Best Rabbi YY Jacobson Podcasts (2025)

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"Ayeka:" Why Must You Hide from Me? The Internal Shame that Destroys You - Women's Rosh Hashanah Class 1:26:49

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10d ago1:26:49

1:26:49

Coronating the King: Bringing Hashem into the Most Shameful, Lonely Parts of Your Being This class was presented on Tuesday, 23 Elul, 5785, September 16, 2025, Parshas Nitzavim, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. We explore the first question asked by G-d to Adam on the first Rosh Hashanah of history: Ayeka, where are you? He did not ask…

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The Art of Forgiveness with Professor Moshe Halbertal 51:17

41m ago51:17

51:17

In this special episode of Wondering Jews, Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman sit down with Prof. Moshe Halbertal to reflect on the High Holidays. Together they explore why the “Days of Awe” feel both intense and joyful, and how teshuva, tefillah, and tzedakah can restore a sense of agency and open the future. https://its.law.nyu.edu/facultyprofiles/in…

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Jewish Lifecyle 101 48:46

7d ago48:46

48:46

Why do Jews mark life’s biggest moments with rituals—and what happens when those rituals clash with modern life? In this rich, personal, and sometimes hilarious episode, Mijal and Noam take you on a journey through the Jewish life cycle—from brit milah to bar mitzvah, weddings to funerals. They explore how different communities (Syrian, Moroccan, A…

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Why Do Jews Pray Like That? 45:53

14d ago45:53

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Prayer can feel abstract—so Mijal and Noam get practical. In the second part of our In the Beginning mini-series on foundational Jewish topics, Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman explore what Jewish prayer (tefillah/davening) is. They look at why we pray, who we pray to, and the words we use. From fixed liturgy to personal expression, this episode offe…

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The Baal Shem Tov & Alter Rebbe: Opposite Approaches to Living in Flow? - Women's Chai Elul/RH Class 1:40:42

15d ago1:40:42

1:40:42

Elul & Rosh Hashanah Without Anxiety: Is Chassidus Really About Healing Trauma? This class was presented on Tuesday, 16 Elul, 5785, September 9, 2025, Parshas Ki Savo, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9761By Rabbi YY Jacobson

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What even is Judaism? 36:18

24d ago36:18

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Is it a religion, a people, a culture, a nation - or something that refuses tidy boxes? In the first episode of our In The Beginning mini-series where we'll be covering foundational Jewish topics, Mijal and Noam trace how Jews have defined themselves or been defined across centuries and why it matters now more than ever; impacting belief, peoplehoo…

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Latest Talks Podcast - Ep #58 | Guest: Moshe Berish Teitelbaum 2:04:52

21d ago2:04:52

2:04:52

Topics: Finding Jobs | Building Businesses | Tech Startups | VCs | AI Shidduchim. Guest: Moshe Berish Teitelbaum • Co-Founder & CTO of Cherry Contact Guest: [email protected] Join vShul: https://VShul.org ------------- This Episode Is Sponsored By: • Ovel Furniture | https://wa.me/message/RAQGTFSGWJDHB1 • Hiring4Less | https://Hiring4Less.com | i…

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Holocaust Education is Broken. Dara Horn knows how to fix it (Re-release) 44:39

1M ago44:39

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Mijal and Noam sit down with award-winning author Dara Horn (People Love Dead Jews) to tackle one of the most urgent questions today: What’s wrong with Holocaust education—and how do we fix it? Together, they explore why most American students meet Jews only as Holocaust victims, how teaching the Shoah without Jewish civilization erases the very cu…

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Unpacking Antisemitism with Haviv Rettig Gur (Re-release) 1:08:27

1M ago1:08:27

1:08:27

In this re-release of one of our most popular episodes, Noam Weissman and Mijal Bitton speak with journalist Haviv Rettig Gur about the history, ideology, and persistence of antisemitism. They trace its roots from early Christian and Islamic theology through Marxist and nationalist movements, examine how it has evolved in the Arab world and on Amer…

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Rabbi David Wolpe on How to Keep Jewish Unity Alive (Re-release) 41:48

2M ago41:48

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In a year of division, can Jewish unity still hold? In this special re-release of Wondering Jews, Mijal Bitton sits down with Rabbi David Wolpe for a deep, candid conversation about Jewish solidarity, peoplehood, and the meaning of freedom. They explore why the Seder remains Judaism’s most beloved ritual, how to handle political disagreements at th…

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If You Love Israel, Why Don’t You Live There? (Re-release) 46:43

