The Rabbi Avi Show

The Rabbi Avi Show is the podcast that explores the full spectrum of human connection. Each episode, Rabbi Avi brings his wisdom, humor, and unique perspective to a new conversation about the relationships that shape our lives.From the bonds of marriage and family to the dynamics of friendship, community, and even our relationship with ourselves, The Rabbi Avi show tackles the big questions and everyday challenges with warmth and honesty. By diving into complex and crucial topics The Rabbi Avi Show looks closely at relationships between Jews and other groups, exploring the contours and nuance of the unique connections between Israelis and Americans, examining the shared values, differences, and evolving ties that bind these two communities on the micro and macro levels.Whether you're Jewish or not, The Rabbi Avi Show uncovers valuable perspectives dwelling in the fabric between us. Join us as we discover what it truly means to be connected.

The Rabbi Avi Show is a religion podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 29 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Unknown Host hosts The Rabbi Avi Show, a religion show with 29 episodes published.

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  Episode #2

  Embracing Joy, Vulnerability, and the Sukkah with Rabbi Yosef Lopez

  Sep 23, 20261h 2mS2

  Episode Summary: As we transition from the introspection of the High Holy Days into the festival season, this episode of The Rabbi Avi Show is dedicated to unpacking the profound themes of Sukkot, Shemini Atseret, and Simhat Torah. Rabbi Yosef Lopez, host of the חכמת החודש podcast, returns to the show to explore how a temporary booth and the agricultural harvest connect us to our shared humanity. From Maimonidean perspectives on the Four Species to the reality of human vulnerability, this conversation reframes our understanding of the holidays and reveals why our true baseline state of existence is pure joy. Key Takeaways & Topics Explored: The Universal Foundation of Tishrei: While Nissan marks the liturgical head of the year, Tishrei celebrates the creation of humanity. Sukkot ( Hag HaAsif ) expands on this by emphasizing our connection to the entire human race, historically marked by bringing sacrifices and requesting rain ( Yoreh ) on behalf of the whole world. Dwelling in the Temporary ( Leshev BaSukkah ): Drawing on the insights of Hakham Jose Faur, the episode explores how the seven days spent in the flimsy, temporary shelter of the Sukkah mirror the proverbial seventy years of a human lifespan. The Sukkah challenges us to transform a temporary dwelling ( dirat arai ) into a space of meaningful, intentional living. A Grounded View of the Arba Minim: Moving beyond midrashic allegories, Maimonides grounds the Four Species in concrete terms—accessibility, pleasing appearance, and a historical reminder of the transition from a barren wilderness to an abundant, fruit-laden land that relies heavily on water. Halacha and Human Vulnerability: True observance does not require martyrdom. Following Sephardic tradition and the rulings of the Rashba and Maran Yosef Karo, leaving the Sukkah during a rainstorm teaches us how Jewish law pivots to accommodate genuine discomfort and reality. Patience and the Wisdom of Kohelet: Reading Ecclesiastes under the sechach reminds us that "everything is beautiful in its time." The agricultural roots of Sukkot serve as a powerful antidote to modern culture's demand for instant gratification. Returning to Joy ( Simha ): As the season culminates in Shemini Atseret and Simhat Torah, we step outside the Sukkah to dance with the Torah. This celebration is a powerful reminder that joy is not just a commanded action, but the normal, baseline state of human existence. Support the Show: A massive thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. If this conversation was therapeutic or thought-provoking for you, we want to hear from you! Please support our work and communicate with us directly by visiting patreon.com/horizontalmedia .

