43 avsnitt • Längd: 35 min • Månadsvis
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.
Whether you’re a seasoned scholar or just curious about Jewish culture, this show offers a refreshing perspective that’s both enlightening and enjoyable. It’s not just a podcast; it’s a thoughtful conversation that invites everyone to wonder about the rich tapestry of Jewish ideas in the context of our daily lives. Brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
The podcast Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam is created by Unpacked. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
Hosts Mijal and Noam are joined by educator, storyteller, and influencer, Yirmiyahu Danzig, known as That_Semite. Yirmiyahu has millions of followers across TikTok, Instagram, and Unpacked's YouTube channel. He shares his journey connecting with audiences, embracing the complexities of Jewish and Palestinian identities, and fostering dialogue in a divided world.
Get in touch at [email protected], and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews.
Click here to follow Yirmiyahu on Unpacked.
UNPACKED is growing and we need your help! From now through December 31 you can make history with us by contributing to our podcast expansion project! We're kicking off this plan with transforming Unpacking Israeli History into a multi-platform experience, providing more episodes in both audio and video formats, more interesting guests, live events and more! Join us in raising $150,000 to make this dream a reality. If you've already contributed, thank you! If you haven't yet, now's your chance to be a part of something amazing.
Donate here today.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Rabbi Yehuda Sarna, a leader with diverse roles spanning Jewish community engagement, joins Mijal and Noam for a thought-provoking conversation about the role of interfaith dialogue since October 7th. The episode explores Rabbi Sarna’s fascinating journey—from serving as the Executive Director of NYU's Bronfman Center to becoming a global figure in interfaith work in Abu Dhabi. Rabbi Sarna spoke to Mijal and Noam following the tragic murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a Chabad emissary in the UAE.
Get in touch at [email protected], and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews.
UNPACKED is growing and we need your help! From now through December 31 you can make history with us by contributing to our podcast expansion project! We're kicking off this plan with transforming Unpacking Israeli History into a multi-platform experience, providing more episodes in both audio and video formats, more interesting guests, live events and more! Join us in raising $150,000 to make this dream a reality. If you've already contributed, thank you! If you haven't yet, now's your chance to be a part of something amazing.
Donate here today.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Hosts Mijal and Noam sit down with Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and former U.S. Congressman, for an insightful discussion on some of the Jewish world's most pressing issues. Ted shares his experiences from decades of advocacy. The conversation touches on the future of bipartisan support for Israel, the rising threats of antisemitism, and personal reflections on Jewish identity.
Get in touch at [email protected], and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews.
UNPACKED is growing and we need your help! From now through December 31 you can make history with us by contributing to our podcast expansion project! We're kicking off this plan with transforming Unpacking Israeli History into a multi-platform experience, providing more episodes in both audio and video formats, more interesting guests, live events and more! Join us in raising $150,000 to make this dream a reality. If you've already contributed, thank you! If you haven't yet, now's your chance to be a part of something amazing.
Donate here today.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Hosts Mijal and Noam explore themes of gratitude along with Jewish and American identity. As Thanksgiving approaches, they share personal reflections, listener questions, and cultural insights while emphasizing the importance of gratitude in everyday life.
------------
Get in touch at [email protected], and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews.
