From Boca Raton, Florida, this is Behind the Bima. On this week’s episode, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Rabbi Philip Moskowitz, and Rabbi Josh Broide sit down with the extraordinary Zevi Samet—a dynamic yeshiva bachur and celebrated basketball star whose journey is as inspiring off the court as it is on. Zevi shares his unique story of balancing Torah learning with athletic excellence, revealing how every game-winning shot is a lesson in perseverance, faith, and self-motivation. Join us as we explore his transformative path, the sacrifices made in pursuit of excellence, and the powerful role of Torah in every facet of his life.

Plus, get the inside scoop on our groundbreaking new media center, a campus expansion that’s doubling our impact, and our record-breaking global charity matching campaign that raised $6 million in just 48 hours!

All this and more, Behind the Bima.

00:00 - Introduction
14:51 - Interview

From Boca Raton, Florida, this is Behind the Bima. On this week's episode, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg is joined by Rabbi Daniel Kalisch, the Menahel of the Mesivta of Waterbury.

Rabbi Kalish delves into the themes of community legacy, the impact of his father's dedication to Torah, and the importance of connection both within the community and in personal relationships.

He shares profound insights on maintaining moral integrity, the significance of friendship in marriage, and the transformative power of faith and personal connection. Plus, reflections on contemporary challenges and the role of the Jewish community in fostering unity and resilience. All this and more, Behind the Bima.

Can you join us as a Global Ambassador? We am looking for 250 members from our Global community to give or raise $1,800. You can pay it at one time or in installments. If you can commit to this, we have a special gift for you:

Give or help raise $1,800 and join us and the BRS Rabbis in New York, Israel or Florida for an exclusive celebratory dinner with an exclusive BRS giveaway.

If you can't be one of the 250 helping us with $1,800, please consider giving or raising $1,000 to be acknowledged as a global pillar in our newsletter or $360 to be entered into a raffle for two domestic flights to Florida to join our BRS community for a special Shabbos of Unity.

Can you be one of the 250 that we can count on?

It would be an enormous help towards our goal and realizing this dream of building our campus and building Klal Yisrael.

Donate here: https://donate.charidy.com/40987?team....

Create your own fundraising team here: https://view.charidy.com/new_team_pag....

From Boca Raton, Florida, this is Behind the Bima. In this week’s episode, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Josh Broide sit down with Rabbi Doron Perez—a dedicated father, compassionate leader, and a unifying force for our Jewish community. Known for his steadfast role as executive chairman of the Mizrahi World Movement, Rabbi Doron opens his heart about the unimaginable pain of losing his beloved son, and yet, the deep resilience that has carried him forward.

In this intimate conversation, Rabbi Doron shares how he has navigated the painful duality of grief and hope—balancing personal loss with his public mission of bridge-building and unity. He reveals how his journey has inspired him to reach across divides, fostering connection and healing within a community often challenged by discord.

Join us as we delve into Rabbi Doron Perez’s reflections on loss, leadership, and the power of togetherness, and learn how one man’s strength is lighting the way for a more united future. All this and more, behind the bima.

From Boca Raton, Florida, this is Behind the Bima! This week, prepare for a powerful father-and-son duo who’ve made an indelible mark on both the Jewish community and the broader cultural landscape. Join Rabbi Efrem Goldberg as he sits down with the one and only Ben Shapiro and his father, David Shapiro, in an intimate, heartfelt conversation that explores everything from Ben’s path into political commentary to the profound impact of David’s musical genius on his son’s life and career.

They’ll take us behind the scenes of their remarkable collaboration on the new musical “We Will Rise,” a stirring production spotlighting the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising that moved Israeli audiences to tears and ignited renewed hope in challenging times. Discover how a shared love of learning, faith, and the power of music forged an unbreakable bond between father and son—and glean parenting insights from David on raising a child who not only sits at your side in synagogue, but partners with you on grand creative endeavors.

All this and more, Behind the Bima.

From Boca Raton, Florida, this is Behind the Bima. On this week's episode, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Josh Broide are joined by Rabbi Chaim Wolfson, Co-Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Hahesder Yerucham.

Rabbi Wolfson shares the brave and emotional journey of his yeshiva over the past year and a half, focusing on the sacrifices made by students on the frontlines defending Am Israel. He discusses the shift from traditional Torah study to providing spiritual support for students in combat and the vital role of faith and education during these challenging times. This episode also explores the complexities of the recent ceasefire, the ongoing support from the global Jewish community, and the profound impact of keeping the Torah flame burning amidst adversity. All this and more, Behind the Bima.

