The College Commons Podcast

Author Lee Yaron resists the simplification of politics, people, and, most of all, of October 7th — in favor of nuance and humanity.Biography:Lee Yaron is an award-winning Israeli journalist.Her new book, "10/7: 100 Human Stories," won the 2024 National Jewish Book Award  Book of the Year — and the 2025 Natan Notable Books award.At 30, Yaron is the youngest Book of the Year recipient in the award's history. She joins distinguished past winners including Philip Roth, Elie Wiesel, David Grossman and Amos Oz.She was selected for the prestigious 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 list.Her investigative journalism on corruption, social issues, and environmental concerns has prompted the establishment of state-level commissions and driven changes in Israeli policy and law. This work earned her the 2022 Yitzhak Livni "Knight" Award for Free Speech in Media. She currently serves as an elected member-representative on the Executive Committee of the Union of Israeli Journalists.Website: https://www.leeyaron.com/

Rabbi Marc Katz uses the historical imagination to plumb the depths of Judaism’s greatest choice for survival.

Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, Senior Rabbi at Park Avenue Synagogue, offers profound insights into the evolving landscape of Judaism and Israel. He discusses the resilience of American Jewry, drawing parallels with the biblical story of Queen Esther amidst rising anti-Semitism. The dialogue shifts to the complexities of the two-state solution and the diaspora’s role in fostering hope. Rabbi Cosgrove emphasizes the need for ethical discourse within the community, advocating for mutual respect and collaboration in light of recent tragedies.

In this engaging discussion, Rabbi Joshua Weinberg, a leader in Reform Zionism, dives deep into the nuances of Liberal Zionism. He reflects on Israel's Declaration of Independence and its contemporary significance. The conversation shifts to the evolution of Jewish identity post-October 7th, weighing community responsibilities and ethical dilemmas. Rabbi Weinberg also explores the diverse connections American Jews have with Israel, emphasizing the need for younger generations to become more engaged. Personal stories about music and shared experiences further enrich this multifaceted dialogue.

Poet Menachem Rosensaft transforms the Psalms into a search for God who permitted the Holocaust.

Who are we and where is home? Author Yariv Inbar investigates through the mental tightrope of espionage.

Aryeh Ben David plumbs the diaries of the epochal thinker Rav Kook. He finds the imperative of love.

Author Mari Lowe explores adolescence through the lens of the Orthodox experience – both unique and common to all.

Deborah Dash Moore transports us to midcentury New York and the photographer who captured its people from street level.

Shai Held puts love at the center of Judaism, and explains why it may surprise you.