TOTO: Two Rabbis, Three Opinions

In this inaugural episode of 'TOTO: Two Rabbis, Three Opinions', Rabbis Barry Diamond and Ari Averbach discuss the purpose of their podcast, which aims to address rising antisemitism, the complexities surrounding Israel and Zionism, and the importance of open dialogue within the Jewish community. They introduce the book 'Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew' as a starting point for discussions and invite community members to engage in meaningful conversations about these pressing issues.Buy the bookAmazonAbe Books (Independent)00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Its Purpose02:52 Addressing Antisemitism and Community Challenges06:07 The Book: Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew08:52 Engaging the Community in Discussion11:42 Conclusion and Future Conversations

In this inaugural episode of 'TOTO: Two Rabbis, Three Opinions', Rabbis Barry Diamond and Ari Averbach discuss the purpose of their podcast, which aims to address rising antisemitism, the complexities surrounding Israel and Zionism, and the importance of open dialogue within the Jewish community. They introduce the book 'Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew' as a starting point for discussions and invite community members to engage in meaningful conversations about these pressing issues.Buy the bookAmazonAbe Books (Independent)00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Its Purpose02:52 Addressing Antisemitism and Community Challenges06:07 The Book: Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew08:52 Engaging the Community in Discussion11:42 Conclusion and Future Conversations

Episode: Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew — Behind the BookIn this episode of Two Rabbis, Three Opinions, Rabbis Barry Diamond and Ari Averbach welcome Rachel Holtzman, the credited book collaborator (“book doula”) for Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew by Emmanuel Acho and Noa Tishby.Together they explore:How the book came to be — from Emmanuel Acho’s original “Uncomfortable Conversations” series to his collaboration with Noa Tishby, and why the title itself became a reclamation of the word “Jew.”The whirlwind process of writing and publishing the book in under a year after October 7th, balancing urgency with accuracy and integrity.Rachel’s unique role navigating two strong voices, sensitive topics, and extensive research to create an accessible, conversational text for both Jewish and non-Jewish readers.Key themes of the book — bridging divides, confronting assumptions, validating Jewish identity, and equipping readers to speak about Judaism, Zionism, and antisemitism with confidence and nuance.How to use the book as a springboard for meaningful dialogue in congregations, classrooms, interfaith spaces, and even family conversations.Rachel also shares how the project reshaped her own Jewish identity and offers practical wisdom on allyship, self-awareness, and showing up authentically as Jews in everyday life.Listen in for a rich, behind-the-scenes look at a book designed not just to inform but to spark the “uncomfortable” conversations our communities most need.

KeywordsJudaism, Jewish identity, Tikkun Olam, cultural Judaism, conversion, Jewish movements, gratitude, diversity, humanism, communitySummaryIn this episode of TOTO: Two Rabbis, Three Opinions, Rabbi Barry Diamond and Ari Averbach explore the complexities of Jewish identity, culture, and observance. They discuss the four pillars of Judaism, the challenges of cultural identity in a modern world, and the importance of Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world. The conversation also touches on the evolution of Jewish practices, the diversity within Judaism, and the role of gratitude in daily life. The rabbis emphasize the need for ongoing dialogue within the Jewish community and with other communities, especially in the face of contemporary challenges.Rabbi Barry Diamond - www.AdatElohim.orgRabbi Ari Averbach - www.TempleEtzChayim.org Chapters00:00 Welcome03:06 Understanding Jewish Identity and Labels05:15 The Four Pillars of Judaism08:20 Tikkun Olam and Social Justice in Judaism11:06 Conversion to Judaism: The Process and Perspectives13:56 Exploring the Nature of Jewishness17:01 The Diversity of Jewish Movements20:01 Historical Context of Reform and Conservative Judaism23:02 The Future of Jewish Identity and Movements24:41 Navigating Modern Jewish Identity26:48 Evolution of Jewish Practices28:55 Gratitude and Awareness in Judaism31:43 Jewish Humanism and Cultural Identity37:17 Cultural Judaism in a Diverse World43:03 Tikkun Olam and Social Justice47:39 Struggles of Community and Identity49:21 Introduction to the Rabbis' Perspectives49:22 Exploring Community and Faith

The conversation delves into the complex and nuanced topic of race, exploring its historical, social, and scientific dimensions. It also examines the intersectionality of race and religion, particularly within the context of Jewish identity. The discussion highlights the challenges and tensions surrounding race, privilege, discrimination, and justice, offering a thought-provoking exploration of these critical issues.TakeawaysRace as a social constructIntersectionality of race and religionChapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage05:03 Historical Context of Race and Slavery11:44 Race and Jewish Identity18:24 Jewish Identity and Race in America26:59 Race, Privilege, and Discrimination34:15 Comparative Suffering and Justice Pursuit42:18 Judaism as an Ethno-Religious Group

The conversation delves into the impact of stereotypes, the influence of Jewish power, and the importance of dialogue and understanding in challenging and addressing stereotypes. It also explores the historical context of Jewish influence and the complexities of stereotypes in society.TakeawaysStereotypes are based on some truth but can lead to negative generalizations.Stereotypes can influence behavior and perceptions, impacting social interactions.Chapters00:00 Exploring Stereotypes06:23 Stereotypes and Jewish Power14:05 Historical Context and Jewish Influence19:29 Theological and Ideological Perspectives25:26 Challenging Stereotypes30:47 Importance of Dialogue43:28 Complexity of Stereotypes

The conversation delves into the complexities of anti-Semitism, the importance of productive conversations, and the need to strengthen Jewish identity and education. It explores trends in anti-Semitism, the impact of religious animus, the language used to discuss anti-Semitism, and the role of civil discourse in combating hate and bias. Additionally, it addresses the challenges of preparing children to address anti-Semitism, the effectiveness of anti-Semitism work, and the visibility and targeting of Orthodox communities. The conversation delves into the complexities of allyship, the struggle with ignorance and antisemitism, the distinction between progressive and conservative antisemitism, the importance of labeling antisemitism, and a rapid-fire Q&A session covering various topics related to antisemitism and advocacy.Rabbi Barry Diamond Temple Adat ElohimRabbi Ari Averbach Temple Etz ChayimJoshua Burt, Regional Director Santa Barbara/Tri-County ADLWebsite to have construction conversations: www.PointTaken.socialTakeawaysAnti-Semitism is deeply rooted in history and manifests in various formsProductive conversations and civil discourse are essential in combating hate and biasStrengthening Jewish identity and education is crucial in addressing anti-Semitism Justice isn't transactionalUnderstanding the nuances of antisemitismChapters00:00 Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew06:24 Religious Animus and Anti-Semitism13:18 Productive Conversations and Civil Discourse19:38 Challenging Terminology and Coded Language27:27 Effectiveness of Anti-Semitism Work32:33 Visibility and Targeting of Orthodox Communities39:00 Ignorance and Antisemitism45:19 Labeling Antisemitism54:47 Rapid Fire Q&A