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

Ep. 43: Does Judaism Mandate Marriage?

What if the ancient Jewish blessing for newborns—to study Torah, perform good deeds, and one day get married—no longer fits our modern lives? This episode dives headfirst into the evolving role of marriage within Jewish tradition, asking whether meaningful lives require sacred relationships or if today’s realities demand more inclusive interpretations. The conversation focused on how liturgy, cultural expectations, and Torah values intertwine with individual choices, from celebrating couples and families to affirming those who embrace singlehood, diverse relationship structures, or child-free living. One concept discussed was how the language and boundaries of tradition adapt (or resist adaptation) in a rapidly changing world. Several points were raised, including whether marriage—a central Jewish value—should remain the ideal, how modern realities around procreation expand beyond traditional frameworks, and how communities can honor both heritage and innovation without leaving anyone out. Timestamped Overview: [00:00] Welcome and introduction; framing the big question around baby-naming and liturgical blessings[00:55] Traditions of blessing babies for future marriage—should this still be central?[02:11] Reevaluating assumptions: The pressure to solve “singlehood” in the Jewish community[05:37] Language of relationships in Hebrew and the cultural focus on couplehood[07:54] Scriptural and theological roots for prioritizing marriage[09:48] Jewish tradition, divorce, and the complexity of sacred relationships[11:16] Modern realities: procreation, family structures, and choices outside marriage[12:06] Navigating the boundaries of tradition and new relationship models[14:48] Addressing individuals who choose solitude or non-traditional paths[17:56] The challenge of offering advice rooted in Jewish tradition versus personal bias[19:52] Personal perspectives shaped by context and upbringing[21:27] Translating and updating liturgical language to reflect diverse relationships[22:46] Inclusivity, evolving models, and the risk of boundaryless tradition[23:49] Marriage, parenthood, and shifting social responsibilities[26:11] Reflections on family, loneliness, and reconfiguring community bonds[27:03] Defending the central place of marriage and family in Jewish life[29:20] Balancing tradition with inclusion and support for all kinds of lives[30:35] Jewish tradition’s historical and legal approach to polyamory[30:56] Considering child-free marriages and how blessings infer expectations[33:34] Concerns about new generational trends and fulfillment[34:24] Teens’ perspectives on marriage and raising Jewish families[35:31] Translating blessings to allow for meaningful but nontraditional relationships[36:36] Final thoughts: wrestling with tradition, modern values, and what it means to bless a life

Ep. 42: Should We Ordain Antizionist Rabbis?

What if the very heart of Reform Judaism—its relationship to Israel—was up for debate in the ordaining of new rabbis? This episode of "In Such a Time" plunges into the charged question rocking Hebrew Union College and the wider Reform movement: Should future clergy be required to support the existence of the State of Israel? Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy reflect on their experience at the recent Recharging Reform Judaism conference, revealing the internal clashes between progressive ideals and core Jewish principles. From tensions over anti-Zionist rabbis in the pulpit to the generational divide in Jewish safety and memory, the conversation exposes both vulnerability and vitality within the Reform movement today. You'll hear candid perspectives on the responsibilities of seminaries, the boundaries of Jewish leadership, and why these debates matter for the future of Jewish communities everywhere. Episode Overview 00:00 — Intro: Jewish Life, Leadership, and Meaning00:20 — The Conference Question: Zionism and Rabbinic Ordination01:46 — Personal Values at Odds: Love for Israel and Liberalism02:50 — Should All Viewpoints Be Welcomed in Seminary?04:20 — Seminary Graduates as Communal Leaders — Risks and Concerns06:21 — Reform Judaism Principles and the Litmus Test Debate09:23 — Troubling Stories from Students in Israel10:04 — Crossing Boundaries — When Disagreement Becomes Disrespect11:39 — Praising Authentic Leadership and Respectful Discourse13:31 — Tension Between Seminary as Yeshiva vs. Graduate School15:11 — Israeli and American Program Differences17:24 — Roots, Privilege, and the Meaning of Being Jewish19:13 — HUC’s Position and the Challenge of Hiring21:13 — Competition Among Seminaries and Community Trends22:59 — Clergy Influence on Congregational Direction24:37 — Chicken-and-Egg: Institutions vs. Rabbis Shaping the Future26:20 — Generational Shifts After October 7th27:05 — Analogy: Why HUC Is No Longer “Costco” for Reform Rabbis28:14 — Boundaries, Liberalism, and the Anxiety of Jewish Identity30:09 — Betrayal and Defining Reform Judaism32:25 — Early Encounters with Anti-Zionist Discourse33:22 — Lack of Humility and Seeking a Platform, Not Learning35:01 — Are Students Exposed to True Viewpoint Diversity?38:14 — Deep Fractures — Are We Even the Same People?40:00 — Why the Reform Movement’s Fate Might Not Matter to All41:44 — Jewish Safety, Privilege, and the Legacy of Israel41:56 — Hope for Enhanced Viewpoint Diversity at HUC43:11 — Closing and Where to Find More

Ep. 41: Should We Stop Supporting Artists Who Attack Jews and Israel?

