Jewish Insights with Justin Pines

How do you animate a story that is the cornerstone of a civilization? Join JBS for an exclusive look into the making of DAVID, the groundbreaking animated feature that is being called a 'love letter to Israel.' Producer Phil Cunningham shares the incredible depth of research that went into this project — from walking the exact lines of the Valley of Elah to ensuring every flower and bird in the film is indigenous to the Judean wilderness. We explore how this film aims to do more than just entertain; it seeks to build a bridge of understanding and shift the global sentiment toward faith through the timeless story of its greatest king. Learn more about David and the creators at: www.sunriseproductions.tv/about www.thedavidmovie.com   *** JBS is a non-profit, Jewish educational television and multimedia channel made possible by VIEWERS LIKE YOU! *** Discover more JBS @ https://jbstv.org Please help us sustain our programming by visiting: https://jbstv.org/jbs-donation-form Find JBS on your TV Provider, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku by visiting: https://jbstv.org/find-us Watch Live on our website: https://jbstv.org/watch-live Download the JBS App or listen on the go wherever you get your Podcasts!

Do you ever feel like you’re talking into a void? Whether you are navigating a difficult conversation in your marriage or seeking a deeper sense of purpose, the secret to being heard starts with learning how to truly listen. Rabbi Dov Singer is the head of the renowned Makor Chaim Yeshiva and a primary leader in the modern revival of emotional and religious intelligence. He is the author of the life-changing guide Prepare My Prayer, a book dedicated to helping people of all backgrounds bridge the gap between their inner worlds and their daily lives, and established the Beit Midrash L'Hitchadshut - The Study Center for Renewal, an adult spiritual outreach program, and Lifnai VLifnim, an educators’ training program.  In this episode, Justin Pines sits down with Rabbi Singer to explore a profound shift in mindset: moving from speaking about our challenges (and the Divine) to speaking to them. By applying the principles of radical listening and intentional speech, we discover that our words are not just descriptions of our reality—they are the very tools we use to build it. This conversation translates deep spiritual concepts into a practical framework for anyone looking to cultivate more presence, humility, and resilience. Key Takeaways Radical Listening: Why we have two ears and only one mouth—and how to listen to the "soul" behind the words of others  The Creative Power of Speech: Understanding how intentionality in small moments, like saying "good morning," can reshape your physical and emotional environment. The Art of Creating Space: Why effective leadership and parenting require us to step back (Tzimtzum) to allow those we lead to truly grow.. Connect & Follow Watch the full series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDYxKuIDCjn0TWM937-7qQf9w6JGmCWGX Follow Justin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinpines/ Follow JBS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbstvorg/

In an era of digital distraction, how do we pass our deepest values to the next generation? Discover how to move beyond "dumbing things down" and instead invite children into a lifelong journey of curiosity, complexity, and growth? Rabbi Effy Unterman is the Senior Director of Content at the Hadar Institute and a pioneer in sophisticated Jewish education. He is the lead developer of the new Devash Jr. edition of Shemot (Exodus), a groundbreaking resource designed to engage the youngest learners with serious ideas, and serves as a primary architect of Devash—the global Torah magazine for families. As the Jewish calendar moves into the Book of Exodus (Shemot), we confront the challenge of "transmission." This episode explores the Jewish concept that children are not just "future" members of a community, but active, serious thinkers today. By focusing on the "70 faces" of wisdom, Rabbi Unterman explains why there is rarely only one right answer, but rather a beautiful tapestry of perspectives that invites everyone to find their own voice. Key Takeaways Complexity Over Simplification: why children are capable of handling deep, nuanced ideas when we respect their intellect. The Power of the Question: How to shift from a "quiz" mindset (seeking answers) to a "scavenger hunt" mindset (cultivating curiosity). Inclusive Storytelling: The vital importance of creating materials where every child can see themselves reflected in the narrative. Connect & Follow Watch other episodes of Jewish Insights with Justin Pines: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDYxKuIDCjn0TWM937-7qQf9w6JGmCWGX Subscribe to Devash Magazine: https://hadar.org/learn/children-families Get the Devash Jr. Book (Shemot): https://www.hadar.org/torah-tefillah/books/devash-jr-book-shemot Follow Justin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinpines/ Follow JBS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbstvorg/

In a world of constant stress and uncertainty, how do we build a life of purpose and emotional stability? Discover how a former combat commander uses ancient wisdom to build modern resilience and unbreakable character. Rabbi Binny Freedman is the Rosh Yeshiva of Orayta in Jerusalem and a former Company Commander in the IDF. Having survived the 2001 Sbarro bombing, Rabbi Binny’s teachings on gratitude and leadership aren't just theoretical—they are battle-tested insights from a man who has navigated the extremes of human experience. We often view "ethics" as a set of rules, but the Jewish concept of Middot (character traits) is actually a technology for habit-forming. Using the "Maimonides Method," Rabbi Binny explains how to build a "healthy soul" through intentional repetition—turning positive actions into second nature so you can remain balanced even in high-pressure environments. Key Takeaways: The Power of Proactive Giving: Why shifting from a "rights-based" to an "obligations-based" mindset is the ultimate antidote to modern anxiety. The Science of Habit: How to use intentional repetition to overwrite negative behaviors and build lasting inner strength. Willpower as a Muscle: Why setting personal boundaries and ethical "restrictions" actually creates the freedom to succeed in professional and personal life. Connect & Follow  Watch Additional Episodes of Jewish Insights: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDYxKuIDCjn0TWM937-7qQf9w6JGmCWGX  Follow Justin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinpines/  Follow JBS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbstvorg/ #Leadership #Wisdom #JewishInsights #Mindset #JustinPines #Resilience #CharacterBuilding #PersonalGrowth

We think we know the story of Hanukkah: The weak few against the mighty many, the oil that lasted eight days. But the historical records tell a much wilder, deeper, and more miraculous story. In Part 2 of this special Hanukkah series on Jewish Insights, Dr. Malka Simkovich returns to reveal the "real" story of the Maccabean revolt. From the "passive-aggressive" letters sent between Jerusalem and Egypt to the dramatic (and sometimes hilarious) miracles recorded in the Book of 2 Maccabees—including angels and divine horses—this episode will completely change how you view the Festival of Lights. Dr. Malka Simkovich serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Jewish Publication Society, Visiting Professor at Yeshiva University’s Revel Graduate School for Jewish Studies, is a member of President Isaac Herzog’s Voice of the People delegation, and was the Crown-Ryan Chair of Jewish Studies and Director of Catholic-Jewish Studies at Catholic Theological Union.

What does it mean to be a Jew outside of Israel? Long before the Maccabees, the Jewish people faced a crisis that would shape their identity forever: the choice to remain in the Diaspora. In Part 1 of this special Chanukah series on Jewish Insights, Justin is joined by Dr. Malka Simkovich to explore the "Second Temple Era" not just as a time of rebuilding, but as the birth of a global Jewish people. Together, they explore exile, Diaspora, and the “failure” to return to Israel, uncovering the surprising history of the Persian era, the thriving Jewish communities of Egypt and Babylon, and the "ingredients" (Shabbat, Kashrut, Circumcision) that kept Judaism alive without a Temple. Dr. Malka Simkovich serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Jewish Publication Society, Visiting Professor at Yeshiva University’s Revel Graduate School for Jewish Studies, is a member of President Isaac Herzog’s Voice of the People delegation, and was the Crown-Ryan Chair of Jewish Studies and Director of Catholic-Jewish Studies at Catholic Theological Union.  #Chanukah #JewishHistory #SecondTemple #JewishInsights #JBSTV #Diaspora #JewishIdentity

From the Teddy Bear to Barbie, Superman to Star Wars action figures, the American toy industry was largely built by first-generation Jewish immigrants. In this special Chanukah episode of Jewish Insights, Justin Pines sits down with sociologist and author Michael Kimmel (Playmakers: The Jewish Entrepreneurs Who Created the Toy Industry in America) to uncover how Jewish entrepreneurs created the modern concept of a "happy childhood." 🧸 In this episode: The Jewish family behind the Teddy Bear (and their connection to Teddy Roosevelt). Why Barbie was a revolutionary Jewish idea. The "Assimilation Fantasy" hidden in Superman and Comic Books. The story of the failed "Baby Jesus" doll.  How the industry went from the Lower East Side to Sesame Street. Discover how a generation fleeing persecution in Europe and Russia built the playground we all grew up in. #JewishHistory #PopCulture #Toys #Barbie #History #JBS #Chanukah # Hanukkah 

If truth is one of the foundational pillars of any stable society, how do we navigate a world which often feels post-truth? In this special JI episode in honor of Jewish Book Month’s 100th anniversary, Justin sits down with Tali Rosenblatt Cohen, host of The Five Books podcast. They begin by exploring Tali’s own mission for The Five Books Podcast: the profound power of Jewish literature to foster empathy and a sense of shared purpose, especially during moments of crisis. Tali also shares her insights on the expanding landscape of Jewish storytelling in 2025, 2025, from the enduring resonance of Holocaust literature to the rise of stories exploring Sephardi, Mizrachi, and romantic Jewish experiences. Then, Justin steps into the guest seat to share the five books that shaped his life and led to a lifelong quest for authenticity and truth (Emet)—a search he views as the central project of the Jewish tradition. Listen as Justin shares his five books and discusses: How a classic American novel sparked his obsession with "phonies." Why the Jewish tradition is a centuries-long debate aimed at "getting the answer, not being right." The revolutionary theological concept that every human we meet is a messenger from God. This conversation is a powerful celebration of reading, identity, and the spiritual journey that connects them both.   Rabbi Justin Pines' Five Books: The Catcher in the Rye The Jewish Way: Living the Jewish Holidays The Story of Joseph and His Brothers Living Emunah: Achieving a Life of Serenity Through Faith Ohr Yisrael and Other Writings

We spend most of our lives living in the past or worrying about the future. But what if the deepest spiritual connection—and the greatest psychological relief—can only be found right here, right now? In this episode of Jewish Insights with Justin Pines, Justin sits down with Rabbi Dr. Benjy Epstein, a clinical psychologist and author of Living in the Presence: A Jewish Mindfulness Guide for Everyday Life. They explore the fascinating intersection where modern cognitive therapy meets ancient Jewish wisdom. From the challenge of "Radical Presence" to the story of Reb Zusha, Dr. Epstein teaches us how to stop fighting our reality and start finding Divinity in the "here and now." They also discuss parenting with presence, navigating ADHD, and why Abraham’s hardest test wasn't what you think it was. Stick around for a powerful guided "Shiviti" meditation at the end of the episode. Learn more about Dr. Benjy here: https://www.drbenjy.com #JewishMindfulness #MentalHealth #TorahWisdom #BenjiEpstein #Presence #Psychology #Spirituality #GuidedMeditation #JewishInsights #RadicalAcceptance

How does the largest local Jewish philanthropy in the world navigate a decade defined by crisis? In this episode of Jewish Insights, Justin sits down with Eric Goldstein, the outgoing CEO of UJA-Federation of New York, for a candid and profound reflection on his 12-year tenure. From leaving a prestigious legal career to leading the Jewish community through the 2014 Gaza War, the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the aftermath of October 7th, Eric shares the lessons he’s learned about leadership, resilience, and the power of community. We discuss the rise of antisemitism—revealing how UJA’s security budget went from $0 to over $6 million in just a few years—and the incredible "surge" of Jewish engagement and philanthropy seen since October 7th. Eric also outlines his vision for the future: moving beyond just fighting enemies to investing in "robust Jews" who are educated, proud, and resilient. Whether you are concerned about the future of American Jewry or seeking inspiration from Jewish leadership, this conversation is a must-watch.

What’s holding Israel together after so much pain and division? Rabbi David Stav, founder of Tzohar, joins Justin to share how faith is helping Israelis reconnect — and how a new spirit of unity is reshaping the nation’s soul. In a time of war, loss, and rebuilding, few voices speak more powerfully about Jewish unity than Rabbi David Stav — founder and chairman of Tzohar, one of Israel’s most influential Modern Orthodox movements. In this conversation with Justin Pines, Rabbi Stav shares how Tzohar is helping Israelis of every background reconnect through weddings, Shabbat gatherings, study sessions, and its groundbreaking media channel MASHAV, which now reaches millions each month. Together, they explore questions at the heart of Israel’s spiritual recovery: -What does faith mean in a nation under fire? -How can religious and secular Jews find shared purpose again? -And what will define Israel’s Jewish identity in the years ahead? Watch this inspiring discussion about unity, leadership, and the rebirth of Israel’s spiritual resilience.

