Horizontal Media

Horizontal Media

Conversations and commentary grounded in Covenantal Judaism

  1. Sep 23

    Embracing Joy, Vulnerability, and the Sukkah with Rabbi Yosef Lopez

    Episode Summary: As we transition from the introspection of the High Holy Days into the festival season, this episode of The Rabbi Avi Show is dedicated to unpacking the profound themes of Sukkot, Shemini Atseret, and Simhat Torah. Rabbi Yosef Lopez, host of the חכמת החודש podcast, returns to the show to explore how a temporary booth and the agricultural harvest connect us to our shared humanity. From Maimonidean perspectives on the Four Species to the reality of human vulnerability, this conversation reframes our understanding of the holidays and reveals why our true baseline state of existence is pure joy. Key Takeaways & Topics Explored: The Universal Foundation of Tishrei: While Nissan marks the liturgical head of the year, Tishrei celebrates the creation of humanity. Sukkot (Hag HaAsif) expands on this by emphasizing our connection to the entire human race, historically marked by bringing sacrifices and requesting rain (Yoreh) on behalf of the whole world. Dwelling in the Temporary (Leshev BaSukkah): Drawing on the insights of Hakham Jose Faur, the episode explores how the seven days spent in the flimsy, temporary shelter of the Sukkah mirror the proverbial seventy years of a human lifespan. The Sukkah challenges us to transform a temporary dwelling (dirat arai) into a space of meaningful, intentional living. A Grounded View of the Arba Minim: Moving beyond midrashic allegories, Maimonides grounds the Four Species in concrete terms—accessibility, pleasing appearance, and a historical reminder of the transition from a barren wilderness to an abundant, fruit-laden land that relies heavily on water. Halacha and Human Vulnerability: True observance does not require martyrdom. Following Sephardic tradition and the rulings of the Rashba and Maran Yosef Karo, leaving the Sukkah during a rainstorm teaches us how Jewish law pivots to accommodate genuine discomfort and reality. Patience and the Wisdom of Kohelet: Reading Ecclesiastes under the sechach reminds us that "everything is beautiful in its time." The agricultural roots of Sukkot serve as a powerful antidote to modern culture's demand for instant gratification. Returning to Joy (Simha): As the season culminates in Shemini Atseret and Simhat Torah, we step outside the Sukkah to dance with the Torah. This celebration is a powerful reminder that joy is not just a commanded action, but the normal, baseline state of human existence. Support the Show: A massive thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. If this conversation was therapeutic or thought-provoking for you, we want to hear from you! Please support our work and communicate with us directly by visiting patreon.com/horizontalmedia.

