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

Discover how the history of Jewish resilience—summed up in the power of saying “no”—can help us better understand both modern anti-Semitism and the ongoing challenges facing the Jewish community today. Why does Jewish success often provoke new forms of hatred, and is there a deeper pattern to the ways in which Jews are scapegoated over time?

In this Yom Kippur sermon episode, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe draws from Dara Horn’s provocative work to explain why Jews are continually “a stiff-necked people,” resisting tyranny and dogma throughout the ages. Explore the origins of the “big lie,”...

Questioning our core beliefs can lead not to distance, but to a deeper, more meaningful connection with our identity. What happens when a rabbi—at the intersection of personal faith and worldwide struggle—dares to ask, "Why am I Jewish, and what does that mean today?"

In this powerful Kol Nidre sermon, Rabbi Leora Londy shares a deeply personal journey through doubt, dialogue, and discovery. Navigating crises of faith amid war, antisemitism, and shifting roles, she invites listeners to explore the tension between tradition and modernity, the challenge of owning Jewish identity with courage, and the importance of q...

This week’s episode of In Such A Time is taken from Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe’s Rosh Hashanah sermon.

Discover how ancient traditions can provide a powerful antidote to modern loneliness and meaninglessness. What can the Jewish story teach us about overcoming the personal dislocation so many face today?

Listeners are invited on a deeply personal and thought-provoking journey—beginning with a young adult’s search for community in San Francisco and moving through the social science, literature, and enduring wisdom that point us towards connection, purpose, and resilience.

Explore the “4 Ps” of meaningful l...

Finding balance between caring for others and safeguarding our own well-being is not just a seasonal challenge—it's a lifelong dance. But can empathy ever go too far?

In this thoughtful Rosh Hashanah episode, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy examine the power and perils of empathy—personally, communally, and even politically. From dissecting “The Giving Tree” to exploring boundaries in relationships, atonement, and social justice movements, the rabbis explore whether “radical empathy” can turn self-erasure into a vice. Hear powerful insights on Jewish text, real-life dilemmas, and why sometimes caring deeply means caring for o...

Discover why the High Holidays aren’t just about reflection—they’re also an opportunity for renewal, forgiveness, and connection to community and self. What does it mean to face a season of atonement and new beginnings?

Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy unpack the tension, joy, and gravity of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, exploring personal practices, communal rituals, parenting paradoxes, and the deep lessons found in tradition. This episode dives into the month of Elul, the dance between universalism and particularism, and the challenge of genuine self-forgiveness—all while inviting listeners to ready...

How can we balance genuine care with respect for privacy, especially in the public sphere?

In this thoughtful episode, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy delve into the boundaries of concern, critique, and support, using the recent controversy surrounding Ariana Grande’s public health and body image as a lens. Drawing from Jewish wisdom and sharing personal and communal experiences, they reflect on how best to intervene—or step back—when someone may be in distress, whether they are celebrities, colleagues, or congregants.

Listeners will gain insights on respon...

When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we discover the true strength of community. What happens when support systems fail those most desperately in need?

In this powerful episode, Rabbi Leora Londy and Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe tackle the deeply complex subject of women's mental health, inspired by the devastating Lindsay Clancy case. Drawing on personal experience, Jewish tradition, and real-world community dynamics, they explore questions of responsibility, stigma, and the roles we all play in supporting each other—especially when appearances hide real pain. The conversation offers lessons in compassion, the risks of stoicism, an...

Engaging in respectful, challenging conversations—even when we disagree—can strengthen our communities and deepen our understanding of Jewish values. But what does Jewish tradition teach us about handling polarizing public issues like the recent Senate hearings with Dr. Fauci?

In this episode, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy reflect on the intersection of political theater, the preservation of life (pikuach nefesh), and the dangers of celebrity culture and partisanship during the pandemic. They discuss their personal experiences—Rabbi Leora Londy from Israel and Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe from the U.S.—debate the cost and...

Standing up for critical thinking and nuance in tumultuous times, this episode examines how political rhetoric at the highest levels can impact Jewish communities—and why thoughtful, honest conversation matters more than ever.

The conversation focused on recent controversial statements from the New York City mayoral office and unpacked the layered impact on Jewish identity, safety, and leadership. One concept discussed was the persistent challenge of addressing both external antisemitism and internal division, particularly as outrage and extreme views dominate public discourse. A key theme that emerged was the importance of cultivating resilience and nu...

Righteous anger can fuel justice, but when does it cross the line?

In this thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy dive into the role of anger in Jewish tradition, asking whether anger is a blemish on character or a vital ingredient for social change. Touching on biblical texts, personal experiences, and pivotal moments in history like the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, their conversation explores the balance between rage and constructive indignation, the gendered experience of anger, and how communal and personal anger can be channeled for good.

