TBA Now!

April is National Volunteer Month. In today's podcast we introduce you to a congregant who has turned volunteering into her full-time gig. From Atlanta, to Yale, to prosecuting criminals, Janet Nahirny switched from practicing law to devoting her time to various causes near and dear to her heart. A few of those causes include voting rights, helping to end racism, and supporting disadvantaged people. When the 2016 election came around Janet began to volunteer her time at a phone bank encouraging people to get out and vote. Post-election, she decided to concentrate her time at the Movement Voter Project, an initiative focused on communities of color and/or youth, especially in key battleground states and districts. Janet is also very dedicated to Beacon Academy, an organization that supports limited resource students and prepares them for acceptance into independent high schools. As National Volunteer Month comes to a close, listen as Janet describes how in addition to giving to so many, she receives much in return.

Benjamin Sachs is the Kestnbaum Professor of Labor and Industry at Harvard Law School and a leading expert in the field of labor law and labor relations. He graduated from Yale Law School and served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Stephen Reinhardt of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Ben is an expert on the history of labor unions, their rise and decline, examining their benefits to both companies and workers, and detailing how they affect the economy and racial inequality. You will learn a lot in this podcast. For example, do you know how long it would take an Amazon worker to make the same amount of money equal to Jeff Bezos' worth? Do you know why there aren't more unions today even though 50% of the workforce wants them? Listen in to learn the answers to these questions and more.

Sarah Wanger grew up at TBA. She is exuberant, joyful, and absolutely loves our TBA community. She earned a BA in Theatre and English from Muhlenberg College and a BS in Registered Nursing from the MGH Institute of Health Professions. In this podcast episode Sarah reminisces about her early beginnings in theatre at TBA and her excitement of being cast as Dorothy Gale in this year's production of The Wizard of Oz. She also talks at length with Rabbi about her adoption story, how it has shaped her life, her love for her parents Wendy and Barry, and eventually meeting her birth family. You will be moved by her story!

TBA's Cantorial Soloist Susan Glickman has been an inspiration on the TBA bimah for almost 20 years. She has elevated our music scene and worked tirelessly on services both joyful and sorrowful. Through her leadership, hundreds of Temple members have sung together for High Holy Days, special Shabbat Services and Purim Spiels to name a few. Susan's love of TBA, Jewish music, and caring for those in need are demonstrated daily when she sings with preschool children, plans an upcoming concert, or makes a pastoral visit. Her warmth and spirituality shine through in all aspects of Temple life. Listen to TBA Now! to learn more about Susan's early beginnings at Beth Avodah and what adventures she has planned following her Summer 2023 retirement.

In our first podcast of season 3 of TBA Now! TBA congregant Erwin Liverman entertains us with stories from his past. You may already be familiar with Erwin as a well-known chimney sweep in the Newton area, but do you know the rest of his story? Erwin has taken several professional detours from chimney sweeping throughout the years. As an award-winning billiards player in college to trying out as a kicker for the Patriots he has quite an interesting background. He has also brushed shoulders with many famous people whether they be clients such as a local TV French chef or former boyfriend of his sister!

Amy Cohen, TBA congregant and past president, has been guiding birth parents and placing babies with loving families for over 35 years. She is the Executive Director of Adoptions With Love, Inc., a small, non-profit, full-service, domestic adoption agency in Newton, MA. She has tenderly assisted expectant mothers as they work through intelligent and fully informed decisions regarding themselves, their bodies, and their child. Amy discusses all the options available to expectant parents that allow them to make choices that are right for them. Listen in to hear about the range of emotions felt by all parties and the long-term relationships that Amy enjoys with her clients.

Susan is an experienced Health Coach, volunteer and mom. As a Health Coach her goals include getting people to trust themselves around food by eating intuitively and be aware of the dangers of the diet industry. Susan has also been recognized by many for her volunteer contributions to various organizations in Massachusetts. Listen as she and Rabbi Stern discuss her many passions that when combined weave the quilt of her life.

In 1979, 4-year-old Ilona and her parents came to the US from the former Soviet Union. In this episode of TBA Now! Ilona discusses the difficulties and successes that she and her family encountered as Jewish refugees. Hear the hilarious and poignant story of their first Passover Seder in their new home country and how Ilona has found a deep and meaningful connection as a Reform Jew. Wanting to be a doctor for as long as she recalls, Ilona explains how she found her passion in the field of high-risk obstetrics. Listen to find out more about this gutte neshuma (good soul). Ilona Goldfarb is an Assistant Professor in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology at Harvard Medical School and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist at Mass General Hospital with a focus on patient and provider attitudes around vaccination during pregnancy.

Many of you know the name of fellow TBA congregant Linda Matchan from her work as a feature writer at the Boston Globe. In addition to her thoughtful writing for the Globe, and now associate editor at the Jewish Journal, there is so much more to her story. Hear about her role in researching the Catholic church abuse scandal and working with the screenwriters of the film Spotlight. Learn about her newfound passion of making documentary films and how the devastating diagnosis of her husband's ALS illness inspired her to write about a plethora of topics such as the unsung role of caregivers, the support of community, and how she was uplifted by her new companion (her dog Coco). There is so much more to come, listen in to find out what Linda is working on next.

When Patti (Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School) and Hazel (Dean of the College of Science and Professor of Biology at Northeastern University) entered the research world, they had few role models and even fewer mentors. Collegiate research, dominated by men at the time, was a difficult one to navigate as women and young mothers. They had to forge their own paths to success. In this podcast, they look back at their beginnings, chat about how they made their way to the top of their specialties, and stress the importance of their roles as mentors and role models for young women entering research today. Their rapport is engaging and their stories inspiring. We are proud to celebrate them during Women's History Month.

Are all politics really local? Maxwell Palmer, Associate Professor of political science at Boston University, explains the ins and outs of politics locally and nationally and how policy changes begin at the grassroot level. He analyzes complex topics such as the use of the filibuster in a polarized Senate and the power of today's US Supreme Court vs years past. Max also shines a light on hot button local issues in the City of Newton regarding affordable housing, mass transit, zoning and how you might consider getting involved. Join us on this episode of TBA Now! to be enlightened and engaged.

Dr. Sharon Inouye is Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Aging Brain Center at the Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife. As one of the nation's leading geriatric voices she has pushed for age equity in COVID-19 vaccine trials and developed a framework to improve acute care for older persons across the globe. Her dedication to her field and compassion for her patients is inspiring. Listen in to hear her uplifting thoughts about adults, how they age and what they have to look forward to!

How did Nancy make the leap from the mom of child with epilepsy to a cannabis counselor? Learn why Nancy entered the medical marijuana arena and what she's learned from her years of training and work at a local dispensary. Hear the success stories of Nancy's clients and how she helps them navigate available treatment options for many medical conditions. Tune in to this eye-opening episode of TBA Now!

TBA Congregant Steve Kaufer is the co-founder and CEO of TripAdvisor. In this episode Steve discusses the genesis of TripAdvisor, how the company has maneuvered during these COVID times and the exciting new TripAdvisor changes coming ahead, including why he is stepping down as CEO. Listen as he discusses his latest philanthropic focus and what he thinks his next ten years will look like. Come and be inspired by this innovative and kind-hearted businessman.

TBA member Dan Rubin is the Director of School Counseling at Newton South High School. Under his watchful eye he has counseled thousands of students. His interaction with these students and their families has given him perspective on the many challenges our young people face growing up in a resourced and sometimes pressure-filled environment. As a Newton native and Newton South graduate, Dan knows these pressures well. For all of us, the COVID-19 pandemic has only served to intensify these pressures.

On September 11, 2001 life changed for Susan Retik. She was a mother of two young children with another on the way when Flight 11 carrying her husband David hit the twin towers. Her commitment to Afghan widows was born of her own journey into widowhood. She co-founded Beyond the 11th, a foundation to counter acts of hate with acts of humanity. She has become an inspirational speaker, sharing her remarkable story of transforming personal loss into humanitarian outreach. She is also a Certified Leadership Coach, helping clients gain self-awareness, unlock their potential, and clarify professional goals to align more authentically with deeply held personal values. Susan has received numerous awards for her humanitarian work, including the Presidential Citizen's Medal, the country's second highest civilian award.

TBA member Dr. Shelly Greenfield is an internationally respected psychiatrist, clinician, and researcher. She is the chief academic officer at McLean Hospital, to name just one of her many distinguished roles. Her work focuses on substance abuse treatment, gender differences, and substance health services. In this podcast, Shelly shares some very serious concerns about the epidemic of substance abuse in America along with effective treatment options available right now.

We call Jamie Saltman maestro at Temple Beth Avodah. He's played the piano at many services, arranged traditional tunes, and is the anchor for TBA's Jazz Shabbat experience. During the summer Jamie, along with his wife Ellen, is the Director of Camp Encore/Coda. Listen to the maestro share his story through his words and music.

Ted Tye spends a lot of time dreaming about space. He imagines repurposing old buildings for innovative new living spaces. He sees wholly new concepts for shared spaces. Ted sees the future and then builds it.

Our latest podcast features Dave Punch, master chef extraordinaire. Any local foodie knows Dave's empire: Jinny's Pizza, Little Big Diner, Buttonwood, and Sycamore, the jewel in the crown. His uncompromising attitude about serving great food is backed by his equal dedication to supporting his staff, from dishwasher to sous chef. Foodies, come listen to the chef talk about his craft, and why all four of his eateries have made it through Covid.

Jessica Ayer came to Temple Beth Avodah when she was just a little kid. In this episode, we follow the arc of her life as she describes what it was like for a young girl of color to grow up at TBA, become our featured soloist at services, represent Birthright, and now, head for a future as a nurse practitioner. Jessica sparkles in our podcast.

James Rutenbeck is a compassionate man who believes in speaking out against injustice and racism and fundamental inequalities in America. His primary source of expression is through producing documentary film. We discussed his newest work, A Reckoning in Boston. We also explored his influences and inspiration in filmmaking. James will impress you with his intellect and his tremendous sensitivity. It was an honor to spend time with him and listen to a unique voice of conscience. To learn more about his filmmaking visit his website at Lost Nation Pictures, LTD..

Born and raised on the streets of Mattapan, Harvey Weiner is a nationally respected lawyer, the past national commander of American Jewish War Veterans, former president of Temple Beth Avodah, an Eagle Scout, and avid community thespian. With his classic sense of humor and warm soul, Harvey regaled us with stories of his past and hopes for the future. He's a one-of-a-kind personality, and we were lucky to have a chance to sit down with him to hear some of his many stories. To listen click here.Today, March 29, is National Vietnam War Veterans Day. We take this time to thank them for their service and sacrifice.To learn more about Jewish War Veterans click here.

Diane Hessan was our first guest on TBA Now. In her articulate and optimistic way, she shared her belief that our divided nation could come together. That was before the election, and before the insurrection of January 6th. Does she still think we can reach common ground? Tune in for part 2 of an ongoing conversation with Diane Hessan about the fate of our nation and its citizens.Also, keep an eye out for Diane's book: Our Common Ground: Insights from 4 Years of Listening to American Voters, due out in June. To learn more about Diane click here: https://salientventures.co/about-us

The American healthcare system is difficult to maneuver and so complex. Why is it so confusing? TBA congregant Dana Gelb Safran has spent her career endeavoring to answer that question and provide better alternatives for all Americans to what she and so many others all believe is a fundamental American right. Dana is so smart and interesting. Come hear all about her and the groundbreaking work she’s doing right now.

