About Martini Judaism
I decided to expand “Martini Judaism: for those who want to be shaken and stirred” into a podcast because I like coffee. More precisely, I like having long cups of coffee with good friends, having passionate discussions on all kinds of topics — but mostly, about religion, spirituality, popular culture, and Judaism. Since I can’t possibly have that quality, face-to-face caffeinated time with everyone I like and admire, the podcast is the next best thing. It allows me to expand my singular voice into a dialogue.
So, that’s what I do: sit with the best thought leaders I know, and hash it out. Rock music, ethical dilemmas, politics, Israel, sacred texts — it’s all on the table. It’s coming to a pair of headphones near you.
Come hang out with me. And with us. With or without the coffee.
Meet the Host
I started writing my award-winning opinion column, “Martini Judaism: for those who want to be shaken and stirred,” because I believe that this is religion’s true role – to challenge us. Now, I bring that message to a podcast, through Religion News Service.
I have a passion for Jewish ideas – always striving for relevance, being what my colleagues call “a rabbi’s rabbi.” My ten books have contributed to that reputation. My essays have appeared in the Washington Post, Commentary, The Huffington Post, Forward and JTA, and various scholarly journals. I have discussed American politics on CNN and the BBC.
I have a passion for Israel. I have served on the boards of Israel-oriented organizations. I have led community missions to Israel, and I study every summer at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, a leading center of Jewish thought and education.
Finally, I am passionate about interreligious dialogue. I was one of the first rabbis to earn the Doctor of Ministry degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. One of my proudest moments was in 2020, when I delivered the keynote address on religion at The Chautauqua Institution, America’s iconic educational and cultural community.
My writings and my podcast are about my passions. Welcome!
