Judaism in the 21st Century

Making Meaningful Summer Memories (S3, E36)

This week on Judaism in the 21st Century, Rabbi Daniel Cohen and Dr. Steven Labkoff explore how summer can become more than a season of busyness. It can become a time for intentionally creating memories that last. From family trips and walks without phones, to the power of being fully present with the people we love, this episode reminds us that life is not only measured in days, but in moments. The conversation touches on parenting, grandparents, summer plans, Israel, weddings, camp, and even the question of whether documenting a memory can sometimes get in the way of actually living it. A thoughtful and practical conversation about presence, relationships, and making this summer meaningful.

Summertime and Judaism in the 21st Century

This week on Judaism in the 21st Century, Steve Labkoff and Rabbi Daniel Cohen talk about how summer can be more than a pause in the Jewish calendar. After the intensity of Pesach, the Omer, and Shavuot, the slower months before Rosh Hashanah can become a powerful opportunity for spiritual growth, renewed purpose, and deeper connection. Rabbi Cohen shares a practical “three-minute program” that anyone can begin today: one minute of prayer, one minute of learning, and one minute of reaching out to make a difference in someone’s life. Even better, stretch it to 15 minutes a day this summer and see how it changes the rhythm of your days.

Human Humility in the face of AI (S3, E34)

What if, one day, a chip could be implanted in your brain containing every Jewish text, every commentary, and every insight from every Torah scholar across history? Would that mean you had truly learned Torah? In this episode of Judaism in the 21st Century, Dr. Steven Labkoff and Rabbi Daniel Cohen explore a fascinating question at the intersection of Judaism, artificial intelligence, humility, and wisdom. Is Torah study simply the acquisition of information, or is it the struggle, discipline, mentorship, relationship, and transformation that shape the soul? From Shavuot learning to Neuralink-style possibilities, this conversation asks whether instant knowledge can ever replace the human journey of learning, arguing, growing, and becoming wiser. A thoughtful discussion about AI, Torah, humility, hubris, and why wisdom may require more than data.

A Brave New World: AI, Torah, and Human Responsibility (S3, E33)

Artificial intelligence is no longer something “out there” in the future. It is already shaping how we write, learn, search, diagnose, decide, and even think. In this episode of Judaism in the 21st Century, Rabbi Daniel Cohen turns the tables and interviews Dr. Steven Labkoff about one of today’s most urgent ethical frontiers: AI. What exactly is artificial intelligence? How is it different from machine learning or algorithms? And what happens when AI begins helping us write sermons, synthesize ideas, make medical judgments, or shape religious and moral decisions? Together, they explore the Jewish lens on questions of authorship, authenticity, geneivat da’at, human responsibility, and the danger of outsourcing moral judgment. AI may be able to organize knowledge, find patterns, and help us communicate more clearly. But Judaism reminds us that free choice, conscience, accountability, and the human soul cannot be delegated to a machine. This conversation does not offer all the answers. But it raises the right questions for a brave new world.

When Liturgy Changes in the 21st Century (S3, E32)

In this episode of Jews in the 21st Century, Dr. Steven Labkoff and Rabbi Daniel Cohen explore a question that sits at the heart of modern Jewish life: when the world changes, should Judaism change with it, or should Judaism remain the compass that helps us navigate the changing world? Prompted by recent bar mitzvah services where Steven heard changes in familiar prayers, including the addition of the Imahot alongside the Avot, the conversation turns to liturgy, tradition, women’s roles, Shavuot, and the meaning of receiving Torah. Rabbi Cohen reflects on the idea that Torah is both timeless and timely, and that the challenge is not simply to change Judaism to fit the moment, but to understand its depth, its structure, and its relevance. Along the way, the discussion touches on Shabbat, women’s Torah study, bat mitzvah, minyan, Fiddler on the Roof, and the lifelong journey of growing into Jewish understanding.