Best Liberal Judaism Podcasts (2024)

1
Embracing God's Yes with Rev. Tuhina Verma Rasche 41:27

7h ago41:27

41:27

Reverend Tuhina Verma Rash, the theologian in residence for Faith and Public Life Action. Tuhina grew up in a Hindu family and is now a pastor with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, has done interfaith community organizing, research and pastoral work. She is now helping us build out our theology of change and articulate what it looks like…

1
Disagreeing with the Torah (Re'eh) 12:36

1d ago12:36

12:36

The Torah makes a grand pronouncement: Israelites should distance themselves physically and spiritually from neighboring peoples so as not to be tempted to "follow their ways." But how does this sit with modern, progressive Jews who believe in interfaith dialogue? Isn't it important to learn about other religious and cultural groups? In this episod…

1
Judaism is About Love (Ekev - A Conversation with Rabbi Shai Held) 54:49

5h ago54:49

54:49

Rabbi Shai Held is one of the most important thinkers in modern Jewish life. President and Dean of the Hadar Institute, he is a theologian, rabbi, educator, and author. In this interview, he joins Rabbi Micah Streiffer to talk about the Torah's command to love the stranger, and about the broader idea that Judaism is about love. Rabbi Held's latest …

1
Transformative Wisdom: Rev. Terry Williams on Important Work of Jesus 3:55

2h ago3:55

3:55

Rev. Terry Williams is Pastor of Orchard Hill United Church of Christ in Chillicothe and a Faith Organizer committed to equipping faith leaders to do justice in Ohio. An ordained minister of the United Church of Christ, Rev. Williams serves a congregation in Ross County, a rural community hit hard by the drug crisis that also is home to two of Ohio…

1
Bonus Episode: A Visit to Pine Ridge Reservation 20:22

4d ago20:22

20:22

In this bonus episode, Nahanni Rous shares stories from a trip to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Nahanni visits a solar energy training center, a skateboarding competition, and the annual Oglala Nation powwow, and meets people who are trying to build a better future, both by innovating and by reclaiming tradition. You can find C…

1
Saving Jewish Marriage: Coaching for Healthy Relationships (Season 7 Episode 18) 24:38

1h ago24:38

24:38

Rabbi Dr. Noam Weinberg joins Shoshanna and Anne to explain the toxicity and dysfunctionality facing too many couples and families in our community. Importantly, he also offers tips and tools to help people avoid these pitfalls. Music: "Misery" by The WhipsBy Anne Gordon and Shoshanna Keats-Jaskoll

1
Building an Authentic Democracy with Rep. Angie Nixon 23:23

6d ago23:23

23:23

Rep. Angie Nixon is a force to be reckoned with. She is always on the go-- whether that is in Tallahassee advocating for constituents or knocking doors to help fellow candidates run for office. As a former organizer, and current state representative, Nixon joined us from a hot summer afternoon in FL and spoke with us about the work happening in Tal…

1
Transformative Wisdom: Rev. Dr. Susan Smith and Peacekeepers Ohio 4:34

6d ago4:34

4:34

As faith leaders and social workers, we are uniquely equipped to help keep Ohio elections peaceful and safe for everyone. Our society and political landscape has become more divisive and partisan than ever before. In situations of anxiety, tensions can easily rise. To keep voters safe, we must be prepared to de-escalate instances of harassment or v…

1
Lessons Learned from the Women's March with Noor Mir 32:12

13d ago32:12

32:12

Noor Mir is a DC-based digital strategist, advocate and dynamic leader from the Women’s March. She offers perspective on what progressive spaces can do to be more inclusive towards Muslim women like herself, and how her work digitally gave her a front row seat to the disinformation campaigns that came to a head in the January 6 insurrection. This c…

1
How the Israeli Army Shapes Jewish Identity 1:08:07

24d ago1:08:07

1:08:07

Imagine a national army that serves not just to defend a country but to shape its very identity—welcome to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). We promise to unravel the reasons behind the Haredim's refusal to serve in the IDF, exploring the army's role in promoting Zionist ideology and its mission to culturally and ideologically reform its soldiers. …

1
Plus ça change... (Season 7 Episode 17) 24:02

1M ago24:02

24:02

Sometimes, all the progress lands society right back at the beginning. Just ask the women who would like to be on Israel's committee to select rabbis. Or the female tank soldiers. Or the liberal left who would never tolerate discrimination, except when it comes to Orthodox women. Anne and Shoshanna review the things that have changed, but remained …

1
Transformative Wisdom: Michele Eiger and Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism 4:19

23d ago4:19

4:19

For more than six decades, the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (the RAC) has worked to educate, inspire, and mobilize the Reform Jewish community to advocate for social justice. They mobilize around federal, state, provincial, and local legislation on more than 70 pressing socioeconomic issues, including gun violence prevention, immigrati…