    Embracing Joy, Vulnerability, and the Sukkah with Rabbi Yosef Lopez

  2. Sep 9

    Put Down the Lizard: The Psychology of Teshuvah and Maimonides' Laws of Return

    Episode Description & Show Notes: As Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur approach, millions around the world begin the demanding, inward journey of the Days of Awe. We ask the difficult, foundational questions: Who have I been this past year? Where did I miss the mark? And who am I fighting to become when the shofar finally splits the silence? In this episode, Rabbi Avi is joined once again by his dear friend, scholar, and intellectual partner Rabbi Yosef Lopez for a raw, unflinching dive into the mechanics of true transformation. Drawing deeply from Maimonides’ (Rambam’s) Hilkhoth Teshuba in Sefer HaMadda, as well as the groundbreaking scholarship of Ḥakham José Faur and Ḥakham Ike Choua, they break through the seasonal platitudes and Westernized theological assumptions that obscure our understanding of repentance. The discussion anchors on Maimonides’ striking, vivid metaphor in Chapter 2: the person who immerses in a miqwa while holding a sheretz—a creeping lizard—in their hand. No matter how deep the waters or how sincere the tears, the immersion is completely invalid until the lizard is cast away. What We Discuss in This Episode: The Sheretz in the Hand: Why human beings crave the emotional high and drama of ritual while stubbornly refusing to unclench their fists from the habits, grudges, and rationalizations that keep them spiritually stuck. Teshuvah as Psychology: How Maimonides positions the laws of repentance inside Sefer HaMadda (The Book of Knowledge) as an internal science of human behavior rather than mere religious ceremony. Dismantling "Sin" and "Atonement": Why Western theological terms fail authentic Jewish thought. Understanding ḥeṭ not as an inherited moral stain, but as an archery term for missing the target—a covenantal debt (ḥov) that can be recalibrated and repaired. The Genius of José Faur: Examining why the Torah commands Vidui (spoken, articulated confession) rather than Teshuvah itself, and how internal transformation is actually framed as a divine promise (havtaḥa). The Fallacy of Vague Apologies: Why Maimonides insists that confession must name the specific fault aloud, and why blanket social media apologies ("to anyone I may have offended") fall short of real repair. Ani Aḥer ("I Am Another"): How a person bridges the gap from sheer willpower to internalizing an entirely new identity, examined alongside the tragic Talmudic figure of Elisha ben Abuyah (Aḥer) and the lethal trap of despair. Kappara vs. Meḥila: Breaking down the vital distinction between kappara (legal protection from consequence) and meḥila (the complete removal of the partition between two people or between man and God). The Wake-Up Call of the Shofar: Moving past seasonal terror to hear the shofar as a call back to Sinai, self-worth, and proactive righteousness (Tzedakah). Support the Podcast: The Rabbi Avi Show is completely independent, produced without corporate sponsors, and dedicated to delivering serious, high-production conversations rooted in authentic Torah. To partner with us, unlock exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and join the dialogue directly: Patreon: patreon.com/horizontalmedia Share this episode with friends, family, and your community to help spread the word!

