Shows
Tachlis Media SuperfeedLive From Prague with Dovi Safier & Nachi Weinstein of Seforim Chatter PodcastAn unscripted conversation with Dovi Safier and Seforim Chatter podcast host Nachi Weinstein summarizing an amazing trip to Central Europe with the Daf Yomi Chaburah of Reb Sruly Borenstein and Eli Slomowitz of E&S Tours. This casual discussion covers the people and places we saw - Vienna, Bratislava (Chasam Sofer), Mikulov (Nikolsburg), Holesov (the Shach) & Prague. As we review this exciting trip, we attempt to provide some historical background and analysis, while it is constantly accompanied by light banter as well.
For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: yehuda@yehudageberer.co...
2023-05-181h 13JH SoudbitesLive From Prague with Dovi Safier & Nachi Weinstein of Seforim Chatter PodcastAn unscripted conversation with Dovi Safier and Seforim Chatter podcast host Nachi Weinstein summarizing an amazing trip to Central Europe with the Daf Yomi Chaburah of Reb Sruly Borenstein and Eli Slomowitz of E&S Tours. This casual discussion covers the people and places we saw - Vienna, Bratislava (Chasam Sofer), Mikulov (Nikolsburg), Holesov (the Shach) & Prague. As we review this exciting trip, we attempt to provide some historical background and analysis, while it is constantly accompanied by light banter as well.
For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history contact Yehuda at: yehuda@yehudageberer.co...
2023-05-181h 13
Talking Tachlis Podcast184. My Surrogacy Journey with Aliza Abrams KonigThis week Uri is joined by Aliza Abrams Konig. They start by reminiscing about Aliza's previous appearance on Talking Tachlis, and they touch on a number of hot button issues including lab grown meat, the Netflix movie You People, and Joe Rogan's recent antisemitic comments. They then spend most of the conversation discussing Aliza's experience having a child with a surrogate, including various issues relating to Jewish law, and common misconceptions. This is a different podcast where Aliza goes into more detail about her experience.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simultaneously-navigating-surrogacy-a-kidney/id1610003724?i=1000557506816
2023-02-0842 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast173. Redefining AntisemitismA couple of weeks ago, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas claimed that Israel had committed 50 massacres, 50 Holocausts, of Palestinians. And we were all set to discuss that. But then, this weekend, journalist and former Talking Tachlis guest Peter Beinart, published an op-ed, taking issue with Jewish groups who accuse critics of Israel of antisemitism. Are these stories connected? What is antisemitism? And must we reevaluate our definitions of antisemitism? Abbas Press Conference - https://www.timesofisrael.com/a-monstrous-lie-abbas-50-holocausts-claim-met-with-outrage-in-israel-germany/ Peter Beinart in NYT - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/26/opinion/antisemitism-israel-uae-saudi.ht...
2022-08-3146 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast172. An Update on Ukraine with Lazar BermanThis week Rivky and Uri speak with Lazar Berman, the diplomatic reporter for Times of Israel, to hear about his recent 3 week trip to Ukraine reporting on the war. They also discuss the latest updates on the current Iran nuclear deal negotiations. Lazar's work for Times of Israel - https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/lazar-berman/ To have Lazar speak in the New York area on either August 21 or September 6, you can reach him at Lazar@timesofisrael.com Links: Bill Maher segment about appropriation and "Jewface" https://youtu.be/uDkNm...
2022-08-1636 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast171. Should We Care About Jewface?This week, Rivky and Uri talk about the concept of "Jewface," or when a non-Jewish actor plays a very Jewish role. This will often involve using stereotypical Jewish mannerisms, or even prosthetic noses, as is the case with Bradley Cooper in an upcoming movie about Jewish composer Leonard Bernstein. Do we have a problem with this? Is it antisemitic? Is this phenominon comparable to the more well know practice of Blackface? Links: Ben and Jerry’s https://www.timesofisrael.com/ben-jerrys-seeks-injunction-against-parent-company-as-israel-legal-battle-goes-on/ https://nypost.com/2022/08/09/israeli-students-accuse-ben-jerrys-of-occupying-tribal-land/ Sara...
2022-08-1138 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast166. What Does July 4th Mean To Us?It's America's Independence Day, and we want to know how we should feel about that. Are we proud to be Americans? What does it mean to be patriotic? Do we have a unique perspective on this as Jews? How might other groups feel differently? Rivky calls in from Israel for this international July 4th edition of Talking Tachlis. NY Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/01/opinion/liberal-patriotism-july-fourth.html Frederick Douglass Speech - What To The Save Is July 4th: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/what-to-the-slave-is-the-fourth-of-july/ Grateful Dead - US Blues: https://www.youtube.com/watch...
2022-07-0549 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast123. Bennett, Stuyvesant, Columbus: Who Gets "Canceled"?This week, signs started popping up around Washington Heights, telling residents about a public meeting considering changing the name of Bennett Park, named after a famous (and racist) New Yorker. As we ponder this name change, we wonder: when is it appropriate to change a name, or take down a statue? Who should be deemed worthy of a statue, or naming of a park, or a school, or a street, or anything else, if anyone? And the most important question, can Tach-heads join the meeting en masse and push for naming the park Tachlis Park? Links: https://www.nycgovparks.org...
2020-12-0235 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast119. Should We All Be Vegetarians?Rosh Hashanah and the holiday season are fast approaching. There are all kinds of spiritual and logistical preparations that many of us have already begun, but let's not forget...food. In particular, meat. What does Judaism have to say about our meat-eating habits? The Jewish sources on eating meat are somewhat nuanced. Are we meant to be vegetarians, or is that left-wing moralism? More broadly, how should we be thinking about this issue? BONUS: Stay until the end for an interview with Anna Hanau, co-founder of Grow and Behold. Grow and Behold: https://www.growandbehold.com/
2020-09-1044 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast118. Secular Humanist Judaism with Rabbi Denise HandlarskiThis week, Uri and Rivky are joined by Rabbi Denise Handlarski, the creator and leader of the online community Secular Synagogue. She talks about leading a secular congregation, being a humanist rabbi, what makes Jewish identity/religion important, and the challenges and strengths of intermarriage.
2020-09-0255 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast117. Seth Rogen's Jewish PickleThis week, Uri and Rivky play clips from and discuss Seth Rogen's recent appearance on WTF with Marc Maron. Seth and Marc got into fascinating - and Jewy - discussions, which we jump off of, about the lies they were fed about Israel in their childhood, the value of marrying another Jew, chasidic Jews, how they define the “chosen people,” and how their grandparents might reflect on them, looking at their lives today. WTF: http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episode-1143-seth-rogen Israel Hayom: https://www.israelhayom.com/2020/08/09/seth-rogens-israel-comments-illustrate-fraying-israel-diaspora-ties/ An American Pickle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBC0pTh6GDM
2020-08-1343 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast116. Israel and the Jewish Soul with Yossi Klein HaleviThis week, Uri and Rivky spoke to Yossi Klein Halevi, American-born Israeli author and journalist. Halevi had a lot to say about last week's guest, Peter Beinart, and his recent article calling for a one-state solution. He also talked about the difference between dialogue with Palestinians and dialogue with left-wing Jews, and shared reflections on 15 years after the disengagement from Gaza. Links: Letter To My Neighbor Website: https://www.letterstomyneighbor.com/ Yossi Klein Halevi's books: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=yossi+klein+halevi&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
2020-07-3149 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast115. Do We Need A Jewish State? A Conversation With Peter BeinartThis week, Uri and Rivky sit down for a thought-provoking conversation with journalist and political commentator Peter Beinart. Beinart has made a recent splash in his recent political conversion: he no longer believes in a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine; rather, Beinart sees hope in a single secular binational state, with equal rights for Jews and Palestinians. Uri and Rivky ask him about fears for this new state, if he's given up on both Israeli and Palestinian self-determination, and how Judaism has impacted his evolving thoughts. They also discuss antisemitism in America and in the Arab world, the symbolism...
