Shows
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeNew Land, New Religious Experiences? (part 2) – Judith Pajo, Zeyneb Sayilgan and Meli SolomonEpisode 101. This is the second part of my discussion with Judith Pajo and Zeyneb Sayilgan about living our faiths in America and Germany. While we have all lived in both countries, we practice different faiths, representing the three Abrahamic religions––Judaism, Christianity, and Islam respectively. In the first part released on 12 June, we discussed our backgrounds, immigration patterns, religious identity and the dynamic of universalism and particularism. In this part, we continue the conversation about the universal and the particular, the problem with identity boxes, and the value or challenge of diversi...
2025-06-2629 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeNew Land, New Religious Experience? (part 1) – Judith Pajo, Zeyneb Sayilgan and Meli SolomonEpisode 100. For this episode, I’ve invited two women, Judith Pajo and Zeyneb Sayilgan, for a group discussion about living our faiths in America and Germany. We each have unique patterns of immigration in addition to different religious identities and practice. Judith grew up in both countries as a Catholic, Zeyneb likewise grew up in Germany and is a lifelong Muslim, while I grew up in the US and lived in Germany for nearly nine years, having become a practicing Jew as an adult. In comparing our unique religious experiences in these two countries, we foun...
2025-06-1236 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeBonus. Building Trust Across Faiths (Lindsay Simmonds and Julie Siddiqi)Episode 99. Bonus For this Bonus episode, I’ve invited two British women, Lindsay Simmonds and Julie Siddiqi, both PhDs, to talk about their interfaith friendship and the public facing work they’ve done since Hamas’ attack on Israel on 7 Oct. 2023. Lindsay is an Orthodox Jew and Julie is Muslim. The fact of their religious identities and deep practice is noteworthy and relevant, as the attack and subsequent war, have proven polarizing, straining the already challenging work of bridging religious differences between Jews and Muslims. Lindsay and Julie offer an inspiring example of possibility, showing us the pat...
2025-05-2952 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeHow Faith Can Evolve Through Change – Aaron SolbergEpisode 98. (replay of Episode 78)Over the last two episodes with Judith Pajo and Zeyneb Sayilgan, we’ve talked quite a bit about faith challenges and dealing with changes in life that impact religious practice. Those changes have included moving country. With that in mind, I wanted to replay an episode from 2024 that addresses these themes among others. Aaron Solberg was raised in an Orthodox Jewish home in New York. As a young adult, he traversed several spiritual thresholds, eventually converting to Christianity. He is now a minister in the Anglican church. He has also traded in...
2025-05-2232 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeGrief as a Sacred Opening – Zeyneb SayilganEpisode 97. Burying a child is an unimaginable trauma that no parent should have to face. My guest today, Zeyneb Sayilgan, has sadly needed to endure that pain and grief twice. Through it all, her Muslim faith has sustained her and provided a path for healing. She has joined me to talk about her experience of loss and subsequent growth, as well as the related Islamic beliefs about death and the afterlife. We also touch on where the beliefs are similar to those in Judaism. Zeyneb brings both personal experience and knowledge to this complex topic. ...
2025-05-0844 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeHow Interreligious Dialogue Can Expand and Challenge Your Faith – Judith PajoEpisode 96. Have you lived in more than one country? Do you participate in interreligious dialogue or are you interested in it? Have you studied religion or theology? Not very many people can say yes to all of these questions. But my guest, Judith Pajo can. Born in Germany, she has nevertheless lived many years both there and in the U.S., shuttling back and forth since childhood. Raised Catholic, she has also studied theology and cultural anthropology in both countries. Judith now conducts interreligious research at Pace University in New York. With these elements as ou...
2025-04-2445 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeEmbracing Oneness: Jewish Mysticism in Practice – Lex RofebergEpisode 95. What comes to mind when you hear the term mysticism? Perhaps you imagine a yogi sitting cross legged in meditation, or people sitting in a circle chanting. Several religions have mystical practices, Sufism in Islam, and Zen Buddhism, for instance. Whatever the particulars, they generally share a desire to become one with the Divine and valueing of spiritual rather than intellectual understanding. Today, my guest, Lex Rofeberg, has joined me to talk about Jewish mysticism, its history, core books, challenging concepts and risks to followers. As a rabbi ordained in the Jewish Renewal movement, h...
2025-04-1049 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeReflection. Exploring the Intersection of Ramadan, Lent, and Passover (Meli Solomon)Episode 94. Are you a Jew, Christian, or Muslim? Do you wonder about how your holiday this spring intersects with other holidays occurring at or near the same time? What do you make of that? And what does your holiday mean to you? How do you celebrate it? In this month's reflection, I address how Ramadan, Lent, and Passover connect thematically, and in the calendar. In these tense times when so many of us are feeling anxious and distressed, we can either give into that or strive to remember what connects us...
2025-04-0312 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeForging a more Resilient Faith After Doubt – Aubrey ChavesEpisode 93. Did you grow up in a highly observant home and religious community where surety of belief was the norm? Aubrey Chaves did, and much as she felt embraced by the family’s deep engagement within their Mormon congregation, or ward, when she encountered differing lifestyles that were loving and not harmful to anyone, the rightness she had always believed about the church fathers and doctrine shifted from a solid foundation to something brittle. In short, it prompted a crisis of faith. Over the many years since then, she’s spent a lot time learning and st...
2025-03-2737 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeBuilding Peace Through Interfaith Dialogue – Raphael LuzonEpisode 92. Jews had lived in Libya since the third century BCE, but 1967 marked their final expulsion from the majority Muslim country. Raphael Luzon was a child at the time and fled with his family. Like many, they went to Italy. Overnight, his environment changed. Gone were his Jewish, Muslim and Catholic classmates. Gone was the exchange of holiday greetings with Muslim neighbors. But all was not lost. Those relationships had planted a seed, and that seed grew. Over the decades since university, Raphael has used his religious and cultural knowledge, along with his Arabic, Italian a...
2025-03-1339 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeReflection. Risks and Rewards of Declaring Your Religion (Meli Solomon)Episode 91. In this episode, I delve into the complex intersection of personal faith and public roles. I reflect on my recent conversation with Chris Stevenson, founder of the National Museum of American Religion, who chooses to leave his Mormon faith outside the museum to maintain an inclusive environment. I also explore the balance between personal religious identity, intention, and situational appropriateness, sharing my experience of being Jewish in Germany and interacting with diverse cultures and traditions. I highlight the importance of respectful dialogue and awareness, drawing connections to the observance of Ramadan and the values it...
2025-03-0609 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeExploring Religious Freedom in America – Chris StevensonEpisode 90. Are you a museum goer? Are you interested in the history of religion in America? Is religious freedom in America important to you? If you answered yes to any of those questions, today’s episode will speak to you. Chris Stevenson has been developing the National Museum of American Religion for 15 years. Currently a digital-first project, Chris and his team began the Religion in the American Experience podcast as a stepping-stone to exhibits. They are also talking about a traveling exhibit. The key questions are: What has America done to religion and what has relig...
