Jewish Actually

Jewish Media Today with Neil Friedman (CEO of ChaiFlicks & Founder of Menemsha Films)

In this episode of Jewish Actually, I sit down with Neil Friedman, CEO of ChaiFlicks and Founder of Menemsha Films, to explore his journey in building and shaping Jewish film and media. We discuss his path into the industry, the evolution of his work from distribution to streaming, and what it takes to bring Jewish stories to diverse audiences around the world. Neil has worked as an associate lawyer on the set of Hairspray and has held numerous senior roles with major film distributors, including New Line Cinema, Columbia Pictures, and The Pressman Company. He has represented multiple Academy Award nominees and has played a key role in financing and distributing Jewish film and television across North America and globally through Menemsha Films and ChaiFlicks—the largest Jewish streaming platform in the world. Our conversation also dives into the broader role of Jewish media today: why storytelling matters, how it’s evolving in response to current events and rising antisemitism, and the responsibility of preserving and sharing Jewish narratives in a modern landscape. Whether you’re interested in film, media, or the future of Jewish storytelling, this episode offers a thoughtful look inside the industry from one of its leading voices. Thanks to ChaiFlicks and Neil, you can use the special discount code ACTUALLY36 to use ChaiFlicks at a discounted rate for only $3 a month, or $36 a year. Redemption link: http://www.chaiflicks.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?code=actually36&plan=yearly [http://www.chaiflicks.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?code=actually36&plan=yearly]

The Obamas’ Former Speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz on Her Books and Rediscovering Jewish Identity

In this episode of Jewish Actually, I sat down with Sarah Hurwitz, The Obamas’ former speechwriter, to talk about her journey from the White House to writing her own two books exploring her own Jewish identity re-discovery and passion. We discuss her time crafting speeches at the highest levels of American politics, what she learned about language and power, and how that work eventually led her to a deeper engagement with Jewish texts and tradition through her books: "Here All Along" and "As A Jew". Sarah reflects on how her writing has evolved and how Jewish ideas reshaped her understanding of purpose and identity.

From the IDF to Bob Dylan: Finding Jewish Meaning in Music with CEO Dr. Stephen Arnoff (Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center)

In this episode of Jewish Actually, I'm joined by Dr. Stephen Arnoff, CEO of the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center, for a wide-ranging conversation on music, meaning, and Jewish life. We talked about Dr. Arnoff's transition from the IDF, to fellowships and experiences that shaped his leadership, to his work today at the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center. A major focus of our conversation is music—especially Bob Dylan—and how it can serve as a powerful lens for understanding Judaism, spirituality, and identity. Tune in for an absolutely fascinating conversation with one of the most compelling voices at the intersection of Jewish identity, culture, and music today! 👉 Check Dr. Arnoff's Substack: https://stephendanielarnoff.substack.com/ [https://stephendanielarnoff.substack.com/] And Dr. Arnoff's book "About Man and God and Law: The Spiritual Wisdom of Bob Dylan".

AJC's Leader's For Tomorrow Program: With Aaron Bregman

In this episode of Jewish Actually, Aaron Bregman joins me to discuss the American Jewish Committee’s Leaders for Tomorrow program (which he oversees): an initiative shaping the next generation of Jewish leaders. The conversation explores how young people are building leadership skills, strengthening their Jewish identity, and preparing to engage with today’s most pressing challenges. Aaron shares insights into the program’s impact and why investing in future leaders to combat antisemitism matters now more than ever.

Inside AJC's ACCESS Global with Alana Wilck, Assistant Director

In this episode of Jewish, Actually, we go inside AJC ACCESS Global with Alana Wilck, Assistant Director of the program. Alana shares how ACCESS connects young Jewish leaders around the world, builds global networks, and shapes the future of Jewish advocacy. Tune in for insights on leadership, international impact, and what it really means to take Jewish engagement global.