The Rabbi Podcast - Leora Ezrachi Vered - "Rabbinics is in the blood and the DNA."
The Rabbi Podcast with Rabbi Phil Cohen
In this conversation, Rabbi Leora Ezrahi Vered shares her journey from a rabbinic family to becoming a rabbi herself, discussing her experiences in a secular community and her current role in interfaith initiatives in the Galilee. She emphasizes the importance of prayer in modern Judaism, the values of liberal Judaism in Israel, and her work on the emerging Machzor project, which aims to create a contemporary prayer book that reflects the diverse needs of the community. Takeaways Rabbi Leora Ezrahi Vered comes from a long line of rabbis. She initially pursued education before...
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The Rabbi Podcast - Naamah Kellman, first Reform woman rabbi ordained in Israel
The Rabbi Podcast with Rabbi Phil Cohen
Rabbi Nama Kelman, Israel's first woman rabbi, shares her journey from a rabbinic family to becoming a pioneer in the Reform movement in Israel. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of women in the rabbinate, the evolution of Jewish identity, and the importance of community engagement and spiritual care in contemporary society. Kelman's experiences reflect the broader changes in Jewish feminism and the role of non-Orthodox Judaism in Israel.
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The Rabbi Podcast - Aryeh Ben David
The Rabbi Podcast with Rabbi Phil Cohen
In this conversation, Aryeh Ben-David shares his spiritual journey from a confused young man to a rabbi who emphasizes the importance of personal growth, vulnerability, and love in Judaism. He discusses his experiences in various educational settings, the influence of Rav Kook, and the creation of his organization, Ayekah, which focuses on helping individuals confront their obstacles and grow spiritually. Aryeh highlights the significance of listening to one's inner voice and the communal aspect of spiritual growth, ultimately conveying that Judaism is about the journey of self-discovery and...
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The Rabbi Podcast - Don Cashman
The Rabbi Podcast with Rabbi Phil Cohen
In this podcast, Rabbi Phil Cohen explores the lives and experiences of Israeli rabbis, focusing on their personal journeys, challenges, and the unique context of serving in Israel. Through conversations with Rabbi Don Cashman, the discussion delves into the motivations behind becoming a rabbi, the impact of rabbinical education, and the dynamics of congregational life, particularly in the face of changing community needs and personal aspirations. This conversation explores the evolution of congregational life within Reform Judaism, focusing on aesthetic and theological changes, community...
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The Rabbi Podcast - Miri Gold
The Rabbi Podcast with Rabbi Phil Cohen
In this episode, Rabbi Cohen highlights the experiences of Rabbi Miri Gold, a pioneer in non-Orthodox Judaism in Israel, and discusses the unique aspects of Kibbutz Gezer. The conversation also delves into the challenges and insights gained from rabbinic education, emphasizing the importance of these experiences in shaping Jewish life. This conversation explores the journey of a pioneering woman rabbi in Israel, discussing her experiences in rabbinical school, the challenges faced by women in the rabbinate, and her impact on Jewish life in a kibbutz. It also delves into the legal battles for...
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The Rabbi Podcast - Ada Zavidov
The Rabbi Podcast with Rabbi Phil Cohen
In this episode, Rabbi Cohen speaks with Rabbi Ada Zavidov about her journey to the rabbinate. Rabbi Ada Zavidov was born in 1959 in Baltimore, Maryland to Israeli parents and made aliyah upon her family’s return to Israel when she was one year old. After finishing high school in Tel Aviv, she served in the Israeli Air Force as a decoder. She holds a BA in philosophy and comparative literature and an MA in Jewish Philosophy, both from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. In addition, she holds an MA in Hebrew Letters from the Hebrew Union College and received her rabbinic ordination at...
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The Rabbi Podcast - Peretz Rodman
The Rabbi Podcast with Rabbi Phil Cohen
In this episode, Rabbi Cohen speaks with Rabbi Peretz Rodman, a Jerusalem-based educator, writer, and translator. Rabbi Peretz Rodman earned a B.A. and M.A. in Jewish studies at Brandeis University and a Bachelor of Hebrew Literature at Hebrew College. He was among the inaugural cohort of the Jerusalem Fellows, and later earned rabbinic ordination at the Schechter Rabbinical Seminary.
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The Rabbi Podcast - Sigalit Ur
The Rabbi Podcast with Rabbi Phil Cohen
In this episode, Rabbi Phil Cohen chats with Rabba Sigalit Ur about her journey to the rabbinate.
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Podcast Promo
The Rabbi Podcast with Rabbi Phil Cohen
Rabbi Phil Cohen introduces The Rabbi Podcast, coming December 9, 2025, at 8 a.m. US EST.
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A conversation with Rabbi Ron Kronish
The Rabbi Podcast with Rabbi Phil Cohen
Ron Kronish and I became friends when a relatively small number of years ago I met him at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute where he has an office. He emerged from that office to meet me wearing a big smile. We had coffee, talked about Israel, about the rabbinate, our families and like that. We’ve stayed in touch ever since. Ron founded and directed the Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel. He blogs for The Times of Israel and writes book reviews for The Jerusalem Report.
info_outlineIn this episode, Rabbi Phil Cohen chats with Rabba Sigalit Ur about her journey to the rabbinate.