2020-07-2054 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast114. DeSean Jackson and Confronting Anti-SemitismLast week, DeSean Jackson, wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, found himself in hot water after posting several insensitive social media posts about Jews. Though he was widely condemned, he was also supported, by fans, teammates, and too many others. Uri and Rivky talk about Jackson's posts and his apologies, and ask, what makes this bigotry different than other bigotry? Related links: Malcolm Jenkins on Drew Brees https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljO-TXjk3-Y Malcom Jenkins on DeSean Jackson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URMhErLdfEk Desean Jackson Hitler post https://twitter.com/StopAntisemites/status/1280276810509488128 Desean Jackson 2nd apology...
2020-07-1441 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast113. Remembering Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm with Rabbi Dr. Ari LammRabbi Dr. Norman Lamm, the longtime leader of Yeshiva University and staunch believer in centrist Orthodoxy, passed away two weeks ago. This week, Uri and Rivky speak to his grandson, Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm, about Rabbi Lamm's legacy, including his complex approach to divisive issues, how his sermons speak to us through every generation, and his rabbinic leadership. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/31/obituaries/Norman-Lamm-Dead.html
2020-06-1649 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast112. A Jewish Response To Police BrutalityThis week, Uri and Rivky discuss the tragic death of George Floyd, and the countrywide protests that have been taking place in response. Links: NYT timeline of events https://www.nytimes.com/article/george-floyd-protests-timeline.html Trevor Noah https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4amCfVbA_c&t=958s
2020-06-0257 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast111. How To Respond To A Rogue Minyan?Ignoring the strict guidance from rabbinic and medical leadership, several members of Young Israel of Deerfield Beach held a "secret" minyan - and the response has been swift and fierce. Uri and Rivky ask, were the consequences appropriate? How should we treat people who go rogue? Letter from YIDB leadership: https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/featured/1860074/read-this-letter-florida-shul-to-throw-our-members-who-attended-rouge-minyan.html Elon Musk on Joe Rogan Podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcYjXbSJBN8 Rabbi Yitz Greenberg: How Charedi Orthodox Theology Failed Its Followers https://njjewishnews.timesofisrael.com/how-charedi-orthodox-theology-failed-its-followers/ Shaul Magid: Covid 19, Haredi Jewry, and "Magical" Thinking https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/belief...
2020-05-1539 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast110. Let's Talk About Sex: A Conversation With the Hosts of Joy of Text PodcastThis week, the cohosts of the Joy of Text podcast, Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus and Rabbi Dov Linzer, speak to Uri and Rivky about their podcast, how to live with the clashes that can come up between Judaism and sexuality, and what healthy sex education could look like in the Orthodox school system.
2020-05-0844 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast109. The Most Interesting Man In Teaneck: A Conversation With Rabbi Danny SenterDanny Senter is many things: a rabbi, EMT, car enthusiast, beekeeper, umpire, clock repairperson, forager, beer brewer...and that's just the beginning. This week, Uri and Rivky speak to the most interesting man in Teaneck about his reflections on the coronavirus pandemic from his perspective as an EMT, as a rabbi in Teaneck, the epicenter in NJ, and about having so many unusual hobbies in the observant community. Beekeeping links: http://njbees.com/index.html https://youtu.be/mjODllEBUm8?t=534
2020-04-2334 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast108. Making Masks, Saving Lives: A Conversation With Rabbi Dr. Gil PerlMany of us look around and are driven to despair. But this week, Uri and Rivky speak to Rabbi Dr. Gil Perl, head of school at the Kohelet Yeshiva, about how Kohelet has pivoted in the last few weeks, fabricating special face shields for local Philadelphia medical professionals who are on the front lines battling COVID-19. Rabbi Perl tells us how this project came about, why he sees this as fitting perfectly into the educational model of Kohelet, and how he sees the lessons going forward into a post-corona age, whenever that may be. To donate to the face shield...
2020-04-0727 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast107. Coping With Isolation and Loneliness With Marc FeinWe're now finishing our third full week of social distancing due to COVID-19. It's been draining, isolating, and painful for many of us, but as our guest Marc Fein reminds us, loneliness and isolation isn't new, for many members of our community. Uri and Rivky talk to Marc about mental health in the Jewish community, tips for handling solo seders, and how we can be resources to one another during this difficult time. Marc, What I Be project, http://whatibeproject.com/portfolio-item/i-am-not-my-role-2/ Solo Seder webinar: https://zoom.us/rec/play/6MZ4dL_5_Dw3GoXDtASDB_Z8W43oKv-s1XQWqfZbzh63UnZVMVbyNbIXYbYlxzpmvG95...
2020-04-0330 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast106. Positive Psychology In the Time of QuarantineThis week has been another heavy week. Many of us are seeing illness and even death within our circles, and even beyond that, changed routines, loss of control, and anxiety are pervading our lives. Uri and Rivky speak to Dr. Aviva Goldstein, an educator and family counselor based in Jerusalem, about how to deal with the overwhelming anxiety many of us, including children, are facing about the unknown and the future. https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-kids-of-corona-cultivating-character/ https://www.avivagoldstein.com/
2020-03-3132 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast105. New Rochelle, Retail, And Covid-19: How One Business Owner Is ProcessingThis week, Rivky and Uri speak with Michael Berkowitz, founder of luxury outerwear brand Norwegian Wool. They discuss how Covid-19 has affected New Rochelle, how it has affected his business (much of which is based in Italy) and they touch on some broader takeaways from the crisis we've all been thrown into over the last few weeks. Links: Norwegian Wool: https://norwegian-wool.com/
2020-03-2551 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast104. What A Crazy Year This Past Week Has Been: Checking In With Rabbi Heshie BilletAs we try to get used to our new reality, we hope everyone is staying safe and staying home. This week we spoke with Rabbi Heshie Billet from the Young Israel of Woodmere to get an idea of what he has been dealing with in his community and beyond (and for some much needed humor!).
2020-03-1724 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast103. "Yiddish Redt Zikh Aleyn" with Rabbi Reuben and Mrs. Annette BlumThis week, with Coronavirus spreading around the world, we hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. Instead of addressing the current crisis, we want to take you back to a simpler time, specifically 3 weeks ago... After our episode with Arun Viswanath, Uri had a conversation with his grandparents. They talk about their families, their childhood, and their relationship with the Yiddish language.