1
Knowing When to Step Aside (Pinchas) 12:30

1M ago12:30

12:30

In this portion, Moses faces the prospect of his own death. The Midrash paints a picture of him as a leader who both struggles with own mortality and cares deeply about the welfare of the people he leads. We explore these messages, comparing them with contemporary events. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASO…

1
The Journey of Unpredictability with Brad Onishi 47:03

27d ago47:03

47:03

Brad Onishi is a former evangelical youth pastor, now podcast host, professor, and author of Preparing for War, a book that examines the role that churches played in the January 6 insurrection. Brad's history with wrestling with theology and the political implications makes for a nuanced conversation on everything from seeing the Imago Dei in one a…

1
Transformative Wisdom: Imam Trina Jackson and the Power of Prayer 3:59

1M ago3:59

3:59

All are welcome at eTJC Unity Mosques spaces for prayer, community, reflection, and discussion which affirm and include all. ETJC Unity Mosques are places of healing for everyone ETJC Unity Mosques are safe spaces for everyone to worship, commune, and just be. We celebrate pluralism and diversity enshrined in 49:13 of the Quran. ETJC Unity Mosques …

1
The Platinum Rule with Dr. Pamela Ayo Yetunde 39:49

1M ago39:49

39:49

Dr. Pamela Ayo Yetunde is the author of Casting Indra’s Net and Black & Buddhist. She is a theologian, scholar, and chaplain wrestling with issues of racism, resilience and personal freedom and how using mindfulness practices contributes to our liberation. Dr. Yetunde unpacks her faith journey and exploring what she calls ‘The Platinum Rule’ which …

1
The Hasidic Rebbe Calling for a Feminist Revolution: Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Gottlieb (Season 7 Episode 16) 39:53

2M ago39:53

39:53

Known for his revolutionary - and often controversial - TikTok videos calling out the worst in frum society, Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Gottlieb chats with Shoshanna and Anne on kabala, his worldview, and why women must keep fighting for Torah to win.By Anne Gordon and Shoshanna Keats-Jaskoll

1
Beware the Demagogue (Korach) 12:38

2M ago12:38

12:38

Korach claims that "all the people are holy," but his actions seem to be less about the people and more about his own interests. In that sense, he reminds us of some politicians we know today. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit either www.patreon.com/seven…

1
Transformative Wisdom: Michelle Grimsley Shindano and Black in Repro 2:56

2M ago2:56

2:56

Black in Repro is a workgroup in the Floridians for Reproductive Freedom coalition that is made up of Black organizers, political operatives, consultants, providers, founders, community organizations, and experts in contraceptive access, abortion and prenatal doula care, policymaking, youth engagement, strategy, event planning and more. They aim to…

1
You Don't Know What Someone Else is Thinking (Sh'lach Lecha) 12:54

2M ago12:54

12:54

The Torah's famous story of the "scouts" is a pivotal moment - the beginning of the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. But what did the scouts do wrong? We take a look at a Midrash that suggests that, in part, it was because they made assumptions about what the people of the land were thinking about them. We talk about the cognitive distortio…

1
Episode 114: Can We Talk? 2023-24 Season Wrap 27:17

2M ago27:17

27:17

In this episode of Can We Talk?, Jen, Nahanni, and Judith recap the past two seasons of the podcast, in which we entered the uncharted territory of a post-October 7 world. We discuss our approach to creating episodes about Jewish women’s responses to the attack on Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza, while still making space to tell stories about ot…

1
Moving Beyond Thoughts and Prayers with Representative Jim Clyburn 39:30

2M ago39:30

39:30

While many know him as a political powerhouse and active member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Jim Clyburn joined us for a conversation on how his faith informed his desire for public service and coming from a family of ministers. He convenes the Democratic Faith Working Group in the House of Representatives, a multi faith group of congres…

1
Would That All God's People Were Prophets (B'ha-alot'cha - encore) 10:48

2M ago10:48

10:48

This parashah tells about a strange incident in which two Israelites prophesy "illicitly." Moses's reaction to them teaches something important about leadership and listening. (Encore from 2022.) --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit either www.patreon.com/se…

1
70 Faces of Torah (Naso) 14:58

3M ago14:58

14:58

A midrash says that the Torah is "one" but has seventy faces. We explore how Jewish life sits at the intersection of unity and pluralism. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit either www.patreon.com/sevenminutetorah (for per-episode contribution) OR https://l…

1
Episode 113: Getting Out Of Gaza 29:32

3M ago29:32

29:32

Since Hamas’s brutal attack on Israeli civilians on October 7, Can We Talk? has focused on Israeli women’s responses to the war. In this episode, we turn our attention to Gaza, where Israel’s sustained bombardment has taken a terrible toll—tens of thousands of people have been killed, nearly two million people have been displaced, and the medical s…

