Jewish Insights with Justin Pines

The David Movie: Phil Cunningham's 30-Year Journey After God's Heart

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
 
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Can Your Words Change Your Reality? Rabbi Dov Singer on the Power of Soulful Communication

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/

Raising Thinkers: How to Share Deep Values with the Next Generation (feat. Effy Unterman)

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/

From Battlefield to Bible: A Commander’s Lessons on Character (feat. Binny Freedman)

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

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.