Jewish Philanthropy Podcast

Topic: Together Again: Reimagining the Relationships that Anchor Our Lives (Mosaica Press 2022) Guests: Rabbi Dovid M. Cohen in conversation with Greg Zuckerman of the WSJ on the launch of Rabbi Cohen's new book on relationships.   Bio:    Gregory Zuckerman (www.gregoryzuckerman.com) is a Special Writer at The Wall Street Journal, a 20-year veteran of the paper and a three-time winner of the Gerald Loeb award — the highest honor in business journalism. Greg is the author of The Frackers: The Outrageous Inside Story of the New Billionaire Wildcatters, a national bestseller named among the best books of 2014 by The Financial Times and Forbes Magazine, and The Greatest Trade Ever: The Behind-the-Scenes Story of How John Paulson Defied Wall Street and Made Financial History, a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller published December 2010. At the Journal, Greg writes about big financial firms, personalities and trades, hedge funds, the energy revolution and other investing and business topics. Gr

Topic: Transformative Leadership Guest: Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman   Bio:    Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman began his tenure as Yeshiva University’s fifth president in June 2017. Under his visionary leadership, Dr. Berman has laid the foundation for the next great era of Yeshiva University. Through a bold academic plan, he has articulated a new business model with investments in key areas such as science and technology, entrepreneurship and innovation, values and leadership and market ready graduates with great jobs and impactful careers. During his tenure, the university has introduced over 20 new graduate degrees in emerging fields including artificial intelligence, cyber security, physician assistant, biotech management, real estate management, special education, marriage and family therapy, MBA and Masters in Holocaust and Genocide Education. He spearheaded efforts to establish new academic centers such as the Emil A. and Jenny Fish Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies. These efforts have produced significant g

Topic: Power with Heart: A Modern Hero Guest: Maj General Doron Almog   Bio:   Doron is the new Chairman-elect of the Jewish Agency.   A decorated soldier and international inclusion icon, Major General (Res.) Doron Almog battled the status quo for years to secure the best possible care for his son, Eran, who was born with severe autism and developmental delays.  Though Eran lost his battle with Castleman’s disease in 2007 at the age of 23, his memory fuels Doron’s continued commitment to securing the highest-level specialized care for Israel’s disability community and advancing disability inclusion, equity and access around the globe. In May 2016, Doron was awarded with the Israel Prize for lifetime achievement and contributions to society and the state at the closing event of Israel’s Independence Day activities.  The Israel Prize committee chose Doron for leading a revolution to advance the caring of Israel’s most vulnerable population and bringing about a crucial change i

Topic: Passion with Vision Guest: Bruce Pearl   Bio:   Bruce Pearl is an American college basketball coach, and the head coach of the Auburn Tigers men's basketball program. He previously served as the head coach at Tennessee, Milwaukee, and Southern Indiana. Pearl led Southern Indiana to a Division II national championship in 1995 and was named Division II Coach of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. He has won four conference championships and three conference tournament championships as a Division I head coach, and has made ten NCAA Tournament appearances and one Final Four. Pearl was named Coach of the Year by Sporting News in 2006 and was awarded the Adolph Rupp Cup in 2008. He also served as the head coach for the Maccabi USA men's basketball team that won the gold medal at the 2009 Maccabiah Games.   In this episode, we explore:   1. Israel as the Jewish Homeland 2. Teacher & Leader 3. My Hebrew Name 4. What I see That You Don't 5. B

Topic: Religion, Unity & Change Guest: Steve Sarowitz   Bio:    Steve founded Paylocity in 1997, with the goal to fill a gap in the marketplace by providing a solution with in-house technology supported by the service and liability protection of an outsourcing solution. Steve's vision, combined with his passion for software development, led to the first release of Paylocity's award winning SAAS platform in 2002. Prior to founding Paylocity, Steve worked at Robert F. White, which was then the nation's leading independent payroll service. He later managed two privately-held payroll companies. Steve’s 20 years of experience working in the industry with both large and small providers helped him mold Paylocity into a best-in-breed provider. A Sierra member since college, he takes environmental issues seriously. Aside from helping to develop a paperless payroll solution (Web Pay), Steve instituted a "Green Team" within the company. Additionally, prior to moving to its current c

