The Vibe of the Tribe

The Vibe of the Tribe recently asked you, our listeners and members of the community, what questions you've always had about Judaism. Turns out, you had a lot of questions, like: Where do Jewish prayers come from? What really makes food kosher? What's the difference between Jewish denominations? Why do many Jews cover their heads, and why such a sartorial variety of hats, scarves, snoods and wigs? What do acronyms like Z”L and B”H stand for? And, really, what's up with the celebrity obsession with Kabbalah? Extremely qualified guest expert Rabbi Vanessa Harper, an educator at Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley and the genius creator of https://www.instagram.com/lechlechallah, joins Miriam and Ashley on this episode to answer these questions, and more! Please note: The Vibe of the Tribe podcast is going on hiatus. It's been a true joy to share these episodes and learn along with you. Our wish is that this podcast, and knowledgeable experts like Rabbi Harper, will continue to inspire you to learn more about the incredible diversity and array of Jewish culture, heritage and history that connects us all as one people. To reach out to us, email podcast@jewishboston.com. Produced by Miriam Anzovin and edited by Miriam Anzovin and Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

When she was a child, human rights activist and educator Dr. Shula Mola and her family fled Ethiopia for Israel. As they and other members of the Beta Israel Ethiopian Jewish community embarked on this harrowing journey through Sudan, Dr. Mola dreamed of their goal—a return to Jerusalem, and reuniting in community with other Jews at the Beit HaMikdash (holy temple) in Jerusalem. The gap between the dream and the reality of coming to the State of Israel as refugees was massive and often deeply traumatic. Dr. Mola, now a post-doctoral fellow at the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University focusing on preserving and elevating Ethiopian Jewry in Israel, joins The Vibe of the Tribe for an important episode on a unique community in the Jewish diaspora. Looking back at that time from her current vantage point, she discusses what happened when her community's self-perception and identity encountered the realities of Israeli society, and the ongoing struggle the Beta Israel have faced to be “recognized” as part of the Jewish people by the rabbinical establishment—despite practicing Judaism for thousands of years. Tune in to hear Dr. Mola's riveting personal narrative and illuminating overview of the issues the Beta Israel community faces. As the co-founder of Mothers on Guard, a group of mothers that protests police brutality against youth of Ethiopian origin, Dr. Mola discusses fighting for her community and how the discourse around race in Israel differs from that in America. Dr. Mola also shares how aspects of the Beta Israel community's traditions, like the post-Yom Kippur holiday of Sigd, are finally being officially recognized in Israel and what it means for Beta Israel inclusion. Dr. Mola will also be speaking on Sunday, Nov. 21, at 10 a.m. about the struggle of Ethiopian Jews in Israel for “normality” and the variety of ways to deal with exclusion and racism. Register for the event, hosted by Temple Emunah, CJP and Schusterman Center for Israel Studies: https://www.jewishboston.com/events/i-am-completely-normal-the-struggle-of-ethiopian-israelis To reach out to us, email podcast@jewishboston.com. Produced by Miriam Anzovin and edited by Miriam Anzovin and Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

Spooky season is upon us, and that means it's time for The Vibe of the Tribe's annual Halloween episode with author and occult and sci-fi expert Peter Bebergal! This year, we've left our usual haunted graveyards and golem attics to explore the horror themes, Jewish parallels and otherworldly allure of science fiction for Jewish writers and creators. Tune in to this discussion of how the sci-fi genre has been influenced by Jewish hopes and fears by writers and artists like Isaac Asimov and Jack Kirby. We examine the assimilationist Borg of “Star Trek,” the immigrant story of Superman (a true “stranger in a strange land”) and graphic novel Jewish representation in characters like Magneto and Wanda Maximoff (“WandaVision”).  If you are also captivated by the horror of alternative histories, or are intrigued about aliens in Jewish scripture and wonder how you can practice Judaism in space, this episode is for you! In addition to being a four-time podcast guest (check out previous episodes below!), Bebergal is the author of “Strange Frequencies: The Extraordinary Story of the Technological Quest for the Supernatural,” “Season of the Witch: How the Occult Saved Rock and Roll” and “Too Much to Dream: A Psychedelic American Boyhood.” He's also the editor of the anthology “Appendix N: The Eldritch Roots of Dungeons and Dragons.” This episode is dedicated to Ilan Ramon (z”l), the first Israeli astronaut and a Jewish pioneer who sought answers to questions we asked during this episode. The son of a Holocaust survivor, Ramon was killed in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. Further reading:  ”6 Must-Read SFF Books by Jewish Authors From Around the World” by Carly Silver: https://www.tor.com/2020/10/14/6-must-read-sff-books-by-jewish-authors-from-around-the-world/ “Wandering Stars: An Anthology of Jewish Fantasy & Science Fiction” edited by Jack Dann: http://www.jewishlights.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=JL&Product_Code=978-1-58023-005-6&Category_Code= “Jews in Space: On the Unsung History of Jewish Writers and the Birth of Science Fiction” by Lavie Tidhar: https://lithub.com/jews-in-space-on-the-unsung-history-of-jewish-writers-and-the-birth-of-science-fiction/ To reach out to us, email podcast@jewishboston.com. Produced by Miriam Anzovin and edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

How much do we really know about the lives of our parents and the secrets they've kept in their past? How do we delineate fiction from fact in our family histories? What parts are real and what parts have we needed to be real? Many people may wonder, but few actually embark on a quest to uncover the truth. Judy Bolton-Fasman, one among the rare few who have done it, was brave enough to recount in a gripping memoir her search for the familial mysteries that have haunted her life. The beloved arts and culture writer for JewishBoston.com, Bolton-Fasman joins her colleagues Miriam, Ashley and Kali to speak about her mesmerizing book debut, “Asylum: A Memoir of Family Secrets.”  Tune in as we discuss the juxtaposition of her Sephardic and Ashkenazi identities, the jaw-dropping revelations she discovered about her parents and what it's like to become a 60-year-old literary debutante. Learn more at https://www.judyboltonfasman.com and https://www.jewishboston.com/profile/judybf. To reach out to us, email podcast@jewishboston.com. Produced by Miriam Anzovin and edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

In “a long-expected” episode, The Vibe of the Tribe celebrates the 20th anniversary of the cinematic release of the iconic fantasy film “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.” Join Miriam and guest Jesse Ulrich of Pod4Good as they harness the power of their mutual nerd interests (Judaism and fantasy literature) to set forth on a quest to understand the world of author J.R.R. Tolkien through a Jewish lens. They explore Tolkien's own words on how Jewish history, culture and language influenced his creation of Middle Earth, his use of Jewish stereotypes and how he responded to the rise of Nazism. They also discuss how Tolkien is, at heart, a writer of (Anglo-Saxon) midrash and how characters, events and locations throughout “The Lord of the Rings” films and books embody Jewish values and ethics. From Frodo's deep mesiras nefesh (self-sacrifice), Boromir's teshuva (repentance/returning), the Entish love for Tu B'Shvat to who should be the last person in the “Fellowship Minyan,” they discuss it all. Grab your second breakfast, settle into your comfortable hobbit hole and press play on this gloriously nerd-tastic episode! To reach out to us, email podcast@jewishboston.com. Produced by Miriam Anzovin and edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