1
Laughter: When All You Want to Do Is Cry/Yell/Scream (Season 7 Episode 15) 26:32

3M ago26:32

26:32

When Avi was called up on October 7 (for 5 of the next 8 months), his wife, Bazy, became a "Milu-Ima" (a reservist is called a miliumnik). Home with 4 beloved children and an uncountable number of diapers to change, Bazy was one of 70 women in comparable situations in her neighborhood alone. She set out to do something for her neighbors... and her …

1
Trailer 1:21

3M ago1:21

1:21

To see more episodes of Wrestling Out Loud: Faith and Liberation and see more of Faith in Public Life Action's work visit www.fplaction.comBy Faith in Public Life Action

1
The Questions that Make Up Jewish Life (B'midbar - A Conversation with Rabbi Mark Washofsky) 1:01:43

3M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

In this interview episode, Micah talks with Rabbi Mark Washofsky about B'midbar, the opening parsha of the book of Numbers. They discuss the census in the desert, why it takes place and what it says about Jewish life. And they go on to talk about a variety of related topics around Reform Judaism and halakhah (Jewish law). Rabbi Washofsky is the aut…

1
Episode 112: Oral History Showcase: Mollie's Fight for Gay Rights 16:57

3M ago16:57

16:57

Dr. Mollie Wallick didn't set out to be a gay rights activist; she stumbled into the role in 1983, when she was a guidance counselor at Louisiana State University’s medical school in New Orleans. In this episode of Can We Talk?, you’ll hear excerpts from Mollie’s 2005 interview for the “Women Who Dared” oral history project. As we kick off Pride Mo…

1
Is This What God wants? With Shoshanna Keats-Jaskoll 1:59:13

3M ago1:59:13

1:59:13

Shoshanna Keats-Jaskoll has a deep end insightful conversation with Sony Perlman of Brainstorm Podcast on how we've outsourced our Judaism, and gone far from the source.By Anne Gordon and Shoshanna Keats-Jaskoll

1
Are We in Exile? (Behar and Bechukotai) 15:58

3M ago15:58

15:58

Is Jewish life supposed to be lived in the land of Israel? Can you live a fulfilling and meaningful life in diaspora? How do we, as liberal Jews, relate to the traditional Jewish notion of "exile?" We explore some midrash on the topic. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this …

1
For Whom is the Light? (Emor) 11:48

4M ago11:48

11:48

In this week's Torah portion, God asks the people to provide a Ner Tamid - an eternal light - in the sanctuary. But does God need a light? And by extension, does God need our rituals and prayers? We look at some midrash and explore the question: Who are our rituals for? --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK.…

1
Episode 111: Ladino Makes a Comeback 22:29

4M ago22:29

22:29

Segun el tiempo, se abolta la vela. That’s a Ladino saying that means, “According to the weather, shift your sail.” And it's an apt way of describing Ladino's recent comeback. Ladino—or Judeo-Spanish—the language spoken by Sephardic Jews in Turkey, Greece and North Africa, saw a major decline after the Holocaust destroyed communities of native spea…

1
People's College for the Liberation of Palestine: U.S. Jews on Campus (Season 7 Episode 14) 45:09

4M ago45:09

45:09

Even as the war rages in Israel, American campuses have become a whole other front line. Anne and Shoshanna speak to two US college students about their experiences of antisemitism and anti-Zionism on campus, and marvel at the strength of these incredible young people. Music: "Misery" by The WhipsBy Anne Gordon and Shoshanna Keats-Jaskoll

1
Who Is My Neighbor? (Kedoshim) 14:06

4M ago14:06

14:06

The Torah commands: "Love your neighbor as yourself?" But who is the neighbor that I'm commanded the love? The answer is not straightforward. In fact, it's one of the great debates of Judaism. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit either www.patreon.com/seven…

1
Yom Kippur in May?? (Achrei Mot - encore) 11:48

4M ago11:48

11:48

Sacrifice? Demons? A scapegoat?? This parashah describes the strange, levitical practices of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. What meaning is there to be found for modern Jewish life in this ancient, priestly ritual? --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit eit…

1
Episode 110: Oral History Showcase: Leni's Ladino Legacy 20:26

4M ago20:26

20:26

Lenora LaMarche, better known as Leni, was born in 1921 in the Sephardic Jewish community in Seattle, Washington, after her parents moved there from Rhodes, looking for better economic opportunities. She grew up speaking Ladino, and for over 30 years, she wrote a Ladino column in her synagogue newspaper called "Bavajadas de Ben Adam"—people’s fooli…

1
That Ancient Ritual of Liberation 16:56

4M ago16:56

16:56

Rabbi Tova Leibovic-Douglas does a solo mini episode on Passover, Liberation, and what our souls must move through in order to potentially shift during this holiday. What is the point of cleaning out Hametz or bread products, if we are not cleaning out the inner-hametz of our personal pantries in our souls? The goal of these rituals are to get us t…

