Jewish Philanthropy Podcast

Topic: Looking Outwards   Guest: Rabbi Erica Gerson   Bio:    Rabbi Erica Gerson graduated from Amherst College, magna cum laude, and received both rabbinical ordination and a Masters in Religious Education from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Erica served as the inaugural Director of Jewish Life at JCP Downtown in Manhattan before relocating to NJ, where she taught in the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning. She is a member of the Board of Trustees of Rodeph Sholom School, a Reform Jewish day school. Erica is also a member of the international board of United Hatzalah of Israel. She and her husband are the co-founders of the Rabbi Erica and Mark Gerson L'Chaim Prize, an annual $500,000 award for Outstanding Christian Medical Missionary Service. It is administered by the African Mission Healthcare Foundation, of which Mark is a co-founder. *In this episode we hear a very unique perspective on Jewish philanthropy including donating significantly to non-Jewish causes and not diversifying too much.  

Topic: Leading in Challenging Times   Guest: Maayan Aviv   Bio:    Israel is facing multi-generational trauma. NATAL, based in Israel, is a non-profit organization founded 25 years ago. The organization specializes in the field of war-and-terror-related trauma, PTSD and resiliency-building among civil society.   American Friends of NATAL (AFN), supports the efforts in Israel. It also engages in innovative collaborations, partnering with US organizations who seek NATAL's expertise in the field of trauma preparedness and recovery. For example, work is being done in Chicago and Ukraine.   Maayan Aviv is CEO of AFN, was in the IDF, and has dedicated her life to Jewish non-profits.     *In this episode we learn about balance and how to manage those around us including board members & volunteers. We also hear about having flexibility in leadership and managing expectations.  

Topic:A Thoughtful Leader   Guest: Arnon Kraft   Bio:    Arnon Kraft's most recent job was Chief Operating Officer at Payoneer, Inc.  He previously served as the Chief Executive Officer at Big 4 Strategic Consulting Ltd. from 2019 to 2021. Prior to that, he worked at Microsoft Corp. as the GM-Partner Management & Strategic Sourcing from 2012 to 2018. From 2008 to 2011, he held the position of Vice President-Operations at Modu Ltd. Prior to that he worked at SanDisk. Mr. Kraft obtained an MBA from Tel-Aviv University in 2000 and completed his undergraduate studies at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in 1996.   *In this episode we learn the skills necessary to become an impactful manager and skillful worker plus how to multitask effectively.  

Topic: Fundraising Strategy   Guest: Elizabeth Abel   Bio:    Elizabeth is a thought leader in philanthropy and expert in fundraising. She has led capital campaigns and development initiatives that have collectively raised nearly one billion dollars for education, healthcare, arts and culture, and advocacy organizations. She is a Senior Vice President at CCS Fundraising, a global fundraising consulting firm for nonprofits. Since joining CCS in 2013, Elizabeth has partnered with institutions to plan and implement multi-million-to-billion-dollar campaigns. In this role, she provides counsel on strategic planning, major gifts fundraising, and board engagement. Elizabeth has directed campaign planning studies, served in interim development roles, and managed annual campaigns and special fundraising events. Elizabeth is an Instructor at the University of Pennsylvania, where she teaches a fundraising course to graduate students in the Nonprofit Leadership Program. Elizabeth serves on the Board of the Nonprofit Leadership Program Alumni Association, and in 2020, she was inducted into the School of Social Policy and Practice Alumni Hall of Fame for her work with mission-driven organizations. Elizabeth has been recognized by the New York Jewish Week as a "thought leader in Jewish philanthropy" in their 36 to Watch and by BELLA Magazine as a "Woman of Influence in Philanthropy." You can find Elizabeth offering her fundraising expertise at industry conferences, on nonprofit podcasts, and on social media platforms including LinkedIn and Instagram (@ElizabethBerniAbel). She lives in New York with her husband and their two daughters and is an avid hiker and tea drinker.   *In this important episode we learn the skills necessary to become an impactful solicitor and steward of philanthropy.

Topic: Global Jewry   Guest: Sandy Cardin   Bio:    Sanford “Sandy” Cardin is the founder of Global Jewry. A graduate of Harvard University, Sandy is a member of the bar of DC, Florida, Maryland and the United States Supreme Court, as well as the Senior Consultant for Philanthropy and Impact at Cresset Capital. After a short stint practicing law, Sandy shifted into the NGO world. He started as the Mid-Atlantic Director of the Jerusalem Foundation before moving to Tulsa, OK in 1994 to become the first executive director, then first president, of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation. Sandy spent 25 years guiding the CLSFF before leaving to become the CEO of Our Common Destiny, a global effort to bridge the widening gap between the Jews in Israel and those living elsewhere. Sandy has served on many Jewish boards, and is currently involved in the JCC Association of North America. He has also held leadership posts at the Council on Foundations and National Center for Family Philanthropy. Sandy lives with his wife, Melody, in Queenstown, MD.   *In this insightful episode we learn about an incredibly important initiative in these trying times for World Jewry.

Topic: Learning from a Master   Guest: Richard M. Joel   Bio:    Richard M. Joel became Yeshiva University's fourth president on September 21, 2003, and was named Bravmann Family University Professor in April 2010. Over his tenure, President Joel built upon the illustrious tradition of this storied institution by placing a renewed emphasis on the student experience, academic excellence, Torah scholarship and communal involvement. Under his helm, Yeshiva University has built the Jacob and Dreizel Glueck Center for Jewish Study, established the Center for Jewish Future, established the Katz School of Graduate and Professional Studies, and developed programs in order to obtain an EMBA, Masters in Accounting, Masters in Quantitative Economics, Masters and PhD in Applied Mathematics, Masters in Marketing, and Masters in SLP. These initiatives have kept YU in the forefront of leading universities, along with expanding the use of technology by launching online education programs on the high school, college and graduate levels.  With his characteristic charm and wit, President Joel can often be spotted around Yeshiva's campuses engaging with students and learning about them; one of his great pleasures at Yeshiva is in serving on its faculty and teaching his weekly course. His devotion to the well-being of the students led to the establishing of new student life programs. Following his lead, the university has further developed a culture of warmth. President Joel is renowned as a charismatic leader and a captivating orator, and has traveled globally to dialogue with audiences on values-driven education, communal leadership, and Jewish identity. Just as Yeshiva University has embraced its role as the flagship institution of Modern Orthodoxy, President Joel has in many ways become more than a university president but a true spokesperson for the Jewish people.  Growing up in Yonkers, NY, Joel earned his B.A. and J.D. from New York University where he was a Root-Tilden Scholar; he has received honorary doctorates from Boston Hebrew College and Gratz College. He also served as assistant district attorney and deputy chief of appeals in the Bronx, and Associate Dean and Professor of Law at YU's Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. President Joel considers his greatest accomplishment marrying his best friend and partner, Esther, who holds a Ph.D. from Yeshiva's Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. Together, they have six children, all of whom attended Yeshiva University, and eleven grandchildren, who are the great joy of their lives. In this insightful episode we learn about an amazing career serving the Jewish community.

Topic: Diaspora Jewry   Guest: Chaya Yosovich   Bio:    Chaya is the CEO of the Yael Foundation, a private charitable foundation, established by Uri and Yael Poliavich, dedicated to maintaining and developing Jewish educational institutions around the world. The foundation is committed to enabling Jewish children everywhere to receive a good general education including Jewish values and traditions for the betterment and future of our communities.   Chaya has throughout her illustrious career made big things happen at the intersection of philanthropy and large-scale impact investment.    Her main areas of focus have been: 1. Beit Shemesh- urban-social development. 2. Shema Yisroel FSU- education & community building in the former Soviet bloc and Eastern Europe, and supporting refugees-émigrés in Israel. 3. Israeli Ministry of the Diaspora - building smart strategies for the implementation of a broad program to strengthen Jewish identity and nurture deeper connections between the Jewish Diaspora and Israel.   In this insightful episode we learn about the intersection of Israeli & Diaspora Jewry through the eye of someone who is leading the charge.

Topic: Columbia University & Antisemitism   Guest: David Schizer   Bio:    David M. Schizer served as a dean of the Law School from 2004 to 2014 and is one of the nation's leading tax scholars. His research also focuses on nonprofits, energy law, and corporate governance.He is the author of How to Save the World in Six (Not So Easy) Steps: Bringing Out the Best in Nonprofits. He is a founder and co-director of the Richard Paul Richman Center for Business, Law, and Public Policy, a founder and co-chair of the Center for Israeli Legal Studies, and a founder and co-chair of the Charles Evans Gerber Transactional Studies Center.  At 35, Schizer was the youngest dean in the Law School's history and the longest serving dean since 1971. During his tenure as dean, Schizer recruited 43 new faculty members, doubled the school's annual fundraising, led a $353 million capital campaign, helped the Law School navigate the financial crisis, oversaw the construction of Jerome Greene Hall's ninth floor, significantly reduced the school's student-faculty ratio, and forged a close relationship with Columbia Business School by introducing an accelerated J.D./MBA program and establishing the Richman Center. He launched centers and programs on national security, intellectual property, climate change, global legal transformation, Israeli law, and other cutting edge issues; fostered innovation in the upper-year curriculum; and increased support for students choosing careers in government and public interest organizations. In addition, Schizer developed partnerships, known as “Global Alliances,” with the University of Oxford, the University of Amsterdam, Sciences Po, and Paris I. Schizer has won the Willis L.M. Reese Prize for Excellence in Teaching and has served as a visiting professor at Yale, Harvard, and Georgetown. He also has taught at Tokyo University, Hebrew University, the Interdisciplinary Center in Herziliya, and Ono Academic College. Before joining the Law School faculty in 1998, Schizer was a law clerk for Judge Alex Kozinski on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit and for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg '59 on the U.S. Supreme Court. Schizer began his career in the tax department of Davis Polk & Wardwell. While on a three-year leave from the Law School from 2017 to 2019, Schizer served as executive vice president and CEO of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), a century-old international humanitarian organization. Schizer redesigned JDC's planning process to allocate its $360 million annual budget more strategically, lightened JDC's infrastructure, relied more on data and on other insights from the business world, increased and diversified JDC's philanthropic support, and raised the organization's public profile.  Schizer serves on the boards of the Ramaz School and the Columbia Law Review, and he also has served on the boards of other nonprofits, as well as public and privately-owned companies, including 92NY, Seacor Holdings Inc. (an NYSE-listed company), Feil Properties, and the owner of the Philadelphia Inquirer. In this powerful episode we discuss how David is co-leading the anti-semitism task force on campus.   On the heels of congressional hearings this week where David appeared, this is a can't miss episode.   ***For a complimentary copy of David's new book on non-profits send an email to IsraeliLegalStudies@law.columbia.edu   How to Save the World in Six (Not So Easy) Steps: Bringing Out the Best in Nonprofits  

Topic: Senator Joseph Lieberman OBM   Guest: Rabbi Daniel Cohen   Bio:    Rabbi Cohen has served in the rabbinate for over thirty years and currently serves as senior Rabbi at Congregation Agudath Sholom in Stamford, CT, the largest modern orthodox synagogue in New England. Rabbi Cohen is author of What Will They Say About You When You Are Gone? Creating a Life of Legacy, and the newly released book The Secret of the Light, published by Union Square Publishing. He is in the midst of writing another book with former NBA All Star and Olympic Gold medalist Allan Houston. Engaging in hundreds of end of life conversations and delivering thousands of eulogies provide him with a unique perspective on the essence of a meaningful life, Rabbi Cohen speaks nationally on leading a life of legacy. He is co-host with Reverend Greg Doll of the nationally syndicated Radio Show, The Rabbi and the Reverend. He enjoys doing magic shows, playing sports, writing, searching for God, and living life with joy and ever-present smile! Rabbi Cohen and Diane are the grateful parents of six daughters and multiple grandchildren.   **A wonderful episode commemorating an extraordinary Jewish role model and a life well lived.

Topic: Sports & Philanthropy   Guest: Saul Garlick   Bio:    Saul Garlick's career has been dedicated to how technology and human connection can intersect to drive engagement and progress in live experiences and education. His interest in merging digital solutions with the power of personal interactions has not only redefined educational models but has also elevated fan experiences at major sports events. As Co-founder & CEO at Fabric, Saul has built Fabric into a fast-emerging leader in the mixed-reality space for live events. Fabric's platform allows teams, leagues, venues, and events to publish and deliver gamified mixed-reality experiences instantly at live events while collecting real-time data and analytics from fans. Fabric's customers can easily launch loyalty and rewards programs, payment integrations, social interactions, and much more at any time and any place. Fabric is currently working with NBA, MLB, and NHL among others. Fabric underscores the potential of harnessing technology to foster deeper, more immersive human connections during live events.   Prior to Fabric, Saul founded Unleesh, a digital platform that reimagines engagement through an experiential learning management system and custom development agency and ThinkImpact, a global immersion program, emphasizing teamwork and innovation to build new ventures in rural economies. For several years he led the expansion of a charter school network in West Africa from one school to 19 schools, serving 4,000 students.    Saul is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at ArtCenter College of Design and served as Social-Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the University of Southern California's Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab. He is a board member of the West Coast Sports Medicine Foundation and Johns Hopkins Second Decade Society. Saul is a Truman Scholar and Inc. 30 under 30 entrepreneur, and graduated from Johns Hopkins University and its School of Advanced International Studies. He lives in LA with his wife and two sons.   **In this episode we learn about a fascinating new technological solution in the world of sports. Saul has been a contributor across multiple philanthropic pursuits.

Topic: Comedy & Philanthropy   Guest: Modi Rosenfeld   Bio:    Voted one of the top 10 comedians in New York City by The Hollywood Reporter, Modi is one of the comedy circuit's most sought after performers. Featured on HBO, CBS, NBC, ABC, Comedy Central, Howard Stern, and E! Entertainment, Modi has received rave reviews in The New York Times, Time Out NY and The New York Post. Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Modi emigrated with his family to the United States at the age of seven and was raised on Long Island. After graduating from Boston University, he worked as an investment banker until his first open-mic night made him realize that stand-up was his true calling. Equipped with a sharp wit and a knack for reading an audience, Modi has gone on to become a successful fixture in New York's vibrant comedy scene, often doing bits that incorporate his heritage, and he is a hit with diverse Jewish audiences as well as fans of all backgrounds and beliefs. Now a regular performer at the New York and Los Angeles comedy clubs, Modi also headlines around the country and across the globe.    Modi has played himself on HBO's Crashing and Netflix's When Jews Were Funny. He's also appeared in several feature films and played leading roles in two: Waiting for Woody Allen, which won the LA Film Festival, and Stand Up, a feature-length film. In 2018, Mayor Bill De Blasio declared June 26th 'Mordechi Modi Rosenfeld Day' in the city of New York for his accomplishments and contributions to the artistic community.   In this riveting episode we learn how to enjoy the art of giving back.   Thank you to the Jewish Future Promise for arranging this episode. https://jewishfuturepromise.org/

Topic: Philanthropy in Challenging Times   Guest: Michael Bloch   Bio:    Michael Bloch was a senior partner at McKinsey & Company for 23 years where he worked with senior executives and boards of large corporations in more than 10 countries to accelerate their growth, leverage technology for competitive advantage, and transform their support functions.   In parallel, Michael has worked for over a decade with non-profit organizations, helping them define their strategy and implement growth initiatives. Over the years Michael worked on the employment of weaker populations, a new museum, immigration for highly skilled olim, food rescue, woman entrepreneurship, the integration of Haredim into high-tech, the scale-up of educational programs, etc.   Prior to McKinsey, Michael was a researcher at the University of California (Berkeley) and at New York University. Before that, he worked for Unicible (a Swiss outsourcer for the banking industry) where he managed business process redesign and software development projects.   Michael received an M.S. in Business Information Systems and a B.A. in Economics and Business Administration from Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC) at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland. A citizen of Switzerland, France, and Israel, he is fluent in French, English, and Hebrew.    He is also the current CEO of Israel Impact Partners https://www.israel-impact.com/   Articles by Michael on Charitable Giving:                   https://www.jpost.com/opinion/smart-tzedakah-efficiently-effectively-professionalized-giving-opinion-662342 https://www.jpost.com/judaism/seven-processes-of-smart-tzedakah-that-you-can-do-664011   In this riveting episode we learn the nuts & bolts of how to practice impactful & effective philanthropy.

