Wandering Jews: A Travel Podcast That Entertains & Informs

Who doesn't love an Indiana Jones flick? The excitement of the search for treasure, the trepidation before the unknown, and encounter with long-buried stories. At Tel Maresha and Beit Guvrin – UNESCO World Heritage Sites – we will uncover the underground city and its caves, tunnels, and chambers – and share the stories of the archeological excavations and the Dig for a Day program. Join us for an adventure above and below ground… and bring your fedora. And this time – we will host a special guest – Dr. Ian Stern of the Israel Antiquities Authority and Haifa University – the archeologist responsible for the excavation and one of the founders of the Dig for a Day program. Links for Additional ReadingA Dig Full of Holes, Sara Jo Ben Zvi (Segula – The Jewish History Magazine, September 2023) Beit Guvrin National Park Israel Nature and Parks Authority Israel Museum Receives Stone 'Letter,' Etgar Lefkovits (The Jerusalem Post, May 7, 2007)Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Find more at j2adventures.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

High in the Portuguese mountains lies the small, inconspicuous village of Belmonte. At first glance, Belmonte possesses the local charm of many of the villages of the Senhora da Esperança range. However, the village possesses a secret dating back nearly half a millennia – a Jewish community that went underground during the Spanish and Portuguese expulsions and inquisitions – and held onto their Jewish core for centuries. Discover Belmonte and this little-known story of steadfast Jewish resistance. Links for Additional ReadingPortugal, Echoes of a Jewish PastBelmonte: A Reporter Revisits An Anusim CommunityThe Converso HistoryFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Find more at j2adventures.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel has become known internationally as the ‘start-up nation' – one of the most successful international hi-tech hubs. The Ayalon Institute – just outside of Rehovot – may have possessed the world's only start-up laundry – an underground factory designed to produce the crucial bullets needed by the pre-state and early Israel to fight the 1948 War of Independence. How do you keep such an operation a secret? How did the Ayalon Institute reflect something about the ethos of pre-state Israel? And does some of that same ethos survive today? Links for Additional ReadingThe Ayalon Institute: The Secret Facility Hidden Under a Kibbutz LaundryWhy Did American Jews Smuggle Guns Into Palestine?Israel's Defense Industries: From Clandestine Workshops to Global GiantsFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Find more at j2adventures.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wine in Judaism isn't just a drink—it's a ritual, a symbol, and a story poured into every glass. From the vineyards of ancient Israel to today's award-winning boutique wineries, wine has played a sacred and celebratory role in Jewish life for millennia. But how did Israel go from kiddush wine to world-class vintages? And what makes Israeli wine so special? Grab a glass as we explore the past, present, and future of Jewish wine culture. L'Chaim.Additional reading:https://www.jpost.com/jewish-world/judaism/the-value-of-winehttps://www.sefaria.org.il/sheets/601017?lang=bihttps://www.timeout.com/israel/things-to-do/the-israeli-wine-listhttps://www.ice.edu/blog/wines-of-israelFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The planet Earth may not be able to support the billions who call it home. Even in the wealthiest countries, too many people are hungry. We zoom in on the Jewish experience of issues connected with food justice – from the days of the Bible and before, to modern Israeli food innovation, and including the non-profits striving to provide those in need with that most basic of rights – the right to go to sleep and wake up without hunger. Our special guest today is Joseph Gitler, the founder of Leket – a leading NGO aspiring to implement Jewish values around food access towards a healthier society in body and soul.Links for Additional Reading (And Ways For You To Help…)Latet - Combating poverty and food insecurity in IsraelLeket Israel - Rescuing nutritious surplus food for those in needPantry Packers - Providing nutritional support to Israel's neediest familiesFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tel Aviv is sometimes described as just another city with no story to call its own. Today we will pull back the curtain to share the many stories and the foundational narratives that Tel Aviv told about itself through the years and the connections between story and symbol and urban planning, architecture, and design. Whether you want to call it ‘The White City' or ‘The Big Orange' or ‘The City That Never Stops' – join us for a behind the scenes look at Tel Aviv and its celebration of the Zionist new normal.Links for Additional Reading:How Did Tel Aviv Become a Beacon For Stunning Bauhaus Architecture? Elizabeth Warkentin, Architecture + Design, 25 September 