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 at MERS Goodwill, 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
Participating in the podcast wasn’t an easy decision for Rabbi Sentell. “The Torah does not endorse foreign culture as a source of ethics or ideas,” he explained. “It encourages us to embrace a G-d-given perspective on morality rather than being influenced by external notions of meaning.”
Despite this concern, he recognized the podcast’s potential to engage people who are immersed in pop culture but lack exposure to Torah learning. “By discussing ethical dilemmas found in popular stories through a Jewish lens, I hope to spark curiosity and inspire deeper, more authentic engagement with Jewish values,” he said.
What drew Rabbi Sentell to the podcast
“Using pop culture as a medium is something I normally wouldn’t do,” Rabbi Sentell admitted.
However, he saw the podcast as an opportunity to introduce Torah teachings to new audiences. “Many people today are well-versed in pop culture but lack exposure to Torah learning,” he said.
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 explained that his role was to provide meaningful insights through the lens of Torah law. “Any authentic Torah opinion on the questions posed would be of value,” he said. “Ofir’s job as host was to guide the conversation and keep it engaging, and he did that seamlessly.”
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.