In Yiddish, a gutte neshumah refers to a person with a beautiful, radiant soul. Dr. Nicole Baumer is such a soul. Kind, compassionate, and brilliant. She is a congregant of Temple Beth Avodah and a graduate of Skidmore College and Harvard Medical School. Niki practices at Boston Children’s Hospital and is the director of the Down Syndrome Program and works in the Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine Center. She specializes in the treatment of individuals with Down syndrome, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and neurobehavioral disorders. Come learn about her work, her research, and the people she serves.

Last year, as Covid began beating us up, folks loved to drive by Blacker‘s Bakeshop (543 Commonwealth Ave in Newton) on a Thursday and inhale… As my mother used to always say, “what a mechiyah! [how fabulous].“ Even in the midst of the pandemic, Blacker‘s Bakeshop kept making the best challah in town, not to mention the cookies and the kichel and the rugelach and the bubka – or is it bubke? On TBA NOW! We’re speaking with the people that make it all happen: Rich, Karen, and Rebecca Blacker. The Blackers are a 3 generation TBA family and we are proud to call them our own.

Dr. Alberto Accomazzi has his head in the clouds — literally. Since his first childhood gaze through a telescope, he’s been hooked on the heavens. Alberto is the Principal Investigator and Program Manager for the SAO/NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS), a digital library portal for researchers in astronomy and physics, operated by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) under a NASA grant.Listen in to hear more from a real live astronomer about what’s going on in the far reaches of Space, and how it connects to you.

There are certain reporters we implicitly trust as soon as we hear their voices. There is no judgment, no egocentric self-referential grandstanding. We get factual, intelligent analysis; we get honesty; we get the news. And that’s what this episode’s guest, TBA member Martha Bebinger, provides: honest, clear reporting. Whether the news is good or difficult, Martha’s distinctive voice and style on WBUR reassure us that she’s got this. On TBA Now!, Martha will talk about the vaccine, the trajectory of Covid, what it means to be a reporter in 2021, and what it’s been like these past four years. What an honor to listen to Martha share her thoughts on her craft, and so much more.

TBA Member Dr. Jonathan Mansbach, Chief of Inpatient Services at Boston Children’s Hospital, recently joined us on TBA Now! In this episode, Jonathan gives us an eye-opening view into his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses hopes and fears for our children in COVID time — and after, describing the effect on patients and their families, and his own family. He is seeing a light (in the form of a vaccine) beginning to emerge at the end of the tunnel. It’s compelling and thoughtful; give a listen.

Our guest on this episode’s TBA Now! podcast is Jim Holzman CEO of Ace Tickets and a lifelong member of TBA. Listen in as Jimmy describes his nonstop, full-tilt life. You’ll learn about his implacable drive to get where he wants to go, and how waiting in line for Bruce Springsteen tickets as an undergrad at Northeastern led the way to become a nationally recognized independent ticket broker. Jimmy will also discuss what it felt like as Covid suddenly changed everything for him and his company. It’s a compelling and fast-paced program; give a listen.

This week we speak with Diane Hessan, a long-time, devoted member of the temple. Diane has done so many things for the congregation. She’s been on the board, starred in famous temple musicals, helped in the preschool (both of her daughters are graduates of our program and went on to become b’not mitzvah here), and even served on the last rabbinic search committee.She has a few other things going on. Diane’s accomplishments are spectacular. She was the founder and CEO of C Space for 14 years, working with hundreds of global brands to gain insight and inspiration from their consumers. Since then she’s led other companies, written books, been invited to serve as a trustee on several boards including Tufts University and Beth Israel Deaconess, and recognized for her business acumen and her leadership by several prestigious organizations. And… there’s more.The focus of our conversation will be another one of Diane’s passions: listening to how and why people vote the way they do. For almost five years, week after week, Diane has personally interviewed a panel of voters from all states, ages and ends of the political spectrum. She looks for trends, shifts, and common ground, and then writes about her findings in the Boston Globe. With the election just days away, her insight could not be more timely. To read more about Diane click here. To read her Op-Eds in the Boston Globe click here.