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

Ep. 46: Should We Retire the Word Zionism?

Discover why the language we use shapes not just debate but our very sense of belonging—especially when it comes to one of Judaism’s most loaded words: Zionism. Should we retire the term altogether? Join Rabbi Leora Londy and Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe as they tackle whether ongoing arguments over “Zionism” help or hinder honest conversation about Israel, Jewish identity, and inclusion in the Jewish community. Along the way, they delve into generational divides, personal journeys, and the dangers of reducing complex identities to slogans. The episode challenges listeners to reflect on the words they use, the reasons behind their associations, and what truly unites or fractures the Jewish people today. Timestamped Overview [00:00] Introduction: The Power of Words & the Season of Devarim [00:44] Should We Retire “Zionism”? [02:47] Anecdote: Zio’s Deli and Language’s Shifting Meaning [03:35] History and Meaning of Zionism [05:05] Reactions to Retiring the Term [05:52] What if There Were No Replacement Term? [07:02] Lived Identity and Nuances within Zionism [09:36] Is Zionism Too Broad or Too Loaded? [11:44] Encounters with “Anti-Zionist” Jews [13:54] The Fracture and Opportunity in These Conversations [15:25] The Futility of Debating Israel’s Right to Exist [19:25] Personal Journey: Leaving, Longing for, and Defending Israel [23:22] Advocating for a Better Israel [25:42] Why Apologize for Supporting Israel? [28:50] Personal Stories of Protest and Tisha B’Av [30:47] The Motif of Destruction and Renewal [32:31] Anti-Zionism: PR or Deeper Ideology? [33:31] What Are People Really Opposing? [35:56] Words as Slogans vs. Substance [36:56] Challenging Listeners: How Do You Enter This Debate? [37:43] Closing: Volunteering in Israel and Hopes for Future Conversations

Ep. 45: What Should We Make of the Negotiated MOU with Iran?

Amid the ever-shifting landscape of global politics, adaptability and historical memory remain vital. What happens when Israel can no longer rely on longstanding alliances—or when old assumptions about safety and security are challenged by new realities? In this episode, the conversation focused on the recent Iran memorandum of understanding, its implications for Israeli politics and security, and how American Jewish communities are processing these developments. Key themes include the unraveling of Netanyahu’s traditional claims to leadership, the unpredictability of Middle Eastern agreements, the power of grassroots action, and the emerging sense of vulnerability and responsibility among Jews worldwide. The discussion explored the fragility of political constructs and the importance of taking proactive steps—even when the geopolitical terrain feels overwhelming. Timestamped Overview [00:00] Introduction and Iran memorandum context[01:05] Shifting Israeli political alliances and Netanyahu’s strategy[02:48] Netanyahu’s traditional claims and their erosion[04:25] Influence of Iran conflict on upcoming Israeli elections[05:24] Personalities, alliances, and unity efforts in Israel[07:36] Fractured political landscape and ultra-Orthodox draft tensions[09:12] Exclusion of Israel in Iran negotiations and diaspora perspectives[10:30] Value of PR vs. military strength for Israel[12:40] Unreliable agreements in Middle Eastern politics[14:06] Sports contract analogy for international deals[15:14] “Pie in the sky” promises and managed chaos[16:42] Cultural differences and the nature of Middle Eastern agreements[18:32] Limits of diplomacy with Iran and intractable issues[20:10] Comparison with JCPOA and Israel’s security situation[21:34] Powerlessness and public anxiety around global events[22:27] Rising antisemitism and boundaries of safety[24:29] American Jewish experiences and lessons from history[25:30] Role of American Jews in the Israeli election[27:53] Travel, solidarity, and strengthening global Jewish connection[29:19] Alternatives to the US-Israel alliance and rethinking assumptions[30:51] Final reflections and hopes for thoughtful leadership[31:42] Outro and community information

Ep. 44: What Do Religion and Team Sports Have in Common?

What if rooting for laundry is the closest most people will get to a spiritual experience? In this episode of "In Such a Time," Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy reveal powerful (and surprising) parallels between sports fandom and religious identity—from sacred rituals to communal belonging, group pride, and even prayer for teams at B’Nai Mitzvah. Explore how being a Knicks fan or cheering at the World Cup connects to deeper questions of meaning, purpose, isolation, and humility. Plus, the hosts tackle why modern worship can feel like a spectator sport, the complicated intersection of nationalism and sports, and the unexpected grace in sports-driven gratitude, all while sharing personal stories about finding their own teams—and why sometimes your kids turn you into a fan. Timestamped Overview 00:00 New York City’s sports euphoria and national pride01:24 How sports teams unite people—and Little League reflections03:15 Sports as a pressure valve from heavy news and everyday stress04:43 Teamwork, the Knicks, and modeling community05:16 Prayer, spirituality, and sports in B'Nai Mitzvah ceremonies06:15 Parallels between sports institutions and religious ritual08:20 The quest for belonging: sports fandom vs. religious community09:34 Rooting for laundry: entity over the individual11:06 Inherited vs. willed fandom; forming team identities in the family14:13 Sports as ideology in Israel—and finding your “tribe”15:26 Parental perspective: cultivating a sports or Jewish home16:22 Descartes’ Wager, willing yourself into fandom, and team ethos18:00 Difference between passive fandom and participatory religion20:11 Worship as engagement vs. entertainment23:07 Examples of participatory spiritual models: High Holidays, B’Nai Mitzvah26:12 Religion in sport—God, gratitude, and humility in athletics28:49 Finding purpose: feeling privileged in your calling31:33 Biblical lessons: putting people in positions to succeed34:00 Tribalism, nationalism, and collective sports moments36:41 When sports and politics collide—wishing for escapism38:07 Choosing your World Cup team with Jewish history in mind40:40 Sports moments that build bridges and community42:16 Local synagogue teams: Matzoh Ballers and Shofar Shooters

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