Afleveringen
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Episode 96.
Have you lived in more than one country? Do you participate in interreligious dialogue or are you interested in it? Have you studied religion or theology? Not very many people can say yes to all of these questions. But my guest, Judith Pajo can. Born in Germany, she has nevertheless lived many years both there and in the U.S., shuttling back and forth since childhood. Raised Catholic, she has also studied theology and cultural anthropology in both countries. Judith now conducts interreligious research at Pace University in New York. With these elements as our focus, Judith and I explored her peripatetic upbringing, her current scholarship on interreligious and intra-religious dialogue, and the impact of that exploration on her Catholic faith.
While this conversation was recorded weeks ago, the recent death of Pope Francis makes it particularly timely.
Highlights:
Diverse experiences of Catholicism.The impact of mobility on religious experience.Sound and light over words and other distractions. Language diversity in Catholic practice.Impact of October 7th attack on interfaith dialogue.Researcher risks and faith struggles.How interfaith dialogue reshapes religions.Research outcomes and future directions.Bio:
Judith Pajo, PhD, grew up in both Germany and the United States. She studied Catholic theology and cultural anthropology on both sides of the Atlantic and has been teaching at Pace University in New York City for over fifteen years, with shorter stints at NYU and Fordham. Her new research on interfaith dialogue among Jews, Christians, and Muslims in Europe and North America, conceived a little over a year ago, is transforming her Catholic faith as she integrates more elements from the other Abrahamic religions into her practice. She is also guiding undergraduate students in conducting interviews with individuals from diverse faith traditions. The research group itself is an interfaith initiative; no two members share the same faith, but they are discovering that they have much in common. She is currently working on an article about cultural transgressions in interfaith work. What does forgiveness look like in practice? How do we continue interfaith dialogue? Judith lives in Queens, NY.
References:
Church of the Reconciliation, BerlinSecond Vatican CouncilSuggested episode on Living Our Beliefs:
Mookie Manalili episode – Catholic lifeSocial Media and other links for Judith:
Profile at Pace University LinkedIn – Judith PajoTranscript on Buzzsprout
Social Media and other links for Méli:
Website – the Talking with God ProjectMeli’s emailLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli Solomon
Follow the podcast!The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
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Episode 95.
What comes to mind when you hear the term mysticism? Perhaps you imagine a yogi sitting cross legged in meditation, or people sitting in a circle chanting. Several religions have mystical practices, Sufism in Islam, and Zen Buddhism, for instance. Whatever the particulars, they generally share a desire to become one with the Divine and valueing of spiritual rather than intellectual understanding. Today, my guest, Lex Rofeberg, has joined me to talk about Jewish mysticism, its history, core books, challenging concepts and risks to followers. As a rabbi ordained in the Jewish Renewal movement, he is both a practitioner and critic of Jewish mysticism. Lex is co-host of the Judaism Unbound podcast and the Un-Yeshiva – a link is in the show notes. He is also an active proponent of learning from other faith traditions. In this, he shares my philosophy that learning about other paths is beneficial and does not pose a risk to your beliefs or practice.
Bio:
Lex Rofeberg (he/him) serves as senior Jewish educator for Judaism Unbound, a digital-first Jewish organization. He co-hosts and produces its weekly podcast, facilitates many of its digital rituals and events, and oversees the UnYeshiva: a digital center for Jewish learning and unlearning. He graduated from Brown University with a degree in Judaic Studies, and was ordained as a rabbi by ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal. A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lex lived for two years in Jackson, Mississippi -- working for the Institute of Southern Jewish Life -- and he currently lives in Providence, Rhode Island with his wife.
Highlights:
Embracing Jewish pop culture. Pantheism, panentheism and monotheism.Embodied worship and pantheism. Oneness and separation of the sacred and the profane.Hasidism, neo-Hasidism, and Chabad.The Zohar and Kabbalah. Reckoning with harm in by charismatic leaders.Social Media links for Lex:
Website – JudaismUnbound.comBluesky – @lexaphus.bsky.socialReferences:
Living Our Beliefs – Yusef Hayes episode on SufismLiving Our Beliefs – David Green on the Tanya and ChabadTranscript on Buzzsprout
Social Media links for Méli:
Website – the Talking with God ProjectMeli’s emailLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli Solomon
Follow the podcast!The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
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Episode 94.
Are you a Jew, Christian, or Muslim? Do you wonder about how your holiday this spring intersects with other holidays occurring at or near the same time? What do you make of that? And what does your holiday mean to you? How do you celebrate it?
In this month's reflection, I address how Ramadan, Lent, and Passover connect thematically, and in the calendar. In these tense times when so many of us are feeling anxious and distressed, we can either give into that or strive to remember what connects us to be civil and caring and, that we can learn from each other. I personally choose the latter and I'm guessing you do as well. I thought taking a few moments to look at the main themes of these holidays and the calendar of these holidays that we can, get a little relief from the exhaustion and expand, enrich our own spiritual experience.
Highlights:
Ramadan, Lent and Passover coinciding this year.Ramadan and Lent: Repentance and gratitude.Lent and Passover: Redemption and transformation.Fasting or restriction brings time and reflection.Exodus story as the foundation for both Lent and Passover.Importance of processes over time for renewal and spiritual cleansing.Bio:
I am a public scholar and interreligious leader with a keen interest in understanding the nature of similarities and differences––especially religious and cultural. The Talking with God Project is currently my main focus, and I am actively expanding its reach through workshops, articles, panels, talks and a podcast.
Raised in the Boston area, I have lived in Seattle, WA and Berlin, Germany, before returning to Boston in 2017. Carving out a varied educational and professional path, I hold a B.A. in Fine Art from Oberlin College (1984), an M.B.A. from Northeastern University (1997), a Certificate in Coaching from the International Coach Academy (2015), and a Master of Jewish Liberal Studies (MJLS) from Hebrew College with a focus on Global Interreligious Studies (2019). Professionally, I have worked as a business manager, an art dealer and founder of Solomon Fine Art gallery, language trainer, text editor, business coach and now public scholar and podcaster.
Though raised in an interfaith non-observant home. my Conservative Jewish practice and wide range of personal and professional experiences inform my research and life.
Transcript on Buzzsprout
Social Media links for Méli:
Website – the Talking with God ProjectMeli’s emailLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli Solomon
Follow the podcast!The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
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Episode 93.
Did you grow up in a highly observant home and religious community where surety of belief was the norm? Aubrey Chaves did, and much as she felt embraced by the family’s deep engagement within their Mormon congregation, or ward, when she encountered differing lifestyles that were loving and not harmful to anyone, the rightness she had always believed about the church fathers and doctrine shifted from a solid foundation to something brittle. In short, it prompted a crisis of faith. Over the many years since then, she’s spent a lot time learning and struggling with her faith, emerging with a stronger and more forgiving approach to living her beliefs. These days, her spiritual views are more complex and open, for which she is grateful.
Highlights:
Pioneer stock of Mormons on both sides of the family. Church provided an anchor and cadence for life.Crisis of faith and realizing the church had flaws and ugly history.The role of LGBTQ issues in faith reassessment.James Fowler's Stages of Faith.Missionary service as a transformative journey.Orthodoxy v. Orthodoxy.Faith redefined as love and trust.Bio:
As a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Aubrey Chaves finds deep meaning in faith, community, and the continual pursuit of spiritual growth. She serves on the executive board of the Faith Matters Foundation and co-hosts its weekly podcast with her husband, Tim. Together, they explore big questions and hope to foster expansive, thoughtful conversations that inspire curiosity, connection, and deeper engagement with faith. They live in Midway, Utah, where they are raising their four children under the beautiful snowy peaks of the Wasatch Mountains.
References:
James Fowler, Stages of FaithBrian McLaren – Faith After DoubtPew ResearchSocial Media links for Aubrey:
Website – https://faithmatters.org/Instagram – @faithmattersfoundationTranscript on Buzzsprout
Social Media links for Méli:
Website – the Talking with God ProjectMeli’s emailLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli Solomon
Follow the podcast!The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
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Episode 92.
Jews had lived in Libya since the third century BCE, but 1967 marked their final expulsion from the majority Muslim country. Raphael Luzon was a child at the time and fled with his family. Like many, they went to Italy. Overnight, his environment changed. Gone were his Jewish, Muslim and Catholic classmates. Gone was the exchange of holiday greetings with Muslim neighbors. But all was not lost. Those relationships had planted a seed, and that seed grew. Over the decades since university, Raphael has used his religious and cultural knowledge, along with his Arabic, Italian and English, to work in journalism, management, and interfaith dialogue. Within this latter sphere, he has brought high-level religious leaders like the Dalai Llama and Catholic cardinals together for constructive interfaith discussions. In this conversation, you’ll hear stories of success, disappointment and perseverance. Especially in these trying times, it's good to be reminded that connection is possible and what it takes to reach that goal.
Highlights:
Upbringing as an Orthodox Jew in Libya.Instances of "gentleman hypocrisy" and the challenges of integrity in public.Overcoming challenges and finding common ground through religious literacy, sacred texts and mutual respect.The importance of timing and recognizing when constructive dialogue can occur.Participants must be a believer and open-minded, not seeing their religion as the ‘right’ way. Ongoing initiatives like MENA 2050.Libyan unity and justice effort.Bio:
Raphael was born in Bengasi, Libya. Thrown out of Libya after a bloody pogrom during the “Six Day War”, in 1967 he moved to Rome, Italy, where he lived for 27 years. He then lived in Israel for 6 years, and for the last 24 years, he's lived in the UK.
He completed a degree in Political Science at University of Rome, then worked for 16 years in diplomacy dealing with Organization, Press and Information, Commercial and Economics, and Administration. He was also a press correspondent in Italy, for Israeli newspapers and media, including Maariv and Hadashot and the Israeli Radio Galei Zahal. In Israel Raphael was active in journalism & management. He has also worked for some years as a producer of RAI, Italian TV and I managed to build up the Jerusalem office.
Raphael was as Manager of a company dealing with Judaica items, books, crafts and silver gifts. He is currently a freelance journalist and analyst regarding the Middle East and Arab world.
Raphael’s major interests include politics, movies, reading, opera, oriental music, travelling, computers and interfaith dialogue.
Social Media links for Raphael:
Website – https://rluzon.netTranscript on Buzzsprout
Social Media links for Méli:
Website – the Talking with God ProjectMeli’s emailLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli Solomon
Follow the podcast!The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
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Episode 91.
In this episode, I delve into the complex intersection of personal faith and public roles. I reflect on my recent conversation with Chris Stevenson, founder of the National Museum of American Religion, who chooses to leave his Mormon faith outside the museum to maintain an inclusive environment. I also explore the balance between personal religious identity, intention, and situational appropriateness, sharing my experience of being Jewish in Germany and interacting with diverse cultures and traditions. I highlight the importance of respectful dialogue and awareness, drawing connections to the observance of Ramadan and the values it emphasizes, such as mindfulness and community.
Bio:
I am a public scholar and interreligious leader with a keen interest in understanding the nature of similarities and differences––especially religious and cultural. The Talking with God Project is currently my main focus, and I am actively expanding its reach through workshops, articles, panels, talks and a podcast.
Raised in the Boston area, I have lived in Seattle, WA and Berlin, Germany, before returning to Boston in 2017. Carving out a varied educational and professional path, I hold a B.A. in Fine Art from Oberlin College (1984), an M.B.A. from Northeastern University (1997), a Certificate in Coaching from the International Coach Academy (2015), and a Master of Jewish Liberal Studies (MJLS) from Hebrew College with a focus on Global Interreligious Studies (2019). Professionally, I have worked as a business manager, an art dealer and founder of Solomon Fine Art gallery, language trainer, text editor, business coach and now public scholar and podcaster.
Though raised in an interfaith non-observant home. my Conservative Jewish practice and wide range of personal and professional experiences inform my research and life.
Resources:
Chris Stevenson podcast episode
National Museum of American Religion
Zeyneb Sayilgan blog
The Big Kahuna movie
Transcript on Buzzsprout
Social Media links for Méli:
Website – the Talking with God ProjectMeli’s emailLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli Solomon
Follow the podcast!The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
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Episode 90.
Are you a museum goer? Are you interested in the history of religion in America? Is religious freedom in America important to you? If you answered yes to any of those questions, today’s episode will speak to you. Chris Stevenson has been developing the National Museum of American Religion for 15 years. Currently a digital-first project, Chris and his team began the Religion in the American Experience podcast as a stepping-stone to exhibits. They are also talking about a traveling exhibit. The key questions are: What has America done to religion and what has religion done to America?
Highlights:
· Religious freedom in America
· the National Museum of American Religion project
· Religion in the American Experience podcast
· Smithsonian vs. private structure
· Mobile museum: religion's pandemic journey
· Exploring positive lived religion
Bio:
Chris has worked as a teacher, systems engineer, and consultant. He has a B.S. in applied physics and Masters degrees in education and agricultural engineering. His passion is buttressing civil society, and in 2000 he founded the non-profit Community Levee Association. After that he founded America’s Quilt of Faith, Faith2SelfGovern, then the National Museum of American Religion project.
References:
Harvard University Pluralism Project, founded by Prof. Diana EckArticle 6 of the US Constitution 1st Amendment of the US ConstitutionSocial Media links for Chris:
National Museum of American ReligionReligion in the American Experience FacebookInstagramX (Formerly Twitter)LinkedInTranscript on Buzzsprout
More Episodes with Mormons:
Margaret AgardZachary DavisRick BennettSocial Media links for Méli:
Website – the Talking with God ProjectMeli’s emailLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli Solomon
Follow the podcast!The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
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Episode 89.
Every culture has its food, and in America, each immigrant group has contributed to the bounty of culinary options––from Italian pizza to Jewish delis and much more. Muslims are no different. What this group has brought, however, is a wide array of foods, since Muslims hail from many countries. My guest today, Shahed Amanullah, a renowned entrepreneur, created a short list of restaurants that offered halal food in 1998. What began as a simple list for himself and his Muslim friends, has grown into a juggernaut. Now an app called Zabihah, it is the world’s first global halal restaurant discovery and delivery platform, including 14,000 locations in the U.S. and 50,000 worldwide. In this conversation, Shahed and I cover many aspects of the halal food scene, and the parallels with Jewish kosher laws among other things.
Highlights:
Halal food as a symbol of Muslim presence in America.Defining Halal and Zabiha.Variations in halal observance among Muslims.Halal as both a spiritual and communal expression.Evolving Halal standards debate.Shared principles and practice between halal and kosher traditions.Eco-Kosher and organic principles in halal practices.Spirituality of Food in Islam.Bio:
Shahed Amanullah is an accomplished entrepreneur, product developer, and investor/mentor for early-stage startups. He is the founder of Zabihah, the world’s first global halal restaurant discovery and delivery platform, and serves as Managing Director of Elian Capital, a private equity fund manager and investment advisor based in San Antonio. Shahed holds a BS in Engineering from UC Berkeley and an MBA from Georgetown University.
Website Twitter Facebook InstagramLinkedIn
Social Media links for Shahed:
Transcript on BuzzsproutMore Episodes with Muslims:
Bonus. Understanding the American Muslim Experience (Dr. Amir Hussain)Religious Pluralism vs. White Supremacy in America Today – Wajahat AliHow to be Visibly Muslim in the US Government – Fatima PashaeiSocial Media links for Méli:
Website – the Talking with God ProjectMeli’s emailLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli Solomon
Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
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Episode 88.
This episode is in memory of the passengers and crew of the DC and Philadelphia plane crashes and my friend Karen Hirschfeld. May their memories be for a blessing.
This is the first of a new Reflection series. They will be short monthly episodes, opportunities to share my thoughts about recent episodes, things I’ve written or read and whatever else seems relevant.
Highlights:
· Explanation of the new reflection series format.
· Criticism of Project 2025 and current administration’s dismantling of the federal government.
· Comments on White Christian Nationalism and White Supremacy concerns.
· Focus on spheres of influence and readiness to act.
· Four practical suggestions for increasing understanding of others.
Bio
I am a public scholar and interreligious leader with a keen interest in understanding the nature of similarities and differences––especially religious and cultural. The Talking with God Project is currently my main focus, and I am actively expanding its reach through workshops, articles, panels, talks and a podcast.
Raised in the Boston area, I have lived in Seattle, WA and Berlin, Germany, before returning to Boston in 2017. Carving out a varied educational and professional path, I hold a B.A. in Fine Art from Oberlin College (1984), an M.B.A. from Northeastern University (1997), a Certificate in Coaching from the International Coach Academy (2015), and a Master of Jewish Liberal Studies (MJLS) from Hebrew College with a focus on Global Interreligious Studies (2019). Professionally, I have worked as a business manager, an art dealer and founder of Solomon Fine Art gallery, language trainer, text editor, business coach and now public scholar and podcaster.
Though raised in an interfaith non-observant home. my Conservative Jewish practice and wide range of personal and professional experiences inform my research and life.
Transcript on Buzzsprout
Social Media links for Méli:
Website – Talking with God ProjectNEW Substack posts
Méli's Email – [email protected]
LinkedIn – Meli Solomon
Facebook – Meli Solomon
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.The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
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Episode 87.
The timing of this Bonus episode is auspicious given the recent debate regarding learning about the history of race in America, the book bans, and the current administration’s aim to eliminate the federal department of education. While each of these issues are complex and engage different issues, they share the matter of understanding our history – all of it. And our history leads into what we do today. As part of my ongoing encouragement to know each other’s faith and religion, Rick Bennett, host of the Gospel Tangents, a Mormon History podcast, has joined me to talk about the many splinter groups within the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-Day Saints, otherwise known as the LDS church or the Mormons. Whatever you might think or know about this church, I encourage you to listen with an open mind and heart. Rick is a passionate researcher and brings humor and curiosity to his work.
Highlights:
· Mormon splinter groups.· Joseph Smith: synchronizing the Old Testament and New Testament
· Religions are seen as cults at their beginning.
· Common miracles today.
· Studies on faith healings and the placebo effect.
