Jul 25, 2025 · 51 min
TF
Religion & Spirituality
The Fifth Question
Daniel Levine
My name is Daniel Levine and I am a Rabbi and Jewish History Lecturer at UC Irvine!
I have conversations about the most pressing issues facing the Jewish community with professors, Rabbis, and politicians with a wide range of views.
Hope you enjoy :)
- 190 episodes
- Updated July 27
Episodes190
- TFJul 22, 2025 · 51 min
To Be a Pro-Israel Student Leader — A Conversation with Sabrina Soffer
What does it mean to be a Pro-Israel student leader today? In this powerful conversation, Sabrina Soffer joins us to discuss the evolving landscape of Jewish identity and campus activism. We cover the challenges facing young Jews, from rising antisemitism to the growing trend of anti-Zionist sentiment among students—including Jews themselves.We also dive into:🇮🇱 The unique role of Mizrachi Jews in the Zionist conversation📚 The impact of Qatari funding on American universities and academic discourse⚖️ The wave of lawsuits against elite universities for fostering antisemitic environments🏫 The role of Hillel and Chabad in protecting and empowering Jewish students on campusIf you care about Jewish life, Israel, free speech, and what’s really happening in higher education, this is a must-listen.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives on Zionism, campus life, and Jewish identity.#proisrael #jewishstudents #campus #mizrachi #hillel #chabad #qatar #sabrinasofer #zionism #jewishhistory #israel Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Zionism #hillel #Judaism
- TFJul 21, 2025 · 57 min
Antizionism in Academia | Adam Louis-Klein
I sit down with writer, anthropologist, and musician Adam Louis-Klein to unpack the growing crisis in academia. We explore the rise of anti-Zionism on campus, the erosion of objectivity in the humanities, and the shift from scholarship to activism. What changed? Can we still trust academic research—especially in the social sciences and humanities? Has the university abandoned its mission in favor of ideology?🎓 Has academia lost its credibility?📚 Are the humanities still grounded in truth-seeking?🧭 What does intellectual integrity look like today?A deep and timely conversation about knowledge, politics, and the future of higher education.#jewishhistory #antisemitim #academia #academic #anthropology @adamlouis-klein3532 Facebook: / daniel.levine.31 Instagram: / rabbidaniellevine
- TFJul 17, 2025 · 55 min
Hillel CEO Adam Lehman on the Future of Jewish Life on Campus
Hillel International CEO Adam Lehman joins us to discuss the future of Jewish life on campus. In this important conversation, we cover:How Hillel helped rescue Jewish students stranded in Israel during the war with IranThe rising presence and needs of Mizrahi students at HillelWhether Hillel can truly accommodate Republican and conservative Jewish studentsHow campus life and Jewish student experiences have changed after October 7The biggest tension points of creating a pluralistic Jewish community on campusWhat the future holds for Jewish identity, safety, and support at universities?This is a must-watch for anyone passionate about Jewish life, Israel, campus culture, or the challenges facing Jewish students today.👍 Like, subscribe, and share to stay updated on Jewish campus issues, Israel-Diaspora relations, and more.#hillel #campus #jewsoncampus #hillelinternational #jewishcommunity #jewishidentity #jewishhistory #israel #pluralism #mizrachi Facebook: / daniel.levine.31 Instagram: / rabbidaniellevine
- TFJul 15, 2025 · 44 min
Hillel Fuld: Australia Ban, Piers Morgan Showdown, Neturei Karta & More
#israel #jewishhistory #australia Hillel Fuld joins me back on the podcast to discuss any array of issues including his being barred from Australia, Trump's policy in the Middle east, Orthodox anti-Zionism, antisemitism, whether he is afraid of right-wing antizionism, The NYC mayoral elections, and much more!@hilzfuld #jewishhistory #hillelfuld #israel #australia #hillel #satmar For our first conversation see here: • Hillel Fuld Argues the Jewish Case for Trump Facebook: / daniel.levine.31 Instagram: / rabbidaniellevine
- TFJul 10, 2025 · 17 min
Antisemitic Bots in the Comment Section
Join me as I explore the wave of antisemitic comments flooding my recent YouTube videos. In this video, I break down why I believe most of these comments aren’t from real people at all—but from bots. We’ll look at the patterns, suspicious accounts, and broader reasons behind coordinated online hate campaigns.If you’ve noticed similar trends or have thoughts on the rise of bot-driven antisemitism, share them in the comments below. Let’s keep this conversation going. #jewish #judaism #israel #zionism #ai #bots #chatgpt #socialmedia Facebook: / daniel.levine.31 Instagram: / rabbidaniellevine #Zionism #hillel #Judaism
- TFJul 7, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
Law, Revolution, and the Messiah w/ Zevi Slavin
#jewishhistory #kabbalah #gershomScholem 🎙️ I speak with Zevi Slavin, host of @SeekersofUnity about a variety of fascinating topics in Jewish mysticism.We discuss:Shabtai Tzvi and the legacy of false messianismThe role of messianism within JudaismThe groundbreaking work of Gershom ScholemWhether or not law is inherently conservativeAnd much more!For our first episode see here: • Jewish Philosophical Mysticism w/ Zevi Slavin Don’t forget to subscribe!#jewishhistory #jewishmysticism #kabbalah #gershomScholem #messiah #judaism #philosophy #seekersofunity SeekersOfUnity #religion #history #spirituality Facebook: / daniel.levine.31 Instagram: / rabbidaniellevine #Zionism #hillel #Judaism
- TFJul 3, 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
Is Iran’s Nuclear Program Really Destroyed? w/ Alon Burstein
#israel #iran #fordowstrike 🎙️ I speak with @AlonBurstein about a range of pressing topics related to Israel, including:1️⃣ Iran2️⃣ Syria3️⃣ Hezbollah4️⃣ Gaza & Hamas5️⃣ Bibi Netanyahu6️⃣ International terrorism…and much more.#israel #iran #fordowstrike #syria #hamas #lebanon Follow me on social media:📘 Facebook: / daniel.levine.31 📸 Instagram: / rabbidaniellevine #Zionism #Hillel #Judaism #Israel #MiddleEast
- TFJul 1, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
Campus Antisemitism Explained | With Andrew Pessin
#AndrewPessin #JewishStudents #FreeSpeech Why has antisemitism surged on college campuses—and what (if anything) are universities doing about it? In this episode, Andrew Pessin joins us to break down the ideological, political, and institutional forces behind the current campus climate.We discuss:– The roots of anti-Zionism and its overlap with antisemitism– The response (or lack thereof) from university administrators– Federal pressure on colleges, including from the Trump administration– What Jewish students are facing on the groundThis is a wide-ranging conversation about free speech, identity politics, and the future of higher education.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on Jewish life, antisemitism, and politics.Facebook: / daniel.levine.31 Instagram: / rabbidaniellevine @thealgemi #CampusAntisemitism #AndrewPessin #Antisemitism #AntiZionism #JewishStudents #FreeSpeech #Hig#Zionism #hillel #Judaism
- TFJun 27, 2025 · 1 hr
Is Powerlessness a Jewish Virtue? w/ Andres Spokoiny
#JewishDiaspora #JewishHistory #AndresSpokoiny In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Andrés Spokoiny—president and CEO of the Jewish Funders Network—to unpack a challenging and timely question: Is powerlessness a Jewish virtue? Our conversation revolves around this article: https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/arts-letters/articles/jewish-oyster-problem We explore:🔹 The theological and historical roots of Jewish attitudes toward power🔹 Anti-Zionism and its romanticization of Jewish victimhood🔹 The legacy of diaspora powerlessness and post-Holocaust empowerment🔹 Historical revisionism and the danger of erasing Jewish agency🔹 Why Zionism matters in a world still hostile to Jewish sovereigntyThis conversation dives deep into the philosophical, political, and historical forces shaping Jewish identity today.🔔 Subscribe for more bold conversations on Judaism, Zionism, and the Jewish future.#Zionism #JewishDiaspora #AntiZionism #JewishHistory #AndresSpokoiny #JewishPhilosophy #Israel #JewishFundersNetwork #PowerAndPowerlessnessFacebook: / daniel.levine.31 Instagram: / rabbidaniellevine #Zionism #hillel #JudaismFacebook: / daniel.levine.31 Instagram: / rabbidaniellevine #Zionism #hillel #Judaism
- TFJun 25, 2025 · 1 hr 13 min
How Dangerous is Right-Wing Anti-Zionism: A Debate with Kimo Gandall
