What if the very value that defines American Judaism is the one holding it back in its hour of greatest need?
In this eye-opening Rosh Hashanah sermon speical episode of "In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning," Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe takes listeners on a deeply personal and provocative journey, exploring the seismic shift in Jewish identity and priorities after October 7th.
Drawing from his own emotional struggles and the collective anxieties of the Jewish community, Rabbi Jaffe challenges decades of outward-focused activism and asks: In an era when antisemitism is on the rise and old alliances feel more fragile than ever, what do Jews owe to themselves—and to the world?
Key highlights of this riveting sermon include:
- A sobering look at how interfaith solidarity for the Jewish community has frayed post-October 7, with tangible stories from canceled events and activist betrayals.
- The roots and rapid rise of tikkun olam as the core of American Jewish identity—and why Rabbi Jaffe warns it might be a double-edged sword.
- Insightful analysis on the tension between self-preservation and universalism, invoking Hillel’s famous teaching: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I?”
- Real-world examples of Jewish institutions striking the balance, from the historic Jewish aid societies to Krakow’s Jewish Community Center supporting both Jews and non-Jewish Ukrainian refugees.
- A heartfelt call to reclaim Jewish pride and self-advocacy, without losing the ethical imperative to care for the stranger.
Join Rabbi Jaffe as he proposes a new path forward—a “golden mean”—for Jews navigating an uncertain future, and challenges all listeners to reconsider how we define belonging, solidarity, and moral responsibility in troubled times.
Episode Overview
- 00:00:00 – Intro to the special High Holiday episode
- 00:00:20 – Rabbi Jaffe introduces the central question: What do Jews owe the world post-October 7?
- 00:02:23 – Examples of fractured alliances and rising antisemitism
- 00:05:12 – The Torah’s radical lesson: Never become Egypt, even when abandoned
- 00:07:27 – American Jewish history: From self-preservation to tikkun olam
- 00:11:53 – The risks and limits of tikkun olam as core identity
- 00:16:11 – Jewish vulnerability and the need for recalibration
- 00:20:57 – Rav Huna’s centuries-old guidance on navigating dual responsibilities
- 00:23:16 – Modern models: How the Krakow JCC balances caring for Jews and non-Jews
- 00:24:34 – Gratitude for interfaith partners and call to action for Jewish pride and care for all
- 00:26:18 – Final blessing and closing remarks
Ready for a conversation that will challenge, inspire, and redefine your understanding of Jewish purpose? Hit play now.
