In Such A Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership & Meaning

Standing up for core values isn't just brave—it's essential for a vibrant democracy. But what happens when your most fundamental needs feel overlooked by the very party you've always supported?In this compelling episode, Rabbi Josh Winston shares his journey co-founding nonnegotiable.org in response to shifting rhetoric in Michigan's critical Senate race. He discusses the challenges of advocating for Jewish safety, identity, and inclusion in a polarized political climate, the process of creating a unified set of "nonnegotiables" for candidates, and the impact this movement has had—both within the Jewish community and beyond. Listeners will gain insight into the power of principled action, the complexities of coalition-building, and the urgent need to defend inclusive democratic spaces.Timestamped Overview00:00 Welcome and guest introduction00:59 Josh Winston's background and commitment to social justice02:04 Deepening focus on Israel, Reform Judaism, and Jewish democracy03:18 The Michigan Senate race and its broader impact04:17 What is Nonnegotiable? Purpose, origins, and organizing05:00 Founding team and cross-spectrum collaboration07:45 Evolving politics, Democratic discomfort, and Jewish voter concerns08:21 The "Nonnegotiables" outlined10:19 The need to stay engaged in the political process11:51 Response from candidates and the community13:24 Why rhetoric matters: antisemitism, safety, and political choices15:53 Feedback, backlash, and support within the community24:46 Media attention and measuring success27:30 Nonnegotiables as an act of democracy29:09 Jewish safety as a bellwether for democracy30:56 Jewish-Muslim relations post-October 733:23 Call to action: building power in the Jewish community35:05 Parallels between left and right populist rhetoric37:21 Lessons for the broader Jewish and civic community38:42 Where to learn more and get involved: nonnegotiable.org and zioness.orgIf you'd like to make a contribution to Nonnegotiable, head on over to https://www.nonnegotiable.org/donate.

Discover the complex choices parents face when balancing the value of Jewish identity and community with the desire for diversity and public engagement. In this revealing conversation, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy dive into their own varied educational journeys—from private Jewish day schools to public classrooms in diverse American cities and even Israel. Together, they wrestle with the personal and communal motivations underlying school selection, the impact of privilege, and the contemporary challenges around safety and inclusion amid rising antisemitism. By sharing their candid reflections and family experiences, they invite listeners to confront the tough decisions that shape not only individual identities but also the very fabric of Jewish communal life.Timestamped Overview00:00 Welcome and reflections on averted disaster in Israel01:14 Introducing the central question: Jewish day schools vs. public schools02:20 Rabbi Leora Londy's upbringing: Jewish and public school experiences03:54 Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe's private school experiences in Hawaii06:44 Relating school choices to privilege and regional realities08:17 Struggles and decisions as parents: investing in public vs. private Jewish education09:08 Rabbi Leora Londy on Israeli and American systems, moving to Westchester10:24 First experiences with diversity and values in public school12:02 The challenge of instilling Jewish identity in different educational settings12:44 The dual history of Jewish day schools: pride and white flight15:18 What Jewish day schools provide, and what they don't18:20 How school choice drives where families live21:07 The tension between diversity and providing the "best" for children21:26 The steep costs of Jewish education and its impact23:20 Concerns around safety in American public schools24:37 Broader communal responsibilities and reflections on California's decline in public education25:50 Integrating Jewish life into diverse environments26:54 Holding space for both Jewish continuity and interfaith friendships28:00 Invitation for listener reflections and conversation closer

Discover how the history of Jewish resilience—summed up in the power of saying “no”—can help us better understand both modern anti-Semitism and the ongoing challenges facing the Jewish community today. Why does Jewish success often provoke new forms of hatred, and is there a deeper pattern to the ways in which Jews are scapegoated over time?In this Yom Kippur sermon episode, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe draws from Dara Horn’s provocative work to explain why Jews are continually “a stiff-necked people,” resisting tyranny and dogma throughout the ages. Explore the origins of the “big lie,” its ever-shifting representations, and why the modern Jewish state faces echoing accusations that have haunted the Jewish people for millennia. Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe also introduces a powerful new curriculum designed to empower Jews of all ages to engage proudly and knowledgeably with their identity.Timestamped Overview00:00 Introduction and framing: Jewish resilience and challenges00:53 The “stiff-necked people” and anti-tyrannical roots of Judaism03:34 Historical refusals: From Babylon to the modern era06:05 The cost and pride of saying “no”07:07 The “big lie” and society’s shifting accusations09:32 Modern analogues: Israel, identity, and scapegoating10:40 Criticizing Israel vs. demonizing Jews12:21 Anti-Zionism, anti-Semitism, and practical consequences14:02 Yom Kippur’s scapegoat ritual and symbolism16:00 Enduring narratives—from Augustine to today17:16 Announcing the Tell Institute curriculum18:18 Empowerment, education, and the enduring necessity of “no”19:40 Outro and community connection

Questioning our core beliefs can lead not to distance, but to a deeper, more meaningful connection with our identity. What happens when a rabbi—at the intersection of personal faith and worldwide struggle—dares to ask, "Why am I Jewish, and what does that mean today?"In this powerful Kol Nidre sermon, Rabbi Leora Londy shares a deeply personal journey through doubt, dialogue, and discovery. Navigating crises of faith amid war, antisemitism, and shifting roles, she invites listeners to explore the tension between tradition and modernity, the challenge of owning Jewish identity with courage, and the importance of questioning what we've inherited. Reflecting on Jewish history—from Spinoza to modern Reform—Rabbi Leora Londy challenges us all to practice a Judaism that is open, vibrant, and unapologetically ours.Timestamped Overview00:00 Welcome and introduction00:21 Rabbi Leora Londy shares her crisis of faith01:44 Historical perspective: Spinoza and questioning Judaism03:07 Living two lives: immersion and outreach04:41 Engaging in challenging conversations outside the Jewish community06:33 Realizations about Jewish insecurity07:30 Shame and the struggle to claim Jewishness08:06 The age-old tension between hiding and revealing identity09:46 Jewish adaptation and Reform history10:38 Modern Jewish practice and self-examination11:34 Collective confessions and personal ‘Al Chetz’12:14 Affirming core Jewish beliefs13:56 The miracle and critique of Israel14:47 The call for a stronger, flourishing Judaism15:23 Closing remarks and encouragement

This week’s episode of In Such A Time is taken from Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe’s Rosh Hashanah sermon.Discover how ancient traditions can provide a powerful antidote to modern loneliness and meaninglessness. What can the Jewish story teach us about overcoming the personal dislocation so many face today?Listeners are invited on a deeply personal and thought-provoking journey—beginning with a young adult’s search for community in San Francisco and moving through the social science, literature, and enduring wisdom that point us towards connection, purpose, and resilience.Explore the “4 Ps” of meaningful living—People, Past, Place, and Prayer—and learn how Jewish practices like Shabbat, storytelling, and communal gathering have sustained generations, even through adversity. Plus, find out why Israelis rank among the world’s happiest people, and how anyone can begin to “cash the check” of meaning. Whether you’re searching for connection or looking to enrich your Jewish journey, this episode offers insight, practical invitations, and hope for the year ahead.Timestamped Overview[00:00] Introduction and personal journey[02:43] Modern loneliness and dislocation examined[04:27] The “4 Ps”: People, Past, Place, Prayer introduced[07:41] Deep dive: People—belonging to a larger story[09:26] Past—Jewish narrative and communal memory[11:59] Place—connection to Israel and homeland[13:15] Prayer—the power of communal worship[15:39] Happiness in Israel and sources of resilience[18:56] How to find purpose through Jewish life[19:51] Shabbat as a weekly antidote[20:47] Invitations to connect: Torah study, Israel trips, community events[23:13] Conclusion and call to action