Judaism in the 21st Century

Can a machine ever have a soul?In Part 2 of our powerful conversation with Rabbi Dr. Mois Navon — philosopher, Torah scholar, and co-founder of Mobileye — we go deeper into one of the most unsettling questions of our time: What happens if AI becomes conscious?We explore the “hard problem of consciousness,” the difference between neural computation and lived experience, and whether building biological AI could one day create something truly sentient. From Alan Turing’s theological speculation to cutting-edge organoid research at Stanford, this episode confronts the razor’s edge between innovation and moral catastrophe.If we create a conscious machine, have we created intelligence — or a slave?Judaism doesn’t just ask, “Can we do this?” It asks, “Should we?”A bold and urgent discussion about technology, humility, and the boundaries we dare not cross.

Is AI just another tool — or are we entering a new era of moral responsibility?In this thought-provoking episode of Judaism in the 21st Century, Dr. Steven Labov and Rabbi Daniel Cohen welcome Rabbi Dr. Mois Navon — philosopher, educator, and tech pioneer — to explore how Jewish thought grapples with artificial intelligence.From Noah as the first engineer to the ethical challenges of ChatGPT, we examine whether AI enhances human dignity or risks replacing it. What happens to creativity when machines can write sermons? Can AI ever be conscious? And how do we ensure that technology remains our assistant — not our substitute?A deeply relevant conversation recorded during a turbulent moment in Israel’s history, this episode challenges us to harness innovation without losing our humanity.

In this episode of Judaism in the 21st Century, Dr. Steven Labkoff and Rabbi Daniel Cohen explore Purim through a lens that feels strikingly modern. Set against the backdrop of exile, comfort, and choice, they unpack a lesser-known dimension of the Purim story: the Jews of Persia had the opportunity to return to Israel and chose not to.What does that choice teach us about Jewish life in the Diaspora today? Is living outside Israel merely geography, or does it carry moral and spiritual responsibility? Drawing on biblical history, rabbinic insight, and contemporary reality, this conversation examines assimilation, belonging, and the enduring question of how Jews everywhere share in a common destiny.As Purim approaches, this episode invites listeners to reflect on power, comfort, identity, and the meaning of returning “like a bird, not a cloud.”

In this timely episode of Judaism in the 21st Century, Steven Labkoff and Rabbi Daniel Cohen turn to the Purim story to ask a deeply modern question: what does it mean to find your Esther and your Mordechai today?Esther didn’t seek power, but when history placed her in a moment of consequence, she was pushed to act with courage, despite real personal risk. Mordechai’s challenge to her, “for such a time as this,” becomes a lens for thinking about moral responsibility, leadership, and speaking up in the face of rising antisemitism and division.The conversation explores whether fighting every falsehood is the best use of our energy, or whether strengthening our sense of “why” as Jews is the deeper work. As Purim approaches, this episode invites listeners to reflect on courage, voice, and the roles we are called to play right now.

In this week’s episode of Judaism in the 21st Century, Dr. Steven Labkoff and Rabbi Daniel Cohen tackle a deeply personal and widely shared experience: facing end-of-life decisions for a beloved pet. Sparked by Steven’s aging cat, Perry, the conversation explores what Jewish tradition teaches about animal suffering, compassion, and responsibility.What does Judaism say about putting a pet out of pain? How is animal suffering understood differently from human suffering? And do animals possess something akin to a soul?This thoughtful, grounded discussion blends personal storytelling with Jewish ethics, offering clarity, comfort, and perspective for anyone who has loved a companion animal. A quiet but meaningful episode about grief, gratitude, and the moral weight of caring for life at its most vulnerable.

In this episode of Judaism in the 21st Century, Steven Labkoff and Rabbi Daniel Cohen explore a question many modern Jews quietly carry: Is God silent today, or have we lost the ability to listen? They look back to Joseph as a model for sensing God’s presence without direct revelation, and they discuss why Judaism may see “hiddenness” not as abandonment, but as an invitation to grow faith and spiritual resilience. From Purim’s concealed providence to the everyday miracles we often take for granted, the conversation turns practical: prayer as a daily exercise in gratitude, and “radical amazement” as a way to notice what is right in front of us.

