The Z3 Podcast

In this episode of the Z3 Podcast, artists Vanessa Hidary and Neshama Carlebach reflect on how their creative work and personal identities have been transformed in the wake of October 7. They share how their art has shifted toward activism, shaped by grief, urgency, and deep connection to their communities. The conversation explores the evolving role of Jewish artists, the contrasts between diaspora and Israeli experiences, and the ways art can offer healing in moments of rupture. Listen to these groundbreaking artists as they get deep and spiritual, making the case for art and activism as a genuine, necessary tool in building the world to come.Neshama Carlebach is an award-winning singer, songwriter and educator who has performed and taught in cities around the world. In the aftermath of the October 7th attacks, Neshama brought thousands of people together throughout the NY metro area for concerts that have raised over half a million dollars for Israel. Neshama is currently pursuing rabbinic ordination at The Academy for Jewish Religion.Vanessa Hidary is an international spoken word artist, educator, and advocate whose work has had a profound impact on both the Jewish community and beyond. She began performing her powerful poetry in New York City venues, becoming a pioneering voice for Jewish identity in the slam poetry scene. Inspired by her own Syrian-Jewish heritage, she founded the Kaleidoscope Project, a narrative-arts initiative that amplifies the stories of Jews of diverse backgrounds. In addition to her work in the arts, Vanessa has become a prominent advocate for Jewish unity in the wake of the rising antisemitism post-October 7th, 2023. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Artists and Context01:40 Impact of October 7th on Artistic Expression09:32 The Blurring of Personal and Artistic Identity10:59 The Responsibility of Artists in Times of Crisis18:42 Navigating Audience Expectations and Artistic Integrity26:12 The Role of Community and Family in Artistic Expression30:15 Looking Towards the Future for the Next Generation33:04 The Role of Art in Uniting Communities34:30 Navigating Division Within the Jewish Community36:47 The Impact of Personal Experience on Understanding39:08 The Responsibility of Jewish Artists43:46 The Connection Between Diaspora and Israeli Jews51:32 Spiritual Engagement and Activism54:14 The Journey of Learning and Identity58:07 Long-Term Commitment to Community and Identity

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 1 of the Z3 Podcast! In this conversation, Z3 Founding Director Amitai Fraiman speaks with Rabbi Dr. Laura Novak-Winer and Robbie Gringras about the evolving landscape of Israel education, particularly in the wake of the events of October 7, 2023. Each of them discusses the goals of Israel education, emphasizing the importance of knowing Israel in a nuanced way rather than simply fostering love for the country. Their conversation delves into the historical context of Israel education, the challenges faced by American Jews in connecting with Israel, and the need for a deeper understanding of values and relationships within the Jewish community. In the latter half of the podcast, the speakers reflect on their personal theological journeys and the implications for future education. Together, they explore the complexities of Jewish identity, the impact of recent events on perceptions of Israel, and the role of education versus advocacy in shaping these discussions. Ultimately, they call on the importance of community and nuanced, continuing conversations as our communities continue to educate and define what it means to be Jewish in relation to Israel. About our Guests: Robbie Gringras was born and bred in the Jewish community of Britain, but has been living and creating in Israel since 1996, primarily with Jewish Americans. As such his work – educational and theatrical – bridges the Israel-Diaspora connection with empathy and insight. He lives in the secular world, while his knowledge base and research specialties – especially after his many years studying in Jerusalem – are deeply religious. While Creative Director of Makom, the Israel Education Lab of the Jewish Agency, he coined the phrase: “Hugging and Wrestling with Israel”, drove the 4HQ System of Israel Education, and wrote for and ran the Makom website.As a world-renowned solo theatre performer, he is also an inspirational speaker, and a charismatic teacher. As a prolific playwright, he is also a challenging and original educator. As an experienced and committed Jewish Zionist educator, his theater creations are educational treasure chests.Rabbi Dr. Laura Novak Winer, RJE, is the Director of the Master of Educational Leadership program at the HUC-JIR Rhea Hirsch School of Education in Los Angeles, CA. Laura teaches courses on pedagogy, classroom and organizational culture and leading change. She is a Senior Fellow at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Center for Studies in Jewish Education and Brandeis University. She was previously Director of Clinical Education at the HUC-JIR Rhea Hirsch School where she mentored students, coordinated fieldwork internships and taught graduate level courses in pedagogy and organizational change to students studying to become Jewish educational leaders and rabbis. Laura has worked in and with a variety of afternoon school settings and her current research focus is Israel education, particularly within the context of the supplementary school.Laura has been published in a variety of academic and online journals, is a regular contributor to Moment Magazine's “Ask the Rabbis” column, and was the editor of several curricula, including Sacred Choices: Adolescent Relationships and Sexual Ethics (2005 and 2007).Chapters00:00 Introduction to Israel Education01:56 The Goals of Israel Education12:55 Evolution of Israel Education24:13 Values and Relationships in Israel Education30:38 Theological Perspectives on Israel Education34:41 The Importance of Community in Jewish Identity41:19 Navigating the Impact of October 7th50:23 The Role of Education vs. Advocacy01:00:02 Defining Jewish Identity and Zionism

