From the Bimah: Jewish Lessons for Life

Temple Emanuel of Newton

Israel

Judaism

Torah

Temple Emanuel

Passover

Anti-Semitism

Talmud

Holocaust

Abraham

Community

Rosh Hashanah

Seder

Gaza

Lot

Jewish Identity

Yom Kippur

Moses

Hope

King David

Grief

Bringing weekly Jewish insights into your life. Join Rabbi Wes Gardenswartz, Rabbi Michelle Robinson and Rav-Hazzan Aliza Berger of Temple Emanuel in Newton, MA as they share modern ancient wisdom.

13 ratings

Publishes	Twice weekly	Episodes	592	Founded	7 years ago
Number of Listeners		Categories	Religion & SpiritualityJudaism

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Latest Episodes

Talmud Class: What is Your Word Cloud? You Become It.

What is your word cloud? What are the leading words that take in how you feel about your life?

Our reading this week reminds us of the very intimate connection between word and world. The words we speak create the world we live in. Our word cloud b... more

6 Jun 2026 • 33 min

Shabbat Sermon: Maimonides’s Moment—And Our Own with Rabbi Wes Gardenswartz

I want to talk to you this morning about a pivotal moment, a fork in the road moment, faced by the greatest rabbi who ever lived, Maimonides. And while we are not Maimonides, and we live in a very different time and place, we all face our own version... more

30 May 2026 • 17 min • Most popular

Talmud Class: Tuning Our Six Strings

Please do yourself a favor. Listen to the commencement address that country star Eric Church recently gave at the University of North Carolina. It’s 18 minutes—and very much worth our time.

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Shavuot Sermon: Never Say Goodbye with Rabbi Michelle Robinson

May 23, 2026

23 May 2026 • 13 min

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Number of Listeners

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People also subscribe to these shows.

TEXTingShalom Hartman Institute

The Rabbi Sacks LegacyRabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

For Heaven's SakeShalom Hartman Institute, Ark Media

What Matters NowThe Times of Israel

The Times of Israel Daily BriefingThe Times of Israel

Recent Guests

Joshua Foer

Author, science journalist, involved in Lehrhaus and Sefaria initiatives

Independent/Writer with Lehrhaus and Sefaria

Episode: Both Sides of the Glass: the Art of Jewish Self-Consciousness with Shavuot Guest Speaker Joshua Foer

Bruce Feiler

Author of A Time to Gather and Life is in the Transitions

Author, Speaker

Episode: Bruce Feiler in Conversation with Rabbi Gardenswartz on his Newest Book, A Time to Gather

Amy Schectman

CEO of 2Life Communities, advocate for optimal aging through community design

2Life Communities

Episode: Shabbat Sermon with Guest Speaker Amy Schectman

Allegra Goodman

Author of This Is Not About Us; wrote the story Deal Breaker

Author

Episode: Talmud Class: Broken Love Stories

Evan Falchuk

Temple Emanuel member; former governor candidate and business leader

Temple Emanuel; multiple ventures in health care

Episode: Evan Falchuk and Elias Rosemberg: Jewish Roots in Venezuela

Alana Stein-Hain

Educator and lecturer who spoke at Hartman Institute; discussed historical patterns of Jewish life and two central communities

Shalom Hartman Institute

Episode: Shabbat Sermon: An Old Story Renewed with Rabbi Wes Gardenswartz

Rabbi Elan Babchuck

Rabbi, Executive Vice President of CLAL; founding executive director of Glean Network; author

CLAL; Glean Network; Starts With Us; Springtide Research Institute

Episode: Brotherhood Shabbat Sermon with Guest Speaker Rabbi Elan Babchuck

Rabbi Peretz Rodman

Guest Rabbi, speaker on Parashat Terumah and Jewish law

Boston and Jerusalem-based rabbi, educator

Episode: Shabbat Sermon: DIY Instructions for the Tabernacle? What Did Moses Receive at Sinai? with Rabbi Peretz Rodman

Adrian Gonzalez

Guest Speaker sharing his 30-year journey to joining the Jewish people

Temple Emanuel, Newton, MA

Episode: Shabbat Sermon: 30 Years to 'I am Jewish' with Guest Speaker Adrian Gonzalez

