Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews

May 21, 2025Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 81 - 3rd Anniversary Special - Dungeons & DreidelsA year has passed since the goblins were driven from the village and the light of Hanukkah was saved by the hero called Hershel… or so everyone thought. Now, on the final night of the town's Hanukkah celebration, the wind howls and dark clouds gather above. Join the village's unlikely heroes—a blacksmith, a tailor, a butcher, and a teacher—as they defend their home, unravel a mysterious return, and stand together to protect the light. Because Hanukkah isn't just about miracles… it's also about rolling initiative.00:00:43 Character Introductions00:01:43 In a tiny village, a few miles outside of Ostropol…00:02:37 Exploring the Festival00:06:15 Yankle's Dreidel Game00:15:44 Eight Festival Knights00:31:46 Uninvited Guests00:55:09 The Return of the Goblin King01:04:00 Hershel's House on the Hill01:20:58 Something Old, Yet Familiar01:34:10 The True Power of the Dark01:42:21 The Final Battle of Light and Dark02:11:45 Hebrew Runes Appear02:24:44 The End of the Eighth NightShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-81-dungeons-and-dreidels Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.Character Information:Terry Black (played by Ethan Lane-Miller) Gnome Paladin. He is the town blacksmith.Dima Silkthread (played by RDY) Halfling Rogue. He is the town tailor.Lazar Wolf (played by Joel Swedlove) Orc Barbarian. He is the town butcher.Morah Fenwin Gigglesong (played by Sparkle Peters) Elf Bard. She is the village teacher.Dungeon Master (Barak Malkin) Keeper of the chaos, spinner of dreidels and destinies.   Perhaps for this game we say… Dreidel Master.

May 7, 2025Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 80 - Putting the Pieces TogetherSamson apparently loved Delilah and word puzzles. In today's world, before he attacked the philistines, he probably would have finished that morning's Wordle. With so many types of puzzles in the world today, we try to piece together an episode with the clues given on the box. Would you consider that to be cheating though? If you're confused, perhaps you should listen to figure this one out with us.00:01:08 Judges Chapter 14 00:03:22 Puzzles00:05:29 Puzzling habits00:07:12 Escape Rooms with leadership00:12:38 What's Jewish about puzzling?00:16:25 Get a clue00:25:47 Infusing it all together00:27:52 The 100 Prisoner Puzzle00:34:40 Having a healthy argument00:39:37 Modular puzzlesShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-80-putting-the-pieces-togetherConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

April 23, 2025Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 79 - Let's Get Together: Live In Austin!Barak, Ethan, and RDY were finally in the same zip code together, for the first time ever! So they decided to record an episode with the locals! When these nerds get together they play board games, watch superhero movies, visit comic book shops, go to escape rooms, and tell wonderfully terrible jokes. So what happens when you put them together in a room full of Jews? It turns out, you end up with a definitely-not-fake laugh track! This episode comes to you live from Congregation Beth Israel in Austin, TX!00:01:09 When nerds get together00:02:05 When Jews get together00:02:43 Food00:12:24 Small Gatherings00:14:09 Coming together for support00:23:26 Expanding Your Knowledge00:31:59 Playing People Geography00:36:12 Breaking the Star Trek barrier00:37:00 Arguing00:43:01 Our favorite arguments00:57:31 Favorite way to get togetherShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-79-lets-get-together-live-in-austin Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

April 9, 2025Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 78 - New Games, Old WisdomIn this episode, we dice into the world of reboots, remastering, and retelling, both in the sacred and the pixelated. Ethan begins by sharing his love for the remastered version of one of his favorite games, Star Wars: Dark Forces, and what changed in its recent rerelease. We discuss movie reboots, and why it's sometimes okay for things to change. And while some properties struggle with an updated version, some things in life seem to only get better with each replay.00:00:41 Time Warps00:02:45 Star Wars Dark Forces00:05:08 Pirkei Avot Chapter 500:06:43 Love for Retro Gaming00:13:05 Why retell and remaster?00:15:42 Sometimes you turn it and nothing happens00:18:01 Turn it and use it again00:20:07 Retelling, Remastering, and Rebooting, Oh my!00:24:02 What do we want to keep the same?00:26:31 Changes we look forward toShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-78-new-games-old-wisdomConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

March 26, 2025Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 77 - God Plans, Man LaughsThere's a new episode of Torah Smash! Yes, and… the Jewish tie in is a story from Genesis! Yes, and… the hosts find more ways to comment about muppets. With a topic like improv, anything can happen! Let's talk about laughter and where it can be found in the world and in our work as Jewish professionals. We also explore how laughter is utilized in Jewish holidays, even in the darkest of times.00:02:40 Genesis 17:1700:05:31 Improvisational Acting and Comedy00:07:07 The 3 main rules of improv00:09:40 Yes, And-ing Judaism00:20:29 Laughing in the face of tragedy00:25:40 Celebrating after redemption00:27:32 Argumentative improv00:30:19 Does comedy need darkness?Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-77-god-plans-man-laughsConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

March 12, 2025Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 76 - Separating the Nerdy from the MundaneAfter last episode's connection to Shabbat, there was only one logical topic for the next conversation: havdalah! We learn about the ritual objects of havdalah and the meaning behind this short, weekly celebration. We discuss when we keep our nerdy parts of our lives separate, we find some sweetness in nerd culture, and we also talk about the bad body odor of gamers, for some reason. Once we've gotten to that point, how can we separate ourselves from that space?00:00:41 Torah Smash Live!00:01:32 Part II: Havdalah (Separation)00:08:46 What are the nerdy things we do that we want to keep separate?00:13:56 What are the spaces you wish were ceremoniously separated?00:17:17 Sacred symbols of separation that bring us joy00:21:51 Taking in the sweetness of nerd culture00:28:13 Symbols of light in nerd culture00:32:45 Ritual momentsShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-76-separating-the-nerdy-from-the-mundaneConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

February 26, 2025Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 75 - Shabbat: There's A Nap For ThatShabbat is a way for us to reflect on the week and reset ourselves. We power ourselves down and find ways of interacting with our loved ones and our community in ways that can really nourish our soul. So, this is a reminder to download that special app on your smartphone that will help you appreciate and recognize shabbat. And, while you're at it, don't forget to organize your apps and delete the ones that just fill up the space without any significance. After that, go take a nice shabbat schluff.00:00:37 Torah Smash! Live! Coming to Austin, March 202500:01:14 Let's talk about Shabbat00:03:00 Observing Shabbat in our own ways00:10:01 What 3 apps would you keep?00:15:14 What you need is… more Shabbat00:18:12 Cutting back on Apps00:23:00 Categorizing00:25:33 Using apps unexpectedly00:27:55 Intentional usage and intentional feeling00:36:14 What changes are you going to make now?Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-75-shabbat-theres-a-nap-for-thatConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

