Avinoam Patt, Lila Berman, & NYUCSA

The Jewish Question

Society EN ↓ 6 episodes

Co-Hosts Avinoam Patt and Lila Corwin Berman discover the stories and scholars to help make sense of antisemitism today. They start with a theory: the answer to understanding (and perhaps fighting) antisemitism is only as good as the questions one asks. And then they search far and wide for the best questions and the people who can ask and answer them. And spoiler: Avi, Lila, and their guests don’t always agree. In fact, that’s the plot, or at least part of it. How scholars and other people can passionately disagree while remaining curious about one another and the world, one question at a tim...

Author

Avinoam Patt, Lila Berman, & NYUCSA

Episodes

The Power of a Word with Mark Mazower 22.01.2026 53:20

Mark Mazower (Columbia University), Avi and Lila examine the evolution of the word antisemitism - its meaning and associations from the 1800's to contemporary times. Their conversation draws upon the core concepts in Professor Mazower's newest book, On Antisemitism: A Word in History.

Antisemitism and the Law with James Loeffler 22.01.2026 1:01:18

Avi, Lila and James Loeffler (John Hopkins University) take on the big question of whether or not US law can effectively address antisemitism using The Unite the Right Rally in August, 2017 in Charlottesville and subsequent trials as a case study.

Antisemitism, An American Tradition: A conversation with Professor Pamela Nadell 14.01.2026 48:57

Pamela Nadell joins Avi and Lila for this live podcast recording to discuss her newest book, Antisemitism, An American Tradition . Together they explore what prompted Pamela to undertake this project, what her research revealed about antisemitism in the United States. The program concludes with questions from the audience.

Exploring Antisemitism's Roots with Magda Teter 07.11.2025 56:32

Magda Teter discusses the roots and evolution of antisemitism from medieval times to the modern era. Topics include the infamous blood libel myth, the role of Christianity, and the entangled histories of antisemitism and anti-Black racism. Teter also reflects on the responsibilities of historians in addressing these issues today.

Kishinev and its Legacies with Steve Zipperstein 10.10.2025 56:54

Steve Zipperstein talks to The Jewish Question about the Kishinev Pogrom (1903) and its resonances up to the present day. Steven J. Zipperstein is Daniel E. Koshland Professor in Jewish Culture and History at Stanford University. He is the author and editor of nine books, most recently “Stung by Life. Philip Roth. A Biography” in the Jewish Lives series at Yale University Press. Pogrom: Kishinev a...

Welcome to The Jewish Question 26.09.2025 13:03

In this inaugural episode, co-hosts Avi Patt and Lila Berman introduce their mission to understand antisemitism by asking profound and challenging questions. They explore the importance of real inquiries over leading questions, and through personal stories, contrasting academic focuses, and differing perspectives, Avi and Lila set the stage for a podcast aimed at dissecting antisemitism with curio...