In Such A Time Podcast

We are excited to announce our newest initiative towards making Jewish learning more accessible to Beth El and the wider community: Beth El's "In Such a Time" podcast.

Episodes will cover the goals and methods of Jewish education, to what extent should national and local politics be brought into the synagogue, and other current topics.  The "In Such a Time" podcast is available where you stream your podcasts, and can be accessed an audio or with an accompanying video.  

We look forward to launching this endeavor and eagerly welcome your participation, feedback, and suggestions for future topics.  Should you have further questions, please see our FAQs below.

FAQ's

Why the need for a podcast?
Podcasts provide prompt and relevant opportunities to learn about current issues, even as they unfold.  They also provide unfettered access to individuals and sources which would otherwise remain unknown or unreachable.  For example, in the wake of the atrocities of October 7th, 2023 and war which has unfolded ever since, I have been grateful to hear directly from Israeli commentators and journalists who were previously unavailable.  In a similar vein, we wish to expand the reach of our discussions through this medium.

What does the title "In Such a Time" mean?
The title is taken from the Book of Esther, as Mordecai challenges Esther to speak up for the Jewish people, saying,

וּמִ֣י יוֹדֵ֔עַ אִם־לְעֵ֣ת כָּזֹ֔את הִגַּ֖עַתְּ לַמַּלְכֽוּת׃
Perhaps you have attained your royal position, in such a time as this.

While we may not hold the courage of Esther, we nevertheless wish to connect with our community in response to the dilemmas and issues of the day.  You are invited to join our conversations as we explore what animates us as Jewish leaders and how we understand our place in the world, in such a time as this. 

Am I supposed to listen to or watch the podcast?
It's entirely up to you!  Take the podcast to listen to as you go about your day, or stream from your device to watch as you would any other show.  Enjoy!

Episode 0:  Why a Beth El Podcast?

Episode 1: What Moments Pushed Us Towards Becoming the Rabbis We Are?

Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Watch on YouTube

Episode 2:  Do Politics Belong on the Bimah?

Episode 3:  What Ought to be the Goals of Jewish Secondary Education?

Episode 4:  What Aspects of the High Holy Days Both Challenge and Inspire You?

Special Episode: Rabbi Jaffe's Rosh Hashanah Sermon 5786 - The Case for Prioritizing Jewish Needs

Episode 05: How Do We Understand and Relate to the Idea of G-d?