Episode 2: The Mission

"Killed or Kidnapped?" — A Nahariya Mom on Raising Kids Under Rocket Fire Since October 7th

Daniel Herz welcomes Ravit Steinmetz-Shemla, Director of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey's Israel Office and the Federation's point person in our sister city of Nahariya, for a deeply personal conversation about life in Israel in the nearly three years since October 7th. Daniel and Ravit reflect on what it means to live, raise a family, and lead a community on Israel's northern front line, just five miles from the Lebanon border. Learn all about how Nahariya became the new front line after the 60,000 residents to its north were evacuated, what daily life looks like with only seconds to reach a bomb shelter, and how a mother carries on while her sons serve in the IDF. Ravit shares her journey south to Nova, the long and painful fight to bring the hostages home, and the mental health toll a nation continues to face. She also dives into the profound sense of resilience and purpose that carry her and the community forward. As Ravit reminds us, it takes the whole Jewish people to raise a country. As an added highlight, this episode also spotlights the "Heroines of October 7" exhibit, which features fifty portraits honoring the women who defended Israel. Ravit helped bring the exhiibit from Nahariya to New Jersey for its U.S. debut. It is a moving and powerful conversation about courage, connection, and the unbreakable bond between Northern New Jersey and Israel. As usual, this episode is proudly sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey! Show Notes: Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey — https://jfnnj.org/ [https://jfnnj.org/] Nahariya, our sister city / Israel engagement — https://jfnnj.org/advocates-and-supports-israel/ [https://jfnnj.org/advocates-and-supports-israel/] The "Heroines of October 7" Exhibit Exhibit event page — https://jfnnj.org/events/heroines-of-october-7th-art-exhibit/ [https://jfnnj.org/events/heroines-of-october-7th-art-exhibit/]

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]