Jewish Insights with Justin Pines

The Real History of Chanukah with Malka Simkovich - Part 2: Angels & Demons

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.

The Real History of Chanukah with Malka Simkovich - Part 1: The Diaspora Crisis

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

How Jewish Immigrants Created the American Childhood with Michael Kimmel

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 

Justin Pines on Searching for Truth with Tali Rosenblatt Cohen

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

Rabbi Dr. Benjy Epstein | Mindfulness, Judaism, & The Art of Being Present

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

Leading Through Fire: Eric Goldstein on 12 Years of Crisis, Antisemitism, and the Surge in Jewish Pride

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.

David Stav: Uniting Israelis Through Faith

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 on the Lion Heart of Hannah Senesh

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/

The Structure and Soul of Judaism with Mark Wildes

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

Ambassador David Friedman: Trump, Israel, the Return of the Hostages

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.