The Bridging Connections Podcast (Bridges 613)
Explore every episode of The Bridging Connections Podcast
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Feb 2022 | Mending Hearts, Building Bridges | 00:37:43 | |
Save a Child’s Heart Featuring: Brianna Fowler 1 IN EVERY 100 CHILDREN IS BORN WITH A CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT. Save A Child’s Heart mend hearts regardless of race, religion, gender, nationality or financial status. SAVE A CHILD'S HEART saves the lives of critically ill children suffering from heart disease in countries where access to pediatric heart care is limited or nonexistent. Through bringing children to Israel for medical care, performing missions abroad, and training medical personnel, we are bringing hope to families, communities, and countries. As ISRAEL'S PREEMINENT HUMANITARIAN ORGANIZATION, they are transforming pediatric cardiac care around the world. As long as children with rheumatic and congenital heart disease around the world continue to suffer without access to care, SACH will treat children, train medical professionals and raise the level of pediatric heart care worldwide, from their heart in ISRAEL. SAVE A CHILD'S HEART exists today because of the vision, passion and boundless energy of their founder, the late DR. AMRAM "AMI" COHEN, an excellent surgeon, an inspiring leader and a warm and caring person. Read here about Dr. Cohen’s life, vision and legacy. Watch the heartwarming video, Ami’s Dream. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 25 Feb 2022 | Accessible Judaism | 01:05:22 | |
The Den Collective Featuring: Rabbi Aderet Drucker, Executive Director & Community Rabbi Offering cozy, collaborative, accessible Judaism all around DC the Den is a collective of people creating a Judaism that is relevant, accessible, and deeply rooted in tradition throughout the greater DC area. We seek to build spaces of meaning that invite people to deepen their connection to Judaism, feel part of a community, and enrich their lives. the Den strives to be collaborative, experimental, transparent, and radically welcoming. the Den's Values
the Den's Vision + Mission Vision: The Den envisions a more connected and inclusive world where people feel seen, heard, and cared for; where people feel welcome as they are and safe to explore ways to deepen their connection to Judaism, to ask tough questions, and to express their needs. When each of us feels cared for and supported in community, we are better equipped to reach out and work together to address the pressing needs of our neighbors, the greater community, and the world. Our hope is that through our work people will feel more connected to Judaism, deepen their ownership and understanding of the treasure trove of Jewish wisdom available to them, develop a deepened clarity of meaning and purpose, feel empowered to impact change, and feel a strong sense of belonging in a community that values interpersonal relationships and a commitment to repairing our world. Mission: The Den builds intentional Jewish community in partnership with people throughout the Greater Washington area. We invite people to belong in community where everyone is welcome and people know each other; to enrich their lives through deep and authentic Torah study, intimate gatherings, and ongoing dialogue with accessible rabbis. Exploration of Jewish wisdom is foundational to our classes and gatherings and serves as the cornerstone for the social change we seek to create. Our unique model combines personal connection with pastoral care, where discovering people’s yearnings and what moves their hearts and souls is the inspiration behind the ways we gather and build inclusive community together. The Den strives to be collaborative, experimental, transparent, and radically welcoming. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 11 Mar 2022 | Reclaiming Feminist Judaism | 00:38:39 | |
THE KOHENET HEBREW PRIESTESS INSTITUTE Kohenet’s Why: Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 25 Mar 2022 | A Mosaic of Jewish Recipes | 00:38:44 | |
Tlaim Patchwork Cookbook T’laim’s Mission: A project supported by Be’chol Lashon, is cookbook aims to celebrate the racial and ethnic diversity within the Jewish community. We want to celebrate the myriad unique experiences that each of us has as a product of our identities. We will pair recipes with poems, stories, essays, and photographs from submitters so that it becomes more than just a cookbook but also a mosaic of experiences from a plethora of backgrounds. T’laim: The Patchwork Cookbook is currently accepting submissions! Visit their website to learn more and submit your own recipe. Articles about Tlaim Patchwork Cookbook ALANA CHANDLER USES FOOD TO EXPLORE THE EXPERIENCES OF JEWS OF COLOR in JCUA Feb. 7, 2022 A new cookbook will connect — and celebrate — Jews of Color in The Forward on Dec. 28, 2021 Jews of Color Get Spotlight in MIT Student’s Cookbook in Jewish Boston on Nov. 10, 2021 A college student collects recipes for a Jews of Color cookbook in EJewish Philanthropy on Oct. 28, 2021 Jewish Chefs Mentioned in this Episode: Leah Cohen Jake Cohen Michael Twitty Molly Yeh Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 08 Apr 2022 | Ending Stigmas | 00:40:59 | |
Jewish Addiction Awareness Network (JAAN) Today’s topic is much more serious than most of the other topics that we deal with on this podcast. At the same time it may be one of the most important topics. We are grateful to amplify the voice of JAAN and its founder Marla Kaufman. The important work that they are doing to call attention to the devastating endemic of addiction is certain to save lives. I am grateful that JAAN is working to eliminate the stigma for those suffering from the disease of addiction and their loved ones. From JAAN’s website: Across the U.S. and Canada, millions of individuals grapple every day with addiction. This disease is having a devastating impact on lives, families, and entire communities — including Jewish communities. While battling addiction, Jewish individuals and families must also confront the stigma and shame associated with a disease so misunderstood. The myth that Jews do not suffer from addiction as much as other groups often leaves families and individuals feeling isolated and disconnected from their friends, congregations, and communities. We’re changing that. Jewish Addiction Awareness Network (JAAN) connects families and individuals to information, support, tools, and Jewish perspectives to help them face addiction and work toward recovery. Through partnerships, community-building, outreach, and education, we are helping Jewish communities better understand substance use disorder, as well as the power of Jewish traditions and wisdom in providing comfort and guidance. If you or someone you love is living with addiction or in recovery, know this: You are not alone. And we will no longer be silent. JAAN’s Mission:To increase understanding of the disease of addiction and decrease stigma by connecting individuals, families, and professionals across the Jewish spectrum in order to explore the intersection of Judaism and recovery, exchange resources, and support those in crisis. A Common Struggle: A Personal Journey Through the Past and Future of Mental Illness and Addiction by Patrick Kennedy and Stephen Fried (Find it here on Amazon.) Recovery, the 12 steps and Jewish Spirituality: Reclaiming Hope, Courage & Wholeness by Paul Steinberg (Find it here on Amazon.) JAAN's website has detailed pages with Jewish and General Resources for those struggling with addictions and their loved ones. For a complete list of Jewish resources please visit JAAN’S Jewish resource page. For a expanded list of general resources please visit JAAN’s general resource page. Follow JAAN on Facebook , Instagram , and Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 29 Apr 2022 | You Are Not Alone | 00:27:34 | |
No Shame On U (NSOU) No Shame on U held their first official event in November, 2015. They hosted speaker/author Kevin Briggs. Kevin Briggs is known as the Guardian of the Golden Gate. Kevin is a California Highway Patrol officer noted for his work in suicide intervention, having dissuaded more than two hundred people from jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco Bay. In 2013, Briggs retired from the California Highway Patrol to focus his efforts on suicide prevention. He is the author of “Guardian of the Golden Gate: Protecting the Line Between Hope and Despair.” His book can be found here on Amazon. He also has a Ted Talk from 2014 found here. Most importantly, to those with mental illness Miriam’s and the message of No Shame On U is that they are not alone. I am grateful to share Miriam’s story and the work of NSOU. If you or someone you know is in crisis please utilize the resources listed below. Research on Mental Health Conditions (from No Shame On U’s Website) More than one in four Americans ages 18 or older lives with a diagnosable mental health issue - 26.2%. This means that on average, every family is touched by mental illness. Yet two thirds of those diagnosed do not get treated. Research shows that stigma is one of the key barriers to people seeking mental health treatment. Founded in November, 2014, No Shame On U is dedicated to breaking the stigma associated with mental health so the people who need the help will seek it, family members and friends will know how to provide proper support, and to save lives. We achieve our mission through our community outreach programs, classes and workshops, our online presence of over 120,000 social media followers, our weekly blog, our podcast, distribution of our fact sheets, crisis information magnets and videos, and educational presentations. For No Shame On Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 06 May 2022 | Connecting to Social Justice | 00:32:55 | |
Tzedek America Featuring: Avram Mandell, Founder & Executive Director Tzedek America’s Core Programs help students learn who they are , enable them to travel with a purpose and provide opportunities to explore tikkun olam. The participants get to:
MULTI-DAY TRIPS - Immerse in customizable service-learning experiences from Downtown Los Angeles to villages in Guatemala – visit with philanthropic organizations, explore traditions and culture, and learn alongside local Jewish communities. Virtual LEARNING - Inform, Elevate, Inspire, Engage - Experience 10 motivational interactive digital workshops which elevate the voices of individuals impacted by social injustice and meet the organizations addressing the issues. All through the lens of Jewish texts, traditions, and values. B’NAI MITZVAH PROGRAM - The B’nai Mitzvah process is about taking on more responsibility and connecting to the concept of mitzvot on a deeper level. Engaging mitzvah projects for 12 year olds is increasingly challenging. Tzedek America’s Mitzvah Project Central provides compassionate direction and support as we guide B’nai Mitzvah students through their mitzvah projects. Mitzvah Project Central motivates your students from our opening orientation session and during weekly Zoom office hours. We check-in on your students throughout their six to twelve-month process. Follow Tzedek America on Facebook , Instagram , Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 20 May 2022 | Embodied Jewish Practices | 00:53:50 | |
Mitsui Collective : Featuring Yoshi Silverstein About Mitsui Collective Mission: Mitsui Collective builds resilient community through embodied Jewish practice and somatic antiracism. Communities of Practice Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 03 Jun 2022 | Jewish Mental Health Resources | 00:33:42 | |
Blue Dove Foundation Featuring: Gabrielle Spatt, Executive Director Blue Dove provides mental health education awareness and outreach through a Jewish lens and for the Jewish community. Mental illness often causes people to feel alone and separate. During this interview, Gabby Spatt, Executive Director of Blue Dove Foundation, vulnerably shares her story. Gabby states that this is part of her healing process. Being in a space where people share their story and hear other stories is where healing begins. Hearing someone’s story helps people realize they are not alone. Hearing someone’s story gives people courage to share their own story. We welcome you to dive into the resources that Blue Dove provides. To Listen to the stories. And when ready, share your stories to expand healing for a strong community and world. About Blue Dove Foundation: The Blue Dove Foundation was created to address mental illness and addiction in the Jewish community and beyond. We work with organizations and communities -- both Jewish and interfaith -- across the country and around the world. Blue Dove’s Mission is to educate, equip, and ignite our Jewish community with tools to understand, support, and overcome the challenges presented by mental illness and substance abuse. As a community with a focus on tikkun olam, we work to eradicate the shame and stigma surrounding these issues. Once we achieve this goal, we can begin to improve and save lives. Our Work: 1. Educate and raise awareness about mental health within the Jewish community. 2. Produce powerful and engaging resources about the connections between mental wellness and Judaism. Creating vibrant and diverse communities of practice are core to Mitsui Collective’s long-term vision and ability to activate communities in the work of resiliency-building. Our aim is ultimately to center embodied Jewish practice and somatic antiracism as immersive and transformational foundations of contemporary Jewish life. As we continue to hone our internal capacity and operational strength for carrying forward our existing work to date, we are also laying the groundwork to expand our footprint both vertically and horizontally. Vertically this includes further depth both in our local work in the Cleveland area — where we hope overtime to establish a physical homebase both for local community building and as a national headquarters for immersive programs and ongoing research & development — and our intensive work resourcing and training the growing field of embodied Jewish practitioners and educators. Horizontally this looks like catalyzing and growing the ecosystem of opportunities and platforms (both in person and online) to be in communities of practice with others for whom embodiment and liberatory anti racist practice are core to their Jewish expression and spiritual identity. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 17 Jun 2022 | Sacred Spaces | 00:29:20 | |
Sacred Spaces About Sacred Spaces Their Mission: Sacred Spaces builds healthy Jewish communities by partnering with Jewish institutions to prevent and respond to sexual abuse and other abuses of power. Their Guiding Principles: The following is a set of ethical principles that guide Sacred Spaces in their daily operations and in navigating complex situations. We share them as a way of committing publicly to operating ethically and transparently, and allowing the public to hold us accountable. It is also our way of modeling the standards we ask for from the organizations with which we work. We approach our task with a deep sense of responsibility toward our community, its institutions, and the members in its care. At the center of our actions is the biblical call in Exodus 25:8 to construct a sanctuary: “Let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them.”. ועשו לי מקדש ושכנתי בתוכם When we create safe and sacred communal spaces, we invite God’s presence to reside in our midst. We, the staff and board, undertake to cultivate a sacred workspace among ourselves, where the standards we seek to disseminate will be practiced and modeled. We commit to treating our colleagues, both those within our own organization and our partners in other institutions, with the utmost dignity. Underlying Beliefs
Follow Sacred Spaces on Facebook Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 08 Jul 2022 | Creating Caring Communities | 00:58:45 | |
The Gender Equity in Hiring Project About The Gender Equity in Hiring Project* We begin our work rooted in the belief that reformulating hiring and employment processes are key leverage points for Jewish organizations as they begin to address gender biases. In order for the change we seek to become embedded in our communal organizations and our individual actions, we must dig deeply into cultures of bias--and build capacity to recognize and correct these biases as we build support systems to align our employment practices with our Jewish values of equality and fairness. Building an ecosystem and network of support helps us to think collaboratively, creatively, and differently as we solve work this challenge. This is why we do this work together. We strive to bring multiple perspectives and networks to our effort. Our decades of experience working with Jewish organizations and communities enable us to weave networks of partners, challenge the status quo, pivot to greater inclusivity, and demonstrate how to do so while living by our Jewish values. GEiHP is making changes… Across our community, we see powerful steps toward change. We see individuals stepping forth, noticing gender inequities and calling them out. We see organizations working internally and externally on their processes, policies and workplace culture. We see small steps forward–and big strides, too. The pipeline for advancement, the pipeline for leadership is being strengthened every day. We are here to support you and serve as catalysts as we together build our movement for change. CONSULTATIONS Organizations: As we approach our work through an organizational change frame, we begin with support of Jewish workplaces as the ideal place to begin change in employment processes. We look forward to speaking with you about concerns that may range from the specific to the holistic, and partnering with you to address and design specific solutions. Individuals: We are now able to offer a small number of individual consultations for employees and those seeking employment. While our work begins from an organizational change frame, we recognize that we may be able to offer support and guidance for individuals as they move through hiring processes or problem-solve around specific employment and workp Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 18 Jul 2022 | Making Mikvah Meaningful | 00:35:47 | |
The Eden Center Featuring: Dr. Naomi Marmon Grumet, Founder & Executive Director Jewish identity is based on three foundations, according to Dr. Naomi Marmon Grumet, the Sabbath, the laws of kashrut and mikvah, ritual bath. In fact, our sages tell us that it is incumbent on a community to build a mikvah before building any other communal structure including a synagogue. They say that it is so important a community should sell a Torah scroll to acquire the funds for the construction of a mikvah. (Rabbi Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin, Meshiv Dabar, 1:45 and Rabbi Shneur Zalman Lesches. "understanding Mikvah"). This helps us to understand the importance our rabbis placed on the rituals and laws surrounding ritual immersion. If mikvah is of such importance, it must serve a sacred role to protect women both emotionally and physically. During her university studies, Naomi was interested in women’s connections to Judaism. She recognized that Shabbat lighting candles, baking challah and going to the mikvah are the three major mitzvot that are specifically incumbent on women. Of those three, she know the least about the laws regarding mikvah and choose to study this mitzvah deeply. From her intense studies and numerous conversation, The Eden Center was born. Their Mission Their Story
Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 29 Jul 2022 | Find Your People and Your Place | 00:23:38 | |
GatherDC Featuring: Alexandra Tureau, Managing Director GatherDC’s Mission and Vision GatherDC helps Jewish 20s/30s connect to Jewish life and to each other. GatherDC is a Jewish nonprofit that serves as the one-stop-shop for everything 20s and 30s need to live their best Jewish life. Whether you’re looking for Jewish events, people, synagogues, housing, jobs, rabbis, kosher food, or anything in between – we connect you. We are here to make it easy for you to find your people and place in DC and NOVA Jewish life. Whether you’re looking for Jewish events, people, housing, jobs, rabbis, kosher food – we’ll connect you! We envision a future where every Jewish 20- and 30-something finds a lasting, compelling connection to Judaism. HOW DO WE GATHER? -
*from GatherDc’s webpage Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 12 Aug 2022 | Cultivating Leaders, Nourishing Communities | 00:34:35 | |
Nazun (formerly Challah for Hunger) Featuring: Rebecca Bar, Executive Director and Rabbi Lily Solochek, Director of Programs and Education About Nazon (from their website) Nazun develops leaders and builds communities of people eager to take action to end campus hunger, and to work collectively to solve other urgent social challenges. One in three college students experiences food insecurity; they don’t know where their next meal might come from and don’t have the resources, time or money to afford access to nutritious food. We are on a mission to ensure that no student ever has to choose between eating or an education. We work to destigmatize — and empower people to act against — the highly prevalent problem of food insecurity on college campuses. Our work reduces the likelihood that college students will have to choose between eating or their education, and it also builds the next generation of confident leaders capable of contributing to solving the world’s most urgent social challenges. The three pillars of Nazun are infused into all our projects: Advocacy, Community, and Philanthropy. Their Programs:
3. This program is the next step in building our movement by galvanizing our network of 100+ local and national organizations behind this campaign. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 26 Aug 2022 | Living Well | 00:30:23 | |
Shomer Collective Who am I? What’s the meaning of life? What’s my legacy? What do I have left in the next portion in my life? These are all age old questions. Quite possible you have contemplated some of these in during your lifetime. These are questions that our sages have questioning for years. There is deep Jewish wisdom that we can find from the sages that will help us decipher some of these questions for ourselves. This helps us realize that we are not alone. Shomer Collective’s mission is to improve end-of-life experiences for individuals and their families— inspired by Jewish wisdom, values, and practices—by curating content and resources and building a diverse network of organizational partners. Shomer Collective envisions a world where end-of-life matters are spoken about openly, thoughtfully and frequently creating more opportunities for folks to engage with Jewish wisdom values and practices. Having these conversations and experiences can be transformational not only for the individual but also the whole family. In the Jewish tradition we say to mourners “May you be comforted among the other mourners.” This reminds us that you are not sitting shiva alone, you’re part of the interconnected community that goes beyond the shiva house. They do this through 4 roles: concierge, curator, convenor and change agent. Through the roles they hope to:
The word Shomer means guardian; in Jewish tradition, a shomer guards over the body of the deceased from the time of death until the time of burial, accompanying the soul on the beginning of its journey in separating from the body. Shomer Collective seeks to accompany individuals and families as they confront and plan for end of life by curating partners and resources that lift up Jewish wisdom, values, and practices. Shomer Collective offers concierge services to help you navigate all things end of life, Jewishly. We curate the most accessible resources to help you find what you need when you need it, whether it’s a Jewish how-to video about end-of-life rituals or a link to a Jewish funeral home in your area. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 09 Sep 2022 | Tzedakah at Its Best | 00:24:23 | |
Jewish Free Loan Chicago Featuring: Leah Greenblum, Founder and Executive Director In the Middle Ages Moises Maimonides (1), great philosopher, physician and rabbi, outlined eight levels of tzedakah (charitable giving). He describe the highest form of giving is to give a gift, loan, or partnership that will result in the recipient becoming self-sufficient instead of living upon others. Jewish Free Loan Chicago is embodying this level of giving in an effort to engage people to help those in need. Jewish Free Loan Chicago’s mission is to help Chicagoans discover small personal loans with zero-interest, in an effort to cut out the need for predatory lending, often in the form of risky payday loans and car title loans. At Jewish Free Loan Chicago, people of all backgrounds can discover personal loans that are fast, easy, and accessible to anyone in the Chicagoland area. What is a Jewish Free Loan? An age-old tradition recrafted for the 21st century, a Jewish free loan is a small personal loan that is interest-free and can be paid back on a timeline that meets each borrower’s individual needs. Where do interest-free loans come from? Rooted in teachings from the Torah and sages, Jewish free loans are a time-honored tradition in the U.S. and beyond. In fact, most U.S. cities play host to at least one Jewish or Hebrew Free Loan agency. Unlike JFLC, some Jewish loan societies cater only to the needs of the Jewish community and do not have income caps. JFLC serves low- to moderate-income people of all backgrounds who need access to capital. Loan Possibilities JFLC borrowers’ financial status can be wide-ranging, and their potential financial needs can also run the gamut, including:
Jewish Free Loan Chicago is part of the International Association of Jewish Free Loans, a large network of 50 related organizations.
Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 30 Sep 2022 | The Kibbutz Reimagined | 00:44:30 | |
Living Tree Alliance Featuring: Co-Founders Koehenet Sephira Oshkello and Melanie Kessler Meaningful Earth-Based Living Their mission is to create, evolve, and manage a thriving earth-based intentional community with universal Jewish values for individuals and families of all backgrounds seeking greater connection, meaning and purpose in life. The Seven Pillars of Living Tree Alliance: Decisions and actions in all circles of their organization are grounded in these principles. 1. Regenerative Resiliency 2. Service 3. Social Justice 4. Inner Work 5. Joy, Gratitude, and Celebration Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 07 Oct 2022 | Baking Bread As An Act of Love | 00:39:06 | |
Challah Back Girls Featuring: CoFounders Sara Loffman and Marni Loffman It’s amazing what beautiful things can come out of uncertainty and isolation. The four Loffman Siblings, Elana, Hannah, Marni and Sara, found themselves all back at home together at the beginning of the pandemic. This togetherness brought them to baking challah. Although the challah was initially for family and friends it soon turned into making food and challah for the hard working health care teams in the emergency rooms. They quickly realized that they had a marketable skill although they didn’t feel right to start a business at such an ominous time. The siblings saw the need to help change the landscape of our country and work toward a more equitable world. They felt called to do their part in the struggle for racial justice; to stand up for diversity, equity and inclusion. Hence, Challah Back Girls was formed. Challah Back Girls has become a symbol of ritual and togetherness. “Each strand of challah makes up a different layers of who each of us are, all the strands of challah come together as one., explains Sara. Now challah is shared weekly across the states in an effort to support those working toward social equality and racial justice. The Challah Back Girls work to amplify the voices of organizations that are advancing word and therefore living the value of tikkun olam. The Loffmans were raised on values of community and shared food combined with Jewish observance and Jewish connectedness. Their family life was based on sharing meaningful moments around Jewish holidays and traditions. This makes for a seamless transition to creating this platform of education, awareness raising and advocacy through challah. The Mission Challah Back Girls fundraises for, supports, and uplifts organizations leading racial equity work by connecting people to the Jewish ritual of challah—a traditionally braided bread. Through sharing this Jewish tradition, we provide an educational opportunity for healing and transforming social and racial injustice. The Vision Our dream is to create collaboration and mutual support across minority communities through the power of food and ritual. We hope to use Challah as a thread that weaves together people from diverse backgrounds, so we can share histories and stories, to support and amplify each other’s work for social change. Enjoy 20% off delicious challah between now and Oct 31st with the code CHALLAHBRIDGES. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 21 Oct 2022 | Healing in the Wilderness | 00:31:55 | |
BaMidbar Featuring: Jory Hanselman Mayschak, Founder and CEO Through a variety of modalities, BaMidbar supports mental health and wellness and envisions a Jewish community that actively supports its members in building the resilience to thrive. BaMidbar has a 6-14 week summer residential therapeutic program that focuses on using the environment to support skill building and self exploration while bringing in Jewish tradition and storytelling to explore meaning, values and purpose. They employ a multidisciplinary approach which integrates experiential education, Jewish learning, and mental health frameworks. Bamidbar focuses on four core outcomes:
Additionally, BaMidbar offers mental health and wellness retreats, fellowships and internships and partners with a variety of organizations to offer prevention programs, and create custom programs. Their programs are based on prevention, education and treatment. BaMidbar’s mission is to ensure that Jewish youth and young adults have the confidence, skills, and community support to navigate life’s challenges and thrive in the face of adversity. BaMidbar envisions a Jewish community that actively supports its members in cultivating mental health and wellness. They achieve the mission and vision through community education and by providing wilderness-based journeys of self-discovery, hope, and healing.
Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 04 Nov 2022 | Connect. Share. Heal. | 00:46:23 | |
Strength to Strength Featuring: Sarri Singer, Founder The Bridging Connections Podcast deals in a variety of topics. There are light-hearted topics, educational topics and very serious topics. This podcast is the most serious and possibly triggering topic explored so far. This conversation caused both crying and laughter in under an hour. In a perfect world, there would be no sadness or acts of terrorism. Unfortunately, the world and the people in it are not perfect. Gratefully organizations like Strength to Strength exists to heal the deep wounds caused by terrorism. During this podcast Sarri Singer, founder of Strength to Strength, shares her horrific story. Sarri recalls her experience on September 11, 2001 to set the stage for the day she would become a victim of terror. Sarri’s personal story allows for understanding that beauty can arise out of something tragic. The passion Sarri shows in recounting her story and that of other terrorist victims is a reminder that there is light and love after horror. Strength to Strength’s mission is to support victims of terrorism around the world with long-term psychological needs through peer to peer support, regular meetings, provision of information and advice, and raising awareness of the unmet needs of victims and their families. Strength to Strength enables victims of terrorism to share experiences and empowers them to live life to their best potential. We remain committed to each victim through our global network. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 22 Nov 2022 | Learning Together | 00:26:17 | |
Project Zug, founded by Benjamin Ross and Hagit Bartuv. Benjamin and Hagit connected in 2012 in Jerusalem, and developed a shared goal of using Jewish learning to connect Jews in Israel and America. Their vision became a reality, leading to more than 2,000 participants in Project Zug! Project Zug’s mission is to empower Jews to take ownership over their learning through one-on-one havruta learning. They believe that havruta can change your life. When two Jews connect through our shared tradition, the relationship has the power to cultivate meaning, joy, and belonging. We envision a world in which havruta learning is accessible and available to every Jew in every community. Why Learn with Zug? Project Zug is powered by Hadar, and gives direct access to curated high quality Torah resources, and a guided learning framework that enables Jews to build deep connections to each other and to our tradition.Their unique combination of facilitation and flexibility allows Jews to learn on their own schedule with an accessible structure and guidance. Project Zug seeks to foster meaning, joy, and belonging... Torah + Community ⇨ Meaning. We are each on a never-ending search for deeper meaning in our daily lives. Project Zug offers inspiring Jewish learning while simultaneously connecting people to each other and a broader communities of learners. Putting a text between two people is the fastest way to get them to a deeper, more meaningful conversation. Asking the other person ‘what does this text mean to you?’ begins a journey toward understanding their values and life experience. We connect those searching for meaning with one another so together they can explore Jewish texts and connect them to their full selves. Setting Aside Time for Meaning + Friendship ⇨ Joy. In today’s fast-paced world, we are pulled in so many directions. Project Zug’s structured facilitation helps people set aside time for deep meaningful Jewish engagement on a weekly basis. When people make space in their busy schedule to bring meaning into their lives in connection with someone else, their Jewish life is infused with joy, which is at the core of our vision. Connection to Tradition + Connection to a Partner ⇨ Connection to the Jewish people (Belonging). Jewish texts have the power to connect us to those who came before us, and to Jewish people throughout the world today. When we take ownership of our tradition in relationship with another Jew, we experience deep belonging with the broader Jewish people. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 02 Dec 2022 | Connecting to Israeli Culture through Song | 00:21:09 | |
The Yeladim Project Featuring: Sagit Sol Epstein and David Epstein Including a special interview with Yarden, Eli and Lilah Sagit Sol Epstein, an Israeli living in in the United States saw an opportunity to help bridge the culture gap between American Jew and Israelis. She with the help of her husband, David created The Yeladim Project. It’s a complete family collaboration. Sagit translates and produces, the children sing and dance and David promotes the songs and videos of popular Israeli songs. The upbeat songs are primarily holiday related. Be sure to listen to the entire podcast to hear my short interview with Yarden and Eli’s and one of their Hanukkah songs. You don’t want to miss this moment of extreme cuteness. From Yeladem Project’s website: There is a rich and varied collection of songs and stories for Shabbat and holidays in Israel, many part of school and kindergarten curricula. We wanted to bring these songs and stories to a wider audience worldwide to be a cultural bridge between the Jews in Israel and those in English speaking countries. We believe this can help unite our people and strengthen the connection with Israel. About: Having grown up in Israel, was surprised that children here do not sing the same holiday and Shabbat songs. Translating them to English makes them more accessible here, and easier to learn. In Israel, Sagit had a children’s theatre where she wrote, produced, and performed shows for children throughout Israel. Many were adaptations of well known stories, (Jungle Book, Peter Pan, Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, Puss in Boots) as well as original and Israeli folk tales. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 18 Dec 2022 | From Narrowness to Freedom | 00:39:54 | |
Fat Torah Featuring: Rabbi Minna Bromberg, Founder and President Fat Torah’s Goals Smashing the idolatry of fatphobia and leading ourselves from Narrowness to Freedom 1. ending weight stigma in Jewish communal life and training Jewish professionals, lay leaders, and community members to confront fatphobia wherever they encounter it (including in themselves). Fat Torah offers: Teaching, consulting and mentoring. Contact Fat Torah for more information. Follow Fat Torah on Facebook , Twitter, and Instagram. “It’s really important to me that we understand that our human worth is not actually measured by our health. And that there are many many things that go into health. And many many things that go into illness. Many of them are private and not things that we should be asked to sort of trot out in order to prove our worth. ” — Rabbi Minna Bromberg Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 31 Mar 2023 | Honoring Death in Life | 00:23:34 | |
Kavod v’Nichum Featuring: Sarit Wishnevski, Executive Director Their Mission: Kavod v’Nichum provides the Jewish community resources, education, and training about the end of life, from serious illness through dying, death, bereavement, and mourning. Their Vision is to transform the final life transition for every Jewish person so that it is understood, cared for, and respected. About: Kavod v’Nichum, כבוד וניחום, is Hebrew for “honor and comfort”. Founded in 2000, Kavod v’Nichum is a Jewish nonprofit dedicated to providing end-of-life education, support and training in the Jewish tradition. They embrace the mitzvot of kavod hamet, honoring the body which held the neshama, soul, of a person who died; and nichum aveilim, comforting the mourners and the community of the living after a death. Kavod v’Nichum values:
Kavod V’Nichum serves any individual or organization seeking to learn and engage around Jewish end-of-life rituals and practices. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 03 Mar 2023 | Caring, Cohesive, Community for Cultural Jews | 00:41:38 | |
Secular Synagogue Featuring: Rabbi Denise Handlarski, Founder What is Secular Synagogue? Secular Synagogue is a digital Judaism, online community, engaged and meaningful learning and practice. Their goal is two-directional: explore how Judaism can be an enriching force in your life and, in turn, make you a more kind, just, and effective force for good in the world. Who is Secular Synagogue for? Jewish, Jew-ish, Intermarried, In-married, Unmarried, Secular, Cultural, Atheist, Agnostic, Seeker, Spiritual... YOU If you are a cultural/secular Jew, someone who is becoming a Jew, partnered with a Jew, or otherwise Jewishly engaged, and want to connect to Jewish wisdom, ideas and community, this is the place for you! Every day you will join people just like you in Jewish-inspired challenges and learning. This is an accessible, affordable, engaged, inclusive, meaningful, and contemporary approach to Jewish learning, practice, and community. Create and foster a deep and rich Jewish life — in 5 - 10 minutes a day. They are committed to meaningful inclusivity for Queer/Trans folks, BIPOC and other racialized members, and anyone who has felt excluded in Jewish spaces. Secular Synagogue is intersectional, intergenerational, and international. Mission Secular Synagogue aspires to create meaningful, valuable, beautiful Jewish learning, experiences, and community for secular/cultural Jews. A Judaism that fosters two-directional goodness: making your life richer/better and, in turn, it will making you better so that more goodness can be created in the world. Vision Statement Secular Synagogue’s vision is a Connected Community across distance, enabled virtually, that provides those looking for meaningful cultural Jewish learning, experiences, and community a space where they feel true belonging. Values Secular Synagogue serve anyone who wishes to be part of their group including:
They do not believe in "bad Jews" or "bad Jew guilt" They are pro-intermarriage/intercultural partnerships. There will never be any questioning or guilt about "authenticity" for anyone at any time. Social justice is part of our Jewish practice and expression. They are kind, and foster goodness. Secular Synagogue turns the internet into a place of communal support and mutual love and respect. They are fun and funny. Sure, they tackle serious issues. But try not to take themselves too seriously. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 17 Mar 2023 | Customizable Judaism | 00:39:03 | |
Haggadot.com Featuring: Eileen Levinson, Founder and Executive Director Judaism can be beautiful and welcoming. Haggadot.com believes Judaism can look and feel that way too. They envision a world in which every Jew, and the Jew-curious, regardless of background, can find a place for themselves in Jewish life through thoughtfully-designed products and media. They believe that Passover is primarily an exercise in empathy. At the seder, we tell the story of Exodus as though we personally exited Mitzrayim, or “the narrow place.” Haggadot.com’s core values emphasize how a deep personal connection with the Passover story drives empathy. Read more here: https://www.haggadot.com/values Haggadot.com is a design lab for the Jewish community, experimenting with technology, media and user experience to imagine new formats for engaging in ancient traditions. Their platforms, Haggadot.com and Custom and Craft enable over 500,000 users annually to make their own haggadahs and other DIY materials for Jewish ritual. They facilitate new product development through collaborations with leading Jewish organizations and thinkers across a diverse spectrum of perspectives. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 14 Apr 2023 | What is Jewish Farming? | 00:51:51 | |
What is Jewish Farming? Featuring: Dr. Adrienne Krone Adrienne Krone is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and past Director of Jewish Life at Allegheny College.Her research focuses on communal Jewish farms and the sustainable Jewish farming movement in the United States. Her expertise ranges from the history of religion in the U.S., to modern Judaism, to religion and food. Krone holds a Ph.D. in American Religion from Duke University, and her extensive experience in Jewish communal service includes working with youth and young adult groups, teaching and directing a religious school program for Jewish teens, liturgical leadership, and staffing a Birthright trip. Adrienne researches religious food justice movements and teaches courses in Jewish studies, food studies, environmental studies, and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies. Her current project is an ethnographic and historical study of the Jewish Community Farming movement in North America. In this episode Adrienne and I define categories of Jewish farming. We touch on a bit of the history of Jewish Farming in North America. And we discuss Jewish biblical laws about farming, the three pilgrimage festivals (Sukkot, Passover and Shavuot). Finally Adrienne shares how varies Jewish farms around the country are creating and innovating food for long term sustainability. Read more about Adrienne’s work and research here. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 05 May 2023 | Ethical Treatment of Animals | 00:45:58 | |
JIFA: Jewish Initiative for Animals Jewish tradition urges us to keep a healthy skepticism about the sourcing of our goods and strive for ethical consumption. JIFA is ready to work with your community to help you establish your own values-based food practices. We support Jewish community education for all ages through curriculum development, direct teaching, and partnerships with organizations that disseminate materials and promote learning about Jewish values and our food system. JIFA’s Values: Promoting compassion and preventing suffering to animals — in Jewish tradition, a core value called tza’ar ba’alei chayim (literally: the suffering of living creatures) — is central to our work to build a better food system
Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 26 May 2023 | Jewish Engagement Through Farmers / Modern Farmers Ancient Wisdom | 00:36:45 | |
