Seeking Sinai

Three years after October 7th, Rabbi Natan reflects on why this anniversary feels particularly raw, from the haunting reenactment of October 7th in Fauda to the continuing revelations, political polarization, and global assault on Israel and the Jewish people. He speaks with psychologist Dr. Betsy Gard about the many layers of trauma—experienced not only by survivors and bereaved families, but by Israelis, Jews around the world, and anyone who has spent three years witnessing and absorbing the aftermath. Together they explore how trauma spreads outward, how we recognize it, and what healing can look like without requiring us to forget or "move on."

In a time when conversations about Israel have become increasingly polarized, how do we distinguish between legitimate disagreement and genuine hatred? Rabbi Natan speaks with returning guest Dr. Rachel Fish about the changing landscape of Israel discourse since October 7th, rising antisemitism on both the left and right, and the deepening divisions within Israel and the Jewish community. Together, they explore how we can engage difficult ideas without abandoning our convictions—and recognize when disagreement has crossed into something more dangerous.

Israel finds itself at a pivotal moment. Months after the United States and Israel joined forces in a massive campaign against Iran, the conflict has reached an impasse, with Iran using the Strait of Hormuz and the prospect of negotiations as powerful leverage. Rabbi Natan speaks with his dear friend Yoav Rotem, a leading Israeli tour guide and expert on Israeli society and politics, about the mood inside Israel, the war with Iran, America’s role, the upcoming Israeli elections, and the deep divisions—and surprising resilience—within Israeli society. Together, they explore the question facing Israel and the Jewish people: what kind of Israel will emerge from this extraordinary moment?

In this deeply personal episode, Rabbi Natan reflects on returning to Dartmouth for his 25th reunion amid the post–October 7 climate on American college campuses. Through encounters with university leadership, former classmates, and old professors, he explores the difference between "safe spaces" and "brave spaces," arguing that genuine dialogue requires courage, moral clarity, and a willingness to stand visibly for one's convictions. Drawing on his own experience of openly expressing his Jewish identity, he reflects on the enduring challenge of antisemitism while finding unexpected reasons for hope. Ultimately, the episode is a call for Jews to embrace their identity with confidence, reminding listeners that, in an age of rising hostility, being "loud and proud" is the most meaningful expression of "Never Again."

As Rabbi Natan prepares for his 25th reunion, he reflects on antisemitic experiences in college he once dismissed—and how differently they look in today's climate. In this live conversation, Rabbi Elizabeth Behar shares her experience becoming the target of explicit antisemitic threats and her decision to pursue justice rather than remain silent. Together, they explore how antisemitism has evolved, how Jewish communities are responding, and what courage looks like when hatred moves from the shadows into public view. A powerful conversation about awareness, resilience, and Jewish pride.

What does it mean to speak the same language as the Torah? In this episode of Seeking Sinai, Rabbi Natan welcomes scholar Elon Gilad for a powerful conversation about Hebrew—not merely as a language, but as a living bridge across Jewish land and history. From ancient biblical texts to modern Israeli slang, they explore the astonishing continuity of Hebrew, the myths surrounding its “invention,” and the role everyday Jews played in preserving it through exile and return. Rabbi Natan also shares his deeply personal story of discovering, while studying Torah in Israel, that he could suddenly understand biblical words without translation—and realizing he had stepped into an unbroken conversation stretching back thousands of years.

In this special episode, we honor the life and legacy of Rabbi Emeritus Phil Kranz by sharing a powerful teaching he delivered to the Temple Sinai board just months before his passing. Through his own words, we encounter the depth of his wisdom, his love of Jewish learning, and his enduring commitment to community and tradition. Framed by personal reflections, this episode also explores the sacred responsibility of carrying forward what he built—especially through the vibrant library he cherished as a true beyt otsar, a treasure house of our people’s wisdom. As we listen, we are reminded that even in loss, his voice continues to guide and inspire.

In this episode of Seeking Sinai, Rabbi Natan sits down with Rabbi Sam Trief and Rabbi Rachael Miller and reflect on a powerful, woman-centered journey to Israel with a group of Davis Academy mothers during a moment of profound uncertainty and looming conflict. The conversation explores how shared motherhood, personal relationships with Israel, and collaborative rabbinic leadership created space for honest questions, emotional processing, and deep connection. More than a trip, it became a model of Jewish communal partnership—bridging congregations, families, and lived experience. This episode highlights how Jewish identity, leadership, and solidarity are strengthened through trust, vulnerability, and walking together.

In this emergency episode of Seeking Sinai, Rabbi Natan speaks with one of the leaders of the American Jewish Committee, Dov Wilker, about the rapidly unfolding confrontation between Israel, the United States, and Iran. Together they explore whether this moment is simply the next phase of the war that began on October 7th or a historic turning point in the region. The conversation also examines how the American Jewish community is processing these developments and what role advocacy organizations like AJC play behind the scenes. At stake are not only geopolitical outcomes, but also the future of Jewish security, solidarity, and leadership in a rapidly changing world.

