What Gives? The Jewish Philanthropy Podcast

Episode 80 of What Gives?—the Jewish Philanthropy Podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Mitch Silber, CEO of the Community Security Initiative and former Director of Intelligence Analysis for the NYPD. Mitch and Andrés talk about the changing security landscape facing Jewish communities in New York, across the United States, and around the world. Mitch shares how 9/11 led him from corporate finance into counterterrorism, what he learned helping build the NYPD’s intelligence and counterterrorism capacity, and why the American Jewish community’s approach to security changed so dramatically after the attacks in Pittsburgh, Poway, Jersey City, and Monsey. Also discussed are the range of threats facing Jewish institutions today, from white supremacists and Islamist extremists to violent anti-Israel actors, and the difficult questions that follow: what volunteers can and cannot do, when armed security is necessary, how local and national security organizations coordinate, and where philanthropy can make the most concrete difference. Take a listen.

Episode 78 of What Gives?—the Jewish Philanthropy Podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, Senior Rabbi at Park Avenue Synagogue and a leading voice in American Jewish life. Through his writing and public leadership, Elliot has been deeply engaged in some of the most contentious debates shaping the Jewish community right now. Andrés and Elliot take a close look at the questions raised about the role of rabbis in political life that arose during last fall’s New York City mayoral campaign. They explore how Jewish leaders decide when to speak out, where the boundaries of communal discourse should be drawn, and how questions around Zionism, anti-Zionism, and internal disagreement are playing out across synagogues and campuses. They discuss the pressures facing today’s rabbinate, the challenge of holding communities together amid deep division, and what responsible leadership looks like in a moment that resists easy consensus. Take a listen.

Episode 66 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. With decades of experience navigating Washington and Jerusalem, William offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the Conference builds consensus across a coalition of 50 diverse Jewish organizations. We explore the delicate balance between public statements and quiet diplomacy, how Jewish communal leaders respond to rising antisemitism on campus, and what it means to represent a politically diverse Jewish community in times of division and crisis. William shares his personal journey from grassroots political campaigns to the highest levels of Jewish leadership, and the lessons he’s learned about relationship-building, advocacy, and the surprising power of passionate moderation. Take a listen.

Episode 64 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we learn about the intersections of science, spirituality, and community with Dr. Neil Theise. Neil is a professor of pathology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and a pioneer in the fields of adult stem cell plasticity and the framework of the body's internal support system. In his book Notes on Complexity, Neil explores how complexity theory not only unravels the mysteries of biology and physics but also offers a profound lens through which we can view society, spirituality, and even Jewish communal life. In this conversation, we’ll talk about how complexity theory reshapes our understanding of leadership, community resilience, and the power of relationships, as well as Neil’s personal journey—from considering rabbinical school to becoming a Zen Buddhist and a leading pathologist. This is a conversation that connects atoms to cities, stem cells to spirituality, and Jewish identity to the fabric of the universe.

Episode 62 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Stephen Bronfman, a leader in Jewish philanthropy with a strong commitment to environmental activism, and Nigel Savage, a pioneer in Jewish environmental education and the founding CEO of the Jewish Climate Trust. Together, we explore how their backgrounds—Stephen’s lifelong connection to the outdoors and family legacy of philanthropy, and Nigel’s journey from finance to Jewish environmental leadership—have shaped their efforts to mobilize Jewish funders and organizations in tackling the climate crisis. We also discuss Israel’s role as a hub for sustainability innovation and how climate action can connect Jewish values with social justice and global impact. Take a listen.

Episode 60 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we host Dr. Noam Weissman, an educator and media expert who has pioneered new ways to tell Israel’s story and educate young people about the complexities and beauty of Zionism and Jewish history. Noam is the Senior Vice President at OpenDor Media, a nonprofit media company producing thought-provoking content to connect this generation with Israel and the broader Jewish story. We explore Noam’s approach to storytelling; one that is sophisticated, credible, and ultimately empowering for the next generation. Take a listen.

Episode 58 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Laura Lauder, a trailblazer in Jewish philanthropy whose work has reshaped the way communities approach innovation and impact. Laura’s story is one of vision, legacy, and a deep commitment to strengthening Jewish life. As Board Chair-Elect of the San Francisco Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, Laura shares her experiences tackling some of the most pressing issues facing American Jewry today, including anti-Semitism, support for Israel, and building sustainable philanthropy for future generations. Together, Andrés and Laura explore the evolving role of Federations, the transformative power of community foundations, and what it means to build a thriving Jewish future. Laura’s passion and expertise shine throughout this inspiring conversation—take a listen!

Episode 56 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Rachel Sumekh, Project Executive of TEN: Together Ending Need, a collaborative initiative of funders working to ensure that all Jews have access to basic needs. Rachel and Andrés speak about the critical issue of Jewish poverty. Rachel highlights the reality of Jewish poverty, dispels the myths surrounding it, and sheds light on how poverty impacts all sectors of the Jewish community. Rachel brings both data and heart to this important conversation, as we explore ways the Jewish philanthropic community can tackle these challenges.