The Avrum Rosensweig Show

Welcome to The Avrum Rosensweig Show. What happens when one of the world’s most respected universities fails to protect its Jewish students—and then refuses to investigate its own conduct? My guest is Professor Yossi Sheffi, a globally respected authority on supply-chain management, transportation, resilience and risk. For more than fifty years, MIT has been his intellectual home. He has educated generations of students, founded groundbreaking academic programs and advised governments and leading corporations around the world. But his latest book is unlike anything he has written before. In Unsafe at MIT: A Chronicle of a Campus War on the Jews, Professor Sheffi documents what Jewish and Israeli students and faculty experienced following the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023. He describes students suffering from trauma, demonstrations invading classrooms and research laboratories, areas of the campus becoming inaccessible to Jews, rules going unenforced and an administration that, in his view, repeatedly failed to respond. When MIT did not conduct the comprehensive investigation he believed was necessary, Professor Sheffi created the record himself. Writing the book left him angry, distressed and exhausted. Yet he continued because, as a scientist, he believes that science must be devoted to seeking the truth. As he declares in our conversation: “Science is about looking for the truth—and this is the truth.” In this powerful interview, we discuss institutional failure, antisemitism disguised as activism, the experiences of Jewish students and the personal cost of confronting an institution Professor Sheffi has served for more than half a century. What does a professor owe his university when loyalty to that institution conflicts with loyalty to the truth? This is an urgent, unsettling and profoundly important conversation with Professor Yossi Sheffi. 05:00 — Writing Unsafe at MIT Professor Sheffi explains why researching the experiences of traumatized Jewish students made this the most emotionally difficult book he has ever written. 17:00 — “I Owe It to the Students” Sheffi says that once 45 students overcame their fear of retaliation and shared their stories, he never considered abandoning the book—it had to be published. 29:11 — Refusing to Remain Silent Sheffi describes his reputation for speaking candidly at MIT, including challenging senior administrators when he believes their decisions are wrong. 45:37 — The Purpose Behind His Life’s Work He explains that his professional mission is to improve transportation and supply chains so ordinary people can maintain a good standard of living—even amid wars, tariffs and climate change. 53:28 — Fighting the Isolation of Israeli Scientists Near the interview’s conclusion, Sheffi discusses Kalaniyot, an initiative that brings Israeli researchers to universities abroad, builds lasting scientific partnerships and challenges academic boycotts. ——🎧 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 #YossiSheffi #UnsafeAtMIT #TheAvrumRosensweigShow #MIT #CampusAntisemitism #JewishStudents #JewishVoices #StandAgainstAntisemitism #AcademicFreedom #InstitutionalAccountability #TruthMatters #October7 #Israel #JewishCommunity #HigherEducation #SupplyChainManagement #Leadership #MoralCourage #Kalaniyot #DefendingTruth