    Put Down the Lizard: The Psychology of Teshuvah and Maimonides' Laws of Return

  3. Aug 30

    Where We've Been, Where We're Going: A Retrospective & The Horizon Ahead

    The Rabbi Avi Show: Ep. 26, Season 1 Finale EPISODE SUMMARYIn this special season-ending transitional episode, Rabbi Avi looks back at the foundational themes, remarkable guests, and core moral questions that defined the inaugural season of The Rabbi Avi Show. From the frontiers of Israel to the lecture halls of American academia, this retrospective weaves together the threads of human experience through a single guiding truth: Torah is all around us. Torah is not merely an ancient scroll locked in an ark; it spans the fullness of human experience—how we wage war with morality, build education systems, process grief, treat our physical bodies, and build bridges across deep cultural divides. In addition to recapping the four thematic pillars of Season 1, Rabbi Avi outlines the vision for Season 2, introducing multi-person panel discussions and sharing how listeners can directly shape the future of the show through Patreon. THE FOUR THEMATIC PILLARS OF SEASON 11. The Frontier of Courage and Security Exploring what it means to defend a nation, govern under fire, and maintain moral clarity on the physical and spiritual edges of Israel. Rabbi Yaron Buki (Katsrin, Golan Heights): Grandson of Holocaust survivors and a "rabbi with calloused hands" serving as a mohel, shokhet, and member of the Chevra Kadisha. He highlights raising a family on the border, rejecting victimhood, and living as Goy Echad Ba'aretz (one unified nation). Yaakov Selavan (Deputy Governor, Golan Regional Council): Sharing his journey from tank command in Gaza post-October 7th to managing a council under daily fire, illustrating why the Golan is a sacred frontier where "where the plow stops, the border is set," and fighting out of love rather than hatred. Eden Achituv (Retamim, Negev Desert): Raising four boys in the ring of fire, showing how community youth transformed burned lookout points into sanctuaries of life. Rabbi Yossi Etz-Hasadeh (Har Hevron, Judea): Moving from a New Zealand sheep farm to the biblical heartland, detailing the daily realities of living alongside Arab neighbors and standing as a sovereign people in our native homeland. 2. The Fabric of Identity and Disarming Propaganda Dismantling rigid Western racial paradigms and narrative distortions by elevating authentic, diverse Jewish voices. Leah Avuno (Reshet Amit): Former IDF platoon commander born in Gondar, Ethiopia, dismantling Western "apartheid" labels and highlighting digital propaganda vs. lived reality. Tali Aynalem (Givati Brigade Veteran): Digital advocate pushing back against victim mentality in American academia, urging young Jews to ground themselves at their family's dinner table rather than a smartphone screen. Classical Traditions: Exploring Sephardic and Maimonidean heritage with Rabbi Yosef Lopez and analyzing historical Jewish roots with Professor David Graizbord. 3. The Intellectual, Cultural, and Academic Frontlines Confronting institutional bias, the post-October 7th awakening, and processing heavy realities through art and literature. Dr. Molly Dunn (Center for Jewish Resilience): Tracking her masterclass in intellectual evolution from far-left critical theories to the political center and legal advocacy. Chloe Loos (Tucson JCC): Discussing the "October 8th Awakening," political homelessness, and stepping into an unapologetic Jewish identity. Pastor Jeff Logsdon (Hope City Church): Demonstrating genuine, non-transactional interfaith solidarity, standing with the Jewish community on the morning of October 7th and serving the local community together. Theological & Psychological Literature: Examining moral self-defense through magical realism in Roger Simon’s Emmet, and exploring transgenerational trauma, the Iraqi Farhud, and diaspora safety in Benjamin Abravenel’s The Past Again. 4. Health, Purpose, and the Everyday Torah Bringing sanctity, discipline, and physical resilience into everyday human life. Holistic Health & Medical Ethics: Conversations on physical health, faith, and facing adversity with Adam Fox, Dr. David Dierks, and author E.C. Stilson. Dr. Zuhdi Jasser (American Islamic Forum for Democracy): A physician-led diagnostic approach to civil discourse, fighting religious authoritarianism, and defending the U.S. Constitution and Israel. The Dignity of Labor: Celebrating craftsmanship, local educators, and practical living expressions of Torah. LOOKING AHEAD TO SEASON 2Multi-Person Panel Discussions: Season 2 will expand beyond 1-on-1 interviews to bring 2, 3, or 4+ guests together simultaneously to dissect complex topics from multiple perspectives and model constructive, Torah-informed dialogue. Holiday Schedule: During the upcoming Hebrew holiday season, production will feature two special standalone episodes focused on the Days of Awe (Yamim Nor'im) and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) before launching Season 2 full throttle. JOIN OUR COMMUNITY & SUPPORT THE SHOWMain Patreon Page: Watch video podcasts and directly support independent, corporate-free media for as little as $5/month at patreon.com/horizontalmedia. Virtual Town Hall & Community Chat: Interface directly with Rabbi Avi, submit questions for Season 2 panels, suggest guests/topics, and access behind-the-scenes updates in our Virtual Town Hall Chat Space.

