TRTM: They're Rabbis & They're Married

After years of dedicated service to Temple of Aaron, Executive Director Ken Agranoff is preparing to retire, and a new chapter is about to begin. In this special episode, Rabbis Marcus and Rachel Rubenstein sit down with both Ken and incoming Director of Operations Amber Brumbaugh for a conversation about leadership, community, and the work that happens behind the scenes to keep a synagogue thrivi...

In this episode of we take a deep dive into one of the most misunderstood ideas in Judaism: halachic obligation. What does it actually mean to be commanded? Is a mitzvah just a “good deed,” or is it something much deeper? And how does obligation shape a meaningful Jewish life? We explore the concept of  chiyuv or  obligation in halachah, unpacking different categories like d’Oraita,...

In a special episode, our rabbis Rubenstein discuss the ongoing federal immigration enforcent operation in the Twin Cities. The rabbis discuss and toil to understand what the Torah is asking from us at this moment.

How should a Jew, according to the Torah, relate to the secular governemnt in which one lives in? How trusting should Jews be of the government and how much attention should we pay to it? The Rabbis Rubenstein learn, teach and discuss texts that discuss these essential questions for the modern Jew. They also speak about a very exciting event coming up at Temple of Aaron on Nov. 15th, 2025 on...

Can you pray for someone who’s sick on Shabbat? In this episode of  They’re Rabbis and They’re Married , Rabbis Rachel and Marcus talk through a Talmudic debate on Shabbat 12b that asks exactly that question. Together, they explore why the rabbis might have hesitated about mixing words of healing with a day meant for rest and joy, and how this tension shows up in our own lives when we bring p...

In this episode of  They’re Rabbis and They’re Married , Rabbis Rachel and Marcus dive deep into one of the Talmud’s most surprising and romantic discussions— the closing passage of Tractate Taanit — to uncover the origins and deeper meanings of Tu B’Av, the 15th of Av. What makes this day, alongside Yom Kippur, one of the two  greatest  days in the Jewish calendar? Why were the dau...

As modern Jews, especially outside of Israel, the destruction of the Temple can feel like a distant and abstract loss. So why do we still fast, cry, and read Lamentations thousands of years later? In this episode, Rabbis Rachel and Marcus Rubenstein explore the spiritual value of mourning the Beit HaMikdash today. What does this grief open in our souls? How can remembering the brokenness of Jerusa...

In this bold and timely episode, our Rabbis Rubenstein take on one of the most serious and inflammatory accusations facing the Jewish state today: the charge that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. From the headlines to the hashtags, this claim has gained traction around the world — but what’s really behind it? The Rabbis cut through the misinformation and double standards to present a clear,...

In this episode of  They’re Rabbis and They’re Married , our Rabbis continue their mini-series on 10 foundational Jewish practices. They explore why showing up to synagogue isn’t just a weekend habit—it’s a cornerstone of Jewish spiritual life. From the ancient Temple to your neighborhood shul, we trace how communal prayer, sacred space, and presence in a minyan have shaped Jewish identity ac...

In this special episode, Rabbi Marcus and Rachel Rubenstein kick off a brand-new mini-series exploring  10 foundational practices for living out your Judaism . First up: Prayer. What does it mean to  really  pray — not just recite words, but connect? The Rubensteins dive into the heart of tefillah, sharing personal stories, spiritual insights, and practical guidance for building a m...

Join our rabbis Rubenstein as they explore the hit Israeli song of the year, "Tamid Ohev Oti" or "Always loves me" by Sasson Ifram Shaulov. The rabbis discuss the meaning of the song and what it says about Israeli society and the Jewish people. Listen to the full song by clicking here:  https://tinyurl.com/3fz8ezua Link to Ein Nechamah Song:  אלייצור - אין נחמה | ElaytZur- Ein...

