Episodes

  • Meghan McCain on Antisemitism and Politics: Live from the JFNA

    Meghan McCain on Antisemitism and Politics: Live from the JFNA
    Nov 14 2024
    In their first live episode, hosts Michal 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, brings an insightful perspective on antisemitism, American politics, and her personal experiences as an ally to the Jewish community. The episode explores complex, timely themes, balancing moments of humor with serious reflections on the challenges facing Jewish communities 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
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    44 mins
  • The Jewish Vote and Preserving Democracy with Lauren Markoe

    The Jewish Vote and Preserving Democracy with Lauren Markoe
    Nov 6 2024
    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 for democracy within Jewish communities, the complexity of political allegiances, and how issues such as Israel, antisemitism, and civic engagement drive Jewish voter priorities. Kenneth Wald: The Foundations of American Jewish Liberalism ------------ 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
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    40 mins
  • Navigating Israel, Identity, and Empathy in a Changing World

    Navigating Israel, Identity, and Empathy in a Changing World
    Oct 30 2024
    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 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
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    39 mins
  • What Lies Ahead for Israel with Haviv Rettig Gur

    What Lies Ahead for Israel with Haviv Rettig Gur
    Oct 22 2024
    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 Noam address Israel's relationship with American Jews at a time when American Jewish identity is also evolving. On this Simchat Torah, which marks one year since the Hamas attack according to the Jewish calendar, they reflect on the role of Jewish tradition after October 7th and the need to embrace difference to foster Jewish unity. Books by Micah Goodman Jonathan Haidt The Righteous Mind ------------ 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
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    49 mins
  • Finding Joy in Sukkot and Beyond

    Finding Joy in Sukkot and Beyond
    Oct 15 2024
    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 purpose. Along the way, they share personal confessions from their high school reading lists, memories of joyful moments, and reflections on how to balance joy with the realities of the modern world. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about how Jewish traditions offer timeless lessons on finding joy, even in challenging times. Mijal Bitton: Committed by Mijal Bitton | Substack Martin Seligman: Pursuit of Happiness Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz (Harvard study on happiness): The Good Life Noam Weissman's Jewish Journal article about Sukkot: Living in the Joy of Sukkot ------------ 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
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    31 mins
  • The Anniversary of October 7th with Amir Tibon

    The Anniversary of October 7th with Amir Tibon
    Oct 7 2024
    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 experience hiding in a safe room with his wife and two young children and their incredible rescue aided by Tibon's 62-year-old father. The discussion focuses on the importance of storytelling to preserve the memory of October 7th, the ongoing challenges Israel faces and the need to bring back the hostages. Tibon's story inspired Mijal and Noam to reflect on grief, courage, and a renewed commitment by Jews to support one another. The Gates of Gaza One Day in October ------------ 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
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    48 mins
  • Rosh Hashanah Reflections: Joy, Grief, and Solidarity

    Rosh Hashanah Reflections: Joy, Grief, and Solidarity
    Oct 2 2024
    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 coexist with the pain and theological questions that arise during times of crisis. Join Mijal and Noam for a deeply thoughtful and heartfelt conversation in the first episode of the new season. Rabbi Rosensweig's letter can be found here. ------------ 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
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    33 mins
  • Remembering Carmel, Ori, Hersh, Eden, Alexander, and Almog

    Remembering Carmel, Ori, Hersh, Eden, Alexander, and Almog
    Sep 11 2024
    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 feelings surrounding faith and loss, touching on tough questions of justice and divine intervention, wondering how such suffering can occur to those who loved and fought for their families. The article that Mijal references in this episode can be found here. ------------ 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
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    10 mins