· Succession, polygamy and theological disagreements.
· The LDS church as the “One True Church”.
Bio:
Rick Bennett is the host of the Gospel Tangents, a Mormon History podcast. He is an expert on various Mormon schismatic groups, presenting at the Mormon History Association, and other Mormon history groups. He is an academic authenticity advisor at Western Governors University and teaches math and statistics at Utah Valley University. Rick holds a Master of Statistics Degree from the University of Utah. He has worked as a research biostatistician in the fields of Dermatology and Traumatic Brian Injuries and works in the network television/cable T.V. industries as a sports statistician.
Social Media links for Rick:
Website – https://gospeltangents.com
YouTube – https://youtube.com/gospeltangents
Patreon – https://patreon.com/gospeltangents
Transcript on BuzzsproutMore Episodes with Mormons:
Shane Adamson
Margaret Agard
Zachary Davis
Social Media links for Méli:Website – the Talking with God Project
Meli’s email
LinkedIn – Meli Solomon
Facebook – Meli Solomon
Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
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Episode 86.
Several big international changes have occurred since the last episode was released on the 9th of January. America witnessed another peaceful transfer of power, though it was immediately followed by some executive orders that are anything but peaceful, and Israeli hostages were exchanged for Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire. These small steps are part of much longer national journeys that will affect many people for years to come.Today’s guest, Dan Miller––professor, co-host of the Straight White American Jesus podcast, and former evangelical pastor––has stepped out of his usual discussion of White Christian Nationalism in America to talk with me about his own personal faith journey. Over the years of observance and theological training, Dan has shifted from believer to critic, though he is back in a church community. You’ll hear many reminders of why thinking deeply and critically is so valuable.
Highlights:
· Complex Identity and Faith Transformation· Evangelicalism: Biblical Authority and Social Conservatism
· Leaving Evangelicalism for Social Justice
· Biblical contradictions and complexity
· Justice and Jesus of Nazareth
· “All we can do is the next right thing.”
Social Media link for Dan:
Website – Straight White American Jesus
Email – [email protected]
Transcript on Buzzsprout
More episodes with Evangelicals:
Cathy Sirvatka
Kelly Baader
Social Media links for Méli:
Website – Talking with God Project
LinkedIn – Meli Solomon
Facebook – Meli Solomon
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 – [email protected]The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
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Episode 85.
As the new secular year begins, along with the incoming presidential administration, it’s a good time to hear a shortened version of my conversation with the esteemed journalist and speaker Wajahat Ali. Given the dominance of White Christian Nationalism and the debate about immigration, Wajahat’s Sunni Muslim American identity and his family’s Pakistani immigrant history, make him an ideal partner to talk about religious pluralism in America today. In this conversation we explore the challenges minorities face as well as the fears, hate and discomfort that drive the antagonism and protectionism of White Supremacy. But our conversation is not completely dark. Wajahat raises reasons for hope and steps we can each take towards a brighter future of dignity and freedom.
Highlights:
· White Christian Nationalism.
· Balancing group identity and assimilation; history and modernity; religion and secularism.
· Suburban communities' fear despite material abundance.
· Progressives ceded spirituality to the right.
· Stand for dignity, freedom; reject hate-driven leadership.
· Steps of awareness, intention, and action for individual contributions.
Bio:
Wajahat is a New York Times contributing op-ed writer and Daily Beast columnist, public speaker, and recovering attorney. He also regularly appears on cable news and radio to discuss politics, religion, foreign policy and culture. Wajahat often speaks on the multifaceted American experience, covering our growing need for cultural unity, racial diversity, and inclusion. Additionally, he has published his first book Go Back To Where You Came From: And, Other Helpful Recommendations on Becoming American.Wajahat grew up in the Bay Area, California to Pakistani immigrant parents. He graduated from UC Berkeley with an English major and became a licensed attorney. He knows what it feels like to be the token minority in the classroom and the darkest person in a boardroom. He is married and the father of three kids.
Social Media links for Wajahat:
Website – https://www.wajali.comNY Times opinion piece, 23 June 2023
NY Times opinion piece, 16 Aug. 2023
Transcript on Buzzsprout
More episodes with Muslims:
Saiyyidah Zaidi
Prianka Alam
Dr. Amir Hussain
Social Media links for Méli:
Website – Talking with God Project
LinkedIn – Meli Solomon
Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices.The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
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Episode 84.
This week is the Jewish holiday of Chanukah which celebrates light in the dark days of winter. It is a time of contrasts and turning. Our candles add light in the darkness as we appreciate the slow turning towards longer days. In that spirit, this conversation explores another kind of opposites and turning – immersing in the mikveh as a way for a Jew to mark a transition.Haviva Ner-David, an American Jew who has lived in Israel more than half her life. She is the founding rabbi of Shmaya: A Mikveh for Mind, Body, and Soul. Located in northern Israel, it is the only mikveh in Israel that allows people to immerse as they choose. Haviva talks about the biblical sources of the mikveh, her long standing passion for this ritual, and the many uses of the mikveh, reaching far beyond the monthly practice for Orthodox women after their menstrual periods. Each reason for immersing in the living waters of the mikveh marks a transition or celebrates a milestone in life.
Bio:
Rabbi Dr. Haviva Ner-David is a rabbi, author, spiritual companion, and activist. She is the founding rabbi of Shmaya: A Mikveh for Mind, Body, and Soul, the only mikveh in Israel open to all humans to immerse as they choose. Her books include three memoirs, two novels, and a children’s book. As a spiritual companion, she works with people of all faiths. Haviva was ordained privately by an Orthodox rabbi and institutionally by the One Spirit Interfaith-Interspiritual Seminary. Haviva lives with FSHD, a form of muscular dystrophy, which has been her greatest life challenge and teacher. She and her life partner, Jacob, have seven children. Her activism takes various forms, including building Arab-Jewish partnership in the Galilee, where she lives.Highlights:
· Biblical sources for Mikvah
· Shmaya, a unique Mikvah in Israel
· Immersion as spiritual practice and ritual process
· Practical elements of the process
· Intentionality and Kavannah
References:
Rising Tide Open Waters Mikveh Network – https://www.mayyimhayyim.org/risingtide/Social Media links for Haviva:
Website – https://rabbihaviva.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/haviva.nerdavid.1
Blog on the Times of Israel – https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/author/haviva-ner-david/
Transcript on Buzzsprout
More episodes with Jews outside the U.S.:
Jonathan Schorsch, Germany
Dr. Lindsay Simmonds, UK
David Levin-Kruss, IsraelSocial Media links for Méli:
Website – Talking with God Project
LinkedIn – Meli Solomon
Facebook – Meli Solomon
Follow the podcast!The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
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Episode 83.
Is someone in your family an immigrant? Or are you yourself an immigrant? Are you visibly a member of a race or religion? And how do these markers of identity affect your work life and general sense of belonging?In this conversation we explore the complexities of her life experience – being part of an extended family of mixed cultures and religions, being visibly Muslim at work, the 9/11 terrorist attack, and a bit about Christmas, perfect in the run up to that holiday.
Bio:
Fatima Pashaei, an American-born Muslim woman, has worked for the Federal government for the last 25 years. She is currently President of Mosaic - Muslim Federal Employee Association, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, which supports Muslims serving in the executive branch of government. Fatima is passionate about creating inclusive workplaces for people of all faith backgrounds. Fatima grew up in Washington, DC. with her six siblings, the daughter of an Iranian immigrant father and American mother, who instilled in her the value of service to others. Fatima lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, two sons, hairless cat, and rescue dog.
Highlights:
· Shia, a minority Islamic sect globally, but the majority in Iran.· Mother's conversion to Islam and integration of mixed cultural practices.
· Focus on broad Muslim identity rather than sectarian differences.
· Witnessed 9/11 attacks; felt impact on the Pentagon.
· Uncomfortable incidents with derogatory comments about Middle Eastern and Iraqi backgrounds.
· The challenge of being a woman in a male-dominated workforce and a Muslim in a non-Muslim area.
· Positive work experiences and cultural understanding moments.
· Christmas celebration – family time and cookies
· Jesus (Isa in Arabic) as prophet in Islam who performs miracles.
Social Media links for Fatima:
LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/fatima-pashaei
Instagram – @fatipash
Mosaic (Muslim Federal Employee Association) – www.mosaicfeds.org
More episodes with Muslim:Abdur-Rahman Syed
Nayma Tasnim Islam
Katrina Kincade
Social Media links for Méli:
Website – Talking with God Project
LinkedIn – Meli Solomon
Facebook – Meli Solomon
Transcript on Buzzsprout
Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices.
The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
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Episode 82.
'Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name'. These opening words of the Lord’s Prayer from the Christian tradition, provide a salve for Will Berry when times are hard, and he doesn’t have words. As a paramedic for 14 years, these moments are not infrequent.Today’s episode is the second half of our conversation, where we talk about God, prayer, and the power of using ancient words.
Highlights:
00:00 God's vastness complements intimate personal presence.04:56 The profound impact of the Church community and teachings.
08:53 Pragmatic preaching that blends scripture and life.
10:02 Ancient traditions need modern practical relevance.
