The Jewish World

In this powerful episode of *The Jewish World*, Rabbi Elchanan Poupko sits down with Israeli artist Tamar Zeitlin for an extraordinary conversation about transformation, faith, family, and the Land of Israel.

Born in Jerusalem in 1985 and a tenth-generation native of the Land of Israel, Tamar grew up between Jerusalem and the ancient Jewish community of Safed. But her path took her into the fiercely anti-Zionist Neturei Karta community, where she lived as part of the community and worked as an illustrator for the Neturei Karta movement.

Today, Tamar’s life tells a dramatically different story. Sh...

In Part 2 of The Jewish World, Rabbi Elchanan Poupko continues his conversation with Simon Mendes, director and producer of The Darkest Light, going deeper into the remarkable story of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach and the world that shaped him.

They explore Carlebach’s early years, his family background and roots in rabbinic German-Jewish communities, and the profound impact of the Holocaust on his generation. The conversation also examines Carlebach’s connection to Chabad and his relationship with Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism.

Beyond the biography, Poupko and Mendes discuss the enormous social and religious changes Carlebach help...

In this episode of The Jewish World, Rabbi Elchanan Poupko sits down with Simon Mendes, director and producer of The Darkest Light, the new documentary examining the life, legacy, and allegations of sexual abuse surrounding beloved Jewish musical icon Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach.

Mendes shares his experience making the film and telling the deeply complicated story of Carlebach through the eyes of his daughter, Neshama, as she confronts the painful reality of allegations against her father and the impact of his legacy on survivors and the community that embraced his music.

Rabbi Poupko brings a deeply...

In this compelling episode of The Jewish World, host Rabbi Elchanan Poupko sits down with Professor Jeffrey Lax, a distinguished law professor at the City University of New York (CUNY) and founder of Students, Alumni, and Faculty for Equality (SAFE) on Campus. Together, they explore the high-stakes legal and cultural battles surrounding antizionism and antisemitism on American university campuses.

Professor Lax brings a unique perspective as both a legal scholar and a passionate Zionist advocate. With over two decades of experience teaching law and confronting discrimination law in practice, he has been at the forefront of legal...

In this compelling episode of The Jewish World, host Rabbi Elchanan Poupko sits down with Professor Jeffrey Lax, a distinguished law professor at the City University of New York (CUNY) and founder of Students, Alumni, and Faculty for Equality (SAFE) on Campus. Together, they explore the high-stakes legal and cultural battles surrounding antizionism and antisemitism on American university campuses.

Professor Lax brings a unique perspective as both a legal scholar and a passionate Zionist advocate. With over two decades of experience teaching law and confronting discrimination law in practice, he has been at the forefront of legal...

🎙️ Interview with LTC Eyal Dror: Israel’s Operation Good Neighbor & The Future of Humanitarian Engagement

In this powerful and timely conversation, Rabbi Elchanan Poupko sits down with IDF Lt. Col. (Res.) Eyal Dror, the commander of Operation Good Neighbor, Israel’s remarkable humanitarian mission to aid Syrian civilians during their country’s brutal civil war.

💬 What you'll hear in this interview:

The inside story of how Israel helped thousands of Syrians through Operation Good Neighbor

Why this mission still matters today, amid rising regional instability

LTC Dror’s insights into the Jolani...

In this compelling episode, Rabbi Elchanan Poupko speaks with Rabbi Dr. Yitz Greenberg about his experience attending the Beis Yosef Yeshiva in Brooklyn during the 1950s—a yeshiva deeply shaped by the resilience of Holocaust survivors and those who endured the brutal Soviet gulags of Siberia. Rabbi Greenberg shares firsthand accounts of the Novardhok tradition in America, the spiritual struggles and triumphs of its students, and the unique atmosphere of a yeshiva filled with those rebuilding their lives after unimaginable suffering. Together, they explore the pressing question: Did the Mussar movement survive the Holocaust? And if so, how did it...

In this thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Elchanan Poupko sits down with Yehudis Fletcher, a political and social activist from London and co-founder of Nahamu, an organization dedicated to combating extremism. Together, they explore the evolving role of Women in the Orthodox Synagogue, addressing challenges, progress, and the ways tradition and modernity intersect in Jewish communal life.

The conversation also delves into the life and legacy of Sarah Schenirer, the visionary founder of the Bais Yaakov movement, whose pioneering efforts transformed Jewish education for women. How did Schenirer’s work shape the status of women in...

 In this powerful episode of The Jewish World podcast, Rabbi Elchanan Poupko sits down with Bethany Mandel, co-founder of Shield Communications PR, to discuss her tireless efforts advocating for the hostages taken by Hamas terrorists to Gaza. From the harrowing morning of October 7th, Bethany has been a leading voice on Capitol Hill and in America's newsrooms, rallying support for the hostages and raising awareness about their plight.

