Best Reuven Spolter Podcasts (2024)

1
Summer Round Robin 40:16

22d ago40:16

40:16

By Mali Brofsky, Johnny Solomon and Reuven Spolter

1
Orthodox Kids on the Secular College Campus 1:02:22

2M ago1:02:22

1:02:22

In episode 153 - recorded about two weeks ago - of the RZ Weekly Podcast, we tackle the pressing issue of how Orthodox Jewish students deal with overt antisemitism on secular college campuses. We discuss the harrowing experiences of many these students who have been singled out and threatened in response to the war in Gaza., and examine the challen…

1
Leil Shimurim 5784 - Reacting to the Iranian Attack 47:41

3M ago47:41

47:41

WHAT JUST HAPPENED? Following the Iranian drone and ballistic missile attack on Israel, the RZWeekly team came together to discuss how they are processing that event, and how they are trying to connect to the mood of Pesach despite all the many other things going on.By Mali Brofsky, Johnny Solomon and Reuven Spolter

1
HaRav Tamir Granot: The Pride of Serving in the IDF 1:00:48

4M ago1:00:48

1:00:48

This episode begins with some heart-wrenching personal perspectives following the week of mourning of Daniel Perez hy’d, and then proceeds with an analysis of Rav Tamir Granot’s powerful and heartfelt remarks to Chief Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef’s hurtful comments.By Mali Brofsky, Johnny Solomon and Reuven Spolter

1
Dealing with our (strong) feelings about the Chareidi Community 53:17

6M ago53:17

53:17

In this episode we do not discuss chareidim serving in the IDF. However, what we do discuss are our feelings towards the fact that chareidi yeshiva students are not serving in the IDF because they are learning Torah, while Religious Zionist yeshiva students are having their Torah learning cut short because they are needed on the battlefield. How do…

1
A Growing Rift? 58:37

6M ago58:37

58:37

In this episode of RZWeekly we examine the current emotional undertone within Israel and the related attitudes and daily experiences of Israelis, while comparing this with how many Jews in the diaspora – often under the influence of the general media - are relating to and interpreting current events in Israel. Given these differences, is the Jewish…

1
The Mother of the Soldier inside Gaza 58:57

7M ago58:57

58:57

In this episode, Mali provides a powerful and personal insight on what it means to be the mother of an active soldier who is fighting 'inside' Gaza. And she offers some insights about how to support those whose children and spouses are fighting.By Mali Brofsky, Johnny Solomon and Reuven Spolter

1
Defining Gevurah 56:54

8M ago56:54

56:54

What is Jewish heroism? How do Israelis blend gentle values with physical strength so that they are strong on the battlefield and yet sensitive at the same time? Why are some Jews uncomfortable with the image of the strong Jew? In this episode we ask whether our long exile prompted us to define strength in purely spiritual terms and how the current…

1
Shattered Paradigms 52:58

9M ago52:58

52:58

While we still shudder from what took place on October 7th, and while our sons and daughters fight for the security of our people and our land, as well as the release of 240 hostages, the topic of our latest episode of RZWeekly is 'Shattered Paradigms' where we consider what has changed, in terms of outlook and policy, both in Israel and beyond.…

1
Coping with Loss and War 47:45

10M ago47:45

47:45

Yesterday evening the RZWeekly team recorded an emergency episode to explain what is going on in Israel and to offer some coping mechanisms to all those who are feeling overwhelmed. This is a sombre episode, but perhaps the most important we’ve ever recorded.By Mali Brofsky, Johnny Solomon and Reuven Spolter

1
Unpacking the Unthinkable 59:40

10M ago59:40

59:40

In this emergency edition of RZWeekly, we respond to the disrupted Yom Kippur prayer service in Dizengoff square, we discuss the fears and fearmongering concerning public spaces, religious power, and Jewish identity in Israel, and we try and offer a broader perspective of what the present is and what the future may bring.…

1
Contemplating Kohelet 39:08

10M ago39:08

39:08

David Curwin recently published Kohelet: A Map to Eden - An Intertextual Journey. We invited him to join us on the podcast to speak about what motivated him to write the book, what does 'Intertextual' mean, and why does he think the book of Kohelet, which is a hard read, is so relevant today. Give a listen.…

1
RZ Soapbox and Playlist 1:02:46

11M ago1:02:46

1:02:46

In our last recording for 5783, titled ‘SOAPBOX AND PLAYLIST’ each of us metaphorically ‘stand on our soapbox’ to share something on our mind to which the others then respond, afterwhich we each shared 2-3 Elul playlist songs which speak to us (see comments for links). Wishing all our listeners a Shana Tova and, as always, please feel free to let u…

