In Such A Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership & Meaning

What if the morality of war wasn’t just debated in the halls of Congress, but had been dissected by Jewish scholars for centuries? This week’s episode of "In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning" dives into one of the most dramatic news stories of the week—the U.S. raid to capture Venezuelan President Maduro—and confronts it with the wisdom of Jewish law. Joi...

What if your most meaningful connection to your loved ones—after they’re gone—comes from how you choose to mourn, not what you do for them? This week’s episode of In Such a Time asks: Who is Shiva really for, and what happens when centuries-old Jewish burial traditions face modern challenges like cremation and composting? Join Rabbi Leora Londy and Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe for a deeply thoughtful—and...

What if Judaism doesn’t have a clear doctrine about the afterlife? In this eye-opening, two-part episode of "In Such a Time," Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy unravel one of the most avoided—and misunderstood—topics in Jewish life: death, grief, and what comes “next.” From candid childhood questions to the complexities of funerals in Israel, the hosts dive deep into how Jews talk (or don...

What if being publicly Jewish came with new dangers—even in places you’ve always felt safe? In this riveting episode of "In Such a Time," Rabbis Jonathan Jaffe and Leora Londy confront the unsettling reality facing Jewish communities after a horrific attack at Bondi Beach in Australia, which has sent shockwaves throughout the Diaspora. Together, they grapple with what this tragedy means...

What if everything you thought you knew about Hanukkah was wrong ? In this episode of "In Such a Time," Rabbis Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy unravel the true story behind the Festival of Lights—revealing its messy origins, historical surprises, and the wild ways its meaning keeps evolving. Is Hanukkah really about fighting oppression… or is there much more below the surface?...

What happens when synagogue affiliation is no longer defined by denominational labels like Reform, Conservative, or Orthodox—but instead, by politics and stances on Israel? In this eye-opening episode of Lou Diamond: In Such a Time (“Episode 16”), co-hosts Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy dive deep into the shifting landscape of American Jewish life. The conversation shatters assumptions...

What if your rabbi’s outfit had more to do with your spiritual experience than you ever imagined? In this eye-opening episode of In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning , Rabbis Jonathan Jaffe and Leora Landi dive deep into the controversial world of fashion, physical presentation, and the unique scrutiny faced by rabbis—especially women—in Jewish communities. You’ll b...

What happens when two rabbis admit they don't really like Thanksgiving—and one confesses he grew up celebrating Christmas with a tree and milk for Santa? In this eye-opening episode of “In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning,” Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy get candid about navigating non-Jewish holidays as Jewish Americans. Get ready for surprising person...

What happens when a New York election upends Jewish unity and safety—and a wave of hope collides with centuries-old fears? This electrifying episode of In Such a Time dives deep into the shockwaves reverberating through New York’s Jewish community after Momdani’s mayoral victory. Hosts Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy tackle the complicated fallout, exploring why so many Jews—especially...

What if the most celebrated Jewish rite of passage—the B’Nai Mitzvah—has unintentionally become a barrier to lifelong Jewish engagement, rather than the gateway it was meant to be? In this eye-opening episode of “In Such a Time Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning,” hosts Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy pull back the curtain on the history, complexities, and personal rea...

What if the Torah was the original blueprint for democracy? On this eye-opening episode of "In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning," Rabbis Jonathan Jaffe and Leora Londy dismantle the myth that democracy is a purely modern invention—and reveal its surprising roots in ancient Jewish texts. In a time when democracy faces challenges around the world, Jonathan and Leora...

Is Judaism more about peoplehood than religion—and what if “Jewish pride” doesn’t involve Israel at all? This episode is bound to provoke surprising thoughts: Rabbis Jonathan Jaffe and Leora Londy dive headfirst into one of the most emotionally charged questions facing American Jews today—how central should Israel be in our Jewish identity? From generational divides to personal stories of longing...