In this third powerful conversation in our special video series, Z3 host Rabbi Amitai Fraiman sits down with Gazan-American activist Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib to tackle the intricate layers of identity, misinformation, and hope in the Israel-Gaza conflict. They begin with Ahmed's insights into life under Hamas rule in Gaza, sharing the day-to-day struggles of Palestinians caught in the crossfire. The conversation explores the often-overlooked influence of propaganda and misinformation—particularly around polling data and public opinion—while underscoring the impact these narratives have on both Palestinian lives and international perspectives. Ahmed's call for international support that empowers Palestinians to achieve self-governance and economic stability offers a fresh perspective on moving beyond rhetoric to meaningful action for peace. This episode dives deep into the intersections of Palestinian identity, regional politics, and the future of the region. Through this honest exchange, Ahmed and Amitai illuminate the struggles and hopes shared across their communities, emphasizing the potential of Jewish-Palestinian dialogue in transforming narratives and fostering mutual understanding. Join us for a powerful episode that cuts through rhetoric, seeking pathways for empathy, accountability, and, ultimately, peace. We are deeply grateful to Ahmed for joining us in this difficult but crucial conversation in these times of deep division and strife. This conversation was recorded on August 30, 2024. About our guest:Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib is an American writer and analyst who grew up in Gaza City, having left in 2005 as a teenage exchange student to the United States. He writes extensively on Gaza's political and humanitarian affairs and has been an outspoken critic of Hamas and a promoter of coexistence and peace as the only path forward between Palestinians and Israelis. Alkhatib is a resident senior fellow with the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council's Middle East Programs. He has a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's in intelligence and national security studies. His writing has been published in US, and Israeli outlets and his opinions and comments have been featured in the international press.

In this special episode of the Z3 Podcast, host Rabbi Amitai Fraiman is joined by two guests involved with Jewish life at UC Berkeley: Rav Maya Zinkow, Campus Rabbi, and Dr. Masua Sagiv, Koret Visiting Assistant Professor of Jewish and Israel Studies and Senior Faculty member at the Shalom Hartman Institute. In this roundtable discussion, all three reflect on their recent visits and experiences in Israel and explore the emotional and political divide between the realities on the ground in Israel and the discourse in the U.S., particularly on college campuses. The conversation dives into the challenges Jewish students face navigating campus life, where progressive movements often clash with Zionism during a time where social media amplifies misinformation and extremist narratives, complicating conversations about Israel, and leaving students caught between popular opinion and their Jewish identity. Rav Maya and Dr. Sagiv discuss the delicate balance of providing pastoral care to students while also encouraging critical thinking on complex issues like Israel, Zionism, and Jewish identity. This episode offers a thoughtful discussion on the intersection of Jewish education, campus activism, and the future of Jewish identity in both Israel and the diaspora. About our guests: Rav Maya Zinkow Rabbi Maya Zinkow is the Campus Rabbi at UC Berkeley Hillel. She received rabbinic ordination and a Master's in Jewish Women and Gender Studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary as a Wexner Graduate Fellow. While studying at JTS, Maya served as a rabbinic intern at the Columbia/Barnard Hillel and at Romemu on the Upper West Side. Before starting her rabbinic studies, Maya graduated from Barnard College with a degree in English literature and creative writing, and followed her love of text to the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, where she learned Torah for two years and now serves as summer faculty. You can follow her on instagram at @ravmayaz Dr. Masua Sagiv Dr. Masua Sagiv is the Koret Visiting Assistant Professor of Jewish and Israel Studies at the Helen Diller Institute at U.C. Berkeley School of Law, and a Senior Faculty member of the Shalom Hartman Institute based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She writes and teaches on questions of law and nationality, religion and state, anti-Semitism, Jewish peoplehood, and dynamics of change in Israeli society. Prior to moving to the Bay Area, Masua was the Academic Director of the Menomadin Center for Jewish and Democratic Law at Bar-Ilan University, and taught at the Schools of Law at Bar-Ilan University and Tel-Aviv University. To hear more from Dr. Sagiv, listen to Episode 5 of the Z3 Project Podcast.

