Posts in Judaism
10 for 10: Voting Vision Not Division | Aligning Our Values with Economic Policies

In this episode, the Faith Commons team discusses how faith shapes our understanding of economic systems. From fair treatment of workers to addressing inequality, the conversation highlights how public policy can uphold dignity and fairness, encouraging voters to reflect on the ethical impact of economic choices as they head to the polls. The team emphasizes the importance of creating an economy that serves everyone, not just the privileged few.

What is 10 for 10: Voting Vision not Division? Starting on September 2, 2024 and continuing every Monday for ten weeks through November 4, Faith Commons is offering ten 10-minute reflections on topics related to the upcoming election through the lens of religion. Our premise is that religion should be used to unite people and groups of people rather than to divide them, and that the founders of our country shared our view.

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10 for 10: Voting Vision Not Division | On Immigration - Faith at the Border

This episode reflects on immigration through the lens of faith, with the Faith Commons team exploring how religious stories emphasize compassion for migrants. Drawing on biblical narratives and personal experiences, the conversation addresses the realities of an unknown future and the complexities of immigration policy today, urging voters to consider the values of hospitality, justice, and care for the vulnerable as they head to the polls.

What is 10 for 10: Voting Vision not Division? Starting on September 2, 2024 and continuing every Monday for ten weeks through November 4, Faith Commons is offering ten 10-minute reflections on topics related to the upcoming election through the lens of religion. Our premise is that religion should be used to unite people and groups of people rather than to divide them, and that the founders of our country shared our view.

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10 for 10: Voting Vision not Division | "What Makes This Land Holy?" Reflections on the Israel/Hamas War One Year Later

In this special episode, the Faith Commons team reflects on the one-year anniversary of the war between Israel and Hamas. Drawing from their own experiences in the region and their faith traditions, Rev. Dr. George Mason, Rabbi Nancy Kasten, and Mara Richards Bim grapple with the complexities of ongoing violence and the pursuit of peace. They discuss the difficulties of peacemaking, the limits of our understanding, and the importance of solidarity and compassion in a world divided by conflict. As they consider the impact of faith on public policy and voting, they challenge listeners to reflect on what makes a land holy and how to work toward a future rooted in justice and peace.

What is 10 for 10: Voting Vision not Division? Starting on September 2, 2024 and continuing every Monday for ten weeks through November 4, Faith Commons is offering ten 10-minute reflections on topics related to the upcoming election through the lens of religion. Our premise is that religion should be used to unite people and groups of people rather than to divide them, and that the founders of our country shared our view.

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Courageous Conversations: Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger and Noor A’wad

Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger and Noor A’wad are leaders of the West Bank-based Roots/Shorashim/Judur, an Israeli-Palestinian initiative for understanding, non-violence, and transformation.

Even in this time of unprecedented violence, distrust, and division, Roots is persisting in a vision of a future that upholds the humanity of all Israelis and Palestinians.

In this conversation, our guests discuss with George how they are moving beyond the present reality, the role of identity in this conflict, and ways to resist the further entrenchment of hatred between these two peoples, who are forever destined to live together. "We have a saying that comes from the founder of Roots on the Palestine side … that we have to find a way to fit two truths into one heart." - Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger

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Rabbi Elana Zelony: Understanding redemption and renewal at Passover

This episode begins a three-part series on redemption and renewal. Rabbi Elana Zelony unpacks the historical significance of Passover and its role in forming the Jewish consciousness, how it has become part of the rhythm of Jewish life. More broadly, she explains how the spiritual practice of rituals is a reminder and celebration of her faith’s core values.

Rabbi Zelony has been the senior Rabbi for Congregation Beth Torah in Richardson, Texas since 2014. Her rabbinate emphasizes pluralism, inclusion, interfaith work, spirituality, and involvement with the community. She is the first female rabbi in the Conservative Movement to lead a synagogue in the state of Texas.

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