Best Rabbi Ilan Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 66: Shabbat at Home - Hamotzi 1:03:14

3h ago1:03:14

1:03:14

This week, in our Shabbat at Home series, Eliana and Ellen consider the Midrashic possibilities of Hamotzi - the blessing over the challah. Topics include how challah holy-tizes all of our time, to tear or to cut, and which gardens grow bread trees. Plus, we listen to our favorite 90s Jewish hip hop classics! As partners with g?d in the act of crea…

1
S3 Ep23 Responding to Ilan Pappe 1:02:56

10h ago1:02:56

1:02:56

In response to Ellie's student reading on of Ilan's books, we take a tour of some of his claims and take his narrative of events to task in order to really understand the origins of Israel and the importance of nuance. Want more history? Go back and listen to this series from the beginning, as Winston Churchill once said “The farther back you can l…

1
S3 Ep 12 The History of War and The UN 56:53

11h ago56:53

56:53

This week Rabbi Spiro and Ellie are discussing the Jewish history and perspective on war and peace, the history of the UN and how Judeo-Christian values were the foundation stone upon which the rules of engagement were created. Want more history? Go back and listen to this series from the beginning, as Winston Churchill once said “The farther back …

1
S3 Ep 22 Iran 101 45:36

30d ago45:36

45:36

In this episode we are digging into the history of Iran and why they are the major agitator in the region and why it's important to address them as one of the central pillars of this conflict. Want more history? Go back and listen to this series from the beginning, as Winston Churchill once said “The farther back you can look, the farther forward y…

1
Episode 65: Opening the Treasure Box of Tradition (with Casper ter Kuile) 1:06:36

1M ago1:06:36

1:06:36

This week, we are elated to bring you our interview with Eliana and Casper ter Kuile. Casper is the author of The Power of Ritual, and the co-founder of Sacred Design Lab, Nearness and the podcast Harry Potter and the Sacred Text. We explore finding the sacred in the secular, where folks find spiritual community these days, and snuggling your dog a…

1
Special Shavuot Episode 46:06

2M ago46:06

46:06

Join Rabbi Spiro and Ellie as they discuss Shavout and what it means to be a Jewish people and how do we see this holiday as a reminder of our mission.

1
Episode 64: Shabbat at Home - Hand Washing 51:15

2M ago51:15

51:15

This week, in our Shabbat at Home series, Eliana and Josh explore the hand washing. Topics include taking ownership over rituals, the act of giving and receiving to and of ourselves, and hand washing as a mikvah moment. Plus, we listen to our favorite hand washing nigunim! Check out this week’s show notes and transcript @ lightlab.co/episode-64-han…

1
Episode 63: Creativity - Codeword for g?d (with Rabbi Adina Allen) 56:43

3M ago56:43

56:43

This week, we are elated to bring your our interview with Eliana and Rabbi Adina Allen. Rabbi Adina is co-founder and creative director of the Jewish Studio Project. We explore expressing the divine spark within us, how to sit with discomfort, and how to teach our 3rd grade selves that art is their birthright. Check out this week’s show notes and t…

1
S3 Ep21 Luxury Beliefs and Worldviews 53:14

3M ago53:14

53:14

What is it that the protestors are really fighting for? Western civilization is really what is being questioned and fought against, let's talk about how and why. Want more history? Go back and listen to this series from the beginning, as Winston Churchill once said “The farther back you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” so we ar…

1
Episode 62: SPARK - Pesach 1:02:14

4M ago1:02:14

1:02:14

Welcome to our spring SPARK! A more free-wheeling, connective conversation between our hosts that we hope sparks something new in you. In this SPARK, Eliana and Ellen explore our journey on the way to enoughness, binding our wounds, & the furry shapes prophets sometimes inhabit. Plus, we listen to some of our favorite songs for the season! Check ou…

1
S3 Ep20 Iran Missiles and Passover 39:43

4M ago39:43

39:43

Rabbi Ken Spiro and Ellie jump back on for a special episode discussion the game changing events of this last weekend as Iran fires directly on Israel, and how this relates to our history and the 3337th Seder that the Jewish people are about to partake in. Want more history? Go back and listen to this series from the beginning, as Winston Churchill…