We exist in an era when the Jewish rituals around mourning—such as sitting shiva and saying kaddish—make frequent appearances in popular culture, from Marvel TV shows to films to Broadway plays. There is, however, significantly less attention paid to the other rituals around death, ones that are fundamental to understanding how Judaism sees the role of the living in caring for the dead.  The Hevra Kadisha, or holy society, comprises highly-trained volunteers who take care of the deceased with a profound level of respect and commitment. Jewish tradition offers ancient and beautiful customs and rituals to guide us through loss, and serving in the Hevra Kadisha is not only considered a privilege, it is an act of ultimate loving-kindness and respect toward our fellow Jews. To discuss these important and meaningful mitzvot, Miriam and Dan are joined by two members of the Community Hevra Kadisha of Greater Boston (https://www.hevrakadisha.org). James Cohen (he/him), co-president, is deeply involved in the community, having previously worked at Keshet and currently at Jewish Family & Children's Service. Emily Fishman (they/them or she/her), who goes by the name EmFish, has been a member of the Community Hevra Kadisha of Greater Boston for about five years. Alongside Cohen, they co-led the Hevra Kadisha's trans tahara project (https://www.keshetonline.org/resources/toward-a-gender-inclusive-hevra-kadisha). They have also been teaching and consulting with hevras in other metro areas for more than a year. Tune in to this episode to learn about burial rituals, the importance of inclusivity (https://jewishjournal.com/commentary/blogs/241299/taharah-gender-emily-fishman-emfish) in the work of the Community Hevra Kadisha and how lessons from the tahara (ritual purification) room can ripple out to positively impact the Jewish community at large. To reach out to us, email podcast@jewishboston.com. Produced by Miriam Anzovin and edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

Antisemitism: What's new with the oldest hatred? It's a difficult question to ask, but we did it anyway. Dr. Rachel Fish (https://rachelfish.com), a nationally recognized expert on how to confront Jew hate, joins us on The Vibe of the Tribe as Greater Boston and the rest of the country have experienced a surge in anti-Israel actions and hate crimes against Jews. Dr. Fish discusses tips for students of all ages returning to school amid the ongoing rise in anti-Jewish and anti-Zionist sentiment, navigating hate on social media, how to channel anger into productive action, the cyclical nature of hatred toward Jews and why “antisemitism” should be retired as a term. Join us for this can't-miss conversation. Resources for combating antisemitism: If you have experienced or witnessed an incident of antisemitism, bias, bigotry or hate, report it using the Anti-Defamation League's incident form: https://www.adl.org/reportincident Learn about CJP's antisemitism initiative: https://www.cjp.org/antisemitism-initiative Read this recent article co-authored by Rabbi Marc Baker of CJP, Jeremy Burton of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston and Robert Trestan of the ADL: https://jewishjournal.org/2021/07/29/this-is-a-critical-moment-for-our-jewish-community-what-can-we-do/ Produced by Miriam Anzovin and edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

As a Jewish podcast, it's only natural we want to be BFFs with other Jewish podcasts. After all, we're a small corner of the podcast universe, and us Jewish podcasters need to stick together! On this episode, we welcome local rabbis Jen Gubitz and Jodie Gordon, co-hosts of the new podcast “OMfG: Jewish Wisdom for Unprecedented Times,” a project that came into being from text message exchanges of ideas, fears and humor during the darkest moments of the pandemic. Their new podcast—whose title means exactly what you think it does—is lovingly irreverent, rooting our human experiences today in the story of Jewish peoplehood throughout history. Join us for hot Torah takes on subversive female characters, overthinking what we would have worn at Mount Sinai, the realization that the pit from “Parks and Recreation” is the best metaphor for life, celebrating Judaism in all of its beauty and weirdness, the importance of swearing for clergy and, why, if you happen to notice someone pushing a stroller in which there is a Torah scroll wearing a onesie, you should try not to stare. Read “The Millennial Parsha: Balak” parody Torah mentioned by Miriam in the episode: www.jewishboston.com/read/the-mille…l-parsha-balak Produced by Miriam Anzovin and edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

To say that we all collectively could use a laugh is a vast understatement. Luckily, rabbi, humorist, author, interfaith leader, academic, community activist and “disciple of joy” Reb Moshe Waldoks joins us to lift our spirits. The author of the classic and comprehensive “The Big Book of Jewish Humor,” Reb Moshe takes The Vibe of the Tribe mic (and doesn't let go) to share his story and philosophy. Tune in and laugh along as he describes building a vibrant community at Temple Beth Zion in Brookline using the power of “Yom Kippur jokes” and meditation, his explanations of what is and is not “Jewish humor” and the importance of finding the joy—not just the oy—of Jewish life. You don't want to miss this hilarious episode as Reb Moshe—and, to a lesser extent, Miriam and Dan— cover everything from Bernie Sanders mittens memes to inadvertent Talmud hilarity, plus a vociferous disagreement about the merits (or lack thereof) of Larry David. Produced by Miriam Anzovin and edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

From the time she wrote her 2015 essay that went viral, “A Letter to My Son Jacob on His 5th Birthday,” Mimi Lemay became more than the mother of a young trans boy—she became an activist, fighting for his rights and thousands of others facing misunderstanding at best and outright harassment and discrimination at worst. Her son Jacob, born “Em” (a pseudonym), knew before he was 3 that his birth gender didn't match who he was. Through his transformation to his true self, he took a journey that was a reflection of Lemay's—a woman raised in an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community within a rigid framework of rules and roles defined by her gender. In this moving episode, we talk to Lemay about her beautifully written memoir, “What We Will Become: A Mother, a Son, and a Journey of Transformation,” how trans visibility has changed since 2015 and how the fight for the rights of trans and nonbinary people has been central in her life. From the joy of seeing Jacob's “gender euphoria” upon finally living as his true self to the pain of seeing discrimination of trans people leveraged for political gain across the country, Lemay talks about what she has learned in the past six years and what we can all do to help ensure every person is cherished. Resources: Find a local PFLAG chapter: https://pflag.org Track anti-transgender legislation: https://freedomforallamericans.org/legislative-tracker/anti-transgender-legislation Learn about gender fluidity in the Jewish tradition: https://www.keshetonline.org/resources/gender-fluidity-in-the-jewish-tradition Produced by Miriam Anzovin and edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

Did you know that much of Judaism's calendar cycle, rituals and practices grew from ancient Israel's agricultural rhythms? As Jews in New England, we can sometimes feel disconnected from those seasonal patterns (lookin' at you, Tu BiShvat in January!). Luckily, Leora Mallach, co-founder and executive director of Beantown Jewish Gardens, is here to give us all the dirt on Judaism's ecological backstory. Beantown Jewish Gardens builds Jewish community through experiential education rooted in Jewish text, tradition and culture, breathing new life into Jewish practices by connecting Jews to the agricultural and food traditions of our people. Mallach joins Miriam and special guest co-host Jesse Ulrich of Pod4Good to discuss the work of this unique organization. Learn how Beantown Jewish Gardens launched its Jewish Volunteer Gardening Brigade during the pandemic, how Shabbat and sacred rest underpins Jewish environmentalism, the importance of sustainable farming and food justice, and how you can get involved right here in the Greater Boston Jewish community.

