Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman share their reflections on 12 days of war between Israel and Iran. 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. Whether you’re following every headline or searching for meaning beyond the news, this episode offers a grounded, thoughtful companion for these uncertain times. Please get in touch at WonderingJews@unpacked...
Jun 25, 2025•11 min•Season 3Ep. 22
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 Israel today. Michael Walzer's Exodus and Revolution Here is a link to Mijal's Substack: https://mijal.substack.com/ Yaakov Katz's post on his journey bac...
Jun 20, 2025•30 min
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 personal stakes of this moment, discuss Prime Minister Netanyahu’s surprising shift in tone, and reflect on what this war means for the collective Jewish...
Jun 18, 2025•50 min•Season 3Ep. 21
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 operation—drawing connections to Israel’s past strikes in Iraq (1981) and Syria (2007). From Mossad tactics to regional geopolitics, this episode off...
Jun 13, 2025•36 min
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 wartime? Together, they explore the importance of dissent and ask when does criticism cross a line? And please follow Wondering Jews on Instagram! instag...
Jun 11, 2025•52 min•Season 3Ep. 20
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 define terms like “Zionism” in different contexts—academically, personally, or communally. Herzl's Der Judenstaat Please Note: The updated introduction t...
Jun 04, 2025•37 min•Season 3Ep. 19
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 wake of October 7 and ongoing challenges in Israel and the diaspora. This conversation is a perfect way to kick off Shavuot, a holiday deeply connect...
May 29, 2025•56 min
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 of divine commandment and covenant. Whether you’ve celebrated Shavuot for decades or are learning about it for the first time, this episode invites yo...
May 28, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 18
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-Zionism, this is a conversation about mourning, clarity, and resolve. And please follow Wondering Jews on Instagram! instagram.com/wonderingjews Get ...
May 22, 2025•11 min
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 national unity. If you've ever wondered how ancient Jewish texts might help us make sense of today's dizzying headlines, this episode is for you. Click here ...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 17
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’s generation is craving deeper, more soulful expressions of Jewish life. Whether you grew up with Lag Ba'Omer or are just Jewish-curious, this is the...
May 15, 2025•44 min•Season 3Ep. 15
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. Get in touch at our new email address: [email protected] and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews. Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out Unpack...
May 14, 2025•42 sec•Season 3Ep. 14
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 episode brings nuance, humor, and intellectual clarity to some of the most pressing issues in Jewish life today. Get in touch at our new email address: Wo...
May 07, 2025•27 min•Season 3Ep. 13
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 4th. Link to Vote: https://azm.castiron.votem.net/election/037548cb-4cbb-4a94-aa9a-8aef017d4ddf
May 02, 2025•37 min
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 honor 59 hostages still held in Gaza while preparing to rejoice How family rituals and neighborhood gatherings keep hope alive, even when the lights g...
May 01, 2025•50 min
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 education programs erase Jewish civilization and present Jews solely as passive victims—and how that plays into broader societal discomfort with Jewish power...
Apr 23, 2025•45 min•Season 3Ep. 11
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 hexagram. What does the Star of David really mean—and how did it become the symbol of Judaism and Jewish identity? From decorative motif to mystical sy...
Apr 16, 2025•37 min•Season 3Ep. 10
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 Israel, Zionism, and Jewish solidarity around the seder table post-October 7? Rabbi Wolpe shares personal memories, powerful insights on kitniyot, peopleho...
Apr 09, 2025•41 min•Season 3Ep. 9
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 the label “Jew of Color.” Together, she and Noam unpack the complexity of racial discourse in the Jewish community. Mijal and Noam encourage a nuance...
Apr 02, 2025•39 min•Season 3Ep. 8
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, obligation, and freedom.They also explore the role of ritual and intellectual approach of a wide range of rabbis and thinkers. Get in touch at our new...
Mar 26, 2025•32 min•Season 3Ep. 7
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 passionate advocate for Jewish learning and spiritual depth. In their conversation, Mijal and Sarah explore: what does it mean to have faith as a Jew? Is ...
Mar 19, 2025•49 min•Season 3Ep. 6
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 the face of suffering, from the Holocaust to today’s crises? And what lessons can Purim—often seen as a lighthearted holiday—teach us about faith, age...
Mar 12, 2025•47 min•Season 3Ep. 5
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 in war, and clarifies misconceptions surrounding the West Bank and occupation debate. Get in touch at our new email address: [email protected]...
Mar 05, 2025•52 min•Season 3Ep. 4
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, including why figures such as Meir Kahane are resurfacing in popular discourse. With the rise of hardline religious Zionist factions, Mijal and Noam delve in...
Feb 27, 2025•39 min•Season 3Ep. 3
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 immigration to Israel. Mijal and Noam share their personal stories, experiences of cognitive dissonance and insights from great Jewish thinkers. Together, the...
Feb 20, 2025•45 min•Season 3Ep. 2
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 about language, history, and identity. Report by Matthew Boxer: What is Zionism? Assessing the Diversity of Discourse in a Charged Environment Programm...
Feb 12, 2025•45 min•Season 3Ep. 1
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 Jewish community, particularly in light of the events of October 7th. The discussion includes the challenges of bridging the gap between American Jewry and...
Feb 05, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 19
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 the Jewish people and the world at large? Haviv delves into Zionism as a means of survival while exploring how it has been misunderstood. Listen agai...
Jan 29, 2025•56 min•Season 2Ep. 18
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 author, podcast host, and former co-host of The View. Meghan, the daughter of the late-US Senator, John McCain, opens up about her experiences standing up...
Jan 22, 2025•47 min•Season 2Ep. 17
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 backlash, and the strong emotions the encampments evoked in the Jewish community. Noam shares his philosophy on empathy, even for critics, while Mijal cha...
Jan 15, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 16
