Spiritually Speaking

In Episode 3 of Spiritually Speaking, we sit down with Jarrod Newman for a deeply personal conversation about Jewish pride, resilience, and the power of community in uncertain times. A longtime member of Temple Beth Sholom, Jarrod reflects on family, service, music, and what it means to stay connected to Jewish life with honesty, awareness, and heart.Together, we explore Jarrod’s moving experience visiting the Bondi Beach memorial in Australia after a tragic act of antisemitic violence. He shares what it felt like to stand in a place of beauty and peace while witnessing grief, remembrance, and the strength of a community coming together.The conversation also touches on rising antisemitism, the importance of showing up proudly as Jews, and the responsibility we carry to support one another through fear, loss, and uncertainty.Alongside the heaviness, Jarrod shares the beautiful work of his family’s “Gift of Giving” initiative, a project that brings dignity, comfort, and joy to children and mothers in shelters.A thoughtful and honest conversation about grief, pride, kindness, and the quiet strength that keeps communities together.

In Episode 2 of Spiritually Speaking, we sit down with Father Bill Cosgrove for a thoughtful conversation about faith, purpose, and the lived work of community. Drawing from more than five decades of parish life and ministry, Father Cosgrove reflects on vocation, long-term service, and the changing spiritual landscape of our communities. Together, we explore what it means to seek meaning in a time when many people describe themselves as spiritual but not religious, and how faith communities can respond to that search with presence, dialogue, and care. The conversation also touches on interfaith understanding, shared values, and the belief that strong communities are built not by numbers, but by depth, spirit, and commitment. A grounded and honest continuation - reflective, respectful, and deeply human.

In our very first episode of Spiritually Speaking, we sit down with David Kirschtel, who has led and continues to lead the JCC in Rockland for 26 years, for a thoughtful conversation about community, responsibility, and shared values.Together, we reflect on community, changes, and the lived work of building community - not in theory, but through presence, care, and long-term commitment. This episode explores what it means to lead with intention and to create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and connected.A meaningful beginning - grounded, progressive, and deeply human.