Jews Did it First - podcast cover

Jews Did it First

Rabbi Yossi Madvigwww.jewishoswego.org
The main thrust of this podcast is to shed light on a phenomenon that I’ve noticed over the course of the last decade or so. Very often I come across something in Jewish literature that is clearly an antecedent of some modern day cultural, legal or religious concept.The second will be counter-missionary claims. I think it’s very important that Jews know how to respond to missionary claims. I also hope this will strengthen non-Jews' respect for why Jews believe what we believe and not seeing us as some sort of backwater yokels who have just never heard of the “wonderful good news” as it were.
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Episodes

Tu Bishvat

The Jewish Arbor Day? No, it's much more.

Feb 09, 202511 min

Fetal Development

Did the Talmudic sages have special insight into the womb beyond medical science? And what does the last day of Chanukah teach us?

Dec 23, 202029 min

Baptism and Confirmation

Are baptism and confirmation actually Jewish ideas? And what is Chanukah really about?

Dec 04, 202020 min

Loch Ness

Is the Loch Ness monster Jewish? And why does Jacob go around kissing people in the Bible?

Nov 25, 202021 min

Eastern Mysticism Pt. 2

More fascinating signs that the mysteries so often associated with the East and the occult are really rooted in Jewish philosophy. Also, lessons from Coronavirus!

May 18, 202037 min

Rip Van Winkle

What are the true origins of Rip Van Winkle and what can Purim teach us about the coronavirus?

Mar 17, 202030 min

Kill Them With Kindness

Is "Kill Them With Kindness" Jewish? And what's special about this month?

Dec 03, 201927 min

Unicorns

Where do unicorns come from and what's the Jewish holiday coming up this weekend?

Jun 04, 201927 min

Tying the Knot

Why do we tie knots to remember things? And why are we so darn happy?

Feb 25, 201917 min

Revolutionary War

Does the American revolution have roots in the events of Chanukah? And what does Chanukah teach us in 2018?

Dec 05, 201829 min

Pilgrims

Who were the first pilgrims? And how do we respond to tragedy like we saw in Pittsburgh?

Nov 11, 201821 min

Ogres

Fee Fie Fo Fum! Where do ogres come from? Let's find out.

Oct 28, 201820 min

Werewolf

Who was the first werewolf? Let’s find out.

Oct 17, 201816 min

Frankenstein

Where did Mary Shelley really get the idea for her famous Frankenstein novel? And now that the Jewish holidays are over, what do we do now?

Oct 07, 201824 min

Onus & Onanism

Ever wonder where certain words come from? Some of them have surprising origins. Let's explore some.

Sep 22, 201824 min

Moderation

"Everything in moderation ... including moderation"

Sep 15, 201814 min

Midnight Mass

Did Jews start midnight mass? And can a curse be a sign of love?

Aug 30, 201818 min

Army Regulations

What does Judaism and the army have in common?

Jun 07, 201812 min

Pentacost

Do Jews speak in tongues? And is the Torah for everyone?

May 17, 201820 min

Mother's Day

What's with Jews and women?

May 13, 201826 min

#MeToo Pt. 2

Let's wrap up the discussion of women's rights with a few legal documents that secure the rights of women in a highly patriarchal society. Plus a lesson in education!

May 03, 201833 min

#MeToo

Were Jews ahead of their time in the treatment of women? And how holy is too holy?

Apr 26, 201833 min

Taxes

Benjamin Franklin once wrote, “…in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” And will the messiah have leprosy? We’ll take a quick look at how different levels of interpretation work.

Apr 19, 201820 min

Spring Cleaning

How old is spring cleaning and why do we do it? Also, introspection and true respect!

Apr 12, 201818 min

Lent and Easter Eggs

Do Lent and Easter egg hunts have Jewish origins? Let’s find out!

Mar 22, 201826 min

Mardi Gras

What do Mardi Gras and Holloween have in common? Hint, it's a Jewish holiday!

Mar 15, 201821 min

Valentine's Day

Is there a secret Jewish history behind Valentine’s Day? Is a pierced G-d/Messiah figure mentioned in the prophets? And is your body really a Temple?Sorry for the strange voice, I'm a bit under the weather this week :-(

Feb 15, 201828 min
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