In this episode of Interfaith Roundtable, Rabbi Mark is joined by Father Rick Swanson of St. John's Episcopal Church in Hagerstown, Maryland, for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation on faith, identity, and the role of religion in today's world. Together, they explore the core teachings of the Episcopal tradition, the evolving relationship between religion and politics, and the challenges facing modern faith communities.

Drawing from personal experiences and theological perspectives, the discussion also dives into the importance of humility, service, and maintaining meaningful dialogue across religious and cultural differences. At a time when division often dominates the conversation, this episode highlights the power of mutual respect, shared values, and collaboration in pursuing peace, justice, and a deeper connection to the divine.

Whether you are deeply rooted in your faith, exploring spirituality, or simply curious about different religious perspectives, this episode offers an engaging and insightful look at how we can better understand one another and work together toward a more compassionate world.

After a year-and-a-half hiatus, Interfaith Roundtable returns! Rabbi Mark shares why this show matters now more than ever, creating space for curiosity, compassion, and connection across faiths without preaching or trying to convince anyone to believe a certain way.

In this comeback episode, Rabbi Mark welcomes his first guest back: Pastor Anna Ressler of Hebron Mennonite Church (Hagerstown). Together, they explore what drew Anna into ministry, what "discipleship" looks like in real life, and how Mennonite values like peace, simplicity, and community shape her work today. They also talk about navigating the religion/politics line, why interfaith relationships are so important, and how Anna uses theater and storytelling to make scripture more accessible, sometimes even writing short dramatic sketches for worship.

Rabbi Mark also reintroduces core themes of the show, including reflections on creation, free will, Tikkun Olam, and the purpose of prayer, plus a look at Jewish spiritual tradition through the lens of Abraham Joshua Heschel and a wordless nigun melody.

Sponsor: This episode of Interfaith Roundtable is sponsored by Andrew K. Coffman Funeral Home, Inc. Located at 40 East Antietam Street in Hagerstown, Maryland, the Coffman Funeral Home has served the community since 1925 as a full-service establishment committed to quality, dignity, and compassion, offering services including traditional funeral services, cremation, and coordination with other funeral homes for forwarding or receiving remains.

Want to connect with the show? Email Rabbi Mark at mjperman9@gmail.com.

Rabbi Mark speaks with Angela Moore who is a leader at UNHCR, and important U.N. Refugee Agency that is helping persecuted and displaced people find help and support as they struggle to build new lives free of terror, oppression, and, in some cases, exploitation.

Mark also interviews Cantor Barbara Ostfeld, who is the first woman ever to be ordained as a cantor in the Jewish faith. She talks about being a pioneer in a field that was for centuries exclusively male.