Kol Jeshurun

Cantor Lucy B. Fishbein tenderly leads "Tree of Life" by Nefesh Mountain while Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz shares of his most recent trip to Israel. Sermon: Rabbi Matthew D. Gewirtz Music & lyrics by Nefesh Mountain - sung by Cantor Lucy B. Fishbein & Matt Turk, Music Director Originally broadcast - Erev Shabbat 8/1/25 Theme Music & Production by Matt Turk

TBJ Alum and Coordinator of Chapter Engagement and Strategy at Israel Policy Forum, Rebecca Mandelbaum shares her profound insight on her trip to Auschwitz this spring, her work in Israel advocacy and conflict resolution, and how she holds on to hope during uncertain times. A bit about Rebecca: Rebecca Mandelbaum is IPF Atid Coordinator of Chapter Engagement and Strategy. She received her bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Judaic Studies from Brown University and her master’s degree in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution at Columbia University. Prior to joining IPF, Rebecca served as an intern at the Anti-Defamation League, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Principal Legal Advisor, the Jewish Distribution Committee, and a research assistant at the Morton Deutsch International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution.

In a world overwhelmed by hardship and division, the story of Balaam reminds us that wisdom, holiness, and the power to bless can come from unexpected places—even outside our own community—and that by staying open and attentive, we can bring more goodness and peace into our lives and to our world. Rabbi Hannah Ellenson shares her thoughts about this week's Torah portion - Balak.

Rabbi Perolman reflects on how Judaism models that a loving relationship spurs us to action.

Rabbi Karen Glazer Perolman offers her reflections on Parshat Sh'lach Lecha and how we manage our fear during these unprecedented and uncertain times. Originally aired Erev Shabbat - June 20th, 2025