The NCSY Pulse Podcast

🎙️ Welcome to Season 2 of the NCSY Pulse Podcast! We’re kicking off the new season with an inspiring episode recorded live at the Southwest NCSY StaffCon in Dallas, Texas,  and it’s packed with heart, purpose, and incredible stories from the field. First, Rabbi Avi Honigsfeld joins Jon to share his journey from New York to Dallas, diving into what drives his passion for NCSY and the Jewish teens h...

Using their voices. Making a difference. Jon sits down with Letizia Kaya and Abby Badalov of Great Neck JSU — the teen leaders behind the Stand Proud Stand Jewish podcast. When antisemitism started rising, they didn’t just talk about it — they did something about it. Their podcast became a platform to educate, inspire, and empower others to speak out and stand strong in their Jewish identity. 💬 “...

From Panama to the U.S., and from passion to purpose — Rabbi Arieh Bentolila sits down with Jon on this week’s episode of NCSY Pulse to share the story behind his decision to join NCSY and dedicate his life to helping the Jewish people. 💬 Hear how one bold choice set him on a journey of leadership, connection, and impact — and why working with Jewish teens isn’t just a job, it’s his mission. 🎧 L...

📚 From Regional President to published author — Bari Mitzman’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. On this episode of NCSY Pulse, Bari sits down with Jon to reflect on how NCSY became her home base — a safe, empowering space where she could grow, lead, and ultimately find her voice. Despite the struggles she faced in high school, NCSY gave her the confidence to rise—and she’s never looked back...

In this powerful episode of the NCSY Pulse Podcast , Rabbi Mo Isenberg sits down with Jon to share the story of how he first got involved with NCSY—and what inspired him to come back years later as a leader and partner in shaping its future. Rabbi Mo reflects on the relationships that shaped his journey, and the partnerships that define NCSY’s impact today. From unexpected beginnings to long-lasti...

In this inspiring episode of NCSY Pulse, Jon sits down with Melinda Strauss—Jewish influencer, Israel advocate, author, and chef! Melinda shares how her time in NCSY shaped her leadership style, teaching her the power of small acts of kindness and their lasting impact. From educating millions on Jewish life and values through social media to balancing motherhood, advocacy, and her upcoming cookboo...

NCSY Pulse: A Conversation with Rabbi Moish Zucker – 49 Years of Inspiring Jewish Teens In this episode of NCSY Pulse, Jon sits down with Rabbi Moish Zucker, a true NCSY legend who has dedicated 49 years to inspiring, educating, and empowering Jewish high school students. Rabbi Zucker shares his journey through nearly five decades of mentorship, leadership, and dedication to helping teens strength...

🎙️ Live from Ridgewood JSU! 🎙️ Welcome to our NCSY Pulse live show at Ridgewood High School as Jon sits down with Ridgewood JSU leaders! They share how they first got involved in JSU, what it’s like standing alongside other Jewish teens against antisemitism, and why having strong Jewish pride is so important. Plus, they discuss why all teens—Jewish or not—must stand together united to create a mor...

Rabbi, Comedian, and NCSY Legend – Rabbi Dave Rottenberg In this episode of NCSY Pulse , Jon sits down with Rabbi Dave Rottenberg , Managing Director of NCSY Ottawa and Montreal , to dive into his incredible journey in Jewish leadership. From how he first got involved in NCSY , to balancing life as the Rabbi Comedian , and fueling the growth of Ottawa NCSY, Rabbi Dave shares his unique perspective...

From Dough to Destiny!   On this episode of NCSY Pulse , we sit down with Anat Ishai , better known as The Challah Mom (@challah.mom) to hear how a simple act of baking challah turned into a life-changing journey. 🥖✨ Anat shares how she first started baking challah, the personal spin she put on it, and how that energy sparked a movement —bringing people together through tradition, faith, and, of...

On this episode of NCSY Pulse , we sit down with Deena Friedman of @funinthebc to talk about embracing new opportunities, stepping outside our comfort zones, and using our voices to spread Jewish pride and engagement . From challah baking to Israel advocacy, Deena shares how overcoming fear has led to incredible growth —both for herself and for the Jewish community. Follow us on Instagram and Yout...

On this episode of NCSY Pulse, Jon sits down with Tammy Schlusberg Prewer & Julie Siverstein, authors of Chutzpah Girls: 100 Tales of Daring Jewish Women!  Julie and Tammy share powerful stories of Jewish women who changed the world with their courage, resilience, and chutzpah. They discuss how young Jewish women today are often accidental leaders, stepping up to face challenges head-on—especi...

Join Jon as he sits down with former New York and West Coast NCSY staff member, Eli Weinstein, the voice behind The Dude Therapist podcast! Eli shares how taking on a leadership role in NCSY at a young age became the springboard for his incredible career in mental health and beyond.  From leading NCSY programs to guiding others as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Eli reflects on the skills and e...

In this episode of NCSY Pulse , Jon interviews Rabbi Micah Greenland , International Director of NCSY, who shares his insights on what it takes to inspire Jewish teens in today’s world. Rabbi Greenland speaks about the power of authentic connections, the importance of meaningful experiences, and how these elements will help transform the next generation of great Jewish leaders.  Don’t miss this in...

From NCSY to UCSB: Leading with Strength and Pride🎙️ In this powerful episode of NCSY Pulse, Jon sits down with Tessa Veksler, former student president of the University of California, Santa Barbara. Tessa opens up about her fight against antisemitism on campus, standing up for Israel, and how her experiences with NCSY gave her the tools to become a bold and impactful leader for the Jewish communi...

From NCSY teen to inspiring Jewish leader! 🎙️ In this episode of NCSY Pulse , Jon sits down with Jackie Simon , co-host of the Such a Good Call podcast! Jackie shares her journey through NCSY as a teen, her impactful experiences as an advisor on TJJ, and why having strong Jewish, female role models is so important. 💪✨ They also dive into what makes Such a Good Call so special and why Jackie beli...

🎙️ In this episode of NCSY Pulse , Jon sits down with celebrity kosher chef Naomi Nachman to talk about her journey with NCSY, her passion for inspiring Jewish teens, and her love for all things cooking. 🧑‍🍳 From her first moments with NCSY to becoming a renowned chef, Naomi shares how food, Judaism, and leadership come together to create meaningful connections. Whether you’re a foodie, a leader...

🎙️ In this powerful episode of NCSY Pulse , host Jon Ackerman sits down with Lizzy Savetsky , renowned Jewish influencer, Israel advocate, and outspoken voice against antisemitism. Lizzy shares her personal journey of Jewish growth and leadership, opening up about what it means to stand proudly as a Jew in today’s world. From advocating for Israel on a global stage to confronting antisemitism onli...

🌟 Leadership with Passion: Insights from Tzila Gagan! 🌟 Meet Tzila Gagan, the NCSY & JSU Silicon Valley Director, as she shares her journey to the West Coast and what she values most in leadership. 💼✨ Discover why passion is her #1 ingredient for success and how she identifies high-level leaders to make an impact. This is a must-watch for anyone looking to lead with purpose! 🙌 Follow us o...

🌞 Florida Teens Making Big Waves in JSU! 🌞 From Boca Raton to Tampa and Jacksonville, our Florida JSU leaders are stepping up in incredible ways! 🌴💪 Gilli Schwartzer from Boca grew her club from just 3 members to a thriving 100-student community. Rachel Vidders and Lana Thomas from Tampa share their inspiring journey to leadership, overcoming challenges along the way. Eden Wajsman from Jackson...

In this episode, we sit down with Dylan Vermeire, a University of Missouri alum and a dedicated four-year Judah Fellow, who’s now studying at Ohr Somayach in Israel. Dylan shares his transformative journey from campus life in the U.S. to the deep, immersive study of Gemara in Israel. Listen as he reflects on the unique experience of learning Torah in the land of our heritage, describing it as a jo...

Get to know Josh Ackerman of Plainview, NY! Josh is a former National Board member of of NCSY, as well as an NCSY Alumni Judah Fellow at Binghamton University. Join us to hear all about Josh's adventure on the NCSY Summer program Hatzala Rescue, and how this drove him to becoming an EMT on campus. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube @ncsypulse to stay up to date with all of our shows, content...

In this special episode of NCSY Pulse recorded on site at SUNY Binghamton as part of the NCSY Alumni visit, we sit down with Elaine Braunshweiger, a former standout leader of Northeast NCSY and now a Judah Fellow at Binghamton. Elaine shares her inspiring journey from her time with NCSY to her current role in empowering Jewish students on campus. Tune in as she reflects on the pivotal moments, cha...

Get to know Aaron Hekmati, the dynamic and engaging JSU Director of Tri State NCSY who came up through the system and is one of our top home-grown talents! Aaron, a proud Great Neck, NY native, is an NCSY alum who has come full circle and turned his passion for NCSY into his next career adventure. Follow us on Instagram and Youtube @ncsypulse to stay up to date with all of our shows, content and g...

Meet Arianna Schiff. From TJJ to the Judah Fellowship and now the President of Hillel at the University of Pittsburgh, get to know this rising star in the world of Jewish leadership! Follow us on Instagram and Youtube @ncsypulse to stay up to date with all of our shows, content and giveaways!