Explore every episode of the podcast The Jewish World

In this powerful episode of *The Jewish World*, Rabbi Elchanan Poupko sits down with Israeli artist Tamar Zeitlin for an extraordinary conversation about transformation, faith, family, and the Land of Israel.

Born in Jerusalem in 1985 and a tenth-generation native of the Land of Israel, Tamar grew up between Jerusalem and the ancient Jewish community of Safed. But her path took her into the fiercely anti-Zionist Neturei Karta community, where she lived as part of the community and worked as an illustrator for the Neturei Karta movement.

Today, Tamar’s life tells a dramatically different story. She is the mother of six children, three of whom have joined the Israel Defense Forces, and her children proudly identify with Zionism and the State of Israel. Her son recently graduated with excellence from the IDF Squad Commanders Course, a milestone that represents just how far her family’s journey has taken them.

Tamar’s transformation from anti-Zionism to a deep love for Israel is reflected in her art, her family, and her vision for the future. Her paintings celebrate the beauty of the Land of Israel and the richness of Jewish life, showing how Judaism and love of Israel can inspire creativity, hope, and a commitment to building the future.

Rabbi Poupko and Tamar discuss her years within Neturei Karta, what led her to reconsider the ideology she once embraced, raising six proud Zionist children, her sons’ service in the IDF, and how her art has become an expression of her love for the Jewish people, Judaism, and the Land of Israel.

This is a remarkable story of moving from rejection of Zionism to embracing the Jewish state—and of a family choosing to build, serve, create, and celebrate the beauty of Israel.

You can find her art here:
https://jewish-painting.com/about/

In Part 2 of The Jewish World, Rabbi Elchanan Poupko continues his conversation with Simon Mendes, director and producer of The Darkest Light, going deeper into the remarkable story of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach and the world that shaped him.

They explore Carlebach’s early years, his family background and roots in rabbinic German-Jewish communities, and the profound impact of the Holocaust on his generation. The conversation also examines Carlebach’s connection to Chabad and his relationship with Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism.

Beyond the biography, Poupko and Mendes discuss the enormous social and religious changes Carlebach helped bring to the Jewish world—his music, his approach to reaching Jews across denominational lines, and the community and spiritual culture that grew around him.

What made Carlebach so transformative? How did his German-Jewish and Chabad roots shape his vision? And how did he leave such a lasting mark on Jewish religious and cultural life?

Part 2 continues the conversation about the man behind the music, the world that formed him, and the extraordinary legacy he left behind.

In this episode of The Jewish World, Rabbi Elchanan Poupko sits down with Simon Mendes, director and producer of The Darkest Light, the new documentary examining the life, legacy, and allegations of sexual abuse surrounding beloved Jewish musical icon Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach.

Mendes shares his experience making the film and telling the deeply complicated story of Carlebach through the eyes of his daughter, Neshama, as she confronts the painful reality of allegations against her father and the impact of his legacy on survivors and the community that embraced his music.

Rabbi Poupko brings a deeply personal perspective to the conversation. His parents were close with Carlebach, and as a child and young man, Poupko spent many Shabbatot at Carlebach's moshav, attended his concerts, and experienced firsthand the extraordinary charisma and spiritual power that drew generations of Jews to Carlebach.

Together, Mendes and Poupko explore the tension between the music and spiritual inspiration that shaped Jewish life for so many and the serious allegations that have profoundly changed how Carlebach's legacy is understood.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation about Carlebach, his music, his community, and the difficult questions raised by The Darkest Light.

In this compelling episode of The Jewish World, host Rabbi Elchanan Poupko sits down with Professor Jeffrey Lax, a distinguished law professor at the City University of New York (CUNY) and founder of Students, Alumni, and Faculty for Equality (SAFE) on Campus. Together, they explore the high-stakes legal and cultural battles surrounding antizionism and antisemitism on American university campuses.

Professor Lax brings a unique perspective as both a legal scholar and a passionate Zionist advocate. With over two decades of experience teaching law and confronting discrimination law in practice, he has been at the forefront of legal challenges to what he describes as systemic antisemitism and anti-Israel activism at CUNY. Lax and colleagues have taken bold legal action against compulsory union representation they argue forces Zionist Jews to be aligned with leadership that promotes anti-Israel resolutions — a case that has drawn attention up to the U.S. Supreme Court leve

In this compelling episode of The Jewish World, host Rabbi Elchanan Poupko sits down with Professor Jeffrey Lax, a distinguished law professor at the City University of New York (CUNY) and founder of Students, Alumni, and Faculty for Equality (SAFE) on Campus. Together, they explore the high-stakes legal and cultural battles surrounding antizionism and antisemitism on American university campuses.