The Rabbis Rubenstein speak about a recent decision to not sign a recent letter signed by many other rabbis in the twin cities. They explain their reasoning and their philosophy of when to and when to not sign rabbinic letters. https://minnesotarabbinicalassociation.org/letter-to-the-jewish-community-about-constitutional-rights-and-jewish-safety

Join the rabbis Rubenstein as they chat with Saint Paul Tal Dror Rouache, a great friend and Israel Program director of the Saint Paul Jewish Federation. Together they will explore how we as American, Minnesotan Jews could be in active relationship with Israel. 

Our Rabbis Rubenstein are joined by guest, Andrew Davies of the Bible Players ( The Bible Players, Jewish Comedy ) to discuss alternative and fun ways to teach and learn Torah and Judaism. The Rabbis experiment with improvisation games and speak about the value of widening the ways in which we teach Judaism. We hope you enjoy this discussion!

Join our Rabbis Rubenstein as they delve into early Zionist philosophers who sound like they could be writing their thoughts today on your favorite social media app. The thinkers they will sample with you in this episode are not well known enough in today's modern American Jewish community but they should be! These Jews were facing many of the same issues we are confronting anew today and can give...

Our Rabbis Rubenstein delve into a "surprise text" (B. Talmud Shabbat 11a) which discusses the proper way for a Jew to give a gift. Through it's illuminating discussion, our Rabbis are able to derive many important Jewish values about how we treat each other and the purpose of our actions in this world. 

Our Rabbis Rubenstein are back! R. Rachel has returned from maternity leave! The rabbis are starting where they left off- with the siddur (Jewish prayer book)! In this episode they will continue guiding you through the siddur. Through listening, this episode will help you connect in a deeper way to the words of prayer and hopefully to God. 

Our Rabbis Rubenstein have noticed that many Jews struggle to find meaning in the traditional Jewish prayer service. Even if they are able to say the prayers, often it is something that is done because one is supposed to with little understanding of the spiritual transformation it should lead one to achieve. On the contrary, the Jewish siddur (prayer book) leads a spiritual practitioner through a...

Our Rabbis Rubenstein interview Temple of Aaron member, Semyon Axelrod, a Jew who escaped the Soviet regime after being refused exit for many, many years. He speaks about his historic struggle to live as a Jew freely and what that struggle means for us today.

R. Marcus surprises R. Rachel with a text she never delved deeply into in the Babylonian Talmud Tractate Brachot (7b) asking the question- when is it ok to poke the bear? When is it ok to do something that you know will upset a powerful but evil person? Learn this text with us and see how two rabbis break down an important Talmudic text.

Our Rabbis Rubenstein invite a special guest, Coleen Dieker, onto the podcast to discuss music and it’s role in Jewish practice, spirituality and life. Coleen has been the incredible artist in residence for Temple of Aaron over the past years and is an expert in using musical performance to elevate the spiritual moments had in Jewish communities across the country. We will also get to hear a new e...

Our Rabbis Rubenstein will delve into the topic of fertility and birth with a very special guest- a wonderful OB-GYN in their community. They will discuss their experiences with birth and fertility as well as how Judaism looks at these important topics. We hope you enjoy what was a truly meaningful and important discussion.

The Rabbis Rubenstein invite special guest, Ken Agranoff, ED of Temple of Aaron, to have a conversation around the financial costs of practice Judaism in 2023. Is practicing Judaism too expensive, just or a bargain? Listen and find out!

In a very special and important episode, Our Rabbis Rubenstein interview Rom El Hai, a survivor of the Nova Music Festival. His personal story of shock, confusion, fear, courage and resolve allows us to connect in a unique way to the upheaval and horror of October 7th, 2023. We hope you find our conversation as meaningful, informative and poignant as we did.

Our rabbis Rubenstein talk to pastor Phillip Romine about interfaith work in Saint Paul and speak about the purpose of interfaith or multi-faith relationships. Special guest, Pastor Phillip Romine, of Interfaith Action of Saint Paul, joins us to talk about a very special organization in the twin cities area. We address the challenges, beauties, and communal obligations of living in a multi-faith s...