1
S3 Ep19 What If Israel Loses? 57:25

4M ago57:25

57:25

What happens if God forbid Israel loses, and Hamas achieves its aims and wipes it out? What are the broader global implications of a Middle East with no Israel? Understanding this is key to understanding what is happening right now in that region and around the world. Want more history? Go back and listen to this series from the beginning, as Winst…

1
Episode 61: Turning Sorrows into Songs (with Rabbi Ilan Glazer) 1:04:26

5M ago1:04:26

1:04:26

This week, we are honored to bring your our interview with Eliana and Rabbi Ilan Glazer. Rabbi Ilan is the founder of Our Jewish Recovery, author of the award-winning And God Created Recovery: Jewish Wisdom to Help You Break Free From Your Addiction, Heal Your Wounds, and Unleash Your Inner Freedom, and a Shatterproof Ambassador and Family Program …

1
S3 Ep18 What is Islam and Radical Islam? 55:33

4M ago55:33

55:33

When we talk about Radical Islam what do we mean? In this episode we are trying to define our terms and understand some of the history of the Middle East, Hamas and Israel and what the west and the rest of the world mean when they use these terms. Want more history? Go back and listen to this series from the beginning, as Winston Churchill once sai…

1
Episode 60: Open-Source Judaism (with Aharon Varady) 1:12:06

5M ago1:12:06

1:12:06

This week, we are delighted to bring you our interview with Eliana and Aharon Varady. Aharon is the founding director and primary shammes of the Open Siddur Project. We explore the alchemy of a minyan, taking responsibility for your prayer, and how to make a container to cross-pollinate our own liturgical wisdom with other people. Check out this we…

1
S3 Ep 17 The History of The Clash between the IDF and the Charedi World 47:58

6M ago47:58

47:58

As the war continues on for more than 140 days, the tensions between the religious world and the secular in Israel are beginning to show up again, this time over the long history of who should serve in the army and all that entails. Want more history? Go back and listen to this series from the beginning, as Winston Churchill once said “The farther …

1
S3 Ep16 What is Peace? 59:55

6M ago59:55

59:55

When we say we want peace what does that mean? A ceasefire? Unicorns and rainbows? A tenuous pause or a lasting connection? In this episode Rabbi Spiro and Ellie discover what is the true meaning of peace from a Jewish perspective and what are the chances of "peace in the Middle East" now? Want more history? Go back and listen to this series from t…

1
Episode 59: Praying with One Kahal (with Batya Levine) 57:05

6M ago57:05

57:05

This week, we are ecstatic to bring you our interview with Eliana and Batya Levine. Batya (they/them) is a communal song leader, musician, shaliach tzibur (Jewish prayer leader), cultural organizer, and co-founder and the Director of Programs at Let My People Sing! We explore adversarial relationships with t’fillah, modeling pouring-out-your-heart …

1
Episode 58: Shabbat at Home - Kiddush 1:13:12

6M ago1:13:12

1:13:12

This week, in our Shabbat at Home series, Eliana and Ellen explore the Kiddush. Topics include the opening the Shabbat space/time portal, toasting time, and how to exercise our awe and wonder muscles. Plus, we listen to our favorite interpretations of the Kiddush! Check out this week’s show notes and transcript @ lightlab.co/episode-58-kiddush Foll…

1
S3 Ep 15 - The History of Hostages 1:04:05

6M ago1:04:05

1:04:05

Redeeming captives and hostages is not a new task in the annals of Jewish history. This discussion talks about what is a hostage vs a prisoner, what are some of the Jewish laws around negotiating for hostages release, and what is our history of getting them back and how does this help us understand what is happening today with over 102 hostages sti…

1
Episode 57: Nerding out on T’fillah (with Rabbi Josh Cahan) 53:49

7M ago53:49

53:49

This week, we are proud to bring you our interview with Eliana and Rabbi Josh Cahan. A t’fillah (prayer) educator in NYC, Josh compiled and edited the Yedid Nefesh bencher and is introducing the new Yedid Nefesh Haggadah this Spring. We explore the origin story of a t’fillah nerd, praying at sleepaway camp, and the challenges and opportunities of t…

