The Avrum Rosensweig Show

There are moments that divide history into a before and an after—and there are people whose lives become forever trapped at that dividing line. My guest today is Virginia “Ginny” Buckingham, author of the deeply personal memoir, On My Watch. Before September 11, 2001, Ginny was one of Massachusetts’ most accomplished young public servants. She served as chief of staff to two governors and, at just 35 years old, became the first woman to lead the Massachusetts Port Authority, which oversees Boston’s Logan International Airport. Then came 9/11. American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175—the two planes that struck the World Trade Center—had departed from Logan. In the anguish and confusion that followed, America searched desperately for answers. Politics searched for someone to blame. And Ginny Buckingham became a target. She was publicly condemned, politically abandoned and eventually forced to resign. Two years later, she was personally named in a wrongful-death lawsuit. The 9/11 Commission would ultimately establish that Logan’s security checkpoints had operated according to the federal regulations in place at the time. But public vindication could not erase the private wounds. Ginny endured years of guilt, self-doubt and post-traumatic stress. As she writes, she was not shattered instantly, like hand-blown glass, but gradually—like a bottle cast into the sea and slowly broken apart by the relentless movement of the waves. She lost her career. She lost her sense of identity and worth. And she nearly lost her life. Yet love remained: a husband who stood beside her, children whose presence called her back from the darkness, and a faith that taught her to examine what was truly hers—but never to confess to another person’s evil. On My Watch is not simply another book about September 11. It is a story about what happens when the world assigns you a story that is not true—and how you find the courage to reclaim your own life. It is about scapegoating, the dangerous human impulse to transform fear into blame. It is about learning that responsibility must be grounded in truth, not in false guilt. And it is about a different kind of resilience—not forgetting, not simply “moving on,” but moving forward and using even an unjust burden to bring light to others. Today, Virginia Buckingham stands again—on her watch, in her truth. Ginny Buckingham, welcome to The Avrum Rosensweig Show. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow #VirginiaBuckingham #OnMyWatch #September11 #NineEleven #LoganAirport #BlamedForTheUnthinkable #Scapegoating #ReclaimingTheTruth #WhenGuiltImpersonatesTruth #ResponsibilityNotBlame #SurvivingPublicBlame #LeadershipInCrisis #Resilience #TraumaRecovery #PostTraumaticGrowth #FaithAndHealing #CourageToRebuild #FindingMeaning #UntoldStories #TheAvrumRosensweigShow

There are moments that divide history into a before and an after—and there are people whose lives become forever trapped at that dividing line. My guest today is Virginia “Ginny” Buckingham, author of the deeply personal memoir, On My Watch. Before September 11, 2001, Ginny was one of Massachusetts’ most accomplished young public servants. She served as chief of staff to two governors and, at just 35 years old, became the first woman to lead the Massachusetts Port Authority, which oversees Boston’s Logan International Airport. Then came 9/11. American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175—the two planes that struck the World Trade Center—had departed from Logan. In the anguish and confusion that followed, America searched desperately for answers. Politics searched for someone to blame. And Ginny Buckingham became a target. She was publicly condemned, politically abandoned and eventually forced to resign. Two years later, she was personally named in a wrongful-death lawsuit. The 9/11 Commission would ultimately establish that Logan’s security checkpoints had operated according to the federal regulations in place at the time. But public vindication could not erase the private wounds. Ginny endured years of guilt, self-doubt and post-traumatic stress. As she writes, she was not shattered instantly, like hand-blown glass, but gradually—like a bottle cast into the sea and slowly broken apart by the relentless movement of the waves. She lost her career. She lost her sense of identity and worth. And she nearly lost her life. Yet love remained: a husband who stood beside her, children whose presence called her back from the darkness, and a faith that taught her to examine what was truly hers—but never to confess to another person’s evil. On My Watch is not simply another book about September 11. It is a story about what happens when the world assigns you a story that is not true—and how you find the courage to reclaim your own life. It is about scapegoating, the dangerous human impulse to transform fear into blame. It is about learning that responsibility must be grounded in truth, not in false guilt. And it is about a different kind of resilience—not forgetting, not simply “moving on,” but moving forward and using even an unjust burden to bring light to others. Today, Virginia Buckingham stands again—on her watch, in her truth. Ginny Buckingham, welcome to The Avrum Rosensweig Show. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow #VirginiaBuckingham #OnMyWatch #September11 #NineEleven #LoganAirport #BlamedForTheUnthinkable #Scapegoating #ReclaimingTheTruth #WhenGuiltImpersonatesTruth #ResponsibilityNotBlame #SurvivingPublicBlame #LeadershipInCrisis #Resilience #TraumaRecovery #PostTraumaticGrowth #FaithAndHealing #CourageToRebuild #FindingMeaning #UntoldStories #TheAvrumRosensweigShow

There are rabbis who teach Torah. There are scholars who study history. And there are scientists who explore the wonders of the natural world.

