Jewish Philanthropy Podcast

Topic: Columbia University & Antisemitism   Guest: David Schizer   Bio:    David M. Schizer served as a dean of the Law School from 2004 to 2014 and is one of the nation’s leading tax scholars. His research also focuses on nonprofits, energy law, and corporate governance.He is the author of How to Save the World in Six (Not So Easy) Steps: Bringing Out the Best in Nonprofits. He is a founder and co-director of the Richard Paul Richman Center for Business, Law, and Public Policy, a founder and co-chair of the Center for Israeli Legal Studies, and a founder and co-chair of the Charles Evans Gerber Transactional Studies Center.  At 35, Schizer was the youngest dean in the Law School’s history and the longest serving dean since 1971. During his tenure as dean, Schizer recruited 43 new faculty members, doubled the school’s annual fundraising, led a $353 million capital campaign, helped the Law School navigate the financial crisis, oversaw the construction of Jerome Greene Hall’s ninth floor, signif

Topic: Senator Joseph Lieberman OBM   Guest: Rabbi Daniel Cohen   Bio:    Rabbi Cohen has served in the rabbinate for over thirty years and currently serves as senior Rabbi at Congregation Agudath Sholom in Stamford, CT, the largest modern orthodox synagogue in New England. Rabbi Cohen is author of What Will They Say About You When You Are Gone? Creating a Life of Legacy, and the newly released book The Secret of the Light, published by Union Square Publishing. He is in the midst of writing another book with former NBA All Star and Olympic Gold medalist Allan Houston. Engaging in hundreds of end of life conversations and delivering thousands of eulogies provide him with a unique perspective on the essence of a meaningful life, Rabbi Cohen speaks nationally on leading a life of legacy. He is co-host with Reverend Greg Doll of the nationally syndicated Radio Show, The Rabbi and the Reverend. He enjoys doing magic shows, playing sports, writing, searching for God, and living life with joy and ever-pr

Topic: Sports & Philanthropy   Guest: Saul Garlick   Bio:    Saul Garlick’s career has been dedicated to how technology and human connection can intersect to drive engagement and progress in live experiences and education. His interest in merging digital solutions with the power of personal interactions has not only redefined educational models but has also elevated fan experiences at major sports events. As Co-founder & CEO at Fabric, Saul has built Fabric into a fast-emerging leader in the mixed-reality space for live events. Fabric's platform allows teams, leagues, venues, and events to publish and deliver gamified mixed-reality experiences instantly at live events while collecting real-time data and analytics from fans. Fabric’s customers can easily launch loyalty and rewards programs, payment integrations, social interactions, and much more at any time and any place. Fabric is currently working with NBA, MLB, and NHL among others. Fabric underscores the potential of harnessing techno

Topic: Comedy & Philanthropy   Guest: Modi Rosenfeld   Bio:    Voted one of the top 10 comedians in New York City by The Hollywood Reporter, Modi is one of the comedy circuit’s most sought after performers. Featured on HBO, CBS, NBC, ABC, Comedy Central, Howard Stern, and E! Entertainment, Modi has received rave reviews in The New York Times, Time Out NY and The New York Post. Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Modi emigrated with his family to the United States at the age of seven and was raised on Long Island. After graduating from Boston University, he worked as an investment banker until his first open-mic night made him realize that stand-up was his true calling. Equipped with a sharp wit and a knack for reading an audience, Modi has gone on to become a successful fixture in New York's vibrant comedy scene, often doing bits that incorporate his heritage, and he is a hit with diverse Jewish audiences as well as fans of all backgrounds and beliefs. Now a regular performer at the New York and Los

Topic: Philanthropy in Challenging Times   Guest: Michael Bloch   Bio:    Michael Bloch was a senior partner at McKinsey & Company for 23 years where he worked with senior executives and boards of large corporations in more than 10 countries to accelerate their growth, leverage technology for competitive advantage, and transform their support functions.   In parallel, Michael has worked for over a decade with non-profit organizations, helping them define their strategy and implement growth initiatives. Over the years Michael worked on the employment of weaker populations, a new museum, immigration for highly skilled olim, food rescue, woman entrepreneurship, the integration of Haredim into high-tech, the scale-up of educational programs, etc.   Prior to McKinsey, Michael was a researcher at the University of California (Berkeley) and at New York University. Before that, he worked for Unicible (a Swiss outsourcer for the banking industry) where he managed business process redesign and software

Topic: The JPP 2023 Year in Review   Rabbi Cohen highlights the top episodes of this past season.   Looking forward to 2024 on the JPP!  