Hosts

Wes Gardenswartz

Host guiding conversation, introducing texts and guests

Michelle Robinson

Rabbi in discussion, co-host providing insights

Aliza Berger

Rav-Hazzan, co-host contributing insights

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 13 ratings

Terrific sermons on timely topics
These rabbis are fabulous and have their fingers on the pulse of what we need now. Recommended for all types of thoughtful and interested listeners. Even if you heard in synagogue already, they are a nice review.
Apple Podcasts
5
Gygthgyght
United States7 years ago

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Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

High-quality hosts with deep knowledge and warm delivery.

Guests bring diverse perspectives and authentic leadership.

Engaging, approachable discussions that blend tradition with modern life.

Community-focused and uplifting, with actionable takeaways.

Thoughtful sermons with practical life wisdom.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts	#103	Italy/Religion & Spirituality/Judaism
Apple Podcasts	#210	France/Religion & Spirituality/Judaism
Apple Podcasts	#3	Sweden/Religion & Spirituality/Judaism

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Both Sides of the Glass: the Art of Jewish Self-Consciousness with Shavuot Guest Speaker Joshua Foer

Q: What do they know of outside communities beyond the one man's story you shared?

Some members have seen popular culture like Jackie Chan films, while others have never heard of the United States, illustrating a wide gap in exposure to the wider world.

Both Sides of the Glass: the Art of Jewish Self-Consciousness with Shavuot Guest Speaker Joshua Foer

Q: Approximately how many people are part of this group? Are they growing or shrinking as a population?

Estimates vary, with the high end around 900,000 for central African hunter-gatherers, but the interviewee suggests the specific group is likely much smaller, perhaps around a tenth of that, and notes variation by sub-group.

Shabbat Sermon with Guest Speaker, Maya Afergan

Q: In the face of so much hatred, some people might choose to pass as non-Jewish; where did that instinct come from for you to stand proud?

The drive comes from recognizing that if everyone chose to pass, Israel would not have a team and the community would lose a vital sense of identity and responsibility. Standing up for who you are and for the team helps keep the door open for others who come after, and it preserves a connection to Jewish history and solidarity.

Shabbat Sermon with Guest Speaker Amy Schectman

Q: How does your work at Opus illustrate the balance between independence and community for older adults?

Opus demonstrates that by designing communities with shared meals, accessible spaces, and volunteer requirements, residents gain meaningful roles, social bonds, and dignity, which together support independence while providing a safety net of connection.

Shabbat Sermon with Guest Speaker Amy Schectman

Q: What steps can people take to build optimal community near them if they are not in a formal senior living setting?

Focus on creating regular, welcoming gatherings, sign up for waitlists where available, advocate for policies that support affordable housing and community-based services, and actively seek opportunities to volunteer within local organizations to foster belonging and purpose.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About From the Bimah: Jewish Lessons for Life

What is From the Bimah: Jewish Lessons for Life about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Thoughtful weekly conversations blend ancient Jewish wisdom with contemporary life, focusing on rituals, time, relationships, and ethical living. Episodes cover practical guidance for aging, parenting, leadership, and community building, while weaving in literature, history, and modern technology to illuminate everyday decisions. A standout is the balance between rigorous Torah study and accessible storytelling, often anchored by personal anecdotes and real-world applications for both individuals and communities.

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Which podcasts are similar to From the Bimah: Jewish Lessons for Life?

These podcasts share a similar audience with From the Bimah: Jewish Lessons for Life:

1. TEXTing
2. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy
3. For Heaven's Sake
4. What Matters Now
5. The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

How many episodes of From the Bimah: Jewish Lessons for Life are there?

From the Bimah: Jewish Lessons for Life launched 7 years ago and published 592 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on From the Bimah: Jewish Lessons for Life?

Recent guests on From the Bimah: Jewish Lessons for Life include:

1. Joshua Foer
2. Bruce Feiler
3. Amy Schectman
4. Allegra Goodman
5. Evan Falchuk
6. Alana Stein-Hain
7. Rabbi Elan Babchuck
8. Rabbi Peretz Rodman

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