Who Jew Think You Are

Dr Isaac Amon shares how his diverse Sephardi, Mizrachi, and Ashkenazi heritage have shaped his sense of identity. From Istanbul to the American Midwest, Isaac reflects on how his family's stories, languages, food, and community influence his connection to Jewish life. Our GuestDr. Isaac Amon is an attorney and counselor at law, Adjunct Professor at Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, and Director of Academic Research at Jewish Heritage Alliance, an educational platform dedicated to promoting the legacy of Sefarad, or Iberian Jewry. Isaac is also Director of Academic Research at the Jewish Heritage Alliance, which aims to preserve and share the history of Sephardi and Mizrachi Jews. Key TopicsNavigating Identity: How Isaac's family history blends diverse Jewish roots, creating a rich but often challenging sense of belonging.Language and Culture: The role of multilingualism within Isaac's family and how language shapes identityChallenging Normativity: The experience of living as a Sephardi Jew in predominantly Ashkenazi spaces and the ongoing struggle for inclusionYour guideShort definitions of terms mentioned in this episode:Ladino: A Judeo-Spanish language spoken by Sephardi Jews.Kaddish: A prayer recited in memory of the dead, with variations between communities.Burekas: Savory pastries filled with cheese, spinach, or potatoes, common in Sephardi and Mizrachi Jewish cuisines.Shakshuka: A dish of poached eggs in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce, popular in Sephardi and Mizrachi cultures.Passover Brown Eggs: Eggs boiled in onion skins, a Sephardi Passover tradition.Want to learn more? Listen to previous episodes where we discuss identity.S2E1: Discussing diverse Jewish national identities with Yaacov Yadgar S1E7: Languages and Identities challenged by Ophira GamlielReferences & ResourcesJewish Heritage Alliance - An organisation preserving and promoting Sephardi and Mizrachi Jewish historyARTICLE “Five-Hundred Years in the Life of the Amon Family: From the surrender of Spain to the court of Suleiman the Magnificent and beyond, they were there” – Published, National Library of Israel Blog, December 2020VIDEO: “Crossroads of Sefarad: In the Footsteps of the Crypto-Jews,” created jointly by Jewish Heritage Alliance and ANU Museum of the Jewish PeopleFind us elsewhere, here!Show creditsHost / Producer: Eylan EzekielPost-production: Communicating for ImpactArtwork: Emily TheodoreMusic: Aleksafor utransndr KarabanovSound effects: Serge Quadrado Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Daniel Jonas as our guide, we explore how Sephardi traditions merge with philosophy, language, and music to form a personal and uniquely ‘alive' sense of Jewish identity.Our guestMeet Daniel Jonas, a corporate innovation expert, leader of interfaith dialogue, and prominent figure in London's Sephardic community—a path that has led him to explore his Iraqi-Indian heritage and the influence of Judeo-Arabic culture. Key topicsLanguage and Identity: How language, particularly Hebrew and Judeo-Arabic, has shaped Daniel's Jewish expression.The Need for Change: Daniel advocates for systemic changes within communities and institutions to include the diversity of what it means to be Jewish.Your guideShort definitions of terms mentioned in this episode:Kippah / Yarmulke - a brimless Jewish skullcap with variations in design and placement. Similar to a Kufi or Taquiya in IslamAmba - a delectable tangy mango pickle condiment of Baghdadi Jewish originReform Judaism - Jewish denomination that emphasises autonomy, and adapting to modern life.Want to learn more? Listen to previous episodes where we discuss identity.S1E1 The Big Three Origin StoriesReferences & ResourcesLos Desterrados - A London band with a rootsy take on the ancient folk music of the Sephardic Jews.Nahamu - an organisation dedicated to combating religious extremism within the Jewish community3yin - a London-based ground-breaking band that performs the music of the Jewish communities of the Middle East and North AfricaDive deeper into the JewniverseSubscribe to our SubstackWho Jew you think you are? Share your storyFind us elsewhere, here!Show creditsHost / Producer: Eylan EzekielPost-production: Communicating for ImpactArtwork: Emily TheodoreMusic: Aleksafor utransndr KarabanovSound effects: Serge Quadrado Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 2 is here! This trailer explains why