Topic: A Concierge Rabbi   Guest: Rabbi Yehuda Albin   Bio:   Yehuda's story is genuinely remarkable.  He grew up as a Reform Jew in Scarsdale, NY, his father was a successful entrepreneur that ran a secular Jewish camp called Ken-Mont and Ken-Wood.  He became religious in Jerusalem, after graduating Bowdoin College with the highest honors.  Then he studied the Torah and the Talmud for nearly a decade in Jerusalem, before returning to the states, and moving to Chicago. In Chicago he established a Torah teaching and counseling practice, focused on successful business people and professionals. He has been doing this for 30 years wearing two different hats in the process.     Yehuda's experience, education, and wisdom, melding the best of two worlds, provide a unique perspective helping people manage business, family and every type of unique  problem.  His unique, spiritually based, approach to life is a fresh alternative to more traditional counselling and coaching.     To get a feel for Yehuda's en

Topic: Israel at War #4: The Capitalist Kibbutz   Guest: Oded Hermoni   Bio:   General Partner & Co-Founder; J-Ventures, J-Angels In the past 15 years Oded has invested in many industries as a partner in Rhodium VC, J-Ventures and J-Angel. Most of the investments were in Silicon Valley NYC and Israel. Oded has been an Entrepreneur, Investor and experienced High Tech Executive and over 40 companies in Silicon Valley and Tel Aviv as a board member, observer, founder, consultant, and manager. Investments include Face.com (FB) Outbrain, Hopstop ( Apple), Hexatier ( Huawei), Storedot, Compass ( Sage), Cabin, AFresh, Yieldmo, Yotpo, Zooz ( PayU), IMGN, MDGO, Phylagen, Macheye, Swiftmile, Home365, Physera. Oded Hermoni is a leader in connecting the American Jewish community and the many Israelis working in Silicon Valley. Jerusalem-born Oded began his career as a journalist covering the country’s flourishing technology sector. He soon took an active role in the technology sector himself by found

Topic: Israel at War #3: Raising Funds for the State of Israel   Guest: Howard L. Goldstein   Bio:   Howard is the Chair of the National & International Boards of Israel Bonds. He is senior partner at Citrin Cooperman, one of the nation's largest professional services firms. With more than 50 years of experience as a certified public accountant, Howard has broad knowledge in all tax strategies and planning for corporations, partnerships, individuals and start-up companies. Howard is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, New Jersey Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and State of New Jersey Board of Certified Public Accountants.   In this episode we discuss the importance of Israel bonds at this critical juncture as well as the $1 billion plus raised for Israel since October 7th.

Topic: Israel at War #2: The Battle for our College Campuses   Guest: Daniel Lowy   Bio:   Daniel is a seasoned financial expert with a track record for identifying underperforming businesses and executing successful business turnarounds. He received his MBA in Finance & Entrepreneurial Management from The Wharton School and his Bachelor’s in Economics & Finance and Master’s in Commerce from the University of New South Wales. Daniel has a broad range of executive and investment experience in the U.S. and international marketplace, with a particular focus on healthcare. He serves on the board of the Orthodox Union (OU) & CUNY graduate school of public health.   In this episode we discuss Daniel's letter to the President of U of Penn withdrawing his support due to blatant failures of the university to condemn antisemitism & failure to condemn the Hamas atrocities of 10/7.  This was in tandem with other noted philanthropists withdrawing support from the Ivy league.

Topic: Israel at War: How Can We Help?   Guest: Michal (Miki) Leon   Bio:   Miki is the CEO & Director of her family foundation in Israel.   In 'regular times' the foundation focuses on fortifying home-room teachers in Israel to ensure the education of the next generation of Israelis and to ensure nobody is forgotten.   In this episode we have a raw heart to heart conversation about recent events in Israel including using philanthropy as a tool to help on the front-lines and in the emergency crisis we find ourselves in.   Learn More at this link: https://lionff.com/

Topic: Technology & Philanthropy   Guest: Adam Nash   Bio:   Adam is the co-founder and CEO of Daffy.org, a not-for-profit community built around a new, modern platform for giving. He is a seasoned executive, investor, and advisor with a long career at companies like Apple, eBay, LinkedIn, Dropbox, and Wealthfront, where he was CEO. He is also an adjunct lecturer at Stanford, where he teaches “Personal Finance for Engineers”. In this episode we discuss:   1) Contradictions-Humility & Hubris 2) Impact of AI 3) Developing a Career: How to Grow 4) Tracking Charitable Giving 5) Helping to become the Ideal Philanthropic Version of Yourself  6) Coaching Personal Finance and so much more!

Topic: Family Offices & Societal Change    Guest: Daniel Goldman   Bio:   Daniel is the founder and Managing Partner at Goldrock Capital. Born in London, Daniel emigrated to Israel in 1992. He now lives in Beit Shemesh, where he was very involved in building and shaping the city. Daniel is active in many organizations that promote understanding and tolerance among all sectors of society. He lives with his wife and five children.   In this episode we discuss:   1) Growing up in New Castle 2) A thirty-year story of Rags to Riches 3) Helping High-Net Worth Families 4) Diverse Sources of Inspiration 5) Changing the sociological landscape in Israel 6) Difference between Tzedaka (Charity & Philanthropy) and so much more!Topic

Topic: Breaking Barriers While Helping Others   Guest: Michelle Greenberg-Kobrin   Bio:   Michelle Greenberg-Kobrin is a Clinical Professor of Law at Cardozo Law School and the Founding Director of the Program on Leadership at the Heyman Center for Corporate Governance.  Professor Greenberg-Kobrin is a Lecturer-in-Law at Columbia Law School, where she served as Dean of Students for eleven years. She also holds an appointment at Columbia University's Teachers College in the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership.  She teaches in the areas of transactional law, leadership, conflict resolution and negotiation, intellectual property law and educational governance.  She served as the Title IX Coordinator at Columbia Law School where she authored sexual harassment policies and oversaw the sexual respect initiative, training hundreds of students each year. Professor Greenberg-Kobrin also facilitates the Arev Fund, a grantmaking organization whose mission is to use and promote impactful fe

