Jews You Should Know

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!! ------------------ 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 --------------------- 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! ------------------- 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. -------------------- 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 -------------------- 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 -------------------- 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/ -------------------- 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/ -------------------- 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 -------------------- 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 -------------------- 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 -------------------- 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 -------------------- 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 -------------------- 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.