An Orthodox Rabbi Interviews a Reform Rabbi [Denominations 1/2]
06 January 2026

An Orthodox Rabbi Interviews a Reform Rabbi [Denominations 1/2]

18Forty Podcast

About
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we speak with Diana Fersko, senior rabbi of the Village Temple Reform synagogue, about denominations and Jewish Peoplehood. 

In this episode we discuss:
    How do we re-determine how to be Jews in America?Is there really an “education gap” between Orthodox and non-Orthodox Jews? How should we handle the question of “who is a Jew” across denominations?
Tune in to hear a conversation about how we might see beyond our proverbial “three blocks."

Interview begins at 22:11. 

Diana Fersko is the Senior Rabbi of The Village Temple, a Reform synagogue at the heart of downtown Jewish life in New York City.  An internationally recognized author, speaker, and thought leader, she is a defining voice in the contemporary Jewish world, known for her clarity, compassion, and ability to bring Jewish tradition into meaningful dialogue with modern life. 

References:

View of the World from 9th Avenue

Tzidkat HaTzadik 54

No Country for Old Men

The Tapestry of Jewish Time: A Spiritual Guide to Holidays and Life-Cycle Events by Nina Beth Cardin

A Letter in the Scroll by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

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