1
The End of Innocence? 1:04:14

12M ago1:04:14

1:04:14

The RZ hosts discussed a challenging article that recently appeared in Mekor Rishon claiming that the time has come for the Religious Zionists to take control of their destiny after decades of being deligitimized (in the author’s eyes) by the secular leadership in Israel govenment and society. This led to a spirited discussion about what tactics ar…

1
Toning it Down 50:21

1y ago50:21

50:21

Is Israel facing a civil war, or is there a way to move forward as a society in a civil way? In response to a recent article interview with Rabbi David Stav where he asked that leaders tone down the aggressive rhetoric as we begin the month of Av, a period that we inherently associate with internal strife, the RZWeekly team reflect on how to find h…

1
2023 Summer Culture Edition 51:36

1y ago51:36

51:36

What are we looking forward to doing this summer? In this episode, Reuven, Mali and Johnny share some suggestions about what to read, watch and do in 'bein hazmanim'.By Mali Brofsky, Johnny Solomon and Reuven Spolter

1
Dangers and Delights of Digital Torah 1:00:57

1y ago1:00:57

1:00:57

Nowadays, Torah educators and scholars worldwide are not only using but are actually relying on digital Torah databases to prepare their classes. However, while these databases are remarkable in terms of speed and accessibility, their use raises a variety of educational and, in some instances, ideological questions. Recently, Sefaria proudly announ…

1
Am Levadad with Rabbi Alan Haber 1:03:49

1y ago1:03:49

1:03:49

Rabbi Alan Haber has recently launched a series of online educational videos under the title Am Levadad where he explores the Jewish National mission and the centrality of Israel to Jewish faith. In the latest episode of RZWeekly we interviewed Rabbi Haber to discuss this initiative and why he feels these ideas are so crucial for all Jews.…

1
Religious Zionism and the Israel Protests 1:02:37

1y ago1:02:37

1:02:37

How are Religious Zionists feeling, on what side are they protesting, and what is actually being said within various Religious Zionist communities regarding the judicial reform propositions? In this refreshingly insightful episode, the RZWeekly team analyse the more subtle discourse, which you won’t read about in the media, about what different Rel…

1
Remembering the Rav 53:59

1+ y ago53:59

53:59

In this episode marking the 30th yahrzeit of the Rav and his 120th birthday, Mali offers a range of nuanced insights about the Rav based on her article ‘The Rav’s Enduring Pedagogical Relevance’ (which is included in the recently published special edition of the Tradition journal), while Reuven and Johnny offer their thoughts about what made the Ra…

1
Why Yoni Can't Read: An Interview with Simi Peters 1:06:41

1+ y ago1:06:41

1:06:41

According to a recently published article by noted educator and author Simi Peters on 18forty, notwithstanding the significant costs and alleged high standards of Jewish schools, there has been a sharp decline in recent years in the Torah skills of Jewish men and women with many being unable to access Torah in its original Hebrew. In this episode w…

1
Innocents Abroad: Johnny Discovers America 1:02:43

1+ y ago1:02:43

1:02:43

Not having visited the New York/New Jersey area, R’ Johnny’s recent speaking tour gave him the opportunity to learn more about many of the Jewish communities that he only knew from a distance. In this edition of RZWeekly, he shares ten different insights which, though not necessarily limited to these communities, were particularly visible to him du…

1
Judicial Reform in Israel: Quit Pushing Your Agenda! 55:40

1+ y ago55:40

55:40

What are the judicial changes that are being proposed and pushed forward in Israel? Why are they being rushed through so quickly? What is the basis of the opposition to the plan? We addresses these and other questions in the latest episode of RZWeekly (or, ‘RZ’ for short 😉)By Johnny Solomon, Mali Brofsky and Reuven Spolter

1
Rav Drukman and his Legacy 1:17:33

1+ y ago1:17:33

1:17:33

Rabbi Haim Drukman was a teacher and leader whose life achievements are nothing short of outstanding. This episode of RZWeekly begins with an interview with R’ Naftali Kandler who both studied from and worked alongside Rabbi Druckman for many years, and it continues with a discussion between Reuven, Mali and Johnny about Rav Druckman’s achievements…

1
What's Ailing Modern Orthodoxy? 59:48

1+ y ago59:48

59:48

This week’s episode of RZWeekly begins with Mali telling us what she thinks about the recent Netflix series about Harry and Megan. We then discuss the opportunities and limitations of Modern Orthodox Jews engaging in the wider world and especially in sports and where to draw the line in terms of professional success and Shabbat observance and how i…

1
Bridging the Divide with Rabbi Yitzchak Blau 44:30

1+ y ago44:30

44:30

In recent months, Rabbi Yitzie Blau has started writing English summaries on his Facebook feed of important articles/discussions found in Mekor Rishon (which is the premier Religious Zionist newspaper in Israel). This has led us to consider why it is important for English speakers in the Diaspora to be aware of some of the conversations being had i…