2025-02-2739 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeLet's Eat Halal: Food By Muslims for Everyone – Shahed AmanullahEpisode 89. Every culture has its food, and in America, each immigrant group has contributed to the bounty of culinary options––from Italian pizza to Jewish delis and much more. Muslims are no different. What this group has brought, however, is a wide array of foods, since Muslims hail from many countries. My guest today, Shahed Amanullah, a renowned entrepreneur, created a short list of restaurants that offered halal food in 1998. What began as a simple list for himself and his Muslim friends, has grown into a juggernaut. Now an app called Zabihah, it is the world...
2025-02-1337 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeReflection. Want to Increase Curiosity and Understanding? (Meli Solomon)Episode 88. This episode is in memory of the passengers and crew of the DC and Philadelphia plane crashes and my friend Karen Hirschfeld. May their memories be for a blessing.This is the first of a new Reflection series. They will be short monthly episodes, opportunities to share my thoughts about recent episodes, things I’ve written or read and whatever else seems relevant. Highlights:· Explanation of the new reflection series format.· Criticism of Project 2025 and current administration’s dismantling of the federal governm...
2025-02-0606 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeBonus. The Mormon Church is More Than You Think (Rick Bennett)Episode 87. The timing of this Bonus episode is auspicious given the recent debate regarding learning about the history of race in America, the book bans, and the current administration’s aim to eliminate the federal department of education. While each of these issues are complex and engage different issues, they share the matter of understanding our history – all of it. And our history leads into what we do today. As part of my ongoing encouragement to know each other’s faith and religion, Rick Bennett, host of the Gospel Tangents, a Mormon History podcast, has joined me to t...
2025-01-3042 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeThe Long Journey from Believer to Evangelical Critic – Dan MillerEpisode 86. Several big international changes have occurred since the last episode was released on the 9th of January. America witnessed another peaceful transfer of power, though it was immediately followed by some executive orders that are anything but peaceful, and Israeli hostages were exchanged for Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire. These small steps are part of much longer national journeys that will affect many people for years to come. Today’s guest, Dan Miller––professor, co-host of the Straight White American Jesus podcast, and former evangelical pastor––has stepped out of his usual...
2025-01-2342 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeReligious Pluralism v. White Supremacy in America Today – Wajahat AliEpisode 85. As the new secular year begins, along with the incoming presidential administration, it’s a good time to hear a shortened version of my conversation with the esteemed journalist and speaker Wajahat Ali. Given the dominance of White Christian Nationalism and the debate about immigration, Wajahat’s Sunni Muslim American identity and his family’s Pakistani immigrant history, make him an ideal partner to talk about religious pluralism in America today. In this conversation we explore the challenges minorities face as well as the fears, hate and discomfort that drive the antagonism and protectionism of White S...
2025-01-0937 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeMikveh: Reclaiming an Ancient Jewish Ritual – Haviva Ner-DavidEpisode 84. This week is the Jewish holiday of Chanukah which celebrates light in the dark days of winter. It is a time of contrasts and turning. Our candles add light in the darkness as we appreciate the slow turning towards longer days. In that spirit, this conversation explores another kind of opposites and turning – immersing in the mikveh as a way for a Jew to mark a transition. Haviva Ner-David, an American Jew who has lived in Israel more than half her life. She is the founding rabbi of Shmaya: A Mikveh for...
2024-12-2637 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeHow to be Visibly Muslim in the US Government – Fatima PashaeiEpisode 83. Is someone in your family an immigrant? Or are you yourself an immigrant? Are you visibly a member of a race or religion? And how do these markers of identity affect your work life and general sense of belonging? In this conversation we explore the complexities of her life experience – being part of an extended family of mixed cultures and religions, being visibly Muslim at work, the 9/11 terrorist attack, and a bit about Christmas, perfect in the run up to that holiday. Bio:Fatima Pashaei, an American-born Muslim wom...
2024-12-1241 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeAncient Prayers: Meaningless or Comforting? – Will BerryEpisode 82. 'Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name'. These opening words of the Lord’s Prayer from the Christian tradition, provide a salve for Will Berry when times are hard, and he doesn’t have words. As a paramedic for 14 years, these moments are not infrequent. Today’s episode is the second half of our conversation, where we talk about God, prayer, and the power of using ancient words. Highlights: 00:00 God's vastness complements intimate personal presence.04:56 The profound impact of the Church community...
2024-11-2823 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeIs a Loving God in the Brokenness and Darkness? – Will BerryEpisode 81. When you are swamped by tragedy and darkness, when all you are seeing is broken and the worst that society has to offer, what does your faith offer you? For Will Berry, a paramedic for 14 years, his Christian faith provides a loving God, and the presence of light in the situation, perhaps his own God-given skills and ability are the light in the darkness. This is the first half of my conversation with Will. The second half will be released in two weeks. Highlights: · Will Berry's religious background – core beli...
2024-11-1425 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeBonus. Tying the Knot in Faith (panel)Episode 80. Bonus.Wedding ceremonies are universal and central to many religious and cultural groups. But they vary widely. In this conversation with four guests from different religious traditions – Judaism, Mormonism, Islam and the Baha'i faith – we explore the role of the officiant, who that is, the role of the Divine, contracts and other things. This conversation grew out of the Elevate Podcasting summit hosted by BYU Broadcasting. Steve Perry, host of their In Good Faith podcast, has joined me in co-hosting this discussion. Highlights: · Is a religious leader required?· ...
2024-11-0741 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeQueering Contemplation and Finding a Home in Christianity – Cassidy HallEpisode 79. In this conversation, Cassidy and I talk about her evolving, contemplative spiritual expression and identity as a queer Christian. We also touch on her view of scripture and incorporating various theologies and poetry as she finds comfort in paradoxes. Thanks go to the Elevate Podcasting Summit recently hosted by BYU Radio, where we met and recorded this conversation. Highlights:· Cassidy Hall's Spiritual Journey and queer Christian spirituality.· Exploration of Faith: Embracing spiritual paradox; seeking expansive belonging.· Influence of mystics and desert elders· Contemplative spirituality: Silence...
2024-10-3137 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeDiscipline as a Necessary Struggle – Aaron SolbergEpisode 78. Father Aaron Solberg joined me to talk about his personal experience converting from the Orthodox Judaism of his childhood and his current practice of Christianity in a remote Canadian village. These are experiences few of us have, so it's wonderful to hear his stories. Although Aaron is a priest, he is not speaking here as a representative of his Anglican church. Highlights: · Jewish practice seen as "legalistic," leading to feelings of obligation and guilt.· Importance of structure and discipline.· Appreciation for communal aspects of both Jewish and Christ...
2024-10-1032 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeOn Campus: Protest or Conversation? – Aviva SteinEpisode 77. This is the second of a two-part series with my guest is Aviva Stein. In part one, we talked about her Jewish practice at UMass Amherst, where she is now a senior. Part two covers her engagement on campus in support of Israel and the dynamic on campus last year around the Israel/Palestine issue. She describes several conversations where she gained new perspectives and understanding. These kinds of conversations have been difficult both on and off campus, especially this past year. That said, I for one remain committed to interreligious dialogue, and...