But few have entered all three worlds—and challenged the assumptions of each—as courageously as Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin. Known internationally as “the Zoo Rabbi,” Rabbi Slifkin has devoted his life to understanding the animals of the Bible, the relationship between Torah and science, and the place of intellectual honesty within religious faith. As a young boy growing up in England, he dreamed of having his own zoo. People laughed. But that childhood dream eventually became the Biblical Museum of Natural History in Israel—a remarkable institution where lions, vultures, locusts, giraffes and other creatures bring the biblical world vividly to life. Yet Rabbi Slifkin’s journey has involved far more than animals. His willingness to confront difficult questions about evolution, the age of the universe and the scientific knowledge of our sages placed him at the centre of one of the most explosive controversies in modern Orthodox Judaism. Several prominent ultra-Orthodox rabbis denounced and banned his books. He was accused of promoting heretical ideas. But he refused to be silenced. Rabbi Slifkin continued to write, teach and defend a rationalist Jewish tradition—one that believes sincere questions do not weaken faith, but can deepen it. In this conversation, we explore the fascinating animals of the Torah, including the surprising question of whether a giraffe is kosher. We discover how lions, vultures, olives and other elements of biblical nature preserve the Jewish people’s ancient connection to the Land of Israel—and challenge the accusation that Jews are foreign colonizers in their ancestral homeland. But our discussion also enters more controversial territory. Rabbi Slifkin delivers a forceful warning about Israel’s future. He speaks candidly about the Haredi community, military service, education, employment and the growing burden being placed upon those Israelis who defend the country and sustain its economy. Can Israel survive when a rapidly expanding segment of its population is discouraged from serving in the army, entering the workforce or receiving a basic secular education? Can religious conviction excuse a person from sharing responsibility for the society that protects and supports them? And what happens when preserving a community’s identity becomes more important than confronting reality? This is a conversation about animals—but also about courage. It is about the courage to question, the courage to challenge authority and the courage to pursue truth even when doing so comes at a painful personal cost. Does Judaism demand that we choose between Torah and science, tradition and reason, or faith and intellectual honesty? Or can each help us understand the other—and ourselves—more deeply? It is my great pleasure to welcome the director of the Biblical Museum of Natural History, the author of The Lions of Zion, and one of contemporary Judaism’s boldest and most provocative voices, Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin, to The Avrum Rosensweig Show. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow #RabbiNatanSlifkin #TheZooRabbi #TorahAndScience #RationalistJudaism #BiblicalNaturalHistory #BiblicalMuseum #AnimalsOfTheTorah #FaithAndReason #IntellectualHonesty #JudaismAndEvolution #TorahAndCreation #JewishThought #ModernOrthodoxy #HarediSociety #IsraelAtWar #IDFService #ResponsibilityToIsrael #ProtectingCreation #AvrumRosensweigShow #WhereTorahAndCreationMeet

 

 

