In Such A Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership & Meaning

Rabbis Jonathan Jaffe and Leora Londy
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Judaism
  • Updated Weekly

IN SUCH A TIME is a podcast from Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester, hosted by Rabbis Jonathan Jaffe and Leora Londy. Through candid conversations and thoughtful reflection, the rabbis explore what it means to live, lead, and seek meaning through a Jewish lens. From personal stories to pressing issues, each episode invites listeners into a timely dialogue about Jewish life — in such a time as this.

  1. 2d ago

    Ep. 60: Jewish Nonnegotiables in the Michigan Senate Race with Rabbi Josh Whinston

    Standing up for core values isn't just brave—it's essential for a vibrant democracy. But what happens when your most fundamental needs feel overlooked by the very party you've always supported? In this compelling episode, Rabbi Josh Winston shares his journey co-founding nonnegotiable.org in response to shifting rhetoric in Michigan's critical Senate race. He discusses the challenges of advocating for Jewish safety, identity, and inclusion in a polarized political climate, the process of creating a unified set of "nonnegotiables" for candidates, and the impact this movement has had—both within the Jewish community and beyond. Listeners will gain insight into the power of principled action, the complexities of coalition-building, and the urgent need to defend inclusive democratic spaces. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Welcome and guest introduction 00:59 Josh Winston's background and commitment to social justice 02:04 Deepening focus on Israel, Reform Judaism, and Jewish democracy 03:18 The Michigan Senate race and its broader impact 04:17 What is Nonnegotiable? Purpose, origins, and organizing 05:00 Founding team and cross-spectrum collaboration 07:45 Evolving politics, Democratic discomfort, and Jewish voter concerns 08:21 The "Nonnegotiables" outlined 10:19 The need to stay engaged in the political process 11:51 Response from candidates and the community 13:24 Why rhetoric matters: antisemitism, safety, and political choices 15:53 Feedback, backlash, and support within the community 24:46 Media attention and measuring success 27:30 Nonnegotiables as an act of democracy 29:09 Jewish safety as a bellwether for democracy 30:56 Jewish-Muslim relations post-October 7 33:23 Call to action: building power in the Jewish community 35:05 Parallels between left and right populist rhetoric 37:21 Lessons for the broader Jewish and civic community 38:42 Where to learn more and get involved: nonnegotiable.org and zioness.org If you'd like to make a contribution to Nonnegotiable, head on over to https://www.nonnegotiable.org/donate.

    Ep. 60: Jewish Nonnegotiables in the Michigan Senate Race with Rabbi Josh Whinston

  2. Oct 5

    Ep. 59: Should Jews Invest in Public Schools?

    Discover the complex choices parents face when balancing the value of Jewish identity and community with the desire for diversity and public engagement. In this revealing conversation, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy dive into their own varied educational journeys—from private Jewish day schools to public classrooms in diverse American cities and even Israel. Together, they wrestle with the personal and communal motivations underlying school selection, the impact of privilege, and the contemporary challenges around safety and inclusion amid rising antisemitism. By sharing their candid reflections and family experiences, they invite listeners to confront the tough decisions that shape not only individual identities but also the very fabric of Jewish communal life. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Welcome and reflections on averted disaster in Israel 01:14 Introducing the central question: Jewish day schools vs. public schools 02:20 Rabbi Leora Londy's upbringing: Jewish and public school experiences 03:54 Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe's private school experiences in Hawaii 06:44 Relating school choices to privilege and regional realities 08:17 Struggles and decisions as parents: investing in public vs. private Jewish education 09:08 Rabbi Leora Londy on Israeli and American systems, moving to Westchester 10:24 First experiences with diversity and values in public school 12:02 The challenge of instilling Jewish identity in different educational settings 12:44 The dual history of Jewish day schools: pride and white flight 15:18 What Jewish day schools provide, and what they don't 18:20 How school choice drives where families live 21:07 The tension between diversity and providing the "best" for children 21:26 The steep costs of Jewish education and its impact 23:20 Concerns around safety in American public schools 24:37 Broader communal responsibilities and reflections on California's decline in public education 25:50 Integrating Jewish life into diverse environments 26:54 Holding space for both Jewish continuity and interfaith friendships 28:00 Invitation for listener reflections and conversation closer

    Ep. 59: Should Jews Invest in Public Schools?

  3. Sep 28

    Ep. 58: In Praise of a Stiff-Necked People

    Discover how the history of Jewish resilience—summed up in the power of saying “no”—can help us better understand both modern anti-Semitism and the ongoing challenges facing the Jewish community today. Why does Jewish success often provoke new forms of hatred, and is there a deeper pattern to the ways in which Jews are scapegoated over time? In this Yom Kippur sermon episode, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe draws from Dara Horn’s provocative work to explain why Jews are continually “a stiff-necked people,” resisting tyranny and dogma throughout the ages. Explore the origins of the “big lie,” its ever-shifting representations, and why the modern Jewish state faces echoing accusations that have haunted the Jewish people for millennia. Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe also introduces a powerful new curriculum designed to empower Jews of all ages to engage proudly and knowledgeably with their identity. Timestamped Overview00:00 Introduction and framing: Jewish resilience and challenges00:53 The “stiff-necked people” and anti-tyrannical roots of Judaism03:34 Historical refusals: From Babylon to the modern era06:05 The cost and pride of saying “no”07:07 The “big lie” and society’s shifting accusations09:32 Modern analogues: Israel, identity, and scapegoating10:40 Criticizing Israel vs. demonizing Jews12:21 Anti-Zionism, anti-Semitism, and practical consequences14:02 Yom Kippur’s scapegoat ritual and symbolism16:00 Enduring narratives—from Augustine to today17:16 Announcing the Tell Institute curriculum18:18 Empowerment, education, and the enduring necessity of “no”19:40 Outro and community connection

    Ep. 58: In Praise of a Stiff-Necked People

  4. Sep 22

    Ep. 57: Rabbi Londy’s Kol Nidrei Sermon: The Jewish Disclaimer

    Questioning our core beliefs can lead not to distance, but to a deeper, more meaningful connection with our identity. What happens when a rabbi—at the intersection of personal faith and worldwide struggle—dares to ask, "Why am I Jewish, and what does that mean today?" In this powerful Kol Nidre sermon, Rabbi Leora Londy shares a deeply personal journey through doubt, dialogue, and discovery. Navigating crises of faith amid war, antisemitism, and shifting roles, she invites listeners to explore the tension between tradition and modernity, the challenge of owning Jewish identity with courage, and the importance of questioning what we've inherited. Reflecting on Jewish history—from Spinoza to modern Reform—Rabbi Leora Londy challenges us all to practice a Judaism that is open, vibrant, and unapologetically ours. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Welcome and introduction00:21 Rabbi Leora Londy shares her crisis of faith01:44 Historical perspective: Spinoza and questioning Judaism03:07 Living two lives: immersion and outreach04:41 Engaging in challenging conversations outside the Jewish community06:33 Realizations about Jewish insecurity07:30 Shame and the struggle to claim Jewishness08:06 The age-old tension between hiding and revealing identity09:46 Jewish adaptation and Reform history10:38 Modern Jewish practice and self-examination11:34 Collective confessions and personal ‘Al Chetz’12:14 Affirming core Jewish beliefs13:56 The miracle and critique of Israel14:47 The call for a stronger, flourishing Judaism15:23 Closing remarks and encouragement

    Ep. 57: Rabbi Londy’s Kol Nidrei Sermon: The Jewish Disclaimer

  5. Sep 15

    Ep. 56: Rosh Hashanah Sermon 5787 - Loneliness, Rootedness and the Four P’s

    This week’s episode of In Such A Time is taken from Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe’s Rosh Hashanah sermon. Discover how ancient traditions can provide a powerful antidote to modern loneliness and meaninglessness. What can the Jewish story teach us about overcoming the personal dislocation so many face today? Listeners are invited on a deeply personal and thought-provoking journey—beginning with a young adult’s search for community in San Francisco and moving through the social science, literature, and enduring wisdom that point us towards connection, purpose, and resilience. Explore the “4 Ps” of meaningful living—People, Past, Place, and Prayer—and learn how Jewish practices like Shabbat, storytelling, and communal gathering have sustained generations, even through adversity. Plus, find out why Israelis rank among the world’s happiest people, and how anyone can begin to “cash the check” of meaning. Whether you’re searching for connection or looking to enrich your Jewish journey, this episode offers insight, practical invitations, and hope for the year ahead. Timestamped Overview [00:00] Introduction and personal journey[02:43] Modern loneliness and dislocation examined[04:27] The “4 Ps”: People, Past, Place, Prayer introduced[07:41] Deep dive: People—belonging to a larger story[09:26] Past—Jewish narrative and communal memory[11:59] Place—connection to Israel and homeland[13:15] Prayer—the power of communal worship[15:39] Happiness in Israel and sources of resilience[18:56] How to find purpose through Jewish life[19:51] Shabbat as a weekly antidote[20:47] Invitations to connect: Torah study, Israel trips, community events[23:13] Conclusion and call to action

    Ep. 56: Rosh Hashanah Sermon 5787 - Loneliness, Rootedness and the Four P’s

  6. Sep 8

    Ep. 55: Is there a thing as excessive empathy?

    Finding balance between caring for others and safeguarding our own well-being is not just a seasonal challenge—it's a lifelong dance. But can empathy ever go too far? In this thoughtful Rosh Hashanah episode, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy examine the power and perils of empathy—personally, communally, and even politically. From dissecting “The Giving Tree” to exploring boundaries in relationships, atonement, and social justice movements, the rabbis explore whether “radical empathy” can turn self-erasure into a vice. Hear powerful insights on Jewish text, real-life dilemmas, and why sometimes caring deeply means caring for ourselves, too. Timestamped Overview 00:00 The role of empathy during the High Holidays00:20 Rosh Hashanah and questions on the limits of empathy01:10 The Giving Tree as a cautionary tale02:08 Radical giving versus the necessity of boundaries03:43 Jewish historical perspective on giving and abuse04:46 Boundaries, self-preservation, and critique of radical empathy07:18 Is radical empathy a superpower or Achilles’ heel?08:00 Maimonides on forgiveness and setting limits11:00 Biblical examples: Jacob, Joseph, and trust12:53 On showing up for others without losing oneself15:23 Radical empathy as a modern social phenomenon17:25 When empathy becomes narcissism19:56 Empathy in everyday dilemmas: giving vs boundaries23:32 Directing empathy toward causes vs people close to us24:29 Empathy for others vs self; balancing acts25:10 Family boundaries and ethical permission26:15 The challenge—and necessity—of forgiveness28:15 Ritual, release, and catharsis during the High Holidays29:12 Empathy, forgiveness, and self-care for the new year29:46 Closing and next steps for the community

    Ep. 55: Is there a thing as excessive empathy?

  7. Aug 31

    Ep. 54: How Are You Thinking About this Year’s Rosh Hashanah?

    Discover why the High Holidays aren’t just about reflection—they’re also an opportunity for renewal, forgiveness, and connection to community and self. What does it mean to face a season of atonement and new beginnings? Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy unpack the tension, joy, and gravity of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, exploring personal practices, communal rituals, parenting paradoxes, and the deep lessons found in tradition. This episode dives into the month of Elul, the dance between universalism and particularism, and the challenge of genuine self-forgiveness—all while inviting listeners to ready their hearts and minds for the year ahead. Timestamped Overview: 00:00 Welcome and introduction00:20 Preparing for the High Holidays: personal reflections01:43 Setting intentions during Elul02:39 Gratitude, community, and anticipation04:15 The structure of the Jewish calendar & holiday sequence06:09 Universal vs. particular themes of Rosh Hashanah08:29 Community, renewal, and self-improvement10:54 Personal vs. communal dimensions of atonement14:49 The pursuit of self-reflection and change17:11 Behind the bimah: clergy experiences18:12 The struggle and impact of apologies21:10 Parenting, authenticity, and forced apology23:17 Forgiving oneself and finding balance25:19 Personal rituals and spiritual motifs26:47 Living the tension: Avinu Malkeinu and holding opposites27:53 Closing remarks and credits

    Ep. 54: How Are You Thinking About this Year’s Rosh Hashanah?

  8. Aug 24

    Ep. 53: Are We Allowed to Comment on Ariana Grande?

    How can we balance genuine care with respect for privacy, especially in the public sphere? In this thoughtful episode, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy delve into the boundaries of concern, critique, and support, using the recent controversy surrounding Ariana Grande’s public health and body image as a lens. Drawing from Jewish wisdom and sharing personal and communal experiences, they reflect on how best to intervene—or step back—when someone may be in distress, whether they are celebrities, colleagues, or congregants. Listeners will gain insights on responsible feedback, the importance of an inner circle of support, and creating communities that nurture rather than critique. Episode Overview 00:00 Introduction to the episode and hosts 00:20 Exploring privacy, public concern, and the Ariana Grande controversy 01:26 Societal pressures and commentary on appearance 02:29 Do public figures sacrifice their privacy? 03:10 Personal experiences with public scrutiny—rabbis and celebrities alike 04:09 Reflecting on Britney Spears, Amy Winehouse, and public intervention 05:29 When and how should the public intervene to help? 06:18 Jewish models of giving feedback: Korach vs. Yitro 08:22 Context of Ariana Grande’s music video and its commentary 09:49 When support becomes harmful—personal story from Rabbi Leora Londy 12:28 Role of feedback in the rabbinate and community settings 13:50 Productive vs. hurtful feedback; handling comments on appearance 15:30 How staff and colleagues can offer care responsibly 17:47 Hierarchies, trust, and appropriate workplace feedback 19:12 Congregant feedback—when it helps, when it doesn’t 21:13 Appreciating honest, constructive criticism 22:49 Fostering a community of supportive feedback 23:37 Body image pressures, addiction, and the responsibilities of clergy 26:14 Protocols for supporting congregants in distress 27:27 The social pressures of high standards and conformity 28:27 Addressing addiction and providing resources 29:11 A direct message to listeners: you’re not alone, reach out 29:41 Outro and how to stay connected

    Ep. 53: Are We Allowed to Comment on Ariana Grande?
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

IN SUCH A TIME is a podcast from Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester, hosted by Rabbis Jonathan Jaffe and Leora Londy. Through candid conversations and thoughtful reflection, the rabbis explore what it means to live, lead, and seek meaning through a Jewish lens. From personal stories to pressing issues, each episode invites listeners into a timely dialogue about Jewish life — in such a time as this.

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