Behind the Bima

4d ago

In this episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg sits down with Congressman Randy Fine, one of the most outspoken defenders of the Jewish people and the State of Israel in American politics today. This episode is sponsored by Eli & Eva Genauer in observance of the Yahrzeit of his grandfather, Moshe Yehuda ben Binyomin HaLevi Genauer, on the 8th of Kislev. Congressman Fine shares the powerful story behind his decision to wear a kippah every day on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming the first member of Congress in history to do so. What began as a conversation with his teenage son became a defining public statement of Jewish pride at a time when many feel pressure to hide. The conversation explores: Standing visibly Jewish in an era of rising antisemitism The personal cost—and responsibility—of moral clarity Growing up Jewish in Kentucky and confronting hate early in life Florida’s role as one of the safest states in America for Jews School choice, Jewish day school security, and public policy Israel after October 7 and the changing political landscape Leadership, courage, and the price of speaking plainly This is a candid, unscripted discussion about identity, responsibility, and what it means to lead as a Jew in historic times... exactly the kind of conversation Behind the Bima was created to host.

Jun 12

From Boca Raton, Florida, this is Behind the Bima. His face is blurred, and his name is redacted by the Israeli government, but his story of heroism and resilience must be told. In a powerful and deeply moving episode, we sit down with "Guy," an active-duty sergeant major in the IDF's legendary Unit 669—the elite airborne search and rescue commando force. Guy provides a rare look inside the grueling physical and psychological training designed to forge soldiers who can run toward danger and rescue anyone, from any situation, under overwhelming fire. He shares a gripping, firsthand account of October 7th, from the initial chaotic call-up to driving into a warzone, treating endless casualties amidst a stream of terrorists, liberating kibbutzim, and the surreal moments that followed. Guy also opens up about the invisible wounds of war, the dark humor soldiers use to survive, and how he and his fiancée, Noga—a commander in her own right—navigated their relationship through text messages, not knowing if the other was still alive. Learn how Guy's private journal, chronicling his service, unexpectedly became a best-selling book in Israel, giving a voice to an entire generation of soldiers. Find Guy's new book, "The Rescue: October 7th Through the Eyes of Israel's Top Rescue Commandos," on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

May 21

🇮🇱 From Shepherd to Seal to Nation-Builder | Major Yoel Zilberman | Behind the Bima 📍 Recorded live in Boca Raton, FL In this unforgettable episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg sits down with Major Yoel Zilberman, an elite IDF commander and the founder & CEO of Hashomer HaChadash (Hasham)—Israel’s largest volunteer organization, mobilizing over 300,000 volunteers to defend Israel’s farms, strengthen the land, and raise the next generation of Zionist leaders. From his humble beginnings as a shepherd in the Galilee to serving in Israel’s Navy Seals, and now leading a national movement reshaping Israel’s borders, Major Zilberman shares powerful insights on: • What October 7th revealed about Israel’s vulnerabilities and resilience • The crisis of food security and land abandonment in Israel—and why food independence is a matter of national security • How his tent on a hill became a symbol of resistance, community, and rebirth • Why real leadership starts on the land, and not in politics • His call to action for Jews around the world to protect, work, and love the land of Israel This conversation is a blueprint for the Jewish future—brimming with clarity, courage, and a charge to build, plant, and lead.

