Podcasts about Jewish Community Relations Council

WMAL GUEST: RON HALBER (CEO, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington) WEBSITE: JCouncil.org SOCIAL MEDIA: X.com/JCRCgw Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow podcasts on Apple, Audible and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: wmal.com/oconnor-company Episode: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 / 6 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 6 AM hour, Larry O’Connor and Julie Gunlock discussed: CBS NEWS: White South Africans arrive in U.S. after Trump administration grants refugee status WMAL GUEST: RON HALBER (CEO, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington) on the release of Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli who has been held hostage by Hamas since October 7, 2023 FOX NEWS: American hostage Edan Alexander released by Hamas after more than 580 days in captivity NATIONAL REVIEW: Three and a half months later, Los Angeles County has issued . . . seven rebuilding permits Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow podcasts on Apple, Audible and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: wmal.com/oconnor-company Episode: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 / 6 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WMAL GUEST: Rachel Feinstein (Director of Government and Community Relations for the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington) JEWISH INSIDER: Georgetown Postpones BDS Vote Until After Passover JCRC WEBSITE: JCouncil.org Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow podcasts on Apple, Audible and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: wmal.com/oconnor-company Episode: Friday, April 25, 2025 / 7 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 7 AM hour, Larry O’Connor and Patrice Onwuka discussed: WMAL GUEST: Rachel Feinstein (Director of Government and Community Relations for the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington) NY POST: New NYC ad is ‘scratch and sniff,’ so you can stop and smell armpits on the street NY POST: Baby raves give NYC millennial parents the chance to party — and spend time with their kids: ‘Very much our scene’ WMAL GUEST: Emma Waters (Policy Analyst in the Center for Technology and the Human Person at The Heritage Foundation) X: Numerous people pause in front of the open casket to capture photos and videos, some even smiling, and later share them on social media. Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow podcasts on Apple, Audible and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: wmal.com/oconnor-company Episode: Friday, April 25, 2025 / 7 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Treyger — CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York and a former New York City Council member — joined the show to discuss combating increased anti-Semitism, Jewish community relations, Jewish voters in the 2025 NYC elections, and more. (Ep 483)

"We live in an age where people can say whatever they want without consequence," says Steve Hunegs, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas. Hunegs appeared on this episode of Plain Talk to discuss the anti-Semitic comments made recently by state Rep. Nico Rios, who referred to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo as "this Jew." "There's nothing new under the sun with anti-Semitism," Hunegs told me and co-host Chad Oban, noting that hateful tropes and conspiracy theories focused on the Jewish people are often centuries old and dusted off for modern contexts. He said he hopes to have a "respectful" and "intelligent" conversation with Rep. Rios at some point. He wants to "try to have good speech drive out the bad speech." Also on this episode, Cody Schuler, advocacy manager for the ACLU of North Dakota, joined to talk about how some communities in North Dakota are trying to balance the principles of free speech with the desire some in public have to use open meetings as stages for at times hateful and bigoted language. He also spoke to legislation mandating the 10 commandments and Pledge of Allegiance in classrooms, as well as a Republican-backed bill that would expand legal access to abortion in the state. This episode is presented by Dakota Resource Council. For nearly 50 years, DRC has worked across North Dakota to protect our land, water, and future. Become a member; volunteer and take action; or donate today at www.DRCinfo.org. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

In this episode, Di Baddest Chaplain speaks with Jeremy Burton, Chief Executive Officer of Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston. We explored the profound impact of comic books and superhero films on identity, representation, and societal issues. We delve into the significance of characters like the X-Men and Captain America, discussing how these narratives reflect marginalized experiences and the complexities of leadership in contemporary society. It was awesome having this conversation with Jeremy and although we are speaking about the upcoming film, Captain America: Brave New World, our dialogue emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling and diverse representation in superhero films at large. BaddestChaplain's Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.baddestchaplain.com/subscribe

WMAL GUEST: 6:35 AM - INTERVIEW - RON HALBER - CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington – discussed the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal. WEBSITE: https://jcouncil.org/ SOCIAL MEDIA: https://x.com/JCRCgw Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow the Show Podcasts on Apple podcasts, Audible and Spotify. Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @Jgunlock, @patricepinkfile, and @heatherhunterdc. Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Show Website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ How to listen live weekdays from 5 to 9 AM: https://www.wmal.com/listenlive/ Episode: Thursday, January 16, 2025 / 6 AM Hour See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 6 AM Hour: Larry O’Connor and Mercedes Schlapp discussed: Trump and Biden both claim credit for Gaza ceasefire deal Netanyahu says ‘last minute crisis’ with Hamas holding up approval of Gaza truce and hostage deal WMAL GUEST: 6:35 AM - INTERVIEW - RON HALBER - CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington – discussed the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal. WEBSITE: https://jcouncil.org/ SOCIAL MEDIA: https://x.com/JCRCgw Secret Service Readies for ‘Higher-Threat’ Trump Inauguration Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow the Show Podcasts on Apple podcasts, Audible and Spotify. Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @Jgunlock, @patricepinkfile, and @heatherhunterdc. Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Show Website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ How to listen live weekdays from 5 to 9 AM: https://www.wmal.com/listenlive/ Episode: Thursday, January 15, 2025 / 6 AM Hour See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My dear friend Mary Bilyeu (formerly of the Blade) isn't so new at her new job at the Jewish Federation anymore. Let's talk some food with her (of course), and meet the new Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council, Amichai. We've had very little discussion here about the conflict in Israel. I just don't know enough to have a thoughtful opinion on the matter. Amichai does! He's also new to Toledo and a Wawa advocate! First, the new flag. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 7 AM Hour: Larry O'Connor and Patrice Onwuka discussed: WMAL GUEST: 7:05 AM - INTERVIEW - CHARLIE SPIERING - political reporter for The Daily Mail and author of the book: Amateur Hour: Kamala Harris in the White House SOCIAL MEDIA: https://x.com/charliespiering SPIERING: Top Kamala Harris aides finally break their silence on the catastrophic election failure SPIERING: Kamala Harris drops a big hint about her future in talks with her inner circle as she vacations in Hawaii SPIERING: Kamala 2028? Insiders reveal Harris may still have her sights set on the White House X users left stunned by 'terrible' video of Harris speaking to supporters: 'Who thought this was a good idea?' Frederick Mayor Michael O'Connor vows to protect local immigrants, resist possible Trump policies WMAL GUEST: 7:35 AM - INTERVIEW - RON HALBER - CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington on the ceasefire Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire takes effect Sen. Cruz on the ceasefire Glenn Youngkin 'personally invites' new Trump admin to settle in Virginia over Maryland and DC Where to find more about WMAL's morning show:  Follow the Show Podcasts on Apple podcasts, Audible and Spotify. Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor,  @Jgunlock, @patricepinkfile, and @heatherhunterdc.  Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Show Website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ How to listen live weekdays from 5 to 9 AM: https://www.wmal.com/listenlive/ Episode: Wednesday, November 27, 2024 / 7 AM Hour  O'Connor and Company is proudly presented by Veritas AcademySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WMAL GUEST: 7:35 AM - INTERVIEW - RON HALBER - CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington on the ceasefire SOCIAL MEDIA: https://x.com/rhalber Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire takes effect Sen. Cruz on the ceasefire Where to find more about WMAL's morning show:  Follow the Show Podcasts on Apple podcasts, Audible and Spotify. Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor,  @Jgunlock, @patricepinkfile, and @heatherhunterdc.  Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Show Website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ How to listen live weekdays from 5 to 9 AM: https://www.wmal.com/listenlive/ Episode: Wednesday, November 27, 2024 / 7 AM Hour  O'Connor and Company is proudly presented by Veritas AcademySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NAJC, as the Jewish chaplaincy organization, takes seriously our role in advocating for and supporting our membership, as well as in educating those in our field on how to identify and respond to antisemitism, particularly in light of its rise since October 7, 2023. Recently, NAJC hosted a panel discussion on "Defining and Combating Antisemitism in the Chaplaincy Workplace"  that was held on September 17, 2024.  Rabbi Rebecca Kamil, BCC, Vice President of NAJC, moderated the event that was held online before a live online audience. Panelists were: Scott Richman, ADL New York-New Jersey Region Director; Michelle Stravitz, CEO of American Jewish Medical Association;  and Steven Hunegs, Executive Director of Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas.   About our host:Rabbi Edward Bernstein, BCC, is the producer and host of NeshamaCast. He serves as Chaplain at Boca Raton Regional Hospital of Baptist Health South Florida. He is a member of the Board of Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains. Prior to his chaplain career, he served as a pulpit rabbi in congregations in New Rochelle, NY; Beachwood, OH; and Boynton Beach, FL. He is also the host and producer of My Teacher Podcast: A Celebration of the People Who Shape Our Lives. NeshamaCast contributor Rabbi Katja Vehlow was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary and is Director of Jewish Life at Fordham University. She trained as a chaplain at Moses Maimonides Medical Center in New York. Previously, she served as Associate Professor of Religious Studies at University of South Carolina. A native German speaker, she is planning a forthcoming German-language podcast on the weekly Torah portion with a focus on pastoral care. Support NeshamaCast and NAJC with a tax deductible donation to NAJC. Transcripts for this episode and other episodes of NeshamaCast are available at NeshamaCast.simplecast.com and are typically posted one week after an episode first airs. Theme Music is “A Niggun For Ki Anu Amecha,” written and performed by Reb-Cantor Lisa Levine. Please help others find the show by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts or other podcast providers. We welcome comments and suggestions for future programming at NeshamaCast@gmail.com. And be sure to follow NAJC on Facebook to learn more about Jewish spiritual care happening in our communities.

WMAL GUEST: 6:35 AM - INTERVIEW - RON HALBER - CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington – discussed the confirmed death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who masterminded the October 7 terrorist attack that killed 1,200 people in Israel WEBSITE: https://www.jcouncil.org/staff SOCIAL MEDIA: https://x.com/rhalber Hamas leader, Oct. 7 mastermind Yahya Sinwar killed by IDF in Gaza, Israel official confirms Where to find more about WMAL's morning show:  Follow the Show Podcasts on Apple podcasts, Audible and Spotify. Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor,  @Jgunlock, @patricepinkfile, and @heatherhunterdc.  Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Show Website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ How to listen live weekdays from 5 to 9 AM: https://www.wmal.com/listenlive/ Episode: Friday, October 18, 2024 / 6 AM Hour  O'Connor and Company is proudly presented by Veritas AcademySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 6 AM Hour: Larry O'Connor and Patrice Onwuka discussed: TRUMP'S COMEDY SET AT AL SMITH DINNER... FULL VIDEO... TRUMP: "It is a true pleasure to be with you this evening... and these days, it's really a pleasure ANYWHERE in New York without a subpoena for my appearance." (VIDEO) TRUMP: "My opponent feels like she does not have to be here, which is deeply disrespectful to the event and in particular to our great Catholic community -- The last Democrat not to attend this important event was Walter Mondale and it did not go very well for him." (VIDEO) TRUMP: "All polls are indicating I'm leading big with the Catholic vote, as I should be, but I don't think Kamala has given up yet. Instead of attending tonight, she's in Michigan receiving communion from Gretchen Whitmer." (VIDEO) TRUMP: "Joe has almost disappeared from view. The only way he could be seen less is if he had a show on CNN." (VIDEO) TRUMP: "Chuck Schumer is here looking very glum -- But look on the bright side, Chuck, considering how woke your party has become, if Kamala loses, you still have a chance to become the first woman president." (VIDEO) TRUMP: "There's a group called “White Dudes for Harris”... but I'm not worried about them at all, because their wives and their wives' lovers are all voting for me." (VIDEO) TRUMP: "A major issue in this race is childcare, and Kamala has put forward a concept of a plan... The only piece of advice I would have for her in the event she wins would be not to let husband Doug anywhere near the nannies." (VIDEO) TRUMP: "I guess I just don't see the point of taking shots at myself when other people have been shooting at me for a hell of a long time..." (VIDEO) TRUMP: "I'd like to thank our M.C. this evening, Jim Gaffigan. Most recently, Jim has been playing Tim Walz on Saturday Night Live. That'll be a very short gig, Jim, but it was fun while it lasted!... Unfortunately, Governor Walz isn't here himself. But don't worry, he'll say that he was." (VIDEO) TRUMP: "I used to think Democrats were crazy for saying that men have periods. But then I met Tim Walz." WMAL GUEST: 6:35 AM - INTERVIEW - RON HALBER - CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington – discussed the confirmed death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who masterminded the October 7 terrorist attack that killed 1,200 people in Israel WEBSITE: https://www.jcouncil.org/staff SOCIAL MEDIA: https://x.com/rhalber Hamas leader, Oct. 7 mastermind Yahya Sinwar killed by IDF in Gaza, Israel official confirms Mark Cuban aka Rachel Maddow's Clone Stumps for Kamala Where to find more about WMAL's morning show:  Follow the Show Podcasts on Apple podcasts, Audible and Spotify. Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor,  @Jgunlock, @patricepinkfile, and @heatherhunterdc.  Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Show Website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ How to listen live weekdays from 5 to 9 AM: https://www.wmal.com/listenlive/ Episode: Friday, October 18, 2024 / 6 AM Hour  O'Connor and Company is proudly presented by Veritas AcademySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WMAL GUEST: 6:05 AM - INTERVIEW - RON HALBER - chief executive officer of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington - discussed Iran's attack on Israel and Tim Kaine's statements about Israel SOCIAL MEDIA: https://x.com/rhalber https://x.com/JCRCgw WEBSITE: https://jcouncil.org/ Kaine Statement on Effort to Block Select Weapons Transfers to Israel Iran launches ballistic missile attack on Israel, civilians ordered into bomb shelters Where to find more about WMAL's morning show:  Follow the Show Podcasts on Apple podcasts, Audible and Spotify. Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor,  @Jgunlock, @patricepinkfile, and @heatherhunterdc.  Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Show Website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ How to listen live weekdays from 5 to 9 AM: https://www.wmal.com/listenlive/ Episode: Wednesday, October 2, 2024 / 6 AM Hour  O'Connor and Company is proudly presented by Veritas AcademySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 6 AM Hour: Larry O'Connor and Julie Gunlock discussed: WMAL GUEST: 6:05 AM - INTERVIEW - RON HALBER - chief executive officer of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington - discussed Iran's attack on Israel and Tim Kaine's statements about Israel SOCIAL MEDIA: https://x.com/rhalber https://x.com/JCRCgw WEBSITE: https://jcouncil.org/ Kaine Statement on Effort to Block Select Weapons Transfers to Israel Iran launches ballistic missile attack on Israel, civilians ordered into bomb shelters WMAL GUEST: 6:35 AM - INTERVIEW - CAL THOMAS - Syndicated Columnist – discussed the VP debate. THE ATLANTIC: The Elite College Students Who Can't Read Books Where to find more about WMAL's morning show:  Follow the Show Podcasts on Apple podcasts, Audible and Spotify. Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor,  @Jgunlock, @patricepinkfile, and @heatherhunterdc.  Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Show Website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ How to listen live weekdays from 5 to 9 AM: https://www.wmal.com/listenlive/ Episode: Wednesday, October 2, 2024 / 6 AM Hour  O'Connor and Company is proudly presented by Veritas AcademySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Elana Frank, CEO of Jewish Fertility Foundation, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about... -her own fertility journey - the tale of a woman who will go to any length to build her family -doing IUIs in a doctor's home in Israel to turning to IVF back in the States and then choosing a donor embryo for her last child -her experience with secondary infertility - the yearning for another child while feeling guilty for not being happy with the two children she already had -how she started and grew her organization, Jewish Fertility Foundation, in the midst of her journey   More about Elana: Elana Frank has 20+ years of experience working with nonprofits (Jewish Community Relations Council of NY, Kfar Hassidim Youth Village in Israel, Jewish Fertility Foundation) through fundraising, marketing, community outreach, volunteer recruitment, board development, and program development. After personally experiencing the pain and loneliness of infertility, yet noticing how lucky she was to have had her journey begin in Israel, where it's free, Elana was inspired to help others. Cost, education, and access were tremendous obstacles for this “unspoken” issue in the Jewish community, so she rallied countless like-minded people and created the Jewish Fertility Foundation. She has since received national attention through awards and public speaking engagements for the work that the Jewish Fertility Foundation has accomplished. Elana lives in Atlanta, GA, with her husband, three boys, and their fish “Devil.” Connect with Elana:  -Visit JFF's Website -Check out JFF's Instagram Connect with us: -Check out our Website - Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn  

