Rabbi Jeff Salkin sits down with Rabbi Jonah Pesner, one of American Judaism’s most prominent voices and the director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. Together, they dive into the deeply rooted relationship of Judaism, politics and social justice, exploring why so many Jews align with liberal causes while maintaining a vibrant spectrum of political thought within the community.
From the historical and spiritual foundations of Jewish values to modern-day challenges in maintaining empathy amid polarization, Rabbi Pesner offers insights that are both grounded in tradition and urgently relevant. The conversation spans critical topics, including:
- The intersection of Jewish peoplehood and universalism in shaping political priorities.
- The impact of Oct. 7 and the ongoing war in Israel on Jewish voting patterns and political alliances.
- Rising concerns about antisemitism across the political spectrum and its influence on communal discourse.
- The role of religious institutions in fostering thoughtful, inclusive spaces for dialogue amid deep societal divisions.
As always, Rabbi Salkin keeps the conversation shaken and stirred with humor, insight and a dash of martini wisdom. Whether you lean left, right or somewhere in the middle, this episode will challenge you to think critically about what it means to live into the Jewish covenant in today’s world.
- Episode Highlights
Roots of Jewish Liberalism: Rabbi Pesner reframes the stereotype, asserting that Jewish political values stem not from liberalism or conservatism but from Torah’s call to protect the widow, orphan and stranger.
Navigating Polarization: A nuanced discussion on how synagogues can become havens for respectful debate and sacred disagreement.
Facing the Challenges of Antisemitism: Addressing the rise of antisemitism from both extremes and the Jewish community’s response. - If you’re inspired by this episode, let’s continue the conversation:
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