Guest #3 | Rabbi Moshe Zeldman. Authenticity.

Written By Ray Doustdar

Tradition, Meaning, and Modern Life.
In this thoughtful conversation, Rabbi Moshe Zeldman guides us through the core beliefs, customs, and spiritual depth of Judaism. Whether you're deeply religious or just curious, this episode offers insight into the faith, philosophy, and enduring relevance of Jewish life.

🎙️ DSD INTERVIEW #4 | The Jewish Experience and Zionism with Rich Siegel: EMPATHY.

✡️ Torah, Truth & Tensions | Rabbi Moshe Zeldman on Judaism, Zionism & the Role of Faith

Episode Description: Rabbi Moshe Zeldman joins Deep Shallow Dive for a masterclass on Judaism—what it is, what it isn’t, and how history, faith, and identity collide in Israel today. From kosher laws and Orthodox practice to Zionism, Jesus, and October 7th, this episode offers rare nuance from a rabbi living in Jerusalem.

What Is Judaism—And What Does It Mean to Live It Today?

In this expansive and deeply human episode, Ray Doustdar interviews Rabbi Moshe Zeldman, an Orthodox rabbi living in Jerusalem who brings clarity, humility, and depth to the modern Jewish experience. Together, they dive into the true role of a rabbi, the distinctions between Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism, and the spiritual logic behind laws like Shabbat and kosher eating.

Zeldman, once an atheist and philosophy student, walks listeners through his personal journey of belief—how rational inquiry, spiritual exploration, and immersive study in Jerusalem led him to embrace the Torah as divine instruction. He also unpacks the difference between Judaism and Zionism, reflects on October 7th from the heart of Jerusalem, and explores the spiritual meaning of God, the Torah, and the Messiah—from a Jewish perspective.

This is more than religion—it’s a deep dive into identity, politics, history, and moral courage.

👤 Who Is Rabbi Moshe Zeldman?

Rabbi Moshe Zeldman is an Orthodox Jewish rabbi based in Jerusalem. Born in Toronto and raised in a secular home, he rediscovered Judaism through rigorous study and spiritual exploration. Zeldman now teaches full time, leads educational dialogue programs like Meet the Israelis, and advocates for deeper understanding between Jews, Christians, Muslims, and secular communities.

🔥 Key Topics in This Episode

  • The real meaning of kosher, Sabbath, and rabbinic law

  • The three branches of Judaism: Orthodox, Conservative, Reform

  • What Zionism really means (and what it doesn’t)

  • Why most American Jews are Reform—and what that means culturally

  • Jesus through the lens of Jewish tradition

  • The Second Temple, the Torah, and God’s role in daily Jewish life

  • Rabbi Zeldman’s firsthand experience of October 7th in Jerusalem

  • Meet the Israelis: building dialogue across extreme differences

🧠 What You'll Learn

  • That Orthodox Jews follow biblical law as divinely given

  • Why milk and meat are never mixed in kosher households

  • The spiritual power of a 24-hour phone-free Shabbat

  • That Zionism is not the same as Judaism—and why that matters

  • How Christians and Jews are often politically aligned but theologically distinct

  • Why dialogue—not demonization—is the only way forward in Israel and Palestine

🗣️ Rabbi Zeldman’s Most Powerful Quotes

“Zionism means Jews have a right to a homeland. That’s it.”
“Sabbath is the one day I don’t grab my phone—and it saves me.”
“Judaism isn’t just beliefs. It’s a daily practice. It’s a path.”
“We’re not evil. We’re just human beings with different stories. Sit and listen.”

🧩 Top Themes Covered

  • Rabbi Moshe Zeldman DSD episode

  • Deep Shallow Dive Judaism explained

  • Orthodox Jewish belief system

  • kosher laws and Shabbat meaning

  • Zionism vs Judaism

  • Jesus Jewish perspective

  • Torah and Five Books of Moses

  • Reform vs Conservative Jews

  • Mount Sinai and Jewish origins

  • Second Temple and Western Wall

  • Meet the Israelis program

  • religious pluralism in Jerusalem

  • October 7th Israel eyewitness

  • Jewish-Muslim-Christian tensions

  • Jewish theological explanation of God

  • why Orthodox Jews wear black

  • Torah Jews vs secular Israelis

  • Messiah from a Jewish view

  • history of Jewish exile and return

  • Evangelical Christian support for Israel

  • Abrahamic religions compared

  • Jewish customs and spiritual practice

  • Judaism without politics

  • faith, history, and identity in conflict

🧭 Final Takeaway: You Can’t Build Peace Without Understanding

Rabbi Moshe Zeldman doesn’t just explain Judaism—he lives it. And in doing so, he offers a rare model of faith that’s both anchored in ancient wisdom and open to modern dialogue. If we want peace, we need perspective. This episode delivers both.

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Ray Doustdar

Adding a new chapter to his diverse career, Ray now steps into the world of literature as an author, presenting his debut work, 'Deep Shallow Dive into You.' This book is a testament to his commitment to fostering personal growth and self-awareness.

Ray's venture into authorship extends his passion for meaningful communication and impact into writing, offering readers a transformative journey designed to cultivate a more authentic relationship with themselves.

Ray aims to connect with readers profoundly through his writing, sharing insights and strategies to help them uncover their true selves and live with unwavering authenticity and intention.

https://www.deepshallowdive.com
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