Common Faith

What does Rosh Hashanah ask of us beyond apples, honey and the promise of a new beginning? Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel begin their Rosh Hashanah special with a candid conversation about the High Holidays—the joy of renewal, the weight of Yom Kippur and the difficult work of repairing relationships before we ever enter the synagogue. They are joined by renowned theologian, scholar and activist Rabbi Irving “Yitz” Greenberg, who reframes Rosh Hashanah as something even more fundamental: the holiday of creation. For Greenberg, recognizing that life is finite gives every human being a responsibility to decide how we will use the time we have. Every word, relationship and action presents a choice between forces that strengthen life and those that diminish it. That idea also sits at the heart of Greenberg’s new collection, Life Against Death . The conversation moves from the Holocaust and the renewal of Jewish life to October 7, Israel, Zionism and the increasingly difficult relationship between Israel and American Jewry. Greenberg and Cosgrove wrestle with how Jews can defend Jewish self-determination while remaining willing to criticize Israel and its government—and why a healthy Jewish community needs room for disagreement, competing voices and genuine pluralism. At the beginning of a new year, Greenberg ultimately offers both a challenge and a hopeful vision: human beings have extraordinary agency. We cannot perfect the world all at once, but moment by moment, choice by choice, we can move it toward life. Rabbi Irving “Yitz” Greenberg: https://www.hadar.org/about/people/rabbi-yitz-greenberg Life Against Death: https://tinyurl.com/y3vby2r7 Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Jewish High Holidays are built around memory, renewal, and the passage of time. But what happens when time itself has broken? As Rosh Hashanah approaches, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel welcome Rachel Goldberg-Polin, whose son Hersh was taken hostage on October 7, 2023 and murdered in captivity after 328 days. Rachel’s new book, When We See You Again , gives voice not to recovery or closure, but to what she calls “packages of pain.” Rachel remembers Hersh as “the perfect ordinary, and the blessed ordinary”—a curious young man with a remarkable capacity to listen. She recalls the final moment she saw him, walking out the door after Shabbat dinner and turning back to say, “Love you. See you tomorrow.” Nearly three years later, Rachel remains frozen there even as the world moves forward. That collision between Jewish time and the timelessness of grief sits at the heart of the conversation. Yizkor commands Jews to remember, but Rachel remembers every waking second. Instead, she says she would prefer eight minutes of amnesia—a striking challenge to notions of faith, ritual, healing, and resilience. And yet, there is yet . Rachel speaks about the parts of her former life she cannot return to “yet,” and searches for a “why” powerful enough to help her bear the “how” of living without Hersh. This is not a conversation about moving on, but about what it means to keep moving at all. Rachel Goldberg-Polin's Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GFSNF8GV?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

College football has its sacred places, rituals, traditions, rivalries—and some very devoted believers. So when does fandom begin to look a little like faith? Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel welcome ESPN’s Paul Finebaum for a wide-ranging conversation about the two worlds that have shaped his life: Judaism and college football. Finebaum reflects on growing up Jewish in Memphis, attending an Orthodox synagogue, losing his father at a young age, and navigating a career in Southern sports while trying to maintain a connection to Jewish tradition. He recalls covering an Auburn game while fasting on Yom Kippur, searching out synagogues while traveling through SEC country, and the complicated ways he has continued Jewish practices in honor of his parents. Along the way, the three wrestle with questions that extend far beyond sports: What do we owe the communities and institutions we love? When does loyalty become idolatry? How much wrongdoing are we willing to overlook when our side keeps winning? And can the things that divide us also provide a common language that brings us together? Plus: Finebaum on the changing economics of college sports, the decline of the NCAA, the Big Ten versus the SEC, Michigan’s recent controversies, the traditions every college football fan should experience—and the three people he’d invite to his Yom Kippur break-fast. Paul Finebaum: https://www.secsports.com/championships/the-paul-finebaum-show2 https://www.instagram.com/finebaumshow/?hl=en Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it mean to be Jewish on a college campus right now? The headlines often tell a story of antisemitism, protests, polarization, and fear. Those realities matter—but they are not the whole story. In this back-to-school episode of Common Faith , Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel are joined by three leaders whose campuses could hardly be more different: Rabbi Jessica Kirschner of Stanford University, Rabbi Rachel Isaacs of Colby College, and Rabbi Ari Israel of the University of Maryland. Together, they discuss what a Hillel rabbi actually does, how Jewish campus life has changed since October 7, and how students are responding to an atmosphere that can sometimes make Jewish identity feel contested. What emerges is a more complicated—and ultimately