I experienced one of those moments that reaffirms why sincere dialogue remains one of the most powerful tools we have as a society, on Wednesday, Dec. 17.
Around a shared table sat three rabbis—Rabbi Shlomo Eisenberg of Congregation B’nai Israel, representing Orthodox Judaism; Rabbi Jacob Herber of Congregation Beth El, from the Conservative movement; and Rabbi Roz Mandelberg of Ohef Sholom Temple, from Reform Judaism.
Each coming from a different school of thought, the rabbis gathered not to debate, not to emphasize differences, but to speak, listen, and build together. The conversation took place as part of my podcast, Shmoozin’ with Rabbi Ari, a space created precisely for this purpose: to foster genuine, human, and meaningful encounters.
The idea for this podcast was born from a desire to showcase all the beauty and goodness of the Tidewater Jewish community to the world, and in doing so, to further spread love for the Jewish people, our traditions, and our culture.
This latest episode—the fifth since launching this project, supported by Temple Emanuel —far exceeded any expectations. In an atmosphere of camaraderie, mutual respect, and a shared sense of purpose, the conversation touched on personal journeys and communal stories.
Gatherings like this are not merely symbolic—they are necessary. They remind us that respect does not require uniformity, that disagreement need not become hostility, and that authentic dialogue has the power to transform realities.
Our Sages expressed this idea beautifully in the Talmud: “Elu ve’Elu Divrei Elohim Chayim”, “These and those are the words of the Living God” (Eruvin 13b). We may not all think alike, yet each voice can carry truth. And when we learn to listen to one another with respect, the future—both as a community and as a society—is secure.
If three rabbis from different movements can sit together—not merely to avoid conflict, but to think about how to build, how to support, and how to contribute to collective growth—then the message is clear: it can be done. We can dialogue. We can dream. We can build community.
Those who wish to watch or revisit this meaningful encounter can do so on YouTube (Shmoozin’ with Rabbi Ari) or on Facebook, where we continue to create spaces for dialogue, connection, and hope.
I have no doubt that this fifth episode of Shmoozin’ with Rabbi Ari left us with a simple yet powerful lesson: when people truly listen to one another, something changes. Differences stop being walls and begin to become bridges.
May we continue to strengthen the bonds that unite us day by day, creating networks of connection, respect, harmony, and fraternity—so that together we may contribute to the growth and beauty of this extraordinary world we share.
Rabbi Ari Oliszewski is the rabbi at Temple Emanuel in Virginia Beach.