Jennifer Apple, the star of the show "Hannah Senesh," presented by the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene, joins Justin to discuss taking on this role, and the impact and legacy of Hannah Senesh. Jennifer originated the role of Anna in the Tony Award-winning "The Band’s Visit" First National Tour and received an Elliott Norton Award for Outstanding Lead Performance as Dina in the Huntington/SpeakEasy Stage production. Learn more at: https://www.jenniferapple.net You can learn more about NYTF’s Hannah Sennesh at: https://nytf.org/hannah-senesh/

Rabbi Mark Wildes, founder of the Manhattan Jewish Experience, a Jewish outreach organization in New York and Tel Aviv with over 20,000 young adult attendees each year, joins Justin to discuss how he brings people into Jewish community, and his new book, The Jewish Experience: Discovering the Soul of Jewish Thought and Practice. Together they explore God, Torah, Prayer, Compassion, Shabbat and Tikkun Olam, and why understanding the “why” of Judaism is more important than ever. To learn more about the Manhattan Jewish Experience (MJE), visit their website: https://www.jewishexperience.org

On October 13, 2025, Israel and Hamas reached a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that brought homeall twenty surviving Israeli hostages and freed nearly two thousand Palestinian prisoners. What does this deal really mean — for Israel’s security, for the region, and for the future of U.S.-Israel relations? In this exclusive conversation, Ambassador David Friedman — former U.S. Ambassador to Israel and a key architect of the Abraham Accords — joins Justin Pines to unpack the ceasefire, President Trump’s role, and the profound challenges and opportunities ahead for Israel and the Jewish people.

The relatively unknown Biblical book of Ezra–Nehemiah isn’t just ancient history. Yael Leibowitz, author of "Ezra-Nehemiah: Retrograde Revolution," explores how the return from exile, the rebuilding of Jewish life, and the struggles of identity in these biblical books speak directly to the challenges we face today.

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz joins Jewish Insights with Justin Pines to explore the lessons of Sukkot, the call to justice, and the future of Jewish life. Discover how joy, humility, and activism intersect in Jewish tradition today. Rabbi Yanklowitz is President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash, founder of Uri L’Tzedek, Shamayim, and YATOM, and the author of 30 books on Jewish ethics.

In this special Yom Kippur episode, Justin is joined Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon, Chief Rabbi of Gush Etzion, President of the World Mizrachi Movement, and one of the most transformative rabbinic visionaries of our time to discuss the value and impact of Torah, his approach to social change for Israel’s most vulnerable communities, his role in supporting IDF soldiers, and his faith-based approach to navigating tragedies like October 7. Learn more: https://www.sulamot.org/en/ https://www.sulamot.org/en/kuma/ https://www.laofek.org/en/laofek/  

In this special Rosh Hashanah episode, former White House speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz joins Justin to discuss her bold new book "As a Jew." Together they explore how antisemitism has shaped Jewish identity—and how we can break free of its grip to uncover the divine light within, reclaiming the fullness of what it means to live as a Jew today.

What does it mean to interpret Torah in today’s world? On the occasion of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’ fifth yahrzeit, Justin sits down with Dr. Erica Brown to explore the legacy of Rabbi Sacks and the launch of the Magerman Edition Koren Shalem Humash, featuring his new Torah translation and commentary. Dr. Brown — scholar, author, and Vice Provost for Values and Leadership at Yeshiva University — studied under Rabbi Sacks and leads the Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks-Herenstein Center for Values and Leadership.  Together, they discuss: Rabbi Sacks’ unique voice as an interpreter of Torah The vision behind this new Humash The enduring lessons of Rabbi Sacks for Jewish life and thought today The role of commentary and interpretation today This special live conversation took place at Congregation Ahavath Torah in Englewood, NJ, as part of the event “A Conversation on Interpretation: Rabbi Sacks’ new Torah commentary.” 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of Jewish Insights with Justin Pines exploring timeless Jewish wisdom for our lives today.  

Justin is joined by Elana Stein Hain, Rosh Beit Midrash and Senior Research Fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, in anticipation of the JBS premiere of TEXTing, her popular series that addresses issues of our day through the lens of classical Jewish texts.