Topic: The JPP 2023 Year in Review   Rabbi Cohen highlights the top episodes of this past season.   Looking forward to 2024 on the JPP!  

Topic: A Concierge Rabbi   Guest: Rabbi Yehuda Albin   Bio:   Yehuda's story is genuinely remarkable.  He grew up as a Reform Jew in Scarsdale, NY, his father was a successful entrepreneur that ran a secular Jewish camp called Ken-Mont and Ken-Wood.  He became religious in Jerusalem, after graduating Bowdoin College with the highest honors.  Then he studied the Torah and the Talmud for nearly a decade in Jerusalem, before returning to the states, and moving to Chicago. In Chicago he established a Torah teaching and counseling practice, focused on successful business people and professionals. He has been doing this for 30 years wearing two different hats in the process.     Yehuda's experience, education, and wisdom, melding the best of two worlds, provide a unique perspective helping people manage business, family and every type of unique  problem.  His unique, spiritually based, approach to life is a fresh alternative to more traditional counselling and coaching.     To get a feel for Yehuda's engaging approach and command of subject matter, you can listen to him at  https://www.theemberfoundation.org/   In this episode, we discuss impacting people through personal relationships, deep torah study & philanthropy.

Topic: Israel at War #4: The Capitalist Kibbutz   Guest: Oded Hermoni   Bio:   General Partner & Co-Founder; J-Ventures, J-Angels In the past 15 years Oded has invested in many industries as a partner in Rhodium VC, J-Ventures and J-Angel. Most of the investments were in Silicon Valley NYC and Israel. Oded has been an Entrepreneur, Investor and experienced High Tech Executive and over 40 companies in Silicon Valley and Tel Aviv as a board member, observer, founder, consultant, and manager. Investments include Face.com (FB) Outbrain, Hopstop ( Apple), Hexatier ( Huawei), Storedot, Compass ( Sage), Cabin, AFresh, Yieldmo, Yotpo, Zooz ( PayU), IMGN, MDGO, Phylagen, Macheye, Swiftmile, Home365, Physera. Oded Hermoni is a leader in connecting the American Jewish community and the many Israelis working in Silicon Valley. Jerusalem-born Oded began his career as a journalist covering the country's flourishing technology sector. He soon took an active role in the technology sector himself by founding two start-up companies, one of which was acquired by Yellow Pages in 2006.  Oded became a leader of the high-tech industry in Israel, founding the country's High Tech Industry Association, before he, his wife, Ravit, and their young son relocated to the Bay Area in 2011. Upon arrival, Oded found an already well-established Israeli community on the South Peninsula.   In this episode, we discuss being the child of a hero who died in the Yom Kippur war & how we can create greater connection amongst Jews throughout the world.

Topic: Israel at War #3: Raising Funds for the State of Israel   Guest: Howard L. Goldstein   Bio:   Howard is the Chair of the National & International Boards of Israel Bonds. He is senior partner at Citrin Cooperman, one of the nation's largest professional services firms. With more than 50 years of experience as a certified public accountant, Howard has broad knowledge in all tax strategies and planning for corporations, partnerships, individuals and start-up companies. Howard is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, New Jersey Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and State of New Jersey Board of Certified Public Accountants.   In this episode we discuss the importance of Israel bonds at this critical juncture as well as the $1 billion plus raised for Israel since October 7th.

Topic: Israel at War #2: The Battle for our College Campuses   Guest: Daniel Lowy   Bio:   Daniel is a seasoned financial expert with a track record for identifying underperforming businesses and executing successful business turnarounds. He received his MBA in Finance & Entrepreneurial Management from The Wharton School and his Bachelor's in Economics & Finance and Master's in Commerce from the University of New South Wales. Daniel has a broad range of executive and investment experience in the U.S. and international marketplace, with a particular focus on healthcare. He serves on the board of the Orthodox Union (OU) & CUNY graduate school of public health.   In this episode we discuss Daniel's letter to the President of U of Penn withdrawing his support due to blatant failures of the university to condemn antisemitism & failure to condemn the Hamas atrocities of 10/7.  This was in tandem with other noted philanthropists withdrawing support from the Ivy league.

Topic: Israel at War: How Can We Help?   Guest: Michal (Miki) Leon   Bio:   Miki is the CEO & Director of her family foundation in Israel.   In 'regular times' the foundation focuses on fortifying home-room teachers in Israel to ensure the education of the next generation of Israelis and to ensure nobody is forgotten.   In this episode we have a raw heart to heart conversation about recent events in Israel including using philanthropy as a tool to help on the front-lines and in the emergency crisis we find ourselves in.   Learn More at this link: https://lionff.com/

Topic: Technology & Philanthropy   Guest: Adam Nash   Bio:   Adam is the co-founder and CEO of Daffy.org, a not-for-profit community built around a new, modern platform for giving. He is a seasoned executive, investor, and advisor with a long career at companies like Apple, eBay, LinkedIn, Dropbox, and Wealthfront, where he was CEO. He is also an adjunct lecturer at Stanford, where he teaches “Personal Finance for Engineers”. In this episode we discuss:   1) Contradictions-Humility & Hubris 2) Impact of AI 3) Developing a Career: How to Grow 4) Tracking Charitable Giving 5) Helping to become the Ideal Philanthropic Version of Yourself  6) Coaching Personal Finance and so much more!

Topic: Family Offices & Societal Change    Guest: Daniel Goldman   Bio:   Daniel is the founder and Managing Partner at Goldrock Capital. Born in London, Daniel emigrated to Israel in 1992. He now lives in Beit Shemesh, where he was very involved in building and shaping the city. Daniel is active in many organizations that promote understanding and tolerance among all sectors of society. He lives with his wife and five children.   In this episode we discuss:   1) Growing up in New Castle 2) A thirty-year story of Rags to Riches 3) Helping High-Net Worth Families 4) Diverse Sources of Inspiration 5) Changing the sociological landscape in Israel 6) Difference between Tzedaka (Charity & Philanthropy) and so much more!Topic

Topic: Breaking Barriers While Helping Others   Guest: Michelle Greenberg-Kobrin   Bio:   Michelle Greenberg-Kobrin is a Clinical Professor of Law at Cardozo Law School and the Founding Director of the Program on Leadership at the Heyman Center for Corporate Governance.  Professor Greenberg-Kobrin is a Lecturer-in-Law at Columbia Law School, where she served as Dean of Students for eleven years. She also holds an appointment at Columbia University's Teachers College in the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership.  She teaches in the areas of transactional law, leadership, conflict resolution and negotiation, intellectual property law and educational governance.  She served as the Title IX Coordinator at Columbia Law School where she authored sexual harassment policies and oversaw the sexual respect initiative, training hundreds of students each year. Professor Greenberg-Kobrin also facilitates the Arev Fund, a grantmaking organization whose mission is to use and promote impactful female Jewish philanthropy to spur change, with a particular focus on the advancement of women.  Areas of interest include spiritual leadership, communal life, social justice, and education. Prior to her appointment at Columbia, she was an attorney in the corporate, securities, and financial Institutions group at Arnold & Porter. She received both her BA and her JD from Columbia University, and was a Bruriah Scholar at Midreshet Lindenbaum and a Torat Miriam fellow.  Professor Greenberg-Kobrin trains leaders around the world and lectures and consultants with various universities, organizations, Jewish day schools and private schools on a wide-range of issues, including leadership training, negotiation and conflict resolution, agunot, policy drafting and implementation, sexual assault and harassment prevention, crisis management, work/life balance, faculty development and training and women and Judaism. She serves on a number of not-for-profit boards and lives in Riverdale, New York with her husband. They are the parents of five children.   In this episode we discuss:   1) Hard Work 2) Memories from Columbia Law School class of 99' 3) Learning in Depth  4) Lessons in Parenting 5) Influencing Students  6) Start-Up Philanthropy 7) Never Saying No and so much more!

Topic: Overcoming Obstacles   Guest: Tamir Goodman   Bio:   Zone190 inventor Tamir Goodman, dubbed “The Jewish Jordan” by Sports Illustrated in 1999, is a former professional basketball player who has become a successful entrepreneur, coach, educator, and motivational speaker. During high school, Goodman was ranked among the top 25 recruits in the country, and he garnered attention after averaging 35.4 points per game his junior year, all while remaining faithful to his Orthodox Jewish upbringing. He achieved additional notoriety after being named MVP of the prestigious “Capital Classic All-Star Game,” an award won by players like Shaquille O'Neal and Lebron James. Tamir went on to make history as the first Jewish basketball player to play D-I college and professional basketball, while faithfully wearing a yarmulke on the court and without playing on the Jewish Sabbath. In 2002, Goodman fulfilled his dream of moving to Israel, signing a three-year contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv and serving in the Israeli Defense Force, which is a requirement of all Israeli citizens. Goodman played in Israel and again in the U.S. until injuries forced his retirement in 2009. Since retiring, Goodman has established his reputation as a sought-after motivational speaker, coach, and educator. He has coached more than 3,000 basketball players around the world, and has partnered with Houston Rockets small-forward Omri Casspi on a series of basketball camps around the U.S. He is also the cofounder of Coolanu Israel, which strengthens ties to Israel through innovative seminars, sports programs and literature projects for athletes, college students, and coaches. In this episode we discuss: 1) Being a Kiddush Hashem 2) You can do Anything 3) Having a Coach & Mentor 4) What does G-d Want from me Today? 5) Inspired by Those who Overcome 6) Loving Life 7) The Ultimate Connector and so much more!

Topic: Becoming Elite   Guest: Mike Dube   Bio:   Mike Dube, co-founder and President of Elite Method, has an incredible passion for working with kids and teaching them the skills needed to be successful in life. He stresses character building as much as strength and skill building. Mike is also co-founder of DubeZone, where he served as the inspiration and master trainer to a large coaching staff. Mike is considered an expert coach for his unique ability to connect with and transform every child with whom he works. His energy and enthusiasm is infectious, and he spreads his positive message through volunteerism, motivational speaking, and the charity he co-founded, Sharing Seats, which has given away thousands of event and sporting tickets to children in need. "Coach Mike," as he is affectionately called, is an inspiration to many and is very much looking forward to continuing his passion in helping kids through the development of Elite Method.     In this episode we discuss:   1) Child of Divorce 2) A Passion for Helping Others 3) Giving is the Best Feeling 4) From Kids to CEO's 5) Time is our most precious commodity 6) Living an Inspirational & Meaningful Life 7) Sharing Seats & Gronk and so much more!

Topic: From Yeshiva to an IPO   Guest: Menashe Kestenbaum   Bio:   Menashe is an entrepreneur and industry disruptor based out of Toronto.   He started off his career in the gaming industry leading Enthusiast Gaming from a basement startup in 2015 to an all-time high valuation of $1.4B in 2021.    He's currently focused on disrupting the mental health industry with his new start-up entitled Glimmer.   In this episode we discuss:   1) A Yeshiva Life/Critical Values 2) Not Having Money 3) A Public Persona 4) The Role of Wealth & Financial Resources 5) Charity & Standards of Living 6) The Mental Health Space and so much more!  

Topic: Hatzolah Air   Guest: Dr. Avishai Neuman   Bio:   Dr. Neuman is the Medical Director of Hatzolah Air as well as the Director of Centurion Anesthesia. He is a graduate of the Sackler School of Medicine in Israel.  He lives in North Woodmere, NY & is an active Hatzolah member & community leader.   See this link to learn more about Hatzolah Air   https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/369487     In this episode we discuss:   1)  A Life of Chesed 2) The passion for saving lives 3) Doubling Down on our Talents 4) Always wanting to be the Giver in any situation 5) The need for & impact of Hatzolah Air 6) Travel Habits of the Jewish community and so much more!  

Topic: Rocket Man   Guest: Ari Sacher   Bio: Ari Sacher is a Rocket Scientist, and has worked in the design and development of missiles for over twenty five years. He has briefed hundreds of US Congressmen on Israeli Missile Defense, including three briefings on Capitol Hill at the invitation of the House Majority Leader and the Israeli Ambassador.  Ari is a highly requested speaker, enabling even the layman to understand “rocket science”. Ari has appeared on CNN, Fox News, i24news, and the Discovery Channel. Ari has also been a scholar in residence in numerous synagogues and schools in the USA, Canada, UK, South Africa and Australia. He is a riveting speaker, using his experience in the defense industry to explain Judaism to the young and old alike in a way that is simultaneously enlightening and entertaining. Ari came on aliya from the USA in 1982. He lives in Moreshet in the Western Galilee along with his wife, eight children, and ten grandchildren. He currently works in the Land and Naval Warfare Division at Rafael, where he is responsible for system development. In this episode we discuss: 1) The Technion 2) The importance of Deterrence 3) Sacrifice  4) Mission Driven Life 5) Centrality of Torah, Am Yisroel & Family 6) Offense & Defense 7) The Needy that are close to us and so much more!

Topic: It's Still Rock n Roll to Me!   Guest: David Fishof   Bio:   Whether he's producing a tour, assembling an All-Starr band with Ringo Starr, or writing a best-selling book, there's one thing David Fishof is always doing: dreaming. Hailed as one of the most creative and innovative entertainment producers in the world, Fishof has been responsible for some of the most original, successful, and exciting live shows ever brought to the stage. But of all the shows he's put on over his 40-plus year career, there's one production that stands out from all the rest: Rock ‘N' Roll Fantasy Camp. After years of good fortune working with veteran rockers like Roger Daltrey, Ringo Starr, The Monkees, Levon Helm, Joe Walsh, the late Jack Bruce and so many more superstars, Fishof decided it was time to share his experiences with rock fans around the world. And so, in 1997, he debuted the rock camp—a place where regular people can reconnect with their passion for music alongside the most famous names in the business. A quarter century later, the camp has given more than 7,000 folks from around the world a chance to live the rock star dream. Campers get to meet and jam with their musical idols—including Joe Perry, Roger Daltrey, Gene Simmons, Nancy Wilson, and the late Jeff Beck—in some of the most legendary venues on Earth, from Abbey Road Studios in London, to the Whisky a Go Go in Hollywood, to the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas. In addition to founding Rock ‘N' Roll Fantasy Camp, Fishof's career highlights include reuniting The Monkees for their blowout reunion tour in 1986, and producing Dirty Dancing: The Concert Tour, Dick Clark's American Bandstand Tour, the Happy Together Tours, Classic Superfest, American Gladiators Live Tour, and the British Rock Symphony (which featured Roger Daltrey, Alice Cooper, and Jon Anderson). Fishof also worked with Ringo Starr to create the All Starr Band, and over its fifteen-year existence, Fishof has produced eight All Star Band tours. In January 2023, Fishof announced a development deal with Fox for a comedy TV show called “Rock Camp” following a down on his luck rock star, who after a series of screw-ups, begrudgingly goes to teach at Rock Camp — a summer camp where anyone can live out their fantasy of shredding next to their favorite rockers — in order to satisfy a court mandate and save his reputation. Fishof joins producers Steve Basilone (“The Goldbergs”) and Jeff Rowe on the endeavor. 1) Torah Inspiration   2) Pride in Family & Judaism   3) Fame & Fortune   4) Pivot to Music   5) Fantasy Camp   6) Reflection     and so much more!

