On this unforgettable episode of The Chai Road, Max Alperstein sits down with  Shai Davidai—Columbia University professor, truth-teller, and one of today’s most courageous voices in the fight against antisemitism.

Dr. Davidai has captured the attention of millions by saying what others won’t. In this episode, he opens up about what compels him to speak out, the personal cost of activism, and how his Israeli identity shapes his unwavering moral stance.

We explore the meaning of Hineni—“Here I am”—not just as a biblical phrase, but as a declaration of presence, responsibility, and resistance. Shai doesn’t hold back, and neither do we.

Whether you're a student navigating campus tension, someone yearning for moral clarity, or simply searching for the courage to show up—you need to hear this conversation.

📢 Listen, share, and let the world know: we are here, and we are not silent.

#TheChaiRoad #ShaiDavidai #HereIAm #Hineni #JewishVoices #FightAntisemitism #MoralClarity #ZionistVoices #CampusActivism #Israel #JewishPride #JewishResistance #WeAreHere #ChaiMeansLife #JewishPodcast #JewishIdentity #ColumbiaUniversity #SpeakTruth

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Chai Road, host Max Alperstein sits down with Sami Steigmann, a Holocaust survivor, motivational speaker, and advocate for resilience. Sami shares his harrowing yet inspiring journey of survival, from his early years in a Nazi labor camp to his lifelong mission of educating others about the dangers of hatred and the power of forgiveness.

Max and Sami engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of resilience, the value of hope in the face of adversity, and how personal stories can shape a more compassionate world. Sami’s firsthand experiences serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit, offering profound insights into the lasting impact of history and the responsibilities we carry as the next generation.

A special thank you to Francesca Howard for her incredible support, as well as DJI, RØDE, and Sony for providing the tools that help bring these stories to life. Final Cut Pro played a crucial role in crafting this episode with care and precision. And, of course, a heartfelt thank you to Sami Steigmann for hosting us and sharing his remarkable journey.

Join us for an unforgettable conversation—one that reminds us of the power of resilience, the necessity of remembrance, and the enduring hope that carries us forward. L’Chaim!

For inquiries, please reach out via email at [email protected].

Make sure to follow @maxalperstein and support us on Patreon. Don’t forget to

comment, follow, and share with your friends on YouTube and Spotify! Your support

means the world to us.

In this profoundly inspiring Episode 2 of The Chai Road, your host Max Alperstein sits down

with Jes Escalante, a Latin trans convert to Judaism, who is not only navigating their

unique journey of faith and identity but also standing tall as an advocate for peace,

honor, and resilience.

Jes shares their powerful story of converting to Judaism, embracing both their Latin and

trans identities, and using their voice to challenge hatred while promoting love and

understanding. In this candid conversation, Jes speaks about the challenges they've

faced, the strength it took to embrace their identity, and how they’ve become a beacon

of hope and advocacy for those who feel marginalized.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who values resilience, community, and the fight

for justice. Jes’s story serves as a reminder that we all have the power to create change

in the world, no matter the obstacles in our path.

Big thank you to CapCut for making the editing process smoother, and to Sony

Cameras for capturing the magic!

For inquiries, please reach out via email at [email protected].

Make sure to follow @maxalperstein and support us on Patreon. Don’t forget to

comment, follow, and share with your friends on YouTube and Spotify! Your support

means the world to us.

Description:

Welcome to The Chai Road, a podcast that embraces the high road and champions

what’s right, shining a light on the voices that deserve to be heard. In today’s episode,

Max Alperstein welcomes Shabbos Kestenbaum, a Harvard graduate, proud Orthodox Jew, and the courageous lead plaintiff in a groundbreaking lawsuit against Harvard University regarding its response to antisemitism on campus.

Shabbos has become a key figure in national discussions about antisemitism, free

speech, and Jewish identity, recently sharing his powerful story at the Republican

National Convention. In this heartfelt and insightful conversation, Shabbos opens up

about his personal journey, his experiences at Harvard, and the legal battle that has

brought him into the public eye. From navigating the challenges of being an Orthodox

Jew at a prestigious university to sharing his thoughts on American politics and the

future of the Middle East, this episode explores the rich complexities of faith, identity,

and activism with warmth and depth.

Topics include:

●

Shabbos’s early life and personal identity, and how his upbringing shaped his

perspective on politics and Jewish identity

●

His experience at Harvard and the challenges he faced as an Orthodox Jew

●

Mahmoud Khalil and deportation on Columbia

●

The decision to take legal action against Harvard over antisemitism

●

Shabbos’s views on Israel, American politics, and the generational divide among

young Jews

●

Advice for young Jewish advocates navigating antisemitism and political

challenges

Shabbos’s story is a powerful example of resilience, courage, and standing up for

what’s right. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation!

For inquiries, reach out at [email protected].

Support The Chai Road on Patreon, and follow us on YouTube and Spotify. Comment,

share, and tell your friends!