1
If the Hostages Aren't Home by Pesach, What's a Holiday of Freedom? (Season 7 Episode 13) 39:09

4M ago39:09

39:09

How can we celebrate when our people are in captivity? Yet, Passover isn't cancelled this year, even if you feel it should be, so how do we make sense of it? In what is now an annual pre-Passover episode to help boost our seder experience, Anne and Shoshanna talk to Dr. Tammy Jacobowitz about how to approach the holiday this very difficult year. Mu…

1
Lessons from Leprosy (Metzora) 13:46

5M ago13:46

13:46

How often do we dehumanize or ostracize people who are suffering from disease, poverty, mental health challenges, etc? This week we focus on some Midrash surrounding how you're supposed to treat people afflicted with leprosy. The Rabbis find some surprising and affirming messages embedded in this strange Torah portion. -----------------------------…

1
Episode 109: Oral History Showcase: Ronya's Liberation Story 21:27

5M ago21:27

21:27

When Ronya Schwaab was a young girl, the highlight of her year was preparing for Pesach—the snow was melting, and she got to help bake matzos. Ronya was born in 1909 in Belarus. She grew up amidst the violence and antisemitism of World War I and the Russian Revolution, and immigrated to America as a teenager. As an adult, Ronya devoted her life to …

1
Can We Cut An Ancient Ritual?- Eliyahu Ungar-Sargon 59:11

5M ago59:11

59:11

The Ritual House host, Tova Leibovic-Douglas and Eliyahu Ungar-Sargon (The Ritual House sound editor!) discuss the tension of when there is a ritual that no longer works for you- how do you cope? What do you do? The episode focuses on the ancient jewish ritual of Brit-Milah. They differ on their conclusions and discuss these differences at length. …

1
The Healing Power of Presence (Tazria - encore) 10:12

5M ago10:12

10:12

Tazria is about scaly skin disease and priestly diagnosis. But when we examine it through the Rabbis' eyes, it is about our responsibility to each other in times of suffering. We explore a story from the Talmud that helps drive home that idea. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production …

1
No, Serving in the IDF Is NOT Worse Than Being Killed by Hamas (Season 7 Episode 12) 23:41

5M ago23:41

23:41

Six months into Israel's war with Hamas, and nearly all sectors of Israeli society are feeling it, but extended army service and a sadly rising death toll have turned Israeli attention to the Haredim who (for the most part) do not serve in the IDF. Much of Israel is irate, but with the yeshiva exemptions newly canceled, Haredim are irate too. Anne …

1
Creating Space With Ritual- Dr. Lori Baudino 46:35

5M ago46:35

46:35

The Ritual House host, Tova Leibovic-Douglas and Dr. Lori Baudino discuss the art of creating space wherever one is. Dr. Baudino shares her personal creative way of creating space with clients, when traveling and anywhere in between. How does one do this as themselves with fluidity and boundaries? What are the rituals for creating a space? They dis…

1
Don't eat that! Or do... it's up to you (Sh'mini) 13:35

5M ago13:35

13:35

Sh'mini outlines the laws of kashrut - which animals traditionally may and may not be eaten in Judaism. How does liberal Judaism approach the rules and traditions around keeping kosher in modern Jewish life? --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit either www.pa…

1
Episode 108: Queer Klezmer with Isle of Klezbos 20:38

5M ago20:38

20:38

A lot of people love klezmer music and know that it made a big comeback a few decades ago. But not a lot of people know that the klezmer revival of the '70s and '80s was connected to queer Jewish liberation. In this episode of Can We Talk?, we’ll hear about how queer activism fits into the klezmer revival story from Eve Sicular, the drummer and lea…

1
Bonus Episode: The Nightingale of Iran 33:55

5M ago33:55

33:55

Last time on Can We Talk?, we spoke with Danielle and Galeet Dardashti about their new podcast, The Nightingale of Iran, which tells the story of their Persian family's musical legacy. Now, we're sharing the whole first episode with you. Enjoy!By Jewish Women's Archive

1
Talmud, It's A Ritual- Rabbi Igael Gurin-Malous 1:07:30

5M ago1:07:30

1:07:30

The Ritual House host, Tova Leibovic-Douglas and Igael Gurin-Malous (Iggy) have an in depth conversation about all things ritual in relation to cultivating a personal spiritual practice as well as engaging with Talmud. Iggy shares his personal long term ritual of studying Talmud and how it has walked with him throughout his life in all it's stages.…

1
We Need Each Other (Tzav) 10:06

5M ago10:06

10:06

In this portion we find an obscure rule about the thanksgiving offering: it must be eaten on the day that it is offered. Turns out there is an important lesson there about our need for community. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit either www.patreon.com/se…

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