SinaiCast: Recent Episodes
Sinai Temple Events
Shalom! Listen to guest speakers, special programs, and more from Sinai Temple, Los Angeles' largest conservative synagogue.
Why Iranians Must Be Educated About the Holocaust?A Conversation with Maziar Bahari About the Sardari Project and IranRecorded, Saturday, August 3At Ziegler Hall Join us as we hear from our honored guest, Maziar Bahari. Maziar Bahari is an Iranian Canadian journalist known for his exceptional courage in bringing the truth of the Holocaust to Iran and throughout the Middle East. A journalist and filmmaker, Bahari has been a powerful voice against antisemitism.
Join our Men’s Club for a free discussion with hostage negotiator and author Mickey Bergman, who will recount true stories of high-stakes negotiations to free Americans captured abroad.
Dor Shachar, born Ayman Abu Sobuh in 1977, was the third son of a Muslim family in Khan Yunis, Gaza. At the age of four, witnessing a Jewish soldier putting on tefillin, he knew deep inside that he was a Jewish soul born in the wrong place. At 13, unable to suppress his true identity any longer, he fled to Israel, declaring himself as the first of a new Jewish lineage.
Rabbi Elie Kaplan Spitz served as the spiritual leader of Congregation B’nai Israel of Tustin, CA, for over 33 years and as a member of the Rabbinical Assembly’s Committee of Jewish Law and Standards for 20 years. He has taught courses at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at Chapman University.Tuesday, June 11
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Kohn Chapel
Father Pat Kelly, associate professor of religious studies at the University of Detroit Mercy, and author of "Play, Sport, and Spirit" discusses his book with Rabbi Sherman--how is the culture of play related to ritual and spirituality? Rabbi Sherman and Father Kelly recently dialogued at Marquette University at the Sport as the Service of Humanity Conference.
Coach Kevin Jordan, All-American UCLA wide receiver, director of player development, of UCLA Bruins, and chaplain of UCLA football, speaks with Rabbi Sherman on the role of a chaplain in sports, and the ways in which faith and sports intersect.
Come learn from experts Rabbi Dr. Jason Weiner and IVF specialist Dr. Sahar Wertheimer on the medical ethics and practical ramifications surrounding the recent ruling on embryos. Moderated by Rabbi Nicole Guzik!
Rabbi Erez Sherman invites the Israel ParaSport Center Athletes to Sinai Temple and talk about there role on a team and what the represent when on the court.
Saturday, March 16 at 9:00 a.m.
Ziegler Sanctuary Shabbat Service
"A Shabbat Story": Sermon by Rabbi Nicole Guzik
Shabbat #Judaism #Generations #Sinai Temple #Rabbi #RabbiNicoleGuzik
Rabbi Erez Sherman hosts Bassem Eid, a Jerusalem-based political analyst and commentator in Arab and Palestinian affairs. Rabbi Erez Sherman and Bassem Eid dive deep into the possibilities of peace and discuss the ongoing war. #israelpalestineconflict #judaism #conservativejudaism#SinaiTemple #RabbiErezSherman #BassemEid #israel #gaza
Rabbi Sherman recently interviewed Dr. Jeff Gurock, author of "Judaism's Encounter with American Sports."
Join us for a virtual conversation between Palestinian activist Noor Awad and Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger of Friends of Roots, moderated by our own Rabbi Avi Taff
Rabbi David Wolpe and Dr. Gabor Maté discuss the far-reaching impacts of the violence perpetrated on October 7th. Moderated by Rahel Bayar, Esq., "How Do We Get to Peace" is a virtual discussion between Rabbi Wolpe and Dr. Maté that focuses on the ongoing war in Israel and Gaza. Please Visit Sinai Temple's Website and YouTube for more engaging content! Thank You for your support. #israelpalestineconflict
Rabbi Wolpe's Hanukkah class. New topic, focused on the intersection of this year's Hanukkah with the ongoing crisis in Israel.
Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman is president of the Shalom Hartman Institute and holds the Kaufman Family Chair in Jewish Philosophy. He is author of the highly regarded 2016 book, Putting God Second: How to Save Religion from Itself, and is the host of “For Heaven’s Sake,” one of the most popular Jewish podcasts in North America.
Q&A With Rabbi Erez Sherman
Alon Ben-Gurion is the grandson of David Ben-Gurion, the founder of the State of Israel. He was born in Israel in 1951 and was severely wounded in the Yom Kippur War. He is passionate about preserving the history and culture of Israel, especially the Negev desert, where his grandfather lived and is buried.
ELNET, the European Leadership Network, is the premiere
pro-Israel network in Europe.
David Siegel is former Israeli diplomat involved in foreign policy formulation at the highest levels, including as Consul General to the Southwest United States. He served as the Chief of Staff to Israel’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Director of the Foreign Ministry’s International Organizations Department and Chief of Staff to three of Israel’s Ambassadors to the United States. He holds an MA in international relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and a BA in political science from the University of Vermont.
Caregivers Support with Yael Wyte from the Alzheimer's Association
Streamed live on Oct 11, 2023
Thursday August 31st – 7:00 p.m.: Sinai Temple and Livestream
Harmonies of the High Holy Days: A Musical Journey through the Machzor with Cantor Feldman and Music Director Benjamin Fingerhut
Cantor Feldman and Benjamin Fingerhut go on a musical journey through the High Holy Day Machzor, and present various musical settings for some of our most beloved prayers during this sacred season.
Rabbi Erez Sherman will moderate a discussion between Alex Kor, son of holocaust survivor Eva Kor, Graham Honaker, the author of Unbracketed, & world renowned coach, Bob McKillop. Learn the story of Eva, who led the Davidson basketball team on a trip to Auschwitz. Hear about the power of the sports community to bring Holocaust awareness to a greater audience and the difference we can make while learning stories of human dignity. This event will bring together faith and sports communities across Los Angeles.
Thursday, June 22nd Sinai Temple hosted the screening of the first episode of the limited series, A Small Light. A Small Light tells the moving and powerful story of Miep Gies, played by Bel Powley, the woman who hid Anne Frank and her family during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam. This screening was followed by a discussion led by Rabbi Erez Sherman, featuring Tony Phelan and Joan Rater, the show's writers.
The Sinai Temple Mental Health Center is excited to showcase Dr. Jonathan Goldfinger, MD, MPH, FAAP, for two signature events on the current state of our mental health and wellness! The first session is called, “Raising Resilient Adults: How to Ensure our Children Thrive.” This dynamic conversation is designed to address the unique concerns of parents in today’s complex world.The second session is called, “Through Trauma to Wellbeing as a Jewish Community.” This keynote address will focus on the journeys of our Jewish family through crisis and the critical importance of mental wellness for our present Jewish community.These program is made possible by a generous gift through the Sandra Mason Trust.
Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller recently celebrated his fortieth year of working with students and faculty as the Executive Director of the Yitzhak Rabin Hillel Center for Jewish Life at UCLA. He is currently Director Emeritus. Rabbi Seidler-Feller will lead a discussion that constitutes a personal effort at articulating a meaningful notion of God that is spiritually fulfilling, intellectually uncompromising and morally compelling.
The search ranges across the Jewish tradition from the fundamentals of Biblical monotheism to Maimonides’ rationalism and onto Hasidic mysticism. The result is a contemporary notion of God that can nurture personal humility and the development of an ethical personality. This is a discussion you won’t want to miss.
Dr. Kenneth Stein, Emeritus Professor of contemporary Middle Eastern History and Political Science at Emory University, has taught the history and politics of the Middle East and Israel Studies for forty years. He will offer his suggestions about the Zionist and Israeli roads successfully travelled, and the ones that remain ahead. He is also the founding President of the Center for Israel Education in Atlanta, Ga.
Bernard-Henri Lévy, a French philosopher,filmmaker and writer. He is the author of 47 books and 8 films. Lévy has beenone of the West's foremost intellectuals, defending democracy and humanismagainst totalitarianism and fascism. He guest-spoke during ourSaturday morning Shabbat service to talk about his film "Slava Ukraini".
Dr. Noreen Green conducts and presents a concert with the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony that explores the long history and unbreakable bonds between the Jewish and Latino communities. Joined by special guest Cantor Marcelo Gindlin together they present a wonderful concert showcasing many great classic Latin compositions to an audience of public and private school children that brings everyone together for a special performance.
Yom Zeh L'Yisrael/YismachMosheh - Trad. Sephardic Melodies, Arr. by Joshua Jacobson, featuring Rabbi Cantor Marcelo Gindlin
Niloofar - Arr. by Zinovy Goro, Daniel Raijman on guitar
Ocho Kandelikas - by Flory Jagoda, featuring Soloist Sadie Stallcup
Mexican Hat Dance - by Orch. J.L. Surell
Malaguena - by Ernesto Lecuona, Arr. by Ferde Grofe
Cielito Lindo - Manuel Padilla , featuring Rabbi Cantor Marcelo Gindlin
Granada - by Agustin Lara
Scalerica de Oro - Arr. Joseph Ness
Libertango - by Astor Piazolla, Arr. Mitchell McCarthy and Kenneth Lampl
La Comida La Manana - Arr. David Eaton, Featuring Rabbi Cantor Marcelo Gindlin
Avram Avinu - Arr. David Eaton, Featuring Rabbi Cantor Marcelo Gindlin
Performance Recorded by Christopher Princivalli
The Sklar Brothers are actors comedians and podcasters. Most known for their series "Cheap Seats" which aired on ESPN for 4 seasons these identical twins join Rabbi Erez Sherman and discuss how comedy, sports, and faith are intertwined.
This episode Rabbi Erez Sherman sits down with Professor David Hollander of NYU and Author of "How Basketball Can Save The World." David sees basketball as much more than just a game. In his eyes the court is its own sanctuary much like the sanctuary at temple. Basketball's impact precedes the boundaries of just sport and becomes a means of delivering compassion and offers an opportunity to witness the other as you dribble your way to the hoop. The court is not mine it's ours. The Ball is not mine, it's ours.
Rick Richman launches the publication of his new book by discussing behind-the-scenes characters and their trials and tribulations they faced while founding the modern state of Israel. Joined alongside him is Rabbi David Wolpe to aid in the riveting conversation.
This content is brought to you by the Sinai Temple Men's Club. Join Today!
Lahav Harkov, Senior Contributing Editor and Diplomatic Correspondent of the Jerusalem Post discusses the political climate in Israel following the recent election and speaks about the ongoing situation with the Palestinian people with Rabbi David Wolpe. Stay aware of all our exciting speakers and events by visiting Sinai Temples website and by looking out for our email blasts.
Rabbi Erez Sherman hosts Father Robert Hagan, Senior Associate Athletic Director, Villanova University, Basketball Chaplain on Rabbi on the Sidelines to discuss faith and sports. They discuss how it's important for us to recognize that faith and sports can intersect in meaningful and powerful ways. As we navigate our post-COVID world, it's significant to remember that faith can play an integral role in the spirit of sportsmanship. We should strive to use our faith to be a source of strength, hope and resilience as we continue to heal and move forward.
We are so excited to share a very special episode of Rabbi on The Sidelines featuring the amazing Josh Altman from Million Dollar Listing! It's an enlightening and entertaining conversation that you won’t want to miss!
Rabbi David Wolpe discusses Antisemitism in Kohn Chapel with the Sinai Temple Men's Club. Jan 11, 2023 6:30 PM - 7:51 PM
Gary Belsky is the former editor in chief of ESPN the magazine, a New York Times Bestselling author, and contributor to ABC's Good Morning America and CNN's Your Money.
The Jews as a Chosen People: Evidence and Argument Lecture by Rabbi Bradley Artson and discussion with Rabbi David Wolpe
Jan 8, 2023 9:59 AM - 11:46 AM
It's a pleasure to introduce Carolyn Hoffman, the founder and head of Sinai Temple's Mental Health Center. Hear her personal story and learn more about this venture, initiated by Rabbi Nicole Guzik in an effort to provide a much-needed service to the community.
