Behind the Bima

Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has been Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth since 1st September 2013. Formerly Chief Rabbi of Ireland, Rabbi Mirvis was Senior Rabbi of Kinloss Synagogue in Finchley from 1996-2013. 

00:00 - Intro 
13:38 - Interview 
57:30 - Outro 

Rabbi Efrem Goldberg: Rabbi, Boca Raton Synagogue (BRS). 
Rabbi Philip Moskowitz: Associate Rabbi, BRS. 
Rabbi Josh Broide: Outreach Rabbi, BRS.

In this episode, our esteemed hosts, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Josh Broide, engage in a riveting conversation with Ze'ev Orenstein, the Director for International Affairs at the City of David Foundation.

Ze'ev Orenstein is a well-known figure in the realm of international affairs, known for his extensive work with the City of David Foundation (https://cityofdavid.org.il/en/). His insights and experiences provide a unique perspective on the intersection of history, archaeology, and the modern city of Jerusalem.

Join us as we delve into a discussion about the significance of the City of David, its historical and contemporary relevance, and the role it plays in the cultural and spiritual identity of the Jewish people. We also explore Ze'ev's journey, his passion for his work, and the challenges and triumphs he has encountered along the way.

Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that bridges the past, present, and future of one of the world's most historic cities.

Remember to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of Behind the Bima.

Stay tuned and keep learning!

00:00 - Intro
9:00 - Interview
56:31 - Outro

Rabbi Efrem Goldberg: Rabbi, Boca Raton Synagogue (BRS).
Rabbi Philip Moskowitz: Associate Rabbi, BRS.
Rabbi Josh Broide: Outreach Rabbi, BRS.

00:00 - Intro
17:02 - Interview
1:11:59 - Outro

Rabbi Anthony Manning gained his master’s degree in jurisprudence from Oxford University and worked as a corporate lawyer in London for ten years. He learned at Yeshivat Etz Chaim in London, Yeshivat Hamivtar in Efrat, Ateres Yisrael in Bayit Vegan, and at the Jerusalem Kollel of Rav Yitzchak Berkovits. He has semichah, Yoreh Yoreh, from Rav Berkovits, semichot from Rav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg, and is a member of the Rabbinical Council of America.

Bracha Poliakoff, LCSW- C, is a licensed clinical social worker, speaker, and writer. She currently serves as the founder and director of continuing education at Bright Ideas Continuing Education, which provides high quality continuing education programs for mental health professionals in the United States and Canada. She has also taught Torah to both high schoolers and adults in a variety of settings.

With hashkafic and halachic explorations that untangle the threads of mitzvah, middah, halachah, and cultural practice, Reclaiming Dignity highlights the universal relevance of tzniut to both men and women, evoking a sense of empowerment and pride in this significant Jewish value.

In Part I, a diverse anthology of twenty-six essays by leading educators and influencers presents honest and personal perspectives on this sensitive topic.

In Part II, a comprehensive, source-based explanation of the halachot will transform the way we understand and learn about tzniut, helping you relate to this challenging mitzvah in a nuanced and positive fashion.

Find more at https://mosaicapress.com/product/reclaiming-dignity/.

Rabbi Efrem Goldberg: Rabbi, Boca Raton Synagogue (BRS).
Rabbi Philip Moskowitz: Associate Rabbi, BRS.
Rabbi Josh Broide: Outreach Rabbi, BRS.

In this episode, Rabbis Efrem Goldberg and Josh Broide sit down with Rabbi Kalman Samuels, the founder of Shalva, the Israel Association for the Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. Shalva is a non-denominational organization providing a myriad of services free of charge to individuals with disabilities from infancy to adulthood, along with their families.

Rabbi Samuels' Personal Journey: Rabbi Samuels shares his personal journey from his non-observant Jewish upbringing in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to becoming a committed advocate for people with disabilities in Israel. Inspired by a trip to Israel, he abandoned his plans to study in France, enrolled in several yeshivot, and received his rabbinical ordination in 1977.

The Mission of Shalva: Rabbis Goldberg and Broide delve into the mission of Shalva with Rabbi Samuels, discussing the organization's commitment to transformative care, family empowerment, and social inclusion. They explore the comprehensive services Shalva provides, including leading-edge therapies, inclusive educational frameworks, social and recreational activities, employment training, independent living, and family support.

The Impact of the Shalva National Center: Rabbi Samuels discusses the Shalva National Center's groundbreaking programs and facilities, and the impact they have on shaping new frontiers in disability rehabilitation, research, and inclusion.

Shalva's Vision of Equality: The discussion concludes with a look at Shalva's commitment to equality, offering equal access and opportunity to all participants, irrespective of religion, ethnic background, or financial capability.

• Shalva, the Israel Association for the Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities
• "Dreams Never Dreamed: A Mother's Promise That Transformed Her Son's Breakthrough into a Beacon of Hope" by Kalman Samuels

Don't forget to subscribe to Behind the Bima and leave a review. Rabbis Goldberg and Broide appreciate your support and feedback!

Gabby Deutch is a Washington correspondent at Jewish Insider. She was previously a contributing writer at JI and had worked on The Atlantic‘s global affairs team and at NewsGuard, a company fighting online misinformation. Gabby graduated from Yale, where she studied history. 

See here for her series on the case of the murdered rabbi: https://jewishinsider.com/2023/04/an-open-door/. 

00:00 - Intro 
13:18 - Interview 
1:01:58 - Outro 

Rabbi Efrem Goldberg: Rabbi, Boca Raton Synagogue (BRS). 
Rabbi Philip Moskowitz: Associate Rabbi, BRS. 
Rabbi Josh Broide: Outreach Rabbi, BRS.

Darryl Eugene Strawberry (born March 12, 1962) is an American former professional baseball right fielder and author who played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). Strawberry, who was nicknamed The Straw Man or Straw, helped lead the New York Mets to a World Series championship in 1986 and the New York Yankees to two World Series championships in 1996 and 1999. 

After battling cocaine and alcohol addiction throughout much of his famed baseball career, Darryl Strawberry has now been clean and sober for the last 11 years. Not only is he now committed to helping others beat their own addictions, he’s even started a treatment center to help facilitate the movement.

00:00 - Intro
20:19 - Interview
1:05:19 - Outro

Rabbi Nachman Seltzer is the author of forty five books, including such classics as 90 Seconds, Living Legend, the Zera Shimshon series, Incredible! and Incredible 2 and The Rebbetzin. Those were proceeded by The Network, The Link and The Shadows, (fiction); Child Of War and Nine Out Of Ten (biographies); the Moments series; Stories With A Twist; and the bestselling It Could Have Been You series (short stories). He also compiled One Small Deed Can Change The World, a popular anthology. Rabbi Seltzer is a columnist for the International Hamodia Magazine, where his true life stories are beloved around the world. He is the producer of Visions (an album of all English songs) as well as co producer of The Story Experience. (www.mostlymusic.com/the-story-experience.html) Rabbi Seltzer received his semicha from Rav Yitzchok Berkovitz at The Jerusalem Kollel and teaches in various post-high-school programs for American students studying in Eretz Yisroel. Rabbi Seltzer is a popular international speaker as well and is available to address audiences around the world. 

Eli Beer (born September 13, 1973 in Israel) is the founder of United Hatzalah of Israel, and President of the U.S.-based organization Friends of United Hatzalah. United Hatzalah of Israel is an independent, non-profit, fully-volunteer emergency medical services organization that provides fast and free emergency medical first response throughout Israel. 

Buy the book 90 Seconds: The Epic Story of Eli Beer and United Hatzalah: https://www.amazon.com/90-Seconds-Story-United-Hatzalah/dp/1422633071. 

00:00 - Intro 
11:32 - Interview 
1:17:24 - Outro 

Rabbi Efrem Goldberg: Rabbi, Boca Raton Synagogue (BRS). 
Rabbi Philip Moskowitz: Associate Rabbi, BRS. 
Rabbi Josh Broide: Outreach Rabbi, BRS.

00:00 - Introduction 
21:20 - Rabbi Philip Moskowitz 
33:21 - Binyamin and Shani Muschel 
42:59 - Lori Palatnik 
1:06:00 - Dr. Larry & Debra Halperin 
1:15:39 - Alexandra Fleksher 
1:41:00 - Rabbi Dr. Dovid Bashevkin 
2:08:46 - Shimmie & Beth Kaminetsky 
2:15:21 - Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz 
2:40:02 - Rabbi YY Jacobson 
2:55:21 - Rabbi Daniel Kalish 
3:12:11 - Rebbetzin Yocheved Goldberg 

21:20 - Rabbi Philip Moskowitz Rabbi Moskowitz is a dedicated community leader known for his commitment to fostering a strong sense of community within synagogues. He has years of experience in spiritual leadership and is passionate about guiding people in their spiritual journeys. 

