In this special episode of Voices of Emanu El, Cantor Rollin Simmons sits down with pianist Phillip Hall to explore their eight-year musical partnership and the powerful bond between Congregation Emanu El and his choir, the Phillip Hall Singers. They reflect on an unforgettable Music at Emanu El concert honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., sharing stories behind “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Stand By Me,” “Total Praise,” and the original setting of “Only Light,” inspired by Dr. King’s timeless words that “only light” and “only love” can drive out hate. Along the way, Phillip traces his journey from church hymns at age five to forming a genre-blending gospel ensemble, and together they talk about grief, healing, and how Jewish and Black gospel traditions meet on the bimah to build a world of love through music.

Rabbi Josh Fixler, with writing partner Scott Esserman, reflects on a childhood story from his grandfather, who once stood outside a Berlin movie theater under a sign that read “Jews not wanted,” and links it to the Torah’s repeated command: “Do not oppress the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Through teachings from Parashat Mishpatim, the Talmud, and Rabbi Kalonymos Kalman Shapira, he shows how God’s tears over injustice water the “stranger’s heart” within us, calling us to radical compassion and courageous action. Listen as we explore how to stand in the ruins, tear down signs of exclusion, and become a blessing in dark times.

(Credit for opening sequence, an interview with Fred Marcus, Rabbi Fixler's grandfather: USC Shoah Foundation)

In this episode of the Voices of Emanu El podcast, guest Rabbi Seth Stander retells the giving of the Ten Commandments as God’s “rock words,” adapted from Rabbi Mark Gelman’s beloved story. With humor and heart, he explores what it means to worship more than “stuff,” to use God’s name for gratitude not curses, and to see Shabbat as a weekly reminder that work is what we do — not who we are.

Rabbi Stander also reflects on honoring parents across generations, the many forms of stealing and truth-telling, and the pull to covet what belongs to someone else instead of becoming the best version of ourselves. As we revisit Parashat Yitro, we are invited to keep studying, questioning, and living these commandments so we can meet — or even exceed — our Creator’s aspirations for us.