2M ago46:43

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In one of the most talked-about episodes of Wondering Jews, Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman dive into the emotional and complicated questions facing Jews today: If you love Israel… why don’t you live there? Listen again or for the first time to Mijal and Noam open up about the cognitive dissonance of loving Israel while living in the Diaspora. Along…

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Why Do Some Rabbis Exaggerate or Invent Stories? Discovering the Bliss of Living With Our Deepest Truth - Vaeschanan Women's Class 1:33:15

2M ago1:33:15

1:33:15

Can You Communicate Without Defensiveness? The Incredible Lesson of Shimon Hamsoni and Rabbe Akiva This class was presented on Tuesday, 11 Av, 5785, August 5, 2025, Parshas Vaeschanan, at The Barn in Montebello, NY. There is a story in the Talmud, in which Shimon the Imsonite retracts his entire theory that the term "Es" indicates the inclusion of …

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You Think You Know Chabad? Think Again — With Rabbi YY Jacobson 35:05

2M ago35:05

35:05

What does Chabad have to offer a fractured world in 2025? Mijal Bitton and and Noam Weissman are joined by renowned Chabad scholar and speaker Rabbi YY Jacobson to explore the enduring power of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s legacy. Together, they unpack Chabad’s worldview, its nuanced relationship with Zionism, and its bold answer to antisemitism. Rabbi …

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Yeshu & Shabsi Tzvi: Who They Could Have Become? The Radical Holiness of Every Jew - Tisha B'Av Women's Class 1:37:27

2M ago1:37:27

1:37:27

When the False Moshiach Came to the Baal Shem Tov for Healing; When Unkelus Raised Titus, Baalam, and Yeshu from the Grave This class was presented on Tuesday, 4 Av, 5785, July 29, 2025, Parshas Devarim, at a new location, The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. The class tells the incredible story of Unkelus, who raised three people from the gr…

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Latest Talks Podcast - Ep #57 | Guest: Yoel Gold 2:23:28

2M ago2:23:28

2:23:28

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The Mamdani Moment: NYC Jews Confront a Political Shift 24:46

2M ago24:46

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What does it mean to be Jewish in NYC after Zohran Mamdani’s surprising victory in New York's Democratic mayoral primary? In this candid and passionate conversation, Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman reflect on fear, populism, and the strategic mistakes and opportunities facing the Jewish community. From public safety to coalition-building, they explo…

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Building Jewish Community in an Age of Cancel Culture with Zibby Owens 35:50

2M ago35:50

35:50

Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman sit down with award-winning author and media entrepreneur Zibby Owens to explore what it means to publicly embrace Jewish identity after October 7th. Zibby shares her journey from a largely secular literary figure to an outspoken Jewish advocate. They discuss cancel culture, Zionism, the challenges Jewish authors face…

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When Music Turns Into a Weapon 33:27

3M ago33:27

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What happens when the artists we love express hatred toward Israel—or Jews ? This week, hosts Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman confront this issue, from Bob Vylan leading chants of “Death to the IDF” at Glastonbury to Dave Matthews Band calling for a Gaza ceasefire. Listen to this timely conversation on the emotional and moral dilemmas of supporting …

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Prophecy Is Returning -- Can You Guess Who the Prophet Is? - Women's Balak Class 1:43:13

3M ago1:43:13

1:43:13

Consciousness Has Been Upgraded; Are You Ready? Learning How to Trust Your Inner Divine Voice This class was presented on Tuesday, 12 Tammuz, 5785, July 8, 2025, Parshas Balak, at a new location, The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9728…

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Latest Talks Podcast - Ep #56 | Guest: Moishe Katz 1:36:40

3M ago1:36:40

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Topics: The Affordable "Jewish" Alternative to Health Insurance | United Refuah HealthShare. Guest: Moishe Katz | CEO of United Refuah HealthShare+1 786-664-7435 | [email protected] ------------- This Episode Is Sponsored By: • CardRight | Giveaway Raffle on Aug/05/2025 at 9PMSign Up👉: https://CardRight.com/LT • Luxury Kosher Villas | +1305-65…

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Unpacking Antisemitism with Haviv Rettig Gur 1:07:21

3M ago1:07:21

1:07:21

(Note: this episode was recorded before Mamdani's victory in the Democratic primary of the NYC mayoral election.) Journalist and historian Haviv Rettig Gur returns to Wondering Jews to explore why antisemitism persists across centuries —from medieval Europe to modern American campuses. Together, Haviv, Mijal and Noam unpack how conspiracy theories,…

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When Moshe Struck the Rock with the Wrong Stick, Marital Life Was Disrupted - Women's Chukas Class 1:30:26

