountability within the synagogue offer a blueprint for creating Jewish communities that are there for us during moments of joy and celebration as well as times of mourning and crisis. Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Special Guests: Rabbi Elliott Tepperman and Rabbi Rachel Weiss.Support HashivenuLinks:Learn more about and register for Reconstructing Judaism's 12/15 eventReconstructing Judaism’s Convention, B’Yachad, is coming to Philadelphia in 2026Read JRC's Covenant of SpeechClip from 2022 Convention: Rabbi Elliott Tepperman on creating a community of belonging that includes people even when they step out of lineWatch the full "Creating Inclusive Community" panel from Reconstructing Judaism's 2022 ConventionHow Rabbi Rachel Weiss and the JRC approach talking about Israel and Palestine in their communityRabbi Elliott Tepperman: Bringing a Community-Organizing Model to the PulpitExplore Evolve's essays about Israel and PalestineFrom Evolve: A Septet of Diverse Reflections on the Year Since October 7New from Ritualwell, "A Jerusalem Afternoon in Wartime" by Haviva Ner-DavidExplore these poems, prayers and resources from Ritualwell that address communal tragedy. — "When one of us hurts, others are there to offer comfort..." | — | ||||||
| 10/10/24 | ![]() Building Covenantal Community in the New Year and Beyond | With the High Holiday season underway, Deborah welcomes Justin Rosen Smolen, Reconstructing Judaism's Vice President for Thriving Communities and Partnerships, for a wide-ranging conversation about covenantal community. They explore how the idea of covenant, from biblical narratives to contemporary community-building, emphasizes relationships, mutual responsibility and interdependence. They consider how liberal religion can help address societal issues like loneliness and division, and advocate for conversations that build inclusive, thriving communities. Later, Deborah and Justin explore a Reconstructionist understanding of covenant, emphasizing the importance of shared values and intergenerational dialogue, and recognizing that while diverse perspectives may create tension, they also provide opportunities for growth and deeper understanding within the community. Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Special Guest: Justin Rosen Smolen.Support HashivenuLinks:Watch Deborah's High Holiday teaching on covenantal communityHigh Holiday resources from Reconstructing JudaismExplore High Holiday prayers and poems on RitualwellRead Deborah in the Times of Israel: As Reconstructionists, Our Litmus Test is Centering Relationships Over PoliticsRead Deborah's latest Evolve piece, "A Jewish Embrace of Democracy: Early Reconstructionist Judaism and America’s Promise"Support Reconstructing Judaism with a donation of $36 | — | ||||||
| 5/16/24 | ![]() Rabbi Elyse Wechterman, CEO of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association | Rabbi Elyse Wechterman recently announced that she will step down from her position as CEO of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association (RRA) in June after leading the organization for the past nine years. Elyse stops by Deborah’s office to look back on her tenure and look ahead to what’s next. The two longtime colleagues commiserate over the day-to-day realities of leading an organization, including a friendly debate over the pros and cons of “zeroing out” one’s email inbox (4:54). Elyse explains how being willing to let some things go in order to focus on what’s important has helped her decision making as a leader (9:21). Elyse reflects on how the RRA has changed over the last nine years and on the accomplishments she’s most proud of, such as increased collaboration amongst rabbinical associations (15:30). Deborah and Elyse discuss the nature of change and how although it can be scary, it is often a positive (26:22). Finally, Elyse shares her favorite verse from the Talmud and why it’s resonating with her as she approaches this transition (34:00). Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Special Guest: Rabbi Elyse Wechterman.Support HashivenuLinks:Stay up on the latest from Reconstructing Judaism by signing up for our weekly Virtual Shabbat Box emailWatch the panel disccussion, "Democracy and Judaism: Does one need the other to thrive?" Listen to Elyse's recent appearance on the Evolve podcastLearn more about the RRAFrom the NY Times, "Happy 20th Anniversary, Gmail. I’m Sorry I’m Leaving You"PIVOT! PIVOT! | — | ||||||
