Hashivenu

Reconstructing Judaism
  • 4.9 (51)
  • Judaism

Hashivenu is a podcast about Jewish teachings and practice around resilience. Cultivating resilience in challenging times, both individually and collectively, is an essential path to personal renewal. Support Hashivenu Find out more about the show at About (https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/about), and learn about our theme song at Theme Song (https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/theme-song). Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org (https://ReconstructingJudaism.org)

  1. Aug 27

    Series Finale: Rabbi Deborah Waxman & Incoming President Rabbi Elliott Tepperman

    In the final episode of Hashivenu, Rabbi Deborah Waxman closes out her run as host, and thirteen years as president of Reconstructing Judaism, with her most frequent guest: incoming president Rabbi Elliott Tepperman. The two dig into what drew Tepperman to the role, tracing his path from a DIY, activist-shaped Jewish upbringing through decades of movement work alongside Waxman. Their conversation ranges from the tension between American individualism and communal life to the hard lessons of Pittsburgh and October 7th, landing on a shared conviction that a vibrant, resilient Judaism is itself the answer to antisemitism. If you've been listening to Hashivenu from the beginning all the way back in 2017, thank you so much. It's been an honor sharing these conversations with you for so many years. If you're new to the show, welcome! It's not too late to explore our back catalogue of 60+ episodes. We hope you stay connected with Reconstructing Judaism and follow what's next under Rabbi Tepperman's leadership. If you haven't already, sign up for our newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Until next time, l'hitraot, and may we all go mihayil lehayil, from strength to strength. Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org. Special Guest: Rabbi Elliott Tepperman. Support Hashivenu Links: Learn more about Rabbi Elliott Tepperman

    Series Finale: Rabbi Deborah Waxman & Incoming President Rabbi Elliott Tepperman

  2. Aug 17

    Penultimate Episode: Looking Back at Hashivenu Through the Years with Producer Sam Wachs

    Just weeks before her tenure as President and CEO of Reconstructing Judaism comes to a close, Rabbi Deborah Waxman is joined by Hashivenu's longtime producer and editor Sam Wachs to look back on the podcast's evolution, from its 2017 launch and resilience-focused first season to its later exploration of covenantal community and racial equity. It's a warm, reflective, behind-the-scenes perspective on a project Rabbi Waxman calls one of the great blessings of her presidency. Episodes Discussed: @7:00 - Gratitude (11/8/2018) @18:30 - How to become our fullest, most expressive selves? Practice, practice, practice with Yoshi Silverstein (10/24/2023) @19:30 - Episode 1: Shabbat with Rabbi Jacob Staub (8/10/2017) @20:00 - Humor with Rabbi Seth Goldstein (9/29/2017) Follow @rabbi_360 on [Instagram](rabbi_360) and TikTok @22:00 - Hineni - Being Present with Rabbi Miriam Klotz (2/13/2018) @23:40 - Catching Our Breath (3/24/2020) @27:20 - The Spiritual Activist with Claudia Horwitz (7/1/2019) @28:00 - Activism with Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum (12/5/2017) @28:30 - Episode 10: "You Were Strangers in Egypt": Passover and Sanctuary with Rabbi Elliott Tepperman (3/19/2018) Reconstructionist Values, Covenantal Community and War in the Middle East with Rabbi Rachel Weiss and Rabbi Elliott Tepperman (12/4/2024) (Rabbi Teppermans' third appearance is coming soon!) @30:20 - S2 Ep. 1: Trauma, Healing and Resilience with Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg (3/21/2019) @31:00 - Finding Sustenance in Covenantal Community with Rabbi Sid Schwarz (12/10/2019) @34:40 - Being an Ally with Empathy, Humility and Courage with Rabbi Sandra Lawson (12/28/2021) Rabbi Sandra is currently Executive Director of Carolina Jews For Justice Follow her on Instagram and TikTok and subscribe to her newsletter @40:00 - Why Voting for the Hatkivah Slate in the World Zionist Congress Matters: A Conversation Across Generations (4/21/2025) Hope Is a Muscle: The Hatikvah Slate with special guest Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie (5/1/2025) Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie returns to discuss Jewish chosenness, love, and his film Sabbath Queen (12/11/2025) @41:00 - The Jewish Way to a Good Life: A Conversation with Rabbi Shira Stutman (1/30/2026) The Joy of Camp With Rabbi James Greene (never aired). Follow Rabbi James' work at Jewish Family Service of Western MA This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org. Support Hashivenu

    Penultimate Episode: Looking Back at Hashivenu Through the Years with Producer Sam Wachs

