31 Mar
Between Diplomacy and Commemoration: The Origins of the Study of Antisemitism
Tom Eshed, a postdoctoral fellow, explores the evolution of antisemitism research post-World War II, emphasizing its complex relationship with Zionism and Israeli diplomacy. He highlights the role of Jewish organizations in the diaspora and shifts in Israeli attitudes towards antisemitism as influenced by political and international dynamics.
27 Mar
Car Talk
The podcast explores President Trump's decision to impose a 25% tariff on imported automobiles and auto parts, highlighting its potential inflationary effects and broader economic implications. The conversation touches on historical and geopolitical contexts while forecasting potential impacts on Trump's political standing and future policymaking strategies.
27 Mar
Season 4, Coming Next Week
Hosts Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner preview the upcoming fourth season of "Jewish History Nerds," which will focus on the fascinating stories behind Jewish objects and symbols. The season promises to explore both familiar items like the Star of David and lesser-known topics like the Yudin Tso, offering a blend of historical insights and engaging storytelling.
26 Mar
The “Not a Citadel, a Sanhedrin” Edition
Marking the centennial of the Hebrew University's founding in Jerusalem, the episode dives into the significance of its establishment amidst a politically charged environment and global hopes for a Jewish academic haven. It reflects on the diverse historical figures involved and the broad aspirations for Jewish and Arab cooperation, as well as the role of science and universal knowledge in the Jewish state's development.
26 Mar
How to Be a Jew… Who Contemplates the Pig
Jewish Studies professor Jordan Rosenblum explores the symbolic significance of the pig in Jewish culture, addressing both its historical and contemporary impacts on Jewish identity. His discussion in a recent podcast episode highlights the pig as a potent symbol used throughout history, representing transgression and often weaponized against Jews, while also illustrating internal dynamics within Jewish communities regarding dietary laws and identity.
26 Mar
How to Be a Jew… Who Contemplates the Pig
Jordan Rosenblum explores the profound symbolism of the pig in Jewish culture, highlighting how it's been used to affirm and challenge Jewish identity throughout history. His book "Forbidden" delves into the complexity of kashrut laws, showcasing the pig as a powerful metaphor for Jewish self-definition, resistance, and identity formation.
21 Mar
ABRAHAM
Author Anthony Julius explores the complex character of Abraham, emphasizing the patriarch's dual identity as both a skeptic and a believer, which reflects ongoing tensions within Judaism. Julius argues that Abraham's story, particularly the binding of Isaac, continues to resonate due to its fundamental questions about faith, morality, and identity, challenging historical and religious interpretations.
19 Mar
Remembering a global genealogist, a Romanian survivor, B'nai Brith's CEO and more community builders recently lost
This episode honors five Canadian Jewish leaders from various provinces who have recently passed away, each leaving behind a significant impact on their communities through advocacy, philanthropy, and public service. It features touching reflections and discussions of their contributions to Jewish life in Canada and beyond.
13 Mar
Held Hostage in Gaza: A Mother’s Fight for Freedom and Justice
Survivor Shoshan Haran provides a poignant account of her family's abduction during an October 2023 Hamas terror attack on Kibbutz Be'eri and their subsequent captivity in Gaza. Her story requests international action to secure the release of the remaining hostages and highlights the need for unity among Jewish communities worldwide, raising serious reflections on the aftermath of the attack.
6 Mar
The “Out of Phase” Edition
The episode discusses the potential implications of the stalled ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, and the controversial proposal by Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding an 'Egalitarian State Commission of Inquiry' to investigate the October 7 attacks. The hosts also commemorate the centenary of Israel’s esteemed 'Bible Reciter,' intertwining historical reflections with current political analyses.
6 Mar
Assessing Trump’s Gaza Expulsion Fantasy
Alex Kane hosts a discussion with Mouin Rabbani and Tariq Kenney-Shawa on President Trump's controversial proposal for the mass expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza and its historical and geopolitical context. The guests explore the potential implications for the region and the future of the Gaza ceasefire amidst widespread rejection of the plan by Palestinian groups and neighboring Arab countries.
4 Mar
Was Canadian professor Hassan Diab innocent or a scapegoat for France shul bombing?
Two journalists explore the complex legal and moral questions surrounding the extradition and conviction of Hassan Diab, a Canadian professor accused of a 1980 synagogue bombing in Paris. Through interviews and meticulous investigation, they uncover significant discrepancies in the evidence, challenging the French judiciary's decision and raising questions about potential Islamophobia and scapegoating.
3 Mar
Chronicles of Destruction
Dr. Lee Mordechai, a Byzantine historian, shifts his focus to collecting detailed evidence of alleged atrocities in the ongoing Gaza War, ultimately concluding Israel's actions in Gaza amount to genocide. His work highlights the international discourse divergence on the events post-October 7, 2023, leading to a viral discussion of his findings.