Time is one of the most precious resources we have, yet it’s often the one we treat most casually. In this episode of Judaism in the 21st Century, Steven Labkoff and Rabbi Daniel Cohen explore how Judaism understands time not as something to “kill,” but as something to sanctify. From the idea that even a few seconds can change a life, to the responsibility that comes with freedom, the conversation invites listeners to think more intentionally about how they use their days, their minutes, and even their moments, and how small acts can create lasting meaning.

Why does being Jewish sometimes feel so difficult? In this episode of Judaism in the 21st Century, Steven Labkoff and Rabbi Daniel Cohen unpack the many layers behind that question. From the discipline required to live a values-driven Jewish life, to the tensions between tradition and modern culture, to the external pressures of antisemitism and public identity, the discussion reframes “hard” not as a flaw, but as a reflection of purpose. Judaism, they argue, isn’t about shortcuts; it’s about commitment, meaning, and striving to become the best version of ourselves.

In this episode of Judaism in the 21st Century, Dr. Steven Labkoff and Rabbi Daniel Cohen explore a deceptively simple question: how does Judaism deal with time when time itself becomes complicated?From praying on airplanes and crossing time zones, to Shabbat above the Arctic Circle, to future Jewish life on the Moon or Mars, this conversation examines how halacha adapts without losing its soul. Along the way, they unpack safety, intention, community, and a timeless Jewish idea captured perfectly in a pop-culture line: no matter where you go, there you are.A thoughtful and surprisingly practical discussion about faith, travel, technology, and what it means to carry Torah with you wherever life takes you.

As the calendar turns to 2026, this episode of Judaism in the 21st Century explores a deeper way to think about the new year: through the lens of legacy.Steven Labkoff and Rabbi Daniel Cohen reflect on Jacob’s final words in the Torah, focusing on his radical decision to elevate his grandchildren, Ephraim and Menashe, as full heirs to the Jewish future. Raised in exile, they represent a powerful truth: Jewish identity is not bound to place, but to values carried wherever life leads.From personal stories to timeless teachings, this conversation reframes memory as responsibility. Legacy, we learn, is not about how we are remembered, but about how we live now. A thoughtful, moving episode about continuity, purpose, and becoming a bridge between generations.

In this episode of Judaism in the 21st Century, Steven Labkoff and Rabbi Daniel Cohen explore how Jewish learning is evolving in an age of technology and AI. From ancient oral tradition to digital libraries, podcasts, and tools like ChatGPT, they ask a timely question: how do we use new technologies to deepen Jewish life without losing critical thinking, reflection, or soul?The conversation weaves together personal stories, Torah study, Shabbat as a counterbalance to constant connectivity, and the responsibility of educators to meet each generation where they are. This episode is not about replacing tradition, but about elevating it, using today’s tools thoughtfully to educate, inspire, and bring more meaning into our lives.

In this special Chanukah episode of Judaism in the 21st Century, Steven Labkoff and Rabbi Daniel Cohen confront a painful and urgent reality. As Jews were murdered while celebrating Chanukah in Sydney and another Jewish life was taken in the United States, antisemitism feels closer, louder, and more threatening than many of us have ever experienced.This conversation explores how Chanukah speaks directly to this moment. Drawing on the story of the Maccabees, Rabbi Cohen reflects on the dual responsibility Jews carry today: to confront darkness and violence head-on, while also continuing to bring light into the world through visible Jewish life, courage, and acts of goodness.Through personal reflection, Jewish history, and a powerful story from the Sydney community itself, this episode asks a simple but profound question: when fear rises, do we dim the light, or do we add another candle? Spoilers: Add another candle!

This week on Judaism in the 21st Century, Rabbi Daniel Cohen and Dr. Steven Labkoff discuss AI, the soul, human purpose, and the moral questions emerging as artificial intelligence advances. Inspired by a recent talk from Mois Navon (Mobileye co-founder, rabbi, philosopher, and global speaker on ethics and AI), we ask:• What truly makes humans unique?• If technology can think, create, and solve problems—what is our role?• Does Judaism provide a framework for how we should approach AI?• The most essential question: not “Can we build it?” but “Should we?”This episode challenges us to reflect on personal purpose, responsibility, and the importance of bringing godliness into everything we do.

In this episode of Judaism in the 21st Century, Dr. Steven Labkoff and Rabbi Daniel Cohen tackle the tension between privacy and transparency—two values that shape our digital, ethical, and spiritual lives. Steven introduces the topic through a modern lens, observing how people routinely trade privacy for convenience in a hyperconnected world. Rabbi Cohen offers a deeply Jewish perspective rooted in Torah, revealing that privacy is not merely a social courtesy but a sacred obligation.Citing the phrase “Vayedaber Hashem el Moshe leimor” (“God spoke to Moses, saying…”), Rabbi Cohen explains that the word leimor implies permission—God granting Moses explicit authority to share divine words. Without such consent, Moses would be obligated to keep God’s message private. From this, Judaism teaches that we must never assume we have the right to share information unless given express permission.The discussion extends into the ethics of modern communication—emails, blind copies, social media—and how easily private information can spread. Steven reflects on how this lesson challenges his own habits around openness, especially in an age where personal boundaries are often blurred online.The episode closes with a reminder that words hold tremendous power: they can create worlds or destroy them. Rabbi Cohen emphasizes that speech must be used to bring light, unity, and healing—echoing God’s own creative use of words at the beginning of time.

Rabbi Cohen and I have further thoughts about the Mayor-Elect in NYC. Please listen to our further comments about what we should be thinking and doing about this situation...

With the election of Zohan Mamdani, the Jewish community in the city of NY has to think carefully about what happens next...

How is our community related to the story of Noah's Ark? Believe it or not, there are many similarities - especially when a flood of challenges might be on the horizon. Tune in this week to hear how these two seeminly unrelated entities are indeed related - and, in today's world, we might just need our community to take the role of the ark...

This week’s episode of Judaism in the 21st Century touches one of the most emotional and spiritually profound moments in recent memory—the release of the hostages in Israel. Rabbi Daniel Cohen and Dr. Steven Labkoff reflect on this event through the lens of Torah and prophecy, exploring how moments of unimaginable pain and joy can coexist, and how we can find divine purpose even amid tragedy.Drawing on Ecclesiastes and the prophets, Rabbi Cohen shares three enduring lessons: keeping our hearts open to those who still suffer, finding resilience in rebuilding our lives, and recognizing God’s hand in moments that defy coincidence—such as the hostages’ return occurring two years to the day after their capture. The conversation moves from tears to awe as ancient texts seem to speak directly to our own times.Listen to this deeply moving discussion as Steven and Rabbi Cohen wrestle with faith, redemption, and the enduring light of hope in dark times. Share your thoughts with us on Facebook.

As we move from Yom Kippur into Sukkot, Rabbi Daniel Cohen and Dr. Steven Labkoff explore what true joy means in Judaism — and why Sukkot, not Purim, is considered the most joyous time of the year. Through stories from Torah, insights from the Talmud, and reflections on modern life, the conversation draws connections between ancient wisdom and our 21st-century world.Discover how Sukkot’s simple rituals — eating outdoors, welcoming guests, and appreciating nature — invite us to find happiness not in possessions or achievements, but in presence, gratitude, and wonder. A reminder that even in an age of constant motion and technology, the purest joy may still come from the simplest moments.

One of the most beautiful times of the year is nearly upon us here in New England. The change of the seasons will bring us colorful trees, apple cider, shorter and crisper days. This is just one example of G-d's handiwork. But how often do you "stop to smell the roses" with this new season nearly here? For our opening of season three of the podcast, we explore the concept of appreciating G-d's handiwork.