Jewish Philanthropy Podcast

Topic: Breaking Barriers While Helping Others   Guest: Michelle Greenberg-Kobrin   Bio:   Michelle Greenberg-Kobrin is a Clinical Professor of Law at Cardozo Law School and the Founding Director of the Program on Leadership at the Heyman Center for Corporate Governance.  Professor Greenberg-Kobrin is a Lecturer-in-Law at Columbia Law School, where she served as Dean of Students for eleven years. She also holds an appointment at Columbia University's Teachers College in the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership.  She teaches in the areas of transactional law, leadership, conflict resolution and negotiation, intellectual property law and educational governance.  She served as the Title IX Coordinator at Columbia Law School where she authored sexual harassment policies and oversaw the sexual respect initiative, training hundreds of students each year. Professor Greenberg-Kobrin also facilitates the Arev Fund, a grantmaking organization whose mission is to use and promote impactful fe

Topic: Overcoming Obstacles   Guest: Tamir Goodman   Bio:   Zone190 inventor Tamir Goodman, dubbed “The Jewish Jordan” by Sports Illustrated in 1999, is a former professional basketball player who has become a successful entrepreneur, coach, educator, and motivational speaker. During high school, Goodman was ranked among the top 25 recruits in the country, and he garnered attention after averaging 35.4 points per game his junior year, all while remaining faithful to his Orthodox Jewish upbringing. He achieved additional notoriety after being named MVP of the prestigious “Capital Classic All-Star Game,” an award won by players like Shaquille O’Neal and Lebron James. Tamir went on to make history as the first Jewish basketball player to play D-I college and professional basketball, while faithfully wearing a yarmulke on the court and without playing on the Jewish Sabbath. In 2002, Goodman fulfilled his dream of moving to Israel, signing a three-year contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv and serving in the

Topic: Becoming Elite   Guest: Mike Dube   Bio:   Mike Dube, co-founder and President of Elite Method, has an incredible passion for working with kids and teaching them the skills needed to be successful in life. He stresses character building as much as strength and skill building. Mike is also co-founder of DubeZone, where he served as the inspiration and master trainer to a large coaching staff. Mike is considered an expert coach for his unique ability to connect with and transform every child with whom he works. His energy and enthusiasm is infectious, and he spreads his positive message through volunteerism, motivational speaking, and the charity he co-founded, Sharing Seats, which has given away thousands of event and sporting tickets to children in need. "Coach Mike," as he is affectionately called, is an inspiration to many and is very much looking forward to continuing his passion in helping kids through the development of Elite Method.     In this episode we discuss:   1) Child of Divor

Topic: From Yeshiva to an IPO   Guest: Menashe Kestenbaum   Bio:   Menashe is an entrepreneur and industry disruptor based out of Toronto.   He started off his career in the gaming industry leading Enthusiast Gaming from a basement startup in 2015 to an all-time high valuation of $1.4B in 2021.    He's currently focused on disrupting the mental health industry with his new start-up entitled Glimmer.   In this episode we discuss:   1) A Yeshiva Life/Critical Values 2) Not Having Money 3) A Public Persona 4) The Role of Wealth & Financial Resources 5) Charity & Standards of Living 6) The Mental Health Space and so much more!  

Topic: Hatzolah Air   Guest: Dr. Avishai Neuman   Bio:   Dr. Neuman is the Medical Director of Hatzolah Air as well as the Director of Centurion Anesthesia. He is a graduate of the Sackler School of Medicine in Israel.  He lives in North Woodmere, NY & is an active Hatzolah member & community leader.   See this link to learn more about Hatzolah Air   https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/369487     In this episode we discuss:   1)  A Life of Chesed 2) The passion for saving lives 3) Doubling Down on our Talents 4) Always wanting to be the Giver in any situation 5) The need for & impact of Hatzolah Air 6) Travel Habits of the Jewish community and so much more!  

Topic: Rocket Man   Guest: Ari Sacher   Bio: Ari Sacher is a Rocket Scientist, and has worked in the design and development of missiles for over twenty five years. He has briefed hundreds of US Congressmen on Israeli Missile Defense, including three briefings on Capitol Hill at the invitation of the House Majority Leader and the Israeli Ambassador.  Ari is a highly requested speaker, enabling even the layman to understand “rocket science”. Ari has appeared on CNN, Fox News, i24news, and the Discovery Channel. Ari has also been a scholar in residence in numerous synagogues and schools in the USA, Canada, UK, South Africa and Australia. He is a riveting speaker, using his experience in the defense industry to explain Judaism to the young and old alike in a way that is simultaneously enlightening and entertaining. Ari came on aliya from the USA in 1982. He lives in Moreshet in the Western Galilee along with his wife, eight children, and ten grandchildren. He currently works in the Land and Naval War

Topic: It's Still Rock n Roll to Me!   Guest: David Fishof   Bio:   Whether he’s producing a tour, assembling an All-Starr band with Ringo Starr, or writing a best-selling book, there’s one thing David Fishof is always doing: dreaming. Hailed as one of the most creative and innovative entertainment producers in the world, Fishof has been responsible for some of the most original, successful, and exciting live shows ever brought to the stage. But of all the shows he’s put on over his 40-plus year career, there’s one production that stands out from all the rest: Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp. After years of good fortune working with veteran rockers like Roger Daltrey, Ringo Starr, The Monkees, Levon Helm, Joe Walsh, the late Jack Bruce and so many more superstars, Fishof decided it was time to share his experiences with rock fans around the world. And so, in 1997, he debuted the rock camp—a place where regular people can reconnect with their passion for music alongside the most famous names in the business. A qua

Topic: The Art of Philanthropy   Guest: Shawna Goodman-Sone   Bio:   Shawna Goodman-Sone obtained a BA in Art History from McGill University and was awarded the McGill Scarlet Key for outstanding leadership and positive impact. She graduated from the Natural Gourmet Cooking School and the Institute of Culinary Education, both in New York City. Upon graduation, she has given classes, catered and cooked for clients in New York, Philadelphia, Toronto, Montreal and Israel. She acted as editor of the cookbook, Panache: Montreal’s Flair for Kosher Cooking, a project of the Auxiliary of the Sir Mortimer B. David Jewish General Hospital. Shawna is currently living in Ra’anana, Israel combining her love for food and philanthropy in creating classes that celebrate Israel’s abundance while raising awareness of local charitable organizations. She is a Board member of the Foundation for Jewish Camp, the Jewish Funders Network and Gvahim which supports the integration of new arrivals in Israel.  She is also the Chairman o

Topic: An Unstoppable Drive   Guest: Adam Neuman    Bio:   Adam Neuman serves the Big Ten Conference as Chief of Staff, Strategy and Operations & Deputy General Counsel as a member of the conference's Senior Leadership Team. Neuman serves as a strategic aide to both the Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors (COP/C) and the Big Ten Conference Commissioner in creating a movement of leadership in sports, academics and social responsibility throughout intercollegiate sports. Neuman joined the Big Ten Conference in January 2020 and played a strategic role in helping the conference navigate the most complex times in its 125-year history by assuming a leadership role in helping the conference navigate a global health pandemic. Neuman helped establish the Taskforce for Emerging Infectious Diseases and played a key role in the negotiations and implementation of a comprehensive COVID-19 testing program to help student-athletes, coaches and staff return to competition safely. His previous legal experience

Topic: Lessons from a CEO   Guest: Bruce Schanzer   Bio:   Bruce Schanzer is Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Erez Asset Management, LLC, a fund manager focused on real estate investment opportunities in both public and private capital markets. Prior to forming Erez in August 2022, Mr. Schanzer was President, CEO and a director of Cedar Realty Trust (NYSE: CDR), a real estate investment trust focused on the ownership, operation, and redevelopment of grocery-anchored shopping centers in the Washington, DC to Boston corridor.    Before joining Cedar in 2011, he held real estate investment banking positions at Goldman Sachs & Co and at Merrill Lynch. Prior thereto, Schanzer worked as a real estate attorney in New York. He received an M.B.A. in finance and accounting from the University of Chicago (now known as the Booth School of Business); a J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where he also served as a member of the Law Review; and a B.A from Yeshiva College, where he is currently a member

Topic: What is a Chief Heart Officer?   Guest: Claude Silver   Claude Silver’s life’s purpose is to be of joyful service and unlock emotional optimism in all. Cultivating Emotional Optimism is the most effective tool in revealing the greatness that resides within people. The key lies in the heart. Claude is the first-ever Chief Heart Officer. She takes her calling seriously and it has led her down a path of working with and working for close to 1,000 employees at VaynerMedia to integrate heart into their professional lives and become the best version of themselves and best leaders they can be. There has never been a better time to concentrate on bringing humanity, emotional intelligence, equity, and diversity into the workplace; cultivating cultures, connections and communication-this is what will take teams to the next level of success in all areas of business, and it all begins and ends with heart. As a motivational speaker, thought leader and industry trend setter, Claude focus on teaching people and orga

Bonus Episode: Commemorating the 6th Yahrzeit of  Hagaon HaRav Moshe Shapiro zt'l   Guest:    Rabbi Yechezkel Hartman    Rabbi Hartman has been delivering Shiurim and lectures on a variety of Torah Topics for the past 15 years. He studied in Yeshivas Chevron in Yerushalayim, and was a close Talmid of Rav Moshe Shapira zt’l. Rabbi Hartman's Shiurim include a daily Daf Yomi and Short Machshava on the Daf, and a weekly Practical halacha shiur, Parsha B'Iyun shiur, as well as his renowned Machshava on the Parsha/Yom Tov Shiur, based on the teachings of his Rebbi.  Rabbi Hartman is the author of Sefer Ma’ane Yechezkel on Chumash and (soon to be published) Shiurei Rav Moshe Shapira on Agados of Raba Bar Bar Chanah, as well as several periodic publications.  He holds an MBA from Columbia University and works in real estate.   In this episode:   1) Meeting R' Moshe as a child 2) Seeing the Forest from the Trees 3) My Father's Rebbe 4) Shidduchim Insights 5) Sharing Torah with one & all 6) Desiring/Asking for Gre

    Topic: The Year in Review/2022 Guest: Rabbi Dovid M. Cohen (solo)   Bio:    Rabbi Cohen is the host of the JPP. He's a fundraiser, someone deeply committed to philanthropy and making a positive game-changing impact on the world.   In this episode we explore:   1. Top 5 Episodes from the 2022 Season 2. Fake it Until You Make-It 3. Persistence v. Annoyance 4. Passion for the Cause 5. Leveraging in Times of Plenty 6. Crossing Lines/Boundaries

Topic: Thoughtful Philanthropy   Guest: Emily Kane Miller   Bio:    Emily is the founder and CEO of Ethos Giving. Equal parts head and heart, Emily has spent her career working for social change. With deep experience in government, advocacy, nonprofit, corporate, and philanthropic work, Emily has a unique ability to envision and steward philanthropic contributions that maximize benefit and value for all.   Previously, she served as Vice President of Philanthropy & Community Affairs at The Wonderful Company. Emily led the organization’s award-winning philanthropic efforts, which ranged from paradigm-changing, place-based work, to branded community giving programs, to transformative institutional contributions.     Emily was formerly legal counsel and Director for Government Affairs at Wonderful, where she worked on a host of issues pertaining to regulatory, governmental, and philanthropic affairs—including agriculture, food law, education, affordable housing and nutrition—at the

Topic:  Fundraising Tips from a Master   Guest: Dan Forman   Bio:    Dan Forman is currently Senior Philanthropic Advisor at Yeshiva University and previously served as Vice President for Institutional Advancement from 1995-2016. During his tenure as Vice President, Dan directed two comprehensive campaigns that generated more than $1.6 billion for YU and its Schools. Prior to YU, Dan was Executive Director of the 1986-1995 CapItal Campaign at NY UJA-FEDERATION which generated $1.2 billion as well as directed the principal gifts department of its Annual Campaign raising $80 million per annum. Dan was also Executive Director of UJA-FEDERATION’S Westchester Division as well as Jewish Community Centers in Mt. Vernon, NY and Boston, Mass.   Dan has taught strategic planning and fundraising at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business, YU’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work, The New School, Brandeis University, Marymount College, and Leslie College. He also currently provides philanthro

Topic:  A Big-Hearted Brain Surgeon   Guest: Dr. Howard Weiner   Bio:    Dr. Weiner is Chief of Neurosurgery at Texas Children’s Hospital. Dr. Weiner has become one of the country’s leading pediatric epilepsy surgeons, attracting patients from across the United States and abroad because of his innovative approach. Over the last 20 years, he has become a recognized national and international leader in the surgical treatment of childhood epilepsy, and has been a pioneer in advancing the care of children with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, for which he is considered one of the world’s leading experts. His expertise also includes the operative treatment of childhood brain tumors, spasticity, hydrocephalus, congenital malformations, tethered cord, chiari malformation, craniosynostosis, and spina bifida. In this episode we explore: 1. The 5am Club 2. Finding Balance in a Frenetic World 3. Mentorship 4. Family as the Priority 5. What is Perfection? 6. Work Hard/Be Nice and much more!

Topic:  Meeting Up   Guest: David Siegel   Bio:    David Siegel is the CEO of Meetup, the largest platform for finding and building local community. He has over 20 years of experience as a technology and digital media executive leading organizations through innovative product development, rapid revenue growth, and digital traffic acceleration. Prior to joining Meetup, David was CEO of Investopedia and before that, President of Seeking Alpha.  David holds a BA in Philosophy, Politics & Economics and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania. He is an adjunct professor at Columbia University where he teaches strategic planning and entrepreneurship. He hosts the podcast Keep Connected, which is dedicated to the power of community. David’s book, Decide & Conquer, (HarperCollins) lays out the framework for decision-making that leaders can use to ensure organizational and personal success. In this episode we explore: 1. No Regrets 2. Work Ethic 3. Work/Life Balance 4. CEO skill-set 5. Secrets of Men

Topic:  A Global Lawyer   Guest: Jeremy Lustman   Bio:    Jeremy Lustman helps lead DLA Piper's global Israel country group. Jeremy spends much of his time physically on the ground in Israel, where he has developed a strong international network of Israeli companies, investors, entrepreneurs, bankers, accountants and local lawyers. He currently coordinates and helps lead DLA Piper's development efforts and initiatives cultivating international business emanating from Israel, serves as a liaison for Israeli clients seeking legal guidance in non-Israeli jurisdictions where DLA Piper has a presence, and provides guidance to non-Israeli clients evaluating business relationships and strategic partners within Israel. Jeremy directly represents and oversees a significant number of key Israeli relationships that have touched upon more than 35 different international jurisdictions and more than 40 DLA Piper global offices. These clients cover virtually all sectors of the Israeli economy, including leading venture

Topic: Kindness on Every Level   Guest: Adele Goldberg   Bio:    Adele is the executive director of Friends of Yad Sarah, the U.S.-based support organization for Yad Sarah, the largest volunteer-staffed organization in Israel.   Yad Sarah provides a vital array of compassionate health and home care services for people of all ages. Its programs and services are dynamic and multi-faceted, from lending equipment - such as wheelchairs and oxygen machines - to caring for children and adults with disabilities.   Yad Sarah currently has 122 branches throughout Israel and is staffed by more than 7,000 volunteers who provide services for more than 800,000 individuals annually.   Yad Sarah’s annual operating budget is financed almost exclusively by donations. Adele works to secure contributions from US-based donors. Over the course of her nineteen-year career at Yad Sarah, Adele has raised more than $40 million to support Yad Sarah’s critical services.   Adele’s wisdom and insights have been featured in the Washing

Topic: Leveraging Impact   Guest: Na'ama Ore   Bio:    Na'ama Ore, is the CEO of SparkIL.    SparkIL is a new first-of-its-kind peer-to-peer lending platform where individuals can give interest-free loans to small businesses in Israel (see press release attached). As such, it's poised to change the face of the way small-gift donors contribute philanthropically in the Jewish world.   These small interest-free loans not only help struggling businesses get off the ground in a difficult economy, but in doing so, also pave the way for individual lenders to connect with Israelis on a personal level.   As a distinguished leader who previously served as regional director of the Israeli-American Council's Boston office, Ore explains how these small loans can be life-changing for those who live on the margins of Israeli society.    In this Episode we explore:   1. Impact of Family 2. Graceful Transitions 3. Always Growing 4. Women Supporting Women 5. Impact Investing/Grass-Roots Effort 6. Quantity & Quality 7.