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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

  • May 12, 2025 · 1 hr

    Religious Anti-Zionism Explained w/ Shaul Magid

    Why do some Orthodox Jews passionately oppose the State of Israel—while others see it as the beginning of redemption?Who are the Satmar Hasidim? Who are Neturei Karta? Where does the Messiah fit into all of this? And how do both Chabad and Religious Zionism shape the story?I sit down with scholar Shaul Magid to unpack these questions and explore the future of Judaism, Zionism, anti-Zionism, and messianic belief.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Zionism #hillel #Judaism

  • May 4, 2025 · 56 min

    The Theory Behind Jewish Law w/ Prof. Chaim Saiman

    I speak with Villanova Law Professor Chaim Saiman about his book Halakhah: The Rabbinic Idea of Law. We explore how halakhah functions not just as a legal code but as a mode of religious and intellectual engagement. From Talmudic argumentation to modern legal theory, Saiman unpacks what makes Jewish law unique.#JewishLaw #Halakhah #ChaimSaiman #JewishStudies #LegalPhilosophy #RabbinicLaw #Talmud #Judaism #ReligionAndLaw #PodcastInterviewFacebook: / daniel.levine.31 Instagram: / rabbidaniellevine #Zionism #hillel #Judaism

  • Apr 30, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min

    unErasing Women in Orthodox Judaism w/ Prof. Naomi Seidman

    I speak with Professor Naomi Seidman about her research on the history of Beis Yaakov. We discuss:1) Woman in Orthodox Judaism2) Was Beis Yaakov a feminist movement3) How Orthodox Judaism rewrites its history4) How does Modern Orthodoxy differ from mainstream Orthodoxy5) Why do Orthodox Jews not like dogs6) Current trends regarding gender in Orthodoxyand much more! Facebook: / daniel.levine.31 Instagram: / rabbidaniellevine #beis #orthodox #ultraorthodox #Zionism #hillel #Judaism

  • Apr 23, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min

    When Jews are Called Nazis w/ R' Ari Jun-Ballaban

    Rabbi Ari Jun-Ballaban's story went viral left month when he was uninvited to a rally against Nazis due to his being a "zionist"We unpack this story and discuss a wide range of related topics. Facebook: / daniel.levine.31 Instagram: / rabbidaniellevine #Zionism #hillel #Judaism

  • Apr 18, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min

    Jews and Ethnic Studies w/ David Bocarsly

    I discuss David Bocarsly's work as the head of JPAC as we discuss and debate the ins and outs of the intersection of Jews and Ethnic Studies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/

  • Apr 7, 2025 · 52 min

    Is True Allyship Possible? A Debate with Adam Fox

    I talk and debate with longtime Jewish professional Adam Fox about whether or not Jews truly have any allies in our fight against antisemitism. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Zionism #hillel #Judaism

  • Apr 3, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min

    Melissa Weiss: Executive Editor of the Jewish Insider

    How much can we actually know about what is happening in Gaza? How should we contend with media bias about Israel? Which news sources should one trust? I discuss all these questions and much more with Melissa Weiss, the head of Jewish Insider. https://jewishinsider.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Zionism #hillel #Judaism

  • Apr 2, 2025 · 58 min

    Rabbi Stephen Einstein

    I talk with the prolific Rabbi Stephen Einstein about conversion to Judaism, the state of Judaism in America, why the reform movement is shrinking, what has changed over the course of his 50+ year career, Trump, and much moreFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levin...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniel...#Zionism #hillel #Judaism

  • Mar 29, 2025 · 51 min

    The Experiential V Remembering Self w/ Jonah Sanderson

    I talk with Chaplain Jonah Sanderson about caring for people at the end of life and what they look back on with regret and satisfaction.Facebook: / daniel.levine.31 Instagram: / rabbidaniellevine #NoRegrets #LifeWellLived #LessonsLearned #Wisdom #FindingMeaning #LivingWithPurpose

  • Mar 20, 2025 · 1 hr 34 min

    False Messiahs in Judaism w/ David Graizbord

    What drives the rise of messianic figures in Jewish history? In this episode, we explore the tension between law and mysticism—two forces that have shaped Jewish thought for centuries. Historian David Graizbord joins us to discuss how social, political, and spiritual conditions create the perfect storm for messianic movements. We examine figures like Shabtai Tzvi and even Jesus, asking what made their claims compelling and why their followers saw them as redeemers. How does Jewish law push back against messianism? And how does mysticism keep the hope alive? Tune in for a deep dive into one of Judaism’s most complex and recurring dilemmas. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/ #Judaism #JewishHistory #FalseMessiahs #MessianicMovements #DavidGraizbord #JewishTheology #ShabtaiTzvi #JewishMessiah #ReligiousHistory #Podcast #JewishStudies #HistoryPodcast #ReligionExplained #Mysticism #jewishculture #Zionism #hillel #judaismohoy

  • Mar 18, 2025 · 30 min

    The Episode That Never Happened

    I discuss the frustrating story of me trying to host an anti-Israel activist on the podcast - and why my failure touches on broader themes in the current moment.#palestine #israel #podcast Facebook: / daniel.levine.31 Instagram: / rabbidaniellevine #Zionism #hillel #Judaism

