Rabbi Deborah Waxman continues her conversation with Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, founder of Lab/Shul and subject of the documentary The Sabbath Queen. They explore how to hold complexity in polarized times, discussing &quot;both/and&quot; thinking around Israeli and Palestinian identity, the theology of love and connection (symbolized by the Hebrew letter vav), and building strong Jewish peoplehood without chauvinism or supremacy. Their conversation weaves together personal narrative, liturgical innovation, and theological reflection, modeling nuanced dialogue about coexistence, justice, and evolving Jewish tradition to honor the dignity of all people while navigating disagreement with courage and compassion.

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This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at <a href="https://ReconstructingJudaism.org" rel="nofollow">ReconstructingJudaism.org</a>.Special Guest: Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie.<a rel="payment" href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/donate">Support Hashivenu</a>Links:<ul><li><a title="The Sabbath Queen (Film Site)" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.sabbathqueen.com/">The Sabbath Queen (Film Site)</a> &mdash; Find a screening near you, background information, and related materials. </li><li><a title="Lab/Shul" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.labshul.org/">Lab/Shul</a> &mdash; Lab/Shul is the experimental, artist-driven, God-optional Jewish community co-founded by Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie.</li><li><a title="Evolve: Rabbi Toba Spitzer on Chosenness" rel="nofollow" href="https://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org/kaplan-chosenness-us/">Evolve: Rabbi Toba Spitzer on Chosenness</a> &mdash; Rabbi Toba Spitzer argues that “chosenness” implies unjust superiority and needs to be replaced with a sense of shared moral responsibility.</li><li><a title="The World Zionist Congress and Reconstructing Judaism’s Engagement with Israel" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/news/update-on-the-world-zionist-congress-and-reconstructing-judaisms-engagement-with-israel/">The World Zionist Congress and Reconstructing Judaism’s Engagement with Israel</a> &mdash; Learn about Reconstructing Judaism's efforts to promote a democratic, pluralistic, human-rights-centered vision for Israel and support for a two-state solution.</li><li><a title="Octavia Butler Resources (for contextual reference)" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.octaviabutler.com/">Octavia Butler Resources (for contextual reference)</a> &mdash; Learn more about Octavia Butler’s writing and themes.</li><li><a title="B&#39;Yachad, Reconstructing Judaism&#39;s movement-wide convention" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/byachad/">B'Yachad, Reconstructing Judaism's movement-wide convention</a> &mdash; Details about Reconstructing Judaism's 2026 convention, including programming related to peoplehood without chauvinism and community-centered resilience. Registration is open now! </li></ul>

<description>Rabbi Deborah Waxman continues her conversation with Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, founder of Lab/Shul and subject of the documentary The Sabbath Queen. They explore how to hold complexity in polarized times, discussing "both/and" thinking around Israeli and Palestinian identity, the theology of love and connection (symbolized by the Hebrew letter vav), and building strong Jewish peoplehood without chauvinism or supremacy. Their conversation weaves together personal narrative, liturgical innovation, and theological reflection, modeling nuanced dialogue about coexistence, justice, and evolving Jewish tradition to honor the dignity of all people while navigating disagreement with courage and compassion.
&lt;a href="http://subscribebyemail.com/hashivenu.fireside.fm/rss" title="Subscribe by Email"&gt;Subscribe by Email&lt;/a&gt;
This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org (https://ReconstructingJudaism.org). Special Guest: Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie.
</description>

Rabbi Deborah Waxman continues her conversation with Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, founder of Lab/Shul and subject of the documentary The Sabbath Queen. They explore how to hold complexity in polarized times, discussing "both/and" thinking around Israeli and Palestinian identity, the theology of love and connection, and more. 

Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie returns to discuss Jewish chosenness, love, and his film Sabbath Queen

Rabbi Deborah Waxman is joined by Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie for a vital conversation about the complexities of Zionism, Israeli identity and progressive Jewish values. As delegates on the Hatikvah slate in the World Zionist Congress elections, Waxman and Lau-Lavie discuss the intersection of personal history, political activism, queer and feminist perspectives and Jewish theology. Each reflects on the legacy of Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, the power of hope, and the urgency of building a Judaism that is inclusive, resilient and committed to justice for all. 

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This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at <a href="https://ReconstructingJudaism.org" rel="nofollow">ReconstructingJudaism.org</a>.Special Guest: Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie.<a rel="payment" href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/donate">Support Hashivenu</a>Links:<ul><li><a title="Vote Hatikvah Slate in the World Zionist Congress Elections" rel="nofollow" href="https://azm.castiron.votem.net/election/037548cb-4cbb-4a94-aa9a-8aef017d4ddf">Vote Hatikvah Slate in the World Zionist Congress Elections</a></li><li><a title="Learn more about Hatikvah Slate" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hatikvahslate.net/hatikvah-platform">Learn more about Hatikvah Slate</a></li><li><a title="Explore Reconstructionist Resources about the World Zionist Congress" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/world-zionist-congress/">Explore Reconstructionist Resources about the World Zionist Congress</a></li><li><a title="Where We Stand: The Reconstructionist Movement, Israel and Progressive Zionism" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/israel/">Where We Stand: The Reconstructionist Movement, Israel and Progressive Zionism</a></li><li><a title="Watch: The Progressive Israel Network workshop about the World Zionist Congress Elections and why they matter urgently" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/article/progressive-israel-network-the-upcoming-world-zionist-congress-elections-and-why-they-matter-urgently/">Watch: The Progressive Israel Network workshop about the World Zionist Congress Elections and why they matter urgently</a></li><li><a title="Q&amp;A with Hatikvah Slate nominee Rabbi Elliott Tepperman about Hatikvah&#39;s progressive vision for Israel and Jewish communities" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/news/the-hatikvah-slate-a-progressive-vision-for-israel-and-jewish-communities/">Q&amp;A with Hatikvah Slate nominee Rabbi Elliott Tepperman about Hatikvah's progressive vision for Israel and Jewish communities</a></li><li><a title="Learn more about Lab/Shul" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.labshul.org/">Learn more about Lab/Shul</a></li><li><a title="Learn more about Storahtelling, Inc. " rel="nofollow" href="https://www.labshul.org/storahtelling/">Learn more about Storahtelling, Inc. </a></li><li><a title="In case you missed it: Rabbi Deborah Waxman&#39;s conversation with Rabbi Jodie Siff and Aaron Siff-Scherr about progressive Zionism, Jewish identity and the importance of voting in the World Zionist Congress elections" rel="nofollow" href="https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/603">In case you missed it: Rabbi Deborah Waxman's conversation with Rabbi Jodie Siff and Aaron Siff-Scherr about progressive Zionism, Jewish identity and the importance of voting in the World Zionist Congress elections</a></li></ul>

<description>Rabbi Deborah Waxman is joined by Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie for a vital conversation about the complexities of Zionism, Israeli identity and progressive Jewish values. As delegates on the Hatikvah slate in the World Zionist Congress elections, Waxman and Lau-Lavie discuss the intersection of personal history, political activism, queer and feminist perspectives and Jewish theology. Each reflects on the legacy of Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, the power of hope, and the urgency of building a Judaism that is inclusive, resilient and committed to justice for all. 
&lt;a href="http://subscribebyemail.com/hashivenu.fireside.fm/rss" title="Subscribe by Email"&gt;Subscribe by Email&lt;/a&gt;
This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org (https://ReconstructingJudaism.org). Special Guest: Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie.
</description>

Speaking from a place of personal history, heartbreak and fierce hope, Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie articulates a Jewish future rooted in empathy, pluralism, love and justice.

Hope Is a Muscle: The Hatikvah Slate with special guest Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie 

In this special episode of Hashivenu, Rabbi Deborah Waxman welcomes Rabbi Jodie Siff and her son Aaron Siff-Scherr to discuss their deep personal and political commitments to progressive Zionism. Together, they reflect on how Jewish education, family experiences, and time in Israel shaped their values and why participating in the World Zionist Congress elections matters. With honesty and nuance, they explore the complexities of modern Zionism, antisemitism, and pluralism within Jewish life. This heartfelt conversation is a call to action for American Jews to raise their voices by casting their votes for the Hatikvah Slate in order to help shape a more inclusive future for the Jewish people. Vote now at <a href="http://azm.org" rel="nofollow">http://azm.org</a>

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This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at <a href="https://ReconstructingJudaism.org" rel="nofollow">ReconstructingJudaism.org</a>.Special Guests: Aaron Siff-Scherr and Rabbi Jodie Siff.<a rel="payment" href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/donate">Support Hashivenu</a>Links:<ul><li><a title="Vote Hatikvah Slate in the World Zionist Congress Elections" rel="nofollow" href="https://azm.castiron.votem.net/election/037548cb-4cbb-4a94-aa9a-8aef017d4ddf">Vote Hatikvah Slate in the World Zionist Congress Elections</a></li><li><a title="Learn more about Hatikvah Slate" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hatikvahslate.net/hatikvah-platform">Learn more about Hatikvah Slate</a></li><li><a title="Explore Reconstructionist Resources about the World Zionist Congress" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/world-zionist-congress/">Explore Reconstructionist Resources about the World Zionist Congress</a></li><li><a title="Where We Stand: The Reconstructionist Movement, Israel and Progressive Zionism" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/israel/">Where We Stand: The Reconstructionist Movement, Israel and Progressive Zionism</a></li><li><a title="Watch: The Progressive Israel Network workshop about the World Zionist Congress Elections and why they matter urgently" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/article/progressive-israel-network-the-upcoming-world-zionist-congress-elections-and-why-they-matter-urgently/">Watch: The Progressive Israel Network workshop about the World Zionist Congress Elections and why they matter urgently</a></li><li><a title="Q&amp;A with Hatikvah Slate nominee Rabbi Elliott Tepperman about Hatikvah&#39;s progressive vision for Israel and Jewish communities" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/news/the-hatikvah-slate-a-progressive-vision-for-israel-and-jewish-communities/">Q&amp;A with Hatikvah Slate nominee Rabbi Elliott Tepperman about Hatikvah's progressive vision for Israel and Jewish communities</a></li><li><a title="Support Reconstructing Judaism" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/support">Support Reconstructing Judaism</a></li></ul>

<description>In this special episode of Hashivenu, Rabbi Deborah Waxman welcomes Rabbi Jodie Siff and her son Aaron Siff-Scherr to discuss their deep personal and political commitments to progressive Zionism. Together, they reflect on how Jewish education, family experiences, and time in Israel shaped their values and why participating in the World Zionist Congress elections matters. With honesty and nuance, they explore the complexities of modern Zionism, antisemitism, and pluralism within Jewish life. This heartfelt conversation is a call to action for American Jews to raise their voices by casting their votes for the Hatikvah Slate in order to help shape a more inclusive future for the Jewish people. Vote now at http://azm.org
&lt;a href="http://subscribebyemail.com/hashivenu.fireside.fm/rss" title="Subscribe by Email"&gt;Subscribe by Email&lt;/a&gt;
This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org (https://ReconstructingJudaism.org). Special Guests: Aaron Siff-Scherr and Rabbi Jodie Siff.
</description>

Rabbi Jodie Siff and her son Aaron Siff-Scherr join Rabbi Deborah Waxman for a moving, intergenerational conversation on progressive Zionism, Jewish identity and the importance of voting in the World Zionist Congress elections. 

Why Voting for the Hatkivah Slate in the World Zionist Congress Matters: A Conversation Across Generations

In preparation for<a href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/event/all-of-the-people-israel-are-responsible-for-one-another-reconstructionist-values-that-shape-our-relationships-with-israelis-and-palestinians/" rel="nofollow"> Reconstructing Judaism’s December 15 movement-wide virtual convening</a>, Rabbi Elliott Tepperman and Rabbi Rachel Weiss join Rabbi Deborah Waxman for a deeply thoughtful and nuanced conversation about the difficult and rewarding work of maintaining unity within Jewish communities that sometimes have diverse views on Israel and Palestine and the War in Gaza. Their reflections on how to cultivate spaces of growth, respect and accountability within the synagogue offer a blueprint for creating Jewish communities that are there for us during moments of joy and celebration as well as times of mourning and crisis. 

<h2><a href="http://subscribebyemail.com/hashivenu.fireside.fm/rss" title="Subscribe by Email">Subscribe by Email</a></h2>

This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at <a href="https://ReconstructingJudaism.org" rel="nofollow">ReconstructingJudaism.org</a>.Special Guests: Rabbi Elliott Tepperman and Rabbi Rachel Weiss.<a rel="payment" href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/donate">Support Hashivenu</a>Links:<ul><li><a title="Learn more about and register for Reconstructing Judaism&#39;s 12/15 event" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/event/all-of-the-people-israel-are-responsible-for-one-another-reconstructionist-values-that-shape-our-relationships-with-israelis-and-palestinians/">Learn more about and register for Reconstructing Judaism's 12/15 event</a></li><li><a title="Reconstructing Judaism’s Convention, B’Yachad, is coming to Philadelphia in 2026" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/event/byachad/">Reconstructing Judaism’s Convention, B’Yachad, is coming to Philadelphia in 2026</a></li><li><a title="Read JRC&#39;s Covenant of Speech" rel="nofollow" href="https://jrctogether.org/about-us/board-of-directors/jrc-covenant-of-speech/">Read JRC's Covenant of Speech</a></li><li><a title="Clip from 2022 Convention: Rabbi Elliott Tepperman on creating a community of belonging that includes people even when they step out of line" rel="nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/t-rrgjnWkgM">Clip from 2022 Convention: Rabbi Elliott Tepperman on creating a community of belonging that includes people even when they step out of line</a></li><li><a title="Watch the full &quot;Creating Inclusive Community&quot; panel from Reconstructing Judaism&#39;s 2022 Convention" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/live/JUa9VD-aPu8?feature=shared">Watch the full "Creating Inclusive Community" panel from Reconstructing Judaism's 2022 Convention</a></li><li><a title="How Rabbi Rachel Weiss and the JRC approach talking about Israel and Palestine in their community" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/news/talking-about-israel-during-wartime-heres-one-reconstructionist-model/">How Rabbi Rachel Weiss and the JRC approach talking about Israel and Palestine in their community</a></li><li><a title="Rabbi Elliott Tepperman: Bringing a Community-Organizing Model to the Pulpit" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/news/rabbi-elliott-tepperman-bringing-community-organizing-model-pulpit/">Rabbi Elliott Tepperman: Bringing a Community-Organizing Model to the Pulpit</a></li><li><a title="Explore Evolve&#39;s essays about Israel and Palestine" rel="nofollow" href="https://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org/category/israel-palestine/">Explore Evolve's essays about Israel and Palestine</a></li><li><a title="From Evolve: A Septet of Diverse Reflections on the Year Since October 7" rel="nofollow" href="https://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org/october-7/">From Evolve: A Septet of Diverse Reflections on the Year Since October 7</a></li><li><a title="New from Ritualwell, &quot;A Jerusalem Afternoon in Wartime&quot; by Haviva Ner-David" rel="nofollow" href="https://ritualwell.org/ritual/a-jerusalem-afternoon-in-wartime/">New from Ritualwell, "A Jerusalem Afternoon in Wartime" by Haviva Ner-David</a></li><li><a title="Explore these poems, prayers and resources from Ritualwell that address communal tragedy. " rel="nofollow" href="https://ritualwell.org/topic/communal-tragedy/">Explore these poems, prayers and resources from Ritualwell that address communal tragedy. </a> &mdash; "When one of us hurts, others are there to offer comfort..." </li></ul>

<description>In preparation for Reconstructing Judaism’s December 15 movement-wide virtual convening (https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/event/all-of-the-people-israel-are-responsible-for-one-another-reconstructionist-values-that-shape-our-relationships-with-israelis-and-palestinians/), Rabbi Elliott Tepperman and Rabbi Rachel Weiss join Rabbi Deborah Waxman for a deeply thoughtful and nuanced conversation about the difficult and rewarding work of maintaining unity within Jewish communities that sometimes have diverse views on Israel and Palestine and the War in Gaza. Their reflections on how to cultivate spaces of growth, respect and accountability within the synagogue offer a blueprint for creating Jewish communities that are there for us during moments of joy and celebration as well as times of mourning and crisis. 
&lt;a href="http://subscribebyemail.com/hashivenu.fireside.fm/rss" title="Subscribe by Email"&gt;Subscribe by Email&lt;/a&gt;
This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org (https://ReconstructingJudaism.org). Special Guests: Rabbi Elliott Tepperman and Rabbi Rachel Weiss.
</description>

Rabbi Elliott Tepperman and Rabbi Rachel Weiss join Rabbi Deborah Waxman for a deeply thoughtful and nuanced conversation about the difficult and rewarding work of maintaining unity within Jewish communities that sometimes have diverse views on Israel and Palestine and the War in Gaza.

