Podcasts about uja federation

The goal of a healthy argument in educational settings is to help one grow, learn, strengthen relationships, and gain new perspectives. On this week's Adapting, Abi Dauber Sterne and Robbie Gringras share their research of anti-Zionist Jews across the U.S. in conversation with David Bryfman, with the goal to reduce alienation, deepen understanding, and support healthier argument within the Jewish community. Their discussion leads the three of them to wrestle with questions such as: Should institutions display an Israeli flag even if it risks alienating some Jews? Are all welcome in every Jewish organization, even if their views offend or denigrate others? This episode will challenge you, and that's exactly why it's worth a listen. Learn more about For the Sake of Argument at forthesakeofargument.orgLearn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.orgThis episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. Send a text

Before the Iranian Revolution, nearly 100,000 Jews lived rich, deeply rooted lives in Iran. Activist Tabby Refael, whose family fled in the 1980s, tells Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath in great detail how she holds complex identities of being Iranian, American, and Jewish. With the recent rise in protests against the Islamic Republic, Tabby's conversation – taking us from Tehran to LA – feels more relevant than ever, and offers a window into a personal and oftentimes emotional world full of memory and meaning.Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.orgThis episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.   

What does Jewish belonging look like in an age of scrolling, searching, and self-guided learning? In this episode, Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath sits down with independent Jewish educator Netta Asner-Minster, who is inspiring and guiding people on their Jewish journey both in one-to-one classes and on social media to her tens of thousands of followers. Their conversation enthusiastically dives into what it means to coach people through their exploration while meeting them where they are: from curiosity to fluency, from questioning to pride, and sometimes from struggle to belonging. Learn more about Netta's work at nettajewished.com.Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.orgThis episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

Roy Danis '78 never took Cornell's famous wine tasting class — and yet he went on to build a 40-year career at the top of the wine and spirits world.Roy takes us from Oceanside, Long Island to Cornell, where he captained the men's gymnastics team, and into an extraordinary professional journey including Seagram, Campari, start-ups, and his newest venture, Revival Spirits — alongside business partner Edgar Bronfman Jr.Roy shares what actually makes a brand succeed, why great leadership is about humility and credibility, and the “all in” mindset that's guided him through every chapter.We also explore Roy's deep commitment to giving back through his work with the Viscardi Center and the UJA-Federation's Wines & Spirits Division.And of course, we end with our speed round — including the one cocktail even Roy had never heard of until today. Can you guess it?Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University 

The first Jewish aid mission from Canada since 2019 arrived in Havana, Cuba on Feb. 3, loaded with seven extra suitcases full of batteries, pills, and hundreds of pieces of donated baseball equipment. The delegation from Toronto's Beth Sholom synagogue spent the past week delivering pharmacy supplies and other necessities–which they donated to Jewish seniors, Cuban synagogues, and even to a pharmacy housed inside the Jewish community centre in Havana, which supplies Jewish Cubans and also nearby hospitals. Local Jewish leaders say this group is the first Canadian Jewish mission to come to Cuba in nearly seven years, since before the pandemic in 2019. And officials worry there might be fewer going forward. The Canadian government raised its travel warnings for Cuba on Feb. 4, citing widespread economic problems impacting tourists, including more frequent power outages, lack of food and fresh water, and fuel shortages. The island, a popular destination for Canadians, was hit in October 2025 by a damaging monster hurricane. But the country's difficulties worsened noticeably in the last month, after the U.S. president ordered all shipments of Venezuelan oil to Cuba be halted, as part of the capture of Venezuela's former dictator Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3. On today's episode of The CJN's flagship podcast “North Star”, host Ellin Bessner speaks with Beth Sholom's Cantor Eric Moses, who organized the trip, and with William Miller, a Jewish community leader in Havana; plus we hear from Benji Tock of Toronto. The teenager didn't make the trip, but his bar mitzvah project–collecting eight duffle bags full of donated baseball bats, cleats, gloves and other gear–arrived safely in Cuba, too, destined for local Jewish players bound for this coming summer's Maccabiah Games in Israel. Related stories To donate to the Cuban Jewish community, contact Toronto-based Cantor Eric Moses cantor@bethsholom.net Donate to the Global Seder initiative of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. https://www.jewishtoronto.com/donate Learn more about Canadian efforts over the decades to help the small Jewish community of Cuba with kosher food and basic daily supplies, in The CJN archives. In 2014, four Toronto bar mitzvah boys raised thousands to help Cuba's Jewish community purchase medical supplies, in The CJN. Credits Host and writer: Ellin Bessner ( @ebessner ) Production team: Zachary Kauffman (senior producer), Michael Fraiman (executive producer), Alicia Richler (editorial director) Music: Bret Higgins Support our show Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to North Star (Not sure how? Click here ) Watch our podcasts on YouTube.