#CandaceOwens #TuckerCarlson #JewishIdentity 🔥 How Dangerous is Right-Wing Anti-Zionism? 🔥In this debate, Rabbi Daniel Levine sits down with Kimo Gandall to explore the rise of right-wing anti-Zionism—a trend gaining traction among figures like Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson.We dive deep into questions including:🇮🇱 Why is there a rise of anti-Zionism on the right?🧠 What are the intellectual and political roots of the New Right's shift on Israel?⚠️ Should Jews be concerned about anti-Zionism from the right as much as from the left?Whether you're a staunch Zionist, a skeptic, or just trying to make sense of this new ideological alignment, this conversation will challenge your assumptions.🔔 Subscribe for more interviews, debates, and discussions on Jewish thought, politics, and identity.👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments — we read them all.#Zionism #AntiZionism #CandaceOwens #TuckerCarlson #JewishIdentity #IsraelDebate #RightWingPolitics #Libertarian #KimoGandall #RabbiDanielLevine #JewishThought #MiddleEastPolitics #CampusDebateFacebook: / daniel.levine.31 Instagram: / rabbidaniellevine #Zionism #hillel #Judaism
- TFJun 12, 2025 · 54 min
Do Famous Jews Have To Speak Out Against Antisemitism?
I speak with actor and podcast host Jonah Platt of the @BeingJewishPodcast .We touch on a variety of topics related to our current moment in Jewish history.📌 Topics Covered:The impact of October 7 on Jewish identityRising antisemitism on social media and campusesJews in Hollywood and their silenceBalancing art and activismBuilding Jewish resilience through content👇 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment with your thoughts or questions. Your engagement helps amplify Jewish voices.#JonahPlatt #JewishPodcast #JediWithDaniel #October7 #JewishAdvocacy #Israel #Antisemitism #BeingJewish #Hollywood #JewishVoices #PodcastInterviewFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Zionism #hillel #Judaism
- TFJun 6, 2025 · 22 min
More Thoughts on the Morality of Israel's War in Gaza
I lay out a framework for how to think about the Israel-Hamas war - with material that will upset everyone! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#IsraelHamasWar#MiddleEastConflict#NuanceMatters#HardTruths#UncomfortableTruths#BothThingsCanBeTrue#ThinkingOutLoud#BeyondTheHeadlines#CriticalThinking#ComplexRealities#MoralFog#Zionism #hillel #Judaism
- TFJun 1, 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
Kosher Controversies w/ Prof. Jordan Rosenblum
🎙️ I speak with Professor Jordan Rosenblum, professor and author of The Jewish Dietary Laws in the Ancient World, about everything you’ve wondered (and maybe didn’t even know you were curious about!) regarding kashrut. Why are pigs not kosher? Is human breastmilk kosher? Why did Jewish tradition forbid chicken and cheese? How much power does the kosher certification industry wield today, and what are its implications for religious observance and modern food ethics? Join us for a fascinating deep dive into these questions and more, blending ancient insights with contemporary debates.#kashrut #kosher #kosherfood #JewishLaw #Judaism #JordanRosenblum #JewishStudies #koshercertification #ancientJudaism #Jewishpodcast #kosherdebate #halakha #Jewishidentity #religionandfoodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Zionism #hillel #Judaism
- TFMay 29, 2025 · 1 hr 20 min
Is Israel Committing Genocide? A Debate w/ Shaiel Ben-Ephraim
Join us for a riveting debate with Shaiel Ben-Ephraim @shaielb of the Israel-Palestine Report as we tackle the urgent and polarizing question: Is Israel committing genocide? In this conversation, we’ll dig deep into the legal and moral definitions of genocide, the historical and political context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the complexities of labeling this war as such.But that’s just the starting point. We also explore:Is this war just?What are the potential future effects in the region?Is this truly a clash between fundamentalism and liberalism?Can one be a Zionist and still stand against the war?What role does antisemitism play in how this conflict is discussed and understood?#Debate#IsraelPalestineConflict#MiddleEast#GenocideDebate#Zionism#Antisemitism#HumanRights#Liberalism#Fundamentalism#CurrentEvents#Podcast#NewsAnalysis#YouTubeDebate#ExpertInterview#PublicDiscussionFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Zionism #hillel #Judaism
