This episode of Jay’s 4 Questions features a conversation with Rabbi Mavin Hier, Founder & Dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Museum of Tolerance, with Federation President & CEO Jay Sanderson. This rabbi’s resume includes Academy Award-Winning Producer, institution builder, and outspoken Jewish leader. Tune in for more!

Mayor Eric Garcetti joins Jay’s 4 Questions podcast to talk about his multicultural background and his love for navigating culture and crossing borders. He shares his passion for social change, public policy, and the impact we can all make in the world. Tune in to hear what motivates the mayor of Los Angeles and the most pressing issues that keep him committed to making our city a better place. On crossing borders, the mayor said, “If there’s a place that makes you uncomfortable, seek it out.” For these wise words and more, check out our interview with Mayor Garcetti.

This week on the podcast, Jay Sanderson speaks with Chef Michelle Bernstein, Miami’s James Beard Award-Winning Chef, Author, and TV Personality. Chef Michelle shares her passion for cooking and her journey through the culinary world — and what it’s like to be a woman in the restaurant industry.

Jay Sanderson speaks with Rabbi Ed Feinstein, Senior Rabbi of Valley Beth Shalom, about the role of rabbis and Jewish life through generations. Rabbi Feinstein discusses the power of that sacred moment when family, ideas, food, and conversation all become one during Shabbat dinner.

Expressing his view that the Jewish people represent the rainbow of diversity, Rabbi Feinstein toggles with Jay about what Judaism should look like, along with noting the importance and necessity of change. Tune in to hear about magic challah, heavenly holy brownies, and more!

Podcast guest Abby Stein has a truly incredible story: she was once a Hasidic man living as a rabbi in the Ultra-Orthodox epicenter of Williamsburg, New York who has now found freedom and truth in her new life as an openly transgender woman.

She reminisces about growing up surrounded by her devout parents and 12 siblings in their extremely insular community. Abby only has her memories now, as her difficult life decision caused her family to cut all ties. She is currently based in Manhattan and studies at Columbia University, but travels around the nation to share her personal journey and advocate for the rights of transgender individuals everywhere.

Don’t miss her honest and inspiring story! Also, be sure to check out InStyle’s article about her: Meet the Hasidic Rabbi Who Realized She Was Transgender Thanks to a Google Search.

Political strategist, pollster, public opinion guru, and Founder and CEO of Luntz Global Frank Luntz joins Jay for a thoughtful discussion about the lack of civic awareness in the next generation. It was his concern about the need to incorporate this mentality into the curriculum that took Frank from corporate America and propelled him into academia. With current positions at Harvard and Yale and various institutions in Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Frank emphasizes to his students that the U.S. was built on economic mobility and intellectual freedom, tenets that should not be taken for granted. You’ll have to listen to the podcast for more of his take on the issue!