Honey From The Rock
Join host Bill Lipsey for inspiring conversations with Israel's most innovative spiritual leaders and entrepreneurs. Discover how the Honey Foundation is reshaping Israeli society by empowering diverse Jewish expression and building meaningful communities. From groundbreaking rabbis to community changemakers, each episode explores how spiritual entrepreneurship is creating a more open, connected Israel—for the benefit of Jews everywhere.
Honey From The Rock
"The Rabbi on a Motorcycle”: Faith, Zionism, and Finding Meaning
In this episode, Bill sits down with Rabbi Matthew Gewritz, who leads a thriving community of 2,000 families at his synagogue in New Jersey. Their conversation explores Rabbi Matt's unique journey to becoming a spiritual leader and his perspectives on Israel, Zionism, faith, and community.
Episode Highlights:
- Childhood Dreams: At just five years old, Rabbi Matt announced to his family his desire to become "a rabbi on a motorcycle" - a dream he later forgot as he pursued a career in business
- Rediscovering His Calling: When he was 23, his mother reminded him of his childhood ambition, setting him on the path to rabbinical studies
- Balancing Act: Rabbi Matt discusses maintaining a strong pro-Israel stance while leading a congregation in a predominantly liberal community
- Personal Connection: The touching story of how Rabbi Matt first fell in love with Israel and how that relationship has evolved over time
- Media Presence: How Rabbi Matt became known as "the rabbi on TV," or "Morning Joe Rabbi" often speaking on behalf of Jewish perspectives in media
- Meaning Crisis: An insightful discussion about the parallel meaning crises in Israel and America, and how Jewish communities approach these challenges differently
- Evolution of Zionism: Exploration of how Zionism served as a replacement for religion for many Israelis for years, and how both secular and religious Israelis are finding that it's not sufficient on its own anymore
- New Book: Introduction to Rabbi Matt's latest book and its central themes
Join us for this thoughtful conversation about faith, community, and finding purpose in a complex world.
Questions or comments? Send us a message bill@honeyfoundationforisrael.org
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This episode was produced and edited by thepodwaves.com