Jake Cohen loves food. We love food. And we love Jake Cohen. Hailed as “the creative, youthful future of Jewish food” by icon Joan Nathan, Cohen is known for, among many other things, his zesty Instagram presence and blending his Ashkenazi food heritage with his husband's Persian Iraqi Jewish traditions. The nice Jewish boy, culinary creative genius and New York Times bestselling author behind the new “Jew-ish: A Cookbook: Reinvented Recipes from a Modern Mensch” joins us to discuss the power of intergenerational cooking, discovering and reuniting the Jewish diaspora through food and how he and his husband are creating their own authentic Jewish experience. Feeling hungry? Get an exclusive recipe for Cohen's everything bagel galette at https://www.jewishboston.com/read/everything-bagel-galette. Learn more about Cohen at https://www.wakeandjake.com. Produced by Miriam Anzovin and edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

It has taken the Jewish communal world a long time to reckon with intermarriage. And the evolution of attitude—from gloom and doom to gradual, partial acceptance—has been decades in the making and is ongoing. For generations, the health of the Jewish population in America was measured largely by one statistic—the percentage of Jews intermarrying. And it's a number that has steadily increased since 1970. Yet one historian noted, “Statistical data inform us of structure, not content.” The “interfaith panic” led to a history of stigmatization and marginalization for interfaith couples based on fear of Jews disappearing, their offspring lost to intermarriage and spouses' faiths and traditions. Many people in interfaith relationships have stories to tell, including The Vibe of the Tribe co-host Dan, who has been in such a relationship for more than half his life and which, in recent years, has resulted in two Jewish children. From off-hand comments from other Jews at work or home to declarations from rabbis about how they would “never officiate” an interfaith marriage ceremony to relatives who have threatened to “never speak to” or “disown” children or grandchildren who intermarry, the bias is as real as it is hurtful. There are several problems with this mindset, in addition to the obvious. Interfaith Jews aren't lost, but anecdotally speaking, they don't respond well to being stigmatized. Dr. Keren McGinity, the first interfaith specialist at the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, is here to change the long-held perceptions of intermarriage as a “threat” to Judaism. She is an educator-activist specializing in Jewish intermarriage and gender roles, teaches at Brandeis University and is the author of “Still Jewish: A History of Women and Intermarriage in America” and “Marrying Out: Jewish Men, Intermarriage, and Fatherhood.” Her website, https://loveandtradition.org, is dedicated to opening hearts and broadening minds about intermarriage to build a fully inclusive Jewish community. In this episode, Dr. McGinity provides the historical and gender context of the intermarriage panic, offers tips on how to be an ally, discusses implications in Jewish law and completely flips the script on everything we've been led to believe about what “doing Jewish” really means. Produced by Miriam Anzovin and edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

If you have yet to pick your jaw up from the floor after watching “Shtisel” Season 3, you're not alone. Join a completely verklempt Miriam and Dan for a spoiler-filled recap with special guest Dr. Shayna Weiss, associate director of the Shusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University, and an expert in Israeli culture and entertainment (and definitive “Shtisel” authority!). We deconstruct the entire season, from the shocking premiere plot twist a la “The Sixth Sense” to the emotional finale, examining the magical realism, romance, Yiddish, longing, loss, multiple Shiras, familial mishegas and the “fourth wall”-breaking in between. Don't just “lie there like a dolphin!” Mix up a mocktail of soda with a little bit of Shabbat grape juice and tune in to this episode of The Vibe of the Tribe to learn everything about “Shtisel” Season 3. Want to learn more about “Shtisel” from Dr. Weiss? Read “Shtisel's Ghosts: The Politics of Yiddish in Israeli Popular Culture” (https://ingeveb.org/blog/shtisel-s-ghosts-the-politics-of-yiddish-in-israeli-popular-culture) and listen to “Jewish History Matters: Ultra-Orthodox Jews on Israeli TV with Shayna Weiss” (https://www.jewishhistory.fm/ultra-orthodox-jews-on-israeli-tv-with-shayna-weiss). Further reading mentioned in the podcast: “Conceiving Agency: Reproductive Authority among Haredi Women” by Michal S. Raucher: https://iupress.org/9780253050021/conceiving-agency “Holocaust Memory in Ultraorthodox Society in Israel” by Michal Shaul: https://iupress.org/9780253050816/holocaust-memory-in-ultraorthodox-society-in-israel Missed our recap of Seasons 1 and 2? Catch up here: https://www.jewishboston.com/read/the-vibe-of-the-tribe-podcast-episode-76-frum-here-to-eternity-watching-shtisel Produced by Miriam Anzovin and edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

The list of great Jewish-themed horror films is woefully short. But there's a new front-runner in this niche category—a legit horror film that is religiously accurate, sprinkled with Yiddish and leave-the-lights-on-don't-watch-alone scary. Meet “The Vigil.” Steeped in ancient Jewish lore and demonology, writer and director Keith Thomas's debut feature film tells the story of a young man named Yakov (Dave Davis of “The Walking Dead” and “Logan”) who is persuaded to watch over the body of a deceased member of his former Orthodox community. As his night unfolds, Yakov finds himself trapped with a malevolent entity. Thomas, Davis and co-star and associate producer Malky Goldman (“Unorthodox”) join an extremely hyped Miriam and Dan to discuss cinematic inspiration, the deeply authentic representation of ultra-Orthodox life and characters, how trauma and pain are reflected in the film and how “The Vigil” is charting new, very scary territory in Jewish cinema. Please note: This episode contains adult language. Find out how to watch “The Vigil” here: https://www.thevigil.movie/watch-at-home Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan. Special thanks to IFC Films and Tamar Simon from Mean Streets Management.

The JewishBoston crew observes a sacred Jewish tradition as old as, well, as old as 1998. To get in the Passover spirit, Miriam, Dan and Ashley, joined by former colleague and The Vibe of the Tribe founder Jesse Ulrich, rewatched the animated musical film “The Prince of Egypt.” We discuss some very notable differences between the Torah text and the cinematic story, ask if everything really needs to be a musical montage and admit that the golden calf we worship is, in fact, Jeff Goldblum. Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

If there was ever a time when comfort food was important, it's right now, in the interminable miserable pandemic year. Luckily, chef Paula Shoyer, also known as “The Kosher Baker,” joins Ashley and Miriam on this episode to teach us how to “eat our feelings” in a nourishing way that connects us to each other and our culinary traditions—despite the distance. Shoyer also shares what people have been craving most during the pandemic (hello, babka!), practical advice for both new and seasoned home cooks and how her latest release, “The Instant Pot Kosher Cookbook,” will save your sanity and revolutionize your kitchen. Shoyer is the author of “The Healthy Jewish Kitchen,” “The Holiday Kosher Baker,” “The Kosher Baker,” “The New Passover Menu” and “The Instant Pot Kosher Cookbook.” She has a French pastry degree from Paris and does cooking events all around the world. A freelance writer, cookbook editor and influencer, she competed on Food Network's “Sweet Genius” and has appeared on TV over 45 times. Find more information on Shoyer's cookbooks, exclusive recipes and upcoming classes at https://thekosherbaker.com, and see what she's whipping up on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kosherbaker. Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

February is Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month, a unified effort among Jewish organizations worldwide to raise awareness and foster acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities and mental health conditions and those who love them. To mark the month, The Vibe of the Tribe spoke with one of the most prominent leaders of the disability rights movement—Judy Heumann. If you've benefited from building ramps, extended time on tests or even standing desks, Heumann and her friends are the reason. Heumann, who contracted polio at 18 months old, was denied her teaching license just because she was paralyzed. After suing the New York Board of Education, she, along with other advocates, launched a prolonged battle against discrimination ignored by institutions and government on every level, all of which saw access like building ramps as an expensive annoyance serving a few long-marginalized people. Exclusion was a de facto national policy. Through protests, sit-ins and other non-violent actions, this team of young adults, along with their families, allies and partners, forced the federal government to hear their demands and to grant long-denied civil rights to people with disabilities. Their action led to the passage of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Heumann co-founded and worked at several nonprofits and advocacy groups, was appointed to positions in the Clinton and Obama administrations and served as the World Bank Group's first advisor on disability and development. Her book, “Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist,” was published last year, and her story is highlighted in the award-winning documentary “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution,” produced by former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. We were honored and humbled to welcome Heumann to The Vibe of the Tribe to discuss the power of community, her pivotal role in American history, her indelible mark on civil rights around the world and the work that's left to do. Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

In our recent episode “Heaven and Hell in Judaism” (jewishboston.com/the-vibe-of-the-tribe-podcast-heaven-and-hell-in-judaism), co-hosts Miriam and Dan dove into Jewish teachings about the afterlife with guest Rabbi Baruch HaLevi. That conversation led us to another question: If the soul endures, can we make contact with departed loved ones? And how might that fit into Jewish ideas about the journey of our souls through this world and “the world to come”? So, we are happy to welcome Rabbi HaLevi back to the podcast, this time with his sister, Rebecca Rosen, a professional spiritual medium. Rosen views herself as an ambassador between “the spirit world and our day-to-day world.” For two decades, she's been relaying messages from the dead to loved ones and others seeking to communicate with them and receive wisdom and healing. Rosen is the author of several best-selling books, including “Spirited: Unlock Your Psychic Self and Change Your Life,” “Awaken the Spirit Within: Ten Steps to Ignite Your Life & Fulfill Your Divine Purpose” and “What the Dead Have Taught Me About Living Well.” She recently launched her own podcast, Small Medium at Large, with the goal of empowering people to live with intention by reminding them that they are never alone, that they are divinely guided throughout their life journey. Rabbi HaLevi is the former rabbi of Congregation Shirat Hayam in Swampscott. He's the author of “Spark Seekers: Mourning With Meaning; Living With Light” and co-author of “Revolution of Jewish Spirit: How to Revive Ruakh in Your Spiritual Life, Transform Your Synagogue & Inspire Your Jewish Community.” He is also the co-founder and executive director of Soul Centered, a spiritual center for individuals seeking meaning, purpose and healing in midlife and beyond. Join us for this wide-ranging discussion that touches on grief, doubt, faith, validation, hope and tikkun hanefesh (repairing the soul). We sweep back the veil on the paranormal, reincarnation and the soul's journey. Please note that this episode includes a brief mention of suicide that some may find upsetting. If you are struggling or need support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

On Jan. 5, 2020, Miriam and Dan embarked on a seven-and-a-half-year journey simultaneously with tens of thousands of people across the world. Their collective quest? To participate in Daf Yomi (literally “daily page”), the ongoing daily sequential study of the Babylonian Talmud. Does studying one page of Talmud each day seem easy to you? Pardon Miriam and Dan while they laugh and cry hysterically. The Talmud is a multi-generational codification of Judaism's oral Torah, with crammed analysis, deep thought and frequent whiplash-inducing non-sequiturs from an enormous cast of rabbis discussing everything—and we do mean everything—of significance to Jews of the post-Temple era. It's a window into the daily lives of our ancient ancestors in Judea, the Galilee and Babylonia. With one year of Daf Yomi behind them, Miriam and Dan talk to two dynamic Talmud experts, Rabbi Avi Killip and Rabbi Avi Strausberg, both of Hadar. Tune in for a lively discussion that is—just like the Talmud—inspiring, fascinating, entertaining (just wait until you hear Rabbi Strausberg's brilliant haikus!), deeply weird and even profoundly NSFW. (Really. Some passages of this episode are R-rated.) If you've always wondered what the Talmud says, or perhaps are a Daf Yomi participant yourself, this is the episode for you! Rabbi Avi Killip is Hadar's vice president of strategy and programs. A graduate of Hebrew College Rabbinical School, Rabbi Killip also holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Brandeis University. She was a Wexner Graduate Fellow and a Schusterman Fellow. Rabbi Killip teaches as part of Hadar's faculty and is the host of Responsa Radio (https://www.hadar.org/torah-collection/responsa-radio). Rabbi Avi Strausberg is director of national learning initiatives at Hadar. She received her rabbinic ordination from Hebrew College Rabbinical School, is a Wexner Graduate Fellow and holds a master's degree in Jewish education. Rabbi Strausberg served as a rabbinic intern at Congregation Kehillath Israel and Temple Sinai in Brookline and also worked as a chaplain intern at Hebrew SeniorLife. Energized by engaging creatively with Jewish text, she has written several theater pieces inspired by the Torah and maintains a Daf Yomi haiku blog (https://inhaiku.wordpress.com), in which she writes daily Talmudic haikus. Resources mentioned in this episode: Project Zug's class on “Talmudic Personalities: Get to Know the Rabbis”: https://www.projectzug.org/course/3343/talmudic-personalities-get-know-rabbis Hadar's Virtual Beit Midrash winter programming: https://www.hadar.org/virtual-beit-midrash Rabbi Killip's “Siyyum on Massekhet Eruvin” (“Expanding the Boundaries of Home”): https://www.hadar.org/torah-resource/expanding-boundaries-home Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

