The issues, stories, and people changing the world in philanthropy and the Jewish community. If you like "What Gives?" be sure to check out "Outside the Tzedaka...
Stephen Bronfman & Nigel Savage - Climate Action & Jewish Leadership
Episode 61 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Stephen Bronfman, a leader in Jewish philanthropy with a strong commitment to environmental activism, and Nigel Savage, a pioneer in Jewish environmental education and the founding CEO of the Jewish Climate Trust.
Together, we explore how their backgrounds—Stephen’s lifelong connection to the outdoors and family legacy of philanthropy, and Nigel’s journey from finance to Jewish environmental leadership—have shaped their efforts to mobilize Jewish funders and organizations in tackling the climate crisis. We also discuss Israel’s role as a hub for sustainability innovation and how climate action can connect Jewish values with social justice and global impact. Take a listen.
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Abigail Pogrebin and Rabbi Dov Linzer - Bridging Divides Through Torah Study
Episode 60 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we explore the power of dialogue and the transformative potential of Jewish study across ideological and denominational lines. Joining today are author, journalist, and podcast returnee Abigail Pogrebin, and Rabbi Dov Linzer, President and Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah. Together, they co-authored It Takes Two to Torah: An Orthodox Rabbi and Reform Journalist Discuss and Debate Their Way Through the Five Books of Moses. We discuss how their partnership has navigated complex questions of pluralism, Jewish continuity, and the enduring significance of Torah in modern Jewish life. This thought-provoking conversation delves into bridging divides, grappling with sacred text, and modeling how Torah study can unite us in a polarized world. Take a listen.
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Dr. Noam Weissman - Empowering the Next Generation Through Jewish Storytelling
Episode 59 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we host Dr. Noam Weissman, an educator and media expert who has pioneered new ways to tell Israel’s story and educate young people about the complexities and beauty of Zionism and Jewish history. Noam is the Senior Vice President at OpenDor Media, a nonprofit media company producing thought-provoking content to connect this generation with Israel and the broader Jewish story. We explore Noam’s approach to storytelling; one that is sophisticated, credible, and ultimately empowering for the next generation. Take a listen.
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Yehuda Kurtzer - Jewish Identity in a Changing World
Episode 58 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Yehuda Kurtzer, President of the Shalom Hartman Institute. Andrés and Yehuda dive into a topic that speaks to the heart of our communal and personal identities—how we grapple with change, wrestle with belonging, and find meaning in the face of uncertainty. Yehuda brings his nuanced perspective on how tradition, intellectual inquiry, and a vision for the future converge to shape Jewish identity today. They explore the complexities of Jewish life and ask what it means to build community in an era of individualism.
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Laura Lauder - Philanthropic Leadership and Securing the Jewish Future
Episode 57 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Laura Lauder, a trailblazer in Jewish philanthropy whose work has reshaped the way communities approach innovation and impact. Laura’s story is one of vision, legacy, and a deep commitment to strengthening Jewish life.
As Board Chair-Elect of the San Francisco Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, Laura shares her experiences tackling some of the most pressing issues facing American Jewry today, including anti-Semitism, support for Israel, and building sustainable philanthropy for future generations. Together, Andrés and Laura explore the evolving role of Federations, the transformative power of community foundations, and what it means to build a thriving Jewish future. Laura’s passion and expertise shine throughout this inspiring conversation—take a listen!
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The issues, stories, and people changing the world in philanthropy and the Jewish community. If you like "What Gives?" be sure to check out "Outside the Tzedakah Box" (https://honeycomb.org/podcast-outside-tzedakah-box/) a podcast on Jewish youth philanthropy from JFN's Honeycomb.
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