1
Episode 53: Shabbat at Home - Shalom Aleichem 55:18

7M ago55:18

55:18

This week, in our second episode of our Shabbat at Home series, Eliana, Ellen, & Josh explore the liturgy of Shalom Aleichem. Topics include angels of good and evil at the table, different melodies used for the text, and what this poem sparks in us. Plus, we listen to our favorite versions of Shalom Aleichem! What is your favorite Friday night Shab…

1
Episode 56: Shabbat at Home - the Family Blessing 1:11:29

7M ago1:11:29

1:11:29

This week, in our third episode of our Shabbat at Home series, Eliana and Ellen explore the family blessings. Topics include the origin of this tradition, the Human-G?d-Compassion triumvirate of blessings, why should we want our kids to be like ephraim and Menashe, and how to choose your spouse anew each week. Plus, we listen to our favorite family…

1
S3 Ep 14 - Colonization in the Middle East - History and Perspectives 1:07:26

8M ago1:07:26

1:07:26

What is the history of colonization in the Middle East? Are the Arabs indigenous to the Middle East? Are the Jews? Join us as we trace back the more than 3000 years of colonization, empire building and settlement in the cradle of civilization. Want more history? Go back and listen to this series from the beginning, as Winston Churchill once said “T…

1
Episode 55: The Origins of Liturgy (with Ruth Langer Ph.D) 1:10:23

8M ago1:10:23

1:10:23

This week, we are proud to bring you our interview with Eliana and Rabbi Doctor Professor Ruth Langer. Professor Langer is a liturgy scholar and director of graduate studies at Boston College's Theology Department. We explore how liturgical change gets squashed, how the Talmud set the course for future liturgical halacha, and how prayers emerged th…

1
S3 Ep13 The History of War in Israel 53:42

8M ago53:42

53:42

From biblical to modern times what is the history of war in Israel? Rabbi Ken Spiro and Ellie Bass discuss the purpose of war Jewishly and what is it about Jewish ideology that makes us different when it comes to warfare? Want more history? Go back and listen to this series from the beginning, as Winston Churchill once said “The farther back you ca…

1
Episode 54: SPARK - Hanukkah Edition 59:57

9M ago59:57

59:57

Welcome to our second SPARK! A more free-wheeling, connective conversation between our hosts that we hope sparks something new in you. In this SPARK, Eliana, Ellen & Josh explore Hanukkah gematria, rituals that light up our lives, and spiritually exercises for the heart muscle. Plus, we listen to some of our favorite songs for the season! Are there…

1
S3 Ep 11 - End of Days Part 2 59:58

9M ago59:58

59:58

What is the war of Gog and Mgog? What is the Ishmaelite Exile? How does the question of what is truth relate to what is happening today and historically for the world and the Jewish people? This is Part 2 of the End of Days - Rabbi Spiro gives us a new/old way of looking at what is happening right now in terms of prophecy, history and Jewish theolo…

1
S3 Ep10 - The End of Days Part 1 38:12

9M ago38:12

38:12

Rabbi Spiro gives us a new/old way of looking at what is happening right now in terms of prophecy, history and Jewish theology. What is this unique time in history that we are a part of right now and how can we begin to understand it in the long arc of the Jewish story? Want more history? Go back and listen to this series from the beginning, as Win…

1
S3 Ep 9 - Israel Update Nov 11 2023 - The Jewish Questions 54:09

9M ago54:09

54:09

There is something trending on TikTok right now called JQ, The Jewish Question is a deeply laden paradigm that is both antisemitic and also goes to heart of how we understand ourselves as Jewish people, our mission and what is going on right now in the Middle East and around the world. Want more history? Go back and listen to this series from the b…

1
Israel Update November 7 2023 - Myths and Facts 53:18

9M ago53:18

53:18

This week Rabbi Spiro and Ellie are confronting some of the myths and facts surrounding the war with Hamas and in the media and on campuses around the world. Live from Jerusalem with Rabbi Ken Spiro and Ellie Bass this episode is an insider view and an overview of what is going on in Israel right now. Want more history? Go back and listen to this s…