2020-03-111h 03
Talking Tachlis Podcast102. Coming Out As A Gay Rabbi With Rabbi Daniel AtwoodThis week, Uri and Rivky interview special guest Rabbi Daniel Atwood - yes, that Rabbi Daniel Atwood. Daniel talks about how the recent YCT brouhaha upended his life, changed the way he thought, and has affected him in the year since. They also discuss what the boundaries of Orthodoxy are (or should be), what it means to be an Orthodox leader, and how being gay impacts him as a rabbi.
2020-03-0454 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast101. Creating New Jewish Rituals with Rabbi Ben GreenfieldThis week, Uri and Rivky interview special guest Rabbi Ben Greenfield. Over the last few years, Ben has created and coordinated hundreds of Jewish communal events, including a Yom Hashoah levaya, a Yom "Ki"Purim celebration, Shavuot seders, and Hanukkah symposiums. We talk about what some of these rituals look like and we ask, what is this? What does it mean about us that we are creating new ritual? Is it even Orthodox to do things like this?? They also discuss what it means to be a rabbinic leader today, in the age of social media and controversy. To speak...
2020-02-2451 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast100. Lomir Redn Tachlis! (Let's Talk Tachlis!) with Arun ViswanathThis week, on our very special 100th episode, Uri and Rivky interviewed Arun Viswanath, who recently translated and published the Yiddish translation of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (ALREADY SOLD OUT!!). Arun, Uri, and Rivky discuss the new book and ask, what is Yiddish and why is it important? Why shouldn’t we let it die? How is Yiddish similar, or different, to other religious cultural aspects? And, can Yiddish be separated from Judaism? (P.S. Recognize the dulcet tones on that Yiddish song? Hi Uri!) To pre-order the second edition of the book: https://harrypotter.olniansky.com/ Arun...
2020-02-1236 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast99. Kobe's LegacyKobe Bryant, basketball legend, died last week at the age of 41 in a sudden accident. Immediately, as often seems to happen, people flocked to social media, some posting about the amazing player and person he was, and others reminding us that he is still accused of rape and assault. And, of course, legacies are complicated. How does this Kobe situation, from 15 years ago, relate to “cancel culture” - does it? How “bad” does accusations about a person have to be, to be a part of their legacy? How do we determine who gets to be “forgiven” - does the accuser make that de...
2020-02-0530 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast98. Should We Mix Politics and Religion?This week, Uri and Rivky discuss two topics about the mixing (or lack thereof) of religion and politics. In Israel, Rav Yoel Bin Nun denounced religious Zionist politics parties, and argued that religious leadership in the Knesset has been an epic failure. In America, Espizona vs. Montana is just another event in the saga of the separation of church and state. Uri and Rivky ask, is there room for the mixing of religion and politics? What place, if any, should religion have in the public sphere, and how does our identity as religious Jews affect our perspective on this issue...
2020-01-2935 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast97. What Is A Secular Synagogue?This week, Uri and Rivky discuss a recent Tablet article: “Secular Synagogues Take Root in Israel.” (Thanks to astute Tach-head Adi for the tip!) As the article documented, there is a recent rise of non-observant Israelis looking for deeper spiritual connection to Judaism, and they're finding it in new ways, like through secular synagogues. But is a secular synagogue an oxymoron? Is this movement inspiring, or sacrilegious, or both? And could/should such a movement exist here in the United States? Related links: Secular Synagogues Take Root In Israel: https://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-life-and-religion/295429/secular-synagogues-take-root-in-israel Reform/Conservative Movements In Israel: http...
2020-01-1431 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast96. Was the Jewish Unity March Inclusive Enough?This week, Uri and Rivky speak about the recent march against antisemitism, where over 10,000 marched from Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn to protest the recent antisemitic incidents. Many have mentioned the less-then-huge participation of Hasidic and Haredi groups. Uri and Rivky ask, when is it appropriate to focus on, or let go of, different factions within a larger community? How do we foster love, community, and unity when some groups reject others? See more here: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/05/nyregion/anti-semitism-solidarity-march-nyc.html https://jewishweek.timesofisrael.com/25000-people-march-against-anti-semitism-in-new-york-city/ AOC at the march: https://twitter.com/AOC/status/1213915349302882304
2020-01-0929 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast95. The Tach-Heads Talk!This week, instead of hearing from Uri and Rivky, we hear from you: the Tach-Heads! You spoke about who you tend to agree with, the issues from this past year that you thought were the most important, the things you want us to discuss in the future, and the people you want us to interview.
2020-01-0218 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast94. Trump's Executive Order: Good For The Jews?In the last few weeks, antisemitism has been back in the news. (Did it ever leave?) President Trump released his executive order on combating antisemitism, and, in that same week, Jews were gunned down in a kosher grocery store in Jersey City, an unprecedented act that shook many of us to our core. Uri and Rivky ask, what about the executive order was so controversial? And, what happened in Jersey City? Is there a larger meaning to it all? And, ultimately, is there any connection we can draw between these two events? Links: Executive Order: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions...
2019-12-2638 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast93. The Scoop on Jewish Journalism with Gary RosenblattThis week, Uri and Rivky spoke with Gary Rosenblatt. Before retiring several months ago, Gary had been the Editor In Chief at the Jewish Week for almost thirty years, and he now serves as Editor At Large. They spoke about the responsibilities of journalism, what “Jewish” journalism looks like, and how to filter bias and respond to criticism when reporting on your own community. Gary also reflects on the most important stories he wrote, and didn’t write, over his career in journalism. Between the Lines: Reflections on the American Jewish Experience -A Collection From 20 Years of Columns as the Editor...
2019-12-1837 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast92. Meaningful Musar or Wrongful Rebuke?This week Rivky and Uri discuss a recent article written by Rabbi Steven Pruzansky, entitled "The First Modern Orthodox Jew: Two Models." Rabbi Pruzansky contrasts Avraham and Lot, and uses them as models for two ways Orthodox Jews can approach the secular world, specifically the world of secular college. Rivky and Uri ask, does this article accurately depict the MO world? Too harsh? Not harsh enough? And what do we think in general about this type of approach to Jewish life? Links: Rabbi Pruzansky's blog https://rabbipruzansky.com/ Rabbi Pruzansky's Wikipedia page - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Pruzansky Music...
2019-12-0437 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast91. "Secrets of Jewish Femininity" With Shoshanna Keats-JaskollThis week, Uri and Rivky welcome writer and activist Shoshanna Keats-Jaskoll, who believes that the attempt to erase women from Judaism is a scourge Orthodoxy must take seriously. Uri, Rivky, and Shoshanna discuss activism and feminism, and ask, is this really as big a deal as people think? How can you be frum and feminist? And what are the fundamental goals for this movement?
2019-11-2756 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast90. Astrology in the Age of UncertaintyLast month, The New Yorker published a piece entitled, “Astrology in the Age of Uncertainty,” in which the writer asked, what’s with all these educated millennials who see no contradiction between using astrology and believing in science? Uri and Rivky speak to some of those same millennials, and ask, what’s the deal? Why do we seem to find astrology so compelling? What do Jewish sources tell us about astrology? And, is it real, and does that matter? Links: New Yorker Article https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/10/28/astrology-in-the-age-of-uncertainty Wikipedia Jewish Astrology https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_views_on_astrolog...
