A rabbi and a journalist walk into… not a bar, not a synagogue, but a SiriusXM podcast studio. Each week, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, Senior Rabbi of Park Avenue Synagogue, and Jon Frankel, formerly of Real Sports, will banter, question, and explore the big issues of our day through the lens of Jewish tradition and lived experience. The program is designed to be fun, thoughtful, and engaging—where faith matters, and conversation runs deep.
What makes a movie Jewish? Is it the creator, the characters, the themes—or something deeper? In this episode of Common Faith, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel explore the profound influence Jews have had on Hollywood and American culture. Drawing on a recent essay by author and professor David Mikics, they examine how Jewish immigrants helped build the movie industry, why explicit Jewish stories were often absent from early Hollywood films, and how generations of filmmakers shaped America’s cultural imagination. Together, they discuss iconic figures such as Louis B. Mayer, Samuel Goldwyn, Steven Spielberg, Stanley Kubrick, and Ben Hecht, while wrestling with larger questions about identity, representation, and artistic responsibility. They also consider the changing cultural climate after October 7, the challenges facing Jewish artists today, and whether Hollywood’s golden age has given way to an algorithm-driven entertainment landscape. From The Jazz Singer and Casablanca to superhero movies and streaming platforms, this conversation explores how Jewish history, creativity, and values continue to shape the stories we tell—and the stories we choose not to tell. David Mikics: https://www.tabletmag.com/contributors/david-mikics Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
When Daniela Gerson and Talia Inlander met at a Los Angeles picnic, neither expected to uncover a remarkable connection: their families came from the same Polish town and survived World War II through a little-known path eastward into the Soviet Union. That discovery became the foundation for The Wanderers: A Story of Exile, Survival, and Unexpected Love in the Shadow of World War II . In this episode of Common Faith , Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel explore a lesser-known chapter of Holocaust history—the story of the hundreds of thousands of Polish Jews who survived not through concentration camps or hiding, but through deportation, forced labor, and refuge in the Soviet Union. Daniela and Talia share their families' journeys, the challenges of uncovering buried histories, and the surprising ways their personal and professional lives have been shaped by stories of migration, displacement, and resilience. The conversation also examines how families remember trauma differently, what future generations should inherit from Holocaust memory, and why understanding complex histories may be more important than ever in a world still grappling with refugees, war, and identity. Daniela Gerson: https://danielagerson.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dhgerson/ Talia Inlander: https://zolberginstitute.org/person/talia-inlander/ Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Technology is reshaping every aspect of modern life, from how we study and worship to how we connect with one another. But as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly powerful, important questions emerge: Can technology deepen Jewish life? What happens when machines begin to replace human connection? And how do we combat the growing spread of hate online? In the first half of the episode, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel speak with Rabbi Mordechai Lightstone, Director of Social Media at Chabad.org and founder of Tech Tribe. Rabbi Lightstone shares how Jewish tradition embraces innovation while insisting that technology remain a tool in service of humanity. He discusses AI, digital community, the value of Shabbat as a break from constant connectivity, and why preserving authentic human relationships matters more than ever. In the second half, Daniel Kelley, Senior Director of the ADL’s Center for Technology and Society, examines the darker side of the digital revolution. He explains how antisemitism spreads online, how AI can amplify harmful content, and what technology companies can do to create safer digital spaces. Together, the guests offer a thoughtful look at the opportunities and challenges of living Jewishly in a rapidly evolving technological world. Rabbi Mordechai Lightstone: https://www.mytechtribe.org/ https://x.com/mottel Daniel Kelley: https://www.adl.org/research-centers/center-technology-society Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
For nearly a century, the Maccabi Games have brought Jewish athletes from around the world together to compete, connect, and celebrate their shared heritage. Often called the "Jewish Olympics," the Games are about far more than winning medals—they're about building community, strengthening Jewish identity, and creating lasting bonds with Israel. This week on Common Faith , Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel welcome Maccabi USA CEO Marshall Einhorn and Dr. Danny Cosgrove, a physician, longtime Maccabi athlete, coach, and Elliot's older brother. Together, they explore the history and mission of the Maccabi movement, the unique experience of competing in Israel, and the role sports can play in bridging cultural divides. The conversation also touches on family rivalry, the evolution of Jewish athletics, the growing popularity of sports like pickleball, and the profound impact the Games have had on participants—many of whom discover a deeper connection to Judaism and Israel through the experience. Whether you're an athlete, a sports fan, or simply interested in the many ways Jewish identity is expressed in the modern world, this episode offers an inspiring look at how competition can create community and strengthen peoplehood. Maccabi USA: https://maccabiusa.com/ Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