In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Dr. Yosie Levine to explore the life, world, and enduring significance of Hakham Tsevi Ashkenazi, the towering early modern rabbinic figure at the center of his book Hakham Tsevi Ashkenazi and the Battlegrounds of the Early Modern Rabbinate. We begin at the very beginning: what draws a historian to write a full-scale study of Hakham Tsevi, and why his career offers such a powerful window into early modern rabbinic life and the development of halakha. Moving beyond biography, Rabbi Dr. Levine explains how Teshuvot function not only as halakhic documents but as rich historical sources that illuminate communal pressures, lived religion, and the texture of Jewish decision-making in a rapidly changing world. The conversation then turns to the political and cultural dynamics shaping Jewish communities of the period, and how these forces complicated the relationship between rabbis and their congregations. We examine Hakham Tsevi's nuanced engagement with Sefaradim and his defense of certain Sepharadi approaches to Jewish law and minhagim, challenging simplistic Ashkenazi–Sepharadi divides. Rabbi Dr. Levine also unpacks Hakham Tsevi's attitude toward Kabbala and how it manifests within his Teshuvot, revealing a careful, principled posture rather than a reactionary one. Finally, we delve into the dramatic Ḥayon Affair, tracing its significance not only as a personal crisis for Hakham Tsevi but as a defining moment in the broader battlegrounds of the early modern rabbinate.___*This episode is dedicated to the refua shelema of Sarah Miriam bat Tamar, Binyamin ben Zilpa, and our dear friend Yaakov ben Haya Sarah Malakh, and l'ilui nishmat Zehara Yehudit bat Yaakov Ezra v'Ilana Shira___• Bio: A scholar of early modern Jewish history, Rabbi Yosie Levine became the seventh rabbi of The Jewish Center in 2008, after serving there for four years as Rabbinic Intern, Assistant Rabbi, and Associate Rabbi under the mentorship of Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm, z”l; Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter; and Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman. Prior to joining The Jewish Center, he served as educational director of the Lauder Foundation's Beit Midrash in Berlin. Rabbi Levine has played a leadership role on the issue of day school affordability, pioneering a communal model for sustaining excellent Jewish education, and he is co-chair of the Manhattan Eruv. He is active in numerous communal organizations, including AIPAC, NORPAC, and the UJA-Federation of New York, where he previously served as a board member, and his advocacy for Israel has helped make The Jewish Center a model for Israel activism within and beyond the Religious Zionist community. Rabbi Levine earned a BA in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia College, received rabbinic ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary as a Wexner Graduate Fellow, and holds a PhD in Early Modern Jewish History from Yeshiva University's Bernard Revel Graduate School, where he serves as an adjunct professor and sits on the Dean's Council. His work has appeared in both scholarly and popular publications, and his book, Hakham Tsevi Ashkenazi and the Battlegrounds of the Early Modern Rabbinate (Littman Library, 2024), is the recipient of the Association for Jewish Studies' Jordan Schnitzer First Book Award.___• Get his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Ashkenazi-Battlegrounds-Rabbinate-Littman-Civilization/dp/1835536417___• Welcome to JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED: A PODCAST FOR THE PERPLEXED | Co-hosted by Benjy & Benzi | Thank you to...Super Patron: Jordan Karmily, Platinum Patron: Craig Gordon, Rod Ilian, Gold Patrons: Dovidchai Abramchayev, Lazer Cohen, Travis Krueger, Vasili Volkoff, Vasya, Silver Patrons: Ellen Fleischer, Daniel M., Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal, Fred & Antonio, Jeffrey Wasserman, Jacob Winston, and Ariel Klainerman! Please SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel and hit the BELL to can get alerted whenever new clips get posted, thank you for your support!

Rabbi Angela Buchdahl of Central Synagogue reflects on her journey, from growing up in Tacoma, Washington with a strong sense of communal purpose, to finding belonging and identity, and feeling like a stranger along the way. In a reflective conversation with David Bryfman, Rabbi Buchdahl provides lessons applicable to any Jewish educator: how pluralism has helped shift her views, the power of music, and more. Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.orgThis episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

Even with all of the challenges in the world today Jewish education must strive to emphasize the joy and celebration of what it means to be Jewish in today's world. The Bible Players are experts at bringing laughter and joy to Jewish education, from using improvisation to teach mitzvot, to playing their own version of Rock, Paper, Scissors (“Candle, Cup, Challah, Bless”) to teach the order of Shabbat.  This week, enjoy a conversation between David Bryfman and Andrew Davies, co-founder of The Bible Players, and recipient of The Jewish Education Project's Young Pioneers Award and The Covenant Foundation's Pomegranate Prize. Hear from Andrew on why holding both the “joy” and the “oy” is essential in Jewish education, and how he brings that balance to their learners. To learn more about The Bible Players, visit thebibleplayers.com.Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.orgThis episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