2024-09-2633 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeA Jewish Feminist Finds Modern Orthodoxy at College – Aviva SteinEpisode 76.In part one, we talk about her Jewish practice at UMass Amherst, where she is now a senior. Part two will cover her engagement on campus in support of Israel and the need for bridge building. Given the tensions on many campuses last year around the Israel/Palestine situation, talking to some college students is timely. I am eager to also speak with a Muslim student who can share their experience, so if you or someone you know is interested, please get in touch. You can reach me through my website – www.talkingwithgodproject.org. ...
2024-09-121h 07
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeAre Ancient Religions Relevant Today? – Meli Solomon, Sue Howard and Katrina KincadeEpisode 75. In celebration of my 75th podcast episode, I am highlighting three different ways that people live their ancient religion today. I talk about keeping Kosher (Jewish dietary laws), Sue Howard shares her evangelical Christian tenet of the Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit, and Katrina Kincade explains her conversion or reversion to Islam and starting to wear a hijab (Muslim veil) at work. Highlights: · Daily practice makes abstract concepts real. · We live into our religion over time. It evolves as we learn and change. · Meli – Kashrut (Jewish diet...
2024-08-2225 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeJewish Coaching with Text Study – David Levin-KrussEpisode 74. Rabbi David Levin-Kruss is a Jerusalem-based life coach, educator, and community organizer. David sees himself as a bridge between Jewish wisdom and those who want to utilize this wisdom to live more meaningful lives. In this conversation, we talk about his coaching practice often using a text to explore issues in the client’s life. David has held educational and leadership positions at the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, Melitz Centers for Jewish Zionist Education and at Stanmore Synagogue in north-west London.Highlights:· Basics...
2024-08-0838 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeA Muslim Woman in Corporate America – Prianka Alam (rerelease)Episode 73. Prianka Alam has retained the dedication to helping her family and Muslim community in Maryland that she learned as a young immigrant child. The financial uncertainty growing up has prompted a craving for stability and security as an adult, in short a boring life. These desires drove Prianka to focus on her education, career path and a husband who would be Muslim and a good partner for future children. She has found all of that and more, though it brings the expected stress and demand to wear many hats – DEI professional, wife, mother, daughter, student of...
2024-07-2540 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeIslamic Prophetic Persuasion – Abdur-Rahman Syed (summer rerelease)Episode 72. After two-and-a-half years of consistent podcast production, I am taking a short break. To ensure you have something to listen to, I am re-releasing episodes. You are also welcome to look through the back catalogue and listen to other episodes you might have missed. Thanks as always for your interest and support. Today’s re-release is episode 53, featuring Abdur-Rahman Syed. Abdur-Rahman, a Muslim raised in Karachi Pakistan, he currently lives in three countries, carrying the richness of his interreligious extended family and early experience of adjusting to various cultural environments. Fortified by these forma...
2024-07-1148 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeIslamic Prophetic Persuasion – Abdur-Rahman Syed (summer rerelease)Episode 72.After two-and-a-half years of consistent podcast production, I'm taking a short break to rest and rejuvenate. It's only for July, but so as not to leave you, my loyal listeners, without conversations to hear, I will re-release episodes – today's (first released as episode 53 in 2023) and something else in two weeks. I'll be back in August with new material. Thanks for your interest and understanding. Abdur-Rahman, a Muslim raised in Karachi Pakistan, he currently lives in three countries, carrying the richness of his interreligious extended family and early experience of adjusting to var...
2024-07-1148 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeEmbracing Interfaith Dialogue from a Catholic Perspective – Kyle DesrosiersEpisode 71. Kyle is a Master of Theological Studies student at The Gloria L. and Charles I. Clough School of Theology and Ministry of Boston College. He also works at the Betty Ann Greenbaum Miller Center for Interreligious Learning and Leadership at Hebrew College. Originally from Texas, Kyle has long been involved with interfaith engagement. He has also worked as a freelance journalist, in college campus ministry, and in higher education.In this conversation we talk about the joys and challenges of his interfaith work, which began in high school, as well as his experience...
2024-06-2746 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeA Contemporary Jewish David and Bathsheba Story – Jeanne BlasbergEpisode 68.Jeanne is an award-winning and bestselling author and essayist. Her most recent novel, Daughter of a Promise, was published recently. The third novel of a trilogy, it follows Eden, published in 2017 and The Nine, published in 2019. While not originally planned as a trilogy, the three novels weave stories of family privilege or struggle, love, desire, and social expectations especially of women. In today’s episode, Jeanne talks about the key issues in Daughter of a Promise a coming-of-age story set in contemporary America, and how it echoes the biblical story of David and Bathsheba. Jeanne al...
2024-05-2350 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeAuschwitz, Berlin, and Catholicism – Luis FerreiroEpisode 67. Luis Ferreiro is the CEO of the Spanish family museum exhibition company Musealia, which creates and manages traveling exhibits that educate and inspire us about major world events. The exhibit currently in Boston Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away, which he produced in conjunction with the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum addresses this historical site and environs through more than 700 objects. In this upcoming podcast episode, Luis talks about the inspiration for and core message of the Auschwitz exhibit. He also talks about another exhibit, currently showing in Madrid, The Berlin Wall: A World Divided. Interwoven t...
2024-05-0945 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeHonoring and Challenging Jewish Orthodoxy – Dr. Lindsay SimmondsEpisode 66. Lindsay shares her experiences as an Orthodox Jewish woman, discussing her deep engagement with Orthodox Judaism, the challenges and frustrations she faces within her community, and her efforts in advocating for women's inclusion and agency in religious practices. This is a fitting conversation during the Jewish holiday of Passover, with its themes of journeys, change, and relationship with God. Also, one of the key elements of the Passover Seder just held around the world, is asking questions. Lindsey, in her ongoing Jewish study, teaching, and earlier doctoral work, is dedicated to asking questions and seeking t...
2024-04-2545 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeArt, Judaism, and Cultural Understanding – Audrey ReichEpisode 65.This is the second part of my conversation with Audrey Reich. In this second part, Audrey talks about how she incorporates her Jewish teachings and values into her art classes, creating a diverse and open environment for her students. Whether teaching in a Jewish school or a secular school in New York City, Audrey's experiences with students from various cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds have inspired her to foster open dialogue and appreciation for different perspectives. She also reflects on her personal art, and how her artworks have been influenced by her visits to Tarnów...
2024-04-1125 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeRamadan is a Capsule of Light for a Muslim – Nayma Tasnim IslamEpisode 64.Since Muslims are currently celebrating Ramadan, Nayma has graciously returned to the podcast to share her experience of the annual holiday, what she does and why it is important to her. For Nayma, Ramadan is a capsule of light, a pause button releasing her from the hamster wheel of daily life. She takes us on a journey through the traditions of iftar, the unique aspects of Ramadan in Bangladesh and the U.S., as well as the profound impact of fasting on the mind, body, and spirit. She reveals the spiritual significance and explains the...
