613 Books Podcast

On this episode of “613 Books” Podcast, Producer-Host Heather Dean’s guest is Mitchell A. Silk, author of “A Seat at the Table: An Inside Account of Trump's Global Economic Revolution.” Mr. Silk served as assistant secretary for International Markets at the US Department of the Treasury and was the first Hassidic Jew to ever serve in a presidentially nominated and Senate-confirmed role.

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From his earliest beginnings as a dishwasher in a Chinese restaurant to his work in international law and finance, Mitchell A. Silk’s story illustrates how perseverance and divine providence led him to become the first Hassidic Jew ever confirmed by the Senate for a position in the US Federal government and a consequential leader in Trump’s Treasury. Mr. Silk is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, and he actively engages in pro bono work within the Jewish community.

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This is PART ONE of a two-episode interview. Next episode will be a deeper dive into Mitchell Silk’s foray into: the upper echelons of the US Department of the Treasury; formality and protocol with the Chinese delegation; and formulating the historic Abraham Accords!

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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

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Show notes:

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Featured author interview: Mitchell Silk, author of “A Seat at the Table: An Inside Account of Trump's Economic Revolution”

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To Purchase “A Seat at the Table” on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Seat-Table-Account-Economic-Revolution/dp/B0F318DTSH

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To Purchase “A Seat at the Table” through the publisher, Simon & Schuster: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/A-Seat-at-the-Table/Mitchell-A-Silk/9798895652268

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Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger

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Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.net/

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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

Author and Mishpacha magazine writer Barbara Bensoussan is featured on this encore episode of “613 Books” podcast, discussing her mystery, “Seven Blessings and a Murder.”

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This is a thrilling novel featuring a colorful assortment of family members from England, France, and the U.S. who converge in Jerusalem for the wedding. Some of the relatives are devoutly religious and some are casually traditional. Some are wealthy, and some are cash-strapped. Some have Moroccan family roots, some with Syrian roots. Despite the inevitable clashes of culture, the wedding goes off in picture-perfect style.

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And then, the unthinkable happens. A family member turns up dead, under suspicious circumstances. The celebration turns into a crime scene! Talk about ‘Whodunit!’

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SUBSCRIBE to 613 Books Podcast and discover new books every week!

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Show notes:

Featured Guest Interview: Barbara Bensoussan

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Featured Book: Seven Blessings and a Murder

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To Purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Blessings-Murder-Barbara-Bensoussan/dp/B0DGGBBHHY

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Contact Barbara through her website: https://barbarabensoussan.com/

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Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger

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Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.net/

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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

Author, Editor and Copywriter Sara Miriam Gross is the featured guest on this encore episode of “613 Books” Podcast, and we are talking about her terrific book, “Invisible Tribe.”

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It’s a collection of fictional stories that explore the tough, messy, and even funny situations that children who have lost a parent sometimes find themselves in. These distinctive stories span all seasons and holidays, helping readers reconnect with dusty, rusty feelings like peace and happiness.

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And the beautiful illustrations which accompany these stories enhance this book’s lively and memorable reading experience.

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Subscribe to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

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Show Notes:

This episode’s featured guest: Sara Miriam Gross

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Featured book: “Invisible Tribe”

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To order Invisible Tribe:

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https://menuchapublishers.com/products/invisible-tribe?_pos=1&_sid=e022ccf65&_ss=r

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For more details about Invisible Tribe & to receive a sample story or a book reviewer's copy:

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https://www.saramiriamgross.com/invisible-tribe/

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To contact the Sara Miriam Gross:

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To help sponsor the Hebrew edition:

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https://causematch.com/invisible_tribe

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For information about book ghostwriting and production services:

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www.blueoceanbooks.com

On this episode of “613 Books” Podcast, Producer-Host Heather Dean welcomes back Lesley Kaplan, a business strategy, branding and goal-achieving coach. Lesley has recently published a dynamic and instructive book called, “Power Talks with Women Entrepreneurs: A Collection of Inspiring Success Stories and Secrets from Women in Business."