Unexpected events can expose gaps in even the most carefully prepared estate plans. When family conflict, legal standards and timing collide, the outcome can reshape how assets move and who ultimately benefits. In this episode of Celebrity Estates, Senior Editor David Lenok examines the estate of Rob Reiner alongside Sean Weissbart, partner and co-chair of the Tax Benefits and Private Client Practice Group at Blank Rome. The conversation focuses on how slayer statutes function, why probate courts rely on civil standards rather than criminal convictions, and how intent and mental state influence inheritance outcomes. Sean explains how being treated as predeceased can redirect assets, how insanity defenses may affect eligibility and why simultaneous death rules and community property laws matter when spouses die close in time.  Join David Lenok and Sean Weissbart as they break down the estate planning lessons behind rare legal scenarios and the importance of thoughtful planning when the unexpected occurs. Key takeaways: How slayer statutes prevent financial benefit after intentional and felonious killing Why civil standards of proof differ from criminal convictions in estate matters How predeceased treatment redirects inheritances to alternate beneficiaries The role of insanity defenses, trusts and fiduciaries in inheritance outcomes Why simultaneous death provisions and planning details can reshape asset flow Resources: Listen to Celebrity Estates on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Spotify Trust and Estates Magazine Connect With David Lenok: david.lenok@informa.com  Wealth Management LinkedIn: David Lenok LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: Wealth Management Connect With Sean Weissbart: LinkedIn: Sean Weissbart LinkedIn: Blank Rome Website: Blank Rome About Our Guest: As one of the most regarded millennial estate planners in the country, Sean plays an integral role in the lives of his clients, working together to create legacies that are tax efficient and responsive to the unique needs of each family. On Sean's practice and style, Chambers USA quotes a client saying that “Sean Weissbart is a very creative estate tax lawyer, and he's always looking to provide a fuller package than just documents. He cares quite a bit about his bedside manner, and it shows.” Another states, “There are three things that stand out about Sean. First is his ability to accommodate clients, second is his passion for the work he does and third is his empathy.” Clients turn to Sean to handle all aspects of estate planning, the administration of trusts and estates, and the representation of beneficiaries and fiduciaries in contested matters in Surrogate's Court. Sean's extensive experience includes advising international families on the impact of U.S. tax laws on their wealth. In international estate matters, Sean assists non-citizens with domestic assets navigate the complicated rules surrounding the tax-efficient transfer of their wealth and counsels U.S. citizens facing income tax issues related to their beneficial interest in foreign trusts.   Sean also represents clients on matrimonial matters, including the negotiation of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and trust modifications following divorce. In addition to his law practice, Sean serves as an adjunct professor of law at New York University School of Law, where he teaches Income Taxation of Trusts and Estates, International Estate Planning, and Tax Aspects of Charitable Giving. He is an author of the law school textbook The Income Taxation of Trusts and Estates, a fellow of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, and a regular speaker at the nation's most prestigious tax conferences. He gives back to the community through many philanthropic endeavors including his service on the board of the Ment'or BKB Foundation and as event chair of the Trusts and Estates Committee of the UJA Federation of New York, having raised millions of dollars to assist those in need.

Lianna Levine Reisner, MSOD, is building a multicultural movement for health as President and Network Director of Plant Powered Metro New York, an organization she co-founded in 2019 to empower local communities to prevent and reverse chronic disease through evidence-based, plant-based nutrition. To address her family's health challenges, Lianna had been searching for clear, evidence-based nutritional guidelines that made sense for her family. The writings of T. Colin Campbell, PhD, and his colleagues made a compelling case for whole food, plant-based nutrition, helping her to lose 20% of her body weight, reverse endometriosis and hormonal imbalances, and heavily reduce her allergies and skin issues, among many other benefits. Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center honored Lianna as a 40 Under 40 Rising Star in Food Policy in 2022. Lianna holds a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and eCornell, and she is a certified Vegan Lifestyle Coach and Educator through Main Street Vegan Academy. She is also a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. With a Master's from Case Western Reserve University's Weatherhead School of Management, Lianna previously worked as an independent coach and consultant serving UJA-Federation of New York, providing organizational change support to Jewish nonprofit organizations in the New York metropolitan area. She lives in the Upper West Side of Manhattan with her husband and three children.

October 7th was the largest attempt at genocide against the Jewish people since the Holocaust. What does this moment reveal about modern antisemitism and the importance of Holocaust studies today? Joining Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath this week is Alyssa Weinstein-Sears, a longtime educator and Holocaust and genocide scholar. Ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Alyssa emphasizes the goals of Holocaust education at a time when most students have a narrow view of what it was, unpacking how inflammatory language to talk about Israel can obscure historical truth, and what gives her hope. Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.orgThis episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

How can we turn collective responsibility and shared values into meaningful action for the future of the Jewish people? Josh Schalk, Executive Director of Jewish Future Promise, believes the answer begins with how, and why, we give. The Jewish Future Promise invites individuals to commit 50% of legacy giving to Jewish causes, to help ensure that Jewish life, learning, and values endure for the next generation. This episode goes beyond the Jewish Future Promise. Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath talks with Josh about what matters most to those invested in the Jewish future: how to give based on our values, how we model those values for our children, and how to show up Jewishly through our own giving.  Learn about the Jewish Future Promise at jewishfuturepromise.orgLearn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.orgThis episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

To kick off the new year, David Bryfman sits down with TAMID Group's CEO, Yoni Heilman. In a conversation that humanizes one of our own heroes, Yoni shares stories as a soldier in reserve duty after October 7th, giving an honest account about his experiences in the war, about what Zionism means to him, on what Israelis need to know about Jews living outside of Israel, and why he remains an optimist.  Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.orgThis episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

In an unscheduled and urgent episode of Adapting, Australian-born CEO of The Jewish Education Project, David Bryfman, sheds light on his own Australian Jewish community, some of whom lost loved ones in this week's tragic attack at Bondi Beach, and others who are holding hope and praying for the recovery of the wounded.David reflects on the responsibility of educators and parents to care for our children's safety and wellbeing, calling on them to acknowledge their children's fear and recognize that there's both evil and good in the world. Most of all, he urges listeners to take care of themselves and to maintain hope, especially during this season of Chanukah. Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.orgThis episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath is joined by another history professor, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, who is the lead scholar of Hidden Voices, an initiative to address how overlooked minority groups are taught in New York City Public Schools, including Jewish history and stories. As educators, we are invited to ask: What does meaningful Jewish inclusion in education really look like? What core knowledge should non-Jewish students have about Jews? And how do we teach the full scope of Jewish involvement in American history, even when that history is controversial? This essential conversation aligns with the Center for Jewish-Inclusive Learning (CJIL), our initiative to support public and independent school educators with resources about the Jewish people and creating safe and inclusive spaces for Jewish students and faculty. To learn more about CJIL, visit cjilearning.org To learn more about Hidden Voices, visit https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/subjects/social-studies/hidden-voices Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.orgThis episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