2024-03-2838 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeDrawing on Jewish Family History – Audrey ReichEpisode 63.Audrey Reich is an artist and art teacher in New York and is also involved in Holocaust education. Audrey is a speaker and board member of the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center. Daughter of two Holocaust survivors, she credits her parents with modeling awe and appreciation, openness and curiosity. Despite their trauma, deportations, and long paths to the U.S. they each managed to heal some and focus on building a new future. They neither dwelt in the past nor forgot it. Audrey has much to share, so I have made it into two...
2024-03-1424 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeBonus. Understanding the American Muslim Experience (Dr. Amir Hussain)Episode 62. Esteemed scholar Dr. Amir Hussain, Professor of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles), author of five books, and immediate past President of the American Academy of Religion (AAR) joins me for a lively discussion of the contemporary Muslim experience in North America. Despite the presence of Muslims arrived in the US in the first slave ships, the long history of participation in American society has gone unnoticed and unappreciated. Certainly, since the September 11 terrorist attack and now again with the war in Gaza, Muslims have been subject to harassment and Islamophobia. Many such...
2024-02-2945 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeThree Jews Explore Psalm 105 – R. Sally Shore-Wittenberg, Anastasia Solberg, Meli SolomonEpisode 61. Rabba Sally Shore-Wittenberg and Anastasia Solberg join me for a compelling discussion about Psalm 105, one of Rabbi Nachman’s ten Psalms for General Remedy. Using different translations, we delve into its connection to the Passover story and the roles of Joseph and Moses. Themes include seeking divine intervention, the power of individuals in the face of challenges, and the symbolic implications of seeking God's presence. Highlights: · Plagues struck Egypt, leading to Israel's exodus.· Role of key figures Joseph and Moses.· Desperate cry from the pit of despair.· Personal agency and divine...
2024-02-2241 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeJewish Torah Scribe and Potter – Rabbi Bec RichmanEpisode 60. Bec’s many strands of deep Jewish beliefs and practice in Reconstructionist Judaism are woven through her creative expressions. Inspired during her rabbinic school years, she has since become a soferet (Torah scribe) and potter. She has also become a mother. Contrary to many people’s complaints about stress and conflicts between differing aspects of their lives, for Bec her scribal arts, pottery, and parenting feed each other, adding much richness and creative outlets to her life. Tune in to learn about the inspiration and experience, and how that creativity is inherently accessible, healing, and libe...
2024-02-0840 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeThe Interfaith Green Sabbath Project – Jonathan SchorschEpisode 59. The Green Sabbath Project, founded by Jonathan Schorsch in 2019, promotes the concept and ritual of a weekly earth day. Taking a day of rest for yourself and the environment is eminently reflective of the sabbath. Although Jonathan draws from his Jewish heritage, the Green Sabbath Project intentionally avoids promoting any particular religious beliefs or language. Jonathan sees potential learning between religious and non-religious people in connecting the values of a weekly day of rest and reducing the impact on the environment. Taking on this practice is both a simple action and a very flexible practice...
2024-01-2547 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeA Christian on Dismantling Racism – Rev. Dr. Terrlyn Curry AveryEpisode 58.Rev. Dr. Terrlyn Curry Avery, a pastologist (ordained minister and licensed psychologist), TEDx speaker, and author, joins me to talk about her second book Dismantling Racism: Healing Separation from the Inside Out. Packed with stories of anti-racism and ways to increase one’s sacred intelligence, Dismantling Racism proved a rich and engaging topic for our conversation. Terrlyn shares her ideas on the intersection of sacred motive, self-ish mindset and shared movement. We can each contribute something to this critical personal and communal work. Quoting the bible’s Scroll of Esther, she notes that “You were born f...
2024-01-1144 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeA Lonely Time To Be A Jew – Rabbi Tara FeldmanEpisode 57.As an American Reform Rabbi who made Aliyah (moved to Israel) about a year ago with her family, she has found herself in an all-too-real Israel. Her lifelong liberal leaning into the Ruach (spirit) and not the war of the prayer she grew up with, has been shattered. Discovering that both spirit and war is necessary has been humbling. That said, joining the ranks of volunteers, in her case doing agricultural work near the Gaza border, has reconnected her with the original vision of Israel. Moreover, being swept up in the national spirit has been...
2023-12-2836 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeThe Scrolls of Deborah, a Jewish Biblical novel – Esther GoldenbergEpisode 56.Ever since Esther picked up the Torah in high school, she has been curious about the missing bits of scripture which bridge decades of many men’s lives and most women altogether. Her love for stories led her to imagine possible stories to fill those gaps in Torah. With scripture as inspiration, Esther’s historical fiction writing is a process of wonder and discovery. Figures and narrative turns appear seemingly unbidden in her mind. Her newest novel, The Scrolls of Deborah, is the life-story of Deborah, the nurse maid of Rebekah. A large fami...
2023-12-1441 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeBonus. Jewish and Palestinian Peacebuilding in Israel (Rabbi Tara Feldman)Episode 55.The Friends of Sia'h Shalom seeks to strengthen ties between Jerusalem-based Sia’h Shalom and the North American Jewish community. Sia’h Shalom Circles in North American cities bring together diverse and highly divided groups of Jews, both lay leaders and rabbis, creating spaces for listening and spiritual growth in the increasingly polarized North. American Jewish landscape.As co-director of the Friends of Sia'h Shalom Rabbi Tara Feldman speaks from the heart and head about the vital importance of “conversing across polarities” in Israel. Though recorded prior to the current Israel/Hamas war, her messa...
2023-11-3048 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeReinterpreting Jewish Liturgy – Daniel Stein KokinEpisode 54.Since his childhood in Los Angeles, Daniel has lived in various parts of the U.S. as well as in Israel, Italy, and Germany. In each place, Daniel has enriched his Jewish practice by familiarizing himself with the local language and traditions, including trope (the melodies used to chant the Torah and other parts of the Bible in synagogue services). Another expression of his curiosity about histories and cultures is through writing liturgical texts and prayers. Daniel also taps into his lifelong fascination with the weather in order to get to know, and respond to...
2023-11-2341 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeIslamic Prophetic Persuasion – Abdur-Rahman SyedEpisode 53. Abdur-Rahman, a Muslim raised in Karachi Pakistan, he currently lives in three countries, carrying the richness of his interreligious extended family and early experience of adjusting to various cultural environments. Fortified by these formative years and his years in marketing, Abdur-Rahman is creating a book called Prophetic Persuasion. Using words of four prophets from the Abrahamic faiths, he stresses the value of common messages through which people can influence others and establish a moral compass. In conversation, we explore the challenges of bringing such sources into the workplace and how to balance uniqueness of vision an...
2023-11-0948 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeJewish Adult Ed Reinvented – Rabbi Molly KarpEpisode 52.Rabbi Molly Karp was raised with both the message she could do anything, and the Orthodox Jewish day school's many restrictions for girls. Added to this was time in nature, on Israeli kibbutzim, and in Judaic Studies courses. Her passion and skills with Jewish education were apparent early on and she has dedicated most of her professional life to that work. She has also acquired rabbinic ordination and been a congregational rabbi. Doing things in her own way and not according to a denominational “party platform” is important to her. Teaching in her own program – SAJE...
