Proudly Jewish (Eyal Bitton)

The October 7 massacre has left us in the Jewish community shaken and asking ourselves many questions. One of those is: "What is the future of American Jewry?"

Are American Jews safe?
How worried should we be about the rise in antisemitism?
What can we do?

Cantor Eyal Bitton of Congregation Neveh Shalom is joined by Zoe Burstyn, Associate Director of the Center for Combating Antisemitism, a division of Stand With Us.

11/02/2023

Cantor Eyal Bitton asks: have you been surprised or disappointed in the people around you over their response to the October 7 massacre and the aftermath? Have you lost friends over it? Have you been shocked to discover that people you know, and that you might have considered friends, have proven to be antisemitic?

Featuring a powerful video reel by actor, host, and filmmaker, YUVAL DAVID entitled "A Letter to My Former Friends".

YouTube.com/YuvalDavid
Instagram.com/Yuval_David_
Facebook.com/YuvalDavid
Twitter.com/YuvalDavid
IMDB.me/YuvalDavid
Linkedin.com/in/yuval-david
Tiktok.com/@yuval.david

With the participation of members of Congregation Neveh Shalom, Portland, Oregon.

11/09/2023

Since the October 7 massacre, the environment on campuses across the US and Canada for Jewish students and staff has been worrisome and hostile. Cantor Eyal Bitton of Congregation Neveh Shalom is joined by special guest, Marat Grinberg, professor of Reed College, as they discuss the rise of antisemitism on campus. They explore the questions: How bad is it on campus for Jewish students? How do we confront it?

11/16/2023

Dr. Naya Lekht and Cantor Eyal Bitton discuss the need for a transformation to Jewish education. What relationship does the typical American Jewish student have with Israel? What should it be? What is flawed about how most educational institutions approach Jewish education and Zionism? How do we build strong Jews who know Jewish history, who are proud, and who are equipped to handle some of the challenging views that are held in the society around us?

Coffee shop workers refuse an Israeli patron access to the restroom. These workers likely do not see themselves as antisemites but as people with principles. They likely believe that they are taking a stand against "evil" - namely, Israel. When people define Jews as strictly a faith or as a European people, they strip us of our indigeneity to the ancestral homeland of the Jews. They also seek to impose a narrative upon us, and they seek to define who we are, rather than listening to how we Jews define ourselves.

With Cantor Eyal Bitton.

Rabbi Eve Posen of Conregation Neveh Shalom joins with Cantor Eyal Bitton to discuss the impact of October 7 on American Jewry. Rabbi Posen speaks about her recent mission to Israel, including a visit to Kibbutz Nir Oz, and explores issues of Jewish identity, antisemitism, and the role of Israel in American Jewish life.

Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, author of an article entitled "How DEI Inspires Jew Hatred: Diversity bureaucracies stoke anti-Semitism on campus" (City Journal) joins Cantor Eyal Bitton for a discussion on why DEI may be dangerous for the Jewish community. What are the implications for Jews when Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion categorizes people into "oppressed" and "oppressors"? What role does Israel play in the way Jews are seen? If DEI is indeed dangerous, what can be done about it? Dr. Goldfarb is a former associate dean at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.

We've all heard the absurd claim that "Jesus was Palestinian" - from Palestinian activist Linda Sarsour to comedian Amer Zahr to protestors at a Santa Claus booth at a Toronto mall. Some people dismiss the claim as complete nonsense. However, the claim is a pernicious one as it seeks to redefine Jewish identity - as a faith, not as a people. By doing so, its aim is to remove any connection Jews have to peoplehood and to the land of Israel.

In Proudly Jewish SPOTLIGHT, Cantor Eyal Bitton takes a look at people who are PROUDLY JEWISH and how they display their Jewish pride. In this instalment, Cantor Bitton puts the spotlight on actor/comedian/writer Stephen Fry, who recently sent out a Christmas message for Channel 4, saying, "I am Stephen Fry, and I am a Jew."

Cantor Eyal Bitton reads hateful social media comments that he has received in recent days. He points to a common thread in which people claim to be anti-Zionist, not antisemitic. The comments reflect a trend to define Jewish identity as a religion, not as a people.