Welcome to The Avrum Rosensweig Show. What happens when one of the world’s most respected universities fails to protect its Jewish students—and then refuses to investigate its own conduct? My guest is Professor Yossi Sheffi, a globally respected authority on supply-chain management, transportation, resilience and risk. For more than fifty years, MIT has been his intellectual home. He has educated generations of students, founded groundbreaking academic programs and advised governments and leading corporations around the world. But his latest book is unlike anything he has written before. In Unsafe at MIT: A Chronicle of a Campus War on the Jews, Professor Sheffi documents what Jewish and Israeli students and faculty experienced following the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023. He describes students suffering from trauma, demonstrations invading classrooms and research laboratories, areas of the campus becoming inaccessible to Jews, rules going unenforced and an administration that, in his view, repeatedly failed to respond. When MIT did not conduct the comprehensive investigation he believed was necessary, Professor Sheffi created the record himself. Writing the book left him angry, distressed and exhausted. Yet he continued because, as a scientist, he believes that science must be devoted to seeking the truth. As he declares in our conversation: “Science is about looking for the truth—and this is the truth.” In this powerful interview, we discuss institutional failure, antisemitism disguised as activism, the experiences of Jewish students and the personal cost of confronting an institution Professor Sheffi has served for more than half a century. What does a professor owe his university when loyalty to that institution conflicts with loyalty to the truth? This is an urgent, unsettling and profoundly important conversation with Professor Yossi Sheffi. 05:00 — Writing Unsafe at MIT Professor Sheffi explains why researching the experiences of traumatized Jewish students made this the most emotionally difficult book he has ever written. 17:00 — “I Owe It to the Students” Sheffi says that once 45 students overcame their fear of retaliation and shared their stories, he never considered abandoning the book—it had to be published. 29:11 — Refusing to Remain Silent Sheffi describes his reputation for speaking candidly at MIT, including challenging senior administrators when he believes their decisions are wrong. 45:37 — The Purpose Behind His Life’s Work He explains that his professional mission is to improve transportation and supply chains so ordinary people can maintain a good standard of living—even amid wars, tariffs and climate change. 53:28 — Fighting the Isolation of Israeli Scientists Near the interview’s conclusion, Sheffi discusses Kalaniyot, an initiative that brings Israeli researchers to universities abroad, builds lasting scientific partnerships and challenges academic boycotts. ——🎧 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 #YossiSheffi #UnsafeAtMIT #TheAvrumRosensweigShow #MIT #CampusAntisemitism #JewishStudents #JewishVoices #StandAgainstAntisemitism #AcademicFreedom #InstitutionalAccountability #TruthMatters #October7 #Israel #JewishCommunity #HigherEducation #SupplyChainManagement #Leadership #MoralCourage #Kalaniyot #DefendingTruth

What does it mean to educate young people when the world around them is marked by uncertainty, tragedy, and hope? In this deeply moving conversation, Avrum Rosensweig sits down with Rabbi Jeremy "Yirmi" Stavisky, the longtime principal of Jerusalem's Himmelfarb High School, who spent more than twenty years shaping the lives of thousands of students through Torah, compassion, and moral leadership. Rabbi Stavisky reflects on the philosophy that defined his career: that education begins not with grades, but with kindness; not with achievement, but with seeing the dignity in every child. He shares why he believes "the children who struggle may have the bigger souls," and why a teacher's greatest responsibility is to create a place where every student feels safe, protected, and valued. The conversation then turns to the unimaginable grief that followed October 7, when Rabbi Stavisky lost former students like Hersh Goldberg-Polin and many others, colleagues, and his beloved son-in-law, Yinon Fleischman. With remarkable honesty, he speaks about mourning, faith, Viktor Frankl, Rav Yehuda Amital, the enduring bond between teachers and students, and the responsibility to continue choosing life in the face of profound loss. Together, they also explore his decades of leading educational journeys to Poland, the moral lessons of the Holocaust, the meaning of Religious Zionism, and why Judaism ultimately calls us to place human dignity above ritual alone. This is more than an interview about education. It is a conversation about courage, memory, compassion, faith, and the extraordinary influence one teacher can have on generations of lives. If this conversation moves you, please like, subscribe, and share to help us bring these important stories to a wider audience. 1. "The Children Who Struggle May Have the Bigger Souls" ⏱ Timestamp: 16:32 – 17:30 Why it matters: This is arguably the defining moment of the interview. Rabbi Stavisky challenges conventional ideas of success, suggesting that struggle often develops greater depth, compassion, and character. It is an unforgettable philosophy of education. 2. "The First Duty of a Teacher Is Protection" ⏱ Timestamp: 18:13 – 24:20 "My first responsibility as principal... is to make the school a safe place." 3. "What It Means to Lose Your Students to War" ⏱ Timestamp: 30:10 – 38:10 4. "It's Not About God. It's About People." ⏱ Timestamp: 47:46 – 51:47 5. "We're a School of Life, Not a School of Death" ⏱ Timestamp: 59:28 – 1:01:43 Bonus Clip (Highly Recommended) "Every Person Is Created in God's Image" ⏱ Timestamp: 11:37 – 16:30 Rabbi Stavisky explains that every human being carries a spark of God, making kindness, dignity, and respect the foundation of Judaism—not merely ritual observance. ——🎧 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 #RabbiJeremyStavisky #JewishEducation #October7 #Israel #JewishLeadership #Himmelfarb #TeachersMatter #ReligiousZionism #JewishIdentity #Torah #FaithAndResilience #JewishHistory #HolocaustEducation #PolandJourney #RavAmital #KindnessMatters #Leadership #JewishValues #BiggerSouls

