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In this special episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback sits down with Rabbi Steve Leder and Peter Himmelman for a wide-ranging conversation about friendship, faith, creativity, and the moment we are living in. Together, they reflect on growing up Jewish in the Midwest, the quiet experiences of childhood that shape a life, and the distinct journeys that led one of them to the rabbinate and the other to music. Along the way, Steve and Peter share moments of intimate personal reflection and extraordinary creativity, exploring how Torah and song speak to one another—and how friendship can bridge different forms of spiritual expression. The conversation also turns toward the challenges of our time: the rise of antisemitism, the pain and complexity surrounding Israel, and how to hold moral clarity, courage, and compassion without losing one’s soul. In a powerful and unexpected closing, we witness a song come into being—born of the moment, shaped by honesty, hope, and shared humanity. Learn more about Peter Himmelman and his music, writing, and creative work at https://peterhimmelman.com Learn more about Rabbi Steve Leder, his books, and teachings at https://www.steveleder.com Watch the conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNMxwC80aG8&t=1357s

In this episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback is joined by his teacher, mentor, and friend, Rabbi Steve Leder, for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation recorded in January 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their discussion centers on Rabbi Leder’s book, The Beauty of What Remains, written after the death of his father following a long journey with Alzheimer’s. Drawing on more than three decades of rabbinic experience and his own profound loss, Rabbi Leder reflects on the non-linear nature of grief, the limitations of the “stages” model of mourning, and what he has learned from accompanying thousands of people at the end of life. Together, they explore how memory can be both painful and sustaining, what it truly means to show up for the dying and the bereaved, and how loss can awaken a deeper appreciation for time, touch, love, and connection. With wisdom, honesty, and moments of humor, this conversation offers guidance and comfort to anyone navigating grief—or seeking a more meaningful way to live in its shadow. Search for Meaning invites listeners into conversations that challenge, console, and inspire. This episode is a reminder that even in loss, there is beauty in what remains. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/623578/the-beauty-of-what-remains-by-steve-leder/

In this solo episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback reflects on a timely and challenging question facing the Jewish community today: How do we disagree without hating one another? Prompted by recent remarks from Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove at the American Zionist Movement Biennial, Rabbi Yoshi explores the growing tensions within Jewish communal life — particularly around Israel — and the ways our conversations can become polarized, judgmental, and alienating, especially for younger Jews. Turning to Parashat Vayeshev and the story of Joseph and his brothers, the episode uncovers a subtle but powerful distinction in the Torah between sin’ah (hatred) and kin’ah (envy). Drawing on the teachings of Rabbi Eliezer Davidovits, Rabbi Zweiback introduces the rabbinic concept of kin’at sofrim — the “envy of scholars” — a form of admiration that doesn’t fracture relationships but deepens wisdom and understanding. This episode is an invitation to reimagine disagreement not as a threat, but as an opportunity for learning, curiosity, and growth — and to consider how Jewish tradition can guide us toward more loving, respectful, and constructive conversations, even in times of deep division.

Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback sits down with actor Moshe Lobel, star of the groundbreaking new film SHTTL—a Yiddish-language, single-shot masterpiece set in a Ukrainian shtetl on the eve of its destruction in 1941. Filmed in 2021 but only recently released, SHTTL feels uncannily prophetic, speaking directly to the anxieties, divisions, and questions facing the Jewish world today. Moshe brings a deeply personal lens to the film. Raised in an ultra-Orthodox home in Brooklyn, with Yiddish as his first language, he eventually left the community of his childhood to pursue a different path—an experience that echoes through his portrayal of Mendele, a young man who also steps outside his community and becomes a filmmaker in the Soviet Army’s propaganda division. In the conversation, Moshe reflects on how his own journey of identity, faith, and separation helped him understand Mendele’s longing, his conflicts, and his complicated return home. Rabbi Yoshi and Moshe explore the Talmudic nature of Jewish identity—our arguments, our diversity, our longing for unity—and how SHTTL reveals both the beauty and the fragility of a people wrestling with faith, modernity, and danger. They also discuss the film’s most powerful scenes: moments of denial in the face of rising antisemitism, fierce debates about unity and belief, and the urgent relevance of a story rooted in 1941 yet alive with meaning in our own moment. A moving, timely, and deeply reflective conversation that reminds us how fragile—and how enduring—the Jewish story truly is. Learn more about the film at: https://www.menemshafilms.com/shttl

Veteran trial lawyer Marc Kasowitz has taken his courtroom skills to a new front—the battle against antisemitism on America’s college campuses. In this episode, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback talks with Kasowitz about the lawsuits he’s brought against universities like NYU and Harvard, where Jewish and Israeli students faced harassment and exclusion. Their conversation explores how the legal system can hold powerful institutions accountable, what meaningful change looks like in practice, and where Kasowitz finds hope in an era of rising hate. This thoughtful exchange offers a rare look at the intersection of law, justice, and Jewish identity—and what it takes to stand up for truth and dignity when it matters most.

In this special episode, Rabbi Yoshi shares his 5786 Rosh Hashanah (2025) sermon, Sanctified — For the Whole World. Drawing on the wisdom of his grandfather, Jewish tradition, and the moral challenges of our time, Rabbi Zweiback explores the sacred balance between particularism and universalism — between our deep commitment to the Jewish people and our responsibility to all humanity. Through stories of family, Israel, and acts of compassion near and far, this message invites us to live inside the holy tension that defines Jewish life: to defend our people fiercely, and to love the wider world boldly. May this new year inspire all of us to bring holiness, empathy, and peace into the world we share.

In this episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback sits down with Michael Honigstein, a career Foreign Service Officer who has served in countries around the world—including Sudan, Sri Lanka, and Israel—working to promote peace, democracy, and human rights. Michael reflects on his remarkable journey from an advertising career in New York to decades of diplomatic service, shaped by his Jewish upbringing and a deep sense of moral responsibility. He speaks candidly about the challenges of diplomacy, the toll of public service, and the circumstances surrounding his recent and painful forced retirement from the U.S. State Department. Together, they discuss the complexities of pursuing peace in the modern world and Michael’s thoughts on the Witkoff–Kushner–Trump peace plan for Gaza. This is a powerful and deeply human conversation about integrity, purpose, and the enduring call to serve.

In this episode of Search for Meaning, host Yoshi Zweiback sits down with dear friend and esteemed spiritual leader Rabbi Sydney Mintz. Rabbi Mintz, longtime rabbi at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco and founder of the 13th Tribe community, brings her unique blend of rabbinic insight, performance art, and lived experience to the conversation. After touching on her creative work—including her one-woman show You May Think I’m Funny, But It’s Not—the discussion turns to her recent High Holy Day sermon, a deeply personal reflection on her love for Israel and the complexities of wrestling with one’s Zionism. It’s an invitation to imagine a Zionist tent that is broad, diverse, and alive with thoughtful engagement. This episode offers honesty, heart, and hope at a moment that calls for all three. 🔗 Watch Rabbi Mintz’s sermon here: https://youtu.be/-guvY9As64w?si=9Z7e78ZoyYayV79r Produced by Amy Shelby • Engineered by Raz Husany Stay tuned and be inspired.

In this episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback speaks with Rania Fadel Dean, a leader of the Druze community in Los Angeles and founder of Covenant of Blood (Brit Damim). Together they explore the unique history and religion of the Druze people, their deep integration into Israeli society, and the “covenant of blood” that binds the Druze and Jewish communities through shared sacrifice and loyalty. Rania also sheds light on the persecution of Druze communities in Syria, including the tragic violence in Sweida, and shares how her work through Covenant seeks to amplify Druze voices and build bridges of understanding across cultures. It’s a moving conversation about identity, resilience, and the power of solidarity in times of crisis. Stay tuned and be inspired.

What happens when a Reform journalist and an Orthodox rabbi spend years studying Torah together? In this episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback welcomes Abigail Pogrebin and Rabbi Dov Linzer to talk about their new book, It Takes Two to Torah. Drawing from very different backgrounds—Abby, the daughter of feminist thinker Letty Pogrebin, who grew up in a more assimilated Jewish home, and Dov, who was raised in a Modern Orthodox community, immersed in hours of daily Talmud study—they share how their partnership has shaped their lives, their faith, and their understanding of Torah. The conversation explores questions of determinism and Tikkun Olam, wrestles with challenging texts like the Sotah ritual in Parshat Naso, and highlights how studying Torah across lines of difference can transform both individuals and communities. Engaging, candid, and deeply thoughtful, this episode is a celebration of what becomes possible when we open ourselves to dialogue and discovery—together. https://www.mvpublishers.org/product-page/it-takes-two-to-torah

