TBA Now!

Jessica Ayer came to Temple Beth Avodah when she was just a little kid. In this episode, we follow the arc of her life as she describes what it was like for a young girl of color to grow up at TBA, become our featured soloist at services, represent Birthright, and now, head for a future as a nurse practitioner. Jessica sparkles in our podcast.

James Rutenbeck is a compassionate man who believes in speaking out against injustice and racism and fundamental inequalities in America. His primary source of expression is through producing documentary film. We discussed his newest work, A Reckoning in Boston. We also explored his influences and inspiration in filmmaking. James will impress you with his intellect and his tremendous sensitivity. It was an honor to spend time with him and listen to a unique voice of conscience. To learn more about his filmmaking visit his website at Lost Nation Pictures, LTD..

Born and raised on the streets of Mattapan, Harvey Weiner is a nationally respected lawyer, the past national commander of American Jewish War Veterans, former president of Temple Beth Avodah, an Eagle Scout, and avid community thespian. With his classic sense of humor and warm soul, Harvey regaled us with stories of his past and hopes for the future. He's a one-of-a-kind personality, and we were lucky to have a chance to sit down with him to hear some of his many stories.

Today, March 29, is National Vietnam War Veterans Day. We take this time to thank them for their service and sacrifice.

To learn more about Jewish War Veterans click here.

Diane Hessan was our first guest on TBA Now. In her articulate and optimistic way, she shared her belief that our divided nation could come together. That was before the election, and before the insurrection of January 6th. Does she still think we can reach common ground? Tune in for part 2 of an ongoing conversation with Diane Hessan about the fate of our nation and its citizens.

Also, keep an eye out for Diane's book: Our Common Ground: Insights from 4 Years of Listening to American Voters, due out in June. To learn more about Diane click here: https://salientventures.co/about-us

The American healthcare system is difficult to maneuver and so complex. Why is it so confusing? TBA congregant Dana Gelb Safran has spent her career endeavoring to answer that question and provide better alternatives for all Americans to what she and so many others all believe is a fundamental American right. Dana is so smart and interesting. Come hear all about her and the groundbreaking work she’s doing right now.

In Yiddish, a gutte neshumah refers to a person with a beautiful, radiant soul. Dr. Nicole Baumer is such a soul. Kind, compassionate, and brilliant. She is a congregant of Temple Beth Avodah and a graduate of Skidmore College and Harvard Medical School. Niki practices at Boston Children’s Hospital and is the director of the Down Syndrome Program and works in the Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine Center. She specializes in the treatment of individuals with Down syndrome, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and neurobehavioral disorders. Come learn about her work, her research, and the people she serves.

Last year, as Covid began beating us up, folks loved to drive by Blacker‘s Bakeshop (543 Commonwealth Ave in Newton) on a Thursday and inhale… As my mother used to always say, “what a mechiyah! [how fabulous].“ Even in the midst of the pandemic, Blacker‘s Bakeshop kept making the best challah in town, not to mention the cookies and the kichel and the rugelach and the bubka – or is it bubke? On TBA NOW! We’re speaking with the people that make it all happen: Rich, Karen, and Rebecca Blacker. The Blackers are a 3 generation TBA family and we are proud to call them our own.

Dr. Alberto Accomazzi has his head in the clouds — literally. Since his first childhood gaze through a telescope, he’s been hooked on the heavens. Alberto is the Principal Investigator and Program Manager for the SAO/NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS), a digital library portal for researchers in astronomy and physics, operated by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) under a NASA grant.

Listen in to hear more from a real live astronomer about what’s going on in the far reaches of Space, and how it connects to you.

There are certain reporters we implicitly trust as soon as we hear their voices. There is no judgment, no egocentric self-referential grandstanding. We get factual, intelligent analysis; we get honesty; we get the news. And that’s what this episode’s guest, TBA member Martha Bebinger, provides: honest, clear reporting. Whether the news is good or difficult, Martha’s distinctive voice and style on WBUR reassure us that she’s got this. On TBA Now!, Martha will talk about the vaccine, the trajectory of Covid, what it means to be a reporter in 2021, and what it’s been like these past four years. What an honor to listen to Martha share her thoughts on her craft, and so much more.

TBA Member Dr. Jonathan Mansbach, Chief of Inpatient Services at Boston Children’s Hospital, recently joined us on TBA Now! In this episode, Jonathan gives us an eye-opening view into his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses hopes and fears for our children in COVID time — and after, describing the effect on patients and their families, and his own family. He is seeing a light (in the form of a vaccine) beginning to emerge at the end of the tunnel. It’s compelling and thoughtful; give a listen.