Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam

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 communiti...

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. ---------...

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 Jewis...

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...

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 Hist...

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 podcas...

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...

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 divi...

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'...

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...

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...

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 refle...

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 Nerd...

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. Fo...

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 br...

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...

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 an...

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...

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 cop...

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.