Jewish Farmers Network (JFN) Featuring: Shani Minsk, Co-Founder and Executive Director Their Mission : Jewish Farmer Network supports the economic, social, and cultural vibrancy of Jewish agriculture by connecting Jewish farmers to resources and community around the world. We mobilize Jewish wisdom to build a more just and regenerative food system for all. Their vision We are building a world in which Jewish farmers are not regarded as an oxymoron or a curiosity, but rather, as valued community members with a unique connection to Judaism's ancient technologies for building a more just and regenerative food system for all. We envision a world in which all Jewish individuals and communities have access to farms and gardens that connect them to both the agricultural roots of Judaism and the timeless food justice principles contained therein. We envision a world in which any Jewish individual with the desire to both live a land-based life and be a part of Jewish community life has the technical, economic, social, and cultural resources to do so. We envision a world of social and ecological justice, where life in all forms is honored. We envision a world in which Jewish Farmers are a collaborative force for the collective liberation of all land and all peoples. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 01 Apr 2020 | The Perfect Time to Premier | 00:27:40 | |
Sheltering at home has helped me to realize the great need for connection to each other. This pandemic is the perfect time to introduce Bridges 613 and start regular podcasts. The main reason for Bridges 613 is to dispel the concerns that the American Jewish community is at risk. I recall the strong response in the community when the Pew Report came out in 2013. The Report concluded that Jewish Millennials aren't joining Jewish institutions and synagogue. It also noted that, despite everything, they are proud to be Jewish. Studies by the United Jewish Appeal in New York and The Barna Group have shown that Jewish millennials are searching new ways to connect to Judaism. Over the past 20 plus years, organizations formed that fulfill this need. Today millennials and other generations connect Jewishly in was that are revolutionary and transformative. These organizations focus on providing deep meaning and purpose and are inclusive. They do away with barriers to entry for people who have felt unwelcomed in the past. In the first episode of The Bridging Connections Podcast, you will hear Brianna Greenspan and I chat about why I started Bridges 613. I highlight a few of the trailblazing organizations. I hope to show case these and many more in the episodes to come. The organizations mentioned in Episode 1 are: 1. Moishe House- provides vibrant Jewish community for young adults by supporting leaders in their 20’s as they create meaningful home-based Jewish experiences for themselves and their peers. 2. At The Well – connects women to body, soul, and community through wellness education and Jewish spirituality. 3. ChiTribe’s- goal is to make Chicago Jewish life more transparent and accessible to a modern Jewish community. 4. Svivah’s – mission is: Inspiring, supporting, connecting and celebrating Jewish womanhood Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 08 Apr 2020 | Passover Possibilities in Pandemic Times | 00:26:28 | |
On this episode, Elizabeth Gossage and Brianna Greenspan showcase four organizations and the resources they have developed for this year's Passover during a pandemic. Introducing the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, 18 Doors, Jewbelong, and The Jewish Emergent Network. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 21 May 2020 | Becky Adelberg, Founder of Community Connect | 00:35:50 | |
“Take this vision and Bring it to life” is the tag line of Community Connect Consultants. My guest today, Becky Adelberg, the Founder of Community Connect. She has a variety of experience working in the Jewish community. She is currently the Chicago Manager of Reboot. During her career Becky has worked to engage young adults. A few of the organizations she’s worked for are The JCC Chicago, 20’s & 30’s Division, American Zionist Movement, Chicago Division, Jewish Women’s International. She is also a mentor at 1871, Chicago, a voice over artist and a children's yoga teacher. She holds a BA in Communications from the University of Kansas, an MA in Jewish Studies & Education, with an emphasis on spirituality, from Siegal College of Jewish Studies and a Certificate in Jewish Leadership from Northwestern and Spertus Institute of Jewish Learning.I am impressed by Becky’s ability to bring people together. Every event Becky organizes is well run and efficient. The programs that Becky manages and creates show how her skills foster growth in the community. Additionally, Becky emphasizes a social aspect to everything she does. She defines social as giving back. All the entrepreneurs that work with her provide a service to the community. The key take-aways in this podcast are: 1. The importance of fostering and cultivating relationships. Becky suggests getting to know what inspires and motivates people. 2. The importance of creating partnerships and collaborations. “We work better when we are together” says Becky, so join forces. 3. Help people follow their passions. If you have an idea, Becky encourages us to dive in and not be afraid to try something. Becky has worked with many to start their businesses, including help me start Bridges 613. If you are inspired by Becky’s work you can reach her at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beckyadelberg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourcommunityconnect/ Website: https://yourcommunityconnect.com Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 05 Jun 2020 | SketchPad Chicago | 00:33:47 | |
“When we collaborate, when we bring a group of passionate, creative, dedicated Jewish professionals together, we can change the world,” says Irene Sandalow, Executive Director of SketchPad Chicago. This podcast shows how much is accomplished when the Jewish community organizes. Irene saw a need in the Jewish community and acted on it. She recognized that working from home wasn't enough for her. She devoted her efforts to taking Jewish values into the public sphere. She details the process of creating SketchPad from idea to reality. I enjoyed learning about Irene’s background. Irene's upbringing shaped her into being a passionate Jewish leader and community organizer. Hopefully, this conversation inspires others to create intentional Jewish communities of their own. As a new member of SketchPad, I look forward to joining committees and being a integral part of SketchPad.Key takeaways from this podcast are:
You can learn more about SketchPad at https://www.sketchpadchicago.org. Follow Sketchpad on Facebook at http://facebook.com/sketchpadchicago You can reach reach Irene at irene@sketchpadchicago.org. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 18 Jun 2020 | Rebecca Joey Schwab, Co-founder & Executive Director of ChiTribe | 00:33:36 | |
This Episode showcases ChiTribe, co-founded by Rebecca Joey Schwab and Sam Gelt-Sheftel. Rebecca and Sam launched ChiTribe in August 2018. Wow! Has it grown! During this podcast, you will meet Rebecca Joey Schwab. I got to know Rebecca in November 2018 when Chi Tribe was only a few months old. I am impressed with Rebecca’s passion to make Jewish life more accessible. Originally, ChiTribe was created to support those in the Jewish community in their 20’s. Rebecca and Sam realized that the need was even greater. They now serve people in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. Through their large mailing list and regular happy hours, ChiTribe keeps people connected in Chicago. Rebecca tells us how they are keeping people engaged during the pandemic. ChiTribe was recently selected to be part of Upstarts entrepreneur sprint program. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 17 Jul 2020 | Chabad of Naperville | 00:40:38 | |
What makes a neighborhood Jewish? The number of synagogues in the area? Kosher restaurants? Jewish community centers, Jewish schools? The western suburbs of Chicago have never been considered a mecca of Jewish life. Let’s put things in perspective. Naperville, Illinois, populations 149,000, is a suburb west of Chicago. There are about 300 Jews (about .2%). According to Wikipedia, Jews make up about 2.3% of the population of Illinois 2.1% of the United States. There are 4 synagogues in a ten mile radius. One of those is Chabad of Naperville. This episode showcases Chabad of Naperville and its co-directors. . Rabbi Mendy and Alta Goldstein give us an idea of how they view their position as leaders in the area’s Jewish community. You will hear what they have done over the past 15 years to build Jewish community and their dreams for the future. While describing their mission, Rabbi Mendy said, “Life is journey and a learning experience. Every Jewish establishment is another stop on your journey toward spiritual growth.” He explained Chabad of Naperville is place to find spirituality in your local community. They define their mission as to inspire; to light a spark in your neshama (soul). Rabbi Mendy further explained, “we are here to provide information, to inspire you and to teach - take what you want and leave the rest.” They engage and attract people via word of mouth and advertising. They work to be non-judgmental. They don’t subscribe to the denominational labels that are pervasive in the Jewish community. Alta made that point by saying, “labels create divisions".” Rabbi Mendy used the analogy that labels are for clothing and not people. They define success by the quality of their results rather than by numbers. They always try new things and try to continually move forward. When asked about fundraising, Rabbi Mendy quipped, “just do it!” I understood that to mean to be persistent. He elaborated by highlighting two key points. First, find those who share your passion and believe in your mission. Then, ask them to be your partner. Key Takeaways from this episode are:
Learn more about Chabad of Naperville here: https://www.jewishnaperville.com. Follow Chabad of Naperville on here on Facebook and on Instagram. Follow Rabbi Mendy and Alta Goldstein on Facebook and Instagram. Email Rabbi Goldstein. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 07 Aug 2020 | Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema | 00:34:43 | |
“Film is an art, a starting point to conversation,” says Cindy Stern, executive director of the Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema (CFIC). The film festival showcases current events, and trends in Israel. It creates connection to Israel providing entry points to understanding its complex culture. Cindy has worked with the CFIC since 2010. She previously worked for an award-winning adverting agency. There she served as the creative director, writer and broadcast producer. Cindy was born in Hollywood and has lived in Colorado, Germany, Israel. She made Chicago her home 34 years ago. She attended the University of California in Berkeley, and the University of Colorado at Boulder. Cindy has a bachelor’s degree journalism. She earned a master's degree in nonprofit management from Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. The CFIC was started by Beverly Braverman and Ophira Ben-Ariah in 2005. The festival presents a mix of features including documentaries, shorts and TV series. All works are made in Israel. Their mission is to spread a love and appreciation of contemporary Israeli culture through the magic of film. Cindy explains that Israeli film makers work with small budgets. The industry relies on creating strong character development. This makes the works relatable and universal. By depicting deep aspects of the characters, the works show humanity. The CFIC is a strong player in theaters throughout the Chicago area every fall. This year Cindy orchestrated a large pivot in light of the pandemic. She decided to move the festival to a virtual platform in May and June. This came at a perfect time. The movie theaters were still closed to in-person views. People felt alone and many had run through their list of Netflix shows. The virtual festival was a success! It reached people in twenty-two states. It provided a wide variety of genres. There was something for everyone. Viewers had the opportunity to connect virtually for online discussion groups. This pivot helped create connections in the Jewish community when physical connection wasn’t possible. After my conversation with Cindy, I am greatly looking forward to the next Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema. I hope you will take advantage of viewing the films that are featured next year. Takeaways from episode: 1. Showcase (acknowledge and appreciate) Partnerships 2. Create relationships- Take time to create relationships by showing up and creating a space of mutual support 3. Partner with other organizations, not always for financial support 4. Be inclusive and diverse - all genres, no barriers to entry, shows Israel from all sides 5. Listen actively 6. Ask people to be open minded Learn more about the Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema at: https://israelifilmchi.org Follow Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema on Facebook and Instagram. Contact Cindy Stern at cstern218@comcast.net. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 25 Sep 2020 | Kahal Abroad / Part 1 | 00:29:03 | |
