All Else is Commentary: A Podcast of Jewish Ideas

B'tzelem Elohim, Part 3

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

This week, Elliott concludes his series of 3 episodes looking at the Jewish idea that human beings are created b'tzelem Elohim - in the image of God.

Next week: Elliott speaks to his colleague Rabbi Jonathan Romain about Assisted Dying.

If you have any comments or questions, please be in touch with us at allelseis@alyth.org.uk – we would love to hear from you. You can also join the conversation on our Facebook page, and we're also on Bluesky, so please head over there to give us a follow as well.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

B'tzelem Elohim, Part 2

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

This week, Elliott continues a series of 3 episodes looking at the Jewish idea that human beings are created b'tzelem Elohim - in the image of God.

Next week: Elliott concludes the discussion of B'tzelem Elohim by seeing how the idea is developed in modern times.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

B'tzelem Elohim, Part 1

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

All Else is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas.

This week, Elliott begins a series of 3 episodes looking at the Jewish idea that human beings are created b'tzelem Elohim - in the image of God.

Next week: Elliott continues the discussion of B'tzelem Elohim by seeing how the idea is developed in rabbinic literature: Talmud and Midrash.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coming Up on All Else is Commentary (and Purim Sameach!)

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

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100 Years of the World Union for Progressive Judasim - with Rabbi Mark Goldsmith

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

All Else is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas.

A special Thursday episode this week, as Elliott is joined by Rabbi Mark Goldsmith (Edgeware and Hendon Reform Synagogue) to talk about a special anniversary. This year is 100 years since the foundation of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, and Rabbi Mark is part of organising a celebratory conference.

Find out more about the 2026 conference here: https://events.eupj.org/ (the early bird rate closes on 1 March!)

As always, if you have any comments or questions, please be in touch with us at allelseis@alyth.org.uk – we would love to hear from you. You can also join the conversation on our Facebook page, and we're also on Bluesky, so please head over there to give us a follow as well.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Progressive Sermons of the Last 50 Years: A Community Divided Over Israel – with Rabbi Rebecca Birk

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

All Else is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas.

This week we return to our ocassional series of Progressive Sermons from the last 50 years. Elliott speaks to Rabbi Rebecca Birk (Finchley Progressive Synagogue) about a sermon she gave this Rosh Hashanah, imagining British Jews coming together to talk about their differing views about Israel/Palestine.

Next time in our regular Monday slot: Elliott begins a short series on the idea that human beings are created in the image of God. Before that, on Thursday, Elliott is speaking to Rabbi Mark Goldsmith about the history of the World Union for Progressive Judaism.

If you have any comments or questions, or if there is a sermon that you remember that you would love us to talk about, please be in touch with us at allelseis@alyth.org.uk – we would love to hear from you. You can also join the conversation on Facebook or on Bluesky, so please head over there to give us a follow.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary. Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mixed - with Tamar Hodes

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

All Else is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas.

This week, Elliott speaks to the contemporary author, Tamar Hodes, to talk about her new book, Mixed.

You can find out more about the book here: https://www.legendpress.co.uk/mixed

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jewish Novels #6: The Assistant, by Bernard Malamud

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

All Else is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas.

This week, we return to our Jewish Novels series, and Elliott reads The Assistant by Bernard Malamud.

Next week: Elliott speaks to the contemporary author, Tamar Hodes, about her new novel, Mixed.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jewish Novels #5: Gentleman's Agreement, by Laura Z. Hobson

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

All Else is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas.

This week, we return to our Jewish Novels series, and Elliott reads Gentleman's Agreement by Laura Z. Hobson.

Next week: Elliott talks about another book set in New York, but this time in the 1950s: Bernard Malamud's The Assistant.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jewish Novels #4 Extra: Cabaret

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

All Else is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas.

This week we stay on the theme of Jewish novels, but take a slight diversion into stage and screen. Last week, Elliott spoke about Christopher Isherwood's Goodbye to Berlin. This week he looks at the stage show and the film inspired by the book: Cabaret.

You can watch the 1993 production here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOs82ubFyFQ

A key to the name changes:

Christopher Isherwood (book) > Cliff Bradshaw (show) > Brian Roberts (film)

Fraulein Schroeder (book) > Fraulein Schneider (show and film)

Clive (book) > Max (film)

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jewish Novels #4: Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

All Else is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas.

This week, we return to our Jewish Novels series, and Elliott reads Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood, a novel about Berlin at the beginning of the 1930s, its decadence, its complacency, and its descent into Naziism.

Next week: Elliott talks about the muscial inspired by Goodby to Berlin - Cabaret.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Through a Jewish Lens Extra: Marty Supreme

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

All Else is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas.

This week was supposed to be a week off - and then Elliott went to see the new film Marty Supreme, and just had to talk about its Jewish themes.

You can see a trailer for the film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9gSuKaKcqM

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coming Up on All Else is Commentary

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

We're taking a break this week, but here's a trailer to let you know all the exciting things coming up on All Else is Commentary.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Through a Jewish Lens Extra: Wicked - with Rabbi Hannah Kingston

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

All Else is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas.

We promised an episode looking at Wicked through a Jewish lens - but we didn't have the chance to do it in time for Chanukah. But here it is today! Elliott is joined by Rabbi Hannah Kingston to talk about all the Jewish themes they identified in the musical and the film.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To Heaven with Scribes and Pharisees by Rabbi Lionel Blue - with Rabbi Daniel Lichman and Gavin Schaffer

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

All Else is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas.

In this special Thursday episode, Elliott speaks to Rabbi Daniel Lichman and Professor Gavin Schaffer as 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of the first book written by Rabbi Lionel Blue: To Heaven with Scribes and Pharisees.

You can find out more about the book (and buy it) here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Heaven-Scribes-Pharisees-Suburbia-Jewish/dp/0232512892

On Monday, we return to the 'Through a Jewish Lens' series for a special one-off episode on Wicked, for which Elliott is joined again by Rabbi Hannah Kingston.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Progressive Sermons of the Last 50 Years: #metoo - with Rabbi Hannah Kingston

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

All Else is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas.

Following Chanukah, we return to our regular weekly episodes coming out on Mondays. This week we return to our ocassional series of Progressive Sermons from the last 50 years. Elliott speaks to Rabbi Hannah Kingston (Alyth) about a sermon she gave in 2018 inspired by the #metoo movement.