February 12, 2025Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 74 - JudAIsmArtificial intelligence is everywhere—even in the clergy world! In this episode, we welcome Rabbi Josh Fixler, who was recently featured in The New York Times for his insights on how religious leaders are using AI. Join us as we explore the intersection of faith and technology, discuss the opportunities and challenges AI presents to clergy, and maybe even ask the big question: If a chatbot gives a sermon, does it count? Tune in for a fascinating conversation that's more than just artificial—it's intelligent!00:04:14 New York Times: At the Intersection of AI and spirituality00:07:52 Rabbi Bot00:12:28 Chatgpt's suggestions for utilizing AI in Judaism00:20:39 The differences between how two religions related to technology00:24:21 AI and Jewish Education00:30:58 Can you use AI with pastoral care?00:37:23 The turing test and the most human human00:43:44 Golem qualities of an AI00:45:47 Welcome to the podcast… Rabbi Bot!Rabbi Josh Fixler's Sermon on AI with his Rabbi Bot: https://youtu.be/f_PO5Y-VQ3s?si=09or25CdNjNC9Yh_Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-74-JudAIsm

January 29, 2025Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 73 - Kosher or Not Kosher?It's time for everyone's favorite game show when it comes to Jewish food… Kosher! Or! Not! Kosher?! Join us as we explore some fantasy foods, science fiction foods, and some soon-to-not-be so science fiction food based questions when it comes to keeping kosher. Do we think the Klingons follow similar laws when making their ritual wines? How about Dungeons & Dragons characters? What about your video game characters? Plus, Barak shares his one unfortunate food allergy and RDY may have an alternative choice for him! But, would that also be allowed as kosher?00:01:05 Laws of Kashrut00:06:19 Susan Ivanova from Babylon 500:08:50 Unreal foods we want to try00:09:56 Klingon Blood Wine00:14:03 D&D's Create Food and Water Conjuration00:16:54 Meat cloned in a lab00:24:24 RDY asks the wrong question00:27:44 Are they really two generations?00:31:20 Star Trek's Food Replicator00:35:28 Dietary Laws in the Torah00:40:40 Futuristic food isn't futuristicShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-73-kosher-or-not-kosherConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

January 15, 2025Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 72 – Leviticus All Along …With Special Guest Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-WeinerWe are thrilled to welcome the first character from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to join us on Torah Smash, Rabbi Levin, played by real life clergy, Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner. She shares about her journey into the MCU, we discuss our thoughts of the newest Jewish character to be portrayed in this world, and we share some of our favorite parts of the series. Just like the show, you may have to relisten to this one again to make sure you caught everything. Follow us my friends, to this episode at the end.00:04:20 The road to Agatha All Along00:06:31 Finding the right MCU Rabbi00:07:58 Leviticus 10:100:11:31 A Talmudic retelling or foreshadowing?00:16:08 Evaluating the Jewish depiction00:23:12 Finding the meaning of names00:25:44 Learning the Torah Portion00:31:07 Other Jews on set00:32:32 Experiencing and Appreciating00:36:11 Favorite foreshadowing00:41:11 Our hopes for next Jewish depiction in the MCUShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-72-leviticus-all-alongConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

January 1, 2025Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 71 - The Wheel of New YearsThe Wheel of Time turns, and we return with another episode for you. Did you know that Judaism celebrates four different new years? So, that means that American Jews celebrate 5 different New Years! And if you're stuck in a time loop, the number is much higher than that! Join us as we celebrate and mark this time on our calendars. We share why time was invented, how we decide to mark time, and question the idea of time altogether!00:01:48 Happy Four New Years!00:06:52 The Wheel of Time Series00:09:50 In A beginning00:13:29 The observer's anniversary versus the character's anniversary experiences00:14:29 Q's Tapestry and other nerdy wheels of time00:19:42 Spotify Wrapped and Steam winter sale00:22:29 Nerd convention calendars00:25:00 Paying attention to the other new years'00:29:14 Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end00:34:27 Why do we need time?00:42:34 Remembering time and keeping time sacredShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-71-the-wheel-of-new-yearsConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

December 18, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 70 - Torah Smash Jr.There are some stories in Jewish tradition and history that put the children at the center of it all. Jacob and Esau as well as Joseph teach us some valuable lessons as adults. But aren't children just meant to be sidekicks? And how old are the children of the Torah anyway? Let's just hope that as they grow up, they've learned from the mistakes of their parents.00:01:00 Jacob and Esau the adult children00:03:13 Joseph the tattletale00:06:35 Child character focused stories00:12:11 Favorite child centered stories00:17:43 Does having children in the story change the message?00:19:19 Does younger age warrant more sympathy00:24:05 Children are sidekicks, not heroes00:26:47 In the Torah, age isn't just a number00:28:11 Replace an adult character with a child character00:31:52 Carrying the sins of our parents00:34:47 Closing thoughts on what we didn't talk aboutShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-70-torah-smash-jrConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

December 4, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 69 - Die Hard is a Chanukah Movie …With Special Guest Arnon ShorrChanukah falls on Christmas Day this year, so what better way to celebrate this overlap than debating if the classic action film, Die Hard, is a Christmas movie or a Chanukkah movie? We review what makes a movie holiday specific, the subtle Chanukkah plotline, and the movie's Jewish characters… one which may surprise you! Make sure that you cuddle on the couch with some latkes and gelt in the warm glow of your menorah, and say yippee-chai-yay to this (possibly) Chanukkah classic.00:02:16 Popular Debate: Is Die Hard a Christmas Movie?00:06:34 New Debate: Is Die Hard a Chanukah Movie?00:06:55 What's the right way to spell Hannukkahhh?00:09:03 What does a film need in order to be a Chanukah movie?00:13:52 Tha Chanukah Plot of Die Hard00:17:04 The Jewish calendar of Die Hard00:18:24 Challenging the premise of the holiday connection00:28:18 Character and Actor connections00:30:32 Die Hard's Jewish Dad helps us get grounded00:33:41 A critique of Christmas or culture?00:37:50 Sergeant Al Powell's Fan Theory00:38:45 Final Chanukah notes00:39:30 Other “Chanukah” moviesShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-69-die-hard-is-a-chanukah-movieConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

