B'nai B'rith International

Professor Sarah Fainberg joins host CEO Dan Mariaschin to talk about the coronavirus' impact on Russian foreign policy, the state of anti-Semitism in Europe and the latest developments in Ukraine. Fainberg also discusses how her father's role as a dissident in the Soviet Union informed her career and worldview.

Host CEO Dan Mariaschin talks with Wynn Wheldon, author of "The Fighting Jew: The Life and Times of Daniel Mendoza." The two speak about Wheldon's biography of Mendoza, boxing champion of England from 1792-1795 and Jewish sporting superstar who was well ahead of his time.

Professor Yossi Shain joins host CEO Dan Mariaschin to discuss the ideas and inspiration behind Shain's best-selling book, "The Israeli Century and the Israelization of Judaism." Shain is one of the world's leading scholars on diasporas. In their conversation, Mariaschin and Shain discuss what Shain means by "Israelization," how Israeli Jewish identity has changed in the 21st century and the future of American Jewry in the face of increased anti-Semitism. They also talk about what decades of war and terrorism have done to the Israeli psyche. "The Israeli Century and the Israelization of Judaism" will be available in English later in 2020.

Professor Nancy Sinkoff joins host CEO Dan Mariaschin to discuss her new book, "From Left to Right: Lucy S. Dawidowicz, the New York Intellectuals, and the Politics of Jewish History." In her book, Sinkoff examines the life of Lucy Dawidowicz, intellectual and pioneer historian in the field that is now called Holocaust studies. Mariaschin and Sinkoff speak about her decision to write about Dawidowicz and what she discovered about her subject along the way. They also talk about Dawidowicz's attitude toward feminism and how it may have affected the way her thoughts and writing are evaluated today. Sinkoff is an award-winning author and is Academic Director of the Bildner Center for the Study of Jewish Life and associate professor of Jewish Studies and History at Rutgers—New Brunswick.

Renowned cartoonist Ben Katchor sits down with host CEO Dan Mariaschin to discuss his new book, "The Dairy Restaurant." In their conversation, Mariaschin and Katchor explore the history and cultural significance of dairy restaurants, establishments that used to be cornerstones of New York's Jewish community. They also talk about what inspired Katchor to write about dairy restaurants, as well as the extent of his research, why dairy restaurants were so important at their peak and how they have impacted modern Jewish food experiences.

Host CEO Dan Mariaschin speaks with The Jerusalem Post's Omri Nahmias and Director of B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem Alan Schneider about how Israel’s rival political leaders Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Speaker of the Knesset Benny Gantz came to an agreement to form a unity government during the coronavirus pandemic.

Seth Frantzman, Oped Editor and Middle East affairs analyst at The Jerusalem Post joins host CEO Dan Mariaschin to discuss his new book, “After Isis: America, Iran and the Struggle for the Middle East.” In their conversation, Frantzman talks about how his experiences reporting in the Middle East have shaped his analysis of events on the ground in an area known as a “tough neighborhood.” Mariaschin and Frantzman also take a deeper look at how the coronavirus has impacted the dynamics in the region, from oil prices to war zones to Iranian hegemonism, and what the region may look like after the pandemic has subsided.

Israeli author and entrepreneur Irina Nevzlin joins host CEO Dan Mariaschin to speak about her new book, "The Impact of Identity – The Power of Knowing Who You Are," which offers a new approach to living a more enjoyable and meaningful life in an era of too much information. Nevzlin discusses her inspiration for writing the book and what advice she has for people looking for a new way of viewing the world and addressing it in a more positive, resilient manner. Mariaschin and Nevzlin also talk about the Museum of the Jewish People, her efforts to revive the museum, and how the museum has transformed over the years. Irina Nevzlin is currently the president of the Nadav Foundation, which was founded in 2003 by her father Leonid Nevzlin in order to support initiatives that promote understanding of the concept of Jewish peoplehood, build collective Jewish identity, and forge lasting ties among Jews around the world. She was previously the Foundation’s CEO from 2008 to 2012. In 2017, Nevzlin was chosen by The Jeru

