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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

35:05

You Think You Know Chabad? Think Again — With Rabbi...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/07/30

What does Chabad have to offer a fractured world in 2025? Mijal Bitton and and Noam Weissman are joined by renowned Chabad scholar and speaker Rabbi YY Jacobson to explore the enduring power of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s legacy. Together, they unpack Chabad’s worldview, its nuanced relationship with Zionism, and its bold answer to antisemitism. Rabbi Jacobson shares how every Jew—religious or secular—can become an agent of healing, love, and redemptive consciousness. Click here to read Rabbi

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24:46

The Mamdani Moment: NYC Jews Confront a Political Shift

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/07/23

What does it mean to be Jewish in NYC after Zohran Mamdani’s surprising victory in New York's Democratic mayoral primary? In this candid and passionate conversation, Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman reflect on fear, populism, and the strategic mistakes and opportunities facing the Jewish community. From public safety to coalition-building, they explore why this moment matters far beyond New York — and what must happen next. Note: This episode was recorded before recent developments, but its message

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35:50

Building Jewish Community in an Age of Cancel Culture...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/07/16

Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman sit down with award-winning author and media entrepreneur Zibby Owens to explore what it means to publicly embrace Jewish identity after October 7th. Zibby shares her journey from a largely secular literary figure to an outspoken Jewish advocate. They discuss cancel culture, Zionism, the challenges Jewish authors face in publishing, and the power of Jewish moms stepping up. Note: This conversation was recorded before the Iran-Israel War in June, 2025. On Being

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33:27

When Music Turns Into a Weapon

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/07/09

What happens when the artists we love express hatred toward Israel—or Jews ? This week, hosts Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman confront this issue, from Bob Vylan leading chants of “Death to the IDF” at Glastonbury to Dave Matthews Band calling for a Gaza ceasefire. Listen to this timely conversation on the emotional and moral dilemmas of supporting artists whose politics feel threatening. The Free Press: Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Glastonbury—and the Purge of the Jews Please follow Wondering Jews on

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67:21

Unpacking Antisemitism with Haviv Rettig Gur

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/07/02

(Note: this episode was recorded before Mamdani's victory in the Democratic primary of the NYC mayoral election.)Journalist and historian Haviv Rettig Gur returns to Wondering Jews to explore why antisemitism persists across centuries —from medieval Europe to modern American campuses. Together, Haviv, Mijal and Noam unpack how conspiracy theories, religion, and political ideologies fuel hatred of Jews, why Zionism emerged as a response, and what American Jews can learn from history. Wondering

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11:26

Raw Reflections on 12-Days That Changed Everything

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/06/25

Mijal and Noam break down the emotional and spiritual aftermath of the last twelve days of war that mainstream media is missing. Moving beyond geopolitical analysis, they explore what it means to hold space for empathy—toward both Israelis carrying the trauma of October 7th and Iranians suffering under authoritarian rule. Plus, real-time updates from their Israeli team dodging missile warnings while trying to work.What sparked the most reflection for you during these 12 days?Email us

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29:32

From Spies to Zionists: What the Torah Teaches us...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/06/20

Noam and Mijal pause the punditry and explore how ancient biblical wisdom offers profound guidance for navigating the uncertainty, fear, and complexity of today’s Jewish moment. In this special, bonus episode, they dive into the weekly Torah portion of Shlach—the story of the scouts in the Book of Numbers to help think through the chaos facing Israel today.Michael Walzer's Exodus and Revolution Here is a link to Mijal's Substack: https://mijal.substack.com/ Yaakov Katz's post on his journey

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50:16

On the Ground in Tel Aviv during a Historic Week with...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/06/18

Mijal and Noam sit down with Rabbi Joe Schwartz in Tel Aviv as Israel faces an unprecedented war with Iran. With missiles falling and sirens wailing, Joe shares what life looks like on the ground—from parenting under fire to the emotional toll of global Jewish silence and solidarity. Together, they explore the theological, political, and deeply personal stakes of this moment, discuss Prime Minister Netanyahu’s surprising shift in tone, and reflect on what this war means for the collective Jewish

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36:25

Facing an Existential Threat: Why Israel Struck Iran...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/06/13

In this urgent crossover episode of Wondering Jews and Unpacking Israeli History, Noam Weissman is joined by military analyst and author Yaakov Katz to break down Israel’s unprecedented airstrike on Iranian nuclear and military targets. As events unfold in real time, they explore the historical roots, strategic timing, and existential stakes of the operation—drawing connections to Israel’s past strikes in Iraq (1981) and Syria (2007). From Mossad tactics to regional geopolitics, this episode offers

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52:01

War, Grief, and Zionism: A Conversation with...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/06/11

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Noam and Mijal are joined by Dr. Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S. and grieving father of Major Moshe Yedidya Leiter, z”l, who fell in Gaza after October 7th. Together, they confront hard questions: What does it mean to lead while grieving? How does one reconcile faith and sacrifice in wartime? Together, they explore the importance of dissent and ask when does criticism cross a line?And please follow Wondering Jews on Instagram

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36:41

Zionism and Anti-Zionism: Defining Our Terms...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/06/04

