Episodes

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Phil Cohen discusses his podcast series, “The Rabbi Podcast,” featuring interviews with Israeli rabbis, exploring the state of religious life in Israel, the impact of recent events like October 7th, and the future of progressive Judaism in the region. Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast Now Available on Roku Streaming Service You can add the Jewish Sacred Aging TV channel to your Roku streaming subscription by visit...

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Irit Chapnick, founder and director of the grief counseling website, DiscoveryThroughGrief.com, shares her journey through grief following her son’s suicide, exploring creative and movement-based healing methods, the importance of rituals, and the power of love and community in the grieving process. Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast Now Available on Roku Streaming Service You can add the Jewish Sacred Aging TV channel t...

On this rebroadcast episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, originally aired May 31, 2024, Rabbi Dalia Marx, Ph.D., the Rabbi Aaron D. Panken Professor of Liturgy and Midrash at HUC-JIR’s Taube Family Campus in Jerusalem, discusses her new book, From Time to Time, Journeys in the Jewish Calendar. Time is fundamental to the human experience, and in Judaism it is even more—time is sanctified. Understanding the Jewish calendar is thus essential for fully comprehending Judaism. In Fr...

In this encore episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, originally broadcast April 11, 2025, Rabbi Richard Address engages with Rabbi Amy Schwartzman, senior rabbi of Temple Rodef Shalom, Falls Church, VA, and Rabbi Matthew Soffer, senior rabbi of Judea Reform Congregation, Durham, NC, to explore the significance of Passover in the context of current events. They discuss how this year’s Seder will resonate deeply with themes of oppression, resistance, and hope, reflecting on perso...

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address speaks with Sam Simon, who shares his journey with Alzheimer’s disease through his one-man play, “Dementia Man.” The conversation explores the challenges of living with dementia, the importance of finding meaning in life despite the diagnosis, and the resources available for support. Sam emphasizes the need to change the narrative around dementia and advocates for a positive outlook on aging and cognitive disorde...

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, we are reposting a conversation from May 2019 with Rabbi Andrea L. Weiss, Ph.D., the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Provost at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR), Cincinnati. Rabbi Weiss died March 3, 2026. “Rabbi Weiss has been a transformative presence at Hebrew Union College for more than two decades,” said HUC-JIR President Andrew Rehfeld, Ph.D. “Her scholarship, vision, and fierce commitment to t...

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address interviews Rabbi Jon Cutler about his new project, the New Jew Podcast. They discuss the changing landscape of Judaism, the importance of welcoming non-Jews into the community, and the challenges faced by the Jewish community today, including rising antisemitism and the need for innovative approaches to engagement and education. The conversation emphasizes the significance of storytelling in understanding the Jew...

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address speaks with Carol Steinberg about her book, Come Grandpa Meow, Let’s Fly, which addresses the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease through an intergenerational lens. They discuss the personal impact of Alzheimer’s on families, the importance of early diagnosis, and the need for support for caregivers. The conversation highlights the significance of maintaining connections and engaging in meaningful activities with...

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address engages in a profound discussion with Rabbis Doug Kohn and Leah Cohen-Tenenbaum, co-authors of the book Striving to be Human: Jewish Perspectives on 21st Century Challenges. The conversation delves into the motivations behind the book, which emerged from a serendipitous meeting at a CCAR conference. The authors explore the pressing issues of the 21st century, emphasizing the need for a reflective pause in a rapi...

In this episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address welcomes back Dr. Robert Singer, a prominent cardiologist, to discuss heart health, particularly relevant as February is Heart Health Month. They delve into the importance of cholesterol management, specifically the role of statins and emerging markers like lipoprotein(a) and apoprotein B, which are gaining traction in Europe but are not yet standard in the U.S. Dr. Singer emphasizes the need for awareness regarding th...

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address welcomes Rabbi Michael Zedek to discuss his new book, People Are Like: Stories for Young Readers and Readers Who Wish to Stay Young. The conversation explores the joy of storytelling, particularly in the context of teaching and connecting with younger generations. Rabbi Zedek shares insights on the importance of stories in conveying moral lessons and fostering empathy, drawing from his experiences as a rabbi and ...