May 14

Congressman Jared Moskowitz: Pro-Israel, Proudly Jewish, and Unapologetically Honest | Behind the Bima 🎙️ In this powerful episode of Behind the Bima, we sit down with Congressman Jared Moskowitz, the outspoken U.S. Representative for Florida’s 23rd Congressional District, and a relentless voice for Israel and the Jewish people. 🇮🇱 From his Holocaust family legacy to his fearless stand against antisemitism—even when it means challenging members of his own party—Congressman Moskowitz shares what drives his moral clarity and fierce advocacy. With honesty, humor, and urgency, he opens up about: • What it’s like being one of the most pro-Israel voices in Congress • The rise of antisemitism on college campuses and in American political discourse • The challenges—and importance—of bipartisanship in a polarized era • How his Jewish identity shapes his public life and service • Why both the political left and right must confront their own blind spots on Israel • His take on social media, public service, and keeping perspective under fire 💥 Plus: The rabbis weigh in on Aliyah, ethics and connections, the blurry line between gifts and favors, and share personal reflections from Boca Raton Synagogue—one of the most pro-Israel shuls in the diaspora. 🙏 A deeply moving and timely conversation you won’t want to miss. Show Notes: 🎙️ Guest Profile: Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) Position: U.S. Representative for Florida’s 23rd Congressional District (since 2023) Party: Democratic Committees: House Judiciary Committee; House Foreign Affairs Committee (Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Oversight & Intelligence) Caucus Roles: Co-Chair, Congressional Sneaker Caucus; Co-Chair, Congressional Dog Lovers’ Caucus; Vice Chair, Gun Violence Prevention Task Force; Member, House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism  ⸻ 🧭 Background & Early Career • Born: December 18, 1980, in Coral Springs, Florida • Education: B.A. in Political Science, George Washington University; J.D., Nova Southeastern University • Early Political Involvement: Interned for Vice President Al Gore; assistant on Joe Lieberman’s 2004 presidential campaign; delegate for Barack Obama at the 2008 Democratic National Convention • Local Government: Elected to the Parkland City Commission in 2006; re-elected in 2010; focused on environmental initiatives such as subsidies for energy-efficient appliances and hybrid vehicles    ⸻ 🏛️ Political Career Florida House of Representatives (2012–2019) • District: 97th, representing northern Broward County • Key Legislation: Co-authored the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act following the 2018 school shooting; the act raised the minimum age to purchase firearms to 21, implemented red flag laws, and increased funding for school security and mental health services   Director, Florida Division of Emergency Management (2019–2021) • Appointed by: Governor Ron DeSantis • Responsibilities: Managed responses to Hurricane Michael and the COVID-19 pandemic; oversaw distribution of PPE, vaccines, and testing supplies; criticized 3M for diverting N95 masks intended for Florida to foreign buyers   U.S. House of Representatives (2023–Present) • Election: Won the seat previously held by Ted Deutch in 2022; re-elected in 2024 • Legislative Focus: Gun violence prevention, defending democracy, supporting Israel, and protecting reproductive rights • Notable Actions: Known for his confrontational style and use of social media to challenge Republican colleagues; has been involved in high-profile exchanges during committee hearings    ⸻ 🎧 Recent Podcast Appearances The Bulwark Podcast: “Jared Moskowitz and Zeke Faux: Scams Galore” • Date: February 19, 2025 • Hosts: Tim Miller • Topics Discussed: Cryptocurrency scams, political accountability, and the role of social media in modern politics   The Lincoln Project Podcast: “Jared Moskowitz on Why He Yells (to Get Through to the Dumb-Dumbs)!” • Date: May 14, 2025 • Host: Rick Wilson • Topics Discussed: Strategies for effective communication in Congress, criticism of GOP policies, and insights into legislative processes  ⸻ 📰 In the News • Political Style: Moskowitz has gained attention for his theatrical approach in Congress, including wearing a Vladimir Putin mask during a hearing to mock Republican colleagues • Bipartisan Relationships: Despite his confrontational tactics, he maintains relationships across the aisle, notably with Rep. Matt Gaetz, who has praised Moskowitz’s intelligence and effectiveness • Potential Future Candidacy: Speculation exists about Moskowitz running for higher office, including a potential gubernatorial bid in Florida   ⸻ 🔗 Additional Resources • Official Website: moskowitz.house.gov • Campaign Website: jaredforflorida.com • Wikipedia: Jared Moskowitz

Apr 2

From Boca Raton, Florida, this is Behind the Bima. On this week's episode, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Rabbi Philip Moskowitz and Rabbi Josh Broide are joined by Colonel John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point. In this compelling conversation, John Spencer provides profound insights into the complexities of urban warfare, sharing his expertise and experiences from the battlefield. The discussion delves into the themes of moral clarity in warfare, the challenges faced by Israel in its ongoing conflicts, and the broader implications for Western military strategies. Plus: all about Rabbi Broide’s move to Israel. All this and more, Behind the Bima.