33:21 - Binyamin and Shani Muschel Binyamin and Shani Muschel are a dynamic couple who have dedicated their lives to inspiring and supporting others in their spiritual growth. They are proud recipients of the Young Leadership Award at BRS. 

42:59 - Lori Palatnik Lori Palatnik is a renowned Jewish educator, author, and speaker. She has inspired countless individuals through her teachings and has been instrumental in creating educational and outreach programs for Jewish communities worldwide. 

1:06:00 - Dr. Larry & Debra Halperin Dr. Larry and Debra Halperin are beloved community members who are being honored by BRS at their dinner. 

1:15:39 - Alexandra Fleksher Alexandra Fleksher is a respected Jewish educator, writer, and speaker. She is known for her thought-provoking articles and lectures on contemporary Jewish issues and has made a significant impact in the world of Jewish journalism and media, with her Faces of Orthodoxy (https://www.instagram.com/faces.of.or...) project, #MyOrthodoxLife initiative, and more. 

1:41:00 - Rabbi Dr. Dovid Bashevkin Rabbi Dr. Dovid Bashevkin is an esteemed scholar, educator, and author with expertise in Jewish thought. His unique approach to Torah study has inspired countless students, and he has made significant contributions to Jewish scholarship and host of the 18Forty podcast (https://18forty.org/). 

2:08:46 - Shimmie & Beth Kaminetsky Shimmie and Beth Kaminetsky are a devoted couple who have played an active role in Jewish community building and education. Their dedication to supporting and nurturing the growth of their community has had a lasting impact on those they have encountered. 

2:15:21 - Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz is a highly respected rabbi, teacher, and speaker. With a unique ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, he has inspired many through his teachings and guidance on Jewish law and ethics. 

2:40:02 - Rabbi YY Jacobson Rabbi YY Jacobson is a world-renowned speaker, author, and teacher, known for his ability to make complex Jewish concepts accessible to all. His engaging and insightful lectures have captivated audiences around the globe. 

2:55:21 - Rabbi Daniel Kalish Rabbi Daniel Kalish is a prominent rabbi and educator with a passion for connecting with the younger generation. His dedication to fostering deep, meaningful relationships with his students has had a profound impact on their spiritual growth and development. 

3:12:11 - Rebbetzin Yocheved Goldberg Rebbetzin Yocheved Goldberg is a respected Jewish speaker and mentor and married to Rabbi Goldberg.

Rabbi Uri Tieger was born into a secular family in Israel. He grew up like most Israeli children, attending public school and enjoying a typical secular upbringing. However, despite his secular background, Rabbi Tieger developed a deep interest in Judaism and the Torah. 

Over the years, Rabbi Tieger's relationship with Rabbi Kanievsky deepened, becoming a study partner. Rabbi Tieger even helped Rabbi Kanievsky edit some of his works, contributing to the canon of Jewish scholarship in a significant way. 

00:00 - Intro 
11:28 - Interview 
1:00:08 - Outro 

Rabbi Efrem Goldberg: Rabbi, Boca Raton Synagogue (BRS). 
Rabbi Philip Moskowitz: Associate Rabbi, BRS. 
Rabbi Josh Broide: Outreach Rabbi, BRS.

Bernie Marcus is a well-known American businessman and philanthropist. He was born on May 12, 1929, in Newark, New Jersey. Marcus co-founded the home improvement retail giant Home Depot in 1978, along with Arthur Blank, and served as the company's first CEO until 1997. 

Under his leadership, Home Depot grew to become the largest home improvement retailer in the United States, with more than 2,200 stores worldwide. Marcus is also a noted philanthropist, having donated millions of dollars to various charitable causes over the years. In 2004, he founded the Marcus Foundation, which provides support for programs and initiatives in education, medical research, and community development. 

00:00 - Intro 
5:57 - Interview 
1:01:07 - Outro 

Rabbi Efrem Goldberg: Rabbi, Boca Raton Synagogue (BRS). 
Rabbi Philip Moskowitz: Associate Rabbi, BRS. 
Rabbi Josh Broide: Outreach Rabbi, BRS.