On today's episode of The Jewish Times, host Jeff Silberblatt welcomes a distinguished rabbinic roundtable featuring Rabbi Peter Berg, Rabbi Ari Kaiman, and Rabbi Ilan Feldman. Together, they explore pivotal questions from the Bible, Torah, and Jewish tradition. From the historical and spiritual narratives of the Maccabees to the debate over the Torah’s truth, the conversation delves into topics that shape Jewish identity and belief. The discussion examines the concept of the Messiah, the significance of keeping kosher, and how varying interpretations of Jewish law influence contemporary practice. Don’t miss this episode.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:30] Three rabbis with different points of view
• [2:40] Discussion of Hanukkah
• [8:23] Is the Torah true or embellished
• [12:51] Who is the Messiah
• [15:42] To stay kosher, or not
• [17:58] A discussion of kosher practice and rules

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The narratives of Hanukkah in 1 and 2 Maccabees focus on historical events and the Sukkot festival, contrasting with the oil miracle emphasized in the Talmud, reflecting the richness and complexity of Jewish storytelling.
• Hanukkah highlights the importance of embracing its historical and spiritual narratives, emphasizing light and divine inspiration in Jewish identity while asserting Jewish values, resisting assimilation, and upholding principles of morality and divine authority.
• Keeping kosher elevates eating into a spiritual practice, highlighting the connection between Jewish traditions, food, moral responsibility toward animals and the Torah.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Jewish Time - Podcast

Atlanta Jewish Times - Website

Atlanta Jewish Times - Facebook

Atlanta Jewish Times - YouTube

Rabbi Peter S. Berg - The Temple

Rabbi Kaiman - Congregation Shearith Israel

Rabbinic Staff - Beth Jacob Atlanta

BIOGRAPHIES:

Rabbi Ilan D. Feldman, Senior Rabbi at Beth Jacob Atlanta, has served the community since 1980, succeeding his father in 1991. He founded Torah Day School of Atlanta, helped establish the Atlanta Scholars Kollel, and serves as Dean of the Atlanta Kashruth Commission. Ordained at Ner Israel Rabbinical College, Rabbi Feldman holds a degree in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University, combining religious and practical guidance in his counseling work.

Rabbi Ari Kaiman began his rabbinic career at Congregation B'nai Amoona in St. Louis and has served as Rabbi at Congregation Shearith Israel since 2016. He fosters a culture of volunteerism and inclusivity, emphasizing diverse pathways to meaningful Jewish living, including prayer, learning, and social action. A proud Zionist, Rabbi Kaiman envisions a future of peace for all in the region. He and his wife, Emily, have four children and enjoy hiking, CrossFit, and reading.

Rabbi Ilan D. Feldman, Senior Rabbi at Beth Jacob Atlanta, has served the community since 1980, succeeding his father in 1991. He founded Torah Day School of Atlanta, helped establish the Atlanta Scholars Kollel, and serves as Dean of the Atlanta Kashruth Commission. Ordained at Ner Israel Rabbinical College, Rabbi Feldman holds a degree in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University, combining religious and practical guidance in his counseling work.

On today's episode of Jewish Time, host Jeff Silberblatt delves into the high-profile YSL Young Slime Life court case with criminal attorney Doug Weinstein, who represents Deamonte Kendrick, aka Yak Gotti. Doug offers an insider's perspective on the trial proceedings that have unfolded over the past two years. From the controversial involvement of Judge Granville to the unreliable testimony of Kenneth Copeland, aka Lil Woody, Doug provides a candid account of the challenges and intricacies of this prolonged trial. He also shares his thoughts on the skilled legal team involved and the stark contrasts between criminal and patent cases. Doug emphasizes that while this case has been undeniably bizarre, the reality is that defendants are sitting in Fulton County Jail every day, awaiting their fate in a place no one would want to be.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [2:01] Doug describes how he became involved in the Young Slime Life court case
• [4:17] Doug asks Judge Granville to recuse himself, and he discusses the aftermath
• [11:36] Discussion regarding Lil Woody (Kenneth Copeland), who is a self-described liar and conversations with Rolling Stone magazine regarding a mistrial
• [15:57] Doug reflects on his time spent since the jury selection started and states that trials are highly orchestrated, and he discusses Brian Steele and other excellent Jewish Atlantan criminal attorneys
• [20:04] Doug discusses the team he is a part of, representing different clients, and he talks about the differences between arguing a patent case and a criminal case. Doug speculates about who would play him in a movie if it were to be filmed
• [24:34] Doug reminds the listeners that the trial has gone on far too long while his client is sitting in jail

