In this important episode, David sits down with recipients of the 2024 Shine A Light on Antisemitism Civic Courage Award, Dr. Devin Randolph and Rabbi Dr. Meir Muller. Together, they discuss ways to combat prejudice, racism, and antisemitism by searching for the commonalities in Black and Jewish fights for freedom and liberation. Dr. Randolph and R…

Sabbaticals, break weeks, and paid vacation, oh my! For many, the idea of taking a break from work is daunting. With the disruption in the work environment, how will anything get done? As he prepares his own upcoming sabbatical, David Bryfman discusses the role that rest plays in the workplace with Josh Feldman, CEO and founder of R&R: The Rest of …

Imagine a classroom where students face each other, rather than the whiteboard, and discuss David Ben-Gurion and Aristotle, while studying Hebrew and Latin. Welcome to Emet, the first classical Jewish prep school in the U.S. Founded in 2023 in New York City, Emet is pioneering a model that integrates Jewish wisdom with academic excellence, offering…

This week on Adapting, David sits down with Dr. Keren Fraiman, Dean of Spertus Institute and winner of the prestigious Ilia Salita Excellence in Research Award, for an essential conversation on why Israel must be front and center in our classrooms—now more than ever. While many Jewish educators recognize the importance of teaching about Israel, res…

In this special Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzma’ut episode, David sits down with Adam Eilath, Head of School at Wornick Jewish Day School in the Bay Area, to explore the empowering integration of Jewish, Hebrew, and Israel education. As we commemorate these powerful national holidays, Adam shares how centering Israel in Jewish life and education has …

In this episode, hear from prominent author Dara Horn (“People Love Dead Jews,” “One Little Goat”) about the key issues with the way the Holocaust is discussed and taught today. David and Dara discuss how the language used in Holocaust education threatens the erasure of modern Jewish culture and perpetuates antisemitism by painting Jews as feeble, …

In this episode of Adapting, host David Bryfman sits down with tech-savvy Rabbi Jason Miller, to discuss the role of technology in Jewish education. Rabbi Miller emphasizes the importance of embracing technology—not fearing it—and how it can bring the Jewish community closer together. If you’re worried about AI and other tech tools replacing Jewish…

This week on Adapting, David Bryfman sits down with... well, robots. In an innovative and fitting approach, he leverages artificial intelligence — a platform called NotebookLM — to make a point about the current landscape of Jewish education and where it’s headed. Featuring an AI-generated dialogue that tackles critical issues like how Jewish educa…

This week, Adapting gets spiritual with Dana Sheanin, CEO of Jewish Learning Works. Dana first shares glimpses into the Jewish Bay Area, marked by political activism and repercussions in education since October 7th. Dana then explores how reconnecting with spirituality—including relationships with community and the divine—can provide resilience and…

As Purim begins tonight, we reflect on resilience, courage, and hidden miracles—themes that feel more relevant than ever. In this special re-release, Dr. Erica Brown of The George Washington University joins CEO, David Bryfman, and Chief Advancement Officer, Nessa Liben, to explore not only the heroines of the Purim story, but also the heroism of J…

From transformative teen programs like RootOne to life-changing Birthright and Masa trips, studies have shown that Israel educational travel has been the most essential tool for building a lasting connection to Israel. But October 7th has presented a new set of challenges in the field. This week on Adapting, David Bryfman talks with Anna Langer, wh…

This week on Adapting, in honor of Tu BiShvat, Yoni Stadlin of Adamah challenges us to see our connection to the earth through a Jewish lens. From his unconventional journey—spending three months living in the canopy of California redwoods—to his belief that Jewish environmentalism should be the default rather than a niche, Yoni reminds us that eve…

Judaism gives us the tools to hold both joy and pain simultaneously. Few understand this better than Rabba Yaffa Epstein, The Jewish Education Project’s Senior Scholar and Educator in Residence, who tragically lost her nephew, Yakir Hexter z”l, while fighting in Gaza one year ago. Yakir was much more than a soldier—he was a brilliant Torah student,…

If you’re in a Jewish leadership role, don’t miss this pertinent conversation between David Bryfman and Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, a prominent Jewish leader and author. Drawing on insights from Rabbi Cosgrove’s new book, For Such a Time as This: On Being Jewish Today, they delve into relevant topics, like: The generational divides within the Jewish com…

As the largest Jewish community in Europe and the third largest in the world, French Jewry—primarily of Sephardic descent from North Africa—blends a rich, thriving Jewish heritage with modern challenges. Giving a voice to the French Jewish community on this week’s episode of Adapting, David Bryfman sits down with Devorah Serrao, CEO of Alliance Isr…

As of this episode’s recording, 461 days have passed since Dalia Cusnir last heard from Yair and Eitan, her brothers-in-law who have been held captive in Gaza by Hamas. In the most important Adapting episode yet, David Bryfman speaks with Dalia about her personal journey, and the educational and moral imperative of pidyon shvuyim (redeeming the cap…

In the final 2024 episode of Adapting, David Bryfman hosts Jonathan Shmidt Chapman—award-winning artist, writer, and Jewish educator—for a lively conversation about bringing Jewish education to life through drama and creativity. Focusing on Chanukah, Chapman emphasizes using multi-sensory experiences, like smell and taste, to make Jewish traditions…

In the aftermath of an arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, David Bryfman interviews two Melbourne-based Jewish educators Itzik Sztokman and Marc Light. Together, they explore the emotional and educational ripple effects of this act of antisemitism on their local Jewish community. Itzik reflects on the growing sense of unease am…

Do you, as an educator or parent, wish there was a guidebook for combatting antisemitism? Look no further than Lynne Azarchi and Harlene Lichter Galen’s new curriculum: Countering Anti-Semitism and Hate: A How-to Guide for Youth, Family, and Educators. In a conversation with David Bryfman, the authors share insights from three years of research and…

What does an inclusive classroom look like if there's no education on antisemitism? Public school teacher Shana Dworken knows and has been a vocal advocate for Jewish students and Jewish education, especially since October 7th. In this week's conversation with David Bryfman, they explore how to create lasting, systemic change in public schools and …

As we look at the future of Israel education, it's just as critical to look back and reflect on how we as educators have succeeded and could have improved in this holy work. In this pivotal and hard-hitting Adapting episode on laying out the vision of Israel education, David Bryfman and Dr. Zohar Raviv create the space to look inward, encouraging e…

For centuries Jews have contributed to American democracy, while American democracy has simultaneously contributed significantly to the success of American Jewry. In a lead-up to the election, David Bryfman has a timely conversation with Aaron Dorfman, founder and executive director of A More Perfect Union: The Jewish Partnership for Democracy. The…

This final episode examines the enduring impact of the 1964 civil rights protests in St. Augustine. Has this city significantly improved, or was all that happened there, including the participation of the rabbis, no more than a historic footnote? We also explore whether what occurred the day the rabbis were arrested had surprising national signific…

Those with deep familial roots in St. Augustine’s Jewish community recount their experiences growing up in a city marked by racial tension, anti-Semitism, and KKK activity. They recall Jewish relations with the Black community, and what they were doing when outsider rabbis arrived to protest their city’s segregation laws. For a small, vulnerable re…

16 rabbis and one Jewish layperson are arraigned in the county jail by the local KKK leader and then squeezed together in a cell big enough for only two. During an uncomfortable night of imprisonment, the rabbis find an important mission.They write a joint manifesto, “Why We Went,” articulating their philosophical and religious reasons for coming t…

In this essential episode for Jewish educators, Rabba Yaffa Epstein, an Orthodox rabbi, and Rabbi Dena Klein, a Reform rabbi, discuss the challenges and opportunities of leading prayer in today’s world. With the High Holidays approaching, they offer practical advice for anyone guiding services, from maintaining your own spiritual energy to engaging…

The rabbis gather at a St. Augustine motor lodge notorious for its segregationist policies. When the rabbis participate in a pray-in with Black clergy, local police move in for an arrest. Simultaneously, a group of Black activists head to the motor lodge swimming pool to attempt to desegregate it. Nationally assigned television crews are on the sce…

Education has the power to break down divisions that separate us. This week on Adapting, David Bryfman is joined by Dr. Ethan Zadoff to discuss how a religious Zionist school has been navigating the aftermath of October 7th. Building on Zadoff's ​​​​recent article, which advocates for open and nuanced conversations in the classroom. Together, they …

In this episode, we share the harrowing moment when 16 Reform rabbis are thrust onto the frontlines of the civil rights movement. Allen Secher and Jerry Goldstein, now in their 80s, tell of “the most frightening night of their lives.” That’s when 16 rabbis including Secher and Goldstein are paired with Black protestors and, holding hands, march thr…

Judaism is many things—a religion, a culture, a history, a set of values—but above all, it is a people. This week on Adapting, David Bryfman is joined by Naama Klar from the ANU Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv. The two explore how Jewish peoplehood is about preserving continuity by safeguarding the stories and rich heritage of Jewish commun…

500 rabbis arrive at an annual conference of Reform rabbis in Atlantic City. The conference is disrupted by a telegram from Dr. King urging rabbis to leave immediately for St. Augustine. 16 rabbis and a Jewish lay person obey King’s call to action, and soon are on a plane for Florida. Dr. King greets them in a Black church in St. Augustine, proclai…

Over the last 10 months, Dr. Tuvia Book, an author, tour guide, and educator, has been serving in the Israel Defense Forces as a paramedic. His experiences are stories of people doing the work on the ground, and while we may feel the distance between Israel and U.S. Jewry, Tuvia's Zionist story, one of optimism, courage, and strength, brings it all…

Since October 7th, Australian educator Sharonne Blum has been on the frontlines on the war of information both in the classroom and on social media. Her courageous approach raises important questions for both the Australian and global Jewish community: Has the role of Jewish educator expanded to include a new layer of responsibility? How do we effe…

