Jews You Should Know
289 episodes - English - Latest episode: 22 days ago - ★★★★★ - 102 ratingsWelcome to Jews You Should Know, introducing the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.
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Episodes
{TBT REBROADCAST} Episode 7 - The Sabbath-Observant Senator: A Conversation with Joe Lieberman, z"l
March 28, 2024 18:41 - 36 minutes - 82.7 MBWe are saddened to hear of the passing of Joseph Lieberman, z'l, a great American patriot, and even greater member of the Jewish People. We interviewed Senator Lieberman in 2017, in one of our first episodes ever in this podcast. In tribute to his extraordinary life, we present this #TBT rebroadcast from the archives. May his memory be for a blessing!! ------------------ ABOUT THIS EPISODE Longtime Senator Joe Lieberman is one of the nation's most accomplished politicians, and also one...
Episode 204 - The Yiddish Scholar, Political Observer and Consummate Professor: A Conversation with Ruth Wisse
March 03, 2024 14:10 - 1 hour - 68.9 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Ruth Wisse is one of the great modern scholars of Yiddish literature. A distinguished career at McGill and Harvard Universities has now led to her current engagement with Tikvah, a Jewish-conservative think tank and educational outfit. Professor Wisse has authored many books, and written widely on political affairs in addition to her native areas of scholarly expertise. Her extensive ouvre can be reviewed here: https://harvard.academia.edu/RuthRWisse ---------------...
Episode 203 - The Faces of Orthodoxy and DMC Podcast Host: A Conversation with Alexandra Fleksher
February 06, 2024 16:26 - 1 hour - 64.7 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Alexandra ("Alex") Fleksher is a multi-talented content creator and Jewish "influencer" in contemporary culture. She is the founder and creative director of the "Faces of Orthodoxy" Instagram (and other social media) presense: Along with co-host Rivki Silver, Alex also hosts the Deep Meaningful Conversations (DMC) podcast, covering topics of interest to observant (and all) Jewish women. Alex also writes for Mishpacha magazine, is an educator, and boasts a fascinati...
Episode 202 - The Journaler: A Conversation with Merle Saferstein
December 19, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 50.9 MBMerle Saferstein is a longtime educator with an expertise in Holocaust studies. In her early thirties, she discovered the cathartic pleasure of journaling, and in nearly 50 years since, has filled over 380 notebooks (!) with her chronciles and musings. Already a published author, Merle eventually decided to excerpt many of these journals and present them to the public, as part of her legacy journaling project. Visit Merle's website to read more about her work, and to purchase any of her ...
#TBT (Ep. 62 Re-Release): The Salad Trail (Bordering Gaza) Founder - A Conversation With Uri Alon
December 14, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 52.5 MBUri Alon is a pioneering farmer and lover of the land of Israel. Like so many in the South, on 10/7/23 he suffered many personal losses. He also is unable currently to welcome guests to The Salad Trail, an oasis of beauty and Israeli ingenuity in the depths of the desert. The farm requires support - both financial and physical - during this difficult time. Please consider donating to Uri's fund by purchasing future tickets, dedicating rows of produce or other options listed on his website.
#TBT (Ep. 145 Re-release): The Renewal (Kidney Donation) Founder - A Conversation with Mendy Reiner
November 23, 2023 10:00 - 49 minutes - 40 MBIn honor of host Ari Koretzky's recent kidney donation, we are re-releasing this "blast from the past" episode, #145, from February of 2021, featuring Renewal founder Mendy Reiner. Renewal is a premier facilitator of live donor kidney transplants within the North American Jewish community, supporting both prospective donor and recipient along this amazing, life-altering journey. Please consider funding their work or, better yet, whether kidney donation might be worth exploring at the right...
Episode 201 - Sharon Koifman: The Israel Activists Founder
November 13, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 56.9 MBSharon Koifman is a business owner - founder of Distant Job - and expert on remote hiring. He is also an extremely passionate advocate for Israel, integrating cutting edge AI tools and the science of persuasion to craft a new model of making the case for the Jewish Homeland. Sharon's venture, Israel Activists, is poised to reshape the way young Jews and non-Jews alike debate Zionism and Jewish People's indigenous presence in the Holy Land.
CROSSOVER EPISODE: The State of College Campuses - Ari Koretzky with Avreml Kivelevitz on the "On Principle" Podcast
November 05, 2023 15:42 - 39 minutes - 23.6 MBEnjoy this special bonus CROSSOVER episode - Ari Koretzky's appearance on the "On Principle" podcast, part of the IDT podcast network.
Episode 200 (!!) - THE HOST - 200th Episode Special: Dovid Bashevkin interviews Ari Koretzky About JYSK and the State of Jewish Podcasting
September 28, 2023 15:58 - 1 hour - 60.5 MBWelcome to a special 200th episode of Jews You Should Know. After a long summer hiatus, host Ari Koretzky returns, but in a different role, as the guest, interviewed by 18Forty podcaster extraordinaire Rabbi Dr. Dovid Bashevkin. We cover a variety of topics, including the interview process and goals for the podcast. But most vitally, we take a critical look at Jews You Should Know itself, thinking together about where it’s been and where it’s going. Along the way we also address the state ...
Episode 199 - The Yeshiva University President: A Conversation with Ari Berman
May 11, 2023 23:04 - 1 hour - 57.9 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman has been a longtime scholar, pulpit rabbi and Jewish communal leader. In his latest role, as President of Yeshiva University, he is guiding this flagship bastion of higher learning into a bold and dynamic future, by building on the values and personalities of our illustrious past. -------------------- ABOUT THIS PODCAST Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in...
Episode 198 - The Basketball Pro & Holocaust Author: A Conversation with Dan Grunfeld
April 19, 2023 20:15 - 58 minutes - 47.2 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Dan Grunfeld is a former professional basketball player and author of the book "By the Grace of the Game: The Holocaust, a Basketball Legacy, and an Unprecedented American Dream." We discuss Dan's father, Ernie Grunfeld, and legendary career as a player and executive, as well as his family's Holocaust story. LINKS: Dan's website: https://www.dangrunfeld.com/ Amazon book link: https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Game-Holocaust-Basketball-Unprecedented/dp/1629379220 FOL...
Episode 197 - The Author of "Why G-d Why: How to Believe in Heaven When it Hurts Like Hell": A Conversation with Gershon Schusterman
April 05, 2023 13:11 - 1 hour - 50 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Rabbi Gershon Schusterman was a young Chabad shaliach (emissary) in his late 30's, running a school in California, when his wife tragically passed away, leaving behind 11 orphans. Decades later, he has written a book addressing the topics of loss and grief from a traditional Jewish perspective, called "Why G-d Why: How to Believe in Heaven When it Hurts Like Hell." Amazon book link: https://www.amazon.com/Why-God-Believe-Heaven-Hurts-ebook/dp/B0BHQFPYXT -------------...
Episode 196 - The Plastic Surgeon, Persian Jew, Podcaster, Influencer, Israel Advocate: A Conversation with Sheila Nazarian
March 20, 2023 14:38 - 53 minutes - 43 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Dr. Sheila Nazarian is a board-certied plastic surgeon residing in Los Angeles, CA. In this wide-ranging conversation, we cover her family's daring escape from post-Revolution Iran, her celebrated medical career, her starring in a popular Netflix series ("Skin Decision: Before and After"), her social media Israel advocacy, her forthcoming memoir, and more! LINKS Dr. Nazarian's full "link tree": https://linktr.ee/drsheilanazarian Netflix "Skin Decision: Before and...
Episode 195 - The Rose Grows Chief Empowerment Officer (CEO): A Conversation with Rayna Rose Exelbierd
February 02, 2023 16:34 - 1 hour - 50.2 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Rayna Rose Exelbierd is a motivational speaker, author and founder and CEO of "The Rose Grows." Her infectious enthusiasm insires young women and all who absorb her message. LINKS The Rose Grows: https://www.therosegrows.com/ The Girl Who Said Hello to Everyone (book): https://thegirlwhosaidhellotoeveryone.com/ -------------------- ABOUT THIS PODCAST Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a ...
Episode 194 - The Daily Giving Founder: A Conversation with Jonathan Donath
January 09, 2023 02:40 - 58 minutes - 47 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Jonathan Donath is a renowned chiropractor by day, but in his "spare time" founded DailyGiving.org, an incredible organization that collects $1 a day from thousands of people worldwide, and distributes them each day to a different vetted charity. Link: DailyGiving.org -------------------- ABOUT THIS PODCAST Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already fam...
