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PODCAST

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam

Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman are two of the most dynamic, interesting, and thought-provoking Jewish leaders today. Two seasoned educators who love to talk, listen, laugh, challenge, and grow, Mijal and Noam are the Wondering Jews, leading us through thought-provoking discussions that are as serious as they are entertaining. Whether you"re a seasoned scholar or just curious about Jewish culture, this show offers a refreshing perspective that"s both enlightening and enjoyable. It"s not just a

religion & spirituality judaism

All Episodes

39:12

Exploring Religious Zionism with Yair Ettinger

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/02/27

Mijal and Noam dive into the complexities of religious Zionism in Israel with renowned journalist, Yair Ettinger. They explore the historical roots of the movement, from the pragmatic vision of Rabbi Reines to the messianic approach of Rabbi Kook and discuss how these ideologies helped shape modern Israeli society. They ask tough questions, including why figures such as Meir Kahane are resurfacing in popular discourse. With the rise of hardline religious Zionist factions, Mijal and Noam delve into

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45:03

Should Jews Move to Israel?: Zionism, Aliyah, and...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/02/20

This week, Mijal and Noam dive into the existential question of Diaspora Jews: Should Jews move to Israel? Mijal and Noam engage in a thought provoking conversation about Zionism, Aliyah and Jewish identity. They explore historical, religious, and philosophical debates about Aliyah, which literally means ascent or rise and refers to Jewish immigration to Israel. Mijal and Noam share their personal stories, experiences of cognitive dissonance and insights from great Jewish thinkers. Together, they

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44:56

Is "Zionism" Dead?: Re-Defining Identity in 2025

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/02/12

Mijal and Noam are back with a provocative conversation about the term Zionism and what it means to be a Zionist today. They explore whether the term itself does more harm than good and discuss why it’s so polarizing. Listen to Mijal and Noam grapple with questions about Zionism's relevance by drawing on research, insight and personal reflections about language, history, and identity.Report by Matthew Boxer: What is Zionism? Assessing the Diversity of Discourse in a Charged

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44:38

A Journey through Zionism: Identity, Politics and...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/02/05

This week, we are re-releasing the top episode chosen by Wondering Jews' loyal listeners. Mijal and Noam are joined by special guest Rabbi Joe Schwartz, director of Makom, the Israel Education Laboratory of the Jewish Agency. They explore the complexities of Jewish identity, Zionism, and the evolving relationship between Israel and the global Jewish community, particularly in light of the events of October 7th. The discussion includes the challenges of bridging the gap between American Jewry and

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55:42

Wondering about Zionism with Haviv Rettig Gur : #1...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/01/29

Wondering Jews is marking its first birthday with the re-release of the Unpacked staff's all time favorite episode. Mijal and Noam talk to friend and journalist Haviv Rettig Gur in a conversation that illuminates the complexity of the Jewish story and the history of Zionism. Together they explore: What does Zionism mean to you? What does it mean to the Jewish people and the world at large? Haviv delves into Zionism as a means of survival while exploring how it has been misunderstood. Listen again or

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46:49

Meghan McCain on Antisemitism and Politics: Live from...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/01/22

As we approach our one-year anniversary, we’re counting down the top five episodes from our first year, as chosen by the team at Unpacked. This week, Mijal and Noam revisit episode #2, a special live recording at the Jewish Federation General Assembly (JFNA GA). In this landmark episode, we’re joined by Meghan McCain—New York Times bestselling author, podcast host, and former co-host of The View. Meghan, the daughter of the late-US Senator, John McCain, opens up about her experiences standing up

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40:34

Campus Encampments and Jewish Identity: #3 Staff Pick...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/01/15

Mijal and Noam are back with the countdown to Wondering Jews' first birthday. In the third staff pick of the year's top episodes, they revisit an intense conversation about the 2024 campus encampments advocating for Palestinian causes. Catch this thought-provoking episode for the first time or listen again to Mijal and Noam's discussion on the backlash, and the strong emotions the encampments evoked in the Jewish community. Noam shares his philosophy on empathy, even for critics, while Mijal

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39:21

Haredim and the Israeli Army: #4 Staff Pick (Re-release)

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/01/08

The countdown to Wondering Jews' first birthday continues with number 4, Haredim and the Israeli Army. In this episode, Mijal and Noam delve into the heated and multifaceted debate over whether Haredim should be mandated to serve in the IDF. This battle is not a new one, but it was brought to the forefront when the Sephardic chief rabbi threatened that Haredim would leave the country rather than serve in the IDF. In their discussion, Mijal and Noam push each other to give generous arguments and ask,

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33:13

Can ChatGPT replace my Rabbi?: #5 Staff Pick...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/01/01

This New Year's Day, Mijal and Noam introduce our “Top 5 Staff Picks” in a special countdown to Wondering Jews' first birthday. They reflect on 2024 and introduce the re-release of one of Unpacked staff's favorite episodes, "Can ChatGPT replace my Rabbi?" Mijal and Noam discuss the evolving role of rabbis and whether artificial intelligence can replace or supplement these roles. At the same time, they explore various responsibilities of rabbis, such as providing information, teaching, offering care

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39:08

Unpacking Hanukkah: History, Miracles, and the...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2024/12/25

