In this episode, Rabbi Wolkenfeld welcomes back to the podcast Rabbi Zachary Truboff—the Director of Rabbinic Education for the International Beit Din—who shares his insights into how Jewish divorce works today. On the occasion of Rabbi Wolkenfeld’s last Straw Hat podcast and the end of his time at ASBI, they also discuss the challenges and joys of…

This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld is joined by ASBI Member Joel Braunold, the managing director of the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace, who shares his perspective of the ongoing turmoil and protests happening in Israel. Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoD…

This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld is joined by Rabbi Zachary Truboff, to discuss his recently published book, “Torah Goes Forth From Zion: Essays on the Thought of Rav Kook and Rav Shagar”. Learn about the book here. Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 Lic…

This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld is joined by Dr. Rachel Weinerman, a reproductive endocrinology and infertility physician in Cleveland, Ohio. She explains her work, including the ways that helping her patients grow their families is predicated on reproductive freedom and how her practice can be affected by public policy and the law. Music credit: “Thre…

This week marks Rabbanit Goldie’s final episode of The Straw Hat as ASBI’s Director of Religious Engagement! She and Rabbi Wolkenfeld reflect on her time at ASBI – the unexpected joys and challenges, what she’s learned, and also what’s on the horizon for her. Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a Creative Common…

This week we look forward to a wonderful opportunity to have Dr. Erica Brown visit ASBI! It will also be Rabbanit Goldie’s last drasha at ASBI and she and Rabbi Wolkenfeld discuss the pros and cons of sharing Torah in a drasha versus a shiur. They also dive into some of the issues that will affect our community post-Roe v. Wade with the potential f…

This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie reflect on Passover and Rabbanit Goldie shares her experience attending a Mimouna. They detail all the reasons to join us at our Annual Soiree on May 23rd and also explore the history and consequences of the recent dynamic of the parashas read in Israel and the Diaspora becoming out of sync. Rabbi Wol…

This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie explain why everyone should join our second night Community Seder at shul and also share some of their own family seder traditions. They also offer some ways to approach the issues of the seder’s late start time – what to do if you are invited to a seder with an early start time and accommodating kids…

This week, in addition to the excitement of Purim, it’s also a time of anxiety and sadness as we listen to the news out of Ukraine. Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie talk about the situation there and the work that people are doing to help—and also debate the appropriateness of rabbinic delegations to help with refugee resettlement. As is very t…

This week, we wish a hearty Mazal Tov to Rabbanit Goldie on her engagement and also share the bittersweet news that she will be leaving ASBI this summer. In light of a greater ability to gather together once again, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie look to some of what’s new at ASBI: Women’s Kabbalat Shabbat; professional development for our mad…

This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie reflect on Pastor Donovan Price’s visit to ASBI last Shabbat and the power of this show of solidarity as well how we, as an urban orthodox congregation, have a duty to support our neighbors. They also delve deeper into many of the learning that has been happening at the shul and what’s ahead on our ca…

This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie talk about our Mishnah Club program and share some of the Torah they have been learning—plus interview Mishnah Club participant and ASBI Member Shira Berkowitz! They also talk about Parshat Mishpatim, give an introduction to our Scholar-in-Residence this Shabbat, Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Zuckier, and mourn th…

Looking to this week’s Torah portion and Haftorah, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie talk about Devorah both as a person and as an example in halakhic literature. Rabbanit Goldie also gives a preview of her upcoming shiurim on forgiveness in the Talmud and the reason these classes are particularly timely in our socially distant age. They also sh…

In this episode, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie talk about some of the practical halachot covered in Masechet Megillah, which just began in Daf Yomi (and in particular, how it can be applied to our shul). Rabbi Wolkenfeld also gives a preview of his upcoming “Judaism & Peacemaking” shiur and Rabbanit Goldie gives some thoughts on Parshat Vaye…

This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie reflect on Masechet Rosh Hashanah, which was recently completed in Daf Yomi, and the many relevant topics it covers, including the laws and practices of tefillah. They also celebrate the return of inviting kids up onto the bima Shabbat morning and the joys of this bit of return to normalcy. Lastly, Ra…