In the wake of Sunday's terrorist attack on Australia's Jewish community, Canadian Jews are feeling angry, scared, mournful and defiant, with some seriously considering moving to Israel. As of Sunday night EST, the death toll in New South Whales had risen to 15 victims, including the host of the Bondi Beach candle-lighting event, Chabad Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who has deep ties to Toronto and Ottawa. Meanwhile, officials believe up to 60 other festival-goers were wounded, including the rabbi's wife, a mother of five. One of the two shooters was also killed. In Canada, rabbis and Jewish leaders urged their community to push back against terror, show extra pride and make an effort to attend public candle-lighting ceremonies this Hanukkah. But some fear Canada is equally ripe for an attack like Australia's, due to the failure of public officials to stop hate speech and protests on our streets featuring chants like “Globalize the Intifada”. On today's episode of The CJN's North Star podcast with Ellin Bessner, you'll hear what Jewish Canada sounded like while mourning Jews on the other side of the planet. We're joined by Richard Marceau, a senior official with the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, who just returned from an antisemitism conference in Australia six days prior to the attack; award-winning Canadian author Sidura Ludwig, who lined up early to buy special sufganiyot at a Thornhill bakery; Sara Lefton of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto; Rabbi Levi Gansburg of Chabad on Bayview, who knew the murdered rabbi; and political leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, Toronto mayor Olivia Chow and cabinet minister Evan Solomon. Related links Read more about how Canadian Jewish leaders and politicians have reacted to the mass terrorist shooting in Australia, in The CJN . Why Australia's prime minister accused Iran of trying to destabilize their country, including by masterminding the arson at the Melbourne synagogue in 2024 and firebombing of a kosher deli, in The CJN.   This Australian Jewish leader said his country and community are ignoring online hate, at their peril, during a visit to Winnipeg in February 2025, in The CJN . Credits Host and writer: Ellin Bessner ( @ebessner ) Production team: Zachary Kauffman (senior producer), Michael Fraiman (executive producer) Music: Bret Higgins Support our show Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to North Star (Not sure how? Click here )

Is this the right move?Plus – What one former Ontario premier thinks about the impact of Trump GUESTS: Sara Lefton - Chief Development Officer, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto Bob Rae - Former Premier of Ontario and former Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations

This week on Adapting, Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath speaks with Zev Eleff, president of Gratz College and professor of American Jewish history, to address a pressing challenge facing Jewish education today: educators are not feeling supported enough. In a conversation encompassing civic education, history, and text study, Zev urges educational institutions to help strengthen their Jewish literacy, with recommendations like leveraging technology to digitize archives, from Judeo-Aramaic texts to Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel's documented work with Martin Luther King Jr. Another recommendation is using American Jewish history as a model for teaching inclusivity. Efforts like these, championed by both Gratz College and The Jewish Education Project, aim to give educators the tools and support they need.  Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.orgThis episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

David Bryfman engages with Dr. Mijal Bitton, one of today's leading Jewish scholars and leaders, in an illuminating, nuanced conversation about defining Jewish peoplehood in a time of polarity. Is it better to be inclusive of all beliefs in a community, or to establish clear boundaries and principals? What if it's possible to have both? Mijal's unique perspective, shaped by her personal background, serves as a model for how much introspection we need to become the best possible educators we can be.  Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at https://www.jewishedproject.org/This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

For writer and podcaster Zibby Owens (On Being Jewish Now, Blank: A Novel), it was never her plan to center her work around Jewish identity. But as the critical need for Jewish representation and storytelling grew, she started to share more Jewish voices and Israel advocacy on her literary platform. Zibby's work serves as a model of what happens when you follow your convictions. In honor of the 100th anniversary of Jewish Book Month, this episode will inspire educators to lean into Jewish joy through the power of storytelling. Plus, Zibby shares her favorite books with listeners that have shaped her own sense of Jewish pride! Explore how The Jewish Education Project is reimagining Jewish education in our Strategic Plan. Register for Jewish Futures 2025.Learn more about The Jewish Education Project here.This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

What does it mean to belong to the Jewish people, especially during a time of deep division? This week, Dr. Elana Stein Hain and David Bryfman explore the complex and often misunderstood idea of Jewish peoplehood, and how to navigate responsibility and nurture empathy. Whether you're an educator, community leader, or simply grappling with questions of Jewish identity and connection, this episode will leave you reflecting on what Jewish peoplehood means to you. Explore how The Jewish Education Project is reimagining Jewish education in our Strategic Plan. Register for Jewish Futures 2025.Learn more about The Jewish Education Project here.This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

This week on Adapting, David sits down with Rabbi Mark Wildes, the founder of Manhattan Jewish Experience. Together, the pair explore what it really means to inspire Jewish connection in young adults today.  Drawing on insights and Torah from his new book, The Jewish Experience: Discovering the Soul of Jewish Thought and Practice, Rabbi Wildes shares that Jewish education isn't about molding students into something completely new. Rather, it's about how educators can spark the innate pilot light of Judaism, the pintele Yid, that we have inside us. Discover how nurturing that inner spark can transform not only the Jewish learner, but the future of Jewish life itself. Explore how The Jewish Education Project is reimagining Jewish education in our Strategic Plan. Register for Jewish Futures 2025.Learn more about The Jewish Education Project here.This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

In the first episode with Dr. Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath as our new alternating co-host, Samantha shares the true purpose of Jewish education: to help foster pride, joy, and connection, rather than building identity around fear or hate. Learn more from Samantha and hear about her journey of becoming a Jewish educator and how she has helped teens connect to the richness of Jewish peoplehood! This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

This morning, we received joyous news that all 20 living hostages are back home. At the same time, we're awaiting the return of the bodies of the remaining hostages. So, as a community, how are we supposed to feel? As Jewish educators, how do we create the memory of what October 7th meant for the Jewish people?Joining David Bryfman to discuss this complex moment in history are Rabbi Menachem Creditor and Rabba Yaffa Epstein, who reflect on post-war rituals and where we're moving as a people. This is an episode of Adapting we've been wanting to release for two years, and it offers guidance for anyone seeking meaning, direction, and hope in the aftermath of war. This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

Please follow this link to support our sponsor, UJA Federation of New York: www.ujafedny.org/donateMaking Sense with Sam Harris: samharris.org/podcastsSubscribe to Inside Call me Back: https://inside.arkmedia.orgGift a subscription of Inside Call me Back: http://inside.arkmedia.org/giftsWatch Call me Back on YouTube: youtube.com/@CallMeBackPodcastCheck out Ark Media's other podcasts: For Heaven's Sake: https://lnk.to/rfGlrA‘What's Your Number?': https://lnk.to/rfGlrASubscribe to Amit Segal's newsletter ‘It's Noon in Israel': https://arkmedia.org/amitsegal/For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: callmeback@arkmedia.orgTo contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts, visit: https://arkmedia.org/Ark Media on Instagram: https://instagram.com/arkmediaorgDan on X: https://x.com/dansenorDan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dansenorTo order Dan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of Israel: https://tinyurl.com/bdeyjsdnToday's Episode: This Tuesday will mark the two-year anniversary of the October 7 massacre, in which thousands of Hamas terrorists infiltrated Southern Israel, slaughtering over 1,400 Israelis and taking more than 250 hostage. It was the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. Since then, we've witnessed several fronts of war against Israel, a terrifying rise in global antisemitism, and an effort to isolate Israel diplomatically, culturally, and economically, and much more. To reflect on some of the major events and the cultural currents that have swept the world since October 7, 2023, Dan sat down with Sam Harris for a conversation being released as a simulcast both on Call me Back as well as Sam's podcast, Making Sense. Sam is a philosopher, neuroscientist, author, and public intellectual. He focuses on topics of rationality, religion, politics, and ethics, and has been a fierce critic of the rise in radical, fundamentalist islam. CREDITS:ILAN BENATAR - Producer & EditorADAAM JAMES LEVIN-AREDDY - Executive ProducerMARTIN HUERGO - Sound EditorMARIANGELES BURGOS - Additional EditingMAYA RACKOFF - Operations DirectorGABE SILVERSTEIN - ResearchYUVAL SEMO - Music Composer

Two years after October 7th, CEO David Bryfman delivers an unscripted, deeply personal message to Jewish educators who have carried impossible burdens through unimaginable circumstances. This isn't a typical Adapting episode. It's a raw, honest monologue about what it means to educate when the world feels broken. Speaking directly to all stakeholders of Jewish education—defined by anyone who cares deeply about the field and its future—David balances mourning and hope at a time when that future feels both fragile and urgent. Hope for the return of all hostages, for the end of suffering, and for the day we can return to instilling joy and pride instead of defending against hatred. This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

What does it mean to bring your whole self into Jewish education? Activist, educator, and previously named one of the 50 most influential rabbis in the U.S. by Newsweek, Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, joins Adapting this week for a conversation about authenticity in Jewish education.   Rabbi Dr. Yanklowitz and David Bryfman explore how Jewish education becomes most impactful when educators are “radically inspired” by their work, drawing from their own journeys, struggles, and commitments. They discuss how the very best Jewish educators, and supporters of Jewish education, embrace plurality and curiosity, and can seamlessly integrate both their personal and professional interests altogether into one integrated life purpose. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum, Miranda Lapides, and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

In this week's episode, transformative Jewish thinker Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg joins us for a rich conversation about morality and justice, and how we as educators can empower our students to imagine a brighter future. Rabbi Danya sheds light on how the Torah's earliest stories, values, and the practice of teshuvah can become teaching tools for possibility, integrity, and ethical living. Just in time for the High Holidays, Rabbi Danya explores how we can nurture a generation capable of imagining a more just and compassionate world. I'm Sorry You Got Mad by Kyle Lukoff, Illustrated by Julie KwonResource Guide: On Repentance and Repair by Rabbi Danya RuttenbergThis episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum, Miranda Lapides, and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