the conversations in the podcast are so important. Now, more than ever.Find us elsewhere, here!Show creditsHost / Producer: Eylan EzekielPost-production: Communicating for ImpactArtwork: Emily TheodoreMusic: Aleksafor utransndr KarabanovSound effects: Serge Quadrado Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yaffa Judah reflects on growing up between worlds—navigating her Indian and English heritage, attending Ashkenazi schools while rooted in Bene Israel culture, and marrying into a Moroccan Jewish family. Yaffa shares how music, memory, and food have shaped her identity and how she's working to create inclusive Jewish spaces for others.Our GuestYaffa Judah is a community organiser, creative and educator passionate about celebrating Jewish diversity and creating spaces where all Jews feel they belong.Key TopicsMixed Heritage: How growing up with Indian and English Jewish heritage shaped Yaffa's understanding of what it means to be Jewish.Jew-ish in Ashkenazi Spaces: Yaffa reflects on being “an ethnic minority within an ethnic minority” and the experience of feeling othered.Celebrating Difference: From leading inclusive student events at university to sharing Bene Israel traditions today, Yaffa is actively widening the circle.Beyond the Norm: Yaffa explores how labels like “Sephardi” are sometimes used as a catch-all that doesn't reflect the whole picture.Your GuideShort definitions of terms mentioned in this episode:Bene Israel - One of the oldest Jewish communities in IndiaSelichot - Prayers recited during holidays with variations between communitiesMinhag “Everyone should feel welcome—even if they're just Jew-ish”- A custom or tradition in Jewish practiceAdani - community originally from Aden, Yemen, known for their unique pronunciation and liturgical styleWant to learn more?Explore earlier episodes on Jewish identity and inclusion:S2E1: Diverse Jewish Stories with Yaacov YadgarS2E4: Classical Sephardi Culture with Daniel Jonas - to follow soonReferences & ResourcesGate of Mercy Synagogue – the oldest synagogue in Mumbai, built in 1796JDC Entwine – A global service organisation where Yaffa led intercultural eventsIllustrated Guide to a Jew in India by Solomon Devika – A fun visual storytelling project about Indian Jewish historyFind us elsewhere, here!Show creditsHost / Producer: Eylan EzekielPost-production: Communicating for ImpactArtwork: Emily TheodoreMusic: Aleksafor utransndr KarabanovSound effects: Serge Quadrado Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply personal episode, Shelley Silas guides us through her intricate journey of Jewish identity, shaped by her unique heritage, family dynamics, and the profound impact of loss.Our GuestShelley Silas is a playwright and storyteller whose work delves into the nuances of identity and cultural belonging. Her plays, including "Calcutta Kosher," reflect her diverse heritage and the challenges of navigating multiple identities.Key TopicsMultifaceted Identity: Exploring the intersection of Baghdadi Jewish heritage, Indian roots, and LGBTQ+ identity.Family and Loss: How significant life events, especially the loss of family members, reshape one's understanding of Jewish identity and cultural practices.Your guideShort definitions of terms mentioned in this episode:Sephardi - Jews descended from Iberia and the Spanish diasporaAshkenazi: Jewish people descended from Germany and Northern FranceMizrahi: Jews from the Middle East and North AfricaShul: Yiddish word for synagogueKippah: A small skull cap worn by Jewish menWant to learn more? Listen to previous episodes where we discuss identity.S1E1 The Big Three Origin StoriesS1E7 “Identity is overrated” with Dr Orphira GamlielReferences & ResourcesThe Royal Literary Fund - Shelley Silas's profile and works, including "Calcutta Kosher"Jewish Museum London - blog entitled Understanding the Indian Baghdadi JewsDive deeper into the JewniverseSubscribe to our SubstackWho Jew Think You Are? Your turn! Share your storyFind us elsewhere, here!Show creditsHost / Producer: Eylan EzekielPost-production: Communicating for ImpactArtwork: Emily TheodoreMusic: Aleksafor utransndr KarabanovSound effects: Serge Quadrado Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Professor Yakov Yadgar as our guide, we explore how nation-states, particularly Israel, shape and sometimes constrain Jewish identities while emphasising the importance of celebrating diverse histories and practices, especially