  3. Jan 30

    The Jewish Way to a Good Life: A Conversation with Rabbi Shira Stutman

    What does it really mean to live a good life and how can ancient Jewish practices help us get there? Rabbi Deborah Waxman sits down with her teacher, colleague, and friend Rabbi Shira Stutman, author of The Jewish Way to a Good Life, for a wide-ranging conversation about meaning, resilience, and loving kindness. Together, they explore how Jewish wisdom offers practical tools for universal human challenges: how to love, how to mourn, how to care for our bodies, how to build justice, and how to show up for one another imperfectly but persistently. At the center of their conversation is hesed, loving kindness, which Shira describes as more than emotion: It’s the courage to show up in daunting spaces and do the hard, sustained work of caring. Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org. Special Guest: Rabbi Shira Stutman. Support Hashivenu Links: Buy Shira's book, "The Jewish Way to a Good Life" Listen to Rabbi Shira's podcast Chutzpod! Support Hashivenu with a donation to Reconstructing Judaism Learn more and register for Reconstructing Judaism's movement-wide convention "B'Yachad," March 12-15 in Philadelphia Reconstructing Judaism Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations Ritualwell

    The Jewish Way to a Good Life: A Conversation with Rabbi Shira Stutman

  4. 12/11/2025

    Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie returns to discuss Jewish chosenness, love, and his film Sabbath Queen

    Rabbi Deborah Waxman continues her conversation with Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, founder of Lab/Shul and subject of the documentary The Sabbath Queen. They explore how to hold complexity in polarized times, discussing "both/and" thinking around Israeli and Palestinian identity, the theology of love and connection (symbolized by the Hebrew letter vav), and building strong Jewish peoplehood without chauvinism or supremacy. Their conversation weaves together personal narrative, liturgical innovation, and theological reflection, modeling nuanced dialogue about coexistence, justice, and evolving Jewish tradition to honor the dignity of all people while navigating disagreement with courage and compassion. Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org. Special Guest: Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie. Support Hashivenu Links: The Sabbath Queen (Film Site) — Find a screening near you, background information, and related materials. Lab/Shul — Lab/Shul is the experimental, artist-driven, God-optional Jewish community co-founded by Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie. Evolve: Rabbi Toba Spitzer on Chosenness — Rabbi Toba Spitzer argues that “chosenness” implies unjust superiority and needs to be replaced with a sense of shared moral responsibility. The World Zionist Congress and Reconstructing Judaism’s Engagement with Israel — Learn about Reconstructing Judaism's efforts to promote a democratic, pluralistic, human-rights-centered vision for Israel and support for a two-state solution. Octavia Butler Resources (for contextual reference) — Learn more about Octavia Butler’s writing and themes. B'Yachad, Reconstructing Judaism's movement-wide convention — Details about Reconstructing Judaism's 2026 convention, including programming related to peoplehood without chauvinism and community-centered resilience. Registration is open now!

    Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie returns to discuss Jewish chosenness, love, and his film Sabbath Queen

  5. 05/01/2025

    Hope Is a Muscle: The Hatikvah Slate with special guest Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie

    Rabbi Deborah Waxman is joined by Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie for a vital conversation about the complexities of Zionism, Israeli identity and progressive Jewish values. As delegates on the Hatikvah slate in the World Zionist Congress elections, Waxman and Lau-Lavie discuss the intersection of personal history, political activism, queer and feminist perspectives and Jewish theology. Each reflects on the legacy of Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, the power of hope, and the urgency of building a Judaism that is inclusive, resilient and committed to justice for all. Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org. Special Guest: Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie. Support Hashivenu Links: Vote Hatikvah Slate in the World Zionist Congress Elections Learn more about Hatikvah Slate Explore Reconstructionist Resources about the World Zionist Congress Where We Stand: The Reconstructionist Movement, Israel and Progressive Zionism Watch: The Progressive Israel Network workshop about the World Zionist Congress Elections and why they matter urgently Q&A with Hatikvah Slate nominee Rabbi Elliott Tepperman about Hatikvah's progressive vision for Israel and Jewish communities Learn more about Lab/Shul Learn more about Storahtelling, Inc. In case you missed it: Rabbi Deborah Waxman's conversation with Rabbi Jodie Siff and Aaron Siff-Scherr about progressive Zionism, Jewish identity and the importance of voting in the World Zionist Congress elections

    Hope Is a Muscle: The Hatikvah Slate with special guest Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie

  6. 04/21/2025

    Why Voting for the Hatkivah Slate in the World Zionist Congress Matters: A Conversation Across Generations

