Jewish Matters

The Power of the Shofar # 2 High Holidays Series

The Power of the Shofar # 2 The High Holidays Series on Jewish Matters Podcast with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman

Blowing the Shofar is an unusual way to celebrate the New Year, how do we make it into a transformative experience.  We will explore the different meanings behind the shofar and the sounds we blow, and how we can make hearing the shofar into a deeply meaningful moment.

Ze'ev Jabotinsky "Jewish Pride and Strength" #13 Great Jews

Ze’ev Jabotinsky “Jewish Pride and Strength” # 13 Great Jews with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman on Jewish Matters Podcast

Jews had been the victims of anti-semitism for millennia, Ze’ev Jabotinsky would teach our people to defend ourselves and fight for our lives and for a Jewish State.  He created the Revisionist Zionist movement to inspire Jews to take our fate into our own hands, and through the Beitar youth group and the Irgun fighters he tirelessly worked towards Jewish independence.

The Sunset Series # 9 Israeli-Palestinian Dialogue with R Yehuda Hacohen and Sulaiman Khatib

Sunset Series #9 New Generation New Conversation: An Israeli-Palestinian Dialogue for Moving Forward with Sulaiman Khatib  & Rabbi Yehuda HaKohen on Jewish Matters Podcast

Hear West Bank Jew and Palestinian discuss the failures of the peace process, the rival narratives contextualizing our conflict and fresh ideas for achieving a real peace that can satisfy both peoples.

Elul: Preparing for the High Holidays # 3 Holiday Series

Elul: Preparing for the High Holidays on Jewish Matters Podcast with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman

The Month before Rosh Hashanah is a the most special month of the Jewish year.  It is the time when we prepare ourselves through introspection, personal growth and self-improvement.  Will discuss the themes of the holidays and practical steps to personal self-transformation. 

Theodor Herzl "The Father of Modern Zionism" # 12 Extraordinary Jewish Personalities

Theodor Herzl "The Father of Modern Zionism"  on Jewish Matters Podcast with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman

Herzl   dedicated his life to his vision of a Jewish State, founding the World Zionist Congress and lobby word governments for the right of Jews to their own homeland.  Tragically he died at a young age driving tirelessly towards his goal. 

The Sunset Series # 8 The New Zionist Identity with Prof. David Gaizbord

The New Zionist Identity: Bridging the Israel-Disapora Divide with Professor David Graizbord on Jewish Matters Podcast with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman

Has “Israeliness” become a new expression of Jewish identity in the diaspora? —an unselfconscious and largely secular expression of national kinship and solidarity, as well as of personal and communal purpose.  Can this new brand of Zionism be the bridge to span the ever widening gap between young people in the diaspora and Israel?  How should Israelis be responding to this new awakening of Israeli identification?  What role can young olim play in bridging that gap?

Sunset Series # 7 Christian Support for Israel with Josh Reinstein

Christian Support for Israel: The Power of Faith-Based Diplomacy with Josh Reinstein on Jewish Matters Podcast.

Josh Reinstein Director of the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus and President of the Israel Allies Foundation  takes a unique approach to explaining what lies behind the recent wave of support for Israel and the counter force, and he clarifies what path should be taken moving forward.

Jewish Spirituality -Going Deeper # 2 Putting Passion Into Prayer

Putting Passion Into Prayer #2 Going Deeper on Jewish Matters Podcast with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman

With the high holidays coming up (yes Rosh Hashanah is a month away), let’s take a new look at prayer.  Prayer is challenging, yet it is central to Jewish practice, community, and our relationship with G-d.  How can we keep our prayers dynamic, especially when synagogue life is limited?  We will talk about the fundamentals of prayers as a way to reinvigorate our spiritual lives. 

Rav J.B. Soloveitchik "Tradition and Modernity" # 11 Extraordinary Jewish Personalities

Rabbi JB Soloveitchik “Tradition and Modernity” on Jewish Matters Podcast with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman

Rabbi Soloveitchik was one of the greatest Jewish thinkers of the 20^th century. He was a seminal figure who bridged the world Traditional European Jewry with the modern world of America, the Yeshiva world with Academia.  Talmudist, Philosopher and Orator, he dedicated his life to his students at Yeshiva University, even passing up the position of Chief Rabbi of Israel. He lead the Modern Orthodox community over the second half of the 20th century, and cultivated a whole generation of teachers of Torah, communal leaders and academics and Jewish thinkers. 

Jewish Spirituality-Going Deeper # 1 Jewish Meditation: A Path to Inner Peace

Jewish Meditation: A Path to Inner Peace # 1 Jewish Spirituality -Going Deeper

 in Jewish Matters Podcast with Rabbi Jonathan Feldman

When we think Meditation we usually think of Eastern religions.  Judaism has a long standing tradition of meditation.  We will talk about how meditation is different than prayer, and how it can help us achieve inner peace.  We will also experience a Jewish meditation together.