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 podcast; it's a thoughtful conversation that invites everyone to wonder about the rich tapestry of Jewish ideas in the context of our daily lives. Brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
Episodes
July 24, 2024 • 34 mins
If you had to pick just one educational experience, would it be... camp? Join Mijal and Noam as they chat with Mac Lindner, Director of Camp Young Judaea - Texas, about how Jewish summer camps shape identity. They'll explore whether camps should be considered a key part of education and how they've changed recently, especially since October 7th.
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This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
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July 17, 2024 • 32 mins
In this week's episode, Mijal and Noam discuss the growing polarization and hostility between Republicans and Democrats. With the two sides feeling more divided than ever before, join us as we wonder on how we can use Jewish wisdom to bridge the gap, moving away from the hostility of today and working towards a future of reunification and respect.
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July 10, 2024 • 42 mins
Join us for a special conversation with Chloe Valdary, founder of Theory of Enchantment, a New York-based organization that has arisen as an alternative to the DEI model, and fights against racism and bigotry by teaching love. Chloe delves into her respectful approach to societal conflict as it relates to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, antisemitism and social media. Chloe, Noam and Mijal dive into a thought provoking discussion ...
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July 3, 2024 • 22 mins
This Fourth of July, Mijal reflects on what America means to her as an immigrant from Uruguay. Through her personal history, she delves into the powerful ideals that make America a beacon of hope for millions: liberty, equality, and democracy. Reflecting on the current political landscape and the troubling rise of antisemitism, Mijal examines the discrepancy between America's foundational ideals and its present realities.
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June 26, 2024 • 40 mins
Judaism impacts each and every person differently. Embark on a heartfelt journey with Mijal and Noam as they delve into the heart of Jewish tradition and explore what makes Judaism so special to them. From Jewish law and Shabbat to the supportive bonds of community, they reveal the enduring beauty and significance of Judaism in their lives.
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June 19, 2024 • 28 mins
Can ChatGPT answer Jewish legal questions? Can Siri provide spiritual guidance? Will AI replace rabbis? Mijal and Noam discuss the evolving role of rabbis and whether artificial intelligence can replace or supplement these roles. They explore various responsibilities of rabbis, such as providing information, teaching, offering care and support, making decisions, and serving as role models.
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June 11, 2024 • 38 mins
What does your cultural heritage mean to you? Join Mijal and Noam for a personal discussion about the differences between Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jewish communities. They explore topics like prayer, religious traditions, and the unique experiences of Sephardic Jews in America and Israel while addressing the challenges of maintaining a strong sense of identity while integrating into wider communities.
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June 5, 2024 • 36 mins
Few holidays in Israel are as complex as Yom Yerushalayim. Mijal and Noam explore the significance of Yom Yerushalayim, reflecting on the Six-Day War, the reunification of Jerusalem, and its complex personal and national meanings. They discuss the celebrations, the diverse perspectives within Israeli society, and the ongoing impact on Jewish identity and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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May 29, 2024 • 53 mins
What does Zionism mean to you? What does it mean to the Jewish people and the world at large? Noam and Mijal welcome special guest journalist Haviv Rettig Gur to delve into the history of Zionism as a means of survival for the Jewish people while pondering Western and Palestinian misunderstandings of Zionism. Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode about self determination, resilience, and Jewish identity.
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May 22, 2024 • 34 mins
Faith is a complicated topic — one that many people struggle with. But what do Jewish philosophers say about faith? And how does Judaism approach belief in God? In this thought-provoking episode, Mijal and Noam discuss the challenges of maintaining faith with questions such as “Can you be Jewish and not believe in God?” and “What is the meaning of emunah”?
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May 15, 2024 • 37 mins
Mijal and Noam delve into the complexities of the Pro-Palestinian student encampments, student activism, the emotional and social dynamics within these movements, and the broader implications for Jewish identity and community.
Letter from Columbia students
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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...
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May 8, 2024 • 30 mins
This year, Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut will feel unlike any other year. Noam and Mijal address the days' significance in the wake of Oct.7, highlighting the solemn transition from Yom HaZikaron to the joyfulness of Yom Ha'atzmaut. They share their personal experiences, addressing how these poignant holidays hold a deeper meaning this year amidst an ongoing war in Gaza.
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May 1, 2024 • 30 mins
With the Holocaust being one of history's darkest chapters, how do you educate future generations to ensure such horrors never happen again? Join Noam and Mijal as they re-examine Holocaust education and navigate the delicate balance between honoring the past and shaping a resilient future amidst the increasingly hostile climate of today.
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April 17, 2024 • 43 mins
The story of Exodus is one of the most significant pieces of history that is still relevant to this day. Join Mijal and Noam as they dive deep into the story of Passover, exploring the themes of liberation as told through the Haggadah, and contrasting it with the narrative of human struggle and divine intervention found in the Torah.
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April 11, 2024 • 34 mins
Normally we ask, how is this night different than all over nights. This year, we have to ask - how is this Passover different than all over Passovers? In this episode, Noam and Mijal reflect about how to think about the seder and Passover, what makes Passover different this year, and some suggestions and insights for how to approach our seder.
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Lefum tza'ara agra
Mishael and Noam Zion's Haggadah
Zion Haggadah Excerpts
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April 4, 2024 • 33 mins
Last week, the Jewish world lost several giants, including Professor Daniel Kahneman, a leading scholar of behavior economics, and Senator Joseph Lieberman, an American politician and statesman. Noam and Mijal reflect on their legacies and ask us to consider what we can learn from their incredible lives.
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Cass Sunstein on Kahneman
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
Kotzker Rebbe and the Binding of I...
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March 27, 2024 • 34 mins
The battle over whether Haredim should be mandated to serve in the IDF, like the rest of Jewish Israel, is not a new one. But the debate was brought to the forefront when the Sephardic chief rabbi threatened that Haredim would leave the country rather than serve in the IDF. This week, Mijal and Noam discuss the issue of mandatory conscription for Haredi Jews. They push each other to give generous arguments and ask, how can Israel p...
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March 20, 2024 • 27 mins
Right after 10/7, public intellectual Micha Goodman wrote, “We weren't attacked by a local militia. We were attacked by the Persian Empire. We were attacked by Iran.” Sound familiar? Maybe eerily like the Purim story? This week, Mijal and Noam reflect on the upcoming holiday of Purim and ask, how are we thinking about the holiday differently in the post-10/7 world?
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Micha Goodman reflections, post-10/7
Megillat Esther -...
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March 13, 2024 • 29 mins
This week, Mijal and Noam explore the potential ways communal Shabbat observance could evolve, for better or worse, in a technologically advanced reality. If you’re interested in AI, ChatGPT, or simply the joys of taking a day off each week, this one’s for you.
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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March 6, 2024 • 31 mins
This week, Mijal and Noam explore the complex relationship between anti-Zionism and antisemitism and discuss whether or not they're one and the same. Through the "3 C's" aka consequences, correlation, and (C)symbolization.they discover the importance of continuous education and dialogue to combat antisemitism effectively.
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, che...
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