2019-11-2055 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast89. Peoplehood, Pluralism, and Power: A Conversation With Dr. Elana Stein HainWhat are the defining issues for the American Jewish community to tackle in the 21st century? To speak to this, Uri and Rivky speak to Dr. Elana Stein Hain, Scholar in Residence at the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, and leading Orthodox thinker and speaker. They also get into lots of the most relevant questions of our day, including: is Zionism is essential to being a religious Jew? How should we handle religious text that make us cringe? And, why we don’t speak about God when we speak about religion?
2019-11-151h 05
Talking Tachlis Podcast88. Jews and Conservatism: A Conversation with Rabbi Mark GottliebThough the majority of Jews in America see themselves as left-leaning, the majority of Orthodox Jews lean more to the right. This week, Uri and Rivky spoke to Rabbi Mark Gottlieb, Senior Director of the Tikvah Fund and Dean of the Tikvah Summer Institute at Yale University. We ask Rabbi Gottlieb: What is Tikvah? What is Jewish conservatism? We also discuss some challenges facing modern Jewish education, as well as the lessons that Jews can learn from other religious groups, such as Christians and Muslims. Jews and Conservatism conference: https://www.jewishleadershipconference.org/
2019-11-061h 05
Talking Tachlis Podcast87. Antisemitism After PittsburghIt’s been one year since the shooting at Tree of Life, in which a right-wing gunman entered the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and killed 11 people, and injured 6 more. At the one year anniversary, Uri and Rivky analyze the articles and think pieces published about American antisemitism - particularly Bari Weiss, Zack Beauchamp, and Deborah Lipstadt. They ask, how has the American Jewish community changed since Tree of Life? What is a more “important” focus - left-wing antisemitism, or right-wing antisemitism? And, is is "good" that, for some, fear or negativity has become motivation for Jewish life or Jew...
2019-10-2943 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast86. Marijuana, LSD, and Drugs in Jewish TraditionThis week, Uri and Rivky start by talking about Yom Kippur in Israel, as well as the recent controversy regarding the NBA and China. Then they dive into their main topic: a recent letter released by the Chicago Rabbinical Council (CRC), addressing the upcoming legalization of recreational marijuana in the state of Illinois. The letter strongly states that recreational marijuana violates halacha and is forbidden. Uri and Rivky discuss the relevance of this statement, as well as some very interesting Jewish sources relating to all kinds of other mind-altering substances. Links: Yom Kippur in Israel: https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-shuts-down-for-yom-kippur-2...
2019-10-1342 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast85. Pop Culture ApologiesOn the first episode of 5780, Rivky and Uri start by going over some feedback from last week's episode. Then in the spirit of Yom Kippur and the 10 Days of Repentance, they talk about what makes a good apology, they play some clips of great thinkers discussing the topic, and they analyze some famous apologies (and non-apologies) from this past year. Links: Paul McCartney on Colbert https://youtu.be/475Yc5YlqAU?t=440 Atone Phone Colbert http://www.cc.com/video-clips/liknzb/the-colbert-report-atone-phone---ira-glass-calls SNL Pete Davidson and Dan Krenshaw The original joke - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukbtA3df8BI...
2019-10-0739 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast84. Traditional Jews, Non-Traditional Torah?This week, Uri and Rivky first break down some of the recent feedback from the YU March episode - and Uri offers an Elul apology. They they dive into today's topic, a recent article published by Rabbi Gil Student - "Is 929 Kosher?" 929 is the Tanach equivalent of Daf Yomi, in which people study a daily chapter of Tanach. Alongside the actual text study, the website both offer interpretations and commentaries from modern thinkers - both Orthodox and non-Orthodox. In Rabbi Student's essay, he argues that because there are “non-traditional interpretations of Tanakh,” and “perspectives from people who do not consider the te...
2019-09-2540 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast83. LGBTQ and YUThis week, Uri and Rivky begin with feedback about the Rabbi Linzer interview and surmise that everyone's biggest shock was how traditional Rabbi Linzer is. (Some like that, and some hate that, go figure.) They then dive into the main topic for this week’s episode, Yeshiva University and the student march for LGBTQ representation, and the follow-up, the #PledgeNotToPledge campaign. They ask, how homophobic is YU? (What is homophobia, anyway?) If you strip down the five “goals” the organizers are asking for - what do you think is the focus? Is homophobia more common among the students, or among the un...
2019-09-1858 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast82. Judaism, Modernity and Values: A Conversation With Rabbi Dov LinzerThis week, Uri and Rivky speak with Rabbi Dov Linzer, the President and Rosh HaYeshiva of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, and a leader in the liberal Orthodox world. We’ve discussed Rabbi Linzer and YCT on the show many times, but sitting down with him is a whole other story! After discussing a little bit about his background, we dove into some important topics, such as: should biblical criticism be a part of Orthodox education? [What is out of bounds? Are there bounds?] What about Zionism, and a love for Israel? We also spoke about a classic TT topic, the role of...
2019-09-111h 27
Talking Tachlis Podcast81. Is Once In 70 Years Too Often?This week Uri and Rivky start off by getting a little deeper into the Jewish dual loyalty conversation. Should American Jews who serve in the IDF feel weird telling non-Jewish Americans about their army service? They also look at some historical examples of groups of Americans who's loyalty was questioned. Then they dive into the main topic: What do we think about the death penalty? Is there ever a reason to use it? More specifically, should the perpetrator of the Pittsburgh Tree of Life shooting be punished by death? Finally, should this decision take into account the fact that many...
2019-09-0536 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast80. Are American Jews Disloyal?This week, Uri and Rivky first touch on the new HBO series "Our Boys." Don't worry, no spoilers, but watch along with us! Next, our topic at hand: as Jewish Americans, many of us feel a connection to Israel. But how does that relate to Jewish dual loyalty? Is it real? If America and Israel came into conflict, would we pick a stand? Where? And, are other groups and religions accused of dual loyalty in the same way that Jews are? Related links: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-doubles-down-calling-jewish-democrats-disloyal-israel-n1044861 https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/21/us/politics/jews-disloyal-trump.html http://nymag...
2019-08-2830 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast79. Give Me A Ticket For An Airplane (Or Actually Don't)Uri and Rivky spent the past week attempting to stay away from Tlaib, Omar, Bibi, and Trump. They were soooo close, but...no cigar. In this week's ep, they first review the extensive feedback re: last week's episode, about women and the daf yomi videos. Then they talk a little about Tlaib and Omar's cancelled trip to Israel, and a lot about Trump's charge of "disloyal" Jewish American Democrats and ask - is this just a dumpster fire? Is there anything we can get out of this? Music for the ep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lk4DJIss1Oc
2019-08-2232 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast78. Live and Let Live?In a few months, we will be celebrating the completion of the Daf Yomi, a seven-and-a-half-year cycle of learning the entirety of the 2,711 pages of the Babylonian Talmud. Last time, the largest gathering for the celebration took place at MetLife Stadium in NJ, where a sellout crowd of 90,000+ came to listen to speeches, sing, dance, and celebrate this huge milestone. This week, Uri and Rivky discuss a few videos that have been created and promoted by Agudat Israel, the organization that creates this mega event. The first shows a few of the men who are completing the Talmud, and speaks...
2019-08-0732 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast77. What If They’re Not Coming for the Jews This Time?This week, Uri and Rivky discuss David Frum’s piece in the Atlantic, “What If They’re Not Coming for the Jews This Time? Trump poses a new test for the American Jewish community.” Frum asks, what if Trump and his world are actually pro-Jewish and pro-Israel? What does that mean for us? As Frum puts it, “Jews generally believe ourselves to be bound by an ethical code of tolerance and decency larger than our own parochial interests. Trump seems intent on putting that belief to the test. Will we meet it as a united community? Or by tempting Jews with privi...
2019-08-0127 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast76a. (Full) Phish and the Jews with Special Guest Jonny MillerOn this phantastic episode, Uri and Rivky talk to Phish aficionado Jonny Miller about the unique phenomenon that is the band Phish, and their fans, affectionally called Phishheads. Why does Phish have such a large and passionate following - particularly among the Jewish community? [Don't worry - you don't need to be a Phishhead for this episode to be fun. Just ask Rivky, who is, as of yet, unconvinced.] PSA: Our conversation went a little longer than usual, so we decided to release the episode in 2 versions, a long one and a short one. Just be thankful we didn't make...
2019-07-251h 10
Talking Tachlis Podcast76. (Condensed) Phish and the Jews with Special Guest Jonny MillerOn this phantastic episode, Uri and Rivky talk to Phish aficionado Jonny Miller about the unique phenomenon that is the band Phish, and their fans, affectionally called Phishheads. Why does Phish have such a large and passionate following - particularly among the Jewish community? [Don't worry - you don't need to be a Phishhead for this episode to be fun. Just ask Rivky, who is, as of yet, unconvinced.] PSA: Our conversation went a little longer than usual, so we decided to release the episode in 2 versions, a long one and a short one. Just be thankful we didn't make...
2019-07-2532 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast75. The Merits Of Cancel CultureLast week, the Jewish Press, a weekly newspaper geared towards modern-right Orthodox Jews, published an opinion piece entitled “The Pride Parade - What Are They Proud Of?” The Jewish Press’s Editor in Chief, Elliot Resnick, shared the article on Facebook with the caption “Sin, or the unusual predilection to commit a certain sin, is nothing to be proud of." Over the following few days, a heated conversation ensued in the comments section of that post, and it was also shared by a number of people who called for his dismissal from the newspaper, or for people to boycott the Jewish P...
2019-07-1731 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast74. Patriotism and its DiscontentsU-S-A! U-S-A! Talking Tachlis wishes a huge mazal tov to the US Women's National Soccer Team! They then dive into this week's topic: patriotism and our military. On July 4th, President Trump gave a much anticipated and controversial address at the Lincoln Memorial that focused on American patriotism and pride, mostly centering around the armed forces and US military victories. And this week, Fivethirtyeight profiled “The Guy Who Wants To Bring Back The Draft.” Chris, a 40 year old white man from Tennessee believes the United States should implement mandatory military service for all young men and women as a way to i...
2019-07-0931 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast73. What's In A Title?We're baaaack! This week, Uri and Rivky review the many emotional reactions to last week's concentration camp conversation. They then excitedly cheer on the US Women's Soccer Team - Uri just can't get enough of #sports! And lastly, they dive into the recent essay by Rabba Rachel Kohl Finegold about her decision to shift her title from Maharat Rachel to Rabba Rachel. Uri and Rivky ask, what do titles mean, exactly? And has there been a shift in our community, in regards to women's rabbinic leadership? Related links: AOC concentration camps: https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2019/06/18/ocasio-cortez_trump_administration_is...
2019-07-0328 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast72. Concentration Camps and Racist RantsRivky and Uri are back in New York and they dive right into some of this week's hot topics. First they talk about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's heartfelt pajama-clad Instagram Live video where she compares the terrible conditions in migrant detention facilities on the US-Mexico border to concentration camps. The Tach Team asks if this comparison is accurate, and even if it isn't, is criticizing AOC more important than criticizing the conditions in these camps? Then, they talk about the latest college admissions scandal. Harvard has retracted an offer of admissions to Kyle Kashuv, for racist and sexist remarks he made in...
2019-06-2630 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast71. What Do Israelis Have To Say?Rivky and Uri were both in Israel last week, and they got to visit their favorite Israeli podcast- The Promised Podcast! Listen to the shout out they get from their podcasting idol, Noah Efron https://tlv1.fm/full-show/promised-podcast/2019/06/13/the-labor-savers-edition/ Since the Talking Tachlis crew were in Israel, they decided to hit the streets of Jerusalem and find out what real Israelis of all stripes think about America's president. What they hear may surprise you... Music: Hanan Ben Ari - Tutim https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfLHAJrNnsM Café Shahor Hazak - Rak Laalot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v...
2019-06-1828 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast70. Super TrumpWelcome to our first virtual episode! This week, Uri and Rivky record from different studios - Rivky in the classic Drive In Productions spot, in NYC, and Uri from the satellite studio in Jerusalem. Uri begins by sharing some observations about his trip - such as, why do so many young, generally progressive, Israeli Jews love Trump? They then dive into this week's topic - Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, and its flag dance/march/parade. Uri and Rivky work through some complicated feelings about this day and ask, is it off-putting or is it exciting? Is it nationalistic or is...
2019-06-0429 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast69. Why Do We Watch Game Of Thrones?[Disclaimer: while there are no spoilers in the description, there will be spoilers in the episode itself!!] This week, we all finally watched the series finale of Game of Thrones, HBO's hugely popular epic fantasy TV series, based on George RR Martin's series of novels, "A Song of Ice and Fire." Uri and Rivky talk about their experiences of the show and ask, is it weird that, as religious people, we are so casually and publicly invested in a show filled with graphic violence, graphic sex, and graphically violent sex? They also ask about the show's treatment of women, and...
2019-05-2241 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast68. How To Understand Rashida TlaibRashida Tlaib, freshman Congressmember from Michigan, is back in the news, this time for comments she made on Skullduggery, a Yahoo podcast, last week, speaking about Israel, Palestine, the one-state solution, and her ancestors' roles during the Holocaust. Her comments were blasted, but why? What did she actually say, and what did she mean? Were Tlaib's words taken out of context? Were they purposely false? Misleading? Inexcusably ignorant? Antisemitic? None of the above? All of the above? Tlaib on Skullduggery: https://play.acast.com/s/skullduggery/fromrashidawithlove Tlaib on The Daily: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/22/podcasts/the-daily/house-democrats-rashida-tlaib.html
2019-05-1532 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast67. A Discussion About Sin With Special Guest David BashevkinThis week, Uri and Rivky have a special guest, Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin, unusual Orthodox Jewish educator and author of new book, Sin•a•gogue: Sin and Failure in Jewish Thought. They talk about what it means to fail and sin in today's world - how should we cope with both our own failure, as individuals, and with leadership and rabbinic failure, as a community? They also dive into the difficulties and failures of Jewish organization and rabbis and ask, what are the goals of Jewish education? Check out Dovid's book: https://www.amazon.com/Sinagogue-Failure-Thought-Perspectives-Post-Rabbinic/dp/1618117963 And you gotta follow him...
