Voices of Israeli Rabbis with Rabbi Phil M. Cohen

This episode explores the transformative influence of Israeli religious thinkers and institutions, highlighting their impact on modern Judaism and Israeli society. Rabbi Phil Cohen and Rabbi Adam Ferzinger delve into the lives of key figures like David Hartman and Chaim Soloveitchik, and examine how their ideas foster a more inclusive and innovative religious landscape.

Rabbi Phil M. Cohen interviews Israeli journalist Amotz Asa-El. The conversation explores the current state of interfaith and interdenominational relations in Israel, highlighting the regression in these areas and the impact of political alliances on Jewish denominations. It discusses the broad Israeli consensus on various issues, the role of the Hartman Institute in fostering Jewish scholarship and tolerance, and the cultural values that shape family dynamics in Israeli society. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a more inclusive Jewish community and addresses the implications of messianism in contemporary Israeli life. Amotz Asa-El is a research fellow at Shalom Hartman Institute and the Jerusalem Post's senior commentator. Author of the bestselling book The Jewish March of Folly (Yediot, 2019), his forthcoming book is The Last Jewish Frontier (Yediot). Formerly the executive editor of the Jerusalem Post, Asa-El's column "Middle Israel," a unique attempt to present in English an Israeli view on anything, from politics and foreign affairs to culture and faith, has been running on Jpost.com since the Internet's inception in 1995, and is thus one of the world's most veteran online opinion columns. Author of The Diaspora and the Lost Tribes of Israel (Universe, 2004), a geographic history of the Jews, and editor of the Hartman Institute's Hebrew anthology Israel and the Jewish World (Carmel, 2020), Asa-El's five-essay series in the Jerusalem Report about the future of the Jewish people won the B'nai Brith Journalism Award.

In this episode, Yehuda HaKohen shares his journey from New York City to making aliyah, his evolving perspectives on Jewish identity, and his innovative ideas for decolonizing and revitalizing Jewish civilization. We delve into his critiques of traditional Jewish and Israeli narratives, his thoughts on Jewish sovereignty, and ideas for future reconciliation efforts in Israel and beyond.

Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger shares his transformative journey from a traditional Orthodox upbringing to becoming a peace activist and educator. He discusses his pivotal moment of realization regarding his perceptions of Palestinians, leading to the founding of the Roots organization, which aims to foster understanding and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. The conversation explores the complexities of identity, the need for mutual recognition, and the challenges faced in the current political climate, especially after the events of October 7th, 2023.

In this episode, Rabbi Marc Rosenstein shares his extensive experience in Jewish education, rabbinical leadership, and the evolving landscape of Jewish life in Israel. This conversation explores the role of reform Judaism, the impact of rabbinical programs, and the future of Jewish communities in Israel.

In this conversation, Rabbi Leora Ezrahi Vered shares her journey from a rabbinic family to becoming a rabbi herself, discussing her experiences in a secular community and her current role in interfaith initiatives in the Galilee. She emphasizes the importance of prayer in modern Judaism, the values of liberal Judaism in Israel, and her work on the emerging Machzor project, which aims to create a contemporary prayer book that reflects the diverse needs of the community. Takeaways Rabbi Leora Ezrahi Vered comes from a long line of rabbis. She initially pursued education before becoming a rabbi. Her experiences in a secular community reshaped her views on liberal Judaism. Prayer can be a personal and internal experience, not necessarily tied to God. Interfaith dialogue is crucial for peace in the Galilee region. The emerging Machzor project aims to modernize Jewish prayer for contemporary needs. Liberal Judaism values equality, informed choice, and democratic principles. Rabbinic leaders in Israel are active in social justice movements. Cultural and musical elements are important in her community work. The Machzor will incorporate diverse traditions and contemporary issues.

Rabbi Nama Kelman, Israel's first female rabbi, shares her journey from a rabbinic family to becoming a pioneer in the Reform movement in Israel. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of women in the rabbinate, the evolution of Jewish identity, and the importance of community engagement and spiritual care in contemporary society. Kelman's experiences reflect the broader changes in Jewish feminism and the role of non-Orthodox Judaism in Israel.

In this conversation, Rabbi Aryeh Ben-David shares his spiritual journey from a confused young man to a rabbi who emphasizes the importance of personal growth, vulnerability, and love in Judaism. He discusses his experiences in various educational settings, the influence of Rav Kook, and the creation of his organization, Ayekah, which focuses on helping individuals confront their obstacles and grow spiritually. Aryeh highlights the significance of listening to one's inner voice and the communal aspect of spiritual growth, ultimately conveying that Judaism is about the journey of self-discovery and connection.

