Uri L'Tzedek: Orthodox Social Justice
Religion & Spirituality
About
Uri L’Tzedek is an Orthodox social justice organization guided by Torah values and dedicated to combating suffering and oppression. Through community-based education, leadership development, and action, Uri L’Tzedek creates discourse, inspires leaders, and empowers the Jewish community towards creating a more just world.
Episodes
- The Vision of Justice and Peace with Rav Michael Melchoir!
Rabbi Michael Melchior, an Orthodox rabbi with a significant career in Israeli politics and religious leadership, discusses his extensive work in social justice, interfaith dialogue, and peacebuilding. He shares insights into founding orga…
- Aguna: Facilitating Divorce Processes for Women
This episode of Uri L'Tzedek focuses on Agunah and facilitating divorce processes for women. It references sources and features Rabbi Haim Ovadia, who discusses his background and involvement in social advocacy and halakhic solutions.
- The Orthodox Case for Freedom of Religion in Israel with Rabbi Aaron Leibowitz
Rabbi Aaron Leibowitz, CEO of Chuppot and founder of Hashgacha Pratit, discusses his efforts to establish alternatives to the Chief Rabbinate's control over religious services in Israel, such as independent kashrut supervision and wedding…
- Jewish-Christian Allyship Training with The Reverend Aaron Dunn & Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz
Reverend Aaron Dunn and Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz discuss Jewish-Christian allyship, drawing on Dunn's extensive experience in interreligious dialogue and training.
- The Mishkan as a Model for Israel and Jewish Peoplehood
Rabbanit Karen Miller Jackson explores the Mishkan as a model for Israel and Jewish peoplehood. She is a certified Meshivat Halacha, educator, and writer involved in various Torah studies and educational initiatives.
- Restoring Peace & Justice to Jerusalem with Rabbanit Sharona Halickman
Rabbanit Sharona Halickman, founder of Torat Reva Yerushalayim, discusses restoring peace and justice to Jerusalem. She previously served as the first Congregational intern and Madricha Ruchanit at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale.
- What does Birkat Hamazon Teach Us About Inclusivity and Ethics within the Parameters of Jewish Law?
This episode delves into the teachings of Birkat Hamazon concerning inclusivity and ethics within Jewish Law, featuring Rabbanit Dr. Adena Berkowitz, co-founder of Kol HaNeshamah NYC.
- God Speaks ASL: Examining the status of the hard of hearing in Jewish Law
Rabbi Haim Ovadia discusses the status of the hard of hearing within Jewish Law on Uri L'Tzedek. The episode focuses on Rabbi Ovadia's background and his work promoting inclusive and practical halakhic solutions for the Jewish community.
- Conversation with a Sage of our Time: An Interview with Rabbi Dr. Yitz Greenberg
This episode features an interview with Rabbi Dr. Yitz Greenberg, referred to as a 'Sage of our Time', on the Uri L'Tzedek podcast.
- Interfaith Allyship Training with Soraya Deen
Soraya M. Deen, a lawyer and activist, shares insights on interfaith advocacy and her work with Muslim Women Speakers and Nigerian Women Lead, organizations focused on combating extremism and hate.
- How to Fight Like a Mensch | Rabbi David Jaffe
Rabbi David Jaffe explains how to engage in social change fights without bitterness, drawing from Jewish spiritual practice and personal transformation. He is the founder of Kirva and author of the National Jewish Book Award winner, 'Chang…
- The Allies of the Jewish People & How to Connect with Them | Rabbi Dr. Aharon Ariel Lavi
This episode discusses research into allies of the Jewish people, shifting focus from adversaries to supporters. It highlights findings from interviews with non-Jewish individuals from various faith communities who support the Jewish peopl…
- Do Not Take a Bribe with Rabbanit Sharona Halickman
Rabbanit Sharona Halickman explores the concept of
- Laws of the Spirit: Book talk with Rabbi Dr. Ariel Evan Mayse
Rabbi Dr. Ariel Evan Mayse, author of 'Laws of the Spirit,' appeared on the Uri L'Tzedek podcast. Mayse discussed his academic background and previous and upcoming book projects focusing on Jewish thought, mysticism, and environmental ethi…
- Privacy in the Age of Social Media: Hezek Re'iyah and Modern Life
Rabbanit Sara Tillinger Wolkenfeld, an expert in Jewish ethics and technology, explores privacy concerns related to social media. Her research intersects Jewish ethics with technological advancements.
- Workers Rights and Paying On Time with Rabbi Mike Moskowitz
This episode examines the Biblical obligation to pay workers on time, delving into the ethical and mystical dimensions of this mitzvah with Rabbi Mike Moskowitz.
