What happens when synagogue affiliation is no longer defined by denominational labels like Reform, Conservative, or Orthodox—but instead, by politics and stances on Israel?

In this eye-opening episode of Lou Diamond: In Such a Time (“Episode 16”), co-hosts Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy dive deep into the shifting landscape of American Jewish life. The conversation shatters assumptions about how Jews identify today, revealing that denominational boundaries may be fading while politics—especially relating to Israel—ramp up as the decisive factor in community engagement.

You’ll learn about:

• The historical roots of Jewish denominations and why the original purpose behind them may no longer resonate.
• The personal journeys of Rabbi Leora Londy and Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe, who share how growing up across multiple Jewish movements shaped their perspectives and spiritual fluidity.
• How synagogue membership and Jewish organization participation are being increasingly determined by political views, particularly regarding Zionism and Israel—and the risks of turning Jewish communities into political islands.
• Insider stories about rabbis, educational choices, and what happens when congregants challenge a synagogue’s stance on Israel.
• The tension between the desire for inclusive, meaningful spiritual communities and the pressure to pick sides on hot-button issues.
• The big question: As individualism and politics reshape Jewish engagement, what does the future hold for denominational labels, communal boundaries, and the essence of Jewish identity?

Whether you’re a curious seeker, committed member, or just passionate about the evolving story of Jewish life, this conversation will spark reflection and debate. Are we at the threshold of a “wilderness moment” where communal norms are up for reinvention—or are we risking fragmentation beyond repair?

Timestamped Episode Overview:

• [00:00:00] Welcome and episode intro: redefining Jewish affiliation
• [00:00:22] History of Jewish denominations
• [00:01:58] The evolution of Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox movements
• [00:03:15] Personal experiences of movement fluidity
• [00:05:45] Blending of denominational practices in modern synagogues
• [00:09:26] Gender perspectives and synagogue inclusion
• [00:13:31] Navigating Jewish spaces—where do rabbis go to pray?
• [00:19:16] The rise of politics as the organizing principle in Jewish life
• [00:23:05] Polarization over Israel and Zionism: personal stories and concerns
• [00:32:04] Balancing community inclusivity with core synagogue values
• [00:36:35] Should politics take center stage in the synagogue?
• [00:41:04] Responding to antisemitism and its impact on Jewish identity
• [00:41:54] The future: movements, organizations, individualism, and spiritual belonging
• [00:44:40] Closing reflections and gratitude

Don’t miss this provocative episode—subscribe and join the conversation as Judaism faces one of its most defining crossroads.