Professor Lax brings a unique perspective as both a legal scholar and a passionate Zionist advocate. With over two decades of experience teaching law and confronting discrimination law in practice, he has been at the forefront of legal challenges to what he describes as systemic antisemitism and anti-Israel activism at CUNY. Lax and colleagues have taken bold legal action against compulsory union representation they argue forces Zionist Jews to be aligned with leadership that promotes anti-Israel resolutions — a case that has drawn attention up to the U.S. Supreme Court level.

🎙️ Interview with LTC Eyal Dror: Israel’s Operation Good Neighbor & The Future of Humanitarian Engagement

In this powerful and timely conversation, Rabbi Elchanan Poupko sits down with IDF Lt. Col. (Res.) Eyal Dror, the commander of Operation Good Neighbor, Israel’s remarkable humanitarian mission to aid Syrian civilians during their country’s brutal civil war.

💬 What you'll hear in this interview:

The inside story of how Israel helped thousands of Syrians through Operation Good Neighbor

Why this mission still matters today, amid rising regional instability

LTC Dror’s insights into the Jolani regime and what it means for Syria’s future

The growing and dangerous role of Turkey in Syria

Why delivering aid to Gaza today is far more complicated

What it would take to build real peace with the people of Gaza

And a hopeful, yet honest, vision of what’s next for humanitarian efforts in the Middle East

🔥 Eye-opening, emotional, and informative, this episode explores the moral dilemmas, strategic choices, and human stories behind Israel’s efforts to help those beyond its borders—even former enemies.

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this important episode.

#IDF #EyalDror #OperationGoodNeighbor #Syria #Gaza #HumanitarianAid #Israel #MiddleEast #RabbiPoupko #Podcast #Peacebuilding

to order the book https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/embracing-the-enemy-eyal-dror/1147296224

In this compelling episode, Rabbi Elchanan Poupko speaks with Rabbi Dr. Yitz Greenberg about his experience attending the Beis Yosef Yeshiva in Brooklyn during the 1950s—a yeshiva deeply shaped by the resilience of Holocaust survivors and those who endured the brutal Soviet gulags of Siberia. Rabbi Greenberg shares firsthand accounts of the Novardhok tradition in America, the spiritual struggles and triumphs of its students, and the unique atmosphere of a yeshiva filled with those rebuilding their lives after unimaginable suffering. Together, they explore the pressing question: Did the Mussar movement survive the Holocaust? And if so, how did it evolve in the shadow of such devastation? Tune in for a powerful discussion on faith, perseverance, and the legacy of Mussar in a post-Holocaust world.

In this thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Elchanan Poupko sits down with Yehudis Fletcher, a political and social activist from London and co-founder of Nahamu, an organization dedicated to combating extremism. Together, they explore the evolving role of Women in the Orthodox Synagogue, addressing challenges, progress, and the ways tradition and modernity intersect in Jewish communal life.

The conversation also delves into the life and legacy of Sarah Schenirer, the visionary founder of the Bais Yaakov movement, whose pioneering efforts transformed Jewish education for women. How did Schenirer’s work shape the status of women in Orthodox communities? What lessons can be drawn from her impact today?

Join us for an insightful discussion on faith, leadership, and the future of women's participation in Orthodox Jewish spaces.

 In this powerful episode of The Jewish World podcast, Rabbi Elchanan Poupko sits down with Bethany Mandel, co-founder of Shield Communications PR, to discuss her tireless efforts advocating for the hostages taken by Hamas terrorists to Gaza. From the harrowing morning of October 7th, Bethany has been a leading voice on Capitol Hill and in America's newsrooms, rallying support for the hostages and raising awareness about their plight.

Listen as Bethany shares her firsthand experiences, the challenges of advocacy in a complex media landscape, and the vital importance of keeping the hostages' stories alive. This episode is a testament to the power of determination and the fight for justice. Don't miss this inspiring conversation. 

In this episode of The Jewish World, Rabbi Elchanan Poupko sits down with sexuality educator and cultural critic Dr. Logan Levkoff to discuss Netflix’s new hit series, Nobody Wants That. Together, they unpack the complex themes woven into the show, exploring whether it perpetuates stereotypes or even antisemitic tropes and what this portrayal might mean for Jewish and non-Jewish viewers alike.

As they delve into the series' plotlines and characters, Rabbi Poupko and Dr. Levkoff raise essential questions: Are these depictions harmful, or do they provide unique opportunities to confront societal biases? What are the benefits and potential pitfalls of watching the show, and how does it shape viewers’ perceptions of Jewish life, identity, and relationships? Tune in for an insightful discussion that balances critique with curiosity, offering a nuanced perspective on how pop culture can influence interfaith understanding and impact the Jewish community today.

In this captivating episode, Rabbi Elchanan Poupko sits down with acclaimed author Jennifer S. Brown to discuss her novel The Whisper Sister, a powerful narrative set in the Prohibition era. Together, they delve into the Jewish immigrant experience on the Lower East Side, exploring themes of Jewish identity and assimilation, the rise of the Jewish mob led by figures like Meyer Lansky, and the tension between maintaining tradition and navigating the American dream. Brown shares insights into the struggles of Jewish families during the 1920s and how their battles echo in today’s fight against the resurgence of antisemitism, particularly in the aftermath of the events of October 7th. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that links the past to the present, offering lessons for today’s Jewish community and the broader fight against hate.

Topics include:

The role of Jewish immigrants in New York’s Prohibition-era speakeasies
Meyer Lansky and the Jewish mob’s impact on immigrant families
How Prohibition-era struggles mirror today’s challenges with Jewish identity
Modern-day antisemitism and the community’s response post-October 7th

Join Rabbi Elchanan Poupko in this compelling interview with Alon Penzel, the author of "Testimonies Without Boundaries: Israel, October 7th 2023." Penzel delves into the harrowing events of the October 7th massacre carried out by Hamas terrorists, providing a platform for the survivors' voices and the meticulous work of forensic teams. In this heartfelt discussion, Penzel draws poignant parallels between the atrocities of October 7th and the Holocaust, reflecting on the profound impact of these testimonies on his life and writing. Discover the untold stories and the emotional journey behind documenting one of Israel’s darkest days.

Alon Penzel is a renowned author known for his in-depth and emotionally resonant works on historical events. His latest book, "Testimonies Without Boundaries," captures the raw and powerful narratives of those who experienced the October 7th massacre firsthand, offering a vital chronicle of resilience and remembrance.

In this compelling episode, join Rabbi Elchanan Poupko as he sits down with Jacqui Schulefand to discuss the controversial film "Israelism." Jacqui reveals how she and others were misled into participating in the film and the profound impact it has had on their lives. She shares her fears about the film potentially fueling antisemitism and addresses the false narrative it portrays about Jewish day schools.

Jacqui courageously opens up about the emotional and psychological toll the film has taken on her and her community. This conversation sheds light on the misinformation presented in "Israelism" and the broader implications it holds.

Key Discussion Points:

How Jacqui and others were misled into being interviewed for "Israelism"
The potential rise in antisemitism due to the film
The emotional and psychological impact on those misrepresented
Debunking the false narrative about Jewish day schools
Jacqui's personal experiences and concerns
Don't miss this eye-opening conversation that challenges the misconceptions propagated by "Israelism." Subscribe for more insightful discussions and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Captivating interview hosted by Rabbi Elchanan Poupko, where we delve deep into the heart of Guatemala's Jewish community and its complex history. In this illuminating discussion, Rabbi Yosef Garmon, the former Chief Rabbi of Guatemala and a prominent figure in today's Guatemalan Jewish community, shares insights into the rich tapestry of Jewish life and the impact of the Lev Tahor cult's migration to Guatemala.

Discover the vibrant culture, history, and traditions that have shaped the Jewish community in Guatemala. Rabbi Yosef Garmon provides a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs that have defined their journey, offering valuable insights for both locals and tourists interested in exploring this lesser-known facet of Jewish heritage.

We also explore the intriguing influence of the Lev Tahor cult's relocation to Guatemala on the local Jewish community. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics at play, from cultural clashes to the community's resilience in the face of adversity.


Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more thought-provoking discussions and in-depth insights from Rabbi Elchanan Poupko. Let's embark on this enlightening journey together and uncover the untold stories of Jewish life in Guatemala.

#JewishLife #Guatemala #LevTahorCult #RabbiInterview #CentralAmericaJewishHeritage

On the Eve of Tisha Be’Av, are the Jewish people repeating our mistakes of the past? 


