Sichot: Conversations with Jewish Changemakers

Brandeis University's Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program

On this podcast, we dig deep into the challenges impacting the Jewish community, and explore the diverse and exciting ways today's leaders are meeting these challenges and shaping our Jewish world. Hosted by Liora Norwich, Director of the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program at Brandeis University

Episodes

  1. JAN 16

    Emily Levy-Shochat on her Hornstein Journey

    On this episode of Sichot, Liora speaks with Emily Levy-Schochat -- a graduate from Hornstein's very first class.  Learn more about Hornstein here.

    52 min

  2. JAN 8

    Rebecca Ruberg on the state of the Jewish professional workforce

    On this episode of Sichot, Liora chat with Rebecca Ruberg, Senior Director of Executive Recruitment at the Jewish Federations of North America and a graduate of Hornstein's class of 2011.  Learn more about Hornstein here.

    48 min
  3. Sichot Love: David and Julie

    12/09/2025

    Sichot Love: David and Julie

    Welcome to Sichot Love, a special mini series of Hornstein meet-cutes and connections.  In this episode, Liora speaks with David and Julie Chivo (class of 1996 and 1999 respectively) about their journeys to, through, and beyond Hornstein. Learn more about Hornstein here.

    27 min
  4. Sichot Love: Nicky and David

    12/01/2025

    Sichot Love: Nicky and David

    Welcome to Sichot Love, a special mini series of Hornstein meet-cutes and connections.  In this episode, Liora speaks with Nicky Goldman ('92) and David Goldberg ('92) about their journeys to, through, and beyond Hornstein. Learn more about Hornstein here.

    26 min
  5. Sichot Love: Nate and Rachel

    11/14/2025

    Sichot Love: Nate and Rachel

    Welcome to Sichot Love, a special mini series of Hornstein meet-cutes and connections.  In this episode, Liora speaks with Nate Vaughan and Rachel Eisen (class of 2015 and 2016 respectively) about their journeys to, through, and beyond Hornstein.

    30 min
  6. Dr. Zohar Raviv on Jewish identity and the Diaspora divide

    11/06/2025

    Dr. Zohar Raviv on Jewish identity and the Diaspora divide

    In this episode, Hornstein Director Liora Norwich chats with Dr. Zohar Raviv, International VP of Educational Strategy at Taglit-Birthright Israel

    29 min
  7. Alena Akselrod on Russian Jewry, AI and resilience

    10/31/2025

    Alena Akselrod on Russian Jewry, AI and resilience

    In this episode of Sichot, Liora chats with Alena Akselrod, Vice President of Outreach and Engagement at Leading Edge.

    35 min
  8. Jay Lewis on Jewish life in Kansas City

    10/15/2025

    Jay Lewis on Jewish life in Kansas City

    In this episode of Sichot, Liora chats with Hornstein alum Jay Lewis, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Kansas City.

    44 min
  9. Molly Shuman on finding her niche

    10/15/2025

    Molly Shuman on finding her niche

    In this episode of Sichot, Liora chats with Molly Shuman, class of 2023. Molly is the Director of the House of Learning at Lehrhaus in Somerville, MA. She earned an MA in Jewish Professional Leadership from the Hornstein Program and a Social Impact MBA from the Heller School of Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. Before her current role, Molly held a variety of positions outside the Jewish professional world, including serving as Head of Customer Service and Operations at a small e-commerce company and as a project coordinator at both a tech company and a corporate events company. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis. Originally from Needham, MA, Molly now lives in Somerville. Outside of work, she loves exploring new foods, traveling, and spending time with friends’ dogs—at least until she gets one of her own.

    37 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

On this podcast, we dig deep into the challenges impacting the Jewish community, and explore the diverse and exciting ways today's leaders are meeting these challenges and shaping our Jewish world. Hosted by Liora Norwich, Director of the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program at Brandeis University

Information

  • Creator
    Brandeis University's Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sichot: Conversations with Jewish Changemakers
  • Show Website
    Sichot: Conversations with Jewish Changemakers