those of Mizrahi heritage.Our guestYaacov Yadgar is a Professor of Israel Studies at Oxford School of Global & Area Studies and Oxford Department of Politics & International Relations. Read more about his work.Key topicsDiversity of Identity: The importance of recognising Mizrahi histories and cultures to move beyond a Eurocentric view of Jewish identity.Nationalism vs. the Individual: How state influence creates tension between nationalised and localised Jewish practices, impacting personal identity.Your guideShort definitions of terms mentioned in this episode:Ashkenazi - Jewish people descended from Germany and Northern FranceMizrahi - Jews from the Middle East and North Africa - this term has a complex historySephardi - Jews descended from Iberia and the Spanish diasporaWant to learn more? Listen to previous episodes where we discuss identity.S1E1 The Big Three Origin StoriesS1E7 “Identity is overrated” with Dr Orphira GamlielReferences & ResourcesYadgar, Y (2024) To Be a Jewish State: Zionism and the New Judaism. NYU PressVideosUCLA Y&S Nazarian Center for Israel Studies (2024) To Be a Jewish State: Zionism as the New JudaismDive deeper into the JewniverseSubscribe to our SubstackWho Jew you think you are? Share your storyFind us elsewhere, here!Show creditsHost / Producer: Eylan EzekielPost-production: Communicating for ImpactArtwork: Emily TheodoreMusic: Aleksafor utransndr KarabanovSound effects: Serge Quadrado Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special Passover bonus episode, Penny Rabiger and Eylan Ezekiel share their Pesach traditions and the meaning of this festival, often referred to as 'Jewish Christmas'. If you are Jew-curious, you'll learn a little more about why this festival means so much to Jews, of all flavours - and ... if you are Jewish, it's a chance to reflect on the way we make meaning from the Exodus story.Thanks to The Maccabeats for their quality singing to cover up Penny and Eylan's The Seder plateWe'd love to hear from you if you think your have a Jewish identity that struggles to be heard - whether you are Sephardi, Mizrachi, from South America, and/or if you are non-Zionist, Secular, LGBTQ+, Liberal, or Orthodox. If you'd like to be involved in our projects, such as being a guest on the podcast, please contact us here https://forms.gle/sx7Nic2rCnTNEG289You can find out more about Eylan Ezekiel here and about Penny Rabiger hereWe are on Bluesky, Facebook, and even X/ Twitter too.Incredible artwork and design by Emily Theodore - Thanks so much Emily!!Music by Aleksafor utransndr KarabanovSound Effect by Sergei Chetvertnykh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this final episode of Season 1, Penny Rabiger and Eylan Ezekiel review the guests and the learning from their travels through the Jewniverse (so far!).They also consider the impact of October 7th on the question this podcast poses - and how it has informed the guests and plans for Season 2.We'd love to hear from you if you think your have a Jewish identity that struggles to be heard - whether you are Sephardi, Mizrachi, from South America, - AND if you are non-Zionist, Secular, Liberal, or Orthodox. If you'd like to be involved in our projects, such as being a guest on the podcast, please contact us here https://forms.gle/sx7Nic2rCnTNEG289Definition of Multivocalities Podcast Transcript here You can find out more about Eylan Ezekiel here and about Penny Rabiger hereWe are on Bluesky, Facebook, and even X/ Twitter too. Incredible artwork and design by Emily Theodore - Thanks so much Emily!!Music by Aleksafor utransndr KarabanovSound Effect by Sergei Chetvertnykh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British Black Jews - Kenneth Awele OkaforOur travels in the Jewniverse takes us to meet Kenneth Awele Okafor, a British Black Jew, and architect. Kenneth and Eylan talk about discovering faith, lost Jewish histories and hope for the future. You can read more about Kenneth in an article for The Voice:https://www.voice-online.co.uk/news/features-news/2022/06/03/black-jews/Black Hebrew IsraelitesThieboudienneBanana Challah (Yum!)Tzedakah (Charity)Tikkun_olam (Repair the world)Battle_of_Cable_StreetBook - What does a Jew Look Like?Festivals of Sigd and New_Yam_Festival_of_the_IgboJewish Museum Londonhttps://www.lyonslearning.org.uk/Transcript here-----------------More about Eylan Ezekiel here and about Penny Rabiger hereWe are on Bluesky, Facebook, and even X/ Twitter