Shows
Jewanced#66– Swords of Iron, Day 28: Col. (Res.) Dr. Eran LermanIn this special ‘War Edition’ of the show, Dan and Benny take a deep dive into the geopolitical context of the October 7th war with Col. (Res.) Dr. Eran Lerman. Together, they discuss the war’s progress, impact, and possible outcomes both near- and long-term. About Col. (Res.) Dr. Eran Lerman: Colonel (Res.) Dr. Eran Lerman is a lecturer in the Shalem College Departments of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies and Strategy, Diplomacy, and Security and in the Tel Aviv University Department of Political Science. He is also the Vice President of the Jerusalem Institute for Stra...2023-11-111h 09
Jewanced#65 – Swords of Iron, Day 19: The PR BattleIn this special ‘War Edition’ of the show, Dan and Benny cover updates on the war as well as discuss Israel’s PR battle with special guests Joanna Landau, founder and president of Vibe Israel, and Haisam Hassanein, a fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies specializing in Israel’s relations with Arab states and Muslim countries.About Joanna Landau:Best-selling author of “Ethical Tribing: Connecting the Next Generation to Israel in the Digital Era,” Joanna is an expert on country branding, Israel’s soft power, and the unique challenges Israel faces when building its g...2023-10-271h 47
Jewanced#64 - Swords of Iron: The Simchat Torah War - Day 7Join Dan Feferman and Benny Scholder for the return of Jewanced as we present a special live podcast covering Swords of Iron - The Simchat Torah War.Taped Live on Friday, October 13, 2023, day 7 of the war, this will be the first in a series of episodes we're broadcasting to bring you ongoing updates and snapshots of the progress of this unfolding war - a horrific, devastating, and pivotal moment in the history of Israel and the Jewish People. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the thousands of victims - murdered, kidnapped, and injured...2023-10-141h 50
Jewanced#63 - Dr. Shlomo Fischer, JPPI Senior Fellow and Sociologist of the Jewish PeopleDr. Shlomo Fischer is a senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute and teaches sociology in the School of Education at Hebrew University and at the Ben Gurion University of the Negev. He served as a research fellow at the Van Leer Institute.Fischer has worked in the field of education for the past 25 years. In the past 10 years, he has worked in the field of religion, democracy, and tolerance. He has edited (together with Adam Seligman) The Burden of Tolerance: Religious Traditions and the Challenge of Pluralism (Hebrew; HaKibbutz Hameuchad and the Van Leer Institute, 2007...2022-06-101h 40
Jewanced#62 - Rawan Osman, Peace Activist and Member of 1st-Ever Arab-Jewish Delegation to the March of the LivingRawan Osman was born in Damascus and raised in Lebanon. After high school, Osman moved back to Syria and in 2011, during the beginning of the unrest, left for France. In 2018, Osman moved to Strasbourg and started working on her first book, The Israelis, Friends or Foes. Osman is a contributor to Fikra Forum.A true believer in the potential for authentic and positive human interactions with Jews to change popular narratives in the Arab world and bring about peace, Rawan recently participated in the NGO Sharaka’s first-ever historic delegation of Arabs from across the Middle East, Eu...2022-05-231h 43
Jewanced#61 - Joel Haber, Food Blogger, Culinary Explorer, and GuideListener’s beware, this episode of the show is virtually guaranteed to leave you super hungry!NJ native and former screenwriter Joel Haber made aliya to Israel in 2009. Looking to leave his former profession behind in the Old Country, Joe did what anyone would do and became a licensed tour guide and soon found himself escorting travelers from all over the world to discover and uncover the wonder and beauty that is the Land and People of Israel. Joel grew up in a modern orthodox home with a mother who was a great home cook, and...2022-04-031h 30
Jewanced#60 Dr. David Gurevich - Archaeologist & Expert on Jerusalem and the 2nd Temple PeriodDIG into history on this week’s episode of the show as Dan and Benny explore ancient Israel and the turbulent times of the 1st Jewish State and its destruction with guest Dr. David Gurevich, an archaeologist and expert on Jerusalem and the 2nd Temple period.Dr. David Gurevich is an archaeologist who studies Jerusalem and the Second Temple Period. His doctoral dissertation focused on the large water pools of Jerusalem and established the link between the Jewish pilgrimage to the Temple and the water management of the city. In 2014-2015, he was awarded the Fulbr...2022-02-042h 01
Jewanced#59 Daniel Rakov - Expert on Russia and Russian Policy in the Middle EastAre we headed towards a Cold War – Round Two? Our guest this week, Daniel Rakov, might have the answer for that ominous question and it might not be what you think…Lt. Col. (Res). Daniel Rakov is an expert on Russian policy in the Middle East and Great-Power Competition in the region. He served in the Israel Defense Forces for over 20 years, mainly in the Israeli Defense Intelligence Division (Aman). From 2019-2021, he was a research fellow at the Russian Studies Program at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS). Today, Daniel is a Senior Fellow at...2022-01-172h 19
Jewanced#58 Len Khodorkovsky - The State Department's Secret WeaponLen Khodorkovsky has one of those heartwarming American Jewish stories: A refugee from the Soviet Union finds safe haven in America, where he thrives, builds a family and reaches professional success… then helps the president of the United States tweet Game of Thrones memes. Len Khodorkovsky served at the State Department as a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Global Public Affairs. He was also a Senior Advisor to the US Special Representative for Iran and the Chief Marketing Officer of America’s economic diplomacy. He was also the Trump State Department’s secret weapon, the guy who helped the Pres...2021-12-241h 15