Cantor Olivia Brodsky of the East End Temple in Manhattan has been extremely active online since October 7, showing great leadership to her community and the larger Jewish community in this difficult time. In this episode of PROUDLY JEWISH, they discuss the call to greater Jewish leadership in the wake of October 7. What questions do October 7, Israel, and Zionism raise for Progressive Jews? What has October 7 shown us about Reform/Conservative/Orthodox divisions? What does October 7 and its aftermath mean for the Jewish community?

The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom.

PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity is also available on YouTube.

Gil Hoffman, Executive Director of HonestReporting, is Cantor Eyal Bitton's special guest in this episode of PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity. The discussion centers around media bias towards Israel - from October 7 to the ensuing Israel-Hamas war.

Taped in front of a live, virtual audience.

The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom.

PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity is also available on YouTube.

In Proudly Jewish SPOTLIGHT, Cantor Eyal Bitton takes a look at people who are PROUDLY JEWISH and how they display their Jewish pride. In this episode, Cantor Bitton puts the spotlight on Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld, who have used their platform in support of Israel and the Jewish people. Their mission to Israel shortly after the October 7 massacre by Palestinian terror group, Hamas, showed leadership and pride. They have continued to call attention to the plight of the hostages, to the victims of the October 7 massacre, and to do their part to support the survival of the Jewish state.

PROUDLY JEWISH Podcast with Cantor Eyal Bitton is also available on YouTube.

The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Congregation Neveh Shalom.

Marc Rosenberg, VP of Diaspora Partnerships at Nefesh B'Nefesh, is Cantor Eyal Bitton's special guest in this episode of PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity. Jews are moving from all around the world to Israel even after the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, and even during a time of war. Why? What's motivating them? What role does antisemitism play? Are they running from something? Or are they running towards something? Is moving to Israel the answer for all Jews? What role should Israel play in the lives of American Jews?


The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom.

PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity is also available on YouTube.

Howard Lovy is Cantor Eyal Bitton's special guest in this episode of PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity. Lovy is a journalist, book editor, audio producer, podcaster, ghostwriter, who is writing a new book titled "From Outrage to Action: A Practical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism".

The conversation looks at the surge in antisemitism following the October 7 massacre, the importance of defining and understanding antisemitism, recognizing it on the Left and on the Right, and the need to confront it and fight it. https://howardlovy.com/ The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom. PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity is also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms.

https://howardlovy.com/

The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom. PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity is also available on YouTube.

Josh Shron, host of the popular Israel Hour Radio, is Cantor Eyal Bitton's special guest in this episode of PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity. It's a meaningful and engaging conversation, with clips of great Israeli songs, as Josh Shron places the music of Israel post-Oct 7 into three categories: pain and loss, responses to the hostages, and unity.

Please visit Israel Hour Radio's playlist:
Songs of Operation Swords of Iron | שירי חרבות ברזל
Visit the YouTube Playlist

The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom.

PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity is also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms.

In this episode, recorded in front of a live audience, Cantor Eyal Bitton explores the reasons why so many Jews feels so uneasy about many "pro-Palestinian" demonstrations. Why are so many pro-Palestinian protests so disruptive? Aren't activists in the Free Palestine movement that they're not winning the hearts and minds of the general public when they block off highways, when they target shopping malls, museums, and hospitals, when they block access to airports, when they disrupt the Thanksgiving Day Parade, or when they harass people who are Christmas shopping? Cantor Bitton argues that causing such disruptions is intentional and that there is a clear strategy.

Tania Shalom Michaelian, of the Society for Preservation of Israel Heritage Sites, is Cantor Eyal Bitton's guest in this episode of Proudly Jewish: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity. They discuss the impact of October 7 on Israelis, the resilience of Israeli Jews who survived the heinous attacks, and the importance of appreciating history and heritage in order to build and sustain a people. Michaelian explains how SPIHS' efforts cross into the personal level as they run programs to engage soldiers and evacuees, among others.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SPIHS
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spihs_israel/
URL: https://my.jnf.org/spihs

The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom.

PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity is also available on YouTube.

Sharaka's Dan Feferman (Israel) and Ahmed Alkhuzaie (Bahrain) join Cantor Eyal Bitton in a discussion of the prospects for peace in the Middle East. What does normalization of ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel mean for peace? How likely is it? How do the October 7 massacre and the ensuing war between Israel and Hamas factor in?

Sharaka (’Partnership’ in Arabic) is a group of Arabs, Israelis, and others who are working to shape a new Middle East, built on dialogue, understanding, cooperation and friendship.
شراكة

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharakangoil
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharakango/
URL: https://www.sharakango.com/

The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom.

PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity is also available on YouTube.

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Included video clips: https://youtu.be/edKZbu5OM1c?si=EG6fm6eCULZHMDiN https://youtu.be/Y_u8ghPr3HE?si=sduznunyicUx1g7o

Amanda Berman, Founder and Executive Director of the Zioness Movement, joins Cantor Eyal Bitton to discuss how her organization is both progressive AND Zionist. Zioness is a multiracial coalition of Jewish activists and allies who are unabashedly progressive and unapologetically Zionist. They have more than 30 chapters across the country that fight for the advancement of social, racial, economic and gender equality in America and for the inclusion of Zionists in social justice spaces.

This episode was recorded in front of a live audience, members of the Cantors Assembly: cantorsassembly.org . The Cantors Assembly is an organization of Jewish clergy who lead communities in prayer, ritual, and music, and who are affiliated with the Conservative Movement.


URL: https://zioness.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zionessmovement/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zionessmovement/
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ZionessMovement

The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom.

PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity is also available on YouTube.

Kanye West has espoused views held by the Black Hebrew Israelites. When basketball star Kyrie Irving was suspended for refusing to apologize for antisemitism, Black Hebrew Israelites came to his defence in large numbers outside the Barclay Center. Charles Fain Lehman is Cantor Eyal Bitton's guest as they explore the questions: What do the Black Hebrew Israelites believe? Should Jews view Black Hebrew Israelism as a threat?

Charles Fain Lehman is a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a contributing editor of City Journal, and a 2023-24 Robert Novak fellow with the Fund for American Studies.

"How Many Are the Black Hebrew Israelites?"
This article includes a survey on BHI ideology.
https://manhattan.institute/article/how-many-are-the-black-hebrew-israelites 

"Do Black Hebrew Israelites Hate Jews?"
https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/do-black-hebrew-israelites-hate-jews

"Take Black Hebrew Israelism Seriously"
https://www.city-journal.org/article/take-black-hebrew-israelism-seriously

The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom.
PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity is also available on YouTube.

Six months after the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, Cantor Eyal Bitton reflects on the significance of October 7 and where we are now. He examines the Free Palestine protests and their impact, the Ceasefire Now campaign, the shift in American support for Israel, the rise in antisemitism, and what lies ahead.

The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom.

PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity is also available on YouTube.

Has October 7 cast a shadow on Yom Ha’atzmaut? In this episode of PROUDLY JEWISH, presented as a panel discussion at Congregation Neveh Shalom with Rabbi David Kosak, Rabbi Eve Posen, and Cantor Eyal Bitton, the three explore what lessons October 7 have taught us about the role Israel plays in our lives and about what Israel means to the Jewish people.

The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom.

PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity is also available on YouTube.

Jany Finkielsztein, senior education analyst at the CAMERA Education Institute (Committee for Accuracy for Middle East Reporting and Analysis), joins Cantor Eyal Bitton to discuss the proliferation of antisemitism and anti-Zionism in K-12. Finkielsztein explores the ideology that permeates Ethnic Studies and "Liberated Ethnic Studies" and discusses why it fails to look at Jewish history and identity, and why it views the Jewish state so unfavorably.

The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom.

Watch this episode of PROUDLY JEWISH on YouTube.

Ben M. Freeman is the visionary founder of the modern Jewish Pride movement. In "Why Jewish Pride is the Future," Freeman, an internationally renowned author and educator, shares his insights on Jewish identity, the rise of antisemitism, and the transformative power of Jewish Pride. 
Freeman's work, including his influential books "Jewish Pride: Rebuilding a People" and "Reclaiming Our Story: The Pursuit of Jewish Pride," has inspired a global movement that encourages Jews to reclaim and celebrate their identity.

In this episode, Freeman discusses the urgent need for Jewish Pride in today's world, particularly in the wake of rising antisemitism. He explores the concept of Jewish indigeneity and the role of Israel in the life of Jews in the diaspora.

Ben M. Freeman shares his thoughts on empowering the Jewish people, confronting antisemitism, and promoting a more authentic representation of Jewish identity. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the future of Jewish identity and the pivotal role of Jewish Pride.
Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful conversations on Jewish identity and Israel.


The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom.

PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity is also available on YouTube. 

Prof. Nancy Harrowitz, the Director of the Elie Wiesel Center for Jewish Studies at Boston University, joins Cantor Eyal Bitton to discuss the pressing issues of antisemitism on campus, exploring the steps taken to ensure student safety and how to evaluate schools for potential concerns. We also examine whether comparisons to pre-War Germany are alarmist or warranted, and discuss the effectiveness of Holocaust education in combating antisemitism in light of the events of October 7. We reflect on what October 7 has taught us about Jewish identity in America and consider new approaches to teaching the Holocaust in our current environment.

Nancy Harrowitz is the Director of the Elie Wiesel Center for Jewish Studies at Boston University, as well as the director of a new program in Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights Studies. She has written on the confluence of antisemitism and misogyny in the nineteenth century, as well as on Italian Jewish authors such as Giorgio Bassani, Primo Levi, and Carlo Levi. Her most recent book is "Primo Levi and the Identity of a Survivor." She served as Chair of the Working Group on Antisemitism and anti-Israeli Harassment at Boston University this past semester. 
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The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom.

Cantor Eyal Bitton illustrates how pro-Palestinian protestors often understand that anti-Zionism is, in fact, antisemitism. Bitton shows a few examples of pro-Palestinian activists proving this idea, in their own words or actions.  

***The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Congregation Neveh Shalom.

"PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity" is also available on YouTuibe.

In this episode, Eyal Bitton speaks with Shabbos Kestenbaum, who is suing Harvard for allowing and perpetuating antisemitism on campus.

Shabbos Kestenbaum is a Harvard graduate who became a prominent voice against antisemitism in the aftermath of the October 7th attacks. Shabbos shares his unexpected journey from being a student to testifying before Congress and speaking at the Republican National Convention. The conversation delves into the challenges Jewish students encounter on campus, the backlash from peers, and the painful silence—or worse, hostility—from former allies. Shabbos reflects on how the tragic events of October 7th reshaped his understanding of Israel's existential reality and the responsibility he now feels to speak out. 

This episode is a compelling exploration of Jewish identity, resilience, and the need for unity in the face of rising antisemitism.

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful conversations on Jewish identity and Israel.

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The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom.

PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity is also available on YouTube.

In this episode of Proudly Jewish: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity, Cantor Eyal Bitton hosts Hillel Fuld, a leading figure in the Israeli tech world and a passionate advocate for Israel and Jewish identity. Known for his unfiltered takes, Hillel dives deep into the state of Jewish pride, Zionism, and the alarming rise in global antisemitism.

The conversation gets real as Hillel and Eyal discuss the uncomfortable truth about the future of American Jewry, with Hillel boldly questioning whether America will remain a safe haven for Jews in the coming years. The episode also tackles divisive topics like Trump, Kamala Harris, and the political dynamics that shape how American Jews relate to Israel.

Hillel doesn’t hold back as he shares why he believes Jewish unity is crucial for survival, why apologizing for our identity is a losing strategy, and how history has shown time and again that when the Jewish people stand proud and united, they thrive against all odds. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in Jewish identity, Israel, or the complex intersections of faith, politics, and community.

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful conversations on Jewish identity and Israel.

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The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom.

PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity is also available on YouTube.

In this episode of Proudly Jewish: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity, Cantor Eyal Bitton welcomes Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt, the founding rabbi of Congregation B'nai Tzedek and the visionary leader behind the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition. Together, they explore the essential role of Zionist rabbis in shaping Jewish identity, supporting Israel, and uniting Jewish communities across the globe.

Rabbi Weinblatt shares the motivations behind the creation of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition, discussing how this non-partisan network of over a thousand rabbis provides crucial support, resources, and a sense of solidarity for rabbis who champion the Zionist cause. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by Zionist leaders, the significance of Jewish unity, and the broader implications of current political dynamics for American Jewry and Israel.

Throughout the episode, Cantor Bitton and Rabbi Weinblatt tackle pressing issues, including the growing divide within the Jewish community, the rise of antisemitism, and the need for a strong, steadfast voice in support of Israel. Rabbi Weinblatt also reflects on the future of Zionism in America and the critical importance of maintaining a robust connection to Jewish heritage and values.

This episode is a compelling listen for anyone interested in Zionism, Jewish leadership, or the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing the Jewish community today.
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The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom.

PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity is also available on YouTube.
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