| 3/28/24 | ![]() Cheryl Cook, CEO of Avodah | Rabbi Deborah Waxman welcomes Cheryl Cook, CEO of Avodah, for a wide-ranging conversation. The two longtime friends and hevrutah partners recall their early conversations about Israel and Palestine (3:00). They discuss the nature of leadership in general as well as their own perspectives as women in leadership (10:10). They touch on the importance of resilience in how they have been able to navigate the turbulence of the last 10 years (12:10). Cheryl lays out the mission and work of Avodah (16:30). Later, Cheryl asks Deborah to reflect on the role of gender in leadership and Deborah shares how her feminist ideals shape her approach (18:15). Cheryl talks about stepping into the role of CEO in 2015 as a mother of young children and how she is making the effort to model a different kind leadership for other women (23:00). They close by looking ahead to future generations of leaders that they hope will include not only women, but Jews of Color and people from underrepresented groups as well (33:03). At the start of the show, Deborah catches us up on all things Hashivenu and previews her upcoming 10th anniversary celebratory event “When Women Lead" (happening Wednesday, April 3rd at 7pm EDT). You can find ticket information here. Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Special Guest: Cheryl Cook.Support HashivenuLinks:Get tickets to Deborah's 10th anniversary virtual event, "When Women Lead"Stay up on the latest from Reconstructing Judaism by signing up for our weekly Virtual Shabbat Box emailAvodah: Sparking Jewish Leaders, Igniting Social ChangeLearn more about Avodah's Jewish Service CorpsFrom The Forge: "Building Resilient Organizations" by Maurice Mitchell | — | ||||||
| 10/24/23 | ![]() How to become our fullest, most expressive selves? Practice, practice, practice | Weeks ago, Rabbi Deborah Waxman and founder Yoshi Silverstein scheduled this discussion about embodied Jewish practice and antiracism. Did it make any sense to have this conversation in the wake of Hamas’ Oct. 7 massacre of Israeli civilians and hostage taking, the subsequent and unfolding war and its tremendous toll on Palestinian civilians? After pausing to consider, they decided that such a conversation is more important than ever, both to themselves and listeners. Silverstein, founder and director of the Mitsui Collective, explains that in difficult times like these, embodiment practices can help us understand and name the extent to which strong emotions are having an impact on us. Awareness and practice are key to being able to respond to stressful stimuli in a healthy way. He outlines several simple practices that can help, including orienting and box breathing, and quotes Viktor Frankl, the psychotherapist and Holocaust survivor whose writing deeply informs how humans understand trauma. "Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Special Guest: Yoshi Silverstein.Support HashivenuLinks:Deborah teaches box breathing techniqueLearn more about Mitsui CollectiveRitualwell resources speaking to the current momentExplore groundbreaking essays on EvolveReconstructing Judaism on the web | — | ||||||
| 9/12/23 | ![]() Yom Kippur: A Celebration of Collective Release | In ancient times on Yom Kippur, the high priest of Israel presided over an elaborate, mystical service atop the Temple Mount. Today, many traditional synagogues recount this ritual with the avodah service. In this episode, Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D., speaks with Rabbi Vivie Mayer about what the avodah service — which they acknowledge is mainly attended by the “die-hards” — can teach us today. “What Yom Kippur is really enacting and celebrating is collective release,” Mayer says. The two discuss what it means to move from the most intense, holy day of the year to the mundane business of daily life and how to bring insights from the former to the later. They delve into the differences between individual and collective atonement and responsibility; wondering about the collective release and catharsis offered by practices of the Second Temple era. They also lift up a contemporary Israeli song, “Seder Ha'Avodah” by Ishay Ribo. Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Special Guest: Rabbi Vivie Mayer.Support HashivenuLinks:Listen to "Seder Ha'Avodah" by Ishay Ribo and follow along with the English translation Rabbi Deborah Waxman's High Holiday Video Teaching exploring the avodah serviceExplore Reconstructing Judaism's High Holiday ResourcesHigh Holiday Resources on Ritualwell From Evolve: "Breaking Open: A Paradigm for Jewish Prayer" by Rabbi Nathan Kamesar | — | ||||||
