In this powerful and timely episode, Bill is joined by the renowned Israeli rabbi and community leader, Rav Binyamin Tzvi (Benny) Lau, for a deeply personal conversation about community, faith, and resilience in challenging times. Together, they explore the transformative power of Torah study, the essential role of community in healing from trauma, and how to maintain hope during some of the most difficult periods in Jewish history.

About Our Guest

Rav Benny Lau is a prominent Israeli rabbi, community leader, activist, author, and public speaker based in Jerusalem. Rav Lau has dedicated his life to Jewish education, community building, and social activism.

Episode Highlights

History and Heritage

Rav Benny's story begins with his grandfather's legacy in Poland - who endowed in the family the unequivocal value that "Eretz Yisrael is our home".

The Ramban Story

Rav Lau shares the fascinating story of how he became the rabbi of the Ramban Synagogue and chronicles the remarkable growth of this Jerusalem community over his 20-year tenure there.

Formative Life Stories

Both Bill and Rav Benny open up about pivotal moments that shaped their lives and defined their respective missions, offering listeners intimate glimpses into their religious journeys.

The Inception of 929

They discuss the establishment of the famous and wildly successful 929 project, which brings together thousands of Israelis and people worldwide to study one chapter of the Bible each day, creating a global community of Torah learners.

Community as a Healing Force

They engage in profound discussion on the vital role and importance of community, especially in the aftermath of October 7, 2023 , and how collective support becomes essential for healing from trauma and returning to healthy living.

Israeli Identity and Jewish Community

Rav Lau and Bill delve into a fundamental question facing modern Israeli Jews: Is being Israeli, speaking Hebrew, and living by the Jewish calendar sufficient, or do we still need intentional community while living in Israel?

Staying Optimistic in Dark Times

Rabbi Benny shares his thoughtful perspectives on how to maintain optimism and hope during this particularly painful period for the Jewish people and the world at large, offering wisdom for navigating collective trauma and uncertainty.

About 929: Tanach B'Yachad

929 is Rav Lau's groundbreaking initiative that has revolutionized Torah study by encouraging people worldwide to read the same chapter of the Tanach (Hebrew Bible) each day. This innovative program has created an unprecedented global community of learners, connecting thousands in shared daily Torah study and fostering deep connections across geographic and cultural boundaries.

To learn more about 929: https://www.929.org.il/lang/en/today

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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