When Daniela Gerson and Talia Inlander met at a Los Angeles picnic, neither expected to uncover a remarkable connection: their families came from the same Polish town and survived World War II through a little-known path eastward into the Soviet Union. That discovery became the foundation for The Wanderers: A Story of Exile, Survival, and Unexpected Love in the Shadow of World War II.

In this episode of Common Faith, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel explore a lesser-known chapter of Holocaust history—the story of the hundreds of thousands of Polish Jews who survived not through concentration camps or hiding, but through deportation, forced labor, and refuge in the Soviet Union. Daniela and Talia share their families' journeys, the challenges of uncovering buried histories, and the surprising ways their personal and professional lives have been shaped by stories of migration, displacement, and resilience.

The conversation also examines how families remember trauma differently, what future generations should inherit from Holocaust memory, and why understanding complex histories may be more important than ever in a world still grappling with refugees, war, and identity.

Daniela Gerson:
https://danielagerson.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dhgerson/

Talia Inlander:

https://zolberginstitute.org/person/talia-inlander/

Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove:

https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove

https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove

Park Avenue Synagogue:
https://www.pasyn.org

https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/#

Jon Frankel:

https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel

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Technology is reshaping every aspect of modern life, from how we study and worship to how we connect with one another. But as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly powerful, important questions emerge: Can technology deepen Jewish life? What happens when machines begin to replace human connection? And how do we combat the growing spread of hate online?

In the first half of the episode, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel speak with Rabbi Mordechai Lightstone, Director of Social Media at Chabad.org and founder of Tech Tribe. Rabbi Lightstone shares how Jewish tradition embraces innovation while insisting that technology remain a tool in service of humanity. He discusses AI, digital community, the value of Shabbat as a break from constant connectivity, and why preserving authentic human relationships matters more than ever.

In the second half, Daniel Kelley, Senior Director of the ADL’s Center for Technology and Society, examines the darker side of the digital revolution. He explains how antisemitism spreads online, how AI can amplify harmful content, and what technology companies can do to create safer digital spaces. Together, the guests offer a thoughtful look at the opportunities and challenges of living Jewishly in a rapidly evolving technological world.

Rabbi Mordechai Lightstone:
https://www.mytechtribe.org/

https://x.com/mottel

Daniel Kelley:

https://www.adl.org/research-centers/center-technology-society

Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove:

https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove

https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove

Park Avenue Synagogue:
https://www.pasyn.org

https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/#

Jon Frankel:

https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For nearly a century, the Maccabi Games have brought Jewish athletes from around the world together to compete, connect, and celebrate their shared heritage. Often called the "Jewish Olympics," the Games are about far more than winning medals—they're about building community, strengthening Jewish identity, and creating lasting bonds with Israel.

This week on Common Faith, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel welcome Maccabi USA CEO Marshall Einhorn and Dr. Danny Cosgrove, a physician, longtime Maccabi athlete, coach, and Elliot's older brother. Together, they explore the history and mission of the Maccabi movement, the unique experience of competing in Israel, and the role sports can play in bridging cultural divides.

The conversation also touches on family rivalry, the evolution of Jewish athletics, the growing popularity of sports like pickleball, and the profound impact the Games have had on participants—many of whom discover a deeper connection to Judaism and Israel through the experience.

Whether you're an athlete, a sports fan, or simply interested in the many ways Jewish identity is expressed in the modern world, this episode offers an inspiring look at how competition can create community and strengthen peoplehood.

Maccabi USA:
https://maccabiusa.com/

Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove:

https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove

https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove

Park Avenue Synagogue:
https://www.pasyn.org

https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/#

Jon Frankel:

https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.