America's 250th birthday offers a chance to reflect on the ideals that shaped the nation—and the role Jews have played in its story from the very beginning. In this special Independence Day episode, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel discuss the significance of America's founding for Jewish communities seeking freedom, equality, and opportunity. From Jonas Phillips and the Declaration of Independence to family immigration stories and the enduring promise of religious liberty, they explore why America's founding remains deeply meaningful for American Jews today. Then, Dan Tadmor, President and CEO of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, joins the conversation to share the fascinating story behind the museum's new exhibition, The First Salute . He reveals how Jewish merchants on the Caribbean island of St. Eustatius helped supply the American Revolution, the little-known Jewish contributions to the Patriot cause, and how the Weitzman Museum is reimagining the American Jewish narrative for a new generation. As America celebrates 250 years, this conversation examines the intersection of faith, freedom, immigration, and identity—and asks what lessons the nation's founding still offers today. The Weitzman Museum: https://theweitzman.org/ Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What do we owe ourselves when it comes to preventative healthcare? And how much do we really want to know about our future health risks? This week on Common Faith , Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel welcome Dr. Elisa Port , Chief of Breast Surgery for the Mount Sinai Health System and author of The Breast Advice: All You Need to Know About Breast Health, Screening, and Treatment . The conversation begins with a candid discussion about why breast health is often treated as a women's issue when it impacts entire families and communities. Rabbi Cosgrove and Jon Frankel explore the anxieties surrounding screening, prevention, and genetic testing—and the Jewish value of choosing life through proactive care. Dr. Port explains how advances in breast cancer treatment and diagnostics have dramatically improved outcomes, while also addressing common misconceptions about mammograms, genetic testing, and hereditary cancer risk. She shares why knowledge can be empowering, especially for Ashkenazi Jews, who have a significantly higher likelihood of carrying BRCA gene mutations. Along the way, the discussion tackles difficult questions about fear, uncertainty, medical decision-making, and the balance between personal experience and professional expertise. Through stories from patients and lessons learned over decades of practice, Dr. Port offers practical wisdom for anyone navigating breast health concerns, supporting a loved one through treatment, or considering genetic testing. This is an essential conversation about health, responsibility, and the life-saving power of information. Dr. Elisa Port: https://profiles.mountsinai.org/elisa-r-port The Breast Advice: https://www.amazon.com/Breast-Advice-Health-Screening-Treatment/dp/0063492547 Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What can a bowl of chicken soup, a family challah recipe, or a plate of brisket tell us about who we are? This week on Common Faith , Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel explore the rich world of Jewish food with two extraordinary guests. First, Jewish Food Society founder Naama Shefi discusses The Great Nosh , a festival celebrating Jewish culture through food, storytelling, and community. Then acclaimed cookbook author and food journalist Joan Nathan reflects on a lifetime spent documenting the recipes, memories, and traditions that connect generations of Jews around the world. Together, they explore how food preserves identity, carries family history, and brings people together in ways few other traditions can. Whether it's a grandmother's handwritten recipe, a Shabbat dinner table, or a bustling food festival, this conversation reminds us that some of life's deepest connections begin with sharing a meal. Naama Shefi: https://www.jewishfoodsociety.org/ https://thegreatnosh.com/ Joan Nathan : http://joannathan.com/ Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Why is soccer the world's game—but still not America's? As North America prepares to host the largest World Cup in history, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel tackle a question that goes far beyond sports. Joined by acclaimed writer Franklin Foer and scholar Andrei Markovits, they explore why soccer became a global language of identity, nationalism, and belonging while America developed its own sporting culture. The conversation moves from packed stadiums in Europe and South America to suburban soccer fields across the United States, asking whether America's relationship with soccer is finally changing. Along the way, the guests examine globalization, immigration, fandom, and the ways sports become proxies for deeper cultural and political questions. The discussion also turns to Jewish identity, from Hank Greenberg and Sandy Koufax to the challenges facing Jews in contemporary public life. What role do athletes play in shaping communal belonging? And what can the World Cup teach us about the tension between universal connection and particular identity? Franklin Foer: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/franklin-foer/ Andrei Markovits : https://www.andreimarkovits.com/ Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Why