In this episode of Two Rabbis, Three Opinions, Rabbis Barry Diamond and Ari Averbach welcome Rachel Holtzman, the credited book collaborator (“book doula”) for Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew by Emmanuel Acho and Noa Tishby.

Together they explore:

• How the book came to be — from Emmanuel Acho’s original “Uncomfortable Conversations” series to his collaboration with Noa Tishby, and why the title itself became a reclamation of the word “Jew.”
• The whirlwind process of writing and publishing the book in under a year after October 7th, balancing urgency with accuracy and integrity.
• Rachel’s unique role navigating two strong voices, sensitive topics, and extensive research to create an accessible, conversational text for both Jewish and non-Jewish readers.
• Key themes of the book — bridging divides, confronting assumptions, validating Jewish identity, and equipping readers to speak about Judaism, Zionism, and antisemitism with confidence and nuance.
• How to use the book as a springboard for meaningful dialogue in congregations, classrooms, interfaith spaces, and even family conversations.

Rachel also shares how the project reshaped her own Jewish identity and offers practical wisdom on allyship, self-awareness, and showing up authentically as Jews in everyday life.

Listen in for a rich, behind-the-scenes look at a book designed not just to inform but to spark the “uncomfortable” conversations our communities most need.

Keywords

Judaism, Jewish identity, Tikkun Olam, cultural Judaism, conversion, Jewish movements, gratitude, diversity, humanism, community

Summary

In this episode of TOTO: Two Rabbis, Three Opinions, Rabbi Barry Diamond and Ari Averbach explore the complexities of Jewish identity, culture, and observance. They discuss the four pillars of Judaism, the challenges of cultural identity in a modern world, and the importance of Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world. The conversation also touches on the evolution of Jewish practices, the diversity within Judaism, and the role of gratitude in daily life. The rabbis emphasize the need for ongoing dialogue within the Jewish community and with other communities, especially in the face of contemporary challenges.

Rabbi Barry Diamond - www.AdatElohim.org

Rabbi Ari Averbach - www.TempleEtzChayim.org

Chapters

00:00 Welcome

03:06 Understanding Jewish Identity and Labels

05:15 The Four Pillars of Judaism

08:20 Tikkun Olam and Social Justice in Judaism

11:06 Conversion to Judaism: The Process and Perspectives

13:56 Exploring the Nature of Jewishness

17:01 The Diversity of Jewish Movements

20:01 Historical Context of Reform and Conservative Judaism

23:02 The Future of Jewish Identity and Movements

24:41 Navigating Modern Jewish Identity

26:48 Evolution of Jewish Practices

28:55 Gratitude and Awareness in Judaism

31:43 Jewish Humanism and Cultural Identity

37:17 Cultural Judaism in a Diverse World

43:03 Tikkun Olam and Social Justice

47:39 Struggles of Community and Identity

49:21 Introduction to the Rabbis' Perspectives

49:22 Exploring Community and Faith

The conversation delves into the complex and nuanced topic of race, exploring its historical, social, and scientific dimensions. It also examines the intersectionality of race and religion, particularly within the context of Jewish identity. The discussion highlights the challenges and tensions surrounding race, privilege, discrimination, and justice, offering a thought-provoking exploration of these critical issues.

Takeaways

• Race as a social construct
• Intersectionality of race and religion

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
• 05:03 Historical Context of Race and Slavery
• 11:44 Race and Jewish Identity
• 18:24 Jewish Identity and Race in America
• 26:59 Race, Privilege, and Discrimination
• 34:15 Comparative Suffering and Justice Pursuit
• 42:18 Judaism as an Ethno-Religious Group

The conversation delves into the impact of stereotypes, the influence of Jewish power, and the importance of dialogue and understanding in challenging and addressing stereotypes. It also explores the historical context of Jewish influence and the complexities of stereotypes in society.

Takeaways

• Stereotypes are based on some truth but can lead to negative generalizations.
• Stereotypes can influence behavior and perceptions, impacting social interactions.

Chapters

• 00:00 Exploring Stereotypes
• 06:23 Stereotypes and Jewish Power
• 14:05 Historical Context and Jewish Influence
• 19:29 Theological and Ideological Perspectives
• 25:26 Challenging Stereotypes
• 30:47 Importance of Dialogue
• 43:28 Complexity of Stereotypes

The conversation delves into the book 'Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew' and explores the history and trends of anti-Semitism. It addresses the role of religious animus, the language used to describe anti-Semitism, and the importance of productive conversations and civil discourse. The discussion also highlights the need to challenge coded language, strengthen Jewish identity, and examines the visibility of Jewish communities in relation to targeting. The conversation delves into the complexities of allyship, the challenges of recognizing and addressing antisemitism, and the importance of labeling and understanding different forms of antisemitism. It also highlights the need for educational policies that promote civil discourse and address hate speech.

Rabbi Barry Diamond, Temple Adat Elohim

Rabbi Ari Averbach, Temple Etz Chayim

Josh Burt, Regional Director for ADL Santa Barbara/Tri-Counties

Website to facilitate constructive conversations: PointTaken.social.

Takeaways

• Anti-Semitism is deeply rooted in history and manifests in various forms.
• Productive conversations and civil discourse are essential in combating hate and bias.
• Strengthening Jewish identity and education is crucial in addressing anti-Semitism. Allyship isn't transactional
• Challenging antisemitism requires ongoing effort

Chapters

• 00:00 Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew
• 06:24 Religious Animus and Anti-Semitism
• 13:18 Productive Conversations and Civil Discourse
• 19:38 Challenging Coded Language
• 32:33 Visibility and Targeting
• 39:00 Challenges of Recognizing Antisemitism
• 45:19 Understanding and Addressing Antisemitism
• 54:47 The Importance of Labeling Antisemitism