In These Times with Rabbi Ammi Hirsch

In this special episode, Rabbi Ammi Hirsch delivers his keynote address from the third Re-CHARGING Reform Judaism conference, a gathering of more than 350 Reform rabbis and Jewish leaders at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue. Addressing what he sees as a crisis of Jewish peoplehood, Zionism and moral confidence within liberal Jewish life, Hirsch argues that the future of Reform Judaism depends on renewed commitment to the Jewish people, Israel, and the values that have long defined the movement.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations

Writer and anthropologist Adam Louis-Klein argues that antizionism is not simply a continuation of the “classical” antisemitism of the past, but a new framework for anti-Jewish hatred. Drawing on his experiences in elite academic spaces and fieldwork with indigenous communities in the Amazon, Louis-Klein explores how ideas about colonialism, identity, and power have been weaponized to reshape how many young Americans understand Israel and the Jewish people.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations

October 7th was a massive miscalculation — one that decimated Gaza, dismantled Iran’s proxy network, and reshaped the Middle East in Israel’s favor. Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib argues that as Israel grows stronger, a new kind of pro-Palestinian advocacy is urgently needed: one that is radically pragmatic, morally accountable and focused on nation-building over resistance.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations

After Hamas terrorists murdered Abigail’s parents, they abducted the three-year-old and held her hostage in Gaza for 51 days. Her great-aunt, Liz Hirsh Naftali, shares how she transformed from grieving family member into relentless advocate, traveling the world to fight for Abigail’s release and for the return of every hostage.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations

Since the October 7th attacks, Broadway-trained actor, singer and writer Jonah Platt has emerged as one of the Jewish people’s most compelling advocates. His work exploring Jewish identity, Israel, antisemitism and pop culture gives us the confidence and pride to stand up for who we are.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations

On September 10, 1943, a group of anti-Nazi German aristocrats gathered for an afternoon tea party. Little did they know that one of them was about to betray the others to the Gestapo... Award-winning author and columnist Jonathan Freedland discusses his new book "The Traitors Circle" and examines the ways faith, conviction and courage inspire great acts of resistance.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations

While in her mid-30s, former Obama speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz discovered the wisdom of the Jewish tradition she'd written off. In her latest book, she confronts the ways American culture, antisemitism and the challenges of our times distort Jewish identity — and she calls on young Jews to reclaim it with pride.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations

The founder of Israel's Civil Commission on October 7th Crimes Against Women and Children, Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy coined the novel term "kinocide" to describe Hamas's uniquely evil and systematic abuse of Israeli families. The winner of the 2024 Israel Prize, Dr. Elkayam-Levy helps us understand the extent of our enemy's calculated brutality — and why the international community abandoned Israel in its darkest hour.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations

As part of our NYC Mayoral Forum, Democratic candidate and NYC Comptroller Brad Lander joins our Rabbi Ammi Hirsch to discuss how his liberal Jewish values inform his immigration activism, his fight against antisemitism and for peace in the Middle East, and his vision for New York City.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations

New York's former governor and the front runner in New York City's mayoral race, Andrew Cuomo speaks with Rabbi Ammi Hirsch about the state of the city, his decades-long support of Israel and the Jewish community, and surging antisemitism in America.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations

Israeli politics have become increasingly complicated and divisive. The Times of Israel's founding editor and returning guest David Horovitz helps us understand Israel’s internal and external struggles — the unifying fabric of Israeli society and the major debates pulling at the seams.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations

There's something so Jewish about using laughter to cope. British comedian, public thinker and author David Baddiel finds the humor in the world, discussing everything from comedy to antisemitism to politics. And he makes plenty of jokes.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations