Rabbi E. Samuel Klibanoff: Israel, Grief, Joy, and Why American Jews Need to Show Up

Rabbi E. Samuel Klibanoff: Israel, Grief, Joy, and Why American Jews Need to Show Up

From Jewish Insights with Justin Pines by Jewish Broadcasting Service (JBS)

April 22, 2026 · 1h 0m · Episode 106

About this episode

Rabbi E. Samuel Klibanoff discusses the duality of grief and joy in Israel's commemorative and celebratory days and the connection of American Jews to Israel.

Every year, Israel moves in a single day from its deepest grief to its greatest celebration — from Yom HaZikaron, Memorial Day for fallen soldiers, to Yom Ha'atzmaut, Independence Day. How do we hold both? And what does it mean to love Israel from across the ocean? Rabbi Sam Klibanoff — spiritual leader of Congregation Etz Chaim in Livingston, NJ (https://www.etzchaimnj.org/about-us/clergy/), and one of the most passionate advocates for Israel in the American rabbinate — joins Jewish Insights with Justin Pines for a wide-ranging conversation about memory, resilience, solidarity, and the enduring bond between the Jewish people and the land of Israel.

People in this episode

Host: Justin Pines

Guest: Rabbi E. Samuel Klibanoff

Topics covered

  • Israel
  • grief
  • celebration
  • Jewish identity
  • American Jews
  • solidarity
  • memory

Keywords

  • Israel
  • Yom HaZikaron
  • Yom Ha'atzmaut
  • grief
  • joy
  • American Jews
  • solidarity
  • memory
  • Rabbi Klibanoff

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Congregation Etz Chaim

Places: Israel, Livingston, NJ

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