feed03.fireside.fm Tue, 03 Feb 2026 12:04:50 -0600 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Hashivenu https://hashivenu.fireside.fm Fri, 30 Jan 2026 06:45:04 -0500 Hashivenu is a podcast about Jewish teachings and practice around resilience. Cultivating resilience in challenging times, both individually and collectively, is an essential path to personal renewal. <a href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/support/">Support Hashivenu</a> Find out more about the show at About (https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/about), and learn about our theme song at Theme Song (https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/theme-song). <a href="http://subscribebyemail.com/hashivenu.fireside.fm/rss" title="Subscribe by Email">Subscribe by Email</a> This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org (https://ReconstructingJudaism.org) en-us © 2026 Reconstructing Judaism episodic Jewish teachings on resilience Reconstructing Judaism Hashivenu is a podcast about Jewish teachings and practice around resilience. Cultivating resilience in challenging times, both individually and collectively, is an essential path to personal renewal. <a href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/support/">Support Hashivenu</a> Find out more about the show at About (https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/about), and learn about our theme song at Theme Song (https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/theme-song). <a href="http://subscribebyemail.com/hashivenu.fireside.fm/rss" title="Subscribe by Email">Subscribe by Email</a> This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org (https://ReconstructingJudaism.org) false Reconstructing Judaism swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org dc86aed0-bf48-11f0-9322-1535f1da4f5c yes Support the show! The Jewish Way to a Good Life: A Conversation with Rabbi Shira Stutman https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/606 0950ae65-48fe-459c-ba40-5d9b736e2d8d Fri, 30 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 5 Reconstructing Judaism 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. 38:18 false 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.

]]> Jewish way to good life, Rabbi Shira Stutman, hesed practice, loving kindness Judaism, Jewish resilience, reconstructionist movement, women in rabbinate, embodied spirituality, Jewish self help, sixth and I synagogue, Aspen Jewish Congregation, Jewish wisdom for all, secular Jewish practice, compassion practice, building meaningful life, Jewish teachings resilience, Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Hashivenu podcast, Jewish body practices, authentic leadership 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+HPxK7Cxk ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Shira Stutman Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie returns to discuss Jewish chosenness, love, and his film Sabbath Queen https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/605 581e6dc3-cc53-4c0e-9dcd-f1b15a5f86eb Thu, 11 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 5 Reconstructing Judaism 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, and more. 51:51 false 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.

]]> Jewish resilience, Reconstructionist Judaism, Deborah Waxman podcast, Amichai Lau-Lavie interview, Lab/Shul New York, The Sabbath Queen documentary, Israel Palestine dialogue, October 7 aftermath, Jewish trauma and healing, Jewish pluralism, liberal Judaism, queer Jewish leadership, Jewish feminism, Jewish identity today, Zionism complexity, Israeli-Palestinian coexistence, Jewish anti-supremacism, covenantal community, Mordecai Kaplan theology, polarity thinking Judaism, universalism vs particularism Judaism, Jewish renewal movement, progressive Judaism, rabbinic leadership, Jewish ethical teachings, human rights in Israel, hostages in Gaza, Judaism and democracy, modern Jewish theology 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+7tz1U5I6 ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie Hope Is a Muscle: The Hatikvah Slate with special guest Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/604 a6adf9b3-523b-422e-a2ae-c8963bdf4d7e Thu, 01 May 2025 12:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 5 Reconstructing Judaism Speaking from a place of personal history, heartbreak and fierce hope, Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie articulates a Jewish future rooted in empathy, pluralism, love and justice. 50:21 false 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.

]]> Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Hashivenu podcast, progressive Zionism, queer Jewish identity, Jewish pluralism, spiritual resilience, liberal Judaism and Israel, justice in Zionism, Reconstructionist movement, inclusive Jewish leadership, Jewish values and democracy, trauma and hope in Israel, rethinking chosenness, hope as spiritual practice 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+Zdr5pLLV ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie Why Voting for the Hatkivah Slate in the World Zionist Congress Matters: A Conversation Across Generations https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/603 67d47b34-b207-49de-b9d0-d5977f593fba Mon, 21 Apr 2025 11:30:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 5 Reconstructing Judaism Rabbi Jodie Siff and her son Aaron Siff-Scherr join Rabbi Deborah Waxman for a moving, intergenerational conversation on progressive Zionism, Jewish identity and the importance of voting in the World Zionist Congress elections. 42:20 false 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.

]]> World Zionist Congress, Progressive Zionism, Jewish identity, Reconstructionist Judaism, Zionist elections 2025, Jewish voting rights, Hatikva Slate, Diaspora Jewry, Jewish pluralism, Intergenerational Jewish dialogue, Why vote in the World Zionist Congress, Jewish perspectives on Israel, Jewish values and political activism, Zionism and Jewish self-determination, Jewish education and Israel connection, Pluralistic Judaism in Israel, Jewish summer camps and identity, Antisemitism and Jewish resilience, The role of diaspora Jews in Israeli politics, Reconstructionist views on Zionism 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+uCutkY57 ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Aaron Siff-Scherr Rabbi Jodie Siff Reconstructionist Values, Covenantal Community and War in the Middle East https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/602 890d6c36-f08e-4005-b603-840680bb66f0 Wed, 04 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0500 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 5 Reconstructing Judaism 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. 53:08 false 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.

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+GcpH8xkK ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Elliott Tepperman Rabbi Rachel Weiss Building Covenantal Community in the New Year and Beyond https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/601 d3fdc52a-242c-4cfc-8197-c3ef4bddd326 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 5 Reconstructing Judaism 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. 44:33 false 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.

]]> high holidays, rosh hashanah, yom kippur, reconstructionist, reconstructing judaism, jewish, judiasm, sukkot, high holiday, new year, 5785 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+S0Di-08M ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Justin Rosen Smolen Rabbi Elyse Wechterman, CEO of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/504 f1066829-ffda-4346-b855-d3eef20c8c08 Thu, 16 May 2024 06:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 5 Reconstructing Judaism Earlier this year, Rabbi Elyse Wechterman 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. 38:45 false 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.

]]> jewish, judaism, resilience, rra, rabbi, rabbinical, leader, leadership, reconstructionist, reconstructing judaism, reconstructionist judaism, mordecai kaplan, change, deborah waxman, rabbi deborah waxman, elyse wechterman, rabbi elyse wechterman 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+MIHc6UcN ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Elyse Wechterman Cheryl Cook, CEO of Avodah https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/503 a2c53986-1fa8-4037-8179-4ac1fa30edc1 Thu, 28 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 5 Reconstructing Judaism Rabbi Deborah Waxman welcomes Cheryl Cook, CEO of Avodah, for a wide-ranging conversation about women in leadership, justice work, allyship, parenthood and more. 38:55 false 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.

]]> deborah waxman, cheryl cook, reconstructing judaism, reconstructionism, reconstructionist, resilience, leadership, women, feminism, jewish, judaism, avodah, justice work, racial justice, israel, palestine 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+cgczuYOB ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Cheryl Cook How to become our fullest, most expressive selves? Practice, practice, practice https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/502 4677033b-a786-4ea3-9883-75dfd77e60e7 Tue, 24 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 5 Reconstructing Judaism Yoshi 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. The key to being able to respond to stressful stimuli in a healthy way? Awareness and practice, practice practice. 59:34 false 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.

]]> embodiment, embodied practice, jewish, judaism, resilience, trauma, reconstructionist, reconstructing judaism 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+iGq8NOh9 ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Yoshi Silverstein Yom Kippur: A Celebration of Collective Release https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/501 7a78e5b7-c012-4b19-8b6e-efbde618e54c Tue, 12 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 5 Reconstructing Judaism Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D., speaks with Rabbi Vivie Mayer about what the avodah service, which originated in ancient Israel as a series of elaborate rituals performed by the high priest on Yom Kippur, can teach us today. 38:40 false 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.

]]> High Holidays, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Jewish, Judaism, Reconstructionist, Jew, ishay ribo, 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+uygNA4th ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Vivie Mayer S4 Ep. 9: Season of Reflection and Repentance https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/50 fb98a0d2-f8f7-4c2d-b5e7-47ac8fa3f0ec Mon, 19 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 4 Reconstructing Judaism 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. 38:10 false 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.

]]> rosh hashanah, yom kippur, high holidays, jewish, judaism 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+_XnAJ_cp ]]> Rabbi Sandra Lawson Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. S4 Ep. 8: Songs of Joy and Mourning https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/49 b3ffa148-4abb-4339-b6c4-9dcd87bf09cc Thu, 05 May 2022 06:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 4 Reconstructing Judaism 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 fronting the ska and reggae band Highball Holiday. She talks about how she rediscovered her singing voice in middle age and shedded certain inhibitions and self-consciousness. She also describes Reconstructing Judaism's ongoing process of gaining support for a movement-wide resolution supporting reparations for slavery. 39:52 false 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.

]]> Jewish, ska, resilience, black, racial justice, tikkun olam, reparations 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+-HjIIC1t ]]> Rabbi Sandra Lawson Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Shahanna McKinney-Baldon S4 Ep. 7: The Smooth River https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/48 61b3f908-520b-47a4-82c3-5b614e346b1a Fri, 08 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 4 Reconstructing Judaism On Sept. 3, 2019, Richard Cohen’s wife, Marcia Horowitz, was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. Horowitz lived 160 more days. In this special episode, Cohen recounts those days and discusses with Rabbi Deborah Waxman what he learned about life as Horowitz's death approached. 46:06 false 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.

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+Kzu95Co2 ]]> Rabbi Sandra Lawson Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Richard S. Cohen S4 Ep. 6: Being an Ally with Empathy, Humility and Courage https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/47 6d749411-e4c0-4afd-9a4a-46b7f5b83d5a Tue, 28 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0500 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 4 Reconstructing Judaism 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? 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. They delve into the difficulty of saying and doing the right thing at the right time, 40:25 false 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.

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+xS2gYk5Q ]]> Rabbi Sandra Lawson Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. S4 Ep. 5: JewAsian https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/46 f40423a8-55d8-4ac6-8926-398de3e052eb Tue, 26 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 4 Reconstructing Judaism Helen K. Kim, co-author of JewAsian: Race, Religion, and Identity for America's Newest Jews, stops by to discuss macro topics such as racism in the Jewish community and the rancorous debate over communal demography. Rabbi Deborah Waxman and Rabbi Sandra Lawson also learn about how Kim found inspiration in the work of Maimonides, the medieval Jewish philosopher and Torah commentator. 39:53 false 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.

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+hknlVepn ]]> Rabbi Sandra Lawson Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Helen K. Kim S4 Ep 4: In the Same Place, As the Same Person https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/45 8e2f9426-763f-4569-8570-9a4bfe6398c8 Fri, 10 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 4 Reconstructing Judaism Amanda Mbuvi, Ph.D., is the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College’s new vice president for academic affairs. We delve into Mbuvi’s desire to deepen how people and communities think about diversity and identity, offer some thoughts on the findings of the Jews Of Color Initiative's latest study and share our hopes for the High Holidays and the coming year. 33:10 false 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. .

]]> Jewish, Jew, Jew of Color, High Holidays, Reconstructionist, Rabbi, 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+ryGbkrVc ]]> Rabbi Sandra Lawson Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Amanda Mbuvi, Ph.D. S4 Ep. 3: Creating a Jewish Community Where All Can Thrive https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/44 f52b917c-500b-4d1c-aebd-24248c0e4fc3 Wed, 23 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 4 Reconstructing Judaism 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. 42:58 false 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.

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+Kfuv9X75 ]]> Rabbi Sandra Lawson Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Marcella White Campbell S4 Ep 2: Paradox, Complexity and Liberation: A Conversation with Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/43 4919ca26-5619-4691-9fb3-07ff0694b5fa Tue, 13 Apr 2021 03:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 4 Reconstructing Judaism 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_. 41:38 false 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.

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+DG4ibVg8 ]]> Rabbi Sandra Lawson Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein S4 Ep. 1: Judaism, Resilience, and Racial Justice - Beginning the Conversation https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/42 b64849b8-cd9a-4e68-915b-8e54ee82163d Mon, 01 Mar 2021 20:00:00 -0500 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 4 Reconstructing Judaism 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. 38:03 false 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.

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+vyjtISyx ]]> Rabbi Sandra Lawson Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. S3 Ep. 12: Writing Ourselves into the Book of Life — The High Holidays and Choosing Life https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/41 db505925-ea2a-4afa-830d-ed6975a10e0d Fri, 11 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 3 Reconstructing Judaism 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. 35:06 false 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.

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+knOlgcEs ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Margot Stein S3 Ep. 11: Creativity and Counterculture https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/40 5f886e97-6f79-4d0a-9f13-f7e5a7a9a73e Thu, 20 Aug 2020 06:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 3 Reconstructing Judaism Rabbi Michael Strassfeld has made a life and career at the core of Jewish counterculture. We discuss his experiences as a founder of the havurah movement, co-creator of the groundbreaking _Jewish Catalog_ series, and rabbi of the SAJ. Toward the end of our conversation we turn to the Jewish future, reflecting on the opportunities presented by digital culture and on new paradigms for Jewish prayer. 40:09 false Rabbi Michael Strassfeld has made a life and career at the core of Jewish counterculture, combining a deep connection with Jewish text and tradition with a passion for creative experimentation with new, accessible and relevant forms of Jewish community and practice. In our conversation, we discuss his experiences as a founder of the havurah movement, co-creator of the groundbreaking Jewish Catalog series, and rabbi of the SAJ. Toward the end of our conversation we turn to the Jewish future, reflecting on the opportunities presented by digital culture and on new paradigms for Jewish prayer.