Nearly 320,000 Americans have died from COVID-19. It's a number that can be difficult to wrap one's head around. Imagine losing half of Boston's population, or every resident of Pittsburgh. These statistics can inform us of the scope—but they cannot convey the cost.  Among those we've lost are loving parents, children, friends, colleagues and neighbors; teachers who inspired their students; health care workers who exhausted themselves to save others from the virus before contracting it themselves; grandparents and community leaders who died alone; adored siblings taking their last breaths as some of their family members said goodbye over FaceTime. Yet, as the death toll increases, so too does the numbness to the enormity of the pandemic. Reeling from the daily reports of new cases and deaths, Boston-based Alex Goldstein wanted to find a way to honor and memorialize those lost. The victims are, in his eyes, “more than a statistic,” so he created the FacesofCOVID Twitter account (https://twitter.com/facesofCOVID) to remember them as unique people, with names, photos and news reports. In this episode, Goldstein discusses his mission nine months into the pandemic, the responses he's received from the friends and families of the people whose stories have been shared, the role misinformation and divisive politics have played in the coronavirus death rate in America, and how his efforts and commitment to honor the dead will continue. Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

Have you ever found yourself in that conversation? The one where someone mentions something about death, and someone else chimes in with, “Jews don't believe in an afterlife!” Some of us have definitely experienced that conversation, especially after the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (z”l). As messages about the Jewish icon being reunited with her husband and other departed heroes were casually tossed around on social media, some well-meaning folks clapped back: “That's offensive! Jews don't believe that!” What if we told you that Judaism has plenty to say about the afterlife? And yes, Judaism has detailed descriptions of both heaven and—you guessed it—hell.  Our article, “Do Jews Believe in Hell?” by Rabbi Dr. Baruch HaLevi (https://www.jewishboston.com/ive-always-read-that-jews-dont-believe-in-the-concept-of-hell-is-that-true/), has been read almost a half-million times and continues to be the most popular piece of content on the site. Rabbi HaLevi joins Dan and Miriam to revisit his article and discuss why people are so intrigued—and confused—about Judaism's teachings on life after death. Tune in to learn all about the soul's journey through Gehenna (the “way station” hell in Judaism), the rewards of olam habah (“the world to come”), reincarnation, resurrection, communicating with the dead and more. Rabbi HaLevi is the former rabbi of Congregation Shirat Hayam in Swampscott. He's the author of “Spark Seekers: Mourning With Meaning; Living With Light” and co-author of “Revolution of Jewish Spirit: How to Revive Ruakh in Your Spiritual Life, Transform Your Synagogue & Inspire Your Jewish Community.” He is also the co-founder and executive director of Soul Centered, a spiritual center for individuals seeking meaning, purpose and healing in midlife and beyond. Further reading mentioned in this episode: “Does the Soul Survive? A Jewish Journey to Belief in Afterlife, Past Lives & Living with Purpose” by Rabbi Elie Kaplan Spitz: https://www.amazon.com/Does-Soul-Survive-2nd-Afterlife/dp/1580238181 “Spirited: Unlock Your Psychic Self and Change Your Life” by Rebecca Rosen: https://www.amazon.com/Spirited-Unlock-Your-Psychic-Change/dp/0061766259 “Jewish Magic and Superstition: A Study in Folk Religion” by Joshua Trachtenberg: https://www.amazon.com/Jewish-Magic-Superstition-Study-Religion/dp/161427407X/ MaNishtana's Twitter thread about the seven realms of heaven and hell: https://twitter.com/MaNishtana/status/1308226126339346433 Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, people all over the world have been sleeping and dreaming differently. Including us. This is one reason it was the perfect time for The Vibe of the Tribe team to publish a podcast episode exploring something we're all fascinated by: dreams. Venture into the realm of dreams with Miriam, Dan, Ashley and expert dream-worker Linda Yael Schiller, MSW, LICSW, author of “Modern Dreamwork: New Tools for Decoding Your Soul's Wisdom.” Schiller shares the transformational, multi-layered system of interpreting dreams she developed based on scripture study. We also discuss the importance of dreaming, its role in Jewish text and mysticism, where our souls go when we fall asleep and how to protect against and process nightmares. If you've ever woken up from a dream unsure of what it meant or even what you experienced, this episode is for you! Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

This Halloween, get spooked by monsters of Jewish lore as occult expert Peter Bebergal returns to The Vibe of the Tribe, escorting Miriam, Dan and Ashley on their ongoing quest into the Jewish supernatural world. Discover your new favorite monster in Jewish tradition, what the Talmud recommends doing if you suspect you're infested by demons and how Solomon, King of Israel, and Ashmodai, King of Demons, became frenemies with the help of a magic worm. And, wait, does Lilith really sell cursed wedding dresses on Craigslist?! In addition to being our “Dante's Inferno” Virgil-esque guide to the underworld and a three-time podcast guest (check out previous episodes here and here), Bebergal is the author of “Strange Frequencies: The Extraordinary Story of the Technological Quest for the Supernatural,” “Season of the Witch: How the Occult Saved Rock and Roll” and “Too Much to Dream: A Psychedelic American Boyhood.” He's also the editor of the upcoming anthology “Appendix N: The Eldritch Roots of Dungeons and Dragons.”

AppleTV+ knows how to make a beautiful thriller, no question. But have they made a good one that lives up to the hype? We take a deep dive into Iranian-Israeli espionage—as imagined by Moshe Zonder of the smash hit “Fauda”—and see just how binge-able this new, visually stunning 4K series is. “Tehran” follows Tamar, a female Mossad agent (played by Niv Sultan) who gets trapped in Iran during a mission gone wrong. Join The Vibe of the Tribe pod squad, with guest Jesse Ulrich, producer and co-host of Pod4Good, as we ask the most vital questions about the latest Israeli TV show to enter the zeitgeist: On a scale of Maxwell Smart from “Get Smart” to Sydney Bristow from “Alias,” how skilled is our protagonist in spy craft? Can “Tehran” build on the legacy of the "Fauda" effect? How does the show represent the history of Iranian Jews? Are we hooked enough to watch the rest of the season? Tune in for our not-so-undercover hot takes! This episode contains spoilers and adult language. Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

For many of us, Yom Kippur is the most significant and profound holiday in the Jewish calendar year. It's 25 hours of prayer, fasting and afflictions of the self to better focus on apologizing and repenting for sins against each other and God. This festival of forgiveness (hopefully, anyway!) has been observed for thousands of years, but what's the origin story of this most important day? How did the wilderness of the biblical desert shape the Jews as a people? How has history shaped how Yom Kippur evolved to its present incarnation? And what, or who, is Azazel? Join Miriam and Dan as they explore all these questions and more with guest expert Hannah Kearney. Kearney is pursuing her master's degree in Jewish educational leadership through Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion and is the director of Havayah, the teen community at Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley. You can tune in to her podcast-style recordings with Rabbi Alan Ullman, called “Text Messages,” at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/text-messages/id1510882131. Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

