In this episode, rapper and activist Kosha Dillz takes us on a journey through his music, identity, and resilience. From performing on college campuses and tackling misconceptions about Israel to crafting lyrics that resonate and spark dialogue, Kosha shares the highs and challenges of his unique path. He opens up about overcoming addiction, the influence of Jewish values like tzedakah, and the strength that carried him through tough times. We also dive into his creative process, his experiences performing for IDF soldiers, and the reactions to his Chanukah songs and recent tracks inspired by pivotal events. Tune in for a powerful conversation that bridges hip-hop, faith, and activism.

0:00 Introduction
0:58 Welcome Kosha Dillz
2:09 Performing on College Campuses
4:36 Does doing this feel dangerous?
6:30 Rap That Resonates
8:20 Misconceptions About Israel
13:35 The social scene of anti-Israel protests
15:59 Songs since 10/7
22:02 Chanukah Song and Reactions on Campus
23:28 What kind of schools book you?
26:29 How do you work on your rap?
29:13 Time on Wild 'n Out
31:49 How has your jewish identity influenced your music?
33:51 Tzedakah
37:27 Overcoming addiction
39:50 What kept you strong during tough times?
43:47 Performing for IDF Soldiers
48:14 Chanukah Concert and Songs
49:38 Outro

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein, a longtime friend of MJE and a true testament to perseverance and vision. Born blind, Justice Bernstein has defied expectations, becoming a trailblazer in law, an advocate for peace, and a marathon runner who challenges limits in every aspect of life.

In this episode, we delve into his remarkable journey, including his role in advancing the Abraham Accords and promoting peace in the Middle East. Justice Bernstein shares profound insights on the beauty of his disability, his unwavering faith in God, and how it has shaped his perspective on justice, resilience, and advocacy.

0:00 Introduction
2:43 Serving as a Judge in MI
4:00 Resilience
10:15 Resilience
15:15 Identifying Purpose Through Judaism
16:02 Wrongful Convictions
20:34 Flint Water Case
23:26 Talmudic Perspective on Wrongful Convictions
24:18 Has DNA Been Helpful in Court?
28:47 Overcoming Adversity with One's Mission
35:26 Disability Advocacy in the Middle East
50:04 Importance if the Abraham Accords
52:18 Rabbi Nebenzahl
59:07 Everybody is Touched by Disability
1:00:32 Perception of Disabilities in the Arab World
1:04:25 Collaboration with a Sheikh
1:07:21 Peace with Saudi Arabia
1:08:41 Opening MI Back Up During Covid
1:11:15 Long Term Consequences of Covid Lockdown
1:13:56 Bringing People Together
1:16:23 Conclusion

0:00 Introduction
1:32 Academic Pursuits & Religious Values
14:48 Misunderstandings of Observance
21:20 Judaism in Politics
31:04 The Limits of Orthodox Theology
44:54 Challenges Facing Jewish Identity
53:44 How to Handle Israel Condemnation
1:03:28 Student Interest in Judaism
1:09:57 Wrapping Up

0:00 Introduction
1:50 Notions of Peace
6:31 This Semester at Columbia
11:39 Continuing to Teach at Columbia
14:36 Sending Kids to Antisemitic Institutions
22:21 Choosing to Fight Back
28:29 Fight for Jewish Civil Rights
34:17 Israeli vs. Diaspora Jews
43:10 Preserving Jewish Identity
55:59 Why is Judaism worth defending?
59:21 Political Labels
1:00 Wrapping Up

0:00 Introduction
2:04 Welcome
7:17 Camp HASC
17:14 American Jews Giving to Israel
21:39 Negativity in the Media
26:13 Thinking Differently Than Others
30:33 Teshuvah
39:49 How Do We Find Joy?
43:33 Preparing for the High Holidays
51:29 Jewish Self-Identity
1:00:00 Wrapping Up

0:00 Introduction
3:07 Is War With Hezbollah Inevitable?
11:25 American Involvement in the War
13:02 Update on the Hostages
16:17 Post War Gaza
29:40 Presidential Elections
44:04 What Can Americans Do?
51:32 Wrapping Up