A hiring controversy at the University of Minnesota is getting widespread attention in the academic world. A group of professors at the University of Minnesota are calling on the administration to follow through on a job offer to a scholar whose hiring it recently froze. Raz Segal is an Israeli historian who was offered a position at the helm of the U of M's Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies. But because of an article he'd written where he called Israel's siege of Gaza a genocide, two board members of the center resigned, and The Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas protested the choice along with other Jewish community members. They argue that Segal's views are extreme and that he had justified Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel.In an interview with MPR News, Segal, who is Jewish himself, said that is not true, “I have said exactly the opposite. I've described the Hamas-led attack on Israel as a case of mass murder, as war crimes, as crimes against humanity. I've been very clear on this for months and months on end.”The U said in a statement that it is considering the views of those who objected to Segal's appointment. For his part, Segal said he's still interested in the position if the University decides to “unpause.”Hundreds of professors have signed a letter condemning the university's decision. And the University of Minnesota's chapter of the American Association of University chapters sent a letter to the administration asking it to do just that. Sumanth Gopinath is president of the chapter and an associate professor of music theory. He joined MPR News guest host Nina Moini.

We have a special edition of this week's show: This week I talk to Haviv Rettig-Gur, who will be the featured speaker at the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas annual event on June 2.Haviv Rettig Gur is a veteran Israeli journalist who serves as senior analyst for The Times of Israel and is also a frequent guest on the Call Me Back and The Times of Israel podcasts. He has covered Israel's politics and foreign policy since 2005, reported from over 20 countries, served as director of communications for the Jewish Agency for Israel, Israel's largest NGO, and taught at prestigious premilitary academies. We'll have the links to Haviv's work and how to get tickets to the JCRC's event in the show notes.Haviv and I talk about what he's observing in the state of mind of Israelis, how politicians in Israel and the United States are getting plenty wrong in the war, and the misconceptions many have about the war – and Israeli-Palestinian relations – on this week's Who the Folk?! Podcast.JCRC Annual Event: https://minndakjcrc.org/event/2024-annual-event/Haviv on Twitter: https://x.com/havivrettiggurhttps://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/haviv-gur/

Louisiana's death penalty law got a big rewrite earlier this year as part of the state's special session. Gov. Jeff Landry signed a bill that adds electrocution and nitrogen hypoxia to the list of state-approved methods for carrying out capital punishment. Now, the latter method is getting some pushback late in the legislative session. Some Democratic and Republican lawmakers are hoping to remove the use of nitrogen gas as an execution method. Notable supporters include some prominent leaders in Louisiana's Jewish community. Sara Lewis is chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, and she is on the steering committee for Jews Against Gassing. She joined the show to discuss her group's efforts. Alternative funding plans, or AFPs, are a growing tool used by health insurance coverage providers nationwide. The plans have been causing some consternation for policyholders who thought they were covered by their health insurance, but discovered they weren't for certain chronic health conditions. Ashley Castello is executive director of the Louisiana Hemophilia Foundation, and she joined the show to share more about AFPs and how they can impact you. A national nonprofit has filed a lawsuit against the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services on behalf of 4,000 foster children in the state. It claims the state's child welfare system is failing its most vulnerable children. Alleged failures include too few social workers and placements for children. To tell us more about the situation, including what the lawsuit claims and how DCFS is responding we heard from Andrea Gallo, a reporter with The Advocate/Times Picayune who has been covering the story. Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber; our contributing producers are Matt Bloom and Adam Vos; we receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell. You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at 12:00 and 7:00 pm. It's available on Spotify, Google Play, and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to. Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we talk to advocacy associate Naomi Breazeale and development and annual event coordinator Nina Afremov of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas. We talk about the vital work that the pair are doing, how they got their starts in the organization, and we talk about the JCRC's annual event on June 2, on this week's Who The Folk?! Podcast.Sponsored this week by Ethan Roberts Photography: https://ethanrobertsphotos.comhttps://minndakjcrc.org/event/2024-annual-event/

03/27/24: Steve Hunegs is the executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas. Steve is in Israel now with the JCRC, and tells Joel about their trip and talks about the relationship between the US and Israel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ralph is joined by Tim Judson from the Nuclear Information and Resource Service (N.I.R.S.) to discuss the growing support for nuclear power in Congress, and the persistent myths that fuel nuclear advocates' false hopes for a nuclear future. Then, Ralph pays tribute to Boeing whistleblower John Barnett, who died unexpectedly this week in the middle of giving his deposition for a whistleblower retaliation lawsuit against Boeing. Plus, Ralph answers some of your audience feedback from last week's interview with Barbara McQuade. Tim Judson is Executive Director of the Nuclear Information and Resource Service (N.I.R.S.). Mr. Judson leads N.I.R.S.' work on nuclear reactor and climate change issues, and has written a series of reports on nuclear bailouts and sustainable energy. He is Chair of the Board of Citizens Awareness Network, one of the lead organizations in the successful campaign to close the Vermont Yankee reactor, and co-founder of Alliance for a Green Economy in New York.Listeners should know that this very complex system called the nuclear fuel cycle—that starts with uranium mines out west piling up radioactive tailings, which have exposed people downwind to radioactive hazards…And then they have to enrich the uranium—and that is often done by burning coal, which pollutes the air and contributes to climate disruption. And then they have to fabricate the fuel rods and build the nuclear plants. And then they have to make sure that these nuclear plants are secure against sabotage. And then you have the problem of transporting—by trucks or rail—radioactive waste to some depositories that don't exist. And they have to go through towns, cities, and villages. And what is all this for? It's to boil water. Ralph NaderIn 2021 and 2022, when the big infrastructure bills— the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the Inflation Reduction Act—were being passed by Congress, the utility industry spent $192 million on federal lobbying in those two years. That's more than the oil industry spent in those two years on lobbying. These are the utility companies that are present in every community around the country. And their business is actually less in selling electricity and natural gas, and more in lobbying state and federal governments to get their rates approved…The utility industry (and the nuclear industry as a subset of that) have been lobbying Congress relentlessly for years to protect what they've got.Tim JudsonFusion is one of these technologies that's always been 30 years away. Whenever there's an announcement about an advancement in fusion research, it's still “going to be 30 years before we get a reactor going.” Now there's a lot more hype, and these tech investors are putting money into fusion with the promise that they're going to have a reactor online in a few years. But there's no track record to suggest that that's going to happen. It keeps the dream of nuclear alive— “We could have infinite amounts of clean energy for the future.” It sounds too good to be true. It's always proven to be too good to be true.Tim JudsonOne of the lines that they're using to promote theAtomic Energy Advancement Act and all of these investments in nuclear… is that we can't let Russia and China be the ones that are expanding nuclear energy worldwide. It's got to be the US that does it.Tim JudsonIn Case You Haven't Heard with Francesco DeSantisNews 3/12/241. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency, or UNRWA, has released a report claiming that “employees released into Gaza from Israeli detention [were] pressured by Israeli authorities into falsely stating that the agency has Hamas links and that staff took part in the October 7 attacks,” per the Times of Israel. These supposed admissions of guilt led to the United States and many European countries cutting off or delaying aid to the agency. The unpublished report alleges that UNRWA staffers were “detained by the Israeli army, and…experienced…severe physical beatings, waterboarding, and threats of harm to family members.” The report goes on to say “In addition to the alleged abuse endured by UNRWA staff members, Palestinian detainees more broadly described allegations of abuse, including beatings, humiliation, threats, dog attacks, sexual violence, and deaths of detainees denied medical treatment.”2. Continuing the genocidal assault on Gaza, Israel has been bombing the densely populated city of Rafah in the South. Domestically, this seems to be too far for even Biden's closest allies, with the AP reporting just before the assault that “[Senator Chris] Coons…of Delaware, called for the U.S. to cut military aid to Israel if Netanyahu goes ahead with a threatened offensive on the southern city of Rafah without significant provisions to protect the more than 1 million civilians sheltering there. [And Senator] Jack Reed, head of the Senate Armed Services Committee, appealed to Biden to deploy the U.S. Navy to get humanitarian aid to Gaza. Biden ally Sen. Tim Kaine challenged the U.S. strikes on the Houthis as unlikely to stop the Red Sea attacks. And the most senior Democrat in the Senate [Patty Murray of Washington] called for Israel to ‘change course.'” Hewing to these voices within his party, President Biden declared that an invasion of Rafah would be a “red line.” Yet POLTICO reports that Israeli PM Netanyahu “says he intends to press ahead with an invasion.” POLTICO now reports that Biden is threatening to condition military aid to Israel in response to Netanyahu's defiance, but it remains to be seen whether the president will follow through on this threat.3. POLITICO also reports that CIA Director Bill Burns is calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, saying “The reality is that there are children who are starving…They're malnourished as a result of the fact that humanitarian assistance can't get to them. It's very difficult to distribute humanitarian assistance effectively unless you have a ceasefire.” This is obviously correct, and illustrates how out of touch the Democratic Party is that they are getting outflanked on peace issues by the literal director of the CIA.4. Whether unwilling – or unable – to change course on Gaza, President Biden is paying the electoral price. In last week's Super Tuesday primaries, the Nation reports “Uncommitted” won 19 percent of the vote and 11 delegates in Minnesota, 29 percent and seven delegates in Hawaii, and 12.7 percent in North Carolina. This week, the New York Times reports Uncommitted took 7.5% – nearly 50,000 votes – in Washington State. Biden also lost the caucus in American Samoa, making him the first incumbent president since Carter to lose a nominating contest, per Newsweek.5. In yet another manifestation of opposition to the genocide in Gaza, Jewish director Jonathan Glazer used his Oscar acceptance speech to “[denounce] the bloodshed in the Middle East and [ask] the audience to consider how it could ‘resist…dehumanization,'” per NBC. Glazer's award winning film “The Zone of Interest” examines how “[a] Nazi commandant…and his family…attempt to build an idyllic life right outside the walls of the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland during the Holocaust.” Glazer said “All our choices were made to reflect and confront us in the present — not to say, 'Look what we did then,' rather, 'Look what we do now.' Our film shows where dehumanization leads at its worst…Right now, we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation, which has led to conflict for so many people." Glazer was the most forthright in his criticism of the Israeli campaign, but NBC notes “Billie Eilish, Mark Ruffalo and Ramy Youssef wore red pins on the Oscars red carpet symbolizing calls for a cease-fire.”6. Aware that they are losing the public relations battle, pro-Israel lobbying groups like the UJA-Federation and the Jewish Community Relations Council have enlisted Right-wing messaging guru Frank Luntz to help with their Hasbara PR, the Grayzone reports. Leaked talking points from his presentation run the gamut from playing up unsubstantiated claims of systematic sexual violence committed by Hamas to acknowledging that “'The most potent' tactic in mobilizing opposition to Israel's assault…‘is the visual destruction of Gaza and the human toll'… [because] ‘It ‘looks like a genocide'.”7. Turning from Palestine to East Palestine, Ohio Cleveland.com reports that during a recent Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing, National Transportation Safety Board  Chair Jennifer L. Homendy told Ohio's junior Senator JD Vance that “The deliberate burn of rail cars carrying hazardous chemicals after last year's crash…wasn't needed to avoid an explosion because the rail cars were cooling off before they were set on fire.” In a statement, Ohio's senior Senator, progressive Democrat Sherrod Brown, called the testimony “outrageous,” and said “This explosion – which devastated so many – was unnecessary…The people of East Palestine are still living with the consequences of this toxic burn. This is more proof that Norfolk Southern put profits over safety & cannot be trusted.”8. In positive labor news, Bloomberg reports that “About 600 video game testers at Microsoft…'s Activision Blizzard studios have unionized, more than doubling the size of labor's foothold at the software giant, according to the Communications Workers of America.” This brings the unionized workforce at Microsoft to approximately 1,000. To the company's credit, Microsoft has been friendly towards unionization, a marked difference from other technology companies – namely Amazon and Tesla – which have gone to extreme lengths to prevent worker organizing.9. In not so positive labor news, Matt Bruenig's NLRB Edge reports “The ACLU Is Trying to Destroy the Biden NLRB.” In a narrow sense, this story is about the ACLU fighting its workers to preserve its internal mandatory arbitration process. More broadly however, Bruenig illustrates how the ACLU is seeking to oust Biden's NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo – arguing her appointment was unconstitutional – which “could potentially invalidate everything the Biden Board has done.” This is yet another example of the non-profit industrial complex run amok, doing damage to progressive values and opting to possibly inflict economic harm on workers nationwide rather than treat their own workers fairly.10. Finally, according to the Corporate Crime Reporter, “Boeing whistleblower John Barnett was found dead in his truck at a hotel in Charleston, South Carolina after a break in depositions in a whistleblower retaliation lawsuit.” Barnett's lawyer Brian Knowles told the paper “They found him in his truck dead from an ‘alleged' self-inflicted gunshot.” Barnett had gone on record saying “[Boeing] started pressuring us to not document defects, to work outside the procedures, to allow defective material to be installed without being corrected. They started bypassing procedures and not maintaining configurement control of airplanes, not maintaining control of non conforming parts –  they just wanted to get the planes pushed out the door and make the cash register ring.” The timing and circumstances of Barnett's death raise disturbing questions; we hope an exhaustive investigation turns up some answers.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

