A Rabbi and a Lawyer Walk Into a Bar

We lament the “useful idiots” who support Hamas, but derive hope from our true allies. Asher surprisingly announces his political aspirations, while John (an avid C-SPAN viewer) advises caution. Asher memorializes Samantha Woll, and we compare notes on our crying habits these days. We rejoice in the newfound Jewish unity and faith, and John reminds us that humor is a Jewish superpower in times of trouble.
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Jews are in a period of semi-mourning as we count the days of the Omer after Passover. So it’s only appropriate that this episode is heavier than most, as we discuss the Holocaust, funerals, yahrtzeits, and plagues. Luckily, Asher infuses his patented optimism throughout the episode and helps us conclude on an uplifting note, as we discuss both the afterlife and birkas ha-ilanos, an annual prayer for newly flowering trees. We also debate whether Asher should buy a round at his local neo-Nazi biker bar.
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So many holidays, so little time. As we move through Sukkot, while avoiding skunks, we squeeze in Hoshana Rabbah, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah (and its importance to the Top Secret! movie), not to mention the little-known Hakhel ceremony. Then so many questions. Is Kohelet/Ecclesiastes a nihilistic manifesto? Was Barney just a little too good? Should we care about Kanye?
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Having survived the Day of Hate, we discuss our obligation to eradicate Amalek - but don’t try that at home. Asher then pivots to the story and mitzvot of Purim, and John describes the parallels between Haman’s sons and the Nuremberg defendants. We then grapple with the ongoing growing pains of Israel’s democracy.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rabbilawyerbar.substack.com

We discuss whether Tu BiShvat is a tree hugger holiday or just a Jewish tax day — or both — as well as the delicious (except for the carob fruit) kabbalistic seder associated with the holiday. Asher then describes his favorite rabbinic dynasty, the Soloveichiks, and their continuing role in American society. John then finally turns the tables on Roberta Rosenthal Kwall, his former law professor, by asking her some hard questions. She explains her recent book, Remix Judaism, and relates the Talmudic passage describing the profession-dependent recommended frequency of, ahem, intimacy that husbands should provide to their wives.
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rabbilawyerbar.substack.com