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  Episode #1

  Put Down the Lizard: The Psychology of Teshuvah and Maimonides' Laws of Return

  Sep 9, 20261h 27mS2

  Episode Description & Show Notes: As Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur approach, millions around the world begin the demanding, inward journey of the Days of Awe. We ask the difficult, foundational questions: Who have I been this past year? Where did I miss the mark? And who am I fighting to become when the shofar finally splits the silence? In this episode, Rabbi Avi is joined once again by his dear friend, scholar, and intellectual partner Rabbi Yosef Lopez for a raw, unflinching dive into the mechanics of true transformation. Drawing deeply from Maimonides’ ( Rambam’s ) Hilkhoth Teshuba in Sefer HaMadda , as well as the groundbreaking scholarship of Ḥakham José Faur and Ḥakham Ike Choua, they break through the seasonal platitudes and Westernized theological assumptions that obscure our understanding of repentance. The discussion anchors on Maimonides’ striking, vivid metaphor in Chapter 2: the person who immerses in a miqwa while holding a sheretz —a creeping lizard—in their hand. No matter how deep the waters or how sincere the tears, the immersion is completely invalid until the lizard is cast away. What We Discuss in This Episode: The Sheretz in the Hand: Why human beings crave the emotional high and drama of ritual while stubbornly refusing to unclench their fists from the habits, grudges, and rationalizations that keep them spiritually stuck. Teshuvah as Psychology: How Maimonides positions the laws of repentance inside Sefer HaMadda (The Book of Knowledge) as an internal science of human behavior rather than mere religious ceremony. Dismantling "Sin" and "Atonement": Why Western theological terms fail authentic Jewish thought. Understanding ḥeṭ not as an inherited moral stain, but as an archery term for missing the target—a covenantal debt ( ḥov ) that can be recalibrated and repaired. The Genius of José Faur: Examining why the Torah commands Vidui (spoken, articulated confession) rather than Teshuvah itself, and how internal transformation is actually framed as a divine promise ( havtaḥa ). The Fallacy of Vague Apologies: Why Maimonides insists that confession must name the specific fault aloud, and why blanket social media apologies ("to anyone I may have offended") fall short of real repair. Ani Aḥer ("I Am Another"): How a person bridges the gap from sheer willpower to internalizing an entirely new identity, examined alongside the tragic Talmudic figure of Elisha ben Abuyah ( Aḥer ) and the lethal trap of despair. Kappara vs. Meḥila: Breaking down the vital distinction between kappara (legal protection from consequence) and meḥila (the complete removal of the partition between two people or between man and God). The Wake-Up Call of the Shofar: Moving past seasonal terror to hear the shofar as a call back to Sinai, self-worth, and proactive righteousness ( Tzedakah ). Support the Podcast: The Rabbi Avi Show is completely independent, produced without corporate sponsors, and dedicated to delivering serious, high-production conversations rooted in authentic Torah. To partner with us, unlock exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and join the dialogue directly: Patreon: patreon.com/horizontalmedia Share this episode with friends, family, and your community to help spread the word!