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address engages with Rabbi Dr. Simcha Raphael to explore the rich tapestry of Jewish beliefs surrounding the afterlife, particularly through the lens of Yiddish folklore. Reb Simcha’s newest book is Spirits, Ghosts, & Dybbuks: Afterlife Journeys in Yiddish Lore They discuss the significance of spirits, ghosts, and dybbuks, the role of rituals in mourning, and the reclamation of lost traditions in modern Judaism. The conv...

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address speaks with Rabbi Ben Newman about the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) for clergy. Rabbi Newman’s new book is AI for Clergy: Harnessing the Power of the Digital Golem for Spiritual Leadership, Community Organization, and Sacred Service, a practical and spiritual guide for ministers, rabbis, imams, and chaplains navigating the age of artificial intelligence. Rabbi Newman discusses the definition of A...

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address and Dr. Stephen Post, author of Pure Unlimited Love: Science and the Seven Paths to Inner Peace explore the profound themes of love and kindness, particularly in the context of today’s world. They discuss the essence of pure love, the importance of kindness in everyday interactions, and the need for a spiritual renewal that emphasizes shared humanity. Dr. Post shares personal stories and insights from his exper...

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address explores the profound journey of caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, as shared by Rabbi Deborah Hachen. She reflects on her experiences with her husband Peter, discussing the emotional and practical challenges of caregiving, the impact of COVID-19, and the importance of community support. The dialogue also delves into themes of faith, spirituality, and the healing power of poetry in processing gr...

On this week’s encore episode from February 21, 2025, Prof. Michael Meyer of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, the Reform rabbinical seminary, discusses his new book, Above All, We are Jews, a biography of Rabbi Alexander Schindler, who served as president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (today’s Union for Reform Judaism) from 1973 to 1996. About the book You can purchase this book at the CCAR Press website, or at Amazon by clicking on the book image below. Rabb...

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address explores the multifaceted nature of caregiving with Barry Jacobs and Julia Meyer, co-authors of the AARP Caregiver Answer Book. Jacobs and Meyer discuss the emotional, financial, and spiritual challenges faced by caregivers, emphasizing the importance of planning, support systems, and self-compassion. Barry and Julia also provide insights into the complexities of caregiving, including long-distance care, end-of-...

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address engages with Rabbis Laura Geller and Beth Lieberman about their book, Moments That Matter, which explores the transitions of midlife and beyond. They discuss the definition of elderhood, the importance of rituals in navigating life’s changes, and the concept of “Renewment” as a positive alternative to retirement. The conversation also addresses the loneliness crisis among older adults and emphasizes the signifi...

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address speaks with Dr. Benjamin Corn, the founding director of the Institute for the Study of Hope, Dignity, and Well-being. They explore the concept of hope, its components, and how it can be cultivated as a skill. Dr. Corn discusses the importance of hope in various contexts, including personal health, community engagement, and spirituality. The conversation also touches on the role of family and cultural influences o...

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address explores the profound journey of caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, as shared by Rabbi Deborah Hachen. She reflects on her experiences with her husband Peter, discussing the emotional and practical challenges of caregiving, the impact of COVID-19, and the importance of community support. The dialogue also delves into themes of faith, spirituality, and the healing power of poetry in processing gr...

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Richard Address engages in a profound conversation with Jayne Jacova Feld about the psycho-spiritual aspects of grief, particularly following the tragic loss of her son, Ravi. Jayne shares her journey of transforming grief into love, the significance of water in her healing process, and the creation of her own belief system, ‘mermaidism.’ The discussion delves into the importance of community, the power of writing, and t...

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Richard Address speaks with Dr. Alan Morinis, founder of The Mussar Institute about his book, The Shabbat Effect, which explores the transformative power of Shabbat and the practice of Mussar. They discuss the importance of self-awareness, the influence of Rabbi Perr, and the eight practices of Mussar that can enhance one’s spiritual life. The conversation emphasizes the need for spiritual growth in a modern context, add...

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address engages with Dr. Herbert Levine, author of Blessed Are You, Wondrous Universe, a prayer book exploring the intersection of Judaism, science, and spirituality. They discuss the concept of seekers in the Jewish tradition, the limitations of current religious practices, and the importance of community and music in enhancing spiritual experiences. Dr. Levine shares his vision for a non-theistic prayer book that bri...

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address speaks with Rabbi Josh Feigelson, the president and CEO of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. They discuss the demographics of the Institute, the importance of mindfulness and community, and how the organization is adapting to serve both older adults and younger generations. The conversation also touches on the need for inclusive spaces for diverse communities, the role of spiritual direction, and how current...