Best Stephen Wise Free Synagogue Podcasts (2025)

1
David Horovitz 1:01:34

5d ago1:01:34

1:01:34

Israeli politics have become increasingly complicated and divisive. The Times of Israel's founding editor and returning guest David Horovitz helps us understand Israel’s internal and external struggles — the unifying fabric of Israeli society and the major debates pulling at the seams. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-…

1
Reform Judaism in America 26:36

26d ago26:36

26:36

Rabbi Ammi Hirsch is the guest on this special episode hosted by David Harris, past CEO of the American Jewish Committee and Jewish Broadcasting Service TV's strategic analyst. Ammi discusses the state of American Reform Judaism and the new reality liberal Jews face in the wake of October 7th. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-thes…

1
David Baddiel 57:15

1M ago57:15

57:15

There's something so Jewish about using laughter to cope. British comedian, public thinker and author David Baddiel finds the humor in the world, discussing everything from comedy to antisemitism to politics. And he makes plenty of jokes. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations…

1
John Spencer 49:49

2M ago49:49

49:49

The chair of urban warfare studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, retired U.S. Army Major John Spencer discusses the uniquely and unprecedentedly evil tactics that Hamas has employed in Gaza to maximize civilian casualties and collateral damage in pursuit of its political and military goals. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.c…

1
Jonathan Eig 46:59

2M ago46:59

46:59

Martin Luther King Jr.'s biographer felt like people were yearning to strip away the mythology surrounding the civil rights leader and reconnect with his humanity. Jonathan Eig brings King back into focus — as a religious leader and a social justice activist — and discusses the evolution of the Black-Jewish partnership in the years after King's ass…

1
Walter Russell Mead 54:05

3M ago54:05

54:05

An expert on foreign affairs, Prof. Walter Russel Mead thinks we're heading into uniquely unstable times. He offers a historical analysis of America's relationship with the Jews, the Jewish state, and how the U.S. approaches the rest of the world. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations…

1
Lihi Lapid 46:11

3M ago46:11

46:11

An exceptionally talented novelist, journalist and activist, Lihi Lapid is also the wife of Israel's opposition leader and former Prime Minister Yair Lapid. Her latest book, "On Her Own," bares the Sabra soul. And despite boycotts by the literary community, she hopes it will expose new readers to the grief, longing and love at the heart of the Isra…

1
Jonathan Spyer 49:56

4M ago49:56

49:56

The lighting rebel advance that toppled Syria's Assad regime came seemingly out of left field. Dr. Jonathan Spyer, one of the world's foremost experts on the Levant, helps explain how it happened and what this revolution could mean for Syria and the rest of the world. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hi…

1
Natasha Hausdorff 56:12

5M ago56:12

56:12

Israel is fighting a war not only on the battlefield but also in the courtroom, where the Jewish state has been misrepresented, maligned and accused of perpetrating the worst crimes against humanity. Legal expert Natasha Hausdorff helps us understand how international law applies to Israel during this war and the ways the law has been corrupted and…

1
Matt Brooks and Mark Mellman 56:41

5M ago56:41

56:41

Republican Jewish Coalition CEO Matt Brooks and Democratic Majority for Israel President Mark Mellman unpack the results of the 2024 presidential election and help us understand the issues that drove American voters to choose Donald Trump over Kamala Harris. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donat…

1
Eylon Levy 52:15

6M ago52:15

52:15

Watching Israel's war with Hamas unfold, Eylon Levy was surprised by the government's ineptitude in the media and decided to volunteer interviews from his living room. Within a week, he was working as an official spokesperson for the prime minister. Now, again, a private citizen, Eylon continues to make the case for Israel abroad as he tries to con…

1
Rudy Rochman 35:14

6M ago35:14

35:14

Rudy Rochman visits campuses and other hotbeds of anti-Israel activity and engages the other side with incredible equanimity — even in the face of the seething mob. His videos have garnered millions of views on social media, but Rudy doesn't do it for the likes; he wants to change hearts and minds and bring light to wherever there is darkness… Supp…