Coach Bob McKillop, of Davidson basketball, and Steph Curry’s college coach, explains why he took his team to Auschwitz in 2018, and what it means to his players and other athletes. How can college sports impact the lives of athletes off the court to make a difference in the communities they live in? Joining us will be Alex Kor, son of Holocaust survivor Eva Kor, and Graham Honaker, of Butler Univeristy, author of the book “Unbracketed.”
Saturday, January 7, 2023 | The Future of Judaism Lecture by Rabbi Bradley Artson and discussion with Rabbi Nicole Guzik
Steve Rosenberg, marketer and manager of some of America's best sporting events, Steve speaks with Rabbi Sherman on how to build a network of relationships that will set you up for success. #ROTSL
Interfaith Basketball Clinic Dialogue Presented by Sinai Temple and the Muslim Coalition for America Featuring Enes Kanter Freedom Ryan Turell Omar Qudrat Rabbi Erez Sherman
Aug 10, 2022 4:30 PM - 5:44 PM
In a time, where information and misinformation are just a click away. Rabbi Erez Sherman and Noam Weissman discuss how to talk to your children about Israel.
The Origins of Judaism: An Archaeological-Historical Reappraisal Lecture with Prof. Yonatan Adler, Associate Professor, Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology at Ariel University
Nov 20, 2022 10:15 AM
Rabbi Erez Sherman sits down with Jason Greenblatt and discuss the Abraham Accords and the politics surrounding it, antisemitism, and antizionism.
James Burrows is one of television’s most respected and honored creative talents. Over his distinguished career, he has been the recipient of 22 nominations for the Director’s Guild of America Award, thus bestowing him the honor of being the most nominated director in the history of television at the Guild. Burrows was recently honored by the DGA with the Inaugural 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award in Television. In November of 2015, he directed his 1000th episode which was recognized by a TV Special on NBC in January 2016.
Apr 28, 2021 7:00 PM - 7:51 PM
Meredith Shiner, award winning journalist, speaks with Rabbi Sherman about her newly released podcast, The Franchise: Jews, Sports, and America, hosted by Tablet. A former national political reporter in Washington, Meredith’s writing has appeared in Politico, Roll Call, Congressional Quarterly, The Economist, Yahoo News, Rolling Stone, The Daily Beast, The New Republic, Yahoo Sports and Deadspin. Meredith has appeared on MSNBC, PBS Newshour, Fox News, CNBC, ESPN-2, C-SPAN, NPR, ESPN Radio, and Yahoo News! With Katie Couric. Meredith also has a background in sports, having covered college athletics, the intersection of sports and politics, and obscure Congressional sports history and rituals.
Hen Mazzig is a leading voice in the Jewish LGBTQ+ community. Tune in as Rabbi David Wolpe talks with Hen about how he counters hate speech online, the power of social media, and his work with Israel’s LGBTQ+ national taskforce in Tel Aviv.
Jan 19, 2022 12:00 PM - 12:57 PM
James Andrew Miller, award winning journalist, host of the Origins podcast, joins Rabbi Sherman, to speak about the power of storytelling, how to find the right narratives to tell at the right moment, and how to explore the beginnings of iconic TV shows and sports programming.
Rabbi Erez Sherman in conversation with Yasmin, Christian Arab from Nazareth who is a paramedic with Magen David Adom.
Jan 25, 2022 10:00 AM - 11:03 AM
Death is a common theme in many movies and television shows, but how often does it resemble real life rather than the way we hope things might end? While there are countless examples of onscreen death and grief that do not accurately reflect reality, there are also numerous positive and powerful portrayals that can be found. Together, we will explore some of both! No prior movie-watching experience required. Hosted by Arielle Friedtanzer, Abe Friedtanzer, and Carolyn Hoffman.
Join Rabbi Sherman and Erika Abbott (National Disabled Speakers Bureau for RespectAbility) as they discuss disability inclusion framework ideas and facts from RespectAbilty’s recent Jewish inclusion survey. Erika will also tell her Jewish personal story.
