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Moral Courage: From the Study of Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Harold M. Schulweis Institute
“Moral Courage” shares Jewish ideas and conversations — inspired by the works of Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis — that make Jewish wisdom more accessible, inclusive and relevant to today’s complicated world. Rabbi Schulweis was a longtime pulpit rabbi at Valley Beth Shalom in Encino, California, from 1970 until his passing in 2014, who made Judaism approachable and accessible. He believed that humanity could do divine work in the world, trying to make it a better place. He was a cofounder of the anti-genocide program Jewish World Watch, and said that Jews have a moral responsibility to help those who are suffering, wherever they are. He was also the founding Chair of the Jewish Foundation for the Righteous, recognizing Christians who saved Jews from the Holocaust. His is a voice that we need now—to give us direction and hope, in an otherwise troubled time. Hosted by Rabbi Ari Averbach.
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- Apr 24, 202645 min
A Conversation with Rabbi Becky Hoffman, Senior Rabbi, Temple Ahavat Shalom
Rabbi Becky Hoffman offers a candid look at how the rabbinate has transformed in the age of AI, social media, and shifting expectations. Tracing her path from a Bat Mitzvah blessing to leading a congregation through turbulent times, she explores embracing technology, entrepreneurship, and personal branding while preserving the deeply relational heart of spiritual leadership. From COVID’s disruptions to the rise of the entrepreneurial rabbi, she shows how tools like ChatGPT are reshaping sermons, pastoral care, and community engagement.Rabbi Becky shares practical strategies for balancing accessibility with healthy boundaries—think cell phone ownership, redefining the rabbi’s spouse role, and building multiple income streams. With an emphasis on self-awareness, longevity, and legacy, she highlights mentorship, community, and passing on values as the true measures of success. Ideal for rabbis, Jewish educators, and anyone navigating rapid change, this conversation delivers clear lessons in resilience, innovation, and staying true to core purpose in a digital age.
- Mar 25, 202651 min
A Conversation with Sarah Hurwitz, author and speechwriter
In this conversation, Ari Averbach and Sarah Hurwitz explore the complexities of Jewish identity, the rediscovery of Judaism, and the importance of community and education in navigating modern challenges. They discuss the evolution of Jewish thought, the role of text and study, and the impact of anti-Semitism on Jewish identity. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of Judaism beyond cultural stereotypes and the significance of solidarity within the Jewish community. Sarah Hurwitz is a speechwriter and author, best known for her role as the head speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama (2010–2017) and a senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama. After a decade in the White House, she pivoted to writing and speaking about Judaism and contemporary Jewish identity.
- Feb 27, 202645 min
A Conversation with Jonah Sanderson, hospice chaplain and Jewish educator
In this engaging conversation, Ari Averbach speaks with Jonah Sanderson, a hospice chaplain and Jewish educator, about the profound impact of Rabbi Harold Shulweis on their lives and work. Jonah reflects on how Shulweis's teachings have shaped his approach to helping individuals navigate the end of life, emphasizing the importance of legacy and ethical wills. He shares personal anecdotes about his experiences as a caregiver for his grandmother and how these moments inspired him to pursue a career in hospice chaplaincy, focusing on the significance of storytelling and self-reflection during life's final stages.LINKS: Schulweis Poems cited during the discussion; both available via the Harold M. Schulweis website www.hmsi.info.Embrace Me Whole: https://hmsi.info/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/embrace-me-whole.pdfHolding On and Letting Go: https://hmsi.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/124-holding-on-and-letting-go.pdf
- Feb 12, 202644 min
A Conversation with Abby J. Leibman, President & CEO of MAZON
In this conversation, Rabbi Ari Averbach and Abby J. Leibman discuss the themes of moral courage, social justice, and the mission of MAZON, a Jewish response to hunger. Abby shares her journey into advocacy, the importance of policy change, and the role of the Jewish community in addressing hunger. They reflect on the legacy of Rabbi Schulweis and the concept of Tikkun Olam, emphasizing the responsibility individuals have to pursue justice and repair the world. We also hear directly from Rabbi Schulweis via an excerpt from the sermon “Does God have a Conscious”, given on Kol Nidre in 1993.Topics include:The Philosophy of MAZON Ms. Leibman explains that MAZON (the Hebrew word for "food" or "sustenance") operates on the principle that hunger is not a result of a lack of food, but a failure of policy. While charity and food banks provide immediate relief, they are "band-aids" that do not solve the underlying causes. MAZON focuses on long-term systemic change through political advocacy and legislative reform.Challenging the "Invisible" Hunger A major theme of the conversation is the populations that are often overlooked by traditional anti-hunger programs:Military Families: Ms. Leibman highlights the startling reality that many active-duty junior-enlisted military families rely on food pantries. This is often due to low pay scales and a "loophole" that counted housing allowances as income, which disqualified many families from SNAP (food stamps).Veterans: She discusses the high rates of food insecurity among veterans, particularly those transitioning back to civilian life or dealing with service-related disabilities.Single Mothers & LGBTQ+ Individuals: The podcast touches on how systemic barriers and discrimination exacerbate poverty in these communities.The Role of Faith and Moral Courage As a Jewish organization, MAZON’s work is rooted in the values of Tzedakah (justice/charity). Ms. Leibman emphasizes that fighting hunger is a moral obligation. She advocates for "moral courage"—the willingness to speak truth to power and challenge government structures that allow millions of Americans, including children and seniors, to go hungry in one of the wealthiest nations on earth.Policy as the Primary Solution Ms. Leibman argues that the government is the only entity with the scale and resources to truly end hunger. She highlights the importance of:Strengthening and protecting SNAP benefits.Ensuring universal school meals to remove the stigma and logistical barriers for hungry children.Reforming military pay and benefits to ensure those serving the country can feed their own families.The episode concludes with a call for listeners to move beyond "checkbook charity" and become advocates. She urges people to contact their representatives and demand that hunger be treated as a priority issue in the Farm Bill and other federal budgets.Abby J. Leibman on Women, Food Insecurity and the Feminization of Poverty—This video features Abby Leibman discussing the unique challenges women face regarding food insecurity and the policy work needed to address the "feminization of poverty."
