The Rev & The Rabbi

77 WABC
  • 4.3 (3)
  • RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Rev and The Rabbi brings all religions, all faiths, and all people into the most interesting and intriguing topics each week. AR Bernard and Rabbi Joe Potasnik talk with everyone from religious experts, to sports stars, to politicians, and to entertainers about faith in our everyday life.

  1. 4D AGO

    Hindy Poupko | 03-08-26

    Rabbi Joseph Potasnik and Reverend A.R. Bernard interview Hindy Poupko regarding a New York City Council bill designed to protect houses of worship and schools from targeted harassment. The discussion emphasizes that while the right to protest is a fundamental American liberty, it should not cross into the intimidation of families and children at their places of sanctuary. Poupko highlights the broad interfaith coalition supporting the legislation, noting that religious leaders of diverse backgrounds are united in their desire to maintain safe boundaries for their congregants. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    25 min

  2. 4D AGO

    The Rev & The Rabbi | 03-08-26

    Rabbi Joseph Potasnik and Reverend A.R. Bernard discuss the pressing need for legislative protection of religious institutions amid a modern decline in public reverence. Featuring guest Hindi Pukpko from the UJA-Federation, the conversation centers on a proposed New York City bill designed to establish buffer zones around houses of worship and schools to prevent the intimidation of congregants by aggressive protesters. The participants argue that while the right to protest is a sacred American value, it should not supersede the fundamental right to feel safe within one’s spiritual sanctuary or educational environment. Beyond policy, the hosts reflect on the interfaith solidarity required to combat rising social vitriol and the vital role of family and moral education in restoring a lost sense of communal respect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    47 min

  3. MAR 1

    The Rev & The Rabbi Special | 03-01-26

    Today's special episode captures a high-stakes dialogue concerning international security, religious duty, and the historical parallels of modern conflict. The conversation centers on a major retaliatory strike from Iran and the subsequent threats to civilian life in Israel, while also exploring the moral obligations of leadership and community protection during difficult times. Through a mix of political analysis and spiritual reflection, the participants discuss the necessity of unity between different faiths and nations to combat global hatred and terror. The text also includes a significant segment featuring a statement from Bill Clinton regarding the Epstein files, which the hosts use to spark a debate on political accountability and the ethics of past American administrations.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    46 min

  4. FEB 22

    Comp. Tom DiNapoli (D-NY) | 02-22-26

    New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli joins host Rabbi Joseph Potasnik and Reverend A.R. Bernard to discuss the intersection of faith, public service, and fiscal responsibility. The conversation begins with a reflection on religious traditions like Lent and the Jewish Yahrtzeit, emphasizing how spiritual discipline and the memory of loved ones should inspire a forward-looking sense of moral responsibility rather than mere ritual. DiNapoli argues that his Catholic upbringing provides a "North Star" of optimism, allowing him to reframe societal despair through a lens of hope while maintaining a commitment to integrity and bipartisanship in his political role. Transitioning to state affairs, the dialogue covers the challenges of the New York budget, where DiNapoli advocates for efficiency and vigilance against fraud to manage long-term deficits. He further explains the Comptroller’s duty to protect the pension fund’s stability against political pressures, framing his conservative investment strategy as a necessary safeguard for the retirement security of over a million public workers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    37 min

  5. FEB 22

    The Rev & The Rabbi | 02-22-26

    Reverend A.R. Bernard and Rabbi Joseph Potasnik host New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli to explore the intersection of spiritual faith and public service. The dialogue highlights how the traditions of Lent, Ramadan, and Yahrzeit serve as catalysts for moral reflection and a sense of communal responsibility, framing religion as a "North Star" for navigating social challenges. DiNapoli details his approach to fiscal oversight and the management of pension funds, emphasizing that his commitment to integrity and transparency is rooted in a religious rejection of pessimism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    46 min

  6. FEB 15

    Dcn. Kevin McCormack | 02-15-26

    AR Bernard and Joseph Potsanik discuss the educational and financial crisis facing Catholic schools in Brooklyn, highlighted by the heartbreaking decision to close seven institutions due to dwindling enrollment. Deacon Kevin McCormack explains that these schools lack the city subsidies provided to public and charter counterparts, forcing parents to shoulder costs that the "system" fails to adequately support. To address this, the speakers advocate for a federal scholarship tax credit and urge New York’s governor to opt in, arguing that educational choice and competition are essential for institutional survival and the benefit of all students.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    21 min

  7. FEB 15

    The Rev & The Rabbi | 02-15-26

    Rabbi Joseph Potasnik and Reverend A.R. Bernard host Deacon Kevin McCormack to discuss the financial and emotional crisis facing the Catholic school system in Brooklyn. The conversation highlights the heartbreaking closure of several local schools due to declining enrollment and a lack of public funding, prompting an urgent plea for New York to adopt federal scholarship tax credits. Beyond policy, the speakers reflect on their long history of interfaith dialogue, emphasizing that religious education provides a vital moral foundation and a sense of "mystery" that young people increasingly crave.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    45 min

  8. FEB 9

    The Rev & The Rabbi | 02-08-26

    Rabbi Joseph Potasnik and Reverend AR Bernard explore the intersection of faith, community, and current events through the lens of Super Bowl Sunday. They begin by characterizing the sports holiday as a modern American Sabbath that fosters family unity, eventually transitioning into deeper discussions about combating anti-Semitism and the importance of understanding historical context in global conflicts. The speakers emphasize that education alone is insufficient for social harmony; instead, they advocate for a moral education and the necessity of communal support to bear the world's burdens.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    49 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Rev and The Rabbi brings all religions, all faiths, and all people into the most interesting and intriguing topics each week. AR Bernard and Rabbi Joe Potasnik talk with everyone from religious experts, to sports stars, to politicians, and to entertainers about faith in our everyday life.

Information

  • Creator
    77 WABC
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    346
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Red Apple Media
  • Show Website
    The Rev & The Rabbi