To read along with Rabbi Hannah's sermon, click here: https://www.alyth.org.uk/sermons-writings/publication/sermon-chayyei-sara-metoo-speaking-out-against-the-silence/

Before our next Monday episode, a special Thursday episode, in which Elliott speaks to a rabbi and a historian to mark the 50th anniversary of the first book published by Rabbi Lionel Blue: To Heaven with Scribes and Pharisees.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chanukah Special! Through a Jewish Lens: Planet of the Apes - with Mike Mendoza

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

All Else is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas.

The final of our Chanukah specials.

For this episode, Elliott is joined by Mike Mendoza (of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee) to talk about the Plant of the Apes franchise.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chanukah Special! Through a Jewish Lens: Shrek - with the Alyth YEH Team (Past & Present)

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 17:00:00 GMT

All Else is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas.

The seventh of 8 Chanukah specials - one for each night of Chanukah.

For this episode, Elliott is joined by the Alyth Youth and Education Hub Team past and present: Abi Brunner, Phoebe Decker, Izzie Marcuson-Stafford and Ezster Toth. They talk about Shrek through a Jewish lens.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chanukah Special! Through a Jewish Lens: Nobody Wants This, Part 2 - with Rabbi Deborah Blausten and Rabbi Jordan Helfman

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

All Else is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas.

The sixth of 8 Chanukah specials - one for each night of Chanukah.

This episode is a continuation of the conversation about the Neflix hit, Nobody Wants This - for which Elliott is joined by Rabbis Deborah Blausten (Finchley Reform Synagogue) and Jordan Helfman (Oaks Lane Synagogue).

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chanukah Special! Through a Jewish Lens: Nobody Wants This, Part 1 - with Rabbi Deborah Blausten and Rabbi Jordan Helfman

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

All Else is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas.

The fifth of 8 Chanukah specials - one for each night of Chanukah.

This episode is about the Neflix hit, Nobody Wants This - for which Elliott is joined by Rabbis Deborah Blausten (Finchley Reform Synagogue) and Jordan Helfman (Oaks Lane Synagogue).

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chanukah Special! Through a Jewish Lens: Lord of the Rings, Part 2 - with Rabbi DY Stern

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

All Else is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas.

The fourth of 8 Chanukah specials - one for each night of Chanukah.

This is the second of two episodes on Lord of the Rings, for which Elliott is joined by Rabbi DY Stern (Radlett Reform Synagogue).

Here is the article Elliott mentions: https://share.google/90rsWDhSKwtrBjnoW

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chanukah Special! Through a Jewish Lens: Lord of the Rings, Part 1 - with Rabbi DY Stern

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

All Else is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas.

The third of 8 Chanukah specials - one for each night of Chanukah.

This is the first of two episodes on Lord of the Rings, for which Elliott is joined by Rabbi DY Stern (Radlett Reform Synagogue).

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chanukah Special! Through a Jewish Lens: Harry Potter, Part 2 - with Student Rabbi Yael Tischler

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

All Else is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas.

The second of 8 Chanukah specials - one for each night of Chanukah.

This is the second of two episodes on Harry Potter, for which Elliott is joined by Student Rabbi Yael Tischler.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chanukah Special! Through a Jewish Lens: Harry Potter, Part 1 - with Student Rabbi Yael Tischler

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

All Else is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas.

The first of 8 Chanukah specials - one for each night of Chanukah.

To kick off, two episodes on Harry Potter, for which Elliott is joined by Student Rabbi Yael Tischler.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jewish Novels #3: Barren Metal by Naomi Jacob

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

All Else is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas.

This week, Elliott reads Barren Metal by Naomi Jacob, the story of the rise and fall of Meyer Pardo, the Jewish tailor who becomes filthy rich - but at what cost?

Coming up for Chanukah: We bring you 8 little podcast presents - Elliott is joined by guests to read and watch different cultural phenmena through a Jewish lens, starting with Harry Potter.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jewish Novels #2: Reuben Sachs by Amy Levy

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

All Else is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas.

This week, Elliott reads Reuben Sachs by the Victorian poet and novelist, Amy Levy. We see how this novel responds to George Eliot's Daniel Deronda, but also holds its own place in the history of writing by Jews and about Jews.

You can buy Reuben Sachs here: https://persephonebooks.co.uk/products/reuben-sachs

Or read it for free here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/74419

You can find out about more about Amy Levy through the book by Linda Hunt Beckman: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amy-Levy-Letters-Victorian-Studies/dp/0821413309

Next week: We move forward into the twentieth century, as Elliott reads Naomi Jacobs's novel, Barren Metal.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

Episode Credits

Izzie Marcuson-Stafford ......... as ........ Amy Levy

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jewish Novels #1: Daniel Deronda by George Eliot, Part 2

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT

The second part in Elliott's lecture on George Eliot's Daniel Deronda.

Next week: Elliott finally gets to the novel he aimed to start with: Ruben Sachs by Amy Levy.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jewish Novels #1: Daniel Deronda by George Eliot, Part 1

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT

This week, we finally come to our first Jewish novel: Daniel Deronda by George Eliot. There was too much to talk about in just one episode, so this discussion will be split into two parts. Look out for part 2 on Thursday.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jewish Novels Introduction: Why Novels?

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT

This week, Elliott begins a new series on Jewish novels. He begins this week with a discussion of why he is choosing to look at novels, and why he has made the particular selection he has.

There are a couple of good articles on Harry Kemelman's Rabbi/Detective series. From the Los Angeles Review of Books (https://lareviewofbooks.org/article/rabbi-knew-much/) and the Jewish Journal (https://jewishjournal.com/culture/arts/books/378025/sixty-years-ago-a-crime-solving-rabbi-appeared-remembering-harry-kemelmans-rabbi-small-series/)

Next week: Elliott begins to delve into novels, starting with George Eliot's Daniel Deronda.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British Jews in the Time of the French Revolution - with Dr Jeremy Smilg

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT

This week, Elliott speaks to Dr Jeremy Smilg about his research into the Jews of England during the time of the French Revolution (1789-1815).

You can find out more about Jeremy's book here.

Next week, we are finally beginning our series on Jewish novels, and to begin with Elliott is taking some time to explain why he wanted to talk about novels – why novels have something to tell us in particular, and what they can help us learn about Judaism.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tikkun Olam, Part 3

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT

This week, Elliott concludes his series of 3 episodes looking at the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam - the repairing of the world.

This week we reach the Lurianic tradition and Elliott brings us fully up-to-date, even thinking about tikkun olam of the future.

Next week: A recording of a conversation Elliott had recently with historian Dr Jeremy Smilg about the Jews in England at the time of the French Revolution.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tikkun Olam, Part 2

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 05:00:00 GMT

This week, Elliott continues his series of 3 episodes looking at the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam - the repairing of the world.

You can read the Jewish sources Elliott talks about here.

You can read Avi Shafran's piece in the Jerusalem Post here, and Thomas Friedman's Op-Ed in the New York Times here.

Next week: Elliott finishes the series by considering the idea of tikkun olam we find in Lurianic Kabbalah, and finally reflects on what ideas from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries we might want to keep.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tikkun Olam, Part 1

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT

This week, Elliott begins a series of 3 episodes looking at the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam - the repairing of the world.

You can read the transcript of Obama's full speech at AIPAC here.

To listen to the BBC World Service Programme about Tikkun Olam, click here.

To read the section of the Mishnah that Elliott is talking about, you can visit Sefaria: https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah_Gittin.4.2?lang=bi

Next week: Elliott continues the discussion of Tikkun Olam by looking at the Aleinu prayer and reading some of the texts of the Maharal of Prague.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

High Holy Day Sermons, Part 2: Yom Kippur – from Progressive Clergy in the UK

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT

This week we are releasing two special episodes which are very different to usual. Elliott has collected sermons from among his colleagues in Progressive congregations across the UK. Today we release a collection from Yom Kippur.

Rabbi Josh Levy is Chief Executive of the Movement for Reform Judaism, Co-Lead of the new Movement for Progressive Judaism, and Rabbi Emeritus at Alyth.

Rabbi Alexandra Wright is Senior Rabbi at the Liberal Jewish Synagogue. You can watch her sermon in full here.

Rabbi Gabriel Kanter-Webber is Rabbi of Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue. You can read his sermon in full here.

Rabbi Kamila Koprivova is Rabbi at Westminster Synagogue. You can watch her sermon in full here.

Student Rabbi Yael Tischler is a final year student at Leo Baeck College, and serves Mekkor Hayim, the progressive community in Willesden. You can read her sermon in full here.

Rabbi Lev Taylor is Rabbi at Kingston Liberal Synagogue. You can read his full sermon here.

Rabbi Deborah Blausten is Rabbi at Finchley Reform Synagogue. You can watch her full sermon here.

Rabbi Elliott's sermon at Alyth can be read in full here.

Rabbi Igor Zinkov is Rabbi at the Liberal Jewish Synagogue. You can watch his full sermon here.

Rabbi Naomi Goldman is the Rabbi at Kol Chai Hatch End Jewish Community and in an earlier life was a Senior Broadcast Journalist for BBC News.

Rabbi Richard Jacobi is Rabbi of East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue. You can read his full sermon here.

Rabbi Elana Delal is Rabbi at the Liberal Jewish Synagogue. You can watch her full sermon here.

Rabbi Leah Muehlstein is Senior Rabbi at the Ark Synagogue in Northwood. You can read her full sermon here.

Rabbi Nicola Feuchtwang is Rabbi at Alyth. You can read her full sermon here.

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High Holy Day Sermons, Part 1: Rosh Hashanah – from Progressive Clergy in the UK

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Rabbi Colin is Rabbi Emeritus at Sha'arei Tsedek in London, and now works part-time at Alyth Synagogue. You can read his full sermon here.

Rabbi Lily Solochek is the newest member of the rabbinic team at the Liberal Jewish synagogue in St John’s Wood. You can view their sermon in full here.

Rabbi Jordan Helfman is Senior Rabbi at Oaks Lane Synagogue. You can read his sermon in full here.

Rabbi Deborah Blausten is Rabbi at Finchley Reform Synagogue. You can find her sermon in full here.

Rabbi Michael Hilton is Rabbi Emeritus of Kol Chai Reform Synagogue in Harrow. You can read his sermon in full here.

Rabbi Hannah Kingston is Rabbi at Alyth. You can read her sermon in full here.

Student Rabbi Yael Tischler is a final year student at Leo Baeck College, and serves Mekkor Hayim, the progressive community in Willesden. You can read her sermon in full here.

Rabbi Leah Muehlstein is Senior Rabbi at the Ark Synagogue in Northwood. You can read her sermon in full here.

Rabbi Daniel Lichman recently returned to London from a long pilgrimage to Jerusalem; he is currently undertaking PhD studies in the history of Jewish thought at the Leo Baeck Institute. You can read his sermon in full here.

Cantor Sarah Grabiner has studied and worked in Oxford, Jerusalem, New York, and London, and is now writing her PhD dissertation in the language of Jewish liturgy. You can read her sermon in full here.

Rabbi Howard Cooper is Director of Spiritual Development at Finchley Reform Synagogue. You can read his sermon in full here.

Rabbi Lev Taylor is Rabbi at Kingston Liberal Synagogue. You can read his full sermon here.

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Poetry in Response to 7 October - with Irit Burkeman

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT

This week Elliott is joined by Irit Burkeman to discuss Hebrew poems that have been written in the wake of the 7 October attacks.

You can find a handout with the poems they talk about here: https://www.alyth.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Poetry-for-7-Oct.pdf

Next week: Elliott has been busy collecting High Holy Day sermons from Progressive clergy colleagues across the UK - he'll be introducing them and letting you hear their words.

If you have any comments or questions, please be in touch with us at allelseis@alyth.org.uk – we would love to hear from you. You can also join the conversation on our Facebook page, and we also on Bluesky, so please head over there to give us a follow as well.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

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Progressive Sermons of the Last 50 Years: Same-Sex Marriage - with Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT

This week a special episode for Kol Nidrei. Elliott sits down with Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah to talk about a sermon she gave on Kol Nidrei 1996 - a sermon that proved to be controversial because of it's mention of Same-Sex Marriage. Elliott and Elli reflect on the context of the sermon and how it fits into the story of LGBTQ+ rights in the UK, what would have been different about the sermon today, and what controversial topics would have caused the same anger in our contemporary communities.

You can follow the text of Rabbi Elli's sermon here.

You can find out more about Rabbi Elli and her writing on her website: https://rabbiellisarah.com/

Next week in our regular slot: Rabbi Elliott speaks to Alyth member, Irit Burkeman, about poetry inspired by the events of 7 October.

If you have any comments or questions, or if there is a sermon that you remember that you would love us to talk about, please be in touch with us at allelseis@alyth.org.uk – we would love to hear from you. You can also join the conversation on our Facebook page, and we also on Bluesky, so please head over there to give us a follow as well.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neurodiversity in the Talmud - with Student Rabbi Mati Boulakia-Bortnick

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Shanah tovah! We really hope you had a meaningful Rosh Hashanah.

This week we present the recording of a conversation Elliott had over the summer with Student Rabbi Mati Boulakia-Bortnick about another story from the Talmud about rabbinic hierarchy. Student Rabbi Mati adds in his reading of the Talmud through an autistic lens.

You can follow the section of the Talmud they are studying here: https://www.sefaria.org/Horayot.13b.11?lang=bi

You can find Student Rabbi Mati on Bluesky (@autisticrabbi.bsky.social). And you can find out more about the École Rabbinique de Paris here: https://www.ecolerabbiniquedeparis.org/

Next week in our regular slot, Elliott is in conversation with Alyth member, Irit Burkeman, as they mark the second anniversary of the 7 October attacks by reading poetry that has been written in response. Before then, on Wednesday we bring you a Kol Nidrei special: Elliott speaks to Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah about a sermon she gave on Kol Nidrei 1996 about the issue of Same-Sex Marriage.

If you have any comments or questions, or if there are any talmudic stories you would love Elliott and Kath to talk about, please be in touch with us at allelseis@alyth.org.uk – we would love to hear from you. You can also join the conversation on Facebook page, and we have just arrived on Bluesky, so please head over there to give us a follow as well.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rosh Hashanah Special: Hagar - with Student Rabbi Yael Tischler

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT

We're back for series 2 and this week, Elliott is again joined by Student Rabbi Yael Tischler for a special Rosh Hashanah episode about the biblical character of Hagar.

You can follow the texts they are reading here: https://www.alyth.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Hagar-Source-Sheet_-All-Else-is-Commentary.pdf

If you want to find out more about Leo Baeck College, and what it takes to study for the rabbinate, and how you can support the college, please check out their website: www.lbc.ac.uk.

Next week: A recording of Elliott's conversation over the summer with Student Rabbi Mati Boulakia-Bortnick about disability and neuro-diversity in the Talmud.

If you have any comments or questions, or if there are any particular topics you would like us to about, please be in touch with us at allelseis@alyth.org.uk – we would love to hear from you. You can also join the conversation on Facebook page, and we have just arrived on Bluesky, so please head over there to give us a follow as well.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

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Coming Up in Series 2

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT

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The Jewish Pedlar - with Tony Kushner

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 04:00:00 GMT

This week, Elliott is joined by Prof. Tony Kushner (Southampton University) to talk about his new book, The Jewish Pedlar, in which he tells the story of a triple murder. But it's not just about murder - they talk about a number of themes in Jewish history, and British Jewish identity over the last two hundred years.

You can buy Tony's book here: https://manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526178022/ (you can receive a discount with the code 'Event30')

That was the last episode of our first series, and we will be taking a break over August, but we’ll be back in September with more Progressive Sermons from the last 50 years, more Jewish philosophy, a series on Jewish novels and a lot, lot more. Please look out for news.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Queen Ataliah - with Student Rabbi Yael Tischler

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 04:00:00 GMT

This week, Elliott is again joined by Student Rabbi Yael Tischler to discuss another woman of the Hebrew Bible of whom we may not have heard. This week, they discuss Queen Ataliah - the only woman to reign in Israel as sovereign.

You can follow the texts they are reading here: https://www.alyth.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Athaliah-Sources-All-Else-is-Commentary.pdf

If you want to find out more about Leo Baeck College, and what it takes to study for the rabbinate, and how you can support the college, please check out their website: www.lbc.ac.uk.

Next week: Elliott is joined by Prof. Tony Kushner to talk about his new book, The Jewish Pedlar.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Witch of Ein Dor - with Student Rabbi Yael Tischler

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Student Rabbi Yael Tischler returns to discuss another woman of the Hebrew Bible of whom we may not have heard. This week, she and Elliott discuss the Ba'alat Ein Dor, the Witch of Ein Dor.

You can follow the story they are reading here: https://www.alyth.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Source-Sheet-All-Else-is-Commentary-Baalat-Ov.pdf

If you want to find out more about Leo Baeck College, and what it takes to study for the rabbinate, and how you can support the college, please check out their website: www.lbc.ac.uk.

Next week: Student Rabbi Yael Tischler returns as we discuss another woman from the Hebrew Bible about whom you may not have heard before. A more unambiguous villain in the form of Queen Ataliah.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Disagreeing Community – with Erev Rav Dr Hannah Altorf

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Two special episodes this week, each featuring an incredible rabbi being ordained by the Leo Baeck College on Sunday 6 July. In this episode, Elliott speaks to Student Rabbi (Erev Rav) Dr Hannah Altorf about the Jewish idea of machloket (disagreement) - is it good thing? And what does it mean for our communities?

If you want to find out more about Leo Baeck College, and what it takes to study for the rabbinate, and how you can support the college, please check out their website: www.lbc.ac.uk.

Next week: Student Rabbi Yael Tischler returns as we discuss another woman from the Hebrew Bible about whom you may not have heard before: the Witch of Ein Dor.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Theology of the Cloud - with Erev Rav Andrea Kulikovsky

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Two special episodes this week, each featuring an incredible rabbi being ordained by the Leo Baeck College on Sunday 6 July. In this episode, Elliott speaks to Student Rabbi (Erev Rav) Andrea Kulikovsky about the theology of the cloud - what does it mean to live our Jewish lives online?

If you want to find out more about Leo Baeck College, and what it takes to study for the rabbinate, and how you can support the college, please check out their website: www.lbc.ac.uk.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Progressive Sermons of the Last 50 Years: Defending Progressive Judaism - with Rabbi Josh Levy

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 04:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Elliott speaks to Rabbi Josh Levy about a sermon he gave about the judicial reforms in Israel on Kol Nidrei in 2023, just a few days before the 7 October attacks. Elliott asks him about the context of the sermon, how things have changed since then, and Rabbi Josh tells the subsequent story of the formation of the Movement for Progressive Judaism.

