18 Jun 2025
How Keshet Changed LGBTQ+ and Jewish Life Forever
Idit Klein, the founding CEO of Keshet, reflects on her 24-year leadership journey shaping LGBTQ+ inclusion within Jewish communities, highlighting Keshet's evolution from a small Boston group to a national advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. In addition to detailing Keshet's advocacy for marriage equality and trans youth rights, Klein shares challenges like handling tensions within progressive spaces and fostering tolerance to embrace within Jewish communities.
6 Jun 2025
What People Get Wrong About Antisemitism Definitions
Gabi Schiller of StandWithUs discusses educating high school students about authentic Jewish identity amidst challenges like antisemitism and misconceptions about Jewish power and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The episode also explores the IHRA definition of antisemitism, its perceived controversies, and its utility as a non-binding tool for understanding and combating antisemitism without suppressing free speech.
6 Mar 2025
The Unseen Child Trauma from Antisemitism
Dr. Miri Bar-Halpern discusses the trauma caused by antisemitism, especially among Jewish children, and the dismissive responses that compound this trauma. She shares insights from her work with Parents4Peace and emphasizes the need for trauma-informed educational environments to combat radicalization and support affected individuals.
6 Mar 2025
Exposing the Unseen Trauma of Antisemitism
Dr. Miri Bar-Halpern examines the psychological impacts of antisemitism as well as traumatic invalidation experienced by Jews, using trauma-informed therapeutic practices to address stress and anxiety. She discusses the role of trauma in radicalization and proposes interventions to combat antisemitism and promote resilience in Jewish communities, particularly focusing on creating supportive environments within schools.
24 Jan 2025
How Local Power Shapes Everything
Eitan Hersh from Tufts University discusses how the decay of local civic knowledge and influence hinders community engagement and political effectiveness, emphasizing the need for local relationships. Jewish organizational leadership faces challenges in adapting to these changes, particularly in redefining engagement and influence for long-term community health.
27 Nov 2024
Who Is JCRC To Represent Me?
JCRC Boston, led by CEO Jeremy Burton, serves as the voice of Greater Boston's Jewish community, representing a diverse council of 40 member organizations to engage with civic leaders on pressing issues. The episode delves into how JCRC balances differing viewpoints within the Jewish community while advocating for collective positions on local and national issues.
19 Nov 2024
Why Massachusetts Leads the Nation in Gun Safety
Ruth Zacharin discusses how Massachusetts has become a leader in gun safety through legislative advocacy, community-based approaches, and comprehensive data collection. She emphasizes the need for a holistic approach addressing mental health, domestic violence, and community violence prevention.
16 Sep 2024
The 2025 Legislation Shaping Jewish Life in Massachusetts
JCRC Boston celebrates significant successes in advocating for over $12 million in state budget allocations to benefit the Massachusetts Jewish community, with initiatives addressing antisemitism, genocide education, and nonprofit security. The episode also highlights the importance of coalition building and partnerships in advancing broader legislative goals such as mental health support and gun violence prevention.
10 Sep 2024
Meet the New Consul General
Benny Sharoni, the new Israeli Consul General to New England, discusses his excitement about building bridges between Israel and the Boston area, highlighting shared values in culture and technology. He emphasizes the importance of understanding Israel beyond its conflicts and encourages ongoing support and cultural exchange between the communities.