Search for Meaning with Rabbi Yoshi

What do you get when a Shabbat dinner meant to welcome a soon-to-be daughter-in-law turns into a night of secrets, revelations, and unlikely wisdom? You get Bad Shabbos—a comedy with heart, directed by Daniel Robbins and co-written with Zack Weiner.Robbins joins Rabbi Yoshi to discuss his new film set on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, where a Jewish family hosts Shabbat dinner for their son David and his fiancée Meg, who is preparing to convert to Judaism. As the night unfolds, tensions rise, surprises surface, and laughter and love do battle at the dinner table.At the emotional center of the film is Meg, whose D’var Torah—something she’s been studying with her rabbi as part of her conversion process—is delivered during the meal as a reflection on that week’s Torah portion. Her words, full of insight and heart, speak to the serendipitous nature of life and the power of choosing one’s path with intention and faith. With a standout ensemble cast including Kyra Sedgwick, Milana Vayntrub, David Paymer, and Method Man as the family’s beloved doorman who is practically family, Bad Shabbos is as funny as it is touching.

Rabbi Yoshi sits down with Ambassador Gary Grappo, a former U.S. diplomat and expert on Middle Eastern affairs, for an in-depth and urgent conversation about Israel’s preemptive strike on Iranian military assets and the ensuing conflict between these countries.Drawing on his extensive diplomatic experience—including his service as U.S. Ambassador to Oman, Chief of Staff to the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Quartet, and senior postings in Jerusalem, Riyadh, and Baghdad—Ambassador Grappo offers a deeply informed analysis of the current crisis, its historical roots, and the broader implications for diplomacy, regional security, and U.S. foreign policy.Their conversation explores the strategic calculations driving both nations, the risks of further escalation, and the urgent need for clear-eyed diplomacy in one of the most combustible regions in the world. It’s a compelling and essential episode for anyone seeking insight into the unfolding conflict and its global repercussions.🎧 Listen now on Search for Meaning with Rabbi Yoshi.#SearchForMeaning #RabbiYoshi #MiddleEastConflict #IsraelIran #DiplomacyMatters #Geopolitics #ForeignPolicy #AmbassadorInsights #IranIsraelCrisis #GlobalAffairs #PreemptiveStrike #InternationalRelations  #BreakingDiplomacy #GaryGrappo

Award-winning comedian and writer Carol Leifer joins Search for Meaning with Rabbi Yoshi for a candid and hilarious conversation about life, legacy, and laughter. From her groundbreaking start as a stand-up comedian to her acclaimed writing for Saturday Night Live, Seinfeld, Ellen, and Curb Your Enthusiasm, to her recent Emmy and Golden Globe wins for Hacks, Leifer reflects on how her Jewish identify, family roots—including a father who was the household “tumler”—and her personal journey as a gay woman in Hollywood have shaped her voice and career.Carol also discusses her brand-new book, How to Write a Funny Speech for a Wedding, Bar Mitzvah, Graduation & Every Other Event You Didn’t Want to Go to in the First Place—a laugh-out-loud guide for anyone who's ever been asked to speak in public and wished they hadn’t.With warmth and wit, she reflects on navigating show business, staying true to herself, and finding meaning through humor.🎧 Listen now for an inspiring look at authenticity, resilience, and the power of comedy to connect us all.📺 Watch “The Marble Rye” episode of Seinfeld: https://youtu.be/B0lprUNrjkU?si=Hx5OPTPU6Fugk31q📺 Watch “The Ugly Section" episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm: https://youtu.be/YDl3q_24eBE?si=v9zVL7lZUhujiDy1#CarolLeifer #JewishComedy #SearchForMeaning #RabbiYoshi #LGBTQVoices #ComedyLegends #JewishIdentity #StandUpComedy #WomenInComedy #Seinfeld #TheMarbleRye #CurbYourEnthusiasm #EllenShow #SNL #PodcastPromo #JewishVoices #AuthenticLiving #ComedyWriters

In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, Rabbi Yoshi sits down with David Suissa—Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Tribe Media and the Jewish Journal—to explore the deep currents shaping Jewish life today. A passionate voice in Jewish media since 2006 and a former award-winning advertising executive, David brings his characteristic insight, warmth, and eloquence to a discussion that touches on some of the most important themes of our time.Together, they reflect on the importance of sharing our culture, the transformative magic of Shabbat, and the delicate yet urgent challenge of balancing our values. Against the backdrop of rising antisemitism and the recent tragic murder of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky outside the Jewish museum in Washington, D.C., David and Rabbi Yoshi consider what it means to protect ourselves while staying rooted in Jewish connection—to our heritage, our people, and our allies.From Casablanca to Montreal to Los Angeles, David’s journey reflects a lifetime devoted to the Jewish story. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to reflect on what it means to live with courage, purpose, and hope.Listen now and read more at jewishjournal.com#SearchForMeaning #RabbiYoshi #DavidSuissa #JewishJournal #ShabbatMagic #JewishCommunity #JewishVoices #FaithAndCourage #AntisemitismAwareness #JewishIdentity #ShabbatShalom #JewishHeritage #ConnectionAndProtection #SpiritualResilience #JewishPodcast #JewishWisdom