  4. Aug 15

    Leading on the Frontier with Yaakov Selavan

    The Rabbi Avi Show Episode 25 Show Notes: In this episode of The Rabbi Avi Show, Rabbi Avi sits down with Yaakov Selavan, Deputy Governor of the Golan Regional Council, for a raw and deeply personal conversation about leadership, resilience, and the future of Israel’s northern frontier. Recorded following a recent mission to the Golan Heights, this episode moves beyond the headlines to explore the human reality of life in Israel’s most volatile border region. Episode Highlights From the Old City to the Frontlines Yaakov shares his unique journey: growing up between Jerusalem and Atlanta, finding his calling in the rugged landscapes of the Golan, and serving as an IDF tank commander. He recounts the jarring transition from civilian community leadership to the frontlines of Gaza on October 7th, and how his unit—and his nation—responded to the crisis. The "Frontier" Philosophy Rabbi Avi and Yaakov discuss the vital distinction between the "periphery" and the "frontier." Yaakov explains why he and his fellow leaders made the agonizing, controversial decision to keep civilians in their homes in the Golan rather than evacuating. They examine the devastating social costs of mass evacuation and why maintaining a presence on the land is essential for national security. The Moral Weight of Command Drawing on his experiences in urban warfare and the search for hostages, Yaakov addresses the ethical dilemmas of fighting an enemy that embeds itself within hospitals, schools, and even graveyards. He shares a powerful lesson he taught his soldiers: It isn’t about having the right answers; it’s about asking the right questions to remain on the path of Jewish values, even in the heat of battle. Transformation in the North Yaakov details the dramatic shifting of the geopolitical landscape in the Golan, including: The Majdal Shams Tragedy: The impact of the rocket attack that killed 12 children on a soccer field, and how it catalyzed a historic shift in the Druze community’s relationship with Israel. The Fall of Assad: How the collapse of the Syrian regime and the rise of local instability led to a new era of cooperation and Israeli sovereignty. A "Mini-Abraham Accord": The push to create economic gateways for Druze and local partners across the border, fostering peace through shared prosperity. A Symbol of Purpose Throughout the conversation, Yaakov reflects on the 2,000-year-old coin he carries in his pocket—minted in Gamla during the Great Revolt—bearing the inscription: "For the redemption of Jerusalem, the Holy." He explains how this small piece of metal serves as his compass during the hardest days of war and political uncertainty. Key Topics Discussed The psychological and social toll of the "Ceasefire War" and daily drone attrition. The reality of indoctrination in Gazan schools versus the values taught to Israeli children. The unique "Golan Spirit"—a model of political cooperation between secular and religious communities. Why the future of Northern Israel depends on building a society that competes with the center in healthcare, education, and opportunity. Support The Mission The Rabbi Avi Show is dedicated to bringing you the voices, souls, and boots-on-the-ground truths of the people actively shaping history. These high-production, on-location conversations rely entirely on the support of our listeners. Help us continue this work: Become a Patron: patreon.com/horizontalmedia Your monthly support directly funds the travel and production required to bring these frontline stories to light. Connect with us: Follow the show for more updates on upcoming guests and future episodes. Thank you for standing with us as we navigate these historic times with courage and shared purpose.

  5. Jul 29

    Building Living Bridges with Leah Avuno

    Show Notes: The Rabbi Avi Show, Episode 24Guest: Leah Avuno (Head of International Relations at Reshet Amit, Educator, and former Tucson Shinshinit)Episode SummaryIn this episode, Rabbi Avi has a profound, hour-long reunion with his dear friend Leah Avuno, joining remotely from Israel. Exactly ten years after Leah arrived in Arizona as an 18-year-old Shinshinit (pre-military Israeli emissary), she and Avi look back at her journey and trace her evolution from a young volunteer into a powerhouse of international educational leadership. Leah shares her raw experiences as a female IDF commander leading a diverse platoon of Druze, Arab, and Cherkesium soldiers—a journey that was featured globally in the Amazon Prime Video docuseries The Women of the IDF. Today, she serves as the Head of the International Relations Department at Reshet Amit, the largest educational network in Israel, where she actively works to close the socioeconomic gap between central Israel and the periphery. Together, Avi and Leah tackle the rigid Western racial frameworks and propaganda often projected onto the Middle East, illustrated by a lighter moment with a global traveler's skewed perception of Gaza weather. Crucially, they dive into Leah's vital work on the ground providing immediate psychological, therapeutic, and emotional support to children in Israel's southern districts processing the continuous trauma of October 7th. Key Topics DiscussedThe Periphery and Reshet Amit: Leah explains the "30/70 ratio" framework used by Israel's largest educational network to provide equal educational opportunities and specialized support to lower socioeconomic and immigrant families across 93 schools. Reflections on Tucson (2016): Looking back at her gap year in Arizona, her outreach to students on the University of Arizona campus with Avi, and her time building bridges with local communities, including speaking at a Black Baptist church and historical teen coalitions. Identity Beyond Labels: How growing up in an incredibly diverse Israel shaped her worldview, why her identity has always been "Jewish first" since her early childhood in Gondar, Ethiopia, and how her authentic presence naturally shatters flat, Western demographic assumptions. The Reality of Military Service: Behind the scenes of her leadership as an IDF commander, navigating the intense psychological demands of border defense as a young adult, and why she chose to participate in the Amazon Prime Video series The Women of the IDF to counter global misinformation. Dismantling Online Propaganda: A real-world encounter challenging the absolute "black-and-white" narratives found on Western university campuses, emphasizing the danger of algorithm-driven propaganda. The Ultimate Anchor: Leah shares her mother's timeless wisdom about centering our energy on the next generation and explains the profound practice of Cheshbon HaNefesh—conducting a dedicated, weekly inner accounting of the soul to bring more light into the world. Connect & SupportSupport Leah's Educational and Therapeutic Work: To learn more about Leah's regional tours or to donate toward the vital psychological and emotional therapy programs for children in Israel's southern periphery, visit the official website at amitchildren.org. Support the Show: The Rabbi Avi Show is entirely independent and listener-supported under the Horizontal Media umbrella. To help keep these raw, corporate-free long-form dialogues going, consider becoming a monthly supporter at patreon.com/horizontalmedia.

  6. Jul 23

    'Abh- Political Teshubhah and the Redemption of Ṣiyyon

    Ḥokhmat ha-Ḥodesh- Episode 12: In this season finale, host Yosef Lopez explores the month of 'Abh—a month containing both the heaviest day on the Jewish calendar (Tish'a be-'Abh) and one of the nation's most joyous days (the fifteenth of 'Abh). Moving beyond simple mourning, this episode examines how the tradition treats catastrophe as a catalyst for national strategy, the nature of political repentance, and what a Bible-founded Ṣiyyon might actually look like.Key Discussion Points: Memory vs. The Pit: An examination of the name 'Abh. Unlike the Babylonian "Abu"—a month associated with necromancy and bargaining with the dead—the Jewish tradition marks the fifth month by rejecting the cult of the dead and instead opening the Book, turning the month into an act of national memory. The Audit of Public Life: A critical look at the halakha of fasting. Relying on Rambam, the episode argues that the restrictions of 'Abh are calibrated to awaken the heart, yet modern practice has often allowed the scaffolding (customs) to obscure the purpose: an annual audit of Jewish public life, leadership, and institutions. Zekharya’s Rebuke: Why did the prophet answer a delegation’s question about fasting with a demand for justice? The episode explores the prophetic argument that fasting is a substitute for justice, not a replacement for it. Political Teshubhah: A deep dive into the Second Temple's destruction, attributed to sin'ath ḥinnam (baseless hatred) and a failure of leadership. The episode defines "political repentance" not as a private mood, but as a commitment to correcting communal and institutional failure. Confronting the Sword with the Book: How the destruction of Bethar (135 CE) and the loss of national archives forced the sages to deposit the tradition into the mind of the people. This strategic pivot created an indestructible archive: the Mishna. Tu be-'Abh: Why the fifteenth of 'Abh is a day of repair. The episode catalogues the barriers that fell on this day—restrictions lifted, tribes readmitted, and the dead buried—and its choreography of equality through borrowed white garments. The Vision of Henry Pereira Mendes: A look at the 1898 essay by the minister of Shearith Israel, envisioning a Jewish State built on the Biblical ideals of justice, universal peace, and arbitration rather than colonial ambition or territorial conquest. Key Quotes & Takeaways: "The fast of 'Abh is an annual audit of Jewish public life. And a fast kept without that audit—the sources themselves will tell us—has missed its own point." "Israel took its national archive out of the precinct of the Temple and deposited it in the mind of the people." "If you do justice and righteousness, you do not need to fast." (Radaq) "Our revenge for the past will be to turn our opponents into our friends, our calumniators into our advocates, and those who are treating us with injustice or worse shall yet become our champions." (Henry Pereira Mendes) Mentioned in this Episode: Hakham Faur: On the authority of Jewish memory. Shelomo ibn Verga (Shebheṭ Yehuda): On the natural political causes of Jewish suffering. R. Judah Bibas: On political repentance. Henry Pereira Mendes: On the Biblical foundations of Zionism. R. 'Aqibha: On confronting the destruction of memory. This episode concludes the first season of Ḥokhmat ha-Ḥodesh. Thank you for listening throughout the year.