Topic: The Art of Philanthropy   Guest: Shawna Goodman-Sone   Bio:   Shawna Goodman-Sone obtained a BA in Art History from McGill University and was awarded the McGill Scarlet Key for outstanding leadership and positive impact. She graduated from the Natural Gourmet Cooking School and the Institute of Culinary Education, both in New York City. Upon graduation, she has given classes, catered and cooked for clients in New York, Philadelphia, Toronto, Montreal and Israel. She acted as editor of the cookbook, Panache: Montreal's Flair for Kosher Cooking, a project of the Auxiliary of the Sir Mortimer B. David Jewish General Hospital. Shawna is currently living in Ra'anana, Israel combining her love for food and philanthropy in creating classes that celebrate Israel's abundance while raising awareness of local charitable organizations. She is a Board member of the Foundation for Jewish Camp, the Jewish Funders Network and Gvahim which supports the integration of new arrivals in Israel.  She is also the Chairman of the Goodman Family Foundation.   1) Montreal Roots   2) Federation & Everything Jewish   3) Losing a Parent   4) 'Medinat Rannana'   5) Not 'Taking Up Space'   6) Food & Philanthropy   7) A Metamorphosis in the Israel Summer Experience   and so much more!

Topic: An Unstoppable Drive   Guest: Adam Neuman    Bio:   Adam Neuman serves the Big Ten Conference as Chief of Staff, Strategy and Operations & Deputy General Counsel as a member of the conference's Senior Leadership Team. Neuman serves as a strategic aide to both the Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors (COP/C) and the Big Ten Conference Commissioner in creating a movement of leadership in sports, academics and social responsibility throughout intercollegiate sports. Neuman joined the Big Ten Conference in January 2020 and played a strategic role in helping the conference navigate the most complex times in its 125-year history by assuming a leadership role in helping the conference navigate a global health pandemic. Neuman helped establish the Taskforce for Emerging Infectious Diseases and played a key role in the negotiations and implementation of a comprehensive COVID-19 testing program to help student-athletes, coaches and staff return to competition safely. His previous legal experience was with Simpson Thacher and Bartlett LLP as a corporate associate in their capital markets division. Prior, Neuman served as the lead speechwriter for the president of Yeshiva University. Neuman earned a joint juris doctorate and master's degree in public administration from the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated magna cum laude from Yeshiva University with a bachelor's degree in political science, receiving both the Phillip Lieberman Award for character and service, and an award for excellence in political science.   1)  Vision & Ambition   2)  Outworking Everyone in the Room   3)  Sensitivity to the environment around you   4)  Mental Health as a Priority on Campus   5)  Minnesota Vikings   6)  Young Israel of the West Side   and so much more!

Topic: Lessons from a CEO   Guest: Bruce Schanzer   Bio:   Bruce Schanzer is Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Erez Asset Management, LLC, a fund manager focused on real estate investment opportunities in both public and private capital markets. Prior to forming Erez in August 2022, Mr. Schanzer was President, CEO and a director of Cedar Realty Trust (NYSE: CDR), a real estate investment trust focused on the ownership, operation, and redevelopment of grocery-anchored shopping centers in the Washington, DC to Boston corridor.    Before joining Cedar in 2011, he held real estate investment banking positions at Goldman Sachs & Co and at Merrill Lynch. Prior thereto, Schanzer worked as a real estate attorney in New York. He received an M.B.A. in finance and accounting from the University of Chicago (now known as the Booth School of Business); a J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where he also served as a member of the Law Review; and a B.A from Yeshiva College, where he is currently a member of the board of trustees. Schanzer has also served as a member of the board of governors of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts. He is presently a member of the board of trustees of SAR Academy in Riverdale, NY & the board of advisors of New York Medical College.   1) Promoting Your Wife   2) Having a prescient mentor   3) Gaining the courage of conviction   4) Going through tough times, public embarrassment   5) Music and the depth of a day of rest   6) Leadership & Impact   7) The Yarmulka Debate   and so much more!  

Topic: What is a Chief Heart Officer?   Guest: Claude Silver   Claude Silver's life's purpose is to be of joyful service and unlock emotional optimism in all. Cultivating Emotional Optimism is the most effective tool in revealing the greatness that resides within people. The key lies in the heart. Claude is the first-ever Chief Heart Officer. She takes her calling seriously and it has led her down a path of working with and working for close to 1,000 employees at VaynerMedia to integrate heart into their professional lives and become the best version of themselves and best leaders they can be. There has never been a better time to concentrate on bringing humanity, emotional intelligence, equity, and diversity into the workplace; cultivating cultures, connections and communication-this is what will take teams to the next level of success in all areas of business, and it all begins and ends with heart. As a motivational speaker, thought leader and industry trend setter, Claude focus on teaching people and organizations how to disrupt the traditional HR model with the use of emotional optimism and heart-centered leadership to develop elite performance, create cultures of belonging, empower teams to be purpose-driven, efficient, and strong, and infuses companies with empathy, humanity, and joy. In this episode:   1) Being at Home at Work   2) Meeting Gary Vaynerchuk   3) A longer pathway that is shorter in the end   4) Holding people close & working alongside them   5) Investing & Caring for the weakest members of society   6) Modeling for others     and so much more!

Bonus Episode: Commemorating the 6th Yahrzeit of  Hagaon HaRav Moshe Shapiro zt'l   Guest:    Rabbi Yechezkel Hartman    Rabbi Hartman has been delivering Shiurim and lectures on a variety of Torah Topics for the past 15 years. He studied in Yeshivas Chevron in Yerushalayim, and was a close Talmid of Rav Moshe Shapira zt'l. Rabbi Hartman's Shiurim include a daily Daf Yomi and Short Machshava on the Daf, and a weekly Practical halacha shiur, Parsha B'Iyun shiur, as well as his renowned Machshava on the Parsha/Yom Tov Shiur, based on the teachings of his Rebbi.  Rabbi Hartman is the author of Sefer Ma'ane Yechezkel on Chumash and (soon to be published) Shiurei Rav Moshe Shapira on Agados of Raba Bar Bar Chanah, as well as several periodic publications.  He holds an MBA from Columbia University and works in real estate.   In this episode:   1) Meeting R' Moshe as a child 2) Seeing the Forest from the Trees 3) My Father's Rebbe 4) Shidduchim Insights 5) Sharing Torah with one & all 6) Desiring/Asking for Greatness from one & all 7) See What Others Don't See/Being Wise   and so much more!

    Topic: The Year in Review/2022 Guest: Rabbi Dovid M. Cohen (solo)   Bio:    Rabbi Cohen is the host of the JPP. He's a fundraiser, someone deeply committed to philanthropy and making a positive game-changing impact on the world.   In this episode we explore:   1. Top 5 Episodes from the 2022 Season 2. Fake it Until You Make-It 3. Persistence v. Annoyance 4. Passion for the Cause 5. Leveraging in Times of Plenty 6. Crossing Lines/Boundaries

Topic: Thoughtful Philanthropy   Guest: Emily Kane Miller   Bio:    Emily is the founder and CEO of Ethos Giving. Equal parts head and heart, Emily has spent her career working for social change. With deep experience in government, advocacy, nonprofit, corporate, and philanthropic work, Emily has a unique ability to envision and steward philanthropic contributions that maximize benefit and value for all.   Previously, she served as Vice President of Philanthropy & Community Affairs at The Wonderful Company. Emily led the organization's award-winning philanthropic efforts, which ranged from paradigm-changing, place-based work, to branded community giving programs, to transformative institutional contributions.     Emily was formerly legal counsel and Director for Government Affairs at Wonderful, where she worked on a host of issues pertaining to regulatory, governmental, and philanthropic affairs—including agriculture, food law, education, affordable housing and nutrition—at the state, federal, and international levels.   Prior to her tenure at Wonderful, Emily served in a variety of capacities in California and Washington, D.C. for both government and advocacy groups. She holds a BA from the University of California Los Angeles, and a JD from the University of Arizona School of Law. Emily lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their two children.   In this episode we explore:   1. A life of Meaning 2. Impact & Alignment 3. Husband/Wife Tag-Team 4. Lessons from a Bar-Exam  5. How to do Philanthropy Better 6. Building a Business and much more!

Topic:  Fundraising Tips from a Master   Guest: Dan Forman   Bio:    Dan Forman is currently Senior Philanthropic Advisor at Yeshiva University and previously served as Vice President for Institutional Advancement from 1995-2016. During his tenure as Vice President, Dan directed two comprehensive campaigns that generated more than $1.6 billion for YU and its Schools. Prior to YU, Dan was Executive Director of the 1986-1995 CapItal Campaign at NY UJA-FEDERATION which generated $1.2 billion as well as directed the principal gifts department of its Annual Campaign raising $80 million per annum. Dan was also Executive Director of UJA-FEDERATION'S Westchester Division as well as Jewish Community Centers in Mt. Vernon, NY and Boston, Mass.   Dan has taught strategic planning and fundraising at Columbia University's Graduate School of Business, YU's Wurzweiler School of Social Work, The New School, Brandeis University, Marymount College, and Leslie College. He also currently provides philanthropic advisory services to a select number of institutions.   His undergraduate degrees from SUNY of Buffalo include a BA in History, BS in Social Work, and a BS in Photography. He received an MSW from Boston University School of Social Work with a concentration in Administration. Dan also was a graduate of Columbia University's Graduate School of Business Institute of Nonprofit Management where he later taught for ten years. More recently, Dan and other colleagues helped launch YU's Certificate Program in Jewish Philanthropy focused on training new professionals in the field of development. Dan has been a guest speaker and panelist at numerous conferences and workshops on fundraising, leadership development, capital campaigns, and nonprofit management. In this episode we explore:   1. The Art of the Ask 2. Using lay leaders to your advantage 3. Wonderful Mentors 4. Covid Fundraising 5. Long-Term Fundraising/Capital Campaigns 6. A Rewarding Meaningful Profession and much more!

Topic:  A Big-Hearted Brain Surgeon   Guest: Dr. Howard Weiner   Bio:    Dr. Weiner is Chief of Neurosurgery at Texas Children's Hospital. Dr. Weiner has become one of the country's leading pediatric epilepsy surgeons, attracting patients from across the United States and abroad because of his innovative approach. Over the last 20 years, he has become a recognized national and international leader in the surgical treatment of childhood epilepsy, and has been a pioneer in advancing the care of children with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, for which he is considered one of the world's leading experts. His expertise also includes the operative treatment of childhood brain tumors, spasticity, hydrocephalus, congenital malformations, tethered cord, chiari malformation, craniosynostosis, and spina bifida. In this episode we explore: 1. The 5am Club 2. Finding Balance in a Frenetic World 3. Mentorship 4. Family as the Priority 5. What is Perfection? 6. Work Hard/Be Nice and much more!

Topic:  Meeting Up   Guest: David Siegel   Bio:    David Siegel is the CEO of Meetup, the largest platform for finding and building local community. He has over 20 years of experience as a technology and digital media executive leading organizations through innovative product development, rapid revenue growth, and digital traffic acceleration. Prior to joining Meetup, David was CEO of Investopedia and before that, President of Seeking Alpha.  David holds a BA in Philosophy, Politics & Economics and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania. He is an adjunct professor at Columbia University where he teaches strategic planning and entrepreneurship. He hosts the podcast Keep Connected, which is dedicated to the power of community. David's book, Decide & Conquer, (HarperCollins) lays out the framework for decision-making that leaders can use to ensure organizational and personal success. In this episode we explore: 1. No Regrets 2. Work Ethic 3. Work/Life Balance 4. CEO skill-set 5. Secrets of Mentorship 6. Adam Neumann & WeWork Culture and much more!

Topic:  A Global Lawyer   Guest: Jeremy Lustman   Bio:    Jeremy Lustman helps lead DLA Piper's global Israel country group. Jeremy spends much of his time physically on the ground in Israel, where he has developed a strong international network of Israeli companies, investors, entrepreneurs, bankers, accountants and local lawyers. He currently coordinates and helps lead DLA Piper's development efforts and initiatives cultivating international business emanating from Israel, serves as a liaison for Israeli clients seeking legal guidance in non-Israeli jurisdictions where DLA Piper has a presence, and provides guidance to non-Israeli clients evaluating business relationships and strategic partners within Israel. Jeremy directly represents and oversees a significant number of key Israeli relationships that have touched upon more than 35 different international jurisdictions and more than 40 DLA Piper global offices. These clients cover virtually all sectors of the Israeli economy, including leading venture capital and private equity funds, institutional real estate investors and multiple companies in the biotech, high tech (software, Internet and semiconductors), telecommunications, industrial, food/beverage, agro-tech, defense, homeland security and gaming sectors. In addition, Jeremy maintains a focused US-component of his practice that operates at the intersection of corporate, real estate and hospitality law. He assists public and private companies, private equity funds and cash flow lenders in business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, senior and mezzanine debt financings, equity investments and joint ventures. In addition, Jeremy has significant experience in the hospitality industry, including transactions on hotels involving franchise and management portfolios (development and ongoing operations) as well as joint ventures and equity investments in hotel/resort projects. He also provides general corporate representation to a number of clients, among them real estate development companies. In this episode we explore: 1. Learning from Others 2. Rabbinic Influences 3. Challenges & Opportunities of Aliya 4. Sacrifice & Opening Doors 5. How to Build a Powerful Network 6. United Hatzalah & Unifying the Israeli Legal Community 7. A Global Perspective and much more!

Topic: Kindness on Every Level   Guest: Adele Goldberg   Bio:    Adele is the executive director of Friends of Yad Sarah, the U.S.-based support organization for Yad Sarah, the largest volunteer-staffed organization in Israel.   Yad Sarah provides a vital array of compassionate health and home care services for people of all ages. Its programs and services are dynamic and multi-faceted, from lending equipment - such as wheelchairs and oxygen machines - to caring for children and adults with disabilities.   Yad Sarah currently has 122 branches throughout Israel and is staffed by more than 7,000 volunteers who provide services for more than 800,000 individuals annually.   Yad Sarah's annual operating budget is financed almost exclusively by donations. Adele works to secure contributions from US-based donors. Over the course of her nineteen-year career at Yad Sarah, Adele has raised more than $40 million to support Yad Sarah's critical services.   Adele's wisdom and insights have been featured in the Washington Jewish Week, E Jewish Philanthropy, The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles, The Times of Israel, and more. Her leadership and accomplishments make her a role model for Jewish audiences across America.   In this Episode we explore:   1. Holocaust Inspiration 2. Classic Fundraising: It's About the Donor 3. The American/Israel Dynamic 4. Touching the Fabric of the Organization 5. Stories Tell the Story 6. Trust & Credibility and much more

Topic: Leveraging Impact   Guest: Na'ama Ore   Bio:    Na'ama Ore, is the CEO of SparkIL.    SparkIL is a new first-of-its-kind peer-to-peer lending platform where individuals can give interest-free loans to small businesses in Israel (see press release attached). As such, it's poised to change the face of the way small-gift donors contribute philanthropically in the Jewish world.   These small interest-free loans not only help struggling businesses get off the ground in a difficult economy, but in doing so, also pave the way for individual lenders to connect with Israelis on a personal level.   As a distinguished leader who previously served as regional director of the Israeli-American Council's Boston office, Ore explains how these small loans can be life-changing for those who live on the margins of Israeli society.    In this Episode we explore:   1. Impact of Family 2. Graceful Transitions 3. Always Growing 4. Women Supporting Women 5. Impact Investing/Grass-Roots Effort 6. Quantity & Quality 7. The highest form of Charity and much more https://www.sparkil.org/

Topic: Together Again: Reimagining the Relationships that Anchor Our Lives (Mosaica Press 2022) Guests: Rabbi Dovid M. Cohen in conversation with Greg Zuckerman of the WSJ on the launch of Rabbi Cohen's new book on relationships.   Bio:    Gregory Zuckerman (www.gregoryzuckerman.com) is a Special Writer at The Wall Street Journal, a 20-year veteran of the paper and a three-time winner of the Gerald Loeb award — the highest honor in business journalism. Greg is the author of The Frackers: The Outrageous Inside Story of the New Billionaire Wildcatters, a national bestseller named among the best books of 2014 by The Financial Times and Forbes Magazine, and The Greatest Trade Ever: The Behind-the-Scenes Story of How John Paulson Defied Wall Street and Made Financial History, a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller published December 2010. At the Journal, Greg writes about big financial firms, personalities and trades, hedge funds, the energy revolution and other investing and business topics. Greg appears regularly on CNBC, Fox Business, Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg Television and various television networks. He makes regular appearances on National Public Radio, BBC, ABC Radio, Bloomberg Radio, and radio stations around the globe. Greg gives speeches to business groups on a variety of topics.  A graduate of Brandeis University, Greg lives with his wife and two sons in West Orange, N.J., where they enjoy the Yankees in the summer, root for the Giants in the fall, and reminisce about Linsanity in the winter. Follow him on Twitter @gzuckerman.   In this Episode we explore: 1. Why Rabbi Cohen wrote this book 2. The three people the book is dedicated to 3. Chief Rabbi Sacks, Justice Scalia & RBG 4. Mentors, Teachers, Students 5. Prayer post the Pandemic 6. Father & Son 7. Life Altering Challenges and much more Book is available at www.rabbi.dovidmcohen.com & Amazon & Mosaica Press & Jewish bookstores.

Topic: Transformative Leadership Guest: Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman   Bio:    Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman began his tenure as Yeshiva University's fifth president in June 2017. Under his visionary leadership, Dr. Berman has laid the foundation for the next great era of Yeshiva University. Through a bold academic plan, he has articulated a new business model with investments in key areas such as science and technology, entrepreneurship and innovation, values and leadership and market ready graduates with great jobs and impactful careers. During his tenure, the university has introduced over 20 new graduate degrees in emerging fields including artificial intelligence, cyber security, physician assistant, biotech management, real estate management, special education, marriage and family therapy, MBA and Masters in Holocaust and Genocide Education. He spearheaded efforts to establish new academic centers such as the Emil A. and Jenny Fish Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies. These efforts have produced significant growth in enrollment as well as in philanthropic gifts including funding for the Shevet Glaubach Center for Career Strategy and Professional Development, the Innovation Lab, new physician assistant and occupational therapy labs as well as state of the art computer science labs. Under his leadership, Yeshiva University has risen 29 places in the U.S. News & World Report. Dr. Berman is widely published in outlets such as Forbes, Newsweek, and the Wall Street Journal. A gifted leader, scholar, and orator, Dr. Berman graduated with distinction from four of Yeshiva University's schools. He earned his B.A. from Yeshiva College, his M.A. in Medieval Jewish Philosophy from the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, and his rabbinical ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS). His studies also included two years of learning at Yeshivat Har Etzion in Israel, under the tutelage of the seminal Jewish thinker and leader Rabbi Dr. Aharon Lichtenstein. After making aliyah to Israel in 2008, Dr. Berman completed his higher education with a Ph.D. in Jewish Thought at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, supervised by renowned philosopher Professor Moshe Halbertal. Dr. Berman has a broad range of distinguished experience in the worlds of higher education and Jewish communal life. He led The Jewish Center in New York City as its Rabbi, served as Instructor of Talmud at Yeshiva College and Herzog College, served on the executive council at Herzog College and was chief executive (Rosh Ha-Merkaz) of Hechal Shlomo – Center of Jewish Heritage in Jerusalem. Dr. Berman is an active and erudite spokesman for the Jewish community. He lectures widely throughout the U.S. and Israel and has written numerous articles on subjects addressing contemporary Jewish thought, modern philosophy and trends in higher education. He is married to Anita Berman and they have five children. In this riveting interview, we cover:   1. Being a Servant of G-d 2. YU on the Rise  3. How the World at-Large perceives YU 4. Gut Decisions 5. Doctoral Study 6. CEO/Business Modeling 7. Rise-Up Campaign & the Quest for 613 'Mitzvos' 8. Life is Short/Different Phases And so much more!

Topic: Power with Heart: A Modern Hero Guest: Maj General Doron Almog   Bio:   Doron is the new Chairman-elect of the Jewish Agency.   A decorated soldier and international inclusion icon, Major General (Res.) Doron Almog battled the status quo for years to secure the best possible care for his son, Eran, who was born with severe autism and developmental delays.  Though Eran lost his battle with Castleman's disease in 2007 at the age of 23, his memory fuels Doron's continued commitment to securing the highest-level specialized care for Israel's disability community and advancing disability inclusion, equity and access around the globe. In May 2016, Doron was awarded with the Israel Prize for lifetime achievement and contributions to society and the state at the closing event of Israel's Independence Day activities.  The Israel Prize committee chose Doron for leading a revolution to advance the caring of Israel's most vulnerable population and bringing about a crucial change in societal perception of individuals with disabilities. Doron's brother, Eran, fell in the Yom Kippur War while serving as commander of a tank unit defending the Golan Heights.  Despite this devastating loss, Doron served the majority of his IDF service fighting for or commanding elite units.  He gained renown for his role as the first Israeli paratrooper reconnaissance commander to land at the daring rescue mission in Entebbe in 1976, and later for his participation in Operation Moses, which brought thousands of Ethiopian Jews to Israel in the 1980s.  As the head of the IDF's Southern Command from 2000-2003, he protected Israel's southern border from infiltration by terrorists from Gaza. Drawing on his personal loss, military experience, and exceptional leadership abilities, Doron works diligently to affect societal change and create a brighter future for individuals with special needs through the enhancement and expansion of ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, the rehabilitative village in Israel's south established in memory of his son.  ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran serves as a model of diversity and acceptance and a crucial rehabilitative resource center, providing a host of rehabilitative solutions for individuals from all backgrounds and levels of need.    Doron works within the village and well beyond its borders to empower individuals with disabilities and advance society as a whole through the promotion of inclusive activities, gainful employment and comprehensive rehabilitative offering for all.   In this incredible episode, we explore: 1. Yom Kippur War 2. The Loss of a Brother 3. Responsibility to the Nation 4. Victory Entebbe 5. Defending the Weakest in Society 6. Uniting the Jewish People 7. Living with Incredible Purpose 8. The Next Chapter: Jewish Agency   And so much more!  

Topic: Passion with Vision Guest: Bruce Pearl   Bio:   Bruce Pearl is an American college basketball coach, and the head coach of the Auburn Tigers men's basketball program. He previously served as the head coach at Tennessee, Milwaukee, and Southern Indiana. Pearl led Southern Indiana to a Division II national championship in 1995 and was named Division II Coach of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. He has won four conference championships and three conference tournament championships as a Division I head coach, and has made ten NCAA Tournament appearances and one Final Four. Pearl was named Coach of the Year by Sporting News in 2006 and was awarded the Adolph Rupp Cup in 2008. He also served as the head coach for the Maccabi USA men's basketball team that won the gold medal at the 2009 Maccabiah Games.   In this episode, we explore:   1. Israel as the Jewish Homeland 2. Teacher & Leader 3. My Hebrew Name 4. What I see That You Don't 5. Boston Celtics NBA Champs? 6. Giving of Oneself: With Privilege Comes Responsibility 7. Wearing my Passion on my Sleeve w/o Apology And much more!

Topic: Religion, Unity & Change Guest: Steve Sarowitz   Bio:    Steve Sarowitz is Founder and Chairman of Paylocity (Nasdaq: PCTY), a leading U.S. provider of payroll and HR solutions. In addition, Steve also serves as Director of Payescape, a UK payroll provide, and partner in Wayfarer Entertainment. He is also an international philanthropist with an interest in promoting unity by and promoting universal education and advocating for the elimination of racism, sexism, nationalism and religious prejudice. He also serves on the board of NCAT, an organization that builds state-of-the art training centers in urban areas. Steve served as Executive Producer for the award-winning documentary Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise and The Gate: Dawn of the Bahai Faith, a groundbreaking documentary about the founding of the Baha'i Faith. Steve is an avid runner who has been inducted into the Chicago Area Runners Association Hall of Fame. Steve is married with 2 children and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from the University of Illinois. Steve is a passionate Baha'i who has given presentations about the Baha'i Faith and its vision of world unity at several universities, the Parliament of the World's Religions and other venues around the world. In this out of the box episode, we explore: 1. Filmmaker: Movies as change-agent 2. Chinese Restaurants 3. Warren Buffet as a model of simplicity 4. Sales Tips 5. Spirituality and the Role of the Bahai Faith  6. The Oneness of G-d & of all Humanity 7. Breaking Bread 8. Forbes & Billionaire Status   And much more!  