- The Shabbat Effect: Book Talk with Alan Morinis
Alan Morinis, author of 'The Shabbat Effect,' discusses his work on the Mussar tradition and his founding of The Mussar Institute. He is a Rhodes Scholar with a doctorate from Oxford University.
- "The Holy Blasphemer” in Leviticus 24 - a story of justice and injustice and how the Torah seems to respond to itself, modeling for our sages how to respond to injustice in the future
This episode of Uri L'Tzedek discusses the story of “The Holy Blasphemer” in Leviticus 24. It examines themes of justice and injustice, and how the Torah’s narrative might model responses to future injustices.
- Fulfilling the Goals of Israel's Declaration of Independence
Rabbanit Sharona Halickman speaks about fulfilling the goals outlined in Israel's Declaration of Independence. A source sheet and links to further resources, including the video recording, are provided by the podcast Uri L'Tzedek: Orthodox…
- Behind the Curtain of Jewish Social Justice: Abby Levine Interviewed by Rabbi Shmuly
Abby Levine, Executive Director of the Jewish Social Justice Roundtable, discusses her experience leading the organization to triple in size and support sector-wide efforts. She previously worked with progressive organizations and received…
- Jewish Service in the Global South: Dyonna Ginsburg Interviewed by Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz
Dyonna Ginsburg, formerly of The Jewish Agency and Bema'aglei Tzedek, shares her experience in Jewish social justice and service with Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz. She has been recognized for her leadership and contributions to the Jewish commu…
- Jewish Ethics of Interfaith Dialogue
Rabbi Daniel Ross Goodman, a scholar at Rutgers University and author, explores the Jewish ethical considerations surrounding interfaith dialogue. Information on upcoming classes is also available.
- Shmita: A Year Devoted to Social Justice
Rabbanit Sharona Margolin Halickman, discussed her extensive background in religious education and spiritual direction. She is also the founder and director of Torat Reva Yerushalayim and has authored two books.
- The Untold Story of Lethal Injection: Professor Lain Interviewed by Rabbi Shmuly
Professor Corinna Lain, an expert on the death penalty and Supreme Court decisions, is interviewed on Uri L'Tzedek: Orthodox Social Justice. She discusses her decade of research on lethal injection and her upcoming book, "Secrets of the Ki…
- Book Talk - Going Out With Knots: My Two Kaddish / COVID Years with Hebrew Poetry with Rabbi Zierler
This episode features Rabbi Zierler discussing her book 'Going Out With Knots: My Two Kaddish / COVID Years with Hebrew Poetry.' She is the Sigmund Falk Professor of Modern Jewish Literature and Feminist Studies at HUC-JIR in New York, wit…
- Jewish Responding to Hunger: Rabbi Shmuly Interviews MAZON's CEO Abby Leibman
Applications are open for Uri L'Tzedek's College Social Justice Fellowship. This virtual program will run on four Sundays for observant Jewish college students, focusing on social justice through a Jewish lens.
- Antisemitism in Australia
Nomi Kaltmann, a lawyer, journalist, and political strategist, joins Uri L'Tzedek to discuss antisemitism in Australia. Kaltmann has extensive experience in law, media, and politics, and has written for numerous publications.
- Jews Supporting Refugees During Rising Nationalism: An Interview with HIAS' President, Mark Hetfield
Uri L’Tzedek is accepting applications for its College Social Justice Fellowship in Fall 2025, offering virtual sessions on social justice through a Jewish lens for observant college students.
- Social Action Originated in the Torah
Rabbanit Sharona Margolin Halickman discusses social justice from a Torah perspective. Uri L'Tzedek is accepting applications for its College Social Justice Fellowship and announcing a DC branch launch event.
- Torah Ethics of Warfare: Must we Leave a Path for Escape?
Rabbi David Polsky explores the Torah's ethical guidelines on warfare, specifically addressing the Halachic obligation to provide an escape route for an adversary.
- Are AI’s Existential Risks Real?
Mark MacCarthy discusses the existential risks of advanced AI. He argues that despite concerns, AI development has slowed, and immediate harms caused by AI are a more pressing priority than speculative future risks.
- Beyond Tikkun Olam: A Jewish Case for Social Justice
This episode delves into Jewish texts that enrich the understanding of social justice, going beyond common phrases like Tikkun Olam. Rabba Melissa Scholten-Gutierrez shares her expertise as a Jewish educator and social justice advocate.
- The Strength, the Spirit, and the Secularization of Religious Zionism
This class examines the evolving Religious Zionist movement and its response to Jewish political power. Rabbi Avidan Freedman discusses the integration of ethics into religious Zionist discourse and Israeli society.