2 Mar
'Ironically, Israel's far-right extremists are more normalized than Germany's far right'
Journalists Vera Weidenbach and David Issacharoff discuss the implications of the German election results, focusing on the rise of the far-right AfD party and its Nazi roots. They explore the contrasting responses in Israel, particularly the Israeli government's support for Germany's pro-Israel conservative leader Friedrich Merz.
28 Feb
EMERGENCY POD: Oval Office Horrorshow
In a contentious and unprecedented Oval Office meeting, Presidents Trump and Zelensky, alongside Vice President J.D. Vance, engaged in a heated exchange that could shift the U.S.'s stance on Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. The episode highlights potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy, spurring significant international and domestic implications.
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.
24 Feb
Trump Fealty, Ukraine, and Crowd Size
The episode explores the current political climate surrounding the Trump administration's stance on Ukraine, paralleling it with past instances where officials echoed Trump's controversial views. The discussion extends to the complex dynamics involving figures like Elon Musk, emphasizing the challenges and implications of policy decisions on both domestic and international fronts.
24 Feb
LOUIS B. MAYER AND IRVING THALBERG
Louis B. Mayer and Irving Thalberg's partnership significantly shaped Hollywood's development, exemplified by their work on iconic films that married business acumen with creative vision. Film critic Kenneth Turan discusses their impactful collaboration alongside the tensions and eventual fallout that defined their legacy in the film industry.
24 Feb
#90: Testimony at Sinai
The episode explores the Sinai Revelation as an unparalleled historical event where God revealed Himself to the Israelites, creating a mass testimony that underpins Jewish faith. Rabbi Walby discusses the Sefer HaChinuch's introduction, emphasizing the importance of collective witness and tradition in establishing religious truth.
23 Feb
Former U.S. ambassador Dan Shapiro: ‘Trump’s Gaza plan is not serious and it’s not going to happen’
Former U.S. ambassador to Israel, Dan Shapiro, discusses the intricacies of the hostages-for-ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing the necessity of removing Hamas from Gaza. He critiques Trump's unrealistic Gaza plan and highlights the urgent need to prioritize hostage releases while evaluating potential post-war governance scenarios for Gaza.
20 Feb
An Unproductive Ambiguity
The podcast episode discusses the film "The Brutalist," exploring its depiction of Israel and Zionism as a hopeful escape from antisemitism for Holocaust survivors in the U.S. Participants critique the film's narrative of Jewish life post-Holocaust and its political ambiguity, particularly regarding the treatment of Zionism and racial assimilation in America.
20 Feb
Is there Evidence for the Bible's Historicity? - Rabbi Zarum
Rabbi Raphael Zarum explores the historicity of the Bible, examining whether it holds as a historical and divine text. He differentiates between studying the Bible as a sacred text versus an academic subject, while also addressing archaeological evidence and literary readings that contribute to this discussion.
18 Feb
Ari Lamm: Teaching Non-Jews To Love the Bible [Outreach 3/5]
Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm delves into the role Jewish texts have played and continue to play in shaping broader cultural narratives and civilizational structures, particularly highlighting historical influences such as the Protestant Reformation and the American Revolution. He argues for a proactive Jewish engagement with non-Jews to perpetuate this impactful legacy, focusing on presenting Jewish ideas as a source of universal inspiration.
18 Feb
The Netherlands released the names of 425,000 suspected Nazi collaborators. Why won't Canada do the same?
Canada faces legal pressure from B'nai Brith to release the Deschenes Report on suspected Nazi war criminals admitted post-World War II, as other countries like the Netherlands have done for transparency. Canada's decision to withhold these documents, citing concerns about international relations and ongoing investigations, has ignited debate over historical accountability and transparency, involving historians and Jewish rights advocates.
17 Feb
“It Is the Crown Jewel of My Career in Public Service”
Elyakim Rubinstein details his pivotal role in negotiations between Israel and its neighbors, particularly highlighting the historic peace treaty with Jordan, which recently marked 30 years. Reflecting on the complexities and dynamics of diplomatic relations, Rubinstein illustrates the intricacies of boundary agreements and the evolution of Israeli-Jordanian ties, underlining their strategic importance.
14 Feb
2/15/25 – Shiur 502 – Trump's disengagement plan for Gaza – Is Gaza Halachically part of Eretz Yisroel?
Discussing the question of whether Gaza is considered part of Eretz Yisrael, David Lichtenstein invites Rabbi Yissochor Dov Krakowski and Rabbi Ari Waxman to explore the halachic and historical perspectives. The conversation touches on topics like Trumas and Maaseros, Kevura, and the historical presence of Jewish life in Gaza, referencing various rabbinic sources and historical events.
14 Feb
Diana Mara Henry and Gabriel Scheinmann on One Jew Who Fought Back against the Nazis
Diana Mara Henry and Gabriel Scheinmann uncover the life of André, a German Jew who became a key figure in the French Resistance against Nazis during World War II. Through his espionage and sabotage work, André, originally Joseph Scheinmann, exemplified relentless defiance and courage, eventually surviving the war and immigrating to America.