Welcome to episode 2 of our special series of conversations between Z3 founder and podcast host Rabbi Amitai Fraiman and Palestinian writer and peace activist, Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib. In this episode, Ahmed reflects on his recent trip to Washington, DC, where he met with hostage families and U.S. officials and he shares the impact of those interactions on his vision for peace. He and Amitai discuss the internal politics of Gaza as Ahmed questions misleading polling data that suggests widespread support for Hamas in Gaza and highlights the cognitive dissonance caused by years of isolation and propaganda. Despite the violence, Ahmed emphasizes moments of humanity and kindness he has witnessed between Palestinians and Israelis, even in Gaza, which give him hope for the future. He shares his mission to be a unique bridge builder between the pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian communities, moderating difficult but valuable dialogues online. The episode also touches on the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict, particularly the role of Iran and regional power struggles, highlighting the importance of resolving the conflict for lasting peace in the Middle East. Chapters: (0:00) Episode Preview and Host Intro (04:10) Palestinian Response to Oct. 7 and Polls in Gaza (18:34) Loss of Faith in the Peace Process and Bad Actors (24:04) Ahmed Meeting Hostage Families and U.S. Officials (34:00) Tribalism in Public Dialogue (40:39) Online Voices: The Bad and the Good (48:02) Resistance to Ahmed's Work with Jewish Voices (56:14) Cycle of Blame Impeding Progress (1:01:15) Ahmed Speaks on the Israeli Hostages (1:07:05) Looking Back Vs. Looking Forward (1:09:05) Role of the Palestinian Diaspora in Nation Building (1:11:58) Positioning Palestine as a U.S. Ally (1:15:59) Path Forward for Both Peoples We are deeply grateful to Ahmed for joining us in this difficult but crucial conversation in these times of deep division and strife. About our guest: Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib is an American writer and analyst who grew up in Gaza City, having left in 2005 as a teenage exchange student to the United States. He writes extensively on Gaza's political and humanitarian affairs and has been an outspoken critic of Hamas and a promoter of coexistence and peace as the only path forward between Palestinians and Israelis. Alkhatib is a resident senior fellow with the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council's Middle East Programs. He has a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's in intelligence and national security studies. His writing has been published in US, and Israeli outlets and his opinions and comments have been featured in the international press.

Content Advisory: Please note that this episode discusses challenging themes including graphic description of wartime deaths. Listen as we launch a special series of conversations between Z3 founder and podcast host Rabbi Amitai Fraiman and Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a passionate activist for Gazans and Palestinians. Amitai served in the IDF from 2005-2009 in Gaza, while Ahmed is an outspoken voice for the future of the Palestinian people. In 2015, he started an not-for-profit organization whose goal was to build an internationally-run, Israeli-approved airport airfield to facilitate the movement of people in and out in cargo without Hamas having any control over the facility. Chapters: (00:00) Episode Preview and Host Intro (03:45) Ahmed's Life Growing up in Gaza and the U.S. (08:15) Ahmed's Work in Non-Profit for Gaza and Professional Life (10:55) October 7th and its Aftermath (19:45) Hamas' Goals (24:29) Global Reaction that Spurred Ahmed to Advocacy (27:54) IDF Airstrikes on his Family (34:14) Gaza Views on Israel (41:30) Intifadas and Failed Peace Deals (49:12) Reimagining Right of Return (59:45) Self-Determination and Coexistence In this powerful episode, Ahmed shares his personal journey through immense loss and ongoing conflict. Having lost 31 family members in Gaza since October 7th, Ahmed speaks about his deep pain and how it fuels his commitment to advocating for peace and understanding. He reflects on the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the challenges of maintaining humanity amidst tragedy, and his hope for restoring mutual respect and cooperation. Tune in to hear Ahmed's heartfelt message on navigating grief and striving for a balanced path forward. We are deeply grateful to Ahmed for joining us in this difficult but crucial conversation in these times of deep division and strife. About our guest: Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib is an American writer and analyst who grew up in Gaza City, having left in 2005 as a teenage exchange student to the United States. He writes extensively on Gaza's political and humanitarian affairs and has been an outspoken critic of Hamas and a promoter of coexistence and peace as the only path forward between Palestinians and Israelis. Alkhatib is a resident senior fellow with the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council's Middle East Programs. He has a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's in intelligence and national security studies. His writing has been published in US, and Israeli outlets and his opinions and comments have been featured in the international press.

In the latest Z3 Project podcast, Dror Stein, of Z3, steps in as host for this episode where she speaks with Mickey Bergman, expert in international hostage negotiations with hostile actors, about his career in negotiating for the release of political prisoners worldwide. They discuss how emotional intelligence and empathy play a crucial role in these high-stakes negotiations as Bergman shares his experiences from his new book “In The Shadows: True Stories of High-Stakes Negotiations to Free Americans Captured Abroad”. Listen now to learn more about the unseen machinations of international hostage situations and how his work has been affected in our post-October 7th world. About Mickey Bergman: Mickey Bergman directs Global Reach and the Richardson Center for Global Engagement, non-governmental, non-profit organizations that negotiate the release of political prisoners and hostages around the world. A special-operations veteran of the Israel Defense Forces, he has spent the past decade freeing Americans from some of the most complex and insulated countries on earth, including Iran, North Korea, Russia, Venezuela, Syria, Gambia and Sudan. He is an adjunct professor at the Georgetown University Walsh School of Foreign Service, where his graduate courses focus on the art of emotional intelligence in international relations. He was nominated for the 2019 and 2023 Nobel Peace Prize alongside former Governor Bill Richardson. Follow Z3 here: Instagram - instagram.com/z3project/ TikTok - tiktok.com/@z3project LinkedIn- linkedin.com/company/z3-project Facebook - facebook.com/Z3Project/ Twitter - twitter.com/Z3_Project Website - z3project.org/

In this episode of the Z3 Project Podcast, join host Rabbi Amitai Fraiman in discussion with David Bernstein, founder of the Jewish Institute for Liberal Values and author of "Woke Antisemitism: How a Progressive Ideology Harms the Jews." Together they discuss the perceived challenges posed by progressive ideologies to Jewish values and community discourse. David reflects on the necessity of reviving nuanced, centrist dialogue and addressing the fears within the Jewish community. The conversation underscores the importance of open debate, the dangers of social media polarization, and the need for coalition-building to preserve diverse perspectives and robust public discourse. Tune in to hear Bernstein's perspective on the future of Jewish communal identity, as well as practical steps for fostering inclusive and meaningful dialogue. About our guest: David Bernstein A passionate advocate of the free expression of ideas, Bernstein is past President and CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs and former executive director of the David Project. He is the author of “Woke Antisemitism: How a Progressive Ideology Harms Jews.” Follow Z3 here: Instagram - instagram.com/z3project/ TikTok - tiktok.com/@z3project LinkedIn- linkedin.com/company/z3-project Facebook - facebook.com/Z3Project/ Twitter - twitter.com/Z3_Project Website - z3project.org/

Content advisory: This episode discusses sexual violence in the context of the October 7th Massacre and the captured hostages. Join Z3 Podcast host Rabbi Amitai Fraiman and Laura E. Adkins, award-winning writer and former opinion editor at The Forward, as they dive deep into a discussion about the state of the world for American and Israeli Jews, with a special emphasis on the experiences of women. Amitai and Laura talk through Laura's experience working with survivors of the Nova music festival attack. During this conversation, Amitai and Laura discuss the struggle for Israeli women to be believed about having experienced and witnessed sexual violence by Hamas on October 7th and thereafter. Though the nature of this conversation is filled with intense themes, Laura leaves us with these underlying ideas to give Jews strength going forward: Jewish resilience as a constant thread throughout history and the importance of the Diaspora building intentional connections with Israelis Learn more about the work Laura is doing and about supporting survivors of sexual violence at jwi.org or ibelieveisraeliwomen.org. About our guest: Laura E. Adkins Progressive Thinker, Writer and Activist Laura E. Adkins is an award-winning writer based in New York. Her work on Israel, global Jewish life, and gender issues has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times, NPR, the Los Angeles Review of Books, Glamour, Fox News and other outlets. Laura is a senior director at Jewish Women International, working to combat gender-based violence and advance economic justice and women's leadership. She is also a volunteer mentor-editor for the OpEd project and serves on the New York Atid board of the Israel Policy Forum. Previously, Laura was the Opinion Editor of the Forward, an adjunct instructor of journalism at Yeshiva University's Stern College, an inaugural member of the Shalom Hartman journalism cohort, the Opinion Editor of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, the editor of Jewish Insider and an assistant blogs editor at The Times of Israel. Approaching the world with curiosity and humility, her work aims to advance our collective understanding of the realities and beliefs that shape individuals and societies, particularly in Israel and Jewish diaspora communities. Follow Z3 here: Instagram - instagram.com/z3project/ TikTok - tiktok.com/@z3project LinkedIn- linkedin.com/company/z3-project Facebook - facebook.com/Z3Project/ Twitter - twitter.com/Z3_Project Website - z3project.org/

Join Z3 Podcast host Rabbi Amitai Fraiman and writer-activist Elad Nehorai as they dive into the nature of authoritarian power structures in our world today as they present in our social structures from communities to governments. They also discuss how Americans are especially vulnerable to extremist rhetoric in our current culture of disconnection and fear, leading people to extremism to feel empowered and find community. Listen in as they discuss how social divisions are feeding into a loss of faith in democracy and creating a vacuum that further draws people towards extremist views. Elad also explores the conditional nature of support of Jewish safety from figures in power and how authoritarians use Jewish causes to their political advantage. This conversation promises to be thought-provoking, shedding light on the complexities of the need for community and security. Listen now. About our guest: Elad Nehorai Progressive Thinker, Writer and Activist Elad Nehorai is a well-known writer specializing in extremism, antisemitism, marketing, and how all three intersect. He is an ex-Hasidic Jew who, before leaving Orthodoxy, led a creative Jewish community in Brooklyn called Hevria as well as the largest politically progressive Orthodox Jewish advocacy group, Torah Trumps Hate. Learning from his time in the Hasidic community and studying extremism, he has become an outspoken pro-democracy voice. Since October 7th, he has drawn on his Israeli background to inform his work building coalitions among those who share a vision of solidarity for the future. Today, he runs a marketing agency for good called Justice Marketing. You can find Elad's writing on MSNBC.com, the Daily Beast, Huffpost, the Forward, Haaretz, and beyond. Follow Z3 here: Instagram - instagram.com/z3project/ TikTok - tiktok.com/@z3project LinkedIn- linkedin.com/company/z3-project Facebook - facebook.com/Z3Project/ Twitter - twitter.com/Z3_Project Website - z3project.org/

