Expanding the Conversation
A Podcast from JTS
The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) presents Expanding the Conversation, a podcast that brings the thought-provoking discussions and dynamic scholarship of JTS directly to you. Drawing from live events, lectures, and panel discussions, this podcast goes beyond the moment—offering not only recordings of these programs but also exclusive interviews with speakers, scholars, and thought leaders.
Each episode explores the critical issues shaping the Jewish world today, from contemporary cultural moments to enduring questions of Jewish thought, practice, and identity. Whether you’re looking for intellectual engagement, spiritual insight, or a deeper connection to Jewish learning, Expanding the Conversation invites you to join the dialogue.
To explore the topic in more depth, go to the episode webpage, which will include full video of the session from the convening, links to connected materials, and discussion questions related to the topics raised by this speaker.
Subscribe now and bring the rich conversations of JTS wherever you go.
Israel at a Crossroads
Expanding the Conversation is a podcast series from The Jewish Theological Seminary that brings listeners into urgent, thoughtful, and often deeply personal reflections on Israel at a crossroads. Recorded in connection with JTS’s April 2025 convening, these seven episodes feature scholars, activists, and cultural leaders who examine the forces shaping Israeli society—its politics, identity, religious life, and future.
Together, these conversations reveal a multifaceted picture of a nation wrestling with war, democracy, memory, and belonging. The series amplifies voices from across the spectrum and asks: How do we understand the present moment, and what paths can lead toward justice, dignity, and shared society?
EPISODE LIST:
Expanding the Conversation with…
Dr. Dahlia Scheindlin
How far can a democracy bend without breaking?
A public opinion expert reflects on the evolving state of democracy in Israel, examining internal and external pressures, and considers how civil society can help strengthen democratic resilience.
Discussion Questions, Show Notes, and Transcript
Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib
What does it mean to be both a witness and a bridge in a time of war?
A Palestinian American born in Gaza offers a powerful testimony of loss, moral courage, and a vision for the future that moves beyond binaries and toward transformation.
Discussion Questions, Show Notes, and Transcript
Dr. Raquel Ukeles
What role can a library play in a time of national crisis?
The director of collections at the National Library of Israel reflects on cultural institutions as spaces for dialogue, pluralism, and civic memory.
Discussion Questions, Show Notes, and Transcript
Dr. Roy Peled
What does it mean to be a Jewish and democratic state?
A constitutional scholar examines the Nation-State Law, the role of Israel’s courts, and the need for legal frameworks that honor both democracy and Jewish identity.
Discussion Questions, Show Notes, and Transcript
Rakefet Ginsberg
What does Jewish pluralism actually look like in Israel today?
The head of the Masorti Movement in Israel reflects on how communities are expanding access to Jewish life, fostering inclusive spiritual spaces, and building bridges across religious differences.
Discussion Questions, Show Notes, and Transcript
Rabbi Seth Farber
“Who is a Jew?” a deeply personal and legal question
A rabbi and activist challenges Israel’s religious bureaucracy and advocates for a Judaism that embraces all Jews—by birth, by choice, and by conviction.
Discussion Questions, Show Notes, and Transcript
Dr. Nasreen Haddad Haj-Yahya
What does it mean to live fully in two worlds—and feel at home in neither?
A leading voice on Arab society in Israel offers a personal and political look at dual identity, exclusion, and the enduring hope for a shared society.
Discussion Questions, Show Notes, and Transcript
Zionism: Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond
This Convening took place in late October, right before the presidential election. While big questions around the Israel-Gaza war were central to the agenda, many speakers considered the larger implications of what it means to be a Zionist and the challenges that emerge within the Diaspora-Israel relationship in the 21st Century. While many of the speakers reflected on the war, much of the conversation was directed around how we engage with Israel and how will this relationship continue to evolve. It is always a good time to revisit these discussions and consider the role that Zionism has played and will continue to play in our Jewish communities.
EPISODE LIST:
Expanding the Conversation with…
Dr. Jonathan Sarna (Show Notes and Transcript)
Dr. Nurit Novis-Deutsch (Show Notes and Transcript)
