Best Othering And Belonging Institute Podcasts (2024)

1
How Re-Wilding Our Embodiment Aligns Eros With Our True Nature and Each Other with Christiane Pelmas 56:10

19m ago56:10

56:10

Christiane Pelmas is a force of nature and her evolving inquiry and meditation on re-wilding and returning to our undomesticated embodiment has informed her path as a mentor, guide, teacher, elder and space-holder. Author of “Trauma: A Practical Guide to Working with Body and Soul” and “Women’s Wisdom Guidebook & Card Deck,” Christiane is founder o…

1
Pinchas 5784: Passion and Faith 31:05

2h ago31:05

31:05

What drives someone to take extreme action in the name of faith?In this week's episode Rabbi Dr. Howard Markose and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield unravel the gripping narrative of Parsha Pinchas. Join them as they dive into a tale where zealotry clashes with idolatry and explore the bold and controversial actions of Pinchas amidst the Israelites' turmoil. …

1
Balak 5784: Finding Identity in Solitude 37:33

28m ago37:33

37:33

How do we navigate the complexities of being a unique people while integrating into the modern world?In this week’s episode, Rabbi Avi Spodek and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield delve into Parsha Balak, highlighting the themes of identity, isolation, and the perception of the Jewish people by outsiders. They discuss the narrative of Bilaam's blessings and cu…

1
EP 56 - Leaning into Paradox: How We Can Block, Bridge & Build Our Democratic Future Together 31:34

14d ago31:34

31:34

This episode is part of a series of talks and panel discussions recorded during the breakout sessions of our Othering & Belonging Conference that took place in Oakland this past April. This session is titled "Leaning into Paradox: How We Can Block, Bridge & Build Our Democratic Future Together." It includes two speakers from the Horizons Project wh…

1
EP 55 - Democracy in Crisis: The Courage to Re-Humanize One Another 1:03:21

2d ago1:03:21

1:03:21

This episode is part of a series of talks and panel discussions recorded during the breakout sessions of our Othering & Belonging Conference that took place in Oakland this past April. This session is titled "Democracy in Crisis: The Courage to Re-Humanize One Another." It focuses on a project called Bridging for Democracy (B4D), which is developin…

1
EP 54 - Using Data to Advance Belonging without Othering 42:06

5d ago42:06

42:06

This episode is part of a series of talks and panel discussions recorded during the breakout sessions of our Othering & Belonging Conference that took place in Oakland this past April. This session is titled "Using Data to Advance Belonging without Othering." It looks at a set of domains at the intersection of data and civil society, such as racial…

1
EP 53 - Expressions of Belonging 1:17:52

5d ago1:17:52

1:17:52

This episode is part of a series of talks and panel discussions recorded during the breakout sessions of our Othering & Belonging Conference that took place in Oakland this past April. This session is titled "Expressions of Belonging," and it offers a mix of stories, insights, and diverse approaches to advancing belonging at an array of organizatio…

1
Chukat 5784: The Paradox of the Red Heifer 33:54

10d ago33:54

33:54

Why does a ritual meant to purify others render the priest impure?In this week’s episode, join Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash and Dr. Daniel Reifman as they delve into the perplexing ritual of the red heifer, emphasizing the paradox where the act of purifying others renders the priest impure. They examines the distinctions between rational and irr…

1
EP 52 - Xenophobia, Resistance, and the Future of the Immigrant Rights Movement 1:33:43

13d ago1:33:43

1:33:43

Episode Note This episode is part of a series of talks and panel discussions recorded during the breakout sessions of our Othering & Belonging Conference that took place in Oakland this past April. This session is titled "Xenophobia, Resistance, and the Future of the Immigrant Rights Movement." It includes panelists Annette Wong, who is the Managin…

