Chutzpod!

…because on all other episodes we talk about what we want to talk about, but in THIS episode we talk about what you want to talk about! And never mind four, we answer SIX listener questions. Get your hosts’ takes on therapy, Luther, volunteerism, and more! Episode Timecodes: (40:05) Hrishikesh Hirway defines Hebrew & Yiddish terms used in our episode (42:58) Rabbi Shira’s Guided Meditation Lea...

Fins, and scales, and split hooves…. oh my! The Rabbi and Josh get back to the text, as they look at the Torah portion Shmini, which includes the laws of keeping kosher, and they ponder how to sanctify the act of eating. Episode Timecodes: (38:19) Noah Emmerich defines Hebrew & Yiddish terms used in our episode (40:47) Rabbi Shira’s Guided Meditation Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.o...

As Purim begins at sunset on Wednesday, “Chutzpod!” follows suit. This is a unique episode as you will hear a live Zoom taping where Joshua & Shira were joined by a legion of the “Chutzsquad”. Multiple guests came by as we do our best to fulfill all of the Purim Mitzvot (Commandments). Coming your way are Megillah Readings, the “Jewish or Antisemitic” game show, virtual costume changes, drinki...

In March of 1922 in New York City, twelve year-old Judith Kaplan had the first ever Bat Mitzvah and we are here to celebrate this momentous occasion. Rabbi Shira tells Joshua about her own Bat Mitzvah and explains the reasoning for why this rite of passage occurs when it does. Our interview this episode is with Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Hermann, who works at SAJ, where Judith made history 100 years ag...

As tragedies continue in Ukraine, Joshua & Rabbi Shira dedicate this episode to the 200K+ Jewish people who live there and are in harms way. The episode begins by letting people know the ways they can help and what Jewish relief organizations are lending their support. Then we are joined by Oksana Galkevich, born in Ukraine and as of the past few years living in Israel, who has assisted the Am...

What is the purpose of a community? Rabbi Shira and Joshua look at this very simple yet complex question in this episode that aligns with the Torah portion “Vayakhel”. They are then joined by the esteemed author Wajahat Ali for his unique viewpoint on the subject. Episode Timecodes: (17:32) Wajahat Ali Interview (41:07) Dule Hill & Jazmyn Simon define the Hebrew & Yiddish (and even Aramaic...

Our hosts welcome the Queen of TikTok Talmud to the show, and they discuss the Golden Calf, feeling lost without a leader, and the rabbi under your bed. Episode Timecodes: (18:20) Miriam Anzovin Interview (39:21) James Roday Rodriguez defines Hebrew/Yiddish terms used in the episode (42:18) Rabbi Shira’s Guided Meditation Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Rabbi Shira and Joshua welcome ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt to the show, to discuss antisemitism in general, and Whoopi Goldberg’s comments on the Holocaust in particular. Also, we talk about what we’re wearing, who we’re wearing, and why we’re wearing. And…our hosts welcome their spouses to the show! Episode Timecodes: (05:40) Melissa Merwin (Joshua’s wife & costumer) Interview on the performa...

This week Rabbi Shira and Joshua are joined by Architectural Digest’s Mayer Rus. Together they look at the weekly Torah portion, Terumah, and consider the specificity of the instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary for worship built by the Israelites in the desert. Episode Timecodes: (17:47) Mayer Rus Interview (37:58) Phil LaMarr defines Hebrew/Yiddish terms used in th...

Rabbi Shira and Joshua discuss the giving of the Ten Commandments, and what it takes to be prepared for “revelation” in our lives. Then they kick back with actor-writer-director David Wain to discuss his connection to Judaism, and the Ten Commandments-inspired film he co-wrote and directed, “The Ten”. Episode Timecodes: (26:01) David Wain Interview (46:30) Ken Marino defines the Hebrew & Yiddi...

A Bonus episode in which Josh and Rabbi Shira reflect upon this past weekend’s hostage situation at a synagogue in Texas. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Don’t pack away those NYE decorations just yet! Rabbi Shira and Joshua discuss Tu Bishvat, the Jewish “New Year of the Trees.”  They’ll help you spruce up your observance with new ways to celebrate an ancient holiday. Also, we book our first guest, and it’s Santa Claus. No, really. Episode Timecodes: (15:30) Mark Donovan Interview (48:10) Scott Foley defines Hebrew/Yiddish terms used on the podcas...

This week’s Torah Portion, “Bo,” mentions the “mixed multitude” that left Egypt with the Israelites. Who were these “others,” and who are the "others" in our own lives today? Also, if Josh and Rabbi Shira went on a reality TV show together, which one would it be? Episode Timecodes: (32:46) Actor Josh Charles defines the Hebrew/Yiddish terms used on the podcast (34:51) Rabbi Shira’s Guided Meditati...

In this teaser episode, we give you a taste of what’s to come in Chutzpod! Rabbi Shira and Joshua discuss the Jewish approach to liminality — moving forward from the past, actually being present in the present, and turning gratefully to the future. We look at the Shehechiyanu blessing, which gives thanks to the Source of All for giving us life, sustaining us, and bringing us to new moments. Even t...