1
The Legacy of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks 1:09:44

1+ y ago1:09:44

1:09:44

In commemoration of Rabbi Sacks’ 2nd yahrzeit, we dedicated this episode of RZWeekly to explore the legacy of Rabbi Sacks, why his teachings resonate with so many people, and how his books and teachings are now being learnt and engaged with within Israeli society.By Johnny Solomon, Mali Brofsky and Reuven Spolter

1
Israel Election Edition 50:50

1+ y ago50:50

50:50

Did Religious Zionism just win? Or lose? This week we discuss the success of the new Religious Zionist party, the reasons for its rise, and how we feel about it. We also discuss the reactions from Jews around the world to the rise of Itamar Ben Gvir, and the possible disconnect between Jews in Israel and those in the Diaspora.…

1
Pondering Post-Modernism - Fixed Audio Version 1:04:11

2y ago1:04:11

1:04:11

Dr. Yoel Finkelman recently wrote an article in Mekor Rishon which explored the meaning of post-modernism and which challenged the way this term is used by many Religious Zionist leaders. In this episode of RZWeekly we interview Dr. Finkelman,discussing with him why he wrote his article, what post-modernism really is, whether it is possible to reco…

1
Pondering Post-Modernism 1:04:11

2y ago1:04:11

1:04:11

Dr. Yoel Finkelman recently wrote an article in Mekor Rishon which explored the meaning of post-modernism and which challenged the way this term is used by many Religious Zionist leaders. In this episode of RZWeekly we interview Dr. Finkelman,discussing with him why he wrote his article, what post-modernism really is, whether it is possible to reco…

1
5782 Final Reflections 41:18

2y ago41:18

41:18

In this final episode of RZWeekly for 5782, each of us shares a thought that has been on our mind. Mali asks what lessons can we learn from the recent Royal Funeral about beauty, grandeur, royalty, and how those lessons apply to Rosh Hashana. Reuven discusses how can we remain cognizant of the core values that inspired previously established Jewish…

1
Is Monarchy Meaningful? 1:00:30

2y ago1:00:30

1:00:30

How should we relate to royalty: in general, and in today’s age? In the latest edition of RZWeekly, two of us reflect upon royalty through the prism of the great contributions of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, while one of us is more skeptical of the whole enterprise.By Johnny Solomon, Mali Brofsky and Reuven Spolter

1
Elul Habits and Customs 45:25

2y ago45:25

45:25

Which Elul customs do you do? Do you try and say ‘LeDavid’ each day? Or is it your practice to visit kivrei tzaddikim? Or do you take time to make a tally for any tzedakah that you may not have given during the year? In this episode of RZWeekly we share our customs and habits of Elul and discuss the ways in which we try and get ourselves ready for …

1
Thinking about Elul 39:28

2y ago39:28

39:28

As we approach the Yamim Noraim, we at RZ Weekly decided to dedicate our first episode after the summer break to sharing Torah thoughts and insights relating to Ellul and the High Holy Days, and in particular, how we are working to get into the groove of this special time of year.By Johnny Solomon, Mali Brofsky and Reuven Spolter

1
Should Jews Visit Har Habayit? 56:39

2y ago56:39

56:39

Har Habayit: Have you visited, and if so what was it like? If you haven’t, what are your reasons for not doing so? What has contributed to the sharp rise in numbers visiting Har HaBayit in recent years? These are the questions that we discussed in the latest episode of RZWeekly which led to a riveting conversation. Listen. Enjoy. And we look forwar…

1
Waking our Teens to Daven? 59:26

2y ago59:26

59:26

According to R’ Chaim Navon, Religious Zionist teenagers aren’t who they used to be. Rather than waking up with a spring in their step to serve their Creator and to live an industrious life, they wake up late morning or early afternoon; rather than adhering to the demands of their school, their schools now need to meet the demands of these students…

1
Halachah and Mental Health: An Interview with Rav Yoni Rosensweig 42:57

2y ago42:57

42:57

Following the recent publication of ‘Nafshi B’She’elati: The Halakhot of Mental Health’, the RZ Weekly team were thrilled to interview Rav Yoni about the work that he and Dr. Shmuel Harris have done in creating a new genre of halachic writing that responds to the serious questions of those experiencing mental health challenges. In our conversation …

1
Searching for God in Modern Orthodoxy 59:36

2y ago59:36

59:36

Do Modern Orthodox Jews know what they believe about God? Why is there so little ‘God-talk’ in Modern Orthodoxy? And why, given the huge contribution of great Modern Orthodox teachers - like Rav Aharon Lichtenstein and Rabbi Jonathan Sacks - to contemporary Jewish thought and philosophy, have so few Modern Orthodox Jews committed themselves to unde…

1
Religious Zionism and Messianism 55:23

2y ago55:23

55:23

Has the messianic fervor that inspired so many Religious Zionists in the past waned or disappeared? What are the causes of this messianic phenomenon? How should we personally relate to the question of messianism in our current reality? Listen to the latest episode of RZWeekly where we discuss all these questions – and more.…

1
Crossing Red Lines at 929 47:50

2+ y ago47:50

47:50

A recent controversy in Israel erupted around the choice of Lucy Aharish to moderate a panel at the 929 convention. In this episode we explore this question, the nature of the 929 project, and ask why one respected Religious Zionist Rabbi participated in the panel while others were highly critical, and whether the decision to invite Aharish crossed…

1
The Passing of a Gadol 57:42

2+ y ago57:42

57:42

In what differing ways do Chareidim and Religious Zionists relate to gedolim? Who was Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt’l to Religious Zionists, and how should they relate to his death? In this episode we reflect on the life and death of Rav Kanievsky, as well as what we can learn from the outpouring of respect and affection seen at his funeral.…

1
Women's Gemara in Decline? 51:20

2+ y ago51:20

51:20

Following the appearance of recent online posts discussing a steady decline in the applications of young American women to Midrashot (Seminaries) in Israel that emphasise Gemara study, the latest edition of RZWeekly considers the possible factors for this decline, and what this says about changing trends about Torah study by women.…

1
The Rav Melamed Controversy 1:06:38

2+ y ago1:06:38

1:06:38

What is the basis for the coordinated attack on the rulings of Rabbi Eliezer Melamed? What is it about the rulings found in ‘Peninei Halacha’ that worries, or threatens, so many rabbis who are seemingly part of the same ideological camp as Rabbi Melamed? In the latest episode of RZWeekly we consider the various factors driving the objections to Rab…

1
Shlichut in Chutz La'aretz 50:47

2+ y ago50:47

50:47

Why do Israeli families go on Shlichut? What is it like to move into and to take a leading role within a community that you don’t know for a period of 3 years? And do Shlichim serve as a bridge between various different communal institutions? Please listen to our latest edition of RZWeekly where Johnny and Reuven speak with Oded Pe’er who, along wi…

1
Tik Tok, Torah and the Modern Orthodox Community 57:43

2+ y ago57:43

57:43

Why are so many Modern Orthodox people talking about Miriam Anzovin’s tik-tok daf yomi videos? Are there things we can learn from their success? And does our infatuation with these videos point to weaknesses or failings in the Modern Orthodox community?By Johnny Solomon, Mali Brofsky and Reuven Spolter

1
Dara Horn, Dead Jews and Anti-Semitism 1:01:24

2+ y ago1:01:24

1:01:24

According to Dara Horn, “People Love Dead Jews”. The question we discuss in the latest episode of RZWeekly is what Horn means by this, as well as what other central themes regarding Anti-Semitism and the Jewish experience Dara Horn explores. Is she correct? If so, why may this be the case, and how do we understand this phenomenon? A discussion by t…

1
The Power of Daily Torah Study 53:52

2+ y ago53:52

53:52

What does it take to learn and produce daily Torah content? In the latest edition of RZWeekly, Johnny discusses his learning and writing of a daily daf yomi insight, while Reuven speaks about his learning and production of his Mishna Yomi videos.By Johnny Solomon and Reuven Spolter

1
Chaim Walder, our Families and our Communities 58:17

2+ y ago58:17

58:17

The events surrounding Chaim Walder, including terrible abuse and a suicide, are well known throughout the religoius Jewish world. How should parents and educators address the many thorny issues the episode raises in our homes and schools? How can we teach our children (and ourselves) about safety, while striving for a sense of balance and emotiona…

1
What Motivates Matan Kahana? 53:13

2+ y ago53:13

53:13

Give to the Mishnah Project Inaugural Campaign here: https://my.israelgives.org/en/campaign/MishnahProject.Since being appointed as Minister of Religious Affairs, Matan Kahana has hit the ground running. He has proposed far sweeping changes in the areas of kashrut and giyur, and generally taken a very different approach than have many of his predec…

1
Special Status for Diaspora Jews? 1:13:34

2+ y ago1:13:34

1:13:34

Give to the Mishnah Project Inaugural Campaign here: https://my.israelgives.org/en/campaign/MishnahProject.How should the Israeli government handle tourism during the pandemic? Who should be afforded special status and exemptions? Beyond family members, how should the Israeli government relate to diaspora Jewry regarding this question? After the ma…

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