TOTO: Two Rabbis, Three Opinions

Barry Diamond
  • 5.0 (4)
  • JUDAISM
  • SERIES

Hosted by Rabbis Barry Diamond (Temple Adat Elohim – Reform) and Ari Averbach (Temple Etz Chaim – Conservative), the Temples Of Thousand Oaks, TOTO. TOTO: Two Rabbis, Three Opinions explores what it means to be Jewish today. The podcast launches with a joint community reading of Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew by Emmanuel Acho and Noa Tishby, and engages with questions of Jewish identity, antisemitism, and anti-Zionism in the wake of October 7, 2023—all while building bridges between our congregations and beyond. Our introductory music is "1L72" by Setuniman -- https://freesound.org/s/274787/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0

Season 1

  1. EPISODE 3

    Ep 3 Exploring Jewish Identity - Beyond the Labels

    Keywords Judaism, Jewish identity, Tikkun Olam, cultural Judaism, conversion, Jewish movements, gratitude, diversity, humanism, community Summary In this episode of TOTO: Two Rabbis, Three Opinions, Rabbi Barry Diamond and Ari Averbach explore the complexities of Jewish identity, culture, and observance. They discuss the four pillars of Judaism, the challenges of cultural identity in a modern world, and the importance of Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world. The conversation also touches on the evolution of Jewish practices, the diversity within Judaism, and the role of gratitude in daily life. The rabbis emphasize the need for ongoing dialogue within the Jewish community and with other communities, especially in the face of contemporary challenges. Rabbi Barry Diamond - www.AdatElohim.org Rabbi Ari Averbach - www.TempleEtzChayim.org Chapters 00:00 Welcome 03:06 Understanding Jewish Identity and Labels 05:15 The Four Pillars of Judaism 08:20 Tikkun Olam and Social Justice in Judaism 11:06 Conversion to Judaism: The Process and Perspectives 13:56 Exploring the Nature of Jewishness 17:01 The Diversity of Jewish Movements 20:01 Historical Context of Reform and Conservative Judaism 23:02 The Future of Jewish Identity and Movements 24:41 Navigating Modern Jewish Identity 26:48 Evolution of Jewish Practices 28:55 Gratitude and Awareness in Judaism 31:43 Jewish Humanism and Cultural Identity 37:17 Cultural Judaism in a Diverse World 43:03 Tikkun Olam and Social Justice 47:39 Struggles of Community and Identity 49:21 Introduction to the Rabbis' Perspectives 49:22 Exploring Community and Faith

    50 min

  2. EPISODE 4

    Ep 4 Are We White?

    The conversation delves into the complex and nuanced topic of race, exploring its historical, social, and scientific dimensions. It also examines the intersectionality of race and religion, particularly within the context of Jewish identity. The discussion highlights the challenges and tensions surrounding race, privilege, discrimination, and justice, offering a thought-provoking exploration of these critical issues. Takeaways Race as a social constructIntersectionality of race and religion Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage05:03 Historical Context of Race and Slavery11:44 Race and Jewish Identity18:24 Jewish Identity and Race in America26:59 Race, Privilege, and Discrimination34:15 Comparative Suffering and Justice Pursuit42:18 Judaism as an Ethno-Religious Group

    45 min

  3. EPISODE 5

    Ep 5 Stereotypes

    The conversation delves into the impact of stereotypes, the influence of Jewish power, and the importance of dialogue and understanding in challenging and addressing stereotypes. It also explores the historical context of Jewish influence and the complexities of stereotypes in society. Takeaways Stereotypes are based on some truth but can lead to negative generalizations.Stereotypes can influence behavior and perceptions, impacting social interactions. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Stereotypes06:23 Stereotypes and Jewish Power14:05 Historical Context and Jewish Influence19:29 Theological and Ideological Perspectives25:26 Challenging Stereotypes30:47 Importance of Dialogue43:28 Complexity of Stereotypes

