24 Mar
Are Dems at a 50-Year Low?
Democrats are facing a major decline in favorability and voting demographics, with significant shifts in Hispanic and youth voting trends leaning towards Republicans. Additionally, the Trump administration's pressures on institutions like Columbia University and Paul Weiss law firm have sparked debates about their implications on democratic principles and political power dynamics.
21 Mar
Rescuing Astronauts and Fighting Eco-Nuts
The episode explores the triumphant return of astronauts stranded by Boeing's spacecraft malfunction, highlighting SpaceX's role in the rescue and Boeing's struggles with innovation. Additionally, it delves into a landmark lawsuit against Greenpeace, emphasizing the implications for protest, free speech, and the tensions between environmental activism and business interests.
20 Mar
Hasid or Hipster?
Mik Moore discusses the revival of 'Heeb' magazine, aiming to recapture the innovative and rebellious Jewish cultural spirit of the early 2000s for a new generation. He outlines the project's goals to explore Jewish subcultures and confront modern challenges, including the resurgence of antisemitism, while maintaining the irreverence and humor of the original publication.
19 Mar
3 of the 4 top NCAA basketball teams are coached by Jews. Here's our theory why
Menschwarmers explores the Jewish connections in the NCAA men's basketball tournament, noting that three of the four top seeds are coached by Jews: Bruce Pearl, Todd Golden, and Jon Scheyer. The hosts also discuss Jewish players to watch, including Danny Wolf and Sam Silverstein, while highlighting the unique roles that Jewish identity plays within collegiate sports culture.
19 Mar
How to Be a Jew ... At the World Championships
AJ Edelman, the first Orthodox Jewish athlete in the Winter Olympics, shares insights from the World Bobsled Championships and highlights the challenges faced by Israel's bobsled team in terms of funding, equipment, and recruitment. Despite the dangers and difficulty of the sport, Edelman's passion remains evident as he details both the technical aspects of bobsledding and the operational hurdles in managing the team.
17 Mar
On Censorship
Professor Adam Shinar discusses the historical and modern implications of Israel's Film and Theatre Review Board, highlighting its colonial roots and role in governmental censorship. He addresses the board's evolution, ongoing influence, and its place within broader issues of free speech and governmental regulation.
14 Mar
Ten Years of Podcasting
On the tenth anniversary of the Commentary Podcast, Noah Rothman joins the panel to discuss current events such as Chuck Schumer's political maneuvers and the internal dynamics within the Democratic Party. They explore the potential implications of recent legislative negotiations and the tensions related to future elections, particularly the possibility of primary challenges from the left.
14 Mar
Is Trump the New Achashverosh?
This provocative episode of Bonjour Chai discusses the controversial arrest and potential deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist, and how it mirrors contemporary themes from the Purim story. The hosts draw parallels between modern political figures and historical Jewish narratives while examining the polarizing impact on Jewish communities' political alignments.
13 Mar
The Green Carding of America
This episode discusses the controversy surrounding Columbia University's Mahmoud Khalil, focusing on the complexities of immigration law and free speech issues in the U.S. Liel Leibovitz offers insights into the broader implications for American values and the stance of the Democratic Party on immigration as it relates to national security and political power.
13 Mar
The Onion, but make it Jewish: Meet the Canadian brothers behind a new pro-Israel comedy news site
Canadian brothers Eric and Ryan Turkienicz have created 'The Daily Brine,' a satirical news site offering comedic takes on the situation in Israel, tackling serious topics with humor. Their platform has gained notable attention, reflecting a desire for humor amidst dark times and offering a unique pro-Israel voice that engages beyond the Jewish community.
13 Mar
Why Dual Loyalty is Good for the Jews, with Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz
Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz argues in favor of embracing dual loyalty for American Jews, advocating for simultaneous loyalty to both America and Israel as a harmonious concept. He discusses the historical context of dual loyalty, the post-October 7th Jewish identity crisis, and the societal differences between the potential acceptance of Jews in America and Europe.
12 Mar
Help! Everything Is Too Confusing!
The panel discusses the current state of political and cultural confusion in the United States, focusing on the evolving political alliances under the Trump administration. They also explore the complexities of the US's involvement in Ukraine, the position of the Democratic Party, and the societal impacts of vaccination skepticism.
12 Mar
How to Be a Jew ... And an Accidental Gunslinger
Salvador Litvak, the "Accidental Talmudist," discusses his new film "Guns and Moses," about a small-town rabbi who becomes a gunslinger following an attack on his community. Litvak also shares his journey to observant Judaism and the challenges of accurately representing Jewish characters in media.
11 Mar
Mahmoud Khalil and Casey Stengel
The episode discusses the Trump administration's handling of various political and economic issues, drawing a parallel with Casey Stengel's famous question about his poorly performing team. It covers the contentious arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, economic uncertainty due to tariffs, and the problematic influences shaping policy decisions, punctuated by the controversial actions of figures like Elon Musk.
11 Mar
David Bashevkin: 5 Things SNL Taught Me About Life (Purim Special)
David Bashevkin reflects on the significance of comedy, particularly through Saturday Night Live's legacy, drawing lessons for Jewish life and community. Using Lorne Michaels' approach, Bashevkin emphasizes the value of creativity, tradition, and seizing imperfect opportunities in personal and communal growth.
10 Mar
When Life’s a Drag: A Look into the History of Jews & Cross-Dressing
The episode explores the relationship between Jews and the cross-dressing traditions, exemplified by Purim celebrations, and how these practices have influenced Jewish identity and broader cultural developments. Engaging with historical and contemporary voices, it discusses how drag has served as a means of storytelling, identity exploration, and cultural resistance within Jewish communities.
7 Mar
3/8/25 – Shiur 505 – Purim – Fascinating Sources for our Minhagim | Bringing Simcha into our lives – The stories behind "Bardak" and Suki & Ding
This episode of Halacha Headlines delves into the customs and sources of the joyous Jewish festival of Purim, exploring traditions such as Taanis Esther and the meaning behind costumes and Purim Torah. Special guests Meni Wakshtock of "Bardak" and Dovid Nachman Golding of "Suki and Ding" discuss their contributions to Jewish entertainment and how comedy can be used to foster joy and community in the Torah world.
7 Mar
Twin Peaks
The episode discusses concurrent antisemitism summits held by the ADL in the United States and the Canadian government, questioning their effectiveness in combating antisemitism. The discussion highlights a provocative viral video from the ADL conference, scrutinizing the intersection of digital marketing, personal branding, and antisemitism advocacy.
6 Mar
Stephen Bronfman starts new global Jewish climate fund to counter Trump's cuts to environmental protection
Stephen Bronfman has launched the Jewish Climate Trust to mobilize Jewish philanthropic efforts towards combating climate change, particularly in light of Donald Trump's environmental policy rollbacks. The Trust aims to fund initiatives in North America and Israel, leveraging Jewish values and Israeli eco-technology to drive change globally.
5 Mar
Amichai Lau-Lavie, the 'Sabbath Queen', is forging his own traditions
Amichai Lau-Lavie, an openly gay Jewish leader, redefines Jewish spirituality by blending traditional practices with contemporary inclusivity through his creation, Lab/Shul. The podcast also explores his personal journey of reconciling his Orthodox background with his identity, and his role in Amos Gitai's documentary, Sabbath Queen.
5 Mar
Trump Humiliates the Democrats
The episode analyzes the events of Trump's not-quite-State-of-the-Union address, highlighting Democratic party's response and behaviors during the event. The discussion delves into the implications of Trump's rhetoric and strategy, ultimately concluding that Democrats may need to reevaluate their approach moving forward.
5 Mar
Peter Beinart: 'I feared ethnic cleansing on a large scale, but I couldn't imagine Gaza'
Peter Beinart discusses the moral and political implications of the recent destruction in Gaza, critiquing widespread support for mass expulsions among Israeli and American centrists. He argues this reflects a larger moral failing within the Jewish community to address Palestinian suffering and calls for a reevaluation of Israel's ethical and political premises.
5 Mar
How to Be a Jew … like a Shtisel
Yehonatan Indursky returns with a new prequel to 'Shtisel' called 'Kugel,' highlighting the rich narrative of Libbi and her father Nuchem Shtisel in Antwerp. Hadas Yaron, playing Libbi, shares insights into this fresh portrayal and the relevance of diverse Jewish narratives, reflecting on the show's impact in strengthening Jewish identity.
5 Mar
How to Be a Jew … like a Shtisel
In this episode, the team discusses the new streaming show 'Kugel,' a prequel to the popular series 'Shtisel.' Actress Hadas Yaron shares insights on her role and the series' impact on Jewish culture.
4 Mar
Why Does Trump Want to Raise Prices?
The podcast discusses Donald Trump's tariff policies on Mexico, Canada, and China, examining their potential economic impact on American consumers. Additionally, it explores the concept of "honor" in the context of American commitments and alliances, especially in foreign policy.
3 Mar
The Oscars, Ukraine, and Gaza Aid
The podcast episode delves into the political undercurrents at the Oscars, focusing on controversial speeches and discussions on Hollywood's portrayal of certain issues. Additionally, it addresses the complex geopolitical situation involving Ukraine and Russia, the internal dynamics of American foreign policy, and the contentious aid to Gaza.
28 Feb
Two Rights Make a Wrong
The podcast episode delves into the rise of Meir Kahane's extremist ideologies within the Jewish social media sphere, focusing on influencer Lizzy Savetsky's controversial support for Kahane. The hosts also discuss the ascendancy of the Alternative für Deutschland party in Germany, exploring the implications for Jewish communities amidst broader nationalistic trends.
