Behind the Bima

Rabbi Efrem Goldberg
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 10H AGO

    I Just Couldn't Walk Away: Yehuda Lapian

    What do the labels dividing Israeli society actually mean? In this episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Philip Moskowitz sit down with Yehuda Lapian for a thoughtful conversation about identity, community, and the complexity of religious life in Israel. Growing up surrounded by multiple Jewish cultures, from secular Chilonim to Dati and Charedi communities, Lapian experienced firsthand how fluid those categories can be. He reflects on a time when he tried to distance himself from Judaism entirely, only to discover that moments of tradition, like hearing Lecha Dodi on a Friday night, still carried unexpected emotional weight. The conversation also explores Lapian’s work with Peace of Mind, the organization that brings IDF combat veterans to Jewish communities abroad. Those encounters often challenge assumptions on both sides, revealing how Israelis and American Jews see one another... and how those perspectives are changing. 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: • What labels like Chiloni, Dati, and Charedi actually mean in Israeli life • Growing up between religious and secular Jewish worlds • Attempting to walk away from Judaism — and discovering identity runs deeper • The emotional power of traditions like Lecha Dodi • Why Israel’s internal divisions are often misunderstood from the outside • The work of Peace of Mind supporting IDF combat veterans • How encounters between Israeli soldiers and American Jewish communities reshape perspectives This is a conversation about identity, complexity, and what it really means to belong in a society that resists simple labels.

    1h 15m

  2. MAR 2 · BONUS

    BONUS EPISODE | Sapir Cohen and Sasha Troufanov: A Light in the Darkness

    Boca Raton Synagogue welcomed former hostages Sasha Troufanov and Sapir Cohen for a powerful evening titled Light in the Darkness. Hosted by Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, this conversation offered the community an opportunity to hear directly from those who endured captivity and returned with a renewed perspective on faith, resilience, and the human spirit. In a candid and composed dialogue, Sasha and Sapir reflect on the experience of isolation, uncertainty, and emotional endurance. They speak about the inner resources that sustained them, the role of identity and emunah under pressure, and what it means to rebuild life after unimaginable circumstances. The evening was not political — it was personal: an honest account of survival, hope, and spiritual strength. Topics discussed: The experience of abduction and early captivity Psychological survival in prolonged uncertainty Faith and identity under extreme pressure Holding onto hope in isolation Community support and the meaning of return Re-entering life after captivity

    1h 23m

  3. FEB 26 · BONUS

    BONUS EPISODE | A Conversation with Ambassador Mike Huckabee

    After his viral interview with Tucker Carlson, Ambassador Mike Huckabee joins Rabbi Efrem Goldberg for a candid and wide-ranging conversation recorded in Israel. This conversation discusses: What really happened in the Tucker Carlson interview The danger of half-truths and clipped narratives Whether antisemitic rhetoric should be ignored or confronted Rising political fractures on both the right and the left The future of bipartisan support for Israel Why evangelical support for Israel is “non-negotiable” Accusations of dual loyalty — and how to answer them Israeli resilience in wartime Faith as an anchor in uncertain times At its core, this is a conversation about conviction — what it means to stand firm without losing composure, and why truth requires courage.   === Mike Huckabee is the United States Ambassador to Israel, former Governor of Arkansas, and former presidential candidate. A longtime public advocate for Israel, he has been a prominent voice within the evangelical community and American political life.

    59 min

  4. FEB 24

    Are We Raising a Fragile Generation? | Rabbi Daniel Kalish

    Is Judaism meant to feel good — or to build strength? In this episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Philip Moskowitz sit down with Rabbi Daniel Kalish for a candid conversation about modern chinuch culture and whether the pendulum has swung too far toward emotional comfort. They explore: The rise of “gishmak” Judaism Emotional validation vs emotional discipline Whether struggle is being avoided rather than embraced The responsibility of mechanchim in a comfort-driven era Authentic warmth vs performative positivity What builds real resilience in avodas Hashem Rabbi Kalish shares his perspective as a veteran Rosh Yeshiva and educator, offering a thoughtful defense of warmth and authenticity, without surrendering strength or standards. This episode challenges assumptions on both sides of the debate. 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.

    59 min

  5. FEB 17

    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

  6. FEB 10

    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

  7. FEB 8 · 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

  8. FEB 3

    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
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4.9
out of 5
561 Ratings

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
    208
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rabbi Efrem Goldberg
  • Show Website
    Behind the Bima

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