Topic: Changing the Landscape of Women in Orthodoxy Guest: Ann Pava Ann Pava, President of Micah Philanthropies, is an activist, philanthropist, and thought leader. A natural community builder, Ann strives to embody the core Jewish values that animate her work, as expressed by the prophet Micah - “Only to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God.” As a philanthropist, Ann takes the lead in innovative giving while making all who participate feel counted, and treats all those they support as valued partners. As an activist, she has the unique ability to bring all types of people together, analyze challenges, and devise solutions. Ann believes that one of the strongest avenues to success for any organization is a strong lay and professional partnership. She is an articulate and passionate ambassador for the organizations and leaders she supports. A hallmark of her success over her career is her ability to inspire, mentor, and empower others, especially women, to lead and to make the world a better place. Ann is the immediate past chair of Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools and a past chair of National Women's Philanthropy of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). She is Founding Chair of the Hebrew High School of New England, and past chair of the Jewish Federation of Western MA. She currently serves on the boards of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance,(JOFA) Yeshivat Maharat, Prizmah, JFNA, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford. She serves as Committee Chair for the Graduate Program for Advanced Talmud Studies for Women (GPATS) at Yeshiva University. Ann is a past recipient of the JFNA Kipnes-Wilson Friedland Award for outstanding women philanthropists. She also received the Harold Grinspoon Foundation's Lay Leadership Award for Excellence in Jewish Education. She and Jeremy received the Connecticut ADL Torch of Liberty Award. Ann enjoys spending time with her husband Jeremy and their beautiful family including their three married children and three grandchildren and has become the world's best babysitter. She is a new and determined runner, an avid reader of any type of fiction, and loves to cook for company.   In this new episode, we cover:   1. Kindness as a guiding light 2. Loving the Underdog 3. The Beauty of Giving 4. The influence & inspiration of Harold Grinspoon 5. How to Ask for & How to Give Money 6. Big Tent Approach 7. A Different ball game in Jewish Life 8. Impacting Schools & Shuls And a whole lot more!  

Topic: 'Vienna Waits for You' Guest: Rabbi Josh Blass  Rabbi Blass is a Mashgiach Ruchani at RIETS at Yeshiva University, where he has been serving for the last 17 years. He also recently completed serving 15 years as rabbi of Kehillas Beis Yehuda in Monsey, NY.  Rabbi Blass received his semikha from RIETS and a Masters in Jewish Philosophy from the Bernard Revel Graduate School for Jewish Studies. He is now completing a Masters degree in Social Work with an eye toward private practice. Since receiving his ordination, Rabbi Blass has taught in a number of high schools, including MTA and Bruriah. In the year 2000, he became the Rav of the Albert Einstein School of Medicine where he worked for four years, before joining Kehillas Beis Yehuda. During his tenure in Monsey, Rabbi Blass has been involved in an advisory or leadership capacity with a number of organizations including Tomche Shabbos, Project Tikvah, the Chevra Kadisha, RCA Beis Din and others.  He is also very involved in the world of shidduchim and guiding students at YU on issues of dating and as a chosson teacher.  He recently helped lead a mission of YU students to Vienna to lend support to refugees who recently fled Ukraine. In this bonus episode, we cover:   1.  A Life of meaning & giving 2. Deep roots of commitment to others 3. Taking intitiave and hearing the call 4. The growth mindset 5. The beauty, majesty & irony of Vienna 6. Impacting Students & Refugees 7. How Others Can Also Help And a whole lot more!

Topic: Wearing His Heart on His Sleeve Guest: Eli Verschleiser   Bio:    Chairman at The Verschleiser Family Foundation, OurPlace, & Magenu.org   When one realizes that we only live once, & do not take our cash along, they then obtain the ability to make a real difference. Eli's world is dedicated to Philanthropy, Fighting for the Underdog, & helping others get another chance. (A bit of Real Estate Finance, Acquisition, and Investments on the side)   In this heart-tugging episode, we explore: 1. The Impact of a Rebbe 2. Living on the Streets 3. The shocking reality of abuse in our communities 4. Not really being able to stand in the shoes of another 5. Can One Give Away Too Much? 6. The Influence of an Amazing Wife 7. Different Forms of Education And much more!

  Topic: Conspiracy U Guest: Scott Shay   Bio:    Scott A. Shay is a leading businessman, thought leader, and author of several widely read books on profound issues facing the Jewish community. Scott is the co-founder and Chairman of Signature Bank, well known as one of the best banks in New York for private business owners. Scott earned a BA in Economics and a Masters in Management from Northwestern University, a valuable experience due to the commitment of his professors to high academic standards and the ideals of the university's motto.   His third book, Conspiracy U: A Case Study, utilizes this motto as a backdrop to illustrate how his alma mater and academia in general have departed from these standards and ideals, sacrificing academic integrity and trustworthy scholarship in favor of Conspiracy Theories.   Scott is a distinguished leader in the Jewish community and an avid student of religion and its application to the world outside of the synagogue, church, or mosque. These interests are reflected in Conspiracy U, as well as his previous two books, In Good Faith: Questioning Religion and Atheism and Getting Our Groove Back: How to Energize American Jewry.  In this riveting episode, we explore: 1. Holocaust Roots 2. Intellectually Dishonest 3. Playing with a Delicate Psyche  4. Running a Bank in 2022 5. Putin & Ukraine 6. Writing Multiple Books 7. Living an Impactful Life And much more!

    Topic: Risk & Reward Guest: Ezra S. Levine   Bio:    Ezra is CEO of Collectable, the #1 fractional investment platform for sports. He is a former Portfolio Manager at Hilltop Park, a NYC-based hedge fund in the Sports, Media, Consumer and Entertainment industries. He was also CFO & CSO of The Spring League. He has an MBA from NYU Stern. Levine has been featured by BusinessInsider, Barstool, Bloomberg, CNN, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, Sportico, and more. In this riveting episode, we explore: 1. The Rabbi's Son 2. Love for Sports & Markets 3. The Gift of Stuttering 4. Kevin Garnett & Emmitt Smith/Big Announcement 5. Food & Shelter 6. Family as Core & an Oasis 7. Mom's Not Such Good Advice And much more!

  Topic: From Disney to a Torah Life Guest: Saul Blinkoff   Bio:    Saul began his career as an animator for the WALT DISNEY STUDIOS working on the hit films Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan, & Tarzan. He made his directorial debut with the hip action-adventure series Spy Groove for MTV. Shortly thereafter, he re-joined DISNEY, directing the films Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo & Kronk's New Groove- starring Eartha Kitt & David Spade. Saul also consulted in development on the DISNEY films: Tinkerbell, Fox and The Hound II, Brother Bear II, Cinderella III, and Dumbo II.  Saul has directed high profile commercials for clients such as Best Buy, Dunkin' Donuts, ESPN, Subway, Mercedes Benz, EA Sports & Build-A-Bear and has consulted for animation studios internationally in London, Tel Aviv, Toronto, Seoul, Dublin, Vancouver & China. Saul was a Director on the smash hit DISNEY show Doc McStuffins, Supervising Director on The Numberlys and Consulting Producer on The Stinky & Dirty Show; both for AMAZON.  For NETFLIX, Saul was Consulting Director on the hit show Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures and was Supervising Director on Llama Llama starring Jennifer Garner. Currently, Saul is the Supervising Producer on the DREAMWORKS hit show Madagascar: A Little Wild on HULU/PEACOCK. Saul speaks around the world sharing practical tools for success, meaning and fulfillment in all aspects of life! He also hosts the inspirational weekly podcast; Life of AWESOME! Saul lives in Los Angeles with his wife Marion and their four children.   In this fascinating episode, we cover: 1. Growing Up on Long Island 2. Wanting to be an Animator 3. The Lion King  4. The Challenges of a life in LA/Hollywood 5. R' Noach Weinberg and the Power of Aish 6. Being a Seeker of Truth/Wanting things Badly 7. Framing Challenges-Even Jeff Bezos has Them And much more!