Real Talk With David Nesenoff

Real Talk with Hadassah Chen – Israel National News:

David Nesenoff is an American rabbi, independent filmmaker, singer/songwriter of contemporary Jewish music, and blogger. His short films have been shown at various festivals including Sundance and the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival. He has directed a full-length movie and was a principal in a film production company.

He gained national attention in June 2010 when he filmed veteran White House correspondent Helen Thomas making antisemitic statements about Jews and Israel. The viral video led Thomas to resign from her job. Nesenoff received what he initially said were over 25,000 pieces of hate mail, including several death threats.

Since then, Nesenoff has spoken to more than 700 Jewish communities around the world, trying to bring a message of unity and inspiration using the teachings of the Rebbe.

Nesenoff was previously a Conservative Rabbi and became close to Chabad. He owns and operates Tikvah Lake Recovery, a luxury drug rehab center in Florida that offers only one-on-one treatment catering to those with substance abuse, alcohol abuse and mental health disorder.

He was recently in the Holy Land of Israel with his wife Nancy Nesenoff to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. He made it a point to volunteer and support 3 organizations: The Ascent Institute in Tzfas for English-speaking visitors, Chabad Terror Victim’s Project led by Rabbi Menachem Kutner, and Chabad Hebron led by Rabbi Danny Cohen and Rabbi Mordechai Hellinger.

“We wanted to participate firsthand in the incredible efforts of these fine individuals and their amazing organizations,” David Nesenoff said. “I highly recommend everyone to include these fantastic people and places in one’s itinerary when visiting and touring the holy land of Israel.”

The Nesenoffs visited a young widow with two young babies whose 29-year-old husband was murdered by an Arab terrorist two months ago in Bnai Brak. “To hold in our arms this new born baby named after his own father was so moving, especially after meeting this baby’s mother who is so strong and full of emunah and bitachon,” commented Mrs. Nesenoff. “We will be staying in touch with them; they need all our attention and prayers.”

Dr. Nesenoff used his time in Jerusalem to speak with students at the Mayanot Yeshiva at the invitation of Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov. He also spoke on Shabbos at the historic Tzemach Tzedek shul in the Old City.

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Nesenoff has given his inspirational and humorous presentations to over 700 Chabad houses and campuses throughout the world. He is now offering to personally sponsor his programs at Chabad centers. “It’s a way of giving a little bit back to the Rebbe’s Shluchim for all they have given me,” he said. He can be reached at: DavidNesenoff@gmail.com