The Epstein Files as a Mirror, With Rabbi Jay Michaelson

The Epstein Files as a Mirror, With Rabbi Jay Michaelson

Author: Interfaith Alliance March 1, 2026 Duration: 52:47
As exhausted as many of us are by the ever more sordid revelations in the Epstein scandal, author and journalist Rabbi Jay Michaelson says its importance is only growing. Joining host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush on this edition of The State of Belief, Jay argues that the way the scandal is being handled is nothing short of a moral referendum, “not just on Donald Trump and on the administration, but, really, on our society as a whole.” Jay also sounds the alarm about developments in anti-Jewish bigotry in recent months, including an explosion in antisemitism in connection with the Epstein files. He has harsh words for the way responsible voices have been too silent in the face of the conspiracy theories proliferating in the ongoing chaos of the Epstein case. In the midst of all this, a nationwide attack on LGBTQ+ rights, focusing especially on trans individuals, continues unabated. Among the latest initiatives: 47 right-wing secular and religious organizations, including some big names, are scheming ways to repeal marriage equality in this country. Jay has some thoughts on how the current Supreme Court justices are likely to approach any case involving this issue. A meditation teacher as well as a rabbi, Jay highlights the concept of despair as a trap. And the importance of staying present and engaged. He also talks about practices that can help sustain us in these challenging times. Paul also shares his words from the People's State of the Union, attended by a number of members of Congress and organized by MoveOn as an antidote to the theatrics that took place under the rotunda. More about Jay Michaelson Rabbi Dr. Jay Michelson is a visiting researcher at Harvard Law School and a field scholar at the Emory Center for Psychedelics and Spirituality. He is also an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in The Daily Beast, Rolling Stone, and CNN. Jay worked as an LGBTQ activist for 10 years and is the author of 10 books, including God versus Gay: The Religious Case for Equality. These days, he writes a weekly Substack newsletter, Both/And With Jay Michelson, which is a must-read. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosted by Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, The State Of Belief is a weekly conversation that lives at the intersection of faith and public life, presented by the Interfaith Alliance. Each episode brings together a thoughtful and often surprising mix of voices-from religious leaders and activists to artists and civic strategists-for discussions that are as engaging and humorous as they are deeply meaningful. These dialogues move beyond abstract theory, offering a grounded look at how spiritual wisdom informs practical action and political engagement in real time. Tuning in, you’ll hear a potent blend of personal stories, strategic insight, and hopeful analysis from people working on the front lines of communities nationwide. The podcast operates from a simple but vital premise, captured in its tagline: “Where Religion and Democracy Meet.” It’s a space designed not for debate, but for exploration, examining how diverse beliefs shape our collective pursuit of justice and democracy. If you’re looking for a source that takes the pulse of faith in America with intelligence, warmth, and a sense of urgency, this is the series for you.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The State Of Belief
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