Printer Friendly

Welcome to Your Jewish Neighborhood

Your Jewish Neighborhood is a podcast from Temple Isaiah. Through interviews, we seek to explore various dimensions of Reform Judaism and its approach to Israel, school, work, worship, relationships and a host of other aspects of our lives.

You can listen here on the Web site, by downloading the MP3 file, or by subscribing to receive new episodes as soon as they’re published. You can subscribe via RSS here or through Apple iTunes.

Your comments are always welcome! Post a comment here on the show blog, send email to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call our comment line at 206.339.0059.

For episodes #1-37, please visit our original location.

Thanks for listening!


YJN #203 - 07/25/10 - July 26 is Tu B’Av, Jewish Valentine’s Day

Content Summary Rabbi Alissa Forrest explains the origins and traditions of Tu B’Av, a sort of Jewish Valentine’s Day, which falls on July 26 this year.

This week’s links:

Welcome to “Your Jewish Neighborhood,” a podcast by Temple Isaiah with your host, Michele Holtz.

Download the podcast file here (MP3, 2.87MB, 7:10), or by clicking the link at the top of the page to get it and future shows automatically. (For automatic synchronization with your iPod or other digital player, you’ll also need a podcatcher such as Juice, DopplerRadio, iTunes, or an RSS aggregator that supports podcasts such as FeedDemon).

Listen right now!


YJN #202 - 07/11/10 - Part 2 of Our Soundseeing Tour of Jewish Prague

Content Summary Part 2 of our tour of Jewish Prague with guide Lenka Martinkova covers the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Old-New Synagogue, the Spanish Synagogue and some other highlights, including a charming tale of a clock that runs backwards.

This week’s links:

Welcome to “Your Jewish Neighborhood,” a podcast by Temple Isaiah with your host, Michele Holtz.

Download the podcast file here (MP3, 7.5MB, 18:43), or by clicking the link at the top of the page to get it and future shows automatically. (For automatic synchronization with your iPod or other digital player, you’ll also need a podcatcher such as Juice, DopplerRadio, iTunes, or an RSS aggregator that supports podcasts such as FeedDemon).

Listen right now!


YJN #201 - 07/03/10 - Soundseeing Tour of Prague’s Jewish Quarter, Part 1

Content Summary Czech tour guide Lenka Martinkova graciously permitted recording of her remarks during a tour of Prague’s historic Jewish Quarter. This is the first installment of a two-part “highlights” soundseeing tour, covering the Meizel Synagogue, the pogroms of Prague and the fate of Czech Jews during World War II. In the concluding episode, we’ll cover the old Jewish cemetery and other highlights of the tour.

This week’s links:

Welcome to “Your Jewish Neighborhood,” a podcast by Temple Isaiah with your host, Michele Holtz.

Download the podcast file here (MP3, 10.6MB, 26.35), or by clicking the link at the top of the page to get it and future shows automatically. (For automatic synchronization with your iPod or other digital player, you’ll also need a podcatcher such as Juice, DopplerRadio, iTunes, or an RSS aggregator that supports podcasts such as FeedDemon).

Listen right now!


YJN #200 - 06/04/10 - Cantor Korn on Melodies for V’Ahavta and Mi Chamoca

Content Summary Cantor Leigh Korn explores the reason the melody for V’Ahavta rarely changes at Erev Shabbat services, but can vary widely for Mi Chamoca.

This week’s links:

Welcome to “Your Jewish Neighborhood,” a podcast by Temple Isaiah with your host, Michele Holtz.

Download the podcast file here (MP3, 5,34MB, 13:20), or by clicking the link at the top of the page to get it and future shows automatically. (For automatic synchronization with your iPod or other digital player, you’ll also need a podcatcher such as Juice, DopplerRadio, iTunes, or an RSS aggregator that supports podcasts such as FeedDemon).

Listen right now!


YJN #199 - 05/24/10 - A YJN Mystery: How Did Longfellow Come By His Talmudic Knowledge?

Content Summary Rabbi Roberto Graetz ponders a mystery: How did American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow come by his knowledge of the Talmud? In a poem, Wadsworth invokes an obscure angel, Sandalphon, whose appearance is strictly Talmudic.

This week’s links:

Welcome to “Your Jewish Neighborhood,” a podcast by Temple Isaiah with your host, Michele Holtz.

Download the podcast file here (MP3, 3.37MB, 8:24), or by clicking the link at the top of the page to get it and future shows automatically. (For automatic synchronization with your iPod or other digital player, you’ll also need a podcatcher such as Juice, DopplerRadio, iTunes, or an RSS aggregator that supports podcasts such as FeedDemon).

Listen right now!


YJN #198 - 04/20/10 - Rabbi Graetz on Judaism in Central and South America

Content Summary Rabbi Roberto Graetz reviews the state of Reform and Progressive Judaism in South and Central America, with a special focus on Argentina and Brazil.

