Episode 68 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Shai Held, President and Dean of the Hadar Institute and author of the new book Judaism Is About Love: Recovering the Heart of Jewish Life. Shai returns for his second appearance on this podcast to talk about the enduring caricature of the “Old Testament God,” and how that distortion has shaped both Jewish and Christian imagination...
Jul 09, 2025•52 min•Ep. 69
Episode 67 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Josh Miller, Chief Program Officer at the Jim Joseph Foundation. Over the past 17 years, Josh has helped shape some of the most significant philanthropic investments in Jewish education and talent development. In this episode, we talk about how the field of Jewish philanthropy has professionalized, why general operating and multi-y...
Jun 25, 2025•51 min•Ep. 68
Episode 66 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Simon Greer, a longtime leader in Jewish philanthropy, former CEO of the Nathan Cummings Foundation, now the driving force behind the Viewpoint Diversity Initiative at the University of North Carolina, and the founder of Cambridge Health Ventures Simon takes us through his three‑part awakening—realizing that America’s crisis is as ...
Jun 10, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 67
Episode 65 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. With decades of experience navigating Washington and Jerusalem, William offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the Conference builds consensus across a coalition of 50 diverse Jewish organizations. We explore the delicate balance between pub...
May 28, 2025•53 min•Ep. 66
Episode 64 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Rabbi Noah Farkas, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. Noah’s career has been shaped by crisis leadership: from his time as a Navy chaplain in Iraq, to rebuilding Jewish life in Biloxi after Hurricane Katrina, to guiding his community through the aftermath of October 7th and the devastating California wildfires. We...
May 14, 2025•52 min•Ep. 65
Episode 63 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we learn about the intersections of science, spirituality, and community with Dr. Neil Theise. Neil is a professor of pathology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and a pioneer in the fields of adult stem cell plasticity and the framework of the body's internal support system. In his book Notes on Complexity, Neil explores how complexity the...
Apr 16, 2025•55 min•Ep. 64
Episode 62 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Jeffrey Solomon, a towering figure in Jewish philanthropy whose impact has shaped the field for decades. As Senior Advisor to Chasbro Investments and former President of the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies, Jeff’s influence has extended across Canada, Israel, and the United States. He’s played a pivotal role in transf...
Mar 19, 2025•43 min•Ep. 63
Episode 61 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Stephen Bronfman, a leader in Jewish philanthropy with a strong commitment to environmental activism, and Nigel Savage, a pioneer in Jewish environmental education and the founding CEO of the Jewish Climate Trust. Together, we explore how their backgrounds—Stephen’s lifelong connection to the outdoors and family legacy of philanthr...
Mar 06, 2025•42 min•Ep. 62
Episode 60 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we explore the power of dialogue and the transformative potential of Jewish study across ideological and denominational lines. Joining today are author, journalist, and podcast returnee Abigail Pogrebin, and Rabbi Dov Linzer, President and Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah. Together, they co-authored It Takes Two to Torah: An Orthodox Rabb...
Jan 22, 2025•54 min•Ep. 61
Episode 59 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we host Dr. Noam Weissman, an educator and media expert who has pioneered new ways to tell Israel’s story and educate young people about the complexities and beauty of Zionism and Jewish history. Noam is the Senior Vice President at OpenDor Media, a nonprofit media company producing thought-provoking content to connect this generation with Israe...
Jan 08, 2025•48 min•Ep. 60
Episode 58 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Yehuda Kurtzer, President of the Shalom Hartman Institute. Andrés and Yehuda dive into a topic that speaks to the heart of our communal and personal identities—how we grapple with change, wrestle with belonging, and find meaning in the face of uncertainty. Yehuda brings his nuanced perspective on how tradition, intellectual in...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 59
Episode 57 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Laura Lauder, a trailblazer in Jewish philanthropy whose work has reshaped the way communities approach innovation and impact. Laura’s story is one of vision, legacy, and a deep commitment to strengthening Jewish life. As Board Chair-Elect of the San Francisco Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, Laura shares her ex...
Dec 04, 2024•51 min•Ep. 58
Episode 56 of What Gives? the Jewish Philanthropy Podcast from Jewish Funders Network, featuring JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés sits down with journalist and author Abigail Pogrebin, who takes over as host, placing Andrés in the hot seat to discuss his new book, Tradition and Transition: Jewish Communities and the Hyper Empowered Individual. Together, they dive into how Jewish communities can navigate and thrive in today’s evolving world, exploring themes of ident...
Nov 13, 2024•45 min•Ep. 57
Episode 55 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Rachel Sumekh, Project Executive of TEN: Together Ending Need, a collaborative initiative of funders working to ensure that all Jews have access to basic needs. Rachel and Andrés speak about the critical issue of Jewish poverty. Rachel highlights the reality of Jewish poverty, dispels the myths surrounding it, and sheds light ...
Sep 30, 2024•49 min•Ep. 56
Episode 54 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Zvika Krieger, a dynamic figure who straddles the worlds of technology and spirituality. Zvika was the first ever Director of Responsible Innovation at Facebook, now Meta, though he has had an eclectic career, ranging from journalism in the Middle East to policy work in Washington, DC, before pivoting to technology. We delve i...
Sep 18, 2024•52 min•Ep. 55
Episode 53 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Rabbi Sharon Brous, founder and senior rabbi IKAR, a vibrant Jewish community in Los Angeles known for its inclusive approach to Jewish life. Rabbi Brous delves into the themes of her new book, The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World, which explores love, loss, community, and connection. She and And...
Sep 04, 2024•50 min•Ep. 54
Episode 52 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Joshua Foer. Josh is the co-founder of Sefaria, an open-source digital library of Jewish texts. Recently, he launched Lehrhaus, a "Jewish Tavern" in Boston aimed at making Torah study accessible in a welcoming environment. Josh discusses his journey from science journalism to Jewish entrepreneurship, the impact of Sefaria on J...
Aug 21, 2024•51 min•Ep. 53
Episode 51 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, joins JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny to explore the resurgence of antisemitism, the intersection of Jewish safety and democratic integrity, and the importance of building strong, inclusive coalitions. Amy shares insights from her extensive experience in policy and advocacy, highlighting the critical work needed to protect and strengthen our c...
Aug 07, 2024•56 min•Ep. 52
Episode 50 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. We bring you an episode recorded last year, before October 7th. Rabbi Danny Schiff joins JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny to discuss how far Judaism allows us to push technological advances. If medicine makes it possible, should Jews be allowed to increase their lifespan indefinitely? Or does that violate what it means to be human and Jewish. They discuss the immediate need to begin discussing and finding...
Jul 16, 2024•50 min•Ep. 51
Episode 49 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. We continue our series of messages from the stage of the 2024 JFN International Conference. This week, IsraAid CEO Yotam Polizer is joined by Prof. Nava Levit-Binnun to talk about IsraAid's transition to working within Israel in the wake of October 7th, and how much we need adaptability, care, and post-traumatic growth.
May 15, 2024•21 min•Ep. 50
Episode 48 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. We continue our series of messages from the stage of the 2024 JFN International Conference. This week, Oded Adomi Leshem, author of Hope Amidst Conflict, gives his perspective on hope, resilience, and vision, and shares a first person account of Israel's civic strength in the wake of October 7th.
May 08, 2024•16 min•Ep. 49
Episode 47 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. We continue our series of messages from the stage of the 2024 JFN International Conference. This week, Dan Senor, host of 'The Genius of Israel', speaks at the JFN International Conference about what makes Israel unique and why it will come back from the events of October 7th.
May 02, 2024•23 min•Ep. 48
Episode 46 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Explore the vital role of philanthropy in Israel's current challenges and opportunities for growth. JFN Israel Executive Director Sigal Yaniv Feller highlights the transition from nation-building to society-building, underscoring the importance of strategic philanthropic efforts in shaping Israel's resilient future.
Apr 15, 2024•21 min•Ep. 47
After the unthinkable events of October 7th and the subsequent crises in Israel, we made the decision to suspend the podcast so that we could better focus on Israel’s recovery. Now, we are resuming our work on What Gives, sharing with you expert knowledge in the field of Jewish philanthropy. Episode 45 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. We felt it appropriate to transition back into the show by sharing some of the powerful messages presented at the 2024 J...
Apr 10, 2024•21 min•Ep. 46
Episode 44 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Dr. Mijal Bitton, Rosh Kehilla and co-founder of the Downtown Minyan, talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about being a translator for the stories of Sephardi, Mizrahi, and other non-Ashkenazi Jewish communities. Andres and Mijal talk about what the trajectory of those communities has been in the United States, and the misunderstandings that the larger American Jewish community has about the recent ...
Sep 19, 2023•49 min•Ep. 45
Episode 43 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Rabbi Leon Morris, President of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about his essay in Sources, "In Defense of Surrender in Liberal Jewish Life." Morris argues that a Jewish response to individual agency having eclipsed every other important value is necessary, and can be done through a sense of surrender (of our defenses, our time, and our notion of isolated ...
Aug 23, 2023•50 min•Ep. 44
Episode 42 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Yotam Polizer, CEO of IsraAID , talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about how IsraAid is able to deploy to places where Israel doesn't have diplomatic relations, and the knock on effects of sending aid from Israel to unfriendly territories. Yotam spoke about how a humanitarian organization fundraises at times when there isn’t a disaster in the news, and about the steps that he and his team take to e...
Aug 09, 2023•45 min•Ep. 43
Episode 41 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Casper ter Kuile, CEO of the Nearness , talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about Casper’s work in seeking to create a new structure of community experience that uses the ease and accessibility of the internet while also building local connections that become deep friendships. Casper and Andres dive into what the spiritual leadership of the post-COVID world looks like, which models of community we c...
Jul 19, 2023•47 min•Ep. 42
Episode 40 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Award-winning author, essayist, and professor of literature Dara Horn talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about her recent essay in the Atlantic, Is Holocaust Education Making Anti-Semitism Worse? They speak about this hallmark of Jewish education, and education about Jews, that has been so prevalent for the last 50 years. Dara talks about what she found in her research for the piece, her thoughts a...
Jul 05, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 41
Episode 39 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Daniel Smokler, Chief Innovation Officer of the Office of Innovation, talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about how the philosophy of l'chadaysh et ha'yashan, renewing the old, informs his practice of innovation, how his family history of philanthropy influences his own journey, the changes in rabbinical leadership, and the delayed awakening that could come out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 31, 2023•43 min•Ep. 40
