Can Jew Believe?

In this episode of Can Jew Believe?, Host Brad Pomerance sits down with Canadian Lawyer David Matlow, who has amassed the largest private collection of Theodore Herzl memorabilia in the world, with over 6,000 pieces. Explore the life and legacy of the father of Political Zionism, his origins, pivotal life moments, the significance of Zionism in today's context, and see some of David’s favorite...

Join us on this episode of "Can Jew Believe?" as Dr. Andrei Schwartz shares his insights on the history of and resilience of the once large Romanian Jewish community, from its early 20th century vibrancy, through World War II, and finally to its post-Communist challenges and the current landscape. Discover the fascinating stories of survival, community, and the ongoing fight against antisemitism....

Would You have guessed there have been thriving Jewish communities in the "Stan" countries—Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and beyond—for over two millennia? In this elucidating episode of "Can Jew Believe?," host Brad Pomerance sits down with professor Manashe Khaimov and dives deep into the rich, untold history of Bukharian Jews. -- Key Topics: - Historical origins of Buk...

Why do Evangelical Christians support Israel at a higher rate than almost any other group in America? In this episode of "Can Jew Believe?," Host Brad Pomerance speaks with Evangelical Theologian Dr. Richard Liverance, who also serves as the Director of Marketing for Israeli Ministry of Tourism in the Western United States.  They explore the deep, often misunderstood bond between Evangelical Chris...

This episode of "Can Jew Believe?" features a thought-provoking conversation between host Brad Pomerance and Benji Rosenzweig, a commercial real estate executive and public speaker who identifies as a "proud Jewish atheist." Although he is the son of an Orthodox Rabbi and spent years in traditional Yeshiva education, Benji explains how he "unplugged from the matrix" o...

In this engaging episode of "Can Jew Believe?," Amy Albertson shares her unique perspective as a Chinese-Jewish American woman, exploring her identity, experiences with antisemitism and anti-Asian hate, and the cultural nuances of being part of diverse communities. The conversation delves into the complexities of heritage, intersectionality, and the shared immigrant experience that shape...

Think you know Jewish history? Think again. Most of us grew up learning about Hebrew and maybe Yiddish, but did you know there are over 25 distinct Jewish languages that have existed throughout history? In this episode of Can You Believe?, Host Brad Pomerance dives deep into the fascinating world of Jewish languages with Professor Sarah Benor from the Jewish Language Project, exploring the Jewish...

In this provocative interview, Brad Pomerance interviews Benjamin Kerstein about the urgent need for organized Jewish self-defense networks in the U.S., the history of Jewish activism, and the importance of a proactive stance against antisemitism. Kerstein emphasizes the dangers facing American Jews and advocates for a reimagining of Jewish self-assertion inspired by Israeli resilience. -- Click H...

Brad Pomerance chats with Fabrice Sapolsky, a French-American comic book creator and publisher, about growing up Jewish in France in the late 20th century, and the broader context of Jewish identity and antisemitism in modern-day France. Brad and Fabrice discuss the history of Jews in France, the impact of traditional and more modern antisemitism, personal stories of resilience, and what the futur...

In this engaging conversation, Brad Pomerance interviews Kylie Ora Lobell, author of 'Choosing to be Chosen.”  In her book, Kylie explores the journey from her non-Jewish home in Baltimore, Maryland, to her Orthodox Jewish home in Los Angeles, California. Their discussion covers Kylie's early life, her many interactions with members of the Jewish community, the challenges she faced in diff...

In this episode of "Can Jew Believe?" Host Brad Pomerance interviews John Ondrasik, the renowned singer-songwriter and Israel advocate known as 'Five For Fighting.' Here, they discuss John's activism through music, the societal impact of his career-defining song 'Superman' in the wake of global events such as 9/11 and the October 7th massacre, and his commitment to ra...

Please join Host Brad Pomerance and Marcos Metta Cohen, who has been a leader in Mexico’s Jewish community for decades.  In this conversation, Brad and Marcos explore the rich history and current state of the Mexican Jewish community, highlighting its origins, cultural contributions, educational achievements, and the challenges it faces today, including political representation and rising anti-Sem...

