About In Such A Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership & Meaning
IN SUCH A TIME is a podcast from Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester, hosted by Rabbis Jonathan Jaffe and Leora Londy. Through candid conversations and thoughtful reflection, the rabbis explore what it means to live, lead, and seek meaning through a Jewish lens. From personal stories to pressing issues, each episode invites listeners into a timely dialogue about Jewish life — in such a time as this.
Ep. 60: Jewish Non-Negotiables in the Michigan Senate Race with Rabbi Josh Whinston
Standing up for core values isn't just brave—it's essential for a vibrant democracy. But what happens when your most fundamental needs feel overlooked by the very party you've always supported?In this compelling episode, Rabbi Josh Winston shares his journey co-founding nonnegotiable.org (http://nonnegotiable.org/) in response to shifting rhetoric in Michigan's critical Senate race. He discusses the challenges of advocating for Jewish safety, identity, and inclusion in a polarized political climate, the process of creating a unified set of "non-negotiables" for candidates, and the impact this movement has had—both within the Jewish community and beyond. Listeners will gain insight into the power of principled action, the complexities of coalition-building, and the urgent need to defend inclusive democratic spaces.00:00 Welcome and guest introduction00:59 Josh Winston's background and commitment to social justice02:04 Deepening focus on Israel, Reform Judaism, and Jewish democracy03:18 The Michigan Senate race and its broader impact04:17 What is Non-Negotiable? Purpose, origins, and organizing05:00 Founding team and cross-spectrum collaboration07:45 Evolving politics, Democratic discomfort, and Jewish voter concerns08:21 The "Non-Negotiables" outlined10:19 The need to stay engaged in the political process11:51 Response from candidates and the community13:24 Why rhetoric matters: antisemitism, safety, and political choices15:53 Feedback, backlash, and support within the community24:46 Media attention and measuring success27:30 Non-Negotiables as an act of democracy29:09 Jewish safety as a bellwether for democracy30:56 Jewish-Muslim relations post-October 733:23 Call to action: building power in the Jewish community35:05 Parallels between left and right populist rhetoric37:21 Lessons for the broader Jewish and civic community38:42 Where to learn more and get involved: nonnegotiable.org (http://nonnegotiable.org/) and zioness.org (http://zioness.org/)
5 Oct 2026
Ep. 59: Should Jews Invest in Public Schools?
Discover the complex choices parents face when balancing the value of Jewish identity and community with the desire for diversity and public engagement.
In this revealing conversation, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy dive into their own varied educational journeys—from private Jewish day schools to public classrooms in diverse American cities and even Israel. Together, they wrestle with the personal and communal motivations underlying school selection, the impact of privilege, and the contemporary challenges around safety and inclusion amid rising antisemitism.
By sharing their candid reflections and family experiences, they invite listeners to confront the tough decisions that shape not only individual identities but also the very fabric of Jewish communal life.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Welcome and reflections on averted disaster in Israel
01:14 Introducing the central question: Jewish day schools vs. public schools
02:20 Rabbi Leora Londy's upbringing: Jewish and public school experiences
03:54 Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe's private school experiences in Hawaii
06:44 Relating school choices to privilege and regional realities
08:17 Struggles and decisions as parents: investing in public vs. private Jewish education
09:08 Rabbi Leora Londy on Israeli and American systems, moving to Westchester
10:24 First experiences with diversity and values in public school
12:02 The challenge of instilling Jewish identity in different educational settings
12:44 The dual history of Jewish day schools: pride and white flight
15:18 What Jewish day schools provide, and what they don't
18:20 How school choice drives where families live
21:07 The tension between diversity and providing the "best" for children
21:26 The steep costs of Jewish education and its impact
23:20 Concerns around safety in American public schools
24:37 Broader communal responsibilities and reflections on California's decline in public education
25:50 Integrating Jewish life into diverse environments
26:54 Holding space for both Jewish continuity and interfaith friendships
28:00 Invitation for listener reflections and conversation closer
28 Sept 2026
Ep. 58: In Praise of a Stiff-Necked People
Discover how the history of Jewish resilience—summed up in the power of saying “no”—can help us better understand both modern anti-Semitism and the ongoing challenges facing the Jewish community today. Why does Jewish success often provoke new forms of hatred, and is there a deeper pattern to the ways in which Jews are scapegoated over time?
In this Yom Kippur sermon episode, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe draws from Dara Horn’s provocative work to explain why Jews are continually “a stiff-necked people,” resisting tyranny and dogma throughout the ages. Explore the origins of the “big lie,” its ever-shifting representations, and why the modern Jewish state faces echoing accusations that have haunted the Jewish people for millennia. Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe also introduces a powerful new curriculum designed to empower Jews of all ages to engage proudly and knowledgeably with their identity.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Introduction and framing: Jewish resilience and challenges
00:53 The “stiff-necked people” and anti-tyrannical roots of Judaism
03:34 Historical refusals: From Babylon to the modern era
06:05 The cost and pride of saying “no”
07:07 The “big lie” and society’s shifting accusations
09:32 Modern analogues: Israel, identity, and scapegoating
10:40 Criticizing Israel vs. demonizing Jews
12:21 Anti-Zionism, anti-Semitism, and practical consequences
14:02 Yom Kippur’s scapegoat ritual and symbolism
16:00 Enduring narratives—from Augustine to today
17:16 Announcing the Tell Institute curriculum
18:18 Empowerment, education, and the enduring necessity of “no”
19:40 Outro and community connection
Reach and audience
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
9 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
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