Voices of Israeli Rabbis with Rabbi Phil M. Cohen

Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger shares his transformative journey from a traditional Orthodox upbringing to becoming a peace activist and educator. He discusses his pivotal moment of realization regarding his perceptions of Palestinians, leading to the founding of the Roots organization, which aims to foster understanding and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. The conversation explores the...

In this episode, Rabbi Marc 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...

Rabbi Nama Kelman, Israel's first female 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 femin...

In this conversation, Rabbi 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 gro...

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...

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 r...

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 an...

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.

Rabbi Phil Cohen introduces The Rabbi Podcast, coming December 9, 2025, at 8 a.m. US EST.

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...