In this episode of "Can Jew Believe? With Brad Pomerance," Brad speaks with James Pasch, the vice president of litigation for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), about the rise of antisemitism in the United States, particularly on college campuses. They discuss the initiatives being led by Brad's former law firm Gibson Dunn and the ADL to combat this issue, including the establishment...

Host Brad Pomerance and scholar Dalya Arussy Di Veroli dive into the rich and complex history of the Jewish community in Libya, exploring their experiences from ancient times through the Italian colonial period, World War II, and the ascension of Muammar Gaddafi that ultimately led to the subsequent collapse of the community. Dalya shares her knowledge insights into the cultural integration of Lib...

In this second of a two-part episode of "Can You Believe?," Host Brad Pomerance and Professor Pamela Nadell, Author of Antisemitism, An American Tradition, delve into the complex history of antisemitism in America, beginning in this episode with the post-Civil War era. They explore pivotal moments such as the Seligman Affair, which highlighted social exclusion in the late 19th century, a...

In this episode of "Can Jew Believe? With Brad Pomerance," Brad is joined by American University Professor and Author Pamela S. Nadell.  We delve into the complex history of antisemitism in the United States, exploring its roots and persistence as an American tradition. We discuss the provocative title of her book, "Antisemitism, An American Tradition," and its implications.  T...

"Can You Believe?" Host Brad Pomerance speaks with Russell Robinson, CEO of the Jewish National Fund, who offers a remarkably optimistic view about the State of Israel and the Jewish people. Robinson discusses the resilience of the Jewish people throughout history and the pivotal role that the JNF played in the establishment and development of Israel. Brad and Russell explore the concept...

Brad Pomerance continues his interview with Dr. Shari Rabin about her book “The Jewish South," where they explore the complex history of the Jewish community in the South after the Civil War, the Leo Frank case of the mid 1910’s, and the role Southern Jews played during the Civil Rights Movement. Brad and Dr. Rabin also discuss the challenges faced by Jews in the South in the 21st century, includi...

Brad Pomerance interviews Dr. Shari Rabin about her book, "The Jewish South," exploring the history of the Southern Jewish community in the United States up to and into the Civil War, covering Jewish migration to the Southern U.S., the establishment of Jewish communities in Charleston and Savannah, and the Jewish community’s participation in slavery and the Civil War, touching on U.S. General Ulys...

Brad Pomerance chats with Viv Anstey, a longtime leader in South Africa’s Jewish community. They explore the historical and contemporary experiences of South African Jewry, focusing on the community’s historic development, the apartheid era, the South African government’s hostility toward the State of Israel, and the community’s tremendous resilience despite modern challenges. Brad and Viv also di...

Linda Ambrose Broenniman shares her remarkable journey of discovering her family’s deep Jewish roots, a secret hidden from her for decades. From her Catholic upbringing in Buffalo, New York, to uncovering her family's rich Jewish Hungarian heritage and the heroic actions of her mother during the Holocaust, Linda's story is one of resilience, identity, and the importance of understanding on...

Brad Pomerance interviews Georgia State Representative Esther Panitch (D), the only Jewish member of the Georgia State Legislature, a body of 236 members.  They discuss her journey into politics, the representation of Jews in Georgia, and the complexities of Jewish identity within the political landscape. Panitch shares her insights into Jewish Americans’ traditional and modern connections to the...

In this conversation, Sarah Levin, the executive director of JIMENA, discusses the experience and identity of Sephardic (Iberian) and Mizrahi (Middle Eastern) Jews in the United States. The conversation explores the historical context of Jewish immigration, the demographic makeup of American Jewry, and the cultural distinctions between different Jewish communities. Levin highlights the importance...

On this episode of  Can Jew Believe? With Brad Pomerance , Country Music Star Joe Buchanan chronicles his unique, ultimately joyful journey to joining the Jewish faith. In this engaging conversation, Joe Buchanan shares his path from the Texas Hill Country to the Congregation Shaar Hashalom, after he learned several years into his marriage that his wife was Jewish. He discusses the joys of Judaism...

In this conversation, Brianna Wu discusses her journey as a trans woman and her advocacy for Jewish Americans and Israel. She reflects on the intersection of her identity with her political beliefs, the challenges faced by the LGBTQ community, and the impact of anti-Semitism. Wu emphasizes the need for education and awareness within progressive politics and calls for unity among marginalized group...