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| 9/19/22 | ![]() S4 Ep. 9: Season of Reflection and Repentance | In this special episode, Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D and Rabbi Sandra Lawson discuss their respective processes of preparing for the High Holidays. This isn’t about leading services, but about how, as human beings, they undertake an accounting of the soul, leading to repentance for their own actions and forgiveness toward others. The two friends and colleagues delve into Maimonides as interpreted by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg in her new book On Repentance and Repair. (Among his many contributions, Maimonides, a medieval Torah scholar, philosopher and physician, outlined five steps needed to make true repentance.) Rabbi Sandra describes her difficult relationship with her late mother, and the forgiveness needed to truly care for her mother during illness. The two widen the lens and examine repentance from a societal point of view: how can society account and repent for harms caused to so many groups: Blacks, indigenous Americans, Asian Americans and so on. The two agree that an American reckoning with its troubled legacy is needed. “I think about teshuvah and when it comes to racial justice work, my focus first of all, is primarily within our Jewish spaces,” Lawson says. “I have found that many Jews who benefit from white privilege tend to continue to look outward on racial justice in the larger world, which is fine. But that also needs to be with our own internal work.” Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Support HashivenuLinks:On Repentance And Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World by Rabbi Danya RuttenbergMaimonides and Repentance"Rabbi Sandra Lawson: The Souls in My Life" for Interfaith America"Modeh Ani as a Means for Cultivating Resilience" by Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. "Opposites Attract" by Paula AbdulThe newly redesigned ReconstructingJudaism.orgThe newly redesigned Ritualwell.orgEvolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations | — | ||||||
| 5/5/22 | ![]() S4 Ep. 8: Songs of Joy and Mourning | Reconstructing Judaism board member and Tikkun Olam Commission co-chair Shahanna McKinney-Baldon opens up with Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. and Rabbi Sandra Lawson about her time singing for the ska and reggae band Highball Holiday. The educator, activist and artist, who comes an African American and Ashkenazi family, talks about rediscovering her singing voice in middle age, and shedding certain inhibitions and self-consciousness. (Co-host Rabbi Sandra Lawson also recounts embracing public singing in her 40s, partly to connect with Jewish liturgy.) McKinney-Baldon frankly discusses the grieving process following the 2021 loss of her father, as well as her wrestling with the Jewish prohibition on listening to music — let alone performing — during the traditional morning period. The trio discusses a Reconstructionist, values-based approach to engaging with, but not necessarily being dictated by, Jewish tradition. She also discusses her work on the Tikkun Olam Commission and describes the ongoing process of gaining support for a movement-wide resolution supporting reparations for slavery. Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Special Guest: Shahanna McKinney-Baldon.Support HashivenuLinks:Edot Midwest Regional Jewish Diversity Collaborative — Edot Midwest Regional Jewish Diversity Collaborative (“Edot”) is a network of partnerships and activities focused on affirming Jewish racial and ethnic diversity across communities in the Midwest region. Investing in the leadership of Jewish People of Color (JOC’s) is our driver for change."I helped coin the term ‘Jews of color.’ It’s time for a history lesson" by Shahanna McKinney-Baldon Listen to Highball Holiday on BandcampFollow Highball Holiday on InstagramMilwaukee ska legends Highball Holiday preached racial unity | — | ||||||
| 4/8/22 | ![]() S4 Ep. 7: The Smooth River | On Sept. 3, 2019, Richard Cohen’s wife, Marcia Horowitz, was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. Horowitz lived 160 more days. In his acclaimed 2021 book, The Smooth River: Finding Inspiration and Exquisite Beauty during Terminal Illness, Cohen, a lawyer and Reconstructionist leader, recounts those days and what the couple learned about life as Horowitz's death approached. In this special episode, Richard Cohen discusses with Rabbi Deborah Waxman how the couple eschewed the common framing of terminal illness as a battle with the disease – something that is either one or lost. “We wanted to regain some sense of normalcy of who we were, and by doing good for other people, we felt good about ourselves. We were getting our heads above the cancer. It was not going to subsume us.” Rabbi Waxman and Cohen also discuss how the couple’s approach mirrors resilience practices contained in many Jewish teachings. Quoting from the book of Psalms, Waxman says, “Out of a narrow place, I called to God. God responded and got me out into an expansive place. That tension between narrow and expansive, for me it has been such an incredible guiding metaphor." Rabbi Sandra Lawson will be back as co-host in the next episode. __ Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org. Episode transcript is forthcoming. Special Guest: Richard S. Cohen.Support HashivenuLinks:Read the book: The Smooth RiverRitualwell - death and mourning — While Judaism places great emphasis on our lives in this world, death is an inevitable end for all of us. Often Jews who have been distant from traditional Jewish practice for their whole lives seek the comfort of traditional Judaism in the face of death. For mourners, whose lives are often turned upside down by death, the traditional practices of mourning can provide structure and comfort. Here you will find resources that address each aspect of the process of navigating death and mourning—from the moment of death, to the burial of the body, the tearing of clothes, the weeklong practice of shiva, and the recitation of kaddish.A Mussar Practice for GriefKaddish: A Podcast about Death and DyingReconstructing JudaismEvolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations | — | ||||||