Listen as Bethany shares her firsthand experiences, the challenges of advocacy in a complex media landscape, and the vital importance of keeping the hostages' stories alive. This episode is a...

In this episode of The Jewish World, Rabbi Elchanan Poupko sits down with sexuality educator and cultural critic Dr. Logan Levkoff to discuss Netflix’s new hit series, Nobody Wants That. Together, they unpack the complex themes woven into the show, exploring whether it perpetuates stereotypes or even antisemitic tropes and what this portrayal might mean for Jewish and non-Jewish viewers alike.

As they delve into the series' plotlines and characters, Rabbi Poupko and Dr. Levkoff raise essential questions: Are these depictions harmful, or do they provide unique opportunities to confront societal biases? What are the benefits an...

In this captivating episode, Rabbi Elchanan Poupko sits down with acclaimed author Jennifer S. Brown to discuss her novel The Whisper Sister, a powerful narrative set in the Prohibition era. Together, they delve into the Jewish immigrant experience on the Lower East Side, exploring themes of Jewish identity and assimilation, the rise of the Jewish mob led by figures like Meyer Lansky, and the tension between maintaining tradition and navigating the American dream. Brown shares insights into the struggles of Jewish families during the 1920s and how their battles echo in today’s fight against the resurgence of antisemitism, pa...

Join Rabbi Elchanan Poupko in this compelling interview with Alon Penzel, the author of "Testimonies Without Boundaries: Israel, October 7th 2023." Penzel delves into the harrowing events of the October 7th massacre carried out by Hamas terrorists, providing a platform for the survivors' voices and the meticulous work of forensic teams. In this heartfelt discussion, Penzel draws poignant parallels between the atrocities of October 7th and the Holocaust, reflecting on the profound impact of these testimonies on his life and writing. Discover the untold stories and the emotional journey behind documenting one of Israel’s darkest days.

Alon Pe...

In this compelling episode, join Rabbi Elchanan Poupko as he sits down with Jacqui Schulefand to discuss the controversial film "Israelism." Jacqui reveals how she and others were misled into participating in the film and the profound impact it has had on their lives. She shares her fears about the film potentially fueling antisemitism and addresses the false narrative it portrays about Jewish day schools.

Jacqui courageously opens up about the emotional and psychological toll the film has taken on her and her community. This conversation sheds light on the misinformation presented in "Israelism" and the broader...

Captivating interview hosted by Rabbi Elchanan Poupko, where we delve deep into the heart of Guatemala's Jewish community and its complex history. In this illuminating discussion, Rabbi Yosef Garmon, the former Chief Rabbi of Guatemala and a prominent figure in today's Guatemalan Jewish community, shares insights into the rich tapestry of Jewish life and the impact of the Lev Tahor cult's migration to Guatemala.

Discover the vibrant culture, history, and traditions that have shaped the Jewish community in Guatemala. Rabbi Yosef Garmon provides a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs that have defined their journey, offering...

On the Eve of Tisha Be’Av, are the Jewish people repeating our mistakes of the past? 


Was Ambassador Ron Dermer right that Israel should be investing more time cultivating relationships with Evangelicals and less time with the Jewish community? 


Is Israel drifting away from the United States towards China and Russia? 
Have Israel’s peace agreements with its Arab neighbors impacted Israel’s internal politics? 
What happened to Benjamin Netanyahu? Is the man who was once considered a visionary statesman dragging Israel down a path of irreparable damage? 
Will Israel’s Ha...

The bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires has left the Jewish community in Argentina wounded and devastated. As if the cruel murder of 85 innocent lives was not enough, the Argentinian government has yet to bring the perpetrators to justice. Even though Iran and Hezbollah’s involvement is clear, the Argentinean government keeps hiding the truth about this devastating murder. 

The mysterious death of prosecutor Alberto Nisman in 2015, Argentina’s close relationship with Iran and Russia, continues to cast a dark shadow of pain and doubt between the Argentinian Jewish community and the Ar...

Who are the Jewish Gauchos and cowboys of Argentina?
Do Argentina’s Jews get Kosher meat from their own country or do the shoemaker’s children go around barefoot?
What Jewish education options are there for Jews in Argentina? 
Is it safe to walk with a Kippa in the streets of Buenos Aires? 
How do the 1994 AMIA Jewish community center bombing and the Argentinian government’s cover-up of it continue to affect Jewish life in Argentina?
Is the impact of Nazi war criminals who fled to Argentina still felt today? 
Is there a distinct...

Which Swedish Jew crashed Hitler’s birthday party in 1944, managing to save thousands of Jews in a secret deal with Himmler? 

Are there Kosher restaurants in Sweden? What is the most popular food among Jews in Sweden? How does one find Kosher food in Sweden?

Is the Swedish government restricting Jewish Day Schools?

How does the legacy of Raoul Wallenberg live on among the Jewish community in Sweden? 

How have recent Quran burnings and attempts to burn the Torah impacted the Jewish community in Sweden?

 <...

What is Jewish life in Australia like? How has Australia’s gun policy impacted Jewish communities? 
How has the Malka Leifer abuse scandal changed Australia-Israel relations? Is there an Australian Rashida Talib or Ilhan Omar?
How does day school affordability impact Jewish life in Australia?
Do Australian Jews leave Australia to expand their dating options? 
Are there more Kosher restaurants in Melbourne or in Manhattan?

All that and more in this podcast episode conversation between Rabbi Elchanan Poupko and Josh Feldman, an Australian Jewish writer from Melbourne.

As the United Kingdom celebrates the Coronation of King Charles III the British Jewish community celebrates as well. 

What are the Jewish roots of the coronation ceremony? How does this coronation different from past coronations? 

What is the difference between the structure of the British Jewish community and the American Jewish community? 

How should Jewish communities seeking to support Israel continue to do so while not engaging in partisan behavior? 

And is there distinctly British Jewish food? 

All these questions and more answered by Daniel Sugarman, Director of Pub...

Are we fulfilling our obligation to Holocaust remembrance? Is orthodox Jewry lax in its remembrance of the Holocaust? 
What was being a baby in Bergen Belsen like? What is the story of the lost train from Bergen Belsen to Tröbitz, Germany? 
Rabbi Joseph Polak was born in Hague in the Netherlands. Shortly after being born, his family was sent to the Westerbork concentration camp, from there to Bergen Belsen and from there with what became known as “the lost train” to Tröbitz, Germany. In this interview with Rabbi Elchanan Poupko, Rabbi Polak shares his life story, h...

Reviving Jewish Life in Germany | Rabbi Jeremy Borovitz of Hillel Deutschland

How large is the Jewish community in Germany? How does that shadow of the Holocaust impact Jewish life in Germany? Is it safe to walk with a Kippah in Germany? Are the ancient customs of Ashkenaz Jews being observed and preserved in the same cities they practiced in? How does the German government interact with Jews in Germany? How is the Russia-Ukraine war affecting Jewish life in Germany? 
All that and more in a fascinating discussion between Rabbi Jeremy Borovitz of Hillel Deutschland and Rabbi E...

The return of a Jewish Ambassador to Lithuania brings forth many questions and memories about Lithuania’s Jewish history. What impact did Lithuanian Jewry have on the world? What is it like celebrating a Bar Mitzvah today in Vilna’s great synagogue? What is the Legacy of the great Yeshivot of Lithuania? How does the impact of Vilna’s partisans inspire Israeli life? What is it like to be both Jewish and a diplomate in a city with so many memories of joy, tragedy, and scholarship? Ambassador Hadas Wittenberg Silverstein, Israel’s Ambassador to Lithuania, in a conversation with Rabbi El...

Why are we hearing about so much violence and conflict from the town of Huwara, where Yagel and Hillel Yaniv were killed today? What are ways that can reduce the conflict and flashpoints between Israelis and Palestinians in the area? What is Americans for Judea and Samaria, and how are they strengthening the ties with Diaspora Jewry?

All this and more with Yigal Dilmoni, former head of the Yesha Council of Judea and Samaria and head of Americans for Judea and Samaria. 

What do the new recordings of Adolf Eichmann reveal?
How did these secret recordings finally get to the hands of Israeli director Yariv Mozer?
How would the Holocaust have looked without Eichmann? Why did Hitler never meet Eichmann? What do antisemites from Eichmann to Kanye West have in common? Did Eichmann’s children carry any of their own father’s legacy? Will more tapes reveal more information about Rudolph Kastner’s work with Eichmann and later assassination in Israel? How did Gideon Housner leave an impact on Holocaust survivors?

All this and more in Rabbi Elchan...

Is the Kiruv movement as we know it alive and well or has it faded?
Discussion between Rabbi Meir Goldberg of Meor Rutgers and Rabbi Elchanan Poupko

When should diaspora Jews have the right to speak out against what is happening in Israel? When do they have an obligation to do so? What responsibilities does the state of Israel have towards diaspora Jews? Are Thomas Friedman, Peter Beinart, and J Street within the confines of acceptable debate between Jews? All that and more with in discussion with Yossi Klein Halevi & Rabbi Elchanan Poupko.

Is Israel getting closer to Russia and farther from the United States? How will the Russia-Ukraine war affect Israeli American relations? Should Israelis hold Russia accountable for arming Iran?

Do revenge and justice have a role in the mission of the IDF? How will the Iran protests shape the Middle East and does that have an impact on the way the IDF operates?