The Rabbi's Husband – Details, episodes & analysis

Mohamad Jebara, the author of "Muhammad, The World-Changer," joins Mark to discuss the power of love emphasized in the "Song of Songs," the historical popularity of the text, and explains how it is the source of the Prophet Muhammad’s name.  Here is the link to the verse on Sefaria.com: https://www.sefaria.org/Song_of_Songs

Pastor Dumisani Washington, pastor, composer, and Founder/CEO of Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel (IBSI), joins Mark to discuss being a church baby, his 5:00am trip to the Western Wall, and Moses’ failure to enter the Holy Land. Here is the link to the verse on Sefaria.com: https://www.sefaria.org/Deuteronomy.34

Tim Mackie, Chief Education Officer at the Bible Project, joins Mark to discuss his Oregonian origins, talking Leviticus at the skate park, and the Biblical sex scandal that reveals how the outsider can shape insider culture.  Here is the link to the verse on Sefaria.com: https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.38

Mark is absolutely delighted to welcome Super Bowl-winning tight end, Benjamin Watson, to the podcast today. In addition to his great success with four different NFL teams, Benjamin is the proud father of seven whose family is deeply devoted to their Christian faith. He has been a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award on multiple occasions, is an author of two books, and leads a charitable initiative entitled Freedom Friday. The passage he has chosen to discuss is Jeremiah 9:22-23. Benjamin begins the conversation by summarizing the selected passage and its significance for him. Mark then describes how Benjamin very much embodies the passage’s message of using God-given gifts to better communities, particularly through his Freedom Friday initiative. Benjamin also shares how ‘God repeatedly showed up’ for him and his family, the heartwarming story behind his unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, the role that faith and biblical verses play in the NFL, and his experience with fear and how he overcame it. He concludes, as all guests do, by detailing the lessons he has learned about mankind. As Mark notes, Benjamin’s website reflects a Christian family devoted to their faith and acting on it through the alleviation of suffering and creation of opportunities in ways that genuinely and directly benefit the least fortunate. You will discover that he and Mark are truly kindred spirits in this regard, as they both bring this passage to life not only in their conversation here today, but so very much in the way they lead their lives as well. Episode Highlights: Benjamin’s summary of the passage and its significance for him How he embodies this passage Using the gifts God gives to better communities Freedom Friday and how it began How ‘God repeatedly showed up’ for Benjamin and his family The story behind his unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and fine The role of faith and specific biblical verses in the NFL Benjamin’s experience with fear and how he overcame it The lessons that Benjamin has learned about mankind Quotes: “We need to have some humility in the way we speak, in the way we act, in our thought process, because of the blessings that we have.” “It talks about God being God of kindness, justice, and righteousness which is what kind of informs how I believe we should act towards people and the things we should be involved with.” “Don’t deny these gifts. Thank God for them, work on them, develop them, don’t be falsely humble, acknowledge God gave me strength, God gave him wisdom, God gave her riches…now our job is to channel these gifts.” “God strategically places His people where He wants them to be.” “Push for a certain moral standard that not only benefits us personally, and as a representation of the God that we serve, but will also benefit our country collectively for the long term.” “There are a lot of things that are important, but we have to hone in on what God wants us to be involved in.” “Certain verses inspire certain players at certain times.” “After every single NFL game, players from both sides come to the middle of the field…you’ll see a circle of players pray together - both teams, hand in hand.” “If we can trust our eternity to God, I can trust him with my career, I can trust him with my relationships, I can trust him with the things that I see right now.” “God can use your talents, but He doesn’t need them.” “Our lives are best lived when they are poured out for other people.” Jeremiah 9:22,23 - https://www.sefaria.org/Jeremiah.9.22-23?lang=bi Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/ Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en Benjamin’s homepage: https://thewatsonseven.com/

