Jay's 4 Questions artwork

Jay's 4 Questions

85 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 70 ratings

Produced by The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, Jay’s 4 Questions brings together the most interesting and influential thought leaders to discuss community, culture, food, and more. When President & CEO Jay Sanderson asks the tough questions — whether the answers are provocative, inspiring, or simply entertaining, you’ll want to hear every word. For more information, follow us on Facebook or Instagram, or visit www.JewishLA.org.

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Episodes

A Conversation with Lior Lev Sercarz

January 15, 2020 14:30 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MB

World-renowned Israeli chef and spice master Lior Lev Sercarz joins Jay’s 4 Questions for a riveting discussion on the important role chefs play in bridging societal gaps and how cooking with the right combination of spices can enhance your life. 

A Conversation with Lori Gottlieb

December 18, 2019 14:00 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MB

New York Times bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, psychotherapist, nationally recognized journalist, and weekly columnist for The Atlantic Lori Gottlieb joins Jay’s 4 Questions for a fascinating discussion on the challenge to stay connected to each other and the Jewish community in our increasingly fast-paced technological world. Jay and Lori examine modern use of devices as an escape tool and the resulting isolation and damage to our health. They explore solutions to th...

A Conversation with Rachel Bloom

November 20, 2019 14:00 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MB

Multi-talented actress, singer, writer, and comedian Rachel Bloom joins Jay’s 4 Questions to discuss her Jewish upbringing, her blossoming career, and why Jay considers Rachel the “modern-day queen of Yiddish theater.” The conversation highlights Rachel’s early influences including Mel Brooks, her rise from YouTube viral start to Golden Globe award-winning actress, the power in vulnerability when dealing with mental health issues, and preparing to raise a Jewish child.

A Conversation with Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-Newborn

June 19, 2019 13:00 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MB

Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-Newborn talks about her journey from being the daughter of a Reform rabbi and student at Brentwood school to a leader in the modern Orthodox community, the role she plays as a rabbanit, and the legacy of women leaders throughout history.

A Conversation with Avi Issacharoff

June 12, 2019 13:00 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MB

Award-winning journalist and TV producer Avi Issacharoff of Haaretz, The Times of Israel, and the hit Netflix show Fauda, joins Jay’s 4 Questions podcast

A Conversation with Jay Sanderson

June 05, 2019 13:00 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MB

For the 80th episode, the script is flipped! Our podcast host and Federation President & CEO Jay Sanderson sits down with Rob Eshman to share his thoughts on community, spirituality, religion, and food.

A Conversation with Danny Goldberg

May 29, 2019 13:00 - 33 minutes - 31.2 MB

Nirvana manager and entertainment professional Danny Goldberg talks about religion, spirituality, his new book Serving the Servant, and more on this week’s Jay’s 4 Questions podcast.

A Conversation with Jessica Yellin

May 22, 2019 13:00 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MB

Award-winning journalist and former CNN Chief White House Correspondent Jessica Yellin talks about her experiences covering Presidents and world leaders, the state of journalism today, and her “newsnotnoise” Instagram campaign.

A Conversation with Zoe Nathan

May 15, 2019 13:00 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MB

Chef and baker extraordinaire Zoe Nathan of Huckleberry and Milo + Olive joins Jay’s 4 Questions to talk about food, community, and spirituality.

A Conversation with Max Neuberger

May 08, 2019 13:00 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MB

Creator of Jewish Insider Max Neuberger talks about his daily newsletter that covers U.S. politics, business news, and philanthropy from a Jewish angle.

A Conversation with Rabbi Shmuley Boteach

May 01, 2019 13:00 - 41 minutes - 38.5 MB

“America’s Rabbi” Shmuley Boteach seems to always be in the headlines — whether because of his relationships with Roseanne Barr, Oprah, and Corey Booker, or his past with Michael Jackson. Rabbi Shmuley has helped redefine the role of the rabbi in today’s media-driven world.

A Conversation with Chef Sara Bradley

April 24, 2019 13:00 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MB

Learn about the matzah ball soup that won her a spot on Bravo’s Top Chef Season 16 in Macau, China with Chef Sara Bradley. She joins Jay’s 4 Questions to talk about growing up in the very small town of Paducah KY, the connection between Paducah and Manischewitz’s gefilte fish, and the secret for the perfect Southern matzah brei.

