M54 Podcast

It’s been two months since we last published a podcast. Though we had a number of episodes prepared for publishing we took an impromptu break as we experienced a personal and professional recalibration. In this conversation we discuss it.

Judaism is indeed about the mission of Tikkun Olam – and viewing it otherwise comes with consequences – only the Olam is not the conventional one.   Listen and share your thoughts at anewconvo.com or Facebook.com/anewconvo.  This podcast series was sponsored by Dana ‘14 and Tzvi Simpson . To sponsor future podcasts email chanie@anewconvo.com.

For adults, adapting Judaism needs to be an informed choice, otherwise the consequences are dire. We explore the reasons to buy in or not to buy in. Current efforts on the part of Judaism’s marketers (i.e. educational and outreach institutions) to make it more appealing are futile. We conclude with offering a new language and paradigm to view Judaism.

A pyramid begins with an expansive area that peaks at the top in a narrow space. Is Chabad similarly structured with the bottom being open to all, but as one reaches higher it becomes narrower and more exclusive? Listen as we create a new paradigm in understanding our structure and objective.

What impact does Chabad at Brandeis seek to have on students? How are they to live differently as a result? How is Chabad’s objective different than Hillel, Maor, JLIC or other campus organizations? Listen as Chanie and Peretz, in their signature style, remove the curtain from this topic.

Recently we renewed our invitation to students to become Shareholders of Chabad at Brandeis. This was done most notably by dedicating a Shabbat Dinner for students who are Shareholders. The response to these efforts has exposed students’ characteristics that as educators we failed to address sooner. Our unquestionable successes would easily provide us with the wool to cover our eyes, to use the me...

A month ago Rabbi Avremi Zippel son of the Chabad Rabbi in Salt Lake City, Utah, and today himself a young Chabad Rabbi there, publicly shared how he was sexually abused from the age of 8 to 18. His story, published in Utah’s Desert News created tremendous waves, and I am personally moved to speak with him in our latest podcast. Our conversation explores deeper nuances of what he experienced an d...

Guest: Joy Ladin, professor at Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women, and an award winning author and poet. Host: Peretz Summary: –  Living without being seen. – The similarity between transgender and becoming religious. –  Being accepting of transgender when tradition seems to reject it.

Guest: Jonathan Neumann, author of, “To Heal the World?: How the Jewish Left Corrupts Judaism and Endangers Israel.” Host: Peretz Summary: – Judaism has become a slave to liberal politics. – Traditional Judaism has failed to create a redemptive vision. – The book is very blunt and harsh, why? Click here to purchase the book.

Guest: Chairman of a Fortune 500 Company Host: Peretz Summary: –  From believing in public school and rejecting parochial school, to supporting Jewish Day Schools. –  “Jewish continuity is important to me, why it’s important I can’t tell you.” – The challenges of wealth.  

Guest: Noah Rabinsky ’06, Principal of Summerfield Capital Management Host: Peretz Summary: – What’s the need for Judaism when doing good? – Why aren’t most people spiritual and givers? – Everyone should be a philanthropist.

Guest: Chanie and Peretz Chein Host: Yael Asen ’08 Summary: – Paying students to Torah is akin to the oldest profession. – Making a critical pivot requires courage and humility. – What is the objective behind our podcasts.

Guest: Chanie and Peretz Chein Host: Yael Asen ’08 Summary: – What sets Chabad apart from all other Jewish organizations that can’t be mimicked? – We no longer believe in some of the assumptions we began with in our early years. – A new language needs to emerge and we are willing to engage with it.

The conversation continues from Part 1. Guest: Dr. Ariella Morrow ’06 Host: Chanie Summary: – Shedding the shame – How G-d and faith nurtured self acceptance – Shame and sexuality in parenting Sponsored by: Dr. Ariella Morrow ’06. To sponsor future podcasts email peretz@anewconvo.com  

Guest: Dr. Ariella Morrow ’06 Host: Chanie Summary: – Being sexually assaulted as a 17 year old studying in Israel. – The self blame and silence. – The drive to share it now.

Guest: See Part 1 of this episode. Summary: – The death of spirituality. – What I learned in a Mosque that I don’t find in a Synagogue. – The failure of parents and educators towards today’s youth.

Guest: A successful businessman who raised a beautiful family in an Orthodox community to which he is committed to. Yet he calls out the bigotry he finds within it towards the “other”, and welcomes the inspiration he finds in other religions and non-Jews . Summary: – I had a sense of superiority to my Jewish girlfriend who knew less about Judaism than me. – Though I understand the bigo...

Guest: See Part 1 of this episode. Summary: – Why she does not want the title Rabbi. – Her unique place at Yeshivat Maharat. – To Peretz, “What do you think about female Orthodox Rabbis?”

Guest: A young woman studying to become an Orthodox Rabbi at Yeshivat Maharat in NY; a trailblazing and controversial institution that ordains female Orthodox Rabbis. Summary: – Why does she want to become a Rabbi. – Lack of discussion about G-d at the Rabbinical school. – Revitalizing an outdated and failing context of Judaism.

Guest: See Part 1 of this episode. Summary: – What would he be missing if Judaism disappeared from the world. – Apathy to Israel amongst students, wishing there was even some anti-Israel activities at Brandeis. – Will you marry Jewish? Essay: An essay reflecting on the conversation titled Apathy or Fear; or Maybe a Bit of Both . Students Talk: A video of a conversation with a gro...

Guest: A current student at Brandeis University completing his Freshman year. He grew up in an Orthodox Jewish home and while in High School rejected the Jewish observances he grew up with. Summary: – Conversations amongst students at Brandeis lacks substance and mostly revolves around personal feelings. – Replacing the Judaism he practiced growing up, with one he discovered in Israel....