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The wide-ranging discussion in this interview opens with an overview of the upcoming 4th Jerusalem Business Conference presented by Lesley Kaplan on November 19, 2025.

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The conversation continues with highlights and topics by some of the women entrepreneurs featured in Lesley’s book, as well as many essential lessons they learned which in turn may serve the entrepreneurial listeners of this podcast!

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With over three decades of expertise in sales, development, branding, marketing, product creation and running a product & service business, Lesley Kaplan has trained and coached hundreds of business owners & organizations worldwide to success.

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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

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Show Notes:

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Featured author interview: Lesley Kaplan author of “Power Talks with Women Entrepreneurs”

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For details and ticket purchases of The Fourth Jerusalem Business Conference on Wednesday, November 19th from 9:00 - 17:30.

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https://lesleykaplan.com/jerusalem-business-conference-2025/

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To Purchase “Power Talks with Women Entrepreneurs” on Amazon (Paperback or Kindle):

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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFT4YPS/

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Buy the book in Israel (Paperback):

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https://lesleykaplan.com/product/power-talks/

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Lesley’s website: https://lesleykaplan.com/

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To contact Lesley through her website: https://lesleykaplan.com/lesley-kaplan-contact/

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Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger

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Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.net/

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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

This episode of “613 Books” podcast, is PART 2 of producer/host Heather Dean’s interview with author and international speaker, Raquel Kirszenbaum about her new book, “Stop Hurting, Start Healing.”

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This is both a self-help book and memoir which takes readers on her dynamic quest from despair and difficulty to resilience and happiness.

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Raquel addresses many important lessons learned based on authentic Jewish wisdom including: how to process that feeling of being overwhelmed or burdened; society’s expectations on young women (including Raquel’s own recollections of others’ expectations for her in her youth); overcoming adversity; and forgiving others who may hurt us deeply.

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From the very first page, Raquel’s powerful guide envelopes us in a warm embrace, leading us through the transformative process of healing, forgiveness, compassion, and ultimately self-acceptance.

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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

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Show notes:

Featured Guest: Raquel Kirszenbaum

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Featured Book: Stop Hurting, Start Healing

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Link to Purchase this book: https://www.amazon.com/Hurting-Start-Healing-Raquel-Kirszenbaum/dp/1962522199

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Follow Raquel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raquelkirszenbaum/

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To Invite Raquel to speak to your community, school or organization: [email protected]

On this episode of “613 Books” podcast, producer/host Heather Dean interviews author and international speaker, Raquel Kirszenbaum about her book, “Stop Hurting, Start Healing.”

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This is both a self-help book and memoirs which takes readers on her dynamic quest from despair and difficulty to resilience and happiness. From the very first page, Raquel’s powerful guide envelopes us in a warm embrace, leading us through the transformative process of healing, forgiveness, compassion, and ultimately self-acceptance.

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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

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Show notes:

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Featured Guest: Raquel Kirszenbaum

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Featured Book: Stop Hurting, Start Healing

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Link to Purchase this book: https://www.amazon.com/Hurting-Start-Healing-Raquel-Kirszenbaum/dp/1962522199

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Follow Raquel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raquelkirszenbaum/

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To Invite Raquel to speak to your community, school or organization: [email protected]

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Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger

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Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.net/en/home/

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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

On this episode of “613 Books” podcast, producer Heather Dean interviews Rabbi Bentzion Kravitz, the Founder of Jews for Judaism. Rabbi Kravitz’s book, “Know What to Answer When Someone Challenges Your Faith.”

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In this interview, Rabbi Kravitz addresses several Tishrei-related topics from “Know What to Answer,” giving us much to ponder as we journey into the New Year.

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Jews for Judaism strengthens and preserves Jewish identity by responding to religious coercion, promoting critical thinking skills, and providing spiritual guidance and support.

