In this bonus episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg explains why he invited Loay Alshareef, an Arab Muslim voice, to speak at the Boca Raton Synagogue. In a candid and often uncomfortable conversation, Loay speaks openly about antisemitism in the Arab and Muslim world, the narratives he grew up with, and the personal risks of challenging them publicly. This episode explores truth-telling, moral clarity, and why honest conversation sometimes matters more than comfort.
This bonus episode of Behind the Bima addresses a question many people asked — and some criticized:
Why invite an Arab Muslim to speak at a synagogue?
Rabbi Efrem Goldberg is joined by Loay Alshareef, an Arab Muslim educator who speaks openly about antisemitism within the Arab and Muslim world, the narratives he was raised with, and the personal consequences of challenging them publicly.
Rather than aiming for comfort or consensus, this conversation focuses on truth, moral responsibility, and the cost of silence. Loay discusses what it means to speak honestly within his own community, why clarity matters more than approval, and how real dialogue differs from performative gestures.
This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin.
This Episode Discusses:
This is not a conversation about interfaith optics. It’s about values, courage, and the responsibility to say difficult things out loud.