Show Notes:
For more information about Yeshivat HaHesder Yerucham and its programs, visit their official website: https://yhyh.co.il/en/home_eng/

To read more about the sacrifices of the yeshiva’s students, see this article: https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ryts7wr11jg

Learn more about Rabbi Chaim Wolfson and his leadership at the yeshiva here: https://yhyh.co.il/en/about-us/

This episode offers a moving tribute to the resilience and dedication of Yeshivat HaHesder Yerucham and its community.

From Boca Raton, Florida, this is Behind the Bima.

On this week's episode, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg is joined by Rabbi Yaakov Klein, a respected author, musician, and lecturer. Recognized for his dedication to sharing the inner light of Torah and Chassidic wisdom, Rabbi Klein discusses his journey and the transformative power of spiritual growth.

He delves into the importance of integrating music in one’s spiritual life, and shares insights on how modern Jews can connect deeply to their heritage. Plus, reflections on his role as the founding director of the Lost Princess Initiative and his latest endeavors with Jewish Futures. All this and more, Behind the Bima.

Show notes:
🔹 Rabbi Yaakov Klein’s Work
Rabbi Yaakov Klein is a renowned author, musician, and lecturer dedicated to sharing the depth of Torah and Chassidic wisdom.

🔹 The Lost Princess Initiative
An organization focused on inspiring spiritual growth through the teachings of Chassidus and the writings of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov.
🌍 Visit: https://lpitorah.org/
🔹 Jewish Futures
Rabbi Klein’s latest endeavor, aiming to shape the future of Jewish education and inspiration.
🌍 Visit: https://www.jfutures.org/

🔹 Follow Rabbi Yaakov Klein Online
Stay updated on his teachings, writings, and music.
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yaakov.klein.370/
🎵 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/49z3aabe

Rabbi David Aaron is a renowned spiritual educator, author, and speaker dedicated to sharing profound Torah wisdom. He is the founder and dean of Isralight, an international organization committed to inspiring a renaissance in Jewish life. Additionally, Rabbi Aaron serves as the Rosh Yeshiva of Orayta, a dynamic yeshiva located in the Old City of Jerusalem, offering transformative learning experiences for young men.

For more information and resources, you can visit the following websites:

• Rabbi David Aaron’s Official Website: https://www.rabbidavidaaron.com
• Isralight: https://www.isralight.org
• Orayta: https://www.orayta.org

00:00 - Introduction
12:17 - Interview

From Boca Raton, Florida, This is Behind the Bima. On this week's episode, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg is joined by Rabbi Elchonon Zohn, Founder and President of the National Association of Chevra Kadisha and Director of the Chevra Kadisha of the Vaad Harabonim of Queens.

Rabbi Zohn discusses the challenges and responsibilities of his role and explains why respecting the dead is a cornerstone of Jewish beliefs. Rabbi Zohn also addresses contemporary issues such as cremation, the importance of proper burial, and the need for communal support in these matters.

He provides insights into how communities can improve their burial practices and the significance of maintaining dignity and respect for those who have passed away. All this and more, Behind the Bima.

Notes:
endcremation.org
lastkindness.org

00:00 - Interview

From Boca Raton, Florida, this is Behind the Bima. On this week's episode, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Rabbi Philip Moskowitz and Rabbi Josh Broide are joined by Danny Limor, a legendary Mossad operative.

They delve into Danny's exceptional career, exploring his diverse missions, such as bringing Ethiopian Jews to Israel and undercover operations in hostile territories. Danny discusses the moral dilemmas faced in intelligence work, the importance of staying true to one's identity, and the evolving presence of religious Jews within the Mossad. The conversation also touches on Limor's recent work with emerging Jewish communities around the world.

Plus - one of the hosts has launched a new podcast.

All this and more, Behind the Bima.

00:00 - Introduction
11:49 - Interview

From Boca Raton, Florida, this is Behind the Bima. On this week's episode, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg is joined by Rabbi Judah Mischel, a passionate advocate for unity and resilience within the Jewish community.

Rav Judah is Executive Director of Camp HASC, the Hebrew Academy for Special Children. He is the Mashpiah of OU-NCSY, founder of Tzama Nafshi and the author of Baderech: Along the Path of Teshuva.

Known for his inspiring perspectives and heartfelt storytelling, he addresses the current challenges facing the Jewish world, reflects on personal experiences and broader communal narratives, and emphasizes the potential for growth and transformation even during times of crisis.

Plus, discussions of the elections (apolitical of course!) - all this and more, Behind the Bima.

00:00 - Introduction
7:08 - Interview