1
EP 51 - Resisting Austerity: Keeping Public Infrastructure Public 1:00:41

11d ago1:00:41

1:00:41

Episode Notes This episode is part of a series of talks and panel discussions recorded during the breakout sessions of our Othering & Belonging Conference that took place in Oakland this past April. This session is titled "Resisting Austerity: Keeping Public Infrastructure Public." It includes panelists Donald Cohen, founder and executive director …

1
EP 50 - Bridging Through High School Ethnic Studies 1:03:38

11d ago1:03:38

1:03:38

Episode Notes This episode is part of a series of talks and panel discussions recorded during the breakout sessions of our Othering & Belonging Conference that took place in Oakland this past April. This session is titled "Bridging Through High School Ethnic Studies," and was curated by OBI's Hossein Ayazi. It includes panelists from the UC Berkele…

1
Korach 5784: Leadership and Rebellion 37:02

15d ago37:02

37:02

How do we navigate leadership challenges and personal ambition in times of crisis?In this week’s episode, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Lauer delve into Parsha Korach, exploring leadership and rebellion within the context of the Jewish people's journey through the desert. They discuss the motivations behind Korach's uprising, the dynamics of lead…

1
Shlach 5784: Unexpected Twists 30:36

1M ago30:36

30:36

What do you do when reality falls short of high expectations?In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy delve into the Parsha of Shlach, highlighting the challenges and disappointments faced by the Jewish people on the brink of entering the Promised Land. They discuss the mission of the spies, the people's reaction to…

1
Beha’alotcha 5784: Trumpets and Transitions 36:25

1M ago36:25

36:25

How do ancient trumpets teach us about modern journeys and transitions?In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Rafael Polisuk delve into Parshat Behalotcha, highlighting the themes of journey and transition within the Torah portion. They discuss the creation and use of silver trumpets to signal movements and gatherings, emphasizing the de…

1
Naso 5784: Counting on Each Other 32:06

2M ago32:06

32:06

How does our unique role strengthen the Jewish communities? In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hatton delve into Parshat Naso, highlighting the importance of each person's contributions to the community. They discuss how the counting of the Jewish people and repetitive sacrifices emphasize individual roles while promoting com…

1
Trauma Informed Care & Resiliency Programs 12:27

2M ago12:27

12:27

Beyond the Lens is Norton Healthcare’s podcast that informs and educates listeners so you can be informed to advocate for yourself, our patients, and every other employee at Norton Healthcare. Episode 5 In this episode: Trauma Informed Care & Resiliency Programs In this episode, our host, Felecia Patterson, Inclusion Manager, speaks with Dr. Crysta…

1
Bamidbar 5784: Embracing the Wilderness

2M ago

—

How does the Jewish people's journey through the desert shape our approach to Torah?In this week’s episode, Rabbi Leon Morris and Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield explore the theme of openness in Torah study, using the wilderness in the Midbar as a metaphor for the mindset required. Drawing from the Midrash and personal experiences, they explore the concept …

1
Bechukotai 5784: Between Philosophy and Spirituality 38:40

2M ago38:40

38:40

Can we approach the Torah as a rational guide for living wisely while allowing space for genuine emotional and spiritual experiences?In this week's episode, Rabbi Dr. Elisha Ancselovits and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield delve into the concept of reward and punishment. Elisha offers an intriguing interpretation - rather than God actively intervening, the To…

1
How Joseph Kramer’s Lucid Erotic States Created The Body Electric and Sexological Bodywork 1:00:03

2M ago1:00:03

1:00:03

Joseph Kramer founded two seminal institutions that have produced 1000s of somatic sex educators, sexological bodyworkers and sacred intimates all over the world, namely, The Body Electric School of Massage and Rebirthing, approved to train professionals in California in 1984, and the profession of Sexological Bodywork, approved as a profession by …

1
Behar 5784: Feet on the Ground, Eyes on the Mountain 31:38

2M ago31:38

31:38

Why is Mount Sinai mentioned in connection with the laws of Shmitta (Sabbatical year) and Yovel (Jubilee year)?In this thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rachel Friedrichs delve into the profound significance of this week's Torah portion of Behar opening with a reference to Mount Sinai. Together, we'll explore the contrast between…

