Best Rabbi David Aaron Podcasts (2025)

1
All of the Above: Life as a Minority in Israel w/ Jonathan Elkhoury 54:07

10h ago54:07

54:07

🎉Sababoosh's 25th Episode🎉 In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Elkhoury—a gay, Christian, Lebanese-Israeli—to explore what it's like to hold multiple identities in a country that often prefers its citizens in simpler categories. From his childhood as the son of a South Lebanon Army officer who fled to Israel, to his experiences navigating Is…

1
To Catch A Unicorn: Tech, Government, and the Age of AI w/ Lightricks Chief of Staff Aaron Kalman 43:24

7d ago43:24

43:24

Today, we're diving into one of Israel’s proudest and most fascinating exports: hi-tech innovation. From the invention of the USB drive to cutting-edge cybersecurity and mobile apps used worldwide, Israel has earned its nickname — the “Start-Up Nation.” But how did this tiny country, with limited natural resources and constant geopolitical tension,…

1
Rabbi Dr. David Seidenberg: Eco-spiritual, Eco-what? 1:03:20

1M ago1:03:20

1:03:20

On this episode of Not That Kind of Rabbi, Ralph Benmergui speaks with neohasid.org founder and author of the book, Kabbalah and Ecology, Rabbi David Seidenberg, on how we can restore the spiritual bond with an earth based Judaism.

1
Keeping the Doctor Away with Play: The Transformative Power of Bringing Together Kids and the Elderly w/ Gil Shliser 48:01

1M ago48:01

48:01

In a world that often keeps generations apart—in separate spaces, rhythms, and conversations—a quietly revolutionary Israeli TV show called שמונים וארבע / 4 + 80 asks: what if we brought them together? The show follows a beautiful experiment that pairs kindergartners with residents of retirement homes, creating a shared space for joy, curiosity, vu…

1
Koolulam and the Power of Collective Song w/ Co-Founder and CEO Michal Shahaf 42:27

2M ago42:27

42:27

When you think about what brings people together — across borders, languages, and beliefs — few forces are as powerful as music. And in a country as complex as Israel, the need for connection, empathy, and unity has never been greater. That’s where Koolulam comes in. Founded on the simple but radical idea that strangers singing together can shift h…

1
Shtiesel's Universal Charm: Writing Ultra-Orthodox Characters for a Universal Audience w/ Co-Creator Yehonatan Indursky 43:06

3M ago43:06

43:06

In this episode, we dive into a part of Israeli society that is often seen but not always fully understood: the Haredi, or ultra-Orthodox, community. In Israel, the relationship between Haredim and other sectors of society can be tense — shaped by deep differences in lifestyle, belief, and visions for the country's future. Too often, the Haredi wor…

1
People of the Book: Inside Israel's National Library w/ Head of Collections Dr. Raquel Ukeles 39:56

4M ago39:56

39:56

In this episode, we journey into the heart of Israel’s cultural and intellectual heritage with a deep dive into the National Library of Israel. This institution isn’t just a repository of books—it’s a living archive of the Jewish people’s story, a keeper of memories that spans millennia. Here, ancient manuscripts and modern texts alike converge, pr…

1
Amichai Lau-Lavie, the 'Sabbath Queen', is forging his own traditions 40:24

4M ago40:24

40:24

When Amichai Lau-Lavie realized he was gay, he knew he had to make a choice: hide his identity to abide by his Orthodox upbringing, or be true to himself. It wasn't an easy call for a man whose ancestors had been rabbis for generations—including his uncle and cousin, who both served as the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel. Ultimately, Lau-Lavie deci…

1
Turning up the Radio: Israeli Music and Broadcasting Culture w/ Galgalatz Host Ahinoam Baer 43:35

5M ago43:35

43:35

In this episode of Sababoosh, we dive into the story of Galgalatz, Israel’s most popular radio station and a cultural powerhouse that has shaped the Israeli music scene for decades. Known for its eclectic mix of music, from local hits to global chart-toppers, Galgalatz serves as the soundtrack of daily life in Israel. We’ll explore how it became th…

1
Bridging the Divide: Religion, Secularism, and Unity in Israel w/ Chairman of Tzohar Rabbi David Stav 38:41

5M ago38:41

38:41

In this episode of Sababoosh, Jake sits down with Rabbi David Stav, the chairman of Tzohar. They explore the complex relationship between secular and religious Jews in Israel, discussing key issues like marriage laws, Shabbat observance, and military service. Rabbi Stav offers insights into how Tzohar works to bridge these divides through inclusive…

