Living Our Beliefs

Episode 62.
Esteemed scholar Dr. Amir Hussain, Professor of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles), author of five books, and immediate past President of the American Academy of Religion (AAR) joins me for a lively discussion of the contemporary Muslim experience in North America. Despite the presence of Muslims arrived in the US in the first slave ships, the long history of participation in American society has gone unnoticed and unappreciated. Certainly, since the September 11 terrorist attack and now again with the war in Gaza, Muslims have been subject to harassment and Islamophobia. Many such acts of hate are motivated by inaccurate and misguided assumptions about Muslims, who they are and what they believe. The day-to-day life is not all bad nor is it the same in every place. Amir and I cover these and other topic in this engaging conversation.


Highlights:
·       Diversity within American Islam, including ethnic and sectarian differences
·       Cooperation and understanding between different religious groups in the U.S.
·       Stereotypes within the Muslim and Jewish communities
·       Coexistence, integration, and blending into society for minority communities
·       Misperceptions about Islam and Muslims
·       Importance of education in changing perceptions and the need for diverse Muslim representation

Social Media links for Amir: 
Loyola Marymount University – http://faculty.lmu.edu/amirhussain/
American Academy of Religion (AAR), Immediate Past President – American Academy of Religion

Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271


Transcript: 


Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. 


Comments?  Questions? Email  Méli at – info@talkingwithgodproject.org
 

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Episode 61. 
Rabba Sally Shore-Wittenberg and Anastasia Solberg join me  for a compelling discussion about Psalm 105, one of Rabbi Nachman’s ten Psalms for General Remedy. Using different translations, we delve into its connection to the Passover story and the roles of Joseph and Moses. Themes include  seeking divine intervention, the power of individuals in the face of challenges, and the symbolic implications of seeking God's presence. 

Highlights:
·       Plagues struck Egypt, leading to Israel's exodus.
·       Role of key figures Joseph and Moses.
·       Desperate cry from the pit of despair.
·       Personal agency and divine intervention.
·       Meaning of "seeking God's face".

Books and People Referenced in this episode:
·       Ten Psalms for General Remedy, according to Rabbi Nachman –
        Psalms 16, 32, 41, 42, 59, 77, 90, 105, 137, 150
·       Robert Alter, The Book of Psalms 

·       Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, 1808-1888

·       Gaya Aranoff Bernstein, Psalmsongs 

·       Koren Weekday Siddur (Rabbi Jonathan Sacks translation)

·       Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav, 1772-1810

 
Social Media links for the guests:
Rabba Sally Shore-Wittenberg, Kerhonkson Synagogue – https://www.kerhonksonsynagogue.org
Anastasia Solberg, The Music Institute of Sullivan and Ulster Counties, Ellenville NY – https://misucatskills.org/

 
Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271


Transcript:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/14549506-exploring-psalm-105-r-sally-shore-wittenberg-anastasia-solberg-meli-solomon

Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. Hearing about how Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, offer new ideas and questions:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there a practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. 

Comments?  Questions? Email  Méli – info@talkingwithgodproject.org
 

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Episode 60.
Bec’s many strands of deep Jewish beliefs and practice in Reconstructionist Judaism are woven through her creative expressions. Inspired during her rabbinic school years, she has since become a soferet (Torah scribe) and potter. She has also become a mother. Contrary to many people’s complaints about stress and conflicts between differing aspects of their lives, for Bec her scribal arts, pottery, and parenting feed each other, adding much richness and creative outlets to her life. Tune in to learn about the inspiration and experience, and how that creativity is inherently accessible, healing, and liberatory. 

Highlights:
·       Steeped in the Reconstructionist community since childhood.
·       Repairing Torah scrolls involves energy and intention.
·       Bringing Torah to life through hands-on experiences.
·       Living a life that is sacred, creative, connected to nature, and intertwined with others.
·       The impact of gender on Bec's work as a female scribe.
·       Integration of pottery, rabbinical studies, being a soferet, and motherhood.
·       Reconstructionist Judaism values tradition but welcomes evolution.

Social Media links for Bec:
Website – https://www.kotevetstudios.com/ 

Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271


Transcript: 


Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. 


Comments?  Questions? Email  Méli at – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Episode 59.
The Green Sabbath Project, founded by Jonathan Schorsch in 2019, promotes the concept and ritual of a weekly earth day. Taking a day of rest for yourself and the environment is eminently reflective of the sabbath. Although Jonathan draws from his Jewish heritage, the Green Sabbath Project intentionally avoids promoting any particular religious beliefs or language. Jonathan sees potential learning between religious and non-religious people in connecting the values of a weekly day of rest and reducing the impact on the environment. Taking on this practice is both a simple action and a very flexible practice with deep benefits.


Highlights:
·       The Green Sabbath Project aims to promote sustainable living through practices inspired by the principles of Shabbat.
·       The project avoids religious language to appeal to a wider audience and promote ecological consciousness.
·       People need guidance, incentives to act sustainably and step off the hamster wheel.
·       The project has three parts: education, gatherings, and encouraging people to observe Green Sabbaths.
·       Promoting sustainable living and ecological thinking as complementary to religious and spiritual approaches.
·       We need to re-think how we eat, shop, work, and relate to the environment. 

Social Media links for Jonathan:
Website – https://www.greensabbathproject.net
Website – https://www.jassberlin.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-schorsch-a27630276
University of Potsdam – https://www.juedischetheologie-unipotsdam.de/en/chairs/jewish-religious-and-intellectual-history/prof-dr-jonathan-schorsch


Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271


Transcript:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/14372271


Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. 


Comments?  Questions? Email  Méli at – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Episode 58.
Rev. Dr. Terrlyn Curry Avery, a pastologist (ordained minister and licensed psychologist), TEDx speaker, and author, joins me to talk about her second book Dismantling Racism: Healing Separation from the Inside Out. Packed with stories of anti-racism and ways to increase one’s sacred intelligence, Dismantling Racism proved a rich and engaging topic for our conversation. Terrlyn shares her ideas on the intersection of sacred motive, self-ish mindset and shared movement. We can each contribute something to this critical personal and communal work. Quoting the bible’s Scroll of Esther, she notes that “You were born for such a time as this.” Tune in for inspiration!


Highlights:
·       Sacred Motive, Self-ish Mindset and Shared Movement
·       Tear down harmful systems and increase racial equity
·       Focus on continual growth, incorporate small actions into your life.
·       BREATHE: Breathe, Reflect, Engage, Adjust, Heal
·       Breath as a connection to the Divine, to the sacred.
·       Acknowledge and use the anger of injustice and connect with others in a loving way.
·       Learn, ask questions, and listen for the wisdom.


References:
Robin Diangelo – White Fragility: Why it’s so Hard for White People to Talk About Racism

Social Media links for Terrlyn:
Sacred Intelligence – www.sacredintelligence.com

Dismantle Racism Movement – www.dismantleracismmovement.com

TEDx Speaker: Wounded by Religion

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/terrlyncurryavery

Instagram – revdrtlc

Twitter – RevDrTLC

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-terrlyn-l-curry-avery/

Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271


Transcript:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/14286736-dismantling-racism-rev-dr-terrlyn-curry-avery


Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. 


Comments?  Questions? Email  Méli at – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Episode 57.
As an American Reform Rabbi who made Aliyah (moved to Israel) about a year ago with her family, she has found herself in an all-too-real Israel. Her lifelong liberal leaning into the Ruach (spirit) and not the war of the prayer she grew up with, has been shattered. Discovering that both spirit and war is necessary has been humbling. That said, joining the ranks of volunteers, in her case doing agricultural work near the Gaza border, has reconnected her with the original vision of Israel. Moreover, being swept up in the national spirit has been like nothing she’s ever experienced. On a spiritual level, she has found both yoga and the ancient words of the Shabbat service to be grounding.

Highlights:
·       Amidah prayer evokes unity and solidarity.

·       Individual spirituality, synagogue community, and national spirit.

·       National spirit and sense of togetherness and resilience.

·       Finding light and hope in times of trauma.

·       Intensified Jewishness and Israeliness since October 7th.

Social Media links for Tara: 
Website – https://talkingpeace.org.il

Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271


Transcript:   https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/14211730


Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. 


Comments?  Questions? Email  Méli at – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Episode 56.
Ever since Esther picked up the Torah in high school, she has been curious about the missing bits of scripture which bridge decades of many men’s lives and most women altogether. Her love for stories led her to imagine possible stories to fill those gaps in Torah. With scripture as inspiration, Esther’s historical fiction writing is a process of wonder and discovery. Figures and narrative turns appear seemingly unbidden in her mind. Her newest novel, The Scrolls of Deborah, is the life-story of Deborah, the nurse maid of Rebekah. A large family network surrounds those two central figures, expanding our sense of Rebekah’s family and life. By filling in the narrative gaps, Esther brings these distant biblical figures alive, giving the contemporary reader an opportunity to imagine life in biblical times.  

The Scrolls of Deborah is the first of a trilogy, and will be released in February 2024, though it is currently available for pre-order anywhere you buy your books.

Highlights:
- Raised Conservative and now follows Traditional Jewish practices her own way. 

- Imagination and creation of stories

- Connection between breath and faith

- Calls the Divine Ya, a shortened form of the Name – YHVH – normally pronounced Adonai

- Incorporates belief into daily life through breath practice

- The moon is an important celestial connection to divinity

- Daily life influenced by the Torah

 References:
Anita Diamond – The Red Tent

Sue Monk Kidd – The Book of Longings

Did Jesus Have a Baby Sister? – Dory Previn song covered by Sweet Honey in the Rock and others

Social Media links for Esther:
Website – https://www.esthergoldenberg.com

Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271


Transcript:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/14144469


Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. 


Comments?  Questions? Email  Méli at – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Episode 55.
The Friends of Sia'h Shalom seeks to strengthen ties between Jerusalem-based Sia’h Shalom and the North American Jewish community. Sia’h Shalom Circles in North American cities bring together diverse and highly divided groups of Jews, both lay leaders and rabbis, creating spaces for listening and spiritual growth in the increasingly polarized North. American Jewish landscape.

As co-director of the Friends of Sia'h Shalom Rabbi Tara Feldman speaks from the heart and head about the vital importance of “conversing across polarities”  in Israel. Though recorded prior to the current Israel/Hamas war, her message and that of Sia'h Shalom are always relevant and timely messages. Tara and her husband and co-director Meir believe that speaking and listening in peace is the root, the soil and sun, the water the light and air, that has the power to help solve even our most intractable challenges.

Highlights:
·       Sia’h Shalom fosters dialogue and healing through listening,  encouraging dialogue and unity.
·       Diverse views within Jewish communities need understanding.
·       Dialogues empower leaders, raise issues, and build unity despite painful interactions and brokenness. 
·       Tara would feel despair over inability to bridge political divides without the conversation circles “conversing across polarities”.
·       The program explores modalities, similarities, and cross-border dialogue.

Social Media links for Sia’h Shalom: 
Website – https://talkingpeace.org.il


Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271


Transcript:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/14061117   


Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. 


Comments?  Questions? Email  Méli at – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Episode 54.
Since his childhood in Los Angeles, Daniel has lived in various parts of the U.S. as well as in Israel, Italy, and Germany. In each place, Daniel has enriched his Jewish practice by familiarizing himself with the local language and traditions, including trope (the melodies used to chant the Torah and other parts of the Bible in synagogue services). Another expression of his curiosity about histories and cultures is through writing liturgical texts and prayers. Daniel also taps into his lifelong fascination with the weather in order to get to know, and respond to, a place. For instance, upon moving to Arizona, he found a connection between that desert climate and Israel, inspiring him to write a new prayer for the Southwest’s summer rainy season, which he linked directly to a Torah portion read each year in June or July. In these and other ways, different aspects of his identity – including being an Ashkenazi Jew and American – reinforce one another.

Highlights:
- For Daniel, Jewish identity is grounded through food, sounds, texts, and melodies, not a particular denomination.
- Daniel values the use of different languages and melodies in synagogue services.
- He writes liturgy and enjoys exploring new elements of holidays and other aspects of Jewish tradition.
- Living in various countries has facilitated exposure to different forms of Jewish practice.
- Learning about the weather in a new home prompted the composition of new Jewish liturgy, such as Daniel’s prayer for the Southwest Monsoon after moving to Arizona.
- Exposure to different Jewish narratives in Berlin expanded Daniel’s knowledge of German-Jewish history beyond the Holocaust.

Social Media links for Daniel:   
Shofarot – https://ritualwell.org/ritual/shofarot-tripartite-proposal
American Kaddish – https://www.tikkun.org/tikkundaily/2018/11/02/an-american-kaddish/
“New Simanim for a New Year (5781) – https://ritualwell.org/ritual/new-simanim-new-year-5781/
Monsoon prayer – https://ritualwell.org/ritual/tefillat-ha-monsoon-prayer-southwest-monsoon
“Praying for the Monsoon: An Arizona Liturgical Adventure” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lLGR-TBgSI
Homage to the Italian Jewish tradition (and Purim) – https://youtu.be/-njuXO2sqso

Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271

Transcript:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/14024564

Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise.  

Comments?  Questions? Email  Méli at – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Episode 53.  
Abdur-Rahman, a Muslim raised in Karachi Pakistan, he currently  lives in three countries, carrying the richness of his interreligious extended family and early experience of adjusting to various cultural environments. Fortified by these formative years and his years in marketing, Abdur-Rahman is creating a book called Prophetic Persuasion. Using words of four prophets from the Abrahamic faiths, he stresses the value of common messages through which people can influence others and establish a moral compass. In conversation, we explore the challenges of bringing such sources into the workplace and how to balance uniqueness of vision and need to find common ground among other things. 

A note from my guest, Abdur-Rahman: “Meli and I approached our conversation with caution given the backdrop of the escalating Israel-Palestine war. I fear I was too cautious in distancing myself from the conflict. While some things are complex, others are simple. We must continue to seek dialogue while also speaking for justice and for peace.”


Highlights:

·       Prophetic Persuasion elements derived from biblical and Quranic prophets:  Moses, Jesus, Joseph, and Mohammed

·       Framework: listen, give, connect, imagine, invite, love. 

·       Enriching lives and providing a moral compass in the business world 

·       Challenges of discussing faith in the workplace

·       Business application of the ‘Listen before you speak’ principle.

·       Risk of selectively interpreting scriptures and traditions

·       Different interpretations based on proximity to the source

Social Media links for Abdur-Rahman Syed:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdurrahmansyed
Website – www.propheticpersuasion.org

Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271


Transcript:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/13937937


Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. 


Comments?  Questions? Email  Méli at – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Episode 52.
Rabbi Molly Karp was raised with both the message she could do anything, and the Orthodox Jewish day school's many restrictions for girls. Added to this was time in nature, on Israeli kibbutzim, and in Judaic Studies courses. Her passion and skills with Jewish education were apparent early on and she has dedicated most of her professional life to that work. She has also acquired rabbinic ordination and been a congregational rabbi. Doing things in her own way and not according to a denominational “party platform” is important to her. Teaching in her own program – SAJE: Senior Adult Jewish Education – allows for that. In her experience, adults know what they want to learn and her job is to teach them in the best way she can.


Highlights:
00:11:45 Historical realization, Jewish diversity, childcare on kibbutz
00:19:06 Reform religious school --> raising kids --> therapy --> Jewish mindfulness program --> embracing role as a rabbi.
00:21:20 Formed SAJE after the Jewish Federation ended WAJE. Jewish adult education, Montessori-inspired.
00:30:48 Diversity in Jewish beliefs and practices continues.
00:35:23 Center of Torah: Love others as yourself.
00:37:57 "Embrace Jewish roots, be the change."
00:40:29 Common reactions to my identity as a rabbi are  the person's self-criticism and their grievances against Judaism.

Social Media links for Rabbi Molly Karp:
Website – www.rabbimollykarp.com
Email –  rabbimollykarp@gmail.com

Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271


Transcript:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/13846558


Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. 


Comments?  Questions? Email  Méli at – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Episode 51.
My friend and fellow podcaster, Beatriz Nour, takes the helm for this special episode. Beatriz normally hosts her In-betweenish podcast, a wonderful show all about people, like herself, who inhabit multiple cultures. For this episode, we have switched roles, and talk about my personal faith path, sorting out my sexuality, choosing Judaism and deepening my practice. It was fascinating to be a guest on my own show and be asked questions I had never considered.

Highlights:
00:06:12 Didn't connect with Christianity, explored Jewish faith.
00:09:17 Multiple major life changes caused turmoil.
00:13:33 Parents saw lesbianism as hard but acceptable.
00:23:34 Religious freedom is important; misuse is common.
00:26:31 Talking with God Project started in Berlin, 2014.
00:30:12 Unique experience being part of German synagogue.
00:31:28 Active member of an egalitarian conservative synagogue with female rabbi; anchor for social life, learning, and Jewish practice.

Social Media links for Beatriz at inbetweenish:
Website – https://www.inbetweenish.net/
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0CeFBE0vLq00T67HRa38ugv
Apple – htps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inbetweenish/id1595556530?mt=2&ls=1
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/inbetweenish.pod/

Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271


Transcript:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/13762300


Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. 


Comments?  Questions? Email  Méli at – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Episode 50.
Woman of Valor is Lynne Golodner’s first published novel after six non-fiction books and two poetry collections. This engaging story lets us into the rewarding and complex life of Sally, who took on the Orthodox Judaism of her grandparents. Happily married to Barry and a mother to three young children, she leads a full and contented life, but trouble arrives unexpectedly. In this episode, Lynne talks about Woman of Valor, how the story draws on her own life experiences, authors that inspire her, and her writing in general.

Highlights:
00:05:15 Grew up as a Reform Jew, then became Orthodox, and now affiliates as a Conservative Jew.
00:07:16 Religion structures, spirituality personalizes; community versus individual.
00:10:14 Believe in yourself, accept criticism, revise.
00:20:15 Religious experiences and cooking shaped her life.
00:27:31 Normalize conversation about sexuality; remove stigma
00:32:23 Inspiring authors build series, endure and evolve.

Social Media links for Lynne: 
Website – https://lynnegolodner.com
Your People website – https://yourppl.com
Scotia Road Books – https://scotiaroadbooks.com
Make Meaning podcast – www.makemeaning.org
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lynnegolodner/
Substack – https://lynnegolodnerauthor.substack.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LynneGolo/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnegolodner/

Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271


Transcript:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/13675304


Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. 


Comments?  Questions? Email  Méli at – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Episode 49.
Mona grew up in Texas in the 1980s, the only veiled Muslim girl throughout her school years.  Her faith and immigrant family was seen as strange and unknown, yet she was dedicated to her faith, even starting to veil by seven years old, which is earlier than required.  Despite or perhaps because of this extreme minority experience, Mona has dedicated her life to education, most passionate about teaching youth about Islam, and helping them to develop good characters grounded in Islam.  She takes pride in the long list of courses and books she has created, while acknowledging that future generations will approach life differently than her generation has, due to the increased social diversity, among other things. 


Highlights:
00:06:26 Identity struggles as a young Muslim in Texas.
00:11:29 Courses for adolescents in Southeast Houston, including religious and secular subjects, taught for 20 years.
00:23:16 Youth work challenges and solutions during COVID.
00:30:02 Multicultural center helps refugee kids access programming.
00:34:46 Religion not welcome in public schools, diversity encouraged.
00:40:32 Young people navigate future with right decisions.
00:42:43 Focus on common ground, appreciate differences.

Social Media links for Mona:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmonaislam/
Website – Dr.MonaIslam.com
Facebook, personal – https://www.facebook.com/mona.islam.9619/
Facebook, professional – https://www.facebook.com/dr.monaislam22/
MCC Texas – https://www.facebook.com/MCCTexas
Multicultural Center – https://www.multiculturalcenter.net/
Rabata – https://www.rabata.org/board-of-directors/
The Islamic Seminary of America – https://islamicseminary.us/

Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271


Transcript:   https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/13586018-teaching-youth-about-islam-dr-mona-islam


Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. 


Comments?  Email  Méli – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Episode 48.
As a columnist (The New York Times, the Daily Beast and elsewhere), speaker, published author, recovering attorney and practicing Muslim, Wajahat Ali brings a sharp eye and thoughtful commentary to the issue of religion in our modern world, especially the USA. The current political dissension and aggressive efforts by the right wing and Christian nationalists to impose their values regarding education and health care on all Americans, as well as the ceding of religion by liberals, raises critical issues. In this lively discussion we address a few of the related challenges, including religious liberty and illiteracy, religion as a cocoon against modernity, how to bridge the divides, and the role of fear in driving antagonism and protectionism. Discussing these issue and how religion plays a role is timely.

Highlights:
00:04:00 Post-9/11, Muslims face discrimination and fear.
00:17:30 White Supremacy fuels bigotry against Jews, Muslims.
00:23:36 Traditions and identities shaping multicultural society.
00:28:28 Living in fear activates stress, impairs judgment, and turns people inward, selfish, and ignorant. Privileged individuals fear the gays and trans community, forgetting they face the same hate. Religion can act as a cocoon, but also as a sword against perceived enemies.
00:35:33 Take control of your actions and intentions.
00:41:06 Religious weakness of liberals and Democrats explained.
00:48:33 Intentionality in Islam leads to selfless love.

References:
Mallory McMorrow, Democratic State Senator (Michigan) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLWo8B1R0MY

Social Media links for Wajahat:
Website – https://www.wajali.com
NY Times opinion piece, 23 June 2023 – https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/23/opinion/lgbtq-muslims.html?searchResultPosition=1
NY Times opinion piece, 16 Aug. 2023  – https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/16/opinion/albuquerque-shia-sunni.html?action=click&module=RelatedLinks&pgtype=Article

Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271

Transcript: 
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/13500414


Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. 


Comments?  Email  Méli – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Episode 47.
David has traveled far, religiously speaking, from his upbringing in a largely secular Jewish home. Other than attending services at a Reform synagogue on Boston’s North Shore, there was minimal observance. Since then, he has gone through many phases, including flirting with atheism and participating in his college Hillel services, all the while maintaining the Jewish identity inherited from his parents. Over the past few years, he has found a mélange of communities. Participating in the local Chabad House and online learning with the Torah Studio satisfy his intellectual, service attendance and spiritual needs. While combining Orthodox and liberal communities is unusual, it suits David well. Besides his religious life, he is a practicing attorney in a non-profit firm and finds a meaningful connection between the law and Talmudic study, whereby both majority and minority opinions are preserved and honored. Additionally, he and his family spend as much time as possible in his wife’s native home of Mallorca, Spain, where he revels in the vibrant collection of Jews attending the one synagogue.


Highlights:
00:03:41 Rediscovering Jewish identity through college and beyond.
00:08:20 Comfortably exploring Jewish identity, politically liberal. Found fitting communities through happenstance.
00:13:22 "The bathroom thing: Strange but practical prayer"
00:23:21 Unexpected encounter leads to involvement with Chabad.
00:33:51 Supportive spouse from Spain integrates into Jewish life.
00:39:13 Judaism and law practice share connections.

Social Media links for David:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-satin-8367b92b/
Niv Magazine – https://nivmag.com/


Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271

Transcript:   https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/13460103-combining-jewish-paths-david-satin


Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. 


Comments?  Email  Méli – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Episode 46.
Having traversed the spectrum of Christian denominations – from the middle (United Methodist) to the conservative (Pentecostal) then all the way to the liberal (Unitarian Universalist) – Carlton has derived a rich and appreciative perspective on living according to Jesus’ teachings.  As he notes in the Introduction of Try My Jesus: “Anyone who invites you to try Jesus is inviting you to try their Jesus.”  Structured as a year’s worth of daily reflections, Carlton quotes from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – the four Evangelists who were contemporaries of Jesus.  He then includes his own reflections and a prompt for the reader.  These various parts for each day offer opportunities to reflect on Jesus’ teachings and how you are applying them as you take responsibility for your spiritual life.  Guiding messages are to lead a life centered in love and compassion, and that you can be fully yourself and follow the teachings of Jesus.  This is especially relevant to those on the margins of society and subject to discrimination and hate. 

Highlights:
00:08:51 Unitarian Universalism accepts diverse beliefs, including atheism.
00:10:46 Jesus is a child of God, like us.
00:15:48 Love, civil rights, and justice shape beliefs.
00:20:24 Summary: Four gospels highlight Jesus' teachings, audience includes marginalized and those seeking love.
00:26:08 Gospels ordered, structure carefully maintained, consistent reading.
00:30:36 Relying on myself, not religious leaders.
00:40:42 Seek within, find integrity, embrace love.

Social Media links for Carlton: 
Website – trymyjesus.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/trymyjesus
Instagram – carlton.e.smith19

Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271

Transcript:    https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/13379521

Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. 