WMAL GUEST: 7:35 AM - INTERVIEW - BETHANY MANDEL - running for Montgomery County School Board on Jewish Community Relations Council urging the Montgomery County Education Association to reject a proposed ceasefire resolution related to the ongoing war in Gaza that is biased against Israel Website: www.bethany4boe.com ROLLING STONE: Bethany Mandel, the controversial right-wing pundit and prolific social media poster, is running for school board — as a Democrat. Where to find more about WMAL's morning show:  Follow the Show Podcasts on Apple podcasts, Audible and Spotify. Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor,  @Jgunlock,  @patricepinkfile and @heatherhunterdc.  Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Show Website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ How to listen live weekdays from 5 to 9 AM: https://www.wmal.com/listenlive/ Episode: Wednesday, March 6, 2024 /  7 AM Hour  O'Connor and Company is proudly presented by Veritas AcademySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 7 AM Hour: Larry O'Connor and Julie Gunlock discussed: WMAL GUEST: 7:05 AM - INTERVIEW - RNC National Spokesperson Madison Gesiotto Gilbert on Super Tuesday reaction, State of the Union preview and Nikki Haley dropping out. President Joe Biden and Cookie Monster are both sick and tired of 'shrinkflation' WMAL GUEST: 7:35 AM - INTERVIEW - BETHANY MANDEL - running for Montgomery County School Board on Jewish Community Relations Council urging the Montgomery County Education Association to reject a proposed ceasefire resolution related to the ongoing war in Gaza that is biased against Israel Website: www.bethany4boe.com ROLLING STONE: Bethany Mandel, the controversial right-wing pundit and prolific social media poster, is running for school board — as a Democrat. Biden Reportedly Has New Campaign Strategy To Make Trump ‘Go Haywire' ON SUNDAY: NY POST: Trump meets with Elon Musk, GOP donors in Florida: report Where to find more about WMAL's morning show:  Follow the Show Podcasts on Apple podcasts, Audible and Spotify. Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor,  @Jgunlock,  @patricepinkfile and @heatherhunterdc.  Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Show Website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ How to listen live weekdays from 5 to 9 AM: https://www.wmal.com/listenlive/ Episode: Wednesday, March 6, 2024 /  7 AM Hour  O'Connor and Company is proudly presented by Veritas AcademySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Come and listen while Host Candace Gish interviews a variety of extraordinary women, whom are working to make the world a better place! #DivasThatCare Married, 2 adult daughters, 5 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter. My work life included non-profit management for three organizations. Graduated from the University of Wisconsin Superior. Awarded the Volunteer of the Year by The Jewish Community Relations Council in 2012 and award for service from The National Council of Jewish Women that same year. https://www.amazon.com/Consequential-Life-Michelle-Passon/dp/1732661170 https://www.facebook.com/michelle.passon.12/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-passon-65b087246/

An often overlooked governmental body at the state Capitol drew much attention Wednesday. The Minnesota State Board of Investment — which includes Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison and other top officials — had to meet in a larger room than usual, and one that made entry and exit for state officials more accessible.That's because pro-Palestinian and Jewish groups gathered there to weigh in on the state's foreign investments. The board manages public pension accounts and other investments. Those benefiting Israel make up $116.3 million dollars, or 0.14 percent of the state's portfolio, according to the governor's office.“As a nurse, this latest bombing campaign — unprecedented in the century by every measure of death and destruction — was unimaginable,” retired nurse Sarah Martin said during the meeting's public comment period. “Hospitals were at the center of Israel's attacks. My pension, which I get because I took care of sick and injured people in a state-of-the-art hospital just down the street, was used to destroy the hospitals of Gaza.”Human Rights Watch on Sunday said its investigation into an Oct. 17 strike on Gaza's Al-Ahli hospital suggests a Hamas misfire caused that blast. But Israeli bombardments have caused massive death and destruction, including at hospitals. Israel's military says Hamas uses the facilities as shields for an underground network of tunnels.The retired nurse, Martin, along with five other speakers, asked the state to divest from Israel and weapons manufacturers. The activists said the board moved on its own to divest from South Africa in the 1980s in response to apartheid, pointing to it as a precedent for the actions they want the board to take now.It's part of a global movement known as Boycott, Divest, Sanctions or BDS. Supporters want institutions and governments to withdraw investments in Israel. Some in the Jewish community say the movement is anti-Semitic.“Divestment as part of the Boycott, Divest, Sanction movement would be a profound mistake. You don't divest from the victim of an attack,” State Sen. Ron Latz, DFL-St. Louis Park, said at a press conference before the meeting.The Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas organized the press conference, where Latz and other Jewish community leaders spoke about the anguish that the Israeli people and some of their friends and relatives in Minnesota are feeling in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. And they said pulling state money from businesses there would only make things worse.Meanwhile, about seven miles west of events at the Capitol, dozens of University of Minnesota students and faculty donned Palestinian keffiyeh scarves and walked out of classes to raise awareness and support for Palestinians.“Some professors are worried about canceling class and missing important content for their students. What I have to say to that is, this right here is the content,” said anthropology and global studies professor Serra Hakyemez.Students for a Democratic Society organized the walkout. As for the investment board, it did not indicate whether Wednesday's actions would change its investment practices. Its members thanked people for their comments and ended the meeting without engaging further with the crowd.If it does take action — as it did in 2022 with Russia and Belarus and in 2009 with Iran — it will not be swift. The state typically will gradually withdraw its investments to avoid hurting pensions. For example, six months after the 2022 law went into effect, the state still had about $1 million invested in businesses tied to Russia or Belarus, with about 30 percent of those targeted for divestment. Both laws also have language exempting humanitarian relief, education and journalism organizations.

Even before the Israel-Hamas war, there was an increase in antisemitic incidents in the U.S.: 3,697 such incidents in 2022; in fact, a 36% increase from the year before. Now, it's just getting worse.   Jon Rettinger, a father of three, told CNN that one of his children asked if they were going to be kidnapped like the victims in Israel, “It's horrible for any family to have to explain to children that people hate them because of who they are,” he said. “And to have to kiss your kids goodbye every day with worries.”  Steve Hunegs, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas, told CBS News, “People have got to name it and address it ... It can't be swept away.” Christians should be first in line to condemn antisemitism, keeping in mind, as Francis Schaeffer wrote, “that our Lord Himself was a Jew—born a Jew, lived a Jew, died a Jew.” 