- TFMay 27, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
The Roots of Left-wing Antisemitism
In this episode, I speak with Izabella Tabarovsky about the deep historical roots of modern anti-Zionism, tracing its origins in medieval Christian antisemitism and Soviet ideology. We explore how these ancient and modern narratives intertwine and shape the contemporary discourse around Jews, Israel, and Zionism. Join us for a conversation that sheds light on the forgotten past and the ideological forces at play today.For our first conversation see here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5i1c...@izabellatabarovsky3215 Facebook: / daniel.levine.31 Instagram: / rabbidaniellevine #Zionism #hillel #Judaism
- TFMay 22, 2025 · 13 min
The Jewish Museum Shooting
Reflections after the tragic antisemitic shooting last night at the DC museum
- TFMay 22, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
Israel, Orange County and Judaism – Rabbi Steinberg Opines
In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, Rabbi Richard Steinberg shares his insights on how to revitalize American synagogues, foster meaningful Jewish identity, and confront the challenges facing Jewish communities today. We also discuss the role of Israel education, strategies for ensuring Jewish safety, and how Jewish institutions can adapt to a changing world without losing their core values. Whether you're a synagogue leader, educator, or passionate community member, this episode is a must-watch.👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more conversations on Jewish thought, leadership, and community resilience.#RabbiRichardSteinberg #JewishLeadership #SaveOurSynagogues #JewishFuture #IsraelEducation #JewishSafety #JewishCommunity #SynagogueRenewal #Zionism #JewishIdentity #AmericanJudaism #JewishContinuity #JewishPodcast #JewishLearning #JewishValuesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Zionism #hillel #Judaism
- TFMay 19, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
Dalia Ziada on Islam, Zionism, and Activism in the Arab World
What happens when a liberal Muslim reformer sits down with a Jewish educator to talk about Israel, Zionism, and the future of the Middle East? In this bold and unfiltered episode, I speak with Dalia Ziada—an Egyptian human rights activist, writer, and director of the Liberal Democracy Institute. We unpack the complexities of Islam’s historical and theological relationship to the land of Israel, the challenges of antisemitism in the Arab world, and why Zionism is often misunderstood in Muslim societies.Together, we explore:Islam and ZionismThe nature of claims of IslamophobiaAntisemitism in the Middle EastIslamic Reform movements And much more!Whether you're Jewish, Muslim, or just curious—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.#Islam #Zionism #Israel #MiddleEast #DaliaZiada #JewishMuslimDialogue #Peace #Antisemitism #LiberalIslam
- TFMay 14, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
Can Academic Jewish Studies Be Reconciled with Traditional Judaism? w/ JJ Kimche
Can the tools of critical academic inquiry coexist with religious tradition? In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with scholar and educator JJ Kimche to explore the tensions—and possibilities—between Academic Jewish Studies and Traditional Judaism.We ask big questions:How do we know what really happened in Jewish history?Is it possible to do unbiased scholarship—or is all academia shaped by cultural and political forces?Can ideas retain truth and value even when embedded in sociopolitical agendas or secular frameworks?What happens when academic findings challenge core religious beliefs—or vice versa?Is "faithful criticism" possible—or a contradiction in terms?Tune in for a deep dive into how historical consciousness, academic honesty, and religious commitment can coexist—or collide—in the modern Jewish mind.Keywords: Academic Jewish Studies, Traditional Judaism, Jewish history, religious scholarship, JJ Kimche, Jewish podcast, critical scholarship, faith and reason, historical truth, modern orthodoxy, secularism, academia and religion, unbiased research, Jewish identity, Torah and science, Jewish intellectual traditionFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Zionism #hillel #Judaism #JewishStudies #TraditionalJudaism #JJKimche #AcademicJudaism