15:34 Kneeling in prayer brings powerful surrender.
18:02 Reflecting on humanity prevents emotional detachment.
21:01 Bring heavenly beauty and power to earth.
Bio:
Will Berry has been in EMS for 14 years. He currently works as a flight paramedic in North Carolina, but has spent the majority of his career as a paramedic on an ambulance responding to 911 calls in a busy city. He has been a Christian since a young age and is heavily influenced by his faith and spiritual journey. He is married and is the father to two young girls. In addition to working in EMS he has been a whitewater rafting guide, ski patroller, and wilderness guide in the rocky mountains.
Social Media links for Will:
Instagram – @emscast
EMSCast podcast (co-hosted with Ross Orpet)
Social Media links for Méli:
Website – Talking with God Project
LinkedIn – Meli Solomon
Facebook – Meli Solomon
Transcript on Buzzsprout
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 – [email protected]
The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
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Episode 81.
When you are swamped by tragedy and darkness, when all you are seeing is broken and the worst that society has to offer, what does your faith offer you? For Will Berry, a paramedic for 14 years, his Christian faith provides a loving God, and the presence of light in the situation, perhaps his own God-given skills and ability are the light in the darkness.
This is the first half of my conversation with Will. The second half will be released in two weeks.
Highlights:
· Will Berry's religious background – core beliefs and changing denominations· The tension between the theoretical understanding of faith and real-world challenges.
· God is all-powerful; faith bridges the mysterious gaps.
· Being compassionate and attentive in emergencies.
· Handling chaotic situations involving crime, addiction, and mental health.
· The role of faith in providing light in dark situations – being an instrument of light and hope
Bio:
Will Berry has been in EMS for 14 years. He currently works as a flight paramedic in North Carolina, but has spent the majority of his career as a paramedic on an ambulance responding to 911 calls in a busy city. He has been a Christian since a young age and is heavily influenced by his faith and spiritual journey. He is married and is the father to two young girls. In addition to working in EMS he has been a whitewater rafting guide, ski patroller, and wilderness guide in the rocky mountains.
Social Media links for Will:
Instagram – @emscast
EMSCast podcast (co-hosted with Ross Orpet)
Social Media links for Méli:
Website – Talking with God Project
LinkedIn – Meli Solomon
Facebook – Meli Solomon
Transcript in Buzzsprout
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 – [email protected]
The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
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Episode 80. Bonus.
Wedding ceremonies are universal and central to many religious and cultural groups. But they vary widely. In this conversation with four guests from different religious traditions – Judaism, Mormonism, Islam and the Baha'i faith – we explore the role of the officiant, who that is, the role of the Divine, contracts and other things. This conversation grew out of the Elevate Podcasting summit hosted by BYU Broadcasting. Steve Perry, host of their In Good Faith podcast, has joined me in co-hosting this discussion.
Highlights:
· Is a religious leader required?· Role of the Divine in wedding ceremonies
· Marriage contracts
· Cultural and religious
· Till death do us part or for eternity
References:
Islamic marriage contract – Khutbah Nikah
Jewish marriage contract – Ketubah
Jewish Ketubah examples – Ketubah.com
Sharon Brous – The Amen Effect
Social Media links for guests:
Steve Perry, co-host – In Good Faith podcast
Uzma Jafri – Mommying While Muslim podcast
Uzma Jafri, Instagram – @mommyingwhilemuslimpodcast
Uzma Jafri – Mommying While Muslim website
Nava Kavelin – Podcrushed podcast
Lex Rofeberg – Judaism Unbound podcast
Carl Youngblood – Mormon Transhumanist Association website
Are Ancient Religions Relevant Today?Three Jews Explore Psalm 105
Social Media links for Méli:
Website – Talking with God Project
LinkedIn – Meli Solomon
Facebook – Meli Solomon
Transcript on Buzzsprout
Other episodes with groups:Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices.
The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
-
Episode 79.
In this conversation, Cassidy and I talk about her evolving, contemplative spiritual expression and identity as a queer Christian. We also touch on her view of scripture and incorporating various theologies and poetry as she finds comfort in paradoxes. Thanks go to the Elevate Podcasting Summit recently hosted by BYU Radio, where we met and recorded this conversation.
Highlights:
· Cassidy Hall's Spiritual Journey and queer Christian spirituality.· Exploration of Faith: Embracing spiritual paradox; seeking expansive belonging.
· Influence of mystics and desert elders
· Contemplative spirituality: Silence holds paradox, presence, absence.
· Engagement with Queerness in Christianity
· Cassidy's evolving faith practice
· Acceptance of uncertainty and communal prayer river.
