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.

In this episode of Judaism in the 21st Century, Steven Labkoff and Rabbi Daniel Cohen explore how Jewish learning is evolving in an age of technology and AI. From ancient oral tradition to digital libraries, podcasts, and tools like ChatGPT, they ask a timely question: how do we use new technologies to deepen Jewish life without losing critical thinking, reflection, or soul?

The conversation weaves together personal stories, Torah study, Shabbat as a counterbalance to constant connectivity, and the responsibility of educators to meet each generation where they are. This episode is not about replacing tradition, but about elevating it, using today’s tools thoughtfully to educate, inspire, and bring more meaning into our lives.

In this special Chanukah episode of Judaism in the 21st Century, Steven Labkoff and Rabbi Daniel Cohen confront a painful and urgent reality. As Jews were murdered while celebrating Chanukah in Sydney and another Jewish life was taken in the United States, antisemitism feels closer, louder, and more threatening than many of us have ever experienced.

This conversation explores how Chanukah speaks directly to this moment. Drawing on the story of the Maccabees, Rabbi Cohen reflects on the dual responsibility Jews carry today: to confront darkness and violence head-on, while also continuing to bring light into the world through visible Jewish life, courage, and acts of goodness.

Through personal reflection, Jewish history, and a powerful story from the Sydney community itself, this episode asks a simple but profound question: when fear rises, do we dim the light, or do we add another candle?

Spoilers: Add another candle!

This week on Judaism in the 21st Century, Rabbi Daniel Cohen and Dr. Steven Labkoff discuss AI, the soul, human purpose, and the moral questions emerging as artificial intelligence advances. Inspired by a recent talk from Mois Navon (Mobileye co-founder, rabbi, philosopher, and global speaker on ethics and AI), we ask:

• What truly makes humans unique?
• If technology can think, create, and solve problems—what is our role?
• Does Judaism provide a framework for how we should approach AI?
• The most essential question: not “Can we build it?” but “Should we?”

This episode challenges us to reflect on personal purpose, responsibility, and the importance of bringing godliness into everything we do.

In this episode of Judaism in the 21st Century, Dr. Steven Labkoff and Rabbi Daniel Cohen tackle the tension between privacy and transparency—two values that shape our digital, ethical, and spiritual lives. Steven introduces the topic through a modern lens, observing how people routinely trade privacy for convenience in a hyperconnected world. Rabbi Cohen offers a deeply Jewish perspective rooted in Torah, revealing that privacy is not merely a social courtesy but a sacred obligation.

Citing the phrase “Vayedaber Hashem el Moshe leimor” (“God spoke to Moses, saying…”), Rabbi Cohen explains that the word leimor implies permission—God granting Moses explicit authority to share divine words. Without such consent, Moses would be obligated to keep God’s message private. From this, Judaism teaches that we must never assume we have the right to share information unless given express permission.

The discussion extends into the ethics of modern communication—emails, blind copies, social media—and how easily private information can spread. Steven reflects on how this lesson challenges his own habits around openness, especially in an age where personal boundaries are often blurred online.

The episode closes with a reminder that words hold tremendous power: they can create worlds or destroy them. Rabbi Cohen emphasizes that speech must be used to bring light, unity, and healing—echoing God’s own creative use of words at the beginning of time.

Rabbi Cohen and I have further thoughts about the Mayor-Elect in NYC. Please listen to our further comments about what we should be thinking and doing about this situation...