Topic: Changing the Landscape of Women in Orthodoxy Guest: Ann Pava Ann Pava, President of Micah Philanthropies, is an activist, philanthropist, and thought leader. A natural community builder, Ann strives to embody the core Jewish values that animate her work, as expressed by the prophet Micah - “Only to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God.” As a philanthropist, Ann takes the lead in innovative giving while making all who participate feel counted, and treats all those they support as valued partners. As an activist, she has the unique ability to bring all types of people together, analyze challenges, and devise solutions. Ann believes that one of the strongest avenues to success for any organization is a strong lay and professional partnership. She is an articulate and passionate ambassador for the organizations and leaders she supports. A hallmark of her success over her career is her ability to inspire, mentor, and empower others, especially women, to lead and to make the worl

Topic: 'Vienna Waits for You' Guest: Rabbi Josh Blass  Rabbi Blass is a Mashgiach Ruchani at RIETS at Yeshiva University, where he has been serving for the last 17 years. He also recently completed serving 15 years as rabbi of Kehillas Beis Yehuda in Monsey, NY.  Rabbi Blass received his semikha from RIETS and a Masters in Jewish Philosophy from the Bernard Revel Graduate School for Jewish Studies. He is now completing a Masters degree in Social Work with an eye toward private practice. Since receiving his ordination, Rabbi Blass has taught in a number of high schools, including MTA and Bruriah. In the year 2000, he became the Rav of the Albert Einstein School of Medicine where he worked for four years, before joining Kehillas Beis Yehuda. During his tenure in Monsey, Rabbi Blass has been involved in an advisory or leadership capacity with a number of organizations including Tomche Shabbos, Project Tikvah, the Chevra Kadisha, RCA Beis Din and others.  He is also very involved in the world of shidduchim an

Topic: Wearing His Heart on His Sleeve Guest: Eli Verschleiser   Bio:    Chairman at The Verschleiser Family Foundation, OurPlace, & Magenu.org   When one realizes that we only live once, & do not take our cash along, they then obtain the ability to make a real difference. Eli's world is dedicated to Philanthropy, Fighting for the Underdog, & helping others get another chance. (A bit of Real Estate Finance, Acquisition, and Investments on the side)   In this heart-tugging episode, we explore: 1. The Impact of a Rebbe 2. Living on the Streets 3. The shocking reality of abuse in our communities 4. Not really being able to stand in the shoes of another 5. Can One Give Away Too Much? 6. The Influence of an Amazing Wife 7. Different Forms of Education And much more!

  Topic: Conspiracy U Guest: Scott Shay   Bio:    Scott A. Shay is a leading businessman, thought leader, and author of several widely read books on profound issues facing the Jewish community. Scott is the co-founder and Chairman of Signature Bank, well known as one of the best banks in New York for private business owners. Scott earned a BA in Economics and a Masters in Management from Northwestern University, a valuable experience due to the commitment of his professors to high academic standards and the ideals of the university’s motto.   His third book, Conspiracy U: A Case Study, utilizes this motto as a backdrop to illustrate how his alma mater and academia in general have departed from these standards and ideals, sacrificing academic integrity and trustworthy scholarship in favor of Conspiracy Theories.   Scott is a distinguished leader in the Jewish community and an avid student of religion and its application to the world outside of the synagogue, church, or mosque

    Topic: Risk & Reward Guest: Ezra S. Levine   Bio:    Ezra is CEO of Collectable, the #1 fractional investment platform for sports. He is a former Portfolio Manager at Hilltop Park, a NYC-based hedge fund in the Sports, Media, Consumer and Entertainment industries. He was also CFO & CSO of The Spring League. He has an MBA from NYU Stern. Levine has been featured by BusinessInsider, Barstool, Bloomberg, CNN, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, Sportico, and more. In this riveting episode, we explore: 1. The Rabbi's Son 2. Love for Sports & Markets 3. The Gift of Stuttering 4. Kevin Garnett & Emmitt Smith/Big Announcement 5. Food & Shelter 6. Family as Core & an Oasis 7. Mom's Not Such Good Advice And much more!

  Topic: From Disney to a Torah Life Guest: Saul Blinkoff   Bio:    Saul began his career as an animator for the WALT DISNEY STUDIOS working on the hit films Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan, & Tarzan. He made his directorial debut with the hip action-adventure series Spy Groove for MTV. Shortly thereafter, he re-joined DISNEY, directing the films Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo & Kronk's New Groove- starring Eartha Kitt & David Spade. Saul also consulted in development on the DISNEY films: Tinkerbell, Fox and The Hound II, Brother Bear II, Cinderella III, and Dumbo II.  Saul has directed high profile commercials for clients such as Best Buy, Dunkin' Donuts, ESPN, Subway, Mercedes Benz, EA Sports & Build-A-Bear and has consulted for animation studios internationally in London, Tel Aviv, Toronto, Seoul, Dublin, Vancouver & China. Saul was a Director on the smash hit DISNEY show Doc McStuffins, Supervising Director on The Numberlys and Consul

Topic: A Jack of Many Trades Guest: Philip Rosen   Bio:    Philip Rosen is Co-Head of the Weil Gotshal Real Estate practice and the Firm’s Infrastructure practice. Philip is a leading authority in the mergers and acquisitions of real estate companies, both public and private and both as part of restructurings and not. He is also one of the top real estate finance lawyers and has long been considered one of the leading lawyers in the debt restructuring space. He is one of the top private equity lawyers in the property arena, representing numerous private equity and hedge funds and institutions in their larger and more complicated transactions. Philip also has a top reputation in a broad spectrum of other transaction areas, including real estate investment trusts, joint ventures, and property and debt portfolio acquisitions. He also heads the Firm’s renowned hospitality and gaming practices. Finally, he is one of the country’s leading authorities on doing business in the Middle Eas

Topic: A LifeTime of Service   Guest: Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat   Bio:    Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat heads the international practice of Covington and Burling.  His work at Covington focuses on resolving international trade problems and business disputes with the US and foreign governments, and international business transactions and regulations on behalf of US companies and others around the world. During a decade and a half of public service in three US administrations, Ambassador Eizenstat has held a number of key senior positions, including chief White House domestic policy adviser to President Jimmy Carter (1977-1981); U.S. Ambassador to the European Union, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, Under Secretary of State for Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs, and Deputy Secretary of the Treasury in the Clinton Administration (1993-2001). Much of the interest in providing belated justice for victims of the Holocaust and other victims of Nazi tyranny du

Topic: Banking for 2022 and Beyond   Guest: Yaakov Gade   Bio:    Yaakov Gade is Founder, President and CEO of Cross River Bank, having served as Chairman for the company since its inception in 2008. Gade’s vision is steering Cross River as an innovation-driven, state-chartered bank and provider of trusted financial solutions, to the marketplace lending and next-generation payment processing arenas.  Gade graduated from the MBA Institute IMIP (Groupe IPESUP) in Paris, with a Masters of Science in International Management. In 1990 he began his career at Citicorp Venture Capital. Later on he served as CFO of First Meridian Mortgage, and was Co-Founder and Managing Director of Chela Technology Partners. In addition, he was Technology Investment Banker at Barclays Capital, and FIG Investment Banker at Bear Stearns. In this informative discussion, we cover: 1. From Paris to New York 2. The uniqueness of Cross River  3. Supporting the Israeli economy through job training 4. Getting up very early 5.

Topic: The New Art Scroll Book   Guest: Y. Dov Meyer   Bio:    Dov has been with Terra Firma Capital Corporation since 2011, as CEO. In his current role as Executive Chairman, Dov assists with the strategy of the company and supports the CEO with the growth and overall performance. Dov has over 20 years of real estate and public market experience. Prior to joining Terra Firma, Dov held a number of positions with the Paul Reichmann Group of Companies such as Founder and Chief Investment Officer of IPC US REIT where he was responsible for acquiring, financing and ultimately selling over $2 billion of real estate assets. In addition, immediately prior to joining Terra Firma Dov was Managing Director of Harbor Group International and was responsible for managing a debt opportunity fund that traded in CMBS notes following the 2008 debt crisis. Dov holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Toronto and an LLB from Bar Ilan University in Israel. He is also the Co-Chairman of World Bnei Aki

Topic: Omaha & The Oracle   Guest: Robert Eisenberg   Bio:    Bob Eisenberg, originally from Omaha, Nebraska, holds a degree from Columbia College and a Masters from Harvard University as well as a law degree from Creighton University.  Bob is an author of two books and a private investor.  He has lectured in over 90 venues on contemporary Hasidic society.  He has also owned several businesses including the landmark nightclub and Club 415.  He is the proud father of 2 children and one grandchild.  In this eye-opening discussion, we cover:   1. Survival and the Holocaust 2. Education and Academia 3. Silver markets, investing and Warren Buffet 4. Making a real difference in the world 5. Writing books and exploration 6. Climate change 7. Medical research And so much more!

Topic: Seeing in the Darkness   Guest: Sanford D. Greenberg   Bio:    Sanford D. Greenberg is Chairman of the Board of Governors of Johns Hopkins University’s Wilmer Eye Institute, the largest clinical and research enterprise in ophthalmology in the United States.   He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He is a Trustee Emeritus of Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Medicine, which incorporates the School of Medicine and the Hospital.   He lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife, Sue; they have three children and four grandchildren. In this inspirational discussion, we cover: 1. Family & Friends 2. Losing Vision/Gaining Insight 3. Academic Pedigree 4. A Young Man in the White House 5. Seeing the Good in Everything & Everyone 6. Building a Business 7. Johns Hopkins and Changing the World   And so much more!

Topic: Being a Giver   Guest: Audrey Jacobs   Bio:    Audrey Jacobs is a Vice President and Wealth Advisor in the San Diego office of Bernstein Private Wealth Management, creating holistic and customized analyses for high-net-worth families, individuals, trusts, foundations, and endowments. She works closely with clients and their professional advisors on complex planning issues such as pre-transaction planning, multigenerational wealth transfer, philanthropy, retirement planning, and asset allocation. Prior to joining the firm in 2018, Audrey was a founding partner of OurCrowd, a global platform to invest in Israeli and global startups. Previously, she established the local chapter of StandWithUs, an Israel advocacy organization. Audrey earned a BA, cum laude, in political science and English and completed the Executive Education Program in finance and accounting at Columbia Business School. Audrey has been an active leader and philanthropist in the Jewish community and the arts for over 25 years. She

Topic: The Rabbi Who Raised A Billion Dollars Guest: Rabbi Meyer H. May   Bio:    Rabbi Meyer H. May is the Executive Director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and Museums of Tolerance, having joined the Center in the fall of 1978, its second year.
 
As Executive Director for the Simon Wiesenthal Center, Rabbi May has traveled throughout the world meeting with heads of state and leading government officials, as well as some of the most prominent corporate leaders and philanthropists of our time. As the chief development officer of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, Rabbi May and his team have raised well over $1 billion in support of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and its multi-faceted divisions. Specifically, Rabbi May directs the Center’s capital expansion campaigns and its annual $28 million international fund-raising campaigns. He is currently guiding the $290 million capital campaign and $50 million endowment to build the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem. Rabbi May also supervises the Center’s regional offices an

  Topic: Creating on Multiple Fronts Guest: Ben Wiener   Bio:    Ben Wiener is a Venture Enthusiast, entrepreneur and Managing Partner of Jumpspeed Ventures, a micro-fund based in Jerusalem, Israel. Ben began his career in law as a clerk on the Israel Supreme Court and a practicing corporate lawyer, then co-founded his first software start-up in 1999. He has co-founded and managed a number of startup ventures  and also served as VP of International Business Development at IDT Corp. (NYSE: IDT) where he led M&A transactions and was part of IDT's Venture Services group. Ben founded Jumpspeed Ventures, a Jerusalem-based micro-fund, in late 2013. Jumpseed addresses the mismatch of supply and demand for early-stage capital in the Capital of the Startup Nation.   In this riveting interview, we cover:   1. Jerusalem the Center of the Universe 2. Tail of the Lion 3. Virtual Mentorship 4. Gratitude 5. Being a Contrarian 6. Pregnant with Twin Novels 7. How to Pitch Anything Effectively And so m