To read the sermon along with us, you can find it here.

You can find out more about the Movement for Progressive Judaism here: https://pathtoprogressivejudaism.org.uk/

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British Jews since 1945 - with Gavin Schaffer

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 04:00:00 GMT

This week, Elliott is joined by Prof. Gavin Schaffer (Manchester Metropolitan University) to talk about his new book, An Unorthodox History, in which he approaches the history of the Jewish community in the UK from the margins.

You can buy Gavin's book here: https://manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526165473/

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coming Up on All Else is Commentary

Mon, 26 May 2025 04:00:00 GMT

We're taking a couple of weeks' break, so this is just a short episode to let you know what is coming up.

In particular, we are welcoming Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Hannah Kingston to talk about two important sermons from the last 50 years. And we want to hear from you if there are sermons you heard or heard about, and would like us to discuss on the podcast. You can write to allelseis@alyth.org.uk – or join the conversation on Facebook, or Bluesky.

We are looking forward to all kinds of other episodes, which you can find out about here: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

All Else is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth, and we are grateful to the Shoreh Charitable Trust for a grant that will make the podcast sound as good as it can.

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Progressive Sermons of the Last 50 Years: the healing power of ritual – with Rabbi Miriam Berger

Mon, 19 May 2025 04:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Elliott speaks to Rabbi Miriam Berger about a sermon she gave in 2017 about second-child infertility, and the power of ritual to help us nagivate those things in our lives over which we have no control. They speak about how rabbis are uniquely placed to accompany us through such moments, and to provide Jewish ways in which to frame life's journeys.

If you want to read Rabbi Miriam's sermon, click here. We are grateful to have been able to use (with permission) the recording of 'Ki Hinei Kachomer' by Daniel Cainer, sung by Cantor Zoe Jacobs.

Rabbi Miriam is the host of not one but two podcasts. The new series of 'Rabbiting On' is on now: https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk/podcasts/rabbiting-on/

Find out about her other new podcast, 'Life Dunk' here: https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk/wellspring-uk-a-new-mikveh-and-a-new-podcast/

You can find out more about Wellspring UK here: https://www.wellspringuk.org/

If you have any comments or questions, or if there is a sermon that you remember that you would love us to talk about, please be in touch with us at allelseis@alyth.org.uk – we would love to hear from you. You can also join the conversation on our Facebook page, and we have just arrived on Bluesky, so please head over there to give us a follow as well.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LAG B'OMER SPECIAL: Rabbi Akiva and Rachel - with the Alyth YEH Team

Thu, 15 May 2025 04:00:00 GMT

A very different episode of the podcast, to mark Lag B'Omer.

Elliott is joined by Abi, Izzie and Phoebe, educators in the Alyth Youth and Education Hub (YEH) as they study a story from the Babylonian Talmud. We eavesdrop on their learning, snacking, banter and scholarly insights into the story of Rabbi Akiva and his wife, Rachel.

You can read along with us here: https://www.alyth.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Rabbi-Akiva-and-Rachel.pdf

Next week: another Progressive Sermon from the last 50 years – this time I will be speaking to Rabbi Miriam Berger about a sermon that she gave just a few years ago about the power of ritual in our lives, and how that sermon has launched her latest project.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Art of the Book of Ruth - with Rabbi Deborah Kahn-Harris and Tilla Crowne

Mon, 12 May 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Elliott is joined by his teacher Rabbi Deborah Kahn-Harris (Principal of Leo Baeck College) for a series delving into the Book of Ruth (the book that Jews traditionally read at Shavuot). Having read through the whole of the Book of Ruth, Elliott and Deborah take time to look at the artwork of the book - and welcome special guest Tilla Crowne, who provided the artwork for the cover of Deborah's book.

You can see the images they discuss in this episode here: https://www.alyth.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Art-of-the-Book-of-Ruth.pdf

You can find out more about Rabbi Deborah's book here: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781666932102/Polyamory-and-Reading-the-Book-of-Ruth

If you want to find out more about Leo Baeck College, and what it takes to study for the rabbinate, and how you can support the college, please check out their website: www.lbc.ac.uk.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.Next week: another Progressive Sermon from the last 50 years – this time I will be speaking to Rabbi Miriam Berger about a sermon that she gave just a few years ago about the power of ritual in our lives, and how that sermon has launched her latest project.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Book of Ruth, Chapter 4 - with Rabbi Deborah Kahn-Harris

Mon, 05 May 2025 04:00:00 GMT

You can read along with them in any bible, or you can use Sefaria: https://www.sefaria.org/Ruth.4?lang=bi

You can find out more about Rabbi Deborah's book here: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781666932102/Polyamory-and-Reading-the-Book-of-Ruth

If you want to find out more about Leo Baeck College, and what it takes to study for the rabbinate, and how you can support the college, please check out their website: www.lbc.ac.uk.

Next week: We have not quite finished with Ruth, Naomi and Boaz, as next week Elliott and Deborah are joined by Tilla Crowne, artist and illustrator, to talk about the art of the Book of Ruth.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Book of Ruth, Chapter 3 - with Rabbi Deborah Kahn-Harris

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

You can read along with them in any bible, or you can use Sefaria: https://www.sefaria.org/Ruth.3?lang=bi

You can find out more about Rabbi Deborah's book here: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781666932102/Polyamory-and-Reading-the-Book-of-Ruth

You can listen to the song Elliott mentions here: https://open.spotify.com/track/7w4WB28CPszmOVQaHEcGhx

If you want to find out more about Leo Baeck College, and what it takes to study for the rabbinate, and how you can support the college, please check out their website: www.lbc.ac.uk.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Book of Ruth, Chapter 2 - with Rabbi Deborah Kahn-Harris

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

You can read along with them in any bible, or you can use Sefaria: https://www.sefaria.org/Ruth.2?lang=bi

You can find out more about Rabbi Deborah's book here: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781666932102/Polyamory-and-Reading-the-Book-of-Ruth

You can watch The Story of Ruth (1960) herehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rG5UASouE9k

If you want to find out more about Leo Baeck College, and what it takes to study for the rabbinate, and how you can support the college, please check out their website: www.lbc.ac.uk.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Book of Ruth, Chapter 1, Part 2 - with Rabbi Deborah Kahn-Harris

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Elliott is joined by his teacher Rabbi Deborah Kahn-Harris (Principal of Leo Baeck College) for the second in a series delving into the Book of Ruth (the book that Jews traditionally read at Shavuot). This episode is the second installment of their discussion of chapter 1.