What does it mean to educate young people when the world around them is marked by uncertainty, tragedy, and hope? In this deeply moving conversation, Avrum Rosensweig sits down with Rabbi Jeremy "Yirmi" Stavisky, the longtime principal of Jerusalem's Himmelfarb High School, who spent more than twenty years shaping the lives of thousands of students through Torah, compassion, and moral leadership. Rabbi Stavisky reflects on the philosophy that defined his career: that education begins not with grades, but with kindness; not with achievement, but with seeing the dignity in every child. He shares why he believes "the children who struggle may have the bigger souls," and why a teacher's greatest responsibility is to create a place where every student feels safe, protected, and valued. The conversation then turns to the unimaginable grief that followed October 7, when Rabbi Stavisky lost former students like Hersh Goldberg-Polin and many others, colleagues, and his beloved son-in-law, Yinon Fleischman. With remarkable honesty, he speaks about mourning, faith, Viktor Frankl, Rav Yehuda Amital, the enduring bond between teachers and students, and the responsibility to continue choosing life in the face of profound loss. Together, they also explore his decades of leading educational journeys to Poland, the moral lessons of the Holocaust, the meaning of Religious Zionism, and why Judaism ultimately calls us to place human dignity above ritual alone. This is more than an interview about education. It is a conversation about courage, memory, compassion, faith, and the extraordinary influence one teacher can have on generations of lives. If this conversation moves you, please like, subscribe, and share to help us bring these important stories to a wider audience. 1. "The Children Who Struggle May Have the Bigger Souls" ⏱ Timestamp: 16:32 – 17:30 Why it matters: This is arguably the defining moment of the interview. Rabbi Stavisky challenges conventional ideas of success, suggesting that struggle often develops greater depth, compassion, and character. It is an unforgettable philosophy of education. 2. "The First Duty of a Teacher Is Protection" ⏱ Timestamp: 18:13 – 24:20 "My first responsibility as principal... is to make the school a safe place." 3. "What It Means to Lose Your Students to War" ⏱ Timestamp: 30:10 – 38:10 4. "It's Not About God. It's About People." ⏱ Timestamp: 47:46 – 51:47 5. "We're a School of Life, Not a School of Death" ⏱ Timestamp: 59:28 – 1:01:43 Bonus Clip (Highly Recommended) "Every Person Is Created in God's Image" ⏱ Timestamp: 11:37 – 16:30 Rabbi Stavisky explains that every human being carries a spark of God, making kindness, dignity, and respect the foundation of Judaism—not merely ritual observance. ——🎧 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 #RabbiJeremyStavisky #JewishEducation #October7 #Israel #JewishLeadership #Himmelfarb #TeachersMatter #ReligiousZionism #JewishIdentity #Torah #FaithAndResilience #JewishHistory #HolocaustEducation #PolandJourney #RavAmital #KindnessMatters #Leadership #JewishValues #BiggerSouls

