Evolve

As Evolve winds down, Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. talks with Rabbi Jacob Staub, Ph.D., the project's founding director, who has been part of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College for more than 50 years as a student, professor, vice president for academic affairs, and editor of The Reconstructionist. Together they trace how a surprising path from academia led Staub to a career that combined scholarship, writing and rabbinic work, and how that path eventually led to Evolve. They revisit how Evolve began, with a survey of Reconstructionist rabbis about the issues that mattered most to them, and the essays that followed on technology, race, gender and sexual orientation, antisemitism, social justice and more. Staub and Waxman discuss what it means to build a movement around the idea that everything evolves, and how Evolve became a place where rabbis and community leaders could share what they were learning and theorize about it. They also talk about the craft of editing, Evolve's lasting legacy and what it takes to trust the future in difficult times. Even as we say goodbye for now, every essay remains available on the Evolve site. Essays discussed in this episode: “Harnessing Technology” by Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. and Rabbi Nathan Kamesar https://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org/harnessing-technology/ “Racism in the Jewish Community” by Rabbi Sandra Lawson and Rabbi Donna Cephas https://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org/racism-in-the-jewish-community/ “Slavery and Its Atonement” by Rabbi Toba Spitzer https://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org/slavery-and-its-atonement/ “Preparing Our Communities for Conversations on Race” by Rabbi Joshua Lesser https://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org/preparing-conversations-race/ “Radical Inclusion” by Aurora Levins Morales https://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org/radical-inclusion/ “Being White is Not the Jewish Norm: How the Mishnah Can Help Us Deconstruct a White-normative Approach to Judaism” by Rabbi Amin Langer https://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org/beingwhiteisnotthejewishnorm/ “Kumi: Addressing Antisemitism and Racism, Both Outside and Within Jewish Spaces” by Rebecca Ezersky https://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org/kumi-addressing-antisemitism-and-racism-both-outside-and-within-jewish-spaces/ “Are Trans Women Obligated in Niddah? (Jewish Menstrual Law): Embracing Halakhah That Was Not Addressed to You” by Rabbi Xavi De Cordova https://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org/are-trans-women-obligated-in-niddah-jewish-menstrual-law-embracing-halakhah-that-was-not-addressed-to-you/ Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1 This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org . Special Guest: Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D.. Support Evolve Links: Rooted & Relevant: The Newsletter of Reconstructing Judaism — Rooted & Relevant brings you Jewish ideas, inspiring stories, learning opportunities and resources from across the Reconstructionist movement.

Note: This podcast is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_J8I4ZB72bo This is the kind of conversation about Israel and Palestine you won't hear anywhere else. Rabbi Sid Schwarz, founding rabbi of Congregation Adat Shalom and longtime progressive Zionist, and Sam Sherman, a playwright, actor, and anti-Zionist activist who grew up in Schwarz's congregation, model how to engage in respectful dialogue across profound ideological differences about Israel and Palestine. Schwarz discusses his decades-long commitment to what he calls "spiritual Zionism"—affirming Israel's right to exist while vocally opposing policies that violate Jewish values. Sherman explains his anti-Zionist position rooted in concern for Palestinian dignity and opposition to what he sees as institutionalized Jewish supremacy. Despite their disagreements on the meaning of Zionism, the legitimacy of violence, and the future of the region, both speakers demonstrate deep respect, genuine curiosity, and a commitment to staying in relationship. As Sam prepares to return to the West Bank to work with the Center for Jewish Nonviolence, this conversation offers a rare and moving example of how Jews across generational and ideological divides can engage with empathy, learn from each other, and remain part of the same Jewish community even when fundamental disagreements persist. Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1 This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org . Special Guests: Rabbi Sid Schwarz, Ph.D. and Sam Sherman. Support Evolve Links: Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter Support Evolve with a donation to Reconstructing Judaism Read Sam Sherman's Evolve essay "Dying Before You Die: Writing the Play ‘kaddish (how to be a sanctuary)’ Read Rabbi Jacob Staub on Substack Learn about Sam Sherman's play "Kaddish (How to be a Sanctuary)" Listen to Rabbi Sid's last Evolve conversation with Bryan Schwartzman about World Jewry, Zionism and the State of Israel