| 12/28/21 | ![]() S4 Ep. 6: Being an Ally with Empathy, Humility and Courage | There’s an increasing focus in popular discourse on allyship, particularly when it comes to people of color and other marginalized groups. What does it mean to be an ally, both to individuals and to groups? How can one begin to do that work in a way that is meaningful and is about helping others and not about assisting one’s ego or placing oneself at the center of the story? In this episode, Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. and Rabbi Sandra Lawson – longtime friends and now colleagues – discuss these questions using examples from their own lives. Noting the importance of relationships and context, they delve into the difficulty of saying and doing the right thing at the right time, citing examples of which they were proud and where they might have done better. In the discussion, Rabbi Sandra stresses that white people who aim to be allies to people of color should, “be humble and be curious, and be open to learning, instead of thinking that [you] can't learn anything.” Subscribe by Email Read these show notes on the web at https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/47 This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Support HashivenuLinks:NY Times: "To White People Who Want to Be ‘One of the Good Ones’" by Maeve HigginsChaver Up!: 49 Rabbis Explore What it Means to be an Ally through a Jewish LensEvolve essay: "Racism in the Jewish Community" by Rabbi Sandra LawsonEvolve essay: "A Beat to Which We Can All Move" by Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Evolve essay: "Noticing Jews of Color in Our Communities" by Carmen Amalia CorralesEvolve resource: Jewish Approaches to Justice Work The 1619 Project: A New Origin StoryRitualwell: "Pride Shabbat Blessing from an Ally" by Sara Stock MayoRitualwell: "Quick Tips for Transgender Allies" by TransfaithOnline.orgRitualwell: "Modah Ani" poem by Martha Hurwitz | — | ||||||
| 10/26/21 | ![]() S4 Ep. 5: JewAsian | Helen K. Kim is Professor of Sociology at Whitman College and in 2019 assumed the position of Associate Dean for Faculty Development. She is also the co-author of JewAsian: Race, Religion, and Identity for America's Newest Jews along with her husband Noah Leavitt. In this interview, Kim discusses macro topics such as racism in the Jewish community and the rancorous debate over communal demography. She also discusses more personal matters, including her experience of her son’s recent bar mitzvah. The episode begins with Kim talking about her search for wisdom in the Jewish tradition and how she found inspiration in the works of Maimonides, the medieval Jewish philosopher and Torah commentator. Later, she expresses her frustration with Jewish organizations that long acknowledged the prevalence of racism behind closed doors but steered clear of addressing racism publicly. “Why are we choosing to run away from [these realities]? Why don't we choose to run towards them and try to do something about them to become anti-racist.” Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Special Guest: Helen K. Kim.Support HashivenuLinks:JewAsian: Race, Religion, and Identity for America's Newest Jews — JewAsian is a qualitative examination of the intersection of race, religion, and ethnicity in the increasing number of households that are Jewish American and Asian American. "Funny - You Don't Look Jewish" by Helen K. Kim — Episode guest Helen K. Kim writes that, "Raising [my children] Ari and Talia with a strong and nuanced sense of identity is not so simple as having kimchi in our refrigerator and challah on Friday nights."What It's Like For Non-White Jews During The High Holidays — Helen K. Kim and Rabbi Sandra Lawson were both featured in this 2015 HuffPost Religion piece asking a few racially and ethnically diverse American Jewish families to offer a reflection on their relationship to Judaism. A Jewish-Asian Couple's Union Leads to a Scholarly Interest in Intermarriage — NY Times profile on Helen Kim and Noah S. LeavittThe Laws of Teshuvah in the Mishneh Torah — The Laws of Teshuvah By Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon ("Maimonides"); translated by Eliyahu TougerRabbi David Basior on Teshuvah as Resilience — Rabbi David Basior speaks about how the Jewish value of teshuvah holds power in interpersonal relationships. The Challenges and Unexpected Rewards of ‘Teshuvah’ | — | ||||||
