For the Season 5 finale of Adapting, David sits down with a very special guest— himself! Before leaving for his sabbatical , David answers some of the most common questions he gets asked about Jewish education. From the need for a cohesive vision of Jewish education, to why we need more Jewish educators, to the importance of maintaining optimism, listen to hear the vision for the future of Jewish education . This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show’s executive pro...
Jun 10, 2025•30 min•Season 5Ep. 30
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 our Lives. In a time marked by burnout and uncertainty, especially in the nonprofit world, stepping back is more necessary than ever. Josh suggest...
May 29, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 29
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 students an education where Judaism is infused seamlessly into academic subjects, from physical education (Krav Maga), to chemistry. In this thought-...
May 22, 2025•49 min•Season 5Ep. 28
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 Rabbi Dr. Muller encourage us to move away from black and white thinking and, instead, be vulnerable with each other, so that our human experiences may...
May 15, 2025•42 min•Season 5Ep. 27
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, research shows that fear of controversy and complexity often leads to hesitation. In this compelling episode, Keren dives into why it is crucial for edu...
May 08, 2025•45 min•Season 5Ep. 26
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 successfully inspired stronger Jewish identities and has built vibrant, resilient communities. Through methods like partnering with Israeli educators,...
Apr 29, 2025•43 min•Season 5Ep. 25
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, helpless, and sometimes even extinct. They reflect on popular works about the Holocaust, how they are taught to students, and how we can use these con...
Apr 22, 2025•51 min•Season 5Ep. 24
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 educators, don’t worry! Rabbi Miller asserts that these tools will enhance the work of Jewish educators, empowering them to make learning more effic...
Apr 10, 2025•42 min•Season 5Ep. 23
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 educational institutions are responding to rising antisemitism, technological challenges, and the need for resilient learning strategies, Bryfman gives us...
Mar 27, 2025•8 min•Season 5Ep. 22
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 meaning for Jewish educators and students. To return to spirituality is an essential part of what it means to be a Jewish educator today. Let’s explo...
Mar 20, 2025•36 min•Season 5Ep. 21
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 Jewish educators today and Jewish women across the world. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show’s executive producer...
Mar 13, 2025•48 min•Season 5Ep. 20
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, who oversees the Israel Education Travel Alliance, a collective of over 140 organizations that facilitate Israel trips for North American participants....
Feb 20, 2025•39 min•Season 5Ep. 19
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 every breath we take is like receiving CPR from a tree. Tu BiShvat is more than a celebration of trees; it’s a powerful reminder that the earth is our ho...
Feb 13, 2025•30 min•Season 5Ep. 18
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, a talented artist, an athlete, and a bartender with his own signature cocktail. In this week’s episode of Adapting , Rabba Yaffa shares Torah in Yaki...
Jan 30, 2025•23 min•Season 5Ep. 17
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 community, as younger generations grapple with complex issues surrounding Israel and antisemitism. A vision for Jewish education that balances empathy w...
Jan 23, 2025•42 min•Season 5Ep. 16
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 Israélite Universelle, to explore the unique dynamics of Jewish education and identity in France. Devorah shares insights into how young French Jews tod...
Jan 16, 2025•34 min•Season 5Ep. 15
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 captives). At a time when compassion fatigue feels all too common, this episode reminds us of the importance of hope and not giving up. As Jewish educato...
Jan 10, 2025•44 min•Season 5Ep. 14
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 more immersive and meaningful for children and families. This episode explores how multi-sensory experiences like storytelling and imaginative play ...
Dec 19, 2024•31 min•Season 5Ep. 13
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 among Jewish students and families, emphasizing the need for resilience, open dialogue, and proud visibility of Jewish identity in the face of adversity...
Dec 12, 2024•38 min•Season 5Ep. 12
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 emphasize the importance of transforming bystanders into upstanders by instilling pride in Jewish identity. Together, they explore how stereotypes an...
Nov 21, 2024•35 min•Season 5Ep. 11
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 discuss why Jews, who have always played a significant role in public education, must be present where our kids and families are. This episode is for ...
Nov 14, 2024•42 min•Season 5Ep. 10
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 educators to be self-critical and self-reflective. When it comes to the biggest challenges and how Israel education can improve, Raviv has opinions on ...
Nov 07, 2024•39 min•Season 5Ep. 9
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. Their profound discussion highlights the importance of Jewish responsibility in the context of democracy, and how Judaism is always aspirational, just li...
Oct 30, 2024•27 min•Season 5Ep. 8
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 children who may not feel connected. They share thoughtful tips on how to handle diverse needs in a prayer space, reflections on Yizkor this year, an...
Oct 10, 2024•33 min•Season 5Ep. 7
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 address the role of Zionism in the religious community, how to continue to pray when our prayers aren't getting answered, and other heavy questions...
Oct 01, 2024•32 min•Season 5Ep. 6
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 communities around the world. Learn how through education, we can not only bridge the divides among our diverse communities and strengthen our sense of con...
Sep 26, 2024•43 min•Season 5Ep. 5
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 back together. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and N...
Sep 19, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 4
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 effectively support students who are becoming increasingly curious about their identity and heritage during this war? This episode was produced by Dina Nu...
Sep 18, 2024•48 min•Season 5Ep. 3
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 where we've gone wrong as a Jewish community, and to try to figure out why some students stand as defenders of the Jewish people and nation, while o...
Sep 12, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 2
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 the new reality confronting Jewish educators in a post-October 7th world—one that has upended many of our long-held beliefs. With a lineup of guests ...
Sep 05, 2024•10 min•Season 5Ep. 1
