This episode of Seeking Sinai explores the extraordinary story of Stan Andrews, a young American who left home in 1948 to fight for Israel’s survival and helped lay the foundations of the Israeli Air Force. Rabbi Natan Trief speaks with author Jeffrey Weiss, whose new book Fighting Back uncovers Andrews’s forgotten legacy and the generation of volunteers who saw Israel’s struggle as their own. Together, they reflect on what Andrews’s courage teaches us about Jewish peoplehood, solidarity, and Zionism in the wake of October 7th. The conversation invites listeners to consider what it means to “fight back” today — not only with weapons, but with unity, pride, and faith.

In an age of deepfakes, algorithms, and moral outrage, Zionism faces new challenges in how it’s seen and understood. In this episode, we speak with Rabbi Danny Schiff, an expert on Israel, Jewish peoplehood, and the digital age. We speak about truth, curiosity, and Jewish identity in a rapidly shifting media landscape, and together we explore how Zionism can speak meaningfully to a generation shaped by social media.

Join Rabbi Natan for a special episode where he reflects on some of the groundbreaking significance of this recent hostage deal and release. The consequences are far-reaching and there are many takeaways with which the Jewish People, both near and far, must grapple. 

We continue our conversation with ethics and teshuva expert Professor Louis Newman as he sits down with Rabbis Brad, Sam, and Natan, as well as Bunzl Family Cantorial Chair Beth Schafer for a live podcast recording on the evening of Selichot. What happens when sorry isn't enough? When do we absolve ourselves of our responsibility and how do we best enter the New Year with our best selves. Join us for a provocative and very candid discussion. 

Dr. Louis Newman, renowned author and expert on teshuva, will share brief reflections on cheshbon ha’nefesh (soul accounting) and prepare us for the season ahead. 

Rabbi Natan sits down with Bunzl Family Cantorial Chair Beth Schafer to discuss the upcoming High Holy Days through the lens of music, gratitude, and hope. In this special episode that blends new musical pieces with prayerful words, we learn how Jewish hope breeds resilience and how this message is more resonant and relevant than ever before.

Join Rabbi Natan for a passionate conversation with Rabbi Jonathan Blake, senior rabbi of Westchester Reform Temple and an inspirational voice for Zionism since October 7th. The conversation centers around the challenges of the current moment in Gaza, the humanitarian situation, the assault on Zionism, and the conflicting priorities of Judaism relating to universalism and particularism. 

Join Rabbi Natan for an inspiring conversation with Rabbi Tarlan Rabizadeh, a Persian-American rabbi and educator. Her voice is strong and clear, and ever since the 12 day war with Iran, she has used it in many platforms to spread the truth about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Join Rabbi Natan for a provocative conversation with the highly accomplished scholar, author and rabbi, Yitz Greenberg. At the age of 90+ he just released his magnum opus, "The Triumph of Life," a sweeping and highly readable book that encapsulates the whole trajectory of Jewish life, history, and wisdom. In particular, we discuss the Jewish insistence on life in a time of war and the importance of the State of Israel to the Jewish People. 

Dr. Mia Bloom, author and professor at Georgia State University sits down with Rabbi Natan for a discussion on the impact of terrorism and the evolving threat that it poses to Israel and free societies everywhere. Dr. Bloom is the author of the recently published book Veiled Threats: Women and Global Jihad, and has also published several recent articles on gender-based violence on October 7th as well as the LGBTQ+ community's relationship with the Israeli Palestinian conflict.