In this installment of the Z3 podcast, Rabbi Amitai Fraiman welcomes journalist Ariel Kahana for a deep dive into the intricacies of Israeli society amidst this period of the war in Gaza. Delving into the emotional complexities and divergent viewpoints around the war, Ariel and Amitai discuss the existential stakes of the conflict for Israelis and Jews across the world, as well as the challenges of articulating the necessity of war. From Ariel's perspective as a member of the media, the conversation ranges from discussing the state of Israeli and American politics and the media at work in both countries, and how public perception of current events is in constant flux. Join them as they unravel the narrative of a world at a crossroads. Follow Z3 here: Instagram - instagram.com/z3project/ TikTok - tiktok.com/@z3project LinkedIn- linkedin.com/company/z3-project Facebook - facebook.com/Z3Project/ Twitter - twitter.com/Z3_Project Website - z3project.org/

Join Z3 Podcast host Rabbi Amitai Fraiman and Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody, Executive Director of Ematai (https://www.ematai.org), for a thought-provoking conversation about the complex intersection of Jewish wisdom and the ethics of war – from the moral considerations of going to war to the ethical dilemmas in combat tactics. Tune in as they discuss the role of religion in shaping moral frameworks, the necessity of warfare, and the broader geopolitical context shaping military decisions. Follow Z3 here: Instagram - instagram.com/z3project/ TikTok - tiktok.com/@z3project LinkedIn- linkedin.com/company/z3-project Facebook - facebook.com/Z3Project/ Twitter - twitter.com/Z3_Project Website - z3project.org/

In this episode of the Z3 podcast, host Rabbi Amitai Fraiman engages in a timely conversation with Yossi Klein Halevi, an award-winning journalist, author, and senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute. Yossi shares his personal journey toward understanding what it meant to be a Jew in America as he grew up in the generation after the Holocaust, and he reflects on how the landscape of American Jewish identity is once again changing in the post-October 7th social and political world. This episode provides insight into the growing identity divide between anti-Zionist Jews and pro-Israel Jews, as well as how Israel needs to find the balance between being a historical underdog with the new reality of it having significant power. Together, Amitai and Yossi outline some of the challenges facing global Jewish communities by offering frameworks for making sense of our changing world order. Dive into the episode for all this and more. Follow Z3 here: Instagram - instagram.com/z3project/ TikTok - tiktok.com/@z3project LinkedIn- linkedin.com/company/z3-project Facebook - facebook.com/Z3Project/ Twitter - twitter.com/Z3_Project Website - z3project.org/

Z3 Podcast host Rabbi Amitai Fraiman is joined by Avi Melamed (author, educator and Middle East strategic intelligence analyst) as they deep dive into the intricate layers of politics, ideologies, and regional power dynamics that define this enduring struggle. From unraveling the complexities of Hamas governance to dissecting the influence of major players like Iran and Saudi Arabia, this conversation sheds light on the multifaceted landscape of the Middle East. Discover the pivotal role of education in navigating this volatile and nuanced terrain, as Avi offers insights for a path forward in a region rife with tension and uncertainty, especially in the aftermath of October 7th. Follow Z3 here: Instagram - instagram.com/z3project/ TikTok - tiktok.com/@z3project LinkedIn- linkedin.com/company/z3-project Facebook - facebook.com/Z3Project/ Twitter - twitter.com/Z3_Project Website - z3project.org/

Join Z3 Podcast host Rabbi Amitai Fraiman as he is joined by comedian Daniel-Ryan Spaulding as they delve into the complexities of advocating for empathy in progressive discourse, particularly concerning the Israel-Palestine conflict. Last autumn, Daniel-Ryan went viral online when he began making videos about the October 7th attack in Israel. What followed was a journey exploring the challenges and motivations behind speaking out against perceived hypocrisy as he created comedic content aiming to address misconceptions with humor and information. Delve into the nuanced dialogue surrounding sensitive topics like Israel and anti-Semitism, as Amitai and Daniel-Ryan emphasize the importance of empathy alongside information dissemination. From navigating extremism and radicalization to promoting empathy and love, this conversation offers valuable insights into fostering understanding and dialogue in today's polarized world. Follow Z3 here: Instagram - instagram.com/z3project/ TikTok - tiktok.com/@z3project LinkedIn- linkedin.com/company/z3-project Facebook - facebook.com/Z3Project/ Twitter - twitter.com/Z3_Project Website - z3project.org/

Join Rabbi Amitai Fraiman, our podcast host and head of Z3, as he delves into a fascinating discussion with Luc Bernard, video game developer turned consultant on Holocaust education. Luc is the director of The Light in the Darkness, the first videogame about the Holocaust on PS5, PS4 and on the Epic Games Store, and also created a virtual Holocaust museum within the popular online game Fortnite. Together, they explore the potential of gaming platforms in fostering empathy and relationship-building, particularly within the context of Holocaust education, by putting players in the shoes of characters. They discuss importance of bringing education to young people where they are and how leveraging digital platforms can aid that goal. Their conversation also touches on the limitations of traditional museum exhibits and the potential of digital platforms to make stories more accessible. All this and more in this episode. Follow Z3 here: Instagram - instagram.com/z3project/ TikTok - tiktok.com/@z3project LinkedIn- linkedin.com/company/z3-project Facebook - facebook.com/Z3Project/ Twitter - twitter.com/Z3_Project Website - z3project.org/

Delve into a captivating conversation between Amitai Fraiman, head of Z3 and our podcast host and guest David Hazony explore the dynamic landscape of Jewish identity and culture in Israel and the diaspora. Focusing on Hazony's recently published book in collaboration with Adam Bellow “Jewish Priorities”, they discuss how fresh perspectives and innovative approaches are shaping the future of American Jewish identity, and about the transformative potential of secular Jewish mass movements in reclaiming tradition From the importance of investing in intellectual engagement to the value of collaborative partnerships, Hazony offers compelling insights into revitalizing Jewish life across the diaspora. Gain valuable insights into navigating the challenges and opportunities facing the global Jewish community, and discover how partnerships can drive positive change. Don't miss this enlightening discussion on shaping the future of Jewish culture and resilience. Follow Z3 here: Instagram - instagram.com/z3project/ TikTok - tiktok.com/@z3project LinkedIn- linkedin.com/company/z3-project Facebook - facebook.com/Z3Project/ Twitter - twitter.com/Z3_Project Website - z3project.org/

In this episode of the Z3 Podcast, Rabbi Amitai Fraiman, our host and head of Z3, is joined by Former Member of Knesset Michal Cotler-Wunsh, who is currently an Israeli special envoy to combat antisemitism. Join them as they delve into the urgent topic of combating antisemitism in today's world. From reclaiming identity to fostering unity and agency, Michal provides powerful insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by Jewish communities globally. Discover how hope, courage, and collective action are driving the fight against antisemitism in all spheres, and learn how individuals and communities can come together to make a meaningful difference. About our guest: Michal Cotler-Wunsh is a prominent public speaker, researcher, and independent policy and strategy advisor on intersecting issues of antisemitism, law, human rights, and Zionism. Michal's focus on process, transparency, and accountability, continues to inform and guide her in the role of Israel's Special Envoy for Combatting Antisemitism, engaging local and global partners around the shared responsibility to comprehensively identify and address the rise and mainstreaming of ever-mutating antisemitic hate. Michal was a Member of Israel's 23rd Knesset and served as the first Knesset Liaison to the Issue of the International Criminal Court (ICC), was co-chair of the Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Friendship Group, was a member of several interparliamentary working groups, and Chair of the Caucus for Ethiopians in Israel. She received her LL.B. from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and her LL.M. from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Follow Z3 here: Instagram - instagram.com/z3project/ TikTok - tiktok.com/@z3project LinkedIn- linkedin.com/company/z3-project Facebook - facebook.com/Z3Project/ Twitter - twitter.com/Z3_Project Website - z3project.org/

In this episode of the Z3 Podcast, Rabbi Amitai Fraiman, our host and head of Z3, is joined by Yossi Ben Harush, a Jewish academic and educator. Together, their discussion delves into the evolving landscape of the Religious Zionist movement in Israel. They uncover the delicate balance between religious observance and secular activities, and the debate between ideology and sociology in guiding individual lives. Hear more about how recent events have prompted a reevaluation of ideological narratives within religious Zionist communities, leading to anticipation of significant societal shifts. All this and more in this episode. About our guest: Yossi Ben Harush is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Jewish Thought at Ben Gurion University and writes about Hasidism in the Land of Israel at the beginning of the 20th century. A faculty member in the Shalom Hartman Gap Year Program, Havrutah, Yossi recently returned to Israel from New York with his family, where he taught at SAR High School. Yossi lives in Jerusalem with his wife and three children. Follow Z3 here: Instagram - instagram.com/z3project/ TikTok - tiktok.com/@z3project LinkedIn- linkedin.com/company/z3-project Facebook - facebook.com/Z3Project/ Twitter - twitter.com/Z3_Project Website - z3project.org/

In this episode of the Z3 Podcast, Rabbi Amitai Fraiman, our host and head of Z3, is joined by Roger Studley, the founder of Berkeley Moshav, a growing Jewish cohousing community in Berkeley, California. Together they explore what are the essential ingredients of a thriving Jewish community and how to break down barriers to accessing Jewish life. Roger talks about what it's like to be building a new kind of Jewish village in urban America through the cohousing model, and about how members are partners in co-creating the Jewish life they want for themselves through shared responsibilities and community gatherings. They discuss how incorporating Jewish expression in your daily life is made much easier when it's already an integral part of your home and community, and share how Jewish tradition and cohousing share similar approaches to creating that shared community. All this and more in this episode. Meet Roger Studley: Roger is is the original convener of the Berkeley Moshav project. He is a certified cohousing consultant, trained by the 500 Communities program, and serves on the National Advisory Council for the Cohousing Association of the U.S. Roger also serves as a community advisor for Hakhel, the international incubator of Jewish intentional communities, and has contributed to all six of its Jewish Intentional Community Conferences. He is married to Rabbi Chai Levy of Congregation Netivot Shalom in Berkeley, CA. Follow Z3 here: Instagram - instagram.com/z3project/ TikTok - tiktok.com/@z3project LinkedIn- linkedin.com/company/z3-project Facebook - facebook.com/Z3Project/ Twitter - twitter.com/Z3_Project Website - z3project.org/

In the latest Z3 podcast episode Rabbi Amitai Fraiman, our host and head of Z3, is joined by Dr. Mijal Bitton, who serves as the Rosh Kehilla (communal leader) of the Downtown Minyan community in Lower Manhattan. Examining the effects of the Oct. 7 massacre on the Jewish communities in Israel and America, they dig into what the role of grief plays in the Jewish response to tragedy and how it can connect us and also empower us to action. They also discuss the ways in which different types of support are needed for different areas of communities: how do we support Israelis who were directly impacted and still suffer accutely? How do we support young people on campuses who are now facing rising levels of antisemitism? All this and more in this episode. More about Dr. Mijal Bitton: Mijal is a Visiting Researcher at NYU Wagner and the Director of the first national study of Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews in the United States. She earned her doctorate from New York University, is an alumna of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship, and was featured in the New York Jewish Week's “36 under 36” in 2018 as a “public intellectual” with ‘public values.” Mijal is a fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, a Sacks Scholar, a Maimonides Fund fellow, and a New Pluralist Field Builder. Follow Z3 here: Instagram - instagram.com/z3project/ TikTok - tiktok.com/@z3project LinkedIn- linkedin.com/company/z3-project Facebook - facebook.com/Z3Project/ Twitter - twitter.com/Z3_Project Website - z3project.org/

In the latest Z3 podcast episode Rabbi Amitai Fraiman, our host and head of Z3, is joined by Professor Yuli Tamir, the President of Beit-Berl Teachers' Training College and an adjunct professor at the Blavatnik School of Government Oxford. Israel was already in a state of commotion when the October 7th massacre occurred. There had been 39 weeks of demonstrations about the democratic reform occurring in Israel, and Amitai and Yuli discuss the public's reaction to the crisis and how the demonstrations changed. How did Arabs in Israel respond to the massacre, and what tensions do they now feel during the war in Gaza where they feel pulled in different directions? And how can Jews and Arabs both pursue the right to self-determination? All this and more in this episode. More about Prof. Yuli Tamir: In the past, she was a deputy speaker of the Israeli Parliament (the Knesset) and served as Israel's Minister of Immigration and Minister of Education representing the Labor party. In this capacity she led a comprehensive school reform, rising teachers' salaries and introducing innovative patterns of teaching. Tamir is also the author of three books, as well as of numerous articles in the fields of moral and political philosophy, philosophy of education, feminism and human rights. She is the editor of Democratic Education in a Multicultural State (Blackwell) and, Moral and Political Education together with Professor Stephan Macedo (New York University Press). As well, she served as the president of Shenkar College of Art, Design and Engineering (2000-2010). Follow Z3 here: Instagram - instagram.com/z3project/TikTok - tiktok.com/@z3project LinkedIn- linkedin.com/company/z3-project Facebook - facebook.com/Z3Project Twitter - twitter.com/Z3_ProjectWebsite - z3project.org

In this Z3 podcast episode, Rabbi Shai Held meets with our host and the head of Z3 Rabbi Amitai Fraiman to discuss the emotional and spiritual impact of the war in Gaza on the Jewish community. Rabbi Held is a philosopher, theologian, and Bible scholar who has been named multiple times by Newsweek as one of the fifty most influential rabbis in America, and by the Jewish Daily Forward as one of the fifty most prominent Jews in the world. Together, they explore finding hope and inspiration through a religious lens, while also examining the ways that Jewish tradition struggles in navigating the ethics of power and war. Rabbi Held is president and Dean of the Hadar Institute, which he co-founded in 2006, and his contributions to Jewish education were recognized with the prestigious Covenant Award for Excellence. Rabbi Held is the author of Abraham Joshua Heschel: The Call of Transcendence (2013) and The Heart of Torah (2017). His next book, Judaism is About Love, will be published by Farrar, Straus, & Giroux in 2024. Follow Z3 here: Instagram - instagram.com/z3project/TikTok - tiktok.com/@z3project LinkedIn- linkedin.com/company/z3-project Facebook - facebook.com/Z3Project Twitter - twitter.com/Z3_ProjectWebsite - z3project.org

In this Z3 Podcast episode, Rabbi Amitai Fraiman, our host and head of Z3, talks with Rabbi Dr Shmuly Yanklowitz about the state of American Jewry in light of the October 7th massacre and the ensuing war. They talk about difficult moments and the most pressing issues facing humanity both locally and globally in the wake of the war, as well as touching on themes of universal humanity, how to find allyship, feelings of abandonment by the non-Jewish world, as well as how to find a sense of security and rootedness in Jewish identity. Rabbi Yanklowitz received a Masters from Harvard University, a Masters from Yeshiva University, and his Doctorate from Columbia University. He was ordained as a rabbi by Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, along with 2 private ordinations in Israel. He serves as the President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash (a global Jewish learning and action center). He has twice been named one of America's Top Rabbis by Newsweek and has been named by The Forward as one of the 50 most influential Jews and one of The Most Inspiring Rabbis in America. Rabbi Yanklowitz is the author of 23 books on Jewish ethics and his writings have appeared in outlets as diverse as the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the Guardian, and the Atlantic among many other secular and religious publications. He has served as speaker at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and a Rothschild Fellow in Cambridge, UK. Connect with Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz here: Facebook - facebook.com/RabbiShmulyYanklowitz Instagram - @rabbishmuly Twitter - @RavShmuly Follow Z3 here: Instagram - instagram.com/z3project/ TikTok - tiktok.com/@z3project LinkedIn- linkedin.com/company/z3-project Facebook - facebook.com/Z3Project/ Twitter - twitter.com/Z3_Project Website - z3project.org/

In the latest Z3 podcast episode Rabbi Amitai Fraiman, our host and head of Z3, is joined by Janine Zacharia, a journalist and professor at Stanford University to discuss what has changed in how the media and students view Israel and Palestine in this current period of war. Janine Zacharia has reported on Israel, the Middle East and U.S. foreign policy for close to two decades including stints as Jerusalem Bureau Chief for the Washington Post, chief diplomatic correspondent for Bloomberg News, Washington bureau chief for the Jerusalem Post, and Jerusalem correspondent for Reuters. She appears regularly on cable news shows and radio programs as a Middle East analyst and is currently a visiting lecturer in the Department of Communication at Stanford University.

In the latest Z3 Podcast episode Amitai Fraiman, our host and head of Z3, is joined by Yochai Shavit. In this episode Yochai and Amitai discuss their time together in the IDF and the complexities of being an Israeli living in America during these difficult times. Yochai draws from his experiences as a psychologist to explain the vital role that Jewish community engagement plays in our mental health. He and Amitai talk about how essential both mindfulness and community are to navigating the trauma we're all continuing to experience.

In the latest Z3 Podcast episode Amitai Fraiman, our host and head of Z3, is joined by Masau Sagiv, visiting Assistant Professor Of Jewish and Israel Studies at UC Berkeley and a scholar in residence at the Shalom Hartman Institute. In this episode, Masua gives a nuanced description of the roots of the current crisis in Israel and offers insight into finding a path forward.

In the latest Z3 Podcast episode, our host and head of Z3 Amitai Fraiman is joined by Rabbi Jessica Kirschner, Executive Director of Hillel at Stanford. In this episode, Jessica discusses the intersection of American individualism and Jewish communal living. She offers a unique take on what Jews in Israel may be lacking by exploring the wisdom of the Diaspora and the benefits of living within a pluralistic society. This discussion opens up new ways of thinking about American Jewry and contests the idea that living in Israel is the ideal way to live an authentic Jewish life.

Welcome to the third episode of the Z3 Podcast, the home for Diaspora and Israeli Jewish communal dialogue! In the latest Z3 Podcast episode, our host and head of Z3 Amitai Fraiman is joined by Visiting Fellow in Israel Studies at Stanford and Head of the MA Program in Diplomacy & Conflict Studies at the Lauder School of Government at Reichman University, Amichai Magen. In this episode, Amichai explains the lesser-understood aspects of Israeli democracy, especially what makes it surprisingly resilient as well as its unique vulnerabilities that many may not be aware of. The conversation is a fascinating exploration of the state of Israeli democracy... and the chances of democracy itself surviving in the world at large. Connect with Amichai here: https://www.facebook.com/amichai.magen https://www.linkedin.com/in/amichai-magen-b393777/ Follow Z3 here: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/z3project/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@z3project Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Z3Project/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/Z3_Project Website - https://z3project.org/

Welcome to the second episode of the Z3 Podcast, the home for Diaspora and Israeli Jewish communal dialogue! The podcast is an outgrowth of the Z3 Project and Z3 Conference, where thinkers and creators come to engage every year on the most important topics facing our people. In this episode, our host and head of Z3 Amitai Fraiman is joined by Associate Editor of 70 Faces Media, Leo Lazar. Together, they delve into the state of Jewish Media today from the local to the national level. Learn more about our team, our approach, and our philosophy in this episode. And stay tuned for more! Follow us here: https://youtube.com/@Z3Project https://www.instagram.com/z3project/ https://www.instagram.com/z3project/ https://www.tiktok.com/@z3project

Welcome to the first episode of the Z3 Podcast, the home for Diaspora and Israeli Jewish communal dialogue! The podcast is an outgrowth of the Z3 Project and Z3 Conference, where thinkers and creators come to engage every year on the most important topics facing our people. In this episode, our host and head of Z3 Amitai Fraiman is joined by the CEO of the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto and founder of Z3, Zack Bodner. Together, they delve into the very idea of what Z3 is to set the foundation for the future of the podcast. Learn more about our team, our approach, and our philosophy in this episode. And stay tuned for more!