Why is Hanukkah so beloved by Jews worldwide? What’s the deeper significance of the miracle of the oil and the fight for Jewish identity? Join Mijal and Noam on Wondering Jews as they explore the layers of Hanukkah—from its historical roots to its modern-day meanings. They explore spiritual and cultural interpretations of Hanukkah, and its role as a celebration of resilience, miracles, and light. Listen now and light up your holiday season!Get in touch at WonderingJews@jewishunpacked.com, and call

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45:21

Speaking to the Soul: Yirmiyahu Danzig's Journey...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2024/12/18

Hosts Mijal and Noam are joined by educator, storyteller, and influencer, Yirmiyahu Danzig, known as That_Semite. Yirmiyahu has millions of followers across TikTok, Instagram, and Unpacked's YouTube channel. He shares his journey connecting with audiences, embracing the complexities of Jewish and Palestinian identities, and fostering dialogue in a divided world.Get in touch at WonderingJews@jewishunpacked.com, and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews. Click here to follow Yirmiyahu on Unpacked. UNPACKED is

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45:57

Does Interfaith Dialogue Work After 10/7?

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2024/12/11

Rabbi Yehuda Sarna, a leader with diverse roles spanning Jewish community engagement, joins Mijal and Noam for a thought-provoking conversation about the role of interfaith dialogue since October 7th. The episode explores Rabbi Sarna’s fascinating journey—from serving as the Executive Director of NYU's Bronfman Center to becoming a global figure in interfaith work in Abu Dhabi. Rabbi Sarna spoke to Mijal and Noam following the tragic murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a Chabad emissary in the UAE.Get in

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43:22

What Do Trump’s Picks Mean For Jewish America?: with...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2024/12/04

Hosts Mijal and Noam sit down with Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and former U.S. Congressman, for an insightful discussion on some of the Jewish world's most pressing issues. Ted shares his experiences from decades of advocacy. The conversation touches on the future of bipartisan support for Israel, the rising threats of antisemitism, and personal reflections on Jewish identity.Get in touch at WonderingJews@jewishunpacked.com, and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews. ------------ This

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39:31

What Are We Thankful For? Personal Reflections from...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2024/11/27

Hosts Mijal and Noam explore themes of gratitude along with Jewish and American identity. As Thanksgiving approaches, they share personal reflections, listener questions, and cultural insights while emphasizing the importance of gratitude in everyday life.------------ Get in touch at WonderingJews@jewishunpacked.com, and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Unpacking

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36:33

Elon Gold: Laughing through Faith, Identity, and...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2024/11/20

Comedian and actor Elon Gold joins Mijal and Noam to talk about Jewish identity, cultural pride, and the impact of antisemitism on Jewish life today. Known for his appearances on Curb Your Enthusiasm and his comedy specials, Elon shares personal reflections on balancing his career with a deep connection to Judaism and Israel. Elon, Mijal and Noam also discuss Elon's new podcast, Stars of David, which launches this week and is also produced by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.------------ This

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44:03

Meghan McCain on Antisemitism and Politics: Live from...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2024/11/14

In their first live episode, hosts Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman talk to Meghan McCain—author, former co-host of The View, and podcast host. The conversation was recorded live in front of a packed audience at the Jewish Federation of North America's General Assembly in Washington, DC. Meghan McCain, the daughter of the late Senator John McCain, brings an insightful perspective on antisemitism, American politics, and her personal experiences as an ally to the Jewish community. The episode explores

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39:46

The Jewish Vote and Preserving Democracy with Lauren...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2024/11/06

Hosts Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman welcome Lauren Markoe, news editor of The Forward, to discuss polls and trends among Jewish voters, many of whom live in swing states. The conversation touches on how Jewish communities navigate political divides, the challenges of public opinion, and cultural identity. Lauren highlights the heightened concern for democracy within Jewish communities, the complexity of political allegiances, and how issues such as Israel, antisemitism, and civic engagement drive

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39:03

Navigating Israel, Identity, and Empathy in a...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2024/10/30

Hosts Mijal and Noam explore the podcast's mission: to discuss and try to understand the complexities within the Jewish world. They talk about an ongoing challenge for parents; how to talk about antisemitism and Israel with children. Mijal and Noam also reflect on how their beliefs have changed over the past year.------------ This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Unpacking Israeli History Soulful

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48:53

What Lies Ahead for Israel with Haviv Rettig Gur

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2024/10/22

Hosts Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman sit down with journalist and friend, Haviv Rettig Gur to talk about what lies ahead for Israel. They discuss the many challenges Israel faces, including a regional war with new technologies, the fate of the hostages still in Gaza, an uncertain geopolitical future and deep internal divisions. Haviv, Mijal and Noam address Israel's relationship with American Jews at a time when American Jewish identity is also evolving. On this Simchat Torah, which marks one year

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31:09

Finding Joy in Sukkot and Beyond

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2024/10/15

In this episode of Wondering Jews, Noam and Mijal dive into the themes of joy and happiness through the lens of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. They explore the paradox of a festival centered on joy amidst life’s impermanence, discussing how the temporary structure of the sukkah reminds us of what truly brings happiness: relationships, community, and purpose. Along the way, they share personal confessions from their high school reading lists, memories of joyful moments, and reflections on how to

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