Jewish Identity

TJS S4 Interlude Hanukkah 5781: Letting the light out

Rav Mike’s annual shiur in honor of the yartzheit of his father, Charles M. Feuer, ob”m. Gratitude is one of the keys to happiness, especially in dark times. Join Rav Mike as he explores the connection between the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah candles and our ability to give thanks, and helps us let the light…

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TJS S4E8 War of Attrition part I

Changing our conceptions is one of the hardest things in life to do, for countries as well as individuals. Israel’s stunning victory in the Six Day War of 1967 brought many blessings, but it also posed certain challenges in how to understand the post-war reality. Here is the first episode on the War of Attrition…

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TJS S4 Interlude: Interview with Rabbi Berel Wein

It is not every day that you get to speak with a legend, much less interview one. Here are some precious words I had with the ‘alter rebbe’ of Jewish history, Rabbi Berel Wein. We touch on the nature of history, the Jewish people, the experience of salvation and much more.

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TJS S4E7 Israel post 1967 part III Settling Hebron

The return to Israel can have two meanings – a return to the Land and a return to essential self. The birth of a settlement movement striving for redemption was one of the most significant results of the Six Day War, and no community tells the story better than Hebron. Learn about IDF Chief Rabbi…

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TJS S4E6 Israel post 1967 part II – A Greater Israel

One can look at life as one long string of decisions, whether for individuals or nations. Israel had a number of decisions to make in the wake of the Six Day War and none was more pressing than where to place the borders. Here is an episode about some of the factors in that decision…

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TJS S4 Interlude – Interview with Yossi Klein Halevi

This week I host author and thought leader Yossi Klein Halevi. Our conversation touches on his personal experience the early struggle for Soviet Jewry, the challenges of writing, the power of Jerusalem to evoke dreams and much more. Tune in for an inspiring episode treating the impact of 1967 on past, present and future.

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TJS S4 Interlude: Interview with Dr. Michael Oren

In this interlude I am joined by special guest Dr. Michael Oren, author of Six Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East among many other books. The topic at hand is how the Six Day War helped shaped the special relationship between Israel and the United States. Along the…

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TJS S4 Interlude: Sukkot

If you feel a bit like the world might be falling apart, then look to the sukkah for how to hold it together. Here are a few thoughts for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot on faith, joy and how to build a better world. Chag sameach!

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TJS S4E4 The early struggle for Soviet Jewry

It is a truism that struggle brings out unexpected powers from within us, and what’s true in life is true in history as well. The struggle to liberate Soviet Jewry will be a formative element of our story for decades to come, so here is the first chapter. Learn about Jacob Birnbaum and the Student…

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TJS S4 Interlude – Ten Days of Teshuva

Here is a thought to help focus your practice during these powerful Ten Days of Repentance in between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. May we all be blessed with a sweet, healthy and productive year! Shana tova, Rav Mike.

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