In this special episode, Rabbi Yoshi shares his 5786 Rosh Hashanah (2025) sermon, Sanctified — For the Whole World.

Drawing on the wisdom of his grandfather, Jewish tradition, and the moral challenges of our time, Rabbi Zweiback explores the sacred balance between particularism and universalism — between our deep commitment to the Jewish people and our responsibility to all humanity.

Through stories of family, Israel, and acts of compassion near and far, this message invites us to live inside the holy tension that defines Jewish life: to defend our people fiercely, and to love the wider world boldly.

May this new year inspire all of us to bring holiness, empathy, and peace into the world we share.

In this episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback sits down with Michael Honigstein, a career Foreign Service Officer who has served in countries around the world—including Sudan, Sri Lanka, and Israel—working to promote peace, democracy, and human rights.

Michael reflects on his remarkable journey from an advertising career in New York to decades of diplomatic service, shaped by his Jewish upbringing and a deep sense of moral responsibility. He speaks candidly about the challenges of diplomacy, the toll of public service, and the circumstances surrounding his recent and painful forced retirement from the U.S. State Department.

Together, they discuss the complexities of pursuing peace in the modern world and Michael’s thoughts on the Witkoff–Kushner–Trump peace plan for Gaza.

This is a powerful and deeply human conversation about integrity, purpose, and the enduring call to serve.

What do you get when a Shabbat dinner meant to welcome a soon-to-be daughter-in-law turns into a night of secrets, revelations, and unlikely wisdom? You get Bad Shabbos—a comedy with heart, directed by Daniel Robbins and co-written with Zack Weiner.

Robbins joins Rabbi Yoshi to discuss his new film set on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, where a Jewish family hosts Shabbat dinner for their son David and his fiancée Meg, who is preparing to convert to Judaism. As the night unfolds, tensions rise, surprises surface, and laughter and love do battle at the dinner table.

At the emotional center of the film is Meg, whose D’var Torah—something she’s been studying with her rabbi as part of her conversion process—is delivered during the meal as a reflection on that week’s Torah portion. Her words, full of insight and heart, speak to the serendipitous nature of life and the power of choosing one’s path with intention and faith. With a standout ensemble cast including Kyra Sedgwick, Milana Vayntrub, David Paymer, and Method Man as the family’s beloved doorman who is practically family, Bad Shabbos is as funny as it is touching.

Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback chats with Dr. Dan Uslan, UCLA Health's Co-Chief Infection Prevention Officer, covering many of your frequently asked questions about the current crisis and how we can support health workers in their life-saving work.

As part of an ongoing quarantine-inspired series, Rabbi Yoshi searches for meaning with members of his own family. This week's guest is his daughter Ariela Zweiback, who speaks with him about her recent time in Kenya with Beyond Fistula, a nonprofit organization that helps Kenyan women who have survived obstetric fistula rebuild their lives after surgery through counseling, vocational training, and scholarships. In a thoughtful interview, she discusses how this experience has shaped her life and future. 

In the first of a series, Rabbi Yoshi searches for meaning with members of his own family. His first guest is his daughter Isa Zweiback, who shares a little bit about her recent experience becoming a bone marrow donor and takes a few trips down memory lane to her early years in Israel.

This week Bob Klein, noted advocate of stem cell therapies and cures, joins Rabbi Yoshi. Learn about Bob's work and about the new ballot initiative he's working on. Visit CA for Cures for more info on how you can support the initiative and save lives: https://caforcures.com/help-us-qualify/

In her recent memoir "The Color of Love," author Marra Gad reflects on her upbringing as a mixed-race Jewish girl in Chicago, frankly addressing the hurt and stigmas cast upon her while also depicting the joy and love she has found in her Jewish faith. In this episode of Search for Meaning, Marra speaks with Rabbi Yoshi about the challenge of overcoming our implicit biases and perceived differences; the changing nature of racism and bigotry; and their hopes for a better, more connected Jewish community that welcomes and includes Jews of all backgrounds.

Following up on her Stephen Wise Temple Center for Jewish Life appearance last fall, former Obama White House Speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz connected with Rabbi Yoshi in the latest episode of his podcast Search for Meaning. Hurwitz is the author of Here All Along, a critically-acclaimed account of her journey to deepening her connection to Judaism. In the podcast, she and Rabbi Yoshi have a fascinating discussion of the many ways that Jews in the hectic contemporary world can find meaning and spiritual value in the millennia-old Jewish tradition. 

Legendary Olympic Swimmer Mark Spitz met with Rabbi Yoshi to discuss his amazing story of perseverence and hard work that led to his becoming an icon for generations of athletes (and many more). From his childhood to his swimming career and his present work in documenting Holocaust stories, Spitz discusses his heritage and its impact on everything he has accomplished.

It's hard to pinpoint what songwriter and composer Charlie Fox is best known for: his TV theme songs have been household presences for decades ("Happy Days," "Laverne and Shirley," "The Love Boat"), "Killing Me Softly" is a legendary, iconic hit for Roberta Flack, and his orchestral music has been performed all over the world. For Wise, he has composed an incredible number of pieces that will be an everlasting part of the Wise musical legacy. In this wide-ranging discussion, he and Rabbi Yoshi discuss the art of composing, the deep connection Charlie feels with his Jewish heritage, and the people in his life who have left a lasting impact on him, musically and otherwise.

Documentarian Dr. Victor Pineda spoke with Rabbi Yoshi about his incredible story traveling the world as an activist and advocate for disability rights—he has 12 bends in his body due to a yet-unnamed muscular disorder. In the film "12 Bends," and in his discussion with Rabbi Yoshi, Dr. Pineda speaks about navigating a world that was not built for him or those like him.

After the tragic loss of their son Brent in 2005, Robert and Linell Shapiro decided that they could not sit idly by: instead, they formed the Brent Shapiro Foundation for Drug Prevention to help thousands of families avoid the pain that they had suffered. In the latest episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi talks with Robert about the Foundation's mission and increasing success in helping kids remain drug-free into adulthood.

Rabbi Yoshi sits down with Ambassador Gary Grappo, a former U.S. diplomat and expert on Middle Eastern affairs, for an in-depth and urgent conversation about Israel’s preemptive strike on Iranian military assets and the ensuing conflict between these countries.

Drawing on his extensive diplomatic experience—including his service as U.S. Ambassador to Oman, Chief of Staff to the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Quartet, and senior postings in Jerusalem, Riyadh, and Baghdad—Ambassador Grappo offers a deeply informed analysis of the current crisis, its historical roots, and the broader implications for diplomacy, regional security, and U.S. foreign policy.

Their conversation explores the strategic calculations driving both nations, the risks of further escalation, and the urgent need for clear-eyed diplomacy in one of the most combustible regions in the world. It’s a compelling and essential episode for anyone seeking insight into the unfolding conflict and its global repercussions.

🎧 Listen now on Search for Meaning with Rabbi Yoshi.

#SearchForMeaning #RabbiYoshi #MiddleEastConflict #IsraelIran #DiplomacyMatters #Geopolitics #ForeignPolicy #AmbassadorInsights #IranIsraelCrisis #GlobalAffairs #PreemptiveStrike #InternationalRelations  #BreakingDiplomacy #GaryGrappo

When Rabbi Yoshi met Amanda Maddahi and Arya Marvazy of JQ International, Los Angeles' premier LGBTQ+ Jewish organization, he knew he wanted to learn more about their stories. Listen in as they discuss their friendship, advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community in LA, and how creating an inclusive, welcoming, supportive environment can truly change the world one person at a time.

In his Yom Kippur sermon, "Transcendence Now," Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback teaches us the many ways we can respond to antisemitism; reminds us of the importance of friends and allies within our community and also outside of it; and inspires us to know that together, we can all unite to end not only antisemitism but bigotry and hatred in all of its forms.

