March 11, 2025 • 21 mins
Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir
A rare convergence marks this year's Purim celebration as Jerusalem and the rest of the Jewish world unite on the same day—an event that won't occur again for at least two decades. This timing feels divinely orchestrated, arriving precisely when we need Jewish unity most, following more than a year of hardship since October 7th 2023.
The stories of hostages who survived captivity mirror the ancient Purim narrative with startling clarity. Rachel Edry offering her captors homemade cookies during a 20-hour standoff; Yarden Roman Gat sacrificing her freedom so her husband could escape with their three-year-old daughter; Agam Berger lighting a single Hanukkah candle while in captivity. These modern heroes embody "Na'afochu"—the complete reversal of fortune that defines Purim's essence—where what was meant for destruction becomes the pathway to salvation.
Against the backdrop of antisemitism on university campuses and a world that often responds to Israel's suffering with accusation rather than support, this Purim invites us to transform our celebration into purposeful action. We drink kosher wine not just for pleasure but as a declaration that our existence is not an accident but a miracle. Each bottle from Israel, France, America, or beyond represents not just tradition but resilience—the dedication of winemakers who continue creating despite challenges. When we raise our glasses, we do so for the hostages, for the soldiers, for all who cannot celebrate, knowing they would want us to find strength in unity and joy.
Join our growing Kosher Terroir community as we explore the rich world of kosher wine through the lens of tradition, innovation, and shared passion. Subscribe to discover conversations with legendary winemakers, rising stars, and influential voices shaping the future of kosher wine. From Jerusalem to wherever you may be listening, we invite you to celebrate Purim with purpose and raise a glass to Achdut Yisrael and Am Yisrael.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
S. Simon Jacob (00:09):
Welcome to The Kosher Terroir.
I'm Simon Jacob, your host forthis episode from Jerusalem.
If you're driving in your car,please focus on the road ahead.
If you're home relaxing, pleasepour a glass of wonderful
kosher wine, sit back, relax andenjoy.
As we prepare to celebratePurim this week, I ask that,
(00:31):
wherever you are, please take amoment to pray.
Pray for the safety and returnof our hostages, pray for the
return home of all ourstill-displaced citizens, pray
for the safety of our soldiersand pray for peace and security
for all the Jewish people aroundthe world.
(00:53):
Last year, I recorded a Purimepisode that was unlike any
other.
It was raw and it was painful.
We were just five months pastthe horrors of October 7th.
Was painful we were just fivemonths past the horrors of
October 7th, trying our best tofind a footing in a world that
had quite literally turnedupside down.
That episode was my attempt toreconcile the joyous nature of
(01:16):
Purim with the deep wounds stillbleeding in our collective soul
, collective soul.
I spoke about naafochu, thePurim theme of complete
reversals, how Haman's decreewas overturned, how justice was
served and how what seemed atthe time destined for
destruction became a moment ofsalvation.
(01:39):
And now, a year later, here weare again.
What has changed?
And now, a year later, here weare again.
What has changed?
What has remained the same?
And what does Purim mean for usthis year, in 2025, the Jewish
year of 5785?
What you might not know is thatthis Purim is unlike any other.
(02:02):
It is a rare moment in Jewishhistory, one that won't actually
happen again for at leastanother 20 years.
Typically, the Jewish worldcelebrates Purim on the 14th of
the Jewish month of Adar, whileJerusalem and a select few other
ancient walled cities celebrateone day later, on the 15th,
(02:26):
known as Shushan Purim.
This distinction exists because, in the original story of Purim
, the Jews of Shushan, thecapital city of Persia,
continued to fight for an extraday, celebrating their victory
one day later than the rest ofthe kingdom.
Celebrating their victory oneday later than the rest of the
kingdom.
But this year, for the firsttime in two decades, purim falls
(02:50):
on a Friday, which means thatboth Jerusalem and the rest of
the world will celebratetogether.
It is as if Hashem himself isreminding us that this is a time
not for separation but forunity, that we, as Jews, should
not be celebrating in differentplaces at different times, but
(03:11):
together as one nation After ayear of immense suffering,
division and challenges.
This Purim is a symbol of whatwe need most Achdut Yisrael
Jewish unity.
Because if we have learnedanything from this past year, it
is that our unification is notjust a nice virtue.
(03:32):
It's our survival, it's ourstrength and, ultimately, it is
our key to our own redemption.
We have seen that when Jewsstand together, nothing can
break us.
We have seen that in thesoldiers who fight side by side,
in the communities that haverallied around displaced
(03:55):
families, in the millions ofJews around the world who have
defended Israel with theirvoices, their actions and their
unwavering support.
Just as Purim forced the Jewishpeople in Persia to stand
together to fast as one, to prayas one, to fight as one, so too
, this year's Purim compels usto unite.
(04:17):
No longer can we afford to bedivided, no longer can we
separate ourselves by borders,denominations or ideologies.
Purim 2025 reminds us that ourfuture depends on our unity.
When the Megillah is read onFriday morning, it won't just be
read in Jerusalem or in TelAviv, or New York or in London.
(04:48):
It will be read everywhere atthe same time.
The words of our salvation willring out in unison across the
world.
And just as Hashem reversed thedecree of Haman, may he once
again turn the tides, bringingan end to our suffering,
restoring peace to Israel andreuniting our people not just in
celebration but in redemption.
A year has passed, but for somany families, time has stood
(05:13):
still.
Over a hundred hostages remainin Gaza, over a hundred souls
stolen from their homes,separated from their families,
enduring horrors we cannot evenimagine.
There are still parents wakingup every morning with an empty
chair at their breakfast table,still spouses waiting for their
(05:34):
phones to ring for news thatdoesn't come, still children who
whisper Shema Yisrael at night,hoping that their mothers or
fathers will somehow return home.
As we reflect on the profoundthemes of Purim, resilience,
unity and faith, it's essentialto also acknowledge the
(05:55):
remarkable stories of those whoendured captivity following the
harrowing events of October 7th.
Their experiences not onlyhighlight the enduring spirit of
our people, but also serve as amodern testament to the unseen
hand of Hashem, guiding andprotecting us even in the
(06:16):
darkest of times.
On October 7, 2023, rachel andDavid Idri, a couple in their
60s in Ofakim, found themselvestaken hostage in their own home
by Hamas militants.
Demonstrating extraordinarybravery and presence of mind,
(06:36):
rachel engaged the captors byoffering them drinks and
homemade cookies, singing Arabicsongs and maintaining a calm
demeanor.
This courageous act ofhospitality and humanity not
only bought precious time, butalso kept the situation from
escalating until Israelisecurity forces successfully
(06:57):
rescued them after a tense20-hour standoff.
Rachel's unwavering faith andher ability to see the humanity
in her captors even in the midstof life-threatening danger,
exemplifies the profoundstrength and resilience that our
tradition celebrates.
In another poignant account,yarden, roman Gat, her husband
(07:21):
Alon and their three-year-olddaughter Geffen, were abducted
from Kibbutz Beri.
Seizing a moment of opportunity, yarden and Alon attempted a
daring escape.
Seizing a moment of opportunity, yarden and Alon attempted a
daring escape.
Facing imminent danger, yardenmade a heart-wrenching decision
to hand their daughter to Alon,knowing he could run faster, and
(07:42):
diverted the captor's attentionby running in a different
direction.
Her selfless act ensured thesafety of her child and husband,
even as she was recaptured andendured two months of captivity
in Gaza.
Yarden's story is a powerfultestament to the sacrificial
love and courage that illuminateour people's narrative.
(08:05):
Agam Berger, an Israeli militaryspotter, was held captive in
Gaza for nearly 16 months.
Throughout her ordeal, sheclung steadfastly to her faith,
observing Jewish traditions asbest as she could.
Under the circumstances, shemarked Hanukkah by lighting a
single candle, a simple yetprofound act that symbolized
(08:28):
hope and resistance againstdespair.
Her unwavering belief inHashem's presence provided her
with the strength to endure theunimaginable hardships of
captivity.
