Best Joe Ismail Podcasts (2025)

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Raw Reflections on 12-Days That Changed Everything 11:26

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1h ago11:26

11:26

Mijal and Noam break down the emotional and spiritual aftermath of the last twelve days of war that mainstream media is missing. Moving beyond geopolitical analysis, they explore what it means to hold space for empathy—toward both Israelis carrying the trauma of October 7th and Iranians suffering under authoritarian rule. Plus, real-time updates fr…

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From Spies to Zionists: What the Torah Teaches us about Courage Today 29:32

6d ago29:32

29:32

Noam and Mijal pause the punditry and explore how ancient biblical wisdom offers profound guidance for navigating the uncertainty, fear, and complexity of today’s Jewish moment. In this special, bonus episode, they dive into the weekly Torah portion of Shlach—the story of the scouts in the Book of Numbers to help think through the chaos facing Isra…

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On the Ground in Tel Aviv during a Historic Week with Rabbi Joe Schwartz 50:16

5d ago50:16

50:16

Mijal and Noam sit down with Rabbi Joe Schwartz in Tel Aviv as Israel faces an unprecedented war with Iran. With missiles falling and sirens wailing, Joe shares what life looks like on the ground—from parenting under fire to the emotional toll of global Jewish silence and solidarity. Together, they explore the theological, political, and deeply per…

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Facing an Existential Threat: Why Israel Struck Iran Now with Yaakov Katz 36:25

12d ago36:25

36:25

In this urgent crossover episode of Wondering Jews and Unpacking Israeli History, Noam Weissman is joined by military analyst and author Yaakov Katz to break down Israel’s unprecedented airstrike on Iranian nuclear and military targets. As events unfold in real time, they explore the historical roots, strategic timing, and existential stakes of the…

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War, Grief, and Zionism: A Conversation with Ambassador Yechiel Leiter 52:01

15d ago52:01

52:01

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Noam and Mijal are joined by Dr. Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S. and grieving father of Major Moshe Yedidya Leiter, z”l, who fell in Gaza after October 7th. Together, they confront hard questions: What does it mean to lead while grieving? How does one reconcile faith and sacrifice in war…

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Zionism and Anti-Zionism: Defining Our Terms (Re-release) 36:41

19d ago36:41

36:41

Mijal and Noam revisit their conversation about Zionism, anti-Zionism, and Jewish identity—framed by the recent murder of two Israeli embassy staffers, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim in Washington D.C. Together, they debate whether anti-Zionism is inherently antisemitic, whether all criticism of Israel qualifies as anti-Zionist, and how to defi…

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BONUS Shavuot Learning: Ruth's Quiet Revolution with Rabbi Joe Wolfson and Mijal 55:38

27d ago55:38

55:38

Mijal was so inspired by her conversation with Noam on the meaning of Shavuot that she decided to dive even deeper in this bonus episode on the Book of Ruth (Megillat Rut). Mijal is is joined by her original podcast partner, Rabbi Joe Wolfson. Together, they explore the Book of Ruth, its profound relevance for today’s Jewish world—especially in the…

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More than Just Cheesecake: Why Shavuot Is the Most Underrated Holiday 28:37

29d ago28:37

28:37

Mijal and Noam explore why Shavuot often feels like the “forgotten” Jewish holiday. Is it just about cheesecake, or is there a deeper reason it remains overlooked? They dive into the biblical origins of Shavuot, its transformation from an agricultural celebration to the festival of receiving the Torah, and the profound (and countercultural) themes …

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A Special Message from Mijal and Noam About the Tragic D.C. Shooting 10:31

1M ago10:31

10:31

In the wake of the antisemitic attack that took the lives of Yaron Lashinsky and Sarah Milgram outside a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C., Noam and Mijal reflect on their heartbreak. They discuss grief, the danger of misplaced blame, and what this moment means for Jews—and allies—around the world. From interfaith solidarity to the language of anti…

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Negotiating Empires: What Can the Israeli Government Learn from Tanach? Rabbi Alex Israel 1:01:54

1M ago1:01:54

1:01:54

Mijal sits down with Rabbi Alex Israel—beloved Tanakh educator, podcaster, and Israeli thought leader—for a sweeping conversation that bridges biblical history with today's geopolitical challenges. Together, Mijal and Rav Alex explore timeless prophetic insights, the dangers of political power, and the enduring call for moral leadership and nationa…