While this episode was recorded before the Coronavirus pandemic, the theme of disruption as an opportunity for Jewish creativity speaks to our current moment. As we release this episode, Reconstructing Judaism has released newly-reinterpreted High Holiday liturgy created by a committee chaired by Rabbi Strassfeld. You can find it under "New Liturgy" at https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/highholidays2020.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Michael Strassfeld.

]]> Rabbi Michael Strassfeld has made a life and career at the core of Jewish counterculture, combining a deep connection with Jewish text and tradition with a passion for creative experimentation with new, accessible and relevant forms of Jewish community and practice. In our conversation, we discuss his experiences as a founder of the havurah movement, co-creator of the groundbreaking Jewish Catalog series, and rabbi of the SAJ. Toward the end of our conversation we turn to the Jewish future, reflecting on the opportunities presented by digital culture and on new paradigms for Jewish prayer.

While this episode was recorded before the Coronavirus pandemic, the theme of disruption as an opportunity for Jewish creativity speaks to our current moment. As we release this episode, Reconstructing Judaism has released newly-reinterpreted High Holiday liturgy created by a committee chaired by Rabbi Strassfeld. You can find it under "New Liturgy" at https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/highholidays2020.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Michael Strassfeld.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> Rabbi Michael Strassfeld has made a life and career at the core of Jewish counterculture, combining a deep connection with Jewish text and tradition with a passion for creative experimentation with new, accessible and relevant forms of Jewish community and practice. In our conversation, we discuss his experiences as a founder of the havurah movement, co-creator of the groundbreaking Jewish Catalog series, and rabbi of the SAJ. Toward the end of our conversation we turn to the Jewish future, reflecting on the opportunities presented by digital culture and on new paradigms for Jewish prayer.

While this episode was recorded before the Coronavirus pandemic, the theme of disruption as an opportunity for Jewish creativity speaks to our current moment. As we release this episode, Reconstructing Judaism has released newly-reinterpreted High Holiday liturgy created by a committee chaired by Rabbi Strassfeld. You can find it under "New Liturgy" at https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/highholidays2020.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Michael Strassfeld.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+Utzgll0q ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Michael Strassfeld S3 Ep. 10: Moments of Wholeness https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/39 2f117b8c-9324-4f6e-ba07-d325e1bd3184 Mon, 03 Aug 2020 06:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 3 Reconstructing Judaism 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. 37:37 false 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.

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+VQiyLv_z ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Shira Stutman S3 Ep. 9: The Power of Ritual https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/38 cc7c0b0f-4b84-4630-8361-b1a9b651ce79 Thu, 25 Jun 2020 06:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 3 Reconstructing Judaism 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](https://sacred.design/), 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. 42:38 false 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.

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

  • 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 Ritual
  • Insights - 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 It
  • ‎Harry 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
]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

  • 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 Ritual
  • Insights - 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 It
  • ‎Harry 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
]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+JJev0c6U ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Casper ter Kuile S3 Ep. 8: Whole-Body Judaism https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/37 a56e4d73-0b62-40b2-b707-5f736c08d5b1 Thu, 21 May 2020 08:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 3 Reconstructing 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? 31:24 false 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.

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+Vacp2jIP ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Yoshi Silverstein S3 Ep. 7: Including Everyone https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/36 9606b15d-6812-4ba1-9c12-446c963ebbc8 Tue, 21 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 3 Reconstructing Judaism 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. 37:54 false 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.

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+y2D2GCKX ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Jay Ruderman S3 Ep. 6: Spiritual Leadership in Times of Crisis https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/35 96751576-8bf1-42f1-b5c9-dca2c0a04ef8 Thu, 02 Apr 2020 11:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 3 Reconstructing Judaism As the coronavirus pandemic took hold, Rabbi Joshua Lesser created a Facebook group to support and connect clergy of all faiths struggling to respond to the crisis. Over five thousand people joined within the first two weeks. We discuss the exponential growth of the multifaith community he created and reflect on both the practical challenges and interior dimensions of spiritual leadership in times like these. Rabbi Lesser also explores the lessons he learned about community and vulnerability as an out gay rabbi during the height of the AIDS crisis, and how that experience informs his work now. 37:20 false As the coronavirus pandemic took hold, Rabbi Joshua Lesser created a Facebook group to support and connect clergy of all faiths struggling to respond to the crisis. Over five thousand people joined within the first two weeks. We discuss the exponential growth of the multifaith community he created and reflect on both the practical challenges and interior dimensions of spiritual leadership in times like these. Rabbi Lesser also explores the lessons he learned about community and vulnerability as an out gay rabbi during the height of the AIDS crisis, and how that experience informs his work now.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Joshua Lesser.

]]> As the coronavirus pandemic took hold, Rabbi Joshua Lesser created a Facebook group to support and connect clergy of all faiths struggling to respond to the crisis. Over five thousand people joined within the first two weeks. We discuss the exponential growth of the multifaith community he created and reflect on both the practical challenges and interior dimensions of spiritual leadership in times like these. Rabbi Lesser also explores the lessons he learned about community and vulnerability as an out gay rabbi during the height of the AIDS crisis, and how that experience informs his work now.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Joshua Lesser.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> As the coronavirus pandemic took hold, Rabbi Joshua Lesser created a Facebook group to support and connect clergy of all faiths struggling to respond to the crisis. Over five thousand people joined within the first two weeks. We discuss the exponential growth of the multifaith community he created and reflect on both the practical challenges and interior dimensions of spiritual leadership in times like these. Rabbi Lesser also explores the lessons he learned about community and vulnerability as an out gay rabbi during the height of the AIDS crisis, and how that experience informs his work now.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Joshua Lesser.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+1ew_fXVP ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Joshua Lesser S3 Ep. 5: Catching Our Breath https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/34 6b745284-879f-496d-8fca-ddcc064e32e8 Tue, 24 Mar 2020 16:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 3 Reconstructing Judaism As the current pandemic disrupts our lives and everyday connections, we each face the dual challenge of saving lives and caring for our souls. Rabbi Deborah Waxman reflects on the Jewish spiritual imagery that unites these concerns and shares a practice of breath work that can sustain us in stressful times. 20:46 false As the current pandemic disrupts our lives and everyday connections, we each face the dual challenge of saving lives and caring for our souls. Rabbi Deborah Waxman reflects on the Jewish spiritual imagery that unites these concerns and shares a practice of breath work that can sustain us in stressful times.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

]]> As the current pandemic disrupts our lives and everyday connections, we each face the dual challenge of saving lives and caring for our souls. Rabbi Deborah Waxman reflects on the Jewish spiritual imagery that unites these concerns and shares a practice of breath work that can sustain us in stressful times.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> As the current pandemic disrupts our lives and everyday connections, we each face the dual challenge of saving lives and caring for our souls. Rabbi Deborah Waxman reflects on the Jewish spiritual imagery that unites these concerns and shares a practice of breath work that can sustain us in stressful times.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+o7h0y--n ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. S3 Ep. 4: Despair to Awakening https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/33 5a5f9478-2ed7-493d-8206-bef43c3225c1 Fri, 20 Mar 2020 12:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 3 Reconstructing Judaism As our lives are disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, we speak with Dr. Ameet Ravital, a clinical psychologist who specializes in treating trauma. We reflect on personal experiences of anxiety and grief, and discuss strategies he uses to support an orientation toward joy even in the hardest times. Our conversation draws on his beautiful essay, "Despair to Awakening", free to read at Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations. 36:46 false As our lives are disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, we speak with Dr. Ameet Ravital, a clinical psychologist who specializes in treating trauma. We reflect on personal experiences of anxiety and grief, and discuss strategies he uses to support an orientation toward joy even in the hardest times. Our conversation draws on [his beautiful essay, "Despair to Awakening", free to read at Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations].(http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org/despair-to-awakening)

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Ameet Ravital.

]]> As our lives are disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, we speak with Dr. Ameet Ravital, a clinical psychologist who specializes in treating trauma. We reflect on personal experiences of anxiety and grief, and discuss strategies he uses to support an orientation toward joy even in the hardest times. Our conversation draws on [his beautiful essay, "Despair to Awakening", free to read at Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations].(http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org/despair-to-awakening)

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Ameet Ravital.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • Despair to Awakening (Essay on Evolve) — A clinical psychologist who specializes in treating trauma, Dr. Ameet Ravital offers three suggestions about how to approach our despair about the state of the world.
  • Website of Dr. Ameet Ravital
  • Self-care during a pandemic (Blog post from website of Dr. Ameet Ravital) — COVID-19, the corona-virus, now being called a global "pandemic", is here and we have to cope with it. Measures to contain its spread may feel extreme and challenging (school and work closures, social distancing, isolation and quarantining of any persons suspected of being infected, and incessant sanitizing of all surfaces). Here are some suggestions for keeping our immune systems strong, and taking care of ourselve​s emotionally​ in the face of uncertainty, as we gradually reduce the scope of our lives to staying at home for an indefinite period of time.
  • Dorshei Derekh – Germantown Jewish Centre
]]> As our lives are disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, we speak with Dr. Ameet Ravital, a clinical psychologist who specializes in treating trauma. We reflect on personal experiences of anxiety and grief, and discuss strategies he uses to support an orientation toward joy even in the hardest times. Our conversation draws on [his beautiful essay, "Despair to Awakening", free to read at Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations].(http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org/despair-to-awakening)

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Ameet Ravital.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • Despair to Awakening (Essay on Evolve) — A clinical psychologist who specializes in treating trauma, Dr. Ameet Ravital offers three suggestions about how to approach our despair about the state of the world.
  • Website of Dr. Ameet Ravital
  • Self-care during a pandemic (Blog post from website of Dr. Ameet Ravital) — COVID-19, the corona-virus, now being called a global "pandemic", is here and we have to cope with it. Measures to contain its spread may feel extreme and challenging (school and work closures, social distancing, isolation and quarantining of any persons suspected of being infected, and incessant sanitizing of all surfaces). Here are some suggestions for keeping our immune systems strong, and taking care of ourselve​s emotionally​ in the face of uncertainty, as we gradually reduce the scope of our lives to staying at home for an indefinite period of time.
  • Dorshei Derekh – Germantown Jewish Centre
]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+BZI_Cds9 ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Ameet Ravital S3 Ep. 3: The Song of Community https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/32 7ab1582f-bfc2-4d7f-a966-8c885029b8dc Mon, 03 Feb 2020 00:15:00 -0500 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 3 Reconstructing Judaism We speak with Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann, Rabbi of the SAJ: Judaism That Stands For All. Our conversation explores the importance of placing joy and connection at the center of vibrant Jewish community, even (or especially) one deeply committed to social justice and activism. We also discuss the lessons learned from building a start-up congregation, and how they translate into her work at a 98-year-old flagship Reconstructionist synagogue. 28:57 false We speak with Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann, Rabbi of the SAJ: Judaism That Stands For All. Our conversation explores the importance of placing joy and connection at the center of vibrant Jewish community, even (or especially) one deeply committed to social justice and activism. We also discuss the lessons learned from building a start-up congregation, and how they translate into her work at a 98-year-old flagship Reconstructionist synagogue.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann.

]]> We speak with Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann, Rabbi of the SAJ: Judaism That Stands For All. Our conversation explores the importance of placing joy and connection at the center of vibrant Jewish community, even (or especially) one deeply committed to social justice and activism. We also discuss the lessons learned from building a start-up congregation, and how they translate into her work at a 98-year-old flagship Reconstructionist synagogue.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> We speak with Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann, Rabbi of the SAJ: Judaism That Stands For All. Our conversation explores the importance of placing joy and connection at the center of vibrant Jewish community, even (or especially) one deeply committed to social justice and activism. We also discuss the lessons learned from building a start-up congregation, and how they translate into her work at a 98-year-old flagship Reconstructionist synagogue.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+5U7PY-xI ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann S3 Ep. 2: Living in Beloved Community https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/31 11e1db73-e946-45a5-8c42-77b620860cbd Thu, 09 Jan 2020 13:00:00 -0500 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 3 Reconstructing Judaism We speak with Rabbi Sara Luria, co-founder of Beloved, a home-based spiritual community in Brooklyn. Our conversation explores the power of putting love, nurturing and acceptance at the center of community life. We also explore what Beloved Brooklyn can teach the broader Jewish communal world, and reflect on new models of leadership opened up by forty years of women in the American rabbinate. 29:59 false We speak with Rabbi Sara Luria, co-founder of Beloved, a home-based spiritual community in Brooklyn. Our conversation explores the power of putting love, nurturing and acceptance at the center of community life. We also explore what Beloved Brooklyn can teach the broader Jewish communal world, and reflect on new models of leadership opened up by forty years of women in the American rabbinate.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Sara Luria.

]]> We speak with Rabbi Sara Luria, co-founder of Beloved, a home-based spiritual community in Brooklyn. Our conversation explores the power of putting love, nurturing and acceptance at the center of community life. We also explore what Beloved Brooklyn can teach the broader Jewish communal world, and reflect on new models of leadership opened up by forty years of women in the American rabbinate.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Sara Luria.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> We speak with Rabbi Sara Luria, co-founder of Beloved, a home-based spiritual community in Brooklyn. Our conversation explores the power of putting love, nurturing and acceptance at the center of community life. We also explore what Beloved Brooklyn can teach the broader Jewish communal world, and reflect on new models of leadership opened up by forty years of women in the American rabbinate.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Sara Luria.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+8Vrrcfpw ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Sara Luria S3 Ep. 1: Finding Sustenance in Covenantal Community https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/30 30b8facf-2fca-41b2-9408-5e50935f5ee0 Tue, 10 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0500 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 3 Reconstructing Judaism 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? 29:58 false 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..

