Imagine being raised thinking that you wanted to become a Methodist minister only to figure out that in your heart, you are Jewish. While every convert has a story, few are as interesting as that of Rabbi Chaim Edelstein, Rabbi at Temple Beth Ahm in Aberdeen, New Jersey, whose path to the pulpit was just a little bit more winding than most. This is a story you do not want to miss!

The hostage situation at Congregation Beth Israel sent shivers down the spine of Jews throughout the world. In this episode, Rabbi Pont reflects on the eleven-hour ordeal and how both the Torah and Jewish scholars can help us through a moment like this.

Addiction is an epidemic that faces millions of people across the United States. In this episode, Rabbi Pont speaks with Aviva, a recovering addict whose journey through adoption, abuse, addiction and her Jewish faith is as compelling as it is powerful. 

Tourism is the bedrock of the Israeli economy but likeso many industries, it has been drastically impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, Rabbi Pont is joined by Geoff Winston, Programs Director for Keshet Educational Tours and a 30-year veteran Israeli tour guide, for a wide-ranging conversation about the the role of tourism in Israel and the ways in which it has changed in the face of unprecedented challenges.

We all love our furry four-legged creatures. And over these past two years even more of us have started loving them than ever before. In this episode, Rabbi Pont is joined by Dr. Alene Opatut, a veterinerian at Red Bank Animal Hospitals and Nancy Jenkins from 3 Hearts 4 Paws Animal Rescue to discuss what it has been like to be on the front lines of the pet world in the time of COVID-19.

One of the most important roles that a Rabbi plays is that of a teacher. In this episode, Rabbi Pont is joined by a number of his students, juniors and seniors in high school, for an inside look and what it is like for them to be Jews in public school during the Christmas season.

It's Hanukkah and does Rabbi Pont ever have a present for you! Don't miss this interview with Aaron Friedman, co-founder of The Bible Players, a Torah comedy troupe that combines Jewish education and improv comedy to teach Jewish values, ahead of their visit to Marlboro Jewish Center. Hear Rabbi Pont try his hand at improv during a wide-ranging interview that is sure to make you laugh more than a few times. Afterall, Aaron was recently named the funniest Jew in New York!

As we prepare for a fun weekend of turkey and latkes tune in for a special holiday message from Rabbi Pont.

Earlier this year the New York Times declared that the best bagels in the country are being made in Berkley, California at Boichik Bagels. For native east coasters this was quite the shock but after hearing this interview with Boichick's own (and New Jersey native) Emily Winston, you will almost definitely be heading west for your next bagel!

Next Tuesday is the 83rd anniversary of Kristallnacht, one of the darkest days in the history of the Jewish people. In this episode, Rabbi Pont speaks with Dr. Stacy Gallin, founder of The Maimonides Institute for Medicine, Bioethics and the Holocaust, to discuss the role of the medical community in the Holocaust and the ways in which MIMEH is seeking to transform Holocaust education for the next generation of Jews and non-Jews alike.