Deborah Dash Moore, editor in chief of the Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, talks about the Library’s recently published sixth volume in its series on Jewish culture and civilization, “Confronting Modernity 1750 to 1880.” Moore is the Frederick G. L. Huetwell Professor of History and Professor of Judaic Studies at the University of Michigan and is the author of several books, including “G.I. Jews: How World War II Changed a Generation.” She is also the first scholar of our organization’s history, having published “B'nai B'rith and the Challenge of Ethnic Leadership” in 1981 as part of the State University of New York’s series in modern Jewish history. Volume 8, “Crisis and Creativity Between World Wars, 1918-1939” is now also available from the Posen Library.  Even those who possess a wide ranging knowledge of Jewish history and culture will uncover a wealth of new information in this latest entry, enhanced with an array of impressive reproductions of fine and decorative arts, and including

Israel is at the forefront of innovative research and treatment when it comes to coronavirus. Yoel HarEven, the director of the international division and resource development at Sheba Medical Center in Israel, joins CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin on the B’nai B’rith International Podcast for a discussion on the coronavirus response at his hospital, in Israel more broadly, and the sharing of best practices around the world.

The coronavirus is being used as an excuse by some to spread anti-Semitism around the world. B’nai B’rith Deputy Director of the International Center for Human Rights and Public Policy Eric Fusfield joins the B’nai B’rith International Podcast for a discussion on coronavirus and anti-Semitism in this uncertain time. In a discussion with CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin, Fusfield delves into the anti-Semitic conspiracy theories surrounding coronavirus.

The 2019 film Sefarad explores the fascinating history of Oporto, the Jewish community of northern Portugal. Visiting to discuss the film and its impact is Dara Jeffries, a long-time member of the Jewish Community of Oporto, where she lived for most of her life until relocating with her family to Miami. She is a representative and spokesperson for the Oporto community in the United States.

In this episode, host and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin sits down with Eric Fusfield, B'nai B'rith International's director of legislative affairs and the deputy director of the B’nai B’rith International Center for Human Rights and Public Policy. As anti-Semitism rears its ugly head again and again throughout the country, we have watched in horror as Jews have been assaulted and killed in Monsey, New York City, Pittsburgh, Poway and elsewhere. Outside the United States, attacks on Jewish stores and cemeteries continue to occur. With this surge of worldwide and domestic anti-Semitism showing no signs of ceasing, what can be done to combat this trend? How can Jewish organizations address growing anti-Semitism effectively? Listen to find out.

In this episode, host and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin talks with Laura Seltzer-Duny, the documentary filmmaker behind “Nobody Wants Us,” the true story of Jewish refugees who sailed to Hampton Roads, Virginia in order to seek asylum from the Nazis in 1940. During a period when the United States was turning away large numbers of refugees, this group was allowed in the country thanks to the advocacy of a Newport News, Virginia lawyer named Jacob Morewitz. Morewitz was in fact a relative of Laura Seltzer-Duny’s on her mother’s side of the family. The film took eight years to make, and it tells a vital—and still relevant—story about immigration and asylum. Visit the film’s website at www.nobodywantsus.com for information about upcoming screenings, to schedule a community screening or to purchase the film for a school.

Nearly 100 years after his death, legendary illusionist and escape artist Harry Houdini continues to cast a spell over loyal fans worldwide. In his new book The Life and Afterlife of Harry Houdini, author Joe Posnanski unpacks both Houdini’s fascinating biography and how Houdini’s legacy has influenced individuals who have sought to follow in Houdini’s footsteps as magicians. On this episode, Posnanski discusses the writing of this book as well as the individuals who were inspired by Houdini years later to create their own magic. Posnanski comes to this book with a distinguished sportswriting background. He is a senior writer at The Athletic and has written five books, including the #1 New York Times national bestseller Paterno. Joe was named National Sportswriter of the Year by the Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame in 2012.