Laura Zelle is Director of Holocaust Education at the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas, (JCRC) where she has been on staff since 2005. Laura oversees the daily operations of the program, writing grants and delivering curriculum, educator workshops, speakers, and film showings.  She has been responsible for the vision and creation of numerous educational resources.  Laura's creativity and dedication to anti-bias education is apparent in her latest national project.  After forming a separate non-profit in 2012 called “Tolerance in Motion”, Laura raised funds, recruited board members and envisioned the narrative path for a traveling exhibition that would eventually be accepted by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (“SITES”).  Four years later, in 2016, Laura pitched the idea to the Smithsonian and soon became the project director for the “The Bias Inside Us.”  The four-year tour, developed with multiple national advisory councils, Smithsonian colleagues, and content experts from Harvard University is a community engagement effort that raises awareness about the social science and psychology of implicit bias, the impact of this bias and what people can do about it.  Along with a small group of co-curators, Laura shaped the vision for the project and worked on a national level securing funding, resources, international artwork, creating the design and media components including an interactive video, designed the website and recruited educational partners across the country.  Laura's commitment to Holocaust education is evident in the work she has done at the JCRC to ensure that Minnesota local Holocaust survivor community's stories and lessons are preserved. Starting with her own mother, Mary, she is executive producer of the award winning documentary about her family story of survival from Athens, Greece.  She produced a total of five documentaries, co-edited a book, and is published in an anthology called “White Teachers Diverse Classrooms.”   She is also co-curator of the photographic exhibition “Transfer of Memory” which tells the stories of Minnesota Holocaust survivors. Tens of thousands of people have seen the exhibit and over two million media impressions have been generated. All of this and much more reflects Laura's vision of teaching the Holocaust.  Laura began her career as a St. Paul public school teacher where she taught for 15 years.  In this episode we discuss: The definition of anti-semitism. A brief history lesson on Israel and the geopolitical lens. Recognizing and understanding problematic rhetoric. What ideology are you supporting? The moral confusion around the world. How important it is to educate yourself. Helpful links and resources: JCRC: https://minndakjcrc.org/what-we-do/holocaust-education-remembrance/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/jcrcminndak/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/jcrcminndak/ Understanding and addressing the October 2023 Israel-Hamas War Recognizing Problematic Rhetoric The Bias Inside Us Exhibition  Making Sense with Sam Harris Podcast  Book Recommendation by Noa Tishby - Israel: The Most Misunderstood Country on Earth The Free Press --------------------------------------------------------- Thanks to our amazing Sponsor, ENERGYbits.  ENERGYbits are a fast and easy for you and your family to get the nutrients you need. Effortless to take and organically grown, these “bits of food” are the most nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich, high-protein food in the world. 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It was invented by PhD scientists to tackle rough mornings after drinking. Just remember to drink ZBiotics before drinking alcohol, drink responsibly, and get a good night's sleep to feel your best tomorrow. ZBiotics is backed with 100% money back guarantee so if you're unsatisfied for any reason, they'll refund your money, no questions asked.  Go to ZBiotics to get 15% off your first order when you use code AOLW at checkout.  ----------------------------------------------------------- Black Friday Sale for our 14-Day January 2024 Liver Detox starting Jan 7th! Yahoo. Commit now and save money- plus join our amazing community!   Sign-up here and get $25 off. Use code: BETTERTOGETHER . Code good through 11/27. ----------------------------------------------------------- Ask us a question/make a recommendation: We'd love to hear from you! Click here to share your feedback and suggestions. ----------------------------------------------------------- Sign-up for your 15 minute Health Transformation Audit - Click here. ----------------------------------------------------------- Need more protein in your day? Check out these amazing, high quality products from Kion, especially their essential amino acids, which we both use daily.   Use code 'ARTOFLIVING' for a discount off your purchase. ----------------------------------------------------------- Let us help you get to the root cause of your unwanted symptoms.  Schedule a 15 minute consultation to discuss at-home functional medicine lab testing here. ----------------------------------------------------------- How can you support our podcast? Apple users, please subscribe and review our show on Apple Podcasts,we make sure to read them all. Android users, please be sure to subscribe to our show on Google Podcasts so that you don't miss any of the action. Tell a friend about The Art of Living Well Podcast® and our community programs. Share your favorite episode on social media and don't forget to tag us @theartofliving_well. Subscribe to our Youtube chanel Shop our Favorite Products: https://www.theartoflivingwell.us/products Connect with us on social media: IG: @theartofliving_well FB: theartoflivingwell Get on our list so you don't miss out on announcements, programs and events. You can download our guests' favorite reads here. Learn more about your hosts: Marnie Dachis Marmet Stephanie May Potter

11/21/23: Steve Hunegs is the executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas. He joins Joel on "News and Views" to talk about the Israel-Hamas war and the rise of antisemitism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the first episode in a two-part series on securing and preparing faith-based organizations. Guests for this series include Rob Allen, the director of community security for the Jewish Community Relations Council for Minnesota and the Dakotas, and Shannon Paulson, the assistant commanding officer for the Los Angeles Police Department's Counter-Terrorism and Special Operations Bureau. In this episode, we discuss the types of faith-based attacks, the rise in faith-based attacks in recent years, and what law enforcement look for in determining faith-based attacks.

This is the second and final episode in our series on securing and preparing faith-based organizations. Guests include Rob Allen, the director of community security for the Jewish Community Relations Council for Minnesota and the Dakotas, and Shannon Paulson, the assistant commanding officer for the Los Angeles Police Department's Counter-Terrorism and Special Operations Bureau. Today, we discuss topics including the importance of preparing a faith-based community from an attack, the security resources available for faith organizations, preparedness tactics for law enforcement, areas for collaboration between law enforcement and faith-based organizations, and more.

10/09/23: Israel formally declared war on Hamas on Sunday after the Islamist militant group launched a deadly surprise assault on Saturday. Joel is joined by Steve Hunegs to have a conversation about it. Steve is the executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Goretsky, regional director of ADL Philadelphia, and Jason Holtzman, director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, discuss their online training program to help parents address antisemitic incidents at their children's schools.

Maharat Rori Picker Neiss serves as the Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of St Louis. Prior to that she was the Director of Programming, Education and Community Engagement at Bais Abraham Congregation, a Modern Orthodox Jewish synagogue in University City, MO. She is one of the first graduates of Yeshivat Maharat, a pioneering institution training Orthodox Jewish women to be spiritual leaders and halakhic (Jewish legal) authorities. She previously served as Acting Executive Director for Religions for Peace-USA, Program Coordinator for the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, Assistant Director of Interreligious Affairs for the American Jewish Committee, and Secretariat for the International Jewish Committee on Interreligious Consultations, the formal Jewish representative in international, interreligious dialogue. Rori is the co-chair of the North American Interfaith Youth Network of Religions for Peace, a CLAL Rabbis Without Borders fellow, and co-editor of "InterActive Faith: The Essential Interreligious Community-Building Handbook." She is married to Russel Neiss, a Software Engineer for Sefaria, and they have three wonderful children. This episode originally aired on February 14th, 2023.

Today on the LSU NCBRT Preparedness Podcast, we feature another spotlight on one of our subject matter experts Rob Allen is the director of community security for the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas. In this episode, he discusses how he became involved with LSU NCBRT/ACE, his passion for protecting faith-based organization, his hopes for the future of law enforcement, and more.

Maharat Rori Picker-Neiss, Executive Director of Jewish Community Relations Council and parent of a trans child in Missouri joins Tom and Carol talking about Governor Parson's call for special session to address trans health.

Civil rights attorney Huwaida Arraf talks about the smear campaign that was launched against her by the Jewish Community Relations Council and the American Jewish Committee decrying her “anti-Israel rhetoric,” after participating on a panel at Detroit's Bloomfield Hills High School's day-long event on equity and diversity, she spoke to her experience growing up as a Palestinian-American.