do some stories stay with us forever? This week on Common Faith, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel sit down with bestselling author and legendary New Yorker writer Susan Orlean to explore the art of storytelling and the human impulse to search for meaning in ordinary moments. From milkmen and librarians to taxidermists and grave diggers, Orlean has built a career uncovering the hidden worlds that exist all around us. Drawing from her memoir Joyride, Orlean reflects on journalism, curiosity, memory, and the way stories shape identity. The conversation moves between literature and lived experience, examining why certain narratives resonate so deeply and what it means to truly notice the people and places we often overlook. Along the way, the discussion turns personal: Orlean reflects on growing up Jewish in suburban Ohio, the influence of her parents, and the Jewish values that shaped her understanding of humanity, empathy, and storytelling itself. The result is a warm, thoughtful conversation about attention, connection, and the richness contained inside seemingly ordinary lives. Susan Orlean: https://www.susanorlean.com/author/ Joyride: A Memoir https://www.amazon.com/Joyride-Memoir-Susan-Orlean/dp/1982135166 Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
It’s easy to criticize—but much harder to build. In this episode of Common Faith , Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel begin with a challenge: what if the real problem in Jewish life today isn’t disagreement—but a culture of critique without responsibility? From “kvetching” to self-reflection, they explore what Judaism actually demands when we call out what’s broken. Then, Rabbi Menachem Bombach joins the conversation—a Haredi educator and social entrepreneur working at the center of one of Israel’s most urgent and complex challenges: integrating the ultra-Orthodox community into broader Israeli society without compromising religious identity. Through his groundbreaking Netzach educational network, Bombach is building a new model—one that combines Torah study with secular education, opening pathways to higher education, careers, and national participation. This episode dives into the tensions shaping Israel today: religion and state, identity and economics, tradition and modernity—and asks whether a more integrated future is possible. Rabbi Menachem Bombach: https://netzach.org.il/en/leadership-executive/ The Netzach Education Network https://netzach.org.il/en/home/ Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What does it mean to receive the Torah in the modern world? This week on Common Faith, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel explore the meaning of Shavuot—the holiday commemorating the giving of the Torah—and ask what Jewish education should look like in an age shaped by distraction, polarization, and personal choice. Rabbi Cosgrove reflects on the Torah as a “love letter” between God and the Jewish people: something inherited, wrestled with, and reinterpreted by every generation. They are joined by David Bryfman, CEO of The Jewish Education Project and one of today’s leading voices in Jewish education. Drawing from his new book, Heroism and Hope: Recharging Israel Education in a Post-October 7th World, Bryfman challenges longstanding assumptions about Hebrew school, Israel education, and how Jewish identity is formed today. The conversation tackles everything from Jewish joy and experiential learning to campus antisemitism, social media, and the impact of October 7th on young Jews. Together, they explore whether Jewish education can move beyond fear and obligation toward something more enduring: curiosity, confidence, meaning, and belonging. David Bryfman: https://www.jewishedproject.org/ His Book: https://www.amazon.com/Heroism-Hope-Recharging-Education-Post-October/dp/B0GZBH6QLL Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In a world where borders divide and conflict dominates headlines, what if the most powerful path to peace isn’t political—but environmental? This week on Common Faith , Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel are joined by Gidon Bromberg, co-founder of EcoPeace Middle East, an organization bringing together Israeli, Jordanian, and Palestinian leaders around a shared reality: the environment knows no borders. From water scarcity and climate change to renewable energy and economic interdependence, Bromberg makes the case that cooperation isn’t idealism—it’s survival. In a region where access to water can define daily life, and where the Jordan River itself reflects decades of neglect, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The conversation moves between the personal and the geopolitical—beginning with reflections on global Jewish identity and perspective, and expanding into a bold reimagining of peace built not through diplomacy alone, but through shared necessity. At a time when fear and division dominate, this episode offers a counter-narrative: that even in conflict, there are opportunities to build something lasting—together. EcoPeace Middle East https://ecopeaceme.org Gidon Bromberg: https://ecopeaceme.org/about/ https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/environmental-peacebuilding-31years-strong/ Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This week on Common Faith , Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel sit down with Benjamin Anthony to unpack the complexities of the current Middle East conflict and its ripple effects far beyond the region. Drawing on his experience as an IDF combat veteran and policy leader, Anthony reflects on the evolving nature of modern warfare—not only in physical terms, but in the battle for public opinion taking place across campuses, media platforms, and