too. If you'd like to be involved in our projects, such as being a guest on the podcast, please contact us here https://forms.gle/sx7Nic2rCnTNEG289Incredible artwork and design by Emily Theodore - Thanks so much Emily!!Music by Aleksafor utransndr KarabanovSound Effect by Sergei Chetvertnykh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Who Jew Think You Are? , Philip Arditti - actor and writer - was in conversation with Penny Rabiger and Eylan Ezekiel.They explored Philip's Turkish Jewish heritage and how that translates into his Artivism.Find out more about Philip Arditti:https://philiparditti.com/Philip's creative projects:https://www.menaarts.uk/https://www.arcolatheatre.com/History of (Jews in) TurkeyTax on non-Muslims Gezi Park protestsArmenian Genocide Börekas OrbörekitasOther creative worksThe Holy RosenbergsThe Club - Netflix seriesMore about Eylan Ezekiel here and about Penny Rabiger hereTranscript of the conversation can be found here:We are on Bluesky, Facebook, and even X/ Twitter too. If you'd like to be involved in our projects, such as being a guest on the podcast, please contact us here https://forms.gle/sx7Nic2rCnTNEG289Incredible artwork and design by Emily Theodore - Thanks so much Emily!!Music by Aleksafor utransndr KarabanovSound Effect by Sergei Chetvertnykh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Ophira Gamliel talks to Eylan Ezekiel about her Yememi heritage, the role of Jewish identities in culture, and the historical and modern place of Asian Jews.A transcript of the conversation is hereDr Ophira Gamliel at the University of Glasgowhttps://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/critical/staff/ophiragamliel/Ophira on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/OphiraGamlielFood: Jachnunhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JachnunFood: Kugel https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KugelJewish renewal group: Baal Teshuvahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal_teshuvaYemeni Musician - Ofra Hazahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ofra_HazaBreslov sect of Hasidic Jewshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BreslovAmram Ben Sheshnahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amram_ben_SheshnaMore about Eylan Ezekiel here and More about Penny Rabiger hereThe podcast is on Bluesky, Facebook, and even X/ Twitter too; where we are sharing interesting articles and posts on related topics. If you'd like to be involved in our projects, such as being a guest on the podcast, please contact us here Incredible artwork and design by Emily Theodore - Thanks so much Emily!!!!Music by Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov from PixabaySound Effect by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Other within the Other” - with Carol IsaacsThe Surreal McCoy - AKA Carol Isaacshttps://www.thesurrealmccoy.com/The Wolf of Baghdad - Book/Graphic Novelhttps://myriadeditions.com/books/the-wolf-of-baghdad/Educator Guide for Wolf of Baghdadhttps://www.mattreingold.ca/_files/ugd/b5e5dd_008584d7a470469a840e17c8c961137d.pdfGrowing up Mizrahi - Short Documentaryhttps://ukjewishfilm.org/film/growing-up-mizrahi/Carol on Socials - Twitter Insta YouTubeHistory of the Jews of Iraqhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Jews_in_IraqRecipe:https://recipes.fandom.com/wiki/Kubba_BamiaKaukokaipuu - Finnish word for nostalgia for a place you've never been to.Ahmed Mukhtar - Oud player Keith Clouston - Oud player Daniel Jonas Transcript of episodeThe podcast is on Bluesky, Facebook, and even X/ Twitter too. If you'd like to get involved, please contact us here Incredible artwork and design by Emily Theodore - Thanks so much Emily!!!!Music by Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov from PixabaySound Effect by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Yohai Hakak talked to Eylan Ezekiel about growing up Mizrahi and secular in Israel.This episode was recorded in May 23.Yohai Hakak Brunel profile “How Does the Social Work?”podcastIraqi Jewish historiesMizrahi Jews in IsraelSabich recipe Hamin - more food!Cholent - even more food!!Orientalism More about Eylan Ezekiel here and More about Penny Rabiger hereThe podcast is on Bluesky, Facebook, and even X/ Twitter too; where we are sharing interesting articles and posts on related topics. If you'd like to be involved in our projects, such as being a guest on the podcast, please contact