1
Bernard-Henri Levy 43:43

7M ago43:43

43:43

Israel is finding itself increasingly alone as it fights for the future of the free world. French Jewish philosopher Bernard-Henri Levy accuses the West of cowardice in the face of a powerful coalition of Islamist forces and the promulgation of infectious and illiberal ideas at home. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-wi…

1
Haviv Rettig Gur 1:05:31

7M ago1:05:31

1:05:31

Israeli journalist Haviv Rettig Gur discusses the need for deeper engagement in the Jewish community, our historical resilience, and the impact of October 7th. He reminds us we are the strongest Jews in history — heirs to those who worked, bled and sacrificed to give us Israel and American Jewry. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-t…

1
Columbia University 1:04:12

11M ago1:04:12

1:04:12

Embattled Columbia Business School Prof. Shai Davidai and newly minted Barnard graduate Noa Fay discuss the crisis that has been unfolding on their campus. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donationsBy Stephen Wise Free Synagogue

1
Amos Yadlin 48:32

11M ago48:32

48:32

Former Israeli military intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Amos Yadlin contextualizes the ongoing war with Hamas, evaluates Israel's strategic goals, and helps us understand the regional and international situation. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations…

1
The Counterfeit Countess 48:19

12M ago48:19

48:19

Nazi hunter Dr. Elizabeth "Barry" White and Polish historian Dr. Joanna Sliwa set out to verify Jewish Polish mathematician Janina Mehlberg’s incredible claims that she survived the Holocaust by posing as the Countess Suchodolska and saved some 10,000 Poles from the Majdanek concentration camp... Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-t…

1
Bret Stephens 1:00:02

1y ago1:00:02

1:00:02

Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times columnist Bret Stephens helps us understand the White House's attitude toward Israel, the major political currents in America that seem to be leaving Jews behind, and a new national ideology that values identity and even victimhood over character and achievement... Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.co…

1
Yasmine Mohammed 52:34

1y ago52:34

52:34

Forced to marry a man whom she later discovered was a member of Al Qaeda, Yasmine Mohammed eventually found the strength to break away from radical Islam and cut ties with her abusive, fundamentalist family. Today her story continues to inspire people around the world as she works to help free other hearts and minds. Support this podcast at — https…

1
Ritchie Torres 32:45

1y ago32:45

32:45

A true friend of both the Jewish community and the Jewish state, there's nothing in Congressman Ritchie Torres' background that would have predicted the millennial Democrat would become such an outspoken advocate for Israel. Rep. Torres challenges the narrative around what's happening with the U.S.-Israel relationship in Washington and within his p…

1
Dalia Ziada 51:52

1y ago51:52

51:52

One of the central players in Egypt's 2011 revolution, Dalia Ziada was forced to flee her homeland after voicing support for Israel in the wake of October 7th. Speaking with Rabbi Hirsch from an undisclosed location, this brave activist and analyst helps us unpack the fraught Egyptian-Israeli relationship and contextualize Arab states' proclaimed s…

1
Ora Hirsch Pescovitz 46:05

1y ago46:05

46:05

Dr. Ora Hirsch Pescovitz is the president of Oakland University and was among the first to issue a statement condemning the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel. Rabbi Ammi Hirsch's older sister helps us understand the atmosphere on American college campuses today and why so many university administrations have tolerated a deteriorating situation for…

1
Liel Leibovitz 58:05

1y ago58:05

58:05

One of the Jewish world's great thinkers, writers and podcasters, Liel Leibovitz discusses his ideological homelessness, Judaism’s life-changing potential, and the problem with American universities in the wake of October 7th. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations…

1
Kai Bird 43:13

1+ y ago43:13

43:13

Celebrated biographer of J. Robert Oppenheimer, Kai Bird discusses the brilliant physicist's triumph, tragedy and legacy. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donationsBy Stephen Wise Free Synagogue

