Explore every episode of the podcast Jews You Should Know

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
I am thrilled to announce the launch of my new podcast, in concert with The Iyun Institute (formerly Tikvah Israel): "The Iyun Podcast: On Chareidim, Israel and the Jewish People."

Iyun will explore the many dynamics of chareidim in relation to the broader context of Israeli society and beyond.

Episodes are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, You Tube, and wherever else you listen get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/il/podcast/iyun-podcast/id1738568315

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KeJrO0ZDOMyb1IKmrmLuL?si=nF4dSMlKQI2T_bJgSpEh4g

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSZNLOtIPlco7HaIV5NAHYMDypyCbbU3X&si=YhTLMNk8a9mebOL0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41W_CD-sxbw

Arnon Shorr is a comic book author and graphic novelist, as well as a screenwriter, director and producer of remarkable films, often with meaningful Jewish messaging.

Arnon's website: https://www.arnonshorr.com/

Arnon on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2601747/

Wayfarers on Kindle Vella: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/episode/B0C758RNCN

JEWCE: https://jewce.org/index.php/arnon-schorr/

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Joseph Lieberman, z'l, a great American patriot, and even greater member of the Jewish People. We interviewed Senator Lieberman in 2017, in one of our first episodes ever in this podcast. In tribute to his extraordinary life, we present this #TBT rebroadcast from the archives. May his memory be for a blessing!!

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ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Longtime Senator Joe Lieberman is one of the nation's most accomplished politicians, and also one of its most visible observant Jews. In this wide-ranging conversation, Lieberman cover a many topics, including: his childhood and grandmother's early Jewish influence; formative event like the elections of John F. Kennedy and the Martin Luther King Jr. march in Washington, D.C.; his own religious odyssey while at Yale University ("Sometimes you make big decisions that are really quite simple"); the therapeutic value of loss; pollster's Stanley Greenberg's "prophetic" advice; his shocking Senate victory; the question he has never been asked; the vice presidential campaign on the Al Gore ticket; the impact of his Sabbath observance and his book on that topic, The Gift of Rest (I think in the end that writing that book on Shabbat will be one of the most significant thing I've accomplished in my life."); what he's doing in his "retirement" (spoiler alert: A LOT); and his outlook on the future of the Jewish people ("I'm an optimist...I think the Jewish people is an eternal people.")

Appropriately, this is Episode #7, as Lieberman's signature book and proudest quality has been his Sabbath-observance.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Ruth Wisse is one of the great modern scholars of Yiddish literature. A distinguished career at McGill and Harvard Universities has now led to her current engagement with Tikvah, a Jewish-conservative think tank and educational outfit.

Professor Wisse has authored many books, and written widely on political affairs in addition to her native areas of scholarly expertise.

Her extensive ouvre can be reviewed here: https://harvard.academia.edu/RuthRWisse

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST
Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Alexandra ("Alex") Fleksher is a multi-talented content creator and Jewish "influencer" in contemporary culture. She is the founder and creative director of the "Faces of Orthodoxy" Instagram (and other social media) presense: 

Along with co-host Rivki Silver, Alex also hosts the Deep Meaningful Conversations (DMC) podcast, covering topics of interest to observant (and all) Jewish women.

Alex also writes for Mishpacha magazine, is an educator, and boasts a fascinating personal background story, which she shares on this episode!

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com/JewsYouShouldKnow. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.

Merle Saferstein is a longtime educator with an expertise in Holocaust studies. In her early thirties, she discovered the cathartic pleasure of journaling, and in nearly 50 years since, has filled over 380 notebooks (!) with her chronciles and musings.

Already a published author, Merle eventually decided to excerpt many of these journals and present them to the public, as part of her legacy journaling project.

Visit Merle's website to read more about her work, and to purchase any of her fabulous books. And perhaps consider trying your hand at journaling as well!

Uri Alon is a pioneering farmer and lover of the land of Israel. Like so many in the South, on 10/7/23 he suffered many personal losses. He also is unable currently to welcome guests to The Salad Trail, an oasis of beauty and Israeli ingenuity in the depths of the desert.

The farm requires support - both financial and physical - during this difficult time. Please consider donating to Uri's fund by purchasing future tickets, dedicating rows of produce or other options listed on his website.

In honor of host Ari Koretzky's recent kidney donation, we are re-releasing this "blast from the past" episode, #145, from February of 2021, featuring Renewal founder Mendy Reiner. Renewal is a premier facilitator of live donor kidney transplants within the North American Jewish community, supporting both prospective donor and recipient along this amazing, life-altering journey.

Please consider funding their work or, better yet, whether kidney donation might be worth exploring at the right time in your own life. Either way, enjoy this incredible story!

Sharon Koifman is a business owner - founder of Distant Job - and expert on remote hiring. He is also an extremely passionate advocate for Israel, integrating cutting edge AI tools and the science of persuasion to craft a new model of making the case for the Jewish Homeland.

Sharon's venture, Israel Activists, is poised to reshape the way young Jews and non-Jews alike debate Zionism and Jewish People's indigenous presence in the Holy Land.

Enjoy this special bonus CROSSOVER episode - Ari Koretzky's appearance on the "On Principle" podcast, part of the IDT podcast network.

Welcome to a special 200th episode of Jews You Should Know. After a long summer hiatus, host Ari Koretzky returns, but in a different role, as the guest, interviewed by 18Forty podcaster extraordinaire Rabbi Dr. Dovid Bashevkin.

We cover a variety of topics, including the interview process and goals for the podcast. But most vitally, we take a critical look at Jews You Should Know itself, thinking together about where it’s been and where it’s going. Along the way we also address the state of Jewish podcasting more broadly in 2023, and what may be missing from that landscape, especially in the outreach space.

Give a listen and share your feedback about these fascinating topics.

Facebook & Insta: @JewsYouShouldKnow

Twitter (X): @JewsUShouldKnow

Or email JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com

Summer 2023 Update

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman has been a longtime scholar, pulpit rabbi and Jewish communal leader. In his latest role, as President of Yeshiva University, he is guiding this flagship bastion of higher learning into a bold and dynamic future, by building on the values and personalities of our illustrious past.

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com/JewsYouShouldKnow. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Dan Grunfeld is a former professional basketball player and author of the book "By the Grace of the Game: The Holocaust, a Basketball Legacy, and an Unprecedented American Dream." 

We discuss Dan's father, Ernie Grunfeld, and legendary career as a player and executive, as well as his family's Holocaust story.

LINKS:
Dan's website: https://www.dangrunfeld.com/

Amazon book link: https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Game-Holocaust-Basketball-Unprecedented/dp/1629379220

FOLLOW DAN:
Instagram - @Dan.Grunfeld

Twitter - @Dan_Grunfeld

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST
Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com/JewsYouShouldKnow. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Rabbi Gershon Schusterman was a young Chabad shaliach (emissary) in his late 30's, running a school in California, when his wife tragically passed away, leaving behind 11 orphans. Decades later, he has written a book addressing the topics of loss and grief from a traditional Jewish perspective, called "Why G-d Why: How to Believe in Heaven When it Hurts Like Hell."

Amazon book link: https://www.amazon.com/Why-God-Believe-Heaven-Hurts-ebook/dp/B0BHQFPYXT

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com/JewsYouShouldKnow. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Dr. Sheila Nazarian is a board-certied plastic surgeon residing in Los Angeles, CA. In this wide-ranging conversation, we cover her family's daring escape from post-Revolution Iran, her celebrated medical career, her starring in a popular Netflix series ("Skin Decision: Before and After"), her social media Israel advocacy, her forthcoming memoir, and more!