Topic: Overcoming Obstacles   Guest: Tamir Goodman   Bio:   Zone190 inventor Tamir Goodman, dubbed “The Jewish Jordan” by Sports Illustrated in 1999, is a former professional basketball player who has become a successful entrepreneur, coach, educator, and motivational speaker. During high school, Goodman was ranked among the top 25 recruits in the country, and he garnered attention after averaging 35.4 points per game his junior year, all while remaining faithful to his Orthodox Jewish upbringing. He achieved additional notoriety after being named MVP of the prestigious “Capital Classic All-Star Game,” an award won by players like Shaquille O’Neal and Lebron James. Tamir went on to make history as the first Jewish basketball player to play D-I college and professional basketball, while faithfully wearing a yarmulke on the court and without playing on the Jewish Sabbath. In 2002, Goodman fulfilled his dream of moving to Israel, signing a three-year contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv and serving in the

Topic: Becoming Elite   Guest: Mike Dube   Bio:   Mike Dube, co-founder and President of Elite Method, has an incredible passion for working with kids and teaching them the skills needed to be successful in life. He stresses character building as much as strength and skill building. Mike is also co-founder of DubeZone, where he served as the inspiration and master trainer to a large coaching staff. Mike is considered an expert coach for his unique ability to connect with and transform every child with whom he works. His energy and enthusiasm is infectious, and he spreads his positive message through volunteerism, motivational speaking, and the charity he co-founded, Sharing Seats, which has given away thousands of event and sporting tickets to children in need. "Coach Mike," as he is affectionately called, is an inspiration to many and is very much looking forward to continuing his passion in helping kids through the development of Elite Method.     In this episode we discuss:   1) Child of Divor

Topic: From Yeshiva to an IPO   Guest: Menashe Kestenbaum   Bio:   Menashe is an entrepreneur and industry disruptor based out of Toronto.   He started off his career in the gaming industry leading Enthusiast Gaming from a basement startup in 2015 to an all-time high valuation of $1.4B in 2021.    He's currently focused on disrupting the mental health industry with his new start-up entitled Glimmer.   In this episode we discuss:   1) A Yeshiva Life/Critical Values 2) Not Having Money 3) A Public Persona 4) The Role of Wealth & Financial Resources 5) Charity & Standards of Living 6) The Mental Health Space and so much more!  

Topic: Hatzolah Air   Guest: Dr. Avishai Neuman   Bio:   Dr. Neuman is the Medical Director of Hatzolah Air as well as the Director of Centurion Anesthesia. He is a graduate of the Sackler School of Medicine in Israel.  He lives in North Woodmere, NY & is an active Hatzolah member & community leader.   See this link to learn more about Hatzolah Air   https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/369487     In this episode we discuss:   1)  A Life of Chesed 2) The passion for saving lives 3) Doubling Down on our Talents 4) Always wanting to be the Giver in any situation 5) The need for & impact of Hatzolah Air 6) Travel Habits of the Jewish community and so much more!  

Topic: Rocket Man   Guest: Ari Sacher   Bio: Ari Sacher is a Rocket Scientist, and has worked in the design and development of missiles for over twenty five years. He has briefed hundreds of US Congressmen on Israeli Missile Defense, including three briefings on Capitol Hill at the invitation of the House Majority Leader and the Israeli Ambassador.  Ari is a highly requested speaker, enabling even the layman to understand “rocket science”. Ari has appeared on CNN, Fox News, i24news, and the Discovery Channel. Ari has also been a scholar in residence in numerous synagogues and schools in the USA, Canada, UK, South Africa and Australia. He is a riveting speaker, using his experience in the defense industry to explain Judaism to the young and old alike in a way that is simultaneously enlightening and entertaining. Ari came on aliya from the USA in 1982. He lives in Moreshet in the Western Galilee along with his wife, eight children, and ten grandchildren. He currently works in the Land and Naval War

Topic: It's Still Rock n Roll to Me!   Guest: David Fishof   Bio:   Whether he’s producing a tour, assembling an All-Starr band with Ringo Starr, or writing a best-selling book, there’s one thing David Fishof is always doing: dreaming. Hailed as one of the most creative and innovative entertainment producers in the world, Fishof has been responsible for some of the most original, successful, and exciting live shows ever brought to the stage. But of all the shows he’s put on over his 40-plus year career, there’s one production that stands out from all the rest: Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp. After years of good fortune working with veteran rockers like Roger Daltrey, Ringo Starr, The Monkees, Levon Helm, Joe Walsh, the late Jack Bruce and so many more superstars, Fishof decided it was time to share his experiences with rock fans around the world. And so, in 1997, he debuted the rock camp—a place where regular people can reconnect with their passion for music alongside the most famous names in the business. A qua