The recent release of threeyoung Israeli women, romi Gonen,
emily Damari and AaronSteinbracher, after 15 months of
(08:49):
captivity underscores the powerof unity and mutual support.
Kidnapped from variouslocations, including a music
festival and their home in KfarAza, these women faced the
trials of captivity together.
Their collective resilience andsupport for one another during
such a harrowing periodhighlights the strength found in
(09:12):
unity, reflecting the Purimstory's theme of communal
salvation.
A year after the devastatingattack on Kibbutz Beri, where
over 100 residents were killedand 30 taken hostage, the
community's spirit remainsunbroken.
Survivors, despite enduringprofound loss and displacement,
(09:35):
are determined to rebuild theirlives and community.
Their steadfastness and hopeamidst ongoing challenges
embodies the essence of naafohuthe reversal of fortune and the
enduring belief in redemptionthat Purim signifies.
These narratives of faith,sacrifice and unity serve as
(09:58):
contemporary reflections of thePurim story.
They remind us that, even inthe face of adversity, the
Jewish spirit remains unyielding, guided by the unwavering
belief in Hashem andstrengthened by our collective
support for one another.
In the past year, we have seenthe world's reaction to our
(10:19):
suffering and once again we havewitnessed Nafohu.
We expected the world tocondemn terrorism, but instead
they accused Israel.
They accused Israel.
We expected universities, ourcenters of knowledge, to stand
against barbarism, but insteadthey gave platforms to those who
(10:39):
chant for our destruction.
We expected justice, butinstead we saw the International
Court of Justice questionIsrael's right to defend itself.
And yet, in the face of all ofthis, we persist.
We continue.
(11:01):
Following the tragic events ofOctober 7th, columbia University
became a focal point forintense protests and
counter-protests.
Jewish students reportedfeeling unsafe, facing
harassment and, in someinstances, being advised to stay
off the campus for their safety.
Harassment and, in someinstances, being advised to stay
off the campus for their safety.
One particularly troublingincident involved a Jewish
student being physicallyassaulted during a protest.
Despite these challenges,jewish students at Columbia
(11:24):
found solace and strength intheir community, organizing
support networks and advocatingfor their rights, demonstrating
remarkable resilience in theface of adversity.
In April 2024, anti-israelprotesters established an
encampment on UCLA's campuswhich effectively barred entry
(11:46):
to students who did not denounceIsrael.
This created a de factoexclusion zone, preventing
Jewish students from accessingparts of their own campus.
In response, three Jewishstudents filed a lawsuit against
UCLA, as the university playeda de facto role in preventing
them from accessing the campusfreely during the protests.
(12:08):
A federal judge subsequentlyordered UCLA to develop a plan
ensuring equal access for allstudents.
This legal action not onlyhighlighted the challenges faced
, but also underscored the unityand determination of Jewish
students to stand up for theirrights and foster an inclusive
(12:29):
environment.
In May, the Louis D BrandeisCenter for Human Rights under
law filed a lawsuit againstHarvard University Due to the
institution inadequatelyaddressing anti-Semitic
harassment and discrimination oncampus.
Some students and actualfaculty called for violence
(12:49):
against Jews and celebratedattacks against Israel.
Due to unified support by theJewish students and advocacy
groups, emphasizing theimportance of holding
institutions accountable, itshowcased how unified efforts
could combat anti-Semitism inacademic settings.
These incidents, while deeplyconcerning, have also been
(13:13):
catalysts for unity within theJewish student communities.
Faced with exclusion, threatsand harassment, jewish students
have come together to supportone another, advocate for their
rights and educate their peersabout antisemitism.
They have formed alliances withother student groups, engaged
in interfaith dialogues andorganized educational events to
(13:37):
promote understanding andtolerance.
This solidarity has not onlyprovided emotional support, but
has also led to tangible changes, such as legal victories and
increased awareness about thechallenges they face.
The Jewish people have alwaysknown suffering, but we have
(13:58):
also always known survival, andthat is why, this Purim, more
than ever, we must embrace ourjoy as an act of defiance, our
faith as an act of strength andour celebrations as a
declaration that we are stillhere.
But why would we celebrate evennow?
(14:18):
There will be many this yearwho struggle with the idea of
celebrating Purim.
How can we drink wine and dancein the streets when our
brothers and sisters are stillin captivity?
How can we feast while thefamilies of fallen soldiers are
still sitting shiva in theirhearts?
But let me remind you ofsomething profound Purim was
(14:47):
never a holiday of comfortablejoy.
It was a holiday born from anexistential crisis.
It was a holiday of impendingdoom, reversed only at the very
last minute.
Today, we drink wine not justfor pleasure, but for purpose.
We make a bracha over the wineand with each sip we remember
(15:10):
that we are here, that we arestrong, that our existence is
not an accident but a miracle.
We drink for the hostages, wedrink for the soldiers, we drink
for those who cannot, becausethey would want us to.
This year, we do not justcelebrate for ourselves.
(15:31):
We celebrate for those who arestill fighting.
This Purim lets each takeaction.
Here's what I ask of you whenyou hear the Megillah and stomp
at the name of Haman, stomp forHamas too.
When you give Mishloach Manot,include a note of encouragement
(15:53):
about a soldier or a displacedfamily.
When you sit at your Purimfeast, say an extra prayer for
the hostages.
And when you drink, do itmeaningfully.
Lift your glass and say for thesoldiers, for our hostages and
for Am Yisrael.
This year, we do not justcelebrate for ourselves.
(16:15):
We celebrate because our joy isour strength and our faith is
our future.
Purim is not just a holiday ofthe past.
It is a prophecy of our future.
Just as Mordecai and Esther sawan impossible situation turn
into salvation, so too will we.
(16:38):
Nahafochu is not just a story.
It's a promise.
Hashem will overturn the decree, the hostages will return home
and justice will prevail.
Until then, we hold our headshigh, we raise our glasses and
we celebrate with purpose.
(16:59):
May you all have an easy andmeaningful fast, a Purim filled
with strength, hope, joy and apeaceful Shabbat.
As we close out this specialPurim episode, I want to take a
moment to celebrate somethingtruly remarkable Our global
Kosher Terroir community.
(17:20):
Over the past years, we havegrown into something far greater
than just a podcast.
We are a network of passionatewine lovers, collectors,
winemakers, industry leaders andcurious enthusiasts, all united
by a shared appreciation for anincredible world of kosher wine
(17:42):
.
And what better time than thisPurim, this rare and
extraordinary Purim, when theentire Jewish world is
celebrating together tostrengthen our bonds, to raise
our glasses as one and tosupport the very winemakers and
artisans who bring us therichness of our tradition in
(18:04):
every bottle this Purim?
I ask you to share this message.
Tell your friends, yourcolleagues, your family, your
communities.
Let them know that Purim is notjust about costumes and
festivities.
It's also about unity.
It's about finding joy even indifficult times.
(18:25):
Support our kosher winemakers.
Whether you pick up a bottlefrom Israel, the US, france,
italy, argentina, south Africaor beyond France, italy,
argentina, south Africa orbeyond, know that every sip
tells a story, that everyvintage carries history,
(18:47):
resilience and dedication.
Bring more people into TheKosher Terroir family.
Introduce them to this podcast,encourage them to explore our
past episodes and invite them tojoin us on this journey as we
continue uncovering the stories,the innovations and the
passions behind the kosher wineworld.
If you're new to The KosherTerroir, I welcome you to dive
(19:10):
into our extensive library ofepisodes featuring in-depth
interviews with some of the mostinfluential figures in the
kosher wine industry, fromlegendary winemakers to rising
stars, from historical deepdives to breaking trends.
The Kosher Terroir is your homefor everything kosher wine and
(19:33):
to our longtime listeners.
Your continued support, yourengagement and your enthusiasm
are what makes this community sospecial.
I can't wait to share with youwhat's ahead In the coming weeks
and months.
We have incredibleconversations lined up with some
of the world's top kosher wineleaders, visionary winemakers
(19:57):
and emerging influencers who areshaping the future of this
industry.