One of America’s leading public intellectuals, John Podhoretz, joins Mark on today’s podcast. In addition to contributing to various publications from the Wall Street Journal to the Weekly Standard, serving as speechwriter for two American Presidents, and appearing as a political commentator on CNN and Fox News, John has, for the past 11 years, been the editor for Commentary magazine, one of the most important sources of ideas in the digital world. He is also a Rabbi’s son-in-law, and his friendship with Mark goes back 25 years, when Mark served as an intern for him. The passage he has chosen to discuss is Genesis 34. John starts off by explaining how he has worked to maintain the quality of Commentary into the digital age, and offering his summary of today’s passage. He and Mark then explore the concept of peace through strength evident in the passage, the differing views of the events within it, the beauty of the Bible, and the significance of its identification the ‘thing that must not be done’. They also review the sophistication and moral seriousness of the Torah, and John shares the lessons about mankind which he has learned, including the central difference between conservatives and liberals. Listen in today, and enjoy this enlightening conversation between these two great thinkers as they reaffirm the power and the eternal influence of the Torah. Episode Highlights: How John has maintained the quality of Commentary while bringing it into new digital media John’s summary of the passage Peace through strength The difference between Jacob’s view of the event and his sons’ view Understanding the beauty of the Bible The ‘thing that must not be done’ The sophistication and moral seriousness of the Torah The lessons that John has learned about mankind The central difference between conservatives and liberals Quotes: “The task of Judaism is to renew the old and sanctify the new, and you have certainly done that with Commentary.” “This rape then turns to love, I guess, the next morning.” “The circumcision they transform into a military tactic.” “It was the first example of peace through strength.” “It’s tantalizingly unclear what God thinks of what the two young men did.” “One of the beauties of the Bible is the complexity of everybody in it.” “God is not a wimp.” “We could have been over before we got started.” “You have to have just outcomes with just means.” “The framing of biblical morality is, in some ways, a visit from a radical future.” “Here is the book on how to live and nobody else on the planet was anywhere near the sophistication and the moral seriousness of these presented rules of conduct.” Genesis 34 - https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.34.1-31?lang=bi&aliyot=0 Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/ Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en

Dr. Mort Fridman, Past President of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), joins Mark on the podcast today. Mort has been a doctor and psychoanalyst for several decades so he brings a unique perspective to the passage he has chosen to discuss with Mark which is Micah 6:8. Mort begins by summarizing the passage, its meaning for him, and by sharing a quick summary of Jewish history in order to put the passage into its historical context. He and Mark then discuss the true role of a prophet, Micah’s message in this passage, and the concepts of acting justly and loving kindness and mercy which it espouses. Mort also offers his perspective on one of the most significant parts of Micah’s message, explores with Mark just what it really means to be good and to ‘walk humbly with God’, and reviews the notion of the 70 faces to the Torah. As with all of Mark’s guests, Mort finishes up with the lessons about mankind that he has learned, an exercise which leads him back to the nature of narcissism and its prevalence in today’s society. Today’s conversation is a prime example of the Torah’s value as a guide to modern life, as these two scholars tease out the ‘the kind of life we’re supposed to be living’ from this timelessly instructive passage. Episode Highlights: Mort’s summary of the passage, and its meaning for him Mort’s 30 second summary of Jewish history The role of a prophet Micah’s message in this passage Acting justly and loving kindness One of the most significant parts of Micah’s message Walking humbly with our God What does it really mean to be good? The 70 faces to the Torah The lessons about mankind which Mort has learned Narcissism Quotes: “For me, I would say, it’s aspirational.” “The Hebrew of this passage is so nuanced…each word just contains a whole world of psychological information.” “Much like the Middle East of today, chaos, war, refugees, so you know this passage is going to speak to us.” “The Jews were given the land of Israel to be a light unto the nations which means moral behavior.” “What does God seek from us?” “You have to know God every way you are capable of knowing him. You have to be in touch with yourself.” “If you do justice over and over and over again, you will end up loving mercy.” “Being a Jew means being involved with the world.” “People are very, very much stuck on themselves.” “If you’re going to be all about you, you’re not going to have a very happy life.” “Torah means teaching.” Micah 6:8 “He has told you, O man, what is good, And what the LORD requires of you: Only to do justice And to love goodness, And to walk modestly with your God; https://www.sefaria.org/Micah.6.8?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/ Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en

In today’s episode, Mark is delighted to welcome Jake Cohen, chef, food writer, and culinary influencer, who has also held the position of Food Editor of TastingTable.com as well as Food Critic for Time Out New York. Jake is currently the Editorial and Test Kitchen Director at The Feedfeed, the largest food driven social media publication, and is working on his first cookbook, JEW-ISH. The passage he has chosen to discuss with Mark is Exodus 16:5. Jake starts off by explaining why this passage is meaningful to him, how he prepares for and practices Shabbat, and how Jewish hospitality is portrayed to the world. He and Mark discuss the Torah idea of ‘you are what you eat’, explore differing perspectives on the concept of being kosher, and then Jake shares details of his Jewish upbringing, and his personal example of the role that food plays in building community. He then gives a glimpse into his upcoming book, offers examples of what is considered Israeli food, and relates his favorite aspect of Jewish food that has come to a head during the time of quarantine. Jake’s lessons about mankind are also presented which lead to a review of Shabbat and purposeful rest, and the OneTable organization. All that Jake shares here regarding his sacred task of helping people to love Shabbat provides yet another shining example of the Torah’s relevance and value today and, really, throughout all time. Episode Highlights: Why this passage is meaningful to Jake How Jake prepares for and practices Shabbat How Jewish hospitality is portrayed to the world The Torah idea of ‘you are what you eat’ or ‘you become what you eat’ Differing perspectives on the concept of being kosher Jake’s Jewish upbringing Jake’s example from his family of the role that food plays in building community His upcoming book, JEW-ISH Examples of Israeli food Jake’s favorite aspect of Jewish food that has come to a head during the pandemic quarantine The lessons Jake has learned about mankind Shabbat and purposeful rest OneTable.org Quotes: “I think there’s really one word that talks to me in this passage, and that’s the concept of preparation, and it’s about the preparation of Shabbat.” “Creating a moment of, kind of, gathering and breaking bread that is so traditionally Jewish. It’s this Jewish ritual that most people I host would not celebrate on their own, and I’m creating a space, and preparing a space in which they’re able to do it in a way that fits their lives.” “Hospitality is essential to what it means to be a Jew.” “By full authority as the Rabbi’s Husband, a Rueben is kosher.” “I personally find that creating a meal, creating an experience around this day of Shabbat and this…special meal is what makes it sacred.” “You’re doing a sacred task by helping people to love Shabbat. That’s a sacred task.” “You’re enjoying Shabbat – that’s the substance…focus on the substance.” “The key part of why we turned to Jewish ritual was this concept of community.” “The fundamental principle of Judaism is the community.” “I think food was definitely this unifier, as it always will be.” “We have a holiday every week…it’s magical.” Exodus 16:5 But on the sixth day, when they apportion what they have brought in, it shall prove to be double the amount they gather each day.” https://www.sefaria.org/Exodus.16.5?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/ Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en Jake’s homepage: https://www.wakeandjake.com/ Jake’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakecohen/?hl=en Jake’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Jew-ish-Cookbook-Reinvented-Recipes-Modern/dp/035835398X

Mark is delighted to be joined by his friend, Bill Simon, for today’s episode. Bill has had a remarkable career in law, business, philanthropy, and authorship, and, for Mark, he is the epitome of what it means to be a thoughtful businessperson living the examined life in the marketplace. He has been an Assistant United States Attorney, a merchant banker, a gubernatorial candidate in California and is the leader of the most important prize in philanthropy. Bill has discovered a theme within the conjunction of Ecclesiastes 3 and Exodus 14:14-15, which he discusses with Mark today. Bill begins by explaining the notion of a ‘spiritual director’, and then he shares his summary of the passages, the unity he finds in the two, and the reasons that he chose them for today’s discussion. He and Mark continue by discussing the three-step process for taking action which these passages delineate, and the times that Bill both has and hasn’t followed this process, particularly in his current career. Bill also explores the Jesuit concept of ‘that still, small voice’ which leads to Mark’s description of the classic Jewish angel in Mark’s life. Bill finishes the episode by sharing the lessons he has learned throughout his extensive career and how they relate to today’s passages. While it may be true that ‘there is no right action for all time’, you can rest assured that today is the right time for you to listen, learn, and be moved to action by these two titans of business, philanthropy, and biblical study. Episode Highlights: The notion of a ‘spiritual director’ Bill’s summary of the passages, the unity he sees in the two, and why he chose them The 3-step process Times from Bill’s life when he has waited for God’s direction and when he hasn’t Bill’s teaching experience ‘That still, small voice’ The classic Jewish angel in Bill’s life Lessons Bill has learned about mankind Quotes: “There’s a time for a whole variety of things.” “There’s no one right action for all time.” “This passage…is a good summary of some of the minefields that I attempt to navigate.” “Once you feel that you know the direction from God, then it’s time to move.” “Be still, pray, get direction…and then move.” “This was God’s will..He’s providing me a path.” “I began to notice when I was driving home after class, I just had a feeling of peace…I don’t feel that in a lot of other areas of my professional life.” “I was flying with God’s grace.” “God created me the way I am.” “If you’re strict, you can’t teach.” “In the teaching context, I feel like I can pause and maybe impart that idea, you know, that we’re all the same." Ecclesiastes 3 - https://www.sefaria.org/Ecclesiastes.3.1-22?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en Exodus 14:14-15 - https://www.sefaria.org/Exodus.14.14-15?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/ Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en