November 20, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 68 - Super Mitzvot Bros. …with Special Guest Sparkle PetersThe Nintendo video game company has been filling our homes with fun and excitement for many years. Some even say that the best video game of all time was Super Nintendo's Super Mario Bros. Twitch streamer and podcaster, Sparkle Peters, joins us to discuss the innovation around the tutorial levels in video games, save skimming, and sometimes just throwing the instructions out all together. Plus, did you know that you're remembering Rainbow Road wrong?!00:02:09 Super Mario Bros, World 1-100:05:02 Teaching as you do, especially the act of mitzvot00:07:58 Learning right from wrong in real time.00:09:52 Video game tutorial levels… or not.00:15:46 Enjoyable puzzle games00:20:17 Getting gaming help00:24:45 Just doing, not being taught00:28:21 That's enough rules, let's just play the board game00:30:20 The E.T. Video Game00:32:04 Experiential educator playgrounds00:34:49 Does save scumming teach us?00:37:38 Mario Kart's mandela effect00:40:05 Learning little by littleShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-68-super-mitzvot-brosConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

November 6, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 67 - Grief, Loss, and LifesabersEthan opens his heart to all of us once again as we look back on a year of grief together with returning guest, Dr. Betsy Stone. We learn about the difference between the words grief and loss, share some of the meaningful practices during the mourning period, and hear what Star Trek has to say about the unexpected death of a loved one. We also teach Betsy what we're supposed to call those plasma sword thingies in Star Wars. …Or maybe, she taught us?00:02:24 A one year check in00:04:19 Compounded grief00:11:07 The difference between grief and loss00:13:53 The burdens of grief on Deep Space 900:18:21 The experiences of the facts of our stories change00:23:11 Something I talked about with my therapist…00:26:48 Art imitating life and life imitating art00:29:21 Holding joy and sadness, unlike giraffes00:31:46 The perfect structure for mourning00:34:43 Loss versus death00:41:02 Grief is multilayered and disruptive00:44:22 favorite pop culture stories centered around death or griefShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-67-grief-loss-and-lifesabersConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

October 23, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 66 - Good Ideas Gone WrongWe recorded this episode in September of 2024, which means that we had to visit the future historical event of the time: the Bell Riots from Deep Space 9. Ethan walks us through this time travel Star Trek episode and we discuss what went wrong. They seemed like they had good intentions, but do good plans always go awry? We also visit some other future prediction events from other franchises. …Does Judaism ever predict the future?00:01:18 Isaiah 58:7-800:03:26 Deep Space 9 travels back to 2024 in a transporter accident00:05:28 DS9 “Past Tense” Parts I and II00:10:01 Figuring out morality without violence00:12:20 Paving the road with good intentions00:15:21 No bowling balls in the pool!00:21:37 How will the Bell Riots directly affect change?00:27:53 Finding a home in other franchises00:34:09 Predicting the future in pop culture00:37:50 Does Judaism ever predict the future?Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-66-good-ideas-gone-wrongConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

October 9, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 62 - Sabra: The Hero not the Hummus …with Special Guest Sasha KaplanThe upcoming Captain America movie will include the first live action portrayal of the Israeli superhero Sabra. In this episode, we take a deep dive into Sabra's first introduction into the Marvel Comics world, the possible powers and skills you may see on the big screen, and our predictions on what her story in the MCU will look like.00:02:41 A background on Sabra00:07:38 Sabra got a name change00:09:17 Sabra entering the MCU00:17:17 Revisiting Sabra's troubling first comic story00:26:41 Sabra's name and some more troubling backstory00:37:52 Sabra's powers and skillsets00:43:07 Will her Jewish or Israeli background play a part in her MCU StoryShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-65-sabra-the-hero-not-the-hummusConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

September 25, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 64 - The Good, The Bad, and The Antisemitic …With Special Guest Dr. Linda MaizelsIt's been almost a year since the attack on Israel on October 7. Since that time, it hasn't just been the war that has taken over the news. It feels like there has been such a strong increase of antisemitism locally and around the world. We discuss centuries worth of antisemitism, we ask why it seems so acceptable today, and we try to find hope for the future. Don't worry, there's plenty of nerdy stuff, too. After all, we are talking about the struggle between good versus evil. 00:02:32 The rise of antisemitism00:05:44 Do superheroes attract supervillains? Or the other way around?00:06:06 Gotham's evil increases after Batman shows up00:11:44 Antisemitism turns the Jew into the scapegoat00:15:04 Does support increase only because the attacks are increasing?00:18:55 Antisemitism is feeling more acceptable, for some reason00:21:30 Do you share similar hope from the X-Men ‘97 series?00:25:28 Having difficult conversations with opposing opinions00:30:40 Got Hope?00:37:02 The resident pessimist mitigates hate through empathy00:39:11 Captain Benjamin Sisco and Gul Dukat00:44:25 Time to mention to MCUShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-64-the-good-the-bad-and-the-antisemitic Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

September 11, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 63 - The Rav and The AcolyteIn today's episode, we learn from each other as we discuss the newest Star Wars show, The Acolyte. We discuss the best and worst teachers among the sith and the jedi in the show. Also, did Darth Maul's mommy make an appearance? Speaking of teaching, Ethan sith-splains Star Wars to his co hosts. 00:02:23 The Master and their student00:03:39 “The desire of the wise is to learn, and a fool's to teach”00:05:16 Appreciating the cast for a moment00:11:17 “A wise person is a student who makes their teacher wiser”00:15:07 Darth Maul's Mommy?00:16:13 “To defend a country, you need an army. But to defend an identity, youneed a school.”00:18:56 Ethan sith-splains Star Wars00:24:30 Darth Bortles is a great teacher00:26:30 “Educate a child according to their way.”00:30:46 Was it a new lightsaber set?Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-63-the-rav-and-the-acolyteConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

