Steve Lear

Dan Senor has a rare gift: he translates complex geopolitical and Jewish communal issues into language real people can understand and act on. His insights don’t just inform; they inspire. As I’ve listened to his podcast, Call Me Back, I’ve found myself thinking more deeply about Jewish peoplehood, Jewish education, and how to build a future where our communities thrive.

I encourage you to listen to Dan’s May 15, 2025, episode–State of World Jewry Address (@92NY)—to hear a powerful keynote speech he delivered at 92nd Street Y, a cultural and community center in Manhattan.

He spoke about how to meet the challenges of a post-October 7th world with resilience and purpose. In a message conveyed with urgency and optimism, Dan called on Jewish communities to do the following:

• Adapt to a Changing World. Without changing our approach to American Jewish life, he fears “we may drift back into that false sense of normal we were living on October 6th.”

• Strengthen Jewish Identity. He prescribes an immersion in Jewish education, culture, and tradition as an antidote to antisemitism. Thanks to Dan’s influence, I’m more open to supporting Jewish day schools, and I remain committed to funding Jewish summer camps—two powerful tools for passing on our values.

• Invest in a Jewish Renaissance. Dan asked the Jewish community to increase their giving to make Jewish education and experiences available and affordable for everyone. “It is time to recalibrate Jewish charitable giving in favor of our community’s needs.”

In this address, Dan sees opportunity within crisis, inviting us to be clear-eyed about the present situation while remaining hopeful for the future. Most importantly, his perspective is always rooted in real life. His wife, who converted to Judaism, reminds me of Ruth—a powerful symbol of faith, loyalty, and legacy. Dan’s observations come from both study and lived experience, making his voice a respected bridge between communities.

Dan’s call to action is clear: now is the time for Jewish people to rediscover a strong sense of who they are, where they come from, and where they are going.

You can listen to the full episode at Apple Podcasts to hear Dan’s timely, thoughtful, and deeply human message.

It’s Your Turn

What’s your take on Dan’s speech? Please challenge his message, reflect on it, and share what resonates—or what doesn’t—in the Curiosity Zone comment section at the bottom of the page.