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 purely defensive or reactive posture and adopt a more constructive, and profoundly Jewish, spiritual framework. Drawing on a teaching from Maimonides (the Rambam), Rabbi Ozar proposes a counterintuitive idea: that for all practical purposes, there are no truly "evil" people, only "mediocre" ones—complex human beings who are a bundle of good deeds, bad deeds, and, most importantly, the potential for change. This perspective forces us to stop demonizing our opponents as inhuman monsters and instead see them as fellow humans who are tragically mistaken. By embracing this difficult but powerful idea, we can unlock a new way of engaging. It allows us to hold people accountable for their harmful actions without closing the door on dialogue, growth, and the possibility of building a better world together. In this episode, Rabbi Alex Ozar explores: The Limits of a Defensive Posture: Why simply reacting to antisemitic incidents, while necessary, will never solve the underlying problem. The Rambam's Radical Idea: An exploration of Maimonides' teaching that every living person should be considered a- beinoni ;(an "in—betweener"), neither wholly righteous nor wholly wicked, and how this idea reframes our entire approach to conflict. A Path to a More Constructive Future: How viewing our opponents as human—flawed, responsible, but capable of change—empowers us to address the root causes of hate and actively work toward building a better, more understanding society.…

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 holy through intention and service to others. The conversation weaves together personal stories, Talmudic wisdom, and practical insights about building inclusive Jewish communities where every person feels seen and valued. 🔹 Holiness in Everyday Work Every job can become sacred when performed with the intention to serve others Shifting perspective from "just a job" to partnership with God 🔹 The Power of Being Seen Building community through individual conversations and genuine presence Meeting students where they are, not where we think they should be The importance of showing up consistently, even without immediate feedback 🔹 Talmudic Wisdom on Leadership A rabbi's job is to pray for people and understand their struggles Those who suffer under difficult circumstances are judged with compassion Leaders must be with the people, like the prophet Samuel who traveled to every town Resources Mentioned The Talmudic passage about why people sin and divine judgment (Sanhedrin, 4th chapter) The Book of Ruth as a model for inclusive society The role of the High Priest (Kohen Gadol) in seeking mercy for Israel…

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 "everything will work out." Key Insights Faith in God isn't believing that everything will work out perfectly, but accepting that we aren't in complete control The desire to control outcomes through unethical means reflects a lack of trust in God's world True faith involves believing that ethical approaches are ultimately the best way to resolve problems Community leadership requires facilitating genuine relationships rather than imposing rigid structures…

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 include: Cleaning & Searching (Bedikat Chametz): How thorough do you need to be in a dorm, especially shared ones? What's your responsibility regarding a roommate's mess or belongings (Jewish or not)? Dealing with Chametz: Clarifying ownership rules for food belonging to you, your roommate, or co-owned items. Practical methods for transferring ownership ( kinyan ) before Pesach. Getting Rid of Chametz: Is burning ( biur ) preferable to selling/giving it away? Addressing concerns about wastefulness ( Bal Tashchis ). Should students join the communal sale ( Mechirat Chametz ) even if they think they're chametz-free? Kashering: Tips and Halakhic guidance for making a rental kitchen kosher for Pesach, addressing concerns about ovens (self-cleaning cycles, high heat), countertops, and limited equipment. Erev Pesach on Shabbat (2024 Specific): How to handle meals using egg matzah, when to stop eating chametz alternatives, and navigating Shalosh Seudos . Preparing for the Seder: Advice on setting up when Yom Tov begins Saturday night. Going Home: Navigating Pesach observance when visiting family with different standards. Classes & Work: Guidance on attending classes or doing schoolwork during Yom Tov and Chol HaMoed (intermediate days). Whether you're a student preparing for Pesach on campus, heading home, or an educator supporting students, this episode provides essential Halakhic insights and practical solutions.…

