Daily Podcasts Video Research

Unorthodox

Unorthodox is the universe’s leading Jewish podcast, hosted by Stephanie Butnick, Liel Leibovitz, and Joshua Malina. Each week we bring you News of the Jews, interesting guests—one Jewish and one gentile—and so much more.
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20 Feb
Can Orthodox Judaism Be Reformed? with Rabbi Irving Greenberg
Rabbi Irving Greenberg presents his thought-provoking theories on the evolution of Jewish theology and the possibility of reforming Orthodox Judaism to reflect modern values. He emphasizes human responsibility and agency in the contemporary era, especially in relation to historic and potentially contentious issues like the Holocaust and LGBTQ rights.
19 Feb
How to Be a Jew ... Like Olympian AJ Edelman
AJ Edelman, the first Orthodox Jew to compete in the Winter Olympics, discusses the challenges and triumphs of being an Israeli bobsledder and the cultural attitudes of Jews towards sports. He also delves into his ongoing efforts in Israeli sports advocacy, the practicalities of maintaining orthodox practices while competing, and his role in speaking out for Israel amid geopolitical tensions.
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.
13 Feb
Is This the End of Woke Capitalism?, With Jennifer Sey
Jennifer Sey discusses her journey from a national gymnastics champion to a CEO advocating for women's rights in sports, emphasizing the challenges she faced due to her controversial views on COVID-19 policies and trans athletes in women's sports. Her conversation sheds light on corporate America's shift towards 'woke capitalism' and the personal and professional fallout she experienced for standing by her beliefs.
12 Feb
How to Be a Jew … Among Friends
Journalist and friendship expert Anna Goldfarb discusses the complexities of maintaining and building friendships in modern times, emphasizing the need for meaningful connections in one's social circles. Through the lens of Jewish cultural experiences, she explores how friendships can evolve due to shared interests and life changes, especially considering recent societal shifts affecting Jewish communities.
5 Feb
Are We Really About to Empty Gaza of Palestinians?, with Tony Badran
Discussing Trump's proposal to resettle Palestinian residents from Gaza, Tony Badran argues the plan as generous yet controversial, challenging existing norms in the Middle East discourse. He critiques the impact of previous U.S. policies and emphasizes the complexities of Arab geopolitics and the limits of the Abraham Accords.
5 Feb
Are We Really About to Empty Gaza of Palestinians?, with Tony Badran
The episode features Tablet Magazine's Tony Badran discussing former President Trump's radical proposal to evacuate Gaza of its 1.8 million Palestinian residents, moving them elsewhere in the Arab world. Badran argues that the plan challenges decades of foreign policy thinking and describes it as unexpectedly generous, offering a fresh perspective on regional geopolitics.
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.
5 Feb
How to be a Jew ... who claims Israel
Ben Freeman discusses the indigenous identity of the Jewish people in connection to Israel, challenging prevailing narratives that frame Jews solely as a religious group. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing Jewish indigeneity and Jewish pride in both historical and contemporary contexts amidst rising global tensions.
30 Jan
Are Science and Religion Mutually Exclusive? With Spencer Klavan
Spencer Klavan discusses the intersection of science and religion, exploring how modern scientific discoveries often echo ancient theological ideas. He challenges the notion that science and religion are inherently opposed, suggesting instead that both can coexist and enrich our understanding of the universe.
29 Jan
How to be a jew … Like Lisa Edelstein
Lisa Edelstein discusses her journey from a prominent 80s figure and actress to a painter whose Jewish identity deeply influences her art. In the episode, Edelstein reflects on her experiences with antisemitism, the importance of cultural rituals, and how significant events like those on October 7th have shaped her work and perspective.
29 Jan
How to be a Jew … Like Lisa Edelstein
Lisa Edelstein discusses her new art show, 'Dance Me to the End of the World,' emphasizing its Jewish themes and how her cultural heritage influences her work. The conversation explores her experiences in acting and painting, and how her Jewish identity shapes both her creative endeavors and personal life.
23 Jan
Saving Western Values: Rotherham and the Perils of Multiculturalism with Melanie Phillips
British journalist Melanie Phillips critiques the mismanagement of the Rotherham scandal by authorities prioritizing multiculturalism over liberal democratic values, arguing that such ideologies endanger Western civilization. Her book, The Builder's Stone, posits that Jewish and Christian values are foundational to Western culture and essential for its preservation.
23 Jan
Saving Western Values: Rotherham and the Perils of Multiculturalism with Melanie Phillips
Melanie Phillips discusses the Rotherham child sex scandal and attributes its mishandling to the dangers of multiculturalism, arguing that this ideology undermines Western values and contributes to Western cultural decline. She also explores themes from her book, suggesting that a return to Jewish and Christian values is essential for safeguarding the West's democratic principles.
22 Jan
How to be a Jew … and a pragmatist
Rabbi Marc Katz discusses the pragmatic decisions underlying rabbinic Judaism, focusing on Yohanan ben Zakkai's choice to prioritize establishing a school over saving the Temple after its destruction. This conversation explores the balance between tradition-informed pragmatism and the challenges facing modern Jewish communities, including interfaith marriage and evolving Zionist sentiments.
22 Jan
How to be a Jew … and a pragmatist
Rabbi Marc Katz discusses the pragmatic approach of Yochanan ben Zakkai in preserving Jewish teachings by prioritizing the establishment of a school over saving the Temple. This conversation explores the implications of pragmatism in Jewish leadership and contemporary challenges, such as engagement with interfaith families and dealing with anti-Zionist sentiments.
16 Jan
Is the Hostage Deal a Disaster? with Gadi Taub
Gadi Taub expresses deep concerns over Israel's hostage swap deal with Hamas, criticizing it as a strategic defeat and a threat to Israeli security. He highlights complex political dynamics involving Israeli and American leadership, stressing that the deal compromises Israel's military and political leverage.
16 Jan
Is the Hostage Deal a Disaster? with Gadi Taub
Israeli journalist Gadi Taub voices his opposition to a recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, arguing that it undermines Israel's strategic goals and strengthens Hamas's position. Taub shares concerns about both domestic political pressures and the international stance of allies, exploring the ramifications for Israeli and American policies.
15 Jan
UPDATE: How to Be a Jew … in Los Angeles right now
Wildfires in Los Angeles have upended daily life, with numerous Jewish families and synagogues among those affected. The community's response is built on traditional Jewish values of resilience and mutual support, guided by lessons from faith on coping with loss and uncertainty.
15 Jan
UPDATE: How to Be a Jew … in Los Angeles right now
Los Angeles is facing severe challenges with ongoing wildfires that have devastated homes and synagogues, prompting an outpour of community support and highlighting the struggle with feelings of helplessness and loss. Rabbi Beau Shapiro discusses Jewish resilience and community actions in the face of uncontrollable natural disasters, offering insight into how faith and communal aid can sustain those affected.