In times of chaos and turmoil, how can we overcome our differences to tackle problems? How can we move from our own individual thinking into the thinking of what's the common good? Rabbi Joshua Lesser discusses the vital importance of nonprofit boards to Jewish and American life. By helping Jewish communities formulate and adopt board convenants, Lesser seeks to use Jewish wisdom to interject a bit of the sacred into the seemingly mundane business of running an organization. Healthy boards, he argues, are not just important for Jewish organizations. They are one of the arenas where people can participate in democracy on a micro level, and potentially reenergize democracy on a macro scale. Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1 This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org . Special Guest: Rabbi Joshua Lesser. Support Evolve Links: Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter Read Rabbi Joshua Lesser's Evolve Essay, "From Passion to Purpose: How a Board Covenant Transforms Jewish Leadership" Support Reconstructing Judaism's End of Year Campaign

What do North American Jews think and feel about Israel and why do they feel it? As researcher Matthew Boxer explains, we have, at best, an incomplete understanding of opinion. That's had a harmful impact on discourse and planning. So to find out, Boxer surveyed some 1,800 North American Jews. In this episode, he shares his findings and what he believes they mean. Among his major takeaways: he disproves the-oft sited statistic that 95 percent of American Jews identify as Zionist, even though most American Jews have attitudes that one would associate with Zionism. Many on the left and right feel that their interpretations are obvious and clear and think that opposing views are dangerous and outside the pale. Also, many American Jews feel strong emotional attachment to Israel, but that emotional attachment doesn't correlate to particular or obvious opinions about the relationship between Israelis and Palestinians. Boxer shares how he thinks future researchers can learn from his work. And, he makes a case that particular perspectives on Israel should not be a condition for inclusion in Jewish life and community. Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1 This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org . Special Guest: Dr. Matthew Boxer. Support Evolve Links: Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter Register for the 8/25 Evolve Web Conversation with Rabbi Jacob Staub and Rabbi Megan Doherty — "Creating Sacred Community: Leadership and Connection with Rabbi Megan Doherty" Read Matthew Boxer's Evolve essay, "How We Talk About Jewish Young Adults’ Connection to Israel: The Evidence or Lack Thereof" Read Matthew Boxer's Evolve essay, "What is Zionism? It Depends on Who You Ask" Dig Into Matthew Boxer's Survey Results: "What is Zionism? Assessing the Diversity of Discourse in a Charged Environment" — See Dr. Boxer's PowerPoint, read about his methodology, and explore his dataset Explore Local Jewish Community Population Studies and more at the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies "What Is Zionism?" Matthew Boxer presents his research findings in this video presentation

Researcher-educator Ali Michael, Ph.D., who has written about concepts such as Whiteness and White Privilege, unpacks what they mean, responding to common critiques. Michael defends educational investment in DEI programs as the U.S. federal government has actively sought to dismantle this work. Also, after spending more than a year meeting with American educators who whose work was impacted by the Oct. 7 attacks and the war in Gaza, she shares some surprising themes that emerged. She also shares how differences over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict surfaced in the early years of her marriage and how she and her partner managed to work through disagreement. Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1 This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org . Special Guest: Ali Michael, Ph.D. . Support Evolve Links: Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter Read Ali's Evolve essay, "Finding one another again: Israel and Palestine Conversation" Read Ali's Evolve essay, "The People of Color Conference and Antisemitism" Explore Evolve's Juneteenth essay collection Follow Ali's writing Learn more about Camp Havaya

In this month’s episode of Evolve, Rabbi Sid Schwarz, driven by a deep love for Israel, makes a powerful case for spiritual Zionism— the commitment to an Israel that nurtures Judaism’s deepest cultural, religious and ethical foundations, beyond just politics or military strength. It’s a timely and nuanced conversation for anyone wrestling with the complexities of Jewish peoplehood and the future of Israel. Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1 This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org . Special Guest: Rabbi Sid Schwarz, Ph.D.. Support Evolve Links: Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter Read Rabbi Sid's Evolve essay, "World Jewry, Zionism and the State of Israel" Support Evolve Learn more about The Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI)

Activist and organizer Roan Boucher details the unprecedented surge in anti-trans legislation across America and its connection to Christian Nationalism. Despite addressing these troubling developments, Boucher discusses sources of hope and resilience, pointing to mutual aid networks and Jewish spiritual practices. This compelling dialogue weaves personal experience with sharp political analysis. It’s essential listening experience for anyone trying to understand our current moment. Boucher also addresses deep divisions within Jewish communities and stresses Jews need to work across divides to oppose antisemitism and assaults on human rights. Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1 This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org . Special Guest: Roan Boucher. Support Evolve Links: Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter Read Roan's Evolve essay, "Defending Trans Communities: Why American Jews Should Mobilize Against the Christian Right Agenda" New on Evolve: ‘Covenantal Community’ and Classical Reconstructionism 2025 anti-trans bills tracker Vote Hatikvah in the World Zionist Congress elections