What if the creation story in Genesis isn’t meant to be taken literally—or even as history at all? In this thought-provoking episode of "In Such A Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership, and Meaning," Rabbis Leora Londy and Jonathan Jaffe dig deep into the cyclical return to the Torah’s origin stories and uncover how myth, memory, and meaning shape our Jewish identities. Together...

What if the secret to a more meaningful, joyful year wasn’t found in a grand temple but inside a flimsy hut exposed to rain, wind, and the unknown? In this energizing episode of “In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning,” Rabbis Leora Londy and Jonathan Jaffe invite listeners into the spiritual heart of Sukkot—the Jewish festival celebrated by literally moving life outd...

What happens when the entire fate of a nation changes overnight? This episode of "In Such A Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning" confronts the raw emotions and heavy realities surrounding Israel’s acceptance of a deal to end the war in Gaza and bring hostages home—a moment Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe describes as “deeply bittersweet” and Rabbi Leora Londy admits left her...

What if one of the most influential anthems of hope—Hatikvah—was written by a restless, misunderstood family outcast? In this special Yom Kippur episode of "In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning," Rabbi Leora Londy unveils a deeply personal and surprising family connection to Naftali Hertz Imber, the poet behind the immortal words of Hatikvah, Israel's...

What if the best response to rising antisemitism isn’t fighting back—but rediscovering what it means to be Jewish? In this special Kol Nidre sermon episode of "In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning," Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe turns a conventional question inside out: How should the Jewish community respond to growing antisemitism? Instead of looking outward for acceptance...

What if the Torah’s “rules” were actually designed to help us live more grateful, flexible, and fully human lives—and not simply to restrict us? In this illuminating episode of "In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning," Rabbis Jonathan Jaffe and Leora Londy pull back the curtain on some of the most surprisingly radical and emotionally resonant teachings in the Jewish t...

What if the God you reject isn’t the only God Judaism offers? As the High Holidays approach, Rabbis Jonathan Jaffe and Leora Londy open up a candid and often surprising conversation about the nature of God and belief in Jewish life. In this episode of "In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning," the rabbis push beyond the familiar “God as parent” metaphor of th...

What if the very value that defines American Judaism is the one holding it back in its hour of greatest need? In this eye-opening Rosh Hashanah sermon speical episode of "In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning," Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe takes listeners on a deeply personal and provocative journey, exploring the seismic shift in Jewish identity and priorities aft...

What if the most important Jewish holiday isn’t the one you think it is? And what if the rituals you grew up with are the very things holding you back from a more meaningful holiday experience? In this eye-opening episode of In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning , Rabbis Jonathan Jaffe and Leora Londy dive deep into the High Holidays—unpacking personal childhood memo...

What if the secret to kids loving religious school isn’t magic—it’s goats, butterflies, and a radical rethinking of Jewish education? In this lively episode of In Such a Time , Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe sits down with Rabbi Educator Maura Linzer to reveal the rarely-shared story behind Temple Bethel’s explosive school growth and joyful, inclusive culture. Discover how Rabbi Linzer pivoted from traditio...

What if your rabbi stood on the bimah and told you exactly how to vote? Would it strengthen your faith—or make you walk out the door? This episode of "In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning" pulls back the curtain on a heated debate most congregants never witness: To what extent should rabbis use their authority to advocate for political positions from the p...

What do a rebellious Bat Mitzvah, hidden synagogues across Europe, and a chance encounter with a future member of Israel’s Knesset have in common? They’re all formative moments on the unexpected journeys of two rabbis! In the very first episode of "In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership, and Meaning," Rabbis Leora Londy and Jonathan Jaffe pull back the curtain on their personal p...

What if the most sacred conversations in your synagogue—those spontaneous, passionate, and even disagreeing voices—could offer a new blueprint for Jewish life, leadership, and meaning in today's turbulent world? In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership, and Meaning debuts with an episode that does just that, pulling back the curtain on private rabbinic dialogue and inviting you int...