The Bridge Builders Forum

Ryan Lambert

The Bridge Builders Forum Podcast helps Jews and Christians better understand their faith, the Bible, and each other.  Each episode features individuals and perspectives that foster mutual enrichment and the goodness we can bring to our communities and the world when there is a bridge, rather than a gulf, between Jews and Christians.

  1. 5D AGO

    Alan Morinis on Refining the Soul, Mussar, and the Shabbat Effect

    Send us Fan Mail What is Mussar? And why are so many people being drawn to it today? In this episode of the Bridge Builders Forum, I sit down with Alan Morinis, one of the leading voices in the modern revival of Mussar, to explore a powerful and deeply practical stream of Jewish spiritual practice focused on the inner life. For some, Mussar is already a meaningful part of their spiritual journey. For others, it’s a completely new concept. But at its core, Mussar is about something universal: becoming more intentional about who we are and who we’re becoming. Together, we explore: What Mussar is and where it comes from Why interest in Mussar is growing today The role of middot (character traits) in shaping the soul How to actually practice Mussar in everyday life And how Shabbat plays a surprising and powerful role in spiritual formation We also dive into Alan’s newest book, The Shabbat Effect, and explore how sacred time—especially the practice of Shabbat—can serve as a vehicle for refining the soul and cultivating traits such as awareness, silence, and trust. Whether you’re new to Mussar or already exploring it, this conversation offers a thoughtful and accessible entry point into a tradition that is transforming lives. The Mussar Institute - https://www.mussarinstitute.org/ Alan's book, Everyday Holiness - https://a.co/d/0d0jamtf Alan's newest book, The Shabbat Effect - https://a.co/d/08DjYxPB Bridge Builders Forum An educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians"  The Weird Apostle  Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

    54 min

  2. APR 21

    Rethinking Israel, the Church, and the Prophets: A Conversation with Shelley Neese

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really look like for Christians to stand with Israel and the Jewish people—and to do so in a way that is biblically grounded and relationally meaningful? In this episode of the Bridge Builders Forum, we sit down with Shelley Neese to explore how Scripture—especially the biblical prophets—can shape how Christians think about Israel, the Jewish people, and walking faithfully today. Shelley serves as the coordinator for American Christian Leaders for Israel and leads The Jerusalem Connection, where she helps Christians engage these questions thoughtfully and responsibly. She is also the author of Bible Fiber, an accessible and deeply insightful guide to the Minor Prophets (the Trei Asar, or “Twelve”). In our conversation, we discuss: Why many Christians feel drawn to support Israel—but aren’t always sure how The role of Christian leaders and organizations in shaping that engagement Common misunderstandings Christians have about Israel and the Jewish people Why the prophets are often misread—and what they were actually doing in their own time How the message of the prophets remains deeply relevant today Practical ways anyone can begin building meaningful relationships with the Jewish people If you’ve ever wondered how your understanding of the Bible connects to real-world relationships between Jews and Christians, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Shelley's website - https://shelleyneese.com/ Shelley's book, Bible Fiber - https://a.co/d/0ciQt26R The Jerusalem Connection - https://thejerusalemconnection.us/ American Christian Leaders for Israel - https://aclforisrael.com/ Bridge Builders Forum An educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians"  The Weird Apostle  Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

    1h 13m

  3. APR 14

    For Paul, Do Jews Have To Be "Out" For Christians To Be "In"? (Romans 11)

    Send us Fan Mail Do Jews have to be “out” for Christians to be “in”? It’s a question that sits at the heart of how many people have understood the Apostle Paul—and it has shaped centuries of Christian attitudes toward Jews and Judaism. In this episode, we take a fresh look at Romans, focusing on Paul’s olive tree imagery in chapter 11. Did Paul really believe that Jews who do not believe in Jesus were removed from God’s covenants? Or is that a reading shaped more by later theological assumptions than by Paul himself? Walking carefully through the text, this episode explores: What Paul actually says in Romans 11:17–24 The meaning of the Greek phrase en autois (“among them”) Why “broken” may not mean “broken off” (ekklaō) The difference between ekklaō and ekkopto Paul’s warning to Gentile believers against arrogance Why Paul’s olive tree is not a zero-sum story Along the way, we challenge a deeply ingrained assumption that, for Paul, Jewish belonging to God’s covenant depends on belief in Jesus in the same way it does for non-Jews. Instead, a different picture emerges—one in which: Jews remain connected to God’s covenantal promises Gentile believers are grafted in among them, not in their place And both are sustained by the same root This is not replacement theology. And it’s not dual-covenant theology. It’s a reexamination of Paul’s own words—on their own terms. This episode draws from Olive Tree Affirmation #7—part of a larger framework designed to help Christians articulate a faithful, biblical relationship with the Jewish people without falling into antisemitism or replacement theology.  Learn more about the Olive Tree Campaign and the Olive Tree Affirmations at www.bridgebuildersforum.com/olivetree Bridge Builders Forum An educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians"  The Weird Apostle  Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

