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.
In Such A Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership & Meaning
Claim This Podcastby Rabbis Jonathan Jaffe and Leora Londy
52 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview
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.
Language
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Publishing Since
8/31/2025
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Recent Episodes
July 20, 2026
Ep. 48: What is the Message of Tisha B’Av?
<p><strong>Rebuilding can only begin once we honor our losses—so what can the most sorrowful day on the Jewish calendar teach us about hope and resilience? In this powerful episode, </strong></p><p><br></p><p>Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy dive into the meaning, history, and contemporary relevance of Tisha B'Av. They explore the motifs of destruction and rebirth embedded in Jewish tradition, the deeply human need for collective mourning, and how Tisha B'Av acts as a transformative gateway to self-reflection and change. </p><p><br></p><p>With personal stories, practical insights, and a look at shifting observance in the Reform movement, the rabbis offer rich inspiration for finding meaning—both in grief and in rebuilding.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Timestamped Overview</strong></p><p>00:00 Welcome and Setting the Context00:23 The Nine Days and Tisha B'Av: What and Why01:38 Historical Significance & National Grief03:43 Personal Memories and Experiences06:12 Senseless Hatred vs. Senseless Love07:09 Tisha B'Av as a 12-Step Program for Renewal10:44 Communal Mourning and Human Nature11:17 A Powerful Shared Tisha B'Av Story14:18 How Do We Observe Tisha B'Av?15:44 The Structure and Meaning of Eicha (Lamentations)17:32 Order, Structure, and Surviving Chaos20:27 Destruction as a Catalyst for Change21:26 The Reform Movement’s Relationship with Tisha B'Av23:25 Metaphor, Literalism, and Personal Belief25:01 Processing Sadness and Grief Today27:36 Sadness, Shabbat Nachamu, and the Turn Toward Hope29:44 Consolation, Hope, and Personal Reflections32:17 Tisha B'Av’s Enduring Antidote for Modern Times33:12 Wishing Listeners a Meaningful Tisha B'Av and Closing</p>
July 13, 2026
Ep. 47: Is the Term Anti-Semitism Still Useful?
<p><strong>What happens when the words we use to describe hate actually cloud our understanding rather than clarify it?</strong></p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy tackle the complicated language around "antisemitism," debating whether the term still serves us—or if it now obscures the nuanced realities of Jewish life and hatred today. Through layered discussion, personal stories, and historical insight, they dissect how language shapes our engagement, activism, and safety as Jews. </p><p><br></p><p>If you've ever wrestled with what to call anti-Jewish hatred and why it matters, this episode arms you with new perspectives and vocabulary.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Timestamped Overview</strong></p><p>[00:00] Intro, context, and episode framing[00:36] Review of "antisemitism"—where the term came from and its evolution[02:24] Is a new term like "anti-Jew hatred" needed?[03:19] The blind spots and rhetorical loopholes in today’s discourse[06:04] Experiencing antisemitism: personal anecdotes and reflections[10:19] The power dynamics of Jewish identity in America and Israel[12:34] Who gets to define the Jewish narrative and language?[13:45] Comparing modern Jew hatred to earlier forms[15:21] How antisemitism shapes Jewish identity for a new generation[16:19] Confusion, nuance, and the vocabulary gap for younger Jews[19:58] The tragic dilemma: moral labels and supporting Israel[22:39] Educational approaches and the gray zones of debate[24:57] The role of dissent, mass thinking, and internal critique[26:14] Differentiating the forms of hate from the right and left[28:39] Case studies: SodaStream, activism, and narrative battles[30:44] Words and their limits: is nuance a distraction?[32:04] Equipping Jewish young adults for tough conversations[34:02] Jews for Judaism and needing new scripts[35:01] Social exclusion, campus experiences, and new forms of hatred[36:06] Finding a shared language: next steps and community action[37:33] A light, humorous wrap-up on language change[38:52] Outro and resources</p>
July 7, 2026
Ep. 46: Should We Retire the Word Zionism?
<p><strong>Discover why the language we use shapes not just debate but our very sense of belonging—especially when it comes to one of Judaism’s most loaded words: Zionism. Should we retire the term altogether? </strong></p><p><br></p><p>Join Rabbi Leora Londy and Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe as they tackle whether ongoing arguments over “Zionism” help or hinder honest conversation about Israel, Jewish identity, and inclusion in the Jewish community. Along the way, they delve into generational divides, personal journeys, and the dangers of reducing complex identities to slogans. The episode challenges listeners to reflect on the words they use, the reasons behind their associations, and what truly unites or fractures the Jewish people today.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Timestamped Overview</strong></p><p>[00:00] Introduction: The Power of Words & the Season of Devarim<br>[00:44] Should We Retire “Zionism”?<br>[02:47] Anecdote: Zio’s Deli and Language’s Shifting Meaning<br>[03:35] History and Meaning of Zionism<br>[05:05] Reactions to Retiring the Term<br>[05:52] What if There Were No Replacement Term?<br>[07:02] Lived Identity and Nuances within Zionism<br>[09:36] Is Zionism Too Broad or Too Loaded?<br>[11:44] Encounters with “Anti-Zionist” Jews<br>[13:54] The Fracture and Opportunity in These Conversations<br>[15:25] The Futility of Debating Israel’s Right to Exist<br>[19:25] Personal Journey: Leaving, Longing for, and Defending Israel<br>[23:22] Advocating for a Better Israel<br>[25:42] Why Apologize for Supporting Israel?<br>[28:50] Personal Stories of Protest and Tisha B’Av<br>[30:47] The Motif of Destruction and Renewal<br>[32:31] Anti-Zionism: PR or Deeper Ideology?<br>[33:31] What Are People Really Opposing?<br>[35:56] Words as Slogans vs. Substance<br>[36:56] Challenging Listeners: How Do You Enter This Debate?<br>[37:43] Closing: Volunteering in Israel and Hopes for Future Conversations</p>
52 total episodes available
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