Podcast Summary: In These Times with Rabbi Ammi Hirsch – Episode Featuring Bari Weiss and Nellie Bowles
Podcast Information:
- Title: In These Times with Rabbi Ammi Hirsch
- Host: Rabbi Ammi Hirsch, Stephen Wise Free Synagogue
- Episode: Bari Weiss and Nellie Bowles
- Release Date: June 5, 2025
Overview: In this engaging episode, Rabbi Ammi Hirsch converses with renowned journalists Bari Weiss and Nellie Bowles, founders of the Free Press. The discussion delves into their departure from the New York Times, the establishment and mission of the Free Press, their Jewish journeys, and the pressing challenges facing the American Jewish community today.
1. Honoring Bari Weiss and Nellie Bowles
Rabbi Ammi Hirsch introduces the episode by highlighting that Bari Weiss and Nellie Bowles were honored with the Light of Freedom Award at the synagogue’s spring benefit. He emphasizes their significant contributions to journalism and the open exchange of ideas in America.
“Bari and Nellie, who founded the Free Press, have made prodigious contributions to journalism and to a free and hopefully open exchange of ideas in this country.”
[00:47]
2. Leaving the New York Times and Founding the Free Press
The conversation begins with Weiss and Bowles explaining their motivations for leaving the New York Times. They discuss how the paper’s shift from pursuing the objective truth to pushing specific political agendas created a void in independent journalism.
“The mission that the New York Times claimed to be pursuing was not at all the mission that it was pursuing at the time that we were there.”
[04:09]
Nellie Bowles reflects on her time at the Times and the challenges she faced in reporting stories that diverged from the paper’s favored narratives.
“When I went to Kenosha to see the businesses that had been burned down, what I realized was that actually the wealthy white neighborhood had not been burned down at all.”
[06:18]
Bari Weiss discusses the institutional barriers they encountered, leading to their decision to start the Free Press as a platform for unbiased reporting.
“I was the most right wing person at the New York Times... because... we wanted to bring in heterodox, independent and gasp, conservative views.”
[04:52]
3. The Distinctive Mission and Structure of the Free Press
Rabbi Hirsch and the guests elaborate on what sets the Free Press apart from other media outlets. They emphasize a commitment to both fearlessness and maintaining high journalistic standards.
Rabbi Ammi Hirsch describes their slogan and the foundational principles guiding the Free Press.
“Fearlessness of the new world paired with the standards of the old world.”
[12:44]
Nellie Bowles highlights the newsroom’s diversity, reflecting the broader American society.
“A newsroom that is trying to reflect the world as it actually is... a third of people voted for Kamala, a third of people voted for Trump, and a third of people didn't vote.”
[13:18]
This diversity ensures a balanced perspective, fostering an environment where differing viewpoints can coexist and be thoroughly examined.
4. Jewish Identity, Conversion, and Continuity
The discussion shifts to the importance of Jewish identity and the process of conversion. Rabbi Hirsch shares his personal journey of conversion and underscores its significance for Jewish continuity.
“In American Jewish life, in non Orthodox American Jewish life, something like 80% of people marry non Jews. So if there is a desire for continuity, then there needs to be a conversation about conversion.”
[16:09]
Nellie Bowles and Bari Weiss explore the challenges of transmitting Jewish values to younger generations, emphasizing the intentionality required to maintain Jewish identity.
“Judaism is not like oxygen. It's countercultural in very profound ways.”
[19:43]
5. Challenges: Antisemitism, Anti-Zionism, and Media Bias
A significant portion of the conversation addresses the rise in antisemitism and anti-Zionism, particularly in the aftermath of the tragic events of October 7th.
Nellie Bowles connects anti-Zionism to historical antisemitic sentiments, arguing that they are intrinsically linked.
“Any Jews that spend any time trying to make Talmudic distinctions between those two things have their heads up their ass.”
[30:58]
Bari Weiss elaborates on how anti-Zionist rhetoric often disguises age-old anti-Jewish animosities, making it challenging to combat effectively.
“Any attempt to distinguish between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism is absolutely foolish.”
[30:58]
The hosts also discuss how media bias has contributed to shaping negative perceptions of the Jewish community, leading to increased hostility and discrimination.
6. The Rise of Violence and Identity Politics in Society
The conversation then turns to the alarming rise in the glorification of violence within American society and its implications for the Jewish community.
Rabbi Ammi Hirsch expresses concern over normalized threats of violence and the erosion of societal guardrails that once contained such extreme behaviors.
“There has just been such a shift in the Overton window with what's acceptable.”
[36:27]
Nellie Bowles and Bari Weiss discuss how identity politics exacerbates divisions, making violence against marginalized groups, including Jews, more permissible in certain circles.
“Any politics, any worldview that says some people are more deserving fundamentally of privilege or life than other people is a politics that will end in violence.”
[38:46]
7. Optimism and the Future of American Jewish Life
Concluding on a positive note, Weiss and Bowles share their optimistic outlook for the future of American Jewish life despite current challenges.
Bari Weiss highlights the resilience of the Jewish community and the potential for building new institutions that uphold Jewish values.
“American Jewish life is going to get amazing in this because... it's a moment for builders.”
[40:42]
Nellie Bowles emphasizes the enduring strength of Jewish identity and the opportunities for normalization and cooperation on a global scale.
“We are a people that has, by every law of history, should have been completely erased from the world... yet we are here.”
[41:25]
Rabbi Hirsch and his guests inspire listeners to embrace their Jewish identity with pride and to actively participate in shaping a robust and vibrant Jewish future.
Closing Remarks: The episode wraps up with Rabbi Hirsch and his guests reiterating the importance of Jewish pride and proactive community building in the face of adversity. They celebrate the ongoing resilience and optimism within the American Jewish community.
“The Light of Freedom Award. Barry Weiss, Nellie Bowles, welcome to New York. Welcome to the synagogue.”
[43:24]
Key Takeaways:
- Independent Journalism: The establishment of the Free Press as a response to perceived biases in mainstream media, aiming to uphold truth and diverse perspectives.
- Jewish Continuity: Emphasis on the significance of conversion and intentionality in maintaining Jewish identity amidst high non-Jewish intermarriage rates.
- Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism: Understanding the deep-seated connections and advocating for unapologetic Jewish pride and sovereignty.
- Societal Challenges: Addressing the normalization of violence and the dangers of identity politics in exacerbating societal divisions.
- Optimism for the Future: Encouraging the Jewish community to build new institutions, embrace their heritage, and maintain resilience in the face of challenges.
This episode offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between journalism, Jewish identity, and contemporary societal issues, providing valuable insights for listeners both within and outside the Jewish community.