It has been 40 years since the Iranian Revolution that changed the landscape in both Iran and the United States--even more particularly in Los Angeles. Rabbi Yoshi and UCLA Professor Saba Soomekh sit down to discuss the cultural impact of the Persian community on Los Angeles (and vice-versa) in advance of their upcoming three-part course on the topic.

Daniel Wordsworth, CEO of Alight (formerly American Refugee Committee), sits down with Rabbi Yoshi for a conversation about how an abundance of human kindness can truly reshape the world. In this inspiring discussion, Daniel recounts numerous stories of how he has witnessed individuals making a difference by helping others: and how we can tap into that same extraordinary power ourselves. 

Cantor Nathan Lam had an ambitious dream: create a new machzor (High Holy Days prayer book) that would be unique and special to the Stephen Wise Temple community. Once Wise Senior Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Emma Lutz became parts of the equation, the inspiring trio made great happen. Hear the story, trials, tribulations, and triumphs that led to Sha'ar HaShamayim ("Gates of Heaven") becoming a reality.

Legendary songwriter Artie Butler wrote or arranged some of your absolute favorite hits from the past six decades of rock n' roll... and lucky for us, he sat down with his close friend Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback to talk about his thrilling career and how he almost became a chazzan!

In preparation for the High Holy Days, Rabbi Yoshi speaks with noted scholar Rabbi Joseph Telushkin about spirituality and the power of ritual and making meaning in our daily lives.

Award-winning writer/producer Stacy Rukeyser, showrunner for the Emmy-nominated Lifetime series "UnREAL," sits down with Rabbi Yoshi to speak about her career, her connection to Judaism, and the importance of women's voices in the Hollywood heirarchy.

Music writers and journalists Harvey Kubernik and Hal Lifson chat with Rabbi Yoshi about Woodstock as it approaches the 50th anniversary of the festival that changed everything. Learn what set these three days apart from other similar concerts during the late 60s; what was happening in Los Angeles during that same summer; and why Dylan was a no-show.

Rabbi Yoshi recently sat down with Mayor John Mirisch of Beverly Hills for a discussion about governing with Jewish values and creating inclusive, diverse communities.

Award-winning comedian and writer Carol Leifer joins Search for Meaning with Rabbi Yoshi for a candid and hilarious conversation about life, legacy, and laughter. 

From her groundbreaking start as a stand-up comedian to her acclaimed writing for Saturday Night Live, Seinfeld, Ellen, and Curb Your Enthusiasm, to her recent Emmy and Golden Globe wins for Hacks, Leifer reflects on how her Jewish identify, family roots—including a father who was the household “tumler”—and her personal journey as a gay woman in Hollywood have shaped her voice and career.

Carol also discusses her brand-new book, How to Write a Funny Speech for a Wedding, Bar Mitzvah, Graduation & Every Other Event You Didn’t Want to Go to in the First Place—a laugh-out-loud guide for anyone who's ever been asked to speak in public and wished they hadn’t.

With warmth and wit, she reflects on navigating show business, staying true to herself, and finding meaning through humor.

🎧 Listen now for an inspiring look at authenticity, resilience, and the power of comedy to connect us all.

📺 Watch “The Marble Rye” episode of Seinfeld: https://youtu.be/B0lprUNrjkU?si=Hx5OPTPU6Fugk31q

📺 Watch “The Ugly Section" episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm: https://youtu.be/YDl3q_24eBE?si=v9zVL7lZUhujiDy1

#CarolLeifer #JewishComedy #SearchForMeaning #RabbiYoshi #LGBTQVoices #ComedyLegends #JewishIdentity #StandUpComedy #WomenInComedy #Seinfeld #TheMarbleRye #CurbYourEnthusiasm #EllenShow #SNL #PodcastPromo #JewishVoices #AuthenticLiving #ComedyWriters

Tamar and Phil Koosed are the co-founders of Save the Syrian Children, an organization that collects and ships desperately-needed medical supplies and clothing to refugees of the violence in Syria. Rabbi Yoshi speaks with them regarding their mission and what drives them to make meaningful change in the world. 

Rabbi Yoshi talks with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel about her personal Jewish journey and the development of her play "Indecent," on stage at the Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles in Summer 2019.

In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, Rabbi Yoshi sits down with David Suissa—Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Tribe Media and the Jewish Journal—to explore the deep currents shaping Jewish life today. A passionate voice in Jewish media since 2006 and a former award-winning advertising executive, David brings his characteristic insight, warmth, and eloquence to a discussion that touches on some of the most important themes of our time.

Together, they reflect on the importance of sharing our culture, the transformative magic of Shabbat, and the delicate yet urgent challenge of balancing our values. Against the backdrop of rising antisemitism and the recent tragic murder of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky outside the Jewish museum in Washington, D.C., David and Rabbi Yoshi consider what it means to protect ourselves while staying rooted in Jewish connection—to our heritage, our people, and our allies.

From Casablanca to Montreal to Los Angeles, David’s journey reflects a lifetime devoted to the Jewish story. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to reflect on what it means to live with courage, purpose, and hope.

Listen now and read more at jewishjournal.com

#SearchForMeaning #RabbiYoshi #DavidSuissa #JewishJournal #ShabbatMagic #JewishCommunity #JewishVoices #FaithAndCourage #AntisemitismAwareness #JewishIdentity #ShabbatShalom #JewishHeritage #ConnectionAndProtection #SpiritualResilience #JewishPodcast #JewishWisdom

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi sits down with Yuval David, an Emmy Award and multiple award-winning actor, filmmaker, journalist, and activist. Yuval is known for his innovative and acclaimed series One Actor Short and other original content, ABC’s What Would You Do, FX’s Feud, and numerous television and film roles. He regularly appears as a news commentator on Fox, NewsNation, NBC, i24, ILTV, Sky News, and other outlets.  Yuval takes also his bold advocacy work across the US, Israel, and internationally, as a speaker, workshop leader, and in meetings with politicians and community groups.

Together, they explore what it means to "come out of the closet" — not once, but twice: first as a gay man, and then, more recently, as a proud Zionist in increasingly complex times.

Yuval shares his journey of embracing his authentic self, navigating a world that often demands silence or conformity. He speaks candidly about the challenges and triumphs of living openly, and the new layers of meaning he's discovered in affirming both his sexual identity and his deep connection to Israel.

This conversation is a meditation on resilience, self-definition, and how we find meaning when the world around us feels divided. It is an invitation to consider the power of vulnerability, the importance of solidarity, and the courage it takes to stand in one's truth — especially when it's uncomfortable.

Learn more about Yuval and his work at yuvaldavid.com instagram.com/yuval_david_ x.com/yuvaldavid  Youtube.com/YuvalDavid 

In this timely episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback sits down with Rabbi David Gedzelman, President and CEO of the Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life.

Together, Rabbi Yoshi and Rabbi Gedzelman explore the powerful intersections of Jewish identity, education, culture, and the critical role that visionary leadership plays in shaping the future of Jewish communities both in the United States and globally. They also discuss the World Zionist Organization (WZO) elections, a once-every-five-years opportunity for American Jews to have a direct voice in the future of Israel and global Jewish priorities.

Time is of the essence: Voting in the WZO elections closes on May 4th, and your vote matters more than ever. Rabbi Yoshi is running on the Reform Movement slate, advocating for a vision of Israel that is pluralistic, democratic, and inclusive.

Make your voice heard — Vote now at VoteForReform.org!

Episode Title: Adam Mansbach – The Golem of Brooklyn

In this episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback welcomes Adam Mansbach, best-selling author and cultural provocateur, for a conversation about his latest novel, The Golem of Brooklyn — a darkly comic and fiercely relevant tale that reimagines the legendary Golem in the heart of contemporary America.

Known for his sharp wit and literary range, Mansbach delves into the origin of the book, the role of folklore in shaping identity, and how humor can be both a shield and a sword in the face of rising antisemitism. Together, he and Rabbi Yoshi explore the intersections of memory, justice, grief, and myth, while reflecting on how stories help us navigate the complexities of modern Jewish life.

The Golem of Brooklyn is more than a novel — it's a bold statement about who we are, what we fear, and how we fight back. Don’t miss this powerful and thought-provoking conversation.

http://www.adammansbach.com/

NOTE: This episode includes explicit language.

🎙️ “Wow! Shehecheyanu” – A Joyful Musical Celebration

Rabbi Yoshi sits down with Cantor Emma Lutz and Dr. Tali Tadmor to explore the heart and harmony behind their brand-new children’s album, Wow! Shehecheyanu. Produced by Pam Autuori and featuring the incredible Stephen Wise Temple Band, the album is a vibrant, soulful tribute created in honor of the grand opening of the Aaron Milken Center.

With joyful voices from Wise School students and original music that celebrates gratitude, wonder, and Jewish tradition, Wow! Shehecheyanu is a spirited soundtrack for the next generation.

Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, the inspiration behind the songs, and the meaningful role music plays in shaping Jewish identity from an early age.

🎶 Wow! Shehecheyanu is available now on all streaming platforms.
🔗 Learn more about music at Stephen Wise Temple: wisela.org/music

“Noa" and "Omri" (not their real names), two soldiers from the Sky Rider Unit, an elite unit of the IDF known for its precision and critical role in intelligence gathering, share their experiences since October 7, offering a rare, firsthand perspective on the challenges they’ve faced and the moral complexities of modern warfare. Noa and Omri speak candidly about the Sky Riders’ commitment to preventing civilian casualties, the weight of responsibility they carry, and the personal toll of their service.

In a heartfelt tribute, they also share memories of fallen comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice, honoring their bravery and reflecting on the enduring impact of their loss.

Learn how the Sky Riders Foundation supports these soldiers with mentoring programs and initiatives to prevent PTSD, ensuring they receive the care they need both during and after their service.

🔗 Sky Rider Unit - IDF
💙 Sky Riders Foundation - Supporting IDF Soldiers

#SearchForMeaning #RabbiYoshi #SkyRiderUnit #IDF #October7 #PreventingPTSD #Resilience #FallenHeroes #JewishCommunity #Podcast #SkyRidersFoundation

Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback speaks with acclaimed author Ayelet Tsabari about her latest book, Songs for the Brokenhearted—a moving exploration of grief, identity, and the human spirit.

They also delve into Ayelet’s poignant New York Times opinion piece, where she reflects on the sacred act of cleaning the homes of those massacred on October 7, and how this intimate ritual became a form of solace and remembrance.

This episode is a testament to the resilience of the human heart and the ways we find meaning in the midst of loss.

🔗 Ayelet Tsabari’s Website
📰 Read Ayelet’s NYT Opinion Piece

#SearchForMeaning #RabbiYoshi #AyeletTsabari #SongsForTheBrokenhearted #October7 #Grief #Resilience #JewishCommunity #Podcast

In this episode of Search for Meaning, host Yoshi Zweiback sits down with dear friend and esteemed spiritual leader Rabbi Sydney Mintz. Rabbi Mintz, longtime rabbi at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco and founder of the 13th Tribe community, brings her unique blend of rabbinic insight, performance art, and lived experience to the conversation.

After touching on her creative work—including her one-woman show You May Think I’m Funny, But It’s Not—the discussion turns to her recent High Holy Day sermon, a deeply personal reflection on her love for Israel and the complexities of wrestling with one’s Zionism. It’s an invitation to imagine a Zionist tent that is broad, diverse, and alive with thoughtful engagement.

This episode offers honesty, heart, and hope at a moment that calls for all three.

🔗 Watch Rabbi Mintz’s sermon here: https://youtu.be/-guvY9As64w?si=9Z7e78ZoyYayV79r

Produced by Amy Shelby • Engineered by Raz Husany
Stay tuned and be inspired.

In this deeply moving conversation, Rabbi Yoshi sits down with Jonathan York—lawyer, artist, and creator of The Sukkah Project, a powerful tribute to the events of October 7.

Jonathan reflects on how memory shapes our personal and collective identities, sharing insights from his own journey growing up at Stephen Wise Temple and how those formative experiences continue to influence his work today.

Through the lens of art, grief, and resilience, this episode explores how we hold onto what matters most—and how we find meaning even in the face of tragedy.

#SearchForMeaning #TheSukkahProject #October7 #Memory #JewishCommunity #Podcast #StephenWiseTemple #RabbiYoshi

🔗 The Sukkah Project at the Skirball
📰 Jewish Journal: Jonathan York’s Sukkah Project

Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback interviews Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of Park Avenue Synagogue about his inspiring new book, "For Such a Time as This: Being Jewish Today." Together, they dive into the challenges and opportunities of post-October 7 Judaism, the power of stepping up, showing up, and making a meaningful difference, and the enduring importance of Jewish community in these turbulent times.

Don’t miss this thoughtful and timely discussion on leadership, resilience, and the bonds that unite the Jewish community.  

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Rabbi David A. Ingber is the founding rabbi of Romemu, the largest Renewal synagogue in the United States. He was recently appointed the Senior Director of Jewish Life at 92NY in Manhattan. Rabb Ingber shares some of the Torah and wisdom that has helped bring him inspiration over the past year.

To learn more about his work, visit https://romemu.org/

Dafna Admati and Yarden Tzemach grew up on Kibbutz Be'eri, one of the communities hit hardest in the attacks of October 7: more than 95 community members were murdered and 30 taken hostage.

They describe what happened to their beautiful, idyllic kibbutz on that day and over the past year. 

To learn more about how you can help with the rebuilding efforts, visit:

https://www.rebuildbeeri.org/

Rabbi Yoshi sits down with Gary Grappo, former U.S. Ambassador to Oman, Chief of Staff of the Quartet, and foreign policy expert with more than four decades of experience in the Middle East. Ambassador Grappo helps us understand the situation in Syria, the rise of Hay's Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its leader, Abu Muhammad al-Jawlani.

Rabbi Josh Feigelson was appointed Executive Director of IJS in January 2020 and became President & CEO in April 2022. He received ordination from Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School in 2005, and served for six years as the Hillel Rabbi at Northwestern University, where he also earned a PhD in Religious Studies. In 2011, Josh helped found and served as Executive Director of Ask Big Questions, an initiative of Hillel International, which won the inaugural Lippman-Kanfer Prize for Applied Jewish Wisdom. Josh has also been a consultant and Senior Fellow at The iCenter for Israel Education. Most recently he served as Dean of Students at the University of Chicago Divinity School. Josh is a Wexner Graduate Fellow and was the founding co-chair of the Wexner Fellowship Alumni Committee. He is the author of Eternal Questions: Reflections, Conversations, and Jewish Mindfulness Practices for the Weekly Torah Portion (Ben Yehuda Press, 2022). Josh lives with his wife Natalie and their three sons in Skokie, IL.

If you want to learn what it's like to be one of Los Angeles' most sought-after professional guitarists and a USC Professor all while staying true to your Jewish roots and love for Israel, you won't want to miss this latest episode!

Get ready for a soulful, inspiring conversation as Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback sits down with acclaimed guitarist and Professor of Studio Guitar for USC's Thornton School of Music, Molly Miller. Tune in as they discuss creative processes, how Molly's Jewish identity weaves into her music, the challenges she's faced since October 7, and what gives her life meaning—all followed by a Hatikvah rendition unlike any other!

You can learn more about Molly and her music here. 

Rabbi Yoshi shares his Yom Kippur Yizkor sermon which honors the memory of his mother, Hermene Davis Zweiback, who died 25 years ago. A few weeks before the Jewish New Year while cleaning up around the house, Rabbi Yoshi came across the gratitude journal his mom kept in the last month of her life. The sermon is a reflection on the lessons it contains. 

While it's a very personal remembrance, it's also universal -- it's about the people who are dear to each of us and the meaning their lives give to ours.

The outro music of this episode is a setting of the Sim Shalom prayer that Rabbi Yoshi composed in his mother's memory twenty-four years ago. You can listen to it wherever you stream your music.

https://youtu.be/YFa_wBxyKMw?si=ZDEsNhzCb-X5NA8_

Rabbi Yoshi sits down with Peter Himmelman, a Grammy and Emmy nominated singer-songwriter, visual artist, best-selling author, film composer, entrepreneur, and rock and roll performer with over 20 critically acclaimed recordings to his credit.

They talk about the creative process, songwriting, sacred memory, love, Israel, and Jewish identity. They also discuss Peter's new book, "Suspended By No String." 

Visit https://peterhimmelman.com/ to learn more about Peter's music and new book.

Rabbi Yoshi's Rosh Hashanah Sermon for 5785, delivered at Stephen Wise Temple on the evening of October 2, 2024. Learn about the life of Naftali Herz Imber, author of the poem "Tikvoseinu" that became "HaTikvah," the text of the anthem of the Zionist movement, the State of Israel, and the Jewish People. At the dawn of this New Year, we need hope perhaps more than ever.

You can watch the sermon at: https://youtu.be/GRA057vRJ48?si=G0Q1CChIoAvIpVbK

In this episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback speaks with Rania Fadel Dean, a leader of the Druze community in Los Angeles and founder of Covenant of Blood (Brit Damim).

Together they explore the unique history and religion of the Druze people, their deep integration into Israeli society, and the “covenant of blood” that binds the Druze and Jewish communities through shared sacrifice and loyalty. Rania also sheds light on the persecution of Druze communities in Syria, including the tragic violence in Sweida, and shares how her work through Covenant seeks to amplify Druze voices and build bridges of understanding across cultures.

It’s a moving conversation about identity, resilience, and the power of solidarity in times of crisis.

Stay tuned and be inspired.

Rabbi Sharon Brous, Senior Rabbi of Ikar in Los Angeles, joins Rabbi Yoshi for a conversation focusing on her new book, "The Amen Effect." In a time of loneliness and isolation, social rupture and alienation, Rabbi Brous suggest ways that we can mend our broken hearts and rebuild our society.

Rabbi Brous also shares about the ways that she has tried to navigate these challenging months since October 7 all the while mourning her father who died a few weeks before Rosh Hashanah in 2023.

To learn more about "The Amen Effect," visit the link below: 

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/720048/the-amen-effect-by-sharon-brous/

Maor and Yossi Levy join Rabbi Yoshi to tell the story of the community of Kibbutz Eilon, just a few miles from the border with Lebanon. Their family, along with tens of thousands of other Israelis, has had to evacuate their home due to almost constant shelling from Hezbollah. Maor and Yossi share how the experience of the last many months has affected their family. Stay tuned and be inspired.

Join Rabbi Yoshi for a conversation with one of his childhood mentors and teachers, Rabbi Michael Zedek. Rabbi Zedek talks about his journey to the rabbinate and his new book, "Taking Miracles Seriously."

Learn more about Rabbi Zedek's teaching and work at: https://rabbimichaelzedek.com/

Arielle Yael Mokhtarzadeh is a first generation Iranian American Jewish leader and advocate. She serves as Co-President of 30 Years After, a nonpartisan nonprofit committed to ensuring the Iranian American Jewish future by cultivating identity, convening community, and catalyzing leadership. She also serves on the Board of the Magbit Foundation, a nonprofit that provides interest-free loans and scholarships to Israelis pursuing higher education. Arielle currently works in the Office of the COO at OpenAI and previously served as an Associate Director of Global Programming at the Milken Institute. She is a proud alumnus of UCLA, where she studied Communications, Public Affairs, and Israel Studies, and served as Undergraduate Student Body President.