1
For Rabbi Aaron Rotenberg, environmentalism isn't adjacent to Judaism—it's a core tenet 36:23

5M ago36:23

36:23

Rabbi Aaron Rotenberg realized at a young age he was drawn to Jewish studies. After graduating from Jewish day schools around Toronto, he decided to attend the Jewish Theological Seminary, a Conservative rabbinical school in New York City, for five years—only to end up a Renewal rabbi years later, ordained just this month. As the spiritual leader o…

1
Science, Innovation, and Academia at Ben-Gurion University w/ BGU President Professor Daniel Chamovitz 31:26

5M ago31:26

31:26

In this episode ofSababoosh, Professor Daniel Chamovitz, President of Ben-Gurion University, joins Jake for a conversation on the unique culture of higher education in Israel and specifically at Ben Gurion University of the Negev. Professor Chamovitz discusses the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion (DI), emphasizing how BGU serves a…

1
Telling Israel's Story: The Power of Personal Stories w/ Israel Story’s Mishy Harman 46:31

6M ago46:31

46:31

In this episode of Sababoosh, Jake sits down with Mishy Harman, the master storyteller behind Israel Story, to explore the art of telling Israel’s story. Through his unique lens, Mishy shares how the microphone becomes a magic wand, giving voice to untold narratives and revealing the empathy and common threads that unite us all. From unexpected con…

1
'You can forgive and seek justice at the same time': Robert Enright on how to learn forgiveness 40:36

6M ago40:36

40:36

With the recent news of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas and the eventual return of the remaining Israeli hostages, tensions remain high between pro- and anti-Zionist communities here in Canada, who've stood sharply divided on the foreign conflict for 15 months. Members of those communities may still be holding hatred or anger in their hea…

1
Gary Topp ushered Toronto into the cultural future—and he’s still making alternative history 37:06

6M ago37:06

37:06

Once upon a time, Toronto was a sleepy city. The atmosphere shut down at night. Red tape and cultural meekness kept things status quo. But through the 1970s and 1980s, the city's younger generations changed how things work—and one of the biggest players behind the scenes was Gary Topp. A music promoter and independent movie theatre operator, it was…

1
How Choir! Choir! Choir! grew out of a living room gathering into 2,500 strangers singing Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' in Montreal 32:47

7M ago32:47

32:47

On Oct. 9, around 2,500 strangers packed Montreal's Place des Arts concert hall to sing Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" in surprisingly perfect harmony. The melody was beautiful. In a video recording posted online, tears and smiles are visible as people sing out the familiar chorus. You could say it was a spiritual performance—unless you're Nobu Adilm…

1
Playwright Mark Leiren-Young explains why Shylock needed a revival in 2024 42:45

7M ago42:45

42:45

Mark Leiren-Young wrote Shylock in 1996, a play using Shakespeare's controversial Jewish character in The Merchant of Venice to explore modern-day cancel culture. While the script saw productions aorund the world, Leiren-Young was wary of giving the rights away too quickly, knowing it was complex, sensitive subject matter that required an intellect…

1
Stand-Up Nation: The Rise of Israeli Stand-Up Comedy w/ Kobi Balulu 34:53

7M ago34:53

34:53

Join me for a hilarious and insightful conversation with Kobi Balulu, a talented Israeli stand-up comedian who has conquered stages both in Israel and England. In this episode, Kobi shares his unique perspective on the world of stand up comedy, discussing the cultural nuances and comedic challenges of performing in different countries. We delve int…

1
Filmmaker Allan Novak turns the camera on his family: the oldest living Holocaust survivors in the world 31:55

8M ago31:55

31:55

Growing up, Allan Novak assumed his family was fairly ordinary: modest, witty, hardworking Jewish immigrants who found a new live in Canada after the war. That his mother was one of four sibling survivors was noteworthy, but the outside world did not take notice. That is, until the siblings all began reaching the age of 100. Once international repo…

1
Let My People Eat: Fighting Food Insecurity in Israel w/ Leket Founder Joseph Gitler 38:38

8M ago38:38

38:38

In this heartfelt and enlightening episode of Sababoosh, Jake welcomes Joseph Gitler, the visionary founder and chairman of Leket Israel, to the podcast. As Israel’s National Food Bank and largest food rescue organization, Leket is leading the charge in addressing food insecurity across the country, serving over 330,000 people each week. Joseph sha…