Jewanced#57 Dr. Jonathan Schanzer, Terrorism Finance Analyst, Author, & Senior VP of Research at the Foundation for Defense of DemocraciesHow do China, Hezbollah, int’l NGO’s, Iran, Palestinian politics, Gaza, Israel, Jihadism, and illicit financial networks connect? Dan and Benny sat down with Dr. Jonathan Schanzer, terrorism finance analyst and Senior VP of Research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies to find out!Dr. Jonathan Schanzer is senior vice president for research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), where he oversees the work of the organization’s experts and scholars. He is also on the leadership team of FDD’s Center on Economic and Financial Power, a project on the use of f...2021-12-031h 43
Jewanced#56 Omar Al Busaidy, CEO of Sharaka USA, Optimistic Opportunist, Entrepreneur, Author, and FuturistThe Future is Now!Hey, Jewanced fans. We have missed you. Wondering where we went? Well, it all goes back to the Abraham Accords. We recorded this episode with our good friend (and Dan's colleague) Omar Al Busaidy. In case you are curious, Benny was about to head off for his first trip to the UAE. Omar, who usually lives in the US, was in his hometown of Dubai, and Dan just got back from Dubai and was getting ready to ship off to California (with Omar) to be a part of a Sharaka delegation promoting awareness...2021-11-191h 33
Jewanced#55 Shakked Beery, The Wandering Jewess - Author, Tour Guide & StorytellerJoin us on a journey of discovery into the heart some of Israel’s best kept gems of history! Our guest this week, Shakked Beery AKA The Wandering Jewess, spent this episode of the show as our expert tour guide as together we explored some of Israel’s most fascinating and least-known secret places – the ones most visitors to the country never get to see. Native to Israel for ten generations, Shakked's family arrived at the land more than 200 years ago and took an active part in reconstructing the Jewish homeland. Following her family’s heritage...2021-10-222h 30
Jewanced#54 Dr. Tomer Persico - Author, Philosophical & Spiritual Thinker, Jewish Thought Leader & ScholarNow, perhaps more than ever before in our lifetimes, humanity seems to be seeking answers to some of our biggest questions. What and where is God? How do spirituality and religion impact the uniqueness of humanity? What is the nature of reality? Will everything be ok?Fresh off the boat from Berkeley, CA, Dr. Tomer Persico takes us on a fascinating journey throughout the human landscape of the Jewish and Western worlds to help uncover the evolution of our shared spiritual, religious, and humanistic existence.Together with Tomer, this remarkable episode of the show explores top...2021-09-171h 51
Jewanced#53 Anat Sultan-Dadon - Israel's Consul General to the Southeastern United StatesOn this episode of the show, we talk to Anat Sultan-Dadon, Israel's Consul General to the US Southeast and learn everything we’d want to know about how Israel's all-star diplomats strengthen Israel by building relationships at the state, local, and national levels across a wide range of diverse interests.As Israel’s Consul General in Atlanta, Anat Sultan-Dadon promotes bilateral relations between Israel and seven states covered by the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeast: Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi, furthering connections with national and local political, economic, cultural, and acad...2021-08-201h 54
Jewanced#52 Dr. David Manheim & Dr. Rami Shanani: Covid-19 Update ShowOver a year and a half into the Covid-19 Pandemic, we find ourselves in a very different place than we did back in 2020. If you’re fortunate to be in the developed world, chances are you have access to vaccines and promising therapeutics are right around the corner. But does this new reality translate to a new roadmap as far as public health policy is concerned? How is the world handling the realities of its ‘new normal’ as we enter the latter half of 2021? On this episode of the podcast, we sat down with the two people we most wa...2021-08-062h 09
Jewanced#51 Rabbi Tamar Elad-Appelbaum - Founder, Kehilat ZION & Jewish Spiritual InnovatorHi friends! This episode of the show was recorded as a Jewanced LIVE! discussion, sponsored by the Orange County Community Scholars Program (CSP). CSP is dedicated to bringing the best Jewish thinkers, writers, artists and musicians in the world to Orange County, California, the greater USA and the world!Rabbi Tamar Elad-Appelbaum is co-founder of the Beit Midrash for Israeli Rabbis, a joint project of the HaMidrasha Educational Center for Israeli Judaism and the Shalom Hartman Institute. She is also the founder of Kehilat Zion in Jerusalem. Her work spans and links tradition and innovation, wor...2021-07-231h 35
Jewanced#50 Jonathan Elkhoury - Israeli-Lebanese Christian public diplomacy adviser, speaker, advocate for Israel, and commentatorMuch like an onion, sometimes life seems to be made up of layers upon layers of complexity. Our guest this week, Jonathan Elkhoury, definitely embodies a life of many such layers.Jonathan Elkhoury is a gay Christian Lebanese refugee who now lives in Israel. In 2000 when he was 8 years old, he and his family were forced to leave Lebanon for Israel after the Lebanese Civil War for their own protection because his father was a member of the South Lebanon Army (SLA), which was supported by the Israel Defense Forces which had just withdrew from the...2021-07-082h 16
Jewanced#49 David Horovitz - Founding Editor, The Times of IsraelEXTRA! EXTRA!DAVID HOROVITZ – THIS WEEK ON JEWANCEDIn today’s media landscape where it’s increasingly difficult to tell facts from fiction and where finding a trustworthy news source seems as challenging as running a marathon (fake news anybody?), The Times of Israel’s founding editor David Horovitz truly is an anchor of authenticity and a real source of stability for our times. Listen to our fascinating interview with him on this week’s episode of the show.David Horovitz is the founding editor of The Times of Israel, the fastest-growing current affairs web...2021-06-251h 28
