Bina: A Better Together Podcast

Living Life on Your Own Terms, with Michael Tejeda

In this episode of Bina, hosts Aviva Feder and Yarden Crane sit down with Michael Tejeda, an 81-year-old volunteer, book collector, and self-described rebel who converted to Judaism after decades of spiritual exploration. Michael shares how he went from a Catholic upbringing to becoming president of Congregation B'nai Shalom, driven by a love of community and the satisfaction of building something with his own hands. The conversation ranges from the perils of social media permanence and the freedom of the First Amendment, to the joy of passing knowledge across generations. This includes Michael's plan to surprise a teen in the program with a stack of WWII novels. Whether reflecting on his 3,000-book home library or marveling at teenage energy, Michael offers a simple reminder: old people aren't a separate category. They're just what you're going to be someday. Thank you to our funders: Sinai & Synapses, Contra Costa Jewish Community Center, an anonymous prominent national foundation, the wider Midrasha community for making this show possible and our brand-new media sponsor, the J. Weekly of Northern California! If you want to donate so we can make more episodes or have questions for our team, email shalom@binapod.com or visit binapod.com

Work You Love and Lives You Shape, with Sheldon and Thelma

In this episode, Yarden Crane, Aviva Feder, and Nolan Valdivia sit down with longtime Better Together participants and lifelong learners Sheldon Schwartz and Thelma Bronet for an intimate, multi-generational conversation about Jewish values, identity, and growing up. Together they explore what they wish they’d known as teenagers, how to navigate a “winding road” of careers and life choices, the balance of risk versus utility, the importance of choosing friends wisely, and why you don’t need your life figured out at 17 or even at 70.  The group also wrestles honestly with antisemitism in schools today, sharing painful personal stories, the emotional toll of hateful symbols and “jokes,” and the urgent need for better Holocaust education and true allyship.  Thank you to our funders: Sinai & Synapses, Contra Costa Jewish Community Center, an anonymous prominent national foundation, and the wider Midrasha community for making this show possible. If you want to donate so we can make more episodes or have questions for our team, email shalom@binapod.com or visit binapod.com.

Rebellion and Resilience in the Life of Hana Berger Moran

In this episode, we sit down with Hana Berger Moran, a Holocaust survivor, chemist, and beloved member of the Better Together community. Born in a Nazi concentration camp in 1945 and saved through a series of extraordinary acts of courage and luck, Hana shares her mother’s bravery, her own journey from survival to a scientific career, and her lifelong commitment to giving back. We discuss Jewish identity today, facing antisemitism in high school, the power of education and great teachers, and the guiding lesson of Hana’s favorite saying, “If I am not for myself, who will be?” Thank you to our funders: Sinai & Synapses, Contra Costa Jewish Community Center, an anonymous prominent national foundation, and the wider Midrasha community for making this show possible. If you want to donate so we can make more episodes or have questions for our team, email shalom@binapod.com or visit binapod.com [https://binapod.com].

New Stories, Old Wisdom: Welcome to Bina!

What happens when the past meets the future? Welcome to Bina, a new series where we pull up a chair and bridge the gap between generations. Created by the students and staff of Contra Costa Midrasha, this podcast is all about the magic that happens when Jewish teens and elders sit down to truly listen to one another. Spanning generations, these episodes dive into reflections on heritage and resilience, alongside honest questions about purpose and belonging. Whether it’s the wisdom of lived experience or the fresh perspective of youth, we believe we are Better Together.