Rabbi Herschel Aberson is a rabbi with encyclopedic knowledge of Judaism, history, and theology, and an ability to break down complex ideas into digestible nuggets of wisdom. However, I worry that he's too smart for his own good, a phrase he's heard countless times before.He received his ordination from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and holds an MA in Middle Eastern Studies from Ben Gurion University of the Negev, a Certificate in Education from the American Jewish University, and a BA in Anthropology from Muhlenberg College.

He began his rabbinic career in 2019 at Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley in Phoenix, Arizona. Rabbi Brodie has also been teaching at the Miller Intro to Judaism Program since 2022 and is currently based in Van Nuys, California.

In addition to his rabbinic work, Rabbi Brodie studies vocal performance at LA Pierce College in Woodland Hills, CA, combining his passion for Jewish education with his love of music and performance.In this interview, we talked about what it takes to become a rabbi, what it's like to be a spiritual leader and lead a congregation, Jewish theology, how the Holocaust impacts Jewish identity today, his take on the Israel-Palestine conflict, and much more.

Timestamps

[Recorded on 8/11/2024]

0:00:00 – Introduction & Singing in Services

0:01:21 – How Long Have You Been a Rabbi?

0:02:43 – Educational Background & Master's Degrees

0:07:00 – Missing Pieces in History Education

0:10:52 – Master's in Rabbinic Studies

0:13:37 – What Does It Take to Become a Rabbi?

0:18:51 – The Cost of Rabbinical School

0:19:55 – Struggles During Rabbinical School

0:23:00 – Life as a Working Rabbi

0:24:56 – Daily Duties of a Rabbi

0:29:01 – What is Shabbat?

0:30:28 – The Importance of Rest

0:33:11 – The Rabbinical Job Interview Process

0:37:22 – Being a Public Figure

0:41:00 – Surprised by His Own Competence

0:43:32 – Youth, Wisdom & Life Experience

0:46:18 – Challenges from the Community

0:50:16 – What Would You Change About Being a Rabbi?

0:55:04 – What Does It Mean to Be Jewish?

0:58:07 – Jewish Religious Texts

1:01:55 – Things You Disagree With in Jewish Law

1:04:28 – Judaism is Always Changing

1:07:38 – Jesus in Judaism

1:14:25 – History of Jewish Persecution

1:21:27 – The Holocaust's Impact on Jewish Life

1:24:46 – How Judaism Reconciles Suffering with God

1:31:33 – Israel and Palestine

1:45:51 – What's Next & Caring for Parents

1:51:44 – Jewish Communities in Africa

1:52:08 – Plans for the Future & Music

2:03:14 – Working Toward Peace & Final Thoughts