Episode 193 - The Chassidic Geneology Expert: A Conversation with Asher Halberstam
December 23, 2022 19:05 - 1 hour - 52.3 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Asher Halberstam, scion of a dynastic chassidic family, has become a go-to expert in genealogy, making it both accessible and beautiful, to the Jewish and broader communities. Learn about his personal story, and his precious mission, on this episode! LINK: Treemily.com -------------------- ABOUT THIS PODCAST Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already fa...
Episode 192 - The TikTok Executive & Author of "What Would You Do If You Weren't Afraid"
December 09, 2022 00:59 - 37 minutes - 29 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Michal Oshman is a longtime tech executive specializing in leadership development and inclusion initiatives. Her that work, and her personal life experience, she dealt extensively with issues of anxiety and personal performance. Michal's new book, "What Would You Do If You Weren't Afraid," employs Jewish wisdom to tackle this pervasive challenge in today's society. LINKS Michal's book: https://www.amazon.com/What-Would-You-Werent-Afraid/dp/0744029104 Her Podcast: h...
Episode 191 - The Orthodox Demographer: A Conversation with Mark Trencher
November 22, 2022 10:00 - 55 minutes - 44.2 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Mark Trencher, a retired corporate strategist who spent decades studying data, founded Nishma to provide the Jewish community with high-quality, empirical feedback. Through comprehensive surveys, he has furnished community leaders and stakeholders with a firm basis upon which to execute meaningful change. Mark himself is a Jewish community leader, father and grandfather, for whom this objective information-gathering is highly personal. He is also host of the Orthonomics ...
Episode 190 - The Women's Education Pioneer and Mother of Rav Eitam H"yd: A Conversation with Rabbanit Chana Henkin
November 02, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 58.3 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Rabbanit Chana Henkin is a pioneer in women's Jewish education, founder of Nishmat and progenitor of the Yoa'tzot Halahca program. She is also the mother of Rav Eitam Henkin, H"yd, who along with his wife Naama was murdered by terrorists on Succot of 2015/5776. Rav Eitam was an exceptional scholar whose literary output by his death at 31 already was prodigious. Posthomously, the family has published a great deal more of his breathtaking work, including a recently transl...
Episode 189 - The Rabbi, Historian, and Restorer of Jewish-American Military Graves: A Conversation with R' Dr. Jacob J. Schacter
October 21, 2022 03:03 - 1 hour - 53.6 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter is an iconic rabbi, historian, author and most recently, founder of Operation Benjamin, aimed at restoring gravesites of mislabeled Jewish American service-members killed in WWII. Learn more about his work, both current and past: Operation Benjamin: https://www.operationbenjamin.org/ Torah U'Madda Journal Archives: https://www.jstor.org/journal/toraumaddj -------------------- ABOUT THIS PODCAST Jews You Should Know introduces the b...
Episode 188 - The Venezuelan Jewish Community President: A Conversation with Enrique Sultan
October 09, 2022 14:02 - 43 minutes - 34.7 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Enrique Sultan is the president of the Venezuelan Sephardic Jewish community. In this interview, we learn all about his background, and the rich Jewish heritage of this struggling-but-proud South American country. -------------------- ABOUT THIS PODCAST Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know. ...
Episode 187 - The Modern Orthodox "Kiruv" (Outreach) Specialist: A Conversation with R' Mark Wildes
September 30, 2022 04:04 - 1 hour - 65.3 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Mark Wildes was well on his way to joining his father, a renowned immigration attorney, when he found his life's calling: reaching out to unaffiliated young professional Jews in Manhattan, and innovating for decades in the outreach space. Unique as a proudly Modern Orthodox practitioner, Rabbi Wildes offers a different perspective, which we discuss and evaluate in this episode. We also speak about his new "40 day challenge" - the subject of his latest book - and his ot...
Episode 186 - The Deep Chronicler of Israeli Life: A Conversation with Matti Friedman
September 05, 2022 21:22 - 53 minutes - 43.1 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Matti Friedman went to Israel "for a year" at age 17, and never left. His subsequent writing in the three decades since has been breathtaking in its prose and penetrating in its analysis of Jewish and Israeli life. With a penchant for unearthing the unsung story - those "marginal" tales with broad implications - he has authored four books and dozens of long-form articles in The Atlantic, Tablet and many other prestigious forums. Matti's latest work, Who By Fire, chroni...
Episode 185 - The Abraham Accords Architect: A Conversation with Jason Greenblatt
July 26, 2022 09:00 - 57 minutes - 32 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Jason Greenblatt is an attorney by trade, but during the Trump presidency found himself at the center of the most momentous foreign policy revolution in recent history. As the Middle East Envoy, Greenblatt helped architect the Abraham Accords, ushering in monumental change to a notoriously complex region. Along the way, Greenblatt expressed his strong Jewish faith in all of his travels. MEDIA & LINKS: Order Jason Greenblatt's acclaimed new book, "In the Path of Abr...
Torah You Should Know 73 - Parshat Shelach: Empty Tears & Full Perspective
June 24, 2022 15:50 - 3 minutes - 2.03 MBTimely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.
Torah You Should Know 72 - Parshat B'haalotcha: On Graduations and Second Chances
June 17, 2022 15:08 - 3 minutes - 2.6 MBTimely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.
Torah You Should Know 71 - Parshat Nasso: A Message to My Daughter at Her Bat Mitzvah
June 10, 2022 16:37 - 4 minutes - 2.9 MBTimely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.
Torah You Should Know 70 - Shavuot: Our connection can never be shattered!
June 03, 2022 14:49 - 3 minutes - 2.49 MBTimely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.
The "American Birthright" Producer and Star: A Conversation with Becky Tahel
June 02, 2022 09:00 - 52 minutes - 30.4 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Becky Tahel grew up in a traditional American-Israeli home. But her sister’s relationship with, and eventual marriage to, a non-Jewish man precipitated a years-long journey to understand her faith, the role of love in Jewish life and ultimately herself. Becky captured her odyssey in a new documentary, “American Birthright,” which follows her travels around the world, and deep within. -------------------- ABOUT THIS PODCAST Jews You Should Know introduces the broade...
The Former Goldman Sachs CTO, Communal Activist, and Son of a Legend: A Conversation with Elisha Wiesel
May 15, 2022 15:38 - 54 minutes - 36.1 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Elisha Wiesel is not just the only son of legendary Holocaust Survivor Eli Wiesel, but a remarkable individual in his own right. Elisha was a long-time executive at Goldman Sachs, concluding his tenure there as Chief Technology Officer. All throughout, he has also been engaged in many aspects of communal life. In this episode, Elisha shares honestly about his own circuitous Jewish journey, growing up in the “shadow” of world-renowned figures, and his efforts to unify t...
Torah You Should Know 69 - Emor: A Full but Fractured Heart
May 13, 2022 14:10 - 3 minutes - 2.55 MBTimely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.
Torah You Should Know 68 - Kedoshim: The Angel's in the Details
May 06, 2022 18:57 - 2 minutes - 1.99 MBTimely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.
Episode 182 - The Champions of At-Risk Youth...and Work At It Founders: A Conversation with Yael Wedek & Rivka Ariel {OU Impact Mini-Series 4/4}
May 04, 2022 16:00 - 50 minutes - 33.8 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE From the https://www.workatit.org website: "Many young people struggle to know who they are, what they’re good at, and where they fit in. Work At It takes the time to uncover your hidden talents, strengths, and confidence." Founders Yael Wedek and Rivka Ariel help participants do so through a combination of one-on-one consultations, skills & interest assessments, post-employment support & coaching, and more! -------------------- ABOUT THIS PODCAST Jews You Shoul...
Episode 181 - The Orthodox Champion of the Arts...and ATARA Founder: A Conversation with Miriam Leah Gamliel {OU Impact Mini-Series 3/4}
April 21, 2022 18:24 - 1 hour - 40.1 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Miriam Leah Gamliel has traveled a long journey as a young conservative girl with a passion for the performing arts, to an adult champion of these opportunities for women and girls in the Orthodox community. Learn about her personal journey, and what she is doing to change the face of female song, dance and more throughout the Jewish world. -------------------- ABOUT THIS PODCAST Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring...
Torah You Should Know 67 - Pesach: Can Our World Really Change?
April 15, 2022 16:04 - 4 minutes - 2.86 MBTimely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.
Torah You Should Know 66 - Parshat Metzora: Words Can Destroy...or Transform
April 08, 2022 13:05 - 2 minutes - 2.13 MBTimely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.