A Conversation with Tovah Feldshuh

April 17, 2019 13:00 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MB

Learn secrets to the perfect matzah brei and a plan for peace in the Middle East from actress Tovah Feldshuh on this week’s Jay’s 4 Questions. This amazing Jewish Broadway, TV, and silver screen star also talks about the extraordinary characters she has brought to life throughout her career. 

A Conversation with David Harris

April 10, 2019 13:00 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MB

David Harris, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, joins Jay’s 4 Questions podcast to talk about the extraordinary changes from 1990 to present day in the Jewish world, his passion for Jewish activism, and what has inspired his life and life’s journey.

A Conversation with Dr. Joel Kahn

April 03, 2019 13:00 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MB

This week’s guest is America’s Heart-Healthy Doctor and Holistic Cardiologist, Dr. Joel Kahn. The conversation spans preventive cardiology and the importance of plant-based, clean, healthy eating.

A Conversation with Micah Wexler

March 27, 2019 13:00 - 32 minutes - 30.4 MB

Chef, restaurateur, and deli impresario Micah Wexler joins Jay’s 4 Questions podcast to discuss deli culture, the difference between pastrami and corned beef, and his mother’s chicken soup. The conversation highlights his childhood memories growing up in a deep, rich Jewish home and the role mentorship has played throughout his personal and professional career. 

A Conversation with Rabbi Rick Jacobs

March 20, 2019 13:00 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MB

Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism, joins Jay’s 4 Questions, to discuss how the Jewish community must and will transform itself in order to engage the next generation of young Jews. He discusses the vibrancy of the community, his passion for his work, and the need to focus on Jewish content. 

A Conversation with Steven Nasatir

March 13, 2019 13:00 - 30 minutes - 27.9 MB

This week’s guest is the legendary Dr. Steve Nasatir, President of The Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. This episode takes a stroll through history as the conversation highlights how Dr. Nasatir has been a part of some of the most important and memorable moments in Jewish History — from the Six Day War to Operation Exodus to Operation Moses.  

A Conversation with Amanda Berman

March 06, 2019 14:00 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MB

This week’s episode highlights Amanda Berman, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Zioness, in a conversation that spans her political activism and love of Israel.  

A Conversation with Garrett Reisman

February 27, 2019 14:00 - 35 minutes - 33.1 MB

This week on Jay’s 4 Questions, former NASA Astronaut and first Jewish crew member at the International Space Station Garrett Reisman joins us for an out-of-this-world episode!

A Conversation with Sal Litvak

February 20, 2019 14:00 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MB

The Accidental Talmudist joins Jay’s 4 Questions to discuss all things spiritual, Talmudic, and community.

A Conversation with Phil Rosenthal

February 13, 2019 14:00 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MB

This week’s Jay’s 4 Questions guest is Phil Rosenthal, Somebody Feed Phil host. Hot topics: comedy and food, two of the Jewish people’s greatest gifts to mankind.

A Conversation with Tali Levanon

February 06, 2019 14:00 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MB

This week’s podcast guest is Tali Levanon, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Israel Trauma Coalition (ITC). She discusses her trauma and resiliency work in Israel, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, and around the world and how people deal differently with traumas from natural and man-made disasters.     

A Conversation with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback

January 30, 2019 14:00 - 32 minutes - 45.3 MB

Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback, Senior Rabbi of Stephen Wise Temple and Wise School, joins Jay’s 4 Questions to discuss the importance of community, Jewish education, and Jewish summer camp.

A Conversation with David Broza Part II

January 23, 2019 14:00 - 32 minutes - 44.5 MB

David Broza, extraordinary musical performer, singer, and songwriter, joins Jay’s 4 Questions podcast for the second time to discuss Israel, music, conflict resolution, coexistence, and One Million Guitars — a program that provides stipends for guitar lessons and uniquely designed guitars for underprivileged kids around the world.  

A Conversation with Irwin Kula

January 16, 2019 14:00 - 32 minutes - 45 MB

This week, Jay Sanderson hosts media personality, author, innovator, and rabbi Irwin Kula, the co-president of Clal — the National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership.

