Send us a text

Celebrated Broadway star and activist, Ari Axelrod joins Esti Zenati to explore the intersection of the arts, activism, and Jewish identity. From his upbringing in Michigan to navigating antisemitism on college campus and later in the theater world, Ari shares how his trips to Israel transformed his sense of self and Jewish identity. We dive into the creation of his acclaimed show, A Place for Us, the Jewish roots of Broadway, and his response to the rise in antisemitism post-October 7th.

Stick around for a special surprise at the end of the episode!

Send us a text

What does it take to lead a congregation for over 25 years? Rabbi Steven Schwartz joins Esti Zenati to reflect on his tenure at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore as he prepares for his next chapter in semi-retirement. From his childhood inspirations in upstate New York to his first transformative trip to Israel, Rabbi Schwartz explores the experiences that shaped his commitment to the Jewish diaspora. They dive into the challenges of the current moment, the resilience of community, and—in a delightful twist—how a love for The Grateful Dead has accompanied him through it all.

Send us a text

When the world shifted on October 7th, Shai Davidai—a social psychologist and former Columbia Business School assistant professor —refused to stay silent. In this episode, Shai joins Esti Zenati to share his journey from a 1980s Israeli childhood to the frontlines of campus advocacy.

We dive deep into Shai’s transition from the classroom to full-time activism, his fierce public battle against antisemitism at Columbia, and his mission to mobilize a new generation of Jewish leaders. From the launch of his podcast Here I Am to building an activist core in NYC, Shai delivers a powerful message on why Jewish visibility and solidarity are our greatest strengths.