Essential Questions with Rabbi Dan Levin

What inspires someone to write a novel, and how do those stories take shape before the writer even knows where they’re going? Rabbi Dan Levin is joined by novelist and FAU professor Andrew Furman for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, uncertainty, and finding a voice. Furman reflects on being drawn to Jewish literature as a reader while taking a different path as a writer, often working on the margins of what was being published and expected. Together, they explore enduring questions about writing: how much comes from personal experience, whether a writer needs an extraordinary life to tell meaningful stories, and what it means to write with genuine curiosity. Furman shares how passion for the subject and attention to the inner lives of characters can draw readers into experiences that feel deeply familiar, even when they are not their own. The episode also looks at the writing process itself: planning versus discovery, resisting self-censorship, and allowing larger themes to emerge over time. Along the way, Rabbi Dan connects fiction to the layered way we read Jewish texts, and to the power of stories to create empathy across distance and difference. At its heart, this conversation asks why novels matter, and what they awaken in us when we read and write them.

What will it take to shape a Jewish education that kids actually want to come back to? Rabbi Dan Levin sits down with Heather Erez, Temple Beth El’s Director of Youth and Family Education and Engagement, whose own Jewish journey began in summer camps, youth groups, and a transformative year in Israel. They explore how meaningful, relevant, and joy-filled Jewish learning can ignite a lifelong connection. Drawing from her experiences on a kibbutz, at HUC, and working with college students seeking safe Jewish spaces, Heather shares what truly inspires young people to lean in. Together, they tackle the big question: how do you build a program that matters when you only have a few hours a week and learners come with wildly different levels of interest? Heather argues that the future isn’t about rote learning—it’s about belonging. It’s interactive experiences over textbooks, community over content, and giving kids and parents tools that help Judaism show up in real life, from the classroom to the car ride home. As Jewish education faces a rapidly changing world, especially after October 7th, Heather sees the path forward as adaptive, relational, and deeply purpose-driven. This episode digs into how we help kids understand why Hebrew and b’nai mitzvah matter, how we create spaces that feel safe and joyful, and how we build a Jewish future rooted not in obligation, but in connection and meaning.

In this episode of Essential Questions, Rabbi Dan Levin and Rabbi Michael Marmur explore what it means to exist as Jews in the modern world. They look at how Judaism, shaped by specific historical moments, continues to influence the ways we understand identity, purpose, and belonging today. They discuss the ongoing task within liberal and Reform Judaism: helping people make thoughtful, informed choices about Jewish life rather than relying only on moments of inspiration. This raises questions about how ancient tradition can meet modern sensibilities and how communities cultivate engagement that feels both authentic and accessible. Along the way, they touch on the quiet concern many share about the movement’s future—whether it will continue to resonate across generations—and how hope, while not a complete answer, still offers grounding and encouragement. Drawing on ideas from thinkers like Abraham Joshua Heschel, the conversation considers how knowledge, intention, and the moments that move the spirit can shape a meaningful Jewish life today.

What draws Jews to stand with immigrants—and what does our tradition demand of us? In this episode of Essential Questions, Rabbi Dan Levin speaks with Rabbi Sarah Bassin of HIAS and immigration attorney Bill Gerstein about Judaism’s call to protect both neighbor and stranger, the Jewish memory of being outsiders, and the need to resist the dehumanization of those seeking safety. They break down how immigration has changed: deportation is used more readily, legal pathways have narrowed, and becoming a citizen now requires navigating complex systems of sponsorship, the diversity lottery, and increasingly limited asylum options. They also address how people become undocumented and how often their nonviolent circumstances don’t match the severity of the penalties they face. The guests highlight the critical work Jewish communities do to support newcomers through job assistance, training, and advocacy—rooted in the legacy of Jewish refugees once denied refuge themselves. Their conversation asks what it means, today, to make room for human dignity within a strained immigration system.

