In this episode of The Rabbi & the Other Guy, Dr. Matt Schocket and Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus learn from Prof. Ariela Gordon-Shaag, the President of Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College. Ariela discusses JMC's integrated form of education, where Jewish and Arab students learn alongside each other and challenge the world’s preconceived notions of Jerusalem.

She also discusses how the school teaches dealing with people undergoing trauma, how to care for those displaced after October 7th, and JMC’s workshops aimed at decreasing tension. She also highlights two interesting students as examples of the school’s success.

As the new year approaches, Rabbi Brian Leiken of Congregation Beth Israel sits down with The Rabbi and the Other Guy to share his journey from New York to Texas and the fresh perspective that came with the move. Together, they dive into the meaning of Rosh Hashanah and the power of leaning into the uncomfortable. With warmth, humor, and honesty, Rabbi Leiken reminds us what it means to live with intention and embrace new beginnings.

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In this episode of The Rabbi & the Other Guy, Dr. Matt Schocket and Rabbi Daniel Septimus sit down with Jessica McCormick, Director of Family Experience for PJ Library at the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Jessica shares the story and mission of PJ Library—how it began, how it continues to grow like a startup, and how it succeeds in putting Jewish books into the hands of children and families across the country.

She also highlights the Library’s innovative microgrant program, its creative approach to expanding reach and impact, and how her role provides insight into Jewish migration patterns across the U.S. in the wake of major events. It’s a fascinating look at how stories shape communities—and how PJ Library is helping to write the next chapter of Jewish life.

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In this episode of The Rabbi & the Other Guy, Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus sits down in a one-on-one with Rabbi Yossi Marrus from Chabad of Boerne to discuss the recent Central Texas floods. Rabbi Marrus reflects on the urgent aid efforts, why he sees himself as an ambassador of Israel, and the Jewish values that guide him in times of crisis—emphasizing the importance of helping, healing, and rebuilding.

Rabbi Septimus also chats with Matt Smith, Chair of the Shalom Austin Flood Relief Task Force. Together, they explore the lessons learned from mobilizing a task force, the complexities of distributing funds, and the powerful and surprising ways the community has stepped up to support those in need.

In this powerful episode of The Rabbi & the Other Guy, our hosts sit down with Crissy Eliashar, whose home was destroyed in the devastating floods in Travis County on July 5. Chrissy shares her family’s story of loss, resilience, and hope as they face a long journey of rebuilding.

Together, they reflect on the extraordinary ways the Jewish community showed up in their time of need—offering not only material support, but also steadfast emotional and spiritual care. This moving conversation is a testament to the strength of community, the power of compassion, and the light that can shine through even in life’s darkest moments.

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Season 3 of The Rabbi and the Other Guy kicks off with our hosts, Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus and Dr. Matt Schocket, sitting down with Eyal Butbul and Ariella Goldstein, this year’s ShinShinim from Shalom Austin. In a lively and heartfelt conversation, they share what it’s been like spending a year in Austin—discovering American football, embracing Texas hospitality, rocking cowboy hats, and more.

From comparing the realities of life for Israeli and American teens, to tackling antisemitism, to searching for the perfect Hebrew equivalent of “y’all,” this episode offers laughs, insight, and an inside look at the transformative ShinShinim experience.

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In this episode of The Rabbi & the Other Guy, our hosts chat with Frank Silberlicht, Executive Director of Camp Young Judaea Texas. Frank talks about the importance of Jewish summer camps in providing young people with a safe, disciplined, and diverse place to grow, as well as the state of summer camps in the wake of the Camp Mystic tragedy.

Frank also discusses the increased need for personal interchanges between Jewish people in the United States and Israel, in the hopes of creating a better world for everyone.

Watch the full episode here!