1
Emor 5784: The Perfection Paradox 35:06

2M ago35:06

35:06

How do we approach texts in our traditions that seem to discriminate against or exclude certain groups of people?In this thought-provoking discussion, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Haim Shalom wrestle with the disqualification of kohanim (priests) with physical deformities or disabilities from serving in the Temple. We'll explore how to reconcile…

1
Kedoshim 5784: Empathy in a Divided World 36:46

3M ago36:46

36:46

In a world rife with conflict and oversimplified narratives about "the other," how can we embody true holiness by cultivating empathy, humility, and deeper human connection?Rabbi Brent Spodek joins our host Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield this week for a thought-provoking discussion exploring the Torah's call in Parshat Kedoshim to "be holy." Brent denounces…

1
Acharei Mot 5784: A People Apart 41:01

3M ago41:01

41:01

How can the Jewish people maintain a sense of unity and connection as a nation despite geographical separation and divergent experiences between the Diaspora and Israel?In this week's episode, Rabba Shani Gross joins us from afar for a discussion on the Torah portion's emphasis on centralized worship, linking it to the biblical story of the 2.5 tri…

1
Pesach 5784: Unearthing Personal Freedom 42:20

3M ago42:20

42:20

Can we transform the "bread of affliction" into the "bread of redemption" this Passover?"Yiscah Smith returns this week with a call for us to see ourselves ("l'rot atzmo") as leaving spiritual enslavement each Passover. Drawing from the Piazner Rebbe and Rav Kook, Yiscah illuminates how painful self-examination can allow for divine blessings and pe…

1
Metzora 5784: Transforming Curses into Blessings 31:35

3M ago31:35

31:35

Can we uncover hidden blessings, even from within painful experiences? Join us this week as we delve into the profound purification rituals surrounding the mysterious affliction of tzara'at (often translated as "leprosy") in the weekly Torah portion of Metzora.In a riveting discussion, Rabbi Jon Leener challenges the conventional view of this condi…

1
Autism Awareness 28:10

3M ago28:10

28:10

Beyond the Lens is Norton Healthcare’s podcast that informs and educates listeners so you can be informed to advocate for yourself, our patients, and every other employee at Norton Healthcare. Episode 4 In this episode: Autism AwarenessIn this episode, our host, Felecia Patterson, Inclusion Manager, speaks with Dr. Cody Davis, Clinical Psychologist…

1
Tazria 5784: Reimagining Ritual Purity 31:55

4M ago31:55

31:55

How do we navigate the tension between devotion to mitzvot and the pursuit of understanding their significance in our lives?In this week's parsha, we explore the seemingly archaic ritual purity laws. Rabbi Michael Hattin joins the discussion to highlight how these laws, though initially perplexing, offer profound insights into human behavior and et…

1
Shemini 5784: Going Beyond Our Mistakes 31:49

4M ago31:49

31:49

In this week’s episode, we navigate the complexities of failure and growth in the aftermath of pivotal moments in the Tanakh.Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy draws a parallel between the incidents of the Golden Calf and the death of Aaron’s sons, both occurring at crucial moments meant to elevate the spiritual consciousness of the Jewish people. Delvi…

1
Tzav 5784: Kindling the Spirit 39:10

4M ago39:10

39:10

Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash joins us this week for an investigation of the eternal flame that burned upon the altar.Contemplating the balance between the passion of the burning fire and the steadfastness of its daily lighting, Zvi and Nechama ask how we may infuse our own religious practices with both regularity and inspiration. As we discuss t…

1
Women and Stroke with Rosa Hart 18:40

4M ago18:40

18:40

Beyond the Lens is Norton Healthcare’s podcast that informs and educates listeners so you can be informed to advocate for yourself, our patients, and every other employee at Norton Healthcare. Episode 3 In this episode: Women and Stroke with Rosa Hart In this episode, our host, Felecia Patterson, Inclusion Manager, speaks with Rosa Hart, RN Patient…