more hopeful—picture. Jewish students are not simply retreating. Many are searching for community, connection, knowledge, pride, and the confidence to engage rather than hide. From harvesting Maine lake ice for a mikvah to launching Tashlich into the stratosphere to bringing hundreds of Jewish students together through basketball, Hillel becomes something larger than a campus institution: a laboratory in which young Jews learn how to build Jewish life for themselves. The challenge, the rabbis suggest, is to acknowledge the oy without allowing it to eclipse the joy —and to prepare young Jews not merely to feel protected, but empowered. Rabbi Jessica Kirschner: https://www.stanfordhillel.org/staff Rabbi Rachel Isaacs: https://www.rabbirachelisaacs.com/ Rabbi Ari Israel: https://marylandhillel.org/staff/ari-israel/ Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it really mean to leave a legacy? Money may be one of the most difficult subjects for families to discuss, but what if conversations about wealth are really conversations about values? Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel begin with a fundamental Jewish idea: what we do with our resources reflects what we believe. From tzedakah and Maimonides’ ladder of giving to the everyday decisions parents make about supporting their children, wealth raises questions about obligation, independence, fairness and responsibility. As Rabbi Cosgrove puts it, “a budget is a moral document.” Their guest, Andrea Baumann Lustig, knows those questions both professionally and personally. A sixth-generation descendant of a European banking family whose history was transformed by the Holocaust, Lustig has spent decades advising families about wealth and inheritance. Her book, Legacy on the Line , identifies the blind spots that keep families from talking openly about money—and argues that the most meaningful inheritance is not simply financial. From teaching children financial literacy to navigating philanthropy, trusts and prenups, the conversation ultimately asks a larger question: How do we pass along not only what we have, but who we are? Andrea Baumann Lustig: https://fischerstralem.com/andrea-lustig.html Legacy on the Line book: https://legacyonthelinebook.com/ Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why do some emotions motivate us while others overwhelm us? Is anxiety always a problem, or can it actually help us prepare and perform? And what can Jewish tradition teach us about living with difficult feelings rather than suppressing them? Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel welcome psychologist, researcher, and bestselling author Ethan Kross to discuss his latest book, Shift: Managing Your Emotions So They Don't Manage You . Together, they explore how emotions shape our decisions, relationships, and overall well-being—and why emotional health isn't about avoiding negative feelings but learning to manage them effectively. Drawing on cutting-edge psychological research, personal family stories rooted in Holocaust survival, and timeless Jewish wisdom, Kross explains why emotions are essential to being human, how rituals and community help regulate our emotional lives, and why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to resilience. The conversation touches on anxiety, grief, leadership, faith, parenting, and the emotional tools available to all of us. From the power of music and sensory experiences to the role of religion and community, this episode offers practical insights for anyone looking to navigate life's challenges with greater awareness and balance. Ethan Kross: https://www.ethankross.com/ Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What makes a movie Jewish? Is it the creator, the characters, the themes—or something deeper? In this episode of Common Faith, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel explore the profound influence Jews have had on Hollywood and American culture. Drawing on a recent essay by author and professor David Mikics, they examine how Jewish immigrants helped build the movie industry, why explicit Jewish stories were often absent from early Hollywood films, and how generations of filmmakers shaped America’s cultural imagination. Together, they discuss iconic figures such as Louis B. Mayer, Samuel Goldwyn, Steven Spielberg, Stanley Kubrick, and Ben Hecht, while wrestling with larger questions about identity, representation, and artistic responsibility. They also consider the changing cultural climate after October 7, the challenges facing Jewish artists today, and whether Hollywood’s golden age has given way to an algorithm-driven entertainment landscape. From The Jazz Singer and Casablanca to superhero movies and streaming platforms, this conversation explores how Jewish history, creativity, and values continue to shape the stories we tell—and the stories we choose not to tell. David Mikics: https://www.tabletmag.com/contributors/david-mikics Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When Daniela Gerson and Talia Inlander met at a Los Angeles picnic, neither expected to uncover a remarkable connection: their families came from the same Polish town and survived World War II through a little-known path eastward into the Soviet Union. That discovery became the foundation for The Wanderers: A Story of Exile, Survival, and Unexpected Love in the Shadow of World War II . In this episode of Common Faith , Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel explore a lesser-known chapter of Holocaust history—the story of the hundreds of thousands of Polish Jews who survived not through concentration camps or hiding, but through deportation, forced labor, and refuge in the Soviet Union. Daniela and Talia share their families' journeys, the challenges of uncovering buried histories, and the surprising ways their personal and professional lives have been shaped by stories of migration, displacement, and resilience. The conversation also examines how families remember trauma differently, what future generations should inherit from Holocaust memory, and why understanding complex histories may be more important than ever in a world still grappling with refugees, war, and identity. Daniela Gerson: https://danielagerson.