August 28, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 62 - Deadpool and Lamed VavnikimThere are so many people in our world who are making the world a better place. Judaism calls them lamed vavnikim, or the righteous 36. But what about the people in the void who are making our world a better place? Or those who are trying to find missing anchor beings to make their own world better for their girlfriend who doesn't love them anymore? They're good too, right? Well, maybe they're not “Avengers good”, but, woo, they're about to make a name for themselves here.00:01:24 Most people think they're good people00:03:07 We know the right answer and these aren't it00:06:11 Deadpool and Wolverine00:08:40 Thirty-Six (Plus) Righteous People00:12:00 The Thirty Six Graphic Novel by Kristopher White00:14:38 Barak's rant about D&W plot holes00:19:51 Happy Hogan's afikomen office00:24:11 Into the Void00:29:28 Wolverine variants00:33:17 Musical anchors00:35:27 Not one, but two (and a Peter)00:36:14 More likes and dislikes00:40:18 Deadpool 4?Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-62-deadpool-and-lamed-vavnikimConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

August 14, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 61 - Inside Mussar 2Emotions can sometimes be difficult to handle and we find that they're also often pretty Jewish. Join us as we explore the two joyfully sad movies by Pixar, Inside Out 1 and 2, and the connections to a very popular Jewish practice. We let the little voices inside our heads out for this conversation and we share the emotions that we wish made appearances in the films. Plus a hot take: Bing Bong is Jewish.00:00:39 Step Inside RDY's Mind00:02:04 Initial film reactions00:08:30 Favorite afikomen00:12:56 Saboteurs and Mussar00:19:39 Jewish guilt and nostalgia00:23:19 If can control our emotions, we show true strength00:31:23 Next is high school emotions00:34:25 The original five base emotions00:38:51 Other favorites and afikomenShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-61-inside-mussar-2Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

July 31, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 60 - All Nerds Think About Is Sects …with Special Guest Melissa RaubJudaism is divided into sects or branches, but they all share a few core beliefs. We agree that they don't sit on a spectrum, but perhaps they live in some kind of venn diagram? But, reviewing the sects of Judaism isn't enough for us, we also explore the sects of Nerdaism. Or, as Barak preferred to call them, the cool kids tables.00:03:21 The denominations of Judaism00:04:51 Nerds and Geeks and Dorks and Dweebs00:05:15 Breaking down the differences in Judaism00:17:42 Save the Scranton Paper Tower00:18:22 Breaking down the differences at the cool kids tables00:20:40 Just Jews and Just Nerds00:23:52 Torah Smash 5 Year Quest00:25:40 How does one translate to the other?00:28:46 Paul Rudd Marvel Nerd?00:32:32 Knowing someone helps to welcome them00:33:40 Mitzvahflix00:36:42 What type of nerdy Jew are you?Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-60-all-nerds-think-about-is-sectsConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

July 17, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 59 - The Messiah ElementNot the first element, hydrogen. Not the second, the third, or even the fourth element. No, this episode is about the Fifth Element, and it's just… perfect. Grab a flying taxi and head to the (for some reason) garbage filled airport because you won two tickets aboard the Flohston Paradise cruise ship! Is it possible to save the world from destruction? Or is that actually how we save it? Join us meat popsicles as we discuss the future of the galaxy. But first, do you have your multipass?00:01:05 Our second “97” property in a row00:03:22 Recapping The Fifth Element00:06:01 The Jewish concept of messiah00:08:40 Isaiah 7:1400:10:22 The perfect being00:14:11 Creating from destruction00:16:29 War vs Love00:19:11 RDY's Messianic Theology00:23:22 Bringing about the messiah00:26:27 Questions of the heavenly court00:29:21 The name of the messiah00:34:48 Childlike wonder and trash00:38:10 Barak's favorite afikomen00:39:18 How would you imagine a saved world?00:40:16 Any final pointsShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-59-the-messiah-element Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

July 3, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 58 - X-Men Again Again …with Guest Host Joel SwedloveIn this episode, our guest host, Joel Swedlove, leads our team through a quote quote from a rabbi with a funny name name. We discuss the ever popular X-Men ‘97 animated series that recently completed and explore the similarities and differences in how we watched it. Not just because it's a different show, but because we are different people than when we first saw it. You're not gonna wanna miss this one, bub!00:04:30 Joel keeps us on track00:05:03 Put out the Bat SigNal00:05:57 Starting with a quote quote from a rabbi with a funny name name00:09:33 X-Men ‘9700:13:32 Reboots, sequels, and requels00:17:25 Knowing every character or story arc ahead of time00:23:45 MCU's struggles with completionist homework00:26:33 Keeping Magneto's impactful Jewish background00:29:25 The timeless X-Men story00:32:27 Fun fact about Menachem Begin's X-men connection00:35:10 There is nuance between good and bad00:44:16 The X-Men will returnShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-58-x-men-again-again Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

June 19, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 57 - To Everything There Is A Bluey…with Special Guest Cantor Emily SimkinThis week's episode of Bluey is called… Torah Smash! Sometimes special episodes come into our lives, this is one of those episodes. For real life! We talk about our feelings around the Heeler's “moving” episode and all the advice that we've learned from a cartoon dog (and from real people as well). Life can get ruff sometimes, so we hope you find this episode to be a real t-r-e-a-t.00:03:01 Everyone's favorite animated dog - Bluey!00:06:32 Bluey is Torah00:11:20 Ecclesiastes 3:100:12:34 How do we handle big life shifts?00:16:36 Wanted more of a moving episode on moving.00:19:26 Unetaneh Tokef00:22:13 How do you notice life's little things?00:29:05 Best advice on the topic of kids00:30:18 A quick correction about blessings00:31:39 More genius advice00:40:16 Favorite Bluey episodesShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-57-to-everything-there-is-a-bluey Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

