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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 :)

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  • 190 episodes
  • Updated July 27

Episodes190

Newest first
  • Jan 15, 2025 · 51 min

    Mayor of an Israeli Settlement: Oded Revivi

    I speak with Oded Revivi who was the mayor of Efrat for over 15 years. We discuss the question of Israeli settlements, Palestinians, 10/7, Human Rights , The Jewish History of Efrat, Donald Trump, and much more! If you like these episodes please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast!

  • Jan 13, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min

    Whistleblowing in the Israeli Government and IDF w/ Daphne Inbar

    🎙️ Exploring Whistleblowing with Professor Daphne Inbar In this episode, I sit down with Professor Daphne Inbar to delve into her fascinating research on whistleblowing—both on a global scale and within Israel. Together, we tackle thought-provoking questions and debates, including: What exactly is whistleblowing, and why does it matter? Can we trust the IDF spokesperson? Is whistleblowing inherently beneficial, or does it come with risks? A critical look at groups like Breaking the Silence. …and so much more! Join us for an engaging conversation that challenges assumptions, sparks curiosity, and unpacks the complexities of accountability in modern society. ✨ Don’t miss out—follow us for updates and new episodes!

  • Jan 9, 2025 · 58 min

    Shai Davidai on Campus, Antisemitism, Advocacy, and his Jewish Identity

    In this episode, I talk with Shai Davidai, one of the most prominent Zionist academics of the post-10/7 era. Shai has been at the forefront of addressing the surge in antisemitism on college campuses, courageously calling out Columbia University’s administration for their failure to adequately support Jewish students during these challenging times. Through his advocacy and personal reflections, Shai sheds light on the struggles Jewish students face, the importance of standing up for one’s identity, and how Zionism intersects with academic life and activism. We also discuss his own Jewish identity as an atheist. 🎥 Topics Covered: ✅ Rising antisemitism and its impact on campus communities ✅ Shai’s outspoken critique of institutional responses to antisemitism ✅ What it means to be an atheist Jew ✅ Building resilience and community in the post-10/7 landscape 👉 Don’t miss this insightful conversation. Like, comment, and subscribe for more essential discussions on Jewish identity, advocacy, and contemporary challenges. 📌 Keywords: Shai Davidai, antisemitism on campus, Zionist advocacy, Jewish identity, Columbia University, post-10/7, Jewish students, combating hate, campus activism, Israel advocacy ✨ Follow us for updates #ShaiDavidai #Zionism #Antisemitism #JewishIdentity #CampusAdvocacy #JewishStudents #CommunityBuilding

  • Jan 5, 2025 · 1 hr 20 min

    Herbert Levine AKA My Dad

    I talk to my dad, Professor Herbert Levine, about a variety of topics including: campus life, antisemitism in the sciences, politics, loss of trust in institutions, his Jewish upbringing, and much more!

  • Dec 30, 2024 · 55 min

    Marc Dollinger on Zionism, Jewish Whiteness, DEI and more

    I speak with Professor Marc Dollinger about a whole host of relevant topics. We discuss: 1) The centrality of Zionism in the 1960's in America 2) Jewish- Black relations We debate about: 1) Are Jews white? 2) Why is there so much antisemitism in the Left? 3) Has DEI failed? And much more! Please like, comment, and subscribe :)

  • Dec 25, 2024 · 14 min

    How Christmas Created Hanukkah in America

    Happy Hanukkah to all my listeners! Thanks for all of your support over the past year. If you appreciate the podcast please like, subscribe, and share!

  • Dec 24, 2024 · 1 hr 16 min

    Can Math Help Prove God?

    I talk with Jake Stern about his PHD research in formal logic, math, and philosophy. We discuss and argue: 1) Proofs for existence of God 2) Can we truly know anything 100% 3) Is Judaism true? 4) Is philosophy necessary to live a religious life. And much more! If you appreciate this content please like, subscribe, and share :)

  • Dec 19, 2024 · 29 min

    Was Jesus a Palestinian?

