This episode of "Center of Gravity" explores the profound role of humor in Jewish life, especially around Purim, highlighting how laughter serves as a tool for connection, resilience, and truth-telling. Rabbi Eric Yanoff of Adath Israel shares stories, jokes, and insights on how humor helps us cope with adversity and celebrate life.

(Watch the video version on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2or9gjQ9icSXGiTNwyMS1O?si=-elO6HN9Q4-mQItdpQQU4A and YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVZqATInicSwLO7CRNElQJJQs03ohdMXQ&si=2dVvePL_7S0Zyw5K)

The 2025 High Holidays feel like a long time ago, but we still have more to say about our sermons. We recorded this episode of "Center of Gravity" shortly after the High Holidays to give everyone the “story behind the sermon." In this episode, Rabbi Eric Yanoff is joined by Rabbi Andrew Markowitz to reflect on their Rosh Hashanah sermons. They explore themes of connection, joy, and the importance ofnurturing Jewish identity. The discussion emphasizes the need for play as a means of fostering relationships and community, while also acknowledging the challenges of addressing complex issues in sermons.

(Watch the video version on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2or9gjQ9icSXGiTNwyMS1O?si=-elO6HN9Q4-mQItdpQQU4A and YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVZqATInicSwLO7CRNElQJJQs03ohdMXQ&si=2dVvePL_7S0Zyw5K)

The 2025 High Holidays feel like a long time ago, but we still have more to say about our sermons. We recorded this episode of "Center of Gravity" shortly after the High Holidays to give everyone the “story behind the sermon." In this episode, Rabbi Eric Yanoff is joined by Rabbi Andrew Markowitz to explore the intersection of family life, pop culture, and Jewish tradition, particularly in the context of their High Holiday sermons. They discuss how their children inspired their messages, the themes of vulnerability and mortality, and the importance of embracing one's brokenness. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they highlight the role of children in teaching adults about faith and connection.

(Watch the video version on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2or9gjQ9icSXGiTNwyMS1O?si=-elO6HN9Q4-mQItdpQQU4A and YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVZqATInicSwLO7CRNElQJJQs03ohdMXQ&si=2dVvePL_7S0Zyw5K)

Rabbi Eric Yanoff of Adath Israel shares his path to the rabbinate, from growing up outside Philadelphia to Camp Ramah, Princeton, and a near-detour into medicine. Along the way he reflects on music, humor, and the mentors who helped him see his calling, plus why building deep, intergenerational community still feels like the real definition of success.

A new podcast from Rabbi Eric Yanoff of Adath Israel on the Main Line for people tired of extremes. Center of Gravity makes the case for a principled center and why it matters right now: curiosity over judgment, nuance over shouting, and a big tent that can hold disagreement without falling apart.