June 5, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 56 - 2nd Anniversary Special - Paraders of the Blessed Ark - Part TwoThe second part of this year's epic adventure to celebrate our podcast's two years of being Jewish and nerdy. Can our heroes defeat this mysterious giant? Can they complete their mission? What happens to Tirza's cat rock? Find out the answers to these questions and more on this epic anniversary episode of a Torah Smashed version of Dungeons & Dragons.00:01:40 The city golem of Ai00:08:11 KaiJew battle00:22:19 Different player, same dice rolls00:29:42 Monk Ki or Monkey?00:32:02 Our deepesht thanksh00:40:00 Summoning ladies, and sailors, and bearers. Oh my!00:47:18 Torah Smash's 5 Year Quest00:49:07 Siege Preparations00:52:41 The Battle at Jericho begins00:58:49 Hallelujah, it's an ice cream truck!?01:00:37 Jerichopalooza01:22:25 Sweet Cherry Pie01:25:59 I suddenly remembered my charlemagne01:35:25 D&D geometry01:45:19 The spear troop rolls well enough!01:48:43 Wait! But what about…?Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-56-paraders-of-the-blessed-ark-part-two   Contribute to Torah Smash's 5 Year Quest at www.torahsmash.com/donate Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.Character Information:NOA (played by Barak Malkin) Changeling Sorcerer. She is a daughter of Zelophahad and twin sister to Tirza.TIRZA (played by Ethan Lane-Miller) Changeling Ranger. She is a daughter of Zelophahad and twin sister to Noa.CALEB (played by Rachel Frish) Wood Half-Elf Monk. He is second in command to Aaron.ARONA (played by Rabbi Emma Gottlieb) Aasimar Cleric. She is the assigned protector of the Ark of the Covenant by Aaron.RAHAB (played by Dr. Miriam Eve Mora) Eladrin Bard. She is a Canaanite sex worker who previously aided two of Joshua's spies.JOSHUA (played by Rabbi Benjamin Sharff) Holy Knight Paladin. He is the appointed leader of the Jewish people following Moses.DUNGEON MASTER  (RDY) The man behind the curtain, the puller of strings, and weaver of the improvised story made by the players.

May 22, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 55 - 2nd Anniversary Special - Paraders of the Blessed Ark - Part 1To celebrate two years of being Jewish and Nerdy, we invited some of our previous guests from the past year back to the show for a Torah Smashed version of Dungeons & Dragons. Each player chose a biblical character to portray (character descriptions below) and worked together to rescue the innocents and protect one of the most famous artifacts of the Torah.00:00:37 Character Introductions00:01:44 Our story begins on the bank of the Jordan River00:06:04 Between a rock and a river00:12:05 An Unknown Code00:21:37 Stuck between a cat rock and a hard spelling place.00:26:36 All eyes in the city of Ai.00:33:25 The Chatool house00:45:33 Ai'll Be Back00:55:46 Guards!01:27:51 Please, Don't Leave01:29:50 ShoutoutsShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-55-paraders-of-the-blessed-arc-part-one  Contribute to Torah Smash's 5 Year Quest at www.torahsmash.com/donate Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.Character Information:NOA (played by Barak Malkin) Changeling Sorcerer. She is a daughter of Zelophahad and twin sister to Tirza.TIRZA (played by Ethan Lane-Miller) Changeling Ranger. She is a daughter of Zelophahad and twin sister to Noa.CALEB (played by Rachel Frish) Wood Half-Elf Monk. He is second in command to Aaron.ARONA (played by Rabbi Emma Gottlieb) Aasimar Cleric. She is the assigned protector of the Ark of the Covenant by Aaron.RAHAB (played by Dr. Miriam Eve Mora) Eladrin Bard. She is a Canaanite sex worker who previously aided two of Joshua's spies.JOSHUA (played by Rabbi Benjamin Sharff) Holy Knight Paladin. He is the appointed leader of the Jewish people following Moses.DUNGEON MASTER (RDY) The man behind the curtain, the puller of strings, and weaver of the improvised story made by the players.

May 8, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 54 - Very Special Episodes …with Guest Host Rabbi Alan CookThis week's episode will talk about something very special. Since we want it to be extra memorable, we'll bring in a special guest. That should help ensure that the purpose and topic stick out in your mind. Did that work for you growing up with the very special episodes of your favorite tv shows growing up? Does that still work for you now? Find out the answer to these questions and more on this very special episode of Torah Smash!00:03:00 In Good Company00:03:44 The arrival of the “Very Special Episode”00:10:47 A very special smash00:15:59 Special Guest Characters of the Torah00:16:50 Guest Starring Zelophahad's Daughters00:20:43 Guest Starring Moses' Father in Law00:25:21 Guest Starring A Celebrity!00:30:47 More Torah Special Guests00:34:04 Written Once More With Feeling00:37:14 Do Special Episodes Resonate More?00:41:04 Why bad things happen to unknown people. Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-54-very-special-episodes  Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

April 24, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 53 - Destiny ReportYou're going to listen to this episode. How do I know? Because it's destined to happen. The fact that you're reading this now already tells me that this episode is in your feed. Just because you're reading this doesn't change the fact that it's going to happen. You see the dilemma right? If you listen, then our Torah Smash precogs were right and the system works. If you don't listen, then our precogs were wrong and the whole system is broken. What's this episode worth to you? What choice will you make… or has it already been decided for you? 00:02:16 The legality of future crime in the Minority Report movie00:05:11 Heroes not embracing their path00:07:30 Moses' humility00:08:37 Destiny cannot be manipulated00:09:47 A flaw in the logic00:12:44 C.R.U.S.H.00:16:02 It is your destiny!00:22:24 All paths lay before you00:31:34 Keeping the marbles00:33:36 Ethan promises this isn't a Star Wars episodeShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-53-destiny-report Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

April 10, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 52 - Moses and the Justice LeaguePassover is around the corner, so of course, we will look at the hero who, to avoid the destruction of his people, was sent by his parents to eventually grow up to be the hero we all look up to. I'll give you a hint, they're a member of the Justice League. …Wait, who were you thinking of?00:00:38 Barak likes Jewish holiday smashes00:01:56 Moses and Superman00:03:12 Comparison of the two heroes00:11:34  No capes!00:15:31 The rest of the biblical Justice League00:16:17 Is Cyborg a Golem?00:17:42 Aquaman and the sea based characters00:18:26 Young and Impulsive00:18:48 Green Lantern's ring00:23:38 The Emerald Archer00:25:40 Martian Manhunter00:27:48 Wonder Woman and Black Canary00:31:24 The Dark Knight00:34:59 Who's left?Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-52-moses-and-the-justice-league Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

March 27, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 51 - You Are So Not Invited To My Borg MitzvahStar Date: April 5, 2063. Earth has finally made contact with other intelligent life in the universe, so we better ask them all the important questions: Do lobster people keep kosher? How many people attend a Borg's b'nai mitzvah service? And why does Ethan think Star Trek: First Contact can hold its own with Wrath of Kahn?00:01:15 First Contact Day 04/05/6300:03:16 Not sure if it holds up, but what a cast!00:07:15 The power of touch00:10:01 How would alien life change Judaism?00:13:55 Humanity in a post-religious world00:16:29 Does life on other planets have free will?00:18:45 Alien b'nai mitzvot00:21:15 Debating through real life examples00:25:38 First romantic contact00:28:22 Continuing the arguments …err …conversations00:31:04 A little perspective00:32:24 Is there religion in 2063?00:33:09 Going back to the writingShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-51-you-are-so-not-invited-to-my-borg-mitzvah Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

