A Rabbi and a Lawyer Walk Into a Bar Rabbi Asher Lopatin and John Geiringer
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- Religion & Spirituality
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Grab a seat and join old friends, Rabbi Asher Lopatin and his former synagogue president, John Geiringer. Imagine sharing a drink with two news junkies who keep an open mind, challenge the status quo, and love discussing the comedy, tragedy, absurdity, and reality of the Jewish experience. Throughout their discussions, John will ask Asher provocative questions that congregants wish they could ask their rabbis.
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Repost: A Jewish Roller Coaster
In the midst of Omer counting, John admits being off track, even with tech support. As anti-Israel disturbances continue, Asher provides a firsthand account from Ann Arbor. We invite Tom Berner to describe what his group (LAAST) has been doing to fight that scourge using a variety of legal tools. We then discuss the very Jewish emotional roller coaster this past week, as we remember our victims, honor our fallen, and celebrate our nation.
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The Sun Became a Bagel
John wonders whether the recent eclipse and earthquake should have us concerned, and Asher assures us that gam zu l’tovah - everything is for the good. He also convinces us to say shehechiyanu more often. We begin the countdown to Passover by stopping tachanun, spring cleaning our chometz, and watching the latest Moses flick.
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Stranger in a Strange Land
Asher describes his new Ann Arbor gig, as all eyes remain on Michigan this election year. Speaking of politicians, we discuss whether Schumer is such a shomer and why Proxmire should be better known. John questions whether those red pins at the Oscars were about our shared humanity, or something more sinister. As Purim arrives, we approach joy in a time of pain, learn moral self-defense, and consider how quickly misfortune can be reversed.
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The Sap Is Rising
Baby it’s cold outside! In a surprise twist, Asher acknowledges Nathan of Gaza for the Tu Bishvat seder. We then contemplate WWMLKD (what would MLK do) in the current environment. John summarizes the flawed ICJ case against Israel, and wonders if the pro-Hamas/Houthi protesters ever consider themselves the “baddies.” Despite the negative temperatures, we end with positive thoughts about longer days.
00:29 Introduction and Casual Conversation
00:48 Discussing Tuba Shvat and its Significance
02:54 Exploring the Tradition of Tu Bishvat Seder
03:47 Reflecting on the History of Jewish Communities
04:25 Contemplating Political Involvement and Leadership
06:44 Appreciating the Importance of Jewish Unity
07:27 Remembering Martin Luther King and His Legacy
09:11 Discussing the Current Political Climate
10:31 Reflecting on the Importance of Jewish-Black Unity
11:26 Discussing the Current Situation in Israel
13:29 Analyzing the Legal Implications of the Israel Conflict
16:43 Reflecting on the Tragedy of Misused Ingenuity -
Latke vs. Hamantash (vs. Draykops)
Asher describes his ongoing Israel advocacy efforts, including his recent trip to the Holy Land, which included visiting hospitals, picking lettuce, and reveling in his strange love of driving there. We then discuss Bibi’s role in history, and how it would have been improved by early retirement. After some Harvard schadenfreude, John defends his negative campaign against Chanukah in his shul’s version of the famous Latke-Hamantash Debate.
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Ep 38 – Best of Times, Worst of Times
Asher describes being one of almost 300,000 at the Israel rally, while John joined virtually. We turn our ire on fellow Jews who give aid and comfort to the enemy, and suggest mini-cherem for them. After questioning whether we can be simultaneously frightened and emboldened by current events, we end on a note of Thanksgiving - and kosher turkey.
Enjoy Thanksgiving!
Customer Reviews
Loving These Guys!
Listening to A Rabbi and a Lawyer Walk Into a Bar is like being a fly on the wall when two friends get together and discuss many important aspects of Judaism, pop culture, and current events. John and Asher present intellectual topics in a very approachable way. I always learn something from their talks. I highly recommend listening in and subscribing!
I learn so much
I listen each episode because I get to learn something new and I enjoy learning from Rabbi Asher and John. Thank you for sharing!
Can’t wait to hear “what will they say next”
This podcast hums along with such rhythm. Their rapport is worth listening to and the content delivers on topics that I never thought I would have been interested in hearing. Some of the descriptions sounds so real, almost like I was there.
My favorite so far is episode 3. Cool way to think about some of these issues. I’m a fan and will keep listening to each episode.
Keep it up guys!