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).  

Thanks for tuning in! 🗣️ If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share. Taking a moment to leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform helps us improve and reach more listeners! 🌟

🎙️ For more Emotionally Raw Coverage, follow us on Instagram (@october7thepodcast) or become a patron on Patreon (patreon.com/october7thepodcast).

📧 Have thoughts, questions, or just want to say hi? Shoot us an email at [e-mail]. Hearing from you means the world to us! 💖

✨​ 𝕊𝕋𝔸𝕐 𝕊𝔸𝔽𝔼 & 𝕊𝕋𝔸𝕐 𝕋𝕌ℕ𝔼𝔻​ 🎧

What is Emotionally Raw Coverage?

Two neighbors in Tel Aviv meet for the first time on October 7th and start recording that night.

Join Amy Sapan & Dor Komet as they traverse complex emotions and navigate life during wartime in a new surreal reality.

(FKA "October 7: Emotionally Raw Coverage")

Season 1: Episodes 1-31
Step into the wild and unfiltered world of Season 1, where emotions ran high, voices sang, tears flowed, and hearts bared. From heartfelt conversations to moments of raw vulnerability, Amy and Dor guide listeners through a landscape of nervous laughter, tearful confessions, and heartfelt conversations, creating a space where listeners could laugh, cry, and connect deeply. Buckle up and tune in to Episode 21 for a glimpse into the emotional rollercoaster that defined this season, a deeply personal exploration of the human experience in the weirdest times we've ever lived through.

Season 2: Episodes 32-40
Embark on a journey of captivating interviews and thought-provoking discussions with illustrious guests as Season 2 unfolds. From journalists to psychiatrists, comedians to activists, philosophers to spiritual leaders, each episode brings a unique perspective and engaging conversation. Explore a wide range of topics from synthetic meth (Captagon), feminist silence, double standards for Israeli and Jewish journalists, the heart of the conflict, secular Zionism, forgiveness, hope, and beyond, all delivered with the signature authenticity and depth that characterize our show.

Season 3: Episodes 41 -
Enter the realm of Season 3, where conversation takes center stage. With a little bit of everything, this season promises engaging discussions and meaningful exchanges. Join Amy and Dor as they return to their roots, occasionally accompanied by special guests, delving into diverse topics. Each episode invites listeners to explore new perspectives and engage in dialogue that ignites curiosity and fosters connection.

🌟 Connect with Us:

Follow us on Instagram (@october7thepodcast) or consider becoming a patron on our Patreon page (patreon.com/october7thepodcast) for more Emotionally Raw Coverage and to support the show.

Listen to our episodes on your preferred podcast platform, and find them on our YouTube channel for additional convenience!

Check out our new website: https://EmotionallyRawCoverage.transistor.fm/

If you have any thoughts, questions, or just want to say hi, shoot us an email at [e-mail].

We love hearing from our listeners, and your feedback means the world to us.

Subscribe, rate, and review on your preferred platform – and hey, don't keep this gem to yourself! Share it with friends, family, or anyone longing for an intriguing escape and comforting refuge. Your recommendations are our lifeline to reaching more hearts.

They say life is a journey and not a destination. We agree. We're grateful you're here, and we hope you'll continue walking down this path with us as we keep evolving. Brace yourself, folks, or, as Amy likes to say, embrace yourselves.

Welcome to Emotionally Raw Coverage.

♡ STAY SAFE & STAY TUNED ♡

Special Credits:

A big shoutout to Podcastim Shemma, Jonathan Gal, Maya Schlesinger, Yair & Michal for being part of this incredible journey.