Series Finale: Rabbi Deborah Waxman & Incoming President Rabbi Elliott Tepperman
Episode 608 · August 27th, 2026 · 38 mins 9 secs
About this Episode
In the final episode of Hashivenu, Rabbi Deborah Waxman closes out her run as host, and thirteen years as president of Reconstructing Judaism, with her most frequent guest: incoming president Rabbi Elliott Tepperman. The two dig into what drew Tepperman to the role, tracing his path from a DIY, activist-shaped Jewish upbringing through decades of movement work alongside Waxman. Their conversation ranges from the tension between American individualism and communal life to the hard lessons of Pittsburgh and October 7th, landing on a shared conviction that a vibrant, resilient Judaism is itself the answer to antisemitism.
If you've been listening to Hashivenu from the beginning all the way back in 2017, thank you so much. It's been an honor sharing these conversations with you for so many years. If you're new to the show, welcome! It's not too late to explore our back catalogue of 60+ episodes.
We hope you stay connected with Reconstructing Judaism and follow what's next under Rabbi Tepperman's leadership. If you haven't already, sign up for our newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Until next time, l'hitraot, and may we all go mihayil lehayil, from strength to strength.
This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.
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