The Fifth Question

In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, Rabbi Richard Steinberg shares his insights on how to revitalize American synagogues, foster meaningful Jewish identity, and confront the challenges facing Jewish communities today. We also discuss the role of Israel education, strategies for ensuring Jewish safety, and how Jewish institutions can adapt to a changing world without losing their core v...

What happens when a liberal Muslim reformer sits down with a Jewish educator to talk about Israel, Zionism, and the future of the Middle East? In this bold and unfiltered episode, I speak with Dalia Ziada—an Egyptian human rights activist, writer, and director of the Liberal Democracy Institute. We unpack the complexities of Islam’s historical and theological relationship to the land of Israel, th...

Can the tools of critical academic inquiry coexist with religious tradition? In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with scholar and educator JJ Kimche to explore the tensions—and possibilities—between Academic Jewish Studies and Traditional Judaism. We ask big questions:How do we know what really happened in Jewish history? Is it possible to do unbiased scholarship—or is all academia shap...

Why do some Orthodox Jews passionately oppose the State of Israel—while others see it as the beginning of redemption? Who are the Satmar Hasidim? Who are Neturei Karta? Where does the Messiah fit into all of this? And how do both Chabad and Religious Zionism shape the story? I sit down with scholar Shaul Magid to unpack these questions and explore the future of Judaism, Zionism, anti-Zionism, and...

I speak with Villanova Law Professor Chaim Saiman about his book Halakhah: The Rabbinic Idea of Law. We explore how halakhah functions not just as a legal code but as a mode of religious and intellectual engagement. From Talmudic argumentation to modern legal theory, Saiman unpacks what makes Jewish law unique. #JewishLaw #Halakhah #ChaimSaiman #JewishStudies #LegalPhilosophy #RabbinicLaw #Talmud...

I speak with Professor Naomi Seidman about her research on the history of Beis Yaakov. We discuss:1) Woman in Orthodox Judaism2) Was Beis Yaakov a feminist movement3) How Orthodox Judaism rewrites its history4) How does Modern Orthodoxy differ from mainstream Orthodoxy5) Why do Orthodox Jews not like dogs6) Current trends regarding gender in Orthodoxyand much more! Facebook:   / daniel.levine.31  ...

Rabbi Ari Jun-Ballaban's story went viral left month when he was uninvited to a rally against Nazis due to his being a "zionist"We unpack this story and discuss a wide range of related topics. Facebook:   / daniel.levine.31   Instagram:   / rabbidaniellevine   #Zionism #hillel #Judaism

I discuss David Bocarsly's work as the head of JPAC as we discuss and debate the ins and outs of the intersection of Jews and Ethnic Studies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/

I talk and debate with longtime Jewish professional Adam Fox about whether or not Jews truly have any allies in our fight against antisemitism. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Zionism #hillel #Judaism

How much can we actually know about what is happening in Gaza? How should we contend with media bias about Israel? Which news sources should one trust? I discuss all these questions and much more with Melissa Weiss, the head of Jewish Insider. https://jewishinsider.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Zionism #hillel #Juda...

I talk with the prolific Rabbi Stephen Einstein about conversion to Judaism, the state of Judaism in America, why the reform movement is shrinking, what has changed over the course of his 50+ year career, Trump, and much moreFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levin... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniel... #Zionism #hillel #Judaism

I talk with Chaplain Jonah Sanderson about caring for people at the end of life and what they look back on with regret and satisfaction. Facebook:   / daniel.levine.31   Instagram:   / rabbidaniellevine   #NoRegrets #LifeWellLived #LessonsLearned #Wisdom #FindingMeaning #LivingWithPurpose

What drives the rise of messianic figures in Jewish history? In this episode, we explore the tension between law and mysticism—two forces that have shaped Jewish thought for centuries. Historian David Graizbord joins us to discuss how social, political, and spiritual conditions create the perfect storm for messianic movements. We examine figures like Shabtai Tzvi and even Jesus, asking what made t...

I discuss the frustrating story of me trying to host an anti-Israel activist on the podcast - and why my failure touches on broader themes in the current moment. #palestine #israel #podcast Facebook:   / daniel.levine.31   Instagram:   / rabbidaniellevine   #Zionism #hillel #Judaism

I discuss the situation of the deportation of the Columbia University student with public defender Luke Rodriguez. We also tackle big questions of Liberalism including the age old question of how to keep Jews safe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Zionism #Judaism #trump

How does social media shape public discourse on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? What challenges do liberal values and free speech face in today's digital landscape? Join us for an insightful conversation with Prof. Vikki Katz, an expert in media, communication, and political discourse. We'll explore: ✅ The role of social media in amplifying narratives ✅ Censorship vs. free expression i...

I talk with Dr. Dan Cooper, Professor of Pediatrics at UC Irvine and Nora Cooper, investigative journalist, about all things Jews and medicine. We discuss:1) Why there are so many Jewish doctors?2) How has antisemitism played a role in the history of medicine?3) The quota system for Jews in American medical schools4) How Oct 7 led to a proliferation of antisemitism in contemporary medicineAnd much...

I speak with longtime Jewish leader Andrew Getraer about his long career in Hillel, American Judaism, Why we don't talk more about God, and lots of other topics. #god #hillel #israel Facebook:   / daniel.levine.31   Instagram:   / rabbidaniellevine   #Zionism #Judaism

I speak with  @AlonBurstein  about the latest developments regarding Trump's plan for the future of GazaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Zionism #Israel #gaza #Judaism

In this episode, we sit down with attorney and advocate Julie Marzouk to explore the intersection of immigration, antisemitism, and violence against women—and what the first weeks of Trump’s second term reveal about the legal landscape for combating antisemitism. We discuss the Trump administration’s executive order on antisemitism, new federal investigations into college campuses, and the formati...

I speak with Rabbi Drew Kaplan, host of the Jewish Drinking Show, about all things Judaism and alcohol Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/ #Zionism #hillel #Judaism

I speak with April Powers about whether or not DEI is an idea worth saving. We discuss the overall implications, the philosophy of DEI, antisemitism within DEI, and much more Facebook:   / daniel.levine.31   Instagram:   / rabbidaniellevine   #Zionism #hillel #Judaism #DEI #JewishInclusion #JewishVoices #StopAntisemitism #JewishEquity #DiversityAndInclusion #JewishIdentity #JewsInDEI #JewishRepres...

I speak with the CEO of Pesach Tikvah an organization that specializes in mental health for the Orthodox community. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/ #Zionism #hillel #Judaism

I speak with Oded Revivi who was the mayor of Efrat for over 15 years. We discuss the question of Israeli settlements, Palestinians, 10/7, Human Rights , The Jewish History of Efrat, Donald Trump, and much more! If you like these episodes please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast!

🎙️ Exploring Whistleblowing with Professor Daphne Inbar In this episode, I sit down with Professor Daphne Inbar to delve into her fascinating research on whistleblowing—both on a global scale and within Israel. Together, we tackle thought-provoking questions and debates, including: What exactly is whistleblowing, and why does it matter? Can we trust the IDF spokesperson? Is whistleblowing inherent...