March 13, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 50 - Funny, You Don't Look Jewish …with Special Guest Fabrice SapolskyPurim is around the corner (some may say it's around three corners) and throughout the holiday we disguise who we really are. Together with comic creator and publisher, Fabrice Sapolsky, we explore some comic heroes who hide in plain sight and we discuss how these decisions are reflective in our modern world. So, pull up a chair, grab a plate of hamantashens, and enjoy this one!00:02:13 Poppy filled pockets are coming!00:03:52 Queen Esther hides her identity00:05:45 Daniel Kaufman's ELI Talk00:06:33 Which Superheroes Passively hide?00:09:44 Bear-ly hiding at conventions00:16:04 What brings superheroes out of hiding?00:21:59 In Jewish History and Present00:24:43 When do you present actively or hide passively?00:33:20 Revisiting the superheroes who passively hide00:40:30 Movies trying to hide as comicsShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-50-funny-you-dont-look-jewish Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

February 28, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 49 - Hogwarts School of Judaism and Wizardry…With Special Guest Rabbi Emma GottliebFilled with decades of knowledge, halls filled with history, and helping to teach the young ones the history, culture, and practices of their people. As we explore the starting point for the wizarding youth attending Hogwarts, joined by Rabbi Emma Gottlieb, we explore the connections to our own Jewish educational institutions that we had opportunities to learn and study in as well. 00:04:31 A boy named Harry Potter00:10:25 Yeshiva: A History00:12:40 Another nerd yeshiva00:14:27 Learning in different worlds00:17:31 Keeping the past alive00:20:03 The value of multiple perspectives00:24:06 Schools around the globe00:29:54 The competition00:35:37 Our houses00:38:42 Anthony Goldstein00:40:50 Names are important00:42:39 Abra KadabraShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-49-hogwarts-school-of-judaism-and-wizardry Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

February 14, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 48 - What If Creation Wasn't The Beginning?…With Special Guest Roy SchwartzJudaism encourages us to ask questions. In this episode, we try to answer Marvel's biggest question of What If…? We discuss the most recent animated addition to the MCU and debate how the question could be used to change our view of our own Jewish history.00:01:49 The oddities of “Is Superman Circumcised?”00:04:48 A good month for superhero fans00:07:45 Ours is the world that was selected, for now.00:09:59 Process theology00:15:42 Save Scumming00:20:20 Why OUR universe? Was it the burritos?00:21:54 Jewish What If Scenarios00:22:10 What If Pharoah's Heart Wasn't Hardened?00:23:42 What If Moses Didn't Part the Red Sea?00:25:34 What If Baby Moses Chose Differently?00:26:50 What If Adam Ate The Apple First?00:28:58 What If We Didn't Worship The Calf?00:29:17 What If Pharoah Knew Joseph?00:30:15 What If Joseph Didn't Add?00:31:10 What Isaac Binded Abraham?00:35:00 What If we let this question loose in nerd culture?Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-48-what-if-creation-wasnt-the-beginning Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

January 31, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 47 - Echo of ResilienceOur Jewish history has been passed down through the generations and some experts may say that has made us more resilient. Superheroes learn about their ancestors' ups and downs, but one in particular has shown the impact those stories can have when you fully embrace your past. L'dor vador. 00:00:38 Shoutout to Spertus00:01:01 Resilience as a Jewish Value00:02:55 Marvel's Spotlight Hero, Echo00:05:04 Maya's Ancestral Resilient History00:10:05 Jewish Ancestral Resilient History00:17:45 Resilience stems from gratitude00:22:14 Echos of gratitude00:28:16 What other heroes' past make them resilient?00:32:31 Favorite parts of the Echo series00:39:12 More Jewish SmashesShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-47-echo-of-resilience Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

January 17, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 46 - The Incredible SamsonYou may have grown up hearing the story of Samson, whose strength was connected to his hair. Did you know that it was also tied to one of his emotions? RDY gently guides us on a comparative look of how Samson's love of Delilah and his destructive anger ties him to certain gamma based characters in Marvel comics. 00:00:42 The story of Samson00:02:55 Samson's Riddle00:08:10 The Hulk, aka Bruce Banner00:12:08 Dr. David Banner00:12:48 You may not like him when he's angry00:18:40 Where their strengths come from00:20:51 Anger and God00:32:26 Being gripped by God00:36:13 Designed on a flaw00:38:03 Doc SamsonShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-46-the-incredible-samson Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

January 3, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 45 - Our Heroes and Transformative GriefEthan returns and shares about his brief hiatus from the show due to the loss of a loved one. In this episode, we celebrate the life of Kiya, we each discuss how our grief has shaped us, and the difficult personal experiences and choices that can come from losing someone dear to us. 00:00:48 Final reminder for Torah Smash! Live!00:01:50 Ethan talks about Kiya and the reason for his hiatus00:03:55 Let's talk about grief00:07:47 Meowing and other moments of relief00:11:17 The Jewish grieving process00:13:04 The difference between “grief” and “mourn”00:16:30 What types of support have you continued for others?00:22:54 King Solomon's special ring00:27:57 All captains experience grief00:32:27 It can consume you or transform you00:34:58 The custom of kriah - tearing00:37:43 What characters are shaped by grief00:42:20 Sometimes there is no conclusionShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-45-our-heroes-and-transofrmative-grief Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

December 20, 2023Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 44 - Loki and the Whale…With Special Guest Joshua EdelglassIn this episode, we timeslip between Loki, the TVA, and Nineveh with our guest, Josh Edelglass. We go back in time to talk about Loki season 2 and his learned compassion for others, just like Jonah who gained compassion for his fellow man (and many beasts as well). So pull up your throne at the end of time and grab a slice of key lime pie, because all we can say about this episode is *in your best Owen Wilson impression* “wow.” 00:02:01 Regaling about JewCE00:03:11 Book Your Tickets for Tora Smash! Live!00:04:03 Loki is back in Season 200:07:15 Who else learns about compassion for others?00:08:13 The Book of Jonah00:11:01 What does Judaism say about our own glorious purpose?00:13:15 Unrealized purposes00:22:01 For you, for all of us.00:24:24 Biblical misinterpreted purposes00:26:29 The missing endings and origins00:33:00 When will we see you again?00:35:35 Favorite parts of the Loki series00:39:03 The meaning of Key Lime Pie00:42:15 The Jewish OuroborosShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-44-loki-and-the-whale Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

