*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:81a76029-d660-4a3b-bcba-0542a15b0b65-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:81a76029-d660-4a3b-bcba-0542a15b0b65-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant">   On this episode of The Interfaith Roundtable, Rabbi Mark Perman welcomes Father Rick Swanson of St. John's Episcopal Church for an engaging and heartfelt conversation about faith, identity, justice, and the importance of community. Father Rick shares his journey into ministry, from growing up in Minnesota and competing as a national speed skater to discovering his calling within the Episcopal Church. Throughout the episode, the two discuss the role of the church in today's political and social climate, the importance of interfaith relationships, and how people of faith can respond to division with dignity, compassion, and understanding. Father Rick also reflects on his experiences as a gay priest, the Episcopal Church's evolving relationship with LGBTQ+ inclusion, and the power of building bridges across different faith traditions. The conversation also highlights Father Rick's deep commitment to interfaith dialogue, including his experiences traveling to Israel alongside Jewish and Christian leaders and creating meaningful relationships rooted in mutual respect and shared humanity. It's a thoughtful, timely, and inspiring discussion centered on love, justice, and finding common ground in an increasingly divided world.    

On this episode of Interfaith Roundtable, Rabbi Mark welcomes back Jeannie Asbury, Director of REACH of Washington County, for an eye-opening and deeply important conversation on homelessness, poverty, and the power of community. Together, they explore the growing challenges facing individuals and families across the country—from rising housing costs and mental health struggles to addiction and the realities of life on the streets. Jeannie shares firsthand insight into the work being done locally through REACH, including shelter programs, case management, and innovative efforts to help individuals regain stability and independence. The conversation also highlights the vital role that faith communities, local organizations, and volunteers play in making a difference—showing how compassion, collaboration, and understanding can bring real change. This episode is a powerful reminder that while the challenges are complex, hope is found in people coming together to serve others. To learn more about REACH or how you can get involved, visit: https://reachofwc.org/

The Interfaith Roundtable returns with another meaningful conversation exploring faith, community, and connection. In this episode, Rabbi Mark welcomes Reverend Michelle Beadle to discuss how faith inspires social justice, community activism, and interfaith unity. From immigration advocacy and interfaith collaboration to community engagement and hope, Reverend Beadle shares powerful insights on living faith through action. Later in the episode, Lisa Noel, Youth Ministry Coordinator at St. Anne Catholic Church, joins the conversation to discuss engaging youth in faith, building meaningful relationships, and helping families grow spiritually together. She shares practical ideas for strengthening faith communities, supporting families, and encouraging the next generation. This episode highlights how faith traditions can work together to inspire hope, build community, and foster understanding across beliefs. Contact Information from the Episode: • Reverend Michelle Beadle — [email protected] • Rabbi Mark (Interfaith Roundtable) — [email protected] Listen to the Interfaith Roundtable as we explore spirituality, social justice, youth engagement, and the shared values that bring us together.

In this episode of Interfaith Roundtable, Rabbi Mark is joined by Pastor Brad Reeves from Crossway Fellowship 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 [email protected].

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