2019,The Mythography of Tel Aviv, Maoz Azaryahu and Jonathan Silver. Mosaic, 17 November 20222Tel Aviv: Israel's Cultural and Financial Capital, History of Israel Explained, UnpackedFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mount Hermon – the eyes of Israel – has been witness to thousands of generations telling their stories throughout the ages. This single, towering peak bears the weight of countless narratives — stories of history, culture, faith from ancient times until today. Hermon is not just a place to go skiing; it's a place where the sacred intersects with the strategic, where ancient traditions meet the present day, and where diverse communities—Jewish, Druze, Christian, and Muslim—leave their imprints on its slopes. Links for Additional ReadingMount Hermon – A General OverviewMount Hermon – Jewish Virtual LibraryDruze Lives Matter | Real Talk Marissa Streit sits with Rania Dean and Omar NasserFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Much of our consumer experience in the 21st century is antiseptic and impersonal. Visiting Jerusalem's open air market at Mahane Yehuda is a chance to engage all of our senses, to get out and about, and see a slice of Jerusalem as it lives and breathes in all of its colors, flavors, and tastes. In this episode, we will visit the streets and alleys of Mahane Yehuda – a bit of history, a bit of culinary, and a bit of the human mosaic that makes Mahane Yehuda an exciting classroom for understanding Israeli society. Links For Additional ReadingThe Complete Guide to the Machane Yehuda Market100 Years Of Photographs At Machane Yehuda Market, Israel21C, Naama Barak, 23 July 2023Zooming In On The History Of Jerusalem's Iconic Machane Yehuda Market, i24NewsEnglishFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

High in the mountains in a land shrouded in mystery for most of us live the indigenous peoples of North Africa – the Berbers. And alongside these proud tribespeople who call themselves – ‘the free men' – lived the Jews of the Atlas Mountains, of the North African Berbers. Wandering Jews shares the history and stories of this unique episode in the Jewish experience and invite you to consider the borders between history and legend, and the place where these stories become part of our own Jewish memory. Links for Additional Reading:The Muslim And The Lost Jews Of Morocco, YNET NewsHabrera Hativit, World Music CentralThe Caliph's House, Tahir ShahFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We define our symbols and our symbols define us. When considering the Star of David as a Jewish symbol, one has to head out on a journey through the centuries and across the globe to understand how a widespread geometric configuration became such a powerful defining image of the Jewish people – to our enemies and to ourselves. Join us from Jerusalem to Rome to Morocco to Prague to Basle, Switzerland as we explore the Star of David and our Jewish journeys. Links for Additional ReadingThe Curious History Of The Six-Pointed Star: How The “Magen David” Became The Jewish Symbol, Gershom Scholem, Commentary, September 1949Star of David: Birth of a Symbol – Legends vs. Facts, ANU – The Museum of the Jewish People, 1 February 2018Star Of David, Erin Parfet, Shalom Learning Center, 4 April 2024Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Considered by Jewish tradition as one of the holy cities of the Land of Israel, Tsfat's alleys and hills welcome visitors to explore the Jewish mystical tradition as it was formulated and taught by a unique circle of 16th-century teachers, philosophers, and visionaries, including ‘The Lion' Rabbi Isaac Luria. The “Wandering Jews” will walk with you through Tsfat and together we will uncover the secrets of a religious approach that continues to be meaningful 500 years after Tsfat's heyday. What is mysticism? And how did a concept drawn from Jewish texts and mystical tomes become a major calling card for Judaism in the late 20th and 21st centuries?Links for Additional Reading:An Introduction to Jewish Mysticism, Michael Howald, Sefaria Kabbalah: An Overview, Joseph Telushkin, Jewish Virtual LibraryThe Mystics of Safed, Dan Cohn-Sherbok, My Jewish LearningFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Dead Sea is one of the great natural wonders of the world. And the surrounding Judaean Desert has been the backdrop for some of the most exciting chapters in the history of the Land of Israel – from King David's Ein Gedi to Qumran's Dead Sea Scrolls, to the heights of Masada, and the pioneers of modern times. The Dead Sea is disappearing at an alarming rate – and the question is whether or not our grandchildren will vaguely remember the ‘Salt Sea' as they stand at the edge of a salt-encrusted crater. Our episode will explore the story of the Dead Sea and the environmental challenges facing the sea and all of us.Links for Additional Reading:Pollution in the Promised Land, Alon Tal, California University Press, 2002What Can We Do To Stop The Dead Sea From Dying? With UnPacked on YouTubeLand, Water And The Changing Dead Sea Environment: A Microhistory Of Kibbutz Ein Gedi, Nir Arielli, Journal of Israeli History, 2022, VOL. 40, NO. 2, 235–256Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we step into the dazzling world of Sephardic Jewry during the Golden Age; an era of tolerance and thriving creativity. Meet legendary figures like Shmuel HaNagid, Moses de Leon, and Maimonides, whose groundbreaking works - along with the rich cultural exchange between Jews and Muslims - sparked the remarkable flourishing of Sephardic Jewish civilization. Who were these Sephardic Jewish superheroes? How did the Golden Age inspire Jews centuries after the collapse of Jewish life in Iberia? And how “Golden” was the Golden Age?Links for Additional Reading:The Ornament of the World: How Muslims, Jews and Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain, Maria Rosa Menocal, PBS SeriesUnder Crescent and Cross: The Jews in the Middle Ages, Mark R. CohenHebrew Poets in Old Spain, Hillel Halkin, Commentary, July/August 2007 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we're heading to Tzippori, an ancient city in the Galilee that became a symbol of Jewish resilience. After the destruction of the Temple and the fall of Jerusalem, Tzippori emerged as the heart of Jewish life in the land of Israel. At the helm of this transformation was Judah the Prince, a community leader, diplomat, and confidant to the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. He is most famous, however, for codifying Judaism's oral traditions into the Mishnah, a monumental work of five volumes, that laid the foundation for Jewish law and life for centuries to come. Join us as we explore Tzippori and uncover how this unlikely northern hilltop city helped codify a vision for the future of the Jewish people.Links for Additional Reading:As a Driven Leaf - A novel by Milton Steinberg, Josh LambertThe Orchard, Yohi BrandesIsrael's Archaeological Site Zippori Calls to Jews and Christians, i24 NewsThe Book of Legends/Sefer Ha-Aggadah - Legends from the Talmud and Midrash, Hayyim Nahman Bialik and Y.H. RawnitzkyFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tel Aviv's ANU Museum of the Jewish People shares the unparalleled story of the Jewish Experience – yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The Museum refuses to relegate the Jewish experience to a tale of tears and fears. Instead, ANU traces the diversity and plurality of Jewish life in every corner of the world where the Jewish people lived throughout the ages. ANU strives to keep it contemporary – with exhibitions dedicated to women in Jewish history, comedy as Jewish and Israeli expression, and even Jews in popular music. Visiting ANU is not only about the past; it is mainly about how we encounter and understand our own story – and share that with others – as we use the past to fuel our future. In this episode, we host a special guest – Dan Tadmor – the CEO of ANU. Dan shares his take on how the museum has grown and developed, and how he and his team have turned their vision into an internationally recognised museum milestone. Links for Additional Reading:ANU – The Museum of the Jewish PeopleANU, a New Museum of the Jewish People, Opens in Tel Aviv - Izabelle Taborosky, Tablet Magazine, 22 July 2022The Story of the Jews by Simon Schama - The BBC Series based on Schama'a outstanding two volume introduction to the Jewish StoryA Short History of the Jews - Michael Brenner, Princeton University Press, 2012Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we journey off the beaten path to Moisésville, a small town in Argentina's vast pampas that became a beacon of hope for Eastern European Jews fleeing persecution in the late 19th century. Founded with the support of Baron Maurice de Hirsch's Jewish Colonization Association, Moisésville was an ambitious attempt to build a new life on foreign soil, where Jewish traditions could thrive far from the pogroms of Europe. We'll explore how this "Jerusalem of Argentina" became a hub of resilience, culture, and adaptation, reflecting the universal Jewish quest for belonging. Join us as we uncover this forgotten chapter of history and reflect on what it means to find a home in an unexpected place.Links for Additional Reading:The Search for an Alternative Homeland, Jewish ChronicleHow the Orient Express's Baron Maurice de Hirsch Changed the Track of Jewish Migration, Times of IsraelThe Zionist Vision, Excerpt from Theodor Herzl's Book, “The Jewish State.”The (Railroad) Baron, Jewish Review of BooksFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine the shores of the Galilee Sea – the Kinneret – at the turn of the 20th century – a parched, blistering landscape. And the early Zionist pioneers – young people who had left Europe and their families to build the dream of a Jewish national home - had no air conditioning. We will explore the place, period, and phenomenon of pioneering. What were the hardships? And what was the dream? And where are we at today? Links for Additional Reading:Go Cemetery Hopping — It's Not All That Grave - Jessica Steinberg, Times of IsraelRachel Bluwstein - Dana Olmert, The Jewish Women's ArchiveThe Second Aliyah - The Israel National LibraryFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

