Flexigidity Podcast

Growth Mindset In Rosh Hashanah - Secular In Shul

Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur - in fact the period from Elul to Sukkoth - is the Jewish version of growth mindset and, among other things, the symbolic origin of human rights and compassion. In _Secular In Shul_ I explore the non-religuious aspects of Judaism, taking God out of the equation. In this episode, I discuss with Tikvah Weiner the groundbreaking ideas of Rosh HaShanah and the Days of Awe.

Venture Philanthropy with Dr. Jeff Solomon

Taglit Birthright and other groundbreaking initiatives exist also because of Jeff Solomon’s approach to venture philanthropy. Working with Charles Bronfman, Jeff has been one of the most prominent professionals and influential thought leaders of Jewish philanthropy.

Federations: Our Backbones - with Dr. John Ruskay

Federations and similar organizations have been the backbone of Jewish communities for thousands of years, including in the U.S. John Ruskay, who led UJA Federation of NY for nearly two decades, is the person to explain why they are so crucial for our communities.*Intro: 00:00Early Career and Childhood 7:16The Chavurah 11:10Path to leadership: 13:20The Peoplehood Organization: 15:20Federation Crisis Response: 20:40Overperforming and Underperforming Federation traits: 29:30What to expect from Federations: 31:40Federation as a sign of success: 34:20Conclusion: 37:50Outro: 43:10*

Rethinking Tisha B’Av: From Mourning to Spiritual Readiness By Gidi Grinstein and Prof. Ari Afilalo

Gidi Grinstein is the author of the Flexigidity: The Podcast of the Hebrewman, and author of Flexigidity: The Secret of Jewish Adaptability. He is the founder and president of the Reut Institute and Tikkun Olam Makers. Prof. Ari Afilalo is a professor of law at Rutgers University and President of the West Side Sephardic Synagogue.

41 Books! Rabbi Sacks' Productivity

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’s productivity was mind-boggling. How could he have published 41 books, 750 essays and hundreds of other creations? Gidi explores these questions with those closest to Rabbi Sacks, Joanna Benarroch and Dan Sacker. 00:00 Intro 04:10 Into the World of Sacks 13:30 Why Do You Write Like You’re Running Out of Time 15:49 The Sacks Routine 22:30 The Covenantal Cycle 26:57 The Rabbi’s Day 30:42 The Sacks Playlist 39:18 Who Inspired Sacks? 43:30 What Did the Rebbe and Rabbi Soloveitchik Mean to Sacks? 47:49 The Bridge Between the Jewish and Secular Wisdoms 55:00 To Approach Sacks 58:15 When Entering the King’s Courts 1:07:08 Sacks as the World’s Chief Rabbi 1:14:54 The End of His Journey 1:26:21 Sacks’s Legacy 1:34:34 Conclusion