Shows
Proudly JewishEmpowering Zionist Rabbis & Their Communities - with Rabbi Stuart WeinblattIn this episode of Proudly Jewish: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity, Cantor Eyal Bitton welcomes Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt, the founding rabbi of Congregation B'nai Tzedek and the visionary leader behind the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition. Together, they explore the essential role of Zionist rabbis in shaping Jewish identity, supporting Israel, and uniting Jewish communities across the globe.Rabbi Weinblatt shares the motivations behind the creation of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition, discussing how this non-partisan network of over a thousand rabbis provides crucial support, resources, and a sense of solidarity for rabbis who champion the...2024-09-0254 minProudly JewishBeing Unapologetically Jewish & Zionist - with HILLEL FULDIn this episode of Proudly Jewish: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity, Cantor Eyal Bitton hosts Hillel Fuld, a leading figure in the Israeli tech world and a passionate advocate for Israel and Jewish identity. Known for his unfiltered takes, Hillel dives deep into the state of Jewish pride, Zionism, and the alarming rise in global antisemitism.The conversation gets real as Hillel and Eyal discuss the uncomfortable truth about the future of American Jewry, with Hillel boldly questioning whether America will remain a safe haven for Jews in the coming years. The episode also tackles divisive topics...2024-08-2758 minProudly JewishTackling Antisemitism at Harvard & Beyond - with SHABBOS KESTENBAUMIn this episode, Eyal Bitton speaks with Shabbos Kestenbaum, who is suing Harvard for allowing and perpetuating antisemitism on campus.Shabbos Kestenbaum is a Harvard graduate who became a prominent voice against antisemitism in the aftermath of the October 7th attacks. Shabbos shares his unexpected journey from being a student to testifying before Congress and speaking at the Republican National Convention. The conversation delves into the challenges Jewish students encounter on campus, the backlash from peers, and the painful silence—or worse, hostility—from former allies. Shabbos reflects on how the tragic events of October 7th reshaped his unde...2024-08-2058 minProudly JewishTackling Antisemitism at Harvard & Beyond - with Shabbos KestenbaumIn this episode, Eyal Bitton speaks with Shabbos Kestenbaum, who is currently in the news for filing a lawsuit against Harvard for failing to combat antisemitism.Shabbos Kestenbaum is a Harvard graduate who became a prominent voice against antisemitism in the aftermath of the October 7th attacks. Shabbos shares his unexpected journey from being a student to testifying before Congress and speaking at the Republican National Convention. The conversation delves into the challenges Jewish students encounter on campus, the backlash from peers, and the painful silence—or worse, hostility—from former allies. Shabbos reflects on how the tragic even...2024-08-1958 minProudly JewishThey Know Anti-Zionism is AntisemitismCantor Eyal Bitton illustrates how pro-Palestinian protestors often understand that anti-Zionism is, in fact, antisemitism. Bitton shows a few examples of pro-Palestinian activists proving this idea, in their own words or actions. ***The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Congregation Neveh Shalom."PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity" is also available on YouTuibe.2024-08-1115 minProudly JewishThey Know that Anti-Zionism is AntisemitismCantor Eyal Bitton illustrates how pro-Palestinian protestors often understand that anti-Zionism is, in fact, antisemitism. Bitton shows a few examples of pro-Palestinian activists proving this idea, in their own words or actions.*** The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Congregation Neveh Shalom. "PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity" is also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other audio platforms.2024-08-0914 minProudly JewishAntisemitism on Campus: Teaching the Holocaust Post Oct 7 - with Nancy HarrowitzProf. Nancy Harrowitz, the Director of the Elie Wiesel Center for Jewish Studies at Boston University, joins Cantor Eyal Bitton to discuss the pressing issues of antisemitism on campus, exploring the steps taken to ensure student safety and how to evaluate schools for potential concerns. We also examine whether comparisons to pre-War Germany are alarmist or warranted, and discuss the effectiveness of Holocaust education in combating antisemitism in light of the events of October 7. We reflect on what October 7 has taught us about Jewish identity in America and consider new approaches to teaching the Holocaust in our current environment.2024-08-0256 minProudly JewishWhy Jewish Pride is the Future - with Ben M. FreemanBen M. Freeman is the visionary founder of the modern Jewish