J2 Adventures brought to Israel over ninety solidarity missions since October 7th, 2023. Communities, synagogues, and federations all came to Israel to stand with Israel and to take Israel's story back to their families and communities. In this special episode of Wandering Jews, two of our tour educators – Doron Wilfand and Lior Hochberg - will share their perspectives on their experiences over the past year, and the difficulties of telling a story that remains ongoing and painful. How does one tell a story that all of us are so much a part of? Additional ResourcesMapping the Massacre – An Interactive Map Documenting the Events of October 7thMemory & Hope: October 7, One Year Later - the Shalom Hartman InstituteIsrael at War - the Institute for National Security StudiesFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Israeli Breakfast with its array of cheeses, spreads, breads, fresh fruit and veg is a tasty and important symbol of culinary national pride. Foodies since the 1950's have celebrated the nearly sacred status of this buffet feast. Join us to consider the origins and contexts that cooked up this gastronomic tribute to all good things Israeli – from the kibbutzim and moshavim of the pre-state period, to the bounty of ethnic identities, to a recipe that you can make at home with a taste of Israel. Links for further reading:The Best Cookbooks for Israeli Food - Israel21C, Jessica HalfinA Culinary Renaissance in the Israeli Countryside - Smithsonian Magazine and Travel & Leisure, Saki KnafoIsraeli Breakfast – What's So Distinctive about It? - Israel Inside OutFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The streets and parks and monuments of Berlin reveal all kinds of Jewish stories – including those of women who were pioneers and innovators in a vast breadth of fields. Join us to hear about their stories as we return ‘herstory' to Jewish history as we walk Berlin.Links for further reading:The Literary Salons Of Berlin Petra Wilhelmy-Dollinger traces the history of Berlin's salon culture from the 18th-20th century…Hannah Arendt Stephen J. Whitfield tells the story of one of the leading intellectuals of the Twentieth Century.As a Burning Flame: The Dream of Regina Jonas by Noa Mishkin A graphic novel exploring the life and impact of the first female ordained rabbi in Ashkenazi Jewish history.Wandering Jews - Famous Jewish Women – A Google Map A number of sites in Berlin connected with famous Jewish women who have played key roles in writing the history of Berlin and the Jewish 'herstory' in modern times. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A library is often seen as a quiet space, but Israel's National Library defies that stereotype. It is a vibrant space that not only highlights the role of books in the centuries-old Jewish story but also shines a light on Jewish identity and resilience. Join us for a glimpse into this dynamic setting and explore the questions it raises about the People of the Book in our time.Links:The National Library of IsraelStories from the Israel National Library on Google Arts and CultureThe Cultural Revolution at the National Library of Israel by Ruth EbensteinFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Magen set out on a journey to uncover his family's history. His journey spans continents, from the historic cities of Vienna and Prague to the bustling streets of Shanghai, the serene Isle of Man, and the heart of Israel. David's dedication to tracing his family tree is not only inspiring but also highlights the intimate connections between personal histories and the broader tapestry of the history of the Jewish people. David's excitement and commitment invites each one of us to take a journey into our own family history and memory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Few peoples traverse their homeland as Israelis do. The hike, or tiyul, is integral to the narrative of a people returning from exile, yearning to reconnect with their land. In this episode, we delve into the tiyul as a key aspect of Israel's tradition of knowing the land, “Yediat Ha'Aretz,” and explore the profound connections between walking and memory. Links for further readings:Hiking in Israel: Why Are These Trails Different? Shay Rabineau, AJS Perspectives – The Magazine of the Association of Jewish StudiesFrom Backpacks To Trailblazers: A Visual History Of Hiking In Israel Gilad Carmeli, Ynetnews.com. 20 April 2023 The Israel National TrailFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a captivating exploration of Jerusalem's Western Wall, originally a retaining wall of the Temple Mount and today one of Judaism's holiest sites, acting as a magnet for Jews and non-Jews alike from across the globe. We will be zooming in on Ezrat Yisrael, the egalitarian section that symbolizes the ongoing quest for inclusivity at this sacred site. Sorelle shares her personal journey, finding solace and connection amidst the ancient stones of the Kotel, while Scott describes the profound impact of Ezrat Yisrael on J2's groups. Through poignant narratives, we uncover the complexities of the Kotel's role as a unifying and/or divisive force for all Jews, highlighting the challenges and aspirations of creating a space that truly belongs to all.In today's “something for the road,” J2‘s Rivka Brama, Head of Content and a Jerusalemite herself, shares her favorite place to hang out in Jerusalem's city center.Links for further reading:How the Western Wall Became One of Judaism's Holiest Sites: When and how did Jews begin praying at the Western Wall? Amit Naor, The Israel National LibraryWelcoming Israel: A Blessing for New Jews: A Visit to Azrat Yisrael - Scott Copeland, Times of IsraelEqual Access For All Jews at the Western Wall - Israel Religious Action CommitteeFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Find more at j2adventures.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're embarking on a thrilling journey into the timeless legend of the Golem of Prague and its contemporary counterpart, the Golem of Rehovot. Along the way, we'll traverse through the captivating realms of graphic novels, cinematic masterpieces, and the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Sorelle recounts her mesmerizing encounter with the Golem of Rehovot at the prestigious Weizmann Institute of Science. Along the way, we confront profound questions surrounding control and Jewish power and responsibility from the vantage point of AI, contemporary technology, and the ongoing Hamas-Israel war.In our “Something for the Road,” J2‘s very own Yoni Millo shares his favorite Israeli book – which can also be enjoyed as a movie!Links for further reading:The Golem of Prague & The Golem of Rehovoth - Gershom Scholem, Commentary Magazine, January 1966The Maharal's Robot - Ro OranimGolem - Jay Michaelson, My Jewish LearningThe Golem - Y.L. PeretzFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Find more at j2adventures.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Sorelle visits Hostages Square in Tel Aviv for the first time, sharing her perspective as an Israeli. We explore the crisis's impact on daily life in Israel, from bumper stickers to posters, and discuss the private versus collective pain felt during this year's Jewish holidays. The episode touches on the tradition of pidyon shvuyim (redeeming captives) and global prayers, showcasing civilian resilience and hope. May all our brothers and sisters be returned safely from captivity.On a lighter note, in today's “something for the road,” Rabbi Don Goor, J2's rabbinic liaison, shares his favorite Tel Aviv restaurant.Links for further reading:Redemption of Captives – Jewish Sources - Sefaria - A Living Library of TorahBring Them Home Now - The Hostages ForumA Majority of Jewish Israelis See a Hostage Deal as a Higher National Priority Than Military Action in Rafah - Israel Democracy InstituteFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Find more at j2adventures.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we uncover the remarkable life and legacy of David Ben Gurion, a towering figure in Israeli history whose visionary leadership continues to shapethe nation to this day. From his humble beginnings to his pivotal role in founding the State of Israel, we explore his incredible achievements. We also reflect on BenGurion's profound vision for the Negev, Israel's once "forgotten backyard," that is now flourishing but still faces ongoing challenges as we strive to perpetuate hisvision and commitment.In “something for the road,” Shira Kleinman, J2's Tour Educator and Senior Project Manager, shares her favorite Israeli radio station and her favorite Israeli artist.Links for further reading:The Vision Of David Ben Gurion In 2024 - I24NewsBen-Gurion: Father of Modern Israel – A Book Review - FathomDavid Ben-Gurion – The Man and His Legacy - Ruth Levush, The Library of CongressFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Find more at j2adventures.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Find more at j2adventures.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we're flipping the script on travel with a wild journey of self-discovery down the road less traveled. We're veering off the beaten path and, through the lens of famous Biblical figures, like Abraham and Sarah, David and Goliath, we uncover surprising insights about ourselves. In “Something for the Road,” Scott shares a gem from his bookshelf while Sorelle offers an unconventional addition to your travel toolkit. Join us as we unearth the hidden quirks of our ancestors and ourselves, revealing layers of Jewish identity and connection along the way.Links for further reading:J 2 Adventures – ResourcesJewish Journeys by Jeremy Leigh – A Book Review - Maron L. Waxman, The Jewish Book CouncilJews and Journeys: Travel and the Performance of Jewish Identity - Joshua Levinson & Orit Bashkin, 2021Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Find more at j2adventures.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.