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“Know What to Answer ...” helps readers tackle life’s toughest challenges to one’s faith with clarity, confidence, and wisdom. Rabbi Kravitz says this book is a guide to navigating critical issues such as missionary coercion, anti-Semitism, and intermarriage, all while reinforcing a strong sense of Jewish identity.

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Drawing from the weekly Torah portions, Rabbi Kravitz illuminates the timeless teachings of the Jewish Bible through thought-provoking insights and real-life stories. With a style that promotes critical thinking and authenticity, this book offers practical guidance to respond effectively to questions about faith and tradition.

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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

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Show notes:

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Featured Guest: Rabbi Bentzion Y. Kravitz

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Featured Book: “Know What to Answer When Someone Challenges Your Faith”

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To Purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Know+What+to+Answer%3A+When+Someone+Challenges+Your+Faith&i=stripbooks-intl-ship&crid=2LCSK5GMY7VH1&sprefix=%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C2586&ref=nb_sb_noss

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Visit Jews for Judaism Website: https://www.jewsforjudaism.org/

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Email Jews for Judaism: [email protected]

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Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger

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Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.net/en/home/

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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

This is Part 2 of “613 Books” podcast, producer Heather Dean’s interview with Chasidic scholar and educator, Rabbi Levi Shmotkin, author of “Letters for Life: Guidance for Emotional Wellness from the Lubavitcher Rebbe.”

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In the universal quest for coping with the inevitable challenges that threaten our peace of mind, and after years of studying the Rebbe’s vast correspondence, conducting interviews, and sifting through the archives, Rabbi Shmotkin writes about twelve themes on emotional wellness from the Rebbe’s counsel. They are clear, sensible, and sometimes surprising tools for building a strong and resilient self despite life’s setbacks.

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Drawing from 3,000 years of Jewish wisdom, the Lubavitcher Rebbe zt”l would firmly and lovingly advise each of them how to attain inner health, harmony, and wholeness. Through poignant excerpts from letters, compelling stories, and practical takeaways, Letters for Life makes the Rebbe’s wisdom accessible to all. It is an enlightening and enthralling read for any person seeking emotional equilibrium in an off-balanced world.

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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

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Show Notes:

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Featured Guest: Rabbi Levi Y. Shmotkin

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Featured Book: Letters for Life: Guidance for Emotional Wellness from the Lubavitcher Rebbe

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Purchase Link: Chabad.org/lettersforlife

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To Purchase in Israel: https://www.sifreiorhachaim.co.il/product/letters-for-life/

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To Purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Life-Guidance-Emotional-Lubavitcher/dp/0826690149

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Email Rabbi Shmotkin: [email protected]

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Visit the website: https://Lettersforlife.info

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Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger

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Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.net/en/home/

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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

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About the Lubavitcher Rebbe: The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory, is widely considered the most influential rabbi in modern history. His influence transcended sectarian and geographic borders, with people from all walks of life seeking his wisdom, comfort, and counsel. As the seventh leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, he personally mentored hundreds of thousands through meetings and correspondence. The Rebbe advised world leaders and influential figures including Robert F. Kennedy, Yitzchak Rabin, Menachem Begin, and Benjamin Netanyahu.

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For more information, visit: https://TheRebbe.org

On this episode of “613 Books” podcast, producer Heather Dean interviews Chasidic scholar and educator, Rabbi Levi Shmotkin, author of “Letters for Life: Guidance for Emotional Wellness from the Lubavitcher Rebbe.”

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In the universal quest for coping with the inevitable challenges that threaten our peace of mind, and after years of studying the Rebbe’s vast correspondence, conducting interviews, and sifting through the archives, Rabbi Shmotkin writes about twelve themes on emotional wellness from the Rebbe’s counsel. They are clear, sensible, and sometimes surprising tools for building a strong and resilient self despite life’s setbacks.

