Ep 223: Humanity in the Arts with Ranelle Wolf and guest Tobi Rubinstein on hmTv

Episode 223 – Humanity in the Arts with Tobi Rubenstein

In this inspiring episode of Humanity in the Arts, host Ranelle Wolf welcomes Tobi Rubenstein—rabbi, author, and fashion industry veteran—for a fascinating conversation on the fusion of faith and fashion. Known as the founder of The House of Faith and Fashion and author of The House of Faith and Fashion and Hot and Holy, Tobi shares how clothing, creativity, and Torah intersect to reveal beauty, dignity, and divine purpose.

Together, Ranelle and Tobi explore the empowerment of women, the misunderstood role of modesty in Judaism, and how faith can transform fashion from vanity into spiritual expression. From Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis’s influence to biblical dress codes, from animal prints as divine design to modern interfaith collaborations, this episode highlights how creativity and spirituality can coexist and uplift.

Listeners will be inspired to embrace their individuality, stop dimming their light, and see art, style, and faith as powerful tools for healing and empowerment.

Transcript

Humanity in the Arts – Episode 223

Host: Ranelle Wolf
Guest: Tobi Rubenstein

Ranelle Wolf:
Hello, and thank you for joining us here at Humanity in the Arts, part of Humanity Matters at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center. My podcast is always about humanity through art, and today is truly special for me.

I have the honor of introducing a woman who embodies empowerment, creativity, and spiritual leadership: Rebbetzin Rabbi Tobi Rubenstein. She not only empowers the divine feminine, but later in life became a rabbi—merging her deep faith with her lifelong career in fashion. Welcome, Tobi.

Tobi Rubenstein:
Thank you, Ranelle. And I like all those titles—you’re right, I wear a lot of hats!

Ranelle:
You are so special to me for many reasons. As an art professor, I always emphasize the women missing from the Western canon. Their stories make art and culture richer, deeper, and more powerful. And Tobi, you embody that spirit.

This is personal for me too. My late mother was an interior designer in the Five Towns. She always admired Esther Jungreis—how she dressed, how she spoke, how she lived with beauty and spirituality. She spoke of her constantly. I feel my mother is here in the room with us today, watching me introduce you—because you carry that same blend of wisdom, style, and faith.

So Tobi, tell us about the power of women, and how you built this unique fusion of faith and fashion.

Tobi:
First, I have to say you moved me by mentioning Rebbetzin Jungreis. She was one of the most influential women in my life. I even wrote an essay about her in my book. She brought Judaism forward through a woman’s vision. To see her fill Madison Square Garden and command such presence—she was a powerhouse.

So to be mentioned in the same breath as her is humbling. She showed me that fashion, presence, and spirituality are not opposites—they can uplift one another.

Ranelle:
Yes, and I feel it’s no accident we met. Women often dim their light because of betrayal or judgment. But you remind us: don’t dim your light. Instead, raise it. Your work heals us—it’s medicine.

Tobi:
Thank you. That’s why I created The House of Faith and Fashion. On the surface, faith and fashion seem like opposites—one sacred, one vain. But I’ve spent decades in the fashion world, and I also carry a life in Torah. For me, they belong together. From God’s creation of the first animal patterns, to the high priest’s garments described in the Torah, to the beauty of vestments across faiths—fashion is an expression of spirit.

Ranelle:
Yes. And I remember your book—it reads like a conversation. You even talk about being voted “Most Likely to Shop” in high school!

Tobi:
(Laughs) Yes, that’s true! It was meant as a put-down, but I embraced it. For me, fabric and clothing were my paintbrushes. They became my art form, my way of expressing creativity.

Ranelle:
Exactly. Just like a canvas, textiles can be a medium for truth and power. In your writing, even animal prints become symbolic—leopard as protection, for instance.

Tobi:
Yes. I once joked that everyone should have an animal print in their wardrobe. When asked who invented leopard print, I said, “God!” Designers have been copying God’s atelier since creation. And that’s really the point—fashion at its best reflects the divine.

Ranelle:
That is so profound. And you’ve carried this mission into spaces that might surprise people—like your work with St. Thomas University, a Catholic institution, where you teach faith and fashion.

Tobi:
Yes, it’s been extraordinary. I went from frustration at not seeing Judaism represented in an exhibit at the Met, to finding freedom to speak about faith and fashion at a Catholic university. To me, that’s God’s sense of humor!

Ranelle:
Beautiful. You also remind us that modesty in Judaism is not repression—it’s majesty. We are daughters of the King.

Tobi:
Exactly. God gave us a dress code because we are royal. Like the Mona Lisa, we are priceless and protected. Dignity and modesty elevate us, they don’t diminish us.

Ranelle:
And you bring such clarity about feminism too—that women in Judaism are not second-class citizens.

Tobi:
Absolutely not. People misunderstand. Our mitzvot are just as valuable—sometimes more concentrated, like one perfect diamond instead of ten smaller ones. We don’t need to imitate men to be equal. We are different, and that’s our strength.

Ranelle:
That’s such a powerful message. And you embody it—not only through words, but through your books. Could you share them with us?

Tobi:
Of course. My first book is The House of Faith and Fashion: What My Wardrobe Taught Me About God. My second is Hot and Holy, which expands into interfaith exploration—Christianity, Islam, Hinduism—and how fashion intersects with each tradition. They’re both collections of essays that connect spirit and style.

Ranelle:
You truly are a Renaissance woman—faith, fashion, art, Torah, and creativity all woven together. You show us how beauty and spirituality can coexist.

Before we close, Tobi, how can listeners reach you?

Tobi:
You can find me at houseoffaithandfashion.com or on Amazon, where my books are available. I’m also on Instagram, and you can watch my TED Talk on YouTube to really understand my mission.

Ranelle:
Wonderful. Tobi, thank you for being with us today. You’ve given us wisdom, light, and healing through creativity.

And to our listeners: never dull your light. Be creative, keep creating, and let art, fashion, and faith guide you to healing and wholeness.

I’m your host, Ranelle Wolf. Thank you for joining us on Humanity in the Arts.

[Music fades out]