How can educators help Jews reclaim their identity from shame, assimilation, and antisemitism, and instead embrace the richness of Jewish tradition in all its complexity? In the Season 6 premiere ofAdapting: The Future of Jewish Education, David Bryfman speaks with Sarah Hurwitz, former White House speechwriter and author of Here All Along and the forthcoming As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us. From her first adult Shabbat dinner to the ways internalized stereotypes still shape Jewish life, Hurwitz shares deeply personal insights that invite educators and parents to consider how they can guide learners toward Jewish pride, authenticity, and resilience. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum, Miranda Lapides, and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

Faced with rising antisemitism and anti-Zionism, many Jews are confronting difficult choices when they find themselves outside of Jewish spaces: conceal their identity, or risk harassment, and in some cases, violence. In this episode, Elana Stein Hain and Daniel Held, Chief Program Officer at UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, turn to the Talmud to grapple with Jewish identity and Jewish pride in a hostile environment. How can we engage with moral complexity as proud Jews, and how do we model this for our children? We are grateful to the Walder Charitable Fund and Micah Philanthropies for their generous support of TEXTing. Episode Source Sheet Watch the video version of this episode ⁠here⁠.  JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS

Dr. Shana Frydman, PhD, LCSW, is the Clinical Director of Shalom Task Force, overseeing the agency's trauma-informed direct services and prevention programming. Previously, she served as CEO for seven years, leading the organization through significant growth, expanding legal services, the hotline/chatline, and educational initiatives to support survivors and promote healthy relationships in the Jewish community. With over 20 years of experience in domestic abuse and family violence, Dr. Frydman is a trauma-informed therapist, consultant, and speaker. She has held leadership roles at UJA Federation, leading its Task Force on Family Violence, and served on the advisory board of the NYC Mayor's Office. She lectures and publishes on domestic violence, sexual abuse, trauma, and culturally informed practice. In addition to her role at Shalom Task Force, she maintains a private practice and provides consulting and training for organizations and professionals. Dr. Frydman earned her MSW at the University of Maryland and her PhD at Hunter College Silberman School of Social Work/CUNY Grad Center.   CONNECT WITH DVORA ENTIN: Website: https://www.dvoraentin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dvoraentin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@misconceptionspodcast  

Our guest for today's podcast is Wendy Li, Chief Investment Officer of Ivy Invest.  Before founding Ivy Invest, Wendy spent her career as an institutional investor managing billions of dollars for some of New York's largest endowments and foundations. Most recently, Wendy was Managing Director of Investments at the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation (MCHF). At MCHF, she was responsible for developing the foundation's investment strategy, sourcing and executing investments across asset classes, and exercising day-to-day management over MCHF's $4B portfolio. Prior to MCHF, Wendy held similar responsibilities at UJA-Federation of New York. She began her career in the Investment Office of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Wendy is a graduate of Columbia University and a CFA charterholder.   Without further ado, here is our conversation with Wendy Li.

For the Season 5 finale of Adapting, David sits down with a very special guest— himself! Before leaving for his sabbatical, David answers some of the most common questions he gets asked about Jewish education. From the need for a cohesive vision of Jewish education, to why we need more Jewish educators, to the importance of maintaining optimism, listen to hear the vision for the future of Jewish education. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

Sabbaticals, break weeks, and paid vacation, oh my! For many, the idea of taking a break from work is daunting. With the disruption in the work environment, how will anything get done? As he prepares his own upcoming sabbatical, David Bryfman discusses the role that rest plays in the workplace with Josh Feldman, CEO and founder of R&R: The Rest of our Lives.In a time marked by burnout and uncertainty, especially in the nonprofit world, stepping back is more necessary than ever. Josh suggests that it isn't productive to be productive all of the time; a runner doesn't sprint for a whole race, they have disciplined places of sprint, of walk, and of stillness. How can we incorporate stillness into our work? Furthermore, Josh reminds the audience of the Jewishness of rest, and how we can be inspired by the Sabbath and the shmita year. David and Josh challenge the audience to think about when work gets done, and when it doesn't.  This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

Imagine a classroom where students face each other, rather than the whiteboard, and discuss David Ben-Gurion and Aristotle, while studying Hebrew and Latin. Welcome to Emet, the first classical Jewish prep school in the U.S. Founded in 2023 in New York City, Emet is pioneering a model that integrates Jewish wisdom with academic excellence, offering students an education where Judaism is infused seamlessly into academic subjects, from physical education (Krav Maga), to chemistry. In this thought-provoking conversation with Emet's founding Head of School, Rabbi Dr. Abraham Unger, learn how academic rigor is raising the bar for its students to build strength and character, inspiring children to become Jewish leaders of the future. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

In this important episode, David sits down with recipients of the 2024 Shine A Light on Antisemitism Civic Courage Award, Dr. Devin Randolph and Rabbi Dr. Meir Muller. Together, they discuss ways to combat prejudice, racism, and antisemitism by searching for the commonalities in Black and Jewish fights for freedom and liberation.  Dr. Randolph and Rabbi Dr. Muller encourage us to move away from black and white thinking and, instead, be vulnerable with each other, so that our human experiences may educate each other. Particularly in a post-October 7th landscape, the tension that may accompany Jewish education can create space for curiosity, support, and solidarity. Through historical and personal examples, this conversation explores the goal of promoting justice and understanding different perspectives.  This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