2023-10-2643 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeA Jewish American Flips the Script – Méli Solomon (with Beatriz Nour)Episode 51.My friend and fellow podcaster, Beatriz Nour, takes the helm for this special episode. Beatriz normally hosts her In-betweenish podcast, a wonderful show all about people, like herself, who inhabit multiple cultures. For this episode, we have switched roles, and talk about my personal faith path, sorting out my sexuality, choosing Judaism and deepening my practice. It was fascinating to be a guest on my own show and be asked questions I had never considered. Highlights:00:06:12 Didn't connect with Christianity, explored Jewish faith.00:09:17 Multiple major life changes caused turmoil.
2023-10-1238 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeWoman of Valor, an Orthodox Jewish tale – Lynne GolodnerEpisode 50.Woman of Valor is Lynne Golodner’s first published novel after six non-fiction books and two poetry collections. This engaging story lets us into the rewarding and complex life of Sally, who took on the Orthodox Judaism of her grandparents. Happily married to Barry and a mother to three young children, she leads a full and contented life, but trouble arrives unexpectedly. In this episode, Lynne talks about Woman of Valor, how the story draws on her own life experiences, authors that inspire her, and her writing in general. Highlights:00:05:15 Gr...
2023-09-2839 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeTeaching Youth about Islam – Dr. Mona IslamEpisode 49.Mona grew up in Texas in the 1980s, the only veiled Muslim girl throughout her school years. Her faith and immigrant family was seen as strange and unknown, yet she was dedicated to her faith, even starting to veil by seven years old, which is earlier than required. Despite or perhaps because of this extreme minority experience, Mona has dedicated her life to education, most passionate about teaching youth about Islam, and helping them to develop good characters grounded in Islam. She takes pride in the long list of courses and books she has created, whi...
2023-09-1445 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeBonus. Religion in Our Modern World, a Muslim View (Wajahat Ali)Episode 48.As a columnist (The New York Times, the Daily Beast and elsewhere), speaker, published author, recovering attorney and practicing Muslim, Wajahat Ali brings a sharp eye and thoughtful commentary to the issue of religion in our modern world, especially the USA. The current political dissension and aggressive efforts by the right wing and Christian nationalists to impose their values regarding education and health care on all Americans, as well as the ceding of religion by liberals, raises critical issues. In this lively discussion we address a few of the related challenges, including religious liberty and...
2023-08-3154 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeCombining Jewish Paths – David SatinEpisode 47.David has traveled far, religiously speaking, from his upbringing in a largely secular Jewish home. Other than attending services at a Reform synagogue on Boston’s North Shore, there was minimal observance. Since then, he has gone through many phases, including flirting with atheism and participating in his college Hillel services, all the while maintaining the Jewish identity inherited from his parents. Over the past few years, he has found a mélange of communities. Participating in the local Chabad House and online learning with the Torah Studio satisfy his intellectual, service attendance and spiritual nee...
2023-08-2445 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeTry My Jesus, a Christian Workbook – Carlton E. SmithEpisode 46. Having traversed the spectrum of Christian denominations – from the middle (United Methodist) to the conservative (Pentecostal) then all the way to the liberal (Unitarian Universalist) – Carlton has derived a rich and appreciative perspective on living according to Jesus’ teachings. As he notes in the Introduction of Try My Jesus: “Anyone who invites you to try Jesus is inviting you to try their Jesus.” Structured as a year’s worth of daily reflections, Carlton quotes from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – the four Evangelists who were contemporaries of Jesus. He then includes his own reflections a...
2023-08-1045 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeEmbodying the Christian Faith: Tattoos and Pilgrimage – Mookie ManaliliEpisode 45. In this second conversation with Mookie, we expanded the discussion of diversity and the ways he embodies his Catholic faith. The two main areas are his tattoos that manage to marry his Filipino and Catholic identities, and his pilgrimage in August 2022 on the Camino de Santiago. Highlights:00:04:39 Diversity and race in the US.00:13:34 The guest’s tattoo and its symbolism, including references to his Christian faith and Filipino heritage. The tattoo represents creation, crucifixion, and the concept of redemption and healing.00:21:53 Camino de Santiago: A me...
2023-07-2742 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeEmbodying the Christian Faith: Healing the Whole Person – Mookie ManaliliEpisode 44.As a psychotherapist, professor and researcher, Mookie believes in attending to the whole person. For him, this care includes his Catholic practice. For his clients, faith or root beliefs might also be included. Mookie has arrived at his philosophy of therapy and groundedness in Catholicism through a circuitous route. Born in the Philippines, raised in California, followed by graduate studies and work over a multi-stage eastward journey across the US, he has landed at Boston College, a Jesuit institution where he has found a home. Each place has had its own Catholicism, from the pink-habited...
2023-07-1347 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeBonus. Religion in the Public Sphere, a Christian View (Zachary Davis)Episode 43. Zachary Davis, a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or Mormons), has been deeply involved in producing podcasts and other media about religion. In this Bonus episode, we discuss the role of religion in the public sphere. He talks about the importance of bringing your whole self into the community, and makes the distinction between scholarly work and devotional practice. Part of his own public expression of his faith is through the various podcasts and publications he produces and manages, including the Ministry of Ideas podcast and Faith Matters magazine.
2023-06-2930 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeSurviving a Christian Religious Cult – Peter YoungEpisode 42 Peter, author of Stop the Tall Man, Save the Tiger, describes his journey through a small Christian religious cult. Getting drawn in was not his intention, and he believes that no one knows they’re in a cult, just that they were in a cult. For Peter, the group was an unavoidable aspect of marrying the love of his life. Neither the cult nor his experience in the cult is what you would expect. The particularities of his faith story open the mysterious world of a cult, the common characteristics of the leader – narcissistic, charismatic, and...
2023-06-2250 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeA New Public Muslim Face – Katrina KincadeEpisode 41. An award-winning reporter at WBZ/CBS Boston, the first Muslim Miss Massachusetts (2022), volunteer for the Special Olympics, convert (or revert) to Islam from Catholicism and a Black American – Katrina holds a complex identity. She channels her complexity and desire to be authentic into her passion for community, diversity, and equality. Impressively, she does so with grace, humor, and commitment. Highlights:· Her religious journey – Catholic childhood, atheism, then Islam.· Islam brought Katrina peace. · Miss America Pageants – scholarship money, a platform for community service, and a sisterhood.· Volunteering at the Special Olympics and ‘Emb...
2023-06-0842 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeAuthentic Muslim Leadership Coach – Sobiya JawaidEpisode 40. As a British coach, consultant, and public speaker, Sobiya helps people in different ways. The coaching is one:one support mostly around confidence and mindset to help the client reach her potential. As a consultant, she works with companies wanting to improve their diversity, equity and inclusion, and as a public speaker, Sobiya draws on both her personal experience as a Muslim woman-of-color in the UK, as well as her professional expertise. She believes that, as a public figure, her authenticity is paired with healthy boundaries. This balance allows her to handle difficult situations and continue to suppo...