THIS EPISODE IS GRACIOUSLY SPONSORED BY MEL COHEN & CAROL PICART. WE'RE VERY GRATEFUL FOR THEIR SUPPORT! There are people who spend their lives trying not to be noticed. There are others who are noticed before they are ever truly known. And then there are those rare individuals who transform the very thing that once made them feel exposed into a source of wisdom, courage, and purpose. Today, I am deeply honoured to welcome Kris Nolan, author of Visible—a powerful memoir about identity, resilience, self-love, and what it truly means to be seen. Kris was born with a prominent port-wine stain birthmark on his face. From childhood, he learned what it meant to walk into a room and be looked at before being understood. He endured bullying, loneliness, cruel names, and the exhausting pressure of feeling different. For years, he entered spaces bracing himself for the reactions of others. But Kris’s story is not simply about surviving judgment. It is about transformation. Through the love of his parents, the belonging he found among skateboarders, the relationships that helped him recognize his own worth, and the inner work that taught him to stop hiding, Kris came to see his birthmark in an entirely new way—not as an obstacle, but as a teacher. It trained his awareness. It deepened his empathy. It sharpened his ability to read people. And eventually, it gave him the courage to walk into a room, stand tall, and look back. Today, Kris no longer asks the world for permission to be visible. He uses his story to help others release shame, embrace their differences, and understand that self-love is not vanity—it is the foundation from which all other love can grow. This conversation reaches far beyond visible differences. It is for every person who has ever felt judged, overlooked, excluded, or defined by something beyond their control. Please join me in welcoming a man who turned staring into awareness, pain into empathy, and struggle into purpose—the remarkable Kris Nolan. 1. "My Birthmark Became My Teacher" ⏱ Timestamp: 43:36 – 48:22 This is the emotional and philosophical centerpiece of the interview. Kris explains how the very thing he once viewed as a burden became the greatest source of wisdom in his life. Powerful Quote: "It taught me empathy, it trained my awareness, it taught me discernment... That's when I realized my birthmark had become my teacher." 2. "Would You Choose Your Birthmark Again?" ⏱ Timestamp: 55:08 – 56:34 Perhaps the most unforgettable exchange of the entire interview. When asked whether he would choose to be born with his birthmark again, Kris answers without hesitation. Powerful Quote: "Absolutely... but only if I could choose the same parents." 3. "The Moment I Stopped Hiding" ⏱ Timestamp: 46:07 – 47:55 Kris recounts the night he walked into a nightclub and consciously chose not to brace himself against the world's judgment. Powerful Quote: "What if this time we don't brace? What if we walk in, stand tall, and look back?" 4. "Removing Fifty Years of Makeup" ⏱ Timestamp: 1:01:44 – 1:09:26 Kris tells the remarkable story of Mandy, who removed the makeup she had used to hide her birthmark every day for fifty years—live during his podcast. Powerful Quote: "She got to be a version of herself that she'd wanted to be for so long." 5. "I Would Rather Be Seen Than Hidden" ⏱ Timestamp: 49:03 – 52:44 Kris explains how he went from fearing every glance to actually welcoming people looking at him. Powerful Quote: "Now I love my birthmark being exposed... I love the looks that I get from people." ——🎧 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. Listen to The Avrum Rosensweig 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 #KrisNolan #VisibleBook #BeVisible #SelfAcceptance #SelfLove #OvercomingAdversity #Resilience #BornDifferent #EmpathyMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #BullyingAwareness #Inspiration #PersonalGrowth #Authenticity #CourageToBeSeen #HumanSpirit #Hope #TransformYourPain #PurposeOverPain

