Rabbi Joe Wolfson shares his experience of Yom Kippur in Tel Aviv, the remarkable outdoor prayer services that brought together thousands of secular and religious Israelis, and reflects on how the nation is navigating a uniquely religious moment in its history. Featured GuestRabbi Joe Wolfson – Leader of JIC Tel Aviv community and Director of JLIC'…

In this episode, Rabbi Alex Ozar (JLIC Yale) and Rabbi Don Cantor (Richmond Jewish Learning Experience, formerly JLIC Johns Hopkins) continue their exploration of Jewish consolation during times of national tragedy. Drawing from the seven Haftarot of consolation and provocative midrashim, they unpack what it means for a broken people to seek comfor…

Don and Alex explore the concept of consolation (nechamah) during difficult times, examining what true comfort means in Judaism and how communities can provide genuine solace during periods of collective pain. Key TopicsThe Nature of Consolation Key Insight: The Hebrew "Nachamu" means "comfort [my people]" - it's a command to provide consolation, n…

In a world that feels increasingly divided into stark categories of "good" and "evil," how should we confront the rising tide of antisemitism on college campuses? While demanding institutional accountability is a crucial first step, Rabbi Alex Ozar argues it is not enough. In this thought-provoking episode, he challenges listeners to move beyond a …

In this episode, Rav Shlomo Brukirer shares his transformative journey from a young yeshiva student helping peers struggling with substance abuse to becoming a communal rabbi dedicated to serving college students. Drawing from a life-changing Talmudic teaching about praying for those who suffer, Rav Brukirer explores how ordinary work can become ho…

In this special episode, Rabbi Don Cantor takes the microphone as guest to explore deep questions about faith, trust in God, and how these concepts apply to real-world challenges. Through textual analysis and personal reflections, Rav Don and host Rabbi Alex Ozar delve into what it truly means to have faith in God beyond simplistic notions that "ev…

This week, hosts Rabbi Don Cantor and Rabbi, Dr. Alex Ozar are joined by Rabbi Menachem Schrader, founder of JLIC and its longtime Posek (Halakhic decisor), for a deep dive into navigating Passover observance in a college setting. With decades of experience answering student questions, Rabbi Schrader offers invaluable guidance.Topics covered includ…

In this powerful episode, Rav Don and Rav Alex welcome Rabbi Avi Schwartz, who brings his unique dual expertise as both a JLIC rabbi and licensed social worker. Rav Avi dives into his vital work supporting Jewish college students navigating religious commitments alongside mental health challenges. Episode Highlights: Bridging Two Worlds: Rabbi Schw…

In this episode, Don Cantor and Alex Ozar dive into the challenging landscape surrounding Israel on college campuses, particularly elite East Coast institutions. They explore how students, often identifying as Jewish, find themselves navigating a complex and increasingly politicized environment. The conversation includes discussions on balancing co…

Guest Rav Moshe Moskowitz Overview: This episode features Rav Moshe Moskowitz, JLC Director at Johns Hopkins, discussing his approach to Torah learning, his connection to the Pachad Yitzchak, and how he connects with students through Torah. He shares personal stories, offers insights on dealing with challenges, and shares powerful pieces of Torah r…

Guest: Rabbi Jeremy Tibbetts, JLIC Director in Jerusalem and Director of Student Leadership for Yavneh Main Discussion Topics: Building intentional Jewish community in Jerusalem for English-speaking young adults Response to October 7th - Community shifted from internal focus to extensive outward aid efforts, including: Processing ~70,000 shekels in…

In this thought-provoking episode, the hosts explore the challenges of practicing Judaism in a world driven by transactional mindsets and career-oriented motivations. They delve into how modern pressures—especially from social media and career expectations—can transform meaningful religious practices into resume-building or social capital-accruing …

Episode Overview A profound exploration of how contemporary society views success, challenging the prevailing economic logic and offering a distinctly Jewish approach to finding meaning beyond material accumulation. Key ThemesBeyond Transactional Living Critiquing the tendency to view all activities as instrumental means to economic ends Challengin…

In this powerful episode, we speak with Tzvi and Tali Wohlgelernter, who share their experiences during the October 7th and its aftermath. Tzvi served in the IDF reserves for six months while Tali maintained their JLIC community and family life. Their story provides insights into maintaining Jewish unity, family resilience, and community leadership…

Rabbi Eitan & Elana Philips, leaders of the M.D. Katz JLIC program at Tel Aviv University, share their experiences during the Israel-Hamas war that began on October 7, 2023. They offer insights into the war's impact on academic and community life at Tel Aviv University. Key Topics: 1. The M.D. Katz JLIC program: A "home away from home" for internat…

Episode Description: In this episode, we speak with Rabbi Joe Wolfson about his experiences building and leading Jewish communities during challenging times - from COVID-19 in New York City to the recent Israel-Hamas war. Rabbi Joe Wolfson shares inspiring stories of grassroots volunteerism, reflections on finding meaning through Torah study, and i…

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Torah at JLIC podcast, we speak with Rabbi Elie Beuchler, director of JLIC at Columbia University and Barnard College, about his experiences leading the Jewish community on campus during a tumultuous year. Rabbi Elie Beuchler shares insights on Jewish preparation (hachana), community resilience, and personal …

Guests: Rabbi Yehuda and Hannah Auerbach, JLIC Co-Directors at University of Chicago Episode Overview: In this episode, Rabbi Yehuda and Hannah Auerbach share their experiences as JLIC co-directors at the University of Chicago, including their response to the events of October 7th and insights on building a Jewish community on campus. Key Topics: Y…