Behind the Bima

In this episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg sits down with former hostage Eli Sharabi for a deeply moving conversation about October 7th, captivity in Gaza, survival, loss, and the long road back. Sharabi speaks with remarkable clarity about what it meant to endure the unimaginable, what helped him survive, and how he has chosen to live after returning to a world forever changed. He reflects on fear, faith, grief, and the inner strength that remained even when everything else was stripped away. As Pesach approaches, this conversation carries an added weight. Not because it is a retelling of ancient slavery and freedom, but because it forces us to confront those ideas in real time, through one man’s testimony of darkness, endurance, and the meaning of being free. The conversation also explores: • Eli Sharabi’s firsthand account of October 7th and being taken hostage • What daily life in captivity looked like • The psychological and emotional toll of surviving underground • The role of faith, family, and inner discipline in staying alive • How he thought about hope, dignity, and identity under impossible conditions • What he wants the world to understand about Hamas, Gaza, and what he witnessed • Grief, healing, and rebuilding life after returning home • Why freedom feels different after it has been taken away This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin. A powerful conversation about captivity, resilience, and what remains when everything else is taken.

How does a Chassidic Jew end up shaping global economic policy... and speaking fluent Chinese along the way? In this episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg sits down with Mitchell Silk, former Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Treasury, for a conversation about global finance, China, and the unlikely path that brought him from Torah life into the highest levels of government. Fluent in Chinese and deeply immersed in Asia’s financial world, Silk spent decades working at the intersection of international law, finance, and geopolitics. Yet throughout his career, from years living in Hong Kong to serving in Washington, he remained deeply committed to his identity and values as a Chassidic Jew. The conversation offers a rare inside look at how global economic policy is shaped, the importance of understanding China’s role in the world economy, and what it means to bring faith and identity into rooms where decisions affecting the global financial system are made. The conversation also explores: • How Mitchell Silk first became fascinated with China • Learning Mandarin and building a career across Asia • The path from international law to the U.S. Treasury Department • What it was like serving in Washington as a visibly observant Jew • The role of China in global economic policy • Bringing Torah values into leadership and public service This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin. A fascinating look at the intersection of faith, leadership, and global influence.

In this episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Philip Moskowitz sit down with Rabbi Chaim Tzvi Senter, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Aderes HaTorah in Jerusalem, for a conversation about Torah education, resilience, and the responsibility of shaping the next generation. Drawing on his own family legacy, the influence of his rebbeim, and years of guiding talmidim, Rabbi Senter reflects on what students really need from a rebbe. He speaks about building a yeshiva that feels more like a family than an institution, why great teachers love their students, and how chinuch must balance challenge, warmth, and clarity. The conversation also explores the pressures facing today’s boys, the role of resilience in growth, the tension between different educational philosophies, and why helping talmidim feel proud of who they are matters so deeply. This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin. This conversation explores: • What separates a teacher from a true rebbe • Why great educators love their students, not just their subject • Building a yeshiva that feels like a family • How to teach resilience without crushing a student • The balance between challenge, warmth, and expectations • Different approaches to chinuch and when each is needed • Helping talmidim develop pride in who they are • The role of parents in choosing the right yeshiva environment • Why discomfort and growth are often connected This is a conversation about what it takes to shape not only better students, but stronger, deeper, and more resilient Jews.

What do the labels dividing Israeli society actually mean? In this episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Philip Moskowitz sit down with Yehuda Lapian for a thoughtful conversation about identity, community, and the complexity of religious life in Israel. Growing up surrounded by multiple Jewish cultures, from secular Chilonim to Dati and Charedi communities, Lapian experienced firsthand how fluid those categories can be. He reflects on a time when he tried to distance himself from Judaism entirely, only to discover that moments of tradition, like hearing Lecha Dodi on a Friday night, still carried unexpected emotional weight. The conversation also explores Lapian’s work with Peace of Mind, the organization that brings IDF combat veterans to Jewish communities abroad. Those encounters often challenge assumptions on both sides, revealing how Israelis and American Jews see one another... and how those perspectives are changing. This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin. This conversation explores: • What labels like Chiloni, Dati, and Charedi actually mean in Israeli life • Growing up between religious and secular Jewish worlds • Attempting to walk away from Judaism — and discovering identity runs deeper • The emotional power of traditions like Lecha Dodi • Why Israel’s internal divisions are often misunderstood from the outside • The work of Peace of Mind supporting IDF combat veterans • How encounters between Israeli soldiers and American Jewish communities reshape perspectives This is a conversation about identity, complexity, and what it really means to belong in a society that resists simple labels.

Boca Raton Synagogue welcomed former hostages Sasha Troufanov and Sapir Cohen for a powerful evening titled Light in the Darkness. Hosted by Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, this conversation offered the community an opportunity to hear directly from those who endured captivity and returned with a renewed perspective on faith, resilience, and the human spirit. In a candid and composed dialogue, Sasha and Sapir reflect on the experience of isolation, uncertainty, and emotional endurance. They speak about the inner resources that sustained them, the role of identity and emunah under pressure, and what it means to rebuild life after unimaginable circumstances. The evening was not political — it was personal: an honest account of survival, hope, and spiritual strength. Topics discussed: The experience of abduction and early captivity Psychological survival in prolonged uncertainty Faith and identity under extreme pressure Holding onto hope in isolation Community support and the meaning of return Re-entering life after captivity

After his viral interview with Tucker Carlson, Ambassador Mike Huckabee joins Rabbi Efrem Goldberg for a candid and wide-ranging conversation recorded in Israel. This conversation discusses: What really happened in the Tucker Carlson interview The danger of half-truths and clipped narratives Whether antisemitic rhetoric should be ignored or confronted Rising political fractures on both the right and the left The future of bipartisan support for Israel Why evangelical support for Israel is “non-negotiable” Accusations of dual loyalty — and how to answer them Israeli resilience in wartime Faith as an anchor in uncertain times At its core, this is a conversation about conviction — what it means to stand firm without losing composure, and why truth requires courage. === Mike Huckabee is the United States Ambassador to Israel, former Governor of Arkansas, and former presidential candidate. A longtime public advocate for Israel, he has been a prominent voice within the evangelical community and American political life.

Is Judaism meant to feel good — or to build strength? In this episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Philip Moskowitz sit down with Rabbi Daniel Kalish for a candid conversation about modern chinuch culture and whether the pendulum has swung too far toward emotional comfort. They explore: The rise of “gishmak” Judaism Emotional validation vs emotional discipline Whether struggle is being avoided rather than embraced The responsibility of mechanchim in a comfort-driven era Authentic warmth vs performative positivity What builds real resilience in avodas Hashem Rabbi Kalish shares his perspective as a veteran Rosh Yeshiva and educator, offering a thoughtful defense of warmth and authenticity, without surrendering strength or standards. This episode challenges assumptions on both sides of the debate. This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin.

Can social media inspire Torah growth? Can AI expand access to Jewish learning? And what happens when young Jews are influenced more by online personalities than by communal institutions?In this episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Philip Moskowitz are joined by Rabbi Steven Burg, CEO of Aish, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of Jewish outreach and engagement.They discuss the growing influence of digital platforms, the opportunities and risks of AI in Torah education, and the challenge of reaching Jews who are shaped more by TikTok and YouTube than by traditional institutions. Rabbi Burg reflects on the responsibility of leadership in a time when Jewish students are encountering antisemitism on campus, absorbing extreme online voices, and questioning inherited identity.The conversation also explores:The difference between institutional outreach and relationship-driven engagementThe rise of online influencers shaping young Jewish thinkingWhy unity among Jewish organizations is more urgent than everThe role of Aish in strengthening identity and prideHow outreach must evolve without compromising authenticityThis season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin.A serious and forward-looking discussion about how to reach farther by thinking deeper.

In this deeply moving episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Philip Moskowitz sit down with Mark Halawa, who grew up Arab and Muslim in Kuwait, immersed in a culture where Jews were demonized, and ultimately chose a radically different path.Mark shares the quiet, human moments that began unraveling everything he thought he knew: curiosity, kindness, questions, and a single act of generosity that planted a seed. What followed was not a political statement, but a spiritual journey... one rooted in learning, truth-seeking, and courage.This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin.This conversation explores:Growing up Muslim in Kuwait and being taught to hate JewsThe unexpected encounters that challenged those beliefsThe rabbi, the apple, and the moment that changed everythingChoosing Judaism through learning, not rebellionWhat it costs... and gives... to rebuild an identity from the ground upThis is a powerful episode about transformation, faith, and what can happen when someone is truly seen.

This bonus episode of Behind the Bima addresses a question many people asked — and some criticized:Why invite an Arab Muslim to speak at a synagogue?Rabbi Efrem Goldberg is joined by Loay Alshareef, an Arab Muslim educator who speaks openly about antisemitism within the Arab and Muslim world, the narratives he was raised with, and the personal consequences of challenging them publicly.Rather than aiming for comfort or consensus, this conversation focuses on truth, moral responsibility, and the cost of silence. Loay discusses what it means to speak honestly within his own community, why clarity matters more than approval, and how real dialogue differs from performative gestures.This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin.This Episode Discusses:Growing up in the Arab world and the narratives taught about JewsAntisemitism within Arab and Muslim societiesThe personal cost of publicly challenging one’s own communityTruth-telling versus performative interfaith dialogueWhen avoiding discomfort becomes a moral failureThe difference between honesty and coexistence slogansSpeaking with clarity even when it risks backlashWhy some conversations must happen publicly, not privatelyThis is not a conversation about interfaith optics. It’s about values, courage, and the responsibility to say difficult things out loud.

What does paying attention over time teach you about people?In this episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Philip Moskowitz are joined by Rebbetzin Shoshana Schachter for a thoughtful conversation about dating, raising children, and the relationships that shape our lives.Drawing from decades of lived experience, Rebbetzin Schachter reflects on how emotional awareness and restraint influence the way we approach dating and parenting. She speaks about the importance of watching people carefully, allowing relationships to unfold over time, and understanding that judgment is often formed not through answers, but through attention.This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin.This Episode Discusses:Dating and emotional awarenessPaying attention as relationships developRestraint in parenting and family dynamicsLearning when to respond and when to hold backWatching people carefully over timeHow judgment is shaped through experienceWhy wisdom often comes from observation, not adviceThis is not an episode about solutions or prescriptions. It’s about learning to notice, and what that noticing teaches you about people, family, and yourself.

What does it mean to be trusted with other people’s growth?In this episode of Behind the Bima, we sit down with Rabbi Moshe Don Kestenbaum, a renowned educator and mentor, to explore the quiet but weighty decisions that parents and teachers face every day.Rather than offering formulas or slogans, Rabbi Kestenbaum speaks honestly about discernment—knowing when to guide, when to step back, and how to bring out the best in children and students without crushing their individuality. Drawing from decades in education, he reflects on responsibility, restraint, and the long-term impact of the choices educators make in moments that often go unnoticed.This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin.This Episode Discusses:Knowing when to speak—and when silence is more powerfulBringing out the best in students without overmanagingParenting and teaching as long-term responsibilityWhy trust is the heaviest burden educators carryLetting children grow without fear-driven controlModeling judgment, not just rulesThis is a conversation for anyone who teaches, parents, mentors, or leads, and feels the pressure of getting it right.

Alex Clare built a global music career, reaching hundreds of millions of listeners worldwide. But behind the spotlight, he was searching for something deeper.In this episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg sits down with Alex Clare for a thoughtful conversation about fame, faith, and the cost of choosing a values-driven life. Alex reflects on his journey through music, his return to Torah, and the challenge of integrating creativity, responsibility, and authenticity after public success.This is not a story about leaving one world for another. It’s about redefining purpose, respecting the power of one’s gifts, and discovering depth when the applause fades.This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin.Topics discussed include:Life at the height of a global music careerThe questions success doesn’t answerTeshuvah and returning to TorahIntegrating creativity with faith and responsibilityRedefining purpose without abandoning talentStaying authentic after the spotlight fadesThis is not a story about leaving one world for another. It’s about redefining purpose, respecting the power of one’s gifts, and discovering depth when the applause fades.

In this episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Philip Moskowitz sit down with Rabbi Daniel Glatstein to explore what it actually demands to teach seriously over time. Having taught nearly 13,000 classes across years of public responsibility, Rabbi Glatstein reflects on the discipline, preparation, and restraint required to sustain meaningful teaching without dilution.This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin.Rather than discussing techniques or shortcuts, they turn to deeper questions: how standards are maintained, why boundaries protect depth, and what happens when teaching is treated as a lifelong obligation rather than a moment of inspiration. The episode offers a rare look at the inner weight carried by those who take Torah — and leadership — seriously.Topics discussed include:What teaching at scale truly demandsDiscipline versus inspiration in sustaining impactWhy boundaries are essential, not limitingHumility, consistency, and long-term responsibilityPreserving seriousness in an age of speed and reachThis is a thoughtful and grounded conversation about Torah, leadership, and what it takes to build something that lasts.

In this episode of Behind the Bima, the Rabbis speak with Eli Beer, founder of United Hatzalah, about leadership under pressure and responsibility in moments when lives are at stake.This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin.As Israel continues to confront war, trauma, and exhaustion, this conversation examines what it means to lead an organization built for crisis, and what sustains those who never step off the front lines.The discussion explores emergency response during national trauma, the emotional toll on volunteers, the challenge of leading with integrity, and the role of faith and discipline in sustaining responsibility over time.This is a serious, grounded conversation about leadership when urgency is real and consequences are immediate.