Detours & Destinations

In this episode, we sit down with award-winning sociologist, humanitarian leader, and author Dr. Georgette Bennett. In dialogue with Rabbi David Ingber, Bennett reflects on her detour-filled life as the daughter of Holocaust survivors, born into a bombed-out Hungarian apartment—a beginning that shaped her perspective on the world. She traces her winding path from a career in criminology and community policing in New York City to her transformative turn toward interreligious leadership. As the founder of the Tanenbaum Center and the Multifaith Alliance, Bennett shares how she mobilized hundreds of millions of dollars in aid for Syrian war victims by bridging divides between historical enemies, driven by the biblical mandate not to “stand idly by.” Exploring themes from her new book, Half-Jew – Full Life, the conversation dives into the extraordinary story of her cousin-in-law, Gary “Pips” Phillips, who chose to identify as Jewish as the Nazis rose to power. Together, they discuss the dangers of binary thinking and the resilience required to build a full life from the ashes of history.

In this episode, we sit down with three-time Emmy Award–winning journalist Dana Arschin for a conversation about legacy, responsibility, and the moment when reporting becomes personal. In dialogue with Rabbi David Ingber, Arschin traces her path from a childhood on Long Island to a distinguished career in broadcast journalism at News 12 and FOX 5 News, where her on-air reporting and documentary work earned wide recognition. She reflects on the turning point that reshaped her professional and personal trajectory: becoming the first-ever Storyteller at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County. Arschin shares her commitment to preserving the story of her grandfather, an Auschwitz survivor, and to carrying forward the voices of other survivors. Moving between journalism and memory, this conversation explores what it means to transform inherited history into living purpose – and how storytelling can become both vocation and sacred responsibility.

In this episode, we sit down with psychotherapist, queer activist, and interfaith minister Chani Getter for a conversation about identity, courage, and the sacred work of becoming. In dialogue with Rabbi David Ingber, Getter reflects on growing up in an ultra-Orthodox Hasidic community, entering an arranged marriage at eighteen, and the moment a hidden television, Ellen DeGeneres, and a dictionary gave them language for a truth long felt but never named. Tracing a path from leaving their marriage and religious community at twenty-three to earning advanced degrees, ordination, and building a therapy practice while raising three children, Getter shares how personal rupture became a calling to service. As Scholar-in-Residence at Footsteps and a steadfast advocate for LGBTQ people – including those seeking to remain connected to their Orthodox roots – they explore grief, healing, and spiritual evolution, drawing on themes from their book Mapito to reflect on the detours that ultimately lead us home to ourselves.

In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed journalist, Peabody Award–winning host, and founder of On Being, Krista Tippett, for a live conversation at the 92NY. Together with Rabbi David Ingber, Tippett reflects on her spiritual and intellectual journey – from growing up in a religious family in Oklahoma, through her work as a journalist in Cold War–era Germany, to becoming the creator and host of a podcast that has reshaped public conversations about meaning and faith. They discuss theology as a lived practice, the evolving place of religion and spirituality in media and public discourse, and how listening itself can function as a moral and spiritual act.

In this episode, we sit down with writer, musician, and activist Ani Zonneveld for a conversation about faith, freedom, and the courage to reclaim tradition. Together with Rabbi David Ingber, Zonneveld traces her journey from a global childhood as the daughter of a Malaysian diplomat – growing up in Germany, Egypt, and India – to a two-decade career in the international music industry, where she navigated sexism and forged her creative voice. She reflects on the spiritual turning point following 9/11 that led her to reexamine Islam for herself, uncovering what she understands as its egalitarian and pluralistic core. As the founder and president of Muslims for Progressive Values, Zonneveld shares how she stepped into religious and social justice leadership – advocating for women’s rights, LGBTQ inclusion, and freedom of conscience at the United Nations and beyond. Drawing on themes from her memoir An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Making My Life Count As a Muslim Feminist, the conversation explores music as activism, the dismantling of patriarchy, and the winding path from personal awakening to global impact.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Oded Adomi Leshem—Senior Research Associate and Director of the International Hub for Hope Research at Hebrew University. Oded’s journey shifts from covering the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a documentary filmmaker and cameraman to deep-dive into the human psyche, as he explores one of the most powerful forces in our lives: hope. He shares insights from his research, and reflections on what hope really is—how it shapes political behavior, why it is important in moments of crisis, and how we can cultivate it in ourselves and our societies. From the philosophical to the practical, and against the backdrop of ongoing violence and conflict, Oded invites us to consider whether hope is a destination or a tool—and why, especially now, it may be our most vital resource.

In this episode, we sit down with Dominique Lévy—renowned gallerist, collector, and force in the international art world. A self-described “Pure Diaspora Product,” Dominique reflects on a childhood shaped by the exile of her Egyptian father and Belgian mother, and the lifelong need to establish a sense of stability and belonging. From dreaming of the circus to founding world-class galleries, her journey spans continents, collaborations, and cultural movements. With decades of experience navigating competitive spheres, Dominique reflects on the evolving nature of the art world, the need for tenderness in the current moment, and the immigrant drive to build something of one’s own—offering insights into motivation, success, and, perhaps most of all, her ultimate aspiration: to finally be able to chill.

In this episode, we sit down with Jody Gottfried Arnhold—visionary dance educator, founder of the Dance Education Laboratory (DEL) at 92NY, and a passionate advocate for arts in public life. From her early love of dance to decades spent teaching in New York City public schools, Jody’s journey has been guided by a deep belief in the transformative power of movement. She reflects on her path from dancer to teacher to philanthropist, and shares insights into what dance offers beyond technique: empowerment, expression, and democratic literacy. A tireless champion for dance as essential education, Jody speaks about founding DEL, the joy of seeing her students become leaders, and what it takes to create lasting change in the arts.

In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Mira Rivera, the first Filipina-American rabbi ordained by The Jewish Theological Seminary. A lifelong seeker, Rabbi Rivera’s journey weaves together movement, spirituality, and activism. From growing up in the Philippines to experiencing a spiritual awakening in India, and dancing in Martha Graham Dance Company, her path led her to explore her faith in many ways and places. Rabbi Rivera shares her challenges working with Jews of Color and engaging in political activism, and reflects on the role of leadership in uncertain times.

In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Shira Stutman, interim rabbi at Aspen Jewish Congregation, founding rabbi of the Sixth & I congregation in Washington, DC, and co-host of the podcast Chutzpod. Shira reflects on her path to becoming a spiritual leader, and how unexpected detours—from personal loss to leaving a thriving congregation—became opportunities for evolution and transformation. Shira also shares insights from her new book—The Jewish Way to a Good Life, explains what Judaism has to say about the concept of destination, and discusses the need of fostering honest dialogue in this polarized moment.

A conversation about the nature of truth, identity, and the detours that unexpectedly lead us home. This episode welcomes bestselling author and host of the podcast Family Secrets, Dani Shapiro. Dani and Rabbi David explore how Dani's mid-life discovery that her beloved father was not her biological parent reshaped her world, brought clarity to a lifelong sense of disconnection, and inspired her prolific creativity. With honesty and depth, Dani reflects on the power of secrets, the concept of the “unthought known,” and the healing that comes from facing the truth.