This week’s links:

Welcome to “Your Jewish Neighborhood,” a podcast by Temple Isaiah with your host, Michele Holtz.

Download the podcast file here (MP3, 4.07MB, 10:10), or by clicking the link at the top of the page to get it and future shows automatically. (For automatic synchronization with your iPod or other digital player, you’ll also need a podcatcher such as Juice, DopplerRadio, iTunes, or an RSS aggregator that supports podcasts such as FeedDemon).

Listen right now!


YJN #197 - 04/04/10 - “Twinning” Congregations (Revisited)

Content Summary Rabbi Roberto Graetz revisits the notion of “twinning” synagogues in light of Temple Isaiah’s twinning with Tsur Hadassah, a reform congregation outside of Jerusalem.

This week’s links:

Welcome to “Your Jewish Neighborhood,” a podcast by Temple Isaiah with your host, Michele Holtz.

Download the podcast file here (MP3, 3:13MB, 7:49), or by clicking the link at the top of the page to get it and future shows automatically. (For automatic synchronization with your iPod or other digital player, you’ll also need a podcatcher such as Juice, DopplerRadio, iTunes, or an RSS aggregator that supports podcasts such as FeedDemon).

Listen right now!


YJN #196 - 03/18/10 - Reform Judaism and Homosexuality

Content Summary Rabbi Judy Shanks explores Reform Judaism’s relationship with LGBT (Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender) congregants and clergy.

This week’s links:

Welcome to “Your Jewish Neighborhood,” a podcast by Temple Isaiah with your host, Michele Holtz.

Download the podcast file here (MP3, 5:91MB, 14:45), or by clicking the link at the top of the page to get it and future shows automatically. (For automatic synchronization with your iPod or other digital player, you’ll also need a podcatcher such as Juice, DopplerRadio, iTunes, or an RSS aggregator that supports podcasts such as FeedDemon).

Listen right now!


YJN #195 - 02/28/10 - Rabbi Shanks on the Jewish View of God’s Role in Natural Disasters

Content Summary In the wake of the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, Rabbi Judy Shanks explores Jewish perspectives on the role God plays in such devastating natural disasters.

This week’s links:

Welcome to “Your Jewish Neighborhood,” a podcast by Temple Isaiah with your host, Michele Holtz.

Download the podcast file here (MP3, 6.22MB, 15:32), or by clicking the link at the top of the page to get it and future shows automatically. (For automatic synchronization with your iPod or other digital player, you’ll also need a podcatcher such as Juice, DopplerRadio, iTunes, or an RSS aggregator that supports podcasts such as FeedDemon).

Listen right now!


YJN #194 - 02/14/10 - The Rituals and Relevance of Tefillin

Content Summary Rabbi Nicki Greninger began laying Tefillin in rabbinic school and never stopped. She explains the history of the ritual in this episode, along with her reasons for adopting the practice.

This week’s links:

Welcome to “Your Jewish Neighborhood,” a podcast by Temple Isaiah with your host, Michele Holtz.

Download the podcast file here (MP3, 6.38MB, 15:56), or by clicking the link at the top of the page to get it and future shows automatically. (For automatic synchronization with your iPod or other digital player, you’ll also need a podcatcher such as Juice, DopplerRadio, iTunes, or an RSS aggregator that supports podcasts such as FeedDemon).

Listen right now!


YJN #193 - 02/02/10 - The Evolution of Tu B’Shevat

Content Summary Tu B’Shevat started out as tithe of food for the poor. Now it’s a seder. How did we get from there to here? Rabbi Nikki Greninger explains.

This week’s links:

Welcome to “Your Jewish Neighborhood,” a podcast by Temple Isaiah with your host, Michele Holtz.

Download the podcast file here (MP3, 5.35MB, 13:22), or by clicking the link at the top of the page to get it and future shows automatically. (For automatic synchronization with your iPod or other digital player, you’ll also need a podcatcher such as Juice, DopplerRadio, iTunes, or an RSS aggregator that supports podcasts such as FeedDemon).

Listen right now!


YJN #192 - 01/21/10 - Removing the Stigma of Mental Illness

Content Summary P’tach Libeynu co-chair Diana MaKieve discusses the program that aims to create a dialogue about mental illness and provide support for those whose loved ones suffer from it.

This week’s links:

Welcome to “Your Jewish Neighborhood,” a podcast by Temple Isaiah with your host, Michele Holtz.

Download the podcast file here (MP3, 7.7MB, 19:07), or by clicking the link at the top of the page to get it and future shows automatically. (For automatic synchronization with your iPod or other digital player, you’ll also need a podcatcher such as Juice, DopplerRadio, iTunes, or an RSS aggregator that supports podcasts such as FeedDemon).

Listen right now!


YJN #191 - 01/06/10 - Rabbi Forrest on the Pressure on Kids to be Perfect

Content Summary The pressure on children to excel and succeed is tremendous. Rabbi Alissa Forrest explains that Judaism does not demand perfection.

