Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other

From Trauma to Torah: Rabbi Michael Holzman’s Mission to Rebuild American Democracy

2025-09-19

After October 7, Rabbi Michael Holzman wasn’t just mourning—he was mobilizing. A project he had already spent years developing. Discover how one rabbi is using ancient wisdom, civic rituals, and interfaith grit to heal our fractured democracy. In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Michael Holzman, spiritual leader of the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation and founder of the Rebuilding Democracy Project. Together, we explore the fragile yet vital intersection of faith, politics, and civic life, tackling tough questions with grace, insight, and a tou...

In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Michael Holzman, spiritual leader of the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation and founder of the Rebuilding Democracy Project. Together, we explore the fragile yet vital intersection of faith, politics, and civic life, tackling tough questions with grace, insight, and a touch of humor.

From personal stories of family division over politics to deeply Jewish perspectives on democracy, Rabbi Holzman opens up about how religious communities can serve as training grounds for better civic engagement. He also shares how his own path—from a secular upbringing to becoming a reform rabbi—shaped his commitment to democratic values.

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⏱️ Timestamp Highlights:

[00:00:40] Welcome & intro to Rabbi Holzman and his work in democracy-building
[00:03:10] What does “lantzman” mean, and how does it reflect communal responsibility?
[00:04:40] Exploring Rabbi Holzman’s family history: German and Eastern European Jewish roots
[00:10:40] A spiritual upbringing grounded in nature, ethics, and the roots of his rabbinic calling
[00:14:10] The life-altering moment that shifted his path from medicine to ministry
[00:18:40] A personal journey through political polarization with his father
[00:26:40] Understanding the emotional and psychological impact of political echo chambers
[00:31:40] Why local synagogues and churches are essential spaces for democratic practice
[00:39:40] Launching the Rebuilding Democracy Project
[00:50:40] The power of scripture—both Jewish and American—in bridging divides
[00:56:40] “10 Faith Habits for Effective Citizenship”
[00:57:40] Rabbi Holzman’s reflection on Israel, Gaza, and ethical leadership
[01:00:40] Closing insights on disagreeing better and civic healing

💡 Key Takeaways:

"We have to build a culture that values dissent." — Rabbi Holzman on embracing disagreement as a civic virtue.
Faith communities can model democratic practices through sacred rituals like respectful dialogue and structured governance.
Personal experience with political polarization—especially in families—can become a catalyst for bridge-building.
The American Scripture Project uses historical texts and Torah to help congregations grapple with today's civic challenges.
Healthy democracy depends on rituals that reassure losers of their place in the system—a principle eroded by events like January 6th.