EP38 (S2) - Celestial Harmony: A Black Rabbi's Journey from Celebrity Glitz to Spiritual Heights

Step into the whirlwind life of Rabbi Mordechai Yosef Ben Avraham, a man whose past is as rich and colorful as his present is devout and dedicated. From rubbing shoulders with A-list celebrities to the sacred streets of Jerusalem, Rabbi Mordechai shares firsthand accounts of his unique experiences, reflecting on the role of Jews in the entertainment industry, the state of African American-Jewish relations, and his own profound spiritual awakening.

A public speaker, Jewish diversity advocate, 2016 Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in California’s 37th congressional district – a long-running Democratic stronghold – and the author of Mind of a Black Jew: The Oldest New Way of Thinking, Rabbi Mordechai candidly shares reflections and tales from his journey. This rich tapestry is woven with threads of culture, religion, and identity, and stories of the deeply personal evolution of a man seeking truth and connection.

Rabbi Mordechai challenges listeners to consider the complexities of Jewish identity, exploring moral responsibilities within the music industry and dynamics of African American-Jewish relations. His urgent insights on rising anti-Semitism, along with candid thoughts on Kanye West's controversial comments, provide a thought-provoking examination of current issues.

Believing in the power of Jewish diversity to dispel mistruths about Israel, Rabbi Mordechai invites listeners to consider the many shades of Jewish identity and Zera Yisrael, the descendants of Israel. Despite the polarized and tense nature of some conversations, he advocates for dialogue as a necessity in overcoming challenges.

As Rabbi Mordechai recounts his spiritual odyssey, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own paths and transformations. From being born Sharif Hassan, a Sufi Muslim, to immersion in a yeshiva in Mea Shearim, an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood in Jerusalem, his story serves as a powerful reminder that embracing change is never too late.

Join us for a profound journey through the mind of a man who has traversed multiple worlds, emerging with a message of hope, unity, and the power of diversity to shape a more inclusive Jewish narrative. In an era marked by misinformation and materialism, this episode is a testament to the enduring quest for meaning and the transformative power of change.

Recorded on January 30 (Day 116).

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