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dhgerson/ Talia Inlander: https://zolberginstitute.org/person/talia-inlander/ Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Technology is reshaping every aspect of modern life, from how we study and worship to how we connect with one another. But as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly powerful, important questions emerge: Can technology deepen Jewish life? What happens when machines begin to replace human connection? And how do we combat the growing spread of hate online? In the first half of the episode, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel speak with Rabbi Mordechai Lightstone, Director of Social Media at Chabad.org and founder of Tech Tribe. Rabbi Lightstone shares how Jewish tradition embraces innovation while insisting that technology remain a tool in service of humanity. He discusses AI, digital community, the value of Shabbat as a break from constant connectivity, and why preserving authentic human relationships matters more than ever. In the second half, Daniel Kelley, Senior Director of the ADL’s Center for Technology and Society, examines the darker side of the digital revolution. He explains how antisemitism spreads online, how AI can amplify harmful content, and what technology companies can do to create safer digital spaces. Together, the guests offer a thoughtful look at the opportunities and challenges of living Jewishly in a rapidly evolving technological world. Rabbi Mordechai Lightstone: https://www.mytechtribe.org/ https://x.com/mottel Daniel Kelley: https://www.adl.org/research-centers/center-technology-society Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For nearly a century, the Maccabi Games have brought Jewish athletes from around the world together to compete, connect, and celebrate their shared heritage. Often called the "Jewish Olympics," the Games are about far more than winning medals—they're about building community, strengthening Jewish identity, and creating lasting bonds with Israel. This week on Common Faith , Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel welcome Maccabi USA CEO Marshall Einhorn and Dr. Danny Cosgrove, a physician, longtime Maccabi athlete, coach, and Elliot's older brother. Together, they explore the history and mission of the Maccabi movement, the unique experience of competing in Israel, and the role sports can play in bridging cultural divides. The conversation also touches on family rivalry, the evolution of Jewish athletics, the growing popularity of sports like pickleball, and the profound impact the Games have had on participants—many of whom discover a deeper connection to Judaism and Israel through the experience. Whether you're an athlete, a sports fan, or simply interested in the many ways Jewish identity is expressed in the modern world, this episode offers an inspiring look at how competition can create community and strengthen peoplehood. Maccabi USA: https://maccabiusa.com/ Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

America's 250th birthday offers a chance to reflect on the ideals that shaped the nation—and the role Jews have played in its story from the very beginning. In this special Independence Day episode, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel discuss the significance of America's founding for Jewish communities seeking freedom, equality, and opportunity. From Jonas Phillips and the Declaration of Independence to family immigration stories and the enduring promise of religious liberty, they explore why America's founding remains deeply meaningful for American Jews today. Then, Dan Tadmor, President and CEO of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, joins the conversation to share the fascinating story behind the museum's new exhibition, The First Salute . He reveals how Jewish merchants on the Caribbean island of St. Eustatius helped supply the American Revolution, the little-known Jewish contributions to the Patriot cause, and how the Weitzman Museum is reimagining the American Jewish narrative for a new generation. As America celebrates 250 years, this conversation examines the intersection of faith, freedom, immigration, and identity—and asks what lessons the nation's founding still offers today. The Weitzman Museum: https://theweitzman.org/ Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What do we owe ourselves when it comes to preventative healthcare? And how much do we really want to know about our future health risks? This week on Common Faith , Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel welcome Dr. Elisa Port , Chief of Breast Surgery for the Mount Sinai Health System and author of The Breast Advice: All You Need to Know About Breast Health, Screening, and Treatment . The conversation begins with a candid discussion about why breast health is often treated as a women's issue when it impacts entire families and communities. Rabbi Cosgrove and Jon Frankel explore the anxieties surrounding screening, prevention, and genetic testing—and the Jewish value of choosing life through proactive care. Dr. Port explains how advances in breast cancer treatment and diagnostics have dramatically improved outcomes, while also addressing common misconceptions about mammograms, genetic testing, and hereditary cancer risk. She shares why knowledge can be empowering, especially for Ashkenazi Jews, who have a significantly higher likelihood of carrying BRCA gene mutations. Along the way, the discussion tackles difficult questions about fear, uncertainty, medical decision-making, and the balance between personal experience and professional expertise. Through stories from patients and lessons learned over decades of practice, Dr. Port offers practical wisdom for anyone navigating breast health concerns, supporting a loved one through treatment, or considering genetic testing. This is an essential conversation about health, responsibility, and the life-saving power of information. Dr. Elisa Port: https://profiles.mountsinai.org/elisa-r-port The Breast Advice: https://www.amazon.com/Breast-Advice-Health-Screening-Treatment/dp/0063492547 Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What can a bowl of chicken soup, a family challah recipe, or a plate of brisket tell us about who we are? This week on Common Faith , Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel explore the rich world of Jewish food with two extraordinary guests. First, Jewish Food Society founder Naama Shefi discusses The Great Nosh , a festival celebrating Jewish culture through food, storytelling, and community. Then acclaimed cookbook author and food journalist Joan Nathan reflects on a lifetime spent documenting the recipes, memories, and traditions that connect generations of Jews around the world. Together, they explore how food preserves identity, carries family history, and brings people together in ways few other traditions can. Whether it's a grandmother's handwritten recipe, a Shabbat dinner table, or a bustling food festival, this conversation reminds us that some of life's deepest connections begin with sharing a meal. Naama Shefi: https://www.jewishfoodsociety.org/ https://thegreatnosh.com/ Joan Nathan : http://joannathan.com/ Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why is soccer the world's game—but still not America's? As North America prepares to host the largest World Cup in history, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel tackle a question that goes far beyond sports. Joined by acclaimed writer Franklin Foer and scholar Andrei Markovits, they explore why soccer became a global language of identity, nationalism, and belonging while America developed its own sporting culture. The conversation moves from packed stadiums in Europe and South America to suburban soccer fields across the United States, asking whether America's relationship with soccer is finally changing. Along the way, the guests examine globalization, immigration, fandom, and the ways sports become proxies for deeper cultural and political questions. The discussion also turns to Jewish identity, from Hank Greenberg and Sandy Koufax to the challenges facing Jews in contemporary public life. What role do athletes play in shaping communal belonging? And what can the World Cup teach us about the tension between universal connection and particular identity? Franklin Foer: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/franklin-foer/ Andrei Markovits : https://www.andreimarkovits.com/ Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why do some stories stay with us forever? This week on Common Faith, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel sit down with bestselling author and legendary New Yorker writer Susan Orlean to explore the art of storytelling and the human impulse to search for meaning in ordinary moments. From milkmen and librarians to taxidermists and grave diggers, Orlean has built a career uncovering the hidden worlds that exist all around us. Drawing from her memoir Joyride, Orlean reflects on journalism, curiosity, memory, and the way stories shape identity. The conversation moves between literature and lived experience, examining why certain narratives resonate so deeply and what it means to truly notice the people and places we often overlook. Along the way, the discussion turns personal: Orlean reflects on growing up Jewish in suburban Ohio, the influence of her parents, and the Jewish values that shaped her understanding of humanity, empathy, and storytelling itself. The result is a warm, thoughtful conversation about attention, connection, and the richness contained inside seemingly ordinary lives. Susan Orlean: https://www.susanorlean.com/author/ Joyride: A Memoir https://www.amazon.com/Joyride-Memoir-Susan-Orlean/dp/1982135166 Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s easy to criticize—but much harder to build. In this episode of Common Faith , Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel begin with a challenge: what if the real problem in Jewish life today isn’t disagreement—but a culture of critique without responsibility? From “kvetching” to self-reflection, they explore what Judaism actually demands when we call out what’s broken. Then, Rabbi Menachem Bombach joins the conversation—a Haredi educator and social entrepreneur working at the center of one of Israel’s most urgent and complex challenges: integrating the ultra-Orthodox community into broader Israeli society without compromising religious identity. Through his groundbreaking Netzach educational network, Bombach is building a new model—one that combines Torah