Jewish tradition emphasizes welcoming the stranger. Many organizations like Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts live that value by helping to resettle refugees. But what happens when government policies make that nearly impossible? Rabbi James Greene, CEO of Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts, shares how his organization supports refugees —despite legal and financial obstacles. Greene discusses the impact of recent policy shifts, the power of community-driven advocacy and why helping newcomers to the country is central to Jewish tradition. Tune in for a powerful conversation on justice, resilience and the fight for a more welcoming world. Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1 This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org . Special Guest: Rabbi James Greeene. Support Evolve Links: Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter to stay up to date on the latest essays, videos and podcasts Read the Evolve Essay, "Praying in the Language of Welcoming: Refugee and Immigration Advocacy" Order "A Night of Questions," the Reconstructionist Haggadah Vote for the Hatikvah Slate in the World Zionist Congress elections Reconstructing Judaism Joins Federal Lawsuit in Defense of Religious Freedom and Opposition to ICE Policy Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts Refugee resettlement agencies cut staff and programs across New England Local resettlement agencies facing dire effects after Trump’s federal funding freeze Also by Rabbi James Greene, "Lessons From Transitioning in the Pandemic"

What does it mean to apply the concepts of Mussar (Jewish ethical teachings) to everyday life? What about to confronting racism in the world, at a particular institution or even in oneself? Rabbi David Jaffe, author of Changing the World From the Inside Out and Yehuda Webster, a noted activist and teacher, point to examples of how this can work. Each shares how Mussar taught them how they could have behaved differently in certain situations and where drawing on its lessons led to more positive outcomes. They also discuss anti-racism work in the broader Jewish community, addressing the post Oct 7 pushback while making the case for a renewed focus. Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1 This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org . Special Guests: Rabbi David Jaffe and Yehudah Webster. Support Evolve Links: Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter to stay up to date on the latest essays, videos and podcasts Read the Evolve Essay, "Racial Justice Is a Path to Jewish Security" Make a gift to Reconstructing Judaism's Momentum Campaign Follow Kirva on Instagram Learn more about Kirva Listen to our January Episode "Dismantling Racism from the Inside Out" with Rabbi Sandra Lawson and Rabbi Alex Weissman Read more about Yehuda's recent visit to Nigeria as part of "Teshuvah Across the Waters" Jaffe and Webster's op-ed in The Forward, "Equity and Justice Values from a Jewish Perspective"

In a conversation both deeply personal and grounded in history and sociology, Ilana Kaufman, CEO of the Jews of Color Initiative, shares her mission and why the work has been so challenging in a post-October 7 world. Kaufman explains why it’s been so counterproductive to consider Blacks and Jews as separate groups — erasing a sizable population identifying as both. She talks about why statistics and demographic matter for Jews of Color and the entire Jewish community. She shares how she came to write the afterward to Marc Dollinger’s book, “Black Power, Jewish Politics.” The conversation also touches on the Civil Rights and Soviet Jewry movements and why educators should draw more explicit connections between the two. Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1 This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org . Special Guest: Ilana Kaufman. Support Evolve Links: Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter to stay up to date on the latest essays, videos and podcasts Read Ilana's Evolve essay Watch Ilana's Eli Talk Learn more about the Jews of Color Initiative Listen to Bryan's conversation with Marc Dollinger Read Marc's Evolve essay Check out The Forward's coverage of the controversy surrounding the publication of "Black Power, Jewish Politics" Register for Writing Disability Torah Support Evolve with a donation of $36