1
Vayikra/Purim 5784: For God or King? 25:36

4M ago25:36

25:36

Join Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield this week as he delves deep into the rich theological tapestry of Purim alongside Rafael Polisuk. Together, they explore the intricate messages woven into the fabric of the holiday and the profound challenges encountered by the Jewish people of that era.Unraveling the layers of history and tradition, they ponder the intri…

1
Pekudei 5784: Constructing Connection 28:50

4M ago28:50

28:50

In what way does the Mishkan (Tabernacle) serve as a metaphor for organizing one's relationship with God, oneself, and others?This week, we're joined by Rabbi Dr. Daniel Reifman for a discussion of the meticulous detailing of the construction of the Mishkan and its role in serving as both a physical structure for God's presence and a metaphor for t…

1
Vayakhel 5784: Gathering With Intention 29:43

5M ago29:43

29:43

What is it that makes us join together with different groups?Over the past two parshiot, we've seen two gatherings, one in which the people gathered to create the Golden Calf, and another in which they gathered to build the Mishkan. In both stories, the people give willingly and generously in order to build something together. How can these two sto…

1
Ki Tisa 5784: The Inevitable Collapse 36:17

5M ago36:17

36:17

Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash joins us to share her take on this week's parsha, and the infamous story of the Golden Calf. We'll discuss how this event can serve as an example of the inevitable moments of collapse and the repair that follows in all relationships. Our conversation will turn to the societal relationship within Israel, and the divid…

1
The Institute for Health Equity with Cara Bland 18:47

5M ago18:47

18:47

Beyond the Lens is Norton Healthcare’s podcast that informs and educates listeners so you can be informed to advocate for yourself, our patients, and every other employee at Norton Healthcare. Episode 2 In this episode: The Institute for Health Equity with Cara Bland In this episode, our host, Felecia Patterson, Inclusion Manager, speaks with Cara …

1
Tetzave 5784: The Biblical Fashion Show 29:54

5M ago29:54

29:54

Do the clothes we wear define us?Rabbi Daniel Reifman joins our host Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield this week for a discussion on the priestly vestments as described in this week's parsha in precise detail. Does the Torah teach us to create such an intricate and beautiful garb solely to create the right atmosphere for religious service, or is it that a spec…

1
Terumah 5784: God Everywhere, Yet Somewhere? 30:11

6M ago30:11

30:11

Can we find value in tangible expressions or experiences of spirituality, even if they challenge our rational view of the world?Pardes President Rabbi Leon Morris joins us this week to explore the challenges raised by the commandment to build a portable temple (the Mishkan) to serve as God's house in the desert. How are we able to reconcile the ide…

1
How To Create Sacredness in Sexuality and The Body Electric with Craig Cullinane 54:22

5M ago54:22

54:22

Craig’s journey of erotic and sexual embodiment and liberation is a beautiful trajectory of love, service and dedication. His transformational spiritual/erotic experience as a participant in a Body Electric workshop, lead to assisting, then teaching and eventually directing The Body Electric organization, guiding it to new realms of inclusion and e…

1
Mishpatim 5784: Toward a Healthy Society 32:42

6M ago32:42

32:42

This week's parsha is primarily concerned with laws meant to order and structure our interactions and society, including a prohibition against cursing judges and the king. In light of this prohibition, Sefi Kraut, Pardes Director of Mahloket Matters, asks us to consider what we can and should do when we believe that the institutions meant to defend…

1
Yitro 5783: Thinking Outside Ourselves 29:27

6M ago29:27

29:27

What is our responsibility to the rest of the world, and how might that impact the image that we want to project to humanity at large?Tovah Leah Nachmani joins us in the studio this week to discuss Yitro, an outsider whose story appears alongside the covenantal moment of receiving the Torah at Mt. Sinai. How does Yitro, and by contrast Amalek, offe…

1
Pidyon Shvuyim Episode 7: Releasing Terrorists to Free Hostages

6M ago

—

If terrorists demand the release of other terrorists in order to free hostages, is this a case of pidyon shvuyim? Perhaps this scenario should be considered under a different legal rubric?Credits: Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper - Pardes FacultyBy Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies

1
The Jewish Heroism Project Ep. 1 – Tov: The Gate – Quest for the Good 49:45

6M ago49:45

49:45

Discover the 26 Paths of Jewish Heroism and what it means to be a hero in Rav Mike’s newest podcast series, The Jewish Heroism Project.There are good things worth fighting for. But what is good? The first class of the Jewish Heroism Project introduces the Torah’s definition of heroism as mesirut nefesh l’man tov, going beyond limited self for the s…

1
Beshalach 5784: Choosing Faith 30:54

6M ago30:54

30:54

Dive on in as Yiscah Smith joins Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield to discuss the story of the Red Sea, reminding us that we had to first jump into the water before it would split.Can we view faith as a concious choice, rather than a reaction? If so, how can we find the strength and resilience to make this choice and hold to our faith when facing immense diffi…

1
Bo 5784: Building a Shared Future 25:18

6M ago25:18

25:18

On the cusp of leaving Egypt, the children of Israel are told that they must remember the Exodus. For over 2,000 years, this commandment to remember the past has helped the Jewish people remain connected to their history as a people. Yet, is that enough for us to remain united as well?In this week's episode, Rafael Polisuk joins Rabbi Zvi Hirschfie…

1
Equity, Inclusion and Belonging with Jazzma Moore 15:22

6M ago15:22

15:22

Beyond the Lens is Norton Healthcare’s podcast that informs and educates listeners so you can be informed to advocate for yourself, our patients, and every other employee at Norton Healthcare. Episode 1 In this episode: Equity, Inclusion and Belonging with Jazzma Moore In this episode, our host, Felecia Patterson, Inclusion Manager, speaks with Jaz…

1
Va’era 5784: Cultivating Hope, Awaiting Salvation 30:58

7M ago30:58

30:58

How may we be redeemed when we feel as if our spirits have been crushed?Rabbi Leon Morris joins us this week to discuss the idea of kotzer ruach, a crushed soul, and how Moshe faced resistance from those who could not believe that redemption was at hand. Bringing modern relevance to the redemption story, we'll unpack what it means to be kotzer ruac…

1
Shemot 5784: Moshe’s Moral Development 42:03

7M ago42:03

42:03

This week, we begin the book of Shemot and are introduced to Moshe. Yet, by the time Moshe takes up the mantle of leadership, he’s already in his later years, and his developmental years are practically skipped over.Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy joins us this week to examine those developmental years with three stories; Moshe’s smiting of the Egypt…

1
Pidyon Shvuyim Episode 6: Prepared to Pay

7M ago

—

In this episode, we recap remarkable the story of the 1970 Dawson’s Field hijackings and explore the reactions of American rabbis. Credits: Rabbi Levi Cooper - Pardes FacultyBy Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies

1
Vayehi 5784: An Inherited Meritocracy? 28:10

7M ago28:10

28:10

When thinking of traditional inheritance, we often think of the firstborn as being the main heir, and in many ways the Torah confirms this, yet throughout the book of Bereishit we see the script being flipped, with the younger sibling receiving the greater blessing. The final example of this appears at Ya'akov's deathbed, where he blesses his desce…

1
Pidyon Shvuyim Episode 5: Contact with the Outside

7M ago

—

Israel requested that the International Committee of the Red Cross visits our brothers and sisters who are held hostage in Gaza. Do we have precedents in the annals of Jewish history for visiting captives?Credits: Rabbi Levi Cooper - Pardes FacultyBy Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Othering And Belonging Institute Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide