Show notes
Host Jonah Platt moderates part two of a spirited conversation between Rabbi Sharon Brous (IKAR, Los Angeles) and Rabbi David Ingber (Romemu, New York) about how Jewish leaders should balance moral self-critique of Israel with addressing antisemitism, especially after October 7. Ingber argues progressive Jews and rabbis overemphasize public Jewish self-criticism, undercall out antisemitism and extremism from allies, and should name today’s anti-Zionism as an ever-evolving hate movement that erases Jewish self-determination. Brous defends the Jewish tradition of teshuvah and accountability, urges speaking against West Bank settler violence and occupation, and warns that labeling all criticism or Palestinian solidarity as antisemitic blunts the response to real threats. They also debate U.S. politics, liberal democracy’s role in Jewish safety, Jewish political “homelessness,” and the inclusion of anti-Zionist Jews.Ultimately, the conversation models a deeply Jewish tradition of debate, machloket l’shem shamayim, while emphasizing unity, responsibility, and the need to continue investing in community and the next generation. Topics Include:Trading ideas on whether anti-Zionism is a form of modern antisemitismThe responsibility of rabbis to address West Bank settler violence and Jewish extremism References to Baruch Goldstein and the Cave of the Patriarchs massacre as a moral comparison The role of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran in shaping Jewish security concerns The influence of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter/X on Israel narratives Criticism of language like “apartheid” in discussions about Israel and PalestineThe symbolism of the watermelon flag in pro-Palestinian activism Gavin Newsom and his appearance on Pod Save AmericaThe importance of protecting liberal democracy for Jewish safety in America Failures in Jewish education, including overreliance on programs like Birthright IsraelThe role of JCCs (Jewish Community Centers) and synagogues in strengthening Jewish life The need for machloket l’shem shamayim (debate for the sake of heaven) in shaping the Jewish futureA special thanks to our partners on this episode:Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropieshttps://www.schusterman.orgCrown Family Philanthropieshttps://crownfamilyphilanthropies.org/Jim Joseph Foundationhttps://jimjosephfoundation.org/Mentioned In The Episode:Why Don’t Jews Proselytize?Conversion HistoryThe Converso: Jews converting to Christianity in Spain and Portugal in the 1300sRuth: The First Jewish ConvertHow Many Jews Are In The World?The Jewish BirthrateJewish Intermarriage RatesOur Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation (U.S. Public Health Service)American’s Religious Engagement Stays LowGlobal “Wellness” Business Grows to $6.8 TrillionJewish Prayers and Their MeaningsHow to Become JewishSharon Brous InstagramRabbi David IngberIKARRomemu'My mother cried out one last time': Palestinian boy, 12, describes how Israeli forces killed his family in carSurveillance soldiers charge sexism a factor in their Oct. 7 warnings being ignoredWho was Baruch Goldstein? Massacre in HebronSilence is not solidarity: Diaspora Jews must speak when Israel straysWhat is Cheshbon Hanefesh?PogromsWave of settler attacks against Palestinian herders reported in central West BankFourth suspect arrested over Jewish charity ambulance arson attackThe Importance of Tochachah-RebukeAnti-Trump rallies hit thousands of US cities for 'No Kings' protestExplosion rocks Amsterdam Jewish school in what mayor says is ‘targeted attack’ against Jewish communityAs A Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase UsNewsom ramps up his criticism of Israel, accuses Netanyahu of leading Trump into war with IranHorseshoe Theory in American PoliticsThe Z Word: Reclaiming ZionismProtocols of the Elders of ZionVenezuelan VP: US attack capturing Maduro has 'Zionist undertones'Renee Good was shot in the head, autopsy commissioned by her family findsWhy watermelons are a symbol of Palestinian solidarityIsraeli opposition members shout at Netanyahu as he tries to address parliamentEarly History of IsraelWhat Is Tikkun Olam?How to Teach the Jewish StorySvalbard Global Seed VaultThe Valley of Dry Bones and the Resurrection of the Dead--Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:[email protected]://beingjewishpodcast.com/merchTo contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishWritten and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt