Temple Solel Paradise Valley AZ

This episode introduces Judge Jeff Ballin, detailing his legal career as a city judge, former general counsel to the Mesa Police Department, prosecutor, and his extensive volunteering in Jewish community organizations.

This episode features Deb Rochford, National Campaign Director of Jewish National Fund USA, discussing the organization's efforts to rebuild and support Israel's northern and southern regions through development projects and community resilience.

This episode features Rabbi Norman Cohen, introduced with his extensive background in congregational leadership, community service, and interfaith work, as he discusses the importance of humor in Judaism, particularly in relation to the upcoming holiday of Purim.

This episode explores Torah creation stories, comparing the divine creation of the world with the human construction of the Mishkan sanctuary, emphasizing themes of rest on Shabbat, human imperfection, and the ongoing effort to create a place for God to dwell among humanity.

A rabbi shares a family Shabbat story about gratitude, featuring community members and a challah-making ritual with herbs.

This episode reflects on violence against Jewish and minority communities during Hanukkah, highlighting a 1993 incident in Billings, Montana where residents showed solidarity by displaying menorahs after a hate crime.

This episode explores the weekly Torah portion, focusing on the Song of the Sea from the Exodus story to discuss themes of redemption and freedom, while also highlighting historical synagogues in Prague.

A rabbi introduces his Rosh Hashanah sermon, explaining that while such speeches typically focus on personal spirituality or Jewish themes, he will instead address matters concerning the United States.

Rabbi Crystal shares a story about Rosie Cohn, a devoted Jewish community member who surprises everyone by traveling to India to visit a guru, highlighting themes of spiritual exploration and faith.

A rabbi discusses the complex emotions and divisions within the Jewish community regarding Israel, particularly in light of recent events like the October 7th attack and ongoing conflicts in Gaza.

This episode explores the Torah portion Parashat Ha'azinu, focusing on Moses's song of sorrow and hope, and connects it to themes of forgiveness and reflection during the High Holy Days.

This episode features a Hebrew-Yiddish trivia game about Jewish wedding terms and explores the historical significance of the holiday Tuba'av.

A king tells his daughter a favorite story about siblings with magical shofars, which leads to a dangerous carriage ride during a storm.

This weekly podcast from Temple Selel features clergy sharing insights on the Torah portion, reflections on Jewish life, and teachings to inspire listeners for Shabbat and beyond.

A clergy member shares a personal story about receiving annual checks from a distant uncle to illustrate the limitations of symbolic gestures in building genuine relationships, connecting it to broader themes in Jewish life and Torah teachings.

A rabbi tells a children's story about a little mouse seeking friendship and protection from the sun, while sharing personal anecdotes about learning balloon animals at a Jewish summer camp in Mississippi.

This episode reflects on the release of hostages in Israel, celebrating joyous reunions while remembering those who died, and connects these events to Jewish teachings and community inspiration.

A rabbi explores why the biblical story of Esther is presented as a satirical farce despite its serious themes of anti-Semitism and persecution, introducing insights from a contemporary Jewish author.

This episode explores the biblical phrase 'Nassau et Rosh' from Parashat Nassau, interpreting it as a call to elevate human dignity rather than merely count people, while discussing the roles of Levites and tribal offerings in the Mishkan.

This episode features a study piece from Rabbi Karen Kadar's new book, focusing on Psalm 27 and its relevance to Shabbat Shuvah and the High Holy Days.

This episode explores why the Israelites took 40 years to reach the Promised Land, examining traditional explanations of punishment and a deeper interpretation of the desert period as spiritual training.

Rabbi Linder explains and leads three prayers of praise to God during a Shabbat service, focusing on gratitude for divine relationship, life, and holiness.

This episode is a brief introduction to a Shabbat observance, likely featuring religious discussion or music.

A speaker reflects on returning from a hiking trip in Patagonia to discuss Judaism's wisdom on leadership and corruption as found in the Torah portion Vayikra.

This episode features an invitation for Rabbi Linders to come to the bimah during an Erev Shabbat service.

Rabbi Crystal shares a humorous, lesser-known story about George Washington's childhood prank involving pushing an outhouse into the Potomac River on Independence Day.

Rabbi Josh Bennett shares a personal story about travel challenges and community connections during a Shabbat sermon.

This episode discusses the significance of posture in Judaism, focusing on themes of peace and security from the Torah portion Bahar Bechukotai.

This episode explores how the Passover story of the exodus from Egypt is not just historical memory but a living experience that challenges modern listeners to recognize contemporary forms of enslavement like social media, comparison, and societal pressures.

This episode shares a story about a Jewish shepherd's heartfelt prayers to God, illustrating themes of faith and devotion in Jewish tradition.

A rabbi reflects on recent anti-Semitic violence at Bondi Beach and the broader rise in hate rhetoric, balancing it with the security of daily Jewish life in the United States.

This episode explores the Torah portion Vayetze from Genesis 28, focusing on Jacob's first divine encounter and how it relates to modern spiritual experiences in Jewish life.

This episode explores themes of community and otherness through a humorous desert island story and connects them to the weekly Torah portion's focus on Jewish community dynamics.

This episode explores the Torah portion Vayera from Genesis chapters 18-22, highlighting key stories like Isaac's birth, Abraham's negotiation with God about Sodom and Gomorrah, and other foundational biblical narratives.

A rabbi shares a personal story about using specialized training to interact with a drunk patient in an emergency room during his time as a hospital chaplain.

This episode discusses two memorable MLB post-season moments involving Phillies pitcher Orion Kirkering's error and Toronto Blue Jays right fielder George Springer's perseverance after injury.

An interim rabbi shares stories of meaningful synagogue moments, including the participation of individuals with developmental disabilities in services.

A rabbi shares about a recent New York trip with teens from the Madraheem program, highlighting activities like visiting the Tenement Museum and synagogues, and invites the teens to share their experiences.

This episode discusses the recent U.S.-Israel attack on Iran, analyzing its unique nature as a distant war involving missiles and drones, and shares insights from Rabbi Josh Weinberg on the conflict's implications for the Middle East and Jewish life.

A clergy member shares a personal story about navigating a difficult conversation with their partner, connecting it to themes of communication and healing in Jewish teachings.

A rabbi shares a personal story about learning to smile during services from a congregant, connecting it to Jewish teachings on greeting others with a beautiful face and the importance of joy in rituals like weddings.

This episode explores the spiritual journey of Yom Kippur, focusing on repentance, self-examination, and renewal as the high holy days conclude.

This episode explores the theme of true freedom in Parashat Ki Tetzei, discussing how liberation involves not just physical escape from oppression but also overcoming the emotional hold of past enemies.

This episode explores the tension between honesty and kindness in Jewish teachings, using personal anecdotes and reflections on the weekly Torah portion to inspire ethical living.

A clergy member expresses gratitude for community support while reflecting on an emotional transition after 18 years of service, looking ahead to upcoming Jewish celebrations.

A rabbi engages children in a Hanukkah-themed activity by asking about their favorite sports and distributing gelt to encourage participation.