In this episode, rapper and activist Kosha Dillz takes us on a journey through his music, identity, and resilience. From performing on college campuses and tackling misconceptions about Israel to crafting lyrics that resonate and spark dialogue, Kosha shares the highs and challenges of his unique path. He opens up about overcoming addiction, the influence of Jewish values like tzedakah, and the strength that carried him through tough times. We also dive into his creative process, his experiences performing for IDF soldiers, and the reactions to his Chanukah songs and recent tracks inspired by pivotal events. Tune in for a powerful conversation that bridges hip-hop, faith, and activism. 0:00 Introduction 0:58 Welcome Kosha Dillz 2:09 Performing on College Campuses 4:36 Does doing this feel dangerous? 6:30 Rap That Resonates 8:20 Misconceptions About Israel 13:35 The social scene of anti-Israel protests 15:59 Songs since 10/7 22:02 Chanukah Song and Reactions on Campus 23:28 What kind of schools book you? 26:29 How do you work on your rap? 29:13 Time on Wild 'n Out 31:49 How has your jewish identity influenced your music? 33:51 Tzedakah 37:27 Overcoming addiction 39:50 What kept you strong during tough times? 43:47 Performing for IDF Soldiers 48:14 Chanukah Concert and Songs 49:38 Outro Kosha Dillz Website: https://koshadillzworld.com/ Kosha Dillz Instagram: @koshadillz Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein, a longtime friend of MJE and a true testament to perseverance and vision. Born blind, Justice Bernstein has defied expectations, becoming a trailblazer in law, an advocate for peace, and a marathon runner who challenges limits in every aspect of life. In this episode, we delve into his remarkable journey, including his role in advancing the Abraham Accords and promoting peace in the Middle East. Justice Bernstein shares profound insights on the beauty of his disability, his unwavering faith in God, and how it has shaped his perspective on justice, resilience, and advocacy. 0:00 Introduction 2:43 Serving as a Judge in MI 4:00 Resilience 10:15 Resilience 15:15 Identifying Purpose Through Judaism 16:02 Wrongful Convictions 20:34 Flint Water Case 23:26 Talmudic Perspective on Wrongful Convictions 24:18 Has DNA Been Helpful in Court? 28:47 Overcoming Adversity with One's Mission 35:26 Disability Advocacy in the Middle East 50:04 Importance if the Abraham Accords 52:18 Rabbi Nebenzahl 59:07 Everybody is Touched by Disability 1:00:32 Perception of Disabilities in the Arab World 1:04:25 Collaboration with a Sheikh 1:07:21 Peace with Saudi Arabia 1:08:41 Opening MI Back Up During Covid 1:11:15 Long Term Consequences of Covid Lockdown 1:13:56 Bringing People Together 1:16:23 Conclusion Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

In this compelling podcast episode, Rabbi Mark Wildes sits down with Professor Shai Davidai from Columbia University to explore a wide range of pressing issues affecting the Jewish community today. Professor Davidai shares his thoughts on notions of peace, why he continues to teach at Columbia, and the complex decision of whether or not to send children to institutions where antisemitism persists. They delve into the importance of fighting for Jewish civil rights, the contrasts between Israeli and Diaspora Jews, and how to preserve Jewish identity in challenging times. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on why Judaism is worth defending, how political labels impact our political climate today, and the importance of standing up in the face of prejudice. 0:00 Introduction 1:50 Notions of Peace 6:31 This Semester at Columbia 11:39 Continuing to Teach at Columbia 14:36 Sending Kids to Antisemitic Institutions 22:21 Choosing to Fight Back 28:29 Fight for Jewish Civil Rights 34:17 Israeli vs. Diaspora Jews 43:10 Preserving Jewish Identity 55:59 Why is Judaism worth defending? 59:21 Political Labels 1:00 Wrapping Up Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Join Rabbi Wildes for a meaningful conversation with Rabbi Judah Mischel, Executive Director of Camp HASC and author of the inspiring book Baderech. In this episode, we explore how to become happier, more spiritually connected individuals, just in time for the High Holidays. Rabbi Mischel shares practical tips on how to embrace joy, positivity, and teshuvah during this reflective period. 0:00 Introduction 2:04 Welcome 7:17 Camp HASC 17:14 American Jews Giving to Israel 21:39 Negativity in the Media 26:13 Thinking Differently Than Others 30:33 Teshuvah 39:49 How Do We Find Joy? 43:33 Preparing for the High Holidays 51:29 Jewish Self-Identity 1:00:00 Wrapping Up Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

In this episode, Rabbi Mark Wildes interviews former IDF spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus. They discuss the potential war with Hezbollah, American involvement, the recent presidential debate and elections, the situation in post-war Gaza, and actionable steps we can take. Tune in for a deep dive into these pressing geopolitical issues and their global implications. 0:00 Introduction 3:07 Is War With Hezbollah Inevitable? 11:25 American Involvement in the War 13:02 Update on the Hostages 16:17 Post War Gaza 29:40 Presidential Elections 44:04 What Can Americans Do? 51:32 Wrapping Up Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

In this compelling episode, Rabbi Mark Wildes sits down with Dr. Einat Wilf, former member of the Israeli Knesset, for an insightful discussion on key issues shaping the Middle East. They delve into the Western indulgence of the Palestinian dream and its implications, the transformative impact of the Abraham Accords, and the legacy of the Oslo Accords. The conversation also touches on the policies of the Trump administration to support Israel and how those policies stand now. Additionally, Rabbi Wildes and Dr. Wilf explore the rising phenomenon of university protests and encampments, examining their roots and influence on public discourse. Join them for a thought-provoking dialogue that navigates the complexities of peace, politics, and protest in today's world. 0:00 - Welcome 8:58 - Western Indulgence of the Palestinian Dream 15:45 - Oslo Accords & 2 State Solution 26:35 - Trump Administration 32:31 - Abraham Accords 45:39 - University Protests & Encampments 58:01 - How to Stay Informed Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Join Rabbi Mark Wildes and former Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren as they delve into the complexities of modern Israel. In this podcast, Rabbi Wildes engages Ambassador Oren in candid discussions about the ongoing war dynamics, the involvement of Iran, misconceptions about the war being reported in the media, and a compelling comparison of the youth culture in Israel versus the United States. Delve deep into the heart of Israeli society and IDF soldiers, its challenges, triumphs, and the nuanced perspectives. 00:00 Introduction 1:28 Welcome 2:24 War With Iran 6:23 Elimination Hamas 7:56 United States Pushback 11:45 Voting in the US 17:26 Relations in the Middle East 22:55 Reminding our Enemies 26:02 Justifying October 7 28:15 Fear in American Jews 30:49 Giving Hope 34:57 Youth in America 37:07 Gaza Casualties Misconception 38:20 Challenges Faced by the IDF 38:51 Learning History 40:59 Wrapping Up Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation as we sit down with a remarkable guest: a first-generation Persian Jew, Sheila Nazarian. In this insightful episode, we explore her unique perspective on war, contrasting her experiences with those of established Ashkenazi Jews in America. Delving into the nuances of identity and heritage, we uncover how her cultural background has influenced her journey in medicine. From navigating the complexities of conflict to the profound impact of healing, we gain profound insights into her medical career and the intersection of her cultural identity with her professional path. 0:00 Introduction 2:18 Exodus Story 5:46 Impact of Progressivism 10:42 Lack of Jewish History Education in the US 16:30 Political Divide For Jews in America 22:47 Tikkun Olam 24:58 Inspiration & Motivation 27:43 Saving the Diaspora 31:22 Judaism & Medicine 34:06 Exposure & Media Platform 37:24 Physical Violence & Self Defense 43:26 First Generation Perspective 46:40 Desire For Acceptance of Jews 48:43 Treating a Terrorist 50:00 Wrapping Up Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/