Tablet Studios

Rabbi Beau Shapiro serves as the Rabbi in residence at the Skirball Cultural Center, while Rabbi Dr. Lisa D. Grant is the Director of the rabbinical program at HUC-JIR/New York. They discuss the emotional complexities of interfaith marriage and its impact on family identity. The conversation highlights shifting perspectives in the Reform movement towards inclusivity, the importance of fostering Jewish identity in mixed families, and the evolution of community support for interfaith unions, culminating in heartfelt rituals that celebrate diversity.

This is an October 7th story, but one that begins not in 2023, but in October of 1894 with the arrest of French military officer Alfred Dreyfus, who also happened to be a Jew. The implications of his framing, arrest, incarceration and the fallout of his eventual exoneration reverberate today. Over this five-episode series, we examine how these events unfolded, and how they connect to the antisemitism that exists today.In this first episode, we begin with the fraught political climate in France, a secretly gay general, and an illiterate cleaning lady-turned-spy had to do with it all.

An ambitious soldier with a fraudulent smoking gun sets off a chain of events that leads to the embarrassment and punishment of an innocent Jew.

As Dreyfus wastes away on Devil’s Island, his wife and brother back in France fight for his freedom and exoneration. Dreyfus struggles to survive. We speak to Dreyfus's great-great granddaughter about his legacy. 

France's most influential writer of its time, Emile Zola , becomes the champion of the victim, even at his own, perhaps fatal expense. We’re joined by his great granddaughter, who speaks of the cost Zola paid in fighting for freedom.

But what about France today, and the world for jews? French activist Carloline Fourest connects the affair to antisemitism today.

The conflict in the Middle East isn’t about religion, or national aspirations, or any of the wonderfully abstract things us westerners like to dream about: Tony Badran, Tablet’s news editor, joins Liel to explain the logic that has governed the Levant since at least the Bronze Age, and argue that Israel now has a historic opportunity to change history by disrupting Iran’s imperialist aspirations in the region.

This week on Re-Form, we’re taking a break from the interviews to look at some of the feedback we’ve been getting from you, our listeners. We find praise, questions, and even a reform rabbi who disagrees with … a lot. If you want to send more feedback reach out at podcasts@tabletmag.com

Amiad Cohen, Founder and CEO of Herut, brings profound insights into Israel's current geopolitical landscape. He argues for a fresh perspective on achieving lasting peace, emphasizing decisive military action and territorial control over idealistic negotiations. The conversation scrutinizes media narratives, discusses the complexities of the Israel-Lebanon border, and examines governance in Judea and Samaria with a focus on enforcing the rule of law. Cohen also advocates for a generational leadership shift that aligns with the values of modern Israelis.

Rabbi Karen R. Perolman, a leader at Congregation B’Nai Jeshurun, discusses the transformative impact of inclusivity within the Reform movement. She highlights key milestones such as the ordination of women and LGBTQ+ rabbis. The conversation explores the acceptance of Jews of color and interfaith families, emphasizing the evolution of leadership dynamics. Rabbi Perolman also addresses the need for engaging with Jewish texts to balance tradition with contemporary values, furthering an inclusive environment for all in the Jewish community.