| 9/10/21 | ![]() S4 Ep 4: In the Same Place, As the Same Person | Amanda Mbuvi, Ph.D., is the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College’s new vice president for academic affairs. Mbuvi, a Hebrew Bible scholar and nonprofit leader, is the first Jew of Color to hold such a leadership position at an American rabbinical seminary. We delve into Mbuvi’s desire to deepen how people and communities think about diversity and identity. Mbuvi shares her enthusiasm for using the Bible in general, and Genesis and Exodus in particular to explore questions related to community and identity. Mbuvi and Lawson talk what it means to be women of color and leaders in the Jewish community, reacting to the findings of the Jews of Color Initiative's latest study, “Beyond the Count: Perspectives and Lived Experiences of Jews of Color.” (Eight in 10 respondents said they have experienced discrimination in a Jewish setting.) “So I think for a lot of people, when they say Jew of Color, they think about it like a child with divorced parents: on the weekends, you're Jewish and then during the week you're Black. It's like, you sort of go from one to the other, but not that you were both at the same time, in the same place as the same person. I think that's just something people have had a lot of difficulty getting their minds around,” Mbuvi says. The episode was recorded the week before Rosh Hashanah and Lawson, Mbuvi and Waxman share their hopes for the High Holidays and the coming year. Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Special Guest: Amanda Mbuvi, Ph.D. .Support HashivenuLinks:Reconstructing Judaism's High Holidays Collection for 2021/5782 — featuring Mahzor resources, original music, video teachings, new liturgy, resources from congregations & rabbis and more. "Grief Belongs in Social Movements. Can We Embrace It?" by Malika Devich-Cyril — A Black activist reflects on intergenerational trauma, community, and coming to terms with death in movement building.https://forward.com/news/471478/in-a-first-jew-of-color-to-lead-major-us-rabbinical-school/ — From The Forward: Amanda Mbuvi’s appointment marks the first time a Jew of color will lead a major rabbinical school. But that’s not why officials there selected her.High Holidays 2021/5782: Feeling Grief and Hope Through the Shofar Blast — Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D., explores the sounds of the shofar blasts - the vibrations that give us permission to feel our losses and grief and at the same time point us toward cycles of renewal – in this High Holiday 5782 video message.“Beyond The Count” Study by the Jews of Color Initiatve — Beyond the Count: Perspectives and Lived Experiences of Jews of Color is an unprecedented study of the Jews of Color community that will enable the Jewish community to implement more change for racial equity and inclusion.Belonging in Genesis: Biblical Israel and the Politics of Identity Formation — In her 2016 book Belonging in Genesis, Amanda Mbuvi highlights the ways narrative and the act of storytelling function to define and create a community. Building on the emphasis on family in Genesis, she focuses on the way family storytelling is a means of holding together the interpretation of the text and the constitution of the reading community.Reconstructionist Rabbinical College — Founded in 1968 to serve the Jewish people and the wider world, RRC is dedicated to teaching Judaism as an evolving religious civilization and to engaging with the riches of Jewish tradition to create meaning, connect to the sacred and bring individuals and communities to greater love, justice and peace. | — | ||||||
| 6/23/21 | ![]() S4 Ep. 3: Creating a Jewish Community Where All Can Thrive | Marcella White Campbell is executive director of Be'chol Lashon -- a pioneering organization that strengthens Jewish identity by affirming the racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the Jewish people. We discuss her multiracial Jewish family's own experiences as a window into the Jewish community's troubled record in welcoming Jews of Color. She reflects on her own growth into leadership, motivated by the rising cohort of young Jews of Color who deserve a Jewish community where they can thrive and contribute. And she reflects on the rich interplay of her Jewish and Black identities in making meaning at a time of personal loss. Join us for a rich and deeply moving conversation. Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Special Guest: Marcella White Campbell.Support HashivenuLinks:Meet Marcella White Campbell, Be’chol Lashon’s New Executive Director – Be'chol LashonCamp Be’chol Lashon – Be'chol LashonBe'chol Lashon – Celebrating Jewish DiversityOr Shalom Jewish CommunityReconstructing Judaism Commitments to Racial JusticeReconstructing Judaism Over the Next Five Years | — | ||||||