Trans youth are under severe attack around the country. Sixteen states have enacted laws restricting access to gender-affirming care for young people. At least 15 others are considering similar laws. Missouri is one of those states: State Republicans are pushing legislation that would ban transition-related surgeries, puberty blockers, and hormone therapy for young people, though unlike other states, the bill passed by the state senate allows those already undergoing treatment to continue receiving such care. Last week, the attack on trans people in Missouri escalated when the attorney general proposed new rules that would restrict gender-affirming healthcare for not only young people but adults as well. Rori Picker Neiss—the head of the Jewish Community Relations Council of St Louis and the mother of a trans son—is one of the people fighting back against Missouri's anti-trans legislation. Over the last several years, her family's life has been upended by repeated trips to the state capitol in Jefferson City to testify against such laws. Picker Neiss joined Jewish Currents editor-in-chief Arielle Angel to discuss the nationwide assault on trans rights, how her Jewish community has responded to such attacks, and what it's like talking to legislators who are trying to harm her child.Thanks to Jesse Brenneman for producing and to Nathan Salsburg for the use of his song “VIII (All That Were Calculated Have Passed).” ARTICLES MENTIONED“Everything That Happened in Anti-Trans Legislation This Week: April 15-21,” Trans Formations Project, THEM“The Anti-Trans Lobby's Real Agenda,” Jules Gill-Peterson, Jewish Currents“When Parents Hear That Their Child ‘Is Not Normal and Should Not Exist,'” Megan K. Stack, The New York Times

Next time on State of Belief Radio, standing with Transgender Americans as a matter of faith and family. I'll talk with the Rev. Nicole Garcia, Faith Work Director at the National LGBTQ Task Force, and Maharat Rori Picker Neiss, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of St Louis. She's a Rabbi, and the mother of an 11-year-old son whose rights and opportunities are under grave threat from Missouri lawmakers pandering to the political religious right. Also, Sarah Levin, Founder and Principal of Secular Strategies, and Co-Chair on the Democratic National Committee's Interfaith Council. We'll talk about the kind of coalition-building this moment calls for in confronting the threat of Christian nationalism and defending pluralistic democracy.

2023 is already a record year for anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the U.S, with at least 385 anti-LGBTQ+ laws having been introduced at the state level as of March 3. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance's weekly radio show and podcast, Maharat Rori Picker Neiss, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of […] The post March 11, 2023 – Majorities at the Margins first appeared on State of Belief.

Should religious commitments motivate political activism? How might we show up for abortion rights not only as Americans, but as Jews? Rori Picker Neiss, Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council in St. Louis and a Rabbinic Fellow of the David Hartman Center, is a leader in the fight against abortion bans and anti-LGBTQ legislation in Missouri. She joins host Yehuda Kurtzer to discuss the role of religion in shaping our political and moral choices, the place of clergy in social movements, and how faith might build bridges across the aisle.

In June 2022, minutes after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Missouri led the nation as the first state in the U.S. to enact an abortion ban. A new lawsuit, filed by faith leaders in Missouri, is challenging that ban, arguing that it not only violates the separation of church and state, but also the beliefs of other religions. Discussing the lawsuit, and their religious objections to Missouri's abortion ban, are Moharat Rori Picker Neiss, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis; Democratic state Representative Barbara Phifer, and Bishop Deon Johnson of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri.

Welfare and the Supreme Court. MLK day. David Haynes. (0:13:00) - Welfare and the Supreme Court Wisconsin Republicans are voting to place a welfare work requirement on the April ballot. (0:38:00) - MLK day MLK facts you didn't know! Race and Faith and the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation are collaborating to celebrate King's legacy with “Something to Say.” To find more about the streaming options, visit https://www.raceandfaith.org (1:32:00) - David Haynes Retired Journalist from The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, David Haynes gives his insights on Journalism then and now. Civic Media

Following the unexpected death of their daughter Lili Rachel Smith in October 2009, Laura Talmus along with her husband, Averell “Ace” Smith founded Beyond Differences. Passionate about bringing awareness to the issue of adolescent social isolation, Laura is the full-time Executive Director of Beyond Differences, a student-led social justice organization dedicated to ending social isolation among middle school students. Beyond Differences' Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum is now being used in over 9000 schools across all 50 states. They are best known for the national holiday, No One Eats Alone Day. The work of Beyond Differences strives to have an effect on every layer of society when it comes to suffering from social isolation. Working with families, schools, local and state programs, and even on the national level, this non-profit organization works to advance social-emotional learning and children's mental health. Laura has received numerous awards and recognitions including being selected as an AARP Purpose Prize Fellow, a Jefferson Prize Award winner, receiving the MLK, Jr. Humanitarian Award from the Marin County Human Rights Commission, the Courageous Leaders Award from the Jewish Community Relations Council of San Francisco, and the North Bay Business Journal's Award's Nonprofit Leadership Award. She is also a member of the Washington, D.C.-based organization, the Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness (CESIL).

This week, Ted welcomes Director Rabbi Ari Ballaban and Assistant Director Jeremy Spiegel of the Jewish Community Relations Council to read over and discuss the latest issue of the American Israelite.

This week we're excited to share a double-interview recorded live at the Ramah Darom Pesach retreat this past spring. Maharat Rori Picker Neiss is the Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis and an inspiring activist and advocate. Rabbi Shai Held is president and dean of the Hadar Institute and a foremost theologian, scholar, and teacher. Neither of thought they had much to say about liturgy or prayer. I would disagree! Our guests explore prayerfulness, history, Jewish parenting, t'fillah education, synagogues, the post/mid-covid world, and more. It's a reminder that not all people feel the most “prayerful” in prayer, and that Jewish life contains multitudes. So take a listen, even if you don't think of yourself as a “t'fillah person” either :) Be sure to check out this week's Transcript And show notes And follow us on facebook and instagram @thelight.lab Support our show! Become a member here or give a tax-deductible donation here, and please rate, subscribe, and share around.