1
In his new memoir, Michael Coren recounts his life, from Jewish cabbie's son to Anglican priest 35:24

8M ago35:24

35:24

Michael Coren has lived many lives. Born to a Jewish cab driver in England, Coren converted to Catholocism in the 1980s, then Evangelicalism in the '90s; he grew into a bombastic right-wing Christian talk radio and TV personality with shows on the Sun News Network and the Crossroads Television System; then he came back to embrace the Catholic Churc…

1
A Helping Hand for Olim: The Journey of New Immigrants in Israel w/ Dov Lipman, Founder and CEO of Yad L'Olim and Former MK 28:48

8M ago28:48

28:48

In this episode of Sababoosh, I sit down with Dov Lipman, a former Knesset member and passionate advocate for olim (immigrants) to Israel. Now at the helm of an influential organization dedicated to supporting new arrivals, Dov shares his unique journey from the political arena to grassroots immigrant assistance. We delve into the stories and chall…

1
Jerusalem State of Mind: Faith, History, and Identity w/ Yossi Klein Halevi 32:47

9M ago32:47

32:47

In this episode of Sababoosh, I sit down with acclaimed author and journalist Yossi Klein Halevi for an in-depth conversation on the complexities of modern Jerusalem. Together, we explore how this ancient city continues to shape the identities of those who live within and beyond its walls. What does it mean to be a Jerusalem person? And what do sec…

1
How Eva Almos channels the spirit of her survivor mother in an audio drama about Holocaust zombies 28:03

9M ago28:03

28:03

Both of Eva Almos's parents were Holocaust survivors. Her mother, from Lithuania, was a kind and gentle soul who went out of her way to uplift strangers and support her daughter. But her father was the opposite: a traditional Greek man with chauvinist ideas who was hardened by the horrors of the Holocaust. The duality sent Almos into therapy, where…

1
From devastation to creation: How artist Devon Spier found spiritual meaning through affliction 35:04

10M ago35:04

35:04

Devon Spier has long COVID. The artist, poet and spiritual guide has spent days bedridden, feeling ill and angry at God. But that forced pause gave her time to reflect on her life, art and beliefs, and she began to realize more emphatically how God, for her, exists in liminal spaces—in the wilderness, in small moments of peace and beauty between de…

1
Trailblazing artist Neshama Carlebach opens up about her next spiritual goal: the rabbinate 45:06

10M ago45:06

45:06

Growing up in the Orthodox movement, Neshama Carlebach would hear it a lot: "It's a shame your father never had sons." The father in question, the acclaimed Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, instead had two daughters—and the implication was that his legacy as a prolific songwriter, whose repertoire includes the popular 1965 folk anthem "Am Yisrael Chai", wou…

1
Stepping into the Spotlight: Creativity, Curiosity, and the Unexpected Road to Stardom w/ Ivri Lider 33:34

10M ago33:34

33:34

In our Season 1 finale, we sit down with Israeli music icon Ivri Lider to dive into the world of songwriting and personal expression through music. Ivri shares his journey from being a songwriter who never intended to sing, to becoming the voice behind his own songs. He talks about the turning point when he realized that no one else could connect w…

1
Jesse Brown lost 9% of his supporters after he began spotlighting antisemitism. Here's why he won't stop 43:07

10M ago43:07

43:07

In the aftermath of Oct. 7, Jesse Brown—who has risen to prominence as a media critic and muckraker with his Canadaland podcast and digital media company—once again stirred up controversy online. But it wasn't a big news investigation that sparked outrage; it was a series of posts about antisemitic attacks on Canadian Jewish-aligned institutions, f…

1
Rabbi Victor Gross is reimagining religion as a force of unity—not division 44:45

11M ago44:45

44:45

When Rabbi Victor Gross was looking for a home to grow his congregation in Boulder, CO, he knew he didn't want a dedicated building. It wasn't just the cost, but the environmental impact of operating a space that's only used a few hours a week. Instead, he looked for a church to rent out Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. He asked church leader…

1
Matchmaker's Guide to the Galaxy: Modern Love, Jewish Values, and Matchmaking in Israel w/ Aleeza Ben Shalom 38:42

11M ago38:42

38:42

In this heart-warming episode of Sababoosh, we sit down with renowned matchmaker and star of Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaking, Aleeza Ben Shalom. Aleeza shares her incredible journey from growing up to college to becoming one of the most sought-after matchmakers in the Jewish world. We dive deep into her personal story, touch on her experience of Jewis…

