Radical Moderation

Episode 22: Created Equal, with Rabbi Nati Helfgot

In this episode of Radical Moderation, Rabbi Segal speaks with Rabbi Nati Helfgot, President of the International Rabbinic Fellowship, Rabbi of Congregation Netivot Shalom in New Jersey, and Jewish educator at large. With Rabbi Segal, Rabbi Helfgot retraces his road from Argentina to American Modern Orthodox leadership, discusses tackling mental health challenges in the Jewish community, and clears up misconceptions about expanding womens’ opportunities in Orthodox religious leadership. Rabbi Helfgot also offers his opinions on country music, and Rabbi Segal comes to terms with having a peer who prefers tea over coffee. The book Rabbi Helgot recommends in this episode is מדריך לחברה החרדית: אמונות וזרמים שער ותוכן עניינים by Rabbi Benjamin Brown. Get in touch with Radical Moderation: Email Rabbi Segal at a.segal@shalhevet.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/RadModeration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RadicalModeration/

Episode 21: Encountering the Other, with Yona Shem-Tov

This week on the Radical Moderation podcast, Rabbi Segal speaks with Yona Shem-Tov, Executive Director at the educational Jewish leadership organization Encounter. Rabbi Segal and Yona explore the role Jewish education plays in building narratives around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the responsibility of leaders to take leaps and engage in new experiences. Yona and Rabbi Segal also discuss the importance of robust and even difficult conversations, her dream resolution to the conflict, and the value of steadfastness in political education. Plus, what’s a “Coffee Crisp”? The book Yona recommends in this episode is “Killing a King,” by Dan Ephron. Learn more about Encounter at http://encounterprograms.org. Get in touch with Radical Moderation: Email Rabbi Segal your comments and questions at a.segal@shalhevet.org Twitter: twitter.com/RadModeration Facebook: www.facebook.com/RadicalModeration/

Episode 20: New Eyes on Israel, with Thaly Germain

In this episode of Radical Moderation, Rabbi Segal’s friend, activist Thaly Germain, returns to discuss her recent trip to Israel. Thaly relates her experiences in finding both diversity and prejudice on her travels, as well as her experiences in Chevron and Jerusalem. Looking at the Middle East from personal, political, and activist perspectives, Rabbi Segal and Thaly explore the impact of distance on problem-solving, what parties involved in conflict really want, and the health quotient of Raisinets. The books Thaly recommends in this episode are “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson and “Monster Trouble” by Lane Fredrickson. Get in touch with Radical Moderation: Email Rabbi Segal at a.segal@shalhevet.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/RadModeration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RadicalModeration/

Episode 19: Burning Down the House to Make Toast, with David Frum

On this week’s episode of Radical Moderation, Rabbi Segal speaks with David Frum, a senior editor at The Atlantic, former speechwriter for President George W. Bush, and author of Trumpocracy. Rabbi Segal and Mr. Frum hold a wide-ranging discussion on subjects like building democratic culture, Canadian sports, remaining a Republican in the Trump era, and quirks of Jewish history. Mr. Frum also shares his thoughts on debating Steven K. Bannon and reasons for hope in American politics, relates the critical role of coffee in his life, and plays the “If You Were a Principal” game with Rabbi Segal. The book David Frum mentions in this episode is “The Fire” by Jorg Freidrich. You can watch his debate with Steve Bannon here: https://youtu.be/poq5ZrAc7pk Find Mr. Frum on Twitter at @davidfrum, and learn more at http://davidfrum.com. Get in touch with Radical Moderation! Email Rabbi Segal at a.segal@shalhevet.org Twitter: twitter.com/RadModeration Facebook: www.facebook.com/RadicalModeration/

Episode 18: I'm Curious Why You Feel That Way, with Dr. Tamara Tweel (Part 2)

In the second part of his conversation with Dr. Tamara Tweel, Rabbi Segal challenges Dr. Tweel to the Radical Moderation game. Dr. Tweel tackles topics like changing the Western canon for purposes of diversity, and the power in self-defined pronouns. Rabbi Segal and Dr. Tweel also discuss using religion to bolster academic understanding, the real key to American civic participation, and how it’s possible to see God in the Pope. The book Dr. Tweel recommends in this episode is “Gilead” by Marilynne Robinson. Get in touch with Radical Moderation: Email Rabbi Segal at a.segal@shalhevet.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/RadModeration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RadicalModeration/