This week on Adapting, David sits down with Dr. Keren Fraiman, Dean of Spertus Institute and winner of the prestigious Ilia Salita Excellence in Research Award, for an essential conversation on why Israel must be front and center in our classrooms—now more than ever. While many Jewish educators recognize the importance of teaching about Israel, research shows that fear of controversy and complexity often leads to hesitation.  In this compelling episode, Keren dives into why it is crucial for educators to embrace the discomfort and navigate these complex discussions with confidence. She also shares practical strategies for managing conflict in the classroom and highlights the power of creating a permissive, supportive environment to hold space for all the complexities these conversations hold. With Israel-related issues impacting our students daily, Keren emphasizes the need for educators to lean on each other and build spaces that allow for honest, open dialogue—no matter how challenging it may feel. The need for Israel education is urgent. Let's not shy away from it.  This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

In this special Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzma'ut episode, David sits down with Adam Eilath, Head of School at Wornick Jewish Day School in the Bay Area, to explore the empowering integration of Jewish, Hebrew, and Israel education.  As we commemorate these powerful national holidays, Adam shares how centering Israel in Jewish life and education has successfully inspired stronger Jewish identities and has built vibrant, resilient communities. Through methods like partnering with Israeli educators, creating intentional learning experiences that connect parents to their children's educational journeys, and designing programs that commemorate Israeli history and culture with emotional impact, Jewish day schools can nurture a deep love for Israel that serves as a model for other schools. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

In this episode, hear from prominent author Dara Horn (“People Love Dead Jews,” “One Little Goat”) about the key issues with the way the Holocaust is discussed and taught today.  David and Dara discuss how the language used in Holocaust education threatens the erasure of modern Jewish culture and perpetuates antisemitism by painting Jews as feeble, helpless, and sometimes even extinct. They reflect on popular works about the Holocaust, how they are taught to students, and how we can use these conversations, in turn, to bring the rest of Jewish civilization into the dialogue. This episode is for anyone teaching the Holocaust, from Jewish settings to public and independent schools. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

In this episode of Adapting, host David Bryfman sits down with tech-savvy Rabbi Jason Miller, to discuss the role of technology in Jewish education. Rabbi Miller emphasizes the importance of embracing technology—not fearing it—and how it can bring the Jewish community closer together.  If you're worried about AI and other tech tools replacing Jewish educators, don't worry! Rabbi Miller asserts that these tools will enhance the work of Jewish educators, empowering them to make learning more efficient and impactful. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

This week on Adapting, David Bryfman sits down with... well, robots. In an innovative and fitting approach, he leverages artificial intelligence — a platform called NotebookLM — to make a point about the current landscape of Jewish education and where it's headed. Featuring an AI-generated dialogue that tackles critical issues like how Jewish educational institutions are responding to rising antisemitism, technological challenges, and the need for resilient learning strategies, Bryfman gives us a glimpse into what the future of Jewish education could look like when you mix technology with tradition. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

This week, Adapting gets spiritual with Dana Sheanin, CEO of Jewish Learning Works. Dana first shares glimpses into the Jewish Bay Area, marked by political activism and repercussions in education since October 7th. Dana then explores how reconnecting with spirituality—including relationships with community and the divine—can provide resilience and meaning for Jewish educators and students. To return to spirituality is an essential part of what it means to be a Jewish educator today. Let's explore this idea together. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

As Purim begins tonight, we reflect on resilience, courage, and hidden miracles—themes that feel more relevant than ever. In this special re-release, Dr. Erica Brown of The George Washington University joins CEO, David Bryfman, and Chief Advancement Officer, Nessa Liben, to explore not only the heroines of the Purim story, but also the heroism of Jewish educators today and Jewish women across the world. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

From transformative teen programs like RootOne to life-changing Birthright and Masa  trips, studies have shown that Israel educational travel has been the most essential tool for building a lasting connection to Israel. But October 7th has presented a new set of challenges in the field. This week on Adapting, David Bryfman talks with Anna Langer, who oversees the Israel Education Travel Alliance, a collective of over 140 organizations that facilitate Israel trips for North American participants. Their conversation—full of personal anecdotes and frontline insights from southern Israel—doesn't shy away from how Israel educational travel is adapting to a new reality. This episode is essential listening for anyone who cares about the future of Israel engagement and Jewish identity in uncertain times. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

This week on Adapting, in honor of Tu BiShvat, Yoni Stadlin of Adamah challenges us to see our connection to the earth through a Jewish lens. From his unconventional journey—spending three months living in the canopy of California redwoods—to his belief that Jewish environmentalism should be the default rather than a niche, Yoni reminds us that every breath we take is like receiving CPR from a tree. Tu BiShvat is more than a celebration of trees; it's a powerful reminder that the earth is our home, and it's a call to action to care for the planet as we would care for ourselves.  This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

Judaism gives us the tools to hold both joy and pain simultaneously. Few understand this better than Rabba Yaffa Epstein, The Jewish Education Project's Senior Scholar and Educator in Residence, who tragically lost her nephew, Yakir Hexter z”l, while fighting in Gaza one year ago.  Yakir was much more than a soldier—he was a brilliant Torah student, a talented artist, an athlete, and a bartender with his own signature cocktail. In this week's episode of Adapting, Rabba Yaffa shares Torah in Yakir's memory, drawing wisdom from Ben Zoma in Pirkei Avot and from Yakir himself, emphasizing the responsibility we all have as spectators to step in and make a difference. Rabba Yaffa juxtaposes her grief with welcoming a beautiful baby girl named in Yakir's honor within the same week, reminding us that we can find light and inspiration even in the darkest of times. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