Mijal and Noam revisit their conversation about Zionism, anti-Zionism, and Jewish identity—framed by the recent murder of two Israeli embassy staffers, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim in Washington D.C. Together, they debate whether anti-Zionism is inherently antisemitic, whether all criticism of Israel qualifies as anti-Zionist, and how to define terms like “Zionism” in different contexts—academically, personally, or communally. ⁠Herzl's Der Judenstaat Please Note: The updated introduction to

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55:38

BONUS Shavuot Learning: Ruth's Quiet Revolution with...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/05/29

Mijal was so inspired by her conversation with Noam on the meaning of Shavuot that she decided to dive even deeper in this bonus episode on the Book of Ruth (Megillat Rut). Mijal is is joined by her original podcast partner, Rabbi Joe Wolfson. Together, they explore the Book of Ruth, its profound relevance for today’s Jewish world—especially in the wake of October 7 and ongoing challenges in Israel and the diaspora. This conversation is a perfect way to kick off Shavuot, a holiday deeply

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28:37

More than Just Cheesecake: Why Shavuot Is the Most...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/05/28

Mijal and Noam explore why Shavuot often feels like the “forgotten” Jewish holiday. Is it just about cheesecake, or is there a deeper reason it remains overlooked? They dive into the biblical origins of Shavuot, its transformation from an agricultural celebration to the festival of receiving the Torah, and the profound (and countercultural) themes of divine commandment and covenant. Whether you’ve celebrated Shavuot for decades or are learning about it for the first time, this episode invites you to

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10:31

A Special Message from Mijal and Noam About the...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/05/22

In the wake of the antisemitic attack that took the lives of Yaron Lashinsky and Sarah Milgram outside a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C., Noam and Mijal reflect on their heartbreak. They discuss grief, the danger of misplaced blame, and what this moment means for Jews—and allies—around the world. From interfaith solidarity to the language of anti-Zionism, this is a conversation about mourning, clarity, and resolve.And please follow Wondering Jews on Instagram

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61:54

Negotiating Empires: What Can the Israeli Government...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/05/21

Mijal sits down with Rabbi Alex Israel—beloved Tanakh educator, podcaster, and Israeli thought leader—for a sweeping conversation that bridges biblical history with today's geopolitical challenges. Together, Mijal and Rav Alex explore timeless prophetic insights, the dangers of political power, and the enduring call for moral leadership and national unity. If you've ever wondered how ancient Jewish texts might help us make sense of today's dizzying headlines, this episode is for you.Click here

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44:11

Reconsidering Lag Ba'Omer with Yael Dworkin– A...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/05/15

What’s with the bonfires, bows and arrows, and mystical vibes of Lag Ba’Omer? In this episode, Noam sits down with Yael Dworkin, a Judaic studies teacher in Jerusalem, to uncover the spiritual depths of one of Judaism’s most mysterious holidays. Together, they explore the teachings of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, the meaning of the Zohar, and why today’s generation is craving deeper, more soulful expressions of Jewish life. Whether you grew up with Lag Ba'Omer or are just Jewish-curious, this is the Lag

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0:42

A Message for our Listeners

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/05/14

Hey everybody, this is Michael, the new producer for Wondering Jews. There's no new episode today, but tomorrow, we have a brand new one with Noam and a very special guest discussing the upcoming holiday of Lag Ba Omer. So please stay tuned and check your feed. Thanks for your patience. Please check out our brand new Instagram at Wandering Jews. Get in touch at our new email address: WonderingJews@unpacked.media and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews. Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out

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27:01

Ask Us Anything: Zionism, Israel, and the Books We Love

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/05/07

Mijal and Noam have asked you to get in touch. This week, they are answering some of your questions, straight from their inbox. From unpacking the layered differences between Zionism, political Zionism, and religious Zionism, to reflecting on how American Jews can honestly and constructively talk to their kids about Israel’s complexities, this episode brings nuance, humor, and intellectual clarity to some of the most pressing issues in Jewish life today.Get in touch at our new email address:

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36:34

BONUS: What the Heck Is the World Zionist Congress...

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/05/02

Ever wondered how Diaspora Jews help decide the fate of a $1 billion fund in Israel? Join Noam Weissman and special guest Tova Dorfman, President of the World Zionist Organization, for a fast-paced guide to the World Zionist Congress elections—who’s on the ballot, what’s at stake, and why every Jewish voter needs to make their voice heard by May 4th.Link to Vote: https://azm.castiron.votem.net/election/037548cb-4cbb-4a94-aa9a-8aef017d4ddf

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49:33

Feeling Hopeful This Yom Haatzmaut with Haviv Rettig Gur

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam ·

2025/05/01

Celebrate Israel’s 77th birthday, as Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman welcome Times of Israel political correspondent Haviv Rettig Gur for a candid Yom Ha’atzmaut conversation. In this episode, recorded at the close of Yom HaZikaron and on the eve of Independence Day amidst national wildfires and an ongoing conflict, we unpack: What it feels like to honor 59 hostages still held in Gaza while preparing to rejoice How family rituals and neighborhood gatherings keep hope alive, even when the

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