There are rabbis who teach Torah. There are scholars who study history. And there are scientists who explore the wonders of the natural world. But few have entered all three worlds—and challenged the assumptions of each—as courageously as Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin. Known internationally as “the Zoo Rabbi,” Rabbi Slifkin has devoted his life to understanding the animals of the Bible, the relationship between Torah and science, and the place of intellectual honesty within religious faith. As a young boy growing up in England, he dreamed of having his own zoo. People laughed. But that childhood dream eventually became the Biblical Museum of Natural History in Israel—a remarkable institution where lions, vultures, locusts, giraffes and other creatures bring the biblical world vividly to life. Yet Rabbi Slifkin’s journey has involved far more than animals. His willingness to confront difficult questions about evolution, the age of the universe and the scientific knowledge of our sages placed him at the centre of one of the most explosive controversies in modern Orthodox Judaism. Several prominent ultra-Orthodox rabbis denounced and banned his books. He was accused of promoting heretical ideas. But he refused to be silenced. Rabbi Slifkin continued to write, teach and defend a rationalist Jewish tradition—one that believes sincere questions do not weaken faith, but can deepen it. In this conversation, we explore the fascinating animals of the Torah, including the surprising question of whether a giraffe is kosher. We discover how lions, vultures, olives and other elements of biblical nature preserve the Jewish people’s ancient connection to the Land of Israel—and challenge the accusation that Jews are foreign colonizers in their ancestral homeland. But our discussion also enters more controversial territory. Rabbi Slifkin delivers a forceful warning about Israel’s future. He speaks candidly about the Haredi community, military service, education, employment and the growing burden being placed upon those Israelis who defend the country and sustain its economy. Can Israel survive when a rapidly expanding segment of its population is discouraged from serving in the army, entering the workforce or receiving a basic secular education? Can religious conviction excuse a person from sharing responsibility for the society that protects and supports them? And what happens when preserving a community’s identity becomes more important than confronting reality? This is a conversation about animals—but also about courage. It is about the courage to question, the courage to challenge authority and the courage to pursue truth even when doing so comes at a painful personal cost. Does Judaism demand that we choose between Torah and science, tradition and reason, or faith and intellectual honesty? Or can each help us understand the other—and ourselves—more deeply? It is my great pleasure to welcome the director of the Biblical Museum of Natural History, the author of The Lions of Zion, and one of contemporary Judaism’s boldest and most provocative voices, Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin, to The Avrum Rosensweig Show. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow

#RabbiNatanSlifkin
#TheZooRabbi
#TorahAndScience
#RationalistJudaism
#BiblicalNaturalHistory
#BiblicalMuseum
#AnimalsOfTheTorah
#FaithAndReason
#IntellectualHonesty
#JudaismAndEvolution
#TorahAndCreation
#JewishThought
#ModernOrthodoxy
#HarediSociety
#IsraelAtWar
#IDFService
#ResponsibilityToIsrael
#ProtectingCreation
#AvrumRosensweigShow
#WhereTorahAndCreationMeet

 

 

 

At a time when polarization, hatred and violence threaten to divide our communities, some people are choosing a different path—not one of silence or anger, but of courage, friendship and light. Today, I am honored to welcome the extraordinary team behind Pomegranate Fest, an inspiring celebration of the friendship between the Jewish and Iranian communities. My guests are the remarkable Jian Magen, Lynda Kraar and Saei Fard. Pomegranate Fest grew out of a deeply moving story of solidarity between Toronto’s Iranian and Jewish communities. Earlier this year, Jewish Canadians stood alongside Iranian Canadians following the tragic and systematic killing of courageous Iranians who took to the streets in pursuit of freedom and a better future for their country. Later, Iranian Canadians stood alongside the Jewish community at the Walk with Israel. Through these acts of mutual support, the two communities discovered something powerful: an alliance rooted in shared values, mutual respect, human dignity and a determination to stand against hatred and extremism. That spark of friendship grew even brighter when the producers of Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish invited 40 members of the Iranian community to attend a performance. What began as a beautiful gesture of solidarity soon became something much greater—a movement. That movement is now Pomegranate Fest, taking place on August 23 at Earl Bales Park in Toronto. Together, the Iranian and Jewish communities represent more than 200,000 people across the Greater Toronto Area. Imagine the impact they can have when their voices are united. The festival’s goals are both ambitious and urgent: to strengthen relationships between the two communities; promote education, awareness and civic engagement; welcome sponsors and community partners; and affirm the right of Jewish, Iranian and allied communities to live safely and proudly in Toronto. It is also a call for our leaders and authorities to confront antisemitism, anti-Iranian hatred, intimidation and extremism—and to help lower the temperature in an increasingly hostile climate. Today, we will hear the remarkable behind-the-scenes story of how this team came together, how they transformed shared pain into purposeful action, and how they are working to replace fear with friendship and darkness with light. Please welcome the remarkable team bringing Pomegranate Fest to life ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow #thepomegranitefest #LyndaKraar #JianMagen # SarahFard