2019-05-0736 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast66. LGBTQ and Orthodox - Paradox or Possibility? With Special Guest Rachael FriedThis week, Uri and Rivky have a special guest - friend of the show (and friend of the hosts), Rachael Fried, deputy executive director for JQY, Jewish Queer Youth, a nonprofit organization supporting and empowering LGBTQ youth in the Jewish community. They start by talking about Daniel and YCT. (For the last time, really! Well, probably not, let's be real.) Then they branch out, talking about what it looks like to be an LGBTQ member of the Modern Orthodox community and ask, will LGBTQ members of our community ever be fully accepted? What would that look like? How can marginalized...
2019-04-2433 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast65. Pete Buttigieg And The Religious LeftThis week, Uri and Rivky start by sharing some of the feedback from last week's episode about Chovevei and Daniel Atwood. Spoiler - some positive, some negative! They then dive into this week's topic: the current standout in the Democratic Party primary, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, Pete Buttigeig. There is a lot to talk about when it comes to Mayor Pete, but Rivky and Uri focus specifically on his religion, which he is very vocal about. They ask, is his religion important? Who is the real Christian, Buttigeig or Mike Pence, who he attacks often? Is there a...
2019-04-1729 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast64. The Gay Orthodox ConundrumLast week, we read that Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, a liberal Modern Orthodox rabbinic school in NY, will not be granting ordination to one of its 4th year students, Daniel Atwood, who is gay. The details of this particular case are depressing, confusing, and unclear - which didn't stop many in the community erupting in strong reactions - some firmly behind Rabbi Dov Linzer, the president and Rosh Yeshiva of Chovevei, and some very angry with him, others blaming Daniel, and others strongly supporting him. We don't know all the details about this particular situation - but let's step away from...
2019-04-0933 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast63. Dirty Money/Dirty PeopleHope everyone is recovering well from Purim! This week, Uri and Rivky talk about two recent scandals from the past week - the allegations against megadonor, Michael Steinhardt, for sexual harassment, and against the Sackler family, who have begun to face criticism for their alleged role in creating the opioid crisis (as founders of Purdue Pharma, the distributors of OxyContin). They ask, how do we judge Steinhardt and the Sacklers? What is the responsibility of nonprofit organizations, especially Jewish nonprofit organizations, when it comes to donors? Does it matter how slimy they are, or their money is? (Big thanks to...
2019-03-2628 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast62. Snowplow ParentsThis week, Uri and Rivky dive into discussion about the college cheating admissions scandal. They ask, cheating is bad, but how does it compare to legacy, affirmation action, tutoring, coaching, and a long, long list of ways we boost students? Links: Woman who got football scholarship for a men's team: https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/28/sport/missouri-female-football-player-scholarship-spt-trnd/index.html College Admissions Scandal: https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2019/03/13/college-cheating-scandal-felicity-huffman-lori-laughlin-kaye-pkg-vpx.cnn NYT Snowplow Parents: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/16/style/snowplow-parenting-scandal.html Music: Talking Heads - Life During Wartime: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLwZvg46jms
2019-03-2034 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast61. Battle of the SexesThis week, Uri and Rivky discuss feedback about Ilhan Omar and antisemitism/islamaphobia. Then they dive into their main topic: the US Women's "institutionalized gender discrimination" lawsuit, fighting for better pay and better treatment. They ask, what's the basis for this lawsuit? Are they facing discrimination based on their gender? And what other issues might come into play here? As usual, Rivky begs Uri to be a fellow sports fan, because she's getting lonely over here. Related content: Jeanine Pirro Controversy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OW20SEcvlU Linda Sarsour on Sharia: https://twitter.com/lsarsour/status/598327052727615488?lang=en...
2019-03-1334 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast60. The Audacity of TropeThis week, Uri and Rivky break down the term "out of town," based on a tach-head listener email - Hi, Aaron! Next, they ask about Michael Cohen's testimony last week, and his teshuvah - real? Contrived? (And, is the red bendel amazing??) And, in their main topic, they discuss Representative Ilhan Omar and the controversies surrounding her anti-Israel (antisemitic?) comments. How bad are these statements? Is the reaction to her and her statements appropriate? Is latent Islamophobia responsible for some of her reaction? They also can't let the episode go without touching on Otzma Yehudit, internal Young Israel politics, and...
2019-03-0633 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast59. The Unfortunate Case Of Jussie SmollettWelcome back! First, Uri and Rivky break down some great feedback they got about last week's episode about kashrut. (Bottom line, which they should have said last week: trust your own decision-making process to make kashrut decisions!) Then, Uri and Rivky discuss the depressing story of Jussie Smollett. They ask, what does this mean for our society and community, and the narratives we build around these incidents? How does this story impact the way we think of "victimhood"? And what exactly are hate crimes, anyway? Links: Chicago Police Briefing On Jussie Smollett Arrest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8syC9...
2019-02-2733 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast58. Food For ThoughtThis week, Uri and Rivky are joined by a guest - Josh Wilensky, manager of NY Brat Factory and previous manager of Amsterdam Burger! Rivky, Uri and Josh talk about what the kosher industry is really like on the inside. Josh shares some funny stories from the restaurants, and we ask, why is it so hard to keep a kosher restaurant open? What's with the expenses, like the mashgiach - are they worth it? And are kosher consumers really as annoying as our reputation? Relevant links: Kish Kash: https://forward.com/food/403673/kish-kash-einat-admonys-newest-venture-finally-opens/ Why can't kosher restaurants stay open?: https...
2019-02-2031 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast57. Turmoil In TeaneckThis week, Rivky and Uri did a quick run-through of recent topics - Ilhan Omar and her tweets; the tragic killing of Ori Ansbacher; and more. They then discuss reactions to last week, and what makes a good rabbi - transitioning nicely into the current rabbinic controversy, the RCBC's recent decision to oust Rabbi Nati Helfgot, Rabbi of Netivot Shalom, in Teaneck, NJ, over their female rabbinic intern, a current student in Yeshivat Maharat. We ask, is the RCBC wrong? What is the role of rabbinic organizations? How much flexibility should individual shuls, and rabbis, get? With, undoubtably, a very...
2019-02-1436 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast56. Rabbis: What Are They Good For?This week, Uri and Rivky discussed the current rabbinic search at Mt. Sinai Synagogue - and they asked, hey, what's the point of a synagogue rabbi, anyway? Do we even need a rabbi? What do we value in a rabbi? And, on the flip side, what makes someone a horrible rabbi? Relevant links: Julian Edelman in Israel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odynJMMu9HA R.E.M. - Welcome To The Occupation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XARqoTAJFuM Weird Al Yankovic - Pretty Fly For A Rabbi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usPkL2EQPYo
2019-02-0630 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast55. What Would MLK Say About Israel?This week, Uri and Rivky review the story we can't shake, about the Covington high school students in DC. They then dive into last week's opinion piece by Michelle Alexander, opinion columnist for the NY Times, entitled, "Time to Break the Silence on Palestine," in which Alexander argues that, though Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was clearly pro-Israel when he was alive, if he were still alive, he would clearly be distraught at what Israel, and the occupation, has become. Uri and Rivky ask, is she right? What do we think of her arguments? And, if she is right, what...