1
The Writer's Sandbox: Giving a Voice to Past Generations w/ Dorit Rabinyan 51:01

11M ago51:01

51:01

In this episode of Sababoosh, we sit down with acclaimed Israeli author Dorit Rabinyan for an intimate conversation about the art of storytelling and her deep love for writing. Dorit shares insights into her creative process, describing how she approaches her craft with the joy and freedom of a child playing in a sandbox, where imagination knows no…

1
Mary Darling reflects on conflict and division from the Baha'i headquarters in Haifa 50:17

11M ago50:17

50:17

While Israel remains on the brink of war with Lebanon in the north, one of the country's most iconic sites—the famous Baha'i Gardens and shrine—sit less than an hour away. That a religion based on unity among humankind, which views all religions and tribes as branches from the same tree, should have its headquarters so close to a warzone is tragica…

1
Beyond the Books: What Makes Israeli High School Unique w/ Itamar Shahar 44:55

12M ago44:55

44:55

Embark on an enlightening journey through the heart of Israeli education Join our passionate guest, seasoned Israeli educator, Itamar Shahar, as he shares his personal origin story of becoming a teacher in the vibrant tapestry of Israeli society. Discover the unique challenges and triumphs of teaching in a nation known for its innovation and divers…

1
Short Stories, Big Ideas: Storytelling, Absurdism, and Israeli Identity w/ Etgar Keret 31:43

1y ago31:43

31:43

Join us for a captivating conversation with renowned Israeli author Etgar Keret as he delves into the world of short stories. In this episode, we explore the unique power of the short story form, how one can make the world a better place, and his influences. Keret, known for his witty and poignant stories that often blend humor and melancholy, shar…

1
Dara Horn, People Love Dead Jews 56:27

1y ago56:27

56:27

Dara Horn is an American novelist, essayist, and professor of literature. She has a Ph.D. in comparative literature in Hebrew and Yiddish from Harvard University. Dara is the author of five novels and in 2021 released a nonfiction essay collection titled People Love Dead Jews, which was a finalist for the 2021 Kirkus Prize in nonfiction.I spoke wit…

1
Flavors of a Nation: The Heart of Israeli Cuisine w/ Adeena Sussman 33:16

1y ago33:16

33:16

Join us as we sit down with renowned chef and cookbook author Adeena Sussman for a flavorful exploration of Israeli cuisine, culture, and hospitality. In this episode, we'll delve into Adeena's culinary journey, from her early inspirations to her rise as a masterful chef and prolific cookbook author. Discover: The unique blend of flavors, ingredien…

1
Predictably Resilient: Behavioral Economics and Israeli Resilience w/ Dan Ariely 41:46

1y ago41:46

41:46

In this episode, Dan speaks about the resilience of Israelis during these difficult times and more generally. He also discusses bureaucracy, spending patterns, and if Israel is living up to its potential. Lightning round questions are: 1) Favorite Hebrew word or phrase 2) Jerusalem or Tel Aviv 3) Best Israeli Prime Minister Gratitude to Jack and Mo…

1
Jews were once embraced by progressive activists. Did Oct. 7 permanently change that? 28:58

1y ago28:58

28:58

Bernie Farber helped create the Canadian Anti-Hate Network (CAHN) in 2018, and sat as its founding chair until shortly after Oct. 7, 2023. The organization—which investigates, publicizes and works with journalists to report on hateful far-right extremist groups—was infamously silent in the weeks following the Hamas slaughter and kidnapping of 1,200…

1
Canada's last remaining faith reporter reflects the past, and future, of religion 31:52

1y ago31:52

31:52

In 2018, at a time when the faith beat in Canadian newspapers was steadily declining, John Longhurst made an unusual deal with the publisher of the Winnipeg Free Press. He wanted to help expand the paper's audience by reporting on religion, particularly within local communities: Mennonite, Indigenous, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, whomever. The publish…

1
Rabbi Beni Wajnberg explains why you should never pay synagogue dues 34:38

1y ago34:38

34:38

Rabbi Beni Wajnberg has worked in Brazil, Argentina, Singapore, New York, Tennessee, California, Montana and beyond. When it came down to settle down with his family and put down roots, he chose Hamilton, Ont., where he's now the spiritual leader at Beth Jacob Synagogue. Throughout his travels, he's found that one thing connects all those far-flung…