You can read along with them in any bible, or you can use Sefaria: https://www.sefaria.org/Ruth.1?lang=bi

You can find out more about Rabbi Deborah's book here: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781666932102/Polyamory-and-Reading-the-Book-of-Ruth

If you want to find out more about Leo Baeck College, and what it takes to study for the rabbinate, and how you can support the college, please check out their website: www.lbc.ac.uk.

We want to wish everyone Chag Pesach Sameach / Happy Passover.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Book of Ruth: Chapter 1, Part 1 - with Rabbi Deborah Kahn-Harris

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

This is the first of a series in which Elliott is joined by his teacher Rabbi Deborah Kahn-Harris (Principal of Leo Baeck College) to take a deep-dive into the Book of Ruth (the book that Jews traditionally read at Shavuot). They thought they could get through the whole of chapter 1 in just one episode, but it is so rich that they will actually need two. The second installment will be out on Thursday.

You can read along with them in any bible, or you can use Sefaria: https://www.sefaria.org/Ruth.1?lang=bi

You can find out more about Rabbi Deborah's book here: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781666932102/Polyamory-and-Reading-the-Book-of-Ruth

If you want to find out more about Leo Baeck College, and what it takes to study for the rabbinate, and how you can support the college, please check out their website: www.lbc.ac.uk.

We want to wish everyone Chag Pesach Sameach / Happy Passover.

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PESACH SPECIAL: How did Moses know he was a Hebrew? - With Rabbi Jonathan Magonet

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

We're here on a Thursday for a special Pesach episode of All Else is Commentary. This week, Elliott is joined by another of his former teachers from Leo Baeck College, Rabbi Professor Jonathan Magonet, to discuss the question of when Moses knew he was a Hebrew.

You can buy Rabbi Jonathan's book here.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

We want to wish everyone Chag Pesach Sameach / Happy Passover, and to let you know that next week we will begin to finally put out episodes Elliott has been recording over the last few months with one of his other teachers from Leo Baeck College, Rabbi Professor Deborah Kahn-Harris: four weeks on the four chapters of the Book of Ruth. The first of those episodes will be out on Monday.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philip Roth's The Ghost Writer - with Toby Lloyd

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

This week, Elliott is joined by the author Toby Lloyd, to talk about one of Philip Roth's most Jewish novels: The Ghost Writer (1979).

There will be spoilers, so if you want to buy and read the book first, you can do so here.

You can find out more about Toby's own book, Fervour here.

If you're interested in reading Roth's article from 1963 on writing about Jews, you can do so here: https://www.commentary.org/articles/philip-roth/writing-about-jews/

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

On Thursday, look out for a special epsiode we are putting out for Pesach: Rabbi Professor Jonathan Magonet on how Moses knew he was a Hebrew.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leo Baeck and the Essence of Judaism, Part 2: The Task of Progressive Judaism

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 04:00:00 GMT

This episode is a continuation of Elliott's lecture on Rabbi Dr Leo Baeck, including some of the things he wasn't able to get to in the original talk.

To read the sermon Elliott is referring to that he gave about Progressive Judaism, click here.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

On Thursday, look out for a special epsiode we are putting out for Pesach: Rabbi Professor Jonathan Magonet on how Moses knew he was a Hebrew.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leo Baeck and the Essence of Judaism, Part 1

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Back in February, Elliott gave a lecture to the Progressive Judaism Education Hub about Rabbi Dr Leo Baeck. This is a recording of the first part of that lecture, giving an account of Baeck's life and times. Next week will be an additional lecture that dives into Baeck's writings, specifically his most famous work, The Essence of Judaism (originally published 1905, then re-published in expanded form in 1922).

If you have any comments or questions, or if there are any particular topicx you would like us to about, please be in touch with us at allelseis@alyth.org.uk – we would love to hear from you. You can also join the conversation on Facebook page, and we have just arrived on Bluesky, so please head over there to give us a follow as well.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Abraham: The First Jew - with Anthony Julius

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT

This week, Elliott is joined by Anthony Julius, the author of a new book on the biblical figure of Abraham. It's not just a biography though - the conversation gets to the heart of what it means to be a Jew.

You can buy Anthony's new book here: https://yalebooks.co.uk/book/9780300266801/abraham/

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Over the next two weeks we will be putting out a two-part lecture from Elliott about Rabbi Dr Leo Baeck

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PURIM SPECIAL: Esther in Victorian Literature - with Dr Sherry Ashworth

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT

We are here on a Thursday to bring you a special Purim episode! Elliott is joined by Dr Sherry Ashworth, who has recently finished her PhD in the study of the story of Esther and how the characters from Purim seem to pop up all over the place in Victorian novels.

If you have any comments or questions, or if there are any biblical stories you would like us to about, please be in touch with us at allelseis@alyth.org.uk – we would love to hear from you. You can also join the conversation on Facebook page, and we have just arrived on Bluesky, so please head over there to give us a follow as well.

Next week in our regular slot, Elliott speaks to the lawyer and writer Anthony Julius about his new book, Abraham: The First Jew.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

We are incredibly grateful to be supported by the Shoresh Charitable Trust.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rabbinic Power in the Talmud, Q & A - with Rabbi Kath Vardi

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Rabbi Kath Vardi returns for a Question and Answer session on all the rabbinic legends she and Elliott have talked about over the last few months. Together they respond to questions posed by listeners, as well as returning to some of the disagreements they had in the first four episodes.

Next week in our regular slot, Elliott speaks to the lawyer and writer Anthony Julius about his new book, Abraham: The First Jew. Before that, a Purim special with Dr Sherry Ashworth, exploring the story of Esther, and the way in which it resurfaces in Victorian literature.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Please visit our website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyday Jews - with Keith Kahn-Harris

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT

This week, Elliott is joined by Keith Kahn-Harris, sociologist, Jewish researcher, and one of Elliott's teachers from his time at Leo Baeck College. Keith is here to talk about his new book: Everyday Jews. He argues that we should be celebrating the mundane, and not be so obsessed with the search for grander meaning.

