What does it actually look like to live Judaism in today’s world?

And what does it mean to be part of a collective when we have so many different worldviews, orientations, and perspectives?

In this episode, Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath and Cantor Laura Stein explore this question through the lens of practical theology, or looking at how religion is lived, especially when paired with modern reality.

As a PhD candidate in practical theology at Boston University, Cantor Stein and Samantha discuss her research in the psychology of religion, burnout for educators and clergy, turning struggle into growth, and moving through the world with our Jewish values.

This episode is perfect for anyone who has ever felt both deeply connected to their Jewish community and at odds with it, and is searching for a more authentic way to belong.

Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.org

This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Dina Nusnbaum. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.

This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.

If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.

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In an urgent episode following the recent attack at Temple Israel in Michigan, David Bryfman sits down with Daniel Held, Chief Program Officer of United Jewish Appeal of Greater Toronto, whose community has also faced recent antisemitic threats and attacks.

Daniel offers perspective and hope during this challenging time, sharing how educators and parents can help raise Jewish children who are proud, knowledgeable, and empowered, even in the face of hate.

The pair explore how difficult this important work is, the surge in participation in Jewish life during this moment, and how to address heavy questions from children like, “Why does everyone hate us?” Finally, they address what educators need right now, from thinking about security to developing the resilience required to support students and build a better Jewish future.

Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.org

This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Dina Nusnbaum. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.

This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.

If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.

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Mister Rogers famously said that in scary times, look for the helpers. But what happens when the helpers themselves are exhausted?

This week, host Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath sits down with certified coach, facilitator, and speaker Shoshana Bloom for what she calls a “love letter to Jewish educators.” Together, they explore some of the immense pressures educators are facing today: burnout, overwhelm, imposter syndrome, and chronic stress.

In a moment of polarization, new technology, and when Jewish educators are being asked to do more than ever, this episode asks an essential question: If educators are the helpers, how can the community better support them?

Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.org

This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Dina Nusnbaum. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.

This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.

If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.

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The world feels overwhelming right now. Amid war and uncertainty, Jewish educators are overworked, and parents and students are pummeled with headlines and some with siren alerts.

So how do we return to what makes us human: creativity, play, connection, and belonging?

Stephanie Malia Krauss joins Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath to discuss simple but powerful shifts we can make in the classroom and in our own lives, like incorporating movement, prioritizing creative projects, embracing Shabbat, and thinking about our own sense of purpose. Even in the most difficult moments, our humanity is worth protecting.

Learn more about Stephanie Krauss and her books at stephaniemaliakrauss.com

Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.org

This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Dina Nusnbaum. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.

This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.

If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.

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The goal of a healthy argument in educational settings is to help one grow, learn, strengthen relationships, and gain new perspectives. On this week’s Adapting, Abi Dauber Sterne and Robbie Gringras share their research of anti-Zionist Jews across the U.S. in conversation with David Bryfman, with the goal to reduce alienation, deepen understanding, and support healthier argument within the Jewish community.

Their discussion leads the three of them to wrestle with questions such as: Should institutions display an Israeli flag even if it risks alienating some Jews? Are all welcome in every Jewish organization, even if their views offend or denigrate others? This episode will challenge you, and that’s exactly why it's worth a listen.

Learn more about For the Sake of Argument at forthesakeofargument.org

Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.org

This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.

This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.

If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.

Send us Fan Mail

Before the Iranian Revolution, nearly 100,000 Jews lived rich, deeply rooted lives in Iran. Activist Tabby Refael, whose family fled in the 1980s, tells Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath in great detail how she holds complex identities of being Iranian, American, and Jewish. With the recent rise in protests against the Islamic Republic, Tabby’s conversation – taking us from Tehran to LA – feels more relevant than ever, and offers a window into a personal and oftentimes emotional world full of memory and meaning.

Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.org

This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.

This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.

If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.

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What does Jewish belonging look like in an age of scrolling, searching, and self-guided learning?

In this episode, Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath sits down with independent Jewish educator Netta Asner-Minster, who is inspiring and guiding people on their Jewish journey both in one-to-one classes and on social media to her tens of thousands of followers.

Their conversation enthusiastically dives into what it means to coach people through their exploration while meeting them where they are: from curiosity to fluency, from questioning to pride, and sometimes from struggle to belonging.

Learn more about Netta's work at nettajewished.com.

Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.org

This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.

This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.

If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.

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Rabbi Angela Buchdahl of Central Synagogue reflects on her journey, from growing up in Tacoma, Washington with a strong sense of communal purpose, to finding belonging and identity, and feeling like a stranger along the way.

In a reflective conversation with David Bryfman, Rabbi Buchdahl provides lessons applicable to any Jewish educator: how pluralism has helped shift her views, the power of music, and more.

Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.org

This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.

This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.

If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.

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