1
Why writer Marsha Lederman, daughter of Holocaust survivors, feels 'less alone' on Yom HaShoah 36:51

1y ago36:51

36:51

Marsha Lederman is a catastrophizer. As the daughter of Holocaust survivors, the author and Globe and Mail columnist has gone through life worrying about everything that can go wrong, to the point that she wrote a book about things going wrong in her life. Kiss the Red Stairs, released August 2023, investigates the ramifications of intergenerationa…

1
This Earth Day, pretend it's Shabbat—and take a break for the environment 26:22

1y ago26:22

26:22

You may not think of keeping Shabbat as environmental activism—but Jonathan Schorsch does. The founder of the Green Sabbath Project is on a mission to tackle climate change by adapting the biblical Jewish practice into something universally good for our planet. After all, in the Venn diagram of environmentalism and observant Judaism, "Not driving o…

1
Alan Zweig looks back on decades of filmmaking—and ahead to his pessimistic new podcast 45:02

1+ y ago45:02

45:02

Alan Zweig was on the road to becoming, like so many other midtown Toronto Jews, a lawyer. Instead, in his early 20s, he zigzagged off the course and wound up taking multiple lengthy trips to India, changing his perspective on life and work. He chose film school instead, propelling him into a decades-long documentary career that began all those yea…

1
Ein Li Eretz Acheret: Environmental Politics and Zionism w/ Former MK Professor Alon Tal 33:21

1+ y ago33:21

33:21

Professor Alon Tal, accomplished environmental activitist, professor, and former member of Knesset (Blue and White party) has built an impressive resume over the years championing environmental causes. In this episode, we discuss Israel's environmental progress over the years, challenges that he and the world face, his time in the Knesset, and a cl…

1
A new Orthodox horror novel blends Kabbalah, family drama and memories of the Holocaust 19:51

1+ y ago19:51

19:51

Toby Lloyd didn't grow up religious. But the British Jewish author became fascinated with Orthodoxy—how different people, even in the same family, can interpret biblical texts as either literal or metaphorical. Wanting to tap into the meaning and effects of people's belief systems, as well as reinterpreting stories from the Torah and wrapping it in…

1
The Land of Milk and Funny: Israeli Humor, Television, and Satire w/ Original Writer on 'Eretz Nehederet' Omri Marcus 39:16

1+ y ago39:16

39:16

This episode features Omri Marcus, original writer on Eretz Nehederet ("A Wonderful Country" - SNL meets The Daily Show), founder of Comedy for a Change, writer and consultant on many shows, and now a Creative AI strategist. Our topic is Israeli comedy and Omri reflects on the topic from many angles. We cover the origins and evolution of Israeli co…

1
Fake It Til You Make It: Comedy, Characters, and Israeli Life w/ Chanshi Creator Aleeza Chanowitz 41:35

1+ y ago41:35

41:35

This week's episode features Aleeza Chanowitz, creator, writer, and star of the Israeli HOT series, Chanshi, about a Modern Orthodox young woman who makes aliyah from Brooklyn and encounters the challenges of being a new immigrant. The series follows her struggles in managing the unrealistic expectations she has about Israel and learning about hers…

1
In her new solo show, Diane Flacks tackles divorce, motherhood and the intergenerational power of Jewish guilt 24:56

1+ y ago24:56

24:56

Diane Flacks has always felt the power of Jewish guilt. But when when she decided she wanted a divorce, that guilt grew to a whole new level. She constantly questioned the process, even while she was going through it, thinking about whether it was the right move or not. To process these thoughts and emotions, the theatre artist decided to transform…

1
Introducing...Sababoosh! 1:01

1+ y ago1:01

1:01

Welcome to Sababoosh! In need of 30 minutes of lightness amongst all of the heaviness? Let's spread some love of Israel through a look at Israeli culture - music, food, movies, literature, and so much more. Episodes will focus on Hebrew slang, Israeli TV, Israeli comedy, and the list will go on. I hope you'll give it a listen! Exciting guests comin…

1
Not Your Birthright Trip's Hebrew Slang w/ Guy Sharett, Host of 'Streetwise Hebrew' 45:07

1+ y ago45:07

45:07

Guy shares a wealth of knowledge and insights into language and culture, old and new slang, Hebrew and its relation to other languages, and the future of Hebrew and slang.

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Rabbi David Aaron Podcasts

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