- Jan 30, 202637 min
A Conversation with Rabbi Beth Lieberman, author and editorial board member of the CCAR Journal
In this conversation, Rabbi Ari talks with Rabbi Beth Lieberman about her book 'Moments That Matter,' co-authored with Rabbi Laura Geller, which explores the significance of life transitions in midlife and beyond. The discussion covers the origins of their community engagement initiative, the importance of rituals in navigating aging, and the need for a supportive community that honors the wisdom of older generations. Rabbi Lieberman emphasizes the influence of Rabbi Schulweis, the transformative potential of midlife and the necessity of preparing for the later stages of life, highlighting the role of spirituality and community in fostering a meaningful aging process.
- Jan 9, 202657 min
A Conversation with Rabbi Ed Feinstein, Valley Beth Shalom—teacher, pastor and visionary leader
This conversation explores the life and legacy of Rabbi Harold Schulweis, focusing on his impact on contemporary Judaism, his mentorship of Rabbi Ed Feinstein, and the challenges faced by modern rabbis. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, the discussion highlights Schulweis's vision for a Judaism that speaks to the present, his moral courage in addressing social issues, and the importance of community building in Jewish life.
- Dec 12, 202550 min
A Conversation with Michelle Green Willner, award-winning composer and educator
In this episode of Moral Courage, host Ari Averbach speaks with Michelle Green-Wilner, an award-winning composer and educator, about her journey with the Jewish Community Children's Choir and the profound influence of Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis. They discuss the choir's mission to inspire Jewish children from diverse backgrounds, the emotional impact of performances, and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Michelle shares personal stories of connection to music and spirituality, the significance of Kaddish, and the role of women in Jewish tradition. The conversation highlights the importance of community, the power of music, and future aspirations in continuing Rabbi Schulweis's legacy. For more information about Michelle's work, please visit her website-: https://www.michellegreenwillner.com/ and the Jewish Community Children's Choir can be found at: https://jewishchildrenschoir.com/
- Nov 26, 202541 min
A Conversation with Rabbi Adam Greenwald, Senior Rabbi, Congregation B'nai Israel
In this episode of the Moral Courage Podcast, Rabbi Adam Greenwald shares his journey from a student to a rabbi, discussing the influences and mentors that shaped his path. He reflects on the importance of community in Jewish identity, the transformative work he did with the Introduction to Judaism program, and the impact of conversion on Jewish identity. The conversation also delves into the legacy of Rabbi Schulweis, the significance of community engagement, and the theological challenges faced by modern Jews. Greenwald emphasizes the importance of experiential learning in Judaism and recommends resources for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the faith.
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About Moral Courage: From the Study of Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis
“Moral Courage” shares Jewish ideas and conversations — inspired by the works of Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis — that make Jewish wisdom more accessible, inclusive and relevant to today’s complicated world. Rabbi Schulweis was a longtime pulpit rabbi at Valley Beth Shalom in Encino, California, from 1970 until his passing in 2014, who made Judaism approachable and accessible. He believed that humanity could do divine work in the world, trying to make it a better place. He was a cofounder of the anti-genocide program Jewish World Watch, and said that Jews have a moral responsibility to help those who are suffering, wherever they are. He was also the founding Chair of the Jewish Foundation for the Righteous, recognizing Christians who saved Jews from the Holocaust. His is a voice that we need now—to give us direction and hope, in an otherwise troubled time. Hosted by Rabbi Ari Averbach.
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