LINKS
Dr. Nazarian's full "link tree": https://linktr.ee/drsheilanazarian

Netflix "Skin Decision: Before and After": https://www.netflix.com/title/81038987
 
"The Closet" Podcast: https://www.closetpodcast.com/

Nazarian Plastic Surgery: https://nazarianplasticsurgery.com/

CONNECT
Instagram: @drsheilanazarian
@themodelsurgeon
@theskinspot
#NaturalByNazarian

Twitter: @DoctorNazarian

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrSheilaNazarian/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsheilanazarian/

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST
Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com/JewsYouShouldKnow. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Rayna Rose Exelbierd is a motivational speaker, author and founder and CEO of "The Rose Grows." Her infectious enthusiasm insires young women and all who absorb her message.

LINKS
The Rose Grows: https://www.therosegrows.com/

The Girl Who Said Hello to Everyone (book): https://thegirlwhosaidhellotoeveryone.com/

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST
Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com/JewsYouShouldKnow. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Jonathan Donath is a renowned chiropractor by day, but in his "spare time" founded DailyGiving.org, an incredible organization that collects $1 a day from thousands of people worldwide, and distributes them each day to a different vetted charity.

Link: DailyGiving.org

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com/JewsYouShouldKnow. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Asher Halberstam, scion of a dynastic chassidic family, has become a go-to expert in genealogy, making it both accessible and beautiful, to the Jewish and broader communities. Learn about his personal story, and his precious mission, on this episode!

LINK: Treemily.com

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com/JewsYouShouldKnow. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Michal Oshman is a longtime tech executive specializing in leadership development and inclusion initiatives. Her that work, and her personal life experience, she dealt extensively with issues of anxiety and personal performance. Michal's new book, "What Would You Do If You Weren't Afraid," employs Jewish wisdom to tackle this pervasive challenge in today's society.

LINKS
Michal's book: https://www.amazon.com/What-Would-You-Werent-Afraid/dp/0744029104

Her Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/michal-oshman-what-would-you-do-if-you-werent-afraid/id1629914842

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST
Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com/JewsYouShouldKnow. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Mark Trencher, a retired corporate strategist who spent decades studying data, founded Nishma to provide the Jewish community with high-quality, empirical feedback. Through comprehensive surveys, he has furnished community leaders and stakeholders with a firm basis upon which to execute meaningful change. Mark himself is a Jewish community leader, father and grandfather, for whom this objective information-gathering is highly personal. He is also host of the Orthonomics podcast.

Hear his story and learn about his work!

Nishma Research website: http://nishmaresearch.com/index.html

Orthonomics pod: https://podbay.fm/p/1607753307

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com/JewsYouShouldKnow. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Rabbanit Chana Henkin is a pioneer in women's Jewish education, founder of Nishmat and progenitor of the Yoa'tzot Halahca program.

She is also the mother of Rav Eitam Henkin, H"yd, who along with his wife Naama was murdered by terrorists on Succot of 2015/5776. Rav Eitam was an exceptional scholar whose literary output by his death at 31 already was prodigious. Posthomously, the family has published a great deal more of his breathtaking work, including a recently translated volume, "Studies in Halacha and Rabbinic History."

KEY LINKS

Nishmat: https://nishmat.net/

Yoatzot Halacha: https://www.yoatzot.org/yoatzot-halacha-intro/

Studies in Halacha and Rabbinic History by Rav Eitam Henkin, H"yd:
https://www.amazon.com/Studies-Halakhah-Rabbinic-History-Henkin/dp/159264581X

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST
Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com/JewsYouShouldKnow. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter is an iconic rabbi, historian, author and most recently, founder of Operation Benjamin, aimed at restoring gravesites of mislabeled Jewish American service-members killed in WWII.

Learn more about his work, both current and past:

Operation Benjamin: https://www.operationbenjamin.org/

Torah U'Madda Journal Archives: https://www.jstor.org/journal/toraumaddj

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com/JewsYouShouldKnow. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Enrique Sultan is the president of the Venezuelan Sephardic Jewish community. In this interview, we learn all about his background, and the rich Jewish heritage of this struggling-but-proud South American country.

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com/JewsYouShouldKnow. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Mark Wildes was well on his way to joining his father, a renowned immigration attorney, when he found his life's calling: reaching out to unaffiliated young professional Jews in Manhattan, and innovating for decades in the outreach space. Unique as a proudly Modern Orthodox practitioner, Rabbi Wildes offers a different perspective, which we discuss and evaluate in this episode.

We also speak about his new "40 day challenge" - the subject of his latest book - and his other writings, along with his rich family history and dreams for the future of outreach.

Visit Rabbi Wildes' website/join the 40-day challenge group: https://www.markwildes.com/

Buy "The 40 Day Challenge": https://www.amazon.com/40-Day-Challenge-Mark-Wildes/dp/1947857673

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com/JewsYouShouldKnow. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Matti Friedman went to Israel "for a year" at age 17, and never left. His subsequent writing in the three decades since has been breathtaking in its prose and penetrating in its analysis of Jewish and Israeli life. With a penchant for unearthing the unsung story - those "marginal" tales with broad implications - he has authored four books and dozens of long-form articles in The Atlantic, Tablet and many other prestigious forums.

Matti's latest work, Who By Fire, chronicles the iconic musician Leonard Cohen and his relationship to the country during the dire period of the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

Learn all about Matti's writing at https://mattifriedman.com/

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com/JewsYouShouldKnow. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Jason Greenblatt is an attorney by trade, but during the Trump presidency found himself at the center of the most momentous foreign policy revolution in recent history. As the Middle East Envoy, Greenblatt helped architect the Abraham Accords, ushering in monumental change to a notoriously complex region.

Along the way, Greenblatt expressed his strong Jewish faith in all of his travels.

MEDIA & LINKS:

Order Jason Greenblatt's acclaimed new book, "In the Path of Abraham," at Amazon. Listen to his riveting podcast, The Diplomat. And follow all of his unfolding activities at www.jasongreenblatt.com.

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com/JewsYouShouldKnow. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.

Timely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.

Summer 2022 PSA

Timely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.

Timely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.

Timely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Becky Tahel grew up in a traditional American-Israeli home. But her sister’s relationship with, and eventual marriage to, a non-Jewish man precipitated a years-long journey to understand her faith, the role of love in Jewish life and ultimately herself. Becky captured her odyssey in a new documentary, “American Birthright,” which follows her travels around the world, and deep within.

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com/JewsYouShouldKnow. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Elisha Wiesel is not just the only son of legendary Holocaust Survivor Eli Wiesel, but a remarkable individual in his own right. Elisha was a long-time executive at Goldman Sachs, concluding his tenure there as Chief Technology Officer. All throughout, he has also been engaged in many aspects of communal life.

In this episode, Elisha shares honestly about his own circuitous Jewish journey, growing up in the “shadow” of world-renowned figures, and his efforts to unify the community in summer 2021 through the “NO FEAR: Rally in Solidarity with the Jewish People.”

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com/JewsYouShouldKnow. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.

Timely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.

Timely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

From the https://www.workatit.org website:
"Many young people struggle to know who they are, what they’re good at, and where they fit in. Work At It takes the time to uncover your hidden talents, strengths, and confidence."

Founders Yael Wedek and Rivka Ariel help participants do so through a combination of one-on-one consultations, skills & interest assessments, post-employment support & coaching, and more!

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com/JewsYouShouldKnow. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Miriam Leah Gamliel has traveled a long journey as a young conservative girl with a passion for the performing arts, to an adult champion of these opportunities for women and girls in the Orthodox community. Learn about her personal journey, and what she is doing to change the face of female song, dance and more throughout the Jewish world.

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com/JewsYouShouldKnow. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.

Timely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.

Timely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Tamar Nusbaum had been a longtime educator and curriculum expert when she was tapped to formulate a new educational module for tefilla - Jewish prayer. She tackled this challenge deftly, founding Ani Tefilla, now functioning in a wide range of Jewish schools. Her revolutionary “Stop. Think. Feel.” approach is reshaping the face of tefilla, a notoriously challenging religious activity, for scores of young students.

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com/JewsYouShouldKnow. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.

Timely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.

Timely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

We inaugurate a new special 4-part mini-series on the Orthodox Union (OU) Impact Accelerator with an introductory episode featuring director Jenna Beltser. Jenna shares her fascinating personal background - featuring stints at UPenn, Goldman Sachs, and various startups, before joining the OU - as well as her return to Jewish observance.

In this episode we explore the origins and goals of the OU Impact Accelerator, setting the stage for three forthcoming episodes with some of their most interesting cohort members and founders.

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com/JewsYouShouldKnow. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.

Timely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Liel Leibovitz is a man of many hats: author of several books, ranging from “The Newish Jewish Encyclopedia,” to biographies of Stan Lee and Leonard Cohen; podcaster, video game scholar; the list goes on. A senior writer for “Tablet” magazine, he also co-hosts “Unorthodox,” the “World’s Leading Jewish Podcast”.

Liel was born in Israel, and has lived in the United States since 1999. Join him and host Ari Koretzky for a fascinating and thought provoking discussion on topics ranging from Jewish tradition and identity, to the value of higher education in modern society.

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EPISODE TIME STAMPS

 2:40  Introduction – Liel discusses coming from a family with nine generations in Israel to New York

 3:59  Liel’s origin story

 7:13  Family religious background, and Liel’s formal upbringing 

11:41 A discussion of the impact of one’s formative background on their own values

16:09 What are the forces, internal and external, that can bring about a personal reckoning on faith?

20:51 Liel discusses his time in the IDF, and early career aspirations

28:35 A conversation about reaching those with differing viewpoints, and the constraints of higher education

34:49 Writing for “Tablet”; the role of the magazine in connecting to the Jewish world and beyond

40:11  All about the “Unorthodox” podcast

55:52 What’s next for Liel Liebovitz?

CONNECT WITH Liel Liebovitz

Liel can be found at Tablet magazine, where he is a senior writer.  The “Unorthodox” podcast can be found on Tablet’s website, or on Apple Podcasts.  Liel is also the author of several books, which can be found on Amazon.

ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!

Timely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.

On Saturday night, Feb. 19th, 2022, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, head rabbi of Boca Raton Synagogue and a prominent national rabbinic figure, sat down with JYSK host Rabbi Ari Koretzky for a conversation about critical personal and communal issues.

We now release this important exchange - lightly edited - as a special banner episode.

Timely thoughts on the weekly Torah Portion and Jewish holidays.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Steve Riback, a.k.a. the “Kosher Cop,” is a lieutenant in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Follow his journey, as his career path evolves from studying to be an educator, to working in a variety of different roles in a 24-year tenure in the police department.

While his professional future came into focus, Steve also found the yearning to deepen his Jewish roots.  He and Ari discuss the challenges of bringing the face of Orthodox Judaism to a highly visible role in the community, as a public servant and protector of the peace. It’s a fascinating discussion of how to strike a balance between one’s personal faith and one’s profession in the modern world.

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EPISODE TIME STAMPS

 2:52  Introduction – Steve’s formative years, growing up in Los Angeles

 5:49  Steve’s early desires to study elementary education, then changes course

 8:35  Steve explains to his family his desire changing to wanting to go into law enforcement 

10:45 The reasons that drew Steve into wanting to pursue a career as a cop, and the process

13:54 Were there moments when he wondered, “What did I get myself into?”

17:24 A discussion of how the culture of policing has changed since Steve began his career

22:32 Steve talks about some of the various roles he’s had during his career in the department

24:22 Working in internal affairs, and the challenges of “policing the police”

28:35 Las Vegas, and how the city itself presents unique challenges for policing

32:24 A turning point when Steve realizes that his Jewish heritage demands more exploration

36:11 The realization that working as an undercover officer while practicing Orthodox Judaism will present some unique challenges

38:29 The difficulties of balancing a demanding job with his religious tenets; filing a federal lawsuit

44:24 Resources for connecting with Steve Riback

CONNECT WITH Steve Riback

More information about Steve Riback can be found on his website, including links to his book “My Journey Home”, available on Amazon, or for the Kindle.

ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

Want to support this podcast? Visit Patreon.com. A small monthly contribution goes a long way!!