Pride movement. In "Why Jewish Pride is the Future," Freeman, an internationally renowned author and educator, shares his insights on Jewish identity, the rise of antisemitism, and the transformative power of Jewish Pride. Freeman's work, including his influential books "Jewish Pride: Rebuilding a People" and "Reclaiming Our Story: The Pursuit of Jewish Pride," has inspired a global movement that encourages Jews to reclaim and celebrate their identity. In this episode, Freeman discusses the urgent need for Jewish Pride in today's world, particularly in the wake of r...2024-07-241h 14Proudly JewishFighting Antisemitism in K-12 - with CAMERA's Jany FinkielszteinJany Finkielsztein, senior education analyst at the CAMERA Education Institute (Committee for Accuracy for Middle East Reporting and Analysis), joins Cantor Eyal Bitton to discuss the proliferation of antisemitism and anti-Zionism in K-12. Finkielsztein explores the ideology that permeates Ethnic Studies and "Liberated Ethnic Studies" and discusses why it fails to look at Jewish history and identity, and why it views the Jewish state so unfavorably.The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom.Watch this episode of PROUDLY JEWISH on YouTube.2024-05-1356 minProudly JewishYom Ha'atzmaut Post Oct 7 - with Rabbi David Kosak & Rabbi Eve PosenHas October 7 cast a shadow on Yom Ha’atzmaut? In this episode of PROUDLY JEWISH, presented as a panel discussion at Congregation Neveh Shalom with Rabbi David Kosak, Rabbi Eve Posen, and Cantor Eyal Bitton, the three explore what lessons October 7 have taught us about the role Israel plays in our lives and about what Israel means to the Jewish people.The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom.PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity is also available on YouTube.2024-05-1259 minProudly JewishSix Months After the Oct 7 MassacreSix months after the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, Cantor Eyal Bitton reflects on the significance of October 7 and where we are now. He examines the Free Palestine protests and their impact, the Ceasefire Now campaign, the shift in American support for Israel, the rise in antisemitism, and what lies ahead.The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom.PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity is also available on YouTube.2024-04-0924 minProudly JewishBlack Hebrew Israelites & Jews - with Charles Fain LehmanKanye West has espoused views held by the Black Hebrew Israelites. When basketball star Kyrie Irving was suspended for refusing to apologize for antisemitism, Black Hebrew Israelites came to his defence in large numbers outside the Barclay Center. Charles Fain Lehman is Cantor Eyal Bitton's guest as they explore the questions: What do the Black Hebrew Israelites believe? Should Jews view Black Hebrew Israelism as a threat?Charles Fain Lehman is a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a contributing editor of City Journal, and a 2023-24 Robert Novak fellow with the Fund for American Studies.2024-03-3032 minProudly JewishZioness: Progressive AND ZionistAmanda Berman, Founder and Executive Director of the Zioness Movement, joins Cantor Eyal Bitton to discuss how her organization is both progressive AND Zionist. Zioness is a multiracial coalition of Jewish activists and allies who are unabashedly progressive and unapologetically Zionist. They have more than 30 chapters across the country that fight for the advancement of social, racial, economic and gender equality in America and for the inclusion of Zionists in social justice spaces.This episode was recorded in front of a live audience, members of the Cantors Assembly: cantorsassembly.org . The Cantors Assembly is an organization of Jewish...2024-03-0355 minProudly JewishOn the Verge of Middle East Peace? - With Sharaka's Dan Feferman & Ahmed AlkhuzaieSharaka's Dan Feferman (Israel) and Ahmed Alkhuzaie (Bahrain) join Cantor Eyal Bitton in a discussion of the prospects for peace in the Middle East. What does normalization of ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel mean for peace? How likely is it? How do the October 7 massacre and the ensuing war between Israel and Hamas factor in?Sharaka (’Partnership’ in Arabic) is a group of Arabs, Israelis, and others who are working to shape a new Middle East, built on dialogue, understanding, cooperation and friendship.شراكة Facebook: https://www.facebook...2024-02-2558 minProudly JewishPreserving a Nation’s Heritage Post-Oct 7 - with Tania Shalom MichaelianTania Shalom Michaelian, of the Society for Preservation of Israel Heritage Sites, is Cantor Eyal Bitton's guest in this episode of Proudly Jewish: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity. They discuss the impact of October 7 on Israelis, the resilience of Israeli Jews who survived the heinous attacks, and the importance of appreciating history and heritage in order to build and sustain a people. Michaelian explains how SPIHS' efforts cross into the personal level as they run programs to engage soldiers and evacuees, among others.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SPIHS Instagram...2024-02-2247 minProudly JewishThe Free Palestine Protest StrategyIn this episode, recorded in front of a live audience, Cantor Eyal Bitton explores the reasons why so many Jews feels so uneasy about many "pro-Palestinian" demonstrations. Why are so many pro-Palestinian protests so disruptive? Aren't activists in the Free Palestine movement that they're not winning the hearts and minds of the general public when they block off highways, when they target shopping malls, museums, and hospitals, when they block access to airports, when they disrupt the Thanksgiving Day Parade, or when they harass people who are Christmas shopping? Cantor Bitton argues that causing such disruptions is intentional and that...2024-02-1944 minProudly JewishIsrael's Musical Response to October 7 - with Josh ShronJosh Shron, host of the popular Israel Hour Radio, is Cantor Eyal Bitton's special guest in this episode of PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity. It's a meaningful and engaging conversation, with clips of great Israeli songs, as Josh Shron places the music of Israel post-Oct 7 into three categories: pain and loss, responses to the hostages, and unity.Please visit Israel Hour Radio's playlist:Songs of Operation Swords of Iron | שירי חרבות ברזלVisit the YouTube PlaylistThe views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregati...2024-02-1243 minProudly JewishIdentifying & Fighting Antisemitism - with Howard LovyHoward Lovy is Cantor Eyal Bitton's special guest in this episode of PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity. Lovy is a journalist, book editor, audio producer, podcaster, ghostwriter, who is writing a new book titled "From Outrage to Action: A Practical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism".The conversation looks at the surge in antisemitism following the October 7 massacre, the importance of defining and understanding antisemitism, recognizing it on the Left and on the Right, and the need to confront it and fight it. https://howardlovy.com/ The views expressed here do...2024-02-0950 minProudly JewishMoving to Israel After Oct 7 - Marc Rosenberg of Nefesh B'NefeshMarc Rosenberg, VP of Diaspora Partnerships at Nefesh B'Nefesh, is Cantor Eyal Bitton's special guest in this episode of PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity. Jews are moving from all around the world to Israel even after the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, and even during a time of war. Why? What's motivating them? What role does antisemitism play? Are they running from something? Or are they running towards something? Is moving to Israel the answer for all Jews? What role should Israel play in the lives of American Jews?2024-02-0256 minProudly JewishSPOTLIGHT: SeinfeldIn Proudly Jewish SPOTLIGHT, Cantor Eyal Bitton takes a look at people who are PROUDLY JEWISH and how they display their Jewish pride. In this episode, Cantor Bitton puts the spotlight on Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld, who have used their platform in support of Israel and the Jewish people. Their mission to Israel shortly after the October 7 massacre by Palestinian terror group, Hamas, showed leadership and pride. They have continued to call attention to the plight of the hostages, to the victims of the October 7 massacre, and to do their part to support the survival of...2024-01-2109 minProudly JewishMedia Bias Against Israel - with HonestReporting's Gil HoffmanGil Hoffman, Executive Director of HonestReporting, is Cantor Eyal Bitton's special guest in this episode of PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity. The discussion centers around media bias towards Israel - from October 7 to the ensuing Israel-Hamas war.Taped in front of a live, virtual audience.The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom.PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity is also available on YouTube.2024-01-1951 minProudly JewishAre Thoughts & Prayers Enough? with Cantor Olivia BrodskyCantor Olivia Brodsky of the East End Temple in Manhattan has been extremely active online since October 7, showing great leadership to her community and the larger Jewish community in this difficult time. In this episode of PROUDLY JEWISH, they discuss the call to greater Jewish leadership in the wake of October 7. What questions do October 7, Israel, and Zionism raise for Progressive Jews? What has October 7 shown us about Reform/Conservative/Orthodox divisions? What does October 7 and its aftermath mean for the Jewish community?The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh...2024-01-1259 minProudly JewishSocial Media Comments: The "Anti-Zionism isn't Antisemitism" DefenseCantor Eyal Bitton reads hateful social media comments that he has received in recent days. He points to a common thread in which people claim to be anti-Zionist, not antisemitic. The comments reflect a trend to define Jewish identity as a religion, not as a people.2024-01-0410 minProudly JewishSPOTLIGHT: Stephen FryIn Proudly Jewish SPOTLIGHT, Cantor Eyal Bitton takes a look at people who are PROUDLY JEWISH and how they display their Jewish pride. In this instalment, Cantor Bitton puts the spotlight on actor/comedian/writer Stephen Fry, who recently sent out a Christmas message for Channel 4, saying, "I am Stephen Fry, and I am a Jew."2023-12-2815 minProudly JewishWhy "Jesus was Palestinian" is AntisemiticWe've all heard the absurd claim that "Jesus was Palestinian" - from Palestinian activist Linda Sarsour to comedian Amer Zahr to protestors at a Santa Claus booth at a Toronto mall. Some people dismiss the claim as complete nonsense. However, the claim is a pernicious one as it seeks to redefine Jewish identity - as a faith, not as a people. By doing so, its aim is to remove any connection Jews have to peoplehood and to the land of Israel.2023-12-2508 minProudly JewishIs DEI Dangerous for the Jews? - Dr. Stanley GoldfarbDr. Stanley Goldfarb, author of an article entitled "How DEI Inspires Jew Hatred: Diversity bureaucracies stoke anti-Semitism on campus" (City Journal) joins Cantor Eyal Bitton for a discussion on why DEI may be dangerous for the Jewish community. What are the implications for Jews when Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion categorizes people into "oppressed" and "oppressors"? What role does Israel play in the way Jews are seen? If DEI is indeed dangerous, what can be done about it? Dr. Goldfarb is a former associate dean at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.2023-12-2252 minProudly JewishThe Impact of Oct 7 on American Jewish Identity - Rabbi Eve PosenRabbi Eve Posen of Conregation Neveh Shalom joins with Cantor Eyal Bitton to discuss the impact of October 7 on American Jewry. Rabbi Posen speaks about her recent mission to Israel, including a visit to Kibbutz Nir Oz, and explores issues of Jewish identity, antisemitism, and the role of Israel in American Jewish life.2023-12-141h 00Proudly JewishThey Think They're Not AntisemiticCoffee shop workers refuse an Israeli patron access to the restroom. These workers likely do not see themselves as antisemites but as people with principles. They likely believe that they are taking a stand against "evil" - namely, Israel. When people define Jews as strictly a faith or as a European people, they strip us of our indigeneity to the ancestral homeland of the Jews. They also seek to impose a narrative upon us, and they seek to define who we are, rather than listening to how we Jews define ourselves.With Cantor Eyal Bitton.2023-12-0807 minProudly JewishTransforming Jewish Education - Naya LekhtDr. Naya Lekht and Cantor Eyal Bitton discuss the need for a transformation to Jewish education. What relationship does the typical American Jewish student have with Israel? What should it be? What is flawed about how most educational institutions approach Jewish education and Zionism? How do we build strong Jews who know Jewish history, who are proud, and who are equipped to handle some of the challenging views that are held in the society around us?2023-11-3058 minProudly JewishAntisemitism on Campus - with Marat GrinbergSince the October 7 massacre, the environment on campuses across the US and Canada for Jewish students and staff has been worrisome and hostile. Cantor Eyal Bitton of Congregation Neveh Shalom is joined by special guest, Marat Grinberg, professor of Reed College, as they discuss the rise of antisemitism on campus. They explore the questions: How bad is it on campus for Jewish students? How do we confront it? 11/16/20232023-11-161h 02Proudly JewishFriends... Betrayal and AbandonmentCantor Eyal Bitton asks: have you been surprised or disappointed in the people around you over their response to the October 7 massacre and the aftermath? Have you lost friends over it? Have you been shocked to discover that people you know, and that you might have considered friends, have proven to be antisemitic? Featuring a powerful video reel by actor, host, and filmmaker, YUVAL DAVID entitled "A Letter to My Former Friends". YouTube.com/YuvalDavidInstagram.com/Yuval_David_Facebook.com/YuvalDavidTwitter.com/YuvalDavidIMDB.me/YuvalDavid2023-11-0958 minProudly JewishThe Future of American Jewry - with Zoe BurstynThe October 7 massacre has left us in the Jewish community shaken and asking ourselves many questions. One of those is: "What is the future of American Jewry?" Are American Jews safe?How worried should we be about the rise in antisemitism?What can we do?Cantor Eyal Bitton of Congregation Neveh Shalom is joined by Zoe Burstyn, Associate Director of the Center for Combating Antisemitism, a division of Stand With Us.11/02/20232023-11-021h 02