This week’s links:

Welcome to “Your Jewish Neighborhood,” a podcast by Temple Isaiah with your host, Michele Holtz.

Download the podcast file here (MP3, 4.9MB, 12:27), or by clicking the link at the top of the page to get it and future shows automatically. (For automatic synchronization with your iPod or other digital player, you’ll also need a podcatcher such as Juice, DopplerRadio, iTunes, or an RSS aggregator that supports podcasts such as FeedDemon).

Listen right now!


YJN #190 - 12/19/09 - Rosh Chodesh: It’s A Girl Thing

Content Summary Rabbi Alissa Forrest talks about the national movement, Rosh Chodesh: It’s a Girl Thing, and Temple Isaiah’s involvement.

This week’s links:

Welcome to “Your Jewish Neighborhood,” a podcast by Temple Isaiah with your host, Michele Holtz.

Download the podcast file here (MP3, 4.36MB, 10:53), or by clicking the link at the top of the page to get it and future shows automatically. (For automatic synchronization with your iPod or other digital player, you’ll also need a podcatcher such as Juice, DopplerRadio, iTunes, or an RSS aggregator that supports podcasts such as FeedDemon).

Listen right now!


YJN #189 - 12/01/09 - What to do when your child resists Bar or Bat Mitzvah

Content Summary Robert Alissa Forrest discusses Temple Isaiah’s approach when the parents want their child to experience a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, but the teen doesn’t want one.

This week’s links:

Welcome to “Your Jewish Neighborhood,” a podcast by Temple Isaiah with your host, Michele Holtz.

Download the podcast file here (MP3, 4.58MB, 11:27), or by clicking the link at the top of the page to get it and future shows automatically. (For automatic synchronization with your iPod or other digital player, you’ll also need a podcatcher such as Juice, DopplerRadio, iTunes, or an RSS aggregator that supports podcasts such as FeedDemon).

Listen right now!


YJN #188 - 11/13/09 - A taste of the Women of Reform Judaism Biennial

Content Summary A compilation of audio clips from the Women of Reform Judaism Biennial in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, November 4-8, 2009.

This week’s links:

Welcome to “Your Jewish Neighborhood,” a podcast by Temple Isaiah with your host, Michele Holtz.

Download the podcast file here (MP3, 6.73MB, 16:48), or by clicking the link at the top of the page to get it and future shows automatically. (For automatic synchronization with your iPod or other digital player, you’ll also need a podcatcher such as Juice, DopplerRadio, iTunes, or an RSS aggregator that supports podcasts such as FeedDemon).

Listen right now!


YJN #187 - 10/31/09 - Jeanette Gross on Healing Circles

Content Summary Jeanette Gross volunteers as the organizer of sacred chanting at Temple Isaiah. In this interview, she discusses the origins of the Healing Circle program, a program of Temple Isaiah’s chanting program, Women of Isaiah, and the Angel Network. The goal of a Healing Circle may surprise you.

This week’s links:

Welcome to “Your Jewish Neighborhood,” a podcast by Temple Isaiah with your host, Michele Holtz.

Download the podcast file here (MP3, 5:33MB, 13:19), or by clicking the link at the top of the page to get it and future shows automatically. (For automatic synchronization with your iPod or other digital player, you’ll also need a podcatcher such as Juice, DopplerRadio, iTunes, or an RSS aggregator that supports podcasts such as FeedDemon).

Listen right now!


YJN #186 - 10/14/09 - A Look at Temple Isaiah’s Revamped Website

Content Summary Deb Phillips, Temple Isaiah’s communications director, walks us through the process of relaunching a completely revamped website, and explains the decisions that were made and some of the features of the site.

This week’s links:

Welcome to “Your Jewish Neighborhood,” a podcast by Temple Isaiah with your host, Michele Holtz.

Download the podcast file here (MP3, 6.36MB, 15:53), or by clicking the link at the top of the page to get it and future shows automatically. (For automatic synchronization with your iPod or other digital player, you’ll also need a podcatcher such as Juice, DopplerRadio, iTunes, or an RSS aggregator that supports podcasts such as FeedDemon).

Listen right now!


YJN #185 - 09/25/09 - Cantor Leigh Korn on the Traditions of the Shofar

Content Summary Cantor Leigh Korn explains what a shofar is, its historical and traditional significance, its uses outside the High Holy Days, and the role of the shofar during the Days of Awe.

This week’s links:

Welcome to “Your Jewish Neighborhood,” a podcast by Temple Isaiah with your host, Michele Holtz.

Download the podcast file here (MP3, 6.61MB, 16:30), or by clicking the link at the top of the page to get it and future shows automatically. (For automatic synchronization with your iPod or other digital player, you’ll also need a podcatcher such as Juice, DopplerRadio, iTunes, or an RSS aggregator that supports podcasts such as FeedDemon).

Listen right now!