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> 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 Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+rtG5YY9Z ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Sid Schwarz, Ph.D. Season 3 Intro: Resilience Through Community https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/s3-intro 7f995f8f-2ef4-46af-b8c5-3b4ac95428fe Mon, 09 Dec 2019 15:00:00 -0500 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 3 Reconstructing Judaism In this upcoming season of Hashivenu, we’re going to talk to a lot of people who are thinking about and practicing how to create community. Many of them will be talking about synagogues, since that is a primary location of Jewish community, but this isn’t a pitch for synagogues. It’s a pitch for binding relationships, for mutual obligation, for connection, so we’ll also be talking to folks building communities in spaces other than synagogues. I hope you’ll listen with open hearts and will find insights and strategies to fill you up and nourish you on your own journeys. 6:46 false In this upcoming season of Hashivenu, we’re going to talk to a lot of people who are thinking about and practicing how to create community. Many of them will be talking about synagogues, since that is a primary location of Jewish community, but this isn’t a pitch for synagogues. It’s a pitch for binding relationships, for mutual obligation, for connection, so we’ll also be talking to folks building communities in spaces other than synagogues. I hope you’ll listen with open hearts and will find insights and strategies to fill you up and nourish you on your own journeys.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

]]> In this upcoming season of Hashivenu, we’re going to talk to a lot of people who are thinking about and practicing how to create community. Many of them will be talking about synagogues, since that is a primary location of Jewish community, but this isn’t a pitch for synagogues. It’s a pitch for binding relationships, for mutual obligation, for connection, so we’ll also be talking to folks building communities in spaces other than synagogues. I hope you’ll listen with open hearts and will find insights and strategies to fill you up and nourish you on your own journeys.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Support Hashivenu

]]> In this upcoming season of Hashivenu, we’re going to talk to a lot of people who are thinking about and practicing how to create community. Many of them will be talking about synagogues, since that is a primary location of Jewish community, but this isn’t a pitch for synagogues. It’s a pitch for binding relationships, for mutual obligation, for connection, so we’ll also be talking to folks building communities in spaces other than synagogues. I hope you’ll listen with open hearts and will find insights and strategies to fill you up and nourish you on your own journeys.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Support Hashivenu

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+zRtm1kCK ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. S2 Ep. 8: Halleluyah: Fueling Our Social Activism through Gratitude and Praise https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/29 9be3d13d-508a-44ae-b134-b8a7d467ad45 Thu, 07 Nov 2019 13:00:00 -0500 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 2 Reconstructing Judaism What drives us toward justice? Often, we're driven by a sense of the world's brokenness that keeps us up at night. In our conversation with Rabbi Alex Weissman, we explore an alternative motivation: what gets us up in the morning? In a conversation based on his essay for Evolve, _Halleluyah_, and his other work around spirituality and activism, we discuss how deeply-felt experiences of gratitude and blessing can move us toward empathetic action. 24:29 false What drives us toward justice? Often, we're driven by a sense of the world's brokenness that keeps us up at night. In our conversation with Rabbi Alex Weissman, we explore an alternative motivation: what gets us up in the morning? In a conversation based on his essay for Evolve, Halleluyah, and his other work around spirituality and activism, we discuss how deeply-felt experiences of gratitude and blessing can move us toward empathetic action.

See below for a link to a guided meditation led by Rabbi Weissman for the 2018 cohort of Reset: Spiritual Practice for Activists.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Alex Weissman.

]]> What drives us toward justice? Often, we're driven by a sense of the world's brokenness that keeps us up at night. In our conversation with Rabbi Alex Weissman, we explore an alternative motivation: what gets us up in the morning? In a conversation based on his essay for Evolve, Halleluyah, and his other work around spirituality and activism, we discuss how deeply-felt experiences of gratitude and blessing can move us toward empathetic action.

See below for a link to a guided meditation led by Rabbi Weissman for the 2018 cohort of Reset: Spiritual Practice for Activists.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Alex Weissman.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> What drives us toward justice? Often, we're driven by a sense of the world's brokenness that keeps us up at night. In our conversation with Rabbi Alex Weissman, we explore an alternative motivation: what gets us up in the morning? In a conversation based on his essay for Evolve, Halleluyah, and his other work around spirituality and activism, we discuss how deeply-felt experiences of gratitude and blessing can move us toward empathetic action.

See below for a link to a guided meditation led by Rabbi Weissman for the 2018 cohort of Reset: Spiritual Practice for Activists.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Alex Weissman.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+3jfURSz_ ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Alex Weissman S2 Ep. 7: Discernment and Renewal at the High Holidays https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/28 d1d09655-7b15-4b4a-a290-26afb7fea958 Fri, 20 Sep 2019 11:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 2 Reconstructing Judaism The holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur call us to deeply individual reflection while embedded and connected with community, and to a humility that nevertheless acknowledges that our choices matter. We speak with Rabbi Barbara Penzner about the spiritual dynamics of the High Holiday days, and their power to help us find discernment, connection and renewal. 24:52 false The holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur call us to deeply individual reflection while embedded and connected with community, and to a humility that nevertheless acknowledges that our choices matter. We speak with Rabbi Barbara Penzner about the spiritual dynamics of the High Holiday days, and their power to help us find discernment, connection and renewal.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Barbara Penzner.

]]> The holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur call us to deeply individual reflection while embedded and connected with community, and to a humility that nevertheless acknowledges that our choices matter. We speak with Rabbi Barbara Penzner about the spiritual dynamics of the High Holiday days, and their power to help us find discernment, connection and renewal.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Barbara Penzner.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • "If Not Higher", by I. L. Peretz
  • Audio: "If Not Higher by I.L. Peretz" (Courtesy of Yiddish Book Center)
  • Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Peshischa — "Keep two pieces of paper in your pocket at all times. On one: “I am a speck of dust,” and on the other : “The world was created for me.”"
  • Tashlikh Reconstructed — “We accept the responsibility for changing and for changing this world. That is what people need to stay in hope. And without hope, there is no energy for no creative new solutions,” says Rabbi Amy Bernstein in this moving video, Tashlikh Reconstructed. Produced by Kehillat Israel, A Reconstructionist Congregation in Pacific Palisades, Calif., the video explores the centuries-old Rosh Hashanah tradition of symbolically casting off sins into a body of water, illustrating how one community has reconstructed a ritual born in the Middle Ages for our anxious, post-modern times. Kehillat Israel also demonstrates how the phrase Reconstructing Judaism perfectly encapsulates the mission of Reconstructionist communities.
  • Ritualwell Resources: Month of Elul — Each year as summer fades into fall, Jewish tradition invites us to turn inward. The month of Elul precedes the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. We dedicate this time to preparing ourselves for the holidays so that we can experience them as fully as possible.
  • Ritualwell: Rosh Hashanah — Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, is the first of the High Holy Days or Yamim Noraim (Days of Awe). It weds seriousness with celebration and begins the 10 days of repentance that culminate in Yom Kippur. The new year focuses our attention on themes of judgment, repentance, memory, and the divine presence in the world. At the same time, Rosh Hashanah invites us to celebrate birth and creation on many levels
  • Ritualwell: Yom Kippur — Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, falls ten days after Rosh Hashanah. When the Temple stood in Jerusalem, the High Priest effected atonement for the entire people through an elaborate ritual. Today, in the absence of the Temple, each of us stands, alone, together, naked as it were, before God. Yom Kippur is the dramatic culmination of the entire season of teshuvah, repentance.
]]> The holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur call us to deeply individual reflection while embedded and connected with community, and to a humility that nevertheless acknowledges that our choices matter. We speak with Rabbi Barbara Penzner about the spiritual dynamics of the High Holiday days, and their power to help us find discernment, connection and renewal.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Barbara Penzner.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • "If Not Higher", by I. L. Peretz
  • Audio: "If Not Higher by I.L. Peretz" (Courtesy of Yiddish Book Center)
  • Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Peshischa — "Keep two pieces of paper in your pocket at all times. On one: “I am a speck of dust,” and on the other : “The world was created for me.”"
  • Tashlikh Reconstructed — “We accept the responsibility for changing and for changing this world. That is what people need to stay in hope. And without hope, there is no energy for no creative new solutions,” says Rabbi Amy Bernstein in this moving video, Tashlikh Reconstructed. Produced by Kehillat Israel, A Reconstructionist Congregation in Pacific Palisades, Calif., the video explores the centuries-old Rosh Hashanah tradition of symbolically casting off sins into a body of water, illustrating how one community has reconstructed a ritual born in the Middle Ages for our anxious, post-modern times. Kehillat Israel also demonstrates how the phrase Reconstructing Judaism perfectly encapsulates the mission of Reconstructionist communities.
  • Ritualwell Resources: Month of Elul — Each year as summer fades into fall, Jewish tradition invites us to turn inward. The month of Elul precedes the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. We dedicate this time to preparing ourselves for the holidays so that we can experience them as fully as possible.
  • Ritualwell: Rosh Hashanah — Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, is the first of the High Holy Days or Yamim Noraim (Days of Awe). It weds seriousness with celebration and begins the 10 days of repentance that culminate in Yom Kippur. The new year focuses our attention on themes of judgment, repentance, memory, and the divine presence in the world. At the same time, Rosh Hashanah invites us to celebrate birth and creation on many levels
  • Ritualwell: Yom Kippur — Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, falls ten days after Rosh Hashanah. When the Temple stood in Jerusalem, the High Priest effected atonement for the entire people through an elaborate ritual. Today, in the absence of the Temple, each of us stands, alone, together, naked as it were, before God. Yom Kippur is the dramatic culmination of the entire season of teshuvah, repentance.
]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+igwxZsMX ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Barbara Penzner S2 Ep. 6: Portraits of Resilience https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/27 8660fe92-e159-4f02-99f1-3f6c4066da42 Wed, 11 Sep 2019 10:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 2 Reconstructing Judaism Daniel Jackson is an MIT professor and award-winning photographer who edited an extraordinary collection: Portraits of Resilience pairs images and first-person accounts of MIT community members who have struggled with mental health issues. We dig deeply into Judaism's powerful psychological and spiritual resources for resilience, particularly for those grappling with the isolation and shame that can come with depression. 29:53 false Daniel Jackson is an MIT professor and award-winning photographer who edited an extraordinary collection: Portraits of Resilience pairs images and first-person accounts of MIT community members who have struggled with mental health issues. We dig deeply into Judaism's powerful psychological and spiritual resources for resilience, particularly for those grappling with the isolation and shame that can come with depression.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Daniel Jackson.

]]> Daniel Jackson is an MIT professor and award-winning photographer who edited an extraordinary collection: Portraits of Resilience pairs images and first-person accounts of MIT community members who have struggled with mental health issues. We dig deeply into Judaism's powerful psychological and spiritual resources for resilience, particularly for those grappling with the isolation and shame that can come with depression.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Daniel Jackson.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> Daniel Jackson is an MIT professor and award-winning photographer who edited an extraordinary collection: Portraits of Resilience pairs images and first-person accounts of MIT community members who have struggled with mental health issues. We dig deeply into Judaism's powerful psychological and spiritual resources for resilience, particularly for those grappling with the isolation and shame that can come with depression.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Daniel Jackson.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+mVATyDjX ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Daniel Jackson S2 Ep. 5: Raising Our Voices https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/26 88667c48-b676-4b1f-915c-03fe71d59de4 Fri, 02 Aug 2019 10:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 2 Reconstructing Judaism Dr. Koach Frazier is an audiologist, an activist, a rabbinical student and a powerful musician. We speak about singing and drumming, and explore how music can support us, uplift us, and lead us to transformation personally and collectively. 29:57 false Dr. Koach Frazier is an audiologist, an activist, a rabbinical student and a powerful musician. We speak about singing and drumming, and explore how music can support us, uplift us, and lead us to transformation personally and collectively.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Koach Baruch Frazier.

]]> Dr. Koach Frazier is an audiologist, an activist, a rabbinical student and a powerful musician. We speak about singing and drumming, and explore how music can support us, uplift us, and lead us to transformation personally and collectively.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Koach Baruch Frazier.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> Dr. Koach Frazier is an audiologist, an activist, a rabbinical student and a powerful musician. We speak about singing and drumming, and explore how music can support us, uplift us, and lead us to transformation personally and collectively.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Koach Baruch Frazier.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+IO14CKYf ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Koach Baruch Frazier S2 Ep. 4: The Spiritual Activist https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/25 95893df4-de72-4d94-88a5-2d9768f090c6 Mon, 01 Jul 2019 09:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 2 Reconstructing Judaism Claudia Horwitz's life's work has focused on integrating spiritual practice with the work of social change. In this conversation, she shares the strains that social justice work can inflict on activists, and articulates the importance of deep inner work in anchoring and sustaining individuals and groups in their work of tikkun olam. 30:53 false Claudia Horwitz's life's work has focused on integrating spiritual practice with the work of social change. In this conversation, she shares the strains that social justice work can inflict on activists, and articulates the importance of deep inner work in anchoring and sustaining individuals and groups in their work of tikkun olam.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Claudia Horwitz.