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Comedian and actor Elon Gold joins Mijal and Noam to talk about Jewish identity, cultural pride, and the impact of antisemitism on Jewish life today. Known for his appearances on Curb Your Enthusiasm and his comedy specials, Elon shares personal reflections on balancing his career with a deep connection to Judaism and Israel. Elon, Mijal and Noam also discuss Elon's new podcast, Stars of David, which launches this week and is also produced by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
In their first live episode, hosts Mijal 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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
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:
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:
Wondering Jews is on a short hiatus. We’re taking off for the rest of August and September and coming back for the High Holidays. We love hearing from you so be sure to email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail, at (833) WON-JEWS.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
In this episode, 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 Israel, the implications of Israel's rightward political shift, and personal reflections on what it means to be a Zionist today.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Join Noam and Mijal as they explore the significance of Tisha B’Av, a day of mourning for the Jewish people. They discuss its historical roots, including the destruction of the two Temples and other calamities that befell the Jewish people on this day. Through personal reflections and discussions, they address how internal divisions within the Jewish community played a role in these tragedies and share their thoughts on the current state of Jewish unity. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about mourning, introspection, and the importance of fostering unity within the Jewish community.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
In this episode, Noam and Mijal are joined by returning guest Haviv Rettig Gur to discuss current events unfolding in Israel. The conversation dives into the recent Hezbollah attack that killed 12 Druze children, the potential escalation in the north, Ismail Haniyeh's assassination, and the internal turmoil in Israel, including an incident involving alleged abuse by IDF soldiers.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
If you had to pick just one educational experience, would it be... camp? Join Mijal and Noam as they chat with Mac Lindner, Director of Camp Young Judaea - Texas, about how Jewish summer camps shape identity. They'll explore whether camps should be considered a key part of education and how they've changed recently, especially since October 7th.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
In this week's episode, Mijal and Noam discuss the growing polarization and hostility between Republicans and Democrats. With the two sides feeling more divided than ever before, join us as we wonder on how we can use Jewish wisdom to bridge the gap, moving away from the hostility of today and working towards a future of reunification and respect.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Join us for a special conversation with Chloe Valdary, founder of Theory of Enchantment, a New York-based organization that has arisen as an alternative to the DEI model, and fights against racism and bigotry by teaching love. Chloe delves into her respectful approach to societal conflict as it relates to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, antisemitism and social media. Chloe, Noam and Mijal dive into a thought provoking discussion about paths to peace - and whether or not Chloe believes it is even possible to achieve.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
This Fourth of July, Mijal reflects on what America means to her as an immigrant from Uruguay. Through her personal history, she delves into the powerful ideals that make America a beacon of hope for millions: liberty, equality, and democracy. Reflecting on the current political landscape and the troubling rise of antisemitism, Mijal examines the discrepancy between America's foundational ideals and its present realities.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Judaism impacts each and every person differently. Embark on a heartfelt journey with Mijal and Noam as they delve into the heart of Jewish tradition and explore what makes Judaism so special to them. From Jewish law and Shabbat to the supportive bonds of community, they reveal the enduring beauty and significance of Judaism in their lives.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Can ChatGPT answer Jewish legal questions? Can Siri provide spiritual guidance? Will AI replace rabbis? Mijal and Noam discuss the evolving role of rabbis and whether artificial intelligence can replace or supplement these roles. They explore various responsibilities of rabbis, such as providing information, teaching, offering care and support, making decisions, and serving as role models.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
What does your cultural heritage mean to you? Join Mijal and Noam for a personal discussion about the differences between Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jewish communities. They explore topics like prayer, religious traditions, and the unique experiences of Sephardic Jews in America and Israel while addressing the challenges of maintaining a strong sense of identity while integrating into wider communities.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Few holidays in Israel are as complex as Yom Yerushalayim. Mijal and Noam explore the significance of Yom Yerushalayim, reflecting on the Six-Day War, the reunification of Jerusalem, and its complex personal and national meanings. They discuss the celebrations, the diverse perspectives within Israeli society, and the ongoing impact on Jewish identity and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
What does Zionism mean to you? What does it mean to the Jewish people and the world at large? Noam and Mijal welcome special guest journalist Haviv Rettig Gur to delve into the history of Zionism as a means of survival for the Jewish people while pondering Western and Palestinian misunderstandings of Zionism. Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode about self determination, resilience, and Jewish identity.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Faith is a complicated topic — one that many people struggle with. But what do Jewish philosophers say about faith? And how does Judaism approach belief in God? In this thought-provoking episode, Mijal and Noam discuss the challenges of maintaining faith with questions such as “Can you be Jewish and not believe in God?” and “What is the meaning of emunah”?
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
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.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
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, check out:
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:
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:
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.
------------
Mishael and Noam Zion's Haggadah
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
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.
------------
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 nation survive with a vice president who isn't allowed to bind sheaves on a Saturday?
Lieberman's VP acceptance speech
Ethan Tucker's eulogy for Lieberman
The Golden Age of American Jews is Ending
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
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 was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
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
Midrash Tannaim on Amalek and tunnels
Matanot l'evyonim resources:
1. OurMishpacha
2. Leket Israel
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
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:
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:
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.
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
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:
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, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
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 action.
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
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 disagreeing with love and appreciate diverse viewpoints in this candid exploration of fostering understanding amidst challenging discussions.
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
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.
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.