At a time when polarization, hatred and violence threaten to divide our communities, some people are choosing a different path—not one of silence or anger, but of courage, friendship and light. Today, I am honored to welcome the extraordinary team behind Pomegranate Fest, an inspiring celebration of the friendship between the Jewish and Iranian communities. My guests are the remarkable Jian Magen, Lynda Kraar and Sarah Fard. Pomegranate Fest grew out of a deeply moving story of solidarity between Toronto’s Iranian and Jewish communities. Earlier this year, Jewish Canadians stood alongside Iranian Canadians following the tragic and systematic killing of courageous Iranians who took to the streets in pursuit of freedom and a better future for their country. Later, Iranian Canadians stood alongside the Jewish community at the Walk with Israel. Through these acts of mutual support, the two communities discovered something powerful: an alliance rooted in shared values, mutual respect, human dignity and a determination to stand against hatred and extremism. That spark of friendship grew even brighter when the producers of Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish invited 40 members of the Iranian community to attend a performance. What began as a beautiful gesture of solidarity soon became something much greater—a movement. That movement is now Pomegranate Fest, taking place on August 23 at Earl Bales Park in Toronto. Together, the Iranian and Jewish communities represent more than 200,000 people across the Greater Toronto Area. Imagine the impact they can have when their voices are united. The festival’s goals are both ambitious and urgent: to strengthen relationships between the two communities; promote education, awareness and civic engagement; welcome sponsors and community partners; and affirm the right of Jewish, Iranian and allied communities to live safely and proudly in Toronto. It is also a call for our leaders and authorities to confront antisemitism, anti-Iranian hatred, intimidation and extremism—and to help lower the temperature in an increasingly hostile climate. Today, we will hear the remarkable behind-the-scenes story of how this team came together, how they transformed shared pain into purposeful action, and how they are working to replace fear with friendship and darkness with light. Please welcome the remarkable team bringing Pomegranate Fest to life ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow #thepomegranitefest #LyndaKraar #JianMagen # SarahFard

At a time when polarization, hatred and violence threaten to divide our communities, some people are choosing a different path—not one of silence or anger, but of courage, friendship and light. Today, I am honored to welcome the extraordinary team behind Pomegranate Fest, an inspiring celebration of the friendship between the Jewish and Iranian communities. My guests are the remarkable Jian Magen, Lynda Kraar and Sarah Fard. Pomegranate Fest grew out of a deeply moving story of solidarity between Toronto’s Iranian and Jewish communities. Earlier this year, Jewish Canadians stood alongside Iranian Canadians following the tragic and systematic killing of courageous Iranians who took to the streets in pursuit of freedom and a better future for their country. Later, Iranian Canadians stood alongside the Jewish community at the Walk with Israel. Through these acts of mutual support, the two communities discovered something powerful: an alliance rooted in shared values, mutual respect, human dignity and a determination to stand against hatred and extremism. That spark of friendship grew even brighter when the producers of Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish invited 40 members of the Iranian community to attend a performance. What began as a beautiful gesture of solidarity soon became something much greater—a movement. That movement is now Pomegranate Fest, taking place on August 23 at Earl Bales Park in Toronto. Together, the Iranian and Jewish communities represent more than 200,000 people across the Greater Toronto Area. Imagine the impact they can have when their voices are united. The festival’s goals are both ambitious and urgent: to strengthen relationships between the two communities; promote education, awareness and civic engagement; welcome sponsors and community partners; and affirm the right of Jewish, Iranian and allied communities to live safely and proudly in Toronto. It is also a call for our leaders and authorities to confront antisemitism, anti-Iranian hatred, intimidation and extremism—and to help lower the temperature in an increasingly hostile climate. Today, we will hear the remarkable behind-the-scenes story of how this team came together, how they transformed shared pain into purposeful action, and how they are working to replace fear with friendship and darkness with light. Please welcome the remarkable team bringing Pomegranate Fest to life ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow #thepomegranitefest #LyndaKraar #JianMagen # SarahFard

