What Divines Us

Episode 31: The Hamas-Israel Conflict revisited

In this episode Rabbi Abram and Reverent Matt Shultz reflect on the vigil they organized to honor the unhoused individuals who passed away in Anchorage in 2023. Link to the vigil is here on facebook.

 

Abram and Matt next debate the importance of cemeteries in a community.

 

Then Abram and Matt revisit the conflict in the Middle East. They debate the meaning of a ceasefire. Rabbi Abram illustrates how harmful this war has been for the Jewish community. And they discuss the nuances required to understand the scope of this conflict and how it difficult it is to convey these nuances.

Finally they conclude with conversation on the scourge of cicadas.

 

Episode 30: Advocacy

In this Episode Pastor Matt reveals that he has a Jewish great great great grandfather. Then Rabbi Abram and Pastor Matt discuss the role of advocacy among clergy. They then move the conversation about the Vigil they are planning in memoriam of the unhoused neighbors who passed away last year. They end episode with Matt unpacking the “He Gets Us” advertising campaign seen at the Super Bowl.

Episode 29: What kind of American are you?

Hi folks,

 

In this episode of WDU Rabbi Abram and Pastor Matt cover a lot.

 

Here is the short list - Matt and Abram discuss Christmas, Matt analyzes how people treat each other in pop culture and social media, Matt reveals his disdain for pickup trucks, Matt and Abram attempt to understand MAGA voters, Abram offers an update on the Israel-Hamas war, they plan a vigil for the unhoused who have died in Anchorage, and Matt offers a review from the off broadway show of Come From Away. 

Episode 28: The Israel-Hamas conflict

In this episode Rabbi Abram opens up about the Israel - Hamas conflict and what it means for the Jewish community. Then to lighten the mood Rabbi Abram and Pastor Matt talk about D&D which means Dungeons and Dragons.

 

These links will make more sense once you hear the podcast:

Alaska Judaism Media: https://www.youtube.com/@alaskajudaismmedia7230/featured

Rabbi Abram's sermon on Antisemitism: https://youtu.be/g6tqdRVmCzk?si=UdTrIBzbftCi-fel

Top Alaskan Politicians support of Israel:

Governor Dunleavy: https://youtu.be/lrOuHvQgM-E?si=fmhm7cXOPZ3tcK6c

Senator Murkowski: https://youtu.be/2oQRbUh6xec?si=4g3Sqn3qX4ijJ6iP

Senator Sullivan: https://youtu.be/61rQADzUO34?si=whgTFYkzOqVBQbiC

 

Episode 27: Unpacking Political Dog Whistles

Pastor Matt and Rabbi Abram are back after a summer break. In this months episode Pastor Matt and Rabbi Abram examine some local religious organizations and show they break the 10 commandments. They discuss the value of Ranked Choice Voting. They explain how religious and hateful organizations use dog whistles to convey hateful messages. They discuss why Evangelical Christian organizations support people like Donald Trump. Finally Pastor Matt would like everyone to know that he is seeing Hamilton. 

Episode 26: Magical Thinking

In this episode of What Divines Us Pastor Matt and Rabbi Abram discuss the problems and benefits of magical thinking in religion. Rabbi Abram reports on his community hosting a Drag Story Hour. Pastor Matt offers an update on Anchorage's Homeless criss. Finally Rabbi Abram and Pastor Matt discuss their frustration over Texas attempting to put the 10 commandments in every classroom.

Episode 25: Institutional Trust

In this Episode Pastor Matt and Rabbi Abram discuss their sermon writing process. They talk about what it means to trust and mistrust big institutions. They argue over what should be considered sacred. They conclude by discussing state wide school legislation. 

Episode 24: Religion and Branding

In this episode Rabbi Abram and Pastor Matt talk about the benefits and problems with branding when it comes to religion. They discuss the Asbury University Revival, church name changes, and a multibillion dollar Christian branding campaign.

 

Rabbi Abram and Pastor Matt also share some advocacy work they have been doing in Alaska to support the LGBTQ community.

Episode 23: Big Block of Cheese part one

Hi Everyone, in this episode Rev. Matt Shultz and Rabbi Abram Goodstein asked social media to give them their kookiest questions on God, life, religion, and the universe. Well, questions were asked and Pastor Matt and Rabbi Abram answered. 

Episode 22: Religion’s role in the National Conversation

In this episode of WDU Rabbi Abram and Pastor Matt discuss how religion steers the national conversation in 4 examples. The belief of the end of time. The controversy around Hamline University. The use of the term of Indoctrination. and the controversy of Local Anchorage bar, F Street Station.