You can find out more about Keith on his website: https://kahn-harris.org/

And you can still book for his book launch event at JW3 here: https://www.jw3.org.uk/whats-on/celebrating-everyday-jewishness-seriously-playful-evening

A reminder that on 4 March Elliott will be recording another episode with Rabbi Kath Vardi – a Q&A about the stories they have been studying together from the Talmud. If you have any questions for the two of them, please email: allelseis@alyth.org.uk – either as text or you can send us a voice note if you want to hear your voice on the podcast. You can also join the conversation on Facebook or Bluesky.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else is Commentary.

All Else is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coming Up on All Else is Commentary

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

We’re taking a break from regular episodes this week, but we wanted to take this opportunity to tell you about some of the exciting things that are coming up.

In particular, in March we welcome back Rabbi Kath Vardi for a Q & A about rabbinic power in the Talmud – and it is not too late to submit your questions for that. You can write to allelseis@alyth.org.uk – or join the conversation on Facebook, or Bluesky. We would really love to hear your questions.

This week, Elliott will be teaching a session as part of the Progressive Judaism Education Hub, about Rabbi Dr Leo Baeck (President of Alyth 1946-1956). You can sign up to attend these Zoom sessions here.

Next week: Elliott speaks to Keith Kahn-Harris about his new book, Everyday Jews.

All Else is Commentary is brought you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ritzpah - with Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

This week, Elliott is joined by Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen, rabbi, podcaster, and academic, to talk about the biblical character of Ritzpah. They talk about the story of this courageous woman, its biblical context, and how it is relevant to politics today.

You can follow the story on Sefaria by clicking here.

You can find out more about Rabbi Robyn's podcast, 'Rabbiting On' (which she co-hosts with Rabbi Miriam Berger and Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers) by clicking here.

Next week we are taking a break – there won’t be a full podcast, but we will be posting a short episode with details of what is coming up over the next few months. In particular, a reminder that on 4 March Elliott will be recording another episode with Rabbi Kath Vardi – a Q&A about the stories we have been studying together from the Talmud. If you have any questions for the two of us, please email: allelseis@alyth.org.uk – either as text or you can send us a voice note if you want to hear your voice on the podcast. You can also join the conversation on Facebook page, and we have just arrived on Bluesky, so please head over there to give us a follow as well.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else is Commentary.

All Else is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Progressive Sermons of the Last 50 Years: The Falklands Crisis - with Rabbi Colin Eimer

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 09:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we are moving away from the texts of the ancient Jewish world, and jumping to the twentieth century. Elliott speaks to Rabbi Colin Eimer about a sermon he gave back in 1982, at the height of the Falklands Crisis. They talk about the context in which the sermon was given and how we go about writing our sermons. We think about what remains relevant today, and also how this sermon might have been different if it had been delivered in 2025.

If you want to read Rabbi Colin's sermon, including some explanatory footnotes, click here.

If you have any comments or questions, or if there is a sermon that you remember that you would love us to talk about, please be in touch with us at allelseis@alyth.org.uk – we would love to hear from you. You can also join the conversation on our Facebook page, and we have just arrived on Bluesky, so please head over there to give us a follow as well.

Next week, we are going back into the Hebrew Bible – Elliott is joined by Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen to talk about the figure of Ritzpah.

All Else is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Talmud, Emmanuel Levinas, and Messianic Times – with Rabbi Daniel Lichman

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Elliott sits down with Rabbi Daniel Lichman to talk about a particular Talmudic reading by the French Jewish philosopher, Emmanuel Levinas. They talk about the question of when to expect the messiah, and what we are being called to do during these extreme times.

If you want to read the section of Levinas's work that Elliott and Daniel are talking about, you can find it here.

If you have any comments or questions, or if there are parts of the Jewish rabbinic or philosophical tradition you would love us to talk about, please be in touch with us at allelseis@alyth.org.uk. You can also join the discussion on our Facebook page, and on Bluesky. We would love to hear from you.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Next Week: Elliott sits down with his colleague, Rabbi Colin Eimer, to talk about a sermon that Rabbi Colin gave in 1982 at the height of the Falklands Crisis. They will be discussing the context in which the sermon was given, who rabbis talk to about their sermons, and what might be different about that sermon today.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rabbinic Power in the Talmud, part 4 - with Rabbi Kath Vardi

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 05:00:11 GMT

This episode is the second part of Elliott's discussion with Rabbi Kath Vardi about the legend of Rabbi Yochanan and Reish Lakish. Together they address the human desire for autonomy, the Rabbis' use and abuse of Scripture, and whether the rabbis really like the idea of disagreement.

Click here to read the legend on Sefaria.org.

This is Elliott's last discussion with Rabbi Kath until the beginning of March, when they will be back with a special Question and Answer episode - so please email in your questions to: allelseis@alyth.org.uk. You can send it either as a text email or as a voice note. We would really love to hear from you.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Next week we are back to weekly episodes coming out on a Monday. We are sticking with the Talmud, but the next episode will be very, very different. I’ll be speaking to Rabbi Daniel Lichman about a particular reading of the Talmud by the philosopher Emmanual Levinas, and the way in which we conceive of the Jewish messiah.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rabbinic Power in the Talmud, Part 3 - with Rabbi Kath Vardi

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 05:00:29 GMT

In this episode, Rabbi Kath Vardi returns for a discussion about one of the most famous stories in the Babylonian Talmud: the legend of Rabbi Yochanan and Reish Lakish.

We were hoping to get through the whole episode in one sitting, but time got the better of us, so we will be bringing out Part 2 of this episode on Thursday.

Click here to read the legend on Sefaria.org.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rabbis who kill with their eyes

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:00:02 GMT

All Else Is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas from a curious, progressive and critical perspective, hosted by Rabbi Elliott Karstadt.

In this special solo episode, Elliott delves into legends from the Talmud in which rabbis kill with their eyes, and considers what it says about rabbinic power, and whether there is a possibility that – in a small way at least – the rabbis are laughing at themselves.

Click here for a source sheet to accompany this episode.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Next time: Rabbi Kath is back, as we consider another story about Rabbi Yochanan, this time it will be the famous story of Rabbi Yochanan and his relationship with Reish Lakish.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Devorah and Yael - with Student Rabbi Yael Tischler

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 05:00:15 GMT

All Else Is Commentary is a new podcast of Jewish ideas from a curious, progressive and critical perspective, hosted by Rabbi Elliott Karstadt.

