Conversations with B’nai B’rith

COVID-19's Impact on Russian Foreign Policy and the Latest on Anti-Semitism in Europe

Professor Sarah Fainberg joins host CEO Dan Mariaschin to talk about the coronavirus' impact on Russian foreign policy, the state of anti-Semitism in Europe and the latest developments in Ukraine. Fainberg also discusses how her father's role as a dissident in the Soviet Union informed her career and worldview.

The Life and Times of Daniel Mendoza, Jewish Sporting Superstar Who Was Well Ahead of His Time

Host CEO Dan Mariaschin talks with Wynn Wheldon, author of "The Fighting Jew: The Life and Times of Daniel Mendoza." The two speak about Wheldon's biography of Mendoza, boxing champion of England from 1792-1795 and Jewish sporting superstar who was well ahead of his time.

Professor Yossi Shain on the "Israelization" of Judaism

Professor Yossi Shain joins host CEO Dan Mariaschin to discuss the ideas and inspiration behind Shain's best-selling book, "The Israeli Century and the Israelization of Judaism." Shain is one of the world's leading scholars on diasporas. In their conversation, Mariaschin and Shain discuss what Shain means by "Israelization," how Israeli Jewish identity has changed in the 21st century and the future of American Jewry in the face of increased anti-Semitism. They also talk about what decades of war and terrorism have done to the Israeli psyche. "The Israeli Century and the Israelization of Judaism" will be available in English later in 2020.

Professor Nancy Sinkoff, Author of the Groundbreaking Biography "From Left to Right"

Professor Nancy Sinkoff joins host CEO Dan Mariaschin to discuss her new book, "From Left to Right: Lucy S. Dawidowicz, the New York Intellectuals, and the Politics of Jewish History." In her book, Sinkoff examines the life of Lucy Dawidowicz, intellectual and pioneer historian in the field that is now called Holocaust studies. Mariaschin and Sinkoff speak about her decision to write about Dawidowicz and what she discovered about her subject along the way. They also talk about Dawidowicz's attitude toward feminism and how it may have affected the way her thoughts and writing are evaluated today.

Sinkoff is an award-winning author and is Academic Director of the Bildner Center for the Study of Jewish Life and associate professor of Jewish Studies and History at Rutgers—New Brunswick.

Critically Acclaimed Cartoonist Ben Katchor, Author of "The Dairy Restaurant"

Renowned cartoonist Ben Katchor sits down with host CEO Dan Mariaschin to discuss his new book, "The Dairy Restaurant." In their conversation, Mariaschin and Katchor explore the history and cultural significance of dairy restaurants, establishments that used to be cornerstones of New York's Jewish community. They also talk about what inspired Katchor to write about dairy restaurants, as well as the extent of his research, why dairy restaurants were so important at their peak and how they have impacted modern Jewish food experiences.

The Jerusalem Post's Omri Nahmias and B'nai B'rith's Alan Schneider on Israel's New Unity Government

Host CEO Dan Mariaschin speaks with The Jerusalem Post's Omri Nahmias and Director of B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem Alan Schneider about how Israel’s rival political leaders Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Speaker of the Knesset Benny Gantz came to an agreement to form a unity government during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Jerusalem Post's Seth Frantzman on the Fall of ISIS and Coronavirus' Impact in the Middle East

Seth Frantzman, Oped Editor and Middle East affairs analyst at The Jerusalem Post joins host CEO Dan Mariaschin to discuss his new book, “After Isis: America, Iran and the Struggle for the Middle East.” In their conversation, Frantzman talks about how his experiences reporting in the Middle East have shaped his analysis of events on the ground in an area known as a “tough neighborhood.” Mariaschin and Frantzman also take a deeper look at how the coronavirus has impacted the dynamics in the region, from oil prices to war zones to Iranian hegemonism, and what the region may look like after the pandemic has subsided.

Irina Nevzlin, Author of "The Impact of Identity – The Power of Knowing Who You Are"

Israeli author and entrepreneur Irina Nevzlin joins host CEO Dan Mariaschin to speak about her new book, "The Impact of Identity – The Power of Knowing Who You Are," which offers a new approach to living a more enjoyable and meaningful life in an era of too much information. Nevzlin discusses her inspiration for writing the book and what advice she has for people looking for a new way of viewing the world and addressing it in a more positive, resilient manner. Mariaschin and Nevzlin also talk about the Museum of the Jewish People, her efforts to revive the museum, and how the museum has transformed over the years.

Irina Nevzlin is currently the president of the Nadav Foundation, which was founded in 2003 by her father Leonid Nevzlin in order to support initiatives that promote understanding of the concept of Jewish peoplehood, build collective Jewish identity, and forge lasting ties among Jews around the world. She was previously the Foundation’s CEO from 2008 to 2012. In 2017, Nevzlin was chosen by The Jerusalem Post as one of the 50 most influential Jews in the world.

Professor Deborah Dash Moore, Editor in Chief of the Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization

Deborah Dash Moore, editor in chief of the Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, talks about the Library’s recently published sixth volume in its series on Jewish culture and civilization, “Confronting Modernity 1750 to 1880.” Moore is the Frederick G. L. Huetwell Professor of History and Professor of Judaic Studies at the University of Michigan and is the author of several books, including “G.I. Jews: How World War II Changed a Generation.” She is also the first scholar of our organization’s history, having published “B'nai B'rith and the Challenge of Ethnic Leadership” in 1981 as part of the State University of New York’s series in modern Jewish history.

Volume 8, “Crisis and Creativity Between World Wars, 1918-1939” is now also available from the Posen Library.  Even those who possess a wide ranging knowledge of Jewish history and culture will uncover a wealth of new information in this latest entry, enhanced with an array of impressive reproductions of fine and decorative arts, and including examples of literary treasures by the world’s greatest Jewish writers, a panoramic revelation of the genius that flourished in nearly every country, during those decades of the greatest adversity.

Sheba Medical Center's Yoel HarEven on Israel’s Innovative Coronavirus Response (from Ramat Gan, Israel)

Israel is at the forefront of innovative research and treatment when it comes to coronavirus. Yoel HarEven, the director of the international division and resource development at Sheba Medical Center in Israel, joins CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin on the B’nai B’rith International Podcast for a discussion on the coronavirus response at his hospital, in Israel more broadly, and the sharing of best practices around the world.