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Reconsidering Lag Ba'Omer with Yael Dworkin– A Holiday of Mysticism, Love, and Friendship 44:11

1M ago44:11

44:11

What’s with the bonfires, bows and arrows, and mystical vibes of Lag Ba’Omer? In this episode, Noam sits down with Yael Dworkin, a Judaic studies teacher in Jerusalem, to uncover the spiritual depths of one of Judaism’s most mysterious holidays. Together, they explore the teachings of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, the meaning of the Zohar, and why today…

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A Message for our Listeners 0:42

1M ago0:42

0:42

Hey everybody, this is Michael, the new producer for Wondering Jews. There's no new episode today, but tomorrow, we have a brand new one with Noam and a very special guest discussing the upcoming holiday of Lag Ba Omer. So please stay tuned and check your feed. Thanks for your patience. Please check out our brand new Instagram at Wandering Jews. Ge…

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Ask Us Anything: Zionism, Israel, and the Books We Love 27:01

2M ago27:01

27:01

Mijal and Noam have asked you to get in touch. This week, they are answering some of your questions, straight from their inbox. From unpacking the layered differences between Zionism, political Zionism, and religious Zionism, to reflecting on how American Jews can honestly and constructively talk to their kids about Israel’s complexities, this epis…

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BONUS: What the Heck Is the World Zionist Congress and Why Am I Being Asked To Vote? With WZC President Tova Dorfman 36:34

2M ago36:34

36:34

Ever wondered how Diaspora Jews help decide the fate of a $1 billion fund in Israel? Join Noam Weissman and special guest Tova Dorfman, President of the World Zionist Organization, for a fast-paced guide to the World Zionist Congress elections—who’s on the ballot, what’s at stake, and why every Jewish voter needs to make their voice heard by May 4t…

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Feeling Hopeful This Yom Haatzmaut with Haviv Rettig Gur 49:33

2M ago49:33

49:33

Celebrate Israel’s 77th birthday, as Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman welcome Times of Israel political correspondent Haviv Rettig Gur for a candid Yom Ha’atzmaut conversation. In this episode, recorded at the close of Yom HaZikaron and on the eve of Independence Day amidst national wildfires and an ongoing conflict, we unpack: What it feels like to …

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Holocaust Education is Broken. Dara Horn Knows How We Can Fix It 44:47

2M ago44:47

44:47

In this Yom HaShoah special, Mijal and Noam sit down with Dara Horn, acclaimed author of People Love Dead Jews, to discuss Holocaust education and why it matters more than ever. Dara explores the rise in Holocaust denial, antisemitism post-October 7th, and how Jewish sovereignty challenges popular narratives. They explore why many Holocaust educati…

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Special Crossover: The Star of David (Jewish History Nerds) 36:48

2M ago36:48

36:48

This week, Wondering Jews is sharing an episode from another great podcast produced by Unpacked: Jewish History Nerds. We hope you'll listen to the premier of season 4: The Star of David-The A Symbol That Means Everything—and Nothing. Hosts Yael Steiner and Jonathan Schwab explore the history of the Star of David, also known as the Magen David or h…

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A Passover Conversation with Rabbi Wolpe: Jewish Solidarity & Survival In a Difficult Year 41:02

3M ago41:02

41:02

In this special Passover episode, Mijal is joined by Rabbi David Wolpe to explore why Pesach continues to resonate so deeply with Jews around the world in 2025. They unpack timeless and timely themes: What makes the Passover seder the most observed Jewish ritual? Can a story be meaningful even if it’s not 100% historical? How do we talk about Israe…

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Why I’m Not a Jew of Color: Mijal Bitton Unpacks Her Controversial Essay 39:18

3M ago39:18

39:18

Mijal and Noam take a deep dive into race, identity, and what it means to be a Jew of color in the United States today. The episode centers on Mijal Bitton's deeply personal essay, "Why I Am Not a Jew of Color," published in Sapir Journal. Mijal opens up about her background as a non-white Sephardic Jew from Argentina and Syria, and why she resists…

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Faith Without Halacha? Jewish Practice in the Modern World 31:36

3M ago31:36

31:36

What does it mean to be a person of faith in Judaism, especially if you're not fully observant of Jewish law? Mijal and Noam tackle the question: Does spirituality require halacha (Jewish law)? From the idea of halacha as an evolving moral system, to the belief that it's a divine command, Mijal and Noam challenge assumptions about faith, practice, …

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What We’ve Lost In Modernity: A Conversation with Sarah Hurwitz on Faith 48:30

3M ago48:30

48:30

In the latest episode in the miniseries, “Faith on Faith,” Mijal Bitton sits down with special guest, speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz, to explore the many layers of Jewish faith, identity, and text-based tradition. Sarah, a former White House speechwriter and author of Here All Along, shares insights from her journey from political speechwriting to pass…

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Where Was God?: Purim and Post-Holocaust Theology with Tanya White 46:30

3M ago46:30

46:30

This week, host Mijal Bitton kicks off a new mini-series, “Faith on Faith,” by diving deep into Jewish theology, post-Holocaust faith, and the story of Purim with renowned educator and theologian Dr. Tanya White. Together, they explore profound questions: What does it mean to believe when God seems hidden? How do we make sense of divine absence in …

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The Weaponization of International Law with Natasha Hausdorff 51:53

4M ago51:53

51:53

Mijal and Noam sit down with barrister and legal expert Natasha Hausdorff to explore the weaponization of international law, the ICC and UN's stance on Israel. They discuss the challenges of lawfare in the modern world. In their conversation, Natasha breaks down complex legal frameworks, debunks myths about genocide allegations and proportionality …

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Exploring Religious Zionism with Yair Ettinger 39:12

4M ago39:12

39:12

Mijal and Noam dive into the complexities of religious Zionism in Israel with renowned journalist, Yair Ettinger. They explore the historical roots of the movement, from the pragmatic vision of Rabbi Reines to the messianic approach of Rabbi Kook and discuss how these ideologies helped shape modern Israeli society. They ask tough questions, includi…

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Should Jews Move to Israel?: Zionism, Aliyah, and Jewish Identity 45:03

4M ago45:03

45:03

This week, Mijal and Noam dive into the existential question of Diaspora Jews: Should Jews move to Israel? Mijal and Noam engage in a thought provoking conversation about Zionism, Aliyah and Jewish identity. They explore historical, religious, and philosophical debates about Aliyah, which literally means ascent or rise and refers to Jewish immigrat…

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Is "Zionism" Dead?: Re-Defining Identity in 2025 44:56

4M ago44:56

44:56

Mijal and Noam are back with a provocative conversation about the term Zionism and what it means to be a Zionist today. They explore whether the term itself does more harm than good and discuss why it’s so polarizing. Listen to Mijal and Noam grapple with questions about Zionism's relevance by drawing on research, insight and personal reflections a…

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A Journey through Zionism: Identity, Politics and Faith #1 Listener Pick (Re-release) 44:38

5M ago44:38

44:38

This week, we are re-releasing the top episode chosen by Wondering Jews' loyal listeners. Mijal and Noam are joined by special guest Rabbi Joe Schwartz, director of Makom, the Israel Education Laboratory of the Jewish Agency. They explore the complexities of Jewish identity, Zionism, and the evolving relationship between Israel and the global Jewis…

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Wondering about Zionism with Haviv Rettig Gur : #1 Staff Pick (Re-release) 55:42

5M ago55:42

55:42

Wondering Jews is marking its first birthday with the re-release of the Unpacked staff's all time favorite episode. Mijal and Noam talk to friend and journalist Haviv Rettig Gur in a conversation that illuminates the complexity of the Jewish story and the history of Zionism. Together they explore: What does Zionism mean to you? What does it mean to…

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Meghan McCain on Antisemitism and Politics: Live from the JFNA: #2 Staff Pick (Re-release) 46:49

5M ago46:49

46:49

As we approach our one-year anniversary, we’re counting down the top five episodes from our first year, as chosen by the team at Unpacked. This week, Mijal and Noam revisit episode #2, a special live recording at the Jewish Federation General Assembly (JFNA GA). In this landmark episode, we’re joined by Meghan McCain—New York Times bestselling auth…

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Campus Encampments and Jewish Identity: #3 Staff Pick (Re-release) 40:34