THIS EPISODE IS GRACIOUSLY SPONSORED BY MEL COHEN & CAROL PICART. WE'RE VERY GRATEFUL FOR THEIR SUPPORT! There are people who spend their lives trying not to be noticed. There are others who are noticed before they are ever truly known. And then there are those rare individuals who transform the very thing that once made them feel exposed into a source of wisdom, courage, and purpose. Today, I am deeply honoured to welcome Kris Nolan, author of Visible—a powerful memoir about identity, resilience, self-love, and what it truly means to be seen. Kris was born with a prominent port-wine stain birthmark on his face. From childhood, he learned what it meant to walk into a room and be looked at before being understood. He endured bullying, loneliness, cruel names, and the exhausting pressure of feeling different. For years, he entered spaces bracing himself for the reactions of others. But Kris’s story is not simply about surviving judgment. It is about transformation. Through the love of his parents, the belonging he found among skateboarders, the relationships that helped him recognize his own worth, and the inner work that taught him to stop hiding, Kris came to see his birthmark in an entirely new way—not as an obstacle, but as a teacher. It trained his awareness. It deepened his empathy. It sharpened his ability to read people. And eventually, it gave him the courage to walk into a room, stand tall, and look back. Today, Kris no longer asks the world for permission to be visible. He uses his story to help others release shame, embrace their differences, and understand that self-love is not vanity—it is the foundation from which all other love can grow. This conversation reaches far beyond visible differences. It is for every person who has ever felt judged, overlooked, excluded, or defined by something beyond their control. Please join me in welcoming a man who turned staring into awareness, pain into empathy, and struggle into purpose—the remarkable Kris Nolan. 1. "My Birthmark Became My Teacher" ⏱ Timestamp: 43:36 – 48:22 This is the emotional and philosophical centerpiece of the interview. Kris explains how the very thing he once viewed as a burden became the greatest source of wisdom in his life. Powerful Quote: "It taught me empathy, it trained my awareness, it taught me discernment... That's when I realized my birthmark had become my teacher." 2. "Would You Choose Your Birthmark Again?" ⏱ Timestamp: 55:08 – 56:34 Perhaps the most unforgettable exchange of the entire interview. When asked whether he would choose to be born with his birthmark again, Kris answers without hesitation. Powerful Quote: "Absolutely... but only if I could choose the same parents." 3. "The Moment I Stopped Hiding" ⏱ Timestamp: 46:07 – 47:55 Kris recounts the night he walked into a nightclub and consciously chose not to brace himself against the world's judgment. Powerful Quote: "What if this time we don't brace? What if we walk in, stand tall, and look back?" 4. "Removing Fifty Years of Makeup" ⏱ Timestamp: 1:01:44 – 1:09:26 Kris tells the remarkable story of Mandy, who removed the makeup she had used to hide her birthmark every day for fifty years—live during his podcast. Powerful Quote: "She got to be a version of herself that she'd wanted to be for so long." 5. "I Would Rather Be Seen Than Hidden" ⏱ Timestamp: 49:03 – 52:44 Kris explains how he went from fearing every glance to actually welcoming people looking at him. Powerful Quote: "Now I love my birthmark being exposed... I love the looks that I get from people." ——🎧 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. Listen to The Avrum Rosensweig 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 #KrisNolan #VisibleBook #BeVisible #SelfAcceptance #SelfLove #OvercomingAdversity #Resilience #BornDifferent #EmpathyMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #BullyingAwareness #Inspiration #PersonalGrowth #Authenticity #CourageToBeSeen #HumanSpirit #Hope #TransformYourPain #PurposeOverPain

SPONSORSHIP:

FROM DR. GORD ARBESS: Mazel Tov to Josh Arbess and Georgia Gardner on their upcoming wedding. And to Sharon Neiss-Arbess on her latest book "How I learned to pee in the Forest" available at Indigo, Type Books and on Amazon. https://www.amazon.ca/How-Learned-Pee-Forest-life-changing/dp/B0FY5ML1K6

ELI RUBENSTEIN: 'Thank you to my synagogue, Congregation Habonimi, for being so supportive of efforts that also benefit the wider community."

