In this timely episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback sits down with Rabbi David Gedzelman, President and CEO of the Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life.

Together, Rabbi Yoshi and Rabbi Gedzelman explore the powerful intersections of Jewish identity, education, culture, and the critical role that visionary leadership plays in shaping the future of Jewish communities both in the United States and globally. They also discuss the World Zionist Organization (WZO) elections, a once-every-five-years opportunity for American Jews to have a direct voice in the future of Israel and global Jewish priorities.

Time is of the essence: Voting in the WZO elections closes on May 4th, and your vote matters more than ever. Rabbi Yoshi is running on the Reform Movement slate, advocating for a vision of Israel that is pluralistic, democratic, and inclusive.

Make your voice heard — Vote now at VoteForReform.org!

Episode Title: Adam Mansbach – The Golem of Brooklyn

In this episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback welcomes Adam Mansbach, best-selling author and cultural provocateur, for a conversation about his latest novel, The Golem of Brooklyn — a darkly comic and fiercely relevant tale that reimagines the legendary Golem in the heart of contemporary America.

Known for his sharp wit and literary range, Mansbach delves into the origin of the book, the role of folklore in shaping identity, and how humor can be both a shield and a sword in the face of rising antisemitism. Together, he and Rabbi Yoshi explore the intersections of memory, justice, grief, and myth, while reflecting on how stories help us navigate the complexities of modern Jewish life.

The Golem of Brooklyn is more than a novel — it's a bold statement about who we are, what we fear, and how we fight back. Don’t miss this powerful and thought-provoking conversation.

http://www.adammansbach.com/

NOTE: This episode includes explicit language.

🎙️ “Wow! Shehecheyanu” – A Joyful Musical Celebration

Rabbi Yoshi sits down with Cantor Emma Lutz and Dr. Tali Tadmor to explore the heart and harmony behind their brand-new children’s album, Wow! Shehecheyanu. Produced by Pam Autuori and featuring the incredible Stephen Wise Temple Band, the album is a vibrant, soulful tribute created in honor of the grand opening of the Aaron Milken Center.

With joyful voices from Wise School students and original music that celebrates gratitude, wonder, and Jewish tradition, Wow! Shehecheyanu is a spirited soundtrack for the next generation.

Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, the inspiration behind the songs, and the meaningful role music plays in shaping Jewish identity from an early age.

🎶 Wow! Shehecheyanu is available now on all streaming platforms.
🔗 Learn more about music at Stephen Wise Temple: wisela.org/music

“Noa" and "Omri" (not their real names), two soldiers from the Sky Rider Unit, an elite unit of the IDF known for its precision and critical role in intelligence gathering, share their experiences since October 7, offering a rare, firsthand perspective on the challenges they’ve faced and the moral complexities of modern warfare. Noa and Omri speak candidly about the Sky Riders’ commitment to preventing civilian casualties, the weight of responsibility they carry, and the personal toll of their service.

In a heartfelt tribute, they also share memories of fallen comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice, honoring their bravery and reflecting on the enduring impact of their loss.

Learn how the Sky Riders Foundation supports these soldiers with mentoring programs and initiatives to prevent PTSD, ensuring they receive the care they need both during and after their service.

🔗 Sky Rider Unit - IDF
💙 Sky Riders Foundation - Supporting IDF Soldiers

#SearchForMeaning #RabbiYoshi #SkyRiderUnit #IDF #October7 #PreventingPTSD #Resilience #FallenHeroes #JewishCommunity #Podcast #SkyRidersFoundation

In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback speaks with acclaimed author Ayelet Tsabari about her latest book, Songs for the Brokenhearted—a moving exploration of grief, identity, and the human spirit.

They also delve into Ayelet’s poignant New York Times opinion piece, where she reflects on the sacred act of cleaning the homes of those massacred on October 7, and how this intimate ritual became a form of solace and remembrance.

This episode is a testament to the resilience of the human heart and the ways we find meaning in the midst of loss.

🔗 Ayelet Tsabari’s Website
📰 Read Ayelet’s NYT Opinion Piece

#SearchForMeaning #RabbiYoshi #AyeletTsabari #SongsForTheBrokenhearted #October7 #Grief #Resilience #JewishCommunity #Podcast

In this deeply moving conversation, Rabbi Yoshi sits down with Jonathan York—lawyer, artist, and creator of The Sukkah Project, a powerful tribute to the events of October 7.

Jonathan reflects on how memory shapes our personal and collective identities, sharing insights from his own journey growing up at Stephen Wise Temple and how those formative experiences continue to influence his work today.

Through the lens of art, grief, and resilience, this episode explores how we hold onto what matters most—and how we find meaning even in the face of tragedy.

#SearchForMeaning #TheSukkahProject #October7 #Memory #JewishCommunity #Podcast #StephenWiseTemple #RabbiYoshi

🔗 The Sukkah Project at the Skirball
📰 Jewish Journal: Jonathan York’s Sukkah Project

In this special episode, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback interviews Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of Park Avenue Synagogue about his inspiring new book, "For Such a Time as This: Being Jewish Today." Together, they dive into the challenges and opportunities of post-October 7 Judaism, the power of stepping up, showing up, and making a meaningful difference, and the enduring importance of Jewish community in these turbulent times.

Don’t miss this thoughtful and timely discussion on leadership, resilience, and the bonds that unite the Jewish community.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Rabbi David A. Ingber is the founding rabbi of Romemu, the largest Renewal synagogue in the United States. He was recently appointed the Senior Director of Jewish Life at 92NY in Manhattan. Rabb Ingber shares some of the Torah and wisdom that has helped bring him inspiration over the past year.

To learn more about his work, visit https://romemu.org/