| 4/13/21 | ![]() S4 Ep 2: Paradox, Complexity and Liberation: A Conversation with Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein | We're joined by Professor Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, one of fewer than 100 Black American women to earn a doctorate in physics -- and a Reconstructionist! We discuss the insights she draws from her background as a Black and Ashkenazi Jew, and the richness, complexity, and fruitful challenges that diverse voices bring to the Jewish community. She and Rabbi Sandra Lawson discuss their respective experiences as trailblazers within the physics and the rabbinate. Finally, we delve into theoretical physics and Jewish theology as she explains why she included the ma'ariv prayer in her new book, The Disordered Cosmos: A Journey into Dark Matter, Spacetime, and Dreams Deferred. Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Special Guest: Chanda Prescod-Weinstein.Support HashivenuLinks:Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, PhDThe Disordered Cosmos by Chanda Prescod-Weinstein | Hachette Book GroupChanda Prescod-Weinstein (@IBJIYONGI) / TwitterSpotify Playlist for The Disordered Cosmos: A Journey into Dark Matter, Spacetime, and Dreams Deferred - playlist by The Disordered CosmosDr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein's Jewish Universe - Alma — A conversation with the Black Jewish theoretical physicist on her new book, "Disordered Cosmos," and her fight to make the night sky accessible to all. | — | ||||||
| 3/2/21 | ![]() S4 Ep. 1: Judaism, Resilience, and Racial Justice - Beginning the Conversation | We begin a new season focusing on Judaism, resilience, and racial justice, and welcome a new co-host: Rabbi Sandra Lawson, director of racial diversity, equity, and inclusion for Reconstructing Judaism. We dig deeply into the complexities of engaging in racial justice work within the Jewish community, the necessity for deep listening and empathy toward Jews of color, and the need to draw on resilience practices to stay committed to the challenging but vital process of teshuvah on the path to redemption. Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Support HashivenuLinks:Rabbi Sandra Lawson (homepage)Resources on Race (Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations)Reconstructing Judaism Names Rabbi Sandra Lawson Inaugural Director of Racial Diversity, Equity and Inclusion | Reconstructing JudaismPresidential Inauguration Talk - Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. - YouTubeTwo Concepts of Liberty (Isaiah Berlin) - WikipediaIsaiah Berlin, "Two Concepts of Liberty" (PDF)The Song of Miriam, by Rabbi Ruth Sohn (Open Siddur Project) | — | ||||||
| 9/11/20 | ![]() S3 Ep. 12: Writing Ourselves into the Book of Life — The High Holidays and Choosing Life | At this extraordinary High Holiday season, so many people are experiencing losses of many kinds. We speak with Rabbi Margot Stein about the lessons she learned about resilience while navigating profound loss -- the death of her eldest son, Aryeh. We discuss the practices that sustain her, and explore how Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur invite us to choose life, in many ways, again and again. Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Special Guest: Rabbi Margot Stein.Support HashivenuLinks:A Mother’s Memorial Meditation On Life And And Death - U’netaneh Tokef 5776 — This is a sermon delivered by Rabbi Margot Stein at Congregation Mishkan Shalom Philadelphia, PA on September 15, 2015, in honor and memory of her son Aryeh Stein-Azen, z”l.MIRAJ ~ A Capella Jewish Women's Voices for Sacred TimesHigh Holiday Materials for 2020/5781 | Reconstructing Judaism — A rich collection of creative materials for High Holidays 2020, including more than 40 pieces of original musicCouncil for Relationships - Philadelphia Area Therapy for Couples, Families and Individuals - Council for RelationshipsThe Middleton Center — An open and welcoming place, The Middleton Center for Pastoral Care and Counseling invites people from all and no faith backgrounds to enhance the connections between body, mind and spirit. The Middleton Center combines best practices in spiritual and psychological care with a spirit of hospitality. | — | ||||||