Could loving your favorite band put your safety—or your conscience—at risk? This episode of "In Such a Time" confronts a dilemma that many are now quietly struggling with: What should you do when beloved artists publicly express harshly critical or anti-Semitic views? The conversation focuses on the personal and communal challenges of reconciling artistic appreciation with ethical boundaries, especially when those boundaries hit close to home. A key theme that emerged was the pain of "breaking up" with once-cherished music and art due to the artist’s public stance and how that sense of loss is a form of grief. The discussion explored the complexity of separating art from the artist, delving into whether certain lines—like singling out Israel or perpetuating dangerous tropes—should be crossed, and if so, how to respond. Several points were raised, including real-life anecdotes about concerts, the influence of artists on public opinion, the pressures facing Jewish families and communities, and the difference between supporting artists with controversial pasts and those who currently foment hatred. The episode ultimately calls for more nuanced conversations and challenges listeners to think deeply about their own values and choices in this polarized time. Timestamped Overview [00:00:00] Welcoming listeners and introducing the episode’s core dilemma[00:01:10] Personal struggles with separating music from artist statements[00:03:19] Navigating Jewish identity in spaces where Israel is criticized[00:05:13] The emotional toll of losing beloved artists to divisive rhetoric[00:10:24] Separating art from artist—where do we draw the line?[00:13:20] The stakes of hate speech versus other types of bad behavior[00:19:06] Weighing collective versus individual harm[00:22:40] The call for real dialogue versus sloganeering[00:24:43] Do artists have a responsibility to avoid wedge issues?[00:28:03] Public figures singling out Israel compared to other global offenses[00:32:38] Practical advice—how do we handle music we love but now question?[00:40:07] The fracturing of bands and communities over political divides[00:41:00] Parting thoughts: keeping the conversation going

Ep. 40: Can We Do a Jewish Holidays Draft?

What if you could only keep five Jewish holidays for the rest of your life? Which would you choose—and which would you let go? In this fun, live episode recorded on Erev Shavuot, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy go head-to-head in a lively "draft pick" of annual Jewish holidays, revealing surprising priorities, personal stories, and the deeper values these days embody. From the foundational power of Passover, to the drama and debate over the best (and worst) festival foods, to the meaning behind both universally beloved and lesser-known holidays, this episode is full of insight, humor, and communal reflection. Plus: listeners get involved with live audience voting on the ultimate top 10 list—sparking debates about tradition, renewal, and the evolving Jewish calendar. Episode Overview: 00:00 Welcome and episode introduction00:21 Setting up the live holiday draft and ground rules01:08 How the draft works: format confusion and competitive spirit04:08 First pick: Rabbi Leora Londy chooses Passover and explains its generational meaning06:03 Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe reacts and shares the cultural richness of Passover07:01 Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe drafts Rosh Hashanah, describing its sensory joys10:04 Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe picks Sukkot: impermanence, outdoor celebration, and family12:51 Rabbi Leora Londy drafts Shavuot and why revelation and learning matter15:25 Shavuot’s food debate and differences between Israel and Diaspora17:51 Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe drafts Hanukkah: joy, food, and resilience20:57 Rabbi Leora Londy picks Tisha B'Av: loss, destruction, and renewal23:00 Sparring over mourning days and fasting25:55 Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe drafts Purim: strength, assimilation, and trauma28:02 Discussion: Purim memories, struggles, and Jewish identity29:30 Rabbi Leora Londy drafts Yom Kippur: hope, atonement, and community33:01 Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe drafts Simchat Torah: finishing and restarting the Torah cycle35:06 Rabbi Leora Londy closes with Yom Ha'atzmaut: Zionism, gratitude, and complexity38:31 Final reflections and the meaning behind Israel’s celebrations39:36 Outro and how to connect with the hosts and congregation

Ep. 39: What Ought to Be Our Response to This Week’s NY Times Op-Ed?

What if the stories shaping global perceptions of Israel—and the Jewish people—weren't as clear-cut as headlines suggest? This episode dives headfirst into the New York Times op-ed by Nicholas Kristof, a piece that's sent shockwaves throughout the Jewish American community by alleging systematic abuses by Israeli soldiers. But hosts Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy refuse to settle for cynicism or despair—instead, they grapple with uncomfortable truths, media responsibility, and the moral backbone of Israel itself. From gut-wrenching reports of violence and human rights abuses on all sides, to the dangers of moral absolutism and anti-Semitism, this episode doesn't shy away from controversy. Yet, at its heart, it calls for integrity, empathy, and real dialogue—reminding us that facing hard questions is the path to a better, more just community and world. Listen in for an urgent conversation about truth, accountability, and the hope for a more humane future. Timestamped Overview [00:00] Episode introduction and Kristof’s controversial article[00:51] Rabbi Leora Londy reacts: emotional turmoil and moral disappointment[02:55] Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe on community divisions and credibility of media[05:55] The importance—and challenge—of maintaining a moral compass amid conflict[08:55] Grappling with Israeli societal tensions post-October 7th[10:45] Debating what “systematic” really means and double standards in global scrutiny[14:20] Checks, balances, and the dangers of unchecked power in Israel[18:07] Democracy, protest, and the realities of Israeli society[20:11] Violence, changing cultural norms, and who serves in the IDF[22:53] Critiquing Kristof: sources, timing, and journalistic responsibility[26:33] The impact of allegations, storytelling, and bearing witness[31:34] Moral inversion, media narratives, and the perils of antisemitism[40:17] The missed opportunity for Israeli self-reflection and accountability[42:42] Ending with hope: forging dialogue and seeing the humanity in the other[43:38] Outro and how to connect with the community