Jewish Insights with Justin Pines

Rabbi Yitz Greenberg: Triumph of Life, Part 2 - "How Judaism Can Win"—Jewish Insights with Justin Pines

In Part 2 of Justin’s discussion with Rabbi Irving ‘Yitz’ Greenberg, they explore what “Triumph” means in Judaism and the Jewish approach to transforming society.  Rabbi Irving "Yitz" Greenberg is a preeminent Jewish thinker, theologian, activist, president of the J.J. Greenberg Institute for the Advancement of Jewish Life, and is senior scholar in residence at Hadar. He recently released his magnum opus, “The Triumph of Life: A Narrative Theology of Judaism.”

Rabbi Yitz Greenberg: Triumph of Life, Part 1 - "Choosing Life"—Jewish Insights with Justin Pines

Rabbi Irving ‘Yitz’ Greenberg, one of the most influential Jewish thinkers of the past half century, joins Justin to celebrate the release of his magnum opus, “The Triumph Of Life: A Narrative Theology of Judaism,” and shares how all of Jewish theology and practice is ultimately about choosing life. Rabbi Irving Yitz Greenberg is president of the J.J. Greenberg Institute for the Advancement of Jewish Life, and is senior scholar in residence at Hadar.

Jewish Interest-Free Loans with David Rosenn—Jewish Insights with Justin Pines

For the majority of Americans, the economy is the number one issue in this election cycle. Justin is joined by Rabbi David Rosenn, President and CEO of the Hebrew Free Loan Society, which creates economic stability and opportunity for lower income New Yorkers within and beyond the Jewish community through interest-free loans, and is one of over 20 Jewish free loan societies across North America.

"It Takes Two to Torah": Abigail Pogrebin & Dov Linzer—Jewish Insights with Justin Pines

On the occasion of starting to read the Torah from the beginning this year, Justin is joined by In the Spotlight host Abigail Pogrebin and Yeshivat Chovevei Torah President and Rosh HaYeshiva Rabbi Dov Linzer to discuss their new book: “It Takes Two To Torah: An Orthodox Rabbi and Reform Journalist Discuss and Debate Their Way Through the Five Books of Moses,”  a one volume tour of the entire Torah through the medium of one challenging, instructive, irreverent and animated conversation

Tzipi Livni- The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Past and Future—Jewish Insights with Justin Pines

No major political figure has had more recent experience trying to negotiate a two-state solution than Tzipi Livni. As we approach the Hebrew calendar anniversary of the darkest day in recent Jewish history, Tzipi Livni joins Justin to discuss her experience, her reflections after one year, and what is possible for the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Tzipi Livni has served in eight different cabinet positions under three prime ministers: Ariel Sharon, Ehud Olmert, and Benjamin Netanyahu. Her positions have included Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Justice. She has also been the official Leader of the Opposition. As foreign minister, Tzipi Livni led negotiations with the Palestinian Authority; she was a key government figure during Israel’s disengagement from Gaza and during Hamas’ subsequent takeover of Gaza. She was foreign minister during Israel’s Second Lebanon War and during Israel's operation to take out Syria’s nuclear reactor. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential women in Israel since Golda Meir.

Dr. Erica Brown- Sukkot and Faith After October 7th—Jewish Insights with Justin Pines

Dr. Erica Brown joins Justin to discuss the holiday of Sukkot and the megillah read on Sukkot, Ecclesiastes (Kohelet), and reflects on faith after October 7. Dr. Brown is the Vice Provost for Values and Leadership at Yeshiva University and the founding director of its Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks-Herenstein Center for Values and Leadership. She is the author of “Ecclesiastes and the Search for Meaning,” and “Morning Has Broken - Faith After October 7.”

Rabbi David Jaffe- Creating Your Yom Kippur Action Plan—Jewish Insights with Justin Pines

Rabbi David Jaffe, author of National Jewish Book Award winning “Changing the World from the Inside Out: A Jewish Approach to Personal and Social Change,” and founder of Kirva, an organization dedicated to integrating personal spiritual development with communal work for social change, leads Justin through a practical Teshuva workshop for Yom Kippur, integrating the teachings of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov and the Mussar Movement.

Rabbi Daniel Kohn Bonus Episode: Positive Prayer for Difficult Times—Jewish Insights with Justin Pines

In this special program, Rav Daniel Kohn first discusses how to approach prayer and spirituality during challenging times, particularly after October 7, and then leads a Guided Meditation of Love and Light, followed by the singing of Isiah’s hopeful prophecy of the future: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”
Song Translation: וַהֲבִיאוֹתִ֞ים אֶל־הַ֣ר קׇדְשִׁ֗י וְשִׂמַּחְתִּים֙ בְּבֵ֣ית תְּפִלָּתִ֔י עוֹלֹתֵיהֶ֧ם וְזִבְחֵיהֶ֛ם לְרָצ֖וֹן עַֽל־מִזְבְּחִ֑י כִּ֣י בֵיתִ֔י בֵּית־תְּפִלָּ֥ה יִקָּרֵ֖א לְכׇל־הָעַמִּֽים׃
"I will bring them to My sacred mount And let them rejoice in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices Shall be welcome on My altar; For My House shall be called A house of prayer for all peoples.”

Alan Morinis—Being Ethical in an Unethical World & Mussar Movement—Jewish Insights with Justin Pines

Dr. Alan Morinis, Founder of The Mussar Institute, author of “Everyday Holiness,” among others, and a leading figure in the contemporary revival of the Mussar movement, joins Justin to share his personal journey and his reflections on Rosh Hashanah.

Distant Cousins and the Evolution of Jewish Music—Jewish Insights with Justin Pines

Indie folk-pop trio Distant Cousins join Justin to discuss the evolution of Jewish music since October 7, touring with Matisyahu, and perform their hit singles “Here and Now” and “Dimati,” from their new album Out of the Darkness. Distant Cousins band members Dov Rosenblatt led the band Blue Fringe, Duvid Swirsky was a founding member of Moshav, and influencer Ami Kozak is known both for his music, as well as his comedy and advocacy, emerging as a key voice since October 7.