If you're in a Jewish leadership role, don't miss this pertinent conversation between David Bryfman and Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, a prominent Jewish leader and author.  Drawing on insights from Rabbi Cosgrove's new book, For Such a Time as This: On Being Jewish Today, they delve into relevant topics, like: The generational divides within the Jewish community, as younger generations grapple with complex issues surrounding Israel and antisemitism.A vision for Jewish education that balances empathy with protection of Jewish concerns.How to navigate these challenges in a post-October 7th world. As the news is seemingly changing by the day, Rabbi Cosgrove offers guidance to fellow educators while exploring leadership, identity, and the role of Jewish educators in shaping the future. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.  This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.  If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

In this episode, Matt Cohen chats with Wendy Li, the co-founder and Chief Investment Officer of Ivy Invest, about her journey from managing institutional endowments to founding a fintech startup. Wendy shares insights from her experiences at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the UJA Federation of New York, and the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation.She highlights her decision to leave a traditional allocator role to build Ivy Invest, a platform democratizing access to institutional-quality investments for retail investors. Wendy discusses the challenges of being a first-time founder, how emerging managers can build trust with institutional investors, and the long-term lessons from her career.About Wendy Li:Wendy Li is the Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Ivy Invest, a platform that helps individual investors access investment portfolios similar to those used by big institutions. She has over 10 years of experience managing large investment funds and holds a Chartered Financial Analyst certification.Before starting Ivy Invest, Wendy was the Managing Director of Investments at the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, where she set up the investment office and managed $4 billion. At the UJA-Federation of New York, she oversaw a $1 billion endowment and a $400 million pension plan. Her career began at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she worked as a Senior Investment Analyst.Wendy studied at Columbia University, where she earned her Bachelor's degree.Topics(01:13) Early Career Journey: Wendy shares her upbringing in Pennsylvania, moving to NYC, and her entry into finance at Columbia University.(02:30) First Role at the Met Museum: Insights from working with an established portfolio, sitting across high-profile investment committee members, and lessons on portfolio management.(04:51) The Transition to UJA: Managing a new investment office, building credibility with a seasoned investment committee, and reshaping a hedge fund-heavy portfolio.(06:57) Influence of David Swensen: Learning from Swensen's Yale Model and its focus on alternative investments, plus her direct exposure to the Yale network through colleagues.(09:48) Building Ivy Invest: Why Wendy left the endowment world to create Ivy Invest, the challenges of launching an SEC-registered fund, and solving access and complexity barriers for individual investors.(19:14) Fund Structure: Ivy Invest's single-fund strategy blending public and private investments, its interval fund structure, and quarterly repurchase options for investors.(24:11) Emerging Manager Advice: Key strategies for preparing to meet with institutional investors, understanding their specific needs, and how to build trust over time.(28:17) Long-Term Relationships: Why personal rapport, patience, and a deep understanding of both LPs and your own strategy are essential for emerging managers.(31:17) Lessons as a First-Time Founder: Transitioning to a fintech startup, learning to navigate the tech and regulatory landscape, and unexpected challenges like user access glitches.(36:38) Co-Founders and Team Dynamics: The complementary skills of her co-founders, balancing optimism with risk awareness, and maintaining trust and humor through challenges.(38:42) Brand Awareness and Challenges: Educating retail investors about their eligibility and building recognition for Ivy Invest's mission.(39:54) Surprises from Early Investors: The diversity of early adopters and how their demographics exceeded initial expectations.Fast Favorites* Favorite Podcast: How I Built This* Favorite Newsletter: Matt Levine's Money Stuff* Favorite Tech Gadget: iPhone* Favorite Trend: Established alternative investment managers opening access to retail investors* Favorite Book: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith* Favorite Life Lesson: “Finish what you start.”Follow Matt Cohen and Tank Talks here!Podcast production support provided by Agentbee.ai This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

As the largest Jewish community in Europe and the third largest in the world, French Jewry—primarily of Sephardic descent from North Africa—blends a rich, thriving Jewish heritage with modern challenges.Giving a voice to the French Jewish community on this week's episode of Adapting, David Bryfman sits down with Devorah Serrao, CEO of Alliance Israélite Universelle, to explore the unique dynamics of Jewish education and identity in France. Devorah shares insights into how young French Jews today balance their French and Jewish identities, as well as lessons for Jewish communities worldwide in navigating identity and finding your inner voice. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.  This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.  If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

As of this episode's recording, 461 days have passed since Dalia Cusnir last heard from Yair and Eitan, her brothers-in-law who have been held captive in Gaza by Hamas.  In the most important Adapting episode yet, David Bryfman speaks with Dalia about her personal journey, and the educational and moral imperative of pidyon shvuyim (redeeming the captives).  At a time when compassion fatigue feels all too common, this episode reminds us of the importance of hope and not giving up. As Jewish educators, we must continue to stress that the freedom of the hostages is a human issue and not just a Jewish issue. When the history of October 7th is written, educators will not be judged by the events of that horrific day and its aftermath. We will be judged on how we respond. For a more in-depth understanding of why this is the educational imperative of Jewish education today please read David Bryfman's latest article here.This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.  This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.  If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.