JBS Jewish Broadcasting Service

10/12/2026

What do a Charedi yeshiva student, the Israeli army, and a tank have in common? For Tuvia Tenenbom, they’re all part of his remarkable journey.

On Jewish Insights, Tuvia Tenenbom joins Justin Pines to discuss his new book, Excuse Me, Is This Yours?, ( Gefen Publishing ) and the experiences and questions that have shaped his unique perspective on Jewish life, Israel, and the world.

Tenenbom is an American-Israeli writer, journalist, playwright, and author known for his sharp wit, provocative observations, and deeply personal exploration of Jewish identity and society.

And along the way, he shares the unforgettable story of how his first driving lessons happened — not in a car, but behind the wheel of an Israeli army tank.

Watch the full conversation with Tuvia Tenenbom and Justin Pines on Jewish Insights.

10/09/2026

In this powerful conversation on Jewish Insights, Executive Producer of "Friends", Kevin S. Bright discusses his new documentary The Bridge ( "The Bridge" Documentary ) and the journey from the trauma of October 7th toward healing and hope.

The film revisits the events of October 7th through previously unseen footage, providing a deeply human perspective on what happened that day. It then follows ten musicians who survived the attacks as they travel to Los Angeles to participate in Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp ( Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp ) — beginning a journey that helps transform trauma into connection and hope.

Watch the full conversation with Kevin S. Bright and Justin Pines on Jewish Insights.

10/07/2026

How do you have a conversation when you fundamentally disagree?

On In the Spotlight, Abigail Pogrebin sits down with Shai Davidai, an Israeli-American activist and former Columbia University professor who has become a prominent voice speaking out against antisemitism.

Davidai explains why, when talking with people who have very different views on Israel and the war, he starts by listening — asking where they’re coming from, what concerns them, and looking for the values they share.

“It’s not about being on opposite sides. We are on the same side.”

Watch the full conversation of In the Spotlight on JBS Jewish Broadcasting Service.

10/06/2026

What’s the Jewishness of Friends?

Kevin S. Bright, the Emmy-winning producer and director who helped bring Friends to television, joins Justin Pines on Jewish Insights to talk about one of the show’s most memorable Jewish moments: the Holiday Armadillo.

Bright explains how the creative team wanted to tell a Jewish holiday story rather than simply do another Christmas episode — and how Ross’s very un-Santa-like costume became an unexpected Hanukkah classic.

From the Holiday Armadillo to the broader Jewish influences in Friends, Bright shares the story behind one of television’s most beloved holiday episodes.

Watch Jewish Insights with Justin Pines on JBS Jewish Broadcasting Service

10/04/2026

JBS Highlights for October 4 - October 10

Email from JBS - Jewish Broadcasting Service JBS Highlights for October 4 - October 10 With Closed Captions, All Times ET, Subject to Change Dear Friends, Today, our season of reflection and renewal c

10/02/2026

What are we really celebrating on Simchat Torah?

On Jewish Insights with Justin Pines, Rabbi Ken Spiro explains that Simchat Torah is about more than completing and beginning the Torah — it’s a celebration of Jewish knowledge and the tradition that has shaped generations.

Spiro argues that knowing what Judaism represents is essential to understanding Jewish identity. For him, Simchat Torah is an opportunity to reconnect with Jewish learning and observance, come together as a people, and share that wisdom with the world.

Watch Jewish Insights with Justin Pines on JBS Jewish Broadcasting Service

10/01/2026

What does it really mean to pray?

On In The Spotlight with Abigail Pogrebin, Susannah Heschel reflects on her father, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, and his famous description of marching for civil rights as feeling that his “legs were praying.”

Susannah Heschel is a renowned Jewish scholar, author, and professor of Jewish Studies, and a leading voice on Jewish thought, history, and social justice.

She explains that her father’s words weren’t simply about activism — they were about understanding what prayer truly means, and how Jewish prayer can shape our lives, souls, and actions.

Watch In The Spotlight with Abigail Pogrebin on JBS Jewish Broadcasting Service.

09/29/2026

Who is the Messiah — and how will we know when he arrives?

On Jewish Insights with Justin Pines, Rabbi Ken Spiro explores the Jewish concept of the Messiah, from historical figures like Hezekiah and Bar Kokhba to the cautionary story of Shabtai Tzvi.

Rabbi Spiro explains why every generation may have a potential Messiah “warming up in the bullpen,” and why Jewish tradition warns against declaring someone the Messiah before the process is complete.

Watch the full conversation on Jewish Insights with Rabbi Ken Spiro and Justin Pines.

09/27/2026

JBS Highlights for September 27 - October 3

Email from JBS - Jewish Broadcasting Service JBS Highlights for September 27 - October 3 With Closed Captions, All Times ET, Subject to Change Dear Friends, Chag Sameach! As we continue to celebrate S

09/24/2026

On Jewish Insights with Justin Pines, Rabbi Ken Spiro reflects on the long arc of Jewish history — from periods of persecution and catastrophe to the rebirth of Jewish national sovereignty.

Spiro, a historian, author, and educator, is known for teaching Jewish history through the lens of its major turning points and patterns. He holds a master’s degree in history and is the author of Crash Course in Jewish History.

For Spiro, Jewish history is a story that unfolds over generations — not just years or decades.

“It’s always darkest before the dawn.”

Watch Jewish Insights with Justin Pines on JBS Jewish Broadcasting Service.