When Ofir Tzoubari, a WashU law school alum and former St. Louis resident, launched his podcast “Dilemmas on Screen: A Jewish Perspective,” he wasn’t just creating another pop culture commentary. He was introducing something far more layered: a platform where beloved movies and TV shows intersect with Jewish ethics. Each episode tackles complex moral dilemmas presented in popular fiction and analyzes them through the lens of Jewish philosophy and law.
In a recent episode, Rabbi Daniel Sentell— the coordinator of Jewish Community Employment Services, a MERS Goodwill program, joined the podcast to explore one of “Harry Potter’s” most morally complex moments: Severus Snape’s killing of Albus Dumbledore. The discussion examined whether murder can ever be justified, analyzing Snape’s actions through the lens of Jewish law and ethics.
A St. Louis connection
For Rabbi Sentell, participating in the podcast was not a straightforward decision.
“The Torah does not endorse foreign culture as a source of ethics or ideas. The Torah tells us to embrace a G-d-given perspective on ethical issues and not to be swayed by foreign notions of meaning and morality,” Rabbi Sentell explained.
Despite this concern, he recognized the opportunity to reach audiences who might otherwise have little exposure to Torah learning. “Many people today are well-versed in pop culture but have precious little exposure to Torah learning,” he said. “To at least open up the conversation for those people, I agreed to parse certain ethical dilemmas found in the novel from a Torah perspective. The hope is that a brief brush with Torah may ignite a curiosity that can lead to a more authentic experience.”
What drew Rabbi Sentell to the podcast
For Rabbi Sentell, participating in the podcast was not a straightforward decision.
“Using pop culture as a medium is something I normally wouldn’t do,” he admitted. “The Torah does not endorse foreign culture as a source of ethics or ideas. The Torah tells us to embrace a G-d-given perspective on ethical issues and not to be swayed by foreign notions of meaning and morality.”
Despite this, Rabbi Sentell recognized the opportunity to reach audiences who might otherwise have little exposure to Jewish teachings.
“Many people today are well-versed in pop culture but have precious little exposure to Torah learning,” he said. “To at least open up the conversation for those people, I agreed to parse certain ethical dilemmas found in the novel from a Torah perspective. The hope is that a brief brush with Torah may ignite a curiosity that can lead to a more authentic experience.”
Tackling tough topics
Rabbi Sentell’s episode focused on one of “Harry Potter’s” most debated ethical dilemmas: Was Snape justified in killing Dumbledore? While the books provide a complex backstory that reframes Snape’s actions, the moral question remains—does justification ever make murder permissible?
“I knew Rabbi Sentell could handle the more intensive legal questioning required for this episode,” Ofir said. “Some topics lean philosophical, but this one required depth, citations from Jewish authorities and an approach that resonated with both seasoned learners and beginners. He brought all that and more.”
When asked about the challenges of the discussion, Rabbi Sentell said, “The Torah by definition is meaningful. Thus, any authentic Torah opinion on the questions posed would be of value. The question of engagement is one that falls to the podcast host. Ofir directed the conversation so that it would be engaging for him, and thus de facto engaging for his listeners as well.”
Curating the perfect guest
Selecting the right guest for an episode is a multi-layered process. Ofir says some rabbis propose topics or suggest movies they’re passionate about, while others prefer him to present them with an idea.
“If a rabbi has a specific topic in mind, I try to find a movie that aligns with it. Other times, rabbis suggest both the movie and the dilemma they’d like to explore, and I have to determine whether it fits the format of the show,” he explained.
While “Harry Potter” has been a recurring source of discussion, the podcast explores a wide range of fictional worlds. A recent episode analyzed a dilemma from “Cobra Kai,” where Rabbi Mordechai Becher joined Ofir to debate whether intent to harm is morally worse than harmful results. Other episodes have tackled personal responsibility and ethical conflicts across different films and TV series.
Audience response
Ofir’s podcast has resonated deeply with listeners, who appreciate the fresh perspective on beloved stories. “People love seeing their favorite movies through this lens,” Ofir said. “It’s fiction, so the stakes are low, but the questions are still thought-provoking. It’s been incredible to hear how much people are enjoying the discussions.”
By blending pop culture with Jewish thought, “Dilemmas on Screen” offers a unique experience for fans of all kinds. Whether you’re a “Harry Potter” enthusiast, a film buff or simply curious about Jewish ethics, this podcast is guaranteed to make you think twice about the stories you love.
You can also follow Ofir on Instagram @DilemmasOnScreen for updates on new episodes and behind-the-scenes content.