December 6, 2023Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 43 - Love, Jews + Robots …With Guest Host Joshua SkyOur guest host this week, Joshua Sky, is not only a writer for popular properties like He-Man , Heavy Metal Illustrated, and Ben10, but he is also a massive Sci-Fi fan. He gives us an in depth look at how the era of Science Fiction started as well as the multitude of Jewish influences on its progression into modern sci-fi and comic stories. 00:02:20 Torah Smash! Live! 00:04:00 The Jewish influence on modern science fiction00:07:36 The golden age of science fiction00:09:11 Isaac Asimov, an OG Jewish nerd00:11 34 The 3 Jewish Laws of Robotics00:13:58 Asimov's WWII rescuers00:14:53 Stemming from the science fiction pulps00:18:09 Judaism and jealousy in modern comics00:22:29 Pulp science fiction paved the way for comic mythology00:24:16 Jewish undertones00:26:51 More representation, stemming from our love for others00:30:38 Closing the gears on this robot00:34:04 One last special He-Man Hanukkah smash!Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-43-love-jews-and-robots Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

November 22, 2023Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 42 - Treehouse of Talmud …With Guest Host Rabbi Benjamin SharffThis week, guest host Rabbi Benjamin Sharff crashes into our living room couch and teaches us about the Jewish connections from the longest running sitcom in television history, The Simpsons. The incredible discoveries made here will have you saying “ay, caramba!”00:02:31 Torah Smash! Live! Reminder00:03:22 The Simpsons (sing the theme song opening in your head now)00:07:26 The Mishnah (sing this the same way in your head)00:08:30 Longest running show00:15:03 The Jewish side of The Simpsons00:17:10 Favorite Simpsons episodes00:20:39 Simpsons rabbinic spinoffs00:22:27 What if the Temple was rebuilt?00:31:10 More Simpsons characters and appearancesShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-42-treehouse-of-talmud Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

November 8, 2023Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 41 - Ahsoka Tano, RJEIn this episode, Ethan teaches us what makes Ahsoka and her Star Wars Rebels teammates different from those who came before them. Is it how they were taught? Or how they were teaching others? And which of the series' characters are the most Jewish? Jump on a intergalactic traveling purrgil and let's find out together!00:00:41 Torah Smash! Live!00:02:25 Ahsoka introduced in a Clone Wars00:03:38 Star Wars Rebels is where it's at00:04:17 Who is the most Jewish character in Ahsoka?00:05:00 The wise elder, Huyang00:06:22 Ezra Bridger00:08:46 Morgan Elsbeth and the Akeida00:15:00 Kanan Jarrus, the best jedi?00:16:58 Sabine Wren, Jew by choice00:24:22 Ahsoka Tano is not just a Jewish Jedi00:27:58 What am I doing wrong?00:30:38 J.E.D.I. Training00:31:15 Yoda's Jewish roots00:32:11 Ahsoka Season 2 TheoriesShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-41-Ahsoka-Tano-RJE  Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

October 25, 2023Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 40 - Top 5 Jewish Characters ...With Special Guest Isaac Brynjegard BialikWe welcome back Isaac to the show in this exploratory look at Jews in pop culture. We count down each of our top five favorite Jewish characters in pop-culture. We may have had some overlap in our choices, but were there any that we forgot?00:02:15 Coming this January: Torah Smash! Live!00:03:57 How does this countdown work?00:05:01 Starting with our #5 picks00:12:45 First sign of trouble with our #4's00:30:27 These #3's are bringing the heat!00:40:20 Another contentious round with our #2 picks00:58:23 Our top favorites01:12:25 Honorable mentionsShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-40-top-5-jewish-characters Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.Learn more about Isaac's career and artwork at https://www.nicejewishartist.com/ and learn about he and his wife's art workshops at https://www.papermidrash.com/

October 11, 2023Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 39 - Indiana Jones and the Dial of BeshertJock! Start the podcast! This episode we explore the most recent installment to the Indiana Jones franchise and the titular character's entanglement with destiny. We also ask why everything belongs in a museum? And why did it have to be snakes? We don't know. We're making this up as we go. Just be glad we didn't also name the podcast Indiana. 00:00:38 Big Indy fans00:03:29 The yiddish word beshert00:03:53 Destiny vs. free will according to Judaism00:05:52 Joseph's divine story00:07:19 Process theology00:11:33 Indiana without Indiana, Isaac without Isaac00:16:45 Moments of beshert in our lives00:22:51 Ranking the Indy movies00:28:18 Warehouse 13 and The Librarian00:29:55 Jewish Archeology00:31:41 Struggles with faith and facts00:35:10 Changing namesShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-39-indiana-jones-and-the-dial-of-beshert Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

September 27, 2023Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 38 - The Latest Last of Us …With Guest Host Rabbi Eric LinderThis episode's guest host, Rabbi Eric Linder, reintroduces us to the recent HBO drama The Last of Us and its artful history. We're not playing games when we explore the connections between this retelling of the Playstation hit to a few poignant biblical texts. 00:04:38 The Last of Us video game00:08:30 The retelling in Deuteronomy00:12:46 A completely different reason for Shabbat00:16:17 Not so faithful adaptations00:22:20 Retelling for a different audience00:27:54 Retelling in the same medium00:29:54 We have Rashi00:31:11 Biblical text in cinema00:34:53 The return of the twelve spies00:41:58 Favorite video gamesShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-38-the-latest-last-of-us Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

September 13, 2023Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 37 - Jews in Space? …With Special Guest Dr. Miriam MoraThe Co-Creator of JewCE (the Jewish Comics Experience), Dr. Miriam Mora, joins us as we explore strange Jew worlds, seek out Jew life and Jew civilizations, and boldly discuss which of the numerous Star Trek species are Jewish. You may find some of our conclusions highly illogical, but just know that we've given it all we've got!00:03:47 Exploring the alien races and species of Star Trek00:04:55 Have you watched any Star Trek?00:11:54 The Vulcan salute, their origins, and their struggles00:22:43 The Ferengi and historical antisemitism00:38:28 The Klingons. The Klingons?00:43:26 Worf00:43:47 The Bajorans00:45:23 Cardassians00:45:48 Why the answer is yesShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-37-jews-in-space Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

