(52) Creating Safer Communities: Dr. Guila Benchimol on Abuse, Accountability, and Jewish Leadership

Dr. Guila Benchimol never expected to leave Jewish education for a career in criminology. Yet her journey led her to become one of the Jewish world's leading voices on abuse prevention, safeguarding, restorative justice, and institutional accountability. In this thoughtful and often challenging conversation, she reflects on what first drew her to this work, why abuse is never simply the result of one individual, and how communities can create cultures that are both safer and more compassionate. Joanne and Guila explore the lasting impact of the MeToo movement, the responsibilities of faith communities, the promise of restorative justice, and why genuine leadership requires the courage to confront uncomfortable truths while never losing love for the community itself.