Behind the Bima

Rabbi Efrem Goldberg
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Rabbis Efrem Goldberg and Philip Moskowitz from Boca Raton Synagogue, shmooze about contemporary issues. Every week features an unscripted and lively discussion, special guests, and a behind-the-scenes look at leading a large and dynamic Jewish community.

  1. 3 HR AGO

    Can Outreach Compete with Social Media? Rabbi Steven Burg

    Can social media inspire Torah growth? Can AI expand access to Jewish learning? And what happens when young Jews are influenced more by online personalities than by communal institutions? In this episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Philip Moskowitz are joined by Rabbi Steven Burg, CEO of Aish, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of Jewish outreach and engagement. They discuss the growing influence of digital platforms, the opportunities and risks of AI in Torah education, and the challenge of reaching Jews who are shaped more by TikTok and YouTube than by traditional institutions. Rabbi Burg reflects on the responsibility of leadership in a time when Jewish students are encountering antisemitism on campus, absorbing extreme online voices, and questioning inherited identity. The conversation also explores: The difference between institutional outreach and relationship-driven engagementThe rise of online influencers shaping young Jewish thinkingWhy unity among Jewish organizations is more urgent than everThe role of Aish in strengthening identity and prideHow outreach must evolve without compromising authenticityThis season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin. A serious and forward-looking discussion about how to reach farther by thinking deeper.

    1h 11m

  2. 10 FEB

    From Kuwait to Jerusalem: Mark Halawa's Journey to Judaism

    In this deeply moving episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Philip Moskowitz sit down with Mark Halawa, who grew up Arab and Muslim in Kuwait, immersed in a culture where Jews were demonized, and ultimately chose a radically different path. Mark shares the quiet, human moments that began unraveling everything he thought he knew: curiosity, kindness, questions, and a single act of generosity that planted a seed. What followed was not a political statement, but a spiritual journey... one rooted in learning, truth-seeking, and courage. This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin. This conversation explores: Growing up Muslim in Kuwait and being taught to hate JewsThe unexpected encounters that challenged those beliefsThe rabbi, the apple, and the moment that changed everythingChoosing Judaism through learning, not rebellionWhat it costs... and gives... to rebuild an identity from the ground upThis is a powerful episode about transformation, faith, and what can happen when someone is truly seen.

    1h 27m

  3. 8 FEB · BONUS

    BONUS EPISODE | Sitting Down with a Muslim Zionist: Loay Alshareef

    This bonus episode of Behind the Bima addresses a question many people asked — and some criticized: Why invite an Arab Muslim to speak at a synagogue? Rabbi Efrem Goldberg is joined by Loay Alshareef, an Arab Muslim educator who speaks openly about antisemitism within the Arab and Muslim world, the narratives he was raised with, and the personal consequences of challenging them publicly. Rather than aiming for comfort or consensus, this conversation focuses on truth, moral responsibility, and the cost of silence. Loay discusses what it means to speak honestly within his own community, why clarity matters more than approval, and how real dialogue differs from performative gestures. This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin. This Episode Discusses: Growing up in the Arab world and the narratives taught about JewsAntisemitism within Arab and Muslim societiesThe personal cost of publicly challenging one’s own communityTruth-telling versus performative interfaith dialogueWhen avoiding discomfort becomes a moral failureThe difference between honesty and coexistence slogansSpeaking with clarity even when it risks backlashWhy some conversations must happen publicly, not privatelyThis is not a conversation about interfaith optics. It’s about values, courage, and the responsibility to say difficult things out loud.

    1h 19m

  4. 3 FEB

    Lessons from a Lifetime of Paying Attention: Rebbetzin Shoshana Schachter

    What does paying attention over time teach you about people? In this episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Philip Moskowitz are joined by Rebbetzin Shoshana Schachter for a thoughtful conversation about dating, raising children, and the relationships that shape our lives. Drawing from decades of lived experience, Rebbetzin Schachter reflects on how emotional awareness and restraint influence the way we approach dating and parenting. She speaks about the importance of watching people carefully, allowing relationships to unfold over time, and understanding that judgment is often formed not through answers, but through attention. This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin. This Episode Discusses: Dating and emotional awarenessPaying attention as relationships developRestraint in parenting and family dynamicsLearning when to respond and when to hold backWatching people carefully over timeHow judgment is shaped through experienceWhy wisdom often comes from observation, not adviceThis is not an episode about solutions or prescriptions. It’s about learning to notice, and what that noticing teaches you about people, family, and yourself.

    1h 23m

  5. 27 JAN

    Bringing Out the Best in the Next Generation: Rabbi Moshe Don Kestenbaum

    What does it mean to be trusted with other people’s growth? In this episode of Behind the Bima, we sit down with Rabbi Moshe Don Kestenbaum, a renowned educator and mentor, to explore the quiet but weighty decisions that parents and teachers face every day. Rather than offering formulas or slogans, Rabbi Kestenbaum speaks honestly about discernment—knowing when to guide, when to step back, and how to bring out the best in children and students without crushing their individuality. Drawing from decades in education, he reflects on responsibility, restraint, and the long-term impact of the choices educators make in moments that often go unnoticed. This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin. This Episode Discusses: Knowing when to speak—and when silence is more powerfulBringing out the best in students without overmanagingParenting and teaching as long-term responsibilityWhy trust is the heaviest burden educators carryLetting children grow without fear-driven controlModeling judgment, not just rulesThis is a conversation for anyone who teaches, parents, mentors, or leads, and feels the pressure of getting it right.

    1h 11m

  6. 20 JAN

    From Chart-Topper to Yeshiva Bochur: Alex Clare

    Alex Clare built a global music career, reaching hundreds of millions of listeners worldwide. But behind the spotlight, he was searching for something deeper. In this episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg sits down with Alex Clare for a thoughtful conversation about fame, faith, and the cost of choosing a values-driven life. Alex reflects on his journey through music, his return to Torah, and the challenge of integrating creativity, responsibility, and authenticity after public success. This is not a story about leaving one world for another. It’s about redefining purpose, respecting the power of one’s gifts, and discovering depth when the applause fades. This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin. Topics discussed include: Life at the height of a global music careerThe questions success doesn’t answerTeshuvah and returning to TorahIntegrating creativity with faith and responsibilityRedefining purpose without abandoning talentStaying authentic after the spotlight fadesThis is not a story about leaving one world for another. It’s about redefining purpose, respecting the power of one’s gifts, and discovering depth when the applause fades.

    1h 17m

  7. 13 JAN

    The Demands of Teaching 13,000 Classes: Rabbi Daniel Glatstein

    In this episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Philip Moskowitz sit down with Rabbi Daniel Glatstein to explore what it actually demands to teach seriously over time. Having taught nearly 13,000 classes across years of public responsibility, Rabbi Glatstein reflects on the discipline, preparation, and restraint required to sustain meaningful teaching without dilution. This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin. Rather than discussing techniques or shortcuts, they turn to deeper questions: how standards are maintained, why boundaries protect depth, and what happens when teaching is treated as a lifelong obligation rather than a moment of inspiration. The episode offers a rare look at the inner weight carried by those who take Torah — and leadership — seriously. Topics discussed include: What teaching at scale truly demandsDiscipline versus inspiration in sustaining impactWhy boundaries are essential, not limitingHumility, consistency, and long-term responsibilityPreserving seriousness in an age of speed and reachThis is a thoughtful and grounded conversation about Torah, leadership, and what it takes to build something that lasts.

    1h 16m

  8. 6 JAN

    When Seconds Decide Lives: Eli Beer

    In this episode of Behind the Bima, the Rabbis speak with Eli Beer, founder of United Hatzalah, about leadership under pressure and responsibility in moments when lives are at stake. This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin. As Israel continues to confront war, trauma, and exhaustion, this conversation examines what it means to lead an organization built for crisis, and what sustains those who never step off the front lines. The discussion explores emergency response during national trauma, the emotional toll on volunteers, the challenge of leading with integrity, and the role of faith and discipline in sustaining responsibility over time. This is a serious, grounded conversation about leadership when urgency is real and consequences are immediate.

    1h 14m
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About

Rabbis Efrem Goldberg and Philip Moskowitz from Boca Raton Synagogue, shmooze about contemporary issues. Every week features an unscripted and lively discussion, special guests, and a behind-the-scenes look at leading a large and dynamic Jewish community.

Information

  • Creator
    Rabbi Efrem Goldberg
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    204
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rabbi Efrem Goldberg
  • Show Website
    Behind the Bima

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