With the High Holidays upon us, Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch joins J100 for a conversation that bridges history, leadership, and spirituality at a time when Jews worldwide are searching for meaning and clarity.
Hirsch — senior rabbi of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in New York and a former IDF tank commander — reflects on growing up in Jerusalem, serving in the army, and becoming a leading Reform rabbi. He speaks candidly about October 7’s impact on Jewish life, the responsibilities of rabbis in times of crisis, and the art of the High Holiday sermon.
This episode is a meditation on Judaism, Zionism, and leadership — released intentionally on the eve of Rosh Hashanah to meet the moment of reflection and renewal.
Chapters
00:00 — Roots of a Rabbi
06:30 — Yom Kippur War & Youth in Israel
09:00 — Tank Commander Reflections
14:00 — The War with Hamas: Broad Consensus
20:00 — Controversial Book: One People, Two Worlds
29:30 — The Art of the Sermon (High Holiday Reflections)
37:00 — Orators Who Inspire
40:30 — Reform Judaism & Zionism Today
48:30 — From National to Local Leadership
52:00 — Building a Virtual Synagogue
54:15 — The Introvert Revelation
56:30 — Closing Thanks & Blessings