Moral Courage: From the Study of Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis

Rabbi Denise Eger joins Rabbi Ari Averbach to trace her 38‑year rabbinic journey from Memphis to the pulpit, and the hidden struggles of LGBTQ students in seminary. She recounts organizing secret support networks, her ordination in 1988, and serving as rabbi of Beth Chayim Chadashim during the height of the AIDS crisis—pastoring the sick, educating institutions, and building community care when ma...

Rabbi Laura Geller joins Rabbi Ari Averbach to reflect on a 50‑year rabbinical journey shaped by civil‑rights activism, feminist awakening, and deep engagement with Jewish ritual. Rabbi Geller traces formative moments—from a kibbutz stay and student organizing at Brown to becoming part of the first generation of women rabbis—that led her to insist that “there is no important moment in the lifetime...

Rabbi Becky Hoffman offers a candid look at how the rabbinate has transformed in the age of AI, social media, and shifting expectations. Tracing her path from a Bat Mitzvah blessing to leading a congregation through turbulent times, she explores embracing technology, entrepreneurship, and personal branding while preserving the deeply relational heart of spiritual leadership. From COVID’s disruptio...

In this conversation, Ari Averbach and Sarah Hurwitz explore the complexities of Jewish identity, the rediscovery of Judaism, and the importance of community and education in navigating modern challenges. They discuss the evolution of Jewish thought, the role of text and study, and the impact of anti-Semitism on Jewish identity. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of Judais...

In this engaging conversation, Ari Averbach speaks with Jonah Sanderson, a hospice chaplain and Jewish educator, about the profound impact of Rabbi Harold Shulweis on their lives and work. Jonah reflects on how Shulweis's teachings have shaped his approach to helping individuals navigate the end of life, emphasizing the importance of legacy and ethical wills. He shares personal anecdotes about his...

In this conversation, Rabbi Ari Averbach and Abby J. Leibman discuss the themes of moral courage, social justice, and the mission of MAZON, a Jewish response to hunger. Abby shares her journey into advocacy, the importance of policy change, and the role of the Jewish community in addressing hunger. They reflect on the legacy of Rabbi Schulweis and the concept of Tikkun Olam, emphasizing the respon...

In this conversation, Rabbi Ari talks with Rabbi Beth Lieberman about her book 'Moments That Matter,' co-authored with Rabbi Laura Geller, which explores the significance of life transitions in midlife and beyond. The discussion covers the origins of their community engagement initiative, the importance of rituals in navigating aging, and the need for a supportive community that honors the wisdom...

This conversation explores the life and legacy of Rabbi Harold Schulweis, focusing on his impact on contemporary Judaism, his mentorship of Rabbi Ed Feinstein, and the challenges faced by modern rabbis. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, the discussion highlights Schulweis's vision for a Judaism that speaks to the present, his moral courage in addressing social issues, and the importance...

In this episode of Moral Courage, host Ari Averbach speaks with Michelle Green-Wilner , an award-winning composer and educator, about her journey with the Jewish Community Children's Choir and the profound influence of Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis. They discuss the choir's mission to inspire Jewish children from diverse backgrounds, the emotional impact of performances, and the challenges faced durin...

In this episode of the Moral Courage Podcast, Rabbi Adam Greenwald shares his journey from a student to a rabbi, discussing the influences and mentors that shaped his path. He reflects on the importance of community in Jewish identity, the transformative work he did with the Introduction to Judaism program, and the impact of conversion on Jewish identity. The conversation also delves into the lega...

In this episode of the Moral Courage podcast, Rabbi David Wolpe shares his journey from being a reluctant rabbi to becoming a prominent voice in the Jewish community. He discusses the challenges of modern rabbinical life, the importance of mentorship, and the moral courage required to lead in today's world. Rabbi Wolpe reflects on his experiences with public speaking, the impact of his sermons, an...

This week, we're joined by Rabbi Joshua Hoffman, President and CEO of Academy for Jewish Religion California (AJRCA). Rabbi Hoffman has deep roots in the Los Angeles community. He is the current President of the Board of Rabbis of Southern California and previously served as a rabbi at Congregation Valley Beth Shalom in Encino from 2003-2021. He was a colleague, friend and student of Rabbi Schulwe...

This week, we're joined by Janice Kamenir-Reznik—prominent figure in the Jewish and civic communities, known for her work as an activist, retired environmental attorney, and co-founder of Jews United for Democracy and Justice and Jewish World Watch . She co-founded Jewish World Watch (JWW) in 2004 with Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis (z"l), a non-profit dedicated to fighting genocide and mass atrocities...

Join our host Rabbi Ari Averbach for a very special episode as we're joined by his friend, colleague and student of Rabbi Harold Schulweis, Rabbi Noah Farkas. Both Rabbi Farkas and Rabbi Averbach were mentored by Rabbi Schulweis, Rabbi Farkas during years as a member of the Clergy at Valley Beth Shalom, and Rabbi Averbach, who followed Rabbi Schulweis’ advice to become an ordained Rabbi and served...

Join our host Rabbi Ari Averbach we discuss the influence and poetry of Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis with Cantor Jacqueline Rafii of Valley Beth Shalom in Encino California. 

Actress, author, producer, and podcaster Mayim Bialik joins the Moral Courage podcast and host Rabbi Ari Averbach for an intimate discussion.  Part 2 of 2

Actress, author, producer, and podcaster Mayim Bialik joins the Moral Courage podcast and host Rabbi Ari Averbach for an intimate discussion. We touch on her upbringing and start in the world of acting, as well as her Judaism and connection to the teachings of Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis. Part 1 of 2

Benay Lappe , the founder of SVARA: A Traditionally Radical Yeshiva joins Rabbi Ari Averbach for an interesting look into her background, Rabbinic journey and connection with Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis.

Rabbi Elliot N. Dorff , an American Conservative rabbi. He is a Visiting Professor of Law at UCLA School of Law and Distinguished Professor of Jewish theology at the American Jewish University in California, author and a bio-ethicist. He describes his relationship with Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis (z”l) that began when he arrived in Southern California, and how Rabbi Schulweis’ teachings are relevant...

Rabbi Lizzi Heydemann is the founder of Mishkan Chicago, an independent spiritual community in Chicago whose mission is to lead people toward greater purpose, connection and inspiration through dynamic experiences of Jewish prayer, learning and community building.  She describes her path to becoming a Rabbi, the early influence of Rabbi Schulweis’ theology on her beliefs, and describes her goal of...

“ Moral Courage ” shares Jewish ideas and conversations —  inspired by the works of Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis(z"l) — that make Jewish wisdom more accessible, inclusive and relevant to today’s complicated world. Hosted by Rabbi Ari Averbach . Rabbi Schulweis was a longtime pulpit rabbi at Valley Beth Shalom in Encino, California, from 1970 until his passing in 2014, who made Judaism approachable an...