Comments?  Email  Méli – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Episode 45.
In this second conversation with Mookie, we expanded the discussion of diversity and the ways he embodies his Catholic faith. The two main areas are his tattoos that manage to marry his Filipino and Catholic identities, and his pilgrimage in August
2022 on the Camino de Santiago.

Highlights:
00:04:39 Diversity and race in the US.

00:13:34 The guest’s tattoo and its symbolism, including references to his Christian faith and Filipino heritage. The tattoo represents creation, crucifixion, and the concept of redemption and healing.

00:21:53 Camino de Santiago: A meaningful, diverse pilgrimage.

00:36:48 The Camino reminded him of lost hopes and dreams and brought back a sense of purpose. 

References:
Isabel Wilkerson, Caste – https://www.isabelwilkerson.com/
US Census through the Decades – https://www.census.gov/data-tools/demo/race/MREAD_1790_2010.html
Camino de Santiago – https://followthecamino.com/en/camino-de-santiago-routes/

Social Media links for Mookie: 
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mookie-manalili/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mr.man.of.lily/

Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271


Transcript:    https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/13298063-embodying-faith-tattoos-and-pilgrimage-mookie-manalili

Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. 

Comments?  Email  Méli – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Episode 44.
As a psychotherapist, professor and researcher, Mookie believes in attending to the whole person. For him, this care includes his Catholic practice. For his clients, faith or root beliefs might also be included. Mookie has arrived at his philosophy of therapy and groundedness in Catholicism through a circuitous route. Born in the Philippines, raised in California, followed by graduate studies and work over a multi-stage eastward journey across the US, he has landed at Boston College, a Jesuit institution where he has found a home. Each place has had its own Catholicism, from the pink-habited nuns in the Philippines to the Chicano inflection in California and the more stoic version in Boston, while remaining part of the same Church. Despite traversing many communities, he still lives by the values of his childhood – caring for the whole person, with special attention to those at the margins and those who have suffered injustices.

Highlights:
00:05:01 Catholicism shaped and challenged Mookie’s faith journey.
00:06:31 Catholicism's different expressions, faith, and justice.
00:10:43 Mookie’s journey of darkness and light.
00:24:31 Integration of culture, faith, and therapy in practice.
00:37:31 Embodied, sacramental nature of things: Catholic faith.

References:
·       Dorothy Day, The Long Loneliness
·       Thomas Merton, No Man is an Island
·       Catholic Worker – https://catholicworker.org/
·       Ignatian Spirituality – https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/

 
Social Media links for Mookie: 
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mookie-manalili/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mr.man.of.lily/

Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271


Transcript:    https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/13213541

Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. 


Comments?  Email  Méli – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Episode 43.
Zachary Davis, a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or Mormons), has been deeply involved in producing podcasts and other media about religion. In this Bonus episode, we discuss the role of religion in the public sphere. He talks about the importance of bringing your whole self into the community, and makes the distinction between scholarly work and devotional practice. Part of his own public expression of his faith is through the various podcasts and publications he produces and manages, including the Ministry of Ideas podcast and Faith Matters magazine.


Highlights:
·       Zach’s first HarvardX work with professors at Harvard Divinity School led to years of ‘swimming in religion’ and thinking more deeply about the role of faith. 

·       The Ministry of Ideas podcast and Faith Matters magazine are both vehicles for discussing religion in the public sphere.

·       The separation of church and state really means not establishing a state religion.

·       Scholarship on religion and religious devotional practice are two different things, and not at odds. 

·       The US is a unique country, given the diversity of religions. Living together peaceably and respectfully is important.  

·       Attending services and reading the holy scriptures of other religions are ways we can each learn about other paths.

Social Media links for Zachary: 
Website – https://www.zacharystevendavis.com/about
Ministry of Ideas podcast – https://www.ministryofideas.org/about/
Faith Matters – https://faithmatters.org/about/
Wayfare Magazine –http://wayfaremagazine.org/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/zacharysdavis
Note: The Ministry of Ideas podcast and Wayfare magazine are both vehicles for discussing religion in the public sphere.


Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271

Transcript:    https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/13129045-bonus-religion-in-the-public-sphere-with-zachary-davis


Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. 


Comments?  Email  Méli – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/