At a time when polarization, hatred and violence threaten to divide our communities, some people are choosing a different path—not one of silence or anger, but of courage, friendship and light. Today, I am honored to welcome the extraordinary team behind Pomegranate Fest, an inspiring celebration of the friendship between the Jewish and Iranian communities. My guests are the remarkable Jian Magen, Lynda Kraar and Sarah Fard. Pomegranate Fest grew out of a deeply moving story of solidarity between Toronto’s Iranian and Jewish communities. Earlier this year, Jewish Canadians stood alongside Iranian Canadians following the tragic and systematic killing of courageous Iranians who took to the streets in pursuit of freedom and a better future for their country. Later, Iranian Canadians stood alongside the Jewish community at the Walk with Israel. Through these acts of mutual support, the two communities discovered something powerful: an alliance rooted in shared values, mutual respect, human dignity and a determination to stand against hatred and extremism. That spark of friendship grew even brighter when the producers of Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish invited 40 members of the Iranian community to attend a performance. What began as a beautiful gesture of solidarity soon became something much greater—a movement. That movement is now Pomegranate Fest, taking place on August 23 at Earl Bales Park in Toronto. Together, the Iranian and Jewish communities represent more than 200,000 people across the Greater Toronto Area. Imagine the impact they can have when their voices are united. The festival’s goals are both ambitious and urgent: to strengthen relationships between the two communities; promote education, awareness and civic engagement; welcome sponsors and community partners; and affirm the right of Jewish, Iranian and allied communities to live safely and proudly in Toronto. It is also a call for our leaders and authorities to confront antisemitism, anti-Iranian hatred, intimidation and extremism—and to help lower the temperature in an increasingly hostile climate. Today, we will hear the remarkable behind-the-scenes story of how this team came together, how they transformed shared pain into purposeful action, and how they are working to replace fear with friendship and darkness with light. Please welcome the remarkable team bringing Pomegranate Fest to life ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow #thepomegranitefest #LyndaKraar #JianMagen # SarahFard

There are rabbis who teach Torah—and there are rabbis who carry their people through uncertainty, fear and profound change. Today, I am deeply honoured to welcome Rabbi Daniel Korobkin, senior rabbi and Mara D’Atra of Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto—the BAYT—and one of the most thoughtful and respected voices in contemporary Orthodox Judaism. For sixteen years, Rabbi Korobkin has guided one of Canada’s largest Orthodox congregations. He has celebrated with families in their happiest moments, comforted them in times of sorrow and led his community through COVID-19, the trauma of October 7 and the alarming rise of antisemitism across Canada. As a former president of the Rabbinical Council of America, Rabbi Korobkin’s leadership has extended far beyond the walls of his synagogue. He has defended the Jewish people and the State of Israel while insisting that Jews respond to hatred with strength, confidence and dignity—never allowing their adversaries to diminish who they are. Rabbi Korobkin believes deeply in a Judaism that is intellectually courageous and spiritually faithful: one in which Torah and scholarship, tradition and modernity, can strengthen one another. He has also worked to create a welcoming Jewish community, declaring with moral clarity that no Jew is worth less because they are not Orthodox. Now, as Rabbi Korobkin begins his final year at the BAYT before making aliyah with his wife, Karen, we reflect upon his remarkable journey, his love for Jerusalem and his enduring message to the Jewish people: Stand tall. Remember who you are. Protect your dignity. Strengthen your community. And always ask: What can I do to contribute to my people? Rabbi Daniel Korobkin, welcome to The Avrum Rosensweig Show. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow #RabbiDanielKorobkin #JewishPeople #JewishLeadership #JewishCommunity #ProudToBeJewish #StandTallAsAJew #TorahJudaism #OrthodoxJudaism #ReligiousZionism #Israel #Jerusalem #Aliyah #CanadianJewry #TorontoJewishCommunity #FightAntisemitism #JewishStrength #JewishDignity #October7 #TheBAYT

There are rabbis who teach Torah—and there are rabbis who carry their people through uncertainty, fear and profound change. Today, I am deeply honoured to welcome Rabbi Daniel Korobkin, senior rabbi and Mara D’Atra of Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto—the BAYT—and one of the most thoughtful and respected voices in contemporary Orthodox Judaism. For sixteen years, Rabbi Korobkin has guided one of Canada’s largest Orthodox congregations. He has celebrated with families in their happiest moments, comforted them in times of sorrow and led his community through COVID-19, the trauma of October 7 and the alarming rise of antisemitism across Canada. As a former president of the Rabbinical Council of America, Rabbi Korobkin’s leadership has extended far beyond the walls of his synagogue. He has defended the Jewish people and the State of Israel while insisting that Jews respond to hatred with strength, confidence and dignity—never allowing their adversaries to diminish who they are. Rabbi Korobkin believes deeply in a Judaism that is intellectually courageous and spiritually faithful: one in which Torah and scholarship, tradition and modernity, can strengthen one another. He has also worked to create a welcoming Jewish community, declaring with moral clarity that no Jew is worth less because they are not Orthodox. Now, as Rabbi Korobkin begins his final year at the BAYT before making aliyah with his wife, Karen, we reflect upon his remarkable journey, his love for Jerusalem and his enduring message to the Jewish people: Stand tall. Remember who you are. Protect your dignity. Strengthen your community. And always ask: What can I do to contribute to my people? Rabbi Daniel Korobkin, welcome to The Avrum Rosensweig Show. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow #RabbiDanielKorobkin #JewishPeople #JewishLeadership #JewishCommunity #ProudToBeJewish #StandTallAsAJew #TorahJudaism #OrthodoxJudaism #ReligiousZionism #Israel #Jerusalem #Aliyah #CanadianJewry #TorontoJewishCommunity #FightAntisemitism #JewishStrength #JewishDignity #October7 #TheBAYT

What if Genesis is not only the story of the world’s first families—but also the story of God learning how to parent? In this fascinating episode of The Avrum Rosensweig Show, distinguished scholar and author Stephen Spector discusses his thought-provoking new book, God and the First Families: Parenting, Trauma, and Healing in the Book of Genesis. Drawing upon 50 years of teaching the Bible, Spector brings Genesis into conversation with modern psychology, psychiatry and family studies. He explores God’s evolving relationship with humanity—from an authoritarian parent demanding obedience to one who encourages empathy, moral responsibility and emotional growth. Together, Avrum and Stephen revisit the complicated families of Genesis: Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Esau, and Joseph and his brothers. Their conversation examines trauma, parental love, favouritism, sibling rivalry, forgiveness and the long journey toward family reconciliation. Can parents grow wiser? Can children overcome the wounds of the past? Must forgiveness be earned? And what can the Torah’s first families teach us about becoming better parents—and better human beings? FIVE KEY MOMENTS: 09:03 — The lasting trauma of the Binding of Isaac “Isaac never speaks to his father again.” 10:11 — What God may have learned from the Binding “God learned something about the fragility of humans—and never treats them again so harshly.” 22:27 — Genesis anticipates modern parenting psychology “God is inventing that new style 2,500 years before the psychologists gave it a name.” 25:44 — How parental love creates resilience “Esau’s father loved him, and I think that parental love builds resilience.” 39:51 — Why Joseph finally forgives his brothers “I think he comes to forgive his brothers because they earn it.” This episode is sponsored by David Nefesh Mittleman in loving memory of his beautiful parents, Emanuel and Bessie—cherished Holocaust survivors and devoted members of Detroit’s Jewish community. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow

What if Genesis is not only the story of the world’s first families—but also the story of God learning how to parent? In this fascinating episode of The Avrum Rosensweig Show, distinguished scholar and author Stephen Spector discusses his thought-provoking new book, God and the First Families: Parenting, Trauma, and Healing in the Book of Genesis. Drawing upon 50 years of teaching the Bible, Spector brings Genesis into conversation with modern psychology, psychiatry and family studies. He explores God’s evolving relationship with humanity—from an authoritarian parent demanding obedience to one who encourages empathy, moral responsibility and emotional growth. Together, Avrum and Stephen revisit the complicated families of Genesis: Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Esau, and Joseph and his brothers. Their conversation examines trauma, parental love, favouritism, sibling rivalry, forgiveness and the long journey toward family reconciliation. Can parents grow wiser? Can children overcome the wounds of the past? Must forgiveness be earned? And what can the Torah’s first families teach us about becoming better parents—and better human beings? FIVE KEY MOMENTS: 09:03 — The lasting trauma of the Binding of Isaac “Isaac never speaks to his father again.” 10:11 — What God may have learned from the Binding “God learned something about the fragility of humans—and never treats them again so harshly.” 22:27 — Genesis anticipates modern parenting psychology “God is inventing that new style 2,500 years before the psychologists gave it a name.” 25:44 — How parental love creates resilience “Esau’s father loved him, and I think that parental love builds resilience.” 39:51 — Why Joseph finally forgives his brothers “I think he comes to forgive his brothers because they earn it.” This episode is sponsored by David Nefesh Mittleman in loving memory of his beautiful parents, Emanuel and Bessie—cherished Holocaust survivors and devoted members of Detroit’s Jewish community. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow

 #StephenSpector #GodAndTheFirstFamilies #BookOfGenesis #Genesis

#Torah #Bible #BiblicalScholarship #JewishThought #GodAsParent
#Parenting #ParentingStyles #FamilyTrauma #TraumaAndHealing
#SiblingRivalry #AbrahamAndIsaac #JosephAndHisBrothers #FamilyReconciliation #FaithAndPsychology #BiblicalWisdom