2019-01-3033 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast54. To Call Out or Not To Call Out?This week, Rivky and Uri tackle "call out" culture - or, the phenomenon of publicly denouncing people who are engaging in something we think of as evil. Last week, David Brooks published in the NY Times that he is not a fan: "Really? Do we really think cycles of cruelty do more to advance civilization than cycles of wisdom and empathy?" Only a day later, we saw the conflict in DC: boys in MAGA hands, Native American activists, Black Hebrew protestors, and we couldn't wait to call everyone out. And, on top of that - a bagel store in Passaic...
2019-01-2329 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast53. Is There A Schism Between American and Israeli Jews?This week, Uri and Rivky discuss a recent flurry of articles discussing the relationship between American Jews and Israeli Jews. In the Forward, Peter Beinart warns that American Jews reject Birthright if they don't address, head on, Israel's fraught relationship with the Palestinians. In the New York Times, Jonathan Weisman warns that American Jews are facing a division between their brethren and their values. And in Times of Israel, Daniel Gordis, responding to Beinart and Weisman, tells American Jews to take a step back and have some hubris in their approach to Israel. After reading all three, Rivky and Uri...
2019-01-1530 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast52. Can I Be A Liberal and A Modern Orthodox Jew?Rivky's back! (Took her long enough.) And this week, after Rivky and Uri's quick recaps of the last two weeks of their lives, they dive into this week's topic, Shira Hanau's recent article in the Harvard Divinity Bulletin: High Stakes For Politically Liberal Modern Orthodox Jews. They ask, is it truly so hard being a liberal Modern Orthodox Jew? What about being a conservative Modern Orthodox Jew? Let's be honest - do we want a more mixed community, or do we want others to be more like us? And what do the arguments in this article say about the state...
2019-01-0929 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast51. Is Everything Kosher?This week Uri is joined by another very special guest, the amazing Aliza Abrams-Konig! They start off with a discussion about the future of lab grown meat, which gets them into kosher certification and its boundaries, including this week's controversy surrounding comedian Leah Forster. They then talk about the recent controversy surrounding an anti-Semitic Instagram post from Lebron James. Finally, Aliza and Uri discuss their shared experiences on service learning trips, and conclude with a discussion about some of Aliza's recent personal challenges. Links: WSJ video about lab grown meat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjSe-0vSRMY 15 Kosher restaurants...
2019-01-0236 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast50. A Look Behind The Lens with Abbie SophiaThis week Uri has a conversation with the amazing Abbie Wasserman AKA Abbie Sophia. They discuss Abbie's unconventional background, the challenges of starting a business, proper social media etiquette, some surprising aspects of being a photographer in the Jewish community, and much more! There is also a cameo appearance from one of the youngest Tach-Heads out there. Music: Bonnie Raitt - Something To Talk About https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQLpRBDrhn8 Jackson Browne - Running On Empty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WhDTS2AeLw
2018-12-2636 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast49. Is Jewish Law Moral?This week, Uri and Rivky dive into a sensitive and difficult topic: why Jewish law? Is it because God commanded it? Because it's moral? Because it impacts the world? (None of the above?) Why do we have the Torah’s laws? Music: Talk Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hHnOBlwU3A
2018-12-1834 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast48. Coming Clean On VaccinesThis week, Uri and Rivky ask about the recent reporting about their Charedi brothers and sisters. Namely: A. the measles outbreak that was recently brought from the Charedi community in Israel to the Charedi community in America. And B. the recent NY State decision to push for a deeper investigation into Charedi schools, which detractors claim provide graduates with basically no secular education. They ask, what responsibilities do religious communities have towards their adherents? And, what rights should religious communities have to make their own choices, medical, educational, or otherwise? And, what happens if the government decides to go further...
2018-12-1234 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast47. The Hypocrisy of HanukkahThis week, Uri and Rivky talked about the bipartisanship that showed itself, as usual, in the responses to the death of George H.W. Bush, before they got into their main topic: the NY Times opinion piece published last week, entitled “The Hypocrisy of Hanukkah.” Michael David Lukas, a secular Jew, grapples with what it means to be a Jew in modern America, especially one who wants to commemorate Hanukkah, but doesn't feel comfortable with the underlying messages of the holiday. We ask, is Lukas's argument fair? Do we sympathize with his dilemma? Is the original meaning of Chanukah no long...
2018-12-0528 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast46. Airbnb and the West Bank: Discrimination or Occupation?Last week, Airbnb announced it would stop listing homes in Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Much of the world considers the settlements, built on land Israel captured in the 1967 war, to be a violation of international law - but Israel considers the land to be disputed, not occupied. Immediately, many in our community were up in arms, with many calling for a boycott of Airbnb. Uri and Rivky ask, should we be boycotting Airbnb? Is Airbnb’s removal of Jewish homes in the West Bank antisemitic? Is BDS, by definition, antisemitic? And finally...they solve the settlement issue! You’re w...
2018-11-2828 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast45. Beckerman's Search For MeaningThis week, Uri and Rivky compare their travel woes from last week's storm, and then Uri gives several more disclaimers about how he isn't a supporter of Jews for Jesus. (The lady doth protest too much?) They then dive into this week's topic - an article written by writer and editor, Gal Beckerman, entitled American Jews Face A Choice: Create Meaning or Fade Away, which reviewed five new books touching on American Jewish identity, and what will sustain it in the future. Beckerman argues that what defines the experience of non-Orthodox Jews in America today is not antisemitism, it’s as...
2018-11-2134 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast44. Reflections on PittsburghOn Saturday morning, October 27, a gunman entered the Tree of Life Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, killing 11 people and injuring 6 more. The shooting is being called the deadliest antisemitic attack in US history. What lessons can we learn from this horrible tragedy? Does this represent a resurgence of antisemitism? Is that resurgence connected to the rise of Donald Trump? Is it fair to tie the threat of antisemitism to the Republican party? Relevant links: FBI Hate Crimes Statistics: https://ucr.fbi.gov/hate-crime/2017/topic-pages/tables/table-1.xls https://www.commentarymagazine.com/politics-ideas/the-slaughter-in-pittsburgh/ https://twitter.com/simonerzim...
2018-11-1537 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast43. Jewish Modesty For The Masses?This week, Uri and Rivky discuss Avi Shafran's opinion piece: “A Safer Space For Women In Orthodox Judaism’s Rules For Sex.” Shafran argues that the secular world might do better with adopting some of Orthodox Judaism's rules for modesty - and that maybe they would protect women, especially in the age of #metoo. They ask, is it true? Does Orthodoxy has a safer, more respectful approach to women than the secular world? Relevant links: 1. Shafran: https://www.tabletmag.com/scroll/272690/a-safer-space-for-women-in-orthodox-judaism 2. Jankovits response: https://www.tabletmag.com/scroll/273000/no-rabbi-orthodox-women-are-not-safer 3. Shafran, redux: https://www.rabbiavishafran.com/a-safer-space-for-women-redux/
2018-10-3133 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast42. Detain? That's Insane!This week Rivky and Uri start with some feedback: should the podcast be more Jewish? Then they discuss the recent case of Lara Alqasem, an American student who was detained in Ben Gurion airport for her ties to the BDS movement. Why did Israel do this? Do actions like that have counter-productive results? Finally, Rivky and Uri discuss what they will do when they win the $1.6 billion Mega Millions jackpot. Links: Bechdel Test: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bechdel_test NYT Op Ed: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/10/opinion/israel-lara-alqasem-bds.html US law prohibiting unsanctioned boycotts: https://www.bis.doc...