1
Ari Shavit 45:40

1+ y ago45:40

45:40

The massacre on October 7th was a turning point in history. Political analyst Ari Shavit discusses the immeasurable and long-lasting consequences this war will have for Israel and the Western world. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donationsBy Stephen Wise Free Synagogue

1
Adam Nagourney 34:32

1+ y ago34:32

34:32

New York Times national political reporter Adam Adam Nagourney discusses his new unauthorized history of The Grey Lady over the past four decades and the pursuit of truth in our turbulent times. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donationsBy Stephen Wise Free Synagogue

1
Einat Wilf and David Hazony 57:14

1+ y ago57:14

57:14

Alongside the shock, mourning, grief, and mobilization of war, there is also revelation. Returning guest Dr. Einat Wilf and author and editor David Hazony discuss the aftermath of October 7's "Black Sabbath" and its implications for the future of the Jewish people. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsc…

1
Dara Horn 37:07

1+ y ago37:07

37:07

Acclaimed author Dara Horn explores the reasons “people love dead Jews” — and why the idea of Jewish power makes non-Jewish society so uncomfortable. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donationsBy Stephen Wise Free Synagogue

1
Yaakov Katz 37:30

1+ y ago37:30

37:30

The Jerusalem Post's military correspondent for nearly a decade and its editor-in-chief for seven years, Yaakov Katz helps us understand how Israel ended up in this war and what might happen next... Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donationsBy Stephen Wise Free Synagogue

1
Israel at War 10:32

1+ y ago10:32

10:32

With Israel at war, Rabbi Ammi Hirsch delivers a blunt yet uplifting message answering the question on all our minds: "What can we do?" Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donationsBy Stephen Wise Free Synagogue

1
Daniel Gordis 42:02

1+ y ago42:02

42:02

The civil unrest in Israel — centering around the judicial overhaul — is an unprecedented existential crisis that threatens to tear the country apart. Daniel Gordis has been one of Israel's most unabashed advocates. But today, he's calling on diaspora Jews to get involved in ways he never has before... Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.co…

1
Re-CHARGING Reform Judaism 39:10

2y ago39:10

39:10

In this special episode, we air Rabbi Ammi Hirsch's keynote speech from Re-CHARGING Reform Judaism, a historic grassroots gathering of some 300 Reform leaders at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue to address the key challenges facing the movement. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations…

1
Wesley K. Clark 36:30

2y ago36:30

36:30

Retired General Wesley K. Clark is a warrior and a scholar. Amid a rising tide of authoritarianism washing across the globe, the former NATO supreme allied commander helps us understand the defining global conflicts of our times — and how democracy can prevail. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/do…

1
Alana Newhouse 45:37

2y ago45:37

45:37

Tablet Magazine Editor-in-Chief Alana Newhouse believes the real debate today is not between the left and the right, but rather between those who think there's something fundamentally broken in America and those who do not. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations…

1
Jason D. Greenblatt 44:44

2y ago44:44

44:44

One of the main architects of the Abraham Accords, Jason D. Greenblatt discusses his appointment by President Trump as special envoy for the Middle East and how the failed Israeli-Palestinian peace plan gave way to a different kind of peace for the region. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donatio…

1
Ted Deutch 34:20

2y ago34:20

34:20

During his six terms in Congress, Ted Deutch saw so much effort being poured into performative and pugnacious politics at the expense of the greater good. Now, as the new CEO of the American Jewish Committee, he's committed to building a strong center that strengthens us all. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi…

1
Einat Wilf 45:15

2y ago45:15

45:15

Why is a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict so elusive? Dr. Einat Wilf thinks the answer is simple, but that we've been unwilling to accept it. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donationsBy Stephen Wise Free Synagogue

