
24 episodes

A Rabbi and a Lawyer Walk Into a Bar Rabbi Asher Lopatin and John Geiringer
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- Religion & Spirituality
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5.0 • 18 Ratings
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Grab a seat and join old friends, Rabbi Asher Lopatin and his former synagogue president, John Geiringer. Imagine sharing a drink with two news junkies who keep an open mind, challenge the status quo, and love discussing the comedy, tragedy, absurdity, and reality of the Jewish experience. Throughout their discussions, John will ask Asher provocative questions that congregants wish they could ask their rabbis.
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Ep 24 – Purimfest!
Having survived the Day of Hate, we discuss our obligation to eradicate Amalek - but don’t try that at home. Asher then pivots to the story and mitzvot of Purim, and John describes the parallels between Haman’s sons and the Nuremberg defendants. We then grapple with the ongoing growing pains of Israel’s democracy.
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Ep 23 – We’re Number 194!
We give thanks to our listeners, who lifted us up to #194…among Jewish podcasts, and we ask them to help us beat the Chofetz Chaim at his own game. Speaking of numbers, we unpack the 10 Utterances (not Commandments), and Asher provides some unique insights into each one. Speaking of the Big Ten, Asher describes his experiences in the wake of the Michigan State shooting, and how humanity should aspire to be like one person with one heart. We end by discussing how far we should take criticism of Israel.
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Ep 22 – Remix Podcast
We discuss whether Tu BiShvat is a tree hugger holiday or just a Jewish tax day — or both — as well as the delicious (except for the carob fruit) kabbalistic seder associated with the holiday. Asher then describes his favorite rabbinic dynasty, the Soloveichiks, and their continuing role in American society. John then finally turns the tables on Roberta Rosenthal Kwall, his former law professor, by asking her some hard questions. She explains her recent book, Remix Judaism, and relates the Talmudic passage describing the profession-dependent recommended frequency of, ahem, intimacy that husbands should provide to their wives.
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Ep. 21 – Famous Jewish Sports Hero
Asher describes his MLK weekend church visits and John aspires to sing with a gospel choir. Speaking of outreach, John eats bagels with a recovering neo-Nazi. We then invite Jeremy Treister to describe his journey from eruv checker to the 21st Maccabiah Games gold medal track cyclist.
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Ep 20 – Bonne Année!
John shares some surprising Jewish twists from his European vacation, including an evangelical shofar, German stumbling stones, “Pappa Don’t Preach” at a kosher restaurant, L’As du Fallafel at Le Marais, and so much more! After worrying that John was invaded by body snatchers for being too cosmopolitan, Asher explains how to confront the vicissitudes of life and then takes a run for the border.
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Ep 19 – Merry Nittel Nacht and Shanah Tovah
We start by explaining why Mike Pence tweeted the wrong candelabra. Asher then describes how Jews can approach the Christmas season, and we then compare the obscure Nittel Nacht observance with Vegas. John explains why the Central Time Zone is such a bummer on New Year’s Eve as we wish everyone a wonderful new year.
Customer Reviews
Loving These Guys!
Listening to A Rabbi and a Lawyer Walk Into a Bar is like being a fly on the wall when two friends get together and discuss many important aspects of Judaism, pop culture, and current events. John and Asher present intellectual topics in a very approachable way. I always learn something from their talks. I highly recommend listening in and subscribing!
I learn so much
I listen each episode because I get to learn something new and I enjoy learning from Rabbi Asher and John. Thank you for sharing!
Can’t wait to hear “what will they say next”
This podcast hums along with such rhythm. Their rapport is worth listening to and the content delivers on topics that I never thought I would have been interested in hearing. Some of the descriptions sounds so real, almost like I was there.
My favorite so far is episode 3. Cool way to think about some of these issues. I’m a fan and will keep listening to each episode.
Keep it up guys!