- Dismantling Arizona's Anti-Immigrant Machine
Randy Parraz, President of the Organizing Institute for Democracy, discusses his role in organizing the takedown of an extremist politician in 2011 and explains how ordinary citizens can organize and achieve victories.
- From Dream to Reality: Building Intentional Jewish Communities
This episode features a cross-Atlantic conversation with leaders from Kehillat Harlem and Ayeka, discussing the vision, challenges, and impact of building intentional Jewish communities. It is relevant for those involved in or curious abou…
- Pesach with Neighbors: Building Community Through Open-Hearted Hospitality
Rabbi Hart Levine and Rabbanit Tanya Farber discuss how radical hospitality at the Seder can transform lives and build community, creating belonging and deepening Jewish meaning.
- Fear No Pharaoh: American Jews, the Civil War, and the Fight to End Slavery
This episode features a book talk with author Richard Kreitner on "Fear No Pharaoh: American Jews, the Civil War, and the Fight to End Slavery." The discussion covers how six American Jews navigated the moral crisis of slavery during the C…
- Voices from the Canyon: Indigenous Leadership in Environmental Advocacy
Carletta Tilousi, former Havasupai Tribal Council member, shares her experience advocating for the Grand Canyon and Indigenous environmental justice. She discusses the significance of Red Butte, aquifer threats, and Havasupai resilience ov…
- Act Now: How to Protect Immigrant Communities in Crisis
This episode provides guidance on supporting immigrant communities during crises. It covers how to respond to immigration raids, legal and safe actions, and the distribution of "Know Your Rights" resources.
- Sacred Solidarity: Jewish LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Allyship In This Moment
This episode features Rachel Gollay discussing the challenges facing LGBTQ+ individuals and how these issues connect with Jewish values, emphasizing advocacy and allyship.
- Renewing the Old, Sanctifying the New with Dr. Marc Shapiro
Dr. Marc Shapiro's new book on Rav Kook is discussed, highlighting surprising insights from his recently published and previously suppressed writings.
- Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik: The Lonely Man of Faith and Social Responsibility
Daphne Lazar Price and Rabbi Nati Helfgot discuss Rabbi Soloveitchik’s teachings as a framework for balancing personal spirituality with communal justice, addressing the integration of faith and activism.
- End of Life Conversations & Advance Healthcare Directives with Rabbi Jason Weiner and Rabbi Shlomo Brody
This episode discusses end-of-life planning, emphasizing the importance of healthcare proxies and ensuring medical decisions align with Jewish values. It covers how Jewish law informs end-of-life care and the role of rabbinic consultants.
- Exploring the Rich History of the Jewish Balkans with Marko Gasparovic
Marko Gasparovic discusses the history of Jewish communities in Croatia and the Balkans, covering their ancient origins, cultural contributions, Holocaust experiences, and modern revival efforts.
- Agunot and the 1901 Egyptian Halakhic Response with Professor Zvi Zohar
Professor Zvi Zohar discusses the historical 1901 Egyptian halakhic response to the issue of agunot, women unable to remarry due to their spouses' disappearances. The episode explores proactive rabbinic approaches to preventing the status…
- Hanukkah: Light in the Face of Darkness – A Call to Action with Rabbi Avi Weiss and Ruth Messinger
This episode of Uri L'Tzedek: Orthodox Social Justice features a panel discussion on the relevance of Hanukkah values like resilience and courage in the face of contemporary antisemitism. Moderator Marko Gasparovic leads a conversation wit…
- God Shall Be One: Reenvisioning Judaism’s Approach to Other Religions
Rabbi Dr. Yakov Nagen explores a renewed Jewish approach to understanding other religions, advocating for connection over division, particularly in light of recent global events and rising antisemitism. His insights are based on his book,…
- Native American and Jewish Partnership for Democracy and Civic Engagement
Rosetta Walker and Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz discuss the state of democracy after the election. They explore how Native American and Jewish communities can support vulnerable populations and advocate for marginalized groups.
- Zionism Without Idolatry: Power is Not to be Worshipped with Rabbi Zachary Truboff
Rabbi Zachary Truboff examines Religious Zionist Rav Moshe Amiel's views on Zionism. Amiel cautioned that nationalism's focus on power and violence could lead to idolatry with severe consequences.
- Bridging Faiths: Jewish-Muslim Collaboration for Democracy and Tolerance
An interfaith panel featuring Dr. Mehnaz Afridi and Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz explores the roles of democracy and pluralism in Jewish and Muslim traditions. They address post-October 7th challenges and opportunities for collaboration bet…