🎙️ Welcome to Season 2 of the NCSY Pulse Podcast!

We’re kicking off the new season with an inspiring episode recorded live at the Southwest NCSY StaffCon in Dallas, Texas, and it’s packed with heart, purpose, and incredible stories from the field.

First, Rabbi Avi Honigsfeld joins Jon to share his journey from New York to Dallas, diving into what drives his passion for NCSY and the Jewish teens he mentors. With warmth and authenticity, Rabbi Honigsfeld opens up about the power of relationships, the magic of community, and why connection is the key to everything we do.

Then, Rabbi Yisroel Kellner takes us courtside - literally - as he talks about his unique approach to outreach through sports. From bringing Jewish teens face-to-face with professional athletes to turning a painful moment of anti-Semitism into a lesson in pride and resilience, Rabbi Kellner’s stories remind us what it means to lead with courage and compassion.

🎧 Tune in to hear two passionate NCSY educators who are changing lives, one teen at a time, right here on The NCSY Pulse Podcast.

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Using their voices. Making a difference.

Jon sits down with Letizia Kaya and Abby Badalov of Great Neck JSU — the teen leaders behind the Stand Proud Stand Jewish podcast.

When antisemitism started rising, they didn’t just talk about it — they did something about it. Their podcast became a platform to educate, inspire, and empower others to speak out and stand strong in their Jewish identity.

💬 “Silence isn’t an option. If we have a voice, we’re going to use it.”

These leaders remind us all that courage and action can start at any age. 

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From Panama to the U.S., and from passion to purpose — Rabbi Arieh Bentolila sits down with Jon on this week’s episode of NCSY Pulse to share the story behind his decision to join NCSY and dedicate his life to helping the Jewish people.

💬 Hear how one bold choice set him on a journey of leadership, connection, and impact — and why working with Jewish teens isn’t just a job, it’s his mission.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube — and get inspired by a story of courage, calling, and commitment to the Jewish People.

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📚 From Regional President to published author — Bari Mitzman’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.

On this episode of NCSY Pulse, Bari sits down with Jon to reflect on how NCSY became her home base — a safe, empowering space where she could grow, lead, and ultimately find her voice. Despite the struggles she faced in high school, NCSY gave her the confidence to rise—and she’s never looked back.

Now a mental health advocate, influencer, and author of the brand-new book “Hakol B’Seder: Finding My Way Back Home,” Bari shares how her time in NCSY and the inspirational people she met along the way helped shape her into the leader she is today.

🎧 Tune in for a story of growth, gratitude, and finding light through leadership.

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In this powerful episode of the NCSY Pulse Podcast, Rabbi Mo Isenberg sits down with Jon to share the story of how he first got involved with NCSY—and what inspired him to come back years later as a leader and partner in shaping its future.

Rabbi Mo reflects on the relationships that shaped his journey, and the partnerships that define NCSY’s impact today. From unexpected beginnings to long-lasting connections, he shares why the difference between a donor and a partner matters, and how real change comes from those who truly show up.

This episode is a masterclass in leadership, gratitude, and what it really means to build something bigger than yourself.

Whether you're a student, alum, parent, or supporter, Rabbi Mo’s story will remind you that relationships are the foundation of everything—and partnership is where the magic happens.

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In this inspiring episode of NCSY Pulse, Jon sits down with Melinda Strauss—Jewish influencer, Israel advocate, author, and chef! Melinda shares how her time in NCSY shaped her leadership style, teaching her the power of small acts of kindness and their lasting impact.

From educating millions on Jewish life and values through social media to balancing motherhood, advocacy, and her upcoming cookbook, EAT JEWISH, Melinda dives deep into what it means to be a Jewish leader today. She discusses her approach to spreading positivity and empowerment, navigating challenges in online spaces, and how she ties her many passions together with intention and purpose.

Melinda brings an infectious energy to this conversation—don’t miss this incredible episode! 🎧🔥

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NCSY Pulse: A Conversation with Rabbi Moish Zucker – 49 Years of Inspiring Jewish Teens

In this episode of NCSY Pulse, Jon sits down with Rabbi Moish Zucker, a true NCSY legend who has dedicated 49 years to inspiring, educating, and empowering Jewish high school students. Rabbi Zucker shares his journey through nearly five decades of mentorship, leadership, and dedication to helping teens strengthen their connection to Torah, mitzvos, and Jewish identity.

From unforgettable stories of impact to his wisdom on what it takes to inspire the next generation, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who has experienced the transformative power of NCSY.

🎧 Tune in now and be inspired!

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🎙️ Live from Ridgewood JSU! 🎙️

Welcome to our NCSY Pulse live show at Ridgewood High School as Jon sits down with Ridgewood JSU leaders! They share how they first got involved in JSU, what it’s like standing alongside other Jewish teens against antisemitism, and why having strong Jewish pride is so important. Plus, they discuss why all teens—Jewish or not—must stand together united to create a more supportive and inclusive community.

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Rabbi, Comedian, and NCSY Legend – Rabbi Dave Rottenberg

In this episode of NCSY Pulse, Jon sits down with Rabbi Dave Rottenberg, Managing Director of NCSY Ottawa and Montreal, to dive into his incredible journey in Jewish leadership. From how he first got involved in NCSY, to balancing life as the Rabbi Comedian, and fueling the growth of Ottawa NCSY, Rabbi Dave shares his unique perspective on inspiring Jewish teens.

🎧 Tune in now!

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From Dough to Destiny! 

On this episode of NCSY Pulse, we sit down with Anat Ishai, better known as The Challah Mom (@challah.mom) to hear how a simple act of baking challah turned into a life-changing journey. 🥖✨

Anat shares how she first started baking challah, the personal spin she put on it, and how that energy sparked a movement—bringing people together through tradition, faith, and, of course, delicious challah!

PLUS: How did a slice of Pizza with NCSY turn into Anat meeting her husband in Israel?!?! Tune In!

🔥 How have challah and NCSY shaped your Jewish experience? 

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