After you listen to the conversation, check out http://ajc.org/to reference the statistics and articles mentioned in this episode, including the "Iran Explainer," "Tough Questions" as well as resources with graphics of drones and maps.

This episode of Seeking Sinai begins far from punditry or protest—at a poolside playdate between two fathers navigating Jewish life after October 7th. Rabbi Natan sits down with Josh Wikoff, a former IDF paratrooper and author of Contested Land, Uncontested Truth, to explore what it means to love Israel without defensiveness, slogans, or retreat. Drawing on lived experience, military service, and rigorous scholarship, Wikoff argues that commitment and critical thinking are not opposites—but obligations. Together, they discuss how communities can model confident, generous conversations about Israel, make space for disagreement, and resist the pressure to shout or simplify. This episode is an invitation to replace certainty with seriousness, and noise with moral courage.

A Mississippi synagogue is set on fire—and in the ashes, a prayer book lies open to the Shema. In this episode of Seeking Sinai, Rabbi Natan Trief is joined by Rabbi Brad Levenberg to confront the evolving face of Jew-hatred and why synagogues remain such powerful symbols of hatred as well as resilience. Together, they wrestle with fear, history, and the pressure to respond without losing our moral center. This is a conversation about clarity over panic, presence over silence, and the stubborn courage to remain visibly, proudly Jewish.

This episode with Rabbi Natan reflects on the profound and complicated joy of Israel recovering the last hostage, Ran Gvili, and what that moment revealed about Israeli society. Through Ran’s life, his parents’ words, and the extraordinary efforts to bring him home, we explore the IDF as a people’s army and the ethos of lo mafkirim chayalim ba’shetach—we do not leave soldiers behind. The episode weaves together scenes of grief, unity, and defiant hope, from soldiers singing in Gaza to families and a nation holding vigil. It connects this moment to a decade-long moral commitment to hostages, including the legacy of Hersh, who advocated for others long before becoming one himself. Ultimately, it is a meditation on peoplehood, responsibility, and what it means for a nation—and a people—to finally breathe again.

Rabbi Natan reflects on Sinai's synagogue journey to Israel undertaken not as tourists, but as members of a people bound by shared history, responsibility, and hope. Through encounters in the south, the north, and Jerusalem, we witnessed resilience, complexity and connection, and the quiet ways Israelis continue to build a future amid uncertainty. Along the way, we were reminded that Jewish peoplehood is not rooted in agreement or distance, but in presence and relationship. What we carry home is not answers, but a deeper commitment to one another and to Israel.

This episode of Seeking Sinai explores the extraordinary story of Stan Andrews, a young American who left home in 1948 to fight for Israel’s survival and helped lay the foundations of the Israeli Air Force. Rabbi Natan Trief speaks with author Jeffrey Weiss, whose new book Fighting Back uncovers Andrews’s forgotten legacy and the generation of volunteers who saw Israel’s struggle as their own. Together, they reflect on what Andrews’s courage teaches us about Jewish peoplehood, solidarity, and Zionism in the wake of October 7th. The conversation invites listeners to consider what it means to “fight back” today — not only with weapons, but with unity, pride, and faith.

In an age of deepfakes, algorithms, and moral outrage, Zionism faces new challenges in how it’s seen and understood. In this episode, we speak with Rabbi Danny Schiff, an expert on Israel, Jewish peoplehood, and the digital age. We speak about truth, curiosity, and Jewish identity in a rapidly shifting media landscape, and together we explore how Zionism can speak meaningfully to a generation shaped by social media.

Join Rabbi Natan for a special episode where he reflects on some of the groundbreaking significance of this recent hostage deal and release. The consequences are far-reaching and there are many takeaways with which the Jewish People, both near and far, must grapple.

We continue our conversation with ethics and teshuva expert Professor Louis Newman as he sits down with Rabbis Brad, Sam, and Natan, as well as Bunzl Family Cantorial Chair Beth Schafer for a live podcast recording on the evening of Selichot. What happens when sorry isn't enough? When do we absolve ourselves of our responsibility and how do we best enter the New Year with our best selves. Join us for a provocative and very candid discussion.

Dr. Louis Newman, renowned author and expert on teshuva, will share brief reflections on cheshbon ha’nefesh (soul accounting) and prepare us for the season ahead.

Rabbi Natan sits down with Bunzl Family Cantorial Chair Beth Schafer to discuss the upcoming High Holy Days through the lens of music, gratitude, and hope. In this special episode that blends new musical pieces with prayerful words, we learn how Jewish hope breeds resilience and how this message is more resonant and relevant than ever before.

Join Rabbi Natan for a passionate conversation with Rabbi Jonathan Blake, senior rabbi of Westchester Reform Temple and an inspirational voice for Zionism since October 7th. The conversation centers around the challenges of the current moment in Gaza, the humanitarian situation, the assault on Zionism, and the conflicting priorities of Judaism relating to universalism and particularism.