2023-05-2534 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeA Christian Coaching Leaders for Success – Sarah Vaughan SmithEpisode 39.Sarah draws on her innate passion for helping others in her work as a coach, trainer, and speaker. Whether helping individuals or organizations, her drive to unlock potential and encourage people to achieve their dreams comes through. After years in leadership training for faith-based organizations, particularly within the Black community in Boston, Sarah launched Unlimited Success Services LLC, a leadership development company. The Christian principle that each person has unique skills and talents has led her during years of coaching on leadership. This is particularly relevant for the many clients who lack confidence that they can lead. I...
2023-05-1136 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeInterfaith Dialogue is the Foundation – Janet PennEpisode 38.Like many people of her generation, Janet was raised with little religious instruction, due to her parents’ desire to be American. After some exploration into other faiths, she decided in her 20s to learn about the Judaism of her roots. It has been a long journey. She considers herself a JewBu – incorporating elements of both Judaism and Buddhism, generally the ritual and holidays of the former and philosophy of the latter, along with some meditation practice when faced with a challenging situation. Besides her personal journey, Janet spent years developing and leading programs and dialogues bridging religious and...
2023-04-2734 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeIslam is a Journey of Growth – Prianka AlamEpisode 37. Prianka Alam has retained the dedication to helping her family and Muslim community in Maryland that she learned as a young immigrant child. The financial uncertainty growing up has prompted a craving for stability and security as an adult, in short a boring life. These desires drove Prianka to focus on her education, career path and a husband who would be Muslim and a good partner for future children. She has found all of that and more, though it brings the expected stress and demand to wear many hats – DEI professional, wife, mother, daughter, student of...
2023-04-1340 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeBonus. Jewish Safekeeping Stories (Jill Sarkozi)Episode 36. Jill Sarkozi, founder of the Safekeeping Stories program, talks about the mission and system of the work. Inspired by helping her father-in-law, a Holocaust survivor, write his story, Jill went on to develop the Storykeeping® method. Since founding the program in 2012, Jill and her team have helped many Jewish families capture their own family stories. The workshop provides a safe environment for these family members to explore the family’s Holocaust story, understand how it has been part of their own story, and then add their generational layer to the family story as they write observations about life...
2023-03-3036 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifePraising the Lord in Song – Julie KinscheckEpisode 35.Julie Kinscheck, singer-songwriter, teacher, and group leader extraordinaire, is a woman of many musical talents. Whether singing sacred or secular music – hymns, Christmas carols, jazz, or folk music – she brings passion and a desire to share her God-given abilities with the audience. After years of performing and teaching, the Covid lock-down created time to produce a book, Vocal Training for Praise Singers. Intended mainly for Christian praise singers, it is a robust teaching tool replete with exercises, explanations of physiology, tips for worship team leaders and devotionals. Julie’s passion for the Lord and singing, combin...
2023-03-2341 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeJewish Values of Do Good. Be Good. Bring Goodness – Elissa FelderEpisode 34.As a traditional Jew attending an Orthodox synagogue, Elissa believes that the Torah provides a blueprint for living. God is an ever-present force in her life and she has an ongoing relationship with God. After the death of her first child, Elissa studied the Jewish beliefs of death and the afterlife. In addition to the studies, becoming involved in tahara, the Jewish practice of preparing a Jew for burial, has been meaningful. Elissa described several metaphors including the messy back of a tapestry as the details of life and the fetus in utero as creation u...
2023-03-0953 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeA Convert in Islamic Education – Hamzah HenshawEpisode 33, Hamzah has traveled an unexpected path from his Episcopalian childhood. Befriending an Indian Muslim classmate in 10th grade, he became enamored of Islam and accepted the faith after months of study. It has remained his true path and he has spent most of his career in Islamic education. Despite the unusual conversion, Hamzah has not rejected his upbringing religiously or educationally, continuing to hold the values of learning and faith. He lives a model of steady progress towards big dreams, even if the path remains unclear. Highlights:· Converting to Islam...
2023-02-2336 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeChristian Pastoral Therapist – William HemphillEpisode 32. William brings heart, head and soul together in his work as a pastoral therapist. The combination means being attuned to the spiritual values, history and trauma, along with where therapeutic techniques should be used. While he is Christian and works mostly with other Christians, he is open to helping anyone. Highlights:· We have more in common than we think.· Praying together as a couple is a part of your communication.· Listen to understand not to respond. · LEARN: Listen, Empathize, Act, Resist, and Never quit.· Conflicting views of the Bible and how to liv...
2023-02-0950 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeA Muslim in Practical Theology – Saiyyidah ZaidiEpisode 31. Saiyyidah brings her experience of Practical Theology to life in this engaging conversation. Landing in the field by accident, then choosing to remain, she views the staunchly white Christian British arena with an outsider’s eyes, while valuing the bridging of the Academy and religious leaders. Her perspective as a Muslim woman of color, prompted a deep exploration of her identity, for which she is grateful. Since completing her Doctorate in Practical Theology, Saiyyidah has combined that theory and use of conversation in her coaching and training on belonging. Highlights:· Conversa...
2023-01-2648 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeA Jew in Germany – Oliver BradleyEpisode 30.Coming from a multi-cultural and inter-religious home, finding his way into Jewish expression has been a process. This flowered after moving to Germany, soon after the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, and coinciding with a great hunger for German Jewish history there. Oliver has since found a home in traditional services. His individual prayer experience is the important element and the path towards being a better person.Highlights: · There are many ways of being Jewish. Each person needs to find their own way. · For Oliver, services provide either beauty with singing to...
2023-01-1239 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeBonus – Authenticity in Spirituality (with Orneita Burton)Episode 29. Orneita Burton, a professor at Abilene Christian University in Abilene Texas, speaks about Authenticity in Spirituality. This intention to be genuine in our relationship with God involves reflection, reading scripture, and serving others. Authenticity is a challenge, as it calls for understanding ourselves and others. Part of the difficulty is from the spiritual warfare between God and the dark forces which can misdirect us. For Orneita, her authentic spirituality is through Christ, but any relationship with God can be authentic. Being open to people and experiences and removing preconceptions that limit learning and growth help u...
2022-12-2946 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeHealth as a Jewish Priority – Moishe Dov ChaninEpisode 28.Moishe Dov is a life-long and dedicated member of the Chabad-Lubavitch Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn, New York. He speaks from the heart of his journey through addiction and subsequent sobriety. With regained health, taking up a daily practice of Jewish study has re-trained his definition of discipline into a positive and reliable force. IMPORTANT: This episode includes discussion of addiction and suicide. Listener discretion advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or suicidal ideation, seek help –Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (USA) – dial 988 AA – https://www.aa.org
2022-12-2235 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeA Mormon Following in God's Footsteps – Margaret AgardEpisode 27.As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as LDS and the Mormon church, Margaret lives her faith deeply. In this lively conversation, she speaks openly about learning to hear the voice of God and some of the instructions she has been given. Sometimes they are prosaic directives to invite families to dinner or bring soup to a neighbor. Writing the In His Footsteps series about these conversations and her marriage are also seen as something God wants her to do. Besides describing her own faith path, she explains some...
