Judaism in the 21st Century

This is part 2 of a series on the Six Constant Mitzvot. Today's episode digs into how to view technology in the face of these ancient commandments.

There are 613 mitzvot (commandments) in the Torah. But of those 613, there are just six that are considered the "constant mitzvot". This is a topic I'd never heard of in my years of Hebrew School or Hebrew High School - or even in my religion classes in college. Rabbi Daniel Cohen not only unpacks what these are, but what they mean in the context of our present day. Please join us fo...

Judaism originated when Abraham challenged the practice of idolatry, advocating for the belief in a single God. This principle has been a fundamental aspect of the religion since its beginning, as evidenced by the Ten Commandments, which emphasize the worship of one God. In modern times, idolatry is still a prevalent practice among billions around the world, but it's debatable whether this is...

Throughout our history, "community" has played a tremendous role in our faith. There are actually verses in the Torah that speak to sharing a lamb with your neighbor if there are not enough mouths to eat it. In our ever-changing world, the role of our community is even more important today.

This episode was recorded at the tail end of 2023. The congressional testimony by the presidents of Harvard, Penn and MIT had just occured. In my lifetime, I'd never thought that antisemitism would be so rampant and so public. Rabbi Cohen and I discuss our very different perspectives on this very painful subject.

Since I was a boy, intermarriage has weighed large as an issue. Growing up in a Reform Jewish home and living in a mostly Italian American neighborhood, this was always on my parents' minds. Rabbi Daniel Cohen and I discuss the current-day approaches to dealing with intermarriage. And while, in my life, there were layers of guilt and fear associated with this issue. Though today, Rabbi Cohen t...

It's a running joke about Jewish culture and the role of food. Dr. Labkoff of and Rabbi Cohen talk about the role of food in Jewish Culture - and how that plays out in our current time. Please join us for this lighter look at Judaism in the 21st Century.

Abortion and abortion rights are among some of the thorniest issues in our society. As we enter the new year, we want to provide some perspectives on this very controversial topic from a Jewish perspective. We are not approaching this from the traditional view of Pro-Life vs Abortion rights, but rather, what does the Torah have to say about this very personal and often painful topic. This is not m...

Who needs who? An age old question: Does G-d need the Jewish people, or does the Jewish People need G-d? The answer might surprise you... Please tune in for a discussion about this philosophical quandary. Hint: The is an answer here...

What's the formula for raising a mench (or menchet)? In today's episode, we discuss some strategies for raising your children to be good, honest people. And we look at it from multiple ages. Please tune in for this interesting, if not timely discussion.

What are some of the ways that you can bring Judaism into your everyday life? Today's podcast will explore some easy-to-do ideas that could help you have a deeper connection to Judaism on a more regular basis. Please listen in on Rabbi Daniel Cohen's suggestions in this week's episode.

With the world in such a polarized state, it's more challenging than ever to be tolerant of other people's perspectives and points of view. Often times we become so polarized that we believe that "the other side" is horrid or at worst, evil. However, in the past, we had a more civil discourse in our arguments. The world needs to consider how to argue in a civil way once again. Jo...

In our past, it was considered a career to write for a newspaper or for a television station. It took years of training and apprenticeship to become a journalist or a writer. And likewise, the power of words from those professionals meant something and had impact. Today, technology has made it possible for EVERYONE to become a writer, filmmaker, blogger, or journalist. Yet the power of the words u...

One of the longest and most arduous journeys in life can be marriage. More than 50% of marriages end in divorce today. This week we explore some things that might help couples (who are not in dangerous or other challenging situations) think about some strategies to draw upon to perhaps rekindle a spark.

Today, amid the war, it's difficult to think about trust and faith in the world - especially with regard to G-d. This episode explores the role of trust in G-d and faith in G-d. In light of these challenging times Rabbi Cohen also introduces the Stamford Kindness Initiative. You can learn more at: https://www.stamfordct.gov/government/mayor-s-office/kindness-project

With the constant bombardment of news, both good and bad, as well as the "noise" that creates a constant din of "stuff", the world often appears extremely chaotic. Finding meaning in the chaos is something that our human brains are wired to do - though even our complex brains are being overwhelmed of late with current events. How do you find meaning in life during the constant...

Today, recognizing something as simple as good from evil is becoming more and more difficult. This confusion has many reasons: biased news reports, fake news, social media, and the constant bombardment of information are just some of the causes. However, being able to recognize what is good and what is evil is a critically important capability for survival. This week's episode discusses how to...

This is a special edition of Judaism in the 21st Century. This is a rebroadcast of a webinar that was initially recorded on August 23, 2023, at Harvard Medical School's Division of Clinical Informatics' DCI Network. In this episode, Rabbi Cohen and Reverend Gregory Doll, both of Stamford, CT, discuss how bioethics plays into the new and evolving world of AI in healthcare from a religious p...

The principle of Tzdakah carries various interpretations. For some, it evokes memories of Hebrew School, where the Tzedakah coin box made its rounds. However, in today's world, there are more profound methods of giving that surpass the traditional coin offerings. With recent catastrophic events like the wildfires in Hawaii, the importance and urgency of Tzedakah have never been clearer. Yet, a...

The notion of "business" has roots tracing back to the earliest human societies. How one conducts themselves within the realm of business holds significant sway over how they're perceived within their community. In today's world, where business transactions can unfold at the speed of light through mediums like the Internet, radio, and television, the principles governing business...

In our world defined by technology and consumed by social media, the question arises: What place does prayer hold? Often, prayer enters our thoughts when we seek something specific—a loved one's healing or improved circumstances. People also turn to prayer before a crucial work task or an important exam. Yet, do these instances encapsulate the essence of prayer? How does the notion of 'pra...

Every day seems to bring news of yet another tragic mass shooting. Even places of worship no longer feel secure. Amid this unsettling backdrop, various approaches emerge to address the rampant spread of firearms. From policy measures like gun control to heightened enforcement, a spectrum of solutions is proposed. For many, increased regulation appears as the definitive answer. However, it's cr...

Modern lives are dominated by social media's presence. Complex issues, including privacy and social dynamics, often prove vexing. Yet, even in past generations, a precursor to today's social media existed, albeit with limited reach. Matters like gossip, truth-telling about others, and navigating crowd-influenced living have historically troubled human society. Interestingly, the wisdom of...

The global landscape is intricate and multifaceted. It brims with advanced technology, intricate political discourse, and complex moral quandaries. In the United States, religion's significance in daily life is gradually diminishing. To a certain extent, all of us are susceptible to the "hubris of the present era." This means that we often believe our viewpoints hold the utmost wisdo...