]]> Claudia Horwitz's life's work has focused on integrating spiritual practice with the work of social change. In this conversation, she shares the strains that social justice work can inflict on activists, and articulates the importance of deep inner work in anchoring and sustaining individuals and groups in their work of tikkun olam.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Claudia Horwitz.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> Claudia Horwitz's life's work has focused on integrating spiritual practice with the work of social change. In this conversation, she shares the strains that social justice work can inflict on activists, and articulates the importance of deep inner work in anchoring and sustaining individuals and groups in their work of tikkun olam.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Claudia Horwitz.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+3f01PGVa ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Claudia Horwitz S2 Ep. 3: Changing the World from the Inside Out https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/24 f2fd0ad8-670a-4775-b9a5-fab0ca2e852e Tue, 11 Jun 2019 01:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 2 Reconstructing Judaism This compelling conversation with Rabbi David Jaffe explores the essential relationship between the pursuit of justice and the spiritual growth that comes from self-knowledge. We discuss his personal experiences of moral and spiritual awakening, as well as the tension between experiencing the brokenness of the world and opening ourselves to the unity of all creation. 32:18 false This compelling conversation with Rabbi David Jaffe explores the essential relationship between the pursuit of justice and the spiritual growth that comes from self-knowledge. We discuss his personal experiences of moral and spiritual awakening, as well as the tension between experiencing the brokenness of the world and opening ourselves to the unity of all creation.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi David Jaffe.

]]> This compelling conversation with Rabbi David Jaffe explores the essential relationship between the pursuit of justice and the spiritual growth that comes from self-knowledge. We discuss his personal experiences of moral and spiritual awakening, as well as the tension between experiencing the brokenness of the world and opening ourselves to the unity of all creation.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi David Jaffe.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> This compelling conversation with Rabbi David Jaffe explores the essential relationship between the pursuit of justice and the spiritual growth that comes from self-knowledge. We discuss his personal experiences of moral and spiritual awakening, as well as the tension between experiencing the brokenness of the world and opening ourselves to the unity of all creation.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi David Jaffe.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+-pY-Ri1H ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi David Jaffe S2 Ep. 2: Love Received, Love Extended https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/23 c5c0ee2d-26ab-460c-aafd-246508df1c41 Sun, 28 Apr 2019 09:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 2 Reconstructing Judaism This wide-ranging conversation with noted teacher of spirituality Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg begins by recounting the influences that led her toward integrating meditation and yoga into Jewish spirituality. She then digs deeply into the essential interplay between spiritual experience (love received) and spiritually-rooted justice (love extended not only to neighbors, but to strangers, even in the face of trauma and fear.) We conclude by discussing of the transformative practice of spiritual direction. 29:22 false This wide-ranging conversation with noted teacher of spirituality Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg begins by recounting the influences that led her toward integrating meditation and yoga into Jewish spirituality. She then digs deeply into the essential interplay between spiritual experience (love received) and spiritually-rooted justice (love extended not only to neighbors, but to strangers, even in the face of trauma and fear.) We conclude by discussing of the transformative practice of spiritual direction.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg.

]]> This wide-ranging conversation with noted teacher of spirituality Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg begins by recounting the influences that led her toward integrating meditation and yoga into Jewish spirituality. She then digs deeply into the essential interplay between spiritual experience (love received) and spiritually-rooted justice (love extended not only to neighbors, but to strangers, even in the face of trauma and fear.) We conclude by discussing of the transformative practice of spiritual direction.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> This wide-ranging conversation with noted teacher of spirituality Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg begins by recounting the influences that led her toward integrating meditation and yoga into Jewish spirituality. She then digs deeply into the essential interplay between spiritual experience (love received) and spiritually-rooted justice (love extended not only to neighbors, but to strangers, even in the face of trauma and fear.) We conclude by discussing of the transformative practice of spiritual direction.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+YjX0iyoP ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg S2 Ep. 1: Trauma, Healing and Resilience https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/22 91622a64-c329-4576-9fa3-dc5313c793b6 Thu, 21 Mar 2019 19:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 2 Reconstructing Judaism Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg delves into her deep interest and growing expertise in the varieties of trauma and how trauma has informed Jewish experience on both the individual and the collective level. Equipped with this awareness, we then discuss ways to move beyond trauma and cultivate resilience, and how these approaches inform her development of Reset: Spiritual Practice for Social Justice Organizations. 30:54 false In this interview, Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg delves into her deep interest and growing expertise in the varieties of trauma and how trauma has informed Jewish experience on both the individual and the collective level. Equipped with this awareness, we then discuss ways to move beyond trauma and cultivate resilience, and how these approaches inform her development of Reset: Spiritual Practice for Social Justice Organizations.

Update: See the show links below to read Rabbi Rosenberg's new book, Introduction to Trauma, Healing and Resilience.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg.

]]> In this interview, Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg delves into her deep interest and growing expertise in the varieties of trauma and how trauma has informed Jewish experience on both the individual and the collective level. Equipped with this awareness, we then discuss ways to move beyond trauma and cultivate resilience, and how these approaches inform her development of Reset: Spiritual Practice for Social Justice Organizations.

Update: See the show links below to read Rabbi Rosenberg's new book, Introduction to Trauma, Healing and Resilience.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • "Introduction to Trauma, Healing & Resilience" by Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg — We are thrilled to make this accessible and groundbreaking work available to the public and hope that you will find it useful and will share it widely.
  • Reset: Spiritual Practice for Social Justice Organizations
  • Learning Network: Embodied Ritual for Trauma, Resilience and Healing — We will explore how trauma theory and the tools of Jewish ritual can help us to grieve and process hurts we’ve experienced, build resilience and power for surviving and thriving in oppressive conditions and experience joy, growth and celebration. We will explore how to acknowledge trauma in public ritual spaces safely, responsibly and accessibly. You will have the opportunity to design your own ritual(s) in a supportive and inclusive space. You will come away with the knowledge and practical tools to build healing rituals for yourself and your communities.
  • Ritualwell: Rituals for Healing & Hard Times — Hard times are inevitable. But support and healing are available in many forms. Rituals — from mikveh to meditation — can help us move from darkness to light.
  • Aurora Levins Morales - Historian as Curandera — Having a historical understanding of the present makes everything we do more effective. It allows us to see the local faces of large patterns of events and causes, and understand how our immediate experiences are connected to those of people who came before us or emerged out of different pasts than our own. History is also the story we tell about the past to explain the present and imagine the future, a job that can't be left to storytellers with a stake in exploitation. The Historian As Curandera talks about my vision of what an activist historian does and why it matters.
  • The Historian as Curandera (PDF)
  • The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma (Amazon link) — Trauma is a fact of life. Veterans and their families deal with the painful aftermath of combat; one in five Americans has been molested; one in four grew up with alcoholics; one in three couples have engaged in physical violence. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, one of the world’s foremost experts on trauma, has spent over three decades working with survivors. In The Body Keeps the Score, he uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores innovative treatments—from neurofeedback and meditation to sports, drama, and yoga—that offer new paths to recovery by activating the brain’s natural neuroplasticity. Based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists, The Body Keeps the Score exposes the tremendous power of our relationships both to hurt and to heal—and offers new hope for reclaiming lives.
  • generative somatics | the center for somatic transformation — The mission of generative somatics is to grow a transformative social and environmental justice movement -- one that integrates personal and social transformation, creates compelling alternatives to the status quo and embodies the creativity and life affirming actions we need to forward systemic change.
  • Trauma, Healing and Resilience Resources (PDF) — A few of our favorite trauma and healing books, podcasts, and websites, lightly sorted, though they all overlap and defy categorization.
]]> In this interview, Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg delves into her deep interest and growing expertise in the varieties of trauma and how trauma has informed Jewish experience on both the individual and the collective level. Equipped with this awareness, we then discuss ways to move beyond trauma and cultivate resilience, and how these approaches inform her development of Reset: Spiritual Practice for Social Justice Organizations.

Update: See the show links below to read Rabbi Rosenberg's new book, Introduction to Trauma, Healing and Resilience.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • "Introduction to Trauma, Healing & Resilience" by Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg — We are thrilled to make this accessible and groundbreaking work available to the public and hope that you will find it useful and will share it widely.
  • Reset: Spiritual Practice for Social Justice Organizations
  • Learning Network: Embodied Ritual for Trauma, Resilience and Healing — We will explore how trauma theory and the tools of Jewish ritual can help us to grieve and process hurts we’ve experienced, build resilience and power for surviving and thriving in oppressive conditions and experience joy, growth and celebration. We will explore how to acknowledge trauma in public ritual spaces safely, responsibly and accessibly. You will have the opportunity to design your own ritual(s) in a supportive and inclusive space. You will come away with the knowledge and practical tools to build healing rituals for yourself and your communities.
  • Ritualwell: Rituals for Healing & Hard Times — Hard times are inevitable. But support and healing are available in many forms. Rituals — from mikveh to meditation — can help us move from darkness to light.
  • Aurora Levins Morales - Historian as Curandera — Having a historical understanding of the present makes everything we do more effective. It allows us to see the local faces of large patterns of events and causes, and understand how our immediate experiences are connected to those of people who came before us or emerged out of different pasts than our own. History is also the story we tell about the past to explain the present and imagine the future, a job that can't be left to storytellers with a stake in exploitation. The Historian As Curandera talks about my vision of what an activist historian does and why it matters.
  • The Historian as Curandera (PDF)
  • The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma (Amazon link) — Trauma is a fact of life. Veterans and their families deal with the painful aftermath of combat; one in five Americans has been molested; one in four grew up with alcoholics; one in three couples have engaged in physical violence. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, one of the world’s foremost experts on trauma, has spent over three decades working with survivors. In The Body Keeps the Score, he uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores innovative treatments—from neurofeedback and meditation to sports, drama, and yoga—that offer new paths to recovery by activating the brain’s natural neuroplasticity. Based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists, The Body Keeps the Score exposes the tremendous power of our relationships both to hurt and to heal—and offers new hope for reclaiming lives.
  • generative somatics | the center for somatic transformation — The mission of generative somatics is to grow a transformative social and environmental justice movement -- one that integrates personal and social transformation, creates compelling alternatives to the status quo and embodies the creativity and life affirming actions we need to forward systemic change.
  • Trauma, Healing and Resilience Resources (PDF) — A few of our favorite trauma and healing books, podcasts, and websites, lightly sorted, though they all overlap and defy categorization.
]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+RFYFNGA5 ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg Episode 21: Tikkun Middot https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/21 32987cb5-4fc7-48b2-86c5-b25d9ca55abe Mon, 04 Feb 2019 12:00:00 -0500 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 1 Reconstructing Judaism This conversation with Rabbi Marc Margolius explores the spiritual practice of Tikkun Middot, a mindfulness-based approach to cultivation of character traits. 38:03 false This conversation with Rabbi Marc Margolius explores the spiritual practice of Tikkun Middot, a mindfulness-based approach to cultivation of character traits. We explore how this practice can help us better live out our values in challenging times, navigating and learning from our inevitable shortcomings in a sustainable and compassionate way.

Production note: while Rabbi Margolius can be heard clearly, our phone connection with Rabbi Waxman was of unexpectedly poor quality. Our apologies for the spotty audio, and thanks to our producer Sam Wachs for his skillful editing to minimize its impact.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Marc Margolius.

]]> This conversation with Rabbi Marc Margolius explores the spiritual practice of Tikkun Middot, a mindfulness-based approach to cultivation of character traits. We explore how this practice can help us better live out our values in challenging times, navigating and learning from our inevitable shortcomings in a sustainable and compassionate way.

Production note: while Rabbi Margolius can be heard clearly, our phone connection with Rabbi Waxman was of unexpectedly poor quality. Our apologies for the spotty audio, and thanks to our producer Sam Wachs for his skillful editing to minimize its impact.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Marc Margolius.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> This conversation with Rabbi Marc Margolius explores the spiritual practice of Tikkun Middot, a mindfulness-based approach to cultivation of character traits. We explore how this practice can help us better live out our values in challenging times, navigating and learning from our inevitable shortcomings in a sustainable and compassionate way.

Production note: while Rabbi Margolius can be heard clearly, our phone connection with Rabbi Waxman was of unexpectedly poor quality. Our apologies for the spotty audio, and thanks to our producer Sam Wachs for his skillful editing to minimize its impact.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Marc Margolius.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+JACzPLDj ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Marc Margolius Episode 20: Choosing Life https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/20 35ad44c3-e08b-42c8-b94f-d852d8acbb68 Tue, 04 Dec 2018 12:00:00 -0500 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 1 Reconstructing Judaism This special episode was recorded before a live audience at the Reconstructing Judaism convention in November 2018. I interviewed Susan Levine, an extraordinary person and a member of the Board of Governors of Reconstructing Judaism. Trigger Warning: Susan and I discussed resilience in the aftermath of a suicide attempt. Susan is wise and grounded and deeply reflective, both about her attempts to end her life, and about her decision to live with integrity and beauty afterward. We want listeners to be prepared for what's coming. 1:03:25 false This special episode was recorded before a live audience at the Reconstructing Judaism convention in November 2018. I interviewed Susan Levine, an extraordinary person and a member of the Board of Governors of Reconstructing Judaism.

Trigger Warning: Susan and I discussed resilience in the aftermath of a suicide attempt. Susan is wise and grounded and deeply reflective, both about her attempts to end her life, and about her decision to live with integrity and beauty afterward. We want listeners to be prepared for what's coming.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Susan Levine.

]]> This special episode was recorded before a live audience at the Reconstructing Judaism convention in November 2018. I interviewed Susan Levine, an extraordinary person and a member of the Board of Governors of Reconstructing Judaism.