DR. MICHAEL SILVERMAN: For Marcy Silverman who always had a wonderful sense of adventure, courage and bravery to follow her dreams." _____________________________________________________________________ Hello, and welcome to The Avrum Rosensweig Show. There are scholars who preserve history by writing about it. There are adventurers who search the world for hidden treasures. And then there are those extraordinary individuals who do both—turning ancient mysteries into living reality and ensuring that entire chapters of Jewish civilization are never forgotten. Today, I am deeply honored to welcome Dr. Ari Greenspan. By profession, he is a dentist. By calling, an educator. But by passion, he is something far more unusual: what he describes as a halachic adventurer. For more than four decades, Dr. Greenspan has crossed deserts, climbed mountains, explored forgotten synagogues, scuba-dived beneath the Mediterranean, and traveled to some of the world's most remote Jewish communities—from Morocco and Yemen to Ethiopia, India, Portugal, Tunisia, Central Asia, and beyond. He has searched for disappearing customs before they vanish forever, preserved ancient kosher traditions, documented endangered Jewish communities, and helped revive one of Judaism's greatest mysteries: the rediscovery of the biblical techelet, the sacred blue dye absent from Jewish life for nearly 1,300 years. As co-founder of the Ptil Tekhelet Association, Dr. Greenspan has combined Torah scholarship with archaeology, biology, chemistry, linguistics, and history to breathe new life into commandments many believed had been lost forever. Dr. Ari is also a mohel, a shochet, a sofer, an international lecturer, and the creator of legendary kosher dinners featuring birds and traditions preserved from Jewish communities scattered across the globe. His personal museum houses artifacts collected over forty years of travel—each one telling a story of a people who refused to disappear. During today's conversation, you'll hear astonishing stories from Ethiopia, where he trained Jewish communities in kosher slaughter; from Croatia, where ancient menorahs hidden in stone still whisper of forgotten Jewish craftsmen; from Portugal, where Crypto-Jewish traditions survived centuries of persecution; and from the depths of the Mediterranean, where the search for the elusive chilazon became one of the most remarkable adventures in modern Jewish history. Yet beneath every journey lies a deeper question. As Dr. Greenspan himself has shown through his life's work: Every forgotten synagogue, every ancient manuscript, every disappearing custom asks the same question: "Will anyone remember us?" 1. 00:04:45 – Dr. Greenspan's Extraordinary Mission in Ethiopia "Teaching a Jewish Community to Keep Kashrut Alive" Dr. Greenspan recounts returning to Ethiopia to teach Jewish leaders the ancient laws of shechitah and nikur (removing forbidden fats and the sciatic nerve), ensuring that isolated Jewish communities could once again prepare kosher meat according to halachah. 2. 00:15:52 – The Emotional Bond with Jews Across the Centuries "I Feel Like They Were My Brothers" One of the interview's most moving moments. Dr. Greenspan explains how handling centuries-old manuscripts, praying in forgotten synagogues, and retracing the journeys of medieval Jewish travelers creates a profound connection with Jews who lived hundreds of years ago. 3. 00:39:38 – Rediscovering the Lost Blue Thread of the Torah "The Search for Techelet After 1,300 Years" Dr. Greenspan tells the remarkable story of scuba diving for the elusive chilazon snail and helping revive the biblical techelet—one of Judaism's greatest lost mitzvot after thirteen centuries. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   #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 #DrAriGreenspan #JewishHistory #JewishHeritage #HalachicAdventure #Tekhelet #Tzitzit #Torah #JewishTraditions #LostTraditions #JewishExplorer #BiblicalArchaeology #AncientJudaism #JewishTravel #Kosher #EthiopianJews #JewishCivilization #Israel #WillAnyoneRememberUs #PreservingHistory

SPONSORSHIP:

FROM DR. GORD ARBESS: Mazel Tov to Josh Arbess and Georgia Gardner on their upcoming wedding. And to Sharon Neiss-Arbess on her latest book "How I learned to pee in the Forest" available at Indigo, Type Books and on Amazon.  https://www.amazon.ca/How-Learned-Pee-Forest-life-changing/dp/B0FY5ML1K6

