In this inaugural episode of 'TOTO: Two Rabbis, Three Opinions', Rabbis Barry Diamond and Ari Averbach discuss the purpose of their podcast, which aims to address rising antisemitism, the complexities surrounding Israel and Zionism, and the importance of open dialogue within the Jewish community. They introduce the book 'Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew' as a starting point for discussions and invite community members to engage in meaningful conversations about these pressing issues.

Buy the book

Amazon

Abe Books (Independent)

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Its Purpose

02:52 Addressing Antisemitism and Community Challenges

06:07 The Book: Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew

08:52 Engaging the Community in Discussion

11:42 Conclusion and Future Conversations

In this episode of Two Rabbis, Three Opinions, Rabbis Barry Diamond and Ari Averbach welcome Rachel Holtzman, the credited book collaborator (“book doula”) for Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew by Emmanuel Acho and Noa Tishby.

Together they explore:

• How the book came to be — from Emmanuel Acho’s original “Uncomfortable Conversations” series to his collaboration with Noa Tishby, and why the title itself became a reclamation of the word “Jew.”
• The whirlwind process of writing and publishing the book in under a year after October 7th, balancing urgency with accuracy and integrity.
• Rachel’s unique role navigating two strong voices, sensitive topics, and extensive research to create an accessible, conversational text for both Jewish and non-Jewish readers.
• Key themes of the book — bridging divides, confronting assumptions, validating Jewish identity, and equipping readers to speak about Judaism, Zionism, and antisemitism with confidence and nuance.
• How to use the book as a springboard for meaningful dialogue in congregations, classrooms, interfaith spaces, and even family conversations.

Rachel also shares how the project reshaped her own Jewish identity and offers practical wisdom on allyship, self-awareness, and showing up authentically as Jews in everyday life.

Listen in for a rich, behind-the-scenes look at a book designed not just to inform but to spark the “uncomfortable” conversations our communities most need.

Keywords

Judaism, Jewish identity, Tikkun Olam, cultural Judaism, conversion, Jewish movements, gratitude, diversity, humanism, community

Summary

In this episode of TOTO: Two Rabbis, Three Opinions, Rabbi Barry Diamond and Ari Averbach explore the complexities of Jewish identity, culture, and observance. They discuss the four pillars of Judaism, the challenges of cultural identity in a modern world, and the importance of Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world. The conversation also touches on the evolution of Jewish practices, the diversity within Judaism, and the role of gratitude in daily life. The rabbis emphasize the need for ongoing dialogue within the Jewish community and with other communities, especially in the face of contemporary challenges.

Rabbi Barry Diamond - www.AdatElohim.org

Rabbi Ari Averbach - www.TempleEtzChayim.org

Chapters

00:00 Welcome

03:06 Understanding Jewish Identity and Labels

05:15 The Four Pillars of Judaism

08:20 Tikkun Olam and Social Justice in Judaism

11:06 Conversion to Judaism: The Process and Perspectives

13:56 Exploring the Nature of Jewishness

17:01 The Diversity of Jewish Movements

20:01 Historical Context of Reform and Conservative Judaism

23:02 The Future of Jewish Identity and Movements

24:41 Navigating Modern Jewish Identity

26:48 Evolution of Jewish Practices

28:55 Gratitude and Awareness in Judaism

31:43 Jewish Humanism and Cultural Identity

37:17 Cultural Judaism in a Diverse World

43:03 Tikkun Olam and Social Justice

47:39 Struggles of Community and Identity

49:21 Introduction to the Rabbis' Perspectives

49:22 Exploring Community and Faith