Trigger Warning: Susan and I discussed resilience in the aftermath of a suicide attempt. Susan is wise and grounded and deeply reflective, both about her attempts to end her life, and about her decision to live with integrity and beauty afterward. We want listeners to be prepared for what's coming.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Susan Levine.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-8255.
  • Ritualwell: 10 Jewish Resources on Suicide — 10 resources on suicide prevention and response from Ritualwell.
  • Ritualwell: 10 Resources to Inspire Gratitude — Learn more about the importance of gratitude as a source of resilience.
  • Hashivenu: Episode 19: Gratitude — In Episode 19 of Hashivenu, Rabbi Deborah Waxman shares a personal gratitude practice that she has found sustaining in difficult times.
  • Song of the Sabbath (from Kol Haneshamah pp. 734-736) — This Yiddish poem by Kadia Molodowsky, quoted by Rabbi Deborah Waxman during this interview, is here reproduced from the pages of Kol Haneshamah: Shabbat Vehagim.
  • Congregation Ner Shalom — Congregation Ner Shalom is a Reconstructionist Synagogue in the Santa Rosa area, serving Sonoma and Marin counties.
  • Or Shalom Jewish Community — Or Shalom Jewish Community is San Francisco’s first and only Reconstructionist congregation. We embrace Jewish tradition and values as we encourage questioning and experimentation. We honor spiritual growth through many paths: prayer, music, art, food, reading, studying and working for social justice. We invite you to find your Jewish home at Or Shalom!
]]> This special episode was recorded before a live audience at the Reconstructing Judaism convention in November 2018. I interviewed Susan Levine, an extraordinary person and a member of the Board of Governors of Reconstructing Judaism.

Trigger Warning: Susan and I discussed resilience in the aftermath of a suicide attempt. Susan is wise and grounded and deeply reflective, both about her attempts to end her life, and about her decision to live with integrity and beauty afterward. We want listeners to be prepared for what's coming.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Susan Levine.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-8255.
  • Ritualwell: 10 Jewish Resources on Suicide — 10 resources on suicide prevention and response from Ritualwell.
  • Ritualwell: 10 Resources to Inspire Gratitude — Learn more about the importance of gratitude as a source of resilience.
  • Hashivenu: Episode 19: Gratitude — In Episode 19 of Hashivenu, Rabbi Deborah Waxman shares a personal gratitude practice that she has found sustaining in difficult times.
  • Song of the Sabbath (from Kol Haneshamah pp. 734-736) — This Yiddish poem by Kadia Molodowsky, quoted by Rabbi Deborah Waxman during this interview, is here reproduced from the pages of Kol Haneshamah: Shabbat Vehagim.
  • Congregation Ner Shalom — Congregation Ner Shalom is a Reconstructionist Synagogue in the Santa Rosa area, serving Sonoma and Marin counties.
  • Or Shalom Jewish Community — Or Shalom Jewish Community is San Francisco’s first and only Reconstructionist congregation. We embrace Jewish tradition and values as we encourage questioning and experimentation. We honor spiritual growth through many paths: prayer, music, art, food, reading, studying and working for social justice. We invite you to find your Jewish home at Or Shalom!
]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+1l46QrCL ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Susan Levine Episode 19: Gratitude https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/19 86a2acc7-e4fa-4162-91f4-cb7182c2be21 Thu, 08 Nov 2018 09:00:00 -0500 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 1 Reconstructing Judaism In the aftermath of the recent synagogue shooting attack in Pittsburgh, Rabbi Deborah Waxman shares a personal Jewish practice that sustains her in difficult times. 15:03 false The recent shooting attack on a synagogue in Pittsburgh has been deeply traumatic. In its aftermath, Rabbi Deborah Waxman shares a personal Jewish practice that sustains her in difficult times, in the hopes that it might help cultivate resilience among our listeners.

Also, in this episode you'll learn how to tune in for a special episode of Hashivenu that will be streamed live during our upcoming convention.
Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

]]> The recent shooting attack on a synagogue in Pittsburgh has been deeply traumatic. In its aftermath, Rabbi Deborah Waxman shares a personal Jewish practice that sustains her in difficult times, in the hopes that it might help cultivate resilience among our listeners.

Also, in this episode you'll learn how to tune in for a special episode of Hashivenu that will be streamed live during our upcoming convention.
Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • Ritualwell: 10 Resources to Inspire Gratitude — Learn more about the importance of gratitude as a source of resilience.
  • Flavors of Gratefulness | Rabbi Shefa Gold — Each day I wake up with an intention that when I open my eyes I will see and recognize God’s Face in the details of the day I am about to encounter. I have many different melodies for the chant. I make up a new one almost every day that expresses my particular mood, inspiration, anticipation, attitude or flavor of my gratefulness. On this page, you can download a PDF of the melodies as well as listen to them online.
  • Flavors of Gratefulness App | Rabbi Shefa Gold — With Rabbi Shefa Gold’s app you can awaken to all the many dimensions of gratefulness with Modah Ani. Wake up each day to a new melody to fuel the intention (kavanah) to see and recognize God’s Face in the details of the upcoming day.
]]> The recent shooting attack on a synagogue in Pittsburgh has been deeply traumatic. In its aftermath, Rabbi Deborah Waxman shares a personal Jewish practice that sustains her in difficult times, in the hopes that it might help cultivate resilience among our listeners.

Also, in this episode you'll learn how to tune in for a special episode of Hashivenu that will be streamed live during our upcoming convention.
Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • Ritualwell: 10 Resources to Inspire Gratitude — Learn more about the importance of gratitude as a source of resilience.
  • Flavors of Gratefulness | Rabbi Shefa Gold — Each day I wake up with an intention that when I open my eyes I will see and recognize God’s Face in the details of the day I am about to encounter. I have many different melodies for the chant. I make up a new one almost every day that expresses my particular mood, inspiration, anticipation, attitude or flavor of my gratefulness. On this page, you can download a PDF of the melodies as well as listen to them online.
  • Flavors of Gratefulness App | Rabbi Shefa Gold — With Rabbi Shefa Gold’s app you can awaken to all the many dimensions of gratefulness with Modah Ani. Wake up each day to a new melody to fuel the intention (kavanah) to see and recognize God’s Face in the details of the upcoming day.
]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+3MsyB26N ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Episode 18: Fitness https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/18 b4480220-43ba-47db-8989-79555e633343 Tue, 16 Oct 2018 00:15:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 1 Reconstructing Judaism What's the connection between marathon training and prayer? Can CrossFit shed light on building meaningful communities? We speak with Rabbi Jason Bonder about the intersection between fitness and spirituality. 24:32 false What's the connection between marathon training and prayer? Can CrossFit shed light on building meaningful communities? We speak with Rabbi Jason Bonder about the intersection between fitness and spirituality.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Jason Bonder.

]]> What's the connection between marathon training and prayer? Can CrossFit shed light on building meaningful communities? We speak with Rabbi Jason Bonder about the intersection between fitness and spirituality.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Jason Bonder.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> What's the connection between marathon training and prayer? Can CrossFit shed light on building meaningful communities? We speak with Rabbi Jason Bonder about the intersection between fitness and spirituality.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Jason Bonder.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+YdRZhU6M ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Jason Bonder Episode 17: The High Holiday Season https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/17 49056887-a2c7-4fdb-8c97-47f52e435489 Thu, 06 Sep 2018 12:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 1 Reconstructing Judaism The holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur drive us to make sense of what's truly important, and sustain us as we strive to recapture those ideals. In this conversation recorded days before Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi David Teutsch and Rabbi Deborah Waxman share the meaning they find in deep themes of the High Holiday season, and reflect on their own evolving relationship with those ideas. 30:16 false The holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur drive us to make sense of what's truly important, and sustain us as we strive to recapture those ideals. In this conversation recorded days before Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi David Teutsch and Rabbi Deborah Waxman share the meaning they find in deep themes of the High Holiday season, and reflect on their own evolving relationship with those ideas.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi David Teutsch.

]]> The holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur drive us to make sense of what's truly important, and sustain us as we strive to recapture those ideals. In this conversation recorded days before Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi David Teutsch and Rabbi Deborah Waxman share the meaning they find in deep themes of the High Holiday season, and reflect on their own evolving relationship with those ideas.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi David Teutsch.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> The holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur drive us to make sense of what's truly important, and sustain us as we strive to recapture those ideals. In this conversation recorded days before Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi David Teutsch and Rabbi Deborah Waxman share the meaning they find in deep themes of the High Holiday season, and reflect on their own evolving relationship with those ideas.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi David Teutsch.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+rsTkWpXN ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi David Teutsch Episode 16: Multifaith Encounters https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/16 fd799cb4-ea14-43ae-b48a-a795c8e2e313 Mon, 09 Jul 2018 00:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 1 Reconstructing Judaism Multifaith dialogue has the power not just to build bridges of understanding, but to foster personal spiritual growth and transformation. We speak with Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer and Professor Sa'ed Atshan, a Palestinian Quaker Christian, about their experiences in multifaith work. 28:35 false Multifaith dialogue has the power not just to build bridges of understanding, but to foster personal spiritual growth and transformation. We speak with Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer and Professor Sa'ed Atshan, a Palestinian Quaker Christian, about their experiences in multifaith work.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guests: Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer and Sa'ed Atshan.

]]> Multifaith dialogue has the power not just to build bridges of understanding, but to foster personal spiritual growth and transformation. We speak with Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer and Professor Sa'ed Atshan, a Palestinian Quaker Christian, about their experiences in multifaith work.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guests: Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer and Sa'ed Atshan.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> Multifaith dialogue has the power not just to build bridges of understanding, but to foster personal spiritual growth and transformation. We speak with Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer and Professor Sa'ed Atshan, a Palestinian Quaker Christian, about their experiences in multifaith work.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guests: Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer and Sa'ed Atshan.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+UeIErZGS ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer Sa'ed Atshan Episode 15: Singing Together https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/15 ae23d0d4-a0bc-415f-93a0-9ce04a1ab2f8 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 12:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 1 Reconstructing Judaism Singing together can be a profound and powerful experience. We speak with Rabbi Jeffrey Summit, an ethnomusicologist and a research professor at the music department at Tufts, about the role that music plays both in animating Jewish life and in helping us to cultivate resilience. 22:31 false Singing together can be a profound and powerful experience. We speak with Rabbi Jeffrey Summit, an ethnomusicologist and a research professor at the music department at Tufts, about the role that music plays both in animating Jewish life and in helping us to cultivate resilience.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Jeffrey Summit.

]]> Singing together can be a profound and powerful experience. We speak with Rabbi Jeffrey Summit, an ethnomusicologist and a research professor at the music department at Tufts, about the role that music plays both in animating Jewish life and in helping us to cultivate resilience.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Jeffrey Summit.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> Singing together can be a profound and powerful experience. We speak with Rabbi Jeffrey Summit, an ethnomusicologist and a research professor at the music department at Tufts, about the role that music plays both in animating Jewish life and in helping us to cultivate resilience.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Jeffrey Summit.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+1LaCAKCp ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Jeffrey Summit Episode 14: Midrash https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/14 70890b34-4e51-4295-9cb6-3556a07f48ed Mon, 14 May 2018 00:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 1 Reconstructing Judaism In this episode, Rabbi Mira Wasserman and I discuss Midrash, the way ancient rabbis read scripture in new and creative ways, giving old words new life, meaning and relevance. 22:18 false The holiday of Shavuot is approaching. This year (2018) on the secular calendar it begins on Saturday evening, May 19. On Shavuot, we celebrate receiving the Torah, the foundational text of the Jewish people. "Torah" has multiple meanings in Jewish tradition. Most folks know it as the Five Books of Moses. But “Torah” in a broader sense is much more. It’s the collection of each and every generation’s engagement with sacred text and with our efforts to live lives of holiness and connection — to each other and to the divine.

In that expansive spirit, we are bringing you a two-part podcast series leading up to Shavuot. In this episode, Rabbi Mira Wasserman and I discuss Midrash, the way ancient rabbis read scripture in new and creative ways, giving old words new life, meaning and relevance.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Mira Wasserman.

]]> The holiday of Shavuot is approaching. This year (2018) on the secular calendar it begins on Saturday evening, May 19. On Shavuot, we celebrate receiving the Torah, the foundational text of the Jewish people. "Torah" has multiple meanings in Jewish tradition. Most folks know it as the Five Books of Moses. But “Torah” in a broader sense is much more. It’s the collection of each and every generation’s engagement with sacred text and with our efforts to live lives of holiness and connection — to each other and to the divine.

In that expansive spirit, we are bringing you a two-part podcast series leading up to Shavuot. In this episode, Rabbi Mira Wasserman and I discuss Midrash, the way ancient rabbis read scripture in new and creative ways, giving old words new life, meaning and relevance.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Mira Wasserman.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> The holiday of Shavuot is approaching. This year (2018) on the secular calendar it begins on Saturday evening, May 19. On Shavuot, we celebrate receiving the Torah, the foundational text of the Jewish people. "Torah" has multiple meanings in Jewish tradition. Most folks know it as the Five Books of Moses. But “Torah” in a broader sense is much more. It’s the collection of each and every generation’s engagement with sacred text and with our efforts to live lives of holiness and connection — to each other and to the divine.

In that expansive spirit, we are bringing you a two-part podcast series leading up to Shavuot. In this episode, Rabbi Mira Wasserman and I discuss Midrash, the way ancient rabbis read scripture in new and creative ways, giving old words new life, meaning and relevance.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Mira Wasserman.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+nlpS1Vmb ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Mira Wasserman Episode 13: Hebrew Poetry https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/13 8aa8c9aa-1d6b-4482-b67f-c55bb81acd03 Mon, 07 May 2018 00:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 1 Reconstructing Judaism In this episode, I speak with Rabbi Jeremy Schwartz about modern Hebrew poetry, a recent expression of Jewish text. We talk about how modern Hebrew poets take apart traditional language and ideas and create something new from ancient building blocks. 29:10 false The holiday of Shavuot is approaching. This year on the secular calendar it begins on Saturday evening, May 19. On Shavuot, we celebrate receiving the Torah, the foundational text of the Jewish people. "Torah" has multiple meanings in Jewish tradition. Most folks know it as the Five Books of Moses. But “Torah” in a broader sense is much more. It’s the collection of each and every generation’s engagement with sacred text and with our efforts to live lives of holiness and connection—to each other and to the divine.