In this episode of Essential Questions, Rabbi Dan Levin sits down with U.S. Representative Jared Moskowitz to explore how his Jewish upbringing shaped his path into public service and his commitment to engaging across political divides. He reflects on the values that drive many Jews to work for a better world and why seeking common ground remains essential, even in polarized times. Rep. Moskowitz offers a candid look at the challenges of serving in Congress today—from deepening division and dehumanization to the rise of antisemitism and misinformation about Israel. He discusses what it’s like to be a Jewish member of the House, and how Israel’s emergence as a wedge issue complicates both policy and public perception. Amid these difficulties, he shares what keeps him grounded: making a tangible difference for constituents and finding moments of hope in a fractured political landscape.

In this episode of Essential Questions, Rabbi Dan Levin speaks with Greg Joseph, one of the NFL’s few Jewish players, and Mike Tannenbaum, former general manager of the New York Jets and executive vice president of the Miami Dolphins. Together, they explore what it means to bring faith, identity, and purpose into the world of professional football. They talk about how they fell in love with the game, how Judaism shapes their sense of discipline and teamwork, and how they hold the beauty and violence of football at the same time. The conversation also touches on finding belonging in diverse locker rooms, honoring the High Holy Days during the season, and drawing on faith to face moments of challenge and change. Through their stories, Greg and Mike reflect on how Jewish values of resilience, gratitude, and community guide them on the field and beyond.

In this episode, Rabbi Dan Levin sits down with Rodger Krouse, co-founder and co-CEO of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., for an illuminating conversation about the world of private equity, and the values that guide it. Together, they explore what it means to “transform vision into reality,” and whether there’s something spiritual about helping people bring their ideas to life. Rodger shares the story of what drew him and his partner to start a private equity firm, and how discipline, process, and purpose intertwine in his approach to business. The conversation delves into the balance between profitability and principle, how leaders make choices that honor both the company and the people behind it, and what happens when a company just doesn’t work out. Through moments of reflection and candor, Rabbi Dan Levin and Rodger Krouse uncover how success, ethics, and even failure can reveal deeper truths about human character, responsibility, and the sacredness of enterprise itself.

In this moving episode of Essential Questions, Rabbi Dan Levin speaks with Abraham Silver, an American who made Aliyah to Israel to help build the land and strengthen the Jewish people—spiritually and physically. Abraham shares how his service in the IDF shaped his bond with the State of Israel and recounts his harrowing personal experience on October 7, 2023, when his home was destroyed, and he and his family were displaced. Together, they explore what it means to live in a nation at war, where every soldier is our child and every hostage our family. Their conversation touches on the unity and resilience of Israelis who see themselves as “one people, one war,” the courage of the younger generation who stepped up to defend their country, and the challenges of raising teenagers as they approach military age. Abraham also reflects on the emotional return of hostages and how Israelis today view their leadership and future.

In this episode of Essential Questions, Rabbi Dan Levin sits down with Rabbis Ashira Boxman and Laila Haas for a conversation about preparing for the High Holy Days when their hearts feel heavy. Together, they reflect on how they enter the new year with intention, exploring who they are now compared to who they were last year, and how spiritual practices help guide them through that journey. They share the impact of Temple Beth El’s meaningful Elul rituals that include inviting people into the sanctuary and writing their burdens on rocks to let them go, the importance of quiet reflection, and the shift from being head-focused to heart-focused. The conversation also touches on how ritual creates a structure to hold intention, including a powerful practice of releasing burdens through the symbolic use of stones. Rabbi Dan also opens up about an unexpected part of his High Holy Day preparation — watching Saving Private Ryan, a film that’s come to hold deep meaning for him during this season. If you’re facing the new year with a heavy heart, this episode offers honesty, insight, and the comfort of shared experience.

In this episode of Essential Questions, Rabbi Dan Levin speaks with Gayle Weiswasser—book blogger, podcast host, and bookstore owner—about the deep connections between literature and Jewish identity. Together, they explore how stories can cultivate empathy, mirror Torah values, and create powerful emotional bonds with characters whose lives are far from our own. From their favorite reads to the transformative magic of fiction, this conversation delves into how books shape who we are, how being Jewish can shape the way we read, and how the role of books continues to evolve in a world increasingly shaped by technology.

What is it like navigating Jewish identity on a college campus in 2025? Rabbi Dan Levin speaks with Maya Harpaz, a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, Rabbi Jonah Zinn of University of Florida Hillel, and Rabbi Andrea Steinberger of University of Wisconsin Hillel about how Jewish campus life has shifted, especially after October 7th, 2023. They discuss changes in students' comfort expressing their Jewish identity, strained relationships with non-Jewish peers, and the broader challenges of navigating college life amid rising tensions.

