For the Love of Judaism

The hostage situation at Congregation Beth Israel sent shivers down the spine of Jews throughout the world. In this episode, Rabbi Pont reflects on the eleven-hour ordeal and how both the Torah and Jewish scholars can help us through a moment like this.

Addiction is an epidemic that faces millions of people across the United States. In this episode, Rabbi Pont speaks with Aviva, a recovering addict whose journey through adoption, abuse, addiction and her Jewish faith is as compelling as it is powerful. 

Tourism is the bedrock of the Israeli economy but likeso many industries, it has been drastically impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, Rabbi Pont is joined by Geoff Winston, Programs Director for Keshet Educational Tours and a 30-year veteran Israeli tour guide, for a wide-ranging conversation about the the role of tourism in Israel and the ways in which it has changed in th...

We all love our furry four-legged creatures. And over these past two years even more of us have started loving them than ever before. In this episode, Rabbi Pont is joined by Dr. Alene Opatut, a veterinerian at Red Bank Animal Hospitals and Nancy Jenkins from 3 Hearts 4 Paws Animal Rescue to discuss what it has been like to be on the front lines of the pet world in the time of COVID-19.

One of the most important roles that a Rabbi plays is that of a teacher. In this episode, Rabbi Pont is joined by a number of his students, juniors and seniors in high school, for an inside look and what it is like for them to be Jews in public school during the Christmas season.

It's Hanukkah and does Rabbi Pont ever have a present for you! Don't miss this interview with Aaron Friedman, co-founder of The Bible Players , a Torah comedy troupe that combines Jewish education and improv comedy to teach Jewish values, ahead of their visit to Marlboro Jewish Center. Hear Rabbi Pont try his hand at improv during a wide-ranging interview that is sure to make you laugh m...

As we prepare for a fun weekend of turkey and latkes tune in for a special holiday message from Rabbi Pont.

Earlier this year the New York Times declared that the best bagels in the country are being made in Berkley, California at Boichik Bagels. For native east coasters this was quite the shock but after hearing this interview with Boichick's own (and New Jersey native) Emily Winston, you will almost definitely be heading west for your next bagel!

Next Tuesday is the 83rd anniversary of Kristallnacht, one of the darkest days in the history of the Jewish people. In this episode, Rabbi Pont speaks with Dr. Stacy Gallin, founder of The Maimonides Institute for Medicine, Bioethics and the Holocaust , to discuss the role of the medical community in the Holocaust and the ways in which MIMEH is seeking to transform Holocaust education for the next...

Retired Colonel Jeff Cantor has seen it all. From Bosnia and Kosovo to Iraq and Afghanistan, the founder of the New Jersey State Veterans Chamber of Commerce has been on the front lines of both war and peace around the world for more than three decades. In this episode, Retired Colonel (and current Marlboro Town Council President) Cantor joins Rabbi Pont for a frank conversation about what it was...

In this episode Rabbi Pont introduces the audience to Sydney Greenberg and his friend Art through a replay of his 2020 Rosh Hashana sermon. Join RMP, Sydney and Art for this tale of friendship, courage and kindness, complete with lessons all of can take along our path.

In this episode, Rabbi Pont shares his Yom Kippur sermon in which he shared news of his own battle with serious illness and how his faith, friends, and family are helping him through this difficult time. 

When it comes to hot topics, few rival the heat created by a discussion of the COVID-19 vaccine. As this miracle of modern medicine keeps hundreds of millions of people around the world safe from the devistation of serious illness, there are also millions of people who are hesitant to receive their shots. In this episode, Rabbi Pont will be joined by Dr. Marnie Rosenthal, an infectious disease spe...

Forgiveness is hard no matter which side of the equation you find yourself on.  And yet we know that in order to keep our most important relationships strong we must be willing to both ask for forgiveness and accept it when asked. Join Rabbi Pont and acclaimed psychologist, Dr. Judy Kramer, for a meaningful discussion on forgiveness and relationships complete with some strategies for approaching t...

When you think of Yom Kippur the first thing that comes to mind is that dreaded fast. That's right...24 hours with no food and no water. But what Talmudic scholars never would have seen coming is that fasting would become the latest health craze and something people do on a regular basis and on purpose. In this episode, Rabbi Pont talks to physiatrist Dr. Jessica Miller about the benefits of...

On the day before Yom Kippur, Rabbi Pont had the opportunity to interview Jim Kroeze and Linda Kellner, Co-Interim Executive Directors of Fullfil NJ of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, about hunger and food scarcity in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Introducing For the Love of Judaism with Rabbi Michael Pont, a new weekly podcast about love, inspiration and Torah. Get a taste of what's to come with this short story about why you might want to lower your expectations on these upcoming High Holy Days.