This episode explores the innovative work of the Schechter Institutes in Jewish education, community building, and modern religious practice in Israel. Rabbi Arie Hasit shares insights on adapting tradition to contemporary life, the role of Masorti Judaism, and the future of Jewish identity.

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.