How do we find laughter when everything feels too heavy? What role does humor play when we're facing unimaginable challenges? Emmy, Peabody, and Grammy-winning comedy writer Rob Kutner offers surprising wisdom on these questions through the lens of Jewish history and his own creative journey. "I can't solve those problems, nor should I try to, but at least I can give people's brains a break so that they'll have the strength to come back to the problems and solve them or be engaged in them," Kutner reflects. This perspective frames comedy not as escape but as essential mental restoration—something the Jewish people have relied on throughout their 5,000-year history. Kutner's book "The Jews: 5,000 Years and Counting" blends sharp wit with deep historical research, creating an accessible entry point to Jewish history that honors both its complexity and its resilience. We explore how his own Jewish identity was paradoxically strengthened by attending a Christian school in Atlanta, which prompted him to ask fundamental questions about who he was and what he believed. Our conversation takes a profound turn when discussing the current moment of heightened antisemitism and global conflict. Writing during and after October 7th, 2023, Kutner experienced a creative paralysis that forced him to reconsider his approach to Jewish history. What emerged was a deeper appreciation for the Jewish tradition of holding multiple truths simultaneously—acknowledging both suffering and resilience, recognizing both grief and joy. Perhaps most fascinating is Kutner's creative approach to biblical stories, reimagining characters like Abraham, Sarah, and Moses in modern contexts like group therapy sessions or personal diaries. These exercises in empathy allow readers to connect with ancient stories in fresh, meaningful ways while honoring the tradition's inherent complexity. Whether you're seeking perspective during difficult times or simply curious about how comedy can illuminate profound truths, this conversation offers both comfort and challenge—reminding us that sometimes, the most serious thing we can do is laugh. Learn more at https://www.robkutner.com/.

In this episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback sits down with Julie Brill, author of Hidden in Plain Sight: A Family Memoir and the Untold Story of the Holocaust in Serbia. Julie’s book uncovers a little-known chapter of Jewish history, exploring the resilience, struggles, and heritage of the Jewish community in Serbia. Together, they discuss memory, trauma, and the ways stories from the past shape our present. Julie reflects on how the weight of history can grow as we uncover it, yet also how these stories can help us learn to manage, process, and move through trauma. This episode offers profound insights into the power of storytelling, the endurance of memory, and the transformative potential of confronting history. Learn more about Julie Brill and her book at https://www.juliebrill.com .

🗣️ Search for Meaning with Rabbi Yoshi welcomes journalist and diplomat Jonathan Harounoff, author of the forthcoming book Unveiled: Inside Iran’s #WomanLifeFreedom Revolt. 📖 In this episode, Jonathan shares the story behind his groundbreaking reporting on Iran’s women-led uprising, sparked by the 2022 death of Mahsa Jina Amini. His book is built on exclusive interviews with protestors and survivors—painting a powerful picture of resistance, resilience, and hope. 🕍 The conversation also explores Jonathan’s identity as a British-born, Persian-Jewish Israeli—and how that multifaceted lens shapes both his writing and his work as 🇮🇱 Israel’s international spokesperson at the United Nations. 🔥 Themes of faith, freedom, moral clarity, and the role of women in reshaping the future of the Middle East come together in this deeply meaningful episode. 📚 Unveiled is more than journalism—it’s a testimony to human dignity and the power of voice. 🎙️ Tune in—and be inspired.

Stephen J. Cloobeck joins Rabbi Yoshi for a wide-ranging conversation about business, identity, and public service. Best known as the founder and former CEO of Diamond Resorts, Cloobeck reflects on his Jewish upbringing at Stephen Wise Temple, the influence of his father, and how those early experiences continue to shape his values. They discuss his new book, Facing Hard Truths. Cloobeck also shares why he’s decided to enter the political arena as a candidate for Governor of California in the 2026 election. This episode explores how personal history, faith, and ambition intersect—and what it means to lead with conviction in uncertain times.

In this special live recording from Stephen Wise Temple on May 13, 2025, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback sits down with Dr. Arnold Eisen, Chancellor Emeritus of the Jewish Theological Seminary, for a profound and personal conversation about his new book, Seeking the Hiding God: A Personal Theological Essay. Together, they explore themes of theology, doubt, and faith—probing the mystery of God’s presence and absence in our lives. Dr. Eisen shares insights from his lifelong engagement with Jewish thought and spiritual practice, offering reflections that are both deeply intellectual and vulnerably human. Whether you're wrestling with questions of belief or seeking new language for your own faith journey, this episode offers a meaningful dialogue about how we search for the Divine in a complicated world.