Jewish Ideas to Change the World
Religion & Spirituality
About
Jewish Ideas to Change the World delivers thought-provoking content by leading Jewish thinkers with diverse perspectives and backgrounds. It is produced by Valley Beit Midrash. Valley Beit Midrash (VBM) is dedicated to social justice as driven by Torah ethics. VBM's mission is to improve lives through Jewish learning, direct action, and leadership development. Listen to VBM's other podcasts: • Social Justice in the Parsha (weekly divrei Torah by Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz) • Pearls of Jewish Wisdom on Living with Kindness (Rabbi Shmuly's class series) Stay Connected: • Website: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org Attended virtual programs live by becoming a member for just $18 per month: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/become-a-member
Episodes
- Striving to Be Human
The episode discusses the book "Striving to Be Human: Jewish Perspectives on Twenty-First-Century Challenges," featuring Rabbis Leah Cohen Tenenbaum and Douglas Kohn. It examines what it means to be human in the 21st century, addressing et…
- Jewish Comedy Post October 7th, A Conversation with Benji Lovitt
This episode features Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz and comedian Benji Lovitt discussing Jewish comedy after October 7th. They explore how humor serves as a coping mechanism during difficult times, examining its significance in Israeli culture.
- Love Is a Verb: Jewish Wisdom for Building Meaningful Relationships
Moishe Steigmann, The Mindful Rabbi, and Rabbi Noah Chertkoff co-facilitated a learning session on Jewish wisdom for building meaningful relationships, presented in celebration of Lag Ba’Omer.
- The Audacity of the Rabbis – and How It Saved Judaism
This episode discusses a bold decision by ancient rabbis that altered Jewish history and preserved Judaism. Speaker Rabbi Moishe Steigmann explores how this historical moment and the rabbis' courage offer guidance for contemporary life.
- The American Jewish Miracle
This episode discusses the unparalleled opportunities and freedom Jewish people have found in America over 2,000 years of diaspora. Rabbi Ed Feinstein, a prominent Jewish leader and author, explores the "American Jewish Miracle" and the re…
- We Are Free—Now What?
Rabbi Marc Gitler discusses the Israelites' transition from liberation in Egypt to uncertainty in the wilderness. The presentation draws on the biblical narrative to explore themes of disorientation, fear, and identity challenges following…
- The Seven Questions That Make a Jewish Leader
This talk by Rabbi Mike Feuer presents seven questions from the Torah of Jewish heroism, designed to guide individuals in leading themselves and others toward greater meaning, courage, and purpose.
- Models of Heroism and Independence in Our Time
This event presentation discusses how traditional models of Jewish heroism, like the warrior and public leader, enabled Israeli sovereignty but are insufficient for its deeper promise. It suggests that the heroism of the judge, healer, and…
- The Questions That Never Go Away
This episode features Rabbi Ed Feinstein discussing the profound questions humans ask about life, death, and suffering, and how Judaism offers meaningful answers.
- Forging White Heat: A Post–October 7 Haiku Journey
Sara Tropper presents her book "White Heat," discussing its creation, its poems, and the history of haiku, accompanied by sumi-e artwork.
- Holocaust Testimony Reimagined
This episode discusses the shift in Holocaust narratives from trauma-based accounts to artistic expressions by the Second and Third Generations. Martin Herskovitz shares how these new narratives focus on family connection, healing, and per…
- Mayim Bialik in Conversation with Rabbi Shmuly
This episode features a conversation between Mayim Bialik and Rabbi Shmuly, highlighting Bialik's extensive career in acting, neuroscience, and her role as host of Jeopardy!.
- An Unfinished Freedom: Passover as the Birth of an Ideal
This episode discusses the concept of freedom during Passover, questioning its historical inclusivity and its ongoing, incomplete nature. Speakers Rabbi Dr. Armin Langer and Rabbi Moishe Steigmann reflect on the call for freedom and its re…
- Going Out with Knots: My Two Kaddish Years with Hebrew Poetry
This episode features Rabbi Dr. Wendy Zierler discussing her memoir "Going Out with Knots: My Two Kaddish / COVID Years with Hebrew Poetry." The presentation explores the origins of the memoir and the Shir Hadash project, along with relate…
- Religion Meets Spirituality: Rabbi Shmuly in Conversation with Alan Morinis
Rabbi Shmuly interviews Alan Morinis, founder of The Mussar Institute and author, discussing the connection between Judaism, religion, and spirituality. Morinis is a key figure in the revival of the Mussar tradition.