The clocks are about to change and Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie explore some of the opportunities to engage in mitzvot in ways that are uniquely available during this time of year. In particular, they present some ways to engage kids Jewishly and orient them to shul life beyond Shabbat morning. They also give an overview and a bit of a tast…

This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie discuss some of the themes and interpretations of Parshat Vayera. They also talk about an idea that has come up in Daf Yomi of adding some of the holy to the mundane. Finally, they share some of the pedagogy they explored in this week’s Parent-Child learning session about rooting ourselves in the text…

In this episode, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie discuss the unique perspective of Sefer Devarim, which begins this week. Rabbi Wolkenfeld also shares some of the insights from his Shabbat afternoon shiur on Gesher Hachaim by Rabbi Tucazinsky, and Rabbanit Goldie relates her experience doing chaplaincy work in a hospital and how that has affec…

This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie discuss the Three Weeks and explore how the messages of unity and coming together during this time can be at odds with the way we’ve been living during the pandemic. They discuss how a generosity of spirit can help get us back into the habit of communal life and help us work through the pain and bagga…

This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie discuss Parshat Korach and explore the question of if every Jew is inherently holy or if holiness is the product of Mitzvot. They also discuss the art of drasha writing and share an update on some of the exciting ways that things are re-opening at the shul. Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverb…

This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie share some Torah relating to our current moment as we begin to reopen and increase our in-person capacity on Shabbat. Rabbi Wolkenfeld also speaks with ASBI Members Joel Braunold and Dr. Sara Hirschhorn about the official definition of antisemitism, if antisemitism needs an official definition, and wh…

This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie reflect on Pesach and look ahead to spring and the excitement of welcoming back more people in our community to davening. They also discuss Sefirat HaOmer and some of the Halakhic questions it raises. Rabbanit Goldie also interviews ASBI Members Devorah Kaplowitz and Talia Seidner—the creators of “Col…

This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie discuss Pesach 5781 – some of the solutions to conundrums caused by Passover beginning on Shabbat and the exciting prospect of extending hospitality. They also talk about some of the other things happening at ASBI, including the weekly Parsha class and the start of a new tractate in Daf Yomi. Music cr…

Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie are back after a podcast hiatus! They reflect on the past year as this week marks the one-year anniversary of the shul shutting down at the beginning of the pandemic. They also talk about the exciting work happening in the shul to help those eligible get vaccinated. Rabbanit Goldie shares about the unique experi…

This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie share some of their different perspectives on the upcoming holiday of Hanukkah. Rabbi Wolkenfeld also speaks with Professor Avi Helfand, Professor of Law at the Caruso School of Law and an expert on religious law and religious liberty, about the recent Supreme Court decision barring certain restrictio…

This week Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie talk about the conclusion of Tractate Eruvim in Daf Yomi and the recent presentation about our eruv by ASBI Member Ann Levenson at Hadran’s Siyum Masechet Eruvin. They discuss (and answer) the question of “can I make Sushi on Shabbat?” and also offer some advice gleaned from celebrating the Jewish holi…

This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie reflect on the legacy and impact of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, a”h, in the wake of his passing. They also examine a question that has recently arisen of how we define a city through the lens of Halakha versus the lens of urban planning and discuss some of the compelling questions that will be explored…

This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld shares the story of a package the shul recently received that held insights into our congregation’s history. He and Rabbanit Goldie also preview our upcoming Beit Midrash Wednesday class series and discuss some of the topics that will be covered. Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a …

This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie reflect on the highlights of this unusual High Holiday year at ASBI. They also discuss the concept of breira that has come up in Daf Yomi recently and explore why it is both captivating and confusing and talk about Parshat Bereshit. Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used un…

This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie discuss this week’s double parsha and one of its themes – gathering together. They share some of the upcoming opportunities to gather together safely in person at shul and also offer some practical advice for the holidays and some of the resources the shul is making available for the high holidays. Mu…

This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld and Rabbanit Goldie discuss Parshat Ki Teitzei, with a particular focus on Rashi’s commentary. They also look ahead to ASBI’s plans for the holidays and talk about some of the upcoming programing we have in store. Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonC…

This week, we welcome Rabbanit Goldie Guy to ASBI and to The Straw Hat! She and Rabbi Wolkenfeld discuss this week’s parsha, Parshat Re’eh, and also begin to look ahead to the High Holidays. Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.…

This week, we wish a fond farewell to Rabbanit Sarna, whose time at ASBI has come to an end. She offers reflections on her work at ASBI, what she loves about our community, and what she hopes for our congregation in the future. Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDe…

This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld talk about the challenges of welcoming newcomers to Lakeview this summer; the Three Weeks (and some things that may be a little different this year); and have a discussion about vows, as pertains to this week’s parsha and looking ahead to Kol Nidre. Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les…

This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld welcomes Rabbanit Sarna back to The Straw Hat! They discuss the return of in-person Minyan at ASBI and what that looks like. They also speak briefly about this week's Parsha, and we hear from Rabbanit Sarna about the experience of having a baby during a pandemic. Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayd…

This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld is joined by guest Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm who shares some of his memories and the legacy of his grandfather, Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm, a”h, including the art of the drasha and his thoughts on how the Torah’s message should be made relevant to all of us. To read some of Rabbi Norman Lamm’s sermons referenced in this episode, vis…

This week, Rabbi Wolkenfeld is joined by guest co-host Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Zuckier who shares some insights from his recent writing and teaching on coronavirus-related issues. They also look ahead to Shavuot and think about the holiday's meaning when we're isolated from our community. Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used …

This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld reflect on what it means for the shul and the shul's mission when our community can't gather together in person. They discuss what effect this unprecedented time has had on our Jewish home lives and what new practices or rituals have been created that we hope to hold on to when we're able to gather tog…

In this episode, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld discuss this week's Parsha, Parshat Tazria-Metzora as well as the upcoming holidays of Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut and offer suggestions about how to make these days meaningful at home. Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non…

This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld discuss some of the Passover resources our shul is offering and share some advice for how to approach your seders this year given the enormously unusual circumstances. Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0…

This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld talk about the ways the shul is adapting during social distancing and offer advice on preparing for an unprecedented Passover – with a particular focus on koshering your dishes at home. Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial…

This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld discuss Masechet Shabbat, the tractate we’ve just begun in Daf Yomi. Next, they’re joined by Straw Hat producer Hayley Leventhal to celebrate The Straw Hat’s first birthday! Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivativ…

Join Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld for a very special Purim episode of The Straw Man! Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.By Anshe Sholom B'nai Israel Congregation

This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld discuss the Uptown Café, a once-a-month volunteer opportunity for ASBI members, and also review the laws of Purim. They also interview former ASBI Program Director Julie Meyer. Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDeriva…

This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld talk about the Ten Commandments, featured in this week’s parsha, followed by a discussion about birth control. They also interview ASBI Board Member Elana Pentelnik. Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 L…

This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld start off with a discussion of the Halachot of what to do when you wake up in the morning and the tefillot and brachot you can and should include at the start of your day. Then, based on what we’ve been learning in Daf Yomi recently, they examine some of the different interpretations of women’s obligat…

This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld start off with a discussion of Tefillah, exploring what parts of the service must be said and what parts might be about saying less but with more intention. They then examine some of the complexities of Shabbat observance when traveling, followed by an interview with Molly Jaret, ASBI Member and Yelade…

This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld discuss Parshat Vayigash and an exciting recent interpretation. They also talk about Tractate Niddah which will be completed this Shabbat and interview our Gabbai, Dr. Josh Ehrlich. Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoD…

This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld welcome special guest Rabbanit Sara Wolkenfeld to discuss the upcoming holiday of Hanukkah. Next, they shift focus towards Daf Yomi in advance of the renewal of the 7.5-year cycle on January 5. They also interview Caroline Musin Berkowitz, one of ASBI’s regular Daf Yomi learners. Music credit: “Three” …

This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld reflect on some of the ideas shared by our recent Scholar-in-Residence, Rabbi Dr. Zev Eleff, particularly about denominational titles within Orthodoxy. Next, based on a conference Rabbanit Sarna recently attended, they discuss the Jewish domestic space and the history of Jewish home life in 17th centur…