Behind the Bima

Hillel Fuld shut down a multimillion-dollar business on October 7th to fight for Israel full time. Three years later, he sits down with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg for an honest, late-night conversation, and they don't agree on everything. They talk about the hate that hurts most when it comes from fellow Jews, the antisemite who built a fake identity to fool him, the open miracles that have carried his family every month, the Muslim woman who learns his Torah, and what the algorithms won't show you about Israel. Then the real debate: is Israel safer than America for Jews, and should fear be part of the case for Aliyah? Plus, Rabbi Goldberg and Rabbi Philip Moskowitz kick off the new season with reflections after the Yamim Noraim and a proposal for a new social contract on RSVPs. Watch the full conversation on YouTube: youtube.com/@rabbiefremgoldberg Follow Hillel on Instagram: @hilzfuld 0:00 Welcome back: after the Yamim Noraim 2:57 A pulpit rabbi plans a wedding 7:28 A social contract for RSVPs 9:39 Hillel Fuld joins Behind the Bima 11:12 Disagreeing agreeably 13:09 When the hate comes from Jews 15:03 The Starbucks hoax and the lengths haters go to 17:55 Leaving tech, and open miracles every month 21:26 Why his following exploded: consistency and truth 24:21 What the world needed after October 7th 26:48 How he decides what to post 31:14 Christians and Muslims who learn his Torah 33:28 Is Israel really divided? 37:39 Bibi, Bennett and who could replace him 43:07 Can Israel ever get out of the headlines? 43:34 Those who bless Israel are blessed 46:21 Aliyah: what we run from, what we run to 48:52 Teen mortality: America vs Israel 51:18 Is Israel getting safer? 54:36 When do you raise a red flag? 56:41 "Israel is a paradise"

*Interview is in Hebrew* What does Ishay Ribo really want from his music? In this special bonus episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg sits down with Ishay Ribo for a personal conversation about music, emunah, creativity, and influence. Ishay shares why he sees his music as a shlichus, what he hopes people take home from a concert, and how music can break down walls between Jews who might otherwise have little in common. He also reflects on Israel and Diaspora Jewry, the spiritual awakening since October 7, and why he's increasingly questioning our relationship with social media. In this episode: What Ishay really wants from his music Music as a shlichus Breaking down walls through song Israel and Diaspora Jewry Jewish unity after October 7 Why Ishay is stepping away from social media Algorithms, distraction, and free choice Why influence starts with yourself

Note: This episode contains discussion of sensitive topics. Why do so many people feel disconnected today? Rabbi Yakov Danishefsky joins Behind the Bima for a thought-provoking conversation about attachment, relationships, vulnerability, and the growing challenge of genuine connection in modern life. Drawing from both Torah and psychology, Rabbi Danishefsky explains why many of us spend our lives pursuing achievement, productivity, and self-improvement while overlooking the very thing we need most: meaningful relationships. He explores how attachment shapes our connection to Hashem, to other people, and to ourselves, and why disconnection often sits beneath many of the struggles people face. The conversation also explores loneliness, marriage, friendship, therapy, personal growth, failure, resilience, and Rabbi Danishefsky's work helping people navigate addiction and other deeply personal struggles. From the roots of destructive behaviors to the challenge of genuine vulnerability, he offers a compelling perspective on what people are really searching for beneath the surface. This episode is sponsored by Michele Dimont IMO Chayim, on his 5th yahrzeit, and in recognition of the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund, the Segula Fund, which Chayim started to help community couples bear the high costs of infertility treatments. This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin. In this episode: Why connection is at the center of a meaningful life Attachment theory and Jewish thought Relationships with Hashem, others, and ourselves The loneliness and disconnection facing modern society Productivity versus relationship Marriage, friendship, and belonging The connection between addiction, loneliness, and healing What therapy can teach us about growth Why lasting change begins with understanding why Where Torah and psychology intersect

Note: This episode contains discussion of several controversial topics and stories.  Why does Dovi Neuburger make us laugh at ourselves? Dovi Neuburger goes Behind the Bima for a candid conversation about comedy, community, and the frum world through the eyes of someone who has learned how to turn familiar moments into unforgettable jokes. Dovi reflects on his journey into stand-up, the rise of his social media audience, the anxiety and overthinking behind comedy, and the difference between making fun of Judaism from the outside and laughing at our own world from within. He also shares what it was like growing up as a Rrabbi’s son, how that shaped his view of community criticism, and why the best jokes often reveal something true. The conversation also explores social media, crowd work, boundaries in satire, stories that are “truer” than reality, family support, the impact of laughter in Israel after October 7th, and what comedy can give people in difficult times. This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin. In this episode: Comedy, satire, and the frum community Why Dovi never set out to be an Instagram comedian The difference between being famous and being meaningful Anxiety, overthinking, and the mind of a comedian The line between funny and too far Why some stories are “truer” than reality Growing up as a rabbi’s son The support of his parents and family Social media, crowd work, and the craft of stand-up Why people need laughter during difficult times

Why does Jewish music feel so different today? Chaim Ghoori goes Behind the Bima for a fascinating conversation about the rise of a new style of Jewish music, one marked by vulnerability, authenticity, emotional honesty, and a deep yearning for connection. Chaim reflects on his journey from early life, to his days at the Yeshiva of Waterbury, to becoming part of a new wave of Jewish music marked by vulnerability, authenticity, and emotional honesty. He explores why so many young people are connecting to music that speaks openly about struggle, growth, belonging, and a relationship with Hashem.  The conversation also explores mentorship, community, recovery work, emotional vulnerability, October 7th, and the power of feeling truly seen. This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin. In this episode: The story behind his hit song, “Yidden” Why Jewish music feels different today Vulnerability, authenticity, and songwriting Waterbury's impact on a generation Community, belonging, and being seen Music as a spiritual language October 7th and the unexpected journey of Yidden Recovery, mentorship, and the Living Room The search for deeper connection Chaim's creative process and musical journey