Jewanced#48 Seth Frantzman - Mideast Analyst, Journalist, Foreign Policy Expert, Truth Seeker, & Author…So Much Trouble in the World…It isn’t just one of the greatest Bob Marley songs, it’s the truth. We live in a wild place during a crazy time. But, it helps to remember that ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’…things have by and large been ‘burning since the world’s been turning.’ Only now, we have the added benefit of social media, a decentralized media landscape, echo chambers, clickbait, hardcore polarization, the 8-second attention span, Q, Wokeism, endless conflicts abound (especially in the Middle East) and it just seems like the thing’s starting to spin out of con...2021-06-111h 36
Jewanced#47 Reuven Ben Shalom - IDF Military Affairs Expert, Cross-Cultural Strategist & ColumnistSo, there’s a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas…now what?In this special live episode of the show, we sat down with IDF military affairs expert Col. (Res) Reuven Ben-Shalom (nickname ‘Rabash’) to discuss the aftermath of Operation Guardian of the Walls (שומר החומות), the cease-fire, and how we move forward from here. What transpired was a fascinating, nuanced discussion about the nature of modern war in the Middle East, IDF contingencies and battle tactics mixed with a bit or concern about the country’s overall strategy (or lack thereof) to handling Hamas and the Gaza Strip. In addition, w...2021-05-281h 55
Jewanced#46 Dr. Steven Popper, Ph.D., Senior Economist-RAND Corporation & Expert on the Science of Decision Making Under Deep UncertaintyDecisionmaking for the future depends on anticipating change. And anticipating change is becoming increasingly difficult. How does a person make good decisions in the face of mounting uncertainty? What if that person is a CEO, legislator, prime minister, military general, or even the President? This week’s guest on the show, Dr. Steven Popper, Ph.D. is a Senior Economist at the RAND Corporation who is an expert in, among many things, the science of decision making under deep uncertainty.As associate director of the Science and Technology Policy Institute FFRDC (federally funded research & development center...2021-05-212h 22
Jewanced#45 - Ariella Steinreich, Senior VP, Steinreich Communications talks PR, the Arab Gulf, and optimism for the futureAriella Steinreich is a senior vice president at Steinreich Communications overseeing the firm’s global corporate / issues practice and its Middle East division. On this episode of the show, we talk to Ariella about all things PR, the Arab Gulf, and what makes her (and us) so excited about the opportunities ahead for our region. Ariella brings over a decade of experience at major public relations firms where she created and implemented global corporate communications programs for leading companies and organizations. Her experience includes strategic media counseling, media training, communications strategy development, social media strategy, cri...2021-05-141h 40
Jewanced#44 - Chaim Davids, proprietor of Prohibition Pickle & leader of the Ashkenazi soul food revivalThis episode of Jewanced with Chaim Davids was recorded live as a special culinary show at Prohibition Pickle - quite possibly THE BEST deli in Israel – where Chaim is the proprietor and pickle master extraordinaire. We tuck into how the Baltimore native has gone from running the Judean Hills greatest bootlegging operation since the 2nd Temple period to leading the country’s delicatessen renaissance …and along the way, learn all about (and eat) the best full sour pickles, smoked herring & whitefish, deli mustard, and real-deal corned beef & pastrami available this side of the Atlantic.Prohibition Pickle...2021-05-071h 41
Jewanced#43 Dr. Guy Matalon, Judaic studies professor, Rambam & Talmudic scholar & expert on Jewish philosophy“Truth does not become more true by virtue of the fact that the entire world agrees with it, nor less so even if the whole world disagrees with it.” – RambamTo us, it seems that the Rambam might have been a guy who knew how to appreciate nuance!On this week’s episode of the podcast, we sat down with Dr. Guy Matalon and dived right into the Rambam, the Talmud, the mystifying world of Jewish philosophy, the place of faith and rationality in our world, and much much more.Dr. Guy Matalon is an ex...2021-04-302h 29
Jewanced#42 - Dan Libenson, founder & president of The Institute for the Next Jewish Future & co-host of the Judaism Unbound podcastWouldn’t you like to predict the future? Dan Libenson, gets up each and every day and does just that – for the Jewish world. Dan Libenson is founder and president of the Institute for the Next Jewish Future, co-host of the popular Judaism Unbound podcast, and co-creator of jewishLIVE, where he co-hosts the weekly live-streaming video series “The Oral Talmud” with Benay Lappe. He’s also the co-creator of “Text People,” a new project making Jewish texts maximally accessible to a broad audience through short videos and other media. Dan translated The Orchard by renowned Israeli...2021-04-233h 13
Jewanced#41 - Inbal Arieli, serial entrepreneur, tech influencer, business executive and authorAhead of Israeli Independence Day (Yom Ha'atzmaut), we recorded a special episode of Jewanced with superstar tech entrepreneur, acclaimed speaker and author Inbal Arieli.In it, she talks to us about her unique insights on life, society, the miracle of Israel's thriving tech scene, and the incredible impact it’s having on the world, as well as uncovers the secret behind how Israeli parents are raising generations of entrepreneurs. These unique insights led her to write the fascinating and successful book "Chutzpah: Why Israel is a Hub of Innovation and Entrepreneurship". Inbal Arieli a...2021-04-162h 25
Jewanced#40 - John Daly, Jewish former skinhead & Neo-Nazi survivorJewanced commemorates Yom Ha’Shoah – Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day - with the inspirational and shocking true story of John Daly’s incredible tale of Jewish survival - transforming and escaping from life as a closeted Jewish Neo-Nazi commander in the USA to living in Israel. Legitimately unlike any other story Dan nor Benny had ever heard before, John Daly’s riveting recounting of the details of the events of his youth spent in Ocala, FL joining an anti-racist skinhead (yes, that’s a thing) group, being kidnapped by Neo-Nazi white supremacists into their movement, hiding his Jewish identi...2021-04-082h 42
Jewanced#39 - Mark Samarsky, co-owner & founder of Rose Valley CrossFitIt’s almost inevitable that you've scrolled past a sweaty selfie of a friend, co-worker, or high school classmate bragging about their WOD and professing their love for CrossFit. What is Crossfit exactly? CrossFit is a global exercise phenomenon that started in the US about 20 years ago and has since spread across the world. There are roughly 13,000 affiliated gyms in 120 countries with countless others offering "Functional Fitness" and with many conventional gyms offering similar classes and equipment. It’s estimated that there are 4 million CrossFitters around the world, and its members are so devoted to the competitive approach to fitne...2021-04-022h 24
Jewanced#38 - Mickey Gitzin, Executive Director of the New Israel Fund in IsraelThe NEW ISRAEL FUND and the Israeli Left – Few other NGO’s in Israel conjure up stronger feelings than the NIF. Subversive anti-Israel front or patriotic agent for social change and justice? What really is the NIF (apart from one of the best examples of ‘Jewance’ that we can think of) and what does the organization truly stand for? Moreover, as we just had our 4TH ELECTIONS in Israel this week, what happened to the Israeli left and where is it going? We sit down with MICKEY GITZIN, Executive Director of the New Israel Fund in Israe...2021-03-262h 20
Jewanced#37 Jennifer Abadi, Sephardic & Judeo-Arabic recipe preserver and cookbook authorWE HOPE YOU’RE HUNGRY! In today’s episode, we explore a RICH & DIVERSE culinary and cultural Jewish heritage as we take a journey through the heart of Jewish Syria, Iraq, Iran, Morocco, India, Turkey, and beyond with JENNIFER ABADI, a Sephardic & Judeo-Arabic recipe preserver & cookbook author. Together, we explore the diversity of the North American Jewish experience, discuss our feelings about the upcoming Pesach holiday, and along the way, discover some mouthwatering recipes that are simply Too Good to Passover.Jennifer Abadi lives in New York City and is a researcher, developer, and preserver of S...2021-03-192h 12
Jewanced#36 Shmuel Rosner, cultural & political commentator, columnist, editor & think-tank senior fellowIsrael’s 4th (yes, 4th!) elections in 2 years are nearly here. Like with every election in the world’s only Jewish democracy, Israel’s elections come with tons of questions. What are they about? Who’s running? Why are there always so many new parties running in every election?! What do polarizing terms like ‘left’ and ‘right’ mean in Israel anyways?!Are you new to Israeli politics? A veteran observer or participant? Find the situation confusing? (don’t worry, so do we!) Need a primer to Israeli politics circa 2021? Worry no more. This episode with the one & on...2021-03-122h 14
Jewanced#35 Maj. (Res.) Danny Citrinowicz, Iran Expert, Former IDF Intel. Officer & Deputy Defense Attache in D.C.IS IRAN HEADED TOWARDS THE BOMB?With President Biden at the helm, will the US reenter the JCPOA (the ‘Iran Deal’)? If so, would that be good or bad? Would it be good or bad for Israel? What should Israel do? Are all options really on the table? With all the back and forth taking place over the past decade + about ‘the Iran deal’ and its politics, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s going on. It’s understandable, too. There are just so many moving parts to keep track of and so much noise th...2021-03-053h 07
Jewanced#34 Rabbi Alon Meltzer, Australian Jewish Community Builder & LeaderOn this episode of Jewanced, Dan & Benny sit down with Rabbi Alon Meltzer, an amazing Sydney-based Jewish community builder and leader to learn about the Jews of Australia and New Zealand. On the way, they discuss some of the unique challenges and features of life that come with being part of the world's furthest-most’ Jewish community, and wrap up with a fascinating conversation on the origins of Purim.Alon Meltzer is a community builder. Growing up in Auckland, New Zealand he was involved in most aspects of the community. Now living in Sydney, Australia he is the Rab...2021-02-262h 50
Jewanced#33 Steven Shalowitz, host of The One Way Ticket Show & IsraelCast podcasts & real-life explorerOn this episode of Jewanced, Dan & Benny sit down with Steven Shalowitz, real-life explorer and host of The One Way Ticket Show & JNF-USA’s IsraelCast podcast to talk about podcasting, radio, the power of travel, Israel, NYC, and so much more. “If I gave you a one-way ticket to anywhere, past, present, or future, where would you go?” That’s the question that Steven Shalowitz asks all of his guests at the start of his captivating podcast, The One Way Ticket Show where he hosts celebrities and luminaries from across a variety of fields, including: art & design, business...2021-02-193h 21
Jewanced#32 MK Ruth Wasserman Lande, Israeli Member of Knesset from the Blue & White PartyRuth Wasserman Lande is a Member of Knesset from the Blue & White party. Raised in South Africa, she is the founder and CEO of Ruth – Global Innovative Advisory, a diplomat, lecturer, columnist, and social activist particularly focused on the Arab population in Israel. She is also a Middle East affairs expert and commentator for various media outlets around the world. Wasserman Lande served as an advisor to the late President Shimon Peres, as the de-facto Deputy Ambassador at the Israeli embassy in Egypt, and for almost a decade as the Deputy Director-General for International Affairs at the Israeli Federation of...2021-02-121h 16
Jewanced#31 - Laura Kelly, D.C. based foreign policy reporter for The Hill, covering Capitol Hill & the White HouseLaura Kelly is a reporter for The Hill in Washington D.C. where she writes about the politics and policy surrounding U.S. foreign affairs, covering Capitol Hill, the White House, and the State Department. Laura began her journalism career in Israel in 2012 working for The Jerusalem Post and lived in the country until 2016. Her reporting has taken her all over the world covering conflict, culture, and natural disasters. This includes the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Syrian Civil War, the fight against ISIS, and Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, to name a few. She is a graduate of Fordham University a...2021-02-052h 18
JewancedBONUS Episode #30 - Jewanced LIVE! Meet the Emiratis, co-sponsored by the Minneapolis Jewish Federation & Partnership2Gether Rehovot-MinneapolisJoin us on Jewanced for a very special BONUS EPISODE of Jewanced – MEET THE EMIRATIS - where Benny and Dan host a panel of truly amazing Emiratis to learn about life in the UAE and their feelings about their country’s new normalization with Israel under the Abraham Accords. This episode of the podcast was produced as a Jewanced LIVE! event, co-sponsored by the Minneapolis Jewish Federation and the Jewish Agency for Israel Partnership2Gether Rehovot-Minneapolis. Together with our Emirati panelists, we dive into the normalization of relations between Israel and the UAE which...2021-01-291h 44
Jewanced#29 - Prof. Gil Troy, US presidential historian, scholar, author, political commentator & Zionist activistDan and Benny engage in a candid discussion with Professor Gil Troy, one of the world’s leading US Presidential historians, about the critical moment facing the United States, the world, and democracy as we transition from the Trump to the Biden White House. No less important, we also talk about American Jews and Zionism, the state of Israeli democracy, and co-authoring his most recent book with Natan Sharansky, Never Alone - Prison, Politics, and My People.A Distinguished Scholar of North American History at McGill University currently living in Jerusalem, Gil Troy is an award-winning American pre...2021-01-222h 06
Jewanced#28 Dr. Natan Davidovics - Covid-19 Data Scientist & Director of R&D at BrainQOn this episode of Jewanced, Dan and Benny sit down with Dr. Natan Davidovics, Ph.D., Director of R&D at the game-changing Jerusalem-based biotech firm BrainQ and Covid-19 data scientist and dig through the data to better understand the trajectory of Coronavirus in Israel and the United States. Dr. Davidovics breaks it down for us and provides a bit of much-needed positivity about the impact of the vaccine, as well as raises some serious red flags and dire warnings about where things might be headed in the USA. Later in the show, we get our minds absolutely blown a...2021-01-152h 48
Jewanced#27 - Roy Margaliot, Visual Artist & IllustratorIn this episode of the podcast, Benny & Dan have perhaps one of their freest flowing conversations yet with visual artist and illustrator Roy Margaliot in which they embark on a deep journey into an artist’s mind. On the way, they explore the philosophy of the physical, metaphysical, and spiritual realms – including the source of creativity inside us, how to be ok with the uncertainty of our times, the fragile nature of the world, Jewish consciousness, Hasidic teachings, UFO’s and the possibility of extraterrestrial life and sources of energy. Last but not least, Roy guides Dan and Benny through...2021-01-082h 57
Jewanced#26 - Daniel Gordis, Senior VP of Shalem College, Author, Writer & SpeakerDr. Daniel Gordis is Senior Vice President, Koret Distinguished Fellow, and Chair of the Core Curriculum at Shalem College. Previously the vice president of the Mandel Foundation in Israel and director of its Leadership Institute, Gordis was also the founding dean of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at the University of Judaism in Los Angeles. Author of numerous books, a regular columnist for Bloomberg View and The Jerusalem Post, and a frequent contributor to the New York Times, The Times of Israel, and other leading news outlets, Gordis lectures throughout the world on Israeli society, American-Israeli relations, and the c...2021-01-012h 04
Jewanced#25 - MK Michal Cotler-Wunsh, Israeli Member of Parliament from the Blue & White PartyMK Michal Cotler-Wunsh is a parliamentarian serving in Israel's parliament - the Knesset - representing the Blue & White party. She entered the Knesset less than a year ago as part of Israel’s implementation of the controversial ‘Norwegian Law’ when the recently-fallen National Unity government between her party and the Likud was formed. In a relatively short period of time, Cotler-Wunsh has become one of the country’s most outspoken MK’s on a variety of critically important issues such as immigration & absorption, Anti-Semitism and social media, Israel’s participation in international human rights institutions, truth and reconciliation for Israel’s Mizr...2020-12-251h 14
Jewanced#24 - Russell Robinson, CEO of JNF-USARanked by the Jerusalem Post as one of the world’s top 50 most influential Jews, Russell Robinson is the iconic CEO of JNF-USA, one of the Jewish world’s largest and leading philanthropic organizations. Under his leadership, the JNF has proven over and over its influence and impact in Zionist advocacy and education, Jewish community development, environmental work, developing the Negev and the Galilee, Israel travel, and so much more. In this episode, Dan and Benny talk to Russell about everything from his growing up in the small Jewish community of El Paso, Texas to leadin...2020-12-181h 41
Jewanced#23 – Chanukah with Rabbi Professor Jeffrey Woolf, internationally renowned scholar & lecturerChanukah O' Chanukah! This episode on Jewanced, we take a deep dive into everything Chanukah with Rabbi Prof. Jeffrey Woolf as we dig into real story behind how and why Jews celebrate the iconic 8-day festival of lights and the holiday’s fascinating evolution throughout the ages. We also ponder its meaning as we find parallel themes between the uncertainty and unrest of its ancient era to our current social and political landscape. Rabbi Prof. Jeffrey R. Woolf is an internationally known scholar, lecturer and public figure. He is an Associate Professor in the Talmud Dep...2020-12-102h 26
Jewanced#22 - Melanie Maron Pell, AJC Managing Director, Regional OfficesThis week on the podcast, we’re joined by the amazing Melanie Maron Pell, the Managing Director of AJC’s network of 24 regional offices across the United States.Together with Ben & Dan, Melanie reflects on over 20 years of advancing AJC’s global mission, the rising significance of subnational diplomacy, the challenge of maintaining authentic nonpartisanship in a highly partisan world, the shifting nature of the US-Israel relationship, combatting shape-shifting Antisemitism, generational differences in American Jewish culture, the changing political perspectives of much of the American Jewish community, and much more.As Managing Director of Regional Office...2020-12-041h 59
Jewanced#21 - Saar Wilf, Israeli serial entrepreneur & angel investorJoin us for a thought-provoking conversation with serial entrepreneur and investor Saar Wilf.Saar Wilf is a serial entrepreneur and angel investor. Over his career, he has founded several technology ventures, his first back in 1997. Most notably, he founded Fraud Sciences (acquired by PayPal/eBay for $169m), where he served as CEO and Chief Scientist. He also co-founded ClarityRay (acquired by Yahoo), Trivnet (acquired by Gemalto for $35m), Pointgrab, Deep Optics, Creditstacks, Bzigo, Rootclaim, Immersix, Initiative Q, and wikiwand.com, which serves over 10M users monthly. He was the first investor in Moon Active, Supersonic (merged with Ir...2020-11-262h 04
Jewanced#20 - Raymond Holcomb, FBI Special Agent, Counterterrorist, & Homeland Security AdvisorThis week, we’re bringing you an extra special episode of the podcast with former FBI Special Agent Raymond Holcomb, president and managing director of 1st Watch Global. Ray has over 30 years’ experience as a law enforcement and intelligence officer. He served for over 23 years as an FBI Special Agent; 8 as a Strategic Planner with the US National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), and 4 as a state Homeland Security Advisor. His FBI career included 15 years investigating foreign espionage, major drug trafficking organizations, organized crime and National Security matters. He also served as a member of the FBI’s New Yor...2020-11-202h 42
Jewanced#19 - Jewanced Presents: Meet the Emiratis!Join Jewanced for an unforgettable conversation as Benny and Dan host a panel of young, influential Emiratis to learn about life in the UAE and their feelings about their country’s new normalization with Israel under the Abraham Accords.Following the ratification of the Abraham Accords, what can we anticipate for the people of Israel, the UAE and Bahrain, as well as for the broader Middle East?Topics covered include: o A day in the life of the average Emiratio Emirati culture and cuisineo Household economics and the cost...2020-11-132h 18
Jewanced#18 - Michael Dickson, Exec. Dir. of StandWithUs Israel & Naomi Baum, Ph.D., authors of ‘ISResilience – What Israelis Can Teach the World’Are the news and the weight of the world getting you down? Got a case of the grumps? Join us this week on Jewanced as we sit down for a super optimistic conversation with Michael Dickson, Executive Director of StandWithUs Israel and Dr. Naomi Baum, a pioneering psychologist in the field of resilience research and treatment, together the authors of the new book, ‘ISResilience – What Israelis Can Teach the World.’ From well-known leaders making life-and-death decisions to ordinary people who have overcome incredible loss to do inspirational things, meet the Israelis who thrive against all odds and learn how yo...2020-11-051h 39
Jewanced#17 - The Abraham Accords: Shifting Regional PerceptionsJoin Jewanced for an unforgettable conversation as Benny and Dan host a panel of top Middle East experts from around the region to explore how perceptions and world views are shifting as history unfolds before our very eyes.Following the ratification of the Abraham Accords, what can we anticipate for the people of Israel, the UAE and Bahrain, as well as for the broader Middle East?Topics covered include:The contrast between Gulf vs. other Arab states' attitudes towards normalization with IsraelThe significance of the Abraham Accords for the young generation of Arabs across...2020-10-292h 28
Jewanced#16 - Senator Norm Coleman, National Chairman, Board of Directors of the Republican Jewish Coalition - Special US Election Series Part 2This week on Jewanced, we host the 2nd part of our exclusive 2-part series to find out which presidential candidate would be "better for the Jews". We take a deep dive into issues of concern to Israel and the Jewish community in the upcoming presidential election, offering each side a platform to present its case in depth. In today’s episode, part 2, we are honored to host Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN), National Chairman, Board of Directors of the Republican Jewish Coalition. Sen. Coleman delves into his upbringing in Jewish Brooklyn alongside other notable poli...2020-10-151h 07