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi sits down with Yuval David, an Emmy Award and multiple award-winning actor, filmmaker, journalist, and activist. Yuval is known for his innovative and acclaimed series One Actor Short and other original content, ABC’s What Would You Do, FX’s Feud, and numerous television and film roles. He regularly appears as a news commentator on Fox, NewsNation, NBC, i24, ILTV, Sky News, and other outlets.  Yuval takes also his bold advocacy work across the US, Israel, and internationally, as a speaker, workshop leader, and in meetings with politicians and community groups.Together, they explore what it means to "come out of the closet" — not once, but twice: first as a gay man, and then, more recently, as a proud Zionist in increasingly complex times.Yuval shares his journey of embracing his authentic self, navigating a world that often demands silence or conformity. He speaks candidly about the challenges and triumphs of living openly, and the new layers of meaning he's discovered in affirming both his sexual identity and his deep connection to Israel.This conversation is a meditation on resilience, self-definition, and how we find meaning when the world around us feels divided. It is an invitation to consider the power of vulnerability, the importance of solidarity, and the courage it takes to stand in one's truth — especially when it's uncomfortable.Learn more about Yuval and his work at yuvaldavid.com instagram.com/yuval_david_ x.com/yuvaldavid  Youtube.com/YuvalDavid 

In this timely episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback sits down with Rabbi David Gedzelman, President and CEO of the Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life.Together, Rabbi Yoshi and Rabbi Gedzelman explore the powerful intersections of Jewish identity, education, culture, and the critical role that visionary leadership plays in shaping the future of Jewish communities both in the United States and globally. They also discuss the World Zionist Organization (WZO) elections, a once-every-five-years opportunity for American Jews to have a direct voice in the future of Israel and global Jewish priorities.Time is of the essence: Voting in the WZO elections closes on May 4th, and your vote matters more than ever. Rabbi Yoshi is running on the Reform Movement slate, advocating for a vision of Israel that is pluralistic, democratic, and inclusive.Make your voice heard — Vote now at VoteForReform.org!

Episode Title: Adam Mansbach – The Golem of BrooklynIn this episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback welcomes Adam Mansbach, best-selling author and cultural provocateur, for a conversation about his latest novel, The Golem of Brooklyn — a darkly comic and fiercely relevant tale that reimagines the legendary Golem in the heart of contemporary America.Known for his sharp wit and literary range, Mansbach delves into the origin of the book, the role of folklore in shaping identity, and how humor can be both a shield and a sword in the face of rising antisemitism. Together, he and Rabbi Yoshi explore the intersections of memory, justice, grief, and myth, while reflecting on how stories help us navigate the complexities of modern Jewish life.The Golem of Brooklyn is more than a novel — it's a bold statement about who we are, what we fear, and how we fight back. Don’t miss this powerful and thought-provoking conversation.http://www.adammansbach.com/NOTE: This episode includes explicit language.

🎙️ “Wow! Shehecheyanu” – A Joyful Musical CelebrationRabbi Yoshi sits down with Cantor Emma Lutz and Dr. Tali Tadmor to explore the heart and harmony behind their brand-new children’s album, Wow! Shehecheyanu. Produced by Pam Autuori and featuring the incredible Stephen Wise Temple Band, the album is a vibrant, soulful tribute created in honor of the grand opening of the Aaron Milken Center.With joyful voices from Wise School students and original music that celebrates gratitude, wonder, and Jewish tradition, Wow! Shehecheyanu is a spirited soundtrack for the next generation.Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, the inspiration behind the songs, and the meaningful role music plays in shaping Jewish identity from an early age.🎶 Wow! Shehecheyanu is available now on all streaming platforms.🔗 Learn more about music at Stephen Wise Temple: wisela.org/music

“Noa" and "Omri" (not their real names), two soldiers from the Sky Rider Unit, an elite unit of the IDF known for its precision and critical role in intelligence gathering, share their experiences since October 7, offering a rare, firsthand perspective on the challenges they’ve faced and the moral complexities of modern warfare. Noa and Omri speak candidly about the Sky Riders’ commitment to preventing civilian casualties, the weight of responsibility they carry, and the personal toll of their service.In a heartfelt tribute, they also share memories of fallen comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice, honoring their bravery and reflecting on the enduring impact of their loss.Learn how the Sky Riders Foundation supports these soldiers with mentoring programs and initiatives to prevent PTSD, ensuring they receive the care they need both during and after their service.🔗 Sky Rider Unit - IDF💙 Sky Riders Foundation - Supporting IDF Soldiers#SearchForMeaning #RabbiYoshi #SkyRiderUnit #IDF #October7 #PreventingPTSD #Resilience #FallenHeroes #JewishCommunity #Podcast #SkyRidersFoundation

Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback speaks with acclaimed author Ayelet Tsabari about her latest book, Songs for the Brokenhearted—a moving exploration of grief, identity, and the human spirit.They also delve into Ayelet’s poignant New York Times opinion piece, where she reflects on the sacred act of cleaning the homes of those massacred on October 7, and how this intimate ritual became a form of solace and remembrance.This episode is a testament to the resilience of the human heart and the ways we find meaning in the midst of loss.🔗 Ayelet Tsabari’s Website📰 Read Ayelet’s NYT Opinion Piece#SearchForMeaning #RabbiYoshi #AyeletTsabari #SongsForTheBrokenhearted #October7 #Grief #Resilience #JewishCommunity #Podcast