Episode 180 - The Tefilla (Prayer) Trailblazer: A Conversation with Tamar Nusbaum
April 03, 2022 17:57 - 1 hour - 35.5 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Tamar Nusbaum had been a longtime educator and curriculum expert when she was tapped to formulate a new educational module for tefilla - Jewish prayer. She tackled this challenge deftly, founding Ani Tefilla, now functioning in a wide range of Jewish schools. Her revolutionary “Stop. Think. Feel.” approach is reshaping the face of tefilla, a notoriously challenging religious activity, for scores of young students. -------------------- ABOUT THIS PODCAST Jews You Sh...
Episode 180 - The Tefilla (Prayer) Trailblazer: A Conversation with Tamar Nusbaum {OU Impact Mini-Series 2/4}
April 03, 2022 17:57 - 1 hour - 35.5 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Tamar Nusbaum had been a longtime educator and curriculum expert when she was tapped to formulate a new educational module for tefilla - Jewish prayer. She tackled this challenge deftly, founding Ani Tefilla, now functioning in a wide range of Jewish schools. Her revolutionary “Stop. Think. Feel.” approach is reshaping the face of tefilla, a notoriously challenging religious activity, for scores of young students. -------------------- ABOUT THIS PODCAST Jews You Sh...
Torah You Should Know 65 - Parshat Tazria: Life Lessons from a Bout of COVID
April 01, 2022 18:45 - 3 minutes - 2.78 MBTimely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.
Torah You Should Know 64 - Parshat Shmini: The Astounding Poetry of Rav Chaim's Legacy
March 25, 2022 16:10 - 3 minutes - 2.78 MBTimely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.
Episode 179 - The OU Impact Accelerator Director: A Conversation with Jenna Beltser {OU Impact Mini-Series 1/4}
March 22, 2022 02:38 - 1 hour - 30.4 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE We inaugurate a new special 4-part mini-series on the Orthodox Union (OU) Impact Accelerator with an introductory episode featuring director Jenna Beltser. Jenna shares her fascinating personal background - featuring stints at UPenn, Goldman Sachs, and various startups, before joining the OU - as well as her return to Jewish observance. In this episode we explore the origins and goals of the OU Impact Accelerator, setting the stage for three forthcoming episodes with s...
Torah You Should Know 63 - Parshat Tzav & Purim: Powerful Purim, Putrid Putin, and a Painful Loss for the Jewish People
March 18, 2022 17:42 - 5 minutes - 2.89 MBTimely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.
Episode 178 - The Tablet Editor and "Unorthodox" Podcast Host: A Conversation with Liel Leibovitz
March 07, 2022 22:10 - 59 minutes - 54.1 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Liel Leibovitz is a man of many hats: author of several books, ranging from “The Newish Jewish Encyclopedia,” to biographies of Stan Lee and Leonard Cohen; podcaster, video game scholar; the list goes on. A senior writer for “Tablet” magazine, he also co-hosts “Unorthodox,” the “World’s Leading Jewish Podcast”. Liel was born in Israel, and has lived in the United States since 1999. Join him and host Ari Koretzky for a fascinating and thought provoking discussion on top...
Torah You Should Know 62 - Parshat Pekudei: Every Morsel Matters...Standing with Ukraine!
March 04, 2022 12:52 - 3 minutes - 2.49 MBTimely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.
Episode 177 - The Boca Rabbi and National Leader: A (SPECIAL LIVE COMMUNITY) Conversation with R' Efrem Goldberg
February 22, 2022 22:24 - 1 hour - 72.6 MBOn Saturday night, Feb. 19th, 2022, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, head rabbi of Boca Raton Synagogue and a prominent national rabbinic figure, sat down with JYSK host Rabbi Ari Koretzky for a conversation about critical personal and communal issues. We now release this important exchange - lightly edited - as a special banner episode.
Torah You Should Know 61 - Parshat Ki Tisa: Value Yourself!
February 18, 2022 03:07 - 4 minutes - 2.92 MBTimely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.
Episode 176 - The "Kosher Cop": A Conversation with Steve Riback
February 14, 2022 22:28 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MBABOUT THIS EPISODE Steve Riback, a.k.a. the “Kosher Cop,” is a lieutenant in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Follow his journey, as his career path evolves from studying to be an educator, to working in a variety of different roles in a 24-year tenure in the police department. While his professional future came into focus, Steve also found the yearning to deepen his Jewish roots. He and Ari discuss the challenges of bringing the face of Orthodox Judaism to a highly visible...
Torah You Should Know 60 - Parshat Tetzaveh: The Spark Within
February 11, 2022 03:21 - 2 minutes - 2.09 MBTimely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.