“Dismantling Racism from the Inside Out.” The idea is deceptively simple and strongly rooted in Jewish tradition. To change society, individuals must first address their own attitudes, biases and inner lives. Easy to say, much harder to carry out. With funding from the Wabash Center, Rabbi Sandra Lawson and Rabbi Alex Weissman decided to try this approach at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, which is committed to anti-racism. Working with faculty, Lawson and Weissman led a year-long process grounded in mussar (Jewish ethical practice.) The work was set to begin in earnest on Oct. 17, 2023. In this episode, Weissman and Lawson talk about how the attacks of Oct. 7 and subsequent war cast a shadow over the project but ultimately led to some important insights about how racism has impact Jewish institutions. They also address why, in an age of skyrocketing antisemitism, it’s as important as ever for Jewish communities to address racism. Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1 This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org . Special Guests: Rabbi Alex Weissman and Rabbi Sandra Lawson. Support Evolve Links: Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter to stay up to date on the latest essays, videos and podcasts Read Bryan's story about Dismantling Racism From the Inside Out at RRC Learn more about the Wabash center Learn more about the Dismantling Racism curiculum "MLK and the Power of Community" by Rabbi Sandra Read Bryan's recent piece, "What MLK’s Friendship with Stanley Levinson Can Teach Us Today" Register for Reconstructing Judaism's "Reparations in Action" event on 2/2 Register for Ritualwell's "Writing Disability Torah" event on 2/18 Learn more about Kirva Support Evolve with a donation of $36

In losing her two-year-old daughter, Havi, Myra Sack suffered the kind of loss most people cannot even fathom. By telling her Havi’s story, Sack discovered she can help others live with grief. Sack is the author of Fifty-Seven Fridays: Losing Our Daughter, Finding Our Way, an excerpt of which appears on the Evolve website. She discusses the important role ritual played after Havi’s diagnosis and following her passing. Sack traces her journey into grief literacy and how she has used her own painful experiences to help others process grief. She talks about the tragic consequences of a doctor’s mistake and how she and her husband, Matt, have worked to ensure no family suffers a similar fate. The former collegiate soccer standout also shares the place that sports have played in her life and the blessings she’s looking forward to in the New Year. Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1 This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org . Special Guest: Myra Sack. Support Evolve Links: Support Evolve with a donation of $36 Read Myra's Evolve essay, "Rituals of Grief" Purchase Myra's book, "Fifty-Seven Fridays: Losing Our Daughter, Finding Our Way" From Ritualwell, "The Four Yizkors: Grief and Memory Hold Hands" From Ritualwell, "Balancing Grief and Gratitude" Bryan's previous conversation with Myra Myra's Philly Jewish Sports Hall of Fame profile J-Screen Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief Learn more about Shelley Barnathan, Myra's rabbi

Former Congressman Andy Levin sits for a truly wide-ranging interview about the election, his concerns about the incoming Trump administration, Israel and so much more. The passionate Reconstructionist also discusses his Jewish identity, spiritual practice and how he has cultivated courage in public life. He offers honest assessments of his 2022 losing reelection bid and what lessons Democrats can draw from November’s defeat. He also offers a refreshingly candid take on courage in politics and the calculations politicians often make. Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1 This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org . Special Guest: Rep. Andy Levin. Support Evolve Links: Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter to stay up to date on the latest essays, videos and podcasts Support Evolve with a donation of $36 Read Andy Levin's Evolve essay, "Courage Has a Life of Its Own" Evolve's Practices for Defending Democracy essay symposium Bryan's 2018 interview with Andy Levin From The Forward, "How Andy Levin’s defeat in Michigan was — and wasn’t — all about AIPAC" From The Detroit Free Press, "Andy Levin focuses on Gaza and Lebanon as he renews faith for Jewish New Year" Register for the event, "“All of the People Israel are Responsible for One Another”: Reconstructionist Values That Shape Our Relationships with Israelis and Palestinians"

Democracy holds a special place in Reconstructionist teachings, liturgy and practice — though most Jews have embraced American democracy as hospitable to Jewish life. Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D., and Rabbi William Plevan, Ph.D., dive deep into Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan’s — the founding thinker of Reconstructionist Judaism — thinking on democracy and pluralism and why it matters today. Each shares thoughts on the prospects for liberal democracy at a time when the form of government is under strain across the world — and what it might mean for Jewish communities. As a bonus, Rabbi Jacob Staub, Ph.D., who directs the Evolve podcast, shares the process behind Evolve’s series of essays on democracy. Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1 This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org . Special Guests: Rabbi Bill Plevan, Ph.D. and Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D.. Support Evolve Links: Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter to stay up to date on the latest essays, videos and podcasts Read Rabbi Deborah Waxman's Evolve essay, "A Jewish Embrace of Democracy: Early Reconstructionist Judaism and America’s Promise" Read Rabbi Bill Plevan's Evolve essay, "Sustaining Democracy Amid Cultural Pluralism: Mordecai Kaplan’s Vision" Explore the full symposium: Practices for Defending Democracy On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder American Crucible: Race and Nation in the Twentieth Century by Gary Gerstle Also on Evolve, "The Year Since October 7" essay collection From the Wisconsin Examiner, "A prescription for overcoming our dangerous political divisions Support Evolve with a donation of $36 Learn more about "Memory Lights The World," Ritualwell's memorial wall

Tareq Abu Hamed, Ph.D., and Rabbi Michael Cohen talk about the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies in Israel’s Negev region. The nearly 30-year-old academic and research institution brings together students and faculty from Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan and elsewhere to build relationships and solve pressing environmental challenges. Arava is partnering with a Palestinian organization on a new plan to meet needs for water, sanitation, hygiene and energy in a devastated Gaza Strip that’s years away from being rebuilt. Abu Hamed and Cohen each share how they hold on to hope in a seemingly hopeless time for those dedicated to regional peace. Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1 This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org . Special Guests: Dr. Tareq Abu Hamed, Rabbi Maurice Harris, and Rabbi Michael Cohen. Support Evolve Links: Read the Evolve essay, "Jumpstarting Hope in Gaza: The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies" Also on Evolve, "The Year Since October 7" essay collection Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter to stay up to date on the latest essays, videos and podcasts Support Evolve with a donation of $36 Learn more about the Arava Institute Register for "Holding Each Other," Ritualwell's weekly Monday afternoon minyan Remembering October 7: Resources from Reconstructing Judaism From The Times of Israel, "Israelis, Palestinians to launch joint bid to bring humanitarian aid to post-war Gaza" Explore Sukkot resources from Reconstructing Judaism

It’s not easy to talk about and process the first anniversary of Oct. 7, 2023, when war continues to widen, hostages remain in Gaza and a ceasefire seems less and likely. This episode aims to model such a conversation. In a wide-ranging interview featuring Rabbi Mira Wasserman, Ph.D., interim vice president of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and Elliott Glassenberg, senior educator at BINA: the Jewish Movement for Social Change, they and Bryan discuss Oct. 7 and how Israeli and American Jews have been impacted. They also explain the relationship between RRC and BINA and how it may be more important than ever for rabbis serving in the Diaspora to devote time to better understanding the dynamics of Israeli society. Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1 This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org . Special Guests: Elliot Glassenberg and Rabbi Mira Beth Wasserman, Ph.D.. Support Evolve Links: Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter to stay up to date on the latest essays, videos and podcasts Support Evolve with a donation of $36 From Evolve: The Year Since October 7 Register for Ritualwell's "A Day of Memory: Holding Each Other on October 7th, 2024" Explore October 7 Resources from Reconstructing Judaism Explore Evolve's essays BINA - The Jewish Social Movement for Change Learn more about RRC's faculty summer study tour of Israel

If we embrace Judaism, what do we do with passages from Torah and elsewhere that seem to directly undermine our worldviews and values? Human rights attorney turned rabbinical student Maria Pulzetti makes a compelling case that we should deal with these problematic biblical passages head-on. Maria and Bryan also examine reproductive justice, as well as the legacy of slavery and systemic racism, through a Jewish lens. Later, they discuss what motivated Maria to become a rabbi, her opposition to the death penalty and her time, in the early 2000s, as a human rights worker in Russia. Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1 This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org . Special Guest: Maria Pulzetti. Support Evolve Links: Read the Evolve essay, "Remember, Retell, Resist: Reading Difficult Biblical Passages" Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter to stay up to date on the latest essays, videos and podcasts Register for the Resilience Boost from Ritualwell Support Evolve with a donation of $36

Marc Dollinger has seen a thing or two. In his academic career, the historian of American Jewry has been labeled a “self-hated leftist Jew” and “right-wing Zionist colonialist.” He’s been criticized for failing to capture the full nuance of black-Jewish relations and been abandoned by his publisher for suggesting that Jews bear some responsibility for the continuance of American racism. And, while he studied leftist anti-Israel sentiments for decades — focusing on its origins after the Six Day War — he’s been utterly shocked by the virulence of anti-Israel sentiment on campuses since Oct. 7, 2023. In this packed interview, Dollinger addresses the nature of academic freedom, the importance of DEI work in Jewish communities and the lines between anti-Zionism and antisemitism. He also talks about his previous book Black Power, Jewish Politics and his forthcoming memoir of his campus intellectual battles. Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1 This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org . Special Guest: Marc Dollinger. Support Evolve Links: Read Marc Dollinger's Evolve essay: "Anti-Israel, Anti-Zionist, Antisemitic: Reflections on the San Francisco Bay Area (and beyond) after Oct. 7" Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter to stay up to date on the latest essays, videos and podcasts Support Evolve with a donation of $36 Register for the next Evolve Web Conversation: What If We Stopped Assuming That the Human Species is the Chosen Species? Buy Marc Dollinger's book, Black Power, Jewish Politics: Reinventing the Alliance in the 1960s Explore Evolve's essays about the Israel-Hamas war Explore Evolve's essays about antisemitism Read the open letter, "Brandeis University Press is silencing debate" Read Brandeis University Press' response letter

