Should Jews Proselytize? & Dueling Rabbis PART 2 with Sharon Brous & David Ingber

Host Jonah Platt moderates part two of a spirited conversation between Rabbi Sharon Brous (IKAR, Los Angeles) and Rabbi David Ingber (Romemu, New York) about how Jewish leaders should balance moral self-critique of Israel with addressing antisemitism, especially after October 7. Ingber argues progressive Jews and rabbis overemphasize public Jewish self-criticism, undercall out antisemitism and extremism from allies, and should name today’s anti-Zionism as an ever-evolving hate movement that erases Jewish self-determination. Brous defends the Jewish tradition of teshuvah and accountability, urges speaking against West Bank settler violence and occupation, and warns that labeling all criticism or Palestinian solidarity as antisemitic blunts the response to real threats. They also debate U.S. politics, liberal democracy’s role in Jewish safety, Jewish political “homelessness,” and the inclusion of anti-Zionist Jews.

Ultimately, the conversation models a deeply Jewish tradition of debate, machloket l’shem shamayim, while emphasizing unity, responsibility, and the need to continue investing in community and the next generation. 

Topics Include:

• Trading ideas on whether anti-Zionism is a form of modern antisemitism
• The responsibility of rabbis to address West Bank settler violence and Jewish extremism 
• References to Baruch Goldstein and the Cave of the Patriarchs massacre as a moral comparison 
• The role of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran in shaping Jewish security concerns 
• The influence of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter/X on Israel narratives 
• Criticism of language like “apartheid” in discussions about Israel and Palestine
• The symbolism of the watermelon flag in pro-Palestinian activism 
• Gavin Newsom and his appearance on Pod Save America
• The importance of protecting liberal democracy for Jewish safety in America 
• Failures in Jewish education, including overreliance on programs like Birthright Israel
• The role of JCCs (Jewish Community Centers) and synagogues in strengthening Jewish life 
• The need for machloket l’shem shamayim (debate for the sake of heaven) in shaping the Jewish future

A special thanks to our partners on this episode:

Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies

https://www.schusterman.org

Crown Family Philanthropies

https://crownfamilyphilanthropies.org/

Jim Joseph Foundation

https://jimjosephfoundation.org/

Mentioned In The Episode:

Why Don’t Jews Proselytize?

Conversion History

The Converso: Jews converting to Christianity in Spain and Portugal in the 1300s

Ruth: The First Jewish Convert

How Many Jews Are In The World?

The Jewish Birthrate

Jewish Intermarriage Rates

Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation (U.S. Public Health Service)

American’s Religious Engagement Stays Low

Global “Wellness” Business Grows to $6.8 Trillion

Jewish Prayers and Their Meanings

How to Become Jewish

Sharon Brous Instagram

Rabbi David Ingber

IKAR

Romemu

'My mother cried out one last time': Palestinian boy, 12, describes how Israeli forces killed his family in car

Surveillance soldiers charge sexism a factor in their Oct. 7 warnings being ignored

Who was Baruch Goldstein? Massacre in Hebron

Silence is not solidarity: Diaspora Jews must speak when Israel strays

What is Cheshbon Hanefesh?

Pogroms

Wave of settler attacks against Palestinian herders reported in central West Bank

Fourth suspect arrested over Jewish charity ambulance arson attack

The Importance of Tochachah-Rebuke

Anti-Trump rallies hit thousands of US cities for 'No Kings' protest

Explosion rocks Amsterdam Jewish school in what mayor says is ‘targeted attack’ against Jewish community

As A Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us

Newsom ramps up his criticism of Israel, accuses Netanyahu of leading Trump into war with Iran

Horseshoe Theory in American Politics

The Z Word: Reclaiming Zionism

Protocols of the Elders of Zion

Venezuelan VP: US attack capturing Maduro has 'Zionist undertones'

Renee Good was shot in the head, autopsy commissioned by her family finds

Why watermelons are a symbol of Palestinian solidarity

Israeli opposition members shout at Netanyahu as he tries to address parliament

Early History of Israel

What Is Tikkun Olam?

How to Teach the Jewish Story

Svalbard Global Seed Vault

The Valley of Dry Bones and the Resurrection of the Dead

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Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt