Jewish Action The Podcast

Rabbi Menachem Genack on the Rav, Aggadah, and the Publishing of "Aggadot HaRav"

Rabbi Gil Student speaks with Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO of OU Kosher and general editor of OU Press, about "Aggadot HaRav, Vol. II," the newly published collection of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s lectures on the Aggadic passages of Masechet Berachot. Rabbi Genack reflects on his close relationship with the Rav, the unforgettable power of the Rav’s shiurim and public derashot, and the ongoing relevance of his Torah more than three decades after his passing. The conversation also explores the Rav’s unique approach to Aggadah, the work behind bringing these lectures to print, and why the Rav’s voice continues to shape Jewish thought today.

Torah in the Age of Artificial Intelligence ft. Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph

In this episode of Jewish Action: The Podcast, Rabbi Gil Student sits down with Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Orthodox Union, to explore the Spring 2026 cover story on Torah in the age of artificial intelligence.  They discuss whether the anxieties surrounding AI are overblown or warranted, how the disappearance of "grunt work" is upending the way we train the next generation of professionals and talmidim, and what the Chazal model of oral learning might actually teach us about a world where writing is no longer the primary path to knowledge.  The conversation also turns to the OU's Torah app Orbit, the risks of outsourcing human connection to a chatbot, and why the antidote to an AI-saturated world might just be going to minyan.  This episode is a reminder that the most important question to ask about any powerful tool is not what it can do, but what you are trying to accomplish with it. Read the spring 2026 issue at https://jewishaction.com/current-issue/ [https://jewishaction.com/current-issue/]

Living Nach: A Conversation with Rabbi Gil Student and Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman

In this episode of Jewish Action: The Podcast, Rabbi Gil Student sits down with Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman for a wide-ranging conversation about Torah learning, women’s leadership, and how Torat Imecha Nach Yomi quietly grew into a global movement. What began as a vision to introduce women to a sustained, daily engagement with Navi—one perek at a time—has become the largest Navi classroom in history, with tens of thousands of participants learning together across continents. Recorded as the program approaches another major siyum, this conversation traces the journey from the early days of Nach Yomi at the Orthodox Union to the launch of Torat Imecha in January 2020, just weeks before COVID reshaped communal life. This episode is about more than a program. It’s about living with Nach, finding community through Torah, and discovering how ancient texts continue to speak—clearly and urgently—to the Jewish present. Whether you’ve followed Nach Yomi from Yehoshua to Divrei Hayamim, are considering joining the next cycle, or are simply curious how women’s Torah learning is shaping the future, this conversation offers a thoughtful and deeply human look at what happens when learning becomes a shared journey.

Celebrating 40 Years of Jewish Action ft. Rabbi Yaakov Glasser

In this milestone episode, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Jewish Action magazine. Returning for  the conversation is Rabbi Yaakov Glasser, Managing Director of Community Engagement at the OU, who provides a "behind-the-scenes" look at the multifaceted work of his department—from Torah apps and shul leadership to the Impact Accelerator for Jewish entrepreneurs. We dive deep into the Winter 2025 retrospective issue, tracing the magazine's evolution from a simple newsletter in 1985 to a premier journal of Jewish thought.  Whether you are a longtime reader or a new subscriber, join us for a thoughtful reflection on where we’ve been and a skeptical, yet hopeful, look at where the next 40 years might take us. Visit the archives at jewishaction.com/past-issues

Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt”l, The Loss of a Leader ft. Rabbi Yaakov Glasser

In this deeply moving and wide-ranging conversation, Rabbi Gil Student sits down with Rabbi Yaakov Glasser, Managing Director of Community Engagement at the Orthodox Union, to reflect on leadership, responsibility and the legacy of Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt”l. Recorded in the shadow of profound loss and at a pivotal moment for the Jewish community, this episode offers an intimate look at how Rabbi Hauer thought, built, challenged and inspired with bold vision and unwavering commitment to Klal Yisrael. From the unprecedented 180,000-letter campaign to the White House, to Rabbi Hauer's insistence on thoughtful dialogue over slogans, and to his deep belief in Torah as the engine of Jewish life, Rabbi Glasser shares personal stories and behind-the-scenes insight into what true communal leadership looks like.