Rebuilding can only begin once we honor our losses—so what can the most sorrowful day on the Jewish calendar teach us about hope and resilience? In this powerful episode,

Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy dive into the meaning, history, and contemporary relevance of Tisha B'Av. They explore the motifs of destruction and rebirth embedded in Jewish tradition, the deeply human need for collective mourning, and how Tisha B'Av acts as a transformative gateway to self-reflection and change.

With personal stories, practical insights, and a look at sh...

What happens when the words we use to describe hate actually cloud our understanding rather than clarify it?

In this episode, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy tackle the complicated language around "antisemitism," debating whether the term still serves us—or if it now obscures the nuanced realities of Jewish life and hatred today. Through layered discussion, personal stories, and historical insight, they dissect how language shapes our engagement, activism, and safety as Jews.

If you've ever wrestled with what to call anti-Jewish hatred and why it matters, th...

Discover why the language we use shapes not just debate but our very sense of belonging—especially when it comes to one of Judaism’s most loaded words: Zionism. Should we retire the term altogether?

Join Rabbi Leora Londy and Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe as they tackle whether ongoing arguments over “Zionism” help or hinder honest conversation about Israel, Jewish identity, and inclusion in the Jewish community. Along the way, they delve into generational divides, personal journeys, and the dangers of reducing complex identities to slogans. The episode challenges listeners to reflect on the words they use...

Amid the ever-shifting landscape of global politics, adaptability and historical memory remain vital.

What happens when Israel can no longer rely on longstanding alliances—or when old assumptions about safety and security are challenged by new realities? In this episode, the conversation focused on the recent Iran memorandum of understanding, its implications for Israeli politics and security, and how American Jewish communities are processing these developments.

Key themes include the unraveling of Netanyahu’s traditional claims to leadership, the unpredictability of Middle Eastern agreements, the power of grassroots action, and...

What if rooting for laundry is the closest most people will get to a spiritual experience?

In this episode of "In Such a Time," Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy reveal powerful (and surprising) parallels between sports fandom and religious identity—from sacred rituals to communal belonging, group pride, and even prayer for teams at B’Nai Mitzvah.

Explore how being a Knicks fan or cheering at the World Cup connects to deeper questions of meaning, purpose, isolation, and humility. Plus, the hosts tackle why modern worship can feel...

What if the ancient Jewish blessing for newborns—to study Torah, perform good deeds, and one day get married—no longer fits our modern lives?

This episode dives headfirst into the evolving role of marriage within Jewish tradition, asking whether meaningful lives require sacred relationships or if today’s realities demand more inclusive interpretations. The conversation focused on how liturgy, cultural expectations, and Torah values intertwine with individual choices, from celebrating couples and families to affirming those who embrace singlehood, diverse relationship structures, or child-free living.

One concept discussed was ho...

What if the very heart of Reform Judaism—its relationship to Israel—was up for debate in the ordaining of new rabbis?

This episode of "In Such a Time" plunges into the charged question rocking Hebrew Union College and the wider Reform movement: Should future clergy be required to support the existence of the State of Israel?

Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy reflect on their experience at the recent Recharging Reform Judaism conference, revealing the internal clashes between progressive ideals and core Jewish principles. From tensions over anti...

Could loving your favorite band put your safety—or your conscience—at risk?

This episode of "In Such a Time" confronts a dilemma that many are now quietly struggling with: What should you do when beloved artists publicly express harshly critical or anti-Semitic views? The conversation focuses on the personal and communal challenges of reconciling artistic appreciation with ethical boundaries, especially when those boundaries hit close to home.

A key theme that emerged was the pain of "breaking up" with once-cherished music and art due to the artist’s public...

What if you could only keep five Jewish holidays for the rest of your life? Which would you choose—and which would you let go?

In this fun, live episode recorded on Erev Shavuot, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy go head-to-head in a lively "draft pick" of annual Jewish holidays, revealing surprising priorities, personal stories, and the deeper values these days embody. From the foundational power of Passover, to the drama and debate over the best (and worst) festival foods, to the meaning behind both universally beloved and lesser-known holidays, this episode is...

What if the stories shaping global perceptions of Israel—and the Jewish people—weren't as clear-cut as headlines suggest?

This episode dives headfirst into the New York Times op-ed by Nicholas Kristof, a piece that's sent shockwaves throughout the Jewish American community by alleging systematic abuses by Israeli soldiers. But hosts Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy refuse to settle for cynicism or despair—instead, they grapple with uncomfortable truths, media responsibility, and the moral backbone of Israel itself.

From gut-wrenching reports of violence and human rights abuses on all...

What if being a rabbi is a little like being a professional wrestler—so caught up in your public Persona that you risk losing sight of your authentic self?

Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy wrestle (sometimes literally!) with the surprising parallels between the performative world of Hulk Hogan and the lives of clergy.

From Netflix’s revealing Hulk Hogan series to stories from the bema, they explore how leaders juggle authenticity, authority, and public expectation while resisting the pitfalls of Persona-overload. Highlights include honest talk about boundaries, fami...

Did you know there’s a major Jewish holiday that many people barely recognize—or even know exists?

In this upbeat and eye-opening episode, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy uncover the mystery behind Shavuot’s “disappearing act” in much of the diaspora, despite its deep spiritual, historical, and culinary significance. The episode journeys between vibrant Shavuot celebrations in Israel—complete with all-night learning, white clothes, and cheese platters—to the challenges faced in North American communities where Shavuot is often overlooked or misunderstood.

Highlights include surprising cultural differences, c...

What if your synagogue doesn’t actually reflect your rabbi’s own Jewish practice?

In this refreshingly honest episode, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy open the door on a rarely-discussed truth: the way clergy personally observe and the standards they set for their congregations don’t always align. With bold candor, they explore the inner “push and pull” of balancing personal standards, communal expectations, tradition, and innovation.

Listen in as they debate hot-button questions like: Should congregations water down traditions to accommodate everyone, or raise the bar for engage...

What if the birth of modern Israel wasn’t just a miracle of survival—but the world’s greatest social experiment, blending ancient prophecy, multiculturalism, and the struggles of democracy?

This episode of In Such a Time dives into the rarely-discussed tensions and triumphs at the heart of Israel’s identity, anchored by its Declaration of Independence.

Join Rabbi Leora Londy and Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe as they mark Yom Hashoah, Yom Hazikaron, and Yom Haatzmaut with a candid, heartfelt conversation about the values, challenges, and living realities behind Israel’s founding...

What if religious passion could literally get you killed?

This week, the “In Such a Time” podcast dives into the chilling story of Nadav and Avihu from Parashat Shmini, revealing how the boundaries between deep devotion and dangerous zealotry can blur—sometimes with devastating consequences. Rabbis Jaffe and Londy share personal reflections on religious extremism, examine how faith communities define (and redefine) zealotry, and explore the provocative question: Are liberal Jewish practices themselves a form of extremism?

Don't miss their thoughtful discussion on the power and peril of authentic religi...

What if the real threat to Israel's future isn’t from its enemies—but from within?

This week on "In Such a Time," Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Landi confront the uncomfortable truth about internal divisions and radicalization shaping Israeli society—at the very moment when unity is needed most.

Against the backdrop of Passover and the pressing headlines from Israel—including the controversial new death penalty law for Palestinian terrorists and the rising influence of the religious right—they ask what it will take for Israel to safeguard...

What if the "right" way to host a Passover Seder is to throw out the rulebook—and even make your own rules?

This episode, Rabbis Jonathan Jaffe and Leora Londy share why the most meaningful Seders are often the least traditional, revealing that authenticity and engagement matter far more than technical perfection. From supermarket nightmares and marshmallow rewards for questions, to deep dives on memory, identity, and the beauty of spiritual spring cleaning, this episode is an invitation to reclaim Passover as an experiment in radical Jewish learning, family, and freedom.

What if the most misunderstood—and seemingly bizarre—book of the Torah actually holds the key to living a meaningful, connected, and sacred life today?

In this episode of In Such a Time, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy journey through the often-overlooked Book of Leviticus, exploring everything from ancient rituals of purity, sacrifices, and illness to how those concepts inspire the way we build relationships, create holiness in our daily lives, and even structure our Friday night Shabbat tables.

You’ll hear stories both harrowing and humorous, like h...

What if traveling to the U.S. from Israel meant sneaking across borders, hiding your Jewish identity, and relying on bus rides, taxis, and flights through countries that aren't always friendly to Jews? I

n this episode, Rabbi Benny Minich shares his extraordinary journey—literally and figuratively—from Crimea to Israel to the United States, peeling back the curtain on what it means to be Jewish, a rabbi, and a Reform movement leader today.

Hosted by Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe, this episode dives into Benny’s personal story: escaping war zones, leading a reform...

What if the greatest threat to peace isn’t war—but silence?

In this episode of "In Such a Time," Rabbis Jonathan Jaffe and Leora Londy record on Purim, glitter and all, confronting the deep anxieties and hopes stirred by the unfolding conflict with Iran, Israel’s precarious situation, and the emotional toll it takes on Jews worldwide.

With rare honesty, the rabbis debate the difference between true peace and mere quiet, reveal why Israelis resonate with displays of power, and wrestle with the limits of diplomacy in a turbulent Middle East. They share personal reflec...