2018-10-2328 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast41. Grievance StudiesThis week, Uri and Rivky break down an exciting new film, Empathy Inc., by an up and coming director, Yedidya Gorsetman. They then dive into their main topic. 3 academics have revealed an elaborate hoax - they wrote 20 fake scholarly papers, that they then submitted to various prestigious academic journals in the fields of Gender and Sexuality, Feminism, Queer studies, and Race studies (which they grouped in a field they called "Grievance Studies.") Each paper used fashionable buzzwords and made up data to support purposely absurd and ridiculous conclusions. Too many were accepted for publication. Uri and Rivky ask, what was...
2018-10-1829 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast40. Keeping Up With KavanaughRivky and Uri are back! Talking Tachlis has finally returned after our long break for the holidays. This week, they talk about the only thing to discuss: Judge Brett Kavanaugh and Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. They ask - how can we possibly separate the people from the politics? Is there a war on men? And, in a more global, philosophical sense, when we're in an unprovable he said/she said argument about sexual misconduct - who do we believe?
2018-10-1034 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast39. 5779 Here We Come!This week, Uri and Rivky look back on 5778 and the first year of Talking Tachlis. What were our most controversial topics? Which episodes got the most listens? Which episodes were our favorites? Talking Heads - Once In A Lifetime https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IsSpAOD6K8 Bob Dylan - Like A Rolling Stone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwOfCgkyEj0
2018-09-1326 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast38. Ramaz's ReckoningThis week, Uri finally tried the Impossible Burger! When we finish wishing Uri mazal tov, Rivky and Uri dive into the recent report from Ramaz about sexual abuse in the school. The report is thorough, and sad, and prompts us to ask - how do we feel about Ramaz, and the way they handled this situation? Should we have a gender bias when we consider abuse, and especially, abuse of children? What do we expect differently from our schools and institutions in the future? The Ramaz report: http://files.constantcontact.com/3b4ce217001/846bf29b-0cd5-4b37-b4c0...
2018-09-0533 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast37. Your Neighbor Is A NaziThis week, Uri and Rivky dive into the light and breezy topic we all know and love, Nazis. They discuss the recent deportation of the 95-year-old Jakiw Palij, a former Nazi volunteer guard. They ask, why deport Palij? Did Palij get what he "deserved"? What is justice, and who does it serve? NY Times https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/21/nyregion/nazi-queens-deported.html NPR https://www.npr.org/2018/08/21/640474479/alleged-nazi-labor-camp-guard-deported-to-germany The Believer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psJbF8G6Zjw
2018-08-2933 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast36. #HimToo? - Avital Ronell and Nimrod ReitmanThis week, Uri tells Rivky about his new favorite movie: 93Queen. Then they dive into the insane story of Professor Avital Ronell and the sexual harassment investigation brought against her by her former graduate student, Nimrod Reitman. The story is made even more upsetting by a letter signed by dozens of leading intellectuals and academics, supporting Dr. Ronell. Rivky and Uri ask, what should we focus on??? Are their identities - queer, Israeli, academic - important? What does this “reverse” #MeToo moment teach us about power? How much does identity politics play a role? Read all about it here: 1. NY Time...
2018-08-2132 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast35. Nation State Of MindRivky is back! This week Uri and Rivky start off by catching up on their adventures from the last couple of weeks. Then they get into Israel's new Nation-State bill. What is it? Is it good? Is it bad? Does it actually change anything? Catch up on everything below: The Nation-State Bill: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basic_Law:_Israel_as_the_Nation-State_of_the_Jewish_People The Atlantic (critique of the law): https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/07/israel-nation-state-law/565712/ The Forward (defense of the law): https://forward.com/opinion/406355/everything-youve-heard-about-israels-nation-state-bill-is-wrong/ Music: Come Back - Moshav Band - https://www...
2018-08-1531 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast34. Open The Door And Let 'Em In?This week Uri speaks with another very special guest host, immigration lawyer Laura Berger. But before getting into a discussion about America's immigration policies, they first try to make sense of the ever decreasing interaction and dialogue between liberals and conservatives in the US. Washington Post article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/news/the-fix/wp/2017/07/20/half-of-liberals-cant-even-stand-to-be-around-trump-supporters/ NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/16/opinion/sunday/family-separation-immigration-trump.html Brookings Institution: https://www.brookings.edu/blog/future-development/2018/06/26/violence-drives-immigration-from-central-america/ Music: Paul McCartney - Let Em In https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0y0v7zpHJkU
2018-08-0739 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast33. We Flipped Our Latkes In The Air (Sometimes)This week we have another special guest co-host! Former Maccabeat Imu Shalev joins Uri for a conversation about their favorite music videos, as well as Imu's current work with Aleph Beta. What is Aleph Beta? You'll have to listen to find out! Aleph Beta: https://www.alephbeta.org/ Maccabeats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSJCSR4MuhU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRaQSbuTiBg
2018-08-0227 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast30. She's Here, She's Queer, She's MachmirThis week with Rivky away preparing for her wedding, Uri has a conversation with friend of the podcast, Deena Klein. She discusses what it's like to be gay in the Orthodox community, and where she sees things heading in the future. Eshel Pledge: http://www.eshelonline.org/pledge/ Ruth Bader Ginsberg on SNL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II8IkwDVnsI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhzSd-Kz-zA
2018-07-1132 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast22. Talking Tachlis Sells OutThis week, Uri and Rivky recap the latest Kanye West drama, and talk about some of the backlash. Then, they talk about Bob Dylan's new whiskey company, and they ponder the concept of "selling out." Finally, they recommend a recent episode of This American Life, which tells the story of a group of inner city high school students who were taken to see Schindler's List. Catch up on everything below: Kanye: Slavery is a choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWJBWU7asEg George Bush doesn't care about black people: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIUzLpO1kxI Bob Dylan's...
2018-05-0825 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast17. Do Millennials and Modern Orthodoxy Mix?This week, Uri introduces a guest host, Miki Friedmann, good friend of Talking Tachlis! They review the Man Seder conversation, and then discuss Rachel Delia Benaim's personal piece in the Forward, about her changing relationship with Orthodox Judaism, in which she argues that there's a new category of millennial Modern Orthodox Jewry - one that cares about Judaism, and Orthodoxy, but is less focused on legalism. Miki and Uri ask, does the Orthodox Jewish community really have a responsibility to include everyone? And, going further, they ask, what does it mean to be "religious" today? Catch up on everything below...
2018-03-2029 min
Talking Tachlis Podcast1. Talking Tachlis - An IntroductionIn Episode 1, Rivky and Uri discuss Eitan Gross' article in Times of Israel, Andrew Altman's article in the Forward, and the use of social media. For further reading: http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/modern-orthodoxy-from-a-teenagers-perspective/ http://forward.com/scribe/386754/why-i-chose-to-attend-public-high-school-even-though-im-ultra-orthodox/ https://www.amazon.com/Circle-Dave-Eggers/dp/159413961X
2017-11-0717 min