1
Episode 52: Shabbat at Home - the Candles 54:40

10M ago54:40

54:40

This week, in our first episode of our Shabbat at Home series, Eliana, Ellen, & Josh explore lighting the Shabbat candles. Topics include why we light, different melodies used for the blessing, and what this blessing sparks in us. Plus, we listen to our favorite songs about lighting Shabbat candles! When does it start to feel like Shabbat for you? …

1
Israel Update October 18 2023 - Live from Israel with Rabbi Ken Spiro 51:46

10M ago51:46

51:46

Live from Jerusalem with Rabbi Ken Spiro and Ellie Bass this episode is an insider view and an overview of what is going on in Israel right now, some of the history and reasons behind it, what we can understand about the world and what’s coming based on history and how to help. See below in the liner notes for links mentioned in the episode. Want m…

1
Episode 51: Under the Torah and Dreaming (with Rabbi Jill Hammer) 53:15

10M ago53:15

53:15

This week, we are privileged to bring you our interview with Eliana and Rabbi Kohenet Jill Hammer, PhD. Hammer is an author, teacher, midrashist, mystic, poet, essayist, and priestess. We explore where to look for g?d, how to call on g?d, and the venn diagram of poetry and liturgy. Plus, we dive into Hammer’s new book, Undertorah! How can dreams im…

1
Israel Update October 11 2023 48:46

10M ago48:46

48:46

Live from Jerusalem with Rabbi Ken Spiro and Ellie Bass this episode is an insider view and an overview of what is going on in Israel right now, some of the history and reasons behind it, what we can understand about the world and what’s coming based on history and how to help. See below in the liner notes for links mentioned in the episode. Want m…

1
Episode 50: ORAH HI - Behind the Music 1:02:34

11M ago1:02:34

1:02:34

This week, Eliana, Ellen, & Josh go behind the music with Eliana’s new album: ORAH HI. Topics include how to make an album with friends, making Hebrew songs accessible, and accessing vulnerability through song. Plus, we learn about the magic behind these sweet new tracks! Is it more important to correctly conjugate g?d language or let the prayer fl…

1
Episode 49: SPARK - High Holidays 1:03:34

11M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

Welcome to our first SPARK! A more free-wheeling, connective conversation between our hosts that we hope sparks something new in you. In this SPARK, Eliana, Ellen & Josh explore re-returning, joyful prayer at Yom Kippur, and the courage to bring g?dly acts into the world. Plus, we listen to some of our favorite songs for the season! What is the sti…

1
S3 Ep 5 - The History of the Orthodox Jewish World Part 4 - Where do we go from here? 51:18

12M ago51:18

51:18

The finishing sweeping look as we finish this series on how the Orthodox Jewish world developed over time and we are now in Part 4 where we ask where we go from here, what is the purpose of the Jewish people and are we in survival mode forever or do we need to turn to a new sense of self and purpose. What is our Jewish hero story? Want more history…

1
Episode 48: Elohai N’tzor - End of the Amidah Journey 53:15

12M ago53:15

53:15

This week, Eliana, Ellen, & Josh explore the end of the Amidah journey. Topics include the Amidah as a personal AND communal experience, symbolism in the shape words take in our mouths, and license to create our own prayers. Plus, Josh and Coleen Dieker perform Elohai N'tzor live! Do written prayers inhibit your extemporaneous prayer experience? Ch…

1
S3 Ep4: The History of The Orthodox Jewish World Part 3 54:23

1y ago54:23

54:23

We are rounding out this series of discussion on how the Orthodox Jewish world developed over time and we are now in Part 3 where we begin from the ashes of the Shoah and see where we are now and how we got here. Want more history? Go back and listen to this series from the beginning, as Winston Churchill once said “The farther back you can look, t…

1
Episode 47: Shock-arit (with Billy Jonas) 1:19:34

1y ago1:19:34

1:19:34

This week, we are elated to bring you our interview with Billy Jonas. For over thirty years, Billy Jonas - performer, singer-songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, educator, and playful pray-er extraordinaire - has perfected the art of the neo-tribal hootenanny with audiences around the globe. Using voice, guitar, and industrial re-percussion…