| 8/3/20 | ![]() S3 Ep. 10: Moments of Wholeness | When our world falls apart, what sustains us? We recorded this conversation with Rabbi Shira Stutman, senior rabbi at 6th and I Historic Synagogue in Washington, D.C, in early April 2020 — shortly after coronavirus response had brought face-to-face communal gatherings, and indeed most people's social lives, to a screeching halt. Speaking at a time of profound global dislocation that affected our most personal connections, we discussed the challenges we faced, the adaptations we and our institutions were beginning to make, and the unexpected insights we'd glimpsed into what is truly essential, insights that continue to resonate months later. Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Special Guest: Rabbi Shira Stutman.Support HashivenuLinks:Pandemic | Lynn Ungar — What if you thought of it as the Jews consider the Sabbath— the most sacred of times? Cease from travel. Cease from buying and selling. Give up, just for now, on trying to make the world different than it is. Sing. Pray. Touch only those to whom you commit your life. Center down.Sixth & I - Historic synagogue in downtown Washington, DCCoronavirus resources from RitualwellA Virtual Shabbat Box: To Celebrate and Renew All of Your Senses | Reconstructing JudaismVirtual Passover Box | Reconstructing JudaismA Virtual Shavuot Box | Reconstructing JudaismRecon Connect | Reconstructing JudaismJewish Values and the Coronavirus | Reconstructing JudaismA Man Doesn't Have Time In His Life by Yehuda Amichai - Famous poems, famous poets. - All Poetry#TrendingJewish 16: The Greatest Teacher, Failure Is — Rabbi Shira Stutman talks about learning from failure, and how Jewish organizations must take risks to change and grow. Rabbi Stutman discusses how Sixth & I was both inspired by, and a departure from, Mordecai Kaplan’s vision of a synagogue center. | — | ||||||
| 6/25/20 | ![]() S3 Ep. 9: The Power of Ritual | Is Harry Potter a sacred text? According to our guest, Casper ter Kuile, Ministry Innovation Fellow at Harvard Divinity School and the co-founder of the Sacred Design Lab, it is if you bring that approach to the series. His study of the ways in which people find meaning through text, community, and tradition has opened up vibrant conversations that break down the walls of "religious" and "secular" by illuminating the human experiences that unite them. In his new book, The Power of Ritual, he explores the ways that ritual -- even when nominally secular -- can help us build community, find meaning, and connect our past with our future. This conversation was recorded in late March of 2020. Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Special Guest: Casper ter Kuile.Support HashivenuLinks:The Power of Ritual: Turning Everyday Activities into Soulful Practices (Amazon) — Casper ter Kuile, a Harvard Divinity School fellow and cohost of the popular Harry Potter and the Sacred Text podcast, explores how we can nourish our souls by transforming common, everyday practices—yoga, reading, walking the dog—into sacred rituals that can heal our crisis of social isolation and struggle to find purpose—a message we need more than ever for our spiritual and emotional well-being in the age of COVID-19.Read the Introduction of The Power of RitualInsights - Sacred Design Lab — The structures of community and spirituality are rapidly changing. Learn about the innovative ideas, creative solutions, and emerging trends that are shaping our culture. (Contains links to PDF monographs: Design for the Human Soul, How We Gather, Care of Souls, Something More, Faithful, and more.)How We Gather (PDF)Harry Potter and the Sacred Text (Website) — Reading Fiction Doesn’t Help Us Escape The World, It Helps Us Live In ItHarry Potter and the Sacred Text (Apple Podcasts) — It’s the English class you didn't know you missed and the meaningful conversations you didn't know you craved. Join Vanessa Zoltan and Casper ter Kuile as they bring thought, reflection and laughter to Harry Potter; not just as novels, but as instructive and inspirational texts that will teach us about our own lives | — | ||||||
| 5/21/20 | ![]() S3 Ep. 8: Whole-Body Judaism | Yoshi Silverstein’s passions — which include Jewish outdoor and environmental education, as well as fitness and movement — each strive toward creative embodied Jewish practice. We explore how these approaches can contribute to a resilient Jewish community, and conclude by applying them to the upcoming holiday of Shavuot: how might they help us experience revelation and gratitude in the midst of an uncertain future? Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Special Guest: Yoshi Silverstein.Support HashivenuLinks:Mitsui Collective – Resilient. Together. — Building resilient community around nature & wellness, embodied Jewish practice, and multiracial justice.About – Yoshi SilversteinOverview - Hazon — JOFEE stands for Jewish Outdoor, Food, Farming & Environmental Education. These experiences connect people to Judaism, community, and the natural world through hands-on, thoughtful and engaging Jewish content across different ages, Jewish backgrounds, and religious approaches. EDOT – עדוֹת-המידווסט The Midwest Regional Jewish Diversity Collaborative – UW–Madison — Edot HaMidwest: The Midwest Regional Jewish Diversity Collaborative (“Edot”) is a set of partnerships and activities focused on affirming Jewish racial and ethnic diversity across communities in the Midwest region. Supporting the leadership of Jewish People of Color (JOC’s) is our driver for change.ShavuotShavuot resources at ReconstructingJudaism.orgCelebrating the Seven Days of Shavuot: A Journey of Revelation and Relationship (From Evolve) — Let’s expand our observance of Shavuot—affirming our relationship with the Earth and our commitment to deepening our relationship with all people.Revelation Can Be Terrifying (from Evolve) — The Bible’s description of the shuddering of the people at Mount Sinai reflects a deep truth about how moments of revelatory insight can be frightening. | — | ||||||