  7. Jul 19

    Disrupting the Narrative with Tali Aynalem

    The Rabbi Avi Show: Episode 23 Show NotesIn this very special episode, Rabbi Avi sits down with the outstanding Tali Aynalem—an Israeli-Ethiopian-American, IDF veteran of the Givati Brigade, and a sharp marketing professional who is completely shifting the conversation on social media. Born in Israel to parents who made Aliyah in the early 1980s, Tali grew up in Oregon, giving her a completely unique perspective on both the Israeli cultural fabric and modern American activism. They dive into a deep, long-form conversation about her lived experience, breaking through the victim mentality on progressive American campuses, the hidden systemic realities of the Middle East, and her exciting new grassroots project, Breaking Bread. Key TopicsGenerational Roots & Aliyah History: Tali shares her family's unique background, predating the famous military airlifts of the mid-80s, and discusses the profound longing for Jerusalem (Beit HaMiqdash) that defined early Ethiopian pioneers. The Shock of American Racial Politics: Moving from Israel to Oregon, Tali describes the bizarre shift of entering an American university environment where she was explicitly introduced to an "oppression and victimhood" mentality for the first time. Life in the Fabric of Israel: Pushing back against online myths of a systemic "apartheid state," Tali shares her lived reality of total cultural belonging in Israel compared to the actual second-class citizenship and labor abuse under the Kafala system in parts of the Arab world. The Morality of the IDF: Drawing from her service in the Givati Brigade, Tali humanizes the soldiers on the borders, refuting Western media caricatures and detailing a culture that celebrates life rather than glorifying destruction. The Betrayal of October 7th: Tali reflects on being physically on the ground in Israel during the Simchat Torah attacks, catching one of the last flights out, and navigating the painful relational fallout with long-term American friends in the weeks that followed. Grassroots Leadership & "Breaking Bread": A look at Tali's new project with Ashira (Black and Jewish Podcast), moving past traditional, institutional "pastor and rabbi dinners" toward a model focused on business networking, economic partnership, and uncompromised Zionist dialogue. The Core of Jewish Identity: Tali explains why her personal representation doesn't matter as much as strong foundations built at home, culminating in her latest thesis: There is no Judaism without Zionism, and there is no Judaism without God. Important Links Support the Show: Show your appreciation for independent, long-form media by supporting our channel at Horizontal Media Patreon. Tali’s Writing: Read, subscribe, and share Tali's sharp weekly cultural commentary on Tali Aynalem's Substack. Final Takeaway"Always answer with truth. Look for the numbers yourself, look for the pictures yourself, and you'll find everything that you are looking for. Because truth always wins." — Tali Aynalem

  8. Jul 5

    The Rabbi Avi Show: Waking Up to History — Assimilation, Trauma, and The Past, Again with Benjamin Abravenel

    Show Notes: The Rabbi Avi Show, Episode 22Episode OverviewIn this powerful and timely episode, Rabbi Avi unpacks a profound tectonic shift currently altering the collective Jewish psyche in the wake of October 7th. Tracing a direct narrative arc over recent conversations, the show explores what it truly means to wake up to history when comfortable diaspora illusions of security begin to shatter. Rabbi Avi is joined remotely by physician and debut novelist Benjamin Abravenel to discuss his captivating new psychological family drama, The Past, Again (published by Koehler Books). Together, they dive deep into the heavy existential questions facing modern Jewry: Is American exceptionalism a fragile myth? Can diaspora Jews ever truly unpack the suitcase in the closet? And how does transgenerational trauma shape our response to rising contemporary anti-Semitism? Connecting the Threads: The Arc of Waking UpBefore sitting down with today's guest, Rabbi Avi reflects on the foundational themes laid down across recent episodes that bridge personal trauma, institutional betrayal, and the moral burdens of self-defense: The October 8th Awakening (with Chloe Loos): A raw look at the immediate psychological shattering that occurred the morning after the attacks. This conversation confronted the sudden birth of the "October 8th Jew"—the jarring moment when the comfortable, sun-bleached illusions of diaspora exceptionalism cracked open. Ideological Evolution (with Dr. Molly Dunn): An analysis of the macro-level systemic failures and the moral collapse within elite academic and cultural institutions. This episode illuminated the deep isolation and political homelessness felt by Jewish families when the modern public square pressures them to mute or repackage their trauma just to stay palatable for prime time. Truth, Fiction, and the Modern Golem (with Roger Simon): A deep dive into theological fiction through the novel Emmet. Roger Simon demonstrated how dry journalism and political essays reach their limit when trying to capture existential dread, showing that narrative fiction is often the best vessel capable of holding the raw spiritual weight of our historical survival. Key Discussion Points with Benjamin Abravenel1. Moving from Medicine to FictionAfter 35 years of practicing medicine, Dr. Abravenel turned to fiction to unpack heavy, modern anxieties. He shares the defining turning point behind the book: a poignant conversation with an Auschwitz-surviving patient who told him she still keeps a packed suitcase in her closet because safety is only guaranteed "so far." This, combined with witnessing literal anti-Semitic graffiti on the walls of modern Europe, sparked a desire to write a dystopian narrative set right in his idyllic hometown. 2. The Illusion of ParadiseThe novel is intentionally set in the carefree, sun-bleached paradise of Santa Barbara and Montecito. Dr. Abravenel explains that Jewish history is full of cycles where Jews reach the highest pinnacles of societal success before elements of society abruptly turn against them. In modern America, he flags the rise of fragmented tribalization and "lone wolf" attacks from both the far left and far right as modern echoes of these historical repetitions. 3. The Generational Rift & Family SecretsThe book charts a profound family divide: Brian (The Father): A deeply analytical Talmudic scholar who embodies the naive confidence of American exceptionalism. Judah/James (The Son): A protagonist who undergoes childhood trauma from early exposure to Holocaust imagery, choosing to change his name to "James" and aggressively adopting dogmatic atheism just to fit in and escape his heritage. Lori (The Mother): Born in Baghdad, she survived the horrific 1941 Farhud pogrom. She goes to great lengths to play down her Mizrahi roots to present herself strictly as Israeli—not out of shame, but because her history carries the lingering, haunting truth that paradise is never permanent. 4. Cultural Gaslighting and Litmus TestsRabbi Avi and Benjamin confront the modern public square, where mentioning historical anti-Semitism is often treated as an aggressive act, and perpetrators claim the mantle of victimhood. They discuss the immense pressure placed on modern American Jews—particularly on elite college campuses—to undergo ideological litmus tests and reject their own identity or connection to Israel simply to be accepted by contemporary society. 5. Is There a Safe Haven?The conversation concludes on a sobering yet resilient note. While the novel's characters try to outrun history through renaming, erasure, or silence, history ultimately catches up to them in a gripping conclusion tied to the reality of regional warfare. Yet, leaning on the words of the book's Auschwitz-surviving grandmother, Benjamin notes that Jewish survival has always been anchored in a refusal to be erased: "I'm still here." Featured BookThe Past, Again by Benjamin Abravenel (Published by Koehler Books). Available now on Amazon. Memorable Quotes from the Episode"I always keep the packed suitcase in my closet... So far." — Benjamin Abravenel, quoting an Auschwitz-surviving patient "The unique thing about anti-Semitism, Jew hatred, is that it comes from both sides—the far left and the far right... Jews are being forced to undergo a litmus test before they can move on in society." — Benjamin Abravenel "Our identity is not merely a casual religious preference. It's an interconnected civilization in a continuous historical chain." — Rabbi Avi "While we may not be expected to finish the work of repairing this fractured world, we are absolutely not free to desist from it." — Rabbi Avi Support Independent Jewish Media!The Rabbi Avi Show is entirely independent, produced under the banner of Horizontal Media. We are not backed by corporate sponsors, and we do not answer to institutional boards. Diving into heavy truths, political realignments, and the raw vulnerability of our people takes immense time and operational resources. If you value these long-form dialogues and believe that independent Jewish thought is an absolute necessity, please consider turning from a passive listener into an active financial partner. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/horizontalmedia Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to refuse to let the past be erased or distorted.

    The Rabbi Avi Show: Waking Up to History — Assimilation, Trauma, and The Past, Again with Benjamin Abravenel
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Conversations and commentary grounded in Covenantal Judaism

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  • Creator
    Horizontal Media
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Horizontal Media LLC
  • Show Website
    Horizontal Media