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.
If you have been following Israeli politics, you have undoubtedly heard (but may not fully understand) the standoff between the ultra-orthodox community and the secular government and the requirement to serve in the IDF at age 17 or 18. The issue has gotten so contentious that it threatens to bring down the Israeli Government. But what is at the root of this controversy? Tune in to find out...
After our podcast on death and dying, we got an email from a listener to address how to handle a situation where a loved one has dementia. In this podcast, we unpack what Judaism has to say about this tragic situation. Spoilers - just like the instructions to put your own oxygen mask on during an air emergency, we have similar advice: Take care of yourself first so you have the strength to take care of your loved one. Ask for help and ensure you have the opportunity to rest from time to time. Ensure you take care of yourself so you can take care of your loved ones... And there's more words of wisdom on this very painful topic.
Today, we are living longer lives than ever before in human history - it was less than 100 years ago that life expectancy was a small fraction of where it is today - but with those advances come new challenges. How do we keep the commandment of "Honor your mother and father" in the face of parents and loved ones who are now nonagenarians or older? Today, we discuss this commandment and it's ramifications in the 21st Century.
The wisdom of the Torah is often said to be "eternal." One can not argue about the wisdom of so much of Judaism. In this week's episode, we explore the wisdom of the rituals surrounding death and dying. While ancient, these rituals provide a pathway from grief back to the world of life for everyone who passes through this difficult time. This week's episode explores that wisdom as well as some of the rituals around this most difficult time in all of our lives.
Today's podcast is our 100th together. This journey that Rabbi Cohen and I began nearly two years ago has blossomed into a weekly podcast where we unpack topics from human genomics and whether artificial meat is kosher or not, to how do we as a people survive in these uncertain times. We have covered a huge amount of ground over these past 100 episodes. Today's discussion is a retrospective on just some of the discussions and topics we've unpacked since the summer of 2023. We thank you all for being with us on this journey for the past two years!
Though in the middle of the summer, Tisha B'Av is among the most solemn holidays on the Jewish calendar. It commemorates the destruction of both the first and second temples. It is a time for mourning these losses - but also a time to rebuild. In our modern world, the message of this solemn day rings true in some unexpected ways. Tune in to learn more.
Regardless of the era, from the Marx Brothers to John Stewart, Jewish comedians have been helping us to laugh at ourselves for generations. In this week's episode, we explore the role of comedy in our community and country and how it helps broaden our perspectives on life, despite the challenges we face.
Oy Vey, I need a Vacation... Those words are said by so many, and yet, oftentimes, people do not take the chance to break away and recharge. IT turns out that vacations are actually part of the Talmud's teachings. This week, we unpack VACATIONS and their value.
The concept of "independence" and its meaning vary between countries. In the USA, it's become a holiday with picnics, parades, and fireworks. In Israel, Independence Day (Yom HaAztmaut) is celebrated much differently. There is a juxtaposition of Memorial Day with Independence Day - they are one day apart in Israel. We discuss these and other differences in this week's episode.
On the holiday of Shavuot, I spent my evening in synagogue at a late-night study session on Torah. Rabbi Cohen gave a talk about business ethics and its relationship to Shavuot—and to Judaism in general. In today's episode, we unpack some of these very relevant lessons. This issue has been at the forefront of our faith far longer than you might expect. It's been discussed in Torah, Talmud, and in countless books across time. This will be the first of several episodes on this topic... Please join us for the journey.
At 8 PM EDT this past Thursday, June 12, the State of Israel took on a task that the rest of the world should have done long ago: It started an effort to destroy Iran's nuclear program. The early stages of the effort brought great success, but for every action, there is a reaction, and the cost of that reaction will be paid in spilled Israeli blood in the homeland. In today's episode, we discuss how you can contribute during this time of war and what you can do to support those in need. We also discuss how you can conduct yourself and try not to be consumed by the nearly instant news cycle.Below are some organizations you can doate to to help in the effort:Organization Email and WebsitesAmerican Friends of Magen David Adom (U.S.)info@afmda.org / northeast@afmda.orgafmda.orgMagen David Adom (Israel) info@mda.org.ilmda.org.ilFriends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF)— online form / regional: dinabenari@fidf.orgfidf.orgJewish National Fund (JNF-USA)donorrelations@jnf.org / JewishNationalFund@jnf.orgjnf.orgAIPACinfo@aipac.org / aipacstock@aipac.orgaipac.orgIsraAIDinfo@israaid.org, support@givelively.org, giving@israaid.orgisraaid.orgJewish Agency (JAFINA)donorservices@jafi.orgjafina.orgIFCJ(website donation)ifcj.orgJewish Federations (via local chapters) See local federation site - jewishfederations.org.
We have a guest this week, Rabbi Herbert Cohen, a PhD in literature... who also happens to be Rabbi Daniel Cohen's father. We discuss how G-d is portrayed in secular literature in this week's episode.
Shavuot is one of the most important holidays on the Jewish Calendar. It commemorates the giving of the Ten Commandments to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. But what does it mean to us today? Listen in to this episode to find out.