Reconstructionist Values, Covenantal Community and War in the Middle East

With the High Holiday season underway, Deborah welcomes Justin Rosen Smolen, Reconstructing Judaism&#39;s Vice President for Thriving Communities and Partnerships, for a wide-ranging conversation about covenantal community. They explore how the idea of covenant, from biblical narratives to contemporary community-building, emphasizes relationships, mutual responsibility and interdependence. They consider how liberal religion can help address societal issues like loneliness and division, and advocate for conversations that build inclusive, thriving communities. Later, Deborah and Justin explore a Reconstructionist understanding of covenant, emphasizing the importance of shared values and intergenerational dialogue, and recognizing that while diverse perspectives may create tension, they also provide opportunities for growth and deeper understanding within the community.

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This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at <a href="https://ReconstructingJudaism.org" rel="nofollow">ReconstructingJudaism.org</a>.Special Guest: Justin Rosen Smolen.<a rel="payment" href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/donate">Support Hashivenu</a>Links:<ul><li><a title="Watch Deborah&#39;s High Holiday teaching on covenantal community" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/jewish-time-shabbat-and-holidays/high-holidays/?goal=0_86482ec089-c805a02490-62504661&amp;mc_cid=c805a02490&amp;mc_eid=ab67fa27ed#deborahmessage">Watch Deborah's High Holiday teaching on covenantal community</a></li><li><a title="High Holiday resources from Reconstructing Judaism" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/jewish-time-shabbat-and-holidays/high-holidays/">High Holiday resources from Reconstructing Judaism</a></li><li><a title="Explore High Holiday prayers and poems on Ritualwell" rel="nofollow" href="https://ritualwell.org/topic/high-holidays/">Explore High Holiday prayers and poems on Ritualwell</a></li><li><a title="Read Deborah in the Times of Israel: As Reconstructionists, Our Litmus Test is Centering Relationships Over Politics" rel="nofollow" href="https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/as-reconstructionists-our-litmus-test-is-centering-relationships-over-politics/">Read Deborah in the Times of Israel: As Reconstructionists, Our Litmus Test is Centering Relationships Over Politics</a></li><li><a title="Read Deborah&#39;s latest Evolve piece, &quot;A Jewish Embrace of Democracy: Early Reconstructionist Judaism and America’s Promise&quot;" rel="nofollow" href="https://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org/a-jewish-embrace-of-democracy-early-reconstructionist-judaism-and-americas-promise/">Read Deborah's latest Evolve piece, "A Jewish Embrace of Democracy: Early Reconstructionist Judaism and America’s Promise"</a></li><li><a title="Support Reconstructing Judaism with a donation of $36" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/support/">Support Reconstructing Judaism with a donation of $36</a></li></ul>

<description>With the High Holiday season underway, Deborah welcomes Justin Rosen Smolen, Reconstructing Judaism's Vice President for Thriving Communities and Partnerships, for a wide-ranging conversation about covenantal community. They explore how the idea of covenant, from biblical narratives to contemporary community-building, emphasizes relationships, mutual responsibility and interdependence. They consider how liberal religion can help address societal issues like loneliness and division, and advocate for conversations that build inclusive, thriving communities. Later, Deborah and Justin explore a Reconstructionist understanding of covenant, emphasizing the importance of shared values and intergenerational dialogue, and recognizing that while diverse perspectives may create tension, they also provide opportunities for growth and deeper understanding within the community.
&lt;a href="http://subscribebyemail.com/hashivenu.fireside.fm/rss" title="Subscribe by Email"&gt;Subscribe by Email&lt;/a&gt;
This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org (https://ReconstructingJudaism.org). Special Guest: Justin Rosen Smolen.
</description>

With the High Holiday season underway, Deborah welcomes Justin Rosen Smolen, Reconstructing Judaism's Vice President for Thriving Communities and Partnerships, for a wide-ranging conversation about covenantal community. 

Building Covenantal Community in the New Year and Beyond

Hashivenu is a podcast about Jewish teachings and practice around resilience. Cultivating resilience in challenging times, both individually and collectively, is an essential path to personal renewal. 
<a href="https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/support/">Support Hashivenu</a>
Find out more about the show at About (https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/about), and learn about our theme song at Theme Song (https://hashivenu.fireside.fm/theme-song).
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This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org (https://ReconstructingJudaism.org)

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