1
Ken Burns 43:07

2y ago43:07

43:07

The best-known documentary filmmaker in the world, Ken Burns is a master storyteller — and a patriot in the truest sense. His 35 films on subjects such as baseball, jazz, Mark Twain, the Civil War, and now the U.S. and the Holocaust see our country not only for what it is, but what it could be... Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-t…

1
Eric Fingerhut 36:15

2y ago36:15

36:15

As the head of the Jewish Federations of North America, former U.S. Congressman Eric Fingerhut bears the responsibility of working with partners who often don't see eye to eye. He views that cooperation as key to the success of the Jewish community in America. (This interview was recorded in November 2022, before the latest developments in Israel.)…

1
Michelle Goldberg 50:08

2y ago50:08

50:08

Michelle Goldberg has her finger on the pulse of the progressive left. The New York Times columnist sits down with our Rabbi Ammi Hirsch to discuss American politics, COVID-19 policies and Israel. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donationsBy Stephen Wise Free Synagogue

1
Peter J. Hotez 40:03

2y ago40:03

40:03

Perhaps today’s most prominent advocate for COVID-19 vaccines, Dr. Peter J. Hotez is struggling to untangle politics, anti-science and antisemitism — and save lives. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donationsBy Stephen Wise Free Synagogue

1
Stephen J. Dubner 56:19

2y ago56:19

56:19

Raised Catholic, Stephen J. Dubner discovered his family's Jewish past later in life — and Judaism called to him from within. That same inquisitive spirit implores the "Freakonomics" co-author and radio host to explore "the hidden side of everything." Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations…

1
Beatrice Weber 46:58

2y ago46:58

46:58

After she left her turbulent arranged marriage of more than 20 years, her ultra-Orthodox community shunned her. Now Beatrice Weber is fighting to place her youngest son in a yeshiva that teaches more than 90 minutes of math and English a day — and for the right of all New York's Hasidic children to receive a basic education. Support this podcast at…

1
Matti Friedman 42:08

2+ y ago42:08

42:08

Since arriving in Israel as a teenager, journalist Matti Friedman has spent his life and career trying to make sense of the Jewish state — and why it receives such outsized coverage. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donationsBy Stephen Wise Free Synagogue

1
Ronald S. Lauder 30:59

2+ y ago30:59

30:59

A successful businessman, a generous philanthropist and one of the Jewish world's most important leaders, Ronald S. Lauder wasn't involved in Jewish life until his experience as ambassador to post-war Austria changed him. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations…

1
David Horovitz 36:17

2+ y ago36:17

36:17

In a special episode just ahead of the expected announcement of Israel's most far-right governing coalition in history, Times of Israel's founding editor David Horovitz unpacks the elections and their potential consequences for Israel and its relationship with American Jews. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-…

1
Letty Cottin Pogrebin 38:16

2+ y ago38:16

38:16

Feminist icon Letty Cottin Pogrebin discusses her new book "Shanda," delving into the secrets and feelings of shame that defined her Jewish upbringing, celebrating the strides women have made, and framing the fight for the future of reproductive rights. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations…

1
Batya Ungar-Sargon 40:43

2+ y ago40:43

40:43

Does it feel like everything you read in the news is somehow slanted? Newsweek's Batya Ungar-Sargon presents her carefully researched history of American journalism and where she believes it started to go seriously wrong. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations…

1
Amanda Berman 38:44

2+ y ago38:44

38:44

There are some people who'd have you believe it's impossible to support liberal causes and be a Zionist. But as founder and executive director of Zioness, Amanda Berman is fighting as hard as she can to reclaim progressive spaces for Jews. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations…

1
Yehuda Kurtzer 38:27

2+ y ago38:27

38:27

Being Jewish has always been complicated. Listen as Rabbi Ammi Hirsch and Shalom Hartman Institute’s “Identity/Crisis” podcast host Dr. Yehuda Kurtzer examine how the success of assimilation has made negotiating our modern Jewish identities more complex. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-these-times-with-rabbi-ammi-hirsch/donations…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Stephen Wise Free Synagogue Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen