Best Out Of The Box Judaism Podcasts (2025)

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Dr. Keren Fraiman and Dr. Sivan Zakai - The Future of Israel Education 53:26

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17d ago53:26

53:26

Episode 72 of What Gives?—the Jewish Philanthropy Podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Dr. Keren Fraiman, Dean and Chief Academic Officer of Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership, and Dr. Sivan Zakai, Professor of Jewish Education at Hebrew Union Col…

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Sarah Hurwitz - Reclaiming Jewish Identity and Peoplehood 52:21

2M ago52:21

52:21

Episode 71 of What Gives?—the Jewish Philanthropy Podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, our guest is Sarah Hurwitz, former speechwriter for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, and the author of two widely discussed books about Jewish life and identity. Her newest boo…

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Elias Saratovsky - Immersive Israel Travel and the Future of Jewish Identity 53:35

3M ago53:35

53:35

Episode 70 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Elias Saratovsky, President and CEO of the Birthright Israel Foundation. As Birthright turns 25, we reflect not just on the nearly 900,000 young Jews who’ve visited Israel through thi…

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Shai Held - Judaism is About Love 51:36

4M ago51:36

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Episode 69 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Shai Held, President and Dean of the Hadar Institute and author of the new book Judaism Is About Love: Recovering the Heart of Jewish Life. Shai returns for his second appearance on t…

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Josh Miller - How Great Grants Get Made (and What Happens When They Don’t) 50:51

4M ago50:51

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Episode 68 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Josh Miller, Chief Program Officer at the Jim Joseph Foundation. Over the past 17 years, Josh has helped shape some of the most significant philanthropic investments in Jewish educati…

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Simon Greer - Viewpoint Diversity 1:08:52

5M ago1:08:52

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Episode 67 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Simon Greer, a longtime leader in Jewish philanthropy, former CEO of the Nathan Cummings Foundation, now the driving force behind the Viewpoint Diversity Initiative at the University …

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William Daroff - Building Consensus in a Divided World 52:46

5M ago52:46

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Episode 66 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. With decades of experience navigating Washington and Jerusalem, William offers a behind-the…

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Rabbi Noah Farkas - Responding to Disaster, Rebuilding Jewish Life 51:48

6M ago51:48

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Episode 65 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Rabbi Noah Farkas, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. Noah’s career has been shaped by crisis leadership: from his time as a Navy chaplain in Iraq, to rebuilding Jew…

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Dr. Neil Theise - Exploring Complexity and the Science of Belonging 55:01

7M ago55:01

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Episode 64 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we learn about the intersections of science, spirituality, and community with Dr. Neil Theise. Neil is a professor of pathology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and a pioneer in the fields of…

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Dr. Jeffrey Solomon - Legacy, Leadership, and the Future of Jewish Philanthropy 43:29

8M ago43:29

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Episode 63 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Jeffrey Solomon, a towering figure in Jewish philanthropy whose impact has shaped the field for decades. As Senior Advisor to Chasbro Investments and former President of the Andrea…

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Stephen Bronfman & Nigel Savage - Climate Action & Jewish Leadership 41:39

8M ago41:39

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Episode 62 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Stephen Bronfman, a leader in Jewish philanthropy with a strong commitment to environmental activism, and Nigel Savage, a pioneer in Jewish environmental education and the founding CE…

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Abigail Pogrebin and Rabbi Dov Linzer - Bridging Divides Through Torah Study 53:31

9M ago53:31

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Episode 61 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we explore the power of dialogue and the transformative potential of Jewish study across ideological and denominational lines. Joining today are author, journalist, and podcast returnee Abigail Pog…

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Dr. Noam Weissman - Empowering the Next Generation Through Jewish Storytelling 47:49

10M ago47:49

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Episode 60 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we host Dr. Noam Weissman, an educator and media expert who has pioneered new ways to tell Israel’s story and educate young people about the complexities and beauty of Zionism and Jewish history. N…

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Yehuda Kurtzer - Jewish Identity in a Changing World 1:02:11

11M ago1:02:11

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Episode 59 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Yehuda Kurtzer, President of the Shalom Hartman Institute. Andrés and Yehuda dive into a topic that speaks to the heart of our communal and personal identities—how we grapple wit…

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Laura Lauder - Philanthropic Leadership and Securing the Jewish Future 51:16

11M ago51:16

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Episode 58 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Laura Lauder, a trailblazer in Jewish philanthropy whose work has reshaped the way communities approach innovation and impact. Laura’s story is one of vision, legacy, and a deep …

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Andrés Spokoiny - Reimagining Jewish Communities, hosted by Abigail Pogrebin 44:40

12M ago44:40

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Episode 57 of What Gives? the Jewish Philanthropy Podcast from Jewish Funders Network, featuring JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés sits down with journalist and author Abigail Pogrebin, who takes over as host, placing Andrés in the hot seat to discuss his new book, Tradition and Transition: Jewish Communities and the Hy…

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Rachel Sumekh - Dispelling Myths and Addressing Jewish Poverty 48:32

1y ago48:32

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Episode 56 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Rachel Sumekh, Project Executive of TEN: Together Ending Need, a collaborative initiative of funders working to ensure that all Jews have access to basic needs. Rachel and Andrés…

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Zvika Krieger - Responsible Innovation 51:50

1y ago51:50

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Episode 55 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Zvika Krieger, a dynamic figure who straddles the worlds of technology and spirituality. Zvika was the first ever Director of Responsible Innovation at Facebook, now Meta, though…

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Rabbi Sharon Brous – Love, Loss, and Building Sacred Communities 50:28

1y ago50:28

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Episode 54 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Rabbi Sharon Brous, founder and senior rabbi IKAR, a vibrant Jewish community in Los Angeles known for its inclusive approach to Jewish life. Rabbi Brous delves into the themes o…

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Joshua Foer - Innovating Jewish Education and Storytelling 50:40

1y ago50:40

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Episode 53 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Joshua Foer. Josh is the co-founder of Sefaria, an open-source digital library of Jewish texts. Recently, he launched Lehrhaus, a "Jewish Tavern" in Boston aimed at making Torah …

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Amy Spitalnick - Antisemitism, Democracy, and Coalition Building 56:16

1y ago56:16

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Episode 52 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, joins JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny to explore the resurgence of antisemitism, the intersection of Jewish safety and democratic integrity, and the importance of building strong, inclusive coali…

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Rabbi Danny Schiff - Judaism in a Digital Age 49:44

1+ y ago49:44

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Episode 51 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. We bring you an episode recorded last year, before October 7th. Rabbi Danny Schiff joins JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny to discuss how far Judaism allows us to push technological advances. If medicine makes it possible, should Jews be allowed to increase t…

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Confidence 52:49

1+ y ago52:49

52:49

Do you struggle with insecurities? Are you tired of trying to fake it until you make it? If so, join us as we discuss confidence.By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Budgets 1:03:38

1+ y ago1:03:38

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Are you wasting all your hard-earned cash on frivolous expenses like food, shelter and healthcare? If so, join us to learn how you can better keep a budget!By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Yotam Polizer - Adaptability, Care, and Post-Traumatic Growth 20:59

1+ y ago20:59

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Episode 50 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. We continue our series of messages from the stage of the 2024 JFN International Conference. This week, IsraAid CEO Yotam Polizer is joined by Prof. Nava Levit-Binnun to talk about IsraAid's transition to working within Israel in the wake of October 7th, and how m…

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Oded Adomi Leshem - Hope Amidst Conflict 16:07

1+ y ago16:07

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Episode 49 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. We continue our series of messages from the stage of the 2024 JFN International Conference. This week, Oded Adomi Leshem, author of Hope Amidst Conflict, gives his perspective on hope, resilience, and vision, and shares a first person account of Israel's civic st…

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Dan Senor - How Israel Will Bounce Back 23:08

1+ y ago23:08

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Episode 48 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. We continue our series of messages from the stage of the 2024 JFN International Conference. This week, Dan Senor, host of 'The Genius of Israel', speaks at the JFN International Conference about what makes Israel unique and why it will come back from the events o…

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Box Lunch Lifestyle 59:45

1+ y ago59:45

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What did you eat for lunch today? A sad microwaveable panini while scrolling reels? If so, you need to upgrade your life and your lunch. Join us as we talk to author Cheryl K. Johnson about the Box Lunch Lifestyle.By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Sigal Yaniv Feller: Philanthropy and Israel - Charting the Future at the Jewish Funders Network 2024 Conference 21:03

1+ y ago21:03

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Episode 47 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Explore the vital role of philanthropy in Israel's current challenges and opportunities for growth. JFN Israel Executive Director Sigal Yaniv Feller highlights the transition from nation-building to society-building, underscoring the importance of strategic phila…

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Andres Spokoiny addresses the 2024 JFN International Conference in Tel Aviv 20:42

1+ y ago20:42

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After the unthinkable events of October 7th and the subsequent crises in Israel, we made the decision to suspend the podcast so that we could better focus on Israel’s recovery. Now, we are resuming our work on What Gives, sharing with you expert knowledge in the field of Jewish philanthropy. Episode 46 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast…

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Ambition 56:01

1+ y ago56:01

56:01

Do you have dreams of making it big? Do you think life is all about the hustle? If so, join us as we discuss ambition.By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Dignity 46:57

1+ y ago46:57

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Do you strive to hold your head high? Do you aim to be a respectable member of society? If so, join us as we discuss dignity.By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Conversation 1:07:31

1+ y ago1:07:31

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Do you long to hear and be heard by your fellow man? Do you feel your anecdotes are leaving your listens listless? if so, join us as we discuss conversation.By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Authority 1:02:48

1+ y ago1:02:48

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Do you like to follow the leader? Are you a sucker for a man in uniform? If so, join us as we discuss Authority. Sources: Authority | Definition, Types & Uses | Britannica Milgram's Experiment on Obedience to Authority "Siren" by Etgar Keret Ungroundable | South ParkBy Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Complaining 59:23

1+ y ago59:23

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Do you have something you want to get off your chest? A gripe you’re dying to express? If so, join us as we discuss complaining.By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Journaling 48:01

2y ago48:01

48:01

Do you feel the urge to record your thoughts? A desire to keep a record of your daily life? See the therapeutic benefits of writing down your feelings? If so, join us as we discuss journaling.By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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The North Sea 19:24

2y ago19:24

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Our first mini-episode!!! Join us as we discuss the siren's call of the North Sea!By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Longevity 1:03:25

2y ago1:03:25

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When it comes to life is it quality or quantity that matters? Is mortality a natural part of the human experience or an enemy to be defeated? Join us as we discuss longevity. Subtopics include the Obama girls, mood lighting, and Interview with the Vampire. Sources: Live to 100: The Secrets of Blue Zones Not Waiting to Say Goodbye The Man Who Thinks…

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Breath 1:02:44

2y ago1:02:44

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Take a deep inhale in through your nose and let it out through your mouth... could it really be as simple as that? Join us as we discuss breath.By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Intuition 1:05:01

2y ago1:05:01

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Do you trust your gut? Rely on the little voice in your head? If so, join us as we discuss intuition.By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Ghosts 1:10:42

2y ago1:10:42

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Does Halloween always leave you feeling haunted? Are you curious to peak behind the veil and see what's on the other side? If so, join us as we discuss - ghosts.By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Water 1:03:32

2y ago1:03:32

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How do you like your water? Carbonated? With lemon? Blessed with positive intentions and kind words? Or stored in massive canisters in your closet in case of disaster. Join us as we discuss water.By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Dr. Mijal Bitton: Translating Sephardi and Mizrahi Stories in America 48:40

2y ago48:40

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Episode 45 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Dr. Mijal Bitton, Rosh Kehilla and co-founder of the Downtown Minyan, talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about being a translator for the stories of Sephardi, Mizrahi, and other non-Ashkenazi Jewish communities. Andres and Mijal talk about what the tr…

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Awareness 1:05:46

2y ago1:05:46

1:05:46

Are you trapped in a mental prison of your own making? The answer is yes. Listen to our conversation with author Don Goewey to discover how to set yourself free with the practice of awareness.By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Marriage 1:12:13

2y ago1:12:13

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Marriage! Some say it's a source of joy and love and mutual support. Others say it's an antiquated and sexist ritual. Join us--two unmarried spinsters--as we discuss marriage.By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Rabbi Leon Morris: How Do We Build Communities of Meaning? 50:09

2y ago50:09

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Episode 44 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Rabbi Leon Morris, President of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about his essay in Sources, "In Defense of Surrender in Liberal Jewish Life." Morris argues that a Jewish response to individual agency having e…

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Community 1:02:36

2y ago1:02:36

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Do you live an isolated, individualistic existence? Are you looking for ways to connect with those around you or those who think like you? If so, join us as we discuss the lost Camelot of communal living.By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Yotam Polizer: IsraAID’s frontline Humanitarian Work 45:15

2y ago45:15

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Episode 42 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Yotam Polizer, CEO of IsraAID, talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about how IsraAid is able to deploy to places where Israel doesn't have diplomatic relations, and the knock on effects of sending aid from Israel to unfriendly territories. Yotam spoke …

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Casper ter Kuile: Building Spiritual Connections Locally and Digitally 47:15

2+ y ago47:15

47:15

Episode 41 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Casper ter Kuile, CEO of the Nearness, talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about Casper’s work in seeking to create a new structure of community experience that uses the ease and accessibility of the internet while also building local connections that …

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Dara Horn: The Problem with Holocaust Education 1:07:35

2+ y ago1:07:35

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Episode 40 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Award-winning author, essayist, and professor of literature Dara Horn talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about her recent essay in the Atlantic, Is Holocaust Education Making Anti-Semitism Worse? They speak about this hallmark of Jewish education, and…