Recently, the United Nations General Assembly committee voted to move forward with renewing the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Founded in 1949, UNRWA has a long history of supporting anti-Israel incitement. On this episode to discuss what the renewal of UNRWA’s mandate means for Israel is guest Dr. Asaf Romirowsky. Romirowsky is the Executive Director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East and a fellow at the Middle East Forum. He has co-authored a book with Alexander Joffe on the issue of Palestinian refugee aid titled Religion, Politics, and the Origins of Palestine Refugee Relief, published in 2013. In addition, his work has also appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the New Republic, and the Times of Israel, among other outlets. Romirowsky is also a Professor at the University of Haifa, and he has published widely on various aspects of the Arab-Israeli conflict and Zionist history. 

Over his nine-decade career, Jewish American songwriter Irving Berlin created some of the most beloved and celebrated popular music in the United States. Due to major songs such as “God Bless America” and “White Christmas,” Irving Berlin’s music continues to live on as canonized works in American popular culture. One of the less examined aspects of Irving Berlin’s life is his relationship with New York City, a place where Berlin grew up as a Jewish immigrant in the Lower East Side. In his newly published book Irving Berlin: New York Genius, distinguished biographer and journalist James Kaplan tackles the complex relationship between Irving Berlin and the city of New York. In this podcast episode, B'nai B'rith International CEO and host Daniel S. Mariaschin and Kaplan discuss Kaplan's book as well as the legacy of Irving Berlin. James Kaplan is the author of the two-volume biography of Frank Sinatra, Frank: The Voice and Sinatra: The Chairman. He has also profiled a wide range of public figures including play

Coming-of-age novel Cosella Wayne: Or, Will and Destiny, by largely unknown American Jewish author Cora Wilburn, went largely unnoticed for over 150 years. That is, until preeminent Jewish Studies scholar Dr. Jonathan Sarna of Brandeis University discovered the work in Jerusalem after having come across Wilburn's name throughout his career. Sarna helped bring Wilburn's novel to modern day readers with a first-edition published book that he introduces. Wilburn's novel explores important themes of the American Jewish experience during the 19th century. In this podcast episode, Sarna discusses the discovery of Wilburn's work with our host and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin. In addition, Sarna updates listeners on the publication by Yale University Press of the second edition of his seminal work American Judaism: A History. Sarna also shares his perspective on the alarming rise of anti-Semitism in the United States.

Each year, B’nai B’rith sends a delegation of high-level representatives to the United Nations General Assembly, which convenes in New York in the fall. There, our delegation advocates for Israel with political leaders and diplomats from around the world. Given the United Nations’ well-documented and long-running bias against Israel, we consider this work of advocating for Israel a key part of our organization’s mission. In this podcast episode, B'nai B'rith International's Director of U.N. and Intercommunal Affairs David Michaels provides a re-cap of our delegation’s 2019 visit to the UNGA to host and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin.

In this episode, our host and B'nai B'rith International CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin is joined by Dr. Erica Miller, a clinical psychologist whose life has taken her from Romania, where she and her family were forced into a concentration camp during the Holocaust when she was a child, to Israel, where her family immigrated when Erica was 15 years old. In Israel, Erica eventually joined the Israeli Air Force. She then relocated to Los Angeles, where she lives now. In Los Angeles, Erica earned a PhD in clinical psychology and raised two children. Erica has written three books, most recently Chronologically Gifted: Aging with Gusto: A Practical Guide for Healthy Living to Age 123. In this episode, Dr. Miller shares her tips for healthy aging. Aging is a topic that is close to our hearts here at B’nai B’rith, because we are the largest national Jewish sponsor of affordable senior housing in the United States. We also advocate for seniors on Capitol Hill, where we fight for legislation that protects the social safety