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  Episode #26

  Where We've Been, Where We're Going: A Retrospective & The Horizon Ahead

  Aug 30, 202626 minS1

  The Rabbi Avi Show: Ep. 26, Season 1 Finale EPISODE SUMMARY In this special season-ending transitional episode, Rabbi Avi looks back at the foundational themes, remarkable guests, and core moral questions that defined the inaugural season of The Rabbi Avi Show . From the frontiers of Israel to the lecture halls of American academia, this retrospective weaves together the threads of human experience through a single guiding truth: Torah is all around us . Torah is not merely an ancient scroll locked in an ark; it spans the fullness of human experience—how we wage war with morality, build education systems, process grief, treat our physical bodies, and build bridges across deep cultural divides. In addition to recapping the four thematic pillars of Season 1, Rabbi Avi outlines the vision for Season 2, introducing multi-person panel discussions and sharing how listeners can directly shape the future of the show through Patreon. THE FOUR THEMATIC PILLARS OF SEASON 1 1. The Frontier of Courage and Security Exploring what it means to defend a nation, govern under fire, and maintain moral clarity on the physical and spiritual edges of Israel. Rabbi Yaron Buki (Katsrin, Golan Heights): Grandson of Holocaust survivors and a "rabbi with calloused hands" serving as a mohel , shokhet , and member of the Chevra Kadisha . He highlights raising a family on the border, rejecting victimhood, and living as Goy Echad Ba'aretz (one unified nation). Yaakov Selavan (Deputy Governor, Golan Regional Council): Sharing his journey from tank command in Gaza post-October 7th to managing a council under daily fire, illustrating why the Golan is a sacred frontier where "where the plow stops, the border is set," and fighting out of love rather than hatred. Eden Achituv (Retamim, Negev Desert): Raising four boys in the ring of fire, showing how community youth transformed burned lookout points into sanctuaries of life. Rabbi Yossi Etz-Hasadeh (Har Hevron, Judea): Moving from a New Zealand sheep farm to the biblical heartland, detailing the daily realities of living alongside Arab neighbors and standing as a sovereign people in our native homeland. 2. The Fabric of Identity and Disarming Propaganda Dismantling rigid Western racial paradigms and narrative distortions by elevating authentic, diverse Jewish voices. Leah Avuno (Reshet Amit): Former IDF platoon commander born in Gondar, Ethiopia, dismantling Western "apartheid" labels and highlighting digital propaganda vs. lived reality. Tali Aynalem (Givati Brigade Veteran): Digital advocate pushing back against victim mentality in American academia, urging young Jews to ground themselves at their family's dinner table rather than a smartphone screen. Classical Traditions: Exploring Sephardic and Maimonidean heritage with Rabbi Yosef Lopez and analyzing historical Jewish roots with Professor David Graizbord . 3. The Intellectual, Cultural, and Academic Frontlines Confronting institutional bias, the post-October 7th awakening, and processing heavy realities through art and literature. Dr. Molly Dunn (Center for Jewish Resilience): Tracking her masterclass in intellectual evolution from far-left critical theories to the political center and legal advocacy. Chloe Loos (Tucson JCC): Discussing the "October 8th Awakening," political homelessness, and stepping into an unapologetic Jewish identity. Pastor Jeff Logsdon (Hope City Church): Demonstrating genuine, non-transactional interfaith solidarity, standing with the Jewish community on the morning of October 7th and serving the local community together. Theological & Psychological Literature: Examining moral self-defense through magical realism in Roger Simon’s Emmet , and exploring transgenerational trauma, the Iraqi Farhud , and diaspora safety in Benjamin Abravenel’s The Past Again . 4. Health, Purpose, and the Everyday Torah Bringing sanctity, discipline, and physical resilience into everyday human life. Holistic Health & Medical Ethics: Conversations on physical health, faith, and facing adversity with Adam Fox , Dr. David Dierks , and author E.C. Stilson . Dr. Zuhdi Jasser (American Islamic Forum for Democracy): A physician-led diagnostic approach to civil discourse, fighting religious authoritarianism, and defending the U.S. Constitution and Israel. The Dignity of Labor: Celebrating craftsmanship, local educators, and practical living expressions of Torah. LOOKING AHEAD TO SEASON 2 Multi-Person Panel Discussions: Season 2 will expand beyond 1-on-1 interviews to bring 2, 3, or 4+ guests together simultaneously to dissect complex topics from multiple perspectives and model constructive, Torah-informed dialogue. Holiday Schedule: During the upcoming Hebrew holiday season, production will feature two special standalone episodes focused on the Days of Awe ( Yamim Nor'im ) and the Feast of Tabernacles ( Sukkot ) before launching Season 2 full throttle. JOIN OUR COMMUNITY & SUPPORT THE SHOW Main Patreon Page: Watch video podcasts and directly support independent, corporate-free media for as little as $5/month at patreon.com/horizontalmedia . Virtual Town Hall & Community Chat: Interface directly with Rabbi Avi, submit questions for Season 2 panels, suggest guests/topics, and access behind-the-scenes updates in our Virtual Town Hall Chat Space .