In this episode of Essential Questions, Rabbi Dan Levin sits down with artists Bonnie Cohen and Zachary Oxman, whose works Birkat HaLev and Soaring Wisdom are featured at Temple Beth El’s Schaefer Family Campus. They explore their creative paths, the meaning behind their art, and how Jewish values and identity shape their work—revealing that Jewish art isn’t defined solely by its audience or commissioners, but by the stories and spirit it carries.

In this episode of Essential Questions, Rabbi Dan Levin sits down with Rabbi Alan Litwick of Temple Sinai in North Miami Beach for a discussion about the deep connections between wine, spirituality, and Jewish tradition. They explore how wine reflects our partnership with God, why it plays such a central role in rituals like Kiddush, and how even beginners can engage with wine as a spiritual experience.

In this episode of Essential Questions, Rabbi Dan Levin and Rabbi Laila Haas sit down with Rabbi Naomi Levy for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation. Together, they explore Rabbi Levy’s personal journey to the rabbinate, her unique approach to making prayer more accessible through the practice of “talking to God,” and how we can release self-judgment to embrace a more personal, authentic connection to prayer.

We find ourselves in a time of significant turmoil. The administration has imposed dramatic and sweeping change to longstanding norms and government policies on a wide range of issues. Antisemitism and anti-Zionism continues to roil college campuses and plague Jewish communities. Israel continues to fight the longest war in its history, with hostages languishing in captivity, and rifts in Israeli society grow ever wider. Considering the impact so much of this turmoil imposes on our individual lives, and the moral challenges we are facing, join Rabbi Dan Levin, Rabbi Greg Weisman and Rabbi Laila Haas for a conversation about how rabbis should meet the moment.

In this episode of Essential Questions, Rabbi Dan Levin speaks with Rabbi Nir Barkin and Rabbi David Azoulay of our sister Reform congregation, Kehillat YOZMA in Modi’in, Israel. They discuss their unique experiences and their congregation’s response to October 7th, the work they do to help their community, and what Reform Judaism contributes to Israeli society and Jewish life in Israel. They also encourage everyone to VOTE REFORM in the World Zionist Congress election, which ends on Sunday, May 4. Your vote is a powerful way to support our Reform movement and strengthen the future of Reform Judaism in Israel. For $5 and 5 minutes of your time, you can advance the issues we care about – religious pluralism, freedom, peace, democracy and more – in Israel and beyond. If you haven’t voted already, please VOTE REFORM today at ZionistElection.org.

In this episode of Essential Questions, Rabbi Dan Levin speaks with Amanda Berman, CEO of Zioness. Zioness is a multiracial coalition of Jewish activists and allies that fight for the advancement of social, racial, economic and gender equality in America and for the inclusion of Zionists in social justice spaces. Rabbi Dan and Amanda discuss what it means to be a progressive Zionist, the history and definition of Zionism, and how the Zionist label affects Jewish Americans today

In this episode of Essential Questions, Rabbi Dan Levin speaks with two of Temple Beth El’s cantors, Cantorial Soloist Michelle Auslander Cohen and Cantor Jake Harris. They discuss their love of Jewish music and what led them to become cantors, how they engage a large congregation for an exceptional communal experience, what goes into preparing to lead the congregation for the High Holy Days, how they personally prepare for the High Holy Days, and more.

In this episode of Essential Questions, Rabbi Dan Levin speaks with Desee Berkowitz, author of Becoming a Soulful Parent, and Rabbi Amy Pessah, author of Parenting on a Prayer. They discuss how to ensure your child’s spiritual growth, how to prioritize spirituality amid other commitments such as sports and academic demands, small ways to bring spirituality and gratitude into children’s lives, balancing the need to protect your children with allowing them to make mistakes, and more.

In this episode, Rabbi Dan Levin speaks with Rabbi Shai Held about the concept of love. They define love in a spiritual context, and discuss how you can develop a “posture” of love, how to learn to love yourself, and what it means to love others, as well as how the concept of love connects with those of hate, justice, and protest.