    In this special episode of Hashivenu, Rabbi Deborah Waxman welcomes Rabbi Jodie Siff and her son Aaron Siff-Scherr to discuss their deep personal and political commitments to progressive Zionism. Together, they reflect on how Jewish education, family experiences, and time in Israel shaped their values and why participating in the World Zionist Congress elections matters. With honesty and nuance, they explore the complexities of modern Zionism, antisemitism, and pluralism within Jewish life. This heartfelt conversation is a call to action for American Jews to raise their voices by casting their votes for the Hatikvah Slate in order to help shape a more inclusive future for the Jewish people. Vote now at http://azm.org Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org. Special Guests: Aaron Siff-Scherr and Rabbi Jodie Siff. Support Hashivenu Links: Vote Hatikvah Slate in the World Zionist Congress Elections Learn more about Hatikvah Slate Explore Reconstructionist Resources about the World Zionist Congress Where We Stand: The Reconstructionist Movement, Israel and Progressive Zionism Watch: The Progressive Israel Network workshop about the World Zionist Congress Elections and why they matter urgently Q&A with Hatikvah Slate nominee Rabbi Elliott Tepperman about Hatikvah's progressive vision for Israel and Jewish communities Support Reconstructing Judaism

    Why Voting for the Hatkivah Slate in the World Zionist Congress Matters: A Conversation Across Generations

  7. 12/04/2024

    Reconstructionist Values, Covenantal Community and War in the Middle East

    In preparation for Reconstructing Judaism’s December 15 movement-wide virtual convening, Rabbi Elliott Tepperman and Rabbi Rachel Weiss join Rabbi Deborah Waxman for a deeply thoughtful and nuanced conversation about the difficult and rewarding work of maintaining unity within Jewish communities that sometimes have diverse views on Israel and Palestine and the War in Gaza. Their reflections on how to cultivate spaces of growth, respect and accountability within the synagogue offer a blueprint for creating Jewish communities that are there for us during moments of joy and celebration as well as times of mourning and crisis. Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org. Special Guests: Rabbi Elliott Tepperman and Rabbi Rachel Weiss. Support Hashivenu Links: Learn more about and register for Reconstructing Judaism's 12/15 event Reconstructing Judaism’s Convention, B’Yachad, is coming to Philadelphia in 2026 Read JRC's Covenant of Speech Clip from 2022 Convention: Rabbi Elliott Tepperman on creating a community of belonging that includes people even when they step out of line Watch the full "Creating Inclusive Community" panel from Reconstructing Judaism's 2022 Convention How Rabbi Rachel Weiss and the JRC approach talking about Israel and Palestine in their community Rabbi Elliott Tepperman: Bringing a Community-Organizing Model to the Pulpit Explore Evolve's essays about Israel and Palestine From Evolve: A Septet of Diverse Reflections on the Year Since October 7 New from Ritualwell, "A Jerusalem Afternoon in Wartime" by Haviva Ner-David Explore these poems, prayers and resources from Ritualwell that address communal tragedy. — "When one of us hurts, others are there to offer comfort..."

    Reconstructionist Values, Covenantal Community and War in the Middle East

  8. 10/10/2024

    Building Covenantal Community in the New Year and Beyond

    With the High Holiday season underway, Deborah welcomes Justin Rosen Smolen, Reconstructing Judaism's Vice President for Thriving Communities and Partnerships, for a wide-ranging conversation about covenantal community. They explore how the idea of covenant, from biblical narratives to contemporary community-building, emphasizes relationships, mutual responsibility and interdependence. They consider how liberal religion can help address societal issues like loneliness and division, and advocate for conversations that build inclusive, thriving communities. Later, Deborah and Justin explore a Reconstructionist understanding of covenant, emphasizing the importance of shared values and intergenerational dialogue, and recognizing that while diverse perspectives may create tension, they also provide opportunities for growth and deeper understanding within the community. Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org. Special Guest: Justin Rosen Smolen. Support Hashivenu Links: Watch Deborah's High Holiday teaching on covenantal community High Holiday resources from Reconstructing Judaism Explore High Holiday prayers and poems on Ritualwell Read Deborah in the Times of Israel: As Reconstructionists, Our Litmus Test is Centering Relationships Over Politics Read Deborah's latest Evolve piece, "A Jewish Embrace of Democracy: Early Reconstructionist Judaism and America’s Promise" Support Reconstructing Judaism with a donation of $36

    Building Covenantal Community in the New Year and Beyond
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4.9
out of 5
51 Ratings

About

Hashivenu is a podcast about Jewish teachings and practice around resilience. Cultivating resilience in challenging times, both individually and collectively, is an essential path to personal renewal. Support Hashivenu Find out more about the show at About (https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/about), and learn about our theme song at Theme Song (https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/theme-song). Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org (https://ReconstructingJudaism.org)

Information

  • Creator
    Reconstructing Judaism
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    64
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Reconstructing Judaism
  • Show Website
    Hashivenu

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