1
S3 Ep 3 - The History of The Orthodox Jewish World Part 2 59:07

1y ago59:07

59:07

In this episode Rabbi Spiro begins to lead us along the timeline of how the Orthodox Jewish world developed over time from just before the beginning of World War 2 until the end of the Shoah. This is Part 2 please go back and listen to Part 1 to follow along this journey. Want more history? Go back and listen to this series from the beginning, as W…

1
Episode 46: Comfort and Courage (with Rabbi Sarit Horwitz) 1:04:48

1y ago1:04:48

1:04:48

This week, we are elated to bring you our interview with Rabbi Sarit Horwitz. Rabbi Sarit serves as clergy at Beth Shalom Synagogue in Memphis, TN. We explore creating opportunities for deep experiences in our communities, vulnerability in being a leader and pray-er, and that T’fillah is not meant to be a spectator sport. Did you learn your prayers…

1
S3 Ep 2: The History of the Orthodox World Part 1 44:34

1y ago44:34

44:34

In this episode Rabbi Spiro begins to lead us along the timeline of how the Orthodox Jewish world developed over time from the end of the First Temple until the present. This is Part 1. Want more history? Go back and listen to this series from the beginning, as Winston Churchill once said “The farther back you can look, the farther forward you are …

1
Episode 45: Shalom Rav (with Cantor Jeff Klepper) 1:05:41

1y ago1:05:41

1:05:41

This week, Eliana, Ellen, & Josh explore the afternoon and evening peace prayer, Shalom Rav, with our very special guest, Cantor Jeff Klepper! Topics include Burt’s bees, the 1960s, and Jeff’s Jewish journey. Plus we get to listen in to the composing of the classic melody for Shalom Rav. What a treat! Where are you feeling abundance in your life? C…

1
Episode 44: g?d is Here (with Rabbi Toba Spitzer) 59:54

1y ago59:54

59:54

This week we’re grateful to bring you Ellen and Eliana’s conversation with Rabbi Toba Spitzer, author of the book “God is Here: Reimagining the Divine.” Rabbi Spitzer takes us on a journey that includes Jewish liberation theology, playing dead (as in the grateful dead), liturgical gymnastics, and the three kinds of metaphors. Rabbi Spitzer’s work h…

1
Episode 43: Sim Shalom (with Rabbi Noah Diamondstein) 1:02:55

1+ y ago1:02:55

1:02:55

This week, Eliana & Ellen are joined by very special guest Rabbi Noah Diamondstein to explore Sim Shalom! We talk about “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once,” Paul Simon, the Force, and what “Shalom” is anyway. Plus, Noah shares the story behind his own beautiful melody for Sim Shalom and plays it for us live. What a treat! How is your “Shalom” tod…

1
Episode 42: What’s Next? (Amidah- V’al Kulam and Threefold Blessing) 52:02

1+ y ago52:02

52:02

This week, Ellen, Eliana, and Josh explore “v’al kulam” and the threefold blessing, bridging the gratitude and peace sections of the weekday Amidah. Topics include Glinda the good witch, gematria, Siddur differences (it’s a full bingo board!), g?d’s face, and the ancient art of duchenning. What is your blessing? Check out this week’s show notes @ l…

1
Episode 41: Joyous Justice (with April N. Baskin) 1:12:20

1+ y ago1:12:20

1:12:20

This week, we are honored to bring you our interview with organizer, coach, and leader April N. Baskin. April is the founder and CEO of Joyous Justice, a “multiracial community-powered social justice and spiritual transformation organization that seeds and leads systemic change and healing.” We explore the intersection of justice work and spiritual…

1
Episode 5: Thanks-Giving (Modim) Re-run 46:04

1+ y ago46:04

46:04

This week we’re re-airing episode 5 so “Modim Anachnu Lach” can take its rightful place in our Amidah journey! Josh, Ellen, and Eliana nerd out on Jewish-people-monikers, intertext, and gematria (numerology,) plus share our favorite melodies and Thanksgiving traditions. What a great excuse for gratitude! Check out this week’s show notes on our new …

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