    46 min

  4. EPISODE 6

    Ep 6 Antisemitism

    The conversation delves into the book 'Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew' and explores the history and trends of anti-Semitism. It addresses the role of religious animus, the language used to describe anti-Semitism, and the importance of productive conversations and civil discourse. The discussion also highlights the need to challenge coded language, strengthen Jewish identity, and examines the visibility of Jewish communities in relation to targeting. The conversation delves into the complexities of allyship, the challenges of recognizing and addressing antisemitism, and the importance of labeling and understanding different forms of antisemitism. It also highlights the need for educational policies that promote civil discourse and address hate speech. Rabbi Barry Diamond, Temple Adat Elohim Rabbi Ari Averbach, Temple Etz Chayim Josh Burt, Regional Director for ADL Santa Barbara/Tri-Counties Website to facilitate constructive conversations: PointTaken.social. Takeaways Anti-Semitism is deeply rooted in history and manifests in various forms.Productive conversations and civil discourse are essential in combating hate and bias.Strengthening Jewish identity and education is crucial in addressing anti-Semitism. Allyship isn't transactionalChallenging antisemitism requires ongoing effort Chapters 00:00 Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew06:24 Religious Animus and Anti-Semitism13:18 Productive Conversations and Civil Discourse19:38 Challenging Coded Language32:33 Visibility and Targeting39:00 Challenges of Recognizing Antisemitism45:19 Understanding and Addressing Antisemitism54:47 The Importance of Labeling Antisemitism

    57 min

  5. 09/30/2025

    Ep 1 (updated) Uncomfortable Conversations: Why This Book, Why Now?

    In this inaugural episode of 'TOTO: Two Rabbis, Three Opinions', Rabbis Barry Diamond and Ari Averbach discuss the purpose of their podcast, which aims to address rising antisemitism, the complexities surrounding Israel and Zionism, and the importance of open dialogue within the Jewish community. They introduce the book 'Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew' as a starting point for discussions and invite community members to engage in meaningful conversations about these pressing issues. Buy the book Amazon Abe Books (Independent) 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Its Purpose 02:52 Addressing Antisemitism and Community Challenges 06:07 The Book: Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew 08:52 Engaging the Community in Discussion 11:42 Conclusion and Future Conversations

    13 min

  6. 09/30/2025

    Ep 2 Uncomfortable Conversations: Behind the Book

    Episode: Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew — Behind the BookIn this episode of Two Rabbis, Three Opinions, Rabbis Barry Diamond and Ari Averbach welcome Rachel Holtzman, the credited book collaborator (“book doula”) for Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew by Emmanuel Acho and Noa Tishby. Together they explore: How the book came to be — from Emmanuel Acho’s original “Uncomfortable Conversations” series to his collaboration with Noa Tishby, and why the title itself became a reclamation of the word “Jew.”The whirlwind process of writing and publishing the book in under a year after October 7th, balancing urgency with accuracy and integrity.Rachel’s unique role navigating two strong voices, sensitive topics, and extensive research to create an accessible, conversational text for both Jewish and non-Jewish readers.Key themes of the book — bridging divides, confronting assumptions, validating Jewish identity, and equipping readers to speak about Judaism, Zionism, and antisemitism with confidence and nuance.How to use the book as a springboard for meaningful dialogue in congregations, classrooms, interfaith spaces, and even family conversations.Rachel also shares how the project reshaped her own Jewish identity and offers practical wisdom on allyship, self-awareness, and showing up authentically as Jews in everyday life. Listen in for a rich, behind-the-scenes look at a book designed not just to inform but to spark the “uncomfortable” conversations our communities most need.

    43 min
  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Hosted by Rabbis Barry Diamond (Temple Adat Elohim – Reform) and Ari Averbach (Temple Etz Chaim – Conservative), the Temples Of Thousand Oaks, TOTO. TOTO: Two Rabbis, Three Opinions explores what it means to be Jewish today. The podcast launches with a joint community reading of Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew by Emmanuel Acho and Noa Tishby, and engages with questions of Jewish identity, antisemitism, and anti-Zionism in the wake of October 7, 2023—all while building bridges between our congregations and beyond. Our introductory music is "1L72" by Setuniman -- https://freesound.org/s/274787/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0

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