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In These Times with Rabbi Ammi Hirsch

In These Times with Rabbi Ammi Hirsch

Stephen Wise Free Synagogue 77 Episodes Jun 18, 2026

Every other week, Rabbi Ammi Hirsch hosts intellectually honest conversations unpacking current events through the lens of Jewish wisdom and values. Unbound by politics and untethered by party lines, Ammi and his distinguished guests discuss everything from foreign affairs and antisemitism to politics and pop culture. This show is recorded from New York’s Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, a historic Reform congregation deeply rooted in liberalism, support for Israel and social justice.

Episodes

Franklin Foer Jun 18, 2026 3227 The Atlantic's Franklin Foer traces how Jews moved from the margins to the heart of American life before the sun started to set on that "Golden Age." He argues that the decline has serious implications for Jewish security, American democracy and Israel's standing — and that the way forward is through continued engagement.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-time
Re-CHARGING Reform Judaism: Clarity, Courage, and Moral Leadership Jun 4, 2026 2330 In this special episode, Rabbi Ammi Hirsch delivers his keynote address from the third Re-CHARGING Reform Judaism conference, a gathering of more than 350 Reform rabbis and Jewish leaders at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue. Addressing what he sees as a crisis of Jewish peoplehood, Zionism and moral confidence within liberal Jewish life, Hirsch argues that the future of Reform Judaism depends on renewe
Yardena Schwartz May 21, 2026 3458 In "Ghosts of a Holy War," award-winning journalist Yardena Schwartz traces the roots of today’s Israeli-Palestinian conflict back to the 1929 Hebron massacre — a moment that still echoes across Israel and the Middle East nearly a century later. She explores how disinformation, religious incitement and media narratives shaped the conflict then — and continue to shape it in the aftermath of
Adam Louis-Klein May 7, 2026 2950 Writer and anthropologist Adam Louis-Klein argues that antizionism is not simply a continuation of the “classical” antisemitism of the past, but a new framework for anti-Jewish hatred. Drawing on his experiences in elite academic spaces and fieldwork with indigenous communities in the Amazon, Louis-Klein explores how ideas about colonialism, identity, and power have been weaponized to reshape how
Zibby Owens Apr 3, 2026 2854 Author and podcaster Zibby Owens reflects on the world’s response to October 7th, the joy of reading, how authors are using AI, and the anxiety of prepping to send her kids off to college.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations
Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib Mar 12, 2026 3578 October 7th was a massive miscalculation — one that decimated Gaza, dismantled Iran’s proxy network, and reshaped the Middle East in Israel’s favor. Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib argues that as Israel grows stronger, a new kind of pro-Palestinian advocacy is urgently needed: one that is radically pragmatic, morally accountable and focused on nation-building over resistance.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Support this podc
Nadav Eyal Feb 26, 2026 3271 Award-winning journalist Nadav Eyal helps us understand why regimes like Iran's are so threatened by dissent and debate — the lifeblood of democracy — and how that clash with Western values is unfolding across the Middle East.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations
Liz Hirsh Naftali Feb 12, 2026 2685 After Hamas terrorists murdered Abigail’s parents, they abducted the three-year-old and held her hostage in Gaza for 51 days. Her great-aunt, Liz Hirsh Naftali, shares how she transformed from grieving family member into relentless advocate, traveling the world to fight for Abigail’s release and for the return of every hostage.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rab
Guy Vaknin Jan 22, 2026 2674 Chef Guy Vaknin is the culinary visionary behind a family of inventive vegan restaurants rooted in hospitality, artistry and feeding people well. Since October 7th, his restaurants and his family have been targeted by the same community that once celebrated his success — not because of his politics, but because of his Israeli identity.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-
Jonah Platt Dec 18, 2025 3550 Since the October 7th attacks, Broadway-trained actor, singer and writer Jonah Platt has emerged as one of the Jewish people’s most compelling advocates. His work exploring Jewish identity, Israel, antisemitism and pop culture gives us the confidence and pride to stand up for who we are.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations
Jonathan Greenblatt Dec 4, 2025 3860 Whether it's conspiracy theories about “space lasers” or the moral equivocation between Zionist Jews and the protestors screaming at them outside their synagogue, antisemitism is going mainstream. Jonathan Greenblatt returns to discuss the forces threatening American Jewish life — and how the ADL plans to stay vigilant as New York prepares for four years under Zohran Mamdani’s mayoralty.Suppor
Jonathan Freedland Nov 20, 2025 2986 On September 10, 1943, a group of anti-Nazi German aristocrats gathered for an afternoon tea party. Little did they know that one of them was about to betray the others to the Gestapo... Award-winning author and columnist Jonathan Freedland discusses his new book "The Traitors Circle" and examines the ways faith, conviction and courage inspire great acts of resistance.Support this podcast

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