2022-12-0842 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeA Muslim Grateful to God – Nayma Tasnim IslamEpisode 26.Nayma speaks from the heart in describing the ups and downs of her journey – growing up in Bangladesh and moving to America with her family after university. Despite the challenges of immigrating, she has persevered. Internalizing the belief that it was God’s plan to continue her path in a new country, she set about building a new life. Graduate school and work, along with teaching children at local mosques and taking in the natural beauty of her adopted country have given her joy. She is grateful for all the opportunities. Highlight...
2022-11-2437 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifePictures of Your Jewish Soul – David GreenEpisode 25.The meaningless Judaism of his childhood Conservative synagogue, and the depressing results of chasing pop music fame, prompted a search for the ‘truth’ of Judaism. Since studying Talmud in Jerusalem in his 20s, David has felt a deep connection to the land of Israel and a spiritual home in the Orthodox community. Inspired by the Tanya, David has authored the Real You Project. In this conversation, we exchange differing experiences and views, without the need to agree. Highlights:· Despite growing up Jewish in the USA, David has found a s...
2022-11-1040 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeThe Qur’an and Islamic Covenants – Halim RaneEpisode 24. Halim’s faith is grounded in the Qur’an and its message of God’s existence and as guide for living. His research into Mohammed’s covenants, including those in the Qur’an, show their authenticity, predominantly accepted by people doing interfaith work. This conversation is a fascinating exploration of the diverse Australian community, Halim’s research and teaching about Islam, Islam-West relations, the Qur’an, and Mohammed’s covenants with non-Muslim groups. Highlights:· As a professor, Halim studies the perception of covenants and their impact in interfaith work, pluralism and treatment of non-M...
2022-10-2748 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeThe Lord Will Provide, A Christian View – Allyson HilliardEpisode 23. A practicing Baptist Christian, Allyson brings her faith into all that she does. As a physician, co-founder of the apparel company Be Bougie, Deacon at her church and active volunteer in her sorority, not to mention time with family and friends, her sense of purpose derived from God guides her. Even in bad times, she retains her faith that God has a plan, knows what is best and is by her side. Experience has taught her that things will work out, even if she doesn’t know how or why. In this touching conversation, Allyson speaks...
2022-10-1342 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeBonus – Tahara, a Jewish Tradition (Barbara Neustadt)Episode 22.In this Bonus episode, Barbara Neustadt talks about Tahara, the sacred Jewish tradition of washing and preparing a body for burial. As co-President of the Community Hevra Kadisha of Greater Boston, and a member since its founding in 2013, Barbara has a wealth of knowledge and personal experience. She generously and clearly explains the structure and process of Tahara, as well as who participates. Barbara also describes the broader community aspects, some challenges that have come up over the years and the spiritual richness involved. Perhaps because most of us do not think much about...
2022-09-2938 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeMeant to be a Muslim – Emi FerminEpisode 21.Emi spoke with heart about his complex background – growing up Roman Catholic by Dominican immigrants, converting to Islam at Boston University, speaking Spanish as a first language, and his racial and cultural identity as both Hispanic and Black. All of this makes Emi the unique human he is. Having explored various religions and lived in different places, he is able to understand what it is like to be in another place. Moreover, he is guided by the Qur’anic verse: “I made you different so that you may get to know one another”. Each person’s complexity...
2022-09-2233 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeA Christian Focusing on the Problems – Luis Menéndez-AntuñaEpisode 20.Luis, Professor at Boston University, spoke of several big topics, including Liberation Theology, religion as a complex entity, LGBTQ identity, and the importance of focusing on problems rather than identity. Luis unpacks complex theological ideas and connects them to everyday life. In addition to Christian theology and elements of the New Testament, we drew lines to Jewish concepts. Highlights:· Luis is comfortable with the various elements of his identity – Catholic, gay, Spanish immigrant in America, scholar – and how they fit together. · Being part of a religious tradition does not require us to agre...
2022-09-0848 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeA Christian Hearing God's Voice – Kelly BaaderEpisode 19. Kelly has overcome a difficult childhood and built a successful career as a marketing strategist, coach, mentor to entrepreneurs, speaker and published author. Accepting Christ in her 20s and developing a relationship with God has fueled her Christ-centered work with other Christians. Highlights:· She lives a Christian lifestyle as an Evangelical.· Religion is the rules and structure.· God’s message is an impression on her heart· Studying the Bible attunes her ear to God’s ‘voice’ and message.· Studying the Bible and prayer teaches her to recognize God’s voice.
2022-08-2534 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeChristian Worship from the Heart – Sostheng KituyiEpisode 18. Born in Uganda and raised in Kenya, Sos has lived in the U.S. for ten years, learning about the system and how he can build a new life. Despite the challenges, he remains positive and focused on the opportunities and bringing joy through stories. He is a published author, and his children's book was inspired by his interactions with African Americans. As a Black African, he brings a unique perspective to the Black experience and opportunities in America. Sos has retained his Anglican Christian faith, although he has not yet found a comfortable Anglican comm...
2022-08-1136 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeA Gift from God for a Christian – Sue HowardEpisode 17.Sue clarified her identity as an evangelical Christian during her PhD program (UK), understanding that faith was more important than leadership. When you live ‘in spirit’, you are an influencer and a leader. While living a life in Christ and according to the Seven Fruits of the Holy Spirit are key, she is sensitive to the context. Speech and behavior need to fit the situation, especially in a diverse work setting. Evangelicalism values discernment, being aware of who might be open to deepening their relationship with God and responding to that inquiry with love and care. ...
2022-07-2844 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeThe Spirit-led Christian Life – Rayne & Callie SimonsEpisode 16. Rayne and Callie Simons, Pentecostal Christians living in California. The Pentecostal way of life focuses on the emotional connection with God and the Holy Spirit. Through coaching football and nursing, they are ‘sowers of seed’, living by example. Family, friends and foes alike are treated with care and respect. Rayne and Callie see the core of the person, letting theological differences fall by the wayside. This Pentecostal way of life suits them, as it keeps the focus on the emotional connection with God and the Holy Spirit. Highlights:· Pentecostalism is...
2022-07-1440 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeBonus – Muslim Chaplaincy Meets Spiritual Needs (Nora Zaki)Episode 15. In this first Bonus episode, Nora speaks extensively about being a Muslim Chaplain on college campuses and elsewhere. Chaplains must wear many hats – supporter, advocate, program developer, and interfaith colleague. While chaplains work in many settings – colleges, hospitals, prisons, and even companies, Nora felt called to the college environment. As a passionate and knowledgeable Muslim, she approached that work with sensitivity, responding to the various needs of Muslim students. In addition to the normal challenges they face as young adults, Muslim students sometimes struggle with inter-religious relationships, learning more about Islamic practice and adjusting to life in t...
2022-06-3031 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeOnly Love Can Change Us – Anberin PashaEpisode 14. Exploration and learning mark Anberin’s journey. Raised in Bangalore India by her mother, a Sufi Muslim who also found inspiration in Buddhism, Anberin was inquisitive and could explore, seeking her spiritual and creative home. The expressive place was filmmaking from an early age, though her spiritual home took longer to find. Eventually, she found it in Eastern Orthodoxy, while filming in Serbia. Anchored by Christ and enveloped by the sounds, scents, the repeated chants pull her deeper each time. Having begun documentary film studies with a passion for activism, her discovery of the ancient Eastern...