Water has always been an essential part of Jewish ritual for marking a life change, a rite of passage or a new beginning. Immersing in a mikveh, or ritual immersion pool, is one of the oldest Jewish practices—one often done right before Rosh Hashanah. Mayyim Hayyim (which means “living waters”) is a Greater Boston mikveh rooted in ancient tradition and reinvented for the 21st century to serve the Jewish community of today. Join hosts Miriam and Dan as they wade further into understanding this Jewish ritual with three experts from Mayyim Hayyim: Carrie Bornstein, executive director of Mayyim Hayyim Living Waters Community Mikveh and Paula Brody & Family Education Center, Jessica Rosenberg, director of Rising Tide Open Waters Mikveh Network, and rabbinic intern Amalia Mark. If you're familiar with the mikveh or only learned about it recently from watching Netflix's "Unorthodox," this episode is for you! Tune in as we dive into the unique challenges Mayyim Hayyim has faced during COVID-19, the creative process of developing new rituals for new challenges, and debunking myths and misunderstandings about the mikveh. Learn more at https://www.mayyimhayyim.org. Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

The traditional Jewish deli, once ubiquitous, has since become a rare treat. In New York City in the 1930s, there were over 1,500 Jewish delis. Today, that number has dwindled to around a dozen. Although new deli-inspired restaurants and shops have popped up, adding modern flair and twists on classics, the traditional delis that remain are treasured by loyal customers for both their nostalgia and delicious food. Greater Boston is lucky to still have a handful of traditional Jewish delis, pickle- and rye-scented, with all the knishes you can eat (and, of course, the perfect mustard on the side). In honor of National Deli Month (yes, it's a thing!), we spoke with local restaurateur Steven Peljovich, owner of Michael's Deli in Brookline, about the comfort that beloved beige and brown food provides, how he keeps old-school deli tradition thriving and why he's considered “The Corned Beef King.” Learn more at https://michaelsdelibrookline.com. Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

In every generation, there comes a film that redefines how American Jews see themselves. “An American Pickle” is not that movie. But it is a fun, time-traveling romp starring Seth Rogen. Rogen shines as Herschel, a Jewish immigrant spared from the pogroms of Eastern Europe, only to arrive in America and promptly fall into a pickle vat for 100 years. Upon waking up in the 21st century, Herschel is united with his only living descendant, his great-grandson, Ben (also played by Rogen). Ben, an app-developing dreamer, can't seem to get it together, much to hard-working Herschel's frustration. It goes without saying that unorthodox hijinks ensue. Join The Vibe of the Tribe crew Miriam, Dan and Ashley, along with our podcast founder Jesse, as we dive into the briny depths of HBO Max's “An American Pickle” to discuss immigration and assimilation, cancel culture, the controversy surrounding the film's star and how much we all hate Cossacks. Will we give this movie 10 out of 10 pickles? Tune in to find out! This episode contains spoilers and adult language. Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

TribeHerald—a new media site geared toward centering the experiences of Jews of color—was launched last month by activist, entrepreneur and musical artist Yitz Jordan (also known as Y-Love) and his co-founder, Rabbi Shais Rishon (also known as MaNishtana). Jordan joins us to discuss how this site and media company came to be, the importance of Jewish diversity and inclusion, and how we can all apply the framework of “ahavas Yisroel,” loving one's fellow Jew. From highlighting the voices of Native American Jews to sharing guidelines on how to be an anti-racist Jewish parent, TribeHerald brings authentic and necessary perspectives to the American Jewish media landscape. Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan. Learn more: https://tribeherald.com https://tribeherald.org https://twitter.com/ylove

Bread is, arguably, the official food of the COVID-19 pandemic. And, without a doubt, challah is the official bread of the Jewish people for the last 4,000 years or so. It seems that the longer we're staying at home, the more people are making challah, with varying degrees of success. We found a challah expert right here in Greater Boston: Mandy Silverman of Mandylicious Challah is pushing the braided loaf in entirely new directions, constantly adding shapes, fillings, toppings and colors that offer new twists on an ancient culinary tradition. The Sharon native and self-described “carbologist” joins us to discuss how she thought “inside the braid” to launch her business and an Instagram community of over 25,000 aspiring challah bakers. Follow Silverman and her magical challah and babka creations on Instagram at instagram.com/mandyliciouschallah. Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

We know we say it all the time, but this really is a very special episode. And no, it's not hyperbole: This is our 100th episode of The Vibe of the Tribe! We're excited to celebrate with an interview with Josh Gondelman (www.joshgondelman.com), an award-winning television writer, comedian, author and podcast host—and a mensch after our own hearts. A Stoneham native and Brandeis University alum, Gondelman is a writer for Showtime's late-night hit “Desus & Mero.” He has also won several awards, including four Emmys, for his work on “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.” He hosts his own podcast called “Make My Day,” is a regular panelist on NPR's “Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!,” penned two books and so much more. Our wide-ranging conversation includes Gondelman's childhood in the Boston ‘burbs, his undying love for The Beastie Boys, behind-the-scenes moments from his shows and how to stay positive during apocalyptic times. This milestone episode—coming at a difficult time for our country and our communities—managed to lift us up and give us some much-needed laughs. We hope it does the same for you! Here's to our next 100 episodes! Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

Join Miriam, Dan, Kali and Ashley as we talk about Season 3 of the thrilling Netflix series “Fauda.” If you want something to binge to get your mind off the stress of quarantine by stressing out in completely different ways, “Fauda” is the show to watch! (Listen to our recap of the first two seasons here.) Tune in as we dissect the nerve-wracking plot lines, discuss the characters' evolutions and share our frustrations and hopes for this fan-favorite Israeli series. Please note: This episode contains spoilers and some adult language. Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

Hit shows with Jewish themes or Israeli casts are certainly nothing new for Netflix. But perhaps none have been as controversial and widely discussed as “Unorthodox,” a four-episode series based on the memoir of a woman who left a large Satmar Orthodox community in Brooklyn. Some see the show as an entertaining and fascinating look at a community many of us know little about. Others say it's an inaccurate and even dangerous simplification of a complex group, sensationalizing and “othering” Satmar Chassidic Jews without the context necessary to understand their way of life. And that's just what the hosts of this podcast say! Dozens of articles and webinars have featured debates over the virtues of the show. But we thought it was time for a fact-check from the experts—two women who have personal experience with Chassidic Judaism: Layah Kranz Lipsker, a Chassidic educator in Boston, and Miriam Anzovin, The Vibe of the Tribe co-host and former Orthodox Jew. Tune in as they discuss the wigs, hats, Brooklyn and Berlin plot lines, the real challenges of leaving Orthodoxy and answer burning questions from show viewers.

There was a time when interacting with parents, grandparents or friends was as regular as a weekly trip to a grocery store or restaurant. But these are different times, and nothing is normal anymore, including our ability to be with many of the people we love, particularly those who face the possibility of severe complications from the coronavirus. Showing respect to the elders in our community is an incredibly important value in Judaism. The Torah says, “You should rise before the elderly and honor the aged." But now, because of social distancing, interacting with and honoring our elders looks quite different from what we're used to. For some families, that means weekly baking for their grandparents or showing them how to order groceries online. For others, heartbreakingly, it means recording an audio track of family voices so hospitalized elders are virtually “surrounded” by their loved ones. On this episode, you'll hear from expert guests Kara Baskin, JewishBoston.com's parenting writer and a feature writer for The Boston Globe, and Karen Wasserman, founding director of Your Elder Experts, a program of Jewish Family & Children's Service. They offer insights as well as practical advice and innovative ideas to stay in touch with older people in your life. Find more coronavirus community resources at JewishBoston.com/coronavirus. Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

The coronavirus has triggered an unprecedented wave of changes to day-to-day life in Greater Boston and beyond. But existing in a state of crisis is nothing new to the Jewish people. History can be our guide during difficult times. What does the past tell us about how we will emerge from the era of COVID-19? How might Jewish life, including how we gather and how we learn, change after this extended period of radical social distancing and economic turmoil? Listen to our timely conversation with two experts: Dr. Jonathan Sarna, a historian, author and Brandeis professor who provides the context of the time we're in, and Rabbi Marc Baker, president and CEO of CJP, a large Jewish organization at the forefront of responding to a community in crisis. Find coronavirus community resources at JewishBoston.com/coronavirus. Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

Israel “Izzy” Arbeiter was only 14 when he was imprisoned by the Nazis. Originally from Płock, Poland, Izzy survived six concentration camps before being liberated on his 20th birthday in 1945. We sat down with Izzy and his wife, Anna Arbeiter (also a Holocaust survivor), in early March to hear his story of survival, loss, love, resilience and strength. After sharing his testimony, Izzy answers some of our questions, with occasional commentary from Anna and their daughter, Fran Rotman. One more thing: We would like to help Izzy solve a 75-year-old mystery—the identity of a U.S. Army major or colonel stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, immediately after the war. This officer, who was Jewish, obtained papers from Gen. Eisenhower that allowed Izzy free passage and shelter to find Anna and his brother Aaron. He has always wanted to thank the officer—whose name he never asked for—and we want to try to help connect him with this man or his relatives. If you have any information, please email podcast@JewishBoston.com. Watch our video with Izzy at jewishboston.com/the-izzy-arbeiter-story. Edited by Tyler M. Andrews: https://tylermandrews.myportfolio.com With music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

The coronavirus pandemic has altered life in profound ways for all of us. But perhaps it is most acutely felt in communities housing the elderly. For these high-risk adults, visits with family and friends are no longer an option, and casual afternoon Zoom calls are not always possible. With Passover approaching, many Jewish seniors face a year unlike any other. The seder calls us together, yet this year, for many, it's simply not feasible. On this episode, we talk with Rabbi Marc Baker, president and CEO of CJP, and Amy Schectman, president and CEO of 2Life Communities, which helps seniors age affordably and live well. They discuss how their organizations are responding to the coronavirus crisis, the importance of connection and community, and what gives them hope in the days leading up to Passover. Want to help? Support the CJP Coronavirus Emergency Fund here: jewishboston.com/cjp-coronavirus-emergency-fund Support the 2Life Communities Response & Readiness Fund here: 2lifecommunities.org/covid19 For volunteer opportunities, email volunteer@2lifecommunities.org. Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

A Christian teen, Muslim teen and Jewish teen walk into a recording studio... Join us for a conversation with local teens Isabel, Reynad and Shalev as they discuss their year-round efforts building bridges between people and working for social justice. The organization that brought them together, Kids4Peace, trains and inspires Muslim, Christian and Jewish youth from seventh through 12th grades to become peace leaders. Sindy Wayne, executive director of Kids4Peace Boston, also provides an overview of the organization. In our current time of uncertainty, we hope this podcast (recorded before the coronavirus) brings levity and inspiration. Find more information about Kids4Peace Boston, including its school-year programming and middle school peace leader summer camp, on their website (http://kids4peaceboston.org) and Facebook page (facebook.com/kids4peaceboston). To learn more about Kids4Peace in other cities, visit the Kids4Peace website (https://k4p.org) and Facebook page (facebook.com/Kids4Peace). Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

If modern Judaism had an opening for a speechwriter, The Vibe of the Tribe would enthusiastically recommend Sarah Hurwitz. A senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama and head speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama, her recently published book, “Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life – in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There),” is arguably the best work on Judaism in recent memory. In 300 highly engaging pages, Hurwitz gives us a thorough look at Jewish tradition, prayer, ritual and even notions of the Divine, all while revealing what reconnecting with Judaism has meant to her. In our timely conversation, Hurwitz discusses how Judaism can help provide guidance and connection—virtually, as necessary—through the coronavirus pandemic. Learn more at sarahhurwitz.net. For more coronavirus community resources, visit JewishBoston.com/coronavirus.

Journalist, researcher, explorer, author and…memory champion? Joshua Foer has seemingly done it all! Whether it's co-creating a site digitizing thousands of years—and pages—of Jewish text, exploring some of the most fascinating and least-known places on the planet or entering the U.S. Memory Championship and accidentally winning the title, Foer's broad array of expertise makes him a must-listen. In this episode, we discuss how Sefaria, the website he co-founded, has contributed to democratizing Jewish learning, as well as his tips for the strangest destinations on earth through Atlas Obscura. And, of course, how you can build your own “memory palace” to recall vast amounts of information. Find more information: https://twitter.com/joshuafoer https://www.sefaria.org https://www.atlasobscura.com Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

When Vincent Petryk opened J.P. Licks in 1981, he wanted to make people happy through the power and comfort of ice cream. Today, the award-winning ice cream shop has 17 locations in and around Greater Boston, all of which are certified kosher.  Petryk, who is not Jewish, has made it his mission to connect with the people who live in the eclectic neighborhoods that house his stores. From experimenting with pad thai ice cream to offering home-roasted coffee grounds for composting to donating thousands of dollars to countless charities, J.P. Licks continues to support the community.  Petryk was joined by Adele Traub, J.P. Licks's marketing manager, to discuss their new hamantaschen, catering to the tastes of Boston's ethnically diverse community, their mutual love of kugel and, of course, ice cream. Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

For our third-ever live podcast, we went big—a big crowd and a big-time Hollywood celebrity. A live audience of more than 450 people joined hosts Miriam and Dan at CJP's annual Chai in the Hub celebration as they interviewed Alicia Silverstone, “Clueless” star, animal rights activist, author and entrepreneur. In between her appearances at New York Fashion Week and the Oscars, Silverstone shared her views on Jewish values and parenting, kindness on a global scale, the importance of plant-based diets and the healing power of food. Learn more about Chai in the Hub at cjp.org/chai-in-the-hub-2020. Learn more about Silverstone at thekindlife.com. Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

Warning: This episode will make you hungry! JewishBoston, Jewish Arts Collaborative and four celebrated Boston chefs teamed up for a live podcast recording about the history and evolution of Israeli food. Live from a packed but cozy Mamaleh's Delicatessen after hours comes a fascinating discussion about the creation of Taste of Israel Restaurant Week, how raisins do not belong in kugel (prove us wrong!), exciting food trends from Israel and the secret to baking Israel-level pita in Greater Boston. Featuring: Michael Leviton, eight-time James Beard Foundation Award nominee, chair of Taste of Israel Restaurant Week and co-founder of Craigie Burger Rachel Sundet, owner and pastry chef at Mamaleh's Delicatessen Avi Shemtov, owner and chef at The Chubby Chickpea and Simcha Ilan Barniv, owner and chef at BONAPITA Mediterranean Bakery & Grill This live recording was part of Taste of Israel Restaurant Week 2020. See photos from the event here: http://bit.ly/2Of5mr7 Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

Lior Lev Sercarz is a chef, author, IDF veteran and royalty, of a sort. Well, at least he's titled that way. With a globally acclaimed expertise in creating incredible flavors, Sercarz has become known as “The Spice King of New York,” no easy feat in one of the world's top food cities. At his store, La Boîte, Sercarz and his team create hundreds of spice blends used in kitchens ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to that apartment down the hall that always smells amazing. We caught up with Sercarz to discuss his new venture, the Galilee Culinary Institute by the Jewish National Fund; his new cookbook, “Mastering Spice: Recipes and Techniques to Transform Your Everyday Cooking”; and how he keeps the spice throne through mind-blowing flavor combinations. Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

This episode is deeply personal and touches upon an experience that many people have dealt with: divorce. Join Miriam Anzovin and Kali Foxman as they share their own experiences of getting divorced in the Jewish tradition. With the help of two experts, they demystify the Jewish divorce process, including the get (Jewish divorce document), and what it means as a woman to receive one—or not—both in the United States and in Israel. Our guests on this episode are Layah Lipsker, a Jewish educator and director of the Boston Agunah Taskforce, which is devoted to research, education and advocacy for fairness in the Jewish divorce process, and Dr. Susan Weiss, founder of the Center for Women's Justice, which is leading the legal battle for women's equality, dignity and justice under Jewish law in Israel. Resources mentioned in this podcast: In need of help and resources in Boston? The Boston Agunah Task Force can help (brandeis.edu/hbi/research-projects/gcrl/boston-agunah-taskforce/help.html). To learn more about the get process and send your questions to a consultant, visit getyourget.com. Find information for divorcing couples and their attorneys at getyourget.com/home-2. To learn more about the halachic prenuptial agreement and download the Center for Women's Justice “Agreement for a Just and Fair Marriage,” visit cwj.org.il/en/568. Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

Join Dan and Miriam as they speak with the inspiring Rabbi Susan Abramson of Temple Shalom Emeth in Burlington. Abramson—the longest-serving female rabbi in Massachusetts—is co-founder of Burlington Area Clergy for Justice, an interfaith group of clergy and supporters who stand for immigrant rights and protest a local ICE facility each month. Abramson also hosts “Spiritually Speaking,” a YouTube series in which she highlights the faith traditions and houses of worship in and around Burlington. She is also the author of the “Rabbi Rocketpower” series of Jewish children's books. Tune in to hear about the importance of learning about different faith traditions and why taking action is the best way to protect your mental and emotional health when it sometimes feels like the world is going to hell in a hand-basket. Learn more: https://shalom-emeth.org/category/cbe/about-us/our-clergy https://www.facebook.com/groups/BAC4J https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbv7N6fny5oJJHftEa_Sngw http://www.rabbirocketpower.com Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

Cooking a brisket in under two hours is nothing compared to an eight-hour TV binge! Are you verklempt over the new season of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”? The Vibe of the Tribe gets you more than Lenny Bruce gets Midge. We watched Season 3 as quickly as we could to give you our takes on the most popular fictitious Jewish comedienne of mid-century America. Are Midge and Joel going to be a thing again? Can Susie manage the unmanageable Sophie Lennon? How crazy will the Maisels drive the Weissmans this season? Will anyone notice those children? Ever?! Tune in for our spoiler-laden conversation about the occasionally marvelous but usually meshuggah Mrs. Maisel! Find more related content at jewishboston.com/package/the-marvelous-mrs-maisel. Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

Rachael Cerrotti had a close relationship with her grandmother, Hana. She knew Hana was a Holocaust survivor who evaded Nazi capture numerous times, and she savored her time with the family matriarch, hearing her tell stories about her past and reading her writing. After Hana's death in 2010, Rachael began to explore her story in more depth. She decided to take an incredible journey in which she followed her grandmother's footsteps more than 70 years later, connecting with descendants of families that saved Hana's life in Denmark and Sweden. Throughout her travels, Rachael used her camera, podcasting equipment and journals to capture the story she tells on the multimedia website “We Share the Same Sky,” presented by USC Shoah Foundation. At its center is a riveting and moving seven-episode podcast series—the first produced by the foundation—that brings the past into the present through Rachael's decade-long journey to retrace her grandmother's story of survival. The episodes use history and current events to help listeners grasp themes, including discrimination and dehumanization, the impact of physical and metaphorical walls, and how to find hope and redemption in tragic circumstances. On this episode of The Vibe of the Tribe, Rachael joins Dan and Miriam to talk about her unique project, how she reimagined the ways in which testimony can be used to tell stories and how “We Share the Same Sky” offers a compelling tool for Holocaust educators. “We Share the Same Sky is produced by Rachael Cerrotti and co-produced by Erika Lantz. You can find the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and other podcast apps. Learn more at http://sharethesamesky.com. Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.

Spread among the nearly 150,000 square miles of pastures, snow-capped mountains and lakes of Montana is a small Jewish community. Rabbi Chaim Bruk—of the Chabad Lubavitch movement—relocated from Brooklyn with his wife, Chavie, and their adopted children with the ambitious goal of affixing a mezuzah to the door of every Jew in the Big Sky state. Bruk's endeavor drew the attention of two Boston-area filmmakers, Amy Geller and Gerald Peary, who followed him on his journey and discovered a story much larger and more complex than just the tale of a man doing a mitzvah. Their new documentary film, “The Rabbi Goes West,” will premiere in New England at the Boston Jewish Film Festival on Sunday, Nov. 17. The film is a thoughtful, compelling look at the joys and challenges of Jewish life in rural America. Amy and Gerald join us on this episode to talk interdenominational cooperation and competition, growing anti-Semitism, the Jews of Whitefish (yes, that's a real place!) and the resilient Jewish community they found in Montana. Learn more about the film: https://www.therabbigoeswest.com Buy tickets to the New England premiere: http://bit.ly/32jJLSD

This Halloween, we're resurrecting the (Jewish) history of the undead: ghosts, vampires, zombies and demons. Occult expert Peter Bebergal returns to discuss hauntings, warding off spirits and practical advice for those in the midst of a demonic possession. Plus, Peter tells Miriam, Dan and Ashley a ghost story that will forever change the way you think about geese. If demons are interrupting your private cemetery conversations with ghosts, this episode is for you. Peter Bebergal is a graduate of Harvard Divinity School and the author of “Season of the Witch: How the Occult Saved Rock and Roll,” “Too Much to Dream: A Psychedelic American Boyhood” and “Strange Frequencies: The Extraordinary Story of the Technological Quest for the Supernatural.” Have comments or ideas for us? Email podcast@jewishboston.com. Edited by Jesse Ulrich, with music by Ryan J. Sullivan.