Searching for Common Ground with Rabbi Mark

Searching For Common Ground in Uncommon Times: A Two-Part Special Episode With Senator David McCormick & Rabbi Irving Greenberg

This special release of Searching for Common Ground brings together two full episodes in one, offering a powerful exploration of leadership, faith, division, and the possibility of unity in a deeply fractured world. In Part One, Rabbi Mark Perman sits down with Senator David McCormick, the junior United States Senator from Pennsylvania, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond headlines. Senator McCormick opens up about resilience after political defeat, the emotional impact of public service on family life, and the unexpected friendships that can form across party lines, including his working relationship with Senator John Fetterman. Together, they examine the government shutdown, military funding, fentanyl legislation, polarized media landscapes, and the responsibilities of leaders in times of deep national division. Senator McCormick also discusses his book, Who Believed in You?, and the importance of mentors in shaping the next generation. In Part Two, Rabbi Mark welcomes renowned theologian, historian, and interfaith pioneer Rabbi Irving "Yitz" Greenberg, whose work has influenced Jewish thought for decades. At 92 years old, Rabbi Greenberg brings a lifetime of wisdom, reflecting on the Holocaust, the meaning of the "image of God," and the evolving responsibilities of humanity in shaping a moral and just world. Their conversation explores the tension between faith and secularism, the dangers of ideological echo chambers, the need for genuine pluralism, and the profound Jewish idea that human beings are partners with God in repairing the world. Rabbi Greenberg also discusses messianism, both personal and collective, and explains why he believes humanity stands at a pivotal moment of both extraordinary risk and extraordinary potential. Together, these two conversations offer something rare: a deep, nuanced, and hopeful look at how we might still find our way back to one another. Whether talking politics or theology, public policy or spirituality, both guests remind us that common ground is not only possible, it is necessary. This combined episode is an invitation to pause, listen, and imagine a better, more connected world.

Immigration, Justice, and Humanity with Tessa Petit

What does it mean to find common ground on immigration in today's polarized climate? Rabbi Mark sits down with Tessa Petit, Executive Director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC.org) [http://www.flic.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com], to discuss the harsh realities facing immigrants in the U.S., from unjust detentions to the emotional toll of living in fear. Tessa shares her personal journey from Haiti to the U.S., the challenges of navigating a broken system, and the urgent need for compassion, fairness, and truth in the national conversation. Together, they explore how legal definitions, political narratives, and public indifference shape the lives of millions—and what it will take to reclaim our shared humanity. 💡 Resources & How to Help: Visit www.flic.org [http://www.flic.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com] to learn more, volunteer, or support the Florida Immigrant Coalition's work. You'll find donation links, ways to get involved, and resources for immigrant communities. Listen now for a raw, eye-opening dialogue that pushes past politics and asks: can we still treat every person with dignity, no matter where they come from?

Breaking the Stigma: Tackling Maryland's Opioid Crisis with Emily Keller

In this powerful episode of Searching for Common Ground, Rabbi Mark welcomes Emily Keller, Maryland's Special Secretary of Overdose Response and former mayor of Hagerstown. Together, they explore the state's progress in combating the opioid epidemic, the life-saving impact of naloxone, and the critical role of harm reduction efforts. Emily also shares her deeply personal connection to the issue, revealing how the loss of a lifelong friend inspired her advocacy. From breaking down stigma to building community-based solutions, this conversation sheds light on both the challenges and hope in the fight against addiction. Listen and learn how Maryland is leading the way, and how you can help. StopOverdose.Maryland.gov [https://stopoverdose.maryland.gov]

Senator Chris Van Hollen on Healing a Divided Nation

In this powerful episode of Searching for Common Ground, Rabbi Mark Perman welcomes Senator Chris Van Hollen for an honest discussion on political polarization, media echo chambers, and the growing challenges of finding bipartisan solutions in Washington. From the starkly different worlds portrayed by competing news networks to the fear-driven gridlock in Congress, Senator Van Hollen shares candid insights on: * The shrinking space for cross-party collaboration * The media's role in fueling division * His firsthand experience advocating for human rights abroad * What Americans can do to stand up for democracy and due process This conversation reminds us that despite deep divides, there is still hope for dialogue, courage, and leadership rooted in principle over politics. 🔹 Searching for Common Ground is sponsored by Kaufman Funeral Home, supporting thoughtful, bridge-building conversations for our community.

"This Is Not Politics, This Is Conscience" — A Conversation with Rabbi Ammos Chorny

In this powerful episode of Searching for Common Ground, Rabbi Mark Perman and his wife Elizabeth are joined by Rabbi Ammos Chorny for a deeply thought-provoking discussion about conscience, moral clarity, and the urgent responsibility to speak out in the face of injustice. Drawing from his published statement with the Rabbinical Assembly, Rabbi Chorny reflects on the troubling parallels between historical persecution and today's treatment of immigrants and minorities in the U.S. With a rich background in military chaplaincy, international scholarship, and interfaith leadership, Rabbi Chorny speaks candidly about what compelled him to denounce the proposed detention facility in the Everglades — which he refers to as the "Alligator Alcatraz" — and the broader moral implications of silence, scapegoating, and governmental overreach. This episode explores: * What Judaism teaches about the stranger, justice, and moral responsibility * The dangers of repeating history by vilifying minority communities * The balance between prophetic leadership and pulpit neutrality * How we can advocate for compassion, justice, and human dignity in divisive times Rabbi Chorny reminds us that speaking up for others is not political — it's a sacred obligation rooted in shared humanity. 🕊️ "Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor." — Elie Wiesel 🔗 To read Rabbi Chorny's full piece, visit bethtikvahnaples.org [https://www.bethtikvahnaples.org] This episode is made possible by our sponsor: Andrew K. Coffman Funeral Home, Inc. Address: 40 E Antietam Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740 Phone: 301-739-1444 Email: Mail@akcoffmanfh.com [Mail@akcoffmanfh.com] Serving the Hagerstown community with compassion, dignity, and respect