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 Schwartz reveals how he balances his rabbinical role with mental health expertise, establishing clear boundaries while recognizing valuable overlaps. When OCD Meets Religious Observance: Discover how mental health conditions directly impact halakhic practice, and learn the critical signs that distinguish religious questions from mental health concerns. Personalized Guidance: Rav Avi demonstrates how understanding a student's emotional state transforms his rabbinic advice, especially in sensitive areas like dating and personal development. Breaking Stigmas: The conversation tackles mental health stigma in Orthodox communities head-on, offering practical strategies for encouraging students to seek help. Torah Psychology: Explore how ancient Torah narratives provide profound psychological insights, with Rabbi Schwartz illustrating how the story of the spies illuminates modern concepts like projection. Looking Forward: Rav Avi shares his exciting plans to bring mental health support to English-speaking students in Israel and potentially expand his work to IDF veterans. This thought-provoking episode illuminates the psychological dimensions of Jewish life and showcases how sensitivity and understanding enhance religious guidance.…

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 community solidarity with diverse viewpoints, as well as the challenges of maintaining meaningful dialogue amidst rising tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The hosts explore the evolving relationship between Jewish identity, political perspectives, and communal belonging. Key Discussion Points: The Consumption of Israel in Campus Discourse: Israel is a constant topic in campus discussions, impacting students on a daily basis. The Changing Landscape: The hosts note a significant shift from their own college experiences, where pro-Israel stances were largely uncontested, to today's environment where diverse perspectives are more prevalent, challenging. The Progressive Challenge: Progressive political cultures can create situations where Jewish students feel pressured to prove their lack of support for genocide in order to be accepted, creating a hostile situation. Humility and Listening: The importance of humility and active listening as essential components for engaging with diverse perspectives on Israel. It involves acknowledging the possibility of valid points and considering different viewpoints. Maintaining Integrity: The necessity of maintaining community integrity and avoiding drastic shifts based solely on changing political sentiments. The Torah Perspective: Sharing a teaching from "Seder Olam Zutta" about Yitro's experience at Mount Sinai and the message of not partaking in celebrations of Torah if one did not also share in periods of suffering. This informs the conversation about identifying with and understanding the plight of the Jewish community, as well as the State of Israel. This leads to the recognition that Torah and Mitzvos build a life that flows from our solidarity together as a community. Embracing Diversity: The goal is to encompass as much of the Jewish community as possible within the shared destiny and consensus. What's Required: Showing love, care, respect, patience. A willingness to engage, learn, and understand even when there is disagreement.…

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 relevant to the current times. Key Discussion Points: The Pachad Yitzchak: Rav Moshe’s journey of appreciating its depth and how it reveals meaning in seemingly simple concepts. Connecting With Students: Learning their experiences, finding relevant Torah, and understanding their growth is not static. Campus Work Evolution: Requires hard decisions, meeting students where they are, and understanding that your picture of their success might be wrong. Torah for Today: Finding the Torah that helps us with our struggles, including balancing the ideas of Eish Kodesh (finding strength) and Derech haMelech (big ideas about connection). The value of Internalization Using Torah teachings to understand that the best course isn't always action, and to find value in the internal process of an experience. Torah Within: Recognizing that the voice of God can be found within our own thoughts. A Sweet Spot that is where your passions meet your students, and finding a way to bring it all together. The Importance of Translation: Not just repeating Torah but finding ways to create a relevant and transformative experience for students. Recognizing that not all responses are made for an Instagram post or for a fundraising campaign, but internal and deep. The Banal and the Good: That some of the most challenging things, and impactful things, happen in ways that feel banal and do not grab headlines. The Montage and Our Current Culture how the “montage” element of our culture is so destructive because it emphasizes only highlights. The Need for Action & Feeling Connected: When it comes to action, Rav Moshe shares that we must do it with a sense of being a part of what is going on rather than as a distant spectator and to ask what does going to the “frontlines” look like today. Takeaway: This episode highlights the importance of seeking deeper meaning in Torah, understanding the complexities of student experiences, and finding the Torah that resonates with each individual. It emphasizes that growth can be internal, gradual, and not always as linear as we might think.…