2022-06-2336 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeGod Guides a Jewish Life – Miriam Cohen FranzenEpisode 13. Miriam is a life-long Jew, but has practiced in different ways. Being mindful about food is one of many ways she lives the tradition. For Miriam, being a Conservative Jew fits perfectly, as it retains the liturgy and ritual, while being egalitarian, whereby men and women sit together in the sanctuary and women can lead services. The many lay-offs her husband went through were stressful. One day she realized that things had always worked out. Since then, she’s been able to apply that view to other life situations. Highlights: · ...
2022-06-0934 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeIslamic Beliefs, Entrepreneurial Passion – Azra Khalfan-KermaliEpisode 12. Azra embodies a commitment to living her Islamic faith – she models the lives of prophets as best she can, all the while being a strong entrepreneurial woman in the 21st century. Part of her approach is to follow the Qur’anic saying regarding the diversity of humans and learning from others, not despising them. Highlights:· Azra identifies as a Muslim and demurs on the question of sect affiliation, following her father’s advice to respect all sects and stress the commonalities. · As a Muslim woman who veils, she is a visible represen...
2022-05-2633 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeJewish Educator & Artist – Susan Fischer WeisEpisode 11. Raised in an observant home, Susan has been a Jewish professional, educator, and artist throughout her adult life. Being married to a rabbi has reinforced, though not formed, this public engagement in the community. Now that her husband has retired, and her own engagement has mostly ended, they are in a post-retirement transition. In addition to hearing about Susan’s background and current transition, we talk about the challenges facing interfaith families. Highlights:· Her family switched from an Orthodox to a Reform synagogue for her confirmation.· Art, education and Jewis...
2022-05-1239 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeOpen-hearted Conservative Christian – Deana ThayerEpisode 10.Being a committed Evangelical Christian means living by example every day, not just on Sunday morning at her non-denominational church. Deana seeks to live the biblical precepts and inspire curiosity through example. As a life-long Christian with beliefs on the conservative side, having word and deed be shaped by scripture is what she’s always known. Her surety of belief provides a basis for interaction with people following other paths. She welcomes the conversation and questions, as they either confirm her beliefs or prompt re-evaluation. Thoughtful guidance shows up in her podca...
2022-04-2838 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeMormon/LDS Therapist – Shane AdamsonEpisode 9. Shane's path in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called LDS or the Mormon Church) has had its share of change. After his troubled teenage years, he got straightened out, grew during his Mission experience. Family changes have prompted some adjustments in his beliefs and experience. Despite the challenges, he remains committed to his Christian faith and the church's values, while honoring the complexities in his family, including opening his heart to the LGBTQ community. Faith and family are supports for him, and he feels blessed to be a therapist providing family coun...
2022-04-1435 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeDedicated Muslim, Open Heart – Shabiha SheikhEpisode 8. Shabiha’s American upbringing by her Pakistani father and Guyanese mother and the multi-sect Islamic school her father organized built a strong base of knowledge about Islam. She then committed to be a Muslim more seriously at Rutgers University, where her Islamic studies intensified and she began to veil, wearing a hijab.Her Islamic identity and practice are foundational and inform her positive outlook. She is an experienced and diligent pharmacist, committed to delivering excellent health care to her customers. She is also a mother of two teenagers and an adventurous active woman. In add...
2022-03-2440 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeJewish Roots, Zen Practice & Improv – Maxine ShapiroEpisode 7. Maxine grew up in a Jewish home, including keeping kosher. She has left that strict observance but retains the core identity and some observance. Zen practice and meditation have been added, something she states proudly. Improv has also been a part of her life, creatively and professionally. In her work with corporations, she combines business savvy, improv and humor in her Collaborcate® method to empower employers to improve the customer-employee relationship. Highlights:· Collaboration begins with yes/and.· Creativity comes from listening to the voice inside, and meditation helps you to hea...
2022-03-1037 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeA Christian on God, Sobriety and Art – Brendan KillianEpisode 6.Brendan Killian reveals the entwined relationship between God, sobriety and his art making. He talks about how he experiences God outside the church, yet continues to feel a calmness in an empty dark quiet church. The aesthetics of a Catholic church, images he grew up with, continue to speak to him, even if the service distances him from God. Ten years of sobriety and the recovery movement, along with the prayers for every occasion, offer frequent moments of meditation and reflection. The combination provide a response to the anxiety and fear that so dominate life out...
2022-02-2432 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeEvangelical Faith in Jesus – Cathy SirvatkaEpisode 5.In this engaging conversation with Cathy, a web design professional from Chicago, we delve into her walk with God and how she lives her faith. From her Catholic upbringing through New Age, and on to her current home as a Born Again Christian. Besides her path, we touch on the books of the Bible and some important terminology. Highlights:- Identifying as Christian rather than Evangelical.- Reading the bible as a daily practice.- Becoming part of a church community after initial reservations it was a cult. - P...
2022-02-1133 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeAn Integrated Jewish Life – Yasminah RespesEpisode 4.Yasminah is many things – a wife, mother, writer and passionate Jewish educator. She is a Jew of Color and as such is part of an increasingly visible minority within a minority. Additionally, she is an Orthodox Jew with deeply held beliefs and practice. The daughter of educators, she has been steeped in Jewish education since childhood.Quotes:“We are Jews through and through.” “I guess in most crowds, I say I'm a Jew of color, even though I truly believe I am a Jew, even though I am darker...
2022-01-3036 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeGratitude for the Sufi Muslim Path – Yusef HayesEpisode 3.Yusef and I explore the deep integration of his practice as a Sufi Muslim in an interfaith life. He also explains the importance of the relationship with his Master/Sheikh and the path of Islamic mysticism.Highlights:· While Yusef identifies as a Sufi Muslim, part of the Sunni tradition, he has much respect for Shia Islam and sees himself as a universalist. · Yusef is incredibly grateful that he found a teacher and that his father converted to Islam. · The relationship of Disciple and Master/teacher is a central aspect of practici...
2022-01-0535 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeReclaiming and Expanding Catholic Belief – Nathan BakkanEpisode 2.Nathan and I talk about how they celebrate and integrate all the messy complicated parts of their religious, personal and professional life. From a Roman Catholic family to a Master of Divinity from Boston University, to Spiritual Director at Still Harbor, and that's just part of the story. Combining his trans and queer identity to providing spiritual accompaniment as a witch, elements of his Christian upbringing remain, an acknowledgement that you can leave the church but it never leaves you completely. Social Media links for Nathan:Instagram: @noa_253Web...
2022-01-0438 min
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily LifeTrailerTrailer.Living Our Beliefs explores how observant Christian, Jews and Muslims live their religion and faith. We will explore how we are supported by our practice or where it lets us down. To keep current about all Talking with God Project activities, join the mailing list at https://www.talkingwithgodproject.orgOn podcast apps hit SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW to get each episode.Thanks for tuning in! Future episodes will have guests––a new voice each time!Social Media links for Méli:Email – info@talkin...
2021-09-1302 min