TAKEAWAYS

• Doug Weinstein knew that the state’s witness, Kenneth Copeland, aka Lil Woody, lied in 2015. Mr. Copeland feels there is a difference between being a snitch and finessing the police.
• When Judge Granville did not stop the trial when asked to recuse himself, the witness who continued to testify the following days gave testimony that the jury should not have heard.
• This trial has been so bizarre that it will surely be made into a movie.

RESOURCES:

Jewish Time - Podcast

Atlanta Jewish Times - Website

Atlanta Jewish Times - Facebook

Atlanta Jewish Times - YouTube

Weinstein Law - Website

Doug Weinstein - X

BIO:

Doug Weinstein is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, the University of Alabama Birmingham, and the University of New Hampshire. After graduating from law school at the top of his class, he litigated for almost 25 years in federal and state courts with the top law firms in the country. Mr. Weinstein is a seasoned attorney with over 20 years of experience providing counsel to companies of all sizes, from startups to Fortune 100, focused on intellectual property and business matters.

Today on Jewish Time, Jeff Silberblatt sits down with Steve and Susan Sadow, prominent attorneys in Atlanta. Steve, a criminal defense attorney with a roster of celebrity clients, and Susan, renowned as Atlanta's Super Lawyer in workers' compensation, share their journeys. They discuss their decision to attend Emory Law School, reflect on how Atlanta has evolved over the past 40 years, express their pride in the Jewish community, and celebrate the achievements of their two sons. Additionally, they reveal the secrets behind their enduring marriage. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation with two of Atlanta’s proud citizens.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:24] Jeff introduces Steve and Susan Sadow
• [3:41] Steve shares how he engages potential new celebrity clients
• [4:57] Susan discusses her designation as “Super Lawyer”
• [6:23] Susan and Steve reveal how each chose Emory Law School and discuss their opinions of how Atlanta has changed since they came to the city in the '70s
• [9:36] Steve and Susan discuss how their law practices have changed during the last 40 years
• [12:29] Steve talks about their two sons, and Susan discusses their Jewish education
• [15:49] A discussion of their involvement in Atlanta's Jewish community and Steve and Susan share their perspectives on the future of their practices, including their retirement plans
• [19:03] The guests reveal their secret to a happy marriage

TAKEAWAYS

• Being involved in BBYO cemented the culture of Steve and Susan’s sons into who they are today
• The Atlanta area has grown into a metropolis since the 1970s and has become a city of culture with a multi-ethnicity group of wonderful people
• Your marriage will be successful if you support your partner, agree to disagree, compromise when you can and enjoy the same goals

LINKS:

Atlanta Jewish Times - Website

Atlanta Jewish Times - Facebook

Atlanta Jewish Times - YouTube

Steve Sadow - Atlanta Jewish Times

Super Lawyers - Website

Susan Sadow - Website

Steve Sadow - New York Times

Steve Sadow - Reuters Website

BIOS:

Steve Sadow is a nationally recognized criminal defense attorney. His 44-plus-year career includes numerous high-profile clients, including 45th President Donald J. Trump, rappers/entertainers TI, Rick Ross, Gunna, Usher, Howard K. Stern (Anna Nicole Smith’s boyfriend/attorney), and Steve Kaplan (Gold Club owner). In 2020-2024, Steve was selected by Atlanta Magazine as one of the Top 500 most powerful, influential leaders in Atlanta. Steve was raised in Trotwood, Ohio, and graduated from Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio, before moving to Atlanta in 1976 to attend Emory Law School.

Susan Sadow is a workers’ compensation claimant attorney. She began practicing in 1981 and started her firm in 1992, now named Sadow & Froy. Susan has been recognized as a Georgia Super Lawyer since 2006 and by Best Lawyers in America since 2003, including being selected 2024 Lawyer of the Year. Her specialty is catastrophic injuries. She is also a certified mediator. Susan was raised in Englewood, N.J. and graduated from Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, before moving to Atlanta in 1978 to attend Emory Law School.