So stay with us, stay connected,subscribe on your favorite
podcast platform and, mostimportantly, raise a glass with
purpose this Purim, becausetogether our voices, our
(20:18):
celebrations and our unity aremore powerful than ever.
May your Purim be joyous,meaningful and filled with
exceptional wine.
May our unity bring strengthand may our faith bring
redemption From Jerusalem.
This is Simon Jacob.
Cheers From Jerusalem.
(20:47):
This is Simon Jacob.
Cheers L'chaim To Purim, tocommunity, to our shared love of
wine and to Am Yisrael.
This is Simon Jacob, again yourhost of today's episode of The
Kosher Terroir, I have apersonal request.
No matter where you are orwhere you live, please take a
moment to pray for our soldiers'safety and the safe and rapid
(21:09):
return of our hostages.
Please subscribe via yourpodcast provider to be informed
of our new episodes as they arereleased.
If you're new to The KosherTerroir, please check out our
many past episodes.
Welcome to The Kosher Terroir.
I'm Simon Jacob, your host forthis episode from Jerusalem.
If you're driving in your car,please focus on the road ahead.
If you're home relaxing, pleasepour a glass of wonderful
kosher wine, sit back, relax andenjoy.
As we prepare to celebratePurim this week, I ask that,
(00:31):
wherever you are, please take amoment to pray.
Pray for the safety and returnof our hostages, pray for the
return home of all ourstill-displaced citizens, pray
for the safety of our soldiersand pray for peace and security
for all the Jewish people aroundthe world.
(00:53):
Last year, I recorded a Purimepisode that was unlike any
other.
It was raw and it was painful.
We were just five months pastthe horrors of October 7th.
Was painful we were just fivemonths past the horrors of
October 7th, trying our best tofind a footing in a world that
had quite literally turnedupside down.
That episode was my attempt toreconcile the joyous nature of
(01:16):
Purim with the deep wounds stillbleeding in our collective soul
, collective soul.
I spoke about naafochu, thePurim theme of complete
reversals, how Haman's decreewas overturned, how justice was
served and how what seemed atthe time destined for
destruction became a moment ofsalvation.
(01:39):
And now, a year later, here weare again.
What has changed?
And now, a year later, here weare again.
What has changed?
What has remained the same?
And what does Purim mean for usthis year, in 2025, the Jewish
year of 5785?
What you might not know is thatthis Purim is unlike any other.
(02:02):
It is a rare moment in Jewishhistory, one that won't actually
happen again for at leastanother 20 years.
Typically, the Jewish worldcelebrates Purim on the 14th of
the Jewish month of Adar, whileJerusalem and a select few other
ancient walled cities celebrateone day later, on the 15th,
(02:26):
known as Shushan Purim.
This distinction exists because, in the original story of Purim
, the Jews of Shushan, thecapital city of Persia,
continued to fight for an extraday, celebrating their victory
one day later than the rest ofthe kingdom.
Celebrating their victory oneday later than the rest of the
kingdom.
But this year, for the firsttime in two decades, purim falls
(02:50):
on a Friday, which means thatboth Jerusalem and the rest of
the world will celebratetogether.
It is as if Hashem himself isreminding us that this is a time
not for separation but forunity, that we, as Jews, should
not be celebrating in differentplaces at different times, but
(03:11):
together as one nation After ayear of immense suffering,
division and challenges.
This Purim is a symbol of whatwe need most Achdut Yisrael
Jewish unity.
Because if we have learnedanything from this past year, it
is that our unification is notjust a nice virtue.
(03:32):
It's our survival, it's ourstrength and, ultimately, it is
our key to our own redemption.
We have seen that when Jewsstand together, nothing can
break us.
We have seen that in thesoldiers who fight side by side,
in the communities that haverallied around displaced
(03:55):
families, in the millions ofJews around the world who have
defended Israel with theirvoices, their actions and their
unwavering support.
Just as Purim forced the Jewishpeople in Persia to stand
together to fast as one, to prayas one, to fight as one, so too
, this year's Purim compels usto unite.
(04:17):
No longer can we afford to bedivided, no longer can we
separate ourselves by borders,denominations or ideologies.
Purim 2025 reminds us that ourfuture depends on our unity.
When the Megillah is read onFriday morning, it won't just be
read in Jerusalem or in TelAviv, or New York or in London.
(04:48):
It will be read everywhere atthe same time.
The words of our salvation willring out in unison across the
world.
And just as Hashem reversed thedecree of Haman, may he once
again turn the tides, bringingan end to our suffering,
restoring peace to Israel andreuniting our people not just in
celebration but in redemption.
A year has passed, but for somany families, time has stood
(05:13):
still.
Over a hundred hostages remainin Gaza, over a hundred souls
stolen from their homes,separated from their families,
enduring horrors we cannot evenimagine.
There are still parents wakingup every morning with an empty
chair at their breakfast table,still spouses waiting for their
(05:34):
phones to ring for news thatdoesn't come, still children who
whisper Shema Yisrael at night,hoping that their mothers or
fathers will somehow return home.
As we reflect on the profoundthemes of Purim, resilience,
unity and faith, it's essentialto also acknowledge the
(05:55):
remarkable stories of those whoendured captivity following the
harrowing events of October 7th.
Their experiences not onlyhighlight the enduring spirit of
our people, but also serve as amodern testament to the unseen
hand of Hashem, guiding andprotecting us even in the
(06:16):
darkest of times.
On October 7, 2023, rachel andDavid Idri, a couple in their
60s in Ofakim, found themselvestaken hostage in their own home
by Hamas militants.
Demonstrating extraordinarybravery and presence of mind,
(06:36):
rachel engaged the captors byoffering them drinks and
homemade cookies, singing Arabicsongs and maintaining a calm
demeanor.
This courageous act ofhospitality and humanity not
only bought precious time, butalso kept the situation from
escalating until Israelisecurity forces successfully
(06:57):
rescued them after a tense20-hour standoff.
Rachel's unwavering faith andher ability to see the humanity
in her captors even in the midstof life-threatening danger,
exemplifies the profoundstrength and resilience that our
tradition celebrates.
In another poignant account,yarden, roman Gat, her husband
(07:21):
Alon and their three-year-olddaughter Geffen, were abducted
from Kibbutz Beri.
Seizing a moment of opportunity, yarden and Alon attempted a
daring escape.
Seizing a moment of opportunity, yarden and Alon attempted a
daring escape.
Facing imminent danger, yardenmade a heart-wrenching decision
to hand their daughter to Alon,knowing he could run faster, and
(07:42):
diverted the captor's attentionby running in a different
direction.
Her selfless act ensured thesafety of her child and husband,
even as she was recaptured andendured two months of captivity
in Gaza.
Yarden's story is a powerfultestament to the sacrificial
love and courage that illuminateour people's narrative.
(08:05):
Agam Berger, an Israeli militaryspotter, was held captive in
Gaza for nearly 16 months.
Throughout her ordeal, sheclung steadfastly to her faith,
observing Jewish traditions asbest as she could.
Under the circumstances, shemarked Hanukkah by lighting a
single candle, a simple yetprofound act that symbolized
(08:28):
hope and resistance againstdespair.
Her unwavering belief inHashem's presence provided her
with the strength to endure theunimaginable hardships of
captivity.
The recent release of threeyoung Israeli women, romi Gonen,
emily Damari and AaronSteinbracher, after 15 months of
(08:49):
captivity underscores the powerof unity and mutual support.
Kidnapped from variouslocations, including a music
festival and their home in KfarAza, these women faced the
trials of captivity together.
Their collective resilience andsupport for one another during
such a harrowing periodhighlights the strength found in
(09:12):
unity, reflecting the Purimstory's theme of communal
salvation.
A year after the devastatingattack on Kibbutz Beri, where
over 100 residents were killedand 30 taken hostage, the
community's spirit remainsunbroken.
Survivors, despite enduringprofound loss and displacement,
(09:35):
are determined to rebuild theirlives and community.
Their steadfastness and hopeamidst ongoing challenges
embodies the essence of naafohuthe reversal of fortune and the
enduring belief in redemptionthat Purim signifies.