For a certain generation of Jewish Americans, Israel and the memory of the Holocaust represented twin pillars of civil religion, argues Louis Newman, a scholar of Jewish ethics and religion. While these pillars may have shown cracks for decades, Newman says they came crashing down on Oct. 7,2023. Israel had failed its most basic function: keeping Jews and all its inhabitants safe. What does a people do when its faith is shattered? What can we learn from our history? Where do we go from here? Newman discusses all this and more in a thought-provoking interview. The author of a new book on how to succeed in college also gives his take on campus antisemitism, anti-Israel protests and what colleges might do to restore both safety and the free exchange of ideas and expression. Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1 This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org . Special Guest: Louis Newman. Support Evolve Links: Read Louis Newman's Evolve essay, "Living in a Time of Shattered Faith" Where We Stand: The Reconstructionist Movement, Israel and Zionism Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter to stay up to date on the latest essays, videos and podcasts Support Evolve with a donation Explore Evolve's essays about the Israel-Hamas war Register for Evolve's upcoming web conversation, "The Right-Wing Extremists Are In Charge In Israel" — Rabbi Jonathan Kligler will discuss why he no longer supports a continuation of the war in Gaza despite his passionate commitment to a liberal, democratic Israeli state. Purchase Louis Newman's new book, "Thinking Critically in College" Read Louis Newman in Newsweek: "Look to the Liberal Arts to Lower the Temperature of Campus Culture Wars" Also by Louis Newman for Evolve, "The Other Jewish View of Forgiveness" Righteous Victims: A History of the Zionist-Arab Conflict, 1881-2001 1948: A History of the First Arab-Israeli War 1949: The First Israelis Palestine 1936: The Great Revolt and the Roots of the Middle East Conflict Read Rabbi Amy Eilberg's Evolve essay, "Lovingkindness in a Time of War" — Louis Newman is married to past Evolve guest and contributor Rabbi Amy Eilberg. Listen to Rabbi Amy Eilberg's Evolve interview, "Lovingkindness in a Time of War" — Louis Newman is married to previous Evolve guest and contributor, Rabby Amy Eilberg Book Review | Noah Feldman Explains Us To Ourselves

Rabbi Katie Mizrahi is a Zionist who was beyond devastated by Hamas’ mass killings, rape and kidnapping on October 7th. She reaffirms Israel’s right to defend itself. And she explains why she is opposed to how Israel has conducted its war and why she joined calls for a bilateral ceasefire. She expands on this line from her essay, “But here is the heart of the matter. I am not ready to become monstrous to defend my people from monsters.” We talk about the difficulty of interpreting events and the deluge of information and making informed decisions about where one stands. She shares how B’nai Havurah Denver Reconstructionist Congregation has responded these last seven months and how Zionists and anti-Zionist still inhabit the same community. Bryan and Rabbi Katie reminisce about what it was like to be in Israel in the 90s a time of hope and optimism. She shares her experience working against Israeli demolitions of Palestinian home and the trauma of witnessing the shooting of a Palestinian man. This episode is dedicated to Bryan’s late father, Robert. Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1 This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org . Special Guest: Rabbi Katie Mizrahi. Support Evolve Links: Read Rabbi Mizrahi's Evolve essay, "Zionist Rabbi For Ceasefire" Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter to stay up to date on the latest essays, videos and podcasts Explore Evolve's essays about the Israel-Hamas war Published in the Forward: "I run the Reconstructionist movement. We believe in Israel’s right to exist but reject litmus tests on Zionism" Read Reconstructing Judaism's public statements about the Israel-Hamas war Resources for Shavuot from Reconstructing Judaism The Art of Rebuke (a Sefaria source sheet) Sign up for Ritualwell's free Omer writing workshops Sign up for Ritualwell's in-person immersion, "Count On Telling Your Story"