One People - Am Echad (עם אחד)

Join Gal Cohen and Alisa Tsudik, from “Lev Hazak,” (The Strong Heart Initiative) in Mishmeret, Israel, to explore how they are providing vital emotional and psychological support to IDF soldiers, reservists, and families, impacted by the ongoing conflict in Israel. 

This initiative harnesses the unique and transformative power of equine therapy to address the ongoing war trauma. Gal and Alisa share the profound science behind their work, explaining how horses naturally mirror human emotions and act as catalysts for unlocking closed hearts.

The conversation dives into the neurological impacts of PTSD and reveals how building a connection with these intuitive animals can help foster recovery. Ultimately, this powerful dialogue is a testament to human resilience, demonstrating how a "strong heart" is one that can endure immense pain while remaining open to hope, connection, and even joy during difficult times.

-Introduction to Strong Heart Initiative -Personal Stories and the Impact of War -The Science Behind Equine Therapy -Real-Life Transformations Through Horses -The Team Behind the Healing -The Ongoing Impact of War on Mental Health -Challenges in Supporting Others -Working with Families and Children -Support from the Diaspora -Finding Joy Amidst Struggles -What is a Strong Heart

Listen to the harrowing and inspiring testimony of Mazal Tazazo, a Nova Music Festival survivor and Israeli public diplomacy activist.

In this episode, Mazal shares a firsthand account of surviving the October 7th, 2023 terrorist attack, the heartbreaking loss of her two close friends, and her miraculous escape. She opens up about navigating profound grief, her long journey toward physical and emotional healing, and how she ultimately chose to channel her trauma into global advocacy to ensure the truth is never forgotten.

Inside the Episode:

-Nova Music Festival Experience -Her Story of Survival and Rescue -Aftermath and Grief -Activism and Advocacy -Personal Healing and Mental Health -Hope for Unity and Shared Humanity

Whose Wall is it anyway? When global Jewry looks toward the Western Wall, we see a symbol of eternal connection—but on the ground in Jerusalem, it is the front line of a fierce battle over who gets to pray freely and how.

In this powerful episode, Yochi Rappeport, the Executive Director of Women of the Wall, shares her remarkable personal journey, from growing up in a traditional Orthodox environment to leading a movement that fights for women’s rights to pray freely at Judaism's holiest site.

She dives deep into the heart-wrenching realities of this struggle, including the systemic harassment faced by women, the collapse of the historic Kotel Agreement, and the crucial difference between Jewish unity and uniformity. More than just a story of conflict, Yochi offers a powerful call to action for Diaspora Jews, showing how global advocacy is vital to securing a truly pluralistic Israel. Tune in for a conversation about the ongoing fight for equality in Israel!

Inside the Episode:

-Introduction to Yochi Rapport and Her Journey

-Women of the Wall: Mission and Challenges

-The Struggle for Equality at the Kotel

-The Kotel Agreement and Its Implications

-The Struggle for Recognition and Rights

-Unity vs. Uniformity in Jewish Identity

-Experiencing Violence and Harassment at the Kotel

-The Impact of Trauma on Daily Life

-Hope Amidst Challenges

-Engagement and Advocacy for Israel

-A Message of Hope and Resilience

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Take Action:​​

• Learn more about Women of the Wall
• Sign up for the Women of the Wall Newsletter

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  Shop with meaning and purchase a tallit (prayer shawl), challah cover or prayerbook. All proceeds go to Women of the Wall.
• Pray along in-person or virtually, from the livestream.​

In this episode, Rabbi Josh Broide shares his journey making aliyah from Boca Raton to Israel, exploring what it means to build a life between two countries during a time of war. He opens up about the realities of Israeli resilience, the emotional pull behind his family’s move, and his passion project, Partners in Jewish Life. Inspired by the teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Rabbi Broide makes a powerful case for bridging denominational divides, proving that true Jewish strength comes from deep, intentional relationships rather than just institutions.

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Inside the Episode:

-Journey to Boca Raton and Making Aliyah

-Living in Two Worlds: Israel and Boca Raton

-Challenges of Making Aliyah during Conflict

-Cultural Differences and Adaptation in Israel

-Passion Projects: Building Community Connections

-Bridging Divides: The Role of Education in Unity

-Strengthening Community Bonds

-The Challenge of Bridging Divides

-Life Changes Post-October 7th

-Finding Hope Amidst Challenges

-The Importance of Relationships in Unity

-A Gift from Pirkei Avot ("Ethics of our Fathers")

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Take Action:​​

• Learn more about Partners in Jewish Life and start a program near you!  

• Follow Jewish Breaking News to stay up to date

• Study the teachings of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks with his weekly Torah commentary

• Join a program through the Shalom Hartman Institute

• Visit Nefesh B’Nefesh for aliyah resources

• Explore Gematria, the system of assigning numerical values to letters in a word to find hidden meanings and connections

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Can Jewish and Palestinian neighbors truly see each other in a post-October 7th world?

In this episode, Rabbi Ariella Graetz Bartuv and Raefa Hakrush pull back the curtain on what it really takes to build a shared life in Haifa, Israel. Moving far beyond empty peace slogans, they share how they use education and community organizing to build a genuine, resilient community.

Meet the Guests:

• Rabbi Ariella Graetz Bartuv: Senior Rabbi of the Ohel Avraham Reform Congregation at the Leo Baeck Education Center in Haifa. 

• Raefa Hakrush: The Head of the Shared Life Department at the Leo Baeck Education Center, she shares her perspective as a Palestinian citizen of Israel and peace activist.

Together, this powerhouse duo leads peace activism at the Leo Baeck Education Center. Tune in for a raw, deeply honest conversation about holding complex identities, navigating the profound pain of a post-October 7 reality, and creating brave spaces where neighbors can speak openly and see the humanity within one another.

Inside the Episode:

-The difference between ‘coexistence’ and ‘shared life’

-A week-in-the-life example shows how peace activism looks in practice

-The Leo Beck Education Center functions as a major mixed city community hub

-They explain why trust has to be created intentionally

-October 7 changed the emotional landscape, but not their commitment

-They reveal the misconceptions of Israeli life

-A story from the community garden becomes a model for their message

-They address the West Bank through a moral and religious lens

-Hope, for both guests, is action

-They close with words about recognition, humanity, and future peace​

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Take Action:​​

• Support The Leo Baeck Education Center’s Shared Society Programs

• Speak out against settler violence for Palestinians to live peacefully

• Read the Reform Movement Statement on West Bank Settler Violence

• Seek out opportunities to actually know someone whose background or experience is different from your own.

• Join an interfaith group or ask to visit a house of worship different from your own.

• Stay in relationship and dialogue when things get difficult.

• ​Listen to the song "Salaam"​ by Mosh Ben Ari & Sheva

Learn about Kibbutz Kfar Azza, one of the communities devastated on October 7th, 2023.  Join Alon Futterman, Director of the Kfar Azza Foundation, and Orit Zadikevitch, a Kfar Azza native and Director of Donor Relations, as they discuss the journey to rebuild their community.

Together, they explain why true restoration goes far beyond physical construction. They dive into the delicate balance of honoring a painful past while designing a future home where families can truly thrive. While the visual progress of reconstruction is already inspiring hope, the return of families to Kfar Azza is projected to rise significantly by summer 2027.

Futterman highlights the vital role of global Diaspora partnerships in fueling these long-term recovery efforts, while Zadikevitch shares where she finds personal hope amid tragedy. Ultimately, their resilience, strength, and unwavering perseverance will leave you deeply inspired.

Inside the Episode:

-Introduction to Kfar Azza's Resilience -Rebuilding Efforts and Community Support -Honoring the Past While Building the Future -Personal Stories of Loss and Hope -Shared Society and Community Values -Ways to Support Kfar Azza -Finding Hope in Community Rebuilding -Words of Wisdom and Closing Thoughts

Take Action:

• Contribute to the Core Recovery: Visit the Official Rebuild Kfar Azza website. This site safely processes global donations that go straight toward supporting families' physical and mental needs, alongside the ongoing physical rehabilitation of the kibbutz. 

• Follow & Amplify Their Progress: Follow the @kfar.azza.foundation Instagram profile. Amplify their regular updates—such as the recent rebuilding of their informal education complex and community pool—keeping the story alive.

• Establish a Diaspora "Sister Community" Partnership: If you belong to a synagogue, Jewish Community Center (JCC), or civic organization, challenge them to initiate a long-term partnership with the Kfar Azza Foundation. As Alon Futterman highlighted, global partnerships provide the structural stability needed for the multi-year timeline leading up to the 2027 return. 

• Learn more about the documentary "Saved by the Ball" here: This film is about the Kibbutz Kfar Azza soccer team and the impact of the October 7th on the players. To bring this film to your group, contact the Kfar Azza Foundation. 

In this episode, Ronit and Guy Boytner, whose lives beautifully embody the spirit of service and social action, offer an intimate window into balancing family life with deep civic duty, during one of Israel's most challenging chapters. 