People know St. Augustine, Florida as a popular tourist destination with fine beaches and Spanish colonial architecture. But 60 years ago, St. Augustine was as segregated as anywhere in the deep South. In our opening episode, local African-Americans challenge the status quo by demanding access to beaches, motels, and restaurants. Ultimately, they c…

Zack Bodner is asking tough, necessary questions—engaging in a kind of post-October 7th Cheshbon HaNefesh, or self-reflection, for Jewish educators. In this week's episode of Adapting, David Bryfman and Zack Bodner have a provocative conversation inspired by Bodner's recent article in The Jerusalem Post on communal reckoning. Together, they explore…

CEO David Bryfman kicks off Season 5 of Adapting with a powerful episode that sets the tone for the season ahead, now more critical than ever especially after the news of the six hostages who were murdered by Hamas. As Bryfman reflects on the podcast’s journey since its inception in 2020, he challenges listeners to think critically and deeply about…

Imagine 16 American rabbis jailed for acting on their beliefs. The Rabbis Go South is a thrilling seven-part narrative podcast that brings to life a true story of Jewish-Black solidarity in St. Augustine, Florida during the Civil Rights Movement. An inspiring tale of hope for a divided world.By Amy Geller, Gerald Peary

October 7th has forced Jewish educators and parents to look inward as to how they are impacting Jewish youths' relationship to Israel. Since October 7th, The Jewish Education Project, along with many partner organizations, has brought over 300 educators to Israel on Mishlachot Areyvut ("Delegations of Responsibility") to bear witness firsthand and …

What makes Jewish summer camp so powerful? How can it shape the lives and perspectives of Jewish youth and Jewish adults for years to come? How are camps approaching Israel education this summer? In this episode, David Bryfman explores the world of Jewish summer camp in a conversation with Jamie Simon, Chief Program Officer of the Foundation for Je…

If Jewish educators want to produce kids of tomorrow, then they must embrace the technology of today to help get them there. Technological tools like artificial intelligence, social media, and 3D printers aren't an elective or an addition, but are part and parcel of what we as educators should be using to get ahead of the curve. No one probably agr…

In the wake of October 7th, this year's observances of Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha'atzmaut feel different and carry a profound sense of weight. How do we mark this time both inside and outside of Israel? How do we, as a community, channel our grief into collective remembrance, including all innocent lives lost? As Jewish leaders, these are just some o…

Please note, this episode was recorded prior to the Iranian attacks on Israel on April 13th. In our ongoing series, "Israel Education in a Post-October 7th World," Ilana Gleicher-Bloom emphasizes the new era of Jewish education we find ourselves in today, one in which Jewish educators are now full-time Israel educators. Her message is clear: it's n…

Jewish pride isn't just an emotion, but is an idea that can be taught. According to this week's Adapting guest, if it's not taught, it's dangerous to suppress. Joining David Bryfman this week is educator, author, and founder of the modern Jewish pride movement, Ben M. Freeman. The pair discuss his experiences and overlap between the LGBTQ+ communit…

We’re continuing our limited series, Israel Education in a Post-October 7th World, with Rabbi Dr. Laura Novak Winer, a Reform Jewish Educator who just returned from an educator mission to Israel powered by The Jewish Education Project along with the Association for Reform Jewish Educators and Hebrew Union College community. It’s one thing to see po…

This week on Adapting, we return to the series, Israel and Jewish Education in a Post-October 7th World, with a conversation on antisemitism, particularly in the film industry. Join David Bryfman as he sits down with Todd Shotz, an acclaimed film and television producer, Jewish educator, and a leading consultant on Jewish representation in Hollywoo…

Recorded on International Women’s Day, this week's episode of Adapting poses the question: if the workforce of Jewish education is largely dominated by women, why are there still disproportionately more men in the senior leadership positions? This introspective conversation with Dr. Sara Shapiro-Plevan and David Bryfman explores many of the inequit…

Danny Mishkin and Lynn Lancaster are making waves in experiential Jewish education. Sababa Beachaway, a co-ed residential summer camp in Virginia Beach, is where spirituality and tradition intersect to empower teens and tweens. Their conversation with David Bryfman takes you into a day in the life of a Sababa participant, and even leads listeners i…

Starting from kindergarten, how do we as educators connect Jewish tradition to where children are developmentally? This week on Adapting, David Bryfman speaks with Rachel Happel, an experiential Jewish educator who is leading a Jewish learning revolution through unconventional programs. With the use of Jewish Learning Guides, "learning spaces" (a t…

We are facing a unique time as a Jewish people when the mitzvah of pidyon shvuyim, redeeming the captives, is top of mind as 134 hostages are still held by Hamas in Gaza. What can you as an educator be doing to help the captives? In this extremely timely episode, Clare Goldwater and Elyssa Moss Rabinowitz discuss their educational campagin, Everyon…

This week's multi-faceted conversation between David Bryfman and Jonathan Cannon demonstrates that even deeply religious and Zionist schools are not immune to the ripple effects of October 7th. In times of heightened antisemitism, they too need to empower their students more than ever. As part of a limited series, Israel Education in a Post-October…