3M ago1:30:26

1:30:26

Moshe Was Told He Couldn’t Enter the Land, So We Discovered the Holiness of Our Cravings This class was presented on Tuesday, 5 Tammuz, 5785, July 1, 2025, Parshas Chukas, at a new location, The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9720…

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

3M ago11:26

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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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The Last 214 Years of 6000: History Is About to Change -- Are You Ready? - Women's Korach Class: Israel-Iran War 1:32:45

3M ago1:32:45

1:32:45

“To Everything There Is a Season:” Learning How to Transition from “A Time of War,” to “A Time of Peace” This class was presented on Tuesday, 28 Sivan, 5785, June 24, 2025, Parshas Korach, at a new location, The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. What empowered Netanyahu? What was the difference between the October 7th failure and the incredibl…

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

3M 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

3M ago50:16

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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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The Lion Has Risen: When Jews Know Who They Are They're Unstoppable - The Israel-Iran War: Women's Shlach Class 1:38:40

3M ago1:38:40

1:38:40

History Is Changing, Don’t Stand on the Sidelines This class was presented on Tuesday, 21 Sivan, 5785, June 17, 2025, Parshas Sh'lach, at a new location, The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9704By Rabbi YY Jacobson

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

4M 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

4M ago52:01

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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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Latest Talks Podcast - Ep #55 | Guest: Jake Turx - P2 3:17:49

4M ago3:17:49

3:17:49

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

4M 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

4M 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

4M ago28:37

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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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Once You See Yourself, You’re Unstoppable: The Story of Boaz, Reuven & Aaron - Women's Shavuos Class 1:30:35

4M ago1:30:35

1:30:35

When You Feel that Hashem Sees and Records Every Word with Love, You Change History This class was presented on Tuesday, 29 Iyar, 5785, May 27, 2025, Parshas Bamidbar, at a new location, The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9697…

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

4M 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

4M 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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Why the Tanya is the Most Relevant Book for Our Time: How to Live at Peace With Yourself - Women's Behar Class 1:34:59

4M ago1:34:59

1:34:59

Connection with G-d Does Not Mean I’m Not Triggered; It Means I Know Who I Am and Assume Ownership of the Direction of My Life This class was presented on Tuesday, 22 Iyar, 5785, May 20, 2025, Parshas Behar-Bechukosai, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. The class explores three forms of acquisitions in Jewish law, reflecting three paths …

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

5M ago44:11

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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

4M 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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When I Truly Trust Hashem, I'm Not Afraid to Look at My Emotions: What Rashbi Learnt in the Cave - Women's Lag Baomer Class 1:43:14

5M ago1:43:14

1:43:14

Stories of Abuse & Triumph: The Girl Was Being Violated; They said She Was Seeking Negative Attention This Lag Baomer class was presented on Tuesday, 15 Iyar, 5785, May 13, 2025, Parshas Emor, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. There is no other sage in the history of Judaism who has all of the Jewish people celebrating on the day that h…

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

5M 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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How to Live with an Open Heart Even When You Were Hurt - Women's Kedoshim Class 1:39:14

5M ago1:39:14

1:39:14

The Kamatz and the Patach: As We Get Closer to Redemption, Our Hearts Ache to Emerge from Lockdown This Women's Kedoshim class was presented on Tuesday, 8 Iyar, 5785, May 6, 2025, Parshas Achrei Mos-Kedoshim, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. The class explores the distinction between two identical words in Shmini and Kedoshim, "Ani," o…

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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

5M 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

5M 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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How Women & Men Experience G-d Differently, and why Women Can Show the Path To Healing - Women's Rosh Chodesh Class 1:32:06

5M ago1:32:06

1:32:06

Solar Faith Vs. Lunar Faith: Why the Women Rejected the Golden Calf and Were Given the Holiday of Rosh Chodesh This class was presented on Tuesday, Rosh Chodesh (the first day of the month of Iyar, 5785, April 29, 2025, Parshas Tazria-Metzora, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. This text-based class explores a Chassidic discourse by Rabb…

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

5M 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

5M 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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Latest Talks Podcast - Ep #54 | Guest: Rabbi YY Jacobson 1:47:41

6M ago1:47:41

1:47:41

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

6M 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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How Do You Run the Seder with Presence, Regulation, and Authenticity? Your 15-Step Guide - Pesach Women's Class 2:00:53

6M ago2:00:53

2:00:53

Your 15-Step Pesach Program To Make Space for all Your Parts and Discover Your Inner Blissful Light This class, a detailed 15-step guide to experience your seder with mindfulness, serenity, and personal relevance, was presented on Tuesday, 10 Nissan, 5785, April 8, 2025, Parshas Tzav, at a new location, The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY.…