The Boytners discuss the profound impact of the events of October 7th on their family. They share their harrowing experiences during a time of crisis in Israel, detailing the emotional toll of war on families, and the uncertainty that permeates their lives. They discuss the importance of hope and the need for change in the government, and the protests advocating for democratic values. Lastly, they speak about the important connection between Israelis and Jews in the Diaspora. Their story highlights the resilience of the human spirit amidst chaos and the desire for a better future for their children and the nation.

Inside the Episode:

-Introduction to the Boytner Family's Journey

-Roots and Values: A Personal History

-Life After October 7th: A Personal Reflection

-Navigating Uncertainty: A Family's Response to Crisis

-The Emotional Toll of War: A Parent's Perspective

-Activism in Action: Fighting for Equality

-Building Community: The New Synagogue Project

-Hope Amidst Chaos: The Future of Israel

-Building Bridges: The Connection Between Israelis and Diaspora Jews

Take Action:

• Learn about the Reform Movement in Israel

• Support religious pluralism in Israel through the work of Women of the Wall (Nashot HaKotel) in their ongoing mission to achieve social and legal recognition for the right to pray, read Torah, and wear religious garments at the Western Wall.

• Visit Kehillat Yozma (Reform Synagogue) in Modi’in, Israel

• Advocate for a Democratic Israel: Follow and support the work of Artzenu, the International Federation of Reform and Progressive Zionists, to promote pluralism and democracy in Israeli society.

Join Uri Feinberg, a Jewish Educator and Israel Tour Guide of more than 30 years, as he guides us in how to wrestle with difficult questions instead of running from them. Together, we explore the Israeli-Diaspora relationship, the lasting impact of October 7, and why lifelong learning is essential to a strong Jewish identity. He reminds us that the goal isn't to have all the answers but to keep asking questions!

Inside the Episode:

• Uri’s story of growing up in Jerusalem and his lifelong commitment to Jewish education
• Reflections on October 7th's effects on Israeli families
• The significance of the phrase "Am echad b'lev echad" (We are one people with one heart)
• The role of collective activism during times of turmoil

• Common misunderstandings about Israel among the diaspora
• Antisemitism & Anti-Zionism

• The importance of wrestling and leaning into nuance in Israel Education
• The act of collecting hope: a metaphor for ongoing resilience
• The power of collective memory and personal responsibility in shaping the future
• Final call: "See for yourself" and make a difference!

Resources & Links:

• Israeli Poetry of Rachel Korazim

• Poem "Collecting Hope" in October Shiva: A Collection of Poems about Israel by Rabbi Hanna Yerushalmi, with Foreword by Uri Feinberg

Discover Nadav Eylon, Chief Development Officer of Ruach Arava, and his inspiring journey from Israel to the U.S. and back again. This episode explores Israeli life in the desert and the lessons gleaned there, including: perseverance, accepting challenge, and the strength of community. Nadav speaks about his dedication to service, national security, and strengthening the future generation!​

Inside the Episode:

• Life in the Aravah Desert
• The Mission and Impact of 'Ruach Arava'
• The Values we learn from the desert: perseverance, challenge, and community
• The Internal Struggle of Purpose: Serving the U.S. & Returning to Israel for Military Service
• The Essence of Community in Israel
• The Connection Between Diaspora and Israel
• Nadav's Parting Gift​​​

Resources & Links:

• The Amazing Story Behind Israel's Desert Farmland Transformation | Insights on TBN Israel
• Ruach Arava: Visit and Take a Tour of the Land
• The Song “Ein Li Eretz Acheret" - (I Have No Other Land) by Gali Atari
• Article: "In the desert, you can be a paramedic, fireman, soldier and cop at once" - The Jerusalem Post
  

Explore the high-stakes fight for Israeli democracy, equality, and religious freedom! Prominent activist Lesley Sachs shares deep insights into the internal resistance against government extremism, the impact of October 7th on society, and why diaspora support is more critical than ever.

Inside the Episode:

• The Knesset Battle: Inside the legislative push threatening religious pluralism.
• Fighting Segregation: The frontline struggle against higher education segregation and conversion barriers.
• Societal Shift: How October 7 transformed collective trauma and Israeli activism.
• The Diaspora’s Role: Why global Jewish solidarity is essential to saving Israel’s democracy.
• Personal Roots: How Lesley’s history shapes her unwavering commitment to progress. 

Take Action:

• ⁠Defend Equal Prayer at the Kotel⁠
• Learn about Israeli legal advocacy campaigns: https://www.irac.org/our-work

• Explore News & Updates from the Israel Reform Movement

Resources & Links:

• Israel Religious Action Center
• Women of the Wall
• "The Struggle for Equal Prayer at the Western Wall"

• Yehuda Amichai