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Join Rabbi Steven Miodownik and Rabbi Noah Whittenburg of Congregation Ahavas Achim in Highland Park, NJ, every week for perspectives on Shul, community and the Jewish people. 1st Monday of the month - Interview of the Month: Meet compelling personalities that have shaped our community 2nd Monday of the month - The Big Picture: Trends and controversies in our shul, community and nation 3rd Monday of the month - Riveting Responsa: The most fascinating Halachic questions we investigated this month 4th Monday of the month - Sh’ar Yerakos: Torah gems rescued from the cutting room floor

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Check latest episodes from The PodcAAst podcast

Episode 20 - Celebrity Rabbis: Are they good for the Jews?

2026/04/21

In this episode we look at the rise of “celebrity rabbis” — rabbis whose voices reach way beyond their own communities through social media podcasts books and public speaking. Does this visibility help spread Torah and inspire Jews around the world, or does it risk turning rabbinic leadership into a brand-driven personality contest?

Episode 19 - Sha'ar Yerakos (Dueling Yerakos Edition)

2026/03/24

Karpas and Maror both take center stage at the Seder, but what do they really represent? In this episode, we explore different approaches to these two important elements of the Seder through our own dueling yerakos.

Episode 18 - Riveting Responsa (Pesach)

2026/03/17

We go through all of the Seder basics, starting with Kadesh and ending with Afikomen, to make sure that everyone is ready and prepared for the many Mitzvos of the Seder.

The Episode 17 - The Kossof Matzah Fund: The Power of a Good Name

2026/03/10

In this episode, we speak with David Goldberg about the remarkable legacy of his grandparents and the Maos Chitim fund for which they collected to ensure that families in need could celebrate Pesach with dignity. David shares the story behind their life, the values that motivated them, and how a simple act of communal responsibility grew into a lasting source of support for others. David also shares many fascinating and enlightening stories about the early days of Ahavas Achim and RPRY.

The pODDcaast

2026/03/02

Interview with member Chaim Goldstein, Hot Topics of the month, Riveting Responsa and a Purim Yerek

Episode 16 - Sha'ar Yerakos (Purim)

2026/02/24

Purim isn’t just costumes and noise—it’s a masterclass in hidden meaning, reversal, and courage. In this episode, we explore the big ideas beneath the masks: where Hashem hides, what we can learn from the words of the Megillah and how the Mitzvos of the day are about more than eating and drinking.

Episode 15 - Riveting Responsa (Purim Edition)

2026/02/17

FAQ's of Purim, including hearing the Megillah, having a Seudah, giving Matanos L'Evyonim and more.

Episode 14 - The Living History of Ahavas Achim

2026/02/10

If our Sifrei Torah could speak, they would tell countless stories. Stories of the history of Ahavas Achim, and of the individuals whose steadfast dedication to Yiddishkeit, to the greater Highland Park community, and to the shul helped shape who we are today. For that reason, we have invited individuals with personal connections to our Sifrei Torah to share their stories with us, offering a glimpse into the living history that rests within our shul.

Episode 13 - Reflections on Shiva

2026/02/03

Rabbis attend countless lifecycle events, yet far less often do they experience them personally. In this conversation, we talk candidly about being on both sides of mourning, sharing both the moments of meaning and the real challenges that come with it.

Episode 12 - Riveting Responsa (January)

2026/01/20

Can you buy pre-cut vegetables at Super Fresh? What happens if you forgot to light Shabbos candles? Do you need to check a world clock before making a Zoom meeting? We answer these questions and more in these weeks episode!

Episode 11 - Does Lowering Religious Standards Increase Commitment?

2026/01/13

If we make Judaism easier, do we make it stronger—or weaker? This is a question we constantly grapple with. In this episode, we discuss whether lowering religious standards increases commitment, and how the value we give to Judaism influences how people perceive it and engage with it.

Episode 10 - Interview with Rabbi Yaakov Luban

2026/01/06

We sat down for an in depth conversation with Rabbi Yaakov Luban, who shared the story of how he began his rabbinic journey as the rabbi of Congregation Ohr Torah in Edison, NJ and as Executive Rabbinic Coordinator at OU Kosher. He also reflected on the mentors and role models who inspired him to pursue these meaningful and impactful paths.

Episode 9 - Sh'ar Yerakos (December)

2025/12/30

We share a collection of ideas that inspired us over the past month but didn’t make it into a shiur, class, or drasha. Short reflections, sparks of Torah, and moments worth thinking about a little longer.

Episode 8 - Riveting Responsa (December)

2025/12/23

We talk about some of the exciting questions we have been asked and answered over the past month.

Episode 7 - BONUS CHANUKAH EPISODE: Carrying the Light

2025/12/16

We sit down with community members to explore what it means to be a frum Jew in the secular workplace. Marc Turansky, Jeremy Renna, Betzalel Posy and others share just a few of the many experiences they have had over the years. We hear stories of struggle, moments of conviction and powerful triumphs.