study with secular education, opening pathways to higher education, careers, and national participation. This episode dives into the tensions shaping Israel today: religion and state, identity and economics, tradition and modernity—and asks whether a more integrated future is possible. Rabbi Menachem Bombach: https://netzach.org.il/en/leadership-executive/ The Netzach Education Network https://netzach.org.il/en/home/ Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it mean to receive the Torah in the modern world? This week on Common Faith, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel explore the meaning of Shavuot—the holiday commemorating the giving of the Torah—and ask what Jewish education should look like in an age shaped by distraction, polarization, and personal choice. Rabbi Cosgrove reflects on the Torah as a “love letter” between God and the Jewish people: something inherited, wrestled with, and reinterpreted by every generation. They are joined by David Bryfman, CEO of The Jewish Education Project and one of today’s leading voices in Jewish education. Drawing from his new book, Heroism and Hope: Recharging Israel Education in a Post-October 7th World, Bryfman challenges longstanding assumptions about Hebrew school, Israel education, and how Jewish identity is formed today. The conversation tackles everything from Jewish joy and experiential learning to campus antisemitism, social media, and the impact of October 7th on young Jews. Together, they explore whether Jewish education can move beyond fear and obligation toward something more enduring: curiosity, confidence, meaning, and belonging. David Bryfman: https://www.jewishedproject.org/ His Book: https://www.amazon.com/Heroism-Hope-Recharging-Education-Post-October/dp/B0GZBH6QLL Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a world where borders divide and conflict dominates headlines, what if the most powerful path to peace isn’t political—but environmental? This week on Common Faith , Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel are joined by Gidon Bromberg, co-founder of EcoPeace Middle East, an organization bringing together Israeli, Jordanian, and Palestinian leaders around a shared reality: the environment knows no borders. From water scarcity and climate change to renewable energy and economic interdependence, Bromberg makes the case that cooperation isn’t idealism—it’s survival. In a region where access to water can define daily life, and where the Jordan River itself reflects decades of neglect, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The conversation moves between the personal and the geopolitical—beginning with reflections on global Jewish identity and perspective, and expanding into a bold reimagining of peace built not through diplomacy alone, but through shared necessity. At a time when fear and division dominate, this episode offers a counter-narrative: that even in conflict, there are opportunities to build something lasting—together. EcoPeace Middle East https://ecopeaceme.org Gidon Bromberg: https://ecopeaceme.org/about/ https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/environmental-peacebuilding-31years-strong/ Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on Common Faith , Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel sit down with Benjamin Anthony to unpack the complexities of the current Middle East conflict and its ripple effects far beyond the region. Drawing on his experience as an IDF combat veteran and policy leader, Anthony reflects on the evolving nature of modern warfare—not only in physical terms, but in the battle for public opinion taking place across campuses, media platforms, and political institutions. In the first half of the conversation, Anthony traces the rise of polarization and antisemitism in global discourse, arguing that the struggle over Israel’s legitimacy has been building for decades. In the second half, the focus shifts to the strategic and human realities on the ground—from Hezbollah and Iran to the fragile coordination between the U.S. and Israel. Together, the episode explores a central tension: what it means to fight for security and survival in a world where narratives can be as consequential as weapons. The MirYam Institute: https://www.miryaminstitute.org/ Benjamin Anthony: https://www.miryaminstitute.org/benjamin Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Common Faith , Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel are joined by director David Frankel and actor-writer B.J. Novak for a conversation about storytelling, success, and what changes—and what doesn’t—over time. With The Devil Wears Prada returning nearly two decades later in The Devil Wears Prada 2 , Frankel reflects on why he long resisted making a sequel and what ultimately made this story worth revisiting. The discussion touches on how the media and workplace landscapes have evolved, and how those shifts shape the characters in the new film. Novak shares insights from his own path as a writer and performer, including how Jewish humor and storytelling traditions have influenced his work, from The Office to his current projects. As the conversation unfolds, it moves beyond film to consider questions about ambition, leadership, and the tradeoffs that often come with success. In a particularly thoughtful moment, Novak reframes the idea of idolatry in modern terms—asking what we place at the center of our lives, and why. B.J. Novak: https://www.instagram.com/bjnovak/ David Frankel: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0291205/ Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.