Jewanced#15 - Halie Soifer, Executive Director of the Jewish Democratic Council of America and former national security advisor to VP candidate Sen. Kamala Harris - Special US Election Series part 1Starting this week on Jewanced, we host two special guests for an exclusive 2-part series to find out which presidential candidate would be "better for the Jews".We take a deep dive into issues of concern to Israel and the Jewish community in the upcoming presidential election, offering each side a platform to present its case in depth. In today’s episode, part 1, we are honored to host Halie Soifer, Executive Director of the Jewish Democratic Council of America and former national security advisor to VP candidate Sen. Kamala Harris. Halie offers her impa...2020-10-081h 08
Jewanced#14 - Avi Jorisch on Israeli innovation, the changing Middle East and the optimistic future of humanity2020 has been a challenging year for all - but did you know that Israel is also at the global forefront of solving some of the world's biggest problems and, in the process, greatly improving lives everywhere?!On today's episode of the podcast, Dan and Benny sit down with the undisputed oracle of optimism, superstar author AVI JORISCH for a truly inspiring conversation about world-changing Israeli innovations and why Israel seems to be atop the innovation world. Avi talks about his recent book - Thou Shalt Innovate - and his upcoming book on the optimistic future of humanity...2020-10-021h 53
Jewanced#13 - Dr. Moshe Weinstock on Rebbe Nachman of Breslov and the annual pilgrimage to his grave in Uman, UkraineAhead of Yom Kippur, Dan and Benny sit down with the fascinating Dr. Moshe Weinstock for a deep dive into the origins and meaning of the annual Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage to the grave of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, in the Ukrainian town of Uman!!! This event, in recent years, has attracted tens of thousands of Jews - Chassidic, Haredi, Dati, Mizrahi and secular, and we wanted to learn why. Moshe takes us on a virtual tour of Uman, explores deeper trends at play and dispels common myths (drugs and prostitutes?). Moshe literally wrote the book on this (i...2020-09-242h 00
Jewanced#12 - Avi Liberman on Comedy for Koby, the Koby Mandell Foundation, performing in Israel during the pandemic, and being a stand-up comic in today's wild timesOn this episode of the podcast, we at Jewanced have a special announcement and a special request...This week, ahead of Rosh Hashanah, we had the pleasure of hosting the truly hilarious standup comic, screenwriter, and actor, Avi Liberman. As many of you know, each year Avi organizes an amazing initiative – Comedy for Koby.Comedy for Koby is an annual event that raises money for The Koby Mandell Foundation, which helps bereaved mothers, fathers, widows, orphans, and siblings who have lost loved ones to terror and other tragedies to rebuild their lives and cr...2020-09-161h 16
Jewanced#11 - Carice Witte talks about China's role on the world stage and Israel-China relationsThese days, China appears in the headlines A LOT! Whether in regard to its growing influence in international relations, competition with the United States, 5G and information technology rivalries with the West, or, of course, the Coronavirus pandemic, it’s impossible not to notice the incredible prowess and impact of the world’s most populous nation and second-largest economy.That's why we decided to meet with one of the top China experts around – Carice Witte, Founder and Executive Director of SIGNAL (Sino-Israel Global Network & Academic Leadership) - for a deep-dive into... well... everything China.We talked...2020-09-101h 53
Jewanced#10 - Chazzan (Cantor) Daniel Schwartz takes a deep dive into the institution of the cantorial arts in the Ashkenazi traditionWith the High Holidays right around the corner, Jewanced is happy to help get everyone in the spirit with a special holiday episode with Chazzan Daniel Schwartz.Together with Schwartz, Dan and Benny totally geek out and take a deep dive into the rich world of traditional Ashkenazic Chazzanut (the institution of the Cantorate). We learn about the amazing tapestry of history behind this art form that dates back millennia, possibly to the time of the 2nd Temple. Daniel guides us on an incredible journey through its origins, progression through Western & Eastern Europe to America, Israel and be...2020-09-032h 13
Jewanced#9 - Col. (Res.) Udi Evental talks about major forces shaping the region, Iran, US foreign policy, Lebanon, Russia, the Palestinians and of course, the UAE-Israel agreement.Confused about everything happening in the region? So were we!That's why we decided to sit with one of the top Middle East intelligence and policy analysts around - Col (res.) Udi Evental - for a deep-dive into... well... everything. We talked about the major forces shaping the region, Iran, US foreign policy, Lebanon, Russia, the Palestinians and of course, the UAE-Israel agreement.While serving in uniform for 25 years, Colonel Evental served as head of the Strategic Planning Unit of the Political-Military and Policy Bureau of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Assistant to...2020-08-282h 16
Jewanced#8 - Naftali Aklum, founder & CEO of Yerus Project on the history, heritage, and present-day reality of Ethiopian Jewry in Israel; and the true story behind the Netflix movie Red Sea Diving Resort.On this very special episode of Jewanced, Benny and Dan sit down with Naftali Aklum, CEO & Founder of Yerus Project, which passionately educates Israelis and the world about the unique story of Ethiopian Jewry. Recorded live at his home in the Negev city of Be'er Sheva, Naftali takes us on a journey through the mind-blowing history and heritage of this unique Jewish community, from its origins over 2,500 years ago arriving from Jerusalem after the destruction of the 1st Temple to the highlands of Ethiopia. We then hear the incredible one of a kind and deeply moving account of its...2020-08-202h 15
Jewanced#7 - Abigail Pogrebin - renowned author, journalist, Emmy-nominated producer, Jewish leader and outreach director for Mike Bloomberg’s Presidential campaignOn this episode of Jewanced, Dan and Benny sat down with the ever-fascinating Abigail Pogrebin, an award-winning author, journalist, former Emmy-nominated television producer, Jewish leader and Jewish outreach director for former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's 2020 Presidential campaign. We talked for what felt like the shortest two hours of our lives about being a part of a presidential campaign, American politics, Abigail's current and most recent book projects on God and the Jewish holidays, rediscovering Judaism and Jewish literacy, how Covid-19 is affecting Jewish life, working on CBS’s 60 Minutes and much more.Abigail Pogrebin is...2020-08-131h 45
JewancedBONUS EPISODE - Dr. David Manheim on whether there’s a silver bullet for Covid-19Is there an end to this madness? We’re in unprecedented times that we’d rather not be in. We long for the day that we can go about our regular business without concern or fear, yet we remain uncertain when or how this will happen. In this special bonus episode, Dr. David Manheim discusses herd immunity, vaccines, and whether there’s a silver bullet for Covid-19.In Episode #6, together with Dr. David Manheim, Jewanced takes a deep-dive into Israel's and the world's response to Covid-19, as well as embarks on a truly mind-blowing journey into the...2020-08-1319 min
Jewanced#6 - Dr. David Manheim, global catastrophic risk expert on Covid-19 in Israel and around the worldTogether with Dr. David Manheim, Jewanced takes a deep-dive into Israel's and the world's response to Covid-19, as well as embarks on a truly mind-blowing journey into the heart of understanding large-scale catastrophic risks to humanity. We discussed how the pandemic might end and what governments are doing right and wrong. David also introduced us to the incredible idea of effective altruism, as well as how to more effectively conclude arguments. Dr. David Manheim is currently a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Haifa's Health and Risk Communication Research Center, as well working with universities and...2020-08-062h 54
Jewanced#5 - Rachel Gur, Director of Public Policy at Lobby 99, Israel’s first non-profit public lobbying firm, on public participation in Israeli democracyDo you know what public lobbying is? On this episode of Jewanced, we sat down with the ever-fascinating and impressive Rachel Gur, Director of Public Policy at Lobby 99 - Israel, and probably the world's very first non-profit public lobbying firm. Lobby 99 is a crowd-funded project that takes on corporate interest lobbying firms in the name of the average citizen.Together, we learned about political lobbying and how frankly, this idea could be revolutionary for transforming democracies and how citizens participate in and influence society, as well as some of the many more fascinating elements of how Israel’s...2020-07-302h 06
Jewanced#4 - Rabbi Chaya Rowen Baker, leader of Jerusalem’s Masorti Kehillat Ramot Zion on religious tensions & pluralism in IsraelIn this episode of Jewanced, Dan and Benny speak with Rabbi Chaya Rowen Baker of Kehillat Ramot Zion, a Masorti (Conservative) congregation in Jerusalem's diverse French Hill neighborhood. Together, they discuss an interesting array of topics ranging from the unique identity and state of Conservative Judaism in Israel, the nuanced relations between Orthodox and pluralistic streams in the Jewish State, some of the challenges facing female rabbis, reflections on the upcoming Tisha B'Av observance, as well as how Rabbi Baker's congregation is gearing up for the High Holidays during the Coronavirus pandemic.Links:Congregation Ramot Zion's...2020-07-231h 20
Jewanced#3 - Mark Lavie - veteran Middle East journalist shares fascinating stories from his illustrious career in the regionMark Lavie is a veteran journalist covering Israel and the Middle East, and the author of Why Are We Still Afraid and Broken Spring. In this episode of the podcast, Mark shares a fascinating variety of stories, opinions, and expert analysis, derived from his decades of eyewitness experience in the region. Together with Mark, we take a deep dive into Israel's complex socioeconomic reality, systemic problems in the press, the obsession of the media to play "gotcha" with public personalities and politicians alike, the transition of the media from objective reporter to active participant in world events, US press...2020-07-182h 16
Jewanced#2 - MaNishtana - Rabbi Shais Rishon - Tribe Herald co-founder on Black Jews, US racial tensions, and anti-Israel strains within BLMThis episode of the podcast, we hosted the always fascinating and original MaNishtana -Rabbi Shais Rishon. We discussed the experience of being an African-American Orthodox Jew, the hidden and complex history of black Jews in America, racial tensions, protests, riots, statues, cancel culture (light stuff), and the intersection of all of this with Judaism - specifically some of the anti-Israel strains within the BLM movement.It was not an easy conversation (although Shais is always a pleasure to talk to) - but hey, those conversations we grow from usually aren't the easy ones.Check out...2020-07-102h 08
Jewanced#1 - Uri Pilichowski - superstar Jewish educator and WB settler talks annexation, Israel-Palestine conflict, US politics, & Torah.Rabbi Uri Pilichowski (@rationalsettler) talks with Jewanced about Israel's possible annexation/extension of sovereignty of the West Bank, a far-reaching vision for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, US-Israel relations and shares some awesome White House stories (from his time as a lobbyist), tells us about the time he (almost) spoke to Michael Jordan, and imparts us with some inspirational words of Torah.Rabbi Uri Pilichowski is an educator. As a teacher, author and speaker, he teaches Torah and politics, where he specifically emphasizes rational thought and conceptual analysis.Links:Uri's blog posts at the Times...2020-07-051h 15