Why does being Jewish sometimes feel so difficult? In this episode of Judaism in the 21st Century, Steven Labkoff and Rabbi Daniel Cohen unpack the many layers behind that question. From the discipline required to live a values-driven Jewish life, to the tensions between tradition and modern culture, to the external pressures of antisemitism and public identity, the discussion reframes “hard” not as a flaw, but as a reflection of purpose. Judaism, they argue, isn’t about shortcuts; it’s about commitment, meaning, and striving to become the best version of ourselves.

In this episode of Judaism in the 21st Century, Dr. Steven Labkoff and Rabbi Daniel Cohen explore a deceptively simple question: how does Judaism deal with time when time itself becomes complicated?

From praying on airplanes and crossing time zones, to Shabbat above the Arctic Circle, to future Jewish life on the Moon or Mars, this conversation examines how halacha adapts without losing its soul. Along the way, they unpack safety, intention, community, and a timeless Jewish idea captured perfectly in a pop-culture line: no matter where you go, there you are.

A thoughtful and surprisingly practical discussion about faith, travel, technology, and what it means to carry Torah with you wherever life takes you.

As the calendar turns to 2026, this episode of Judaism in the 21st Century explores a deeper way to think about the new year: through the lens of legacy.

Steven Labkoff and Rabbi Daniel Cohen reflect on Jacob’s final words in the Torah, focusing on his radical decision to elevate his grandchildren, Ephraim and Menashe, as full heirs to the Jewish future. Raised in exile, they represent a powerful truth: Jewish identity is not bound to place, but to values carried wherever life leads.

From personal stories to timeless teachings, this conversation reframes memory as responsibility. Legacy, we learn, is not about how we are remembered, but about how we live now. A thoughtful, moving episode about continuity, purpose, and becoming a bridge between generations.