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  Episode #24

  Building Living Bridges with Leah Avuno

  Jul 29, 202651 minS1

  Show Notes: The Rabbi Avi Show, Episode 24 Guest: Leah Avuno (Head of International Relations at Reshet Amit, Educator, and former Tucson Shinshinit) Episode Summary In this episode, Rabbi Avi has a profound, hour-long reunion with his dear friend Leah Avuno, joining remotely from Israel. Exactly ten years after Leah arrived in Arizona as an 18-year-old Shinshinit (pre-military Israeli emissary), she and Avi look back at her journey and trace her evolution from a young volunteer into a powerhouse of international educational leadership. Leah shares her raw experiences as a female IDF commander leading a diverse platoon of Druze, Arab, and Cherkesium soldiers—a journey that was featured globally in the Amazon Prime Video docuseries The Women of the IDF . Today, she serves as the Head of the International Relations Department at Reshet Amit, the largest educational network in Israel, where she actively works to close the socioeconomic gap between central Israel and the periphery. Together, Avi and Leah tackle the rigid Western racial frameworks and propaganda often projected onto the Middle East, illustrated by a lighter moment with a global traveler's skewed perception of Gaza weather. Crucially, they dive into Leah's vital work on the ground providing immediate psychological, therapeutic, and emotional support to children in Israel's southern districts processing the continuous trauma of October 7th. Key Topics Discussed The Periphery and Reshet Amit: Leah explains the "30/70 ratio" framework used by Israel's largest educational network to provide equal educational opportunities and specialized support to lower socioeconomic and immigrant families across 93 schools. Reflections on Tucson (2016): Looking back at her gap year in Arizona, her outreach to students on the University of Arizona campus with Avi, and her time building bridges with local communities, including speaking at a Black Baptist church and historical teen coalitions. Identity Beyond Labels: How growing up in an incredibly diverse Israel shaped her worldview, why her identity has always been "Jewish first" since her early childhood in Gondar, Ethiopia, and how her authentic presence naturally shatters flat, Western demographic assumptions. The Reality of Military Service: Behind the scenes of her leadership as an IDF commander, navigating the intense psychological demands of border defense as a young adult, and why she chose to participate in the Amazon Prime Video series The Women of the IDF to counter global misinformation. Dismantling Online Propaganda: A real-world encounter challenging the absolute "black-and-white" narratives found on Western university campuses, emphasizing the danger of algorithm-driven propaganda. The Ultimate Anchor: Leah shares her mother's timeless wisdom about centering our energy on the next generation and explains the profound practice of Cheshbon HaNefesh —conducting a dedicated, weekly inner accounting of the soul to bring more light into the world. Connect & Support Support Leah's Educational and Therapeutic Work: To learn more about Leah's regional tours or to donate toward the vital psychological and emotional therapy programs for children in Israel's southern periphery, visit the official website at amitchildren.org . Support the Show: The Rabbi Avi Show is entirely independent and listener-supported under the Horizontal Media umbrella. To help keep these raw, corporate-free long-form dialogues going, consider becoming a monthly supporter at patreon.com/horizontalmedia .

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  Episode #23

  Disrupting the Narrative with Tali Aynalem

  Jul 19, 20261h 6mS1

  The Rabbi Avi Show: Episode 23 Show Notes In this very special episode, Rabbi Avi sits down with the outstanding Tali Aynalem —an Israeli-Ethiopian-American, IDF veteran of the Givati Brigade, and a sharp marketing professional who is completely shifting the conversation on social media. Born in Israel to parents who made Aliyah in the early 1980s, Tali grew up in Oregon, giving her a completely unique perspective on both the Israeli cultural fabric and modern American activism. They dive into a deep, long-form conversation about her lived experience, breaking through the victim mentality on progressive American campuses, the hidden systemic realities of the Middle East, and her exciting new grassroots project, Breaking Bread . Key Topics Generational Roots & Aliyah History: Tali shares her family's unique background, predating the famous military airlifts of the mid-80s, and discusses the profound longing for Jerusalem ( Beit HaMiqdash ) that defined early Ethiopian pioneers. The Shock of American Racial Politics: Moving from Israel to Oregon, Tali describes the bizarre shift of entering an American university environment where she was explicitly introduced to an "oppression and victimhood" mentality for the first time. Life in the Fabric of Israel: Pushing back against online myths of a systemic "apartheid state," Tali shares her lived reality of total cultural belonging in Israel compared to the actual second-class citizenship and labor abuse under the Kafala system in parts of the Arab world. The Morality of the IDF: Drawing from her service in the Givati Brigade, Tali humanizes the soldiers on the borders, refuting Western media caricatures and detailing a culture that celebrates life rather than glorifying destruction. The Betrayal of October 7th: Tali reflects on being physically on the ground in Israel during the Simchat Torah attacks, catching one of the last flights out, and navigating the painful relational fallout with long-term American friends in the weeks that followed. Grassroots Leadership & "Breaking Bread": A look at Tali's new project with Ashira ( Black and Jewish Podcast ), moving past traditional, institutional "pastor and rabbi dinners" toward a model focused on business networking, economic partnership, and uncompromised Zionist dialogue. The Core of Jewish Identity: Tali explains why her personal representation doesn't matter as much as strong foundations built at home, culminating in her latest thesis: There is no Judaism without Zionism, and there is no Judaism without God. Important Links Support the Show: Show your appreciation for independent, long-form media by supporting our channel at Horizontal Media Patreon . Tali’s Writing: Read, subscribe, and share Tali's sharp weekly cultural commentary on Tali Aynalem's Substack . Final Takeaway "Always answer with truth. Look for the numbers yourself, look for the pictures yourself, and you'll find everything that you are looking for. Because truth always wins." — Tali Aynalem

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