On today’s episode, Mark is joined by legendary Wall Street trader, Peter Borish. In addition to his success in business, Peter is also a founding member of the Robin Hood Foundation, an organization which funds New York City educational projects for disadvantaged children, and a founding board member of Math for America, a non-profit whose goal is to improve mathematical education in U.S. public schools. The passage he has chosen to discuss with Mark is Leviticus 25:35-38. Peter begins by explaining how he predicted the 1987 stock market crash, the role of the Robin Hood Foundation, and his reasons for selecting this passage. Together, he and Mark analyze the passage and its message of treating others as family, the call for obligation and responsibility, and the importance of acting righteously particularly during times of increased difficulties such as the current pandemic. Peter finishes by stressing the need to learn about yourself, shares the advice he offers those just beginning their careers, and, as with every guest, relates the lessons about mankind which he has learned. Today’s episode focuses on our obligation and responsibility to treat others as family, and it is brought to you by two men who daily live this passage – listen in to become informed and inspired. Episode Highlights: How Peter predicted the 1987 stock market crash The role of the Robin Hood Foundation over the years Why Peter chose this passage Treating other people as family Obligation and responsibility vs. charity The importance of acting righteously particularly during times of increased difficulties The need to learn about yourself Peter’s advice to those he meets who are just beginning their careers The lessons about mankind which Peter has learned Quotes: “The stock market crash precipitated the founding of Robin Hood.” “I think that in a nutshell was a little bit of the philosophy of Robin Hood.” “They are your brothers and sisters.” “It’s the right thing to do.” “You can’t be righteous without giving.” “If you give it away, you will make it.” “Giving becomes a habit.” “You take pleasure in raising people up to your level.” “Loyalty comes because you are interested in them.” Leviticus 25:35-38 If your kinsman, being in straits, comes under your authority, and you hold him as though a resident alien, let him live by your side: do not exact from him advance or accrued interest, but fear your God. Let him live by your side as your kinsman. Do not lend him your money at advance interest, or give him your food at accrued interest. I the LORD am your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, to be your God. https://www.sefaria.org/Leviticus.25.35-38?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=bi Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/ Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en

Mark’s guest on the podcast today is author, poet, and lecturer, Erika Dreifus. Erika has earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Harvard University, taught history, literature, and writing there for several years, is a fellow in the Sami Rohr Jewish Literary Institute, and is also an adjunct assistant professor at Baruch College of The City University of New York. The passage she has chosen to discuss with Mark is Proverbs 31:10-31. Erika begins by introducing this Eshet Hayil passage, her reasons for selecting it, its recitation on Shabbat evenings, and how she first encountered it. Mark recounts the qualities of a ‘woman of valor’ as outlined in the passage as well as Dr. Ruth’s selection of the most erotic line in all of literature which is found within it. Erika follows with the feminist perspective that her study group offers on the passage, and her poem, A Single Woman of Valor, is read and discussed. As with all guests, the podcast concludes with the lessons about mankind which Erika has learned. Today’s episode takes this ‘most frequently said…and rarely studied’ passage and finally provides it with the analysis it so richly deserves. Episode Highlights: The Eshet Hayil passage and Erika’s reasons for selecting it Its recitation on Shabbat evenings How Erika encountered it The qualities of a woman of valor as outlined in the text Dr. Ruth’s selection for the most erotic line in all of literature The feminist perspective on this passage from Erika’s study group Erika’s poem, A Single Woman of Valor The lessons about mankind which Erika has learned Quotes: “Probably the most frequently said prayer…and rarely studied.” “It essentially delineates the qualities of an ideal woman, a woman of valor.” “Always listen to one’s mother.” “It’s a really terrible melody, I think. I mean it sounds like a funeral dirge.” “I was really moved by the text itself.” “It seems to be a quintessential text of female empowerment.” “She’s an amazing woman.” “She does everything…she doesn’t sleep much.” “Dr. Ruth is the youngest 92 year old in the history of the world.” “If you stop learning and stop growing, then you basically consign yourself to a kind of death.” Proverbs 31:10-31 What a rare find is a capable wife! Her worth is far beyond that of rubies. Her husband puts his confidence in her, And lacks no good thing. She is good to him, never bad, All the days of her life. She looks for wool and flax, And sets her hand to them with a will. She is like a merchant fleet, Bringing her food from afar. She rises while it is still night, And supplies provisions for her household, The daily fare of her maids. She sets her mind on an estate and acquires it; She plants a vineyard by her own labors. She girds herself with strength, And performs her tasks with vigor. https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.2.2-3?lang=bi&aliyot=0 Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/ Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en