What does it mean to say “God bless America” — and who are we praying to when we do? In this episode of Thoughts & Prayers, host Jessica Fisher examines how Jewish prayer and American politics intertwine, from the
synagogue’s prayer for the government to benedictions on the national stage.
Featuring Elie Weinstock, Annie Lewis, Lauren Holtzblatt,
and Akiva Mattenson, this episode asks how prayer relates to political
power and whether faith can enhance our public life without being consumed by it.
About ‘Thoughts & Prayers’: A new limited podcast series from the Shalom Hartman Institute, the series invites listeners into a deep exploration of the relationship between religion and modernity through the lens of Jewish prayer. In each episode, host Jessica Fisher weaves together personal stories, classical texts, and conversations with leading rabbis, scholars, and educators to inspire new connections to Jewish prayer in a changing world.
More from Thoughts and Prayers
Subscribe to Thoughts & Prayers on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.