- Torah, Tarot, and Trickery: Judaism’s Take on Magic and Divination
Rabbi Steven Gotlib discusses Judaism's perspective on magic and divination, drawing from his experience as a magician and former Tarot reader. This presentation, originally a virtual event, is now available as audio due to technical diffi…
- The Shabbat Effect
Alan Morinis discusses his forthcoming book, "The Shabbat Effect," explaining how intentional Shabbat observance can foster inner traits useful throughout the week, contributing to the goal of becoming whole and holy. Morinis is a leading…
- The Shankbone Redemption: The Inside Story of Passover
This episode delves into the Passover story, with Rabbi Ed Feinstein exploring its underlying message about the human condition and our generational mission.
- Why Is This Passover Different From All Other Passovers? Interview with Rabbi Ed Feinstein
Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz interviews Rabbi Ed Feinstein about the significance of Passover. Rabbi Feinstein shares his extensive background in Jewish education and leadership, and his perspectives on building a meaningful Jewish life.
- A Tradition of Revolution
This event presentation by Rabbi Ed Feinstein explores the Jewish superpower of tradition, emphasizing the remarkable ability to re-invent, re-imagine, and re-interpret faith and identity, especially during moments of crisis. Rabbi Feinste…
- Stranger In A Strange Land
Rabbi Marc Gitler explores the Exodus story, questioning why enslavement was necessary and examining classical and contemporary Jewish texts to understand divine purpose, human suffering, and the meaning of liberation.
- The Sacred Struggle: Jewish Responses to Trauma
Rabbi Benjamin David and Rabbi Lindsey Danziger discuss lessons from "The Sacred Struggle: Jewish Responses to Trauma," an anthology of personal stories exploring Jewish wisdom for navigating difficult life moments.
- What Animals Teach Us About Families: Kinship and Species in the Bible and Rabbinic Literature
Professor Beth Berkowitz discusses animal families in biblical and rabbinic literature, examining human impact and reimagining kinship beyond human-centered concepts. The talk explores concern, cruelty, and curiosity in human relationships…
- Esther: The Whole Ruth, but Nothing like the Ruth
This episode analyzes the biblical books of Esther and Ruth, exploring contrasting depictions of heroism, narrative arcs, and female power by reading them as a sustained conversation. Rabbi Ben Greenfield presents this comparative study.
- The Hidden Messages of Purim
This class with Rabbi Marc Gitler delves into the subtle themes of the Purim story, examining hidden miracles, acts of courage, and the significance of human choice even when divine presence seems absent, offering insights applicable to mo…
- What is the Most Important Mitzvah in the Torah?
This episode discusses the concept of the most important Mitzvah within Judaism, exploring how the Torah and later Jewish thinkers have prioritized commandments. Rabbi Marc Gitler examines biblical passages and rabbinic teachings to unders…
- The Masks We Wear
This episode features Melanie Gruenwald
- Defining Justice: Do We Want Equity, Equality, or Revolution?
Rabbi Sarah Mulhern presents an examination of justice, questioning whether true justice entails equity, equality, or revolution. The discussion includes rabbinic texts and explores how to focus efforts for societal change.
- The Sevenfold Path: A Traveler’s Guide to Jewish Wisdom
Shira Milgrom and David M. Elcott present "The Sevenfold Path: A Traveler’s Guide to Jewish Wisdom," discussing spiritual practices including recognizing the divine, honoring the covenant, healing, growth, seeing sacredness, pursuing justi…
- Praying About the Unspeakable: Liturgy and Ritual as Response to Crisis
Rabbi Dalia Marx discusses the profound changes in Jewish prayer since October 7, exploring new language, focus, and urgency in liturgy and ritual as a response to crisis. She also reflects on the Jewish responsibility to bring hostages ho…
- The Grown-Up Midrash Says: Five Radical Midrashim Not Taught in Day Schools
Rabbi Ben Greenfield presents five radical Midrashim, exploring unconventional and imaginative interpretations of biblical stories that are often overlooked. The discussion delves into the Midrash's potential for profound philosophical ins…
- How Tu B’Shvat Teaches Us to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Rabbanit Sharona Halickman presents how the Seven Species of Israel, discussed in the Talmud, demonstrate ancient roots for modern environmental concepts such as reduce, reuse, and recycle.
- The Power of Song: Lifting Our Voices in Praise and Protest
This episode features Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz and Moishe Steigmann discussing the power of song and voice in Jewish tradition, from ancient Israelites to modern movements for freedom and justice. The discussion includes text study and refl…
- Hiding in Holland: A Resistance Memoir
Dr. Shulamit Reinharz shares personal stories of survival and resistance during the Holocaust in her book, "Hiding in Holland: A Resistance Memoir." The event presentation explores the impact of history on contemporary Jewish identity.
- Ivri: The Roots of Anti-semitism
Rabbi Marc Gitler explores the earliest expressions of anti-semitism in the Book of Genesis, focusing on the figure of the Ivri. The lecture examines how foundational narratives of difference and otherness provoke hostility, offering insig…
- Ethics at the Center: Jewish Theory and Practice for Living a Moral Life
This episode presents Rabbi Dr. Elliot Dorff discussing Jewish theory and practice for living a moral life. It examines differing perspectives on human nature across Western, Christian, and Jewish traditions and their impact on moral issue…
- Bal Tashchit: How to Turn an Ancient Law Into a Force for Earth’s Care
This episode discusses the Jewish law of Bal Tashchit, focusing on its interpretation and potential to become a strong ethic for environmental protection. Rabbi David Seidenberg explores the roots of the law and ways to address its limitat…
- How Are These Responsa Different From All Others?
Rabbi Dr. David Golinkin discusses his methodology for writing Jewish legal responsa, highlighting six distinct characteristics and referencing his recent volume, Responsa in a Moment, volume 6.
- Lessons from the Olive Tree for Families, Jewish Unity, and the Social Security System
Dr. Jon Greenberg discusses the symbolic and halachic significance of the olive tree, examining its agricultural and political relevance, its connection to the 15th of Av, and its biological lessons for family relationships. The episode al…
- What We Celebrate When We Celebrate Hanukkah: Four Theories on Unsettled Question
Rabbi Ben Greenfield discusses four distinct theories regarding the meaning of Hanukkah, drawing from classic rabbinic sources and exploring different interpretations of the holiday's story.
- Animals as Kabbalistic Masters
Dr. Jonnie Schnytzer presents on the kabbalistic view of animals, exploring how some anonymous kabbalists believed animals shared secrets and what this implies for the human-animal relationship and our future.
- Power and Politics in the Hebrew Bible
This episode discusses the political theory of the Hebrew Bible by analyzing narratives from the Books of the Prophets, Samuel, and Kings. It explores the concepts of power, justice, and leadership as depicted in these ancient stories and…
- Before Good & Evil: Moral Relativism in Jewish Ethics
This episode discusses moral relativism in Jewish ethics, exploring how Jewish texts have addressed concepts of good and evil across different historical periods and perspectives.
- A Jewish Trinity: Contemporary Christian Theology Through Jewish Eyes
This event features Rabbi Dr. Alan Brill discussing contemporary Christian theology, such as the Trinity and original sin, from a Jewish perspective. It aims to foster nuanced theological discourse between Jews and Christians, moving beyon…
- Faith, Healing, and Hope: Mitch Albom in Conversation with Rabbi Shmuly
Author Mitch Albom joins Rabbi Shmuly to discuss faith, healing, and hope. Albom shares details about his best-selling books and his philanthropic work with SAY Detroit and Have Faith Haiti.
- “Heart of a Stranger” with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl — In Conversation with Rabbi Shmuly
In this episode, Rabbi Shmuly speaks with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl about her new book "Heart of a Stranger." Rabbi Buchdahl discusses her experiences as the first Asian-American rabbi ordained in North America and her leadership at Central Sy…
- Faith, Nationalism, and the Future of Liberal Democracy
David M. Elcott presents an analysis of how religious identity fuels illiberal nationalism and populism globally, threatening liberal democracy. He explores how people of faith can support democratic institutions from within their traditio…
- Yochanan’s Gamble: Judaism’s Pragmatic Approach to Life
Rabbi Marc Katz explores the pragmatic approach of Judaism to life and ethical challenges, inspired by Rabbi Yochanan’s historical gamble. The talk, based on Katz’s book, offers a Jewish path for resolving modern moral dilemmas and improvi…
- Why Jewish Knowledge Matters: Rethinking Jewish Literacy
Professor Jon Levisohn addresses concerns surrounding Jewish literacy and explores the deeper questions of why Jewish knowledge matters and what constitutes meaningful Jewish learning.
- Great Jewish Heretics
This episode features a presentation by Dr. Elias Sacks exploring Jewish thinkers who have considered ideas about God, such as God having human-like characteristics, and debated what beliefs might be considered heretical within Judaism.