This conversion of culture and conscious business was so fluid that you would have thought that Kindra and her two guests, Adam and Thomas, had known each other and talked for years. This was the first time we have done a live stream where the guests could listen and post questions on the Culture Crush Business Podcast- and it was awesome! Thank you to all of the listeners that chimed in and posted questions in the chat. Thank you to Phoenix Business RadioX and Conscious Capitalism Arizona Chapter for sharing it out. They were great questions that we went over toward the end of the show. This conversation dove into many stories and examples of the actions and importance for growing a conscious business- even if it seems a little backwards sometimes. For example, Adam discussed how Goodmans Interior Structures no longer requires their office staff to come into the office to work. This might seem a little backwards for a company that builds and sells office furniture. Instead, they are assessing and redesigning the office into a place where employees want to come into the office. They took into consideration what the employees said and wanted and are putting it into action. This conscious business move will help grow and support the needs of the employees, and therefore the overall culture of the company. This conversation is a great one to listen to if you are a leader trying to improve your company culture and wanting to learn more about conscious capitalism and how it can help influence and support the change you are trying to make in your company. According to Thomas, “Consciousness has no finish line” which means we can always learn and add to our growth and our tool box. When it comes to helping companies grow in conscious ways, Thomas is the man for the job. He has supported the growth of various Conscious Capitalism chapters as well as helped over 800 leaders in his program on developing their conscious journey. He gives away a few of these tips in the podcast conversation with Adam as well. Thank you to our sponsor, the Conscious Capitalism Arizona Chapter, for seeing the value in this conversation of conscious capitalism, culture, and these two amazing gentlemen. Conscious Capitalism Arizona Chapter (CCAZ) is a nonprofit organization whose purpose, in partnership with Conscious Capitalism Inc (CCI), is to build a movement of business leaders improving the practice and perception of capitalism to elevate humanity so that billions of people flourish, leading lives infused with passion, purpose, love and creativity; a world of freedom, harmony, prosperity, and compassion. All in all that means CCAZ is elevating humanity through business. CBJourney is a movement with the purpose to accelerate the upgrade or ofganizations towards a more conscious business ecosystem. We have over 800 certified Conscious Capitalist Consultants in 21 countries, we celebrate our accomplishements though the podcast Capitalista Consciente and the books published, and we grouw our community with our programs for Consultants, leaders and Board of Directors. Thomas Eckschmidt is the father of Gabriela, husband of Ana Maria and an enthusiast of conscious capitalism. This is the journey forward, but we can share from the “obituary” too: Thomas is former farmer, engineer University of Sao Paulo who holds an Executive MBA in finance from Business School São Paulo / University of Toronto, Brazil. His corporate journey included work in twenty different countries before he launched a successful entrepreneurial career that includes 12 business awards, 4 patents filed, and 21 books published, Amazon best Seller and also one published by Harvard: Conscious Capitalism Field Guide – coauthored with Raj Sisodia. A strong believer that business leaders and organizations can do well by doing good, Thomas has been promoting Conscious Capitalism since 2010. He launched a Conscious Capitalism chapter in Brazil and Peru and supported the launch of chapters in other countries. Thomas teaches Conscious Capitalism classes in major business schools and in Corporate Governance programs. He also runs workshops that teaches the fundamentals of Conscious Capitalism and certifies consultants and Bard of Directors. TEDx Speaker with 400k views. Thomas is the cofounder and CEO of CBJ Conscious Business Journey a global network with the purpose to accelerate the upgrade of organizations towards a more conscious business ecosystem. CBJ has certified 800+ Conscious Capitalist Consultants in 21 countries and is an international program based on the Conscious Capitalism Field Guide and Fundamentals of Conscious Capitalism. He also cofounded the first conscious capitalism consultant network (Conscious Business Network) to support organizations interested in upgrading themselves. Thomas also works as a trusted adviser to help organizations implement conscious practices. He cofounded a few conscious businesses along the way, was a B-Corp certified entrepreneur and he also serves on the boards of several different companies. Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Goodmans is a third-generation office furniture distributor in Arizona and New Mexico. Goodmans was the first benefit corporation in Arizona. Adam Goodman, president and CEO of Goodmans Interior Structures, is the third generation to lead the family business. Under Adam's leadership, Goodmans has developed many innovative programs to give back to the community. These programs include Office Chair Hockey, Goodmans Eye for the Good Guy, AIM to Make a Difference, Rooted in Good, GoodInc, GoodART, GoodTHREADS and more. In 2009, Goodmans won the first-ever ACE Award for Community Impact and in 2011 Goodmans became the third certified B Corp in Arizona. In 2012, Goodmans won the overall Impact Company of the Year Award from the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. In 2013, Goodmans was the Better Business Bureau's Ethics Award winner for Arizona and then Goodmans was honored with the BBB's International Torch Award for Ethics. In 2014 Goodmans was named to the Game Changers 500 list as one of the top 500 companies in the world using business as a force for social change. In 2015 Goodmans became the first Benefit Corporation (B Corp) registered in the State of Arizona and in 2018 Goodmans was recognized as the Top Social Responsibility Company among the Arizona Republic's Top Companies awardees. That same year, Adam was honored with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council's Community Impact Award. Adam has held leadership positions with the Jewish Community Center of Greater Phoenix, Phoenix Country Day School, Young Presidents Organization, Conscious Capitalism, Independent Newsmedia, Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting, the Jewish Federation, the Jewish Community Relations Council, Greater Phoenix Leadership, the Phoenix Symphony, CEO's Against Cancer, Banner Health Foundation, University of Arizona Cancer Center, the State of Arizona Secretary of State's Commerce Council, First Place AZ, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, ASU Herberger Institute Dean's Creativity Council, WP Carey School of Business Economic Club of Phoenix, the National Dealer Alliance and the Herman Miller Certified Dealer Network. Adam has a bachelor's degree in business administration from University of Texas at Austin. He resides in Paradise Valley with his wife Stephanie and their three children. Follow Goodmans on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. About Culture Crush Culture is not just a tag word to be thrown around. It is not something you throw in job descriptions to draw people to applying for jobs within a company. According to Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall in their book Nine Lies About Work, “Culture is the tenants of how we behave. It's like a family creed. This is how we operate and treat each other in the family.” As a growing company- Culture Crush Business Podcast is THE culture improvement resource that supports companies and leaders.  Our Mission is to improve company cultures so people WANT to go to work. Employees and leaders should like where they work and we think this is possible. Within the company: Culture Crush has Vetted Resources and Partnerships with the right people and resources that can help improve your company culture. On this podcast:  We focus on everything surrounding businesses with good company culture. We will talk with company leaders to learn about real-life experiences, tips, and best practices for creating a healthy work environment where employees are finding joy and satisfaction in their work while also striving and growing within the company.  We also find the companies that offer resources to help improve company culture and showcase them on the show to share their tips and tricks for growing culture. About the Host Kindra Maples  is spartan racer, past animal trainer, previous magician's assistant, and has a weakness for Oreo cookie shakes. Her journey working with people actually started working with animals as a teenager (don't worry we won't go that far back for her bio). She worked for over 15 years in the zoo industry working with animals and the public. Her passion of working with animals shifted into working with people in education, operations and leadership roles. From there her passion of leadership and helping people develop has continued to grow. Then came the opportunity for leading  the Culture Crush Business Podcast and she jumped on it. Leadership, growth, and strong company cultures are all areas that Kindra is interested in diving into further.

Farrah Alexander is a writer, author, and activist. She began pursuing her J.D. at Indiana University McKinney School of law. In her first year, she won the Indianapolis Bar Association's inaugural writing competition with an essay proposing a three-point legislative plan to combat the state's maternal mortality rate. She also served as a student representative of the Jewish Faculty and Staff Council, a research assistant on the Law v. Antisemitism conference, and became a founding member of the university's Jewish Law Student Association. Her debut book, RAISING THE RESISTANCE: A Mother's Guide to Practical Activism was published by Mango Media in 2020. Her latest book, RESISTANCE IN THE BLUEGRASS: Empowering the Commonwealth, was published by the University of Kentucky Press in 2022 and featured a foreword by Rep. Attica Scott. Her editorial work has been featured in Huffington Post, BUST, and Scary Mommy. Her commentary has been discussed in Scientific American, Buzzfeed, Refinery 29, Yahoo, Hello Giggles, Woke Sloth, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Perez Hilton, Daily Mail, BBC, and others. She is a member of the Everytown Author's Council, She currently served on the Jewish Community Relations Council in Louisville. She previously served as a Jeremiah Fellow with Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice along with a cohort of young, progressive Jews dedicated to fighting white supremacy, antisemitism, and injustice. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Indiana University.