In this podcast, Rabbi Phil Cohen explores the lives and experiences of Israeli rabbis, focusing on their personal journeys, challenges, and the unique context of serving in Israel. Through conversations with Rabbi Don Cashman, the discussion delves into the motivations behind becoming a rabbi, the impact of rabbinical education, and the dynamics of congregational life, particularly in the face of changing community needs and personal aspirations. This conversation explores the evolution of congregational life within Reform Judaism, focusing on aesthetic and theological changes, community engagement, the journey of making Aliyah to Israel, and reflections on the state of liberal Judaism in Israel. The speaker shares personal experiences and insights from their rabbinic career, highlighting the importance of adapting to community needs and the significance of living in a Jewish context.

In this episode, Rabbi Cohen highlights the experiences of Rabbi Miri Gold, a pioneer in non-Orthodox Judaism in Israel, and discusses the unique aspects of Kibbutz Gezer. The conversation also delves into the challenges and insights gained from rabbinic education, emphasizing the importance of these experiences in shaping Jewish life. This conversation explores the journey of a pioneering woman rabbi in Israel, discussing her experiences in rabbinical school, the challenges faced by women in the rabbinate, and her impact on Jewish life in a kibbutz. It also delves into the legal battles for recognition and funding for non-Orthodox rabbis, and the evolving landscape of liberal Judaism in Israel. ABout the Guest Miri Gold ( Hebrew : מירי גולד ) is the first non-Orthodox rabbi in Israel to have her salary paid for by funds taken from taxpayers. [ 1 ] She was born in Detroit, but in 1977 she immigrated to Kibbutz Gezer along with other North Americans. [ 2 ] When the founder of the kibbutz 's congregation (Kehilat Birkat Shalom) left, Gold began leading High Holidays services and preparing children for bat mitzvahs and bar mitzvahs . [ 3 ] Gold entered the Reform movement's Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in 1994, and was ordained in 1999. [ 4 ] At the time she was paid by the congregation, since the Israeli government did not recognize non-Orthodox rabbis. [ 5 ] Gold petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court in 2005 to change this, and in 2012 a ruling by the Israeli attorney general granted her request. [ 6 ] [ 7 ] In November 2024, Rabbi Gold was awarded a Doctor of Divinity honoris causa by Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion , "for her work as a pioneering rabbi who conceived, founded, and built Birkat Shalom Congregation in Kibbutz Gezer, a groundbreaking model of state support and recognition of Reform Judaism in Israel". [ 8 ]

In this episode, Rabbi Cohen speaks with Rabbi Ada Zavidov about her journey to the rabbinate. Rabbi Ada Zavidov was born in 1959 in Baltimore, Maryland to Israeli parents and made aliyah upon her family's return to Israel when she was one year old. After finishing high school in Tel Aviv, she served in the Israeli Air Force as a decoder. She holds a BA in philosophy and comparative literature and an MA in Jewish Philosophy, both from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. In addition, she holds an MA in Hebrew Letters from the Hebrew Union College and received her rabbinic ordination at HUC- Jerusalem in March of 1999. Rabbi Ada was the founding rabbi of Tzur Hadassah Reform Congregation and since February 2004 serves as the rabbi of Kehilat Har-El in Jerusalem. Har-El is the founding congregation of the Reform Movement in Israel, and Rabbi Ada is the first woman to lead Har-El as its spiritual leader and senior rabbi. In addition to her congregational work, Rabbi Ada has served as the chairperson of MARAM (the Council of Israeli Progressive Rabbis) from 2006-2008 and has taught in the Israeli rabbinical program of Hebrew Union College – Jerusalem. Rabbi Ada regularly holds classes for members of Har-El on a variety of subjects: the weekly Torah portion, the prophets of Israel, Ezra & Nehemiah, and Talmud. She feels a connection in particular to classic rabbinic philosophy and chassidic thought. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, reading classical literature (in particular from the 19th century), sitting back in her armchair and watching a good movie, and cooking and baking.

In this episode, Rabbi Cohen speaks with Rabbi Peretz Rodman, a Jerusalem-based educator, writer, and translator. Rabbi Peretz Rodman earned a B.A. and M.A. in Jewish studies at Brandeis University and a Bachelor of Hebrew Literature at Hebrew College. He was among the inaugural cohort of the Jerusalem Fellows, and later earned rabbinic ordination at the Schechter Rabbinical Seminary.

In this episode, Rabbi Phil Cohen chats with Rabba Sigalit Ur about her journey to the rabbinate.

Rabbi Phil Cohen introduces The Rabbi Podcast, coming December 9, 2025, at 8 a.m. US EST.

Ron Kronish and I became friends when a relatively small number of years ago I met him at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute where he has an office. He emerged from that office to meet me wearing a big smile. We had coffee, talked about Israel, about the rabbinate, our families and like that. We've stayed in touch ever since. Ron founded and directed the Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel. He blogs for The Times of Israel and writes book reviews for The Jerusalem Report .