These narratives of faith,sacrifice and unity serve as
(09:58):
contemporary reflections of thePurim story.
They remind us that, even inthe face of adversity, the
Jewish spirit remains unyielding, guided by the unwavering
belief in Hashem andstrengthened by our collective
support for one another.
In the past year, we have seenthe world's reaction to our
(10:19):
suffering and once again we havewitnessed Nafohu.
We expected the world tocondemn terrorism, but instead
they accused Israel.
They accused Israel.
We expected universities, ourcenters of knowledge, to stand
against barbarism, but insteadthey gave platforms to those who
(10:39):
chant for our destruction.
We expected justice, butinstead we saw the International
Court of Justice questionIsrael's right to defend itself.
And yet, in the face of all ofthis, we persist.
We continue.
(11:01):
Following the tragic events ofOctober 7th, columbia University
became a focal point forintense protests and
counter-protests.
Jewish students reportedfeeling unsafe, facing
harassment and, in someinstances, being advised to stay
off the campus for their safety.
Harassment and, in someinstances, being advised to stay
off the campus for their safety.
One particularly troublingincident involved a Jewish
student being physicallyassaulted during a protest.
Despite these challenges,jewish students at Columbia
(11:24):
found solace and strength intheir community, organizing
support networks and advocatingfor their rights, demonstrating
remarkable resilience in theface of adversity.
In April 2024, anti-israelprotesters established an
encampment on UCLA's campuswhich effectively barred entry
(11:46):
to students who did not denounceIsrael.
This created a de factoexclusion zone, preventing
Jewish students from accessingparts of their own campus.
In response, three Jewishstudents filed a lawsuit against
UCLA, as the university playeda de facto role in preventing
them from accessing the campusfreely during the protests.
(12:08):
A federal judge subsequentlyordered UCLA to develop a plan
ensuring equal access for allstudents.
This legal action not onlyhighlighted the challenges faced
, but also underscored the unityand determination of Jewish
students to stand up for theirrights and foster an inclusive
(12:29):
environment.
In May, the Louis D BrandeisCenter for Human Rights under
law filed a lawsuit againstHarvard University Due to the
institution inadequatelyaddressing anti-Semitic
harassment and discrimination oncampus.
Some students and actualfaculty called for violence
(12:49):
against Jews and celebratedattacks against Israel.
Due to unified support by theJewish students and advocacy
groups, emphasizing theimportance of holding
institutions accountable, itshowcased how unified efforts
could combat anti-Semitism inacademic settings.
These incidents, while deeplyconcerning, have also been
(13:13):
catalysts for unity within theJewish student communities.
Faced with exclusion, threatsand harassment, jewish students
have come together to supportone another, advocate for their
rights and educate their peersabout antisemitism.
They have formed alliances withother student groups, engaged
in interfaith dialogues andorganized educational events to
(13:37):
promote understanding andtolerance.
This solidarity has not onlyprovided emotional support, but
has also led to tangible changes, such as legal victories and
increased awareness about thechallenges they face.
The Jewish people have alwaysknown suffering, but we have
(13:58):
also always known survival, andthat is why, this Purim, more
than ever, we must embrace ourjoy as an act of defiance, our
faith as an act of strength andour celebrations as a
declaration that we are stillhere.
But why would we celebrate evennow?
(14:18):
There will be many this yearwho struggle with the idea of
celebrating Purim.
How can we drink wine and dancein the streets when our
brothers and sisters are stillin captivity?
How can we feast while thefamilies of fallen soldiers are
still sitting shiva in theirhearts?
But let me remind you ofsomething profound Purim was
(14:47):
never a holiday of comfortablejoy.
It was a holiday born from anexistential crisis.
It was a holiday of impendingdoom, reversed only at the very
last minute.
Today, we drink wine not justfor pleasure, but for purpose.
We make a bracha over the wineand with each sip we remember
(15:10):
that we are here, that we arestrong, that our existence is
not an accident but a miracle.
We drink for the hostages, wedrink for the soldiers, we drink
for those who cannot, becausethey would want us to.
This year, we do not justcelebrate for ourselves.
(15:31):
We celebrate for those who arestill fighting.
This Purim lets each takeaction.
Here's what I ask of you whenyou hear the Megillah and stomp
at the name of Haman, stomp forHamas too.
When you give Mishloach Manot,include a note of encouragement
(15:53):
about a soldier or a displacedfamily.
When you sit at your Purimfeast, say an extra prayer for
the hostages.
And when you drink, do itmeaningfully.
Lift your glass and say for thesoldiers, for our hostages and
for Am Yisrael.
This year, we do not justcelebrate for ourselves.
(16:15):
We celebrate because our joy isour strength and our faith is
our future.
Purim is not just a holiday ofthe past.
It is a prophecy of our future.
Just as Mordecai and Esther sawan impossible situation turn
into salvation, so too will we.
(16:38):
Nahafochu is not just a story.
It's a promise.
Hashem will overturn the decree, the hostages will return home
and justice will prevail.
Until then, we hold our headshigh, we raise our glasses and
we celebrate with purpose.
(16:59):
May you all have an easy andmeaningful fast, a Purim filled
with strength, hope, joy and apeaceful Shabbat.
As we close out this specialPurim episode, I want to take a
moment to celebrate somethingtruly remarkable Our global
Kosher Terroir community.
(17:20):
Over the past years, we havegrown into something far greater
than just a podcast.
We are a network of passionatewine lovers, collectors,
winemakers, industry leaders andcurious enthusiasts, all united
by a shared appreciation for anincredible world of kosher wine
(17:42):
.
And what better time than thisPurim, this rare and
extraordinary Purim, when theentire Jewish world is
celebrating together tostrengthen our bonds, to raise
our glasses as one and tosupport the very winemakers and
artisans who bring us therichness of our tradition in
(18:04):
every bottle this Purim?
I ask you to share this message.
Tell your friends, yourcolleagues, your family, your
communities.
Let them know that Purim is notjust about costumes and
festivities.
It's also about unity.
It's about finding joy even indifficult times.
(18:25):
Support our kosher winemakers.
Whether you pick up a bottlefrom Israel, the US, france,
italy, argentina, south Africaor beyond France, italy,
argentina, south Africa orbeyond, know that every sip
tells a story, that everyvintage carries history,
(18:47):
resilience and dedication.
Bring more people into TheKosher Terroir family.
Introduce them to this podcast,encourage them to explore our
past episodes and invite them tojoin us on this journey as we
continue uncovering the stories,the innovations and the
passions behind the kosher wineworld.
If you're new to The KosherTerroir, I welcome you to dive
(19:10):
into our extensive library ofepisodes featuring in-depth
interviews with some of the mostinfluential figures in the
kosher wine industry, fromlegendary winemakers to rising
stars, from historical deepdives to breaking trends.
The Kosher Terroir is your homefor everything kosher wine and
(19:33):
to our longtime listeners.
Your continued support, yourengagement and your enthusiasm
are what makes this community sospecial.
I can't wait to share with youwhat's ahead In the coming weeks
and months.
We have incredibleconversations lined up with some
of the world's top kosher wineleaders, visionary winemakers
(19:57):
and emerging influencers who areshaping the future of this
industry.
So stay with us, stay connected,subscribe on your favorite
podcast platform and, mostimportantly, raise a glass with
purpose this Purim, becausetogether our voices, our
(20:18):
celebrations and our unity aremore powerful than ever.
May your Purim be joyous,meaningful and filled with
exceptional wine.
May our unity bring strengthand may our faith bring
redemption From Jerusalem.
This is Simon Jacob.
Cheers From Jerusalem.
(20:47):
This is Simon Jacob.
Cheers L'chaim To Purim, tocommunity, to our shared love of
wine and to Am Yisrael.
This is Simon Jacob, again yourhost of today's episode of The
Kosher Terroir, I have apersonal request.
No matter where you are orwhere you live, please take a
moment to pray for our soldiers'safety and the safe and rapid
(21:09):
return of our hostages.
Please subscribe via yourpodcast provider to be informed
of our new episodes as they arereleased.
If you're new to The KosherTerroir, please check out our
many past episodes.
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