Was Ambassador Ron Dermer right that Israel should be investing more time cultivating relationships with Evangelicals and less time with the Jewish community? 


Is Israel drifting away from the United States towards China and Russia? 
Have Israel’s peace agreements with its Arab neighbors impacted Israel’s internal politics? 
What happened to Benjamin Netanyahu? Is the man who was once considered a visionary statesman dragging Israel down a path of irreparable damage? 
Will Israel’s Haredi population take responsibility for its security and economy once they become the majority of Israel’s population?
How did Barak Obama and President Biden’s policies impact the Israeli electorate? 


All that and more in conversation with former Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren. 


Michael Oren is a highly accomplished diplomat, scholar, and author who has made significant contributions to Israel's foreign relations and global discourse. With a distinguished background in academia, government service, and media, he has consistently demonstrated his expertise and dedication to promoting understanding and dialogue.

Michael Oren's impressive career includes serving as Israel's ambassador to the United States, a Member of Knesset, and Deputy Minister of Diplomacy in the Prime Minister's Office. He has also held teaching positions at prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and Georgetown, where he has shared his extensive knowledge on international relations and Middle Eastern affairs.

As an acclaimed writer, Michael Oren has authored several influential books, including "Six Days of War," "Power, Faith, and Fantasy," and "Ally." These works have not only garnered widespread acclaim and recognition as New York Times bestsellers but have also received esteemed awards such as the Los Angeles Times and Jewish Book of the Year Awards. Through his writing, Michael Oren has provided invaluable insights into historical events and the complexities of international relations.

The bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires has left the Jewish community in Argentina wounded and devastated. As if the cruel murder of 85 innocent lives was not enough, the Argentinian government has yet to bring the perpetrators to justice. Even though Iran and Hezbollah’s involvement is clear, the Argentinean government keeps hiding the truth about this devastating murder. 

The mysterious death of prosecutor Alberto Nisman in 2015, Argentina’s close relationship with Iran and Russia, continues to cast a dark shadow of pain and doubt between the Argentinian Jewish community and the Argentinian government. 

About this painful ongoing chapter in the lives of Argentinian Jews Argentinian Jewish journalist Silvina Frydlewsky from Buenos Aires, in conversation with Rabbi Elchanan Poupko

Who are the Jewish Gauchos and cowboys of Argentina?
Do Argentina’s Jews get Kosher meat from their own country or do the shoemaker’s children go around barefoot?
What Jewish education options are there for Jews in Argentina? 
Is it safe to walk with a Kippa in the streets of Buenos Aires? 
How do the 1994 AMIA Jewish community center bombing and the Argentinian government’s cover-up of it continue to affect Jewish life in Argentina?
Is the impact of Nazi war criminals who fled to Argentina still felt today? 
Is there a distinct Jewish Argentinian cuisine? Has sushi taken over Argentina’s Jewish community?
Are young Jews staying in Argentina or moving elsewhere?

How does Argentina’s relationship with Israel and other large Jewish communities change Jewish life in Argentina? 

All that and more with Silvina Frydlewsky from Buenos Aires, in conversation with Rabbi Elchanan Poupko

Which Swedish Jew crashed Hitler’s birthday party in 1944, managing to save thousands of Jews in a secret deal with Himmler? 

Are there Kosher restaurants in Sweden? What is the most popular food among Jews in Sweden? How does one find Kosher food in Sweden?

Is the Swedish government restricting Jewish Day Schools?

How does the legacy of Raoul Wallenberg live on among the Jewish community in Sweden? 

How have recent Quran burnings and attempts to burn the Torah impacted the Jewish community in Sweden?

Have attacks on Jews in the city of Malmo been in decline?

All that and more about Sweden’s very vibrant and diverse Jewish community in this podcast with Petra Kahn Nord the World Jewish Congress Representative in the Nordics and the Religious Freedom Task Force Coordinator in conversation with Rabbi Elchanan Poupko. 

What is Jewish life in Australia like? How has Australia’s gun policy impacted Jewish communities? 
How has the Malka Leifer abuse scandal changed Australia-Israel relations? Is there an Australian Rashida Talib or Ilhan Omar?
How does day school affordability impact Jewish life in Australia?
Do Australian Jews leave Australia to expand their dating options? 
Are there more Kosher restaurants in Melbourne or in Manhattan?

All that and more in this podcast episode conversation between Rabbi Elchanan Poupko and Josh Feldman, an Australian Jewish writer from Melbourne.

As the United Kingdom celebrates the Coronation of King Charles III the British Jewish community celebrates as well. 

What are the Jewish roots of the coronation ceremony? How does this coronation different from past coronations? 

What is the difference between the structure of the British Jewish community and the American Jewish community? 

How should Jewish communities seeking to support Israel continue to do so while not engaging in partisan behavior? 

And is there distinctly British Jewish food? 

All these questions and more answered by Daniel Sugarman, Director of Public Affairs at the Board of Deputies of British Jews in conversation with Rabbi Elchanan Poupko. 

Are we fulfilling our obligation to Holocaust remembrance? Is orthodox Jewry lax in its remembrance of the Holocaust? 
What was being a baby in Bergen Belsen like? What is the story of the lost train from Bergen Belsen to Tröbitz, Germany? 
Rabbi Joseph Polak was born in Hague in the Netherlands. Shortly after being born, his family was sent to the Westerbork concentration camp, from there to Bergen Belsen and from there with what became known as “the lost train” to Tröbitz, Germany. In this interview with Rabbi Elchanan Poupko, Rabbi Polak shares his life story, his friendship with Elie Wiesel, his thoughts on what we must do to better remember holocaust victims, and what the challenges of today’s antisemitism mean to Jewish life today.

More about Rabbi Polak's story and his book are available on his site https://josephpolak.com/

Reviving Jewish Life in Germany | Rabbi Jeremy Borovitz of Hillel Deutschland

How large is the Jewish community in Germany? How does that shadow of the Holocaust impact Jewish life in Germany? Is it safe to walk with a Kippah in Germany? Are the ancient customs of Ashkenaz Jews being observed and preserved in the same cities they practiced in? How does the German government interact with Jews in Germany? How is the Russia-Ukraine war affecting Jewish life in Germany? 
All that and more in a fascinating discussion between Rabbi Jeremy Borovitz of Hillel Deutschland and Rabbi Elchanan Poupko on The Jewish World podcast. 

The return of a Jewish Ambassador to Lithuania brings forth many questions and memories about Lithuania’s Jewish history. What impact did Lithuanian Jewry have on the world? What is it like celebrating a Bar Mitzvah today in Vilna’s great synagogue? What is the Legacy of the great Yeshivot of Lithuania? How does the impact of Vilna’s partisans inspire Israeli life? What is it like to be both Jewish and a diplomate in a city with so many memories of joy, tragedy, and scholarship? Ambassador Hadas Wittenberg Silverstein, Israel’s Ambassador to Lithuania, in a conversation with Rabbi Elchanan Poupko, a descendent of Lithuanian Jews, shares what being back is like. 

Why are we hearing about so much violence and conflict from the town of Huwara, where Yagel and Hillel Yaniv were killed today? What are ways that can reduce the conflict and flashpoints between Israelis and Palestinians in the area? What is Americans for Judea and Samaria, and how are they strengthening the ties with Diaspora Jewry?

All this and more with Yigal Dilmoni, former head of the Yesha Council of Judea and Samaria and head of Americans for Judea and Samaria. 

What do the new recordings of Adolf Eichmann reveal?
How did these secret recordings finally get to the hands of Israeli director Yariv Mozer?
How would the Holocaust have looked without Eichmann? Why did Hitler never meet Eichmann? What do antisemites from Eichmann to Kanye West have in common? Did Eichmann’s children carry any of their own father’s legacy? Will more tapes reveal more information about Rudolph Kastner’s work with Eichmann and later assassination in Israel? How did Gideon Housner leave an impact on Holocaust survivors?

All this and more in Rabbi Elchanan Poupko’s fascinating interview with Yariv Mozer.

Is the Kiruv movement as we know it alive and well or has it faded?
Discussion between Rabbi Meir Goldberg of Meor Rutgers and Rabbi Elchanan Poupko

When should diaspora Jews have the right to speak out against what is happening in Israel? When do they have an obligation to do so? What responsibilities does the state of Israel have towards diaspora Jews? Are Thomas Friedman, Peter Beinart, and J Street within the confines of acceptable debate between Jews? All that and more with in discussion with Yossi Klein Halevi & Rabbi Elchanan Poupko.

Is Israel getting closer to Russia and farther from the United States? How will the Russia-Ukraine war affect Israeli American relations? Should Israelis hold Russia accountable for arming Iran?

Do revenge and justice have a role in the mission of the IDF? How will the Iran protests shape the Middle East and does that have an impact on the way the IDF operates?