In this episode, Elliott is once again joined by Kohenet Yael Tischler, who is a student rabbi in her fourth year at Leo Baeck College in London. After the last two episodes, Elliott asked Yael if they could talk about some women who fought back. Yael thought about it, and these were the two women she chose: Devorah and Yael.

Click here for a source sheet with the texts they discuss in this episode. If you want to follow the story on Sefaria, click here.

Next week, Rabbi Kath Vardi returns for another conversation about rabbinic power dynamics. Before that, on Thursday, a solo episode from Elliott on a related subject he recently taught about at Limmud: Rabbis who kill with their eyes.

If you have any comments or questions, or if there are any biblical stories or any biblical women you would love us to talk about, please be in touch with us at allelseis@alyth.org.uk – we would love to hear from you.

You can also now join the conversation on Facebook and Bluesky.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

She'ilah bat Yiftach - with Student Rabbi Yael Tischler

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 05:00:05 GMT

All Else Is Commentary is a new podcast of Jewish ideas from a curious, progressive and critical perspective, hosted by Rabbi Elliott Karstadt.

In this episode, Elliott is once again joined by Kohenet Yael Tischler, who is a student rabbi in her fourth year at Leo Baeck College in London. They discuss the story of She'ilah, the daughter of Yiftach, who is sacrificed by her own father after he makes a frivilous vow to God. They talk about the way in which her story has been told and retold, and why it’s important to us today.

Click here for a source sheet with the texts they discuss in this episode.

To find out more about Dirshuni, the collection of modern midrashim that is mentioned in this episode, click this link: https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/distributed/D/bo156863971.html

If you have any comments or questions, or if there are any biblical stories you would love Elliott to talk about, please be in touch with us at allelseis@alyth.org.uk – we would love to hear from you.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shelomit bat Dibri - with Student Rabbi Yael Tischler

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 05:00:33 GMT

All Else Is Commentary is a new podcast of Jewish ideas from a curious, progressive and critical perspective, hosted by Rabbi Elliott Karstadt.

In this episode, Elliott is joined by Kohenet Yael Tischler, who is a student rabbi in her fourth year at Leo Baeck College in London. They discuss the story of Shelomit bat Dibri, the only woman to be named in the book of Leviticus. They talk about the way in which her story has been told and retold, and why it’s important to us today.

Click here for a source sheet with all the texts they discuss in this episode.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rabbinic Power in the Talmud, part 2 - with Rabbi Kath Vardi

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 05:00:23 GMT

All Else Is Commentary is a new podcast of Jewish ideas from a curious, progressive and critical perspective, hosted by Rabbi Elliott Karstadt.

In this episode, Elliott is again joined by Rabbi Kath Vardi, in the second episode looking at rabbinic legends in the Babylonian Talmud - legends that cause us to reflect on the power of the rabbis and the boundaries they put in place around learning. This week, Elliott and Kath read the story of Rabbi Eliezer, who is excommunicated by the other rabbis. It’s a story about what happens when an individual challenges the majority, and as ever there is much to learn for our contemporary lives.

Click here to read the legend on Sefaria.org.

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

Next time: Elliott is joined by Student Rabbi Yael Tischler, and they will be discussing the only woman to be named in the Book of Leviticus: Shelomit bat Dibri.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rabbinic Power in the Talmud, Part 1 - with Rabbi Kath Vardi

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 05:00:08 GMT

All Else Is Commentary is a new podcast of Jewish ideas from a curious, progressive and critical perspective, hosted by Rabbi Elliott Karstadt.

In this episode, Elliott is joined by Rabbi Kath Vardi, in the first in a series of episodes looking at rabbinic legends in the Babylonian Talmud - legends that cause us to reflect on the power of the rabbis and the boundaries they put in place around learning. This week, Elliott and Kath read the story of Rabbi Yehoshua and Rabban Gamliel. It’s a story about what happens when individual leaders can become too powerful; it’s about the way in which we can get stuck when we put narrow limits on who can learn and who can be involved in decision-making; and it’s a profound commentary on how communities should operate and thrive (or not).

Click here to read the legend on Sefaria.org.

If you are heading back to this episode for an explanation of what the Talmud is, there's a time stamp for that!

1:48: What is the Talmud?

If there are people in your life who you think would be interested, please tell them about All Else Is Commentary.

All Else Is Commentary is brought to you by Alyth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toby Lloyd

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 05:00:32 GMT

This is the very first episode of All Else is Commentary, a new podcast of Jewish ideas from a curious, progressive and critical perspective and presented by Rabbi Elliott Karstadt, and in this first episode he is joined by the author, Toby Lloyd, to talk about his highly acclaimed new book, Fervour, described by Jonathan Coe as 'A fearless look into the dark heart of family politics' and by the New York Times as 'Magnificent, indelible [...] a lasting allegory of our dark historical time.' It’s a book full of Jewish references from biblical stories to the Zohar. Elliott and Toby talk about all those, and they also get into issues of antisemitism and mental health.

You can find out more about Toby's book here: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/toby-lloyd/fervour/9781399724616/

There will be more discussions like this in the future. A reminder of what we have coming up: I’m excited to speak to the lawyer Anthony Julius about his new book on the biblical figure of Abraham. I’m going to be discussing with Rabbi Kath Vardi the way in which the rabbis of the Talmud drew boundaries around learning, and Rabbi Professor Deborah Kahn-Harris and I are in the process of recording a four-part series on the Book of Ruth.

If you have enjoyed this episode and want to know more about what’s coming up, you can visit our website (https://www.alyth.org.uk/learn-us/adult-learning/all-else-is-commentary/), and you can get in touch with Elliott at allelseis@alyth.org.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing All Else is Commentary

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 05:00:11 GMT

All Else is Commentary is a podcast of Jewish ideas, hosted by Rabbi Elliott Karstadt. Elliott is part of the rabbinic team at Alyth Synagogue in London. In this podcast, he is joined by other rabbis, writers and academics to delve into texts as diverse as the Hebrew Bible and the Talmud, to contemporary Jewish novels. All Else is Commentary takes deep dives into Jewish texts, considering how they responded to the times in which they were written, as well as what they might say to us today about what it means to live in the world. This is the ideal podcast for anyone who wants to eplore Jewish texts and Jewish ideas from a curious, progressive and critical perspective.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.