Heathens and Fanatics Howard Goldsmith

Rabbis Goldsmith and Ebbin discuss Reform and Modern Orthodox perspectives on the seder. What we do, what we cut, and why. 

With the recent and ongoing uptick in anti-Semitism, Rabbi Ebbin and Rabbi Goldsmith share different notions about the sources of anti-Semitism. Is there anything we can do to address it? Or, is it inevitable?

The Torah describes a hierarchy of Jews. Is that hierarchy still relevant today? If so, for what reason? If not, how can we simply toss out a commandment from the Torah? 

You can watch a video of our conversation here: https://youtu.be/B8m1go8H4NE

When people pray at The Kotel, The Western Wall, are they praying to G-d or to the Wall itself? When does sacred space become an end unto itself rather than a means to an end? Should their be a pluralistic prayer space at the Western Wall or should it function as an Orthodox synagogue? We touch on these important questions jumping off from this famous text from Exodus 25:8

וְעָ֥שׂוּ לִ֖י מִקְדָּ֑שׁ וְשָׁכַנְתִּ֖י בְּתוֹכָֽם׃

And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them.

Prefer to watch the debate? You can view it here:  https://youtu.be/W-FPK3S2JUs 

Is Torah given by God or a human creation? How much do we need to know about every mitzvah? What, exactly, is Torah? Rabbis Ebbin and Goldsmith discuss and debate as they transition from their YouTube format into the world of podcasts... please subscribe and enjoy!