Radical Moderation

In this episode of Radical Moderation, Rabbi Segal speaks with Rabbi Nati Helfgot, President of the International Rabbinic Fellowship, Rabbi of Congregation Netivot Shalom in New Jersey, and Jewish educator at large. With Rabbi Segal, Rabbi Helfgot retraces his road from Argentina to American Modern Orthodox leadership, discusses tackling mental health challenges in the Jewish community, and clears up misconceptions about expanding womens’ opportunities in Orthodox religious leadership. Rabbi Helfgot also offers his opinions on country music, and Rabbi Segal comes to terms with having a peer who prefers tea over coffee. The book Rabbi Helgot recommends in this episode is מדריך לחברה החרדית: אמונות וזרמים שער ותוכן עניינים by Rabbi Benjamin Brown. Get in touch with Radical Moderation: Email Rabbi Segal at a.segal@shalhevet.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/RadModeration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RadicalModeration/

This week on the Radical Moderation podcast, Rabbi Segal speaks with Yona Shem-Tov, Executive Director at the educational Jewish leadership organization Encounter. Rabbi Segal and Yona explore the role Jewish education plays in building narratives around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the responsibility of leaders to take leaps and engage in new experiences. Yona and Rabbi Segal also discuss the importance of robust and even difficult conversations, her dream resolution to the conflict, and the value of steadfastness in political education. Plus, what’s a “Coffee Crisp”? The book Yona recommends in this episode is “Killing a King,” by Dan Ephron. Learn more about Encounter at http://encounterprograms.org. Get in touch with Radical Moderation: Email Rabbi Segal your comments and questions at a.segal@shalhevet.org Twitter: twitter.com/RadModeration Facebook: www.facebook.com/RadicalModeration/

In this episode of Radical Moderation, Rabbi Segal’s friend, activist Thaly Germain, returns to discuss her recent trip to Israel. Thaly relates her experiences in finding both diversity and prejudice on her travels, as well as her experiences in Chevron and Jerusalem. Looking at the Middle East from personal, political, and activist perspectives, Rabbi Segal and Thaly explore the impact of distance on problem-solving, what parties involved in conflict really want, and the health quotient of Raisinets. The books Thaly recommends in this episode are “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson and “Monster Trouble” by Lane Fredrickson. Get in touch with Radical Moderation: Email Rabbi Segal at a.segal@shalhevet.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/RadModeration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RadicalModeration/

On this week’s episode of Radical Moderation, Rabbi Segal speaks with David Frum, a senior editor at The Atlantic, former speechwriter for President George W. Bush, and author of Trumpocracy. Rabbi Segal and Mr. Frum hold a wide-ranging discussion on subjects like building democratic culture, Canadian sports, remaining a Republican in the Trump era, and quirks of Jewish history. Mr. Frum also shares his thoughts on debating Steven K. Bannon and reasons for hope in American politics, relates the critical role of coffee in his life, and plays the “If You Were a Principal” game with Rabbi Segal. The book David Frum mentions in this episode is “The Fire” by Jorg Freidrich. You can watch his debate with Steve Bannon here: https://youtu.be/poq5ZrAc7pk Find Mr. Frum on Twitter at @davidfrum, and learn more at http://davidfrum.com. Get in touch with Radical Moderation! Email Rabbi Segal at a.segal@shalhevet.org Twitter: twitter.com/RadModeration Facebook: www.facebook.com/RadicalModeration/

In the second part of his conversation with Dr. Tamara Tweel, Rabbi Segal challenges Dr. Tweel to the Radical Moderation game. Dr. Tweel tackles topics like changing the Western canon for purposes of diversity, and the power in self-defined pronouns. Rabbi Segal and Dr. Tweel also discuss using religion to bolster academic understanding, the real key to American civic participation, and how it’s possible to see God in the Pope. The book Dr. Tweel recommends in this episode is “Gilead” by Marilynne Robinson. Get in touch with Radical Moderation: Email Rabbi Segal at a.segal@shalhevet.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/RadModeration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RadicalModeration/

This week on the Radical Moderation podcast, Rabbi Segal begins his conversation with Dr. Tamara Tweel, Director of Strategy for the Office of Innovation, Director of Civic Spirit, and professor and scholar of civics and social welfare at Columbia University. Dr. Tweel speaks with Rabbi Segal about the impact of politics and citizenship on her childhood, the ideal of “significant citizenship,” and how she tries to avoid getting addicted to her cell phone. The book Dr. Tweel recommends in this episode is “These Truths” by Jill Lepore. Get in touch with Radical Moderation: Email Rabbi Segal at a.segal@shalhevet.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/RadModeration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RadicalModeration/

This week on the Radical Moderation podcast, Rabbi Segal speaks with Rabbi Judah Mischel, Executive Director at Camp HASC and founder of the educational foundation Tzama Nafshi. Together, Rabbi Mischel and Rabbi Segal explore the limits of radical moderation, and ponder the intricacies of interacting with ideological opponents — even if they are associated with Hamas. Rabbi Segal and Rabbi Mischel also discuss why all Jewish communal issues must be tackled at the Shabbat table, and how the widespread consumption of coffee has enhanced Jewish practice. The books Rabbi Mischel recommends in this episode are “Healing Leaves” by Rabbi Nosson of Breslov, and “The Other Wes Moore,” by Wes Moore. Find Rabbi Mischel on Twitter at @JudahMischel. Get in touch with Radical Moderation: Email Rabbi Segal at a.segal@shalhevet.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/RadModeration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RadicalModeration/

The Radical Moderation podcast returns for a second season with a few special guests. In this episode, Rabbi Ari Segal is joined by Shalhevet High School students Kate and Evan in a radically moderate discussion of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's nomination and confirmation. Together, Evan, Kate, and Rabbi Segal discuss the benefits and drawbacks to passionate conversations, debate the impact of high school behavior on adult life, and ponder the relationship between ideology and gender. Tune in for a unique and thoughtful take on this complicated subject! Get in touch with Radical Moderation: Email Rabbi Segal at a.segal@shalhevet.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/RadModeration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RadicalModeration/

Rabbi Segal takes your questions and looks back on the lessons learned from the first year of Radical Moderation. We'll see you in season two!

In the second part of his conversation with Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin, Rabbi Ari Segal introduces a new challenge: the “Radical Moderation Game.” Together, the Rabbis defend and debate several controversial subjects in the modern Jewish and secular worlds from both traditionalist and radical points of view. Rabbi Bashevkin also shares his philosophy on how to best handle being confronted with offensive behavior, and he and Rabbi Segal trade tips for ‘marking’ pages while reading on Shabbat. Email Rabbi Segal at a.segal@shalhevet.org Find Rabbi Bashevkin online at twitter.com/dbashideas

This week on the Radical Moderation podcast, Rabbi Segal speaks with Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin, Director of Education at NCSY. In the first part of their conversation, Rabbi Bashevkin discusses his “quacky” childhood, and how he came to have roots in diverse corners of the secular and religious worlds. Rabbi Segal and Rabbi Bashevkin also explore the importance of authenticity in religious life, their feelings on the roles of other religions, and the surprising inspiration found in “Jesus Camp.” The book Rabbi Bashevkin recommends in this episode is “The Most Human Human,” by Brian Christian.

In the second part of their conversation, Rabbi Segal and Thaly Germain dig into the ideas of allyship in social justice, and how to find common ground when values conflict -- as they do on subjects like that of Minister Louis Farrakhan. Thaly also shares more stories from her life and work, compares her favorite Jewish holidays with Rabbi Segal.

This week, Rabbi Segal is joined by his friend Thaly Germain, a Haitian-American activist and the founder of Equity Partners/Onward. In Part I of their conversation, Thaly shares her inspiring life story, and she and Rabbi Segal discuss the concept of social privilege in America. Rabbi Segal and Thaly also reflect, with some amusement, on how they came to meet at the Aspen Institute.

In the second part of their conversation, Rabbi Segal and OU President Moishe Bane dive into the question of unity within the Orthodox community. What does it mean to be Orthodox, and how does the Orthodox Union decide when and how to enforce boundaries of dogma? What about practices that skirts the edge of traditional observance, such as female clergy? Rabbi Segal and President Bane discuss the difference between individual philosophies and communal behavior, the role of Open Orthodoxy in this conversation, and what it means to interface with people who disagree with you. Plus, how is modern Jewish life like a symphony?

This week, Rabbi Segal speaks with Moishe Bane, President of the Orthodox Union and partner at Ropes & Gray LLP. In the first part of their conversation, President Bane offers an inside look at the OU, and discusses his educational philosophy (for children and adults alike) with Rabbi Segal. President Bane also explores his background as an activist within the Orthodox community, and shares his most powerful moment of the Jewish year. The book President Bane mentions is "30 Lessons for Living: Tried and True Advice from the Wisest Americans," by Karl Pillemer.