In that expansive spirit, we are bringing you a two-part podcast series leading up to Shavuot. In this episode, I speak with Rabbi Jeremy Schwartz about modern Hebrew poetry, a recent expression of Jewish text. We talk about how modern Hebrew poets take apart traditional language and ideas and create something new from ancient building blocks.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Jeremy Schwartz.

]]> The holiday of Shavuot is approaching. This year on the secular calendar it begins on Saturday evening, May 19. On Shavuot, we celebrate receiving the Torah, the foundational text of the Jewish people. "Torah" has multiple meanings in Jewish tradition. Most folks know it as the Five Books of Moses. But “Torah” in a broader sense is much more. It’s the collection of each and every generation’s engagement with sacred text and with our efforts to live lives of holiness and connection—to each other and to the divine.

In that expansive spirit, we are bringing you a two-part podcast series leading up to Shavuot. In this episode, I speak with Rabbi Jeremy Schwartz about modern Hebrew poetry, a recent expression of Jewish text. We talk about how modern Hebrew poets take apart traditional language and ideas and create something new from ancient building blocks.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Jeremy Schwartz.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> The holiday of Shavuot is approaching. This year on the secular calendar it begins on Saturday evening, May 19. On Shavuot, we celebrate receiving the Torah, the foundational text of the Jewish people. "Torah" has multiple meanings in Jewish tradition. Most folks know it as the Five Books of Moses. But “Torah” in a broader sense is much more. It’s the collection of each and every generation’s engagement with sacred text and with our efforts to live lives of holiness and connection—to each other and to the divine.

In that expansive spirit, we are bringing you a two-part podcast series leading up to Shavuot. In this episode, I speak with Rabbi Jeremy Schwartz about modern Hebrew poetry, a recent expression of Jewish text. We talk about how modern Hebrew poets take apart traditional language and ideas and create something new from ancient building blocks.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Jeremy Schwartz.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+ZXl1nE4s ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Jeremy Schwartz Episode 12: Embodied Prayer https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/12 7f22d156-1027-4f5e-b1f2-6b9a54f67bdd Tue, 24 Apr 2018 00:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 1 Reconstructing Judaism For Rabbi Jonathan Kligler, prayer is a whole-body experience, helping us reboot our awareness of how good it is to be alive even -- or especially -- in a troubled world. Join us for his deep conversation with Rabbi Deborah Waxman on this episode of Hashivenu. 26:26 false For Rabbi Jonathan Kligler, prayer is a whole-body experience, helping us reboot our awareness of how good it is to be alive, even -- or especially -- in a troubled world. Join us for his deep conversation with Rabbi Deborah Waxman on this episode of Hashivenu.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Jonathan Kligler.

]]> For Rabbi Jonathan Kligler, prayer is a whole-body experience, helping us reboot our awareness of how good it is to be alive, even -- or especially -- in a troubled world. Join us for his deep conversation with Rabbi Deborah Waxman on this episode of Hashivenu.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Jonathan Kligler.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> For Rabbi Jonathan Kligler, prayer is a whole-body experience, helping us reboot our awareness of how good it is to be alive, even -- or especially -- in a troubled world. Join us for his deep conversation with Rabbi Deborah Waxman on this episode of Hashivenu.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Jonathan Kligler.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+1N-PVLim ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Jonathan Kligler Episode 11: Yom HaShoah https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/11 f7d1429f-7bab-42be-bfa3-badf798b7fc6 Tue, 10 Apr 2018 14:15:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 1 Reconstructing Judaism In this special extended episode for Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), we hear from Rabbi Phillip Lazowski, who survived the Holocaust as a child. He shares experiences that shaped his vision and sense of purpose: amidst horror and loss, episodes of hope and humanity. 44:44 false In this special extended episode for Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), we hear from Rabbi Phillip Lazowski, who survived the Holocaust as a child. He shares experiences that shaped his vision and sense of purpose: amidst horror and loss, episodes of hope and humanity.

A note from Rabbi Deborah Waxman:

Thanks so much for listening to Hashivenu. I want to let you know that this episode is slightly different from most of our episodes. It’s a conversation with my childhood rabbi, Rabbi Phillip Lazowski, a really wonderful man. Rabbi Lazowski is a Holocaust survivor and this episode is to commemorate Yom Hasho’ah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. His story truly embodies resilience, and it’s a very hard story, full of loss and horror. So first, a warning that some of what he talks about is not appropriate for young children.

We made a decision here at Reconstructing Judaism not to cut his story short, so while most episodes of Hashivenu are about 25 minutes long, this is longer, about 43 minutes. This won’t be our habit, but we thought it appropriate for this episode.

I wanted to give you the heads up to listen especially for Mrs. Rabinowitz, the nurse who plays an incredibly important role in Rabbi Lazowski’s survival. She first appears around 7 minutes into the interview, but you’ll hear about her two more times, and it’s an amazing story. Rabbi Lazowski, Mrs. Rabinowitz and everyone he talks about demonstrate that we can, even in the most extreme circumstances, choose to act in ways that affirm life and connection and love. May this remembrance teach us.

Below: Rabbi Phillip Lazowski blessing (now rabbi) Deborah Waxman as she became bat mitzvah on November 17, 1979.

Rabbi Phillip Lazowski blessing (now rabbi) Deborah Waxman as she became bat mitzvah on November 17, 1979.

Subscribe by Email

Special Guest: Rabbi Phillip Lazowski.

]]> In this special extended episode for Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), we hear from Rabbi Phillip Lazowski, who survived the Holocaust as a child. He shares experiences that shaped his vision and sense of purpose: amidst horror and loss, episodes of hope and humanity.

A note from Rabbi Deborah Waxman:

Thanks so much for listening to Hashivenu. I want to let you know that this episode is slightly different from most of our episodes. It’s a conversation with my childhood rabbi, Rabbi Phillip Lazowski, a really wonderful man. Rabbi Lazowski is a Holocaust survivor and this episode is to commemorate Yom Hasho’ah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. His story truly embodies resilience, and it’s a very hard story, full of loss and horror. So first, a warning that some of what he talks about is not appropriate for young children.

We made a decision here at Reconstructing Judaism not to cut his story short, so while most episodes of Hashivenu are about 25 minutes long, this is longer, about 43 minutes. This won’t be our habit, but we thought it appropriate for this episode.

I wanted to give you the heads up to listen especially for Mrs. Rabinowitz, the nurse who plays an incredibly important role in Rabbi Lazowski’s survival. She first appears around 7 minutes into the interview, but you’ll hear about her two more times, and it’s an amazing story. Rabbi Lazowski, Mrs. Rabinowitz and everyone he talks about demonstrate that we can, even in the most extreme circumstances, choose to act in ways that affirm life and connection and love. May this remembrance teach us.

Below: Rabbi Phillip Lazowski blessing (now rabbi) Deborah Waxman as she became bat mitzvah on November 17, 1979.

Rabbi Phillip Lazowski blessing (now rabbi) Deborah Waxman as she became bat mitzvah on November 17, 1979.

Subscribe by Email

Special Guest: Rabbi Phillip Lazowski.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> In this special extended episode for Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), we hear from Rabbi Phillip Lazowski, who survived the Holocaust as a child. He shares experiences that shaped his vision and sense of purpose: amidst horror and loss, episodes of hope and humanity.

A note from Rabbi Deborah Waxman:

Thanks so much for listening to Hashivenu. I want to let you know that this episode is slightly different from most of our episodes. It’s a conversation with my childhood rabbi, Rabbi Phillip Lazowski, a really wonderful man. Rabbi Lazowski is a Holocaust survivor and this episode is to commemorate Yom Hasho’ah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. His story truly embodies resilience, and it’s a very hard story, full of loss and horror. So first, a warning that some of what he talks about is not appropriate for young children.

We made a decision here at Reconstructing Judaism not to cut his story short, so while most episodes of Hashivenu are about 25 minutes long, this is longer, about 43 minutes. This won’t be our habit, but we thought it appropriate for this episode.

I wanted to give you the heads up to listen especially for Mrs. Rabinowitz, the nurse who plays an incredibly important role in Rabbi Lazowski’s survival. She first appears around 7 minutes into the interview, but you’ll hear about her two more times, and it’s an amazing story. Rabbi Lazowski, Mrs. Rabinowitz and everyone he talks about demonstrate that we can, even in the most extreme circumstances, choose to act in ways that affirm life and connection and love. May this remembrance teach us.

Below: Rabbi Phillip Lazowski blessing (now rabbi) Deborah Waxman as she became bat mitzvah on November 17, 1979.

Rabbi Phillip Lazowski blessing (now rabbi) Deborah Waxman as she became bat mitzvah on November 17, 1979.

Subscribe by Email

Special Guest: Rabbi Phillip Lazowski.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+24SLe21e ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Phillip Lazowski Episode 10: "You Were Strangers in Egypt": Passover and Sanctuary https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/10 80957eeb-477e-4d40-93ee-8082067b2cb7 Mon, 19 Mar 2018 00:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 1 Reconstructing Judaism On Passover, we retell our history as strangers and slaves in Egypt. What obligations flow from this memory? We speak with Rabbi Elliott Tepperman, whose congregation recently decided to serve as a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants. Join us as we discuss the Jewish values that moved his community to action. 22:30 false On Passover, we retell our history as strangers and slaves in Egypt. What obligations flow from this memory? We speak with Rabbi Elliott Tepperman, whose congregation recently made a decision to serve as a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants. Join us as we discuss the Jewish values that moved his community to action.

Subscribe by Email

Special Guest: Rabbi Elliott Tepperman.

]]> On Passover, we retell our history as strangers and slaves in Egypt. What obligations flow from this memory? We speak with Rabbi Elliott Tepperman, whose congregation recently made a decision to serve as a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants. Join us as we discuss the Jewish values that moved his community to action.

Subscribe by Email

Special Guest: Rabbi Elliott Tepperman.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • 10 Social Justice Haggadot and Supplements — We have gathered ten haggadot and supplements that focus on social justice themes. The haggadot and supplements below explore confrontation, hope, resilience, and finally, the potential for social and political transformation.       
  • Bnai Keshet
  • Synagogues Show Solidarity With Detained Immigrants on Holy Day - WNYC News - WNYC
  • Prepare me to be a Sanctuary: Rosh Hashanah Day 1
  • Mikdash: The Jewish Sanctuary Movement | T'ruah — T’ruah works as part of an interfaith network to mobilize synagogues and other communities to protect those facing deportation or other immigration challenges. By becoming “mikdash” or sanctuary synagogues, communities pledge to take concrete actions, which may include legal support, housing, financial help, and other assistance for the sojourners in our midst.
  • Brightness Of Noon — Rabbi Tepperman appears in this documentary. Airing on ABC-affiliated stations nationwide, "Brightness of Noon: The Intersect of Faith, Immigration and Refugees," a two-part documentary, highlights the stories of undocumented immigrants and refugees– who fled economic despair and unfathomable violence only to face an uncertain future in the United States – and the faith groups who are posing a question to us all, “Are we willing to take some risks in order to protect human life and basic rights?”
]]> On Passover, we retell our history as strangers and slaves in Egypt. What obligations flow from this memory? We speak with Rabbi Elliott Tepperman, whose congregation recently made a decision to serve as a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants. Join us as we discuss the Jewish values that moved his community to action.

Subscribe by Email

Special Guest: Rabbi Elliott Tepperman.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • 10 Social Justice Haggadot and Supplements — We have gathered ten haggadot and supplements that focus on social justice themes. The haggadot and supplements below explore confrontation, hope, resilience, and finally, the potential for social and political transformation.       
  • Bnai Keshet
  • Synagogues Show Solidarity With Detained Immigrants on Holy Day - WNYC News - WNYC
  • Prepare me to be a Sanctuary: Rosh Hashanah Day 1
  • Mikdash: The Jewish Sanctuary Movement | T'ruah — T’ruah works as part of an interfaith network to mobilize synagogues and other communities to protect those facing deportation or other immigration challenges. By becoming “mikdash” or sanctuary synagogues, communities pledge to take concrete actions, which may include legal support, housing, financial help, and other assistance for the sojourners in our midst.
  • Brightness Of Noon — Rabbi Tepperman appears in this documentary. Airing on ABC-affiliated stations nationwide, "Brightness of Noon: The Intersect of Faith, Immigration and Refugees," a two-part documentary, highlights the stories of undocumented immigrants and refugees– who fled economic despair and unfathomable violence only to face an uncertain future in the United States – and the faith groups who are posing a question to us all, “Are we willing to take some risks in order to protect human life and basic rights?”
]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+_X0mLn7K ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Elliott Tepperman Episode 9: Purim and #metoo https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/9 3d78a70c-e4a9-44cc-b7de-b04453d6b07b Mon, 26 Feb 2018 00:00:00 -0500 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 1 Reconstructing Judaism The Book of Esther contains striking examples of women speaking out against oppression in ways that both empower and imperil them. Are there parallels to the #metoo movement? Join Judith Rosenbaum, Executive Director of the Jewish Women’s Archive, in a wide-ranging discussion with Rabbi Deborah Waxman on resilient responses to trying times. 23:12 false The Book of Esther contains striking examples of women speaking out against oppression in ways that both empower and imperil them. Are there parallels to the #metoo movement? Join Judith Rosenbaum, Executive Director of the Jewish Women’s Archive, in a wide-ranging discussion with Rabbi Deborah Waxman on resilient responses to trying times.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Judith Rosenbaum.

