Courageous Conversations with Rabbi Jeremy Gerber and Reverend Toni Truehart
Delving into the issues we all need to confront.
How do we have bold, open discussions on difficult matters? Too often tempers flare, voices are raised, and the conversations end before they’ve even really begun. In this podcast, we lean into tough topics like bias, prejudice, injustice, and misconceptions. Toni and Jeremy examine each subject from multiple perspectives. With their individual backgrounds and experiences, often joined by guests and experts, they offer new ways to think about these issues.
Rabbi Jeremy Gerber grew up in Stockholm, Sweden, where his father (originally from the US) was the Cantor of the Great Synagogue of Stockholm for nearly 50 years. Rabbi Gerber moved on his own to the United States in 1999, where he attended Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary. He earned Bachelor’s Degrees (Cum Laude) from both institutions, one in Anthropology (CU) and one in Talmud & Rabbinic Studies (JTS). He later continued his studies at JTS, receiving a Master’s Degree in Jewish Education, and then finally Rabbinic Ordination in 2009.
Rabbi Gerber served as the Senior Rabbi of Congregation Ohev Shalom in Wallingford, PA, for nearly 14 years. During his time at Ohev Shalom, Rabbi Gerber was an associate chaplain at both Widener University and Crozer-Chester Medical Center. He was also an active member of the Interfaith Council of Southern Delaware County, as well as a founding member of FUSE; an interfaith networking group confronting racism, discrimination, and socio-economic challenges in Delaware County.
Rabbi Gerber lives in Wallingford with his two children, Caroline and Max, and their cat, Oreo.
Rev. Toni Truehart grew up in West Philadelphia until the age of 11 when her family moved to Havertown, PA. Rev. Truehart has 40 years of experience in the lending industry and in community and economic development. The world of Community and Economic Development opened for her in 1994 when she began serving the low/moderate income and disadvantaged communities of Greater Philadelphia region as the Community Development Officer for Jefferson Bank. In February 2000, she transitioned to the non-profit world when she assumed the role as the Executive Director of the Media Fellowship House. Rev. Truehart’s commitment to promoting economic opportunities for low and moderate-income people brought her to ENTREPRENEUR WORKS FUND in August 2004. In July 2005, she assumed the position of Managing Director and now serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the organization. Rev. Truehart resides in Yeadon, PA with her husband Wayne.
It became evident to her early on that this was not just a profession, but a ministry. While working in this field, Rev. Truehart served the Delaware Valley area by creating and promoting social justice and community and economic development programs as an Ordained Minister at her church, The Chapel Of The Good Shepherd in Yeadon, PA and as a Law Enforcement Chaplain. In addition, she serves as a Youth Aid Panelist with the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, as a board or advisory member of various community organizations such as the Re-entry Coalitions for the cities of Chester and Philadelphia, The Pennsylvania Re-entry Coalition, Chester Business Association, Delaware County Trauma Informed Task Force, Fellowship of Urban and Suburban Engagement and Lansdowne Economic Development Corp.