In this special episode, Rabbi Yoshi shares his 5786 Rosh Hashanah (2025) sermon, Sanctified — For the Whole World.Drawing on the wisdom of his grandfather, Jewish tradition, and the moral challenges of our time, Rabbi Zweiback explores the sacred balance between particularism and universalism — between our deep commitment to the Jewish people and our responsibility to all humanity.Through stories of family, Israel, and acts of compassion near and far, this message invites us to live inside the holy tension that defines Jewish life: to defend our people fiercely, and to love the wider world boldly.May this new year inspire all of us to bring holiness, empathy, and peace into the world we share.
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Search for Meaning with Michael Honigstein
In this episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback sits down with Michael Honigstein, a career Foreign Service Officer who has served in countries around the world—including Sudan, Sri Lanka, and Israel—working to promote peace, democracy, and human rights.Michael reflects on his remarkable journey from an advertising career in New York to decades of diplomatic service, shaped by his Jewish upbringing and a deep sense of moral responsibility. He speaks candidly about the challenges of diplomacy, the toll of public service, and the circumstances surrounding his recent and painful forced retirement from the U.S. State Department.Together, they discuss the complexities of pursuing peace in the modern world and Michael’s thoughts on the Witkoff–Kushner–Trump peace plan for Gaza.This is a powerful and deeply human conversation about integrity, purpose, and the enduring call to serve.
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Search for Meaning with Rabbi Sydney Mintz
In this episode of Search for Meaning, host Yoshi Zweiback sits down with dear friend and esteemed spiritual leader Rabbi Sydney Mintz. Rabbi Mintz, longtime rabbi at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco and founder of the 13th Tribe community, brings her unique blend of rabbinic insight, performance art, and lived experience to the conversation.After touching on her creative work—including her one-woman show You May Think I’m Funny, But It’s Not—the discussion turns to her recent High Holy Day sermon, a deeply personal reflection on her love for Israel and the complexities of wrestling with one’s Zionism. It’s an invitation to imagine a Zionist tent that is broad, diverse, and alive with thoughtful engagement.This episode offers honesty, heart, and hope at a moment that calls for all three.🔗 Watch Rabbi Mintz’s sermon here: https://youtu.be/-guvY9As64w?si=9Z7e78ZoyYayV79rProduced by Amy Shelby • Engineered by Raz HusanyStay tuned and be inspired.
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Search for Meaning with Rania Fadel Dean
In this episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback speaks with Rania Fadel Dean, a leader of the Druze community in Los Angeles and founder of Covenant of Blood (Brit Damim).Together they explore the unique history and religion of the Druze people, their deep integration into Israeli society, and the “covenant of blood” that binds the Druze and Jewish communities through shared sacrifice and loyalty. Rania also sheds light on the persecution of Druze communities in Syria, including the tragic violence in Sweida, and shares how her work through Covenant seeks to amplify Druze voices and build bridges of understanding across cultures.It’s a moving conversation about identity, resilience, and the power of solidarity in times of crisis.Stay tuned and be inspired.
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Search for Meaning with Abigail Pogrebin and Rabbi Dov Linzer
What happens when a Reform journalist and an Orthodox rabbi spend years studying Torah together? In this episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback welcomes Abigail Pogrebin and Rabbi Dov Linzer to talk about their new book, It Takes Two to Torah.Drawing from very different backgrounds—Abby, the daughter of feminist thinker Letty Pogrebin, who grew up in a more assimilated Jewish home, and Dov, who was raised in a Modern Orthodox community, immersed in hours of daily Talmud study—they share how their partnership has shaped their lives, their faith, and their understanding of Torah.The conversation explores questions of determinism and Tikkun Olam, wrestles with challenging texts like the Sotah ritual in Parshat Naso, and highlights how studying Torah across lines of difference can transform both individuals and communities.Engaging, candid, and deeply thoughtful, this episode is a celebration of what becomes possible when we open ourselves to dialogue and discovery—together.https://www.mvpublishers.org/product-page/it-takes-two-to-torah
Join Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback as he talks with an eclectic variety of thinkers, artists, and change-makers about their experiences (Jewish or otherwise) and their own search for meaning and purpose in their lives.
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