    I discuss this broader question and its implications: 1) The history of the words Palestine and Israel 2) Jewish life during the time of Jesus 3) Did Jesus identify as Jewish? 4) Contemporary Palestinian identity

  • Dec 10, 2024 · 1 hr

    Palestinian Activist Samer Sinijlawi on Building a Palestinian State

    I speak with writer and activist Samer Sinijlawi about what needs to happen to create a Palestinian State. We discuss: 1) His article in TheAtlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/12/israel-palestine-conflict-resolution-future/680389/?gift=DJ1gI7lSFTVYnm0z1m6jjB3C40YbZec6zWwlhEKiZR0&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share 2) The Campus Protest movement 3) Israeli and Palestinian Leadership 4) Hamas and Violence And much more! If you like these videos please "like" and "subscribe"

  • Dec 6, 2024 · 1 hr 56 min

    Transgenderism, Sex, Antisemitism, and other Cancelable Topics

    Lauren Merlino is a biology who identifies as non-binary. In this episode we discuss all things trans including: 1) Are there innate sexual differences? 2) Are gender roles a byproduct of evolution? 3) What accounts for the rise in people identifying as trans? 4) Why has the LGBTQ movement become increasingly antisemitic? And much more

  • Nov 26, 2024 · 1 hr 18 min

    Kurdish-Jewish Relations

    I speak with Mem Husedin a Kurdish Independence advocate and strategist about the Kurdish community, their history, and connection to Jews/Israel #israel #kurdistan #kurdish #iran #middleeastconflict @NationontheRise

  • Nov 24, 2024 · 47 min

    Dr. Yehudah Pryce

    I speak with Yehudah Pryce about critical topics like antisemitism in prison, Black and Jewish relations, Black Hebrew Israelites, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), progressivism, and Zionism. This is a thought-provoking conversation you don't want to miss! Catch our first conversation here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/08F5CY4hFn4EgQaXCHKVPb?si=4Bo8Y0MIQcu4TldRDEQ23w&nd=1&dlsi=203a31283d8b4b7b Keywords: #Black #Jewish #Israel #BlackHebrewIsraelite #Prison #Antisemitism #Zionism #DEI #Progressivism

  • Nov 13, 2024 · 30 min

    Mayim Bialik

    I speak with award winning actress Mayim Bialik about Zionism, antisemitism, Hillel, and dressing modestly in Hollywood. #israel #hollywood #mayimbialik #antisemitism #bigbangtheory

  • Nov 10, 2024 · 1 hr 13 min

    Europe Against the Jews

    I speak with Professor Andrea Molle about the failures of Europe, the rise of European left-wing antisemitism, immigration, Trump, and the Middle East #europe #trump #iran

  • Nov 8, 2024 · 1 hr 7 min

    Trump, The Election, and the Jews

    I speak with ChayaLeah Sufrin podcast host of "Ask a Jew" about all things election results. We discuss the Jewish vote, Trump's potential Middle East policies, why most Orthodox and Mizrachi Jews voted for Trump, antisemitism, and much more.

  • Nov 1, 2024 · 30 min

    Congressional Candidate Scott Baugh (CA 47) on Abortion, Israel, Education, and More

    Join us for a revealing interview with the Republican Nominee for California’s 47th Congressional District. We delve into key issues impacting Californians and Americans alike. Hear his perspectives on critical topics including abortion rights, education reform, U.S.-Israel relations, social policies, and much more. This conversation offers insight into his platform, priorities, and how he aims to address today’s pressing challenges. Whether you’re a resident of CA-47 or just interested in national issues, this interview is a must-watch for anyone looking to stay informed ahead of the upcoming election. #CA47 #CaliforniaPolitics #RepublicanNominee #AbortionDebate #EducationReform #USIsraelRelations #SocialPolicy #Election2024 #CongressionalInterview #PoliticalIssues #VoterInformation #PolicyDebate #israel #iran

  • Oct 28, 2024 · 1 hr 4 min

    Jew Hatred at the Bookstore w/ Alan Rifkin

    I speak with novelist and literature professor Alan Rifkin about the rise of antisemitism in literature and academia. We dive into the roots of antisemitism in the literary world, its presence in American Jewish history, and explore why it persists even in progressive circles. We also cover issues within journalism, the role of the upcoming election, and the broader impact on Jewish communities in America. Don’t miss this deep, thought-provoking discussion! Alan's latest book is titled: The Drift That Follows Will Be Gradual. Find it in bookstores today! #Antisemitism #AmericanJewishHistory #JewishIdentity #LiteraryWorld #AcademicFreedom #JewishCulture #ProgressivePolitics #JewishCommunity #AntisemitismAwareness #JournalismEthics #USPolitics #Election2024 #JewishHeritage #SocialJustice #JewishVoices

  • Oct 23, 2024 · 18 min

    We Are All Banished from Eden

    Thoughts on the one year anniversary of the Hamas attacks, Simchat Torah, and the Story of the Garden of Eden #eden #genesis #simchattorah #israel #utopia

  • Oct 14, 2024 · 17 min

    Was Christopher Columbus Jewish?

    I discuss the history of Sefardic Jewry, the debate about the Jewishness of Columbus, and why it matters #columbus #spain #jewish #columbusday #sefardic