  • Mar 11, 2025 · 57 min

    Deporting Anti-Israel Activists? A Debate with Luke Rodriguez

    I discuss the situation of the deportation of the Columbia University student with public defender Luke Rodriguez.We also tackle big questions of Liberalism including the age old question of how to keep Jews safe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Zionism #Judaism #trump

  • Mar 6, 2025 · 49 min

    Social Media, Liberalism, Free Speech and the Israeli/Palestinian Conflict w/ Prof. Vikki Katz

    How does social media shape public discourse on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? What challenges do liberal values and free speech face in today's digital landscape? Join us for an insightful conversation with Prof. Vikki Katz, an expert in media, communication, and political discourse. We'll explore: ✅ The role of social media in amplifying narratives ✅ Censorship vs. free expression in conflict discussions ✅ How liberalism interacts with online activism ✅ The impact of misinformation and digital echo chambers Whether you're interested in political communication, Middle East affairs, or free speech debates, this discussion is a must-watch! 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into politics, media, and global issues! 👍 Like, Comment & Share to keep the conversation going. #IsraelPalestine #FreeSpeech #SocialMedia #Liberalism #MiddleEast #Censorship #Politics #Misinformation #VikkiKatzFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Zionism #hillel #Judaism

  • Feb 27, 2025 · 1 hr 22 min

    Musings on Maimonides, Medicine, and Modern Antisemitism

    I talk with Dr. Dan Cooper, Professor of Pediatrics at UC Irvine and Nora Cooper, investigative journalist, about all things Jews and medicine.We discuss:1) Why there are so many Jewish doctors?2) How has antisemitism played a role in the history of medicine?3) The quota system for Jews in American medical schools4) How Oct 7 led to a proliferation of antisemitism in contemporary medicineAnd much more! If you like these podcast please rate and leave a comment so others can find as well!Facebook: / daniel.levine.31 Instagram: / rabbidaniellevine #Zionism #hillel #Judaism

  • Feb 25, 2025 · 1 hr 37 min

    How to Save Judaism in America

    I speak with longtime Jewish leader Andrew Getraer about his long career in Hillel, American Judaism, Why we don't talk more about God, and lots of other topics.#god#hillel#israel Facebook: / daniel.levine.31 Instagram: / rabbidaniellevine #Zionism#Judaism

  • Feb 8, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min

    Trump's Gaza Plan W/ Alon Burstein

    I speak with @AlonBurstein about the latest developments regarding Trump's plan for the future of GazaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Zionism #Israel #gaza #Judaism

  • Feb 5, 2025 · 1 hr 17 min

    Free Speech, Immigration, Trump’s Policies, and the Jews: A Legal Perspective with Julie Marzouk

    In this episode, we sit down with attorney and advocate Julie Marzouk to explore the intersection of immigration, antisemitism, and violence against women—and what the first weeks of Trump’s second term reveal about the legal landscape for combating antisemitism. We discuss the Trump administration’s executive order on antisemitism, new federal investigations into college campuses, and the formation of a multi-agency task force to address rising antisemitic incidents in schools and universities. How will these policies impact Jewish students and communities? We also examine Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement, including the Texas National Guard’s expanded authority to arrest migrants, and what this means for broader legal and humanitarian concerns. Join us for a deep dive into the legal and policy challenges shaping the Jewish community today—plus what advocates like Julie Marzouk are doing to fight for justice. 🔹 Topics Covered: ✔ Trump’s new executive order on antisemitism ✔ Investigations into antisemitism on college campuses ✔ Immigration policy shifts and legal implications ✔ How antisemitism, immigration, and gender-based violence intersect ✔ What legal advocates are doing to respond 🎧 Tune in now for expert insights on this critical moment for the Jewish community! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/

  • Feb 3, 2025 · 1 hr

    Is Drinking a Jewish Value?

    I speak with Rabbi Drew Kaplan, host of the Jewish Drinking Show, about all things Judaism and alcohol Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/ #Zionism #hillel #Judaism

  • Jan 27, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min

    Is DEI Worth Saving? A Debate with April Powers

    I speak with April Powers about whether or not DEI is an idea worth saving. We discuss the overall implications, the philosophy of DEI, antisemitism within DEI, and much more Facebook: / daniel.levine.31 Instagram: / rabbidaniellevine #Zionism #hillel #Judaism #DEI #JewishInclusion #JewishVoices #StopAntisemitism #JewishEquity #DiversityAndInclusion #JewishIdentity #JewsInDEI #JewishRepresentation #EquityAndInclusion #AprilPowers #JewishAdvocacy #DiversityMatters #InclusionMatters #FightingHate #JewishCommunity #TikkunOlam

  • Jan 23, 2025 · 41 min

    Therapy in the Orthodox Community

    I speak with the CEO of Pesach Tikvah an organization that specializes in mental health for the Orthodox community. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/ #Zionism #hillel #Judaism