Justin Pines on Searching for Truth with Tali Rosenblatt Cohen

If truth is one of the foundational pillars of any stable society, how do we navigate a world which often feels post-truth?

In this special JI episode in honor of Jewish Book Month’s 100th anniversary, Justin sits down with Tali Rosenblatt Cohen, host of The Five Books podcast.

They begin by exploring Tali’s own mission for The Five Books Podcast: the profound power of Jewish literature to foster empathy and a sense of shared purpose, especially during moments of crisis. Tali also shares her insights on the expanding landscape of Jewish storytelling in 2025, 2025, from the enduring resonance of Holocaust literature to the rise of stories exploring Sephardi, Mizrachi, and romantic Jewish experiences.

Then, Justin steps into the guest seat to share the five books that shaped his life and led to a lifelong quest for authenticity and truth (Emet)—a search he views as the central project of the Jewish tradition.

Listen as Justin shares his five books and discusses:

• How a classic American novel sparked his obsession with "phonies."

• Why the Jewish tradition is a centuries-long debate aimed at "getting the answer, not being right."

• The revolutionary theological concept that every human we meet is a messenger from God.

This conversation is a powerful celebration of reading, identity, and the spiritual journey that connects them both.

Rabbi Justin Pines' Five Books:

The Catcher in the Rye

The Jewish Way: Living the Jewish Holidays

The Story of Joseph and His Brothers

Living Emunah: Achieving a Life of Serenity Through Faith

Ohr Yisrael and Other Writings