Mar 27

From Boca Raton, Florida, this is Behind the Bima. This week, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Rabbi Josh Broide, and Rabbi Philip Moskowitz are joined by the renowned Israeli singer, Akiva Turgeman. Together, they explore Akiva's rise to fame, his deep personal connection to the music that unites the Jewish people, and his inspiring message of hope and resilience. Tune in for an intimate conversation that goes beyond the music. All this and more - Behind the Bima. Show Notes: Akiva Turgeman, known professionally as Akiva, is an Israeli singer-songwriter renowned for his fusion of traditional Jewish themes with contemporary music styles. Born in 1991 in Dimona, Israel, he is the son of Rabbi David Turgeman, head of the Gevoha Yeshiva, and hails from a family instrumental in founding Dimona.  Akiva’s musical journey began at the Mizmor Music Academy, where he honed his singing and songwriting skills. Following his studies, he served as a combat soldier in the IDF’s Golani Brigade. His diverse musical influences range from Led Zeppelin to traditional Moroccan piyutim, reflecting his mixed Moroccan and Canadian heritage.    His breakthrough came in 2018 with the single “Al Ta’azvi Yadayim” (“Don’t Let Go”), which topped Israeli music charts and garnered millions of views on YouTube. Subsequent hits like “Pshutim” and “Atah Holech Iti” have solidified his place in the Israeli music scene. Akiva’s discography includes albums such as “Olamot” (2017), “Al Ta’azvi Yadayim” (2021), and “Elef Mena’ulim” (2024).

Mar 12

Boca Raton, Florida, this is Behind the Bima. On this week's episode, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg navigates the intricate landscape of the 39th World Zionist Congress. Rabbi Goldberg is joined by five influential voices in the Jewish world: Rabbi Moshe Hauer representing the OIC-Mizrachi Slate, Rabbi Pesach Lerner of Eretz Ha’Kodesh, Rabbi Steve Burg from Aish Ha’am, Mort Klein of ZOA, and Dan Kaskel leading the Herut slate. As the election for this global congress unfolds, Rabbi Goldberg unpacks the implications of billions of dollars at stake, influencing policy and direction for the Jewish state and communities worldwide. The guests each represent a unique vision and agenda for their slates, aiming to direct the funds in ways that align with their core values and strategic goals. All this and more, Behind the Bima. 00:00 - Introduction 14:51 - Interview 7:38 - Rabbi Moshe Hauer, OIC- Mizrachi Slate 25:46 - Rabbi Pesach Lerner, Eretz Ha’Kodesh 49:32 - Rabbi Steve Burg, Aish Ha’am 1:06:16 - Mort Klein, ZOA 1:22:44 - Dan Kaskel, Herut

Mar 5

From Boca Raton, Florida, this is Behind the Bima. On this week’s episode, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Rabbi Philip Moskowitz, and Rabbi Josh Broide sit down with the extraordinary Zevi Samet—a dynamic yeshiva bachur and celebrated basketball star whose journey is as inspiring off the court as it is on. Zevi shares his unique story of balancing Torah learning with athletic excellence, revealing how every game-winning shot is a lesson in perseverance, faith, and self-motivation. Join us as we explore his transformative path, the sacrifices made in pursuit of excellence, and the powerful role of Torah in every facet of his life. Plus, get the inside scoop on our groundbreaking new media center, a campus expansion that’s doubling our impact, and our record-breaking global charity matching campaign that raised $6 million in just 48 hours! All this and more, Behind the Bima. 00:00 - Introduction 14:51 - Interview