Mijal and Noam delve into the complexities of the Pro-Palestinian student encampments, student activism, the emotional and social dynamics within these movements, and the broader implications for Jewish identity and community. Letter from Columbia students ------------ This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Unpacking Israeli History Soulful Jewish Living
May 15, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 15
This year, Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut will feel unlike any other year. Noam and Mijal address the days' significance in the wake of Oct.7, highlighting the solemn transition from Yom HaZikaron to the joyfulness of Yom Ha'atzmaut. They share their personal experiences, addressing how these poignant holidays hold a deeper meaning this year amidst an ongoing war in Gaza. ------------ This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, che...
May 08, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 14
With the Holocaust being one of history's darkest chapters, how do you educate future generations to ensure such horrors never happen again? Join Noam and Mijal as they re-examine Holocaust education and navigate the delicate balance between honoring the past and shaping a resilient future amidst the increasingly hostile climate of today. ------------ This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Unpack...
May 01, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 13
The story of Exodus is one of the most significant pieces of history that is still relevant to this day. Join Mijal and Noam as they dive deep into the story of Passover, exploring the themes of liberation as told through the Haggadah, and contrasting it with the narrative of human struggle and divine intervention found in the Torah. ------------ This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Unpacking I...
Apr 17, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Normally we ask, how is this night different than all over nights. This year, we have to ask - how is this Passover different than all over Passovers? In this episode, Noam and Mijal reflect about how to think about the seder and Passover, what makes Passover different this year, and some suggestions and insights for how to approach our seder. ------------ Lefum tza'ara agra Mishael and Noam Zion's Haggadah Zion Haggadah Excerpts ------------ This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a divisi...
Apr 11, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Last week, the Jewish world lost several giants, including Professor Daniel Kahneman, a leading scholar of behavior economics, and Senator Joseph Lieberman, an American politician and statesman. Noam and Mijal reflect on their legacies and ask us to consider what we can learn from their incredible lives. ------------ Cass Sunstein on Kahneman Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln Kotzker Rebbe and the Binding of Isaac The Gift of Rest: Lieberman's book about shabbat Can the nat...
Apr 04, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 10
The battle over whether Haredim should be mandated to serve in the IDF, like the rest of Jewish Israel, is not a new one. But the debate was brought to the forefront when the Sephardic chief rabbi threatened that Haredim would leave the country rather than serve in the IDF. This week, Mijal and Noam discuss the issue of mandatory conscription for Haredi Jews. They push each other to give generous arguments and ask, how can Israel possibly solve this contentious issue? ------------ This podcast w...
Mar 27, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Right after 10/7, public intellectual Micha Goodman wrote, “We weren't attacked by a local militia. We were attacked by the Persian Empire. We were attacked by Iran.” Sound familiar? Maybe eerily like the Purim story? This week, Mijal and Noam reflect on the upcoming holiday of Purim and ask, how are we thinking about the holiday differently in the post-10/7 world? ------------ Micha Goodman reflections, post-10/7 Megillat Esther - full text Meir Buzaglo and Tikun Midrash Tannaim on Amalek and t...
Mar 20, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 8
This week, Mijal and Noam explore the potential ways communal Shabbat observance could evolve, for better or worse, in a technologically advanced reality. If you’re interested in AI, ChatGPT, or simply the joys of taking a day off each week, this one’s for you. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Unpacking Israeli History Soulful Jewish Living
Mar 13, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 7
This week, Mijal and Noam explore the complex relationship between anti-Zionism and antisemitism and discuss whether or not they're one and the same. Through the "3 C's" aka consequences, correlation, and (C)symbolization.they discover the importance of continuous education and dialogue to combat antisemitism effectively. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Unpacking Israeli History Soulful Je...
Mar 06, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 6
There are so many terms surrounding Jewish identity today that sometimes... it can get overwhelming. We end up using different definitions and speaking past each other. So, what is Zionism? What is non-Zionism? Anti-Zionism? Join Mijal and Noam to explore the importance of terminology as they discuss the intersection of Zionism with Jewish identity today. Herzl's Der Judenstaat This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: ...
Feb 28, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Can you be both a proud Zionist and a proud American, or do you have to pick sides? Join Noam and Mijal as they tackle this decade long debate, exploring the relationship between intersectionality and patriotism, offering fresh insights on the complexities of dual allegiance and Jewish identity today. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Unpacking Israeli History Soulful Jewish Living
Feb 21, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 4
You've probably heard about DEI - diversity, equity, and inclusion. You might already have an opinion about DEI - is it necessary to change the university and business cultures from within? Or is it an evil that chooses identity over merit? Or...somewhere in between? In this episode, Mijal and Noam discuss DEI, its strengths and weaknesses, their personal experiences, and whether Jewish thought and wisdom can and should change our thinking about DEI. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, ...
Feb 14, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In this week's episode of "Wondering Jews," hosts Noam and Mijal explore the nature, history, and implications of antisemitism. They grapple with questions of agency, responsibility, and resilience, offering nuanced perspectives on combating antisemitism while navigating the complexities of Jewish identity and community. Listeners are invited to join a thought-provoking exploration that transcends the Jewish experience, prompting reflection on broader themes of social change and collective actio...
Feb 07, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Join Noam Weissman and Mijal Bitton as they explore the complexities of addressing sensitive questions within the Jewish community. In this engaging conversation, the hosts share personal anecdotes and experiences related to discussions on emotionally charged topics, with a specific focus on recent events in Israel and Gaza. Navigating such conversations can be hard, and Noam and Mijal discuss coping mechanisms and strategies for engaging with diverse perspectives. Discover the importance of dis...
Jan 31, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman are two of the most dynamic, interesting, and thought-provoking Jewish leaders today. Two seasoned educators who love to talk, listen, laugh, challenge, and grow, Mijal and Noam are the Wondering Jews, leading us through thought-provoking discussions that are as serious as they are entertaining.
Jan 24, 2024•2 min
