A Rabbi and a Lawyer Walk Into a Bar Rabbi Asher Lopatin and John Geiringer

John wonders whether the recent eclipse and earthquake should have us concerned, and Asher assures us that gam zu l’tovah - everything is for the good.  He also convinces us to say shehechiyanu more often.  We begin the countdown to Passover by stopping tachanun, spring cleaning our chometz, and watching the latest Moses flick.

Asher describes his new Ann Arbor gig, as all eyes remain on Michigan this election year.  Speaking of politicians, we discuss whether Schumer is such a shomer and why Proxmire should be better known.  John questions whether those red pins at the Oscars were about our shared humanity, or something more sinister.  As Purim arrives, we approach joy in a time of pain, learn moral self-defense, and consider how quickly misfortune can be reversed.

Baby it’s cold outside!  In a surprise twist, Asher acknowledges Nathan of Gaza for the Tu Bishvat seder.  We then contemplate WWMLKD (what would MLK do) in the current environment.  John summarizes the flawed ICJ case against Israel, and wonders if the pro-Hamas/Houthi protesters ever consider themselves the “baddies.”  Despite the negative temperatures, we end with positive thoughts about longer days.







00:29 Introduction and Casual Conversation



00:48 Discussing Tuba Shvat and its Significance



02:54 Exploring the Tradition of Tu Bishvat Seder



03:47 Reflecting on the History of Jewish Communities



04:25 Contemplating Political Involvement and Leadership



06:44 Appreciating the Importance of Jewish Unity



07:27 Remembering Martin Luther King and His Legacy



09:11 Discussing the Current Political Climate



10:31 Reflecting on the Importance of Jewish-Black Unity



11:26 Discussing the Current Situation in Israel



13:29 Analyzing the Legal Implications of the Israel Conflict



16:43 Reflecting on the Tragedy of Misused Ingenuity

Asher describes his ongoing Israel advocacy efforts, including his recent trip to the Holy Land, which included visiting hospitals, picking lettuce, and reveling in his strange love of driving there. We then discuss Bibi’s role in history, and how it would have been improved by early retirement. After some Harvard schadenfreude, John defends his negative campaign against Chanukah in his shul’s version of the famous Latke-Hamantash Debate.

Asher describes being one of almost 300,000 at the Israel rally, while John joined virtually.  We turn our ire on fellow Jews who give aid and comfort to the enemy, and suggest mini-cherem for them.  After questioning whether we can be simultaneously frightened and emboldened by current events, we end on a note of Thanksgiving - and kosher turkey.



Enjoy Thanksgiving!

We lament the “useful idiots” who support Hamas, but derive hope from our true allies.  Asher surprisingly announces his political aspirations, while John (an avid C-SPAN viewer) advises caution.  Asher memorializes Samantha Woll, and we compare notes on our crying habits these days.  We rejoice in the newfound Jewish unity and faith, and John reminds us that humor is a Jewish superpower in times of trouble.