us here Incredible artwork and design by Emily Theodore - Thanks so much Emily!!!!Music by Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov from PixabaySound Effect by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Penny Rabiger and Eylan Ezekiel explore the definitions, histories, and experiences of Jews of Mizrahi heritage.A transcript is available here.Wikipedia article about Mizrahi JewsOrientalism - Edward SaidThe Wandering JewDhimmiMalawach Israeli Black PanthersDoes Israel still discriminate against Mizrahi Jews? - Jerusalam Post articleHen Mazzig - activist and author of The Wrong Kind of Jew: A Mizrahi ManifestoJowan Safadi - To be an Arab - YouTube video - Challenging, funny, catchy. Stick around for the last line!More about Eylan Ezekiel here and More about Penny Rabiger hereThe podcast is on Bluesky, Facebook, and even X/ Twitter too; where we are sharing interesting articles and posts on related topics. If you'd like to be involved in our projects, such as being a guest on the podcast, please contact us here Incredible artwork and design by Emily Theodore - Thanks so much Emily!!!!Music by Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov from PixabaySound Effect by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An interview with Nina, about her Tunisian Jewish heritage. A full transcript of this episode is available hereSome of the things we talked about:French movie mentioned at the start - “La vérité si je mens” / “Would I lie to you?” Mizz Raqi - club nightView of the Mizz Raqi nightPkeïla (beef stew) Brik / or “brick à l'oeuf” (egg brick) Labour camps in Tunisia French Documentary “May God Be with You”/Que Dieu te protège Article, “When young French Jews return to the Maghreb of their parents” Judeo-Arabic More about Eylan Ezekiel here and More about Penny Rabiger hereThe podcast is on Bluesky, Facebook, and even X/ Twitter too; where we are sharing interesting articles and posts on related topics. If you'd like to be involved in our projects, such as being a guest on the podcast, please contact us here Incredible artwork and design by Emily Theodore - Thanks so much Emily!!!!Music by Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov from PixabaySound Effect by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Penny Rabiger was speaking to Eylan Ezekiel about his heritage and identities: as a mixed Ashkenazi and Bene Israel Jew.More about Eylan Ezekiel hereMore about Penny Rabiger hereIf you'd like to be involved in our projects, such as being a guest on the podcast, please contact us here Incredible artwork and design by Emily Theodore - Thanks so much Emily!!!!More about the history of the Ezekiel Rajpurker nameMore about the pogroms at the start of the 20th Century in PolandMore about the history of Indian Jews to BritainJalebisBeigels ChrainBoard of Deputies of British Jews Commission on Racial Inclusivity in the Jewish Community , Led by Stephen BushThe transcript of this episode is available hereMusic by Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov from PixabaySound Effect by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where Eylan and Penny begin their adventures into the Jewniverse: introducing themselves and the Big Three Jewish groups - Ashkenazi, Mizrachi, and Sephardi Jews.A full transcript of this episode is available hereMore about Eylan Ezekiel hereMore about Penny Rabiger hereThe podcast is on Twitter too, where we are sharing interesting articles and posts on related topics. If you'd like to be involved in our projects, such as being a guest on the podcast, please contact us here Incredible artwork and design by Emily Theodore - Thanks so much Emily!!!!Other interesting bits:Definition: Chavruta Definition: Pale of Settlement Stephen Bush's Report for the Board of DeputiesMore about Indian Jews in Britain, post partitionAlaister Bonnett - Multiracism (book)Iraqi Jews Music by Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov from PixabaySound Effect by Sergei Chetvertnykh from PixabayPlease be kind with the terrible editing in this first episode! There are a few jumps in the audio, and in the transcript. It'll get better. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A short trailer to introduce the forthcoming podcast about diverse Jewish identities. For more information and to get involved sign up here Please like, subscribe and share this podcast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.