The Jewish Experience

In this episode the tables are turned. Rabbi Wildes is interviewed by his friend and colleague Rabbi Ezra Cohen. They discuss Rabbi Wildes' forthcoming new book, The 40 Day Challenge. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

In the episode Rabbi Wildes talks with Sarri Singer. In life, sadly there are victims of heinous acts of violence. Some stay victims their whole lives, broken and battered while a few select people, like our guest today, are able to take a horrible trauma that happened to them and turn it around to do good in the world. New Jersey resident Sarri Singer, who works in Manhattan, is one of those rare people. She is the founder of the organization Strength to Strength and she has worked with her organization to help victims of terror worldwide to cope psychologically with what has happened to them. She recently spoke at a rally against anti-Semitism that I and many others attended in response to the spike of violence in New York City. She has addressed esteemed groups about dealing with terrorism, including one at the United Nations. One of her speeches for Hadassah was entitled: "Practical Zionism: What Surviving Terror Teaches You." This past Friday was 18 years to the day that Sarri did something that most of us have done at one time or another. She got on a bus. Only this time, her choice of seat on her bus in Israel likely saved her life. A Hamas suicide bomber detonated his device and scores of people were killed and injured. Sarri was injured and still has shrapnel in her leg that doctors could not remove, but she survived and went on to fight terrorism in her special way. She believes that by closing her eyes at the moment of the blast, she likely saved her sight. It is not uncommon for her to have late night phone calls with victims of terror both Jewish and gentile and she relentlessly looks out for the interests of those who have suffered from acts of terrorism. Sadly there are many. Born in Lakewood, New Jersey, she is the daughter of New Jersey State Senator Robert Singer. Sarri has spoken to audiences across the globe and has appeared on CNN, Fox News Channel and numerous radio stations. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

In this episode Rabbi Wildes talks with Daniel Wallach. Daniel is a curious kid from Palo Alto, California. Bugged by a loud and persistent question, "What does it mean to be Jewish?", Daniel was thrust into a strange, random, and wonderful journey that brought him to MJE one spring Shabbos morning in 2019. Daniel chose Rabbi Wildes as his mentor the day he met him and continued to say yes to everything MJE had to offer. As he was completing Fellowship in 2020, the world shut down with Covid19. Confused with the world and eager to continue a path of self-growth, Daniel made a sudden decision last September to fly to Israel and study in Yeshiva. Daniel is an Actor with a special interest in Shakespeare, working in regional theatre before he arrived in New York. When in New York, Daniel continues his artistic pursuits, teaches theatre to kids, and dabbles in Real Estate. Daniel is a graduate of CalArts School of Theater with a BFA in Acting. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

In this episode Rabbi Wildes talks with Dmitriy Salita. Dmitriy is a hero to many and one of the most famous Jewish boxers of our time. Born in the Ukraine, Dmitriy learned his trade at Starrett City boxing under the tutelage of Jimmy O. He was undefeated in his first 29 fights. He stands with a record of 35 wins, 2 losses and won draw with 18 knockouts. He was the star of the 2007 Documentary Orthodox Stance. As if that were not enough, the 39-year-old started a new chapter of his life founding Salita Promotions, for which he is president. He has numerous boxers in his stable, including Clariss Shields, who is viewed as one of the best female boxers in the world. While many would think that boxing and observing Judaism are antithetical, Salita has always believed that they go hand in hand. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

In this episode Rabbi Wildes talks with Izzy Ezagui. Izzy, a decorated squad commander in the Israel Defense Forces, is the only soldier in the world who lost an arm in combat and returned to the battlefield. In 2011, former President Shimon Peres awarded him one of Israel's highest military honors. While he continues to serve in an elite unit in the reserves, Izzy delivers inspirational talks across the United States and internationally. He's appeared on the Huffington Post, Al Jazeera America, and Fox News. The Algemeiner chose Izzy as one of 100 people positively influencing Jewish life. He also raises millions of dollars for hospitals, rehabilitation programs, and other charities, such as the Birthright Foundation. He has worked with amputee organization, schools, colleges, universities, hedge funds, and corporate events for companies such as Nike and Apple Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

In this episode Rabbi Wildes talks with Nissim Black. Nissim Black, whose first name is the word for miracle has done some miraculous things. At 34, he has six children with his wife Adina. Growing up on the street of Seattle things were not always the best. There was violence around some of the time. Nissim and his wife converted to Judaism. He and his wife made aliyah and they live in Ramat Beit Shemesh in Israel. Nissim also has his own brand of whisky-Hava whisky. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

In this episode Rabbi Wildes talks with renowned comedian Modi Rosenfeld. Voted one of the top 10 comedians in New York City by the Hollywood Reporter and BackStage, MODI is one of the comedy circuit's most sought after performers. Featured on HBO, CBS, NBC, ABC.Comedy Central, Howard Stern and E! Entertainment, MODI has received rave reviews in the New York Times, Time Out NY and the New York Post. Born in Israel, MODI moved to the United States when he was seven. After college, MODI worked as an investment banker and had no plans to become a stand up comedian. But one open mic changed everything. Amelia David of BackStage raves, "MODI has a young Sid Caesar-esque talent for creating accents and characters, making him appeal to a diverse market." According to the Los Angeles Times, MODI is "versatile and quick on his feet. He can read an audience in a beat and improvise so nimbly that he keeps any audience, regardless of age, race and gender, laughing." MODI has appeared in several feature films and played leading roles in two: Waiting for Woody Allen, which won the LA Film Festival, and Stand Up, a feature-length film. According to Variety, MODI delivers a "naturally funny performance with a tremendous amount of energy on screen." MODI is a regular performer at the New York and Los Angeles comedy clubs and headlines around the country. He has also gone on tour in the United Kingdom, Holland and Israel and performs in comedy festivals and special venues, including Montreal's Just for Laughs Comedy Festival and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

In this episode Rabbi Wildes speaks with Kosha Dillz . Kosha Dillz is a Brooklyn based rapper who has been channeling his Jewish identity through rap for the last 15 years. A billboard charting artist, he has shared stages and festivals with everyone from Macklemore and Matisyahu to Kendrick Lamar to rap battles with the late DMX. Tune in to hear how Kosha, whose real name is Rami Even-Esh overcame addiction to shine bright in the rap game performing around the world. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

In this episode Rabbi Wildes talks with renowned couples and sex therapist Dr. Shy Krug. Shy Krug is a clinical psychologist and AASECT certified sex therapist, is the founder and director of Blue Anchor Psychology, a group practice in Manhattan focused on sex therapy, couples therapy, and trauma, mood, anxiety disorders. Dr Krug also serves as a consulting psychologist at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center where he co-founded the sexual health clinic. Dr. Krug completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in the assessment and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder and a postdoctoral certificate in sex therapy from The Buehler Institute. In his spare time, Dr. Krug also works as a professional magician. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

This episode is MJE’s Annual Terry and Harry Pniewski Holocaust remembrance program featuring Rabbi Wildes' interview with Dr. Henry Ruston. Dr. Ruston shares his harrowing story of survival and his journey to becoming an Ivy League professor. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/