ELI RUBENSTEIN: 'Thank you to my synagogue, Congregation Habonimi, for being so supportive of efforts that also benefit the wider community." DR. MICHAEL SILVERMAN: For Marcy Silverman who always had a wonderful sense of adventure, courage and bravery to follow her dreams." _____________________________________________________________________ Hello, and welcome to The Avrum Rosensweig Show. There are scholars who preserve history by writing about it. There are adventurers who search the world for hidden treasures. And then there are those extraordinary individuals who do both—turning ancient mysteries into living reality and ensuring that entire chapters of Jewish civilization are never forgotten. Today, I am deeply honored to welcome Dr. Ari Greenspan. By profession, he is a dentist. By calling, an educator. But by passion, he is something far more unusual: what he describes as a halachic adventurer. For more than four decades, Dr. Greenspan has crossed deserts, climbed mountains, explored forgotten synagogues, scuba-dived beneath the Mediterranean, and traveled to some of the world's most remote Jewish communities—from Morocco and Yemen to Ethiopia, India, Portugal, Tunisia, Central Asia, and beyond. He has searched for disappearing customs before they vanish forever, preserved ancient kosher traditions, documented endangered Jewish communities, and helped revive one of Judaism's greatest mysteries: the rediscovery of the biblical techelet, the sacred blue dye absent from Jewish life for nearly 1,300 years. As co-founder of the Ptil Tekhelet Association, Dr. Greenspan has combined Torah scholarship with archaeology, biology, chemistry, linguistics, and history to breathe new life into commandments many believed had been lost forever. Dr. Ari is also a mohel, a shochet, a sofer, an international lecturer, and the creator of legendary kosher dinners featuring birds and traditions preserved from Jewish communities scattered across the globe. His personal museum houses artifacts collected over forty years of travel—each one telling a story of a people who refused to disappear. During today's conversation, you'll hear astonishing stories from Ethiopia, where he trained Jewish communities in kosher slaughter; from Croatia, where ancient menorahs hidden in stone still whisper of forgotten Jewish craftsmen; from Portugal, where Crypto-Jewish traditions survived centuries of persecution; and from the depths of the Mediterranean, where the search for the elusive chilazon became one of the most remarkable adventures in modern Jewish history. Yet beneath every journey lies a deeper question. As Dr. Greenspan himself has shown through his life's work: Every forgotten synagogue, every ancient manuscript, every disappearing custom asks the same question: "Will anyone remember us?" 1. 00:04:45 – Dr. Greenspan's Extraordinary Mission in Ethiopia "Teaching a Jewish Community to Keep Kashrut Alive" Dr. Greenspan recounts returning to Ethiopia to teach Jewish leaders the ancient laws of shechitah and nikur (removing forbidden fats and the sciatic nerve), ensuring that isolated Jewish communities could once again prepare kosher meat according to halachah. 2. 00:15:52 – The Emotional Bond with Jews Across the Centuries "I Feel Like They Were My Brothers" One of the interview's most moving moments. Dr. Greenspan explains how handling centuries-old manuscripts, praying in forgotten synagogues, and retracing the journeys of medieval Jewish travelers creates a profound connection with Jews who lived hundreds of years ago. 3. 00:39:38 – Rediscovering the Lost Blue Thread of the Torah "The Search for Techelet After 1,300 Years" Dr. Greenspan tells the remarkable story of scuba diving for the elusive chilazon snail and helping revive the biblical techelet—one of Judaism's greatest lost mitzvot after thirteen centuries. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   #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 #DrAriGreenspan #JewishHistory #JewishHeritage #HalachicAdventure #Tekhelet #Tzitzit #Torah #JewishTraditions #LostTraditions #JewishExplorer #BiblicalArchaeology #AncientJudaism #JewishTravel #Kosher #EthiopianJews #JewishCivilization #Israel #WillAnyoneRememberUs #PreservingHistory

Welcome to The Avrum Rosensweig Show. There are politicians who simply occupy office. There are politicians who shape legislation. And then there are those uncommon leaders who choose conviction over convenience—who speak when silence would be easier, who defend principle when compromise would be politically safer, and who understand that leadership is measured not by applause, but by courage. Today, I am honoured to welcome Melissa Lantsman—Member of Parliament, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, and one of the most influential voices in Canadian public life. Melissa's story is, in many ways, the Canadian story. She is the daughter of Jewish immigrants who fled the oppression of the Soviet Union in search of liberty, opportunity, and a nation where freedom was not merely promised—it was protected. Raised in Thornhill, Ontario, by parents whose sacrifices shaped every opportunity she would later receive, Melissa learned early that democracy is precious, freedom is fragile, and success is never handed to you—it is earned. Today, she stands at the highest levels of Canadian politics, becoming the first openly lesbian woman and the first Jewish woman ever elected as a Conservative Member of Parliament—a milestone that reflects not only her own determination, but the remarkable promise of Canada itself. Inside Parliament, Melissa has become one of the country's most outspoken advocates on affordability, public safety, individual liberty, and democratic accountability. Following the horrific Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7, she emerged as one of Canada's clearest voices in condemning terrorism, defending Israel's right to exist, and confronting the disturbing rise of antisemitism that has appeared on our streets, university campuses, and even outside Jewish schools and synagogues. At a time when Canada's political landscape continues to evolve, questions surrounding freedom of expression, social cohesion, public safety, and the protection of minority communities have become increasingly urgent. Recent decisions by the federal government—including the creation of a new Ministerial Advisory Council on Rights, Equality and Inclusion to address rising antisemitism and other forms of hate—have sparked significant national discussion about the best way to confront this growing challenge. But this conversation goes far beyond politics. It is about family. It is about faith. It is about identity. It is about the responsibility of public service. And ultimately, it is about what it means to lead when the stakes are high and the pressures are greater than ever. Today, we will discuss Canada's future, the Conservative movement, affordability, democracy, leadership, the rise of antisemitism, Israel, public service, and the values that continue to guide Melissa Lantsman's remarkable career. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming one of Canada's most compelling political leaders— Member of Parliament, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, and a powerful voice for conviction, courage, and public service... Melissa Lantsman. ——🎧 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 #MelissaLantsman #CanadianPolitics #ConservativeParty #ConservativeCanada #ParliamentHill #HouseOfCommons #PoliticalLeadership #WomenInPolitics #CanadaFirst #FreedomOfSpeech #StandForCanada #LeadershipMatters #PublicPolicy #CanadianValues #IsraelCanada #FightAntisemitism #PoliticalInterview #CanadianNews #PodcastInterview

