In The Spotlight with Abigail Pogrebin

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.

In the Spotlight: Lee Yaron ("10/7: 100 Human Stories")

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.

In the Spotlight: Rabbi Marc Katz

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.

In the Spotlight: Kol B'Seder (Cantor Jeff Klepper and Rabbi Dan Freelander)

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.

In the Spotlight: Elliott Abrams

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.

In the Spotlight: Andrés Spokoiny

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.

In the Spotlight: Amir Tibon

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.

In the Spotlight: Yitz Greenberg

Renowned scholar, author and theologian Rabbi Irving (Yitz) Greenberg joins Abby to discuss The Triumph of Life, his defining work on Judaism’s evolving partnership with God, focused on bringing life, dignity, and compassion into the world through the covenant.

In the Spotlight: Joshua Leifer

Abigail Pogrebin is joined by journalist Joshua Leifer to discuss "Tablets Shattered," his personal exploration of the American Jewish experience and its evolution from mid-20th century pillars of identity to today's multifaceted and divided landscape.