Jewish Insights with Justin Pines

Mijal Bitton: Purim, Amalek and Navigating Evil Today

In this episode of Jewish Insights, Justin Pines welcomes back Dr. Mijal Bitton for a raw and sophisticated look at the "new reality" facing the Jewish community on occasions of Purim and Shabbat Zachor. Two years after their conversation following October 7thhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzQrygsFtT0], they move past the initial shock to explore what it means to build resilience when the "clarity of evil" transitions into the "ambiguity of the everyday."
Dr. Bitton uses the contrast between the explicit commands of Shabbat Zachor and the hidden, dizzying narrative of the Megillah (the Scroll of Esther) to provide a framework for our current moment. Together, they tackle the "illiberalism" of modern campuses, the mutation of antisemitic conspiracy theories across the political spectrum, and the difficult challenge of raising resilient, proud Jewish children without burdening them with constant fear.
Dr. Mijal Button is a spiritual leader, public intellectual, and sociologist. She serves as Scholar in Residence at the Maimonides Fund and Rosh Kehilla of the Downtown Minyan in New York City, and co-host of the podcast Wondering Jews https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wondering-jews-with-mijal-and-noam/id1727260478. She shares weekly reflections on Jewish life, identity, and resilience in her Substack newsletter, Committed - https://mijal.substack.com. 

Israel's Writing Revolution from the Torah to Today with Yael Ziegler

Join Justin Pines for a special episode of Jewish Insights, recorded live at the Yeshiva University Seforim Sale! Justin welcomes renowned Tanakh scholar Dr. Yael Ziegler for a deep dive into the "writing revolution" of the Torah. Dr. Ziegler explores how ancient texts like the Epic of Gilgamesh illuminate Tanakh's unique values, the power of writing to process national tragedy, and the foundational themes of exile and redemption in Exodus and Psalms. Discover the ongoing legacy of Jewish writing in Jewish life and the mission of the Matan Kitvuni program to bring women's Torah to print.
Dr. Yael Ziegler is an Associate Professor of Tanakh at Herzog College and the Director of the Matan Kitvuni Program. Her work includes books on Ruth and Lamentations (https://korenpub.com/collections/dr-yael-ziegler)
Matan Kitvuni Program https://www.matan.org.il/en/beit-midrash/kitvuni/
Koren Publishers https://korenpub.com/
Micah Philanthropies https://www.micahphilanthropies.org
The Yeshiva University Seforim Sale https://theseforimsale.com
 

How Jewish Wisdom Shaped America's DNA with Ari Lamm

Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm, Chief Executive of BZ Media (www.bz-media.org) joins Jewish Insights with Justin Pines to reveal how Jewish ideas provided the "intellectual engine" for the American experiment. From figures like Ben Franklin to Yale’s Ezra Stiles, discover how the Hebrew Bible, rabbinic wisdom and unlikely friendships helped shape the spiritual and political soul of the United States, and the role faith is playing across America today.
 
*** 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!
 

From Sinai to Silicon: Sefaria's Sara Wolkenfeld on Jewish Ethics and the Future of AI

As we approach Tu BiShvat, the New Year for Trees, we traditionally look to the roots that sustain us. But in 2026, the most intensive growth on our planet will be found in the “silicon orchards” of data centers and artificial intelligence. How do we ensure that as our world gets smarter, our lives do not become less sacred?
In this episode of Jewish Insights, host Justin Pines sits down with Rabbanit Sara Wolkenfeld, Director of Education and Chief Learning Officer at Sefaria (sefaria.org), to explore the profound intersection of Torah and technology. From the democratizing power of the digital Jewish library to ancient Talmudic cautions that feel uncannily relevant in the age of social media, the conversation examines what it means to remain rooted in the values of Sinai while building a world of code.
Join us for a thoughtful look at how Jewish ethics may offer the ultimate operating system for the future.
For more information go to www.sefaria.org (http://www.sefaria.org)

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
 
*** 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!

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