⠀

Drawing from 3,000 years of Jewish wisdom, the Lubavitcher Rebbe zt”l would firmly and lovingly advise each of them how to attain inner health, harmony, and wholeness. Through poignant excerpts from letters, compelling stories, and practical takeaways, Letters for Life makes the Rebbe’s wisdom accessible to all. It is an enlightening and enthralling read for any person seeking emotional equilibrium in an off-balanced world.

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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

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Show notes:

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Featured Guest: Rabbi Levi Y. Shmotkin

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Featured Book: Letters for Life: Guidance for Emotional Wellness from the Lubavitcher Rebbe

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Purchase Link: Chabad.org/lettersforlife

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To Purchase in Israel: https://www.sifreiorhachaim.co.il/product/letters-for-life/

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To Purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Life-Guidance-Emotional-Lubavitcher/dp/0826690149

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Email Rabbi Shmotkin: [email protected]

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Visit the website: Lettersforlife.info

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Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger

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Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.net/en/home/

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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

⠀

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About the Lubavitcher Rebbe: The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory, is widely considered the most influential rabbi in modern history. His influence transcended sectarian and geographic borders, with people from all walks of life seeking his wisdom, comfort, and counsel. As the seventh leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, he personally mentored hundreds of thousands through meetings and correspondence. The Rebbe advised world leaders and influential figures including Robert F. Kennedy, Yitzchak Rabin, Menachem Begin, and Benjamin Netanyahu.

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For more information, visit: https://TheRebbe.org

This episode of “613 Books” podcast is PART TWO of producer Heather Dean’s interview with Dr. Rivkah Lambert Adler, a writer, book reviewer and adult educator whose most recently-published book is called “Adrift Among the Nations: Between Christianity and Torah.”

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This is a book about leaving Jesus by Dr. Lambert Adler who is a journalist, an educator, and an Orthodox Jew. In this interview she speaks about writing this book specifically, and her many years of researching this topic in general. She speaks about what this book is, what it’s not, and for whom it’s written.

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Through stories of former Christians, “Adrift Among the Nations” presents a deeply personal look at the emotional, spiritual, intellectual, interpersonal and communal challenges many Christians face when they separate from Jesus.

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IMPORTANT: This book is not an argument for why a Christian should part from Jesus and it’s certainly not a call to convert to Judaism. Rather, it’s an intimate look at the process of rethinking everything one has been taught… and coming to a completely different conclusion.

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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

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Show Notes:

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Featured Guest: Dr. Rivkah Lambert Adler

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Featured Book: “Adrift Among The Nations: Between Christianity and Torah”

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Email Dr. Rivkah Lambert Adler: [email protected]

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Find Dr. Lambert Adler on Facebook: Rivkah Lambert Adler

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Link to purchase on Amazon: “Adrift Among The Nations: Between Christianity and Torah”: https://www.amazon.com/Adrift-Among-Nations-Between-Christianity/dp/0999378988

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Also mentioned on this podcast:

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(1) “Ten From The Nations: Torah Awakening Among Non-Jews”

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Link to purchase on Amazon:

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https://www.amazon.com/Ten-Nations-Torah-Awakening-Non-Jews/dp/0999378902/ref=sr_1_1?crid=377PJGIO08UPK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lWCNI_OEnm0mCOqnzeSuhQ.p6eY0vTR3aVeKXnrrQHElffpineVROHl39NSJqOf_3U&dib_tag=se&keywords=Ten+From+The+Nations%3A+Torah+Awakening+Among+Non-Jews&qid=1756122173&s=digital-text&sprefix=ten+from+the+nations+torah+awakening+among+non-jews+%2Cdigital-text%2C424&sr=1-1-catcorr

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(2) “Lighting Up The Nations: Jewish Responsibility Towards the Nations Today and in the Messianic Era”

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Link to purchase on Amazon:

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https://www.amazon.com/Lighting-Up-Nations-Responsibility-Messianic-ebook/dp/B0CW1PW8B7#

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Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger

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Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.net/en/home/

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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!