In The Spotlight with Abigail Pogrebin

Susan Morrison, author and articles editor at The New Yorker, sits down with host Abigail Pogrebin to discuss her behind-the-scenes portrait of Lorne Michaels and the enduring legacy of Saturday Night Live.

Author Allegra Goodman discuss her new novel, "This Is Not About Us," which explores family, love, resentment and the complexities of intergenerational relationships, and also provides a humorous and poignant look at American Jewish life. With Abigail Pogrebin.

New York Times bestselling author Judy Batalion discusses her debut novel "The Last Woman of Warsaw," following two Jewish women in 1930s Warsaw as they search for love, meaning and home amid the growing threat around them. With Abigail Pogrebin.

Abby is joined by award-winning author Dara Horn for a conversation on Passover and her book, "One Little Goat: A Passover Catastrophe."

Abby is joined by Rabbi David Ingber, founding rabbi of Romemu and Senior Director of Jewish Life at 92NY, a leading voice in Jewish Renewal known for his spiritual teaching and influential leadership.

Rabbi Angela Buchdahl discusses her bestselling memoir "Heart of A Stranger" and her journey to becoming the first Asian-American and first woman to be the senior rabbi of Central Synagogue. With Abigail Pogrebin.

Abby is joined by author Jenna Weissman Joselit to discuss her groundbreaking new biography of radical thinker Mordecai Kaplan, who reinvented Judaism for modern America. The book, "Mordecai M. Kaplan: Restless Soul," delves deep into the fascinating contradictions that drove one of twentieth-century Judaism's leading luminaries to create a new way of looking at an old faith by "reconstructing" it.

Broadway impresario Seth Rudetsky speaks with Abigail Pogrebin about his post-10/7 activism and the painful silence he witnessed from much of the Broadway community as Jewish suffering went unacknowledged.

Abigail Pogrebin interviews Hannah L., the semi-anonymous author of the book,"Mussar in Recovery: A Jewish Spiritual Path to Serenity & Joy," which outlines Jewish approaches to addiction recovery.

Abigail Pogrebin interviews New Yorker writer Nicholas Lemann about "Returning: A Search for Home Across Three Centuries," his sweeping new family history exploring Jewish identity, legacy and the meaning of home. He paints a rich picture of his ancestors, plantation owners and occasional slaveowners in the antebellum South.

Abigail Pogrebin speaks with Rabbi Shira Koch Epstein, educator, communal leader, and Executive Director of Atra, the Center for Rabbinic Innovation, whose work spans congregations and creative Jewish learning, and who led a landmark study illuminating the current state of the rabbinic profession.

Abigail Pogrebin sits with acclaimed stage and screen actress Tovah Feldshuh to discuss her role as the Jewish mother on the hit Netflix series "Nobody Wants This," her extraordinary career, and how her Jewish identity has deepened since October 7.

Abigail Pogrebin meets with Tomer Persico, a research fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute and scholar of contemporary spirituality, Jewish identity, secularism and the author of several books on religion, freedom and modern Jewish thought.

Rabbi Deborah Sacks Mintz, educator and facilitator of Jewish communal music, joins Abigail Pogrebin to discuss her work weaving song and Torah into communal life and her forthcoming album entitled "Songs from the Beit Midrash."

Abigail Pogrebin is joined by producers Daniel Finkelman and Chaya Amor of the acclaimed HBO Max series One Day in October, which recreates powerful stories of the nightmare that changed Jewish history, as they talk about how the real-life subjects helped make every moment as truthful as possible.

Abigail Pogrebin interviews Rabba Dr. Anat Sharbat, a Talmud scholar who founded a weekly prayer group in Tel Aviv's hostage square, turning it from a place of sorrow into one of healing.

Abigail Pogrebin meets author Laura Katzman to discuss her new book on Ben Shahn, the Lithuanian-born immigrant artist whose socially engaged work championed civil rights, confronted injustice, and shaped modern American political art.

Abigail Pogrebin meets with IsraAID CEO Yotam Polizer to discuss the NGO’s global work and its role as Israel’s largest humanitarian organization, including its relief efforts in Gaza.

Sam Sussman joins Abigail Pogrebin to discuss his debut novel, "Boy from the North Country," inspired by the memoir "The Silent Type: On (Possibly) Being Bob Dylan’s Son," and his role as a featured author in the Jewish Book Council’s "Nu Reads" subscription series.

Abigail Pogrebin speaks with Tony Award–winning actor Ari’el Stachel about his Off-Broadway solo show Other, in which he explores identity, anxiety, and the complexities of being an Arab Jew

Abigail Pogrebin meets with author Miriam Udel, whose new book ("Modern Jewish Worldmaking Through Yiddish Children's Literature") reveals how contemporary Yiddish stories give voice to new forms of Jewish identity.

Author Aron Hirt-Manheimer joins Abigail Pogrebin to discuss "Sons of Survivors: Making Peace with Inherited Trauma," his moving dual memoir tracing two friends’ journeys to confront their parents’ Holocaust past and transform a legacy of trauma into one of love and understanding.

Abigail Pogrebin is joined by bestselling author, podcast host ("Unholy") and British journalist Jonathan Freedland to discuss his real-life thriller- "The Traitors Circle: The True Story of a Secret  Resistance Network in Nazi Germany- and the Spy Who Betrayed Them."

Abigail Pogrebin is joined by Zibby Owens - bestselling author, publisher, bookstore owner, and host of the hit podcast "Totally Booked with Zibby" - which is brought to life before a studio audience in a new series premiering on JBS this Thursday.

Abby Pogrebin welcomes Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and author Gayle Kirschenbaum to discuss "Bullied to Besties," her raw and uplifting memoir about transforming lifelong pain into forgiveness and healing in her tumultuous relationship with her mother.

Abigail Pogrebin is joined by Ronald Leopold, longtime executive director of the Anne Frank House, one of Europe’s most visited museums, which he recreated and brought to New York City for the first time this year.

American-born Israeli journalist, author, and the former Editor-in-Chief of The Jerusalem Post, Yaakov Katz, joins Abby to discuss his latest book, "While Israel Slept: How Hamas Surprised the Most Powerful Military in the Middle East."

Donniel Hartman and Yehuda Kurtzer, presidents of the Shalom Hartman Institute, join Abigail Pogrebin to unpack the emotions, implications, and future stakes of the historic ceasefire.  

Abby speaks with acclaimed journalist, author, and former editor-in-chief of The Forward, Jane Eisner about her new biography of Carole King and the Jewish roots that shaped both her identity and her artistry.

Vanessa M. Harper, Reform rabbi and author of "Loaves of Torah", joins Abby to discuss her passion for creating meaningful Jewish experiences for all ages and how she uses challah to interpret and teach Torah and the Jewish year.

Abby speaks with Menachem Z. Rosensaft, attorney, human rights advocate and Second Generation leader, about his book "Burning Psalms," a poetic reckoning with God, memory and moral responsibility in the aftermath of the Shoah.

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, spiritual teacher and author Yiscah Smith joins Abigail Pogrebin to discuss her new book, Planting Seeds of the Divine. With honesty and grace, Yiscah shares the transformative journey that led her to embrace her truest self — and how that journey is reflected in her spiritual teachings. From reclaiming identity to nurturing inner holiness, Yiscah and Abigail explore what it means to live a life rooted in authenticity and connection to the Divine. This episode is a must-watch for seekers of all kinds — and for anyone curious about the intersection of faith and personal growth. Planting Seeds of the Divine is available at https://www.yiscahsmith.com/   *** JBS is a non-profit, Jewish educational television and multimedia channel made possible by VIEWERS LIKE YOU! ** Discover more JBS @ https://jbstv.org Please help us sustain our programming by visiting: https://jbstv.org/jbs-donation-form Find JBS on your TV Provider, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku by visiting: https://jbstv.org/find-us Watch Live on our website: https://jbstv.org/watch-live Download the JBS App or listen on the go wherever you get your Podcasts!

Why Abraham? Why now? In this compelling conversation on In The Spotlight with Abigail Pogrebin, acclaimed author and legal scholar Anthony Julius dives into his new book, Abraham: The First Jew. Together, they explore Abraham not just as a biblical figure, but as a prototype of Jewish identity itself — a man who walked away from comfort, challenged power, and pioneered a life of faith, doubt, and moral courage. Julius brings both philosophical insight and historical sharpness to the enduring question: what does it mean to be a Jew — and why does Abraham still matter?   *** JBS is a non-profit, Jewish educational television and multimedia channel made possible by VIEWERS LIKE YOU! *** Discover more JBS @ https://jbstv.org Please help us sustain our programming by visiting: https://jbstv.org/jbs-donation-form Find JBS on your TV Provider, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku by visiting: https://jbstv.org/find-us Watch Live on our website: https://jbstv.org/watch-live Download the JBS App or listen on the go wherever you get your Podcasts!

In this powerful and timely conversation, acclaimed author and thinker Yossi Klein Halevi joins Abigail Pogrebin on In The Spotlight to reflect on the deepening complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian relationship. Drawing from his profound personal journey and his bestselling book, Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor, Halevi explores what it means to seek understanding across painful divides—especially in this fraught moment of history.   *** JBS is a non-profit, Jewish educational television and multimedia channel made possible by VIEWERS LIKE YOU! *** Discover more JBS @ https://jbstv.org Please help us sustain our programming by visiting: https://jbstv.org/jbs-donation-form Find JBS on your TV Provider, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku by visiting: https://jbstv.org/find-us Watch Live on our website: https://jbstv.org/watch-live Download the JBS App or listen on the go wherever you get your Podcasts!

What if exile isn't a curse — but a calling? On In The Spotlight with Abigail Pogrebin, scholar and author David Kraemer discusses his bold and timely new book, Embracing Exile: The Case for Jewish Diaspora. In a world where connection to Israel is often seen as the centerpiece of Jewish identity, Kraemer makes a powerful case for valuing diaspora as a sacred and enduring part of Jewish life. A deeply thoughtful conversation about belonging, identity, and the richness of Jewish life outside of Israel.   *** JBS is a non-profit, Jewish educational television and multimedia channel made possible by VIEWERS LIKE YOU! *** Discover more JBS @ https://jbstv.org Please help us sustain our programming by visiting: https://jbstv.org/jbs-donation-form Find JBS on your TV Provider, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku by visiting: https://jbstv.org/find-us Watch Live on our website: https://jbstv.org/watch-live Download the JBS App or listen on the go wherever you get your Podcasts!

In this enlightening episode of In The Spotlight, Abigail Pogrebin sits down with Rabbi Adam Chalom, a leading voice in Humanistic Judaism and the Dean for North America of the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism. Together, they explore the roots, relevance, and real-world application of Contemporary Humanistic Judaism — a movement that celebrates Jewish culture through a secular, non-theistic lens.   *** JBS is a non-profit, Jewish educational television and multimedia channel made possible by VIEWERS LIKE YOU! ** Discover more JBS @ https://jbstv.org Please help us sustain our programming by visiting: https://jbstv.org/jbs-donation-form Find JBS on your TV Provider, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku by visiting: https://jbstv.org/find-us Watch Live on our website: https://jbstv.org/watch-live Download the JBS App or listen on the go wherever you get your Podcasts!

In this compelling episode of In The Spotlight, journalist and author Yardena Schwartz joins Abigail Pogrebin to discuss her powerful new book, "Ghosts of a Holy War". With deep reporting and personal insight, Schwartz explores the generational trauma, religious fervor, and political fault lines that define the Israeli-Palestinian conflict today. A former NBC News and TIME Magazine contributor, Schwartz brings a rare blend of on-the-ground experience and emotional nuance to this timely conversation. She and Pogrebin delve into the human stories behind the headlines and the legacy of holy wars past and present.   *** JBS is a non-profit, Jewish educational television and multimedia channel made possible by VIEWERS LIKE YOU! *** Discover more JBS @ https://jbstv.org Please help us sustain our programming by visiting: https://jbstv.org/jbs-donation-form Find JBS on your TV Provider, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku by visiting: https://jbstv.org/find-us Watch Live on our website: https://jbstv.org/watch-live Download the JBS App or listen on the go wherever you get your Podcasts!

On this powerful episode of In The Spotlight with Abigail Pogrebin, singer, dancer, and social media activist Montana Tucker shares the deeply personal story of her Holocaust survivor grandparents and how their legacy has shaped her identity and purpose. She discusses her rise as a digital voice for Jewish advocacy, the challenges of speaking out online, and why her new short film, The Children of October 7th, is one of the most important projects she’s ever done. This is a moving and timely conversation about memory, resilience, and using your platform for truth.   *** JBS is a non-profit, Jewish educational television and multimedia channel made possible by VIEWERS LIKE YOU! *** Discover more JBS @ https://jbstv.org Please help us sustain our programming by visiting: https://jbstv.org/jbs-donation-form Find JBS on your TV Provider, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku by visiting: https://jbstv.org/find-us Watch Live on our website: https://jbstv.org/watch-live Download the JBS App or listen on the go wherever you get your Podcasts!

In this powerful conversation, Hen Mazzig — Israeli writer, activist, and advocate — sits down with Abigail Pogrebin to share his journey and his crucial role in shaping today's Jewish conversation. As a proud Mizrahi Jew, Hen speaks about amplifying diverse Jewish voices, fighting antisemitism, and building bridges across cultures. Hear how his personal story and public work are helping to redefine what it means to belong in the Jewish world today. *** JBS is a non-profit, Jewish educational television and multimedia channel made possible by VIEWERS LIKE YOU! *** Discover more JBS @ https://jbstv.org Please help us sustain our programming by visiting: https://jbstv.org/jbs-donation-form Find JBS on your TV Provider, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku by visiting: https://jbstv.org/find-us Watch Live on our website: https://jbstv.org/watch-live Download the JBS App or listen on the go wherever you get your Podcasts!

Join host Abigail Pogrebin for an inspiring conversation with Mishy Harman, creator and host of the acclaimed podcast Israel Story. Often described as "the Israeli This American Life," Israel Story brings to life the extraordinary, surprising, and deeply human stories of people across Israel, revealing the complexities and richness of Israeli society beyond the headlines. In this episode of In The Spotlight, Mishy shares how the podcast began as a passion project among friends, why storytelling matters now more than ever, and how personal narratives can bridge divides and deepen understanding — within Israel and around the world. Don’t miss this intimate, thoughtful look at the power of stories to connect us all. *** JBS is a non-profit, Jewish educational television and multimedia channel made possible by VIEWERS LIKE YOU! *** Discover more JBS @ https://jbstv.org Please help us sustain our programming by visiting: https://jbstv.org/jbs-donation-form Find JBS on your TV Provider, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku by visiting: https://jbstv.org/find-us Watch Live on our website: https://jbstv.org/watch-live Download the JBS App or listen on the go wherever you get your Podcasts!

In this moving episode of In The Spotlight on JBS, Abigail Pogrebin sits down with Cantor Daniel Mutlu for an in-depth conversation about his brand-new album, Sing A Little More. Together, they explore the inspiration behind the music, the role of Jewish song in today's world, and the power of lifting our voices even — and especially — in challenging times. Daniel opens up about his journey, his creative process, and how this album became a personal and communal anthem for hope and resilience. *** JBS is a non-profit, Jewish educational television and multimedia channel made possible by VIEWERS LIKE YOU! *** Discover more JBS @ https://jbstv.org Please help us sustain our programming by visiting: https://jbstv.org/jbs-donation-form Find JBS on your TV Provider, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku by visiting: https://jbstv.org/find-us Watch Live on our website: https://jbstv.org/watch-live Download the JBS App or listen on the go wherever you get your Podcasts!

On this episode of In the Spotlight with Abigail Pogrebin, renowned historian Jonathan Sarna explores Abraham Lincoln’s unique relationship with the Jewish community. Discussing his book Lincoln and the Jews: A History, Sarna reveals how Lincoln’s policies, friendships, and actions shaped Jewish life in America. Don’t miss this fascinating look at a lesser-known side of the 16th president. Watch now and subscribe for more insightful conversations! #InTheSpotlight #JonathanSarna #AbigailPogrebin #LincolnAndTheJews #JewishHistory #abrahamlincoln   ** JBS is a non-profit, Jewish educational television and multimedia channel made possible by VIEWERS LIKE YOU! ** Discover more JBS @ https://jbstv.org Please help us sustain our programming by visiting: https://jbstv.org/jbs-donation-form Find JBS on your TV Provider, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku by visiting: https://jbstv.org/find-us Watch Live on our website: https://jbstv.org/watch-live Download the JBS App or listen on the go wherever you get your Podcasts!

Abby sits with author David Denby to discuss Eminent Jews, his book exploring how deeply Jewish luminaries like Leonard Bernstein, Mel Brooks, Betty Friedan, and Norman Mailer transformed American culture in the postwar era.

Abby is joined by author Ruth Franklin to discuss The Many Lives of Anne Frank, her book exploring how Anne’s life and work have been interpreted, adapted, and politicized, and what her legacy means in today’s world.

Abby sits with Haaretz reporter Lee Yaron to discuss her book "10/7: 100 Human Stories," the 2024 National Jewish Book Award winner, which recounts the massacre through victims’ stories and its impact on Israeli society and the Middle East.

Abby Pogrebin sits with Rabbi Marc Katz to discuss Yochanan's Gamble, his book that explores how the pragmatic choices of ancient rabbis offer a framework for navigating modern moral dilemmas with nuance and compromise.

Abby is joined by Jeff Klepper and Dan Freelander, renowned Jewish music leaders whose jazz inflected folk-rock style has defined a new Jewish spiritual sound, influencing generations of Jewish musicians.

Abby sits with politician, lawyer and senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, Elliott Abrams, to discuss his strategies for strengthening Jewish identity through education, immersive experiences, and community engagement.

Abby is joined by Argentinian-born Andrés Spokoiny, President of the Jewish Funders Network, to discuss his book Tradition and Transition, and how Jewish communities can balance heritage and modernity in a world that demands it.

Abby is joined by Israeli journalist Amir Tibon to discuss "The Gates of Gaza," his book detailing his family's survival during the October 7th attacks and the deep-seated roots of the conflict.