The Rabbi & the Other Guy

October 7 - One Year Later Part One

As we approach the one-year mark since the tragic October 7 attacks in the Gaza Envelope, join your hosts for a powerful conversation with Michal Ilai, Senior Israel Educator at Shalom Austin. Together, they explore the meaning of Jewish peoplehood, resilience, and cultural pride in the face of adversity.
Whether deeply connected to the Jewish community or seeking insight into recent world events, this episode offers a thoughtful and enriching perspective you don't want to miss.

Questions We've Always Wanted to Ask an Orthodox Rabbi

Rabbi Mendy Levertov, Director/Spiritual Leader of Chabad Young Jewish Professionals of Austin, joins us in episode 10 to answer all the questions our hosts have ever wanted to ask an Orthodox rabbi. Plus, we get to know his brand of "High Energy Judaism." 

Do Jewish Students Feel Safe on Campus?

We're back! In our 9th episode, Rabbi Septimus and Dr. Schocket sit down with Rabbi Stephanie Max, Executive Director of Texas Hillel, and Jeffrey Harberg, a current junior at the University of Texas, to discuss what life on campus has been like since October 7. 

Summer & Sabbatical

Before they head into their mid-season break, our hosts sit down and chat about just about everything - work, sports, summer camp, and Rabbi Septimus’ sabbatical (and what that even is). We’ll be back in the Fall!  

Jews & the Afterlife

Is there a heaven or hell? Do Jews believe in resurrection? What happens to our soul? And most importantly, did Darth Vader repent before he died? In this episode, Rabbi Septimus and Dr. Schocket discuss what the afterlife looks like in Judaism, both practically and personally. 

Jews & the Hebrew Calendar

How important is the Hebrew calendar for Jews who live in the Diaspora? Are Jews allowed to interpret and implement the Hebrew calendar in their own way? Can we honor Yom Kippur at the same time TXOU is playing? In this episode, Rabbi Septimus and Dr. Schocket discuss the differences between the Hebrew calendar vs. the Gregorian calendar.

Jews & Repairing the World

Rabbi Septimus and Dr Shocket discuss the Jewish concept and principles of “Tikkun Olam” or, “repairing the world,” and what it means in different sects of Judaism.  

Jews & Youth Groups

If you grew up in a Jewish household, you were probably involved in some sort of Jewish youth organization when you were growing up. In this episode, Rabbi Septimus and Dr. Schocket discuss what Jewish youth groups are, why they were initially created, and how important they are for Jews born in the Northeast vs. Jews born in the South (trust us, there's a difference!).  

Jews & Tattoos

Are Jews allowed to get tattoos? Is it against tradition, or is it just another form of self-expression? In this episode, Rabbi Septimus and Dr. Schocket dive into the ever-evolving and taboo conversation surrounding Jews and tattoos.  

Jews & Marriage

Love and marriage. What does that look like in Judaism? What is a Ketubah, and why does the groom stomp on glass? What are the rules when it comes to interfaith marriage? In our second episode, Rabbi Septimus and Dr. Schocket chat about the traditions of marriage in Judaism, and how it has evolved over time.