What if the villain of Purim, Haman, isn’t as evil as you thought—and Esther, the celebrated heroine, isn’t quite so perfect?

Dive into a conversation that will challenge everything you think you know about the Book of Esther.

In this episode of "In Such a Time," Rabbis Jonathan Jaffe and Leora Londy bring fresh eyes to the Purim story, exploring the complex motivations and personalities of its most famous figures. Together, they peel back layers of traditional interpretation, examine feminist perspectives on Vashti and Esther, and draw provocative modern parallels—from the MeToo mo...

What if we told you that one of Judaism's most joyous holidays is also its most misunderstood—and, for some, even the least favorite?

Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy dive headfirst into the revelry, complexity, and deep meaning behind Purim. From festive street parties in Israel to the hidden existential lessons of the Book of Esther, this conversation explores why Purim is so much more than just costumes and cookies.

You'll hear honest confessions about Purim preferences, a spirited debate about diaspora vs. Zionism, and powerful insights in...

What if everything you’ve been told about fighting antisemitism isn’t just ineffective—but could actually fuel the problem?

Rabbis Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy dive headfirst into the controversy sparked by a $15 million Super Bowl ad, dissecting whether public campaigns against antisemitism truly help—or just reinforce Jewish vulnerability.

They unpack the critiques swirling around the ad’s messaging, and explore Bret Stephens’ provocative call for Jews to “stop fighting hatred” and instead invest in Jewish life and identity. Is Jewish resilience found in building bridges and inst...

What if the most transformative moments in Jewish prayer aren’t found in the words—but in the music you didn’t even know was shaping your spirit?

In this revelatory episode of “In Such a Time,” Rabbis Jonathan Jaffe and Leora Londy pull back the curtain on their very different—but unexpectedly harmonious—musical journeys into the rabbinate. Whether you think you’re “not a music person,” grew up bored by synagogue choirs, or can’t imagine prayer without melody, this conversation exposes how the sounds and silence of Jewish life have quietly been shaping us all along.

You’l...

What happens when the sacred act of protest collides with violence—and what does Judaism truly say about standing up, dissent, and crossing the line? This week’s episode of “In Such A Time” dives explosively into the turbulent debates around recent ICE protests in Minnesota, exploring not just policy and politics but the very essence of Jewish ethical responsibility in moments of national crisis.

Rabbi Leora Londy and Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe take listeners on a passionate journey through the layered complexities of protest: When does protest become hooliganism? Is it ever justified to block law enforcement if you b...

What do kosher hot dogs, mummified chickens, and a mall food court have in common?

In this surprisingly candid and humorous episode of "In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning," hosts Rabbi Leora Londy and Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe dig deep into the intricacies—and idiosyncrasies—of kashrut, the Jewish dietary laws.

From Kalua pig at Hawaiian bat mitzvahs to high-priced Passover pizzas at the American Dream Mall, they explore how keeping kosher shapes identity, creates community, and offers spiritual meaning, even amidst the chaos of modern life. Along the way, you'll hear...

In this eye-opening episode of In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe sits down with his longtime friend and colleague, Rabbi Ryan Bauer, Senior Rabbi of Temple Emanuel in San Francisco, to reveal the fascinating, sometimes hilarious, and truly surprising contrasts between Jewish community life on the East and West Coasts.

Get ready for stories you won’t believe: from the wild logistics of booking B’Nai Mitzvahs years in advance (complete with Google Docs and “party wars”) to why brisket is king in New York while lox and...

What if the morality of war wasn’t just debated in the halls of Congress, but had been dissected by Jewish scholars for centuries?

This week’s episode of "In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning" dives into one of the most dramatic news stories of the week—the U.S. raid to capture Venezuelan President Maduro—and confronts it with the wisdom of Jewish law.

Join Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy as they untangle the ancient Jewish principles behind warfare, asking: Was this a d...

What if your most meaningful connection to your loved ones—after they’re gone—comes from how you choose to mourn, not what you do for them?

This week’s episode of In Such a Time asks: Who is Shiva really for, and what happens when centuries-old Jewish burial traditions face modern challenges like cremation and composting?

Join Rabbi Leora Londy and Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe for a deeply thoughtful—and sometimes unexpected—conversation on Jewish rituals surrounding death, the afterlife, and mourning. From the sometimes misunderstood observance of Shiva to the dilem...

What if Judaism doesn’t have a clear doctrine about the afterlife?

In this eye-opening, two-part episode of "In Such a Time," Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy unravel one of the most avoided—and misunderstood—topics in Jewish life: death, grief, and what comes “next.” From candid childhood questions to the complexities of funerals in Israel, the hosts dive deep into how Jews talk (or don’t talk) about death, and why our discomfort might reveal more than our beliefs.

Key highlights include: