Jew-ish: Where Everyone Belongs

Choosing Jewish Joy: Building Community at the Kaplen JCC with Michael Kollender & Sue Gelsey

Daniel Herz welcomes Michael Kollender, Board Chair, and Sue Gelsey, CEO, of the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades as they reflect on the center's 75th anniversary. Daniel, Michael, and Sue dive into the importance of shifting the community's narrative away from focusing solely on anti-Semitism and toward joyful, positive Jewish engagement, or, what they call "Jewish joy." Learn all about the Kaplen JCC's incredible reach (nearly one million visits through its doors annually), how the JCC serves as a "community of communities," and how it serves everyone from children learning to swim to seniors forming a tight knit friend groups. As an added bonus, this episode also features a bit of breaking news regarding the JCC's future, with the announcement of an upcoming capital campaign to build a brand new Campus East to support their massive growth. It is another inspiring conversation about leadership, community building, and making a lasting impact. Proudly sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey! Sign up at https://JewsforNJ.org [https://JewsforNJ.org ] Connect on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jfnnj [https://instagram.com/jfnnj]

The Problem Solver: Bipartisanship & Combating Hate with Rep. Josh Gottheimer

Daniel Herz sits down with Rep. Josh Gottheimer, the pragmatic leader representing New Jersey's 5th congressional district. Daniel and Congressman Gottheimer dive into the congressman's incredible journey, his deeply rooted Jewish values, and his lifelong passion for public service, entrepreneurship, and giving back to the community. Rep. Gottheimer shares his approach to bridging the political divide as he and Daniel discuss the importance of having constructive conversations to tackle real problems like skyrocketing utility costs and rising antisemitism. Tune in for an energizing conversation about leadership and unity! Proudly sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey. Sign up at https://JewsforNJ.org [https://JewsforNJ.org ] Connect on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jfnnj [https://instagram.com/jfnnj]

How Legislative Advocacy Combats Rising Antisemitism w/ Matt Dikovics

Daniel Herz welcomes public affairs expert Matt Dikovics to explore the critical role of legislative advocacy in combating rising antisemitism. Learn all about the importance of programs like the Nonprofit Security Grant and Kosher Meals on Wheels, the ongoing fight to standardly define and combat hate by passing the IHRA definition of antisemitism, and why reaching out to your local legislator truly makes a massive difference. This episode proudly sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey. Sign up at https://JewsforNJ.org [https://JewsforNJ.org ] Connect on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jfnnj [https://instagram.com/jfnnj]

Guiding the Next Generation of Jews with Rabbi Jeremy Ruberg

On this episode, Daniel Herz is joined by Rabbi Jeremy Ruberg, the Rabbi for Lifelong Learning at Temple Emanu-El of Closter to discuss what it means to "light the candle of engagement," for young Jews. From the complexities of raising kids in today's digital world to an explanation of Rabbi Jeremy's "Gym Theory" of Jewish life, this episode tackles a plethora of issues facing parents, youth, and all of us looking to cultivate community. This episode is proudly sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey. Sign up at https://JewsforNJ.org [https://JewsforNJ.org ] Connect on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jfnnj [https://instagram.com/jfnnj]

The Fight Against Hate: Security and Solidarity with Jason Shames

On this episode, Daniel Herz is joined by Jason Shames, Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey for a discussion on the current state of safety, security, and solidarity within the Jewish community in New Jersey and across North America. Despite the heavy challenges presented by hate and antisemitism, Jason highlights the incredible positive impact of Federation's work, from funding lifesaving bomb shelters in northern Israel and providing over a million dollars annually for senior nutrition, to helping connect the area's 125,000 Jewish residents. Plus, so many more inspiring stories and ways anyone can get involved in strengthening our Jewish community here in New Jersey and around the globe! Sign up at https://JewsforNJ.org [https://JewsforNJ.org ] Connect on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jfnnj [https://instagram.com/jfnnj] Sponsored by: Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey