In The Spotlight with Abigail Pogrebin

In the Spotlight: David Kraemer - Embracing Exile

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.
 
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In the Spotlight: Adam Chalom - Contemporary Humanistic Judaism

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.
 
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In the Spotlight: Yardena Schwartz - Ghosts Of A Holy War

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.
 
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In the Spotlight: Montana Tucker - Social Media Activism

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 the Spotlight: Hen Mazzig - Diverse Jewish Voices

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!

In the Spotlight: Mishy Harman - Israel Story

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 the Spotlight: Daniel Mutlu - Sing A Little More

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!

In the Spotlight: Jonathan Sarna - Lincoln And The Jews

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!

In the Spotlight: David Denby - Eminent Jews

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.

In the Spotlight: Ruth Franklin (The Many Lives of Anne Frank)

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.