From Boca Raton, Florida, this is Behind the Bima. On this week’s episode, Rabbis Efrem Goldberg, Josh Broide, and Philip Moskowitz are joined by the iconic Jewish music superstar, Yaakov Shwekey.

As one of the most beloved voices in the Jewish world, Yaakov Shwekey has touched the hearts of countless listeners through his powerful songs that inspire and unite communities across the globe. Known for bringing both joy and deep emotion to his music, Shwekey shares his reflections on this past year—one filled with profound challenges for the Jewish people—and how he has used his talent to uplift and support the Jewish nation, particularly in Israel.

From singing for soldiers to comforting families during times of immense pain, Shwekey discusses the role of music in healing, unity, and resilience. Plus, we dive into the emotional preparation for Simchas Torah this year, balancing joy with sorrow, and the deeper meaning behind his latest projects.

All this and more, Behind the Bima.

00:00 - Introduction
18:55 - Interview

From Boca Raton, Florida, this is Behind the Bima. On this week's episode, Rabbis Efrem Goldberg, Josh Broide, and Philip Moskowitz are joined by Rabbi Moshe Weinberger, a prominent spiritual leader and speaker.

Rabbi Weinberger is the founding rabbi of Congregation Aish Kodesh in Woodmere, New York, and a renowned lecturer on Jewish thought and spirituality.

Recognized for his profound insights into the Jewish experience and spiritual growth, Rabbi Weinberger discusses the themes of introspection, transformation, and the unique spiritual opportunities presented by the High Holidays.

He shares his thoughts on the challenges facing the Jewish community today, the role of love and fear in spiritual practice, and the significance of fostering a deep connection to Israel.

Plus, reflections on the power of community and the importance of maintaining optimism and faith in challenging times.

All this and more, Behind the Bima.

00:00 - Introduction
12:10 - Interview

From Boca Raton Florida, This is Behind the Bima. On this week's episode, Rabbis Efrem Goldberg, Josh Broide, and Philip Moskowitz are joined by Dr. Erica Brown, a leading Jewish educator and author.

Recognized for her profound insight into the Jewish experience and spiritual growth, Dr. Brown discusses transformation and the importance of introspection as we approach the High Holidays.

She shares her thoughts on the challenges of modern leadership, the role of love in spiritual practice, and the significance of a deep connection to Israel.

Plus, reflections on the legacy of Rabbi Sacks and the necessity of fostering a sense of responsibility towards the Jewish community and the world.

All this and more, Behind the Bima.

00:00 - Introduction
18:01 - Interview

On this week's episode, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Josh Broide are joined by Avi Mayer, the immediate past editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post. With over 250,000 Twitter followers and a monthly reach in the tens of millions, Avi is recognized as one of the leading millennial voices in Israel and the Jewish community worldwide.

Avi shares the challenges and triumphs of navigating the worlds of traditional media and real-time news updates on social media, discusses the importance of accurate information dissemination and shares his thoughts on the differences between traditional media and social media, and the responsibility of representing not just oneself but larger organizations and communities.

Plus, the importance of sleep and the power of ice baths. All this and more, Behind the Bima.

00:00 - Introduction
11:27 - Interview With Rabbi Andrew Shaw

On this week's episode, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Josh Broide are joined by Rabbi Andrew Shaw, director of the Simchas Torah Project and CEO of Mizrachi UK.

Rabbi Shaw shares the inspiration and goals behind the Simchas Torah Project, explains how the initiative honors the victims of October 7th while uniting communities in celebration and remembrance, and describes the challenges and successes of coordinating a global effort to bring new special Torah covers to synagogues around the world.

Plus, a discussion of daily schedules.

All this and more, Behind the Bima.

00:00 - Introduction
13:28 - Interview With Rabbi Andrew Shaw

Listen to a powerful and emotional conversation with Sapir Cohen, a former hostage, as she relays her harrowing experience of captivity and the remarkable journey of survival. This conversation is a poignant reminder of the ongoing atrocities and the incredible strength of the human spirit.

From Boca Raton Florida, this is Behind the Bima.

On this week's episode, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg is joined by Rabbi Gottlieb, Rabbi of Kehillat HaEla, Rebbe at Yeshivat Har Etzion, and Managing Director of Tzalash. Rabbi Gottlieb shares his unlikely aliya story, explains the inspiring mission of Tzalash, and describes the important differences between Jewish communities in Israel and abroad.

Plus, a live update from Akiva on the community of Kiryat Shmona.

All this and more, Behind the Bima.
00:00 - Introduction
00:32 - Interview With Rabbi Dovid Gottlieb
55:56 - Interview With Akiva From Kiryat Shmona

From Boca Raton, Florida, this is Behind the Bima. On this week’s episode, host Rabbi Efrem Goldberg is joined by author and journalist Douglas Murray.

Douglas Murray is a renowned British author, journalist, and political commentator. He is the associate editor of The Spectator and the author of several best-selling books, including “The Madness of Crowds” and “The Strange Death of Europe.” Murray is widely respected for his incisive analysis and eloquent defense of Western values and freedom of speech. His recent work has focused on defending Israel and combating anti-Semitism.

Murray discusses his unwavering support for Israel, explains the root causes of media bias against Israel, and shares his personal experiences and observations from his travels to the region.

All this and more, Behind the Bima.

00:00 - Introduction
7:07 - Interview

Frank Meeink is a former white supremacist skinhead gang member in the United States.  After a three-year stint in prison, he left the racist skinhead movement and now lectures against it.