13 Feb
Dark Times for Ukraine
Donald Trump's approach to ending the Russia-Ukraine war reflects a shift towards a more isolationist and transactional U.S. foreign policy, reminiscent of pre-World War II dynamics. Meanwhile, Israel faces challenges as Hamas partially resumes hostage releases, complicating the current geopolitical landscape.
13 Feb
The “Sins: Past, Present & Future” Edition
The episode opens with discussions on how images of hostages might affect the Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire and Benny Morris's analysis warning of a potential genocide due to mutual dehumanization in the region. The hosts reflect on the current Israeli social dynamics and innovative community initiatives aimed at healing and sustainability amidst ongoing conflict.
13 Feb
Gaza Wars Lessons, The Passuk Focus & Parsha Concept
Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein explores lessons from the Gaza War and delves into the intricacies of interpreting verses (pesukim) and sections (parshiot) of the Tanach. He explains the importance of understanding context, structure, and traditional punctuation to deeply grasp the meaning and intention of the biblical text.
12 Feb
Israel in Ceasefire – Faces of the Hostages
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi explore the complex reasons behind the surprising support in Israel for Trump's controversial plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza. They dissect how historical trauma, public opinion, and current political dynamics are influencing this divisive issue.
7 Feb
Cynthia Ozick on "The Conversion of the Jews" (Rebroadcast)
Cynthia Ozick discusses her story "The Conversion of the Jews," which explores historical and contemporary themes of Jewish identity, conversion, and the profound mystery of apostasy through the fictional journey of Solomon Edelberg. The conversation traverses the complexities of rationality, mysticism, and identity linked to historical figures and events, juxtaposing them with modern issues of Jewish self-perception and continuity.
6 Feb
Shaping Judaism: The Evolution and Impact of Hebrew Printing - Israel Mizrahi Books
Israel Mizrahi explores the transformative role of Hebrew printing in shaping Jewish scholarship and culture, highlighting its impact from the printing press's inception through its continued legacy. He discusses the challenges, opportunities, and shifts in Jewish textual traditions as a result of printing advancements, as well as the social and economic factors influencing Jewish book publishing historically and today.
5 Feb
How to be a Jew ... who claims Israel
Ben M. Freeman discusses his new book, 'The Jews: An Indigenous People,' exploring the Jewish people's indigenous ties to Israel and the broader implications of Jewish identity. The conversation delves into the complexities of Judaism as both a civilization and a religion in the context of contemporary societal challenges.
4 Feb
'We're beyond the point of denying that Israel has an apartheid system in the West Bank'
Israeli military operations targeting Palestinian militant groups in the West Bank, particularly in Jenin, continue to escalate, exacerbating the harsh realities for civilians caught in the conflict. The episode discusses the complexities of the situation, highlighting both the intensified Israeli military campaigns and the intricate political dynamics, including the relationship with the Palestinian Authority and internal Israeli politics.
3 Feb
The Tariff Madness
As Donald Trump resurrects economic policies from the past, imposing hefty tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, the episode examines the potential consequences of such a move on both the U.S. economy and international relations. The discussion highlights historical parallels and differences, while scrutinizing the viability of tariffs as an economic strategy.
31 Jan
Why Did the Nazi Cross the Road?
Elon Musk's controversial Nazi-themed jokes spark debate over the nature of humor and the shifting context of Nazi and Holocaust references today. The conversation delves into the historical trajectory of comedy, exploring the implications of modern online trolling culture and its intersection with right-wing ideologies.
29 Jan
Natan Sharansky: 'If you don't have faith or Zionism, your grandchildren will not be Jewish' (18 Questions, 40 Israeli Thinkers)
Natan Sharansky, a former Soviet dissident and Israeli politician, discusses the intertwined challenges of antisemitism and assimilation facing the Jewish people, asserting that Israel is pivotal for Jewish continuity. He reflects on the historical and ongoing geopolitical challenges Israel faces, particularly in relation to antisemitism, Zionism, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
23 Jan
ANNE FRANK
Ruth Franklin delves into Anne Frank's evolution from a typical teenager to an iconic figure through her diary, discussing various adaptations and interpretations of her work. The episode highlights how Anne's story continues to resonate globally, illustrating the challenges and potential of rendering her Jewish identity on a universal platform in light of contemporary issues.
21 Jan
Haym Soloveitchik: The Rupture and Reconstruction of Halacha (Halacha Series Re-Release)
Haym Soloveitchik's landmark article 'Rupture and Reconstruction' analyzes the evolution of Jewish halacha from a community-based, mimetic tradition to a text-based practice following the Holocaust. This shift has led to changes in Orthodox Jewish life, including increased stringency and a decreased sense of spiritual awe in everyday religious observance.
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by Matt Sienkiewicz
by Matt Sienkiewicz
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