5M ago40:34

40:34

Mijal and Noam are back with the countdown to Wondering Jews' first birthday. In the third staff pick of the year's top episodes, they revisit an intense conversation about the 2024 campus encampments advocating for Palestinian causes. Catch this thought-provoking episode for the first time or listen again to Mijal and Noam's discussion on the back…

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Haredim and the Israeli Army: #4 Staff Pick (Re-release) 39:21

6M ago39:21

39:21

The countdown to Wondering Jews' first birthday continues with number 4, Haredim and the Israeli Army. In this episode, Mijal and Noam delve into the heated and multifaceted debate over whether Haredim should be mandated to serve in the IDF. This battle is not a new one, but it was brought to the forefront when the Sephardic chief rabbi threatened …

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Can ChatGPT replace my Rabbi?: #5 Staff Pick (Re-release) 33:13

6M ago33:13

33:13

This New Year's Day, Mijal and Noam introduce our “Top 5 Staff Picks” in a special countdown to Wondering Jews' first birthday. They reflect on 2024 and introduce the re-release of one of Unpacked staff's favorite episodes, "Can ChatGPT replace my Rabbi?" Mijal and Noam discuss the evolving role of rabbis and whether artificial intelligence can rep…

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Unpacking Hanukkah: History, Miracles, and the Meaning of Light 39:08

6M ago39:08

39:08

Why is Hanukkah so beloved by Jews worldwide? What’s the deeper significance of the miracle of the oil and the fight for Jewish identity? Join Mijal and Noam on Wondering Jews as they explore the layers of Hanukkah—from its historical roots to its modern-day meanings. They explore spiritual and cultural interpretations of Hanukkah, and its role as …

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Speaking to the Soul: Yirmiyahu Danzig's Journey Through Identity, Empathy and Dialogue 45:21

6M ago45:21

45:21

Hosts Mijal and Noam are joined by educator, storyteller, and influencer, Yirmiyahu Danzig, known as That_Semite. Yirmiyahu has millions of followers across TikTok, Instagram, and Unpacked's YouTube channel. He shares his journey connecting with audiences, embracing the complexities of Jewish and Palestinian identities, and fostering dialogue in a …

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Does Interfaith Dialogue Work After 10/7? 45:57

7M ago45:57

45:57

Rabbi Yehuda Sarna, a leader with diverse roles spanning Jewish community engagement, joins Mijal and Noam for a thought-provoking conversation about the role of interfaith dialogue since October 7th. The episode explores Rabbi Sarna’s fascinating journey—from serving as the Executive Director of NYU's Bronfman Center to becoming a global figure in…

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What Do Trump’s Picks Mean For Jewish America?: with Ted Deutch of the AJC 43:22

7M ago43:22

43:22

Hosts Mijal and Noam sit down with Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and former U.S. Congressman, for an insightful discussion on some of the Jewish world's most pressing issues. Ted shares his experiences from decades of advocacy. The conversation touches on the future of bipartisan support for Israel, the rising threats of an…

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What Are We Thankful For? Personal Reflections from Mijal and Noam 39:31

7M ago39:31

39:31

Hosts Mijal and Noam explore themes of gratitude along with Jewish and American identity. As Thanksgiving approaches, they share personal reflections, listener questions, and cultural insights while emphasizing the importance of gratitude in everyday life. ------------ Get in touch at [email protected], and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews. T…

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Elon Gold: Laughing through Faith, Identity, and Resilience 36:33

7M ago36:33

36:33

Comedian and actor Elon Gold joins Mijal and Noam to talk about Jewish identity, cultural pride, and the impact of antisemitism on Jewish life today. Known for his appearances on Curb Your Enthusiasm and his comedy specials, Elon shares personal reflections on balancing his career with a deep connection to Judaism and Israel. Elon, Mijal and Noam a…

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Meghan McCain on Antisemitism and Politics: Live from the JFNA 44:03

7M ago44:03

44:03

In their first live episode, hosts Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman talk to Meghan McCain—author, former co-host of The View, and podcast host. The conversation was recorded live in front of a packed audience at the Jewish Federation of North America's General Assembly in Washington, DC. Meghan McCain, the daughter of the late Senator John McCain, br…

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The Jewish Vote and Preserving Democracy with Lauren Markoe 39:46

8M ago39:46

39:46

Hosts Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman welcome Lauren Markoe, news editor of The Forward, to discuss polls and trends among Jewish voters, many of whom live in swing states. The conversation touches on how Jewish communities navigate political divides, the challenges of public opinion, and cultural identity. Lauren highlights the heightened concern f…

1
Navigating Israel, Identity, and Empathy in a Changing World 39:03

8M ago39:03

39:03

Hosts Mijal and Noam explore the podcast's mission: to discuss and try to understand the complexities within the Jewish world. They talk about an ongoing challenge for parents; how to talk about antisemitism and Israel with children. Mijal and Noam also reflect on how their beliefs have changed over the past year. ------------ This podcast was brou…

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What Lies Ahead for Israel with Haviv Rettig Gur 48:53

8M ago48:53

48:53

Hosts Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman sit down with journalist and friend, Haviv Rettig Gur to talk about what lies ahead for Israel. They discuss the many challenges Israel faces, including a regional war with new technologies, the fate of the hostages still in Gaza, an uncertain geopolitical future and deep internal divisions. Haviv, Mijal and Noa…

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Finding Joy in Sukkot and Beyond 31:09

8M ago31:09

31:09

In this episode of Wondering Jews, Noam and Mijal dive into the themes of joy and happiness through the lens of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. They explore the paradox of a festival centered on joy amidst life’s impermanence, discussing how the temporary structure of the sukkah reminds us of what truly brings happiness: relationships, community, and…

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The Anniversary of October 7th with Amir Tibon 47:34

9M ago47:34

47:34

Hosts Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman sit down with Israeli journalist and survivor of October 7th, Amir Tibon, in a special episode commemorating the anniversary of the Hamas attack. Tibon is the author of a new book, The Gates of Gaza, that tells the story of the attack on kibbutz Nahal Oz. In their conversation, Tibon reflects on the harrowing ex…

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Rosh Hashanah Reflections: Joy, Grief, and Solidarity 33:27

9M ago33:27

33:27

Hosts Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman are back to reflect on the emotional complexity of this year’s High Holidays. They explore the tension between joy and grief during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and share insights from Rabbi Yoni Rosensweig. Mijal and Noam discuss how moments of collective solidarity, faith, and love for the Jewish people coexi…

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Remembering Carmel, Ori, Hersh, Eden, Alexander, and Almog 10:23

10M ago10:23

10:23

Since Oct. 7, the Jewish world has been collectively mourning — especially for the hostages still held captive in Gaza. Last week, we received the tragic news that six hostages had been cruelly murdered after surviving for nearly 11 months in captivity. In this episode of Wondering Jews, Mijal reflects on this deep loss and explores her personal fe…

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New episodes coming soon! 0:53

10M ago0:53

0:53

Wondering Jews is on a short hiatus. We’re taking off for the rest of August and September and coming back for the High Holidays. We love hearing from you so be sure to email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail, at (833) WON-JEWS. ------------ This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For o…

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A Journey Through Zionism: Identity, Politics, and Faith 40:17

11M ago40:17

40:17

In this episode, Mijal and Noam are joined by special guest Rabbi Joe Schwartz, director of Makom, the Israel Education Laboratory of the Jewish Agency. They explore the complexities of Jewish identity, Zionism, and the evolving relationship between Israel and the global Jewish community, particularly in light of the events of October 7th. The disc…

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Tisha B'Av: A reflection of Jewish history and unity 31:52

11M ago31:52

31:52

Join Noam and Mijal as they explore the significance of Tisha B’Av, a day of mourning for the Jewish people. They discuss its historical roots, including the destruction of the two Temples and other calamities that befell the Jewish people on this day. Through personal reflections and discussions, they address how internal divisions within the Jewi…

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Haviv Rettig Gur Emergency Episode: The Druze, Hezbollah, and Ismail Haniyeh 58:35

11M ago58:35

58:35

In this episode, Noam and Mijal are joined by returning guest Haviv Rettig Gur to discuss current events unfolding in Israel. The conversation dives into the recent Hezbollah attack that killed 12 Druze children, the potential escalation in the north, Ismail Haniyeh's assassination, and the internal turmoil in Israel, including an incident involvin…