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.

Rabbi Mark speaks with Matthew Thiessesn PhD., biblical scholar and teacher, about Jesus' Jewish roots and he welcomes Pastor James Brooks who is a new minister in Hagerstown, MD at First Christian Church.

Rabbi mark talks with Dr. Nehemia Gordon, who was one of the translators of The Dead Sea Scrolls, about his take on scripture from both a Jewish and Christian perspective.

Rabbi Mark speaks about his trip to Israel and what he experienced there as opposed to what is generally seen on cable news. Mark then spoke to spiritual guide, teacher, and grief counselor Mitch Cohen who helps clarify the distinctions between being religious and embracing spirituality.

In this episode Rabbi Mark is joined by award winning composer and flutist Mattan Klein. Mattan Klein shares his account of how life in Israel has changed in the past weeks. He gives the historical perspective of the Israel-Palestine and the decades of transgressions that led to the recent events. He also shares his music and his hope that it could lead to harmony and love.

On the second half of the episode Mark is joined by former President of the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau Thomas Riford. On the show he shares the history of Thomas Kennedy, a man from Hagerstown who championed Religious Freedom for all. Born in 1776, Thomas Kennedy fought against discrimination and was the leading force to pass the "Jew Bill" which allowed people of Jewish decent or belief to hold public office.

Listen to Mattan's 2023 Album

Listen to Mattan's 2022 Album

Jazzwise Magazine

Mattan Klein Facebook

Hagerstown Convention and Visitor's Bureau

Thomas Kennedy Center

Amy Jaffy serves as the Senior Vice President at Vista Del Mar. Amy explains, they have the capacities to oversee a number of child refugees from various countries. Amy has background and a private practice in psychotherapy which she uses to help stablize and support the children from varying countries that come in. She talks how far Vista Del Mar has come in the past 100 years and how they continue to serve families and the community to this day.

Rabbi Jackie Redner served as the resident pastor for 17 years. Director of spiritual enrichment and a certified, mind, and medicine practitioner. Rabbi Jackie explains how her upbringing and roots led her to want to work in a place like Vista Del Mar. Despite the low amount of jewish children coming through Vista Del Mar she works with people of all faiths to support their spiritual journey. Judism and Interfaith practices are seen throughout Vista Del Mar as all holidays including Jewish holidays are celebrated.

Vista Del Mar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VistaDelMarOrg/

Website: https://vistadelmar.org/

Next Mark is joined by poet, author, and proud vegan Vivian Chinelli to talk about her veganism and why others could think before consuming animals. Like others she ate meat until she was challenged one day and she began to stop consuming it. She now makes conversation in the streets of Los Angeles about why people eat meat and how they can look into some alternatives. She also incorporates her poetry into undertaking to educate. She's written a number of books on the topic of veganism.

I'm not Vegan but My Cousin is: https://www.amazon.com/Not-Vegan-But-Cousin-Respecting/dp/B0B7QJ8HN7

Website: http://www.vivianchinelli.com