]]> The Book of Esther contains striking examples of women speaking out against oppression in ways that both empower and imperil them. Are there parallels to the #metoo movement? Join Judith Rosenbaum, Executive Director of the Jewish Women’s Archive, in a wide-ranging discussion with Rabbi Deborah Waxman on resilient responses to trying times.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Judith Rosenbaum.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • Archiving #MeToo | Jewish Women's Archive — Jewish women have #MeToo stories to tell, and we invite you to share yours.
  • Can We Talk? The JWA Podcast — Each month on Can We Talk?, JWA's podcast team brings you stories and conversations about Jewish women and the issues that shape our public and private lives.
  • Queen Esther and Bella Abzug: Costumes, Leadership, and Identity | Jewish Women's Archive — On Purim we dress in costume to create a new persona. We delight in unexpected images. We poke holes in the humdrum everyday roles of men and women, rich and poor, young and old. Our assumptions about people shift, and thus, the holiday transforms us. People often choose different costumes and personas as a strategic tool to help them stand up against injustice. In this Go & Learn guide we will focus on two remarkable Jewish women: The biblical figure, Esther, and the historical figure, Bella Abzug. Both women fought for justice and liberation, adopting personas that helped them to achieve their goals. In our featured document, Bella Abzug tells us how she decided to wear distinctive hats and gloves as a strategy for overcoming the disregard she experienced as a young female attorney fighting for justice.
  • She Said No! | Reconstructing Judaism — This song by MIRAJ recounts Vashti's heroism during the Purim story.
  • 10 Resources for #MeToo and a Feminist Purim — In Episode 9 of Hashivenu we learn about the importance of lifting up women's voices as part of the #metoo movement, in the context of the story of Purim. Below are 10 resources to honor women's voices recommended by Ritualwell. 
]]> The Book of Esther contains striking examples of women speaking out against oppression in ways that both empower and imperil them. Are there parallels to the #metoo movement? Join Judith Rosenbaum, Executive Director of the Jewish Women’s Archive, in a wide-ranging discussion with Rabbi Deborah Waxman on resilient responses to trying times.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Judith Rosenbaum.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • Archiving #MeToo | Jewish Women's Archive — Jewish women have #MeToo stories to tell, and we invite you to share yours.
  • Can We Talk? The JWA Podcast — Each month on Can We Talk?, JWA's podcast team brings you stories and conversations about Jewish women and the issues that shape our public and private lives.
  • Queen Esther and Bella Abzug: Costumes, Leadership, and Identity | Jewish Women's Archive — On Purim we dress in costume to create a new persona. We delight in unexpected images. We poke holes in the humdrum everyday roles of men and women, rich and poor, young and old. Our assumptions about people shift, and thus, the holiday transforms us. People often choose different costumes and personas as a strategic tool to help them stand up against injustice. In this Go & Learn guide we will focus on two remarkable Jewish women: The biblical figure, Esther, and the historical figure, Bella Abzug. Both women fought for justice and liberation, adopting personas that helped them to achieve their goals. In our featured document, Bella Abzug tells us how she decided to wear distinctive hats and gloves as a strategy for overcoming the disregard she experienced as a young female attorney fighting for justice.
  • She Said No! | Reconstructing Judaism — This song by MIRAJ recounts Vashti's heroism during the Purim story.
  • 10 Resources for #MeToo and a Feminist Purim — In Episode 9 of Hashivenu we learn about the importance of lifting up women's voices as part of the #metoo movement, in the context of the story of Purim. Below are 10 resources to honor women's voices recommended by Ritualwell. 
]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+eUB0NwnX ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Judith Rosenbaum Episode 8: Hineni — Being Present https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/8 ddf0c5ec-dbbf-41aa-a247-8a55aa0b76b1 Tue, 13 Feb 2018 00:00:00 -0500 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 1 Reconstructing Judaism How do we pull ourselves together when we feel scattered or unfocused? In this episode of Hashivenu, Rabbi Myriam Klotz and Rabbi Deborah Waxman invite us into the spiritual practice of "hineni" -- being present and responsive. 22:27 false How do we pull ourselves together when we feel scattered or unfocused? In this episode of Hashivenu, Rabbi Myriam Klotz and Rabbi Deborah Waxman invite us into the spiritual practice of "hineni" -- being present and responsive.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Myriam Klotz.

]]> How do we pull ourselves together when we feel scattered or unfocused? In this episode of Hashivenu, Rabbi Myriam Klotz and Rabbi Deborah Waxman invite us into the spiritual practice of "hineni" -- being present and responsive.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Myriam Klotz.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> How do we pull ourselves together when we feel scattered or unfocused? In this episode of Hashivenu, Rabbi Myriam Klotz and Rabbi Deborah Waxman invite us into the spiritual practice of "hineni" -- being present and responsive.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Myriam Klotz.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+gt2-x26t ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Myriam Klotz A Special Announcement https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/special 73138f95-5706-49b0-b3d6-5059de3a125d Tue, 30 Jan 2018 00:00:00 -0500 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) bonus 1 Reconstructing Judaism This is Rabbi Deborah Waxman. Thanks so much for listening to our podcast, “Hashivenu: Jewish teachings on resilience.” Our next regular episode is on its way in February. But I wanted to take a moment to let you know about our organization’s new name: Reconstructing Judaism. 2:16 false This is Rabbi Deborah Waxman. Thanks so much for listening to our podcast, “Hashivenu: Jewish teachings on resilience.” Our next regular episode is on its way in February. But I wanted to take a moment to let you know about our organization’s new name: Reconstructing Judaism.

]]> This is Rabbi Deborah Waxman. Thanks so much for listening to our podcast, “Hashivenu: Jewish teachings on resilience.” Our next regular episode is on its way in February. But I wanted to take a moment to let you know about our organization’s new name: Reconstructing Judaism.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • ReconstructingJudaism.org
  • Who We Are and What We Do — Reconstructing Judaism. This phrase embodies the decades-long, evolving mission of all who have been a part of Reconstructionist Judaism. Now, Reconstructing Judaism is the new name of the central organization of the Reconstructionist movement, replacing the former: Reconstructionist Rabbinical College & Jewish Reconstructionist Communities.
]]> This is Rabbi Deborah Waxman. Thanks so much for listening to our podcast, “Hashivenu: Jewish teachings on resilience.” Our next regular episode is on its way in February. But I wanted to take a moment to let you know about our organization’s new name: Reconstructing Judaism.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • ReconstructingJudaism.org
  • Who We Are and What We Do — Reconstructing Judaism. This phrase embodies the decades-long, evolving mission of all who have been a part of Reconstructionist Judaism. Now, Reconstructing Judaism is the new name of the central organization of the Reconstructionist movement, replacing the former: Reconstructionist Rabbinical College & Jewish Reconstructionist Communities.
]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+KrP18DXK ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Episode 7: Ecology https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/7 987e6520-2388-4f1d-829c-5261c5632865 Mon, 22 Jan 2018 00:00:00 -0500 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 1 Reconstructing Judaism In a wide-ranging conversation about ecology, Tu B'Shvat and _shmittah_ (sabbatical year) Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb and Rabbi Deborah Waxman explore the ways in which Jewish tradition and ecological consciousness provide compelling models for resilience and sustainability. 24:00 false In a wide-ranging conversation about ecology, Tu B'Shvat and shmittah (sabbatical year), Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb and Rabbi Deborah Waxman explore the ways in which Jewish tradition and ecological consciousness provide compelling models for resilience and sustainability.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb.

]]> In a wide-ranging conversation about ecology, Tu B'Shvat and shmittah (sabbatical year), Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb and Rabbi Deborah Waxman explore the ways in which Jewish tradition and ecological consciousness provide compelling models for resilience and sustainability.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • Adat Shalom — Adat Shalom has a rich and varied history, rooted in an evolving and active Judaism. We are a participatory member-led congregation of singles and families, dedicated to providing innovative and egalitarian services and leadership to our community.
  • Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL) | Protecting Creation, Generation to Generation — The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL) deepens and broadens the Jewish community’s commitment to stewardship and protection of the Earth through outreach, activism and Jewish learning.
  • Writings by Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb
  • 10 Prayers and Rituals for the Environment from Ritualwell
  • Hazon Shmita Project — The Shmita Project is working to expand awareness about the biblical Sabbatical tradition, and to bring the values of this practice to life today to support healthier, more sustainable Jewish communities.
  • Resilience.org — Resilience.org aims to support building community resilience in a world of multiple emerging challenges: the decline of cheap energy, the depletion of critical resources like water, complex environmental crises like climate change and biodiversity loss, and the social and economic issues which are linked to these.
]]> In a wide-ranging conversation about ecology, Tu B'Shvat and shmittah (sabbatical year), Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb and Rabbi Deborah Waxman explore the ways in which Jewish tradition and ecological consciousness provide compelling models for resilience and sustainability.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • Adat Shalom — Adat Shalom has a rich and varied history, rooted in an evolving and active Judaism. We are a participatory member-led congregation of singles and families, dedicated to providing innovative and egalitarian services and leadership to our community.
  • Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL) | Protecting Creation, Generation to Generation — The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL) deepens and broadens the Jewish community’s commitment to stewardship and protection of the Earth through outreach, activism and Jewish learning.
  • Writings by Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb
  • 10 Prayers and Rituals for the Environment from Ritualwell
  • Hazon Shmita Project — The Shmita Project is working to expand awareness about the biblical Sabbatical tradition, and to bring the values of this practice to life today to support healthier, more sustainable Jewish communities.
  • Resilience.org — Resilience.org aims to support building community resilience in a world of multiple emerging challenges: the decline of cheap energy, the depletion of critical resources like water, complex environmental crises like climate change and biodiversity loss, and the social and economic issues which are linked to these.
]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+Nt4q2mq1 ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb Episode 6: Mindfulness https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/6 ebcb7a23-7e08-4411-98de-9ebffe701f90 Sun, 07 Jan 2018 00:00:00 -0500 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 1 Reconstructing Judaism In challenging times, we often search for firm ground to stand on. In this interview with Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, Rabbi Deborah Waxman explores mindfulness as a path that can anchor us, nourish our Jewish lives, and sustain us as we strive to fulfill our Jewish values. 25:37 false In challenging times, we often search for firm ground to stand on. In this interview with Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, Rabbi Deborah Waxman explores mindfulness as a path that can anchor us, nourish our Jewish lives, and sustain us as we strive to fulfill our Jewish values.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell.

]]> In challenging times, we often search for firm ground to stand on. In this interview with Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, Rabbi Deborah Waxman explores mindfulness as a path that can anchor us, nourish our Jewish lives, and sustain us as we strive to fulfill our Jewish values.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • 10 Mindfulness Rituals and Meditations from Ritualwell — In honor of the launch of the new podcast Hashivenu: Jewish teachings on resilience, created by Rabbi Deborah Waxman, we are highlighting rituals that have sustained the Jewish people throughout history. In the January 2018 episode we learn about Jewish mindfulness and meditation from Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell. Below are 10 mindfulness rituals and meditations recommended by Ritualwell. 
  • On Resiliency: Cedar and Reed (Video) — A Jewish mindfulness teaching and practice based on the Talmud, Ta'anit 20a. There are different models for how to be strong in the midst of a storm -- try that of the reed. With Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.
  • Institute for Jewish Spirituality. Cultivating Mindful Leaders. Revitalizing Judaism. — We believe that leaders who engage in Jewish spiritual practices that are grounded in mindfulness are better equipped to contribute to building Jewish communities that are vibrant, resilient, and wise; they are able to meaningfully address the brokenness of our world.
  • Our Guest in the News
]]> In challenging times, we often search for firm ground to stand on. In this interview with Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, Rabbi Deborah Waxman explores mindfulness as a path that can anchor us, nourish our Jewish lives, and sustain us as we strive to fulfill our Jewish values.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • 10 Mindfulness Rituals and Meditations from Ritualwell — In honor of the launch of the new podcast Hashivenu: Jewish teachings on resilience, created by Rabbi Deborah Waxman, we are highlighting rituals that have sustained the Jewish people throughout history. In the January 2018 episode we learn about Jewish mindfulness and meditation from Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell. Below are 10 mindfulness rituals and meditations recommended by Ritualwell. 
  • On Resiliency: Cedar and Reed (Video) — A Jewish mindfulness teaching and practice based on the Talmud, Ta'anit 20a. There are different models for how to be strong in the midst of a storm -- try that of the reed. With Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.
  • Institute for Jewish Spirituality. Cultivating Mindful Leaders. Revitalizing Judaism. — We believe that leaders who engage in Jewish spiritual practices that are grounded in mindfulness are better equipped to contribute to building Jewish communities that are vibrant, resilient, and wise; they are able to meaningfully address the brokenness of our world.
  • Our Guest in the News
]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+PN_B2tMr ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell Episode 5: Activism https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/5 0e2784ab-2733-4962-bbd6-31ee6346c2fb Tue, 05 Dec 2017 00:00:00 -0500 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 1 Reconstructing Judaism The story of Hanukkah invites us to kindle lights in the darkness, and to overcome despair with hope and action. In this spirit, Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum reflects on the extraordinary work of her community, and how it embodies the fundamental connection between spiritual life and social activism. 27:40 false The story of Hanukkah invites us to kindle lights in the darkness, and to overcome despair with hope and action. In this spirit, Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum reflects on the extraordinary work of her community, and how it embodies the fundamental connection between spiritual life and social activism.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum.

]]> The story of Hanukkah invites us to kindle lights in the darkness, and to overcome despair with hope and action. In this spirit, Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum reflects on the extraordinary work of her community, and how it embodies the fundamental connection between spiritual life and social activism.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> The story of Hanukkah invites us to kindle lights in the darkness, and to overcome despair with hope and action. In this spirit, Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum reflects on the extraordinary work of her community, and how it embodies the fundamental connection between spiritual life and social activism.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+s7W32rhZ ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum Episode 4: Chanting https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/4 55c2bcd9-8700-488d-8fad-93012baf393b Tue, 07 Nov 2017 00:00:00 -0500 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 1 Reconstructing Judaism According to Rabbi Shefa Gold, “Chant is the bridge between the inner life and the outer expression; between the solitary practice and the shared beauty of fellowship.” She has set verses from Jewish liturgy and from the Hebrew Bible to chants that are both beautiful and meditative. This episode explores how the ancient practice of chanting can cultivate renewal while bringing traditional liturgy to life. 26:54 false According to Rabbi Shefa Gold, “Chant is the bridge between the inner life and the outer expression; between the solitary practice and the shared beauty of fellowship.” She has set verses from Jewish liturgy and from the Hebrew Bible to chants that are both beautiful and meditative. This episode explores how the ancient practice of chanting can cultivate renewal while bringing traditional liturgy to life.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Shefa Gold.

]]> According to Rabbi Shefa Gold, “Chant is the bridge between the inner life and the outer expression; between the solitary practice and the shared beauty of fellowship.” She has set verses from Jewish liturgy and from the Hebrew Bible to chants that are both beautiful and meditative. This episode explores how the ancient practice of chanting can cultivate renewal while bringing traditional liturgy to life.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Shefa Gold.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • Rabbi Shefa Gold — Rabbi Shefa Gold develops and leads Hebrew chants based on Jewish sacred texts for transformative spiritual growth.
  • Flavors of Gratefulness App | Rabbi Shefa Gold — With Rabbi Shefa Gold’s app you can awaken to all the many dimensions of gratefulness with Modah Ani. Wake up each day to a new melody to fuel the intention (kavanah) to see and recognize God’s Face in the details of the upcoming day.
  • Chants & Practices | Rabbi Shefa Gold — This page lists all the chants & practices in alphabetical order with links to the chants. (In the submenu, you can also view chant listings by the ‘categories’ used in The Magic of Hebrew Chant.) Click the chant’s name to see the full page for that chant.
  • Resilience: Im aylech — To hear the various parts of the chant, use the audio players.
  • Psalm 138:7 — Psalm 138:7, the source text of the chant included in this episode.
  • Ritualwell: 10 Rituals Which Feature or Include Chanting
]]> According to Rabbi Shefa Gold, “Chant is the bridge between the inner life and the outer expression; between the solitary practice and the shared beauty of fellowship.” She has set verses from Jewish liturgy and from the Hebrew Bible to chants that are both beautiful and meditative. This episode explores how the ancient practice of chanting can cultivate renewal while bringing traditional liturgy to life.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Shefa Gold.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • Rabbi Shefa Gold — Rabbi Shefa Gold develops and leads Hebrew chants based on Jewish sacred texts for transformative spiritual growth.
  • Flavors of Gratefulness App | Rabbi Shefa Gold — With Rabbi Shefa Gold’s app you can awaken to all the many dimensions of gratefulness with Modah Ani. Wake up each day to a new melody to fuel the intention (kavanah) to see and recognize God’s Face in the details of the upcoming day.
  • Chants & Practices | Rabbi Shefa Gold — This page lists all the chants & practices in alphabetical order with links to the chants. (In the submenu, you can also view chant listings by the ‘categories’ used in The Magic of Hebrew Chant.) Click the chant’s name to see the full page for that chant.
  • Resilience: Im aylech — To hear the various parts of the chant, use the audio players.
  • Psalm 138:7 — Psalm 138:7, the source text of the chant included in this episode.
  • Ritualwell: 10 Rituals Which Feature or Include Chanting
]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+92A16jB8 ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Shefa Gold Episode 3: Humor https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/3 c747ef86-1244-4bb2-8163-21a9ead10e8f Fri, 29 Sep 2017 18:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 1 Reconstructing Judaism The upcoming holiday of Sukkot is known as <i>z'man simkhateynu</i>, the season of our joy. In keeping with that theme, Rabbi Seth Goldstein joins us for a special episode on humor. Whether opening us to laughter and joy, or easing the way in difficult times, humor can be a powerful path toward resilience. 26:15 false The upcoming holiday of Sukkot is known as z'man simkhateynu, the season of our joy. In keeping with that theme, Rabbi Seth Goldstein joins us for a special episode on humor. Whether opening us to laughter and joy, or easing the way in difficult times, humor can be a powerful path toward resilience.

Bonus feature! Check out Rabbi Deborah Brin's video on Laughter Yoga at Vimeo.

Find out more about the show at About, and learn about our theme song at Theme Song.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Seth Goldstein.

]]> The upcoming holiday of Sukkot is known as z'man simkhateynu, the season of our joy. In keeping with that theme, Rabbi Seth Goldstein joins us for a special episode on humor. Whether opening us to laughter and joy, or easing the way in difficult times, humor can be a powerful path toward resilience.

Bonus feature! Check out Rabbi Deborah Brin's video on Laughter Yoga at Vimeo.

Find out more about the show at About, and learn about our theme song at Theme Song.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Seth Goldstein.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • 4 Rituals Acknowledging Humor from Ritualwell.org — In honor of the podcast Hashivenu, we are highlighting rituals that have sustained the Jewish people throughout history. In the third episode, we learn about how humor offers a tool to lighten the darkness. Here are 4 unique rituals which acknowledge humor, recommended by Ritualwell.
  • Carpooling with Rabbi — Seth Goldstein's video series. "When Kirsten was the Community Engagement Coordinator at my congregation, she lived just a few blocks from my son’s school. After I did the morning drop off I needed to pass by her house on the way to work. So I offered to give her a ride…"
  • Torah tl;dr — Seth Goldstein's micro-Torah-podcast. "Torah tl;dr injects a little wisdom into your day, giving you a highlight of the Torah portion in 60 seconds. New podcasts every Friday, just in time for Shabbat."
  • "The Spanish Inquisition" from Mel Brooks' "History of the World: Part I" — See the movie segment referred to in this episode.
  • Wikipedia article on Jewish Humor — Jewish humour is the long tradition of humour in Judaism dating back to the Torah and the Midrash from the ancient Middle East, but generally refers to the more recent stream of verbal and often anecdotal humour of Ashkenazi Jewry which took root in the United States over the last hundred years, including in secular Jewish culture...Jewish humor, while diverse, favors wordplay, irony, and satire, and its themes are highly anti-authoritarian, mocking religious and secular life alike.
  • Laughter Yoga with Rabbi Deborah Brin
  • Rabbi Deborah Brin's homepage
]]> The upcoming holiday of Sukkot is known as z'man simkhateynu, the season of our joy. In keeping with that theme, Rabbi Seth Goldstein joins us for a special episode on humor. Whether opening us to laughter and joy, or easing the way in difficult times, humor can be a powerful path toward resilience.

Bonus feature! Check out Rabbi Deborah Brin's video on Laughter Yoga at Vimeo.

Find out more about the show at About, and learn about our theme song at Theme Song.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Seth Goldstein.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

  • 4 Rituals Acknowledging Humor from Ritualwell.org — In honor of the podcast Hashivenu, we are highlighting rituals that have sustained the Jewish people throughout history. In the third episode, we learn about how humor offers a tool to lighten the darkness. Here are 4 unique rituals which acknowledge humor, recommended by Ritualwell.
  • Carpooling with Rabbi — Seth Goldstein's video series. "When Kirsten was the Community Engagement Coordinator at my congregation, she lived just a few blocks from my son’s school. After I did the morning drop off I needed to pass by her house on the way to work. So I offered to give her a ride…"
  • Torah tl;dr — Seth Goldstein's micro-Torah-podcast. "Torah tl;dr injects a little wisdom into your day, giving you a highlight of the Torah portion in 60 seconds. New podcasts every Friday, just in time for Shabbat."
  • "The Spanish Inquisition" from Mel Brooks' "History of the World: Part I" — See the movie segment referred to in this episode.
  • Wikipedia article on Jewish Humor — Jewish humour is the long tradition of humour in Judaism dating back to the Torah and the Midrash from the ancient Middle East, but generally refers to the more recent stream of verbal and often anecdotal humour of Ashkenazi Jewry which took root in the United States over the last hundred years, including in secular Jewish culture...Jewish humor, while diverse, favors wordplay, irony, and satire, and its themes are highly anti-authoritarian, mocking religious and secular life alike.
  • Laughter Yoga with Rabbi Deborah Brin
  • Rabbi Deborah Brin's homepage
]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+IwYO2UA8 ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Seth Goldstein Episode 2: Teshuvah and Forgiveness https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/2 59ec042d-89a0-48d6-af97-1d61525b716e Tue, 05 Sep 2017 00:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 1 Reconstructing Judaism As the High Holiday season approaches, Jewish people across the world begin to reflect on their behavior of the past year. They wonder: what does it mean to forgive? What does it mean to seek forgiveness? In a conversation with Rabbi Vivie Mayer, we explore the complexities of teshuvah (repentance) and ways to seek it as the Jewish new year approaches and throughout the year. 26:25 false As the High Holiday season approaches, Jewish people across the world begin to reflect on their behavior of the past year. They wonder: what does it mean to forgive? What does it mean to seek forgiveness? In a conversation with Rabbi Vivie Mayer, we explore the complexities of teshuvah (repentance) and ways to seek it as the Jewish new year approaches and throughout the year.

Find out more about the show at About, and learn about our theme song at Theme Song.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Vivie Mayer.

]]> As the High Holiday season approaches, Jewish people across the world begin to reflect on their behavior of the past year. They wonder: what does it mean to forgive? What does it mean to seek forgiveness? In a conversation with Rabbi Vivie Mayer, we explore the complexities of teshuvah (repentance) and ways to seek it as the Jewish new year approaches and throughout the year.

Find out more about the show at About, and learn about our theme song at Theme Song.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Vivie Mayer.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> As the High Holiday season approaches, Jewish people across the world begin to reflect on their behavior of the past year. They wonder: what does it mean to forgive? What does it mean to seek forgiveness? In a conversation with Rabbi Vivie Mayer, we explore the complexities of teshuvah (repentance) and ways to seek it as the Jewish new year approaches and throughout the year.

Find out more about the show at About, and learn about our theme song at Theme Song.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Vivie Mayer.

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+y6VI3ZHJ ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Vivie Mayer Episode 1: Shabbat https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/1 cdb0816b-81e8-48de-83b5-82910812b7be Thu, 10 Aug 2017 00:00:00 -0400 swachs@reconstructingjudaism.org (Reconstructing Judaism) full 1 Reconstructing Judaism In this episode, Rabbi Jacob Staub, Ph.D., talks about one of the deepest and best known of Jewish practices, Shabbat. We read about this ancient practice in Genesis, with God creating the world in six days and then resting on the seventh—and from that, we get the concept of a day of rest. Rabbi Staub is a professor of Jewish philosophy and spirituality at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. He’s written widely on many topics, including a beautiful extended chapter on the Jewish Sabbath in "A Guide to Jewish Practice," published by the RRC Press. 22:37 false In this episode of Hashivenu: Jewish Teachings on Resilience, Rabbi Jacob Staub, Ph.D., talks about one of the deepest and best known of Jewish practices, Shabbat. We read about this ancient practice in Genesis, with God creating the world in six days and then resting on the seventh—and from that, we get the concept of a day of rest.

Rabbi Staub is a professor of Jewish philosophy and spirituality at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. He’s written widely on many topics, including a beautiful extended chapter on the Jewish Sabbath in “A Guide to Jewish Practice, Volume 2 – Shabbat and Holidays,” published by the RRC Press. You are invited to review the chapter by clicking on the link under Episode Links, below.

Find out more about the show at About, and learn about our theme song at Theme Song.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Jacob Staub, Ph.D..

]]> In this episode of Hashivenu: Jewish Teachings on Resilience, Rabbi Jacob Staub, Ph.D., talks about one of the deepest and best known of Jewish practices, Shabbat. We read about this ancient practice in Genesis, with God creating the world in six days and then resting on the seventh—and from that, we get the concept of a day of rest.

Rabbi Staub is a professor of Jewish philosophy and spirituality at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. He’s written widely on many topics, including a beautiful extended chapter on the Jewish Sabbath in “A Guide to Jewish Practice, Volume 2 – Shabbat and Holidays,” published by the RRC Press. You are invited to review the chapter by clicking on the link under Episode Links, below.

Find out more about the show at About, and learn about our theme song at Theme Song.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Jacob Staub, Ph.D..

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> In this episode of Hashivenu: Jewish Teachings on Resilience, Rabbi Jacob Staub, Ph.D., talks about one of the deepest and best known of Jewish practices, Shabbat. We read about this ancient practice in Genesis, with God creating the world in six days and then resting on the seventh—and from that, we get the concept of a day of rest.

Rabbi Staub is a professor of Jewish philosophy and spirituality at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. He’s written widely on many topics, including a beautiful extended chapter on the Jewish Sabbath in “A Guide to Jewish Practice, Volume 2 – Shabbat and Holidays,” published by the RRC Press. You are invited to review the chapter by clicking on the link under Episode Links, below.

Find out more about the show at About, and learn about our theme song at Theme Song.

Subscribe by Email

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Rabbi Jacob Staub, Ph.D..

Support Hashivenu

Links:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/FIQTO5Fu+ise8eK8u ]]> Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. Rabbi Jacob Staub, Ph.D.