Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D.

Episode 8: Hineni — Being Present

February 13th, 2018  |  Season 1  |  22 mins 27 secs

How do we pull ourselves together when we feel scattered or unfocused? In this episode of Hashivenu, Rabbi Myriam Klotz and Rabbi Deborah Waxman invite us into the spiritual practice of "hineni" -- being present and responsive.

A Special Announcement

January 30th, 2018  |  Season 1  |  2 mins 16 secs

This is Rabbi Deborah Waxman. Thanks so much for listening to our podcast, “Hashivenu: Jewish teachings on resilience.” Our next regular episode is on its way in February. But I wanted to take a moment to let you know about our organization’s new name: Reconstructing Judaism.

Episode 7: Ecology

January 22nd, 2018  |  Season 1  |  24 mins

In a wide-ranging conversation about ecology, Tu B'Shvat and shmittah (sabbatical year) Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb and Rabbi Deborah Waxman explore the ways in which Jewish tradition and ecological consciousness provide compelling models for resilience and sustainability.

Episode 6: Mindfulness

January 7th, 2018  |  Season 1  |  25 mins 37 secs

In challenging times, we often search for firm ground to stand on. In this interview with Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, Rabbi Deborah Waxman explores mindfulness as a path that can anchor us, nourish our Jewish lives, and sustain us as we strive to fulfill our Jewish values.

Episode 5: Activism

December 5th, 2017  |  Season 1  |  27 mins 40 secs

The story of Hanukkah invites us to kindle lights in the darkness, and to overcome despair with hope and action. In this spirit, Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum reflects on the extraordinary work of her community, and how it embodies the fundamental connection between spiritual life and social activism.

Episode 4: Chanting

November 7th, 2017  |  Season 1  |  26 mins 54 secs

chanting

According to Rabbi Shefa Gold, “Chant is the bridge between the inner life and the outer expression; between the solitary practice and the shared beauty of fellowship.” She has set verses from Jewish liturgy and from the Hebrew Bible to chants that are both beautiful and meditative. This episode explores how the ancient practice of chanting can cultivate renewal while bringing traditional liturgy to life.

Episode 3: Humor

September 29th, 2017  |  Season 1  |  26 mins 15 secs

humor

The upcoming holiday of Sukkot is known as z'man simkhateynu, the season of our joy. In keeping with that theme, Rabbi Seth Goldstein joins us for a special episode on humor. Whether opening us to laughter and joy, or easing the way in difficult times, humor can be a powerful path toward resilience.

Episode 2: Teshuvah and Forgiveness

September 5th, 2017  |  Season 1  |  26 mins 25 secs

forgiveness, teshuvah

As the High Holiday season approaches, Jewish people across the world begin to reflect on their behavior of the past year. They wonder: what does it mean to forgive? What does it mean to seek forgiveness? In a conversation with Rabbi Vivie Mayer, we explore the complexities of teshuvah (repentance) and ways to seek it as the Jewish new year approaches and throughout the year.

Episode 1: Shabbat

August 10th, 2017  |  Season 1  |  22 mins 37 secs

shabbat

In this episode, Rabbi Jacob Staub, Ph.D., talks about one of the deepest and best known of Jewish practices, Shabbat. We read about this ancient practice in Genesis, with God creating the world in six days and then resting on the seventh—and from that, we get the concept of a day of rest. Rabbi Staub is a professor of Jewish philosophy and spirituality at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. He’s written widely on many topics, including a beautiful extended chapter on the Jewish Sabbath in "A Guide to Jewish Practice," published by the RRC Press.