A freewheeling conversation about the weirdness of Jewish life: why Jewishness can feel both beautiful and isolating, how contemporary politics (especially around Israel) strain communal leadership and personal identity, and what the future might hold for Jewish knowledge and belonging. Honest, funny, and sometimes painful — friends trying to think out loud together. The sound is a little uneven today - Rabbi Josh was calling in from a remote undisclosed location in Southern Oregon. We've done our best to make things sound ok.
The three (rabbinic) musketeers talk about music, religion and whether and which music should be part of Jewish prayer. Metal? Hip Hop? Traditional? Tune in to find out
It might surprise you to know that many Rabbis struggle with some of the Big Questions about the very fundamentals of Jewish religion. One of those - maybe the Biggest - is, "Is Judaism true?" The three rabbis take the question head-on, and gives their perspective. This is Part I of a to-be-continued exploration of The Truth. Enjoy.
Rabbis Jeffrey and Josh explore the current state of Conservative Judaism. Rabbi Matt is out this week but will be back for the next episode. Jeffrey and Josh are both Reform Jewish rabbis who took the leap into Conservative Jewish congregations. The two of them discuss the simiilarities and differences between Reform and Conservative Judaism and reflect on the current state of the Conservative Jewish movement. Along the way they reflect on the meaning of Jewish law and ritual and its significance in contemporary Jewish life and where things might be headed *Note: The audio of Rabbi Josh's voice is terrible in the first part of the conversation. Our apologies!
Her Memory for Blessing? Peace Upon Him? Blessed is the True Judge? We explore what these distinctly Jewish phrases mean and whether we should use them at all. A delightful conversation about death in this joint episode of Weird Being Jewish and Unveiling Death.
The three Jewish amigos sit down and try to make sense of what Judaism and Jewish values have to say about Trump's Gaza "plan." We discuss the political angle but as usual also turn to Jewish teachings and Jewish tradition to see if we can get insight into what's on the mind of so many Jewish Americans right now.
WBJ Rabbis Reimer, Rose and Weill discuss the expectation that rabbis must act, talk, and, yes, dress like rabbis. Must we? It can feel oppressive at times, but it may also serve an important purpose. That’s what we are kicking around in this episode of Weird Being Jewish.
Rabbis Reimer, Weill and Rose take on the Trumpian turn in the country and whether Jewish people have a paritcular obligation to speak out as Jews about what's happening. They also touch on collective responsibility and - hey, who gets to say who's right and wrong anyway? Raising more questions than answers these three rabbi-friends ponder what's most heavily on all of our minds, and find meaning in the conversation. Join us!
Rabbi Matt Reimer, along with Rabbis Jeffrey Weil and Josh Rose, discusses the intersections of the Torah portion Parshat Noach and the contemporary world, touching upon the election and its implications [note: this was recorded last week, BEFORE the election]. They inquire about post-flood life, paralleling it with the uncertainties and potential of the present day. The conversation explores themes of hope, responsibility, and the challenges of maintaining civility and moral judgment in a complex, divided world. Take a listen!
What values are needed in a leader? How does a leader know when to respect norms and when to break sh*t? Rabbis Jeffrey, Matt and Josh talk about the Don's felonious behavior and leadership values.
Matt unfriends Josh, Jeffrey takes a stand, and Josh plays both sides. Three rabbis take on the very serious topic of Judaism and Antizionism.
Rabbis Reimer, Rose and Weill join in a conversation about Israel on the one year anniversary of the October 7th attacks.
The three amigos delve into a central question in Jewish life: If we are commanded, is there a commander? In other words - does God give us rules? And, hey - is there a God? Stay tuned for the big reveal!
Your rabbi (or priest, pastor) feels like a fake sometimes. And hey, so do you. Rabbis Reimer, Rose and Weill explore this question and find that it leads to the deepest of questions....