Feb 8, 2022 9:57 AM - 10:49 AM
James Donaldson, 14-year NBA veteran and NBA All-Star, speaks with Rabbi Sherman about the faith he had in making the NBA and the faith he has now dealing with life's greatest challenges, including depression and mental health. Streamed live on Jul 28, 2022.
Find Rabbi on The Sidelines on YouTube for more episodes!
Join New York Times columnist Bret Stephens for his views on the media’s representation of Israel as well as insight on navigating the reliable and unreliable sources that are at our disposal.
Jan 20, 2022 6:30 PM - 8:05 PM
Rabbi Erez Sherman in conversation with TM Garret, a Former Neo-Nazi & Extremism Researcher and Analyst at the International Center for the Study of Violent Extremism (ICSVE). Special Remarks by Mina Rush, StandWithUs IsraelLink Middle School Education Director. This program is presented in partnership with The Sinai Temple Israel Center, StandWithUs, and IsraelLink.
Jul 13, 2022 6:57 PM - 8:19 PM
Sinai Temple’s Israel Center is proud to present David Siegel, President of the Friends of ELNET, to share his thoughts on how Europe can help to ensure Israel’s long term security.
Our beloved Aryell Cohen, Sinai Temple’s Organist and Choir Director, will remain with the synagogue through December 31, 2022. We are extremely grateful to Aryell for his artistry, creativity, knowledge, and passion and look forward to a meaningful High Holy Day season with him in Ziegler Sanctuary.
Listen to this interview with Cantor Marcus Feldman and Aryell Cohen
Interview conducted May 13, 2021 2:22 PM - 3:22 PM in Sinai Temple's Main Sanctuary
Sidney Eisenshtat built a legacy by designing iconic synagogues and Jewish academic buildings like Sinai Temple. Listen and enjoy his interview taken from his office in Beverly Hills.
Hope is Not a Plan: What You Need to Know for Your Loved One with Special Needs/Disabilities
Join us for an insightful and dynamic conversation with Martin Indyk and Rabbi David Wolpe on Indyk’s new book, Master of the Game: A Perceptive and Provocative History of Henry Kissinger’s Diplomatic Negotiations in the Middle East.
Mar 15, 2022 7:00 PM - 8:20 PM
Andrea Sonnenberg is an attorney, who has practiced in the corporate, entertainment and nonprofit sectors. She is Co-Founder, CEO and Board Chair of Wise Readers to Leaders, a non-profit literacy and enrichment program for underserved students in Los Angeles. She is the Board Chair of USC Hillel, serves on the Board of the Jewish Community Foundation and is Co-Chair of the Legal Network of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. Inspired by her son’s untimely death, Andrea has become a mental health advocate, working to educate, increase awareness, and influence policy and decision makers through public speaking and open conversation. She and her husband have created the Bradley Sonnenberg Wellness Initiative at USC Hillel which offers individual therapy, peer-to-peer support and wellness programming, along with the creation of a mental health curriculum for replication on college campuses across the country. She created and coordinates the Bradley Sonnenberg Wellness Series at Stephen Wise Temple, committed to strengthening the wellness of the broader community. Andrea produces the podcast “Getting Thru,“ which shares stories of young people’s resilience despite mental health challenges. To honor her son, who was a talented singer, she sings for her Temple community or anywhere else that people will listen to spread joy through his legacy.
In honor of Yom HaShoah, Sinai Temple hosted a screening of “Into The Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport,” followed by a discussion with Rabbi Erez Sherman and Academy Award winning producer and Sinai Temple member, Deborah Oppenheimer.
Apr 27, 2022 8:30 PM - 9:16 PM
Join authors, mother and daughter team, Valerie Gilpeer and Emily Grodin as they discuss their book, “I Have Been buried Under Years of Dust: A Memoir of Autism and Hope”, in conversation with Carolyn Hoffman, LCSW. This evening will address the authors’ personal journey with non-verbal autism and how life changed when Emily found her voice with the help of facilitated communication.
Feb 15, 2022 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM