Episode 69 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Elias Saratovsky, President and CEO of the Birthright Israel Foundation. As Birthright turns 25, we reflect not just on the nearly 900,000 young Jews who’ve visited Israel through this transformative program, but on how immersive travel, identity, and belonging are being reimagined for a new generation. Elias shares his personal story, from growing up in a family of Soviet Jewish immigrants with little Jewish identity, to going on the very first Birthright trip in 1999, to now stewarding the future of the most ambitious Jewish educational initiative of our time. Elias and Andrés explore how Birthright adapted through a pandemic and a war, why pride and not propaganda is its most powerful product, and how a second trip to Israel might be even more important than the first. Take a listen.

Episode 68 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Shai Held, President and Dean of the Hadar Institute and author of the new book Judaism Is About Love: Recovering the Heart of Jewish Life. Shai returns for his second appearance on this podcast to talk about the enduring caricature of the “Old Testament God,” and how that distortion has shaped both Jewish and Christian imaginations. Shai and Andrés explore why many rabbis feel ill-equipped to support spiritual seekers, how the trauma of October 7 has intensified theological yearning, and what role funders can play in revitalizing Jewish conversations about God. You’ll hear why Shai believes that real love, the kind rooted in justice, compassion, and mutual responsibility, is the most powerful force we can bring to a fractured world. Take a listen.

Episode 67 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Josh Miller, Chief Program Officer at the Jim Joseph Foundation. Over the past 17 years, Josh has helped shape some of the most significant philanthropic investments in Jewish education and talent development. In this episode, we talk about how the field of Jewish philanthropy has professionalized, why general operating and multi-year grants are smarter bets, and what it really takes to support meaningful innovation, whether inside legacy institutions or bold new ventures. Josh also reflects on the “accidental” path that led him into Jewish professional life, the critical importance of field experience for funders, and how October 7 has reshaped our sense of urgency, purpose, and possibility. Take a listen.

Episode 66 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Simon Greer, a longtime leader in Jewish philanthropy, former CEO of the Nathan Cummings Foundation, now the driving force behind the Viewpoint Diversity Initiative at the University of North Carolina, and the founder of Cambridge Health Ventures Simon takes us through his three‑part awakening—realizing that America’s crisis is as much spiritual as it is political, recognizing his own part in the problem of tribalism, and discovering that real change happens when we lean into the humanity of “the other.” We’ll explore why “viewpoint diversity” isn’t just an academic buzzword but an urgent practice for our fractured times—from campus debates about Israel and Palestine to retreats that bring correction officers and formerly incarcerated people together to reform our justice system. Take a listen.

Episode 65 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. With decades of experience navigating Washington and Jerusalem, William offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the Conference builds consensus across a coalition of 50 diverse Jewish organizations. We explore the delicate balance between public statements and quiet diplomacy, how Jewish communal leaders respond to rising antisemitism on campus, and what it means to represent a politically diverse Jewish community in times of division and crisis. William shares his personal journey from grassroots political campaigns to the highest levels of Jewish leadership, and the lessons he’s learned about relationship-building, advocacy, and the surprising power of passionate moderation. Take a listen.

Episode 64 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Rabbi Noah Farkas, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. Noah’s career has been shaped by crisis leadership: from his time as a Navy chaplain in Iraq, to rebuilding Jewish life in Biloxi after Hurricane Katrina, to guiding his community through the aftermath of October 7th and the devastating California wildfires. We explore how his background in trauma care, disaster response, and Jewish values has informed a bold philanthropic strategy in a time of volatility and uncertainty. You’ll hear how the L.A. Federation evacuated 300,000 residents, reopened early childhood centers, and launched new funds to restore Jewish communal life—from preschools to summer camps to professional pipelines. Noah shares why federations are the Jewish community’s “9-1-1,” and how moral clarity and rapid action can build resilience for the long haul. Take a listen.

Episode 63 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we learn about the intersections of science, spirituality, and community with Dr. Neil Theise. Neil is a professor of pathology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and a pioneer in the fields of adult stem cell plasticity and the framework of the body's internal support system. In his book Notes on Complexity, Neil explores how complexity theory not only unravels the mysteries of biology and physics but also offers a profound lens through which we can view society, spirituality, and even Jewish communal life. In this conversation, we’ll talk about how complexity theory reshapes our understanding of leadership, community resilience, and the power of relationships, as well as Neil’s personal journey—from considering rabbinical school to becoming a Zen Buddhist and a leading pathologist. This is a conversation that connects atoms to cities, stem cells to spirituality, and Jewish identity to the fabric of the universe.

Episode 62 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Jeffrey Solomon, a towering figure in Jewish philanthropy whose impact has shaped the field for decades. As Senior Advisor to Chasbro Investments and former President of the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies, Jeff’s influence has extended across Canada, Israel, and the United States. He’s played a pivotal role in transformative initiatives like Birthright Israel and has been a trusted partner to some of the most influential funders in Jewish life. Jeff reflects on his remarkable journey—from growing up as the child of Holocaust survivors, to navigating a career that spanned public service, communal leadership, and groundbreaking philanthropy. He talks about the evolution of Jewish communal work, the challenges of funding structures, and the ethical dilemmas philanthropy faces today. Jeff shares candid insights on his partnership with Charles Bronfman, the founding of Birthright Israel, and the leadership lessons he's learned over his prolific career. We also explore the role of elders in community resilience and why innovation remains at the heart of sustainable philanthropy. Take a listen.

Episode 61 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Stephen Bronfman, a leader in Jewish philanthropy with a strong commitment to environmental activism, and Nigel Savage, a pioneer in Jewish environmental education and the founding CEO of the Jewish Climate Trust. Together, we explore how their backgrounds—Stephen’s lifelong connection to the outdoors and family legacy of philanthropy, and Nigel’s journey from finance to Jewish environmental leadership—have shaped their efforts to mobilize Jewish funders and organizations in tackling the climate crisis. We also discuss Israel’s role as a hub for sustainability innovation and how climate action can connect Jewish values with social justice and global impact. Take a listen.

Episode 60 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we explore the power of dialogue and the transformative potential of Jewish study across ideological and denominational lines. Joining today are author, journalist, and podcast returnee Abigail Pogrebin, and Rabbi Dov Linzer, President and Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah. Together, they co-authored It Takes Two to Torah: An Orthodox Rabbi and Reform Journalist Discuss and Debate Their Way Through the Five Books of Moses. We discuss how their partnership has navigated complex questions of pluralism, Jewish continuity, and the enduring significance of Torah in modern Jewish life. This thought-provoking conversation delves into bridging divides, grappling with sacred text, and modeling how Torah study can unite us in a polarized world. Take a listen. 

Episode 59 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we host Dr. Noam Weissman, an educator and media expert who has pioneered new ways to tell Israel’s story and educate young people about the complexities and beauty of Zionism and Jewish history. Noam is the Senior Vice President at OpenDor Media, a nonprofit media company producing thought-provoking content to connect this generation with Israel and the broader Jewish story. We explore Noam’s approach to storytelling; one that is sophisticated, credible, and ultimately empowering for the next generation. Take a listen.

Episode 58 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Yehuda Kurtzer, President of the Shalom Hartman Institute. Andrés and Yehuda dive into a topic that speaks to the heart of our communal and personal identities—how we grapple with change, wrestle with belonging, and find meaning in the face of uncertainty. Yehuda brings his nuanced perspective on how tradition, intellectual inquiry, and a vision for the future converge to shape Jewish identity today. They explore the complexities of Jewish life and ask what it means to build community in an era of individualism.

Episode 57 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Laura Lauder, a trailblazer in Jewish philanthropy whose work has reshaped the way communities approach innovation and impact. Laura’s story is one of vision, legacy, and a deep commitment to strengthening Jewish life. As Board Chair-Elect of the San Francisco Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, Laura shares her experiences tackling some of the most pressing issues facing American Jewry today, including anti-Semitism, support for Israel, and building sustainable philanthropy for future generations. Together, Andrés and Laura explore the evolving role of Federations, the transformative power of community foundations, and what it means to build a thriving Jewish future. Laura’s passion and expertise shine throughout this inspiring conversation—take a listen!

Episode 56 of What Gives? the Jewish Philanthropy Podcast from Jewish Funders Network, featuring JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés sits down with journalist and author Abigail Pogrebin, who takes over as host, placing Andrés in the hot seat to discuss his new book, Tradition and Transition: Jewish Communities and the Hyper Empowered Individual. Together, they dive into how Jewish communities can navigate and thrive in today’s evolving world, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the balance between tradition and modernity. From the existential dilemmas of the individual to the transformative role of Jewish institutions, this thought-provoking conversation will leave you reflecting on the challenges and opportunities for building stronger, more connected communities. Take a listen.

Episode 55 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Rachel Sumekh, Project Executive of TEN: Together Ending Need, a collaborative initiative of funders working to ensure that all Jews have access to basic needs. Rachel and Andrés speak about the critical issue of Jewish poverty. Rachel highlights the reality of Jewish poverty, dispels the myths surrounding it, and sheds light on how poverty impacts all sectors of the Jewish community. Rachel brings both data and heart to this important conversation, as we explore ways the Jewish philanthropic community can tackle these challenges.

Episode 54 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Zvika Krieger, a dynamic figure who straddles the worlds of technology and spirituality. Zvika was the first ever Director of Responsible Innovation at Facebook, now Meta, though he has had an eclectic career, ranging from journalism in the Middle East to policy work in Washington, DC, before pivoting to technology. We delve into his journey, exploring the intersection of tech innovation and Jewish spirituality. We discuss the impact of social media on society, the search for meaning in the digital age, and how traditional practices can coexist with modern technology. Zvika's insights provide a unique perspective on how we can navigate the challenges and opportunities of our rapidly changing world.

Episode 53 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Rabbi Sharon Brous, founder and senior rabbi IKAR, a vibrant Jewish community in Los Angeles known for its inclusive approach to Jewish life. Rabbi Brous delves into the themes of her new book, The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World, which explores love, loss, community, and connection. She and Andrés touch on the current crises impacting the Jewish world, and how her insights are particularly relevant in these challenging times. Rabbi Brous shares her profound thoughts on the importance of building sacred community bonds and addressing the pervasive loneliness in our society, drawing from both ancient texts and contemporary experiences.

Episode 52 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny.  In this episode, Andrés speaks with Joshua Foer. Josh is the co-founder of Sefaria, an open-source digital library of Jewish texts. Recently, he launched Lehrhaus, a "Jewish Tavern" in Boston aimed at making Torah study accessible in a welcoming environment. Josh discusses his journey from science journalism to Jewish entrepreneurship, the impact of Sefaria on Jewish learning, and his latest venture, Leviathan, a production company focused on the Jewish storytelling missing in today’s popular culture. Take a listen to this conversation, offering a look into Josh's innovative approach to Jewish education and community building.

Episode 51 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, joins JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny to explore the resurgence of antisemitism, the intersection of Jewish safety and democratic integrity, and the importance of building strong, inclusive coalitions. Amy shares insights from her extensive experience in policy and advocacy, highlighting the critical work needed to protect and strengthen our communities in these challenging times. 

Episode 50 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. We bring you an episode recorded last year, before October 7th. Rabbi Danny Schiff joins JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny to discuss how far Judaism allows us to push technological advances. If medicine makes it possible, should Jews be allowed to increase their lifespan indefinitely? Or does that violate what it means to be human and Jewish. They discuss the immediate need to begin discussing and finding consensus around the issues of artificial intelligence, social media, and rapidly developing medical breakthroughs.