A Conversation with Roni Saslove

January 09, 2019 14:00 - 34 minutes - 47.8 MB

Roni Saslove, the new face of Israeli wine, joins Jay Sanderson on this week’s episode of Jay’s 4 Questions to discuss mindful wine tasting, how wine triggers memories, and more! 

A Conversation with Rabbi Amy Bernstein

January 02, 2019 14:00 - 32 minutes - 44.4 MB

Rabbi Amy Bernstein, Senior Rabbi of Kehillat Israel in Pacific Palisades and the incoming Chair of the Southern California Board of Rabbis, joins Jay’s 4 Questions podcast to discuss her journey from Atlanta to Duluth to Southern California, why synagogues need to be more nimble, and how to access our spiritual best selves.

A Conversation with Suze Yalof Schwartz of Unplug Meditation

December 26, 2018 14:00 - 31 minutes - 43.2 MB

Founder & CEO of Unplug Meditation Suze Yalof Schwartz teaches Jay how to disconnect and unwind in this episode. She also shares mind-clearing and energy-raising techniques.

A Conversation with Isaac “Bougie” Herzog

December 19, 2018 14:00 - 31 minutes - 43.1 MB

This week’s guest is Isaac “Bougie” Herzog, the Chairman of the Executive of the Jewish Agency and descendant of Israeli royalty.

A Conversation with Chancellor Gene Block

December 12, 2018 14:00 - 29 minutes - 40.2 MB

This week’s guest is Gene Block, Chancellor of UCLA, ranked No. 13 “Best Global University” by U.S. News & World Report. Block talks science, research, and chancellor life.

A Conversation with Andrew Zimmern

December 05, 2018 14:00 - 37 minutes - 51.6 MB

TV personality, chef, and world explorer Andrew Zimmern joins Jay’s 4 Questions to talk about travel, spirituality, and the culinary scenes of L.A., Israel, and Minnesota. 

A Conversation with Gidi Grinstein

November 28, 2018 14:00 - 35 minutes - 48.9 MB

Gidi Grinstein, the founder of Reut Group and one of the Jewish world’s great thinkers and authors, joins Jay Sanderson to discuss the intersection between “Israeliness” and Jewishness — and how the world’s biggest problems are always opportunities.

A Conversation with Shelley Zalis

November 21, 2018 14:00 - 32 minutes - 44.2 MB

Shelley Zalis, the innovative powerhouse behind The Female Quotient and Girls’ Lounge, joins Jay’s 4 Questions to discuss bringing emotion to the boardroom and giving back.

A Conversation with Amy Ziering

November 14, 2018 14:00 - 33 minutes - 46.1 MB

This week, Jay speaks with Oscar®-nominated, Emmy®-winning, Peabody-winning documentary filmmaker Amy Ziering about her life, experiences, and films — The Invisible War, The Hunting Ground, and The Bleeding Edge.

A Conversation with Michael Solomonov – 50th Episode!

November 07, 2018 14:00 - 31 minutes - 43.7 MB

James Beard Award-Winning Best Chef Michael Solomonov joins Jay’s 4 Questions podcast to discuss his restaurants Zahav, Dizengoff, and Federal Donuts, his new cookbook Israeli Soul, tattoos and tefillin, and the intersection between Judaism and food.

A Conversation with Anat Hoffman

October 24, 2018 13:00 - 33 minutes - 45.5 MB

Anat Hoffman, outspoken and dynamic Israeli activist, joins Jay’s 4 Questions to talk about her passion for justice, why she fights for an Israel for all Jews, and her lifelong pursuit to make the best possible Kosher eggs benedict.

A Conversation with Ben Winston

October 17, 2018 13:00 - 39 minutes - 54.9 MB

This week’s guest is the incredibly talented producer/director Ben Winston from The Late Late Show with James Corden and Fulwell 73 Productions. Ben joins Jay’s 4 Questions to talk about his success in Hollywood, his deep Jewish roots, and Carpool Karaoke.

A Conversation with Richard Sandler

October 10, 2018 13:00 - 28 minutes - 40 MB

Richard Sandler, Chair of the Board of The Jewish Federations of North America, joins Jay Sanderson on Jay’s 4 Questions podcast to discuss the intersection between his family life, professional life, and life as a lay leader and philanthropist. He also shares the challenges and opportunities he has seen facing the Jewish community over the past years.

A Conversation with Rabbi Melissa Weintraub

October 03, 2018 13:00 - 33 minutes - 46.9 MB

Rabbi Melissa Weintraub, Co-Executive Director of Resetting the Table, joins Jays 4 Questions to discuss the blurred lines between religion and politics, the power and consequences of our voices, and the importance of dialogue.

A Conversation with Elon Gold

September 26, 2018 13:00 - 50 minutes - 69.5 MB

Comedian, writer, actor, and producer Elon Gold joins Jay’s 4 Questions to discuss his passion for comedy, his Judaism and the role it has played in his life and career, and his commitment to the community.

A Conversation with Rabbi Elazar Muskin

September 12, 2018 13:00 - 32 minutes - 44.4 MB

This week on Jay’s 4 Questions, host Jay Sanderson has a deep conversation with Rabbi Elazar Muskin, Senior Rabbi of Young Israel of Century City and the President of the Rabbinical Council of America. They talk about the power of inspiration and the importance of a 15-minute sermon.

A Conversation with Dr. Beth Karlan

September 05, 2018 13:00 - 34 minutes - 47.6 MB

On Jay’s 4 Questions, Dr. Beth Karlan, one of the leading gynecologic oncologists in America at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, talks about cancer, her research and work, the BFOR breast cancer gene mutation study, and the power of healing.

A Conversation with Carol Leifer

August 29, 2018 13:00 - 35 minutes - 48.8 MB

This week’s guest on Jay’s 4 Questions is comedian and writer Carol Leifer. From Catch a Rising Star to The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Jay Leno, to Seinfeld and to next season’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, Carol speaks with Jay about her professional experiences, her childhood and upbringing, and her deep commitment to her Jewishness and to The Jewish Federation.  

A Conversation with Bret Stephens

August 22, 2018 16:18 - 31 minutes - 43.8 MB

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Columnist Bret Stephens joins Jay for a thoughtful conversation about his journey from The Wall Street Journal to The Jerusalem Post, back to The Wall Street Journal, and finally to The New York Times today. They talk about his Jewish identity and his commitment to Israel, which began in Mexico City and has taken him around the world.

A Conversation with Eric Goldstein

August 15, 2018 15:00 - 32 minutes - 44.9 MB

This week on the podcast, Federation President & CEO Jay Sanderson talks to Eric Goldstein, CEO of UJA-Federation NYC, the Los Angeles Federation’s East Coast cousin. They speak about the role of the Federation today, the difficulties they face during challenging times, and what we need to do to bring our Jewish communities together.

A Conversation with Billy Harris

August 08, 2018 15:00 - 33 minutes - 46.5 MB

This week on Jay’s 4 Questions, host Jay Sanderson has a good old Hollywood chit-chat with Billy Harris, fundraiser extraordinaire, dinner host, and major food celebrity, about his journey from Brooklyn to Hollywood and beyond!

A Conversation with Uri D. Herscher

August 01, 2018 13:00 - 32 minutes - 44.4 MB

Uri D. Herscher, Founding President & CEO of the Skirball Cultural Center, joins Jay Sanderson on Jay’s 4 Questions to discuss identity, Jewish tradition, and the mission and role of the Skirball in creating a safe space for all.

A Conversation with Faye Kellerman

July 25, 2018 15:00 - 29 minutes - 40 MB

This week, host Jay Sanderson speaks with Faye Kellerman, one of America’s most beloved mystery writers. They discuss how her love for Judaism always accompanied her on her journey from dentistry to writing — and remains a fixture in her everyday life. She also shared that her keen listening skills and vivid imagination have played key roles in her long-term success!

A Conversation with Chef Alon Shaya

June 27, 2018 13:00 - 32 minutes - 44.6 MB

This week on Jay’s 4 Questions, James Beard Award-Winning Chef Alon Shaya joins Jay Sanderson for a lively conversation about how food led him on a journey of self-exploration and how cauliflower can be a “gateway drug.”

Guests

Andrew Zimmern
1 Episode
Eric Garcetti
1 Episode
Lori Gottlieb
1 Episode
Sharon Brous
1 Episode