Episode 56: Pastor Dumisani Washington "Zionism and the Black Church"

Episode 56: Pastor Dumisani Washington "Zionism and the Black Church"

Author: Ben Koren and Benzi Siouni | A Geonic-Maimonidean Approach to Torah Through the Ages and Today April 27, 2023 Duration: 58:06

We had the privilege of interviewing Pastor Dumisani Washington, a prominent figure in the Black Christian community and a great supporter of Jews and Zionism. During our discussion, we delved into the concerning trends of antizionism and antisemitism that are prevalent in America and the world today, particularly in Hollywood and on college campuses. We also addressed the attacks on Jewish identity by Black Hebrew Israelites, Kyrie Irving, and Kanye West, as well as the dangerous rise of Jew hatred and propaganda on both sides of the political aisle. We explored the rich history of Jewish and Black solidarity, especially during the Civil Rights movement, and emphasized the importance of building bridges between these two communities. Additionally, we tackled the challenging topic of the popularity of Louis Farrakhan in black culture, which is a unique phenomenon. We asked why we are seeing white supremacists and black supremacists uniting against Jews. Furthermore, Pastor Dumisani cleared up some of the seemingly antisemitic verses in the New Testament, such as Jews being referred to as "the synagogue of Satan," and pushed back against certain blood libels fueled by the early Catholic Church’s scapegoating of Jews as "Christ Killers" and its enduring impact. Our conversation with Pastor Dumisani Washington shed light on these important issues and provided valuable insights on how we can work towards understanding between Black and Jewish communities. Join us in this thought-provoking discussion.


In a world of soundbites, JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today's Perplexed: Torah Foundations, Reason, and Tradition offers a different space: long, thoughtful conversations that delve into the questions and concepts often passed over. Lifelong friends Ben Koren and Benzi Siouni host this series, bringing together voices from across disciplines-religious thinkers, scientists, historians-to examine Jewish wisdom through a specific lens. Their approach is rooted in the Geonic-Maimonidean tradition, a classical stream of Jewish thought that champions reason alongside deep faith, and they thoughtfully engage with the modern intellectual legacy of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. This isn't about simple answers, but about rediscovering the robust, foundational frameworks of Torah that can speak to contemporary complexity. Each episode aims to build a bridge between ancient text and modern perplexity, reigniting a genuine passion for tradition by taking it seriously as a living, intellectual pursuit. The resulting discussions in this podcast are nuanced, patient, and designed for anyone who feels that standard explanations have left gaps in their understanding. You'll hear explorations where tradition meets rigorous inquiry, where historical context illuminates enduring principles, and where the goal is a more coherent, personally owned Jewish life. It’s a guide for the curious, the skeptical, and the devoted, all seeking a deeper anchor in timeless wisdom.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 139

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today's Perplexed: Torah Foundations, Reason, and Tradition
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