Voices of Israeli Rabbis with Rabbi Phil M. Cohen

Rabbi Phil M. Cohen
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Judaism
  • Updated Biweekly

Discover the heart and soul of Israel's rabbinate hosted by Rabbi Phil M. Cohen. Journey through intimate conversations with rabbis from across Israel—men and women, Reform and Orthodox, seasoned leaders and new voices—each sharing their personal stories, challenges, and hopes. Recorded during a time of conflict, these interviews offer rare, deeply human insights into faith, resilience, and the evolving landscape of Jewish life in Israel. From missile-interrupted Zoom calls to tales of pioneering women and transformative educators, The Rabbi Podcast explores what it means to serve the Jewish people today. Whether you're curious about Israeli society, the spiritual journeys of its leaders, or the intersection of tradition and modernity, this podcast invites you into the living story of Israel's rabbis—one conversation at a time.

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 12: Journalist Amotz Asa-El

    Rabbi Phil M. Cohen interviews Israeli journalist Amotz Asa-El.  The conversation explores the current state of interfaith and interdenominational relations in Israel, highlighting the regression in these areas and the impact of political alliances on Jewish denominations. It discusses the broad Israeli consensus on various issues, the role of the Hartman Institute in fostering Jewish scholarship and tolerance, and the cultural values that shape family dynamics in Israeli society. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a more inclusive Jewish community and addresses the implications of messianism in contemporary Israeli life.   Amotz Asa-El is a research fellow at Shalom Hartman Institute and the Jerusalem Post's senior commentator. Author of the bestselling book The Jewish March of Folly (Yediot, 2019), his forthcoming book is The Last Jewish Frontier (Yediot). Formerly the executive editor of the Jerusalem Post, Asa-El's column "Middle Israel," a unique attempt to present in English an Israeli view on anything, from politics and foreign affairs to culture and faith, has been running on Jpost.com since the Internet's inception in 1995, and is thus one of the world's most veteran online opinion columns. Author of The Diaspora and the Lost Tribes of Israel (Universe, 2004), a geographic history of the Jews, and editor of the Hartman Institute's Hebrew anthology Israel and the Jewish World (Carmel, 2020), Asa-El's five-essay series in the Jerusalem Report about the future of the Jewish people won the B'nai Brith Journalism Award.

    Episode 12: Journalist Amotz Asa-El

  2. Jul 21

    Episode 11: Rabbi Yehuda HaKohen

    In this episode, Yehuda HaKohen shares his journey from New York City to making aliyah, his evolving perspectives on Jewish identity, and his innovative ideas for decolonizing and revitalizing Jewish civilization. We delve into his critiques of traditional Jewish and Israeli narratives, his thoughts on Jewish sovereignty, and ideas for future reconciliation efforts in Israel and beyond.

    Episode 11: Rabbi Yehuda HaKohen

  3. Jun 17

    Episode 10 - Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger

    Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger shares his transformative journey from a traditional Orthodox upbringing to becoming a peace activist and educator. He discusses his pivotal moment of realization regarding his perceptions of Palestinians, leading to the founding of the Roots organization, which aims to foster understanding and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. The conversation explores the complexities of identity, the need for mutual recognition, and the challenges faced in the current political climate, especially after the events of October 7th, 2023.

    Episode 10 - Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger

  4. May 7

    Episode 9 - Rabbi Marc Rosenstein

    In this episode, Rabbi Marc Rosenstein shares his extensive experience in Jewish education, rabbinical leadership, and the evolving landscape of Jewish life in Israel. This conversation explores the role of reform Judaism, the impact of rabbinical programs, and the future of Jewish communities in Israel.

    Episode 9 - Rabbi Marc Rosenstein

  5. Apr 9

    Episode 8 - Rabbi Leora Ezrachi Vered

    In this conversation, Rabbi Leora Ezrahi Vered shares her journey from a rabbinic family to becoming a rabbi herself, discussing her experiences in a secular community and her current role in interfaith initiatives in the Galilee. She emphasizes the importance of prayer in modern Judaism, the values of liberal Judaism in Israel, and her work on the emerging Machzor project, which aims to create a contemporary prayer book that reflects the diverse needs of the community.   Takeaways Rabbi Leora Ezrahi Vered comes from a long line of rabbis. She initially pursued education before becoming a rabbi. Her experiences in a secular community reshaped her views on liberal Judaism. Prayer can be a personal and internal experience, not necessarily tied to God. Interfaith dialogue is crucial for peace in the Galilee region. The emerging Machzor project aims to modernize Jewish prayer for contemporary needs. Liberal Judaism values equality, informed choice, and democratic principles. Rabbinic leaders in Israel are active in social justice movements. Cultural and musical elements are important in her community work. The Machzor will incorporate diverse traditions and contemporary issues.

    Episode 8 - Rabbi Leora Ezrachi Vered

  6. Mar 20

    Episode 7 - Rabbi Naamah Kellman, Israel's First Female Rabbi

    Rabbi Nama Kelman, Israel's first female rabbi, shares her journey from a rabbinic family to becoming a pioneer in the Reform movement in Israel. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of women in the rabbinate, the evolution of Jewish identity, and the importance of community engagement and spiritual care in contemporary society. Kelman's experiences reflect the broader changes in Jewish feminism and the role of non-Orthodox Judaism in Israel.

    Episode 7 - Rabbi Naamah Kellman, Israel's First Female Rabbi

  7. Mar 2

    Episode 6 - Rabbi Aryeh Ben David

    In this conversation, Rabbi Aryeh Ben-David shares his spiritual journey from a confused young man to a rabbi who emphasizes the importance of personal growth, vulnerability, and love in Judaism. He discusses his experiences in various educational settings, the influence of Rav Kook, and the creation of his organization, Ayekah, which focuses on helping individuals confront their obstacles and grow spiritually. Aryeh highlights the significance of listening to one's inner voice and the communal aspect of spiritual growth, ultimately conveying that Judaism is about the journey of self-discovery and connection.

    Episode 6 - Rabbi Aryeh Ben David

  8. Feb 17

    Episode 5 - Rabbi Don Cashman

    In this podcast, Rabbi Phil Cohen explores the lives and experiences of Israeli rabbis, focusing on their personal journeys, challenges, and the unique context of serving in Israel. Through conversations with Rabbi Don Cashman, the discussion delves into the motivations behind becoming a rabbi, the impact of rabbinical education, and the dynamics of congregational life, particularly in the face of changing community needs and personal aspirations. This conversation explores the evolution of congregational life within Reform Judaism, focusing on aesthetic and theological changes, community engagement, the journey of making Aliyah to Israel, and reflections on the state of liberal Judaism in Israel. The speaker shares personal experiences and insights from their rabbinic career, highlighting the importance of adapting to community needs and the significance of living in a Jewish context.

    Episode 5 - Rabbi Don Cashman
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Discover the heart and soul of Israel's rabbinate hosted by Rabbi Phil M. Cohen. Journey through intimate conversations with rabbis from across Israel—men and women, Reform and Orthodox, seasoned leaders and new voices—each sharing their personal stories, challenges, and hopes. Recorded during a time of conflict, these interviews offer rare, deeply human insights into faith, resilience, and the evolving landscape of Jewish life in Israel. From missile-interrupted Zoom calls to tales of pioneering women and transformative educators, The Rabbi Podcast explores what it means to serve the Jewish people today. Whether you're curious about Israeli society, the spiritual journeys of its leaders, or the intersection of tradition and modernity, this podcast invites you into the living story of Israel's rabbis—one conversation at a time.

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