August 30, 2023Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 36 - Cobra Chai …With Special Guest Dr. Betsy StoneTorah Smash has special guest Dr. Betsy Stone to help us as we prepare ourselves for the High Holy Days. We always tend to take a look inward and think of all the people to which we may have done wrong, because every year even though sometimes our heart knows, our head forgets. So we look at the process of teshuva with some of our favorite pop-culture senseis. And these lessons are not just for karate only. These lessons are for whole life!00:03:13 The Jewish practice of teshuva00:05:38 The Karate Kid returns decades later00:07:12 Stories from the “villain's” perspective00:08:10 The teshuva process00:11:59 A state of mind or an action?00:15:00 Telling ourselves that we're wrong00:19:27 Regretting I hurt you, but not my behavior00:25:42 Hypothetical ladder of teshuva00:28:03 Cobra Kai needs better practice saying sorry00:36:41 Advice on changing your waysShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-33-cancel-lashon-haraConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.YouTube: Daniel is the Real Bully - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_Gz_iTuRMM&t=6s

August 16, 2023Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 35 - Genesis of the Spider-Verse …With Special Guest Danny FingerothIn this episode, we explore the converging and diverging realities of Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse with one of the writers and editors of the Spider-Man comics, Danny Fingeroth. We explore the origins of The Spot, canon events in Marvel and the Torah, and a startling discovery about the film that will make you question if you even saw the same movie that we did!00:00:57 Introducing Danny Fingeroth00:02:24 Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse00:05:20 Talking Al Milgrom and his creation: The Spot00:09:18 Two versions of the same movie?00:12:32 Two different Genesis stories00:17:14 More examples of multiple stories00:22:10 Diverging realties00:24:30 When has Marvel told two stories?00:27:20 The Marvel Universe's canon event00:29:42 The essentials of a canon event00:34:38 Making a hero or a villain00:35:30 Universe 42's Prowler Theory00:39:56 Across the Spider-Verse's AfikomenShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-35-genesis-of-the-spider-verseConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.This episode was supported in part by JewCE! (Jewish Comics Experience) which is a full day convention and preview night that brings together fans, creators, and industry professionals to explore the rich history and contributions of diverse Jewish creators and content in the comics medium. JewCE! is created and hosted by the Center for Jewish History in New York City. If you are interested in attending or to learn more, visit jewce.org. Also visit the Center for Jewish History at cjh.org for new information on the institution and their partners, who are all involved in the upcoming exhibit: the museum and laboratory of the Jewish comics experience, opening in October 2023 at the center for Jewish history.

August 2, 2023Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 34 - Mishpacha of the GalaxyThink back to the families that came before us: Abraham and Sarah; Rebecca and Isaac; Jacob, Leah, Rachel, Bilhah and Zilpah; and of course Rocket, Lylla, Teefs, and Floor. Join as we review the many different family structures within the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and some surprising connections to a few families from the Torah.00:01:06 The Guardians Trilogy00:02:26 Mishpacha means family00:03:19 The three sets of Amidah families00:06:10 The families in the guardians trilogy00:09:10 Related to Kevin Bacon00:14:15 The High Evolutionary's obsession00:18:52 Drax, Quasar, and Warlock00:20:57 Rocket's Perspective and Groot's love language00:25:20 Swinging back to the Jewish stuff00:26:09 Joseph, Moses, King David, and Joseph again00:31:40 Reliving time with your family00:35:06 Growing from the family around you00:37:18 Some of our favorite afikomen00:46:32 Two types of familyShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-34-mishpacha-of-the-galaxy Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

July 19, 2023Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 33 - Cancel Lashon Hara …With Special Guest Rachel FrishIn this episode, we are joined by Rachel Frish as we look at the complexities of the Hebrew phrase “lashon hara.” What happens when cultural icons speak poorly of others and how does it impact us as their nerdy fans?00:03:28 Defining Lashon Hara00:06:17 When is it not lashon hara?00:12:12 How to separate an artist from their work00:18:01 Changing and shifting culture00:27:09 Teshuva Process00:34:01 The point of no return00:39:28 Frish's Harry Potter soapbox00:47:07 May all wickedness ceaseShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-33-cancel-lashon-haraConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.Thank you for listening to this week's episode, we touched on a few difficult topics. We want to make sure to say that if YOU or someone you know is a victim of abuse or in need of support, we urge you to contact your local clergy or the appropriate local or national hotline. If you are not connected to a clergy person, please call RDY. He can be reached any time at 833-722-2701. Everyone should always be able to find support when they need it.

July 5, 2023Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 32 - The Mikvahlorian …With Special Guest Ellery WeilJoin us and special guest, Ellery Weil, as we learn the way of the Mandalorian and the uncanny connection to one of Judaism's ritual practices. While they don't make their tallit out of beskar the history, culture, and customs we learn about in Season 3 of the Mandalorian help us reflect on our own practices as Jews. Much like Grogu, this podcast means more to us than you will ever know. 00:02:54 Optimal viewing experience00:05:13 Let's all go to the mikvah00:07:44 An 18th Century Pirate Mikvah00:09:17 Bo Katan's accidental plunge00:15:00 The dark saber's transitive property00:15:56 Grogu's independence! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!00:16:45 Pellaeon-tology00:18:22 Two theories00:22:09 Moff Gideon tried00:23:12 Building Nevarro's Temple00:27:35 The written and spoken words at the mikvah00:30:35 Some more low-key Judaism00:32:06 The Jewish way00:32:53 The spies00:33:22 Lightsabers into plowshares00:34:21 Night of a thousand tears00:35:21 This last one is way out in left fieldShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-32-the-mikvahlorianYou can read Ellery's article on Hey Alma here: https://www.heyalma.com/is-the-mandalorian-lowkey-jewish/ Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

June 21, 2023Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 31 - Movie Midrash: D&D - Honor Among FamilyGet ready to roll initiative again because we're heading into a new medium for D&D! This episode we explore some of the Jewish “connections” that we found in the recent hit film Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. We also talk about what parts plucked at our heart strings and what we hope they include in a hopeful sequel. 00:00:46 RDY's D&D memory flashbacks00:04:58 Dungeon & Dragon movies00:12:35 Roll to guess the smash00:13:46 Kehillah kedosha, a holy community00:14:38 Why is community a Jewish value?00:19:46 Hillel said, “Never split the party!”00:23:28 All of Israel is responsible for one another00:27:37 Community amongst the skeleton army00:28:59 Is your party cautious or not cautious?00:30:32 When does a horde become a community?00:35:11 Final thoughts on the film00:37:20 The biblical word for communityShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-31-movie-midrash-honor-among-familyConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.