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Welcome to The Avrum Rosensweig Show. There are politicians who simply occupy office. There are politicians who shape legislation. And then there are those uncommon leaders who choose conviction over convenience—who speak when silence would be easier, who defend principle when compromise would be politically safer, and who understand that leadership is measured not by applause, but by courage. Today, I am honoured to welcome Melissa Lantsman—Member of Parliament, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, and one of the most influential voices in Canadian public life. Melissa's story is, in many ways, the Canadian story. She is the daughter of Jewish immigrants who fled the oppression of the Soviet Union in search of liberty, opportunity, and a nation where freedom was not merely promised—it was protected. Raised in Thornhill, Ontario, by parents whose sacrifices shaped every opportunity she would later receive, Melissa learned early that democracy is precious, freedom is fragile, and success is never handed to you—it is earned. Today, she stands at the highest levels of Canadian politics, becoming the first openly lesbian woman and the first Jewish woman ever elected as a Conservative Member of Parliament—a milestone that reflects not only her own determination, but the remarkable promise of Canada itself. Inside Parliament, Melissa has become one of the country's most outspoken advocates on affordability, public safety, individual liberty, and democratic accountability. Following the horrific Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7, she emerged as one of Canada's clearest voices in condemning terrorism, defending Israel's right to exist, and confronting the disturbing rise of antisemitism that has appeared on our streets, university campuses, and even outside Jewish schools and synagogues. At a time when Canada's political landscape continues to evolve, questions surrounding freedom of expression, social cohesion, public safety, and the protection of minority communities have become increasingly urgent. Recent decisions by the federal government—including the creation of a new Ministerial Advisory Council on Rights, Equality and Inclusion to address rising antisemitism and other forms of hate—have sparked significant national discussion about the best way to confront this growing challenge. But this conversation goes far beyond politics. It is about family. It is about faith. It is about identity. It is about the responsibility of public service. And ultimately, it is about what it means to lead when the stakes are high and the pressures are greater than ever. Today, we will discuss Canada's future, the Conservative movement, affordability, democracy, leadership, the rise of antisemitism, Israel, public service, and the values that continue to guide Melissa Lantsman's remarkable career. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming one of Canada's most compelling political leaders— Member of Parliament, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, and a powerful voice for conviction, courage, and public service... Melissa Lantsman. ——🎧 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 #MelissaLantsman #CanadianPolitics #ConservativeParty #ConservativeCanada #ParliamentHill #HouseOfCommons #PoliticalLeadership #WomenInPolitics #CanadaFirst #FreedomOfSpeech #StandForCanada #LeadershipMatters #PublicPolicy #CanadianValues #IsraelCanada #FightAntisemitism #PoliticalInterview #CanadianNews #PodcastInterview