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

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 responsibility individuals have to pursue justice and repair the world. We also hear directly from Rabbi Schulweis via an excerpt from the sermon “Does God have a Conscious”, given on Kol Nidre in 1993.Topics include:The Philosophy of MAZON Ms. Leibman explains that MAZON (the Hebrew word for "food" or "sustenance") operates on the principle that hunger is not a result of a lack of food, but a failure of policy. While charity and food banks provide immediate relief, they are "band-aids" that do not solve the underlying causes. MAZON focuses on long-term systemic change through political advocacy and legislative reform.Challenging the "Invisible" Hunger A major theme of the conversation is the populations that are often overlooked by traditional anti-hunger programs:Military Families: Ms. Leibman highlights the startling reality that many active-duty junior-enlisted military families rely on food pantries. This is often due to low pay scales and a "loophole" that counted housing allowances as income, which disqualified many families from SNAP (food stamps).Veterans: She discusses the high rates of food insecurity among veterans, particularly those transitioning back to civilian life or dealing with service-related disabilities.Single Mothers & LGBTQ+ Individuals: The podcast touches on how systemic barriers and discrimination exacerbate poverty in these communities.The Role of Faith and Moral Courage As a Jewish organization, MAZON’s work is rooted in the values of Tzedakah (justice/charity). Ms. Leibman emphasizes that fighting hunger is a moral obligation. She advocates for "moral courage"—the willingness to speak truth to power and challenge government structures that allow millions of Americans, including children and seniors, to go hungry in one of the wealthiest nations on earth.Policy as the Primary Solution Ms. Leibman argues that the government is the only entity with the scale and resources to truly end hunger. She highlights the importance of:Strengthening and protecting SNAP benefits.Ensuring universal school meals to remove the stigma and logistical barriers for hungry children.Reforming military pay and benefits to ensure those serving the country can feed their own families.The episode concludes with a call for listeners to move beyond "checkbook charity" and become advocates. She urges people to contact their representatives and demand that hunger be treated as a priority issue in the Farm Bill and other federal budgets.Abby J. Leibman on Women, Food Insecurity and the Feminization of Poverty—This video features Abby Leibman discussing the unique challenges women face regarding food insecurity and the policy work needed to address the "feminization of poverty."

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 of older generations. Rabbi Lieberman emphasizes the influence of Rabbi Schulweis, the transformative potential of midlife and the necessity of preparing for the later stages of life, highlighting the role of spirituality and community in fostering a meaningful aging process.

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 of community building in Jewish life.

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 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Michelle shares personal stories of connection to music and spirituality, the significance of Kaddish, and the role of women in Jewish tradition. The conversation highlights the importance of community, the power of music, and future aspirations in continuing Rabbi Schulweis's legacy. For more information about Michelle's work, please visit her website-: https://www.michellegreenwillner.com/ and the Jewish Community Children's Choir can be found at: https://jewishchildrenschoir.com/

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 legacy of Rabbi Schulweis, the significance of community engagement, and the theological challenges faced by modern Jews. Greenwald emphasizes the importance of experiential learning in Judaism and recommends resources for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the faith.

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, and the ongoing pursuit of knowledge and learning in his life. Rabbi David Wolpe is an American author, lecturer, and the Max Webb Emeritus Rabbi of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles. He is known for being named the most influential rabbi in America by Newsweek and has authored eight books, including the bestseller "Making Loss Matter". He is also a Visiting Scholar at Harvard Divinity School and the inaugural rabbinic fellow for the ADL. 

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 Schulweis and engages in lively conversation, reflecting on their special relationship.  

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 globally

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 as an intern at VBS during Rabbinical school. They discuss how they are guided by Rabbi Schulweis’ teachings in their current positions,Rabbi Noah Farkas currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Federation Los Angeles.  Prior to joining Federation, he served from 2008 to 2021 as a member of the Clergy at Valley Beth Shalom, the largest Jewish congregation in the San Fernando Valley, where he led successful innovations in synagogue life through social action, mental health, and next-generation spiritual initiatives, and was named by The Forward as one of America’s most inspiring rabbis,

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 in this troubled world.  Moderated by Rabbi Ari Averbach, Senior Rabbi at Temple Etz Chaim in Thousand Oaks, CA.

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  leading  a diverse community that knows that Judaism is alive with Spirit, connection, spiritual and intellectual challenge, and moral awakening.  Moderated by Rabbi Ari Averbach, Senior Rabbi at Temple Etz Chaim in Thousand Oaks, CA.

“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 and accessible.  He believed that humanity could do divine work in the world, trying to make it a better place. He was a cofounder of the anti-genocide program Jewish World Watch, and said that Jews have a moral responsibility to help those who are suffering, wherever they are. He was also  the founding Chair of  the Jewish Foundation for the Righteous, recognizing Christians who saved Jews from the Holocaust.  His is a voice that we need now, as the world is fraught, in constant conflict, with suffering and irresponsibility both in abundance.