    13 min

  4. APR 7

    Inside the Field of Jewish–Christian Relations: A Conversation with Daniel Joslyn-Siemiatkoski

    Send us Fan Mail What is the field of Jewish–Christian relations—and why does it matter more than most people realize? In this episode of the Bridge Builders Forum, we sit down with Rev. Dr. Daniel Joslyn-Siemiatkoski, director of the Center for Christian-Jewish Learning at Boston College  @bostoncollegectrforchristi8244 , for a conversation that takes you inside a world many people don’t even know exists. Drawing from a recent conference at Boston College titled Mapping the Field of Jewish–Christian Relations, we explore the growing body of scholarship, collaboration, and conversation dedicated to helping Jews and Christians better understand each other—biblically, historically, and relationally. But this episode is about more than the academy. It’s about bridging the gap between what’s happening in scholarly spaces…and what reaches people in pulpits and pews. Together, we discuss: What the field of Jewish–Christian relations actually is—and how it developed Why collaborative research is essential for building healthier relationships The shift in New Testament scholarship toward reading the text within Judaism The difference between Jewish–Christian dialogue and long-term relationships How the field engages sensitive and complex topics like Israel and Palestine Why the future of Jewish–Christian relations depends on broader, more diverse participation If you care about how Jews and Christians understand the Bible, relate to one another, and navigate difficult questions in today’s world, this conversation will give you a clearer map of the terrain. Learn more about the Center for Christian-Jewish Learning at Boston College at https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/centers/Center-for-Christian-Jewish-Learning.html. Access their YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@bostoncollegectrforchristi8244 Learn more about the Council of Centers on Jewish-Christian Relations at https://www.ccjr.us/ Bridge Builders Forum An educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians"  The Weird Apostle  Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

    51 min

  5. MAR 31

    What is Universal Zionism?: Rabbi Tuly Weisz on Jews, Christians, and the Future of Israel

    Send us Fan Mail What is Universal Zionism? And why would it matter to a Christian in Kentucky as much as to a Jew in Jerusalem…maybe even more? In this episode of the Bridge Builders Forum, Ryan Lambert sits down with Rabbi Tuly Weisz, founder of Israel 365, to explore one of the most compelling—and controversial—visions shaping Jewish–Christian relations today. Joining us from Israel during the war with Iran, Rabbi Weisz shares his personal story of how an Orthodox rabbi from Ohio became a leading voice building bridges between Jews and Christians worldwide. Together, we discuss: The meaning behind his new book Universal Zionism Why Jewish–Christian reconciliation may be the most important alliance of our generation What role Christians play in the future of Israel The biblical framework of Saul, David, and Solomon in shaping this vision The controversy surrounding Judea and Samaria How October 7 changed Israel365—and the broader Jewish–Christian relationship What it’s like living in Israel right now amid tensions with Iran His greatest concerns—and deepest hopes—for the future This is a deep conversation about theology, current events in Israel and the Jewish world, and the future of Jewish–Christian partnership—one that challenges assumptions and invites deeper understanding. Rabbi Tuly's new book can be found at https://israel365store.com/collections/home-page/products/universal-zionism Learn more about Israel 365 at https://israel365.com/ Bridge Builders Forum An educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians"  The Weird Apostle  Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

    1h 31m

  6. MAR 24

    Challenging Replacement Theology: Olive Tree Affirmations 9-10

    Send us Fan Mail What does it actually look like for Jews and Christians to stand together—not just in words, but in real life? In this final session of the Olive Tree Course Pilot, we move from theology to action. We explore two crucial affirmations that challenge how Christians read Scripture and relate to Jewish people today: How interpretations of the Bible impact real Jewish communities How genuine relationship requires honoring differences—not erasing them For centuries, certain Christian teachings—often unintentionally—have contributed to harmful ideas about Jews and Judaism. In this episode, we take an honest look at that history and begin to recover a better way forward. You’ll hear: Why phrases like “the Jews” require greater care and precision A fresh perspective on Matthew 27:25 and the idea of collective Jewish guilt How statements like the 10 Points of Seelisberg and Nostra Aetate offer a new path A powerful reframing of Romans 11:28–32 as a bridge-building text centered on mercy And most importantly… We walk through 10 practical ways to actually live out the Olive Tree Affirmations—from building real relationships to reshaping how Scripture is taught. This isn’t about guilt. It’s about clarity and responsibility. And it’s about stepping into a better story. A story where Jews and Christians are not rivals but spiritual siblings. Learn more about the Olive Tree Campaign and the Olive Tree Affirmations at www.bridgebuildersforum.com/olivetree Bridge Builders Forum An educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians"  The Weird Apostle  Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

    45 min

  7. MAR 17

    What Is Chabad, Really? A Personal Response to Tucker Carlson’s Question

    Send us Fan Mail What is Chabad, really? Recently, Tucker Carlson raised that question while making serious accusations about Chabad, the global Jewish movement known for its outreach and community work. In this episode of the Bridge Builders Forum podcast, Ryan Lambert offers a personal response based on his extensive experience as a member of a Chabad congregation. Ryan addresses recent claims about Chabad’s role in Middle East politics, explains how Chabad actually speaks about the Messianic era and the rebuilding of the Temple, and shares what he has personally experienced inside Chabad communities around the world. With more than 5,000 emissary families (shluchim) serving Jewish communities globally, Chabad is widely known for its commitment to Torah, hospitality, education, and acts of kindness. Instead of speculation or conspiracy theories, this episode invites listeners to understand Chabad through lived experience—and to consider why building genuine relationships across religious communities matters. Bridge Builders Forum An educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians"  The Weird Apostle  Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

    9 min

  8. MAR 10

    How Jewish Was Paul, Really? Rabbi Joe Charnes and Ryan Lambert in Conversation

    Send us Fan Mail In this Bridge Builders Forum episode, Ryan Lambert sits down with Rabbi Joe Charnes to explore one of the most important and debated questions in biblical interpretation: How Jewish was the Apostle Paul, really? This conversation comes from a recent Bridge Builders Forum Coffee & Connection live gathering, where Rabbi Joe and Ryan continued a thoughtful discussion that began in an earlier episode about Paul as a Jewish figure. Both speakers approach Paul as Jewish interpreters who respect him deeply, yet they arrive at different conclusions about how Paul related to Judaism after becoming a follower of Jesus and the apostle to the Gentiles. Did Paul move beyond Judaism? Did he remain fully within it? Or does the answer require more nuance than the traditional categories allow? In this conversation, Rabbi Joe and Ryan explore questions such as: • How Jewish interpreters understand Paul today • Whether Paul continued to affirm Jewish practices such as Torah observance • How Paul has been misunderstood by both Jews and Christians • Why Paul still shapes modern Jewish–Christian relationships Importantly, this discussion models something that is often missing in conversations about Paul: respectful dialogue between friends who share common ground but do not hold identical views. At Bridge Builders Forum, we believe these kinds of conversations help Jews and Christians better understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. If you are interested in Paul, Jewish–Christian relations, or the historical context of the New Testament, this conversation will offer insight, nuance, and thoughtful engagement. Bridge Builders Forum An educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians"  The Weird Apostle  Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

    59 min
See All (88)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

The Bridge Builders Forum Podcast helps Jews and Christians better understand their faith, the Bible, and each other.  Each episode features individuals and perspectives that foster mutual enrichment and the goodness we can bring to our communities and the world when there is a bridge, rather than a gulf, between Jews and Christians.

Information

  • Creator
    Ryan Lambert
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    88
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Bridge Builders Forum
  • Show Website
    The Bridge Builders Forum

You Might Also Like