Is there a right way to disagree?

In a world increasingly defined by division, this episode of Judaism in the 21st Century explores a timeless idea: argument as a path to truth—not conflict.

Judaism doesn’t just tolerate disagreement—it elevates it. But only when it’s done for the right reasons.

We unpack:
• The difference between debate and division
• “Arguments for the sake of heaven” vs. personal conflict
• Why the Talmud values multiple perspectives
• How modern discourse has lost its balance

At a time when disagreement often leads to polarization, this conversation offers a powerful framework for reclaiming respectful dialogue—and rebuilding connection.

What is prayer supposed to feel like… especially if it never quite “clicked”?

In this deeply personal episode of Judaism in the 21st Century, Dr. Steven Labkoff opens up about a lifelong struggle with prayer. Despite years of study and exposure, the emotional and spiritual connection others describe has remained elusive. Rabbi Daniel Cohen responds with a powerful reframing: prayer is not about changing God, but about changing us—our perspective, our gratitude, and our sense of purpose.

Together, they explore what it means to engage with prayer in a modern world, how to move beyond simply reciting words, and why even a small, meaningful connection can be transformative. This conversation is honest, vulnerable, and resonates with anyone who has ever felt disconnected from traditional practice.

In this powerful episode of Judaism in the 21st Century, Dr. Steven Labkoff and Rabbi Daniel Cohen explore the profound emotional and spiritual journey from Yom HaZikaron to Yom HaAtzmaut. Drawing on personal experiences in Israel, they reflect on the haunting stillness of the nationwide siren, when an entire country pauses to remember its fallen—and the deep sense of shared responsibility that memory creates.

The conversation then pivots to the remarkable transition just 24 hours later—from mourning to celebration—as Israel marks its independence. What does it mean to hold grief and joy so closely together? And what can we learn about gratitude, responsibility, and resilience from this uniquely Jewish rhythm of remembrance and renewal? This episode invites listeners to reflect not just on history, but on the obligations we carry forward.

In this deeply moving conversation, Rabbi Daniel Cohen sits down with Elisha Wiesel, son of Elie Wiesel, following the film Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire. Together, they explore what it means not only to remember—but to carry memory forward as a moral responsibility.

Elisha reflects on the private side of his father: a man who treated every individual with dignity, who listened deeply, and who lived his values not just in writing, but in everyday human encounters. He shares the complexity of inheriting such a legacy—moving from the burden of being “the son of a witness” to embracing his own role as a witness in today’s world.

The discussion wrestles with some of the most enduring questions of Jewish life and human responsibility: how to hold faith alongside doubt, how to resist indifference in a noisy and often desensitized world, and how each of us can create “messianic moments” through our actions. As Elisha recalls, his father believed that identity and responsibility are inseparable—“don’t separate yourself from the community”—a principle that continues to shape how memory lives on.

At its core, this episode is not just about the past. It is about what we choose to do with it. In a world that risks forgetting, this conversation challenges us to become carriers of memory, transforming remembrance into action—and refusing, above all, the quiet danger of indifference.

In this deeply moving conversation, Rabbi Daniel Cohen sits down with Elisha Wiesel, son of Elie Wiesel, following the film Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire. Together, they explore what it means not only to remember—but to carry memory forward as a moral responsibility.

Elisha reflects on the private side of his father: a man who treated every individual with dignity, who listened deeply, and who lived his values not just in writing, but in everyday human encounters. He shares the complexity of inheriting such a legacy—moving from the burden of being “the son of a witness” to embracing his own role as a witness in today’s world.

The discussion wrestles with some of the most enduring questions of Jewish life and human responsibility: how to hold faith alongside doubt, how to resist indifference in a noisy and often desensitized world, and how each of us can create “messianic moments” through our actions. As Elisha recalls, his father believed that identity and responsibility are inseparable—“don’t separate yourself from the community”—a principle that continues to shape how memory lives on.

At its core, this episode is not just about the past. It is about what we choose to do with it. In a world that risks forgetting, this conversation challenges us to become carriers of memory, transforming remembrance into action—and refusing, above all, the quiet danger of indifference.

A vision for the future of Jerusalem—and what it means for all of us.

In this episode of Judaism in the 21st Century, Rabbi Cohen shares a deeply personal and forward-looking story: the creation of a new kind of community in Jerusalem—one rooted not in uniformity, but in openness, kindness, and shared purpose.

What does it mean to build a synagogue not in our own image, but in God’s image?
How can Jerusalem, a city often defined by division, become a model of unity?

This conversation connects past to present—from the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967 to the responsibility we carry today to actively shape a redemptive future.

This is not just about a place. It’s about a mindset—and a call to participate in building something greater.

In Part 2 of our Men’s Seder series, the conversation moves beyond the traditional Seder structure and into the deeper meaning behind Passover.

We discuss the difference between physical freedom and inner freedom, why redemption is never a straight line, and how the story of Joseph reflects the ups and downs of both Jewish history and our own lives.

We also explore the importance of family customs and traditions at the Seder table, and how small rituals and stories are often what children and grandchildren remember most. The Seder is not just about telling a story from 3,000 years ago, but about making freedom relevant today and passing our story to the next generation.

Most importantly, we talk about the idea that leaving Egypt is really about leaving the habits, distractions, and ego that hold us back, and how Passover is really a holiday about personal growth and transformation.

This episode is about freedom, memory, family, and becoming the person we are meant to be.

In this special episode of Judaism in the 21st Century, we bring you highlights from the annual Men’s Seder, where rabbis from across the community share short ideas and stories to help make your Passover Seder more meaningful.

In this episode, you’ll hear insights about the power of small acts, why the Seder is meant to be experiential and memorable for children, the importance of empathy for those who may be alone on Passover, and how gratitude is one of the central themes of the holiday. We also explore the idea that Passover is not just about remembering history, but about reliving it and allowing it to change us.

These short teachings are designed to give you ideas, stories, and conversation starters that you can bring directly to your own Seder table this year.