This is the first of our "mini-series" on the High Holy Days!

This episode features Senior Rabbi Aaron Bisno from Rodef Shalom Congregation in Pittsburgh, PA. Rabbi Bisno talks a little bit about Rosh Hashanah, what the holiday means from a historical Jewish context, and what it means for us now in the year 2021 (or 5782!). Rabbi Bisno also chats about the theme for the High Holy Days this year at Rodef Shalom, "Re: Turn," and what this year has him reflecting on. 

For more information on upcoming High Holy Day services, be sure to check out www.rodefshalom.org.

This was a big one for me! I was fortunate enough to spend some time with USA and World Rugby legend Dallen Stanford! 

Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Dallen relocated to the United States in the early 2000's. He then gained citizenship and went out to represent the USA in World Rugby Sevens from 2007 - 2009. After finishing his international career, Dallen was asked to captain the United States Rugby Team in the 2013 World Maccabiah Games in Israel (often referred to as "The Jewish Olympics), where they won a gold medal in Sevens and a bronze medal in 15s!

Dallen currently works as a lead commentator for World Rugby, having been one the lead English commentator for the Rugby World Cup in 2019, the third largest sports tournament in the world. He is also a regular on the World Rugby Sevens Series and Major League Rugby. He has also received multiple awards and recognitions for his efforts to grow rugby in the United States at the grass roots level. 

If you would like more information on Dallen's work with Play Rugby USA, you can check out their website at https://playrugbyusa.org/. Dallen also has his own podcast that you can find wherever you consume your podcasts, titled "The Rugby Hive."

A special thank you to Dallen for taking the time and answering a random email from a fan!

Anne Malloy joins this episode as a guest as she discusses her experiences with the World Union for Progressive Judaism. Anne has been a member of Rodef Shalom for over 30 years, serving in various roles, including President and Temple Librarian. We discuss her work with the World Union in the former Soviet Union, and why this type of work is so meaningful to her.

Be sure to check out the World Union website (https://wupj.org/) to help support this important work.

This episode's Mensch is Cantor Julie Newman, Founder of Tiferet, which focuses on providing various programming opportunities centered around Jewish mindfulness and reflective practice. For more information, I would highly encourage you to check out their website, https://tiferetproject.org, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ChavShir/

I had a chance to visit with Yael Eads, who is the Youth Director at Rodef Shalom for this episode! Yael oversees all of the youth group planning grades K-12. For more information, you can either check out the website (https://www.rodefshalom.org/youth-group) or contact Yael directly at [email protected]. 

This episode features Susan Friedberg Kalson as our mensch! Susan is the CEO of Squirrel Hill Health Center and the Chair of the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism. We discuss her experiences and the mission of the Squirrel Hill Health Center, advocacy iniatives with the URJ and RAC, and how you can help be a voice for social change.

For more information, check out the following websites:

squirrelhillhealthcenter.org

RAC.org

URJ.org

15 Minutes is back this week with Becca Hurowitz, President and CEO of Vibe Israel USA! We talk about Vibe Israel's mission and vision to help grow awareness and connections to Israel, and what it means to leverage social media with the younger generation. For more information about Vibe Israel, check out their website at https://vibeisrael.com/

Like 15 Minutes with a Mensch? Have other ideas for content or topics to discuss? Know anyone who would be an interesting guest? Be sure to connect with us via email at [email protected]!

This episode's mensch is David Goldstein, a composer of sacred choral and chant music. David leads a Tikkun Chant Circle, which is a form of Hebrew repetition focused on a specific intention. After experiencing one of David's Tikkun Chant Circles myself, we talk about the experience and the planning that goes into such an event. We also chat about the benefits of chanting and how it can be incorporated into someone's spiritual routine. For more information about David, or for upcoming dates for Tikkun Chant Circles, visit https://hebrewchant.wordpress.com/

This episode features Donna Coufal, current President of Dor Hadash Congregation, in Pittsburgh, PA. Dor Hadash is part of the Reconstructing Judaism movement, so we dive into what that actually entails. We talk about being a member-led congregation, and how that can be both advantageous and provide challenges. If you are interested in learning more about Dor Hadash, go to www.dorhadash.net.

Bob Rosenthal previews his upcoming lecture on the history and oddities of the Rodef Shalom Congregation building! He gives us his own version of the Four Questions, as well as a sneak peak of his upcoming presentation on April 20th! Be sure to mark your calendars to join us! More information can be found at https://www.rodefshalom.org/jewish-history-series.