| 4/21/20 | ![]() S3 Ep. 7: Including Everyone | It's a fundamental Jewish belief that all human beings are created in the divine image. But society all too often treats those with disabilities as second-class citizens. In our conversation with Jay Ruderman, we discuss his family foundation's work to advocate for and advance the inclusion of people with disabilities, both within the Jewish community and in society at large. We also delve into the dangers posed by the current pandemic to those with disabilities, as well as the opportunities this moment offers to affirm our deepest values by treating every person with concern and care. Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Special Guest: Jay Ruderman.Support HashivenuLinks:Ruderman Family Foundation — The Ruderman Family Foundation believes that inclusion and understanding of all people is essential to a fair and flourishing community. Guided by our Jewish values, we advocate for and advance the inclusion of people with disabilities throughout our society; strengthen the relationship between Israel and the American Jewish Community; and model the practice of strategic philanthropy worldwide. We operate as a non-partisan strategic catalyst in cooperation with government, private sectors, civil society, and philanthropies.LINK20 — LINK20 is a global social movement led by a network of young activists, with and without disabilities. Our goal is to raise awareness on the right of people with disabilities to be fully included in our society and strengthen young activist’s leadership skills and influence in promoting inclusion and social justice.Ruderman Synagogue Inclusion Project | Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston — The Ruderman Synagogue Inclusion Project (RSIP) is a partnership between CJP and the Ruderman Family Foundation that supports synagogues in creating communities where people of all abilities are valued equally and participate fully.Fully Alive: Discovering What Matters Most, by Timothy Shriver (Amazon link)Reconstructionist Communities Make Disability Inclusion a Top Priority | Reconstructing JudaismWhat Does it Mean to be a Leader? Inspiration from Jewish Disability Advocacy Day | Jewish Week — Column by Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D., on Judaism and disability | — | ||||||
| 12/10/19 | ![]() S3 Ep. 1: Finding Sustenance in Covenantal Community | Rabbi Sid Schwarz has devoted his career to the practice and study of building rich and engaging Jewish communities. In our conversation, we talk about the groundbreaking congregation he built, Adat Shalom, which continues to serve as a laboratory for innovation to this day. And we ask the question: as new platforms for Jewish life and community emerge in the 21st century, what values and practices make a community truly sustaining and meaningful? Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.Special Guest: Rabbi Sid Schwarz, Ph.D..Support HashivenuLinks:Rabbi Sid Schwarz | Rabbi, social entrepreneur, non-profit CEO, authorClergy Leadership Incubator | Training Visionary Spiritual Leaders for the American Jewish Community — The Clergy Leadership Incubator (CLI) is a two-year program to support and encourage rabbis serving congregations or other new models of spiritual community in the areas of innovative thinking, change management and institutional transformation.Kenissa: Communities of Meaning Network — Kenissa: Communities of Meaning Network connects individuals who are leading contemporary efforts to re-imagine Jewish life and community.Congregation Beth Israel of MediaAdat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation |About Pearlstone - Jewish Retreat Center & Outdoor Education Campus | Pearlstone — Pearlstone Center's mission: to ignite Jewish passion while connecting guests with the land and Jewish values; our peaceful retreat center, sustainable farm, and dynamic programming enable and inspire vibrant Jewish life.Congregation T'chiyah — Reconstructing Jewish life in Metro DetroitDetroit Jews for Justice — Organizing Jewish community in Metro Detroit to participate in movements for racial and economic justice.Justice in Detroit: Reconstructionists Lead the Way — 2016 article from Reconstructionism Today on the relationship between Congregational T'chiyah and Detroit Jews for JusticeRitualwell: Rituals and Prayers for Communal Life | — | ||||||
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