“I was looking to feel like people cared about me, that I am a part of something bigger than myself, deeper than myself and more important in many ways,” explains Alex Jacubowski about seeking connections in Jewish communities while studying and traveling abroad. Alex’s life experiences led him to deep sense of connection to Jewish tradition. His grandparents, holocaust survivors, shaped his passion to help preserve Jewish peoplehood. Alex created Jewish experiences for himself and other Jewish students. While doing this he learned that interest in Jewish global connections was not unique to him. Few international students knew of the opportunities to connect with diverse Jewish communities. Alex discovered that studying abroad is a transformational and impactful experience. Although, not always a Jewish one. The Jewish community was missing a critical opportunity. These discoveries led Alex to create Kahal Abroad. This episode of the Bridging Connections podcast covers many topics. Alex Jakubowski, founder of Kahal Abroad, and I talk about his Jewish life journey. We learn what led him to the founding of Kahal and the process he took to create it. We also chat about Kahel’s transformation since its start. Alex also explains the out-reach methods they use to engage their target population. Alex shares how Kahel is envisioning its future. Although Kahal has changed since its inception in 2013, it has stayed true to its core mission. "KAHAL aspires to give the tens of thousands of Jewish students studying abroad each year the resources, tools, and connections they need to meaningfully engage with the Jewish community and deepen their Jewish identity during one of the most important, meaningful, and enduring experiences of their lives" (see their mission here). Kahal continues to tap into diverse opportunities. It creates a variety of experiences and encounters. Alex wants to be sure that every Jew knows that they don’t have to feel alone while traveling abroad. Key takeaways from this episode are :
Learn more about Kahal Abroad here. Follow Kahal on here on Facebook and on Instagram. Email Alex Jakubowski. Episode Glossary : kahal- community or gathering mifgash-encounters or experiences shadkan-matchmaker / connector Tisha b’av - The 9th day of Av in the Hebrew calendar. This is an annual fast day commemorating the date that a number of disasters occurred in history, primarily the destruction of both Solomon's Temple by the Neo-Babylonian Empire and the Second Temple by the Roman Empire in Jerusalem. Note about Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 02 Oct 2020 | Episode 9: Kahal Abroad / Part 2 | 00:23:29 | |
Welcome back to the continuation of the podcast featuring Kahal. During part 2, Alex and I discuss fundraising and steps in starting up a new organization. Alex also tell us about exciting up-and-coming organizations. We conclude with Alex’s future vision for Kahal. In the future, Kahal hopes to become a center for Jewish community and exchange. Alex feels that Kahal can create a feeling of unity in the Jewish community globally. Kahal is making a big Jewish community feel smaller. Alex concludes by saying, “I’ve been very privileged to meet and interact with leaders in virtually every Jewish community around the world. I can go almost anywhere in the world and feel at home because I know real people who care about me and I care about and the unique tie that we all have is that we are part of this community and we’re all trying to make it better." Key takeaways from this episode: 1. Fundraising comes from a variety of sources. Including:
2. When starting up its important to research, research, research and to have Grit. Contact Alex for his power point on how to start anything. 3. Put the end user at the core of everything, employ human-center design. Glossary: Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 18 Oct 2020 | Learn - Engage - Venture | 00:46:14 | |
LEV Children's Museum My guest today is Sarah DeWoskin, the Founder and Director of LEV Children’s Museum. Sarah is a Jewish Educator, who has worked with children since she was a child. Sarah is a recent graduate of HUC-JIR’s Executive Master’s program for Jewish Education. Sarah has worked in Jewish preschools, supplementary schools, youth groups, camps, and more. Through LEV, she is following her inner voice to create an innovative concept for engagement and education for Jewish families in South Florida. Sarah’s goals for LEV Children's museum are to:
Sarah shares her key takeaways in creating LEV:
Learn more about LEV Children's Museum here. Follow LEV on here on Facebook and on Instagram. Email Sarah DeWoskin. Episode Glossary: LEV - stands for Learn, Engage, Venture and is the Hebrew word for heart ❤️. Tu B’shvat - is a Jewish holiday occurring on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat: often termed the "New Year of the Trees" is Jewish Arbor Day. Scholars believe that originally Tu B’Shvat was an agricultural festival, marking the emergence of spring. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 30 Oct 2020 | Full of Chutzpah | 00:51:14 | |
Featuring: Molly Tolsky, Founder and Editor Molly Tolsky reflects on institutional concerns over diminished engagement in Jewish life. She notes, “people are super engaged in their Judaism, just not in traditional ways. It’s just as valid and just as big a part of their identity.” My guest today, Molly Tolsky, is the founder and editor of Alma (heyalma.com), a Jewish culture site from 70 Faces Media. Previously the editor of Kveller, Molly holds an MFA in Fiction Writing from Sarah Lawrence College. She is also senior editor of the literary journal, No Tokens. On today’s podcast Molly shares her Jewish journey and how she was inspired to create Alma. Molly explains, “Alma offers a space for people who may not feel completely comfortable in those traditional settings” making connections to Judaism accessible to a broader audience. Alma has morphed and grown since its launch in 2017. The name Alma is a Hebrew word meaning a woman of childbearing age who has not had kids. When Alma launched, it was called a publication for “ladies with chutzpah.” It would cover everything from Jewish pop culture to what’s happening in the news to personal pieces about identity, feminism, and more. Although Alma still still does all that, its more of a publication for anyone — regardless of gender — who cares about Jewish identity and culture and how they fit into everyday life (see more about Alma here). Alma’s tagline is “Jewish, feminist and full of chutzpah.” Alma is an online platform that engages people in Jewish life regardless of background, knowledge or affiliation. Molly explains that online engagement is real life engagement. This is how people are doing life today. Alma provides an opportunity for people to think about their own Jewish identity. It helps people find their place in the Jewish community. Alma provides new resources to connect with Jewish life. It allows people to explore who they are and how Judaism fits into their life today. Molly is focused on growing Alma and reaching more people. She plans to continue to give voice to those who are marginalized by the Jewish community. She and the staff at Alma are conscientious of creating a platform that highlights the diversity of the Jewish community. Learn more about Alma here and become part of the community. Follow Alma on here on Facebook and on Instagram and Twitter. Join the Alma Pals Group on Facebook for an opportunity to interact with Alma fans and be part of a dialogue on anything and everything pertinent to young Jews. Want to write for Alma? Check out Alma’s guide on article submissions. Meet the first cohort of Alma’s College Writing Fellows. Email Molly Tolsky. You can read more of Molly’s work at mollytolsky.com. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 13 Nov 2020 | Connecting Women to Body, Soul & Community | 00:36:02 | |
At The Well Project “Judaism teaches so much about marking time, being aware of your time, knowing what time it is and making sure you find yourself in places of belonging”-Sarah Michal Waxman. Where do you belong? How do you create a feeling of belonging? Do you have a community that you meet with regularly? A community that lifts you up? Encourages you? Where you can be authentic? Where do you find spirituality? These are some of the questions Sarah Michal Waxman, founder of At The Well Project, asked herself. She was seeking deep meaningful connection with her peers. She discovered the little known holiday and ritual of Rosh Chodesh. Rosh Chodesh is the first day of the new Hebrew month. Rosh Chodesh was elevated to a holiday for women during Medieval ages. Rosh Chodesh has become a sacred custom. It allows women to connect, learn, and support each other. Rosh Chodesh is an opportunity to find yourself in a place of belonging. The observance of Rosh Chodesh can help in making Judaism a lifestyle. It provides time for personal growth within an intentional community. Sarah started a newsletter to help educate about Rosh Chodesh and share Jewish insights into wellness as a passion project. Sarah’s newsletter developed a nonprofit organization called At The Well. The mainstay of the organization is its Well Circles. Sarah says, ‘being ‘in circle’ is a special bond. A Well Circle is a place to process, lift each other up, and watch each other change and grow mentally and spiritually. At The Well Project’s mission is to connect women around the world through transformative practices inspired by ancient Jewish Wisdom. They envision a world where all women are connected to their bodies, spiritual practices, and community. This year they are celebrating their fifth (5) anniversary. Today, over two hundred (200) Well Circles exist all over the world. At The Well also has a variety of resources to support the existing Well Circles and help develop new ones. At The Wells Resources are:
Learn more about At The Well here and become part of the community. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 27 Nov 2020 | Many Paths; One Place | 00:45:40 | |
Featuring Cantor Debbie Ballard, Founder of My Personal Judaism She asks people to consider, “What does your Judaism look like and what does it mean for you to be Jewish.” Cantor Debbi Ballard has 30 years of experience in serving the Jewish community. She is a Jewish community professional, spiritual leader and experiential educator. She has always been an independent and strong minded woman. From an early age, Cantor Debbi was passionate about Judaism being accessible to all people. Although she is a rule follower she has the courage to question rules and pave new paths. Her new business, My Personal Judaism, was born out of her desire to create a new resource for the Jewish community. Cantor Debbi’s mission is “driven by the belief that yes closes doors.” She states, “My Personal Judaism is a collection of open doors for anyone.” Her vision is to “build a vibrant and rich hub of Jewish activity where professionals and consumers all meet in one place and that our collective passion for Jewish engagement will rise to an all time high. “ My Personal Judaism is many things. It is an online community that supports Jewish service providers. A place to come together, to be found, to network, to gather and to share. An online community that inspires stronger, deeper connections to our Jewish faith. It's also supportive network of personalized ideas. It is a marketplace and learning center. My Personal Judaism provides a place for Jews to connect based on their individual preferences. Leveraging the power of the internet, MPJ connects us in more productive ways. It enhances Jewish connections, and encourage us to be more creative in them.” Visit here to learn more about My Personal Judaism. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 11 Dec 2020 | Sticking with the Jewish People | 00:45:13 | |
Featuring Kosha Dillz, aka Rami Matan Even-Esh Kosha Dillz was born Rami Matan Even-Esh in New Jersey to Israeli parents. Kosha Dillz shares his journey. From a life of sports and competition to rap music to crime and addiction. And how he turned his life around. Today he uses his art to proudly represent who he is. He is best known for his uncanny free styling ability. He raps in English, Spanish, Hebrew, and even Yiddish! I am honored that he rapped especially for our audience. Be sure to check out that rap on the website or on the Bridges 613 Facebook page. He sells cool clothing, masks, and of course his music. Check out the merch! Email Kosha Dillz. Follow Kosha Dillz on Facebook , Instagram , YouTube , and Soundcloud. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 08 Jan 2021 | Integrative Shabbat Experience | 00:58:55 | |
One Table Shabbat becomes our reminder to take time out, slowdown. Conversations about self care are happening frequently. There are more references to self care in pop culture than ever before. OneTable’s website explains, “Shabbat is an ancient self care ritual… it’s an act of rebellion against a constantly moving world." We bring ritual to the table not because we have to, but because disconnecting in order to intentionally connect, separate from the work week, and build community is holy – and really good for you.” OneTable empowers people who don’t yet have a consistent Shabbat dinner practice. OneTable's mission is to make Shabbat dinner accessible to tens of thousands of people who otherwise would be absent from Jewish community. OneTable provides hosts and guests with easily accessible tools and resources, making these rituals not only attainable, but sustainable. Since its inception, OneTable has provided the support for approximately 160,000 people to host 45,000 Shabbat dinners. Since the onset of Covid, they’ve hosted 15,000 Shabbat dinners- 30% were virtual and 10% were solo-Shabbats. Prior to the pandemic, OneTable hosted on average between 200-250 dinners per week. Now they are hosting about 500-600 per week on the OneTable platform. Ways to contact or connect with OneTable:
Collaborations and Initiatives mentioned: Seder 2020 Help you organize a meaningful and create Passover experience this year by putting all the pieces in one place: logistics, video conferencing, a Haggadah that guests can download and print at home, and more. Great Big Jewish Food Festival - a virtual festival held in May, 2020 for over 10 days included a variety of events–workshops & conversations, happy hours, and Shabbat dinners, and so much more. Herefor.com (https://herefor.com/) is a space to go when you are Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 22 Jan 2021 | IsraelLink | 01:00:46 | |
Today's guests are Mina Rush, National Director IsrealLink and Matt Rissien, Midwest IsraelLink Managing Director. Mina and Matt are passionate about the work they are doing to promote a curriculum that fits the need of today’s learners. During a Facebook live session, Mina explains that in creating IsraelLink, the only agenda that mattered was that of each individual student. She recognized the need to create something that enabled the students to figure out their own why for Israel. She and her research team worked to create something that would support the educational needs for both Jewish day schools and supplemental schools, as well as for informal and formal educators, and would work for all denominations, and political leanings. After much research, they developed IsraelLink. IsraelLINK is an ever-expanding curriculum developed by a team of innovative educators, curriculum developers and educational consultants. This curriculum introduces students to the historical ties Jews have to the Land of Israel while providing portals for students to engage with modern Israel. IsraelLINK is an adaptable, online program. Learning is student-centered, experiential and project based with an emphasis on discovery. Each students’ identity and values inform not just the how of their personal connection to Israel, but more significantly the WHY. It is important to learn about Israel as the Biblical Homeland and the realization of the Zionist dream. Equally important is understanding Israel as the incubator of the Jewish people; an evolving people whose identity, culture, values and resilience has much to offer. This provides students with not only the opportunity to learn something new about Israel, but more importantly to begin building a relationship with Israel, one that is based on the diverse points of connection that speak to each individual learner. This curriculum is written for middle school students (6th – 8th grade) but can be adapted and modified for younger or older students. IsraelLINK provides platforms for both group and independent learning. The IsraelLINK curriculum is currently being implemented nation-wide across all denominations in day schools, supplementary schools, youth group programs in both classroom and virtual settings. Visit here to learn more about IsraelLink and their programs. Follow IsraelLink on Facebook . Definitions and Clarifications Hasbara is know as a public-relations effort to disseminate positive information abroad about the State of Israel and its actions March of the Living is an educational program, bringing individuals from around the world to Poland and Israel to study the history of the Holocaust and to examine the roots of prejudice, intolerance and hatred.Al Chait- prayer on Yom Kippur. Learn more about March of the Living here. MAJPS - Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Studies at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 05 Feb 2021 | Reboot | 00:54:56 | |
Featuring David Katznelson, CEO of Reboot. Reboot began as a conversation with people who had the ability to connect to a wide audience through arts and culture. They started to examine the inheritance they had from their Jewish connection. Feeling inspired, they began to create programs built on their Jewish inheritance. These programs set out to make Judaism relevant for the 21st century and beyond. Their programs are dedicated to moving people to make their own lives better. Jewish teachings urge us to be a light to others. Reboot’s goals is in alignment of this responsibility. Reboot exemplifies the type of organization that Bridges 613 is proud to showcase. We feel that everyone, regardless of how their religious identity, can benefit from Reboot's programs. From their website: “Reboot is an arts and culture nonprofit that reimagines, reinvents and reinforces Jewish thought and traditions. As a premier R&D platform for the Jewish world, we catalyze our Reboot Network of preeminent creators, artists, entrepreneurs and activists to produce experiences and products that evolve the Jewish conversation and transform society.“ Visit here to learn more about Reboot. Find a list of Reboot's programs here. Learn more our work Reboot’s work in the following video, created to celebrate our 18th year; Read about their new strategic roadmap in this blog post from David Katznelson. Follow Reboot on Facebook , Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 19 Feb 2021 | Silver Screens Studios | 00:35:12 | |
Featuring: Tiffany Woolf, Co-Founder Definitions and Clarifications Ushpizan- is Aramaic for “guests,” it is a ritual of symbolically inviting in of the souls of ancestors and other special figures into your sukkah (booth) during the festival of Sukkot (7 day fall harvest festival). Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 05 Mar 2021 | The Well of Detroit | 00:41:22 | |
Featuring: Rabbi Jeff Stombaugh Rabbi Jeff Stombaugh is the Executive Director of the Well. The Well is Metro Detroit’s inclusive Jewish community building, education and spirituality outreach initiative geared to the needs of young adults. They believe that Jewish community, ethics, values, and spirituality can and should be directly applicable to our lives and should drive us to positively impact the world around us. The Well attempts to be intentional, inclusive and innovative. The Well is here to:
Their mission is to create and foster an accessible, inclusive, relationship-driven community for young adults and young families that uses Jewish wisdom and ritual to help community members flourish as human beings. Their Vision is to empower people to love being part of the Jewish community so much that they actively and wholeheartedly help cultivate community for and with others. The Well’s Guiding Principles are:
Visit here to learn more about The Well. Follow The Well on Facebook , Instagram.
Davening- praying Birkat hamazon - blessing for after meals Frum - (Yiddush)- observant Jew Smicha- Rabbbinic Ordination Talmud- the primary source of Jewish religious law, a written compilation of Mishnah and Gemara, which are rabbinic interpretations of the Torah. Rosh Chodesh- celebration of the new month Hillel International is the largest Jewish student organization in the wor Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 19 Mar 2021 | The Ruach | 00:54:50 | |
Featuring: Peter Levinson, Co-founder and Lead Guitarist “There had to be a transformation of understanding…. that’s what the Ruach has done for me,” describes Peter, during our discussion of the Keva and Kavana, Jewish elements of prayer. He continues to say, we really believe that giving people a real strong feeling of who they are, and a sense of confidence and they’ll do the right thing” The Ruach is a Jewish Rock band and spiritual community in Charlotte, NC spreading the joy of Judaism through modern Jewish music! They provide a Jewish spiritual and cultural experience! They are reaching out and engaging many members of Jewish community in Charlotte, including the independent and unaffiliated ones. They strive to provide a deeper connection to Judaism through positivity and connection. Visit here to learn more about The Ruach. Follow The Ruach on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and YouTube. Tune in here to next The Shabbat Experience by The Ruach on Friday, March 26 at 6:45 est. Definitions and Clarifications Minyan- a quorum of ten Jewish adults needed to recite communal prayers Oneg- literally means joy, used to describe a gathering on Shabbat to fulfill the mitzvah (commandment) of enjoying the Sabbath Rock Hashanah- play on the name of the Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year Ruach – spirit, wind or breath Kavana is the Hebrew word for direction, intention, or purpose. In its simplest meaning, it refers to concentrating the mind in the performance of a religious act. Keva is the Hebrew word for fixed, stable or permanent, it refers to the framework and the details of Jewish worship. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 16 Apr 2021 | Hebrew Helpers | 00:56:25 | |
Featuring: Todd Shotz Since 2005, Hebrew Helpers, a nationwide Jewish Studies program, has been providing personalized education to families from all aspects of the Jewish community. They work with any family looking for outside-the-box Jewish education and anyone looking for a deeper connection and comprehension of Judaism. These families may be interfaith families, LGBTQ+ families, and may or may not belong to a synagogue. Todd and his team of mentors have been working toward helping their students navigate their own Jewish identity through understanding Jewish history, culture, ritual, text and prayer. Hebrew Helpers maintains that the traditional right of passage of a Bar/Bat Mitzvah service can be a modern milestone when families and students access their spiritual place in the community. Hebrew Helpers inclusive approach helps students and families to create meaningful and experiential learning experiences. Their mission is to provide young people with the tools to navigate their Jewish identity through a custom-tailored understanding of Jewish history, culture, ritual, and prayers. Their vision is that no family, looking for a deeper connection and comprehension of Judaism, will fall through the cracks. Visit Hebrew Helpers’ website here. Follow Hebrew Helpers on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter. Definitions and Clarifications Chevrutah- (also known asaschavrusa, chavruta or havruta literally translate to "friendship" or "companionship)", is a traditional rabbinic approach to Bible study in which a small group of students (usually 2-5) analyze, discuss, and debate a shared text. Mishpochah- family Neshama-is a Hebrew word which can mean "soul" or "spirit". Tikun Olam-(lit. 'repair of the world') is a concept in Judaism, an aspiration to improve the world. Torah trope-Trope (trop in Yiddish) is the tune used when Torah reading and other texts, based on a cantillation marks. Most communities use six different kinds of trope throughout the year. Tzedakah-(lit. justice) charitable giving. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 30 Apr 2021 | Jewish Studio Project | 00:39:28 | |
Featuring: Rabbi Adina Allen, Co-founder & Creative Director “The world isn’t lacking more information. What we need is a way to process and hold and to integrate that information so it can actually have an effect on us and can shift our actions,” are the thoughts that led Rabbi Adina to realize that both with art making and Judaism are ways that could help us stay with what is hard so that it can move through us and something new and and transformative can come out. Jewish Studio Project (JSP) exists to expand the capacities of individuals and communities to be with challenge and change. Through a unique methodology (the Jewish Studio Process) that combines creative practices from the field of art therapy with Jewish learning techniques and spiritual community building, JSP helps people to cultivate curiosity, navigate uncertainty, sit with discomfort, and process complexity so that right action can emerge. JSP is founded on the belief that creativity exists within each of us and that creativity is a vital resource in the work of social transformation. The creative process is JSP’s central tool for expanding empathy and resilience, supporting the work of dismantling oppression, and drawing forth the new narratives, insights and images that can help bring a more just world into being. JSP innovates a new approach to Jewish creativity—one in which art is not just for artists and Jewish texts are not just for scholars. Rabbi Adina Allen, Co-Founder and Creative Director, developed JSP’s methodology as a rabbinical student after identifying a need for new ways of seeking and processing personal insights from Jewish texts. The Jewish Studio Process provides individuals and teams a way to activate their imagination and bring emotions and intuition into their engagement with Jewish life. Through community programs, immersive experiences, trainings and professional development engagements, JSP has brought its work to nearly ten thousand participants and collaborated with over 100 organizations seeking creative approaches to Jewish engagement. Visit Jewish Studio Project’s website here. Check out their upcoming programs here. Follow Jewish Studio Project on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 14 May 2021 | Jewish Drinking Podcast | 00:41:34 | |
Featuring Rabbi Drew Kaplan Offerings found at Jewishdrinking.com:
More information on Rabbi Drew Kaplan and his work: Star Wars in Judaism Series- Here you will find Rabbi Drew’s a series on Star Wars & Judaism, looking at all of the theatrically-released Star Wars films and comparing/contrasting them with corresponding Biblical and Rabbinic texts. Rabbi Drew on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Visit The Jewish Drinking website here. Follow Jewish Drinking on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and YouTube Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 28 May 2021 | More Meaning, More Spirit, More Love | 00:40:47 | |
Featuring Educator and Musician: Eliana Light Eliana’s Bio Eliana is working towards a world of One-ness, guided and inspired by Jewish heritage. She focuses on translating liturgy, prayer practice, and G!D-concepts in ways that are deep and accessible for all people and all ages. Eliana’s music, programs, and teaching reflect a spirit of playfulness, embodied wisdom, empathy, and joy. (For complete bio; https://elianalight.com/ ) Eliana’s Offerings Meaningful Music: Eliana writes songs that engage in Jewish content for the head, heart, and spirit. Powerful Prayer: From soulful Friday nights to spirited Saturday mornings, from family Havdalah to Hebrew school Sundays, Eliana brings knowledge, skill, empathy, and playfulness to the crafting and leading of worship experiences. Excellent Education: Intentionality, passion, and leadership are at the core of facilitating and planning meaningful educational moments. Eliana creates and implements programs full of powerful content and creative methodology for any age, from song sessions to lunch and learns. Creative Consulting: Perhaps you have participated in services at your synagogue, camp, or school, and walked away thinking, “I think prayer here could be better.” Let’s work together to explore what better looks like, but first, what prayer is, and what purpose it serves in your community. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 11 Jun 2021 | FED: Like Ted Talks but you get fed. | 00:24:26 | |
Featuring: Deborah Fishman Shelby “Shared meals around Jewish values and holidays is a really powerful way for people to connect to something larger than them and with each other….when people break bread together in this way it transcends boundaries and it allows people to really connect on a deep level.” Deborah Fishman Shelby is the founder of FED. Deborah is an entrepreneur and network-weaver. With a background in international Jewish cuisine, Deborah works at the intersection of people, food and ideas, weaving together relationships that spark unexpected dialogue, synergy, and connection. Deborah views her mission in life as making sure everyone is fed — physically, intellectually, spiritually and on a basic human level. Schpiel- Yiddush term borrowed from German meaning game, play or performance or long speech. A Purim spiel or Purim play is an ensemble of festive practices for Purim. It is usually a comic dramatization of the Book of Esther, the central text and narrative that describes what transpired on the holiday of Purim. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 25 Jun 2021 | Artists 4 Israel | 00:34:04 | |
Featuring: Craig Dershowitz, Cofounder & CEO My driving force is ‘how do I do the most good with my work?’ …and I can’t think of a better way than supporting (Israel) the country that helps the causes about which I am passionate, explains Craig Dershowitz, Cofounder and CEO of Artists 4 Israel. Artists 4 Israel prevents the spread of anti-Israel bigotry through art and helps communities and people affected by terrorism and hate. Artists 4 Israel’s international network of artists are agents of change who place Art Over Hate. Their creativity and talents beautify society, uplift people and enhance our understanding of Israel. Hate takes many forms: ideologically through words of intolerant speech and calls for BDS or violently through the actions of terrorism and war. Artists 4 Israel combats, solves and heals for both of these extremes. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 09 Jul 2021 | Jewish Identity through Music | 00:27:33 | |
Featuring: Tkiya with Carla Friend, Founder and Executive Director Tkiya’s mission is to use participatory music experiences to help people of all ages find their unique connection with Jewish culture and to reinvigorate diverse Jewish communities. Imagine an experience where people of all ages come together to experience the feeling of Jewish community. Where a celebration of culture brings together people of diverse backgrounds, and where the unengaged feel welcome and inspired. Tkiya recognizes that families are becoming less engaged in Judaism due to a lack of convenient, accessible experiences and seek a sense of belonging and connection. We create participatory music experiences that meet participants where they are – physically, psychologically, and spiritually – to find their unique connection to Jewish culture and community. In this new age of physical distancing, Tkiya was one of the first organizations able to pivot our programming model to continue to provide meaningful connection in a time when it is so deeply needed. Tkiya partners with more than 50 other organizations, offering dozens of experiences each week. In addition to offering free Jewish community music experiences, Tkiya also facilitates classroom music for preschools, enrichment classes, musical theatre experiences, private lessons, and several secular weekly Parent & Me singalongs. Mizrahi -a Jews person of Middle East or North Africa descent. Sephardi - a Jewish person of who descends from the Iberian peninsula (Spain and Portugal). “I discovered my Jewish identity through music. Now, my mission is to use music to help others connect and to strengthen the bonds of our diverse Jewish community.” -Carla Friend Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 20 Aug 2021 | Reinvigorating Jewish Life Across the Globe | 00:33:01 | |
Featuring: Aharon Ariel Lavi, Founder and Executive Director A Jewish intentional community share three main principals space, time and mission/vision. They are formed to create a sense of belonging. An intentional community is for those who seek for intimacy through connection to a group that isn’t complicated by bureaucracy or hierarchy. These communities intend to create partnerships with people that share core values and opportunities to work for a common good. Although an intentional community may use social media, social media does not replace real life encounters. Most communities gather in person at least once per month to fulfill their shared mission. Aharon Ariel Lavi shares his personal journey toward living in and working with intentional communities. He’s been involved in youth communities from the time he was a boy. In 2011, after a lifetime of activity in various communities, Aharon founded Makom Pioneers. Makom Pioneers is an umbrella organization for 260 intentional communities in Israel. Makom Community Pioneers are made of young, creative and idealistic people from all sectors of Israeli society; working, living and leading local and regional social innovative initiatives throughout Israel. After attending a Jewish intentional community conference lead by Hazon in 2013, Aharon recognized an opportunity to work with Israeli diaspora relationships. This awareness led him to create Hakhel in 2014. Hakhel launched globally in 2017, under the umbrella of Hazon. As the Jewish lab for sustainability, Hazon is building a movement that strengthens Jewish life and contributes to a more environmentally sustainable world for all. Hakhel operates in partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, which works to strengthen Jewish life in the Diaspora and its connection to Israel. While the world is transitioning from hierarchical and centralist structures to networks and shared economies, Hakhel is on the forefront of implementing a spirit of innovation in Jewish life. Hakhel empowers community building from the grassroots. They seek out partners all over the world and bring them together to share, teach, and inspire each other. Each community is set up with a professional advisor and is invited to a learning trip in Israel, an international annual conference and offered many other opportun Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 06 Aug 2021 | By Jewish Girls. For Jewish Girls. | 00:52:50 | |
Featuring: JGirls Magazine with Elizabeth Mandel, Founder and Executive Director jGirls has two main components. The first is the Online Magazine. Here they hosts a variety of voices and expression. Teens write about virtually everything. And whether or not the topics are Jewish, we are aware that which is written is filtered through the lens of the lived experience of the author. Additionally, jGirls foster leadership. Their editorial staff members are all teens. Both editors and artists are selected to be a part of a feminist leadership training as staff of jGirls. All the teens received a stipend for their work in order to professionalize their experience and learn to value their own work. Mission: jGirls Magazine provides a platform for self-identifying Jewish teenage girls to share their voices with the world and each other. In doing so, they have the opportunity to hone their communication skills, share their challenges and victories, explore their identities, talk across difference, and engage with a community of peers on their own terms. Our teen Editors are given real-world decision-making experience. Their ideas hold weight, their opinions have value, they are responsible for their own editorial choices, and those choices make an impact. Additionally, Editors use their positions to create spaces for—and amplify the voices of—their peers. In providing this forum for expression and exploration, jGirls contributes to long-term social change in the Jewish community by cultivating the next generation of bold, committed Jewish female leaders. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 03 Sep 2021 | Reimaging Ancient Rituals | 00:38:41 | |
Featuring: Carrie Bornstein, CEO, Mayyim Hayyim “I found out about Mayyim Hayyim before it opened actually…I was really drawn to the idea of taking something that seemed like it should be one way and flipping it on it’s head to make it better and more relevant and accessible,” explains Carrie Bornstein about her path to working at Mayyim Hayyim. Mayyim Hayyim is a 21st century creation, a mikveh rooted in ancient tradition, reinvented to serve the Jewish community of today. Mayyim Hayyim is an intimate center for spirituality, learning, celebration and community, an international model of Jewish creativity and vitality. Mayyim Hayyim is a resource for learning, spiritual discovery, and creativity where women, men, and people of all genders and ages can celebrate milestones like weddings and b’nai mitzvah; where conversion to Judaism is accorded the honor and dignity it deserves; where survivors of trauma, illness or loss find solace; and where those who immerse monthly can explore the ritual on their own terms. Mayyim Hayyim is a fountain of creativity that, since its opening in 2004, inspired new liturgies and curricula, publications, music, artwork, and plays. A busy center of community life, Mayyim Hayyim provides 1600 immersions and over 110 education programs every year, art exhibits in our gallery, national consultation services, and meaningful volunteer opportunities and training. We also offer a collection of original films. Mayyim Hayyim makes mikveh accessible and meaningful for the full diversity of our people for the first time in Jewish history. A local treasure and an international model since 2004, Jews from around the US and Israel routinely stop at Mayyim Hayyim to tour, learn, and immerse. And whoever calls, or walks through our doors, or sends an email receives a thoughtful response and a warm welcome. In the words of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, “The old becomes new, and the new becomes holy.” That is Mayyim Hayyim. Mayyim Hayyim’s mission is to reclaim and reinvent one of Judaism’s most ancient rituals–immersion in the mikveh–for contemporary spiritual use; to teach about this resource to all who are interested; and to make the mikveh a sacred space that is open and accessible to all Jews and those who are becoming Jews. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 23 Jul 2021 | Mindfulness, Connection and Jewish Life | 00:39:41 | |
Featuring: Institute for Jewish Spirituality with Rabbi Josh Feigelson IJS’s Mission: The Institute for Jewish Spirituality seeks to revitalize Jewish life by teaching spiritual practices that cultivate mindfulness on the individual and communal levels, so that we can act with enriched wisdom, clarity, and compassion. IJS teaches people who are seeking a deeper, richer and more meaningful life experience Jewish spiritual practices that are grounded in mindfulness. IJS online courses and retreats offer you Jewish spiritual practices you can use to cultivate awareness; connect with greater authenticity to yourself, others, and God; access wisdom and resilience; deepen your connection to Judaism; and help you find greater meaning in life. They utilize traditional and contemporary forms of authentic Jewish practice to enrich everyday life with Jewish wisdom, link the search for inner wholeness with tikkun olam (repair of the world), and create a vibrant, enduring Judaism now and for generations to come. IJS teaches 5 foundational practices:
Definitions and Clarifications daven (davening) - Yiddish for pray (praying) Halachah- spiritual discipline Hasidisim- a religious movement which arose among the Polish Jews in the eighteenth century, and which won over nearly half of the Jewish masses. In its literal meaning the word "Ḥasidism" is identical with "pietism" ("Ḥasid" = "the pious") . See more at Jewish Encyclopedia. kain yehiy ratzon- so may it be nefesh- soul neshama-spirit pasuk- verse Shechinah- the Divine feminine Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 17 Sep 2021 | The Jewish Asian-American Experience | 00:29:12 | |
Featuring: Gen Slosberg, Co-Creator & Producer “I would say that the primary purpose and core reason that Lunar exists is to serve Asian-American Jews…We are like a love letter to our community. We want our community to feel seen and (feel) like they belong,” explains Gen Slosberg. LUNAR’s Purpose is to cultivate connection, belonging and visibility for Asian American Jews through authentic multimedia storytelling and intersectional community programming. LUNAR’s Values:
Visit Lunar to view their film first season and donate here. Follow LUNAR on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 01 Oct 2021 | Global Jewish Connections | 00:35:35 | |
Featuring: Madison Jackson, Founder and Executive Director “I realize there needed to be some program, some organization, just some way, of connecting individual people from around the world because the human level is where we grow more accepting, meaning when we get to know a person face to face, get to know their own story, and feel that emotional attachment then we (might) become more open minded to the idea of Jewish life existing in all corners of the world,” say Madison while sharing her rationale behind starting The Global Jewish Pen Pal Program. The Global Jewish Pen Pal Program matches Jews from around the world as pen pals in order to help people learn more about Jewish life in other countries. The goal of the Global Jewish Pen Pal Program is to remedy the lack of connections between Jews from all over the world, specifically between Jews in different parts of the diaspora. Pen pals can choose to communicate through handwritten letters, or virtually via emails, video calls, or messaging. All ages are welcome and there is no cost to participate in the program. Pen pals will be matched with someone of a similar age, from a different country. We supplement the experience that people have communicating with their pen pals, through hosting a variety of online events for the Global Jewish Pen Pal Program participants. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 15 Oct 2021 | Engage Your Spirit | 00:41:23 | |
Kabbalah Experience Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 29 Oct 2021 | Earth-Based Judaism | 00:48:19 | |
Featuring: Rabbi Zelig Golden, Co-Founder and Executive Director When discussing the concept of retreat into the wilderness, Rabbi Zelig suggests, “The Torah is teaching us that there is a powerful and essential medicine in the wilderness and that when we go and receive that medicine…it has the power to fundamentally change who we are, to help heal us and to become more clear on who we are.” Mission: Wilderness Torah awakens and celebrates the earth-based traditions of Judaism to nourish the connections between self, community, earth, and Spirit. Wilderness Torah creates a pluralistic, multi-generational community celebrations to reconnect us to the earth-based traditions of Judaism. Everyone is welcome at Wilderness Torah Events: Jews, people with other faiths and backgrounds, interfaith couples and families, the LGBTQIA community, people of color—anyone who feels called to attend. We offer a range of activities so that people of all backgrounds and experiences can plug in, and we partner with inclusivity nonprofits on programming and training. Offerings: Kabbalat Shabbat: Join for our monthly Kabbalat Shabbat with Urban Adamah and other spiritual community leaders. Annual Festivals: We can’t wait to celebrate the ancient Jewish pilgrimage festivals together again, with our annual earth-based events like Passover in-the-Desert, Shavuot on the Mountain (new in 2022), and Tu B’Shvat in the Forest. Village Circle is Wilderness Torah’s yearlong, dialogue and training cohort. Introduction to Earth-based Judaism: Dive into the Torah and cosmology of earth-based Judaism in this virtual course. Adult Neshama Quest: Gather safely during COVID for a backpacking trip led by well-seasoned outdoor Jewish educators. Adult B’hootz is an immersive daylong nature experience that will take place in one of our beautiful East Bay parks. Each event will happen around a Jewish holiday and explore themes related to the Jewish calendar cycle of life. Cycle of Teshuvah: Jewish tradition honors seasonal cycles in accordance with the cycles of our lives. Each Fall, as the dry season comes to a close, we enter the Teshuvah Cycle of spiritual renewal. Children’s Programs: B’hootz- (literally means outside) is for children going into grades K–5. The program integrates caring mentorship and nature-based exploration with Jewish spirituality, tradition, and wisdom. B’naiture- two-year experiential program for kids entering 6th or 7th grade. It is a coming-of-age journey supporting the transition from childhood to adolescence through mentorship, deep nature connection and Jewish wisdom. Shomrim- (literally means - guardians) is for graduates of B’hootz and B’naiture, as teens begin the journey as assistants and mentors in grades 8–12. We offer special immersive programs for teens including the Neshama Quest backpacking journey and an overnight camping trip during our annual Passover in the Desert pilgrimage. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 12 Nov 2021 | Connecting to Israel | 00:35:52 | |
Featuring: Anne Lanski, Founding Executive Director of The iCenter “We’ve created a new Israel education paradigm…where Israel is really understood as integral to Jewish identities,” explains Anne Lanski, the founding executive director of The iCenter. The iCenter’s tagline is “Inspiring Meaningful and Enduring Connections to Israel.” Throughout her career, Anne Lanski had created immersive Israel experiences that lead to greater understanding of engagement with Israeli. She has led The iCenter to incorporate experience education and a learner centered approach to develop the professional field of Israel Education. This work truly captures the essence of their tagline. The goal of The iCenter is for Israel to become an integral part of Jewish education. The iCenter is a model for excellence in education that can be adapted for a variety of topics. From The iCenter’s website: We are passionate people with dreams, interests, and beliefs. We care about Israel and Israelis. We are educators: rabbis, lay leaders, teachers, students, parents, teens, and youth. Our work is across North America: in day schools, public high schools, summer camps, synagogues, youth groups, universities, and beyond. Founded on these passions in 2008, The iCenter strives to transform the professional field of Israel Education. We focus on the learners, helping them develop their identities and build relationships with Israel and Israelis. We also focus on the entire system, creating a dynamic ecosystem of passionate and knowledgeable educators, rich and nuanced content, and institutions centered around their learners. With these two approaches, The iCenter continually moves Israel education to the heart of Jewish life. Our Mission is to catalyze excellence in the professional field of Israel Education by supporting the development of educators, pioneering new educational approaches, and relentlessly promoting a relational and learner-centered philosophy. The iCenter envisions a world in which every Jewish child develops a lifelong relationship with Israel. Definitions and Clarifications: balagon-mess Eretz Israel- the Land of Israel Midinat Israel- the State of Israel mifgash- experience shanat sherut-a year of service (Gap year) Shelichim-emissaries. Read more about the Jewish Agency for Israel’s Shelichim here. Shinshinim- Israeli high school graduates serving as emissaries in Diaspora communities prior to their mandatory Israeli army service. Visit The iCenter's website here. Follow ICenter on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Link Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 10 Dec 2021 | Outreach and Engagement | 00:43:37 | |
Featuring: Dr. Rabbi Kerry Olitzky Rabbi Olitzky tells us in the podcast that he is optimistic for the future of Jewish life. He explains that the Jewish community requires adaptive leaders and mission driven organizations that will continue to bring Jewish content into the marketplace of ideas and make Judaism and its content radically accessible. The following is Rabbi Dr. Kerry Olitzky’s bio found on Mersky and Associates website: “Kerry Olitzky is a futurist who deeply understands population trends in synagogue membership and new options for successful financial resource development. He is a bold innovator and creative fundraiser who led Big Tent Judaism and created its many outreach programs and strategies. An experienced educator, Kerry directed the school of education at Hebrew Union College and was vice president at the Wexner Heritage Foundation. Kerry is an author who has written more than 70 books and hundreds of articles that have helped shape communal responses to various issues. Kerry also served as a congregational rabbi. He can help your synagogue financially prepare for its future or guide your start-up so that it can thrive to meet the needs of current and future generations.” Rabbi Dr. Olitzky’s specialties include: Building a Synagogue’s financial strength, nonprofit start-up guidance, fundraising/annual fund development, strategic planning, executive coaching. Most of Rabbi Olitzky’s books can be purchased at Amazon. His Amazon author page lists many of his works here. Some of his children’s book can be found at Target or at Kalaniot Books (a division of Endless Mountain Publishing.) Follow Rabbi Olitzky on Facebook and Instagram and Twitter. Definitions Gabbai- (Hebrew: גבאי), also known as shamash שמש or warden (UK, similar to churchwarden) is a beadle or sexton, a person who assists in the running of synagogue services in some way. In many communities the gabbai is charged with making sure that all synagogue services run smoothly, a logistical job that can be a lot of work. midrash- (מדרשׁ) is an interpretive act, seeking the answers to religious questions (both practical and theological) by plumbing the meaning of the words of the Torah. (In the Bible, the root d-r-sh [דרשׁ] is Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 23 Dec 2021 | Life in Sisterhood | 00:58:05 | |
Ariele Mortkowitz is passionate about working with and for women. She creates communities that help women interact with each other, their families and their faith. Ariele has dedicated herself to the pursuit of fulfilling female spiritual and communal experiences. Prior to the creation of SVIVAH, she created the Agam Center to establish a Jewish communal home for women's spirituality, wellness, ritual, and education. She has dedicated her life to learning and becoming a woman who spiritually uplifts other women. Through her work, she had developed many connections that inspired and encouraged her to create SVIVAH. Although Ariele describes the creation of SVIVAH as a happy accident, Ariele’s experience and learning positioned her to successfully launch SVIVAH. In the three years of SVIVAH’s existence they have grown from a gathering of 50 women to a database of over 2,000. ABOUT SVIVAH (From their website) SVIVAH is a multigenerational, inclusive, powerful community of Jewish women*. In an ever-increasingly egalitarian global society, there is need for a women-only space for Jewish women to convene, connect, and build confidence through community. There is proven scientific benefit to women connecting meaningfully with other women. Neurologically, women benefit from the community of other women – women who share their values and life-experience. We want to invest in connections built on shared experience rather than common demographics or location. We want to widen the pipleline to the bounty of community resources intended to help us live our strongest lives. In times that are increasingly fraught by “the plague of loneliness”, lack of connection, limited time, why not maximize the purposefulness of our Jewish community and its value to its women? Women are stronger with community – let’s give it to them. In Hebrew, “svivah” means “to surround her” – and that’s exactly Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 16 Jan 2022 | Meaningful Virtual Learning | 00:52:46 | |
“I think part of the exciting challenge and possibility in contemporary Jewish life is how do we celebrate our diversity? How do we be that mosaic? and how do we share identity?” — Joshua Krug, Founder, Opening Doors Featuring: Josh Krug, Founder, Opening Doors Opening Doors is an educational intervention that deploys the power of text, context, and technology to help people find genuine connection, belonging, and meaning. Opening Doors seeks to offer virtual infrastructure for gathering and learning that corresponds with emergent technologies and social shifts. It has been described as “a real-time harbor, a kind reminder to all of us- there is a way to find virtue and gain strength” with others, and as a community "driven by question asking and being better more ethical people.” Mission: Opening Doors empowers young adults to step into their futures, as they encounter classical and contemporary Jewish sources, one another, and their own imaginations. In such a way, Opening Doors educates, inspires, and incubates visionaries. Vision: We envision a world in which we are simultaneously, and in our own ways, harvesters of our heritage, holders of the fertile soil of the present, and planters of the future. Opening Doors’ Primary Initiatives:
The future of Opening Doors: Josh is interested in creating medium for folks to connect diversity of Jewish learning, jewish knowledge, creating opportunities for Jewish learning. Listen to Rabbi Sharon Brous’ Ted Talk on Reclaiming Religion. Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
| 28 Jan 2022 | Transformative Spiritual Practice | 00:40:19 | |
Or HaLev: Transforming Jews, Judaism, and the world through contemplative Jewish Practice Featuring: Rabbi Dr. James Jacobson-Maisels, Founder Or HaLev is a Jewish Path to a more vibrant, whole and awakened life through mindfulness and innovative Jewish practice. Or HaLev believes that Judaism is a precious resource for crafting a meaningful life, and a gateway to transformative spiritual practice. We teach contemplative, pluralistic, connective Judaism as a way of life. History Founded in 2011 by Rabbi Dr. James Jacobson-Maisels, Or HaLev’s vision is one of transformational Judaism that is capable of healing the individual as well as the collective. Or HaLev was launched with the goal of giving people access to a deep meditation practice through a cross-denominational approach to Judaism. Or HaLev is a destination for Jewish mindfulness that creates open and immersive opportunities for deepening spiritual practice in Israel, the UK, and North America. In doing so, they offer a taste of Judaism as we know it can be – welcoming, renewing, inspirational - and then work to support our students year-round to integrate this into their lives. Or HaLev has touched thousands of people so far, across five continents, regardless of prior meditation experience or Jewish background. We offer a broad tent and all are welcome. Their work in Israel brings innovative and inclusive Judaism to Israeli Jews from all backgrounds and denominations supporting the growth of pluralism and democratic Judaism in Israel. Or HaLev offers a range of classes, retreats, and other opportunities to engage in deep spiritual practice that can heal and transform you in a way that is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. Or HaLev’s work is guided by the following values:
Visit Or HaLev at: https://www.orhalev.net. Follow Or HaLev on Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support. | |||