There are rabbis who teach Torah—and there are rabbis who carry their people through uncertainty, fear and profound change. Today, I am deeply honoured to welcome Rabbi Daniel Korobkin, senior rabbi and Mara D’Atra of Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto—the BAYT—and one of the most thoughtful and respected voices in contemporary Orthodox Judaism. For sixteen years, Rabbi Korobkin has guided one of Canada’s largest Orthodox congregations. He has celebrated with families in their happiest moments, comforted them in times of sorrow and led his community through COVID-19, the trauma of October 7 and the alarming rise of antisemitism across Canada. As a former president of the Rabbinical Council of America, Rabbi Korobkin’s leadership has extended far beyond the walls of his synagogue. He has defended the Jewish people and the State of Israel while insisting that Jews respond to hatred with strength, confidence and dignity—never allowing their adversaries to diminish who they are. Rabbi Korobkin believes deeply in a Judaism that is intellectually courageous and spiritually faithful: one in which Torah and scholarship, tradition and modernity, can strengthen one another. He has also worked to create a welcoming Jewish community, declaring with moral clarity that no Jew is worth less because they are not Orthodox. Now, as Rabbi Korobkin begins his final year at the BAYT before making aliyah with his wife, Karen, we reflect upon his remarkable journey, his love for Jerusalem and his enduring message to the Jewish people: Stand tall. Remember who you are. Protect your dignity. Strengthen your community. And always ask: What can I do to contribute to my people? Rabbi Daniel Korobkin, welcome to The Avrum Rosensweig Show. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow #RabbiDanielKorobkin #JewishPeople #JewishLeadership #JewishCommunity #ProudToBeJewish #StandTallAsAJew #TorahJudaism #OrthodoxJudaism #ReligiousZionism #Israel #Jerusalem #Aliyah #CanadianJewry #TorontoJewishCommunity #FightAntisemitism #JewishStrength #JewishDignity #October7 #TheBAYT

What if Genesis is not only the story of the world’s first families—but also the story of God learning how to parent? In this fascinating episode of The Avrum Rosensweig Show, distinguished scholar and author Stephen Spector discusses his thought-provoking new book, God and the First Families: Parenting, Trauma, and Healing in the Book of Genesis. Drawing upon 50 years of teaching the Bible, Spector brings Genesis into conversation with modern psychology, psychiatry and family studies. He explores God’s evolving relationship with humanity—from an authoritarian parent demanding obedience to one who encourages empathy, moral responsibility and emotional growth. Together, Avrum and Stephen revisit the complicated families of Genesis: Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Esau, and Joseph and his brothers. Their conversation examines trauma, parental love, favouritism, sibling rivalry, forgiveness and the long journey toward family reconciliation. Can parents grow wiser? Can children overcome the wounds of the past? Must forgiveness be earned? And what can the Torah’s first families teach us about becoming better parents—and better human beings? FIVE KEY MOMENTS: 09:03 — The lasting trauma of the Binding of Isaac “Isaac never speaks to his father again.” 10:11 — What God may have learned from the Binding “God learned something about the fragility of humans—and never treats them again so harshly.” 22:27 — Genesis anticipates modern parenting psychology “God is inventing that new style 2,500 years before the psychologists gave it a name.” 25:44 — How parental love creates resilience “Esau’s father loved him, and I think that parental love builds resilience.” 39:51 — Why Joseph finally forgives his brothers “I think he comes to forgive his brothers because they earn it.” This episode is sponsored by David Nefesh Mittleman in loving memory of his beautiful parents, Emanuel and Bessie—cherished Holocaust survivors and devoted members of Detroit’s Jewish community. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow

What if Genesis is not only the story of the world’s first families—but also the story of God learning how to parent? In this fascinating episode of The Avrum Rosensweig Show, distinguished scholar and author Stephen Spector discusses his thought-provoking new book, God and the First Families: Parenting, Trauma, and Healing in the Book of Genesis. Drawing upon 50 years of teaching the Bible, Spector brings Genesis into conversation with modern psychology, psychiatry and family studies. He explores God’s evolving relationship with humanity—from an authoritarian parent demanding obedience to one who encourages empathy, moral responsibility and emotional growth. Together, Avrum and Stephen revisit the complicated families of Genesis: Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Esau, and Joseph and his brothers. Their conversation examines trauma, parental love, favouritism, sibling rivalry, forgiveness and the long journey toward family reconciliation. Can parents grow wiser? Can children overcome the wounds of the past? Must forgiveness be earned? And what can the Torah’s first families teach us about becoming better parents—and better human beings? FIVE KEY MOMENTS: 09:03 — The lasting trauma of the Binding of Isaac “Isaac never speaks to his father again.” 10:11 — What God may have learned from the Binding “God learned something about the fragility of humans—and never treats them again so harshly.” 22:27 — Genesis anticipates modern parenting psychology “God is inventing that new style 2,500 years before the psychologists gave it a name.” 25:44 — How parental love creates resilience “Esau’s father loved him, and I think that parental love builds resilience.” 39:51 — Why Joseph finally forgives his brothers “I think he comes to forgive his brothers because they earn it.” This episode is sponsored by David Nefesh Mittleman in loving memory of his beautiful parents, Emanuel and Bessie—cherished Holocaust survivors and devoted members of Detroit’s Jewish community. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow

#Torah #Bible #BiblicalScholarship #JewishThought #GodAsParent

Welcome to The Avrum Rosensweig Show. What happens when one of the world’s most respected universities fails to protect its Jewish students—and then refuses to investigate its own conduct? My guest is Professor Yossi Sheffi, a globally respected authority on supply-chain management, transportation, resilience and risk. For more than fifty years, MIT has been his intellectual home. He has educated generations of students, founded groundbreaking academic programs and advised governments and leading corporations around the world. But his latest book is unlike anything he has written before. In Unsafe at MIT: A Chronicle of a Campus War on the Jews, Professor Sheffi documents what Jewish and Israeli students and faculty experienced following the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023. He describes students suffering from trauma, demonstrations invading classrooms and research laboratories, areas of the campus becoming inaccessible to Jews, rules going unenforced and an administration that, in his view, repeatedly failed to respond. When MIT did not conduct the comprehensive investigation he believed was necessary, Professor Sheffi created the record himself. Writing the book left him angry, distressed and exhausted. Yet he continued because, as a scientist, he believes that science must be devoted to seeking the truth. As he declares in our conversation: “Science is about looking for the truth—and this is the truth.” In this powerful interview, we discuss institutional failure, antisemitism disguised as activism, the experiences of Jewish students and the personal cost of confronting an institution Professor Sheffi has served for more than half a century. What does a professor owe his university when loyalty to that institution conflicts with loyalty to the truth? This is an urgent, unsettling and profoundly important conversation with Professor Yossi Sheffi. 05:00 — Writing Unsafe at MIT Professor Sheffi explains why researching the experiences of traumatized Jewish students made this the most emotionally difficult book he has ever written. 17:00 — “I Owe It to the Students” Sheffi says that once 45 students overcame their fear of retaliation and shared their stories, he never considered abandoning the book—it had to be published. 29:11 — Refusing to Remain Silent Sheffi describes his reputation for speaking candidly at MIT, including challenging senior administrators when he believes their decisions are wrong. 45:37 — The Purpose Behind His Life’s Work He explains that his professional mission is to improve transportation and supply chains so ordinary people can maintain a good standard of living—even amid wars, tariffs and climate change. 53:28 — Fighting the Isolation of Israeli Scientists Near the interview’s conclusion, Sheffi discusses Kalaniyot, an initiative that brings Israeli researchers to universities abroad, builds lasting scientific partnerships and challenges academic boycotts. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #YossiSheffi #UnsafeAtMIT #TheAvrumRosensweigShow #MIT #CampusAntisemitism #JewishStudents #JewishVoices #StandAgainstAntisemitism #AcademicFreedom #InstitutionalAccountability #TruthMatters #October7 #Israel #JewishCommunity #HigherEducation #SupplyChainManagement #Leadership #MoralCourage #Kalaniyot #DefendingTruth

Welcome to The Avrum Rosensweig Show. What happens when one of the world’s most respected universities fails to protect its Jewish students—and then refuses to investigate its own conduct? My guest is Professor Yossi Sheffi, a globally respected authority on supply-chain management, transportation, resilience and risk. For more than fifty years, MIT has been his intellectual home. He has educated generations of students, founded groundbreaking academic programs and advised governments and leading corporations around the world. But his latest book is unlike anything he has written before. In Unsafe at MIT: A Chronicle of a Campus War on the Jews, Professor Sheffi documents what Jewish and Israeli students and faculty experienced following the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023. He describes students suffering from trauma, demonstrations invading classrooms and research laboratories, areas of the campus becoming inaccessible to Jews, rules going unenforced and an administration that, in his view, repeatedly failed to respond. When MIT did not conduct the comprehensive investigation he believed was necessary, Professor Sheffi created the record himself. Writing the book left him angry, distressed and exhausted. Yet he continued because, as a scientist, he believes that science must be devoted to seeking the truth. As he declares in our conversation: “Science is about looking for the truth—and this is the truth.” In this powerful interview, we discuss institutional failure, antisemitism disguised as activism, the experiences of Jewish students and the personal cost of confronting an institution Professor Sheffi has served for more than half a century. What does a professor owe his university when loyalty to that institution conflicts with loyalty to the truth? This is an urgent, unsettling and profoundly important conversation with Professor Yossi Sheffi. 05:00 — Writing Unsafe at MIT Professor Sheffi explains why researching the experiences of traumatized Jewish students made this the most emotionally difficult book he has ever written. 17:00 — “I Owe It to the Students” Sheffi says that once 45 students overcame their fear of retaliation and shared their stories, he never considered abandoning the book—it had to be published. 29:11 — Refusing to Remain Silent Sheffi describes his reputation for speaking candidly at MIT, including challenging senior administrators when he believes their decisions are wrong. 45:37 — The Purpose Behind His Life’s Work He explains that his professional mission is to improve transportation and supply chains so ordinary people can maintain a good standard of living—even amid wars, tariffs and climate change. 53:28 — Fighting the Isolation of Israeli Scientists Near the interview’s conclusion, Sheffi discusses Kalaniyot, an initiative that brings Israeli researchers to universities abroad, builds lasting scientific partnerships and challenges academic boycotts. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #YossiSheffi #UnsafeAtMIT #TheAvrumRosensweigShow #MIT #CampusAntisemitism #JewishStudents #JewishVoices #StandAgainstAntisemitism #AcademicFreedom #InstitutionalAccountability #TruthMatters #October7 #Israel #JewishCommunity #HigherEducation #SupplyChainManagement #Leadership #MoralCourage #Kalaniyot #DefendingTruth

What does it mean to educate young people when the world around them is marked by uncertainty, tragedy, and hope? In this deeply moving conversation, Avrum Rosensweig sits down with Rabbi Jeremy "Yirmi" Stavisky, the longtime principal of Jerusalem's Himmelfarb High School, who spent more than twenty years shaping the lives of thousands of students through Torah, compassion, and moral leadership. Rabbi Stavisky reflects on the philosophy that defined his career: that education begins not with grades, but with kindness; not with achievement, but with seeing the dignity in every child. He shares why he believes "the children who struggle may have the bigger souls," and why a teacher's greatest responsibility is to create a place where every student feels safe, protected, and valued. The conversation then turns to the unimaginable grief that followed October 7, when Rabbi Stavisky lost former students like Hersh Goldberg-Polin and many others, colleagues, and his beloved son-in-law, Yinon Fleischman. With remarkable honesty, he speaks about mourning, faith, Viktor Frankl, Rav Yehuda Amital, the enduring bond between teachers and students, and the responsibility to continue choosing life in the face of profound loss. Together, they also explore his decades of leading educational journeys to Poland, the moral lessons of the Holocaust, the meaning of Religious Zionism, and why Judaism ultimately calls us to place human dignity above ritual alone. This is more than an interview about education. It is a conversation about courage, memory, compassion, faith, and the extraordinary influence one teacher can have on generations of lives. If this conversation moves you, please like, subscribe, and share to help us bring these important stories to a wider audience. 1. "The Children Who Struggle May Have the Bigger Souls" ⏱ Timestamp: 16:32 – 17:30 Why it matters: This is arguably the defining moment of the interview. Rabbi Stavisky challenges conventional ideas of success, suggesting that struggle often develops greater depth, compassion, and character. It is an unforgettable philosophy of education. 2. "The First Duty of a Teacher Is Protection" ⏱ Timestamp: 18:13 – 24:20 "My first responsibility as principal... is to make the school a safe place." 3. "What It Means to Lose Your Students to War" ⏱ Timestamp: 30:10 – 38:10 4. "It's Not About God. It's About People." ⏱ Timestamp: 47:46 – 51:47 5. "We're a School of Life, Not a School of Death" ⏱ Timestamp: 59:28 – 1:01:43 Bonus Clip (Highly Recommended) "Every Person Is Created in God's Image" ⏱ Timestamp: 11:37 – 16:30 Rabbi Stavisky explains that every human being carries a spark of God, making kindness, dignity, and respect the foundation of Judaism—not merely ritual observance. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow #RabbiJeremyStavisky #JewishEducation #October7 #Israel #JewishLeadership #Himmelfarb #TeachersMatter #ReligiousZionism #JewishIdentity #Torah #FaithAndResilience #JewishHistory #HolocaustEducation #PolandJourney #RavAmital #KindnessMatters #Leadership #JewishValues #BiggerSouls

