The Rabbi Podcast with Rabbi Phil Cohen – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, Rabbi Mark 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.

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.

Ron Kronish and I became friends when a relatively small number of years ago I met him at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute where he has an office.

He emerged from that office to meet me wearing a big smile.

We had coffee, talked about Israel, about the rabbinate, our families and like that. We've stayed in touch ever since.

Ron founded and directed the Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel. He blogs for The Times of Israel and writes book reviews for The Jerusalem Report. 

Rabbi Nama Kelman, Israel's first woman 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.

In this conversation, 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.

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.

In this episode, Rabbi Cohen highlights the experiences of Rabbi Miri Gold, a pioneer in non-Orthodox Judaism in Israel, and discusses the unique aspects of Kibbutz Gezer. The conversation also delves into the challenges and insights gained from rabbinic education, emphasizing the importance of these experiences in shaping Jewish life. This conversation explores the journey of a pioneering woman rabbi in Israel, discussing her experiences in rabbinical school, the challenges faced by women in the rabbinate, and her impact on Jewish life in a kibbutz. It also delves into the legal battles for recognition and funding for non-Orthodox rabbis, and the evolving landscape of liberal Judaism in Israel.

ABout the Guest

Miri Gold (Hebrew: מירי גולד) is the first non-Orthodox rabbi in Israel to have her salary paid for by funds taken from taxpayers.[1] She was born in Detroit, but in 1977 she immigrated to Kibbutz Gezer along with other North Americans.[2] When the founder of the kibbutz's congregation (Kehilat Birkat Shalom) left, Gold began leading High Holidays services and preparing children for bat mitzvahs and bar mitzvahs.[3] Gold entered the Reform movement's Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in 1994, and was ordained in 1999.[4] At the time she was paid by the congregation, since the Israeli government did not recognize non-Orthodox rabbis.[5] Gold petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court in 2005 to change this, and in 2012 a ruling by the Israeli attorney general granted her request.[6][7]

In November 2024, Rabbi Gold was awarded a Doctor of Divinity honoris causa by Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, "for her work as a pioneering rabbi who conceived, founded, and built Birkat Shalom Congregation in Kibbutz Gezer, a groundbreaking model of state support and recognition of Reform Judaism in Israel".[8]

In this episode, Rabbi Cohen speaks with Rabbi Ada Zavidov about her journey to the rabbinate.

Rabbi Ada Zavidov was born in 1959 in Baltimore, Maryland to Israeli parents and made aliyah upon her family's return to Israel when she was one year old.  After finishing high school in Tel Aviv, she served in the Israeli Air Force as a decoder. She holds a BA in philosophy and comparative literature and an MA in Jewish Philosophy, both from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. In addition, she holds an MA in Hebrew Letters from the Hebrew Union College and received her rabbinic ordination at HUC- Jerusalem in March of 1999.

Rabbi Ada was the founding rabbi of Tzur Hadassah Reform Congregation and since February 2004 serves as the rabbi of Kehilat Har-El in Jerusalem. Har-El is the founding congregation of the Reform Movement in Israel, and Rabbi Ada is the first woman to lead Har-El as its spiritual leader and senior rabbi.

In addition to her congregational work, Rabbi Ada has served as the chairperson of MARAM (the Council of Israeli Progressive Rabbis) from 2006-2008 and has taught in the Israeli rabbinical program of Hebrew Union College – Jerusalem.

Rabbi Ada regularly holds classes for members of Har-El on a variety of subjects: the weekly Torah portion, the prophets of Israel, Ezra & Nehemiah, and Talmud.  She feels a connection in particular to classic rabbinic philosophy and chassidic thought.

In her "spare time", she enjoys spending time with her daughter, reading classical literature (in particular from the 19th century), sitting back in her armchair and watching a good movie, and cooking and baking.

In this episode, Rabbi Cohen speaks with Rabbi Peretz Rodman, a Jerusalem-based educator, writer, and translator. 

Rabbi Peretz Rodman earned a B.A. and M.A. in Jewish studies at Brandeis University and a Bachelor of Hebrew Literature at Hebrew College. He was among the inaugural cohort of the Jerusalem Fellows, and later earned rabbinic ordination at the Schechter Rabbinical Seminary.

In this episode, Rabbi Phil Cohen chats with Rabba Sigalit Ur about her journey to the rabbinate.