27 Feb
Country Club Adjacent: One comic's dream to blend comedy, golf and Judaism
Jake Adams, a Jewish stand-up comic, blends humor and sports with his social media channel "Country Club Adjacent," which has gained massive popularity and now includes a podcast and merchandise. Joined by hosts Gabe and James, Adams discusses the intersection of Jews, golf, and comedy, while also addressing recent news in Jewish sports, including Alex Bregman’s major contract with the Red Sox.
27 Feb
What Matters Now to critic Jordan Hoffman: 5 films for Jews to follow at the Oscars
Film critic Jordan Hoffman discusses five Oscar-nominated films with Jewish or Israeli themes, amid a backdrop of ongoing conflict and controversy. These films include dramas on the Holocaust, antagonism in Hollywood regarding Jewish representation, and complex interplays of Palestinian-Jewish narratives.
26 Feb
Will the Gaza Ceasefire Hold?
Discussions revolve around the aftermath of the hostage release and ceasefire deal in Gaza, focusing on the emotions in Israel following the return of both living and deceased hostages. The nuanced political and emotional landscape provides a backdrop to a broader analysis of Israel and Hamas's potential next steps, with US diplomatic involvement crucial to developments.
26 Feb
How to be a Jew … Like Dara Horn
Renowned author Dara Horn shares her insights on dealing with the anger and frustration from recent events affecting the Jewish community and discusses her new Passover-themed time-traveling graphic novel, "One Little Goat." The episode delves into historical patterns of internal Jewish conflict and resilience, offering a hopeful perspective on combating antisemitism.
26 Feb
How to be a Jew … Like Dara Horn
Author Dara Horn discusses the collective anger of Jews following recent tragic events, offering insights into coping with antisemitism while maintaining hope through history. Her new Passover-themed graphic novel for children introduces innovative storytelling that integrates Jewish history and tradition through a fantastical journey, emphasizing resilience and hope.
26 Feb
How to be a Jew … Like Dara Horn
Dara Horn discusses the challenging realities of modern antisemitism while encouraging optimism for the Jewish future, as highlighted by her latest children's graphic novel, "One Little Goat." The conversation critiques societal responses to antisemitism and emphasizes the importance of understanding Jewish identity beyond a religious framework.
20 Feb
The “Synagogues & Stadiums” Edition
Allison Kaplan Sommer, Miriam Herschlag, and Noah Efron delve into the opposition of religious Zionists to a ceasefire with Hamas and explore the deep connection between sports clubs and hostages. They discuss the lasting impact of the protest song "Mechakim LaMashiach" and reflect on Israel's complex history and current societal challenges.
19 Feb
Trump, Musk, and Ukraine
The panel discusses the implications of Donald Trump's recent interview with Elon Musk, where Trump expresses admiration for Musk and explores his unique communication style. The conversation also delves into complex geopolitical issues, such as the U.S.'s handling of the Ukraine conflict and the perception of Russia's role, highlighting Trump's controversial stance on Ukraine and its potential influence on global politics.
19 Feb
Announcement: Thursday Release
There is no episode content provided other than an announcement about rescheduling the release date. The episode will be released on Thursday instead of the usual Wednesday.
19 Feb
How to Be a Jew ... Like Olympian AJ Edelman
AJ Edelman, an Orthodox Jew and pilot of the Israeli bobsled team, discusses his journey to becoming a Winter Olympian and the challenges he faces in raising visibility and support for Jews in sports. He talks about the obstacles, cultural perceptions, and his commitment to representing Israel while also addressing recent events impacting the Israeli community.
19 Feb
How to Be a Jew ... Like Olympian AJ Edelman
AJ Edelman, the first Orthodox Jew to compete in the Winter Olympics, discusses his journey as an athlete, the challenges faced by Jewish athletes, and his mission to promote Jewish involvement in sports. Despite cultural obstacles, Edelman is committed to fostering future Jewish athletic talent and proudly representing Israel on the global stage.
13 Feb
Serenity Now
The episode explores the complexities of modern relationships, highlighting the unrealistic expectations placed on partners and the increasing popularity of couples therapy, particularly how men are navigating societal shifts around masculinity. Daniel Oppenheimer discusses his personal journey in couples therapy and the nuances of accepting personal responsibility within a marriage, framed by his Jewish identity and ideas from therapist Terry Real.
13 Feb
For Rabbi Aaron Rotenberg, environmentalism isn't adjacent to Judaism—it's a core tenet
Rabbi Aaron Rotenberg discusses how Jewish Renewal tradition integrates environmentalism as a central tenet of Judaism, emphasizing an Earth-based spiritual practice. Highlighting his journey from Conservative to Renewal Judaism, he illustrates how eco-spirituality and inclusive, innovative religious services can engage younger Jewish communities.
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by Matt Sienkiewicz
by Matt Sienkiewicz
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