What does it mean to educate young people when the world around them is marked by uncertainty, tragedy, and hope? In this deeply moving conversation, Avrum Rosensweig sits down with Rabbi Jeremy "Yirmi" Stavisky, the longtime principal of Jerusalem's Himmelfarb High School, who spent more than twenty years shaping the lives of thousands of students through Torah, compassion, and moral leadership. Rabbi Stavisky reflects on the philosophy that defined his career: that education begins not with grades, but with kindness; not with achievement, but with seeing the dignity in every child. He shares why he believes "the children who struggle may have the bigger souls," and why a teacher's greatest responsibility is to create a place where every student feels safe, protected, and valued. The conversation then turns to the unimaginable grief that followed October 7, when Rabbi Stavisky lost former students like Hersh Goldberg-Polin and many others, colleagues, and his beloved son-in-law, Yinon Fleischman. With remarkable honesty, he speaks about mourning, faith, Viktor Frankl, Rav Yehuda Amital, the enduring bond between teachers and students, and the responsibility to continue choosing life in the face of profound loss. Together, they also explore his decades of leading educational journeys to Poland, the moral lessons of the Holocaust, the meaning of Religious Zionism, and why Judaism ultimately calls us to place human dignity above ritual alone. This is more than an interview about education. It is a conversation about courage, memory, compassion, faith, and the extraordinary influence one teacher can have on generations of lives. If this conversation moves you, please like, subscribe, and share to help us bring these important stories to a wider audience. 1. "The Children Who Struggle May Have the Bigger Souls" ⏱ Timestamp: 16:32 – 17:30 Why it matters: This is arguably the defining moment of the interview. Rabbi Stavisky challenges conventional ideas of success, suggesting that struggle often develops greater depth, compassion, and character. It is an unforgettable philosophy of education. 2. "The First Duty of a Teacher Is Protection" ⏱ Timestamp: 18:13 – 24:20 "My first responsibility as principal... is to make the school a safe place." 3. "What It Means to Lose Your Students to War" ⏱ Timestamp: 30:10 – 38:10 4. "It's Not About God. It's About People." ⏱ Timestamp: 47:46 – 51:47 5. "We're a School of Life, Not a School of Death" ⏱ Timestamp: 59:28 – 1:01:43 Bonus Clip (Highly Recommended) "Every Person Is Created in God's Image" ⏱ Timestamp: 11:37 – 16:30 Rabbi Stavisky explains that every human being carries a spark of God, making kindness, dignity, and respect the foundation of Judaism—not merely ritual observance. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow #RabbiJeremyStavisky #JewishEducation #October7 #Israel #JewishLeadership #Himmelfarb #TeachersMatter #ReligiousZionism #JewishIdentity #Torah #FaithAndResilience #JewishHistory #HolocaustEducation #PolandJourney #RavAmital #KindnessMatters #Leadership #JewishValues #BiggerSouls