Rabba Keren Apfelbaum Riff

In this episode of Honey from the Rock, we speak with Rabba Keren Apfelbaum Riff, a Honey Fellow whose work centers on building spaces where Jewish identity can be explored, questioned, and reimagined. Drawing from her own journey—from a childhood marked by silence around Judaism to becoming a leader in Israeli spiritual life—Rabba Keren shares what it means to create community without labels, hold space for complexity, and trust that the conversation itself can be sacred.

Highlights from this episode include:

• Her childhood experience growing up in a household where Judaism was not openly discussed, yet feeling a strong inner connection to her heritage.
• A heartfelt story about her maternal grandfather, who humorously claimed to be the messiah, and the profound influence he had on her—despite being secular yet deeply spiritual.
• The path that led her to become a leader in the Jewish community and dedicate her life to Jewish learning.
• Her reflections on her Jewish identity during war and what it taught her about resilience and faith.
• Her leadership position in Mabua, an Israeli Beit Midrash, and the vital role it plays in her life and in fostering Jewish engagement outside traditional religious settings.
• The fundamental role of community, especially during current times of conflict and war, and how it serves as an antidote to cynicism.
• Her insights on the shifts in Jewish life and tradition as people move to Israel.
• Her work in establishing a liberal house of prayer with over 300 weekly attendees.
• Her efforts to bring Jewish education—secular and inclusive—to secular schools.

Join us as we delve into the transformative power of community, faith, and education in shaping Jewish life today.

To Follow Rabba Keren and Mabua:

https://www.facebook.com/mabua.bmi

https://www.facebook.com/keren.apfelbaum/

FOLLOW THE HONEY FOUNDATION:

Website: https://honeyfoundationforisrael.org/

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehoneyfoundationforisrae7795

To be part of creating an Israeli society that is more open, more connected and more reflective of our Jewish values, click here to donate to the Honey Foundation for Israel https://honeyfoundationforisrael.org/give/

This episode was produced and edited by thepodwaves.com.