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 donations Packing 2,000+ meals Running a 2-month camp for 100 displaced children Featured Torah Teaching: Before prayer, one must accept the mitzvah to "love your neighbor as yourself" Prayer becomes more powerful when combined with genuine care and connection to community Importance of bringing others' struggles and pain into one's prayers Discussion of mystical understanding of prayer as affecting both internal spiritual state and external world Guest's Background: Came to Orthodox Judaism from non-Orthodox background Studied Chassidut for several years before diving deeper into Kabbalah Currently pursuing Master's in Jewish Thought at Hebrew University Teaches mystical texts while emphasizing their connection to practical religious life and community building…

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 activities. Key Themes: The pervasive tendency to approach Jewish practices (Torah study, mitzvot) as a means of personal advancement The struggle to perform actions for their inherent meaning rather than external benefits Strategies for breaking out of purely transactional religious observance Insights: Judaism was never meant to be practiced by "angels," but by real, imperfect human beings The importance of doing things because they matter, not because of potential advantages Embracing an approach of gradual improvement and self-transcendence Practical Wisdom: Start small: Incrementally push yourself to do mitzvot with more genuine intention Recognize that imperfection is part of the human experience Use irony and playfulness to maintain perspective on personal growth The hosts argue that the goal isn't perfection, but continuous, humble effort—doing a little bit better today than yesterday while maintaining an open and compassionate view of oneself. Memorable Quote: "God's not asking us to be angels. God's asking us as human beings to try to do a little bit better today than we did yesterday."…

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 Themes Beyond Transactional Living Critiquing the tendency to view all activities as instrumental means to economic ends Challenging the relentless pursuit of social and material capital Exploring alternative ways of understanding value and success Cultural Resistance Judaism as a countercultural framework for resisting purely economic thinking The importance of activities pursued for their inherent worth Rejecting the constant pressure to monetize every experience Deep Dive: Spiritual and Cultural Insights Meaningful Practices Torah study as a non-transactional pursuit of knowledge Shabbat as a weekly ritual of resistance against constant productivity Prioritizing intrinsic value over external markers of success The Contemporary Challenge Intense economic pressures on young adults The transformation of personal experiences into commodities Navigating meaning within contemporary constraints Critical Reflections How do we find purpose beyond economic productivity? What activities have value simply because they matter? Can we reclaim spaces of genuine learning and connection? Personal and Communal Implications Resisting the impulse to leverage every experience for future gain Valuing knowledge, beauty, and spiritual growth Creating meaningful lives beyond resume-building…

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 during crisis. Guest Background - Tzvi and Tali previously served as JLIC directors at Rutgers University for three years - Currently serve as JLIC Mizrahi directors in Israel - Parents to four daughters - Tzvi was called up for reserve duty on October 7th, 2023 Key Moments October 7th Experience Started as a normal Simchat Torah morning Multiple sirens disrupted services Tzvi was activated as part of the first responders unit Community quickly mobilized to secure the city Military Service Tzvi served in multiple roles: 1. Religious support for an artillery unit 2. Writing Torah-based inspiration for commanders 3. Yasar unit (classified combat unit handling sensitive missions) Community Impact Tali managed both family and community responsibilities Community members stepped up to help maintain programs Expanded into new chesed opportunities related to the war Developed stronger bonds between religious and non-religious community members Notable Quotes "We don't just have to love each other because there's a mitzvah. We actually have to really respect different people and respect that they have a value that they're working on." - Tzvi "These tears that we're shedding as individuals and more importantly, as a nation... ultimately will blossom into something beautiful." - Tali Additional Notes - Discussion highlighted need for mental health support for military families - Emphasized importance of maintaining unity gains post-crisis - Demonstrated role of Torah leadership during national emergency…

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 international students 2. October 7, 2023: Rabbi Eitan's military service 3. Adapting to war: Maintaining student connections remotely 4. Personal growth: "Mesirat nefesh" (self-sacrifice) in wartime 5. Religious perspectives: Biblical parallels and Judaism's role in modern Israel 6. Community leadership: Elana's experience during her husband's service 7. Future outlook: Plans and challenges for the upcoming semester 8. Tel Aviv University's role in Israel's academic landscape This episode explores themes of faith, duty, and resilience in the face of conflict, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of academic, spiritual, and military life in Israel. Recorded August 7, 2024…

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 insights on sustaining hope and action in difficult circumstances. Key Topics Covered: • Rabbi Joe Wolfson journey from the UK to leading JLIC communities in NYC and Jerusalem • Coordinating volunteer efforts and support for evacuees and soldiers during the Israel-Hamas war • Finding new resonance in Torah texts and Jewish wisdom during times of crisis • The power of small acts of kindness to create positive change • Balancing action with processing grief and trauma • Sustaining hope and community engagement over the long-term Notable Quotes: "The magic of this work is that it does restore a sense of agency to people." "We've witnessed so much beauty. We have seen such incredible strength of our society and we've witnessed things we never expected." "The role of rabbis and community leaders...is to say to our communities and to Israel in this extremely depressed moment: It's going to be good. It's going to be ok." About the Guest: Rabbi Joe Wolfson is the director of JLIC's first young professional community in Tel Aviv. He previously served as co-director of JLIC at NYU. Rabbi Wolfson studied at Yeshivat Har Etzion and received his rabbinic ordination from the Israeli Chief Rabbinate. Recorded July 10, 2024…

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 growth in the face of challenges. Key Topics: The importance of preparation (hachana) in Jewish practice and life Responding to antisemitism and challenges on college campuses Building Jewish community and identity during difficult times Balancing academic pursuits with Jewish leadership Differences between campus and pulpit rabbinical roles Personal reflections on growth and leadership Notable Quotes: "The Jewish approach is that hachana in and of itself has religious significance. It's not just about getting to some sort of goal at the end." "Looking back on this past year, I would say there are very few moments where you can point and say 'that's where we got a win.' But I think certainly the growth pattern of Jewish students on campus, despite the anger and despair and hopelessness that many of us have felt over the last nine months - at the same time, it's incredible to see the way in which so many of our Jewish students grew up in just a matter of months." "Jews were able to come together as a community in these incredibly moving moments...both religious orthodox Jewish community and also Jews across the spectrum." About the Guest: Rabbi Elie Beuchler serves as director of JLIC at Columbia University and Barnard College alongside his wife Tamar. Rabbi Beuchler previously served as assistant rabbi at the Jewish Center on the Upper West Side and is currently pursuing a PhD in medieval Jewish history. Additional Notes: - This episode touches on sensitive topics related to campus antisemitism and Jewish identity - Rabbi Beuchler gained national attention in April for speaking out about challenges facing Jewish students at Columbia - This is Rabbi Beuchler's first interview since those events We hope you enjoy this insightful conversation on Jewish life, learning, and leadership on campus. Thank you for listening to Torah at JLIC! Recorded July 2, 2024…

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: Yehuda's decision to serve in the IDF reserves after October 7th Hannah's experience running the JLIC program solo during Yehuda's absence How students stepped up to support the Auerbach and each other Building an inclusive Jewish community that reaches beyond the core observant students Torah ideas that have guided them through challenging times The importance of consistency and steady growth in religious life Being honest about one's relationship with God, even during difficult periods Creating a safe space for students to be authentic in their Jewish expression "We decided that if after the Chag, I checked my phone and my unit in reserves had been called up that I would leave and I would go to Israel." - Rabbi Yehuda Auerbach "It's not scary to say how you're feeling about your relationship with God out loud." - Hannah Auerbach Closing Thoughts: The Auerbach reflect on the unique and rewarding nature of their work with JLIC, praising the incredible community of students and colleagues they've found through the program. Recoded June 24th 2024…