What is Judaism?

In the season two finale, Elan Masliyah and Rabbi Mark Bloom of Temple Beth Abraham in Oakland, California join Michelle for a conversation years in the making. Elan is an HR technology executive and interfaith advocate, and he is also the son of Judy Masliyah, Michelle's former therapist. Rabbi Bloom is one of the Bay Area's longest serving rabbis, leading a congregation of more than 520 families since 2001. Together they take on the question most people are too polite to ask plainly. What is Judaism? Then the conversation turns to grief. Elan lost both parents four months apart during COVID, and Rabbi Bloom explains why Judaism handles death so well, from burial within days, to shiva, to the eleven months of the Mourner's Kaddish. They also unpack what chosen people actually means, why misunderstanding it has fueled antisemitism, and a piece of Hebrew numerology where love and unity add up to the name of God. 💬 Topics: Judaism explained, interfaith dialogue, Jewish mourning traditions, the chosen people, Jewish mysticism, grief and loss 🙏 Emotional Themes: grief, kindness, belonging, reflection, repair Special Guest - Elan Masliyah & Rabbi Mark Bloom Elan Masliyah on LinkedIn Rabbi Mark Bloom on YouTube Other Links Support the Mission of Seen. Heard. Imagined. Join the Substack Community Additional Show Credits Music by: Mr. Faia Edited by: Christopher Outridge Intro/outro VOG by: Tony Tee Neto Produced & Hosted by: Michelle Francine Productions