References:
Audrey Lorde – Uses of the Erotic (essay)
Bio:
Rev. Cassidy Hall (she/her), MA, MDiv, MTS, is an author, award-winning filmmaker, podcaster, ordained in the United Church of Christ, and author of Queering Contemplation: Finding Queerness in the Roots and Future of Contemplative Spirituality. She is the cohost of the Encountering Silence podcast and the creator of the Contemplating Now and Queering Contemplation podcasts. Her films include In Pursuit of Silence and Day of a Stranger. Cassidy is widely published and currently resides in Indianapolis, where she is studying for her doctorate degree. You can learn more about her at cassidyhall.comTranscript on Buzzsprout
More episodes with LGBTQ guests:
Kyle Desrosiers
Carlton Smith
Luis Menéndez-Antuña
Social Media links for Cassidy:
Website – www.cassidyhall.com
Book – Queering Contemplation
Instagram – instagram.com/casshall
Social Media links for Méli:
Website – Talking with God Project
LinkedIn – Meli Solomon
Facebook – Meli Solomon
Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices.
The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
-
Episode 78.
Father Aaron Solberg joined me to talk about his personal experience converting from the Orthodox Judaism of his childhood and his current practice of Christianity in a remote Canadian village. These are experiences few of us have, so it's wonderful to hear his stories. Although Aaron is a priest, he is not speaking here as a representative of his Anglican church.
Highlights:
· Jewish practice seen as "legalistic," leading to feelings of obligation and guilt.· Importance of structure and discipline.
· Appreciation for communal aspects of both Jewish and Christian services.
· Shift from fear-based obedience to love-driven practices in Christianity.
· Human struggle with discipline and imperfection.
Bio:
Father Aaron Solberg is an Anglican priest, composer, husband, and father living in the Canadian North. A convert from Judaism, he originally worked as a conductor and cellist in Germany before feeling a calling to ministry. After studying theology, he served in Baker Lake, Nunavut, (in the Canadian Arctic) and now leads St. John's Anglican Church in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. He is the father of two young boys and writes about family life and faith, fostering a deeper understanding of spirituality within his community. In his free time, he focuses on writing and composing new music for various ensembles.
Transcript on BuzzsproutMore episodes with converts:
Katrina Kincade
Rabbi Tara Feldman
Jeanne Blasberg
Social Media links for Aaron:
Website – www.thesolbergs.family
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theanglicanfamily/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/theanglicanfamily
TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@theanglicanfamily
Social Media links for Méli:
Website – Talking with God Project
LinkedIn – Meli Solomon
Facebook – Meli Solomon
Email – [email protected]
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.The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
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Episode 77.
This is the second of a two-part series with my guest is Aviva Stein. In part one, we talked about her Jewish practice at UMass Amherst, where she is now a senior. Part two covers her engagement on campus in support of Israel and the dynamic on campus last year around the Israel/Palestine issue. She describes several conversations where she gained new perspectives and understanding.
These kinds of conversations have been difficult both on and off campus, especially this past year. That said, I for one remain committed to interreligious dialogue, and learning from each other. So, if you or someone you know is a Muslim student who might be willing share their experience, please get in touch. You can reach me through my website – www.talkingwithgodproject.org.
Bio:
Aviva graduated from Gann Academy, the Jewish day school in Waltham MA, in 2021, and is now a senior at UMass Amherst, majoring in Food Science. At UMass, Aviva is involved in both the Food Science Department and in Hillel, the campus organization supporting Jewish students.Aviva serves on various executive boards and committees related to both Food Science and Jewish life, and has earned numerous awards for her work. Most recently she received the 2023-2024 StandWithUs Movement Builder Award for Creativity and Impact, an award based on her deep understanding of the campus climate.
Highlights:
· Aviva's campus involvement and the Israel-Palestine issue· Finding common ground and the importance of active listening.
· Increasing understanding and the ability to connect amid disagreements
· Understanding pro-Palestinian students' pain and perspective
· Disruptions and activities led by Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP)
Social Media links for Aviva:
UMass Hillel website – https://www.umasshillel.org
StandWithUs website – https://www.standwithus.com
StandWithUs Instagram @StandWithUs and @StandWithUs_Campus
Newman Catholic Center on UMass Amherst - https://www.newmanumass.org
Office of Religious and Spiritual Life – https://www.umass.edu/orsl/
Students for Justice in Palestine – https://www.nationalsjp.org
Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project website
LinkedIn – Meli Solomon
Facebook – Meli Solomon
Transcript: https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/1851013/episodes/15815911-on-campus-protest-or-conversation-aviva-stein
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 – [email protected]
The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
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