political institutions. In the first half of the conversation, Anthony traces the rise of polarization and antisemitism in global discourse, arguing that the struggle over Israel’s legitimacy has been building for decades. In the second half, the focus shifts to the strategic and human realities on the ground—from Hezbollah and Iran to the fragile coordination between the U.S. and Israel. Together, the episode explores a central tension: what it means to fight for security and survival in a world where narratives can be as consequential as weapons. The MirYam Institute: https://www.miryaminstitute.org/ Benjamin Anthony: https://www.miryaminstitute.org/benjamin Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of Common Faith , Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel are joined by director David Frankel and actor-writer B.J. Novak for a conversation about storytelling, success, and what changes—and what doesn’t—over time. With The Devil Wears Prada returning nearly two decades later in The Devil Wears Prada 2 , Frankel reflects on why he long resisted making a sequel and what ultimately made this story worth revisiting. The discussion touches on how the media and workplace landscapes have evolved, and how those shifts shape the characters in the new film. Novak shares insights from his own path as a writer and performer, including how Jewish humor and storytelling traditions have influenced his work, from The Office to his current projects. As the conversation unfolds, it moves beyond film to consider questions about ambition, leadership, and the tradeoffs that often come with success. In a particularly thoughtful moment, Novak reframes the idea of idolatry in modern terms—asking what we place at the center of our lives, and why. B.J. Novak: https://www.instagram.com/bjnovak/ David Frankel: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0291205/ Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This week on Common Faith , hosts Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel begin with a candid and personal conversation about the nature of Jewish inquiry. Why is Judaism rooted in questioning, yet sermons remain one-directional? What does it mean for a rabbi to share not just ideas, but vulnerability? And where do spiritual leaders turn when they themselves are searching for answers? In the second segment, they are joined by renowned AI pioneer and public intellectual Dr. Judea Pearl. Drawing from his new book Coexistence and Other Fighting Words , Pearl offers a bold framework for understanding modern antisemitism, the rise of anti-Zionism, and the challenges of coexistence in today’s world. From the philosophy of “Jewish normalcy” to the dangers of misinformation in the age of artificial intelligence, this conversation pushes beyond easy answers. Pearl challenges listeners to think more rigorously, speak more assertively, and confront difficult truths with clarity and conviction. Dr. Judea Pearl: https://bayes.cs.ucla.edu/jp_home.html The book: Coexistence and Other Fighting Words: https://www.amazon.com/Coexistence-Other-Fighting-Words-2002-2025/dp/1895131731 Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What does it mean for a nation to move from mourning to celebration—while still struggling within itself? In this powerful episode of Common Faith , Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel begin with one of the most emotionally charged passages in the Jewish calendar: the transition from Yom HaZikaron to Yom HaAtzmaut. In Israel, these days unfold back-to-back—shifting from collective grief and remembrance to the celebration of statehood and independence. They are contiguous not only on the calendar, but in the heart of Israeli identity. And yet, as this episode makes clear, unity cannot be taken for granted. Recorded during a moment of war—when sirens interrupt daily life and Israelis are forced into shelters—this conversation turns inward, asking a more difficult question: What happens when the deepest divisions are not external, but internal? Featuring Dr. Alick Isaacs, Rabba Tamar Elad-Appelbaum, and Keren Sokoloff of Siach Shalom, the episode introduces a bold and deeply human approach to conflict. Rather than trying to resolve disagreements, their work focuses on healing relationships—bringing together Israelis from across ideological, religious, and cultural divides, including some of the most painful fault lines in society today. Through remarkable stories—like conversations between ultra-Orthodox women and military families during wartime—listeners witness what becomes possible when people choose not to persuade, but to listen. Not to win, but to understand. At a time when polarization defines so much of public life—not just in Israel, but around the world—this episode offers a profound insight: that true peace is not the absence of disagreement, but the ability to hold difference without losing one another. In the space between memory and independence, between sirens and silence, the question remains: Can a divided people still become whole? Siach Shalom: https://talkingpeace.org.il/ Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What does it mean to remember the Holocaust—especially as we approach a world without survivors to tell the story? In this powerful episode of Common Faith , Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel explore the meaning of Yom HaShoah and the evolving nature of Holocaust remembrance. From the origins of the day itself to the role of ritual, storytelling, and memory, the conversation asks urgent questions: How do we preserve history? Who gets to tell the story? And what happens when memory becomes something we inherit rather than witness? The discussion then turns to The Last Twins , a deeply moving documentary that uncovers a remarkable and previously untold story from Auschwitz. Featuring filmmakers Perri Peltz and Matthew O’Neill, along with Judith Richter, daughter of Holocaust survivor Erno "Zvi" Spiegel, the episode brings listeners into a story not just of survival—but of moral courage. At the heart of the film is a profound question: What does it mean to choose humanity in a system designed to strip it away? As the last generation of survivors fades, this episode challenges us to carry forward not only the memory of the Holocaust, but the values it demands of us today. The Last Twins: https://thelasttwinsfilm.com https://www.pbs.org The Last Twins will become available to stream on Monday, April 13 on pbs.org and the PBS App, with a broadcast premiere on Monday, June 15 at 10/9c. Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What does it mean to be Jewish in a world filled with suffering—especially when that suffering extends far beyond our own community? In this Passover episode of Common Faith , Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel explore one of Judaism’s most enduring tensions: the balance between particularism and universalism. As the Passover story reminds us, we are commanded to remember our own liberation—but also to empathize with the stranger, the vulnerable, and the oppressed. This conversation comes to life through a powerful interview with David Weisberg, Executive Director of World Jewish Relief USA, and Maurice Helfgott, Chair of Trustees of World Jewish Relief . Together, they share how an organization rooted in Jewish history and values now serves both Jews and non-Jews across the globe—from war-torn Ukraine to refugee communities worldwide. Their work raises urgent questions: Where should our attention—and our resources—go? How do we prioritize in a world of endless need? And can we truly care for others without first caring for our own? At a time when the Jewish world itself is in pain, this episode challenges listeners to consider whether compassion is a limited resource—or a defining feature of Jewish identity. With moving personal stories, moral clarity, and a deep sense of purpose, this conversation invites us to rethink what it means to live out our values in real time. World Jewish Relief, USA: https://usa.worldjewishrelief.org/ David Weisberg and Maurice Helfgott: https://www.worldjewishrelief.org/who-we-are/our-people/ Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In October 2018, the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh became the site of the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history. But the story of Pittsburgh’s Jewish community is not defined by tragedy alone. In this episode of Common Faith , Rabbi Elliott Cosgrove and Jon Frankel explore the past, present, and future of Jewish life in Pittsburgh. First, they’re joined by historian Dr. Barbara Burstin , a leading authority on Pittsburgh Jewry, who reflects on the city’s unique Jewish community—its deep sense of unity, its history, and the profound shock that reverberated through the neighborhood of Squirrel Hill on that devastating day. Then the conversation turns to the future with Carole Zawatsky , CEO of the Tree of Life organization, who is leading the effort to transform the site of the attack into a national memorial, museum, and education center. She shares how the new Tree of Life will honor the eleven victims, confront the history of antisemitism in America, and create a space for learning, remembrance, and Jewish life. Together, the conversations ask urgent questions: How should communities remember tragedy? How do we teach the next generation about hatred and resilience? And how can places marked by loss become sources of education, healing, and hope? Dr. Barbara Burstin: https://history.pitt.edu/people/barbara-s-burstin Carole Zawatsky: https://www.thetreeoflife.org/chief-executive-officer Tree of Life: https://www.thetreeoflife.org/ Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This week on Common Faith , Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Emmy Award-winning journalist Jon Frankel welcome Naomi Firestone-Teeter , CEO of the Jewish Book Council , to reflect on the power of Jewish literature and the work of nurturing Jewish voices in an ever-changing world. Naomi brings a deep commitment to Jewish storytelling. Since joining the Jewish Book Council in 2006 — eventually becoming its executive director and now CEO — she has helped build out the organization’s digital presence, launched national initiatives like Unpacking the Book: Jewish Writers in Conversation and the Visiting Scribe series , and nurtured a network connecting authors to Jewish organizations across North America. In this episode, the conversation moves between practical and philosophical: Why does Jewish culture place such importance on books? How can literature open doors into Jewish identity for readers of every background? What are the opportunities and challenges of sustaining Jewish storytelling in the 21st century? And what does it mean to read Jewishly — both within and beyond traditional religious frameworks? Along the way, we explore how the Jewish Book Council supports authors, festivals, book clubs, and readers; how literary culture builds bridges across Jewish communities; and why the act of reading together remains one of the most fundamental ways Jews connect to our past and imagine our future. Naomi Firestone-Teeter: https://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/naomi-firestone-teeter Jewish Book Council: https://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/ https://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/pb-daily/75th-national-jewish-book-award-winners Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
