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In this year end episode of AJW Unplugged AJW looks back on his predictions from 2024, makes a few more predictions for 2025, and provides listeners with an update both personally and professionally. AJWs 2024 Predictions AJWs 2025 Predictions Pictured left to right; Chris Worden, AJW, Rob Martin.
It's UNN's one year anniversary party! We can't believe that a whole year has passed since we started this thing. It's been a lot of fun. After reflecting on the year we dive into race results from Hellgate, Desert Solstice, Mel Williams Memorial Seashore 50K, and the Hunter S. Thompson Fear & Loathing 50 mile / 50K. We talk about the success they had at the fund raiser for Hurricane Helene relief at the Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival. Trail runner Tina Lewis was arrested in India for carrying a GPS device. We deep dive into AJWs year in ultrarunning awards. Then we close the show out by going over the 2024 finalists for ultrasignup's keep trail running weird awards. Voting for Ultrasignup's Keep Trail Running Weird Awards: https://news.ultrasignup.com/keep-trail-running-weird-finalists-2024/ Socials Strava Club: https://www.strava.com/clubs/1246887 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultrarunning_news_network/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555338668719 X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ultrarunnews Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ultrarunning_news_network Email: ultrarunning.news.network@gmail.com
Tonight we start off with some good news that Johnny is back in action! After many obstacles in the last year and a half he is finally cleared to start building some endurance. Then we follow up and expand on some stuff that we talked about on the last episode. After that we dive into the results from Moab. Then we deep dive into the Bigs Backyard Ultra World Championships which is up to over 60 countries now! Belgium is in currently in first overall and the only country with runners still going and three of them tied the record of 108 yards (set last year by Harvey Lewis) as we are recording. As I am typing these show notes the three runners decided to all call it quits after 110 yards, that's almost 460 miles!! We go over race results from the California Fall Classic 100K and 55K, Mines of Spain 100 and 100K, Grand Trail des Templiers 100K, Diagonale des Fous 100, Stone Steps 50K, Laurel Highlands 50K, Pony Express 100, Bimblers Bluff 50K, Uwharrie 100, and Delirium Ultra 24 hour. We talk about two more FKTs that were recently set. We end the show talking about which of AJWs 2024 predictions have come true. Strava club link now in the list of socials below! Socials Strava Club: https://www.strava.com/clubs/1246887 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultrarunning_news_network/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555338668719 X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ultrarunnews Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ultrarunning_news_network Email: ultrarunning.news.network@gmail.com
In this episode we go over race results from last weekend, discuss some of UltraRunning Magazine's top 10 ultrarunners of the year from 2023, talk about AJWs article announcing his career change, and do our film review of the La Sportiva sponsored / Billy Yang directed new short film called "Like a Lead Balloon: 30 Hours at the Leadville 100."
American Jewish World Services is a community inspired by the values of justice and universal commitment to human rights. Started as a small organization in 1985… AJWS has been continuously striving to build a more just and equitable world for all. It is now impacting millions of people across 18 countries spread over five continents. Here is Julieta Mendez, Associate Vice President of AJWS sharing the work and vision of AJWS with our host Robert Hicks. Host: Robert Hicks
This week on Unorthodox, we're bringing you a conversation with Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker of Temple Beth Israel in Colleyville, TX, who was held hostage along with three congregants during a Shabbat service two weeks ago Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Check out The Tab, Tablet magazine's new printable weekly digest. Laid out in an attractive PDF for reading on a tablet or desktop, or to be printed, The Tab takes you into Shabbat and through the weekend, for free. Get your copy at tablet.ag/tab. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at jkross@tabletmag.com. Unorthodox is produced by Tablet Studios. Check out all of our podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts. Sponsors: Thirty Six is a new podcast from SoulShop and Bnai Zion hosted by Justin Hayet, who scours Israel to find the 36 most fascinating souls who bring an ancient Jewish tradition to life. Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts. American Jewish World Service Renew your commitment to tikkun olam with a twice-matched gift to support social justice organizations in 18 countries around the world. Make your donation at AJWS.org/unorthodox. The Institute for Jewish Spirituality's online introductory course in Jewish meditation will help you find calm in challenging situations. Sign up for “The Gift of Awareness” at jewishspirituality.org and use discount code Unorthodox for 20% off the 8-part course. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, we're reflecting on the rabbi and three congregants held hostage at a Texas synagogue last Saturday. We're also sharing an interview with Mark Podwal, an artist who has illustrated for the Metropolitan Opera and the New York Times —and who has a day job as a dermatologist. He tells us how his art, rich with Jewish themes and imagery, is his expression of his Jewish identity Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at jkross@tabletmag.com. Unorthodox is produced by Tablet Studios. Check out all of our podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts. Sponsors The Institute for Jewish Spirituality's online introductory course in Jewish meditation will help you find calm in challenging situations. Sign up for “The Gift of Awareness” at jewishspirituality.org and use discount code Unorthodox for 20% off the 8-part course. American Jewish World Service Renew your commitment to tikkun olam with a twice-matched gift to support social justice organizations in 18 countries around the world. Make your donation at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Thirty Six is a new podcast from SoulShop and Bnai Zion hosted by Justin Hayet, who scours Israel to find the 36 most fascinating souls who bring an ancient Jewish tradition to life. Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts. Harry's is a great shave at a great price. Get a trial set for just $3 when you go to HARRYS.COM/UNORTHODOX. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Unorthodox, more Israel-related animal conspiracy theories. Before she was Liz Lange, our Jewish guest was Liz Steinberg, niece of corporate raider Saul Steinberg. She tells the story of her family's spectacular rise and eventual fall in the new podcast, “The Just Enough Family.” Our Gentile of the Week is Delvyn Case, a Christian composer who has written a cantata about the binding of Isaac, based on his reading of one rabbi's midrash that suggests that Abraham actually killed Isaac. Plus, more news from Belgium! Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at jkross@tabletmag.com. Unorthodox is produced by Tablet Studios. Check out all of our podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts. Sponsors Zelikow School of Jewish Nonprofit Management Earn your master's degree in Organizational Leadership and Innovation while you work. Learn more about the Zelikow School of Jewish Nonprofit Management at zschool.huc.edu. Scholarships available. AJWS supports activism in 18 countries around the world, and when you donate to AJWS this holiday season, your gift will be matched to make double the impact. Give today at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Thirty Six is a new podcast from SoulShop and Bnai Zion hosted by Justin Hayet, who scours Israel to find the 36 most fascinating souls who bring an ancient Jewish tradition to life. Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts. The Power Of is a new podcast featuring host Noam Weissman and a diverse range of guests discussing how Jewish wisdom can help us find real, practical meaning within our own lives. Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, we're celebrating a major milestone: 300 episodes. That's more than 18,000 minutes of tape over six years, featuring thousands of News of the Jews items, hundreds of amazing Jews and Gentiles of the Week, and way too many jokes about Belgium. We've been through a lot together, J-Crew. There was the Saran Wrap vs. tin foil fight, the debate over backing into parking spaces, and endless discussions of what activities might accurately be categorized as “Jewish.” We've shared stories of conversion and atonement and nose jobs, and performed live shows across the country, from St. Louis to San Diego, and Denver to Detroit. Along the way, our team wrote a book, welcomed three human children and six podcast babies, and even got to be part of a proposal and then a wedding. Today, we're celebrating everything that makes Unorthodox the #1 Jewish podcast with a special episode hosted by friend-of-the-show and “Making It” judge Simon Doonan. You'll hear stories from our hosts—about Stephanie finding her voice, Mark learning what happens when an off-hand comment incites an unexpected online mob, and Liel realizing that fighting about politics isn't always worth it — and messages from listeners and some of our favorite former guests. On behalf of the entire Unorthodox team, Shalom friends—and thanks for listening. Unorthodox is produced by Tablet Studios. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation at bit.ly/givetounorthodox. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at jkross@tabletmag.com. Check out all of Tablet's podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts. Sponsors Zelikow School of Jewish Nonprofit Management - Earn your master's degree in Organizational Leadership and Innovation while you work. Learn more about the Zelikow School of Jewish Nonprofit Management at zschool.huc.edu. Scholarships available. The Power Of is a new podcast featuring host Noam Weissman and a diverse range of guests discussing how Jewish wisdom can help us find real, practical meaning within our own lives. Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts. AJWS supports activism in 18 countries around the world, and when you donate to AJWS this holiday season, your gift will be matched to make double the impact. Give today at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Unorthodox, we're drinking the eggnog and going all in on Christmas. Did you know your favorite Christmas song was probably written by a Jew? Marc Tracy returns to the show to shed light on the surprising history of Jewish songwriters and Christmas music, and shares a list of the 10 best Christmas songs written by Jews. It wouldn't be a bunch of Jews talking about a holiday—even one that isn't our own—without a serious discussion of food. Jewish cookbook author and New York Times Cooking columnist Melissa Clark tells us about the chocolate babka rugelach recipe she contributed to the Times' Christmas cookie collection. Our super-intern Quinn Waller—our Quinntern—brings us an amazing personal story about the Christmas spirit she grew up with, and how she continued to believe in Santa long after all her friends stopped. What's it like being a Jewish ballerina and dancing in “The Nutcracker,” the most Christmas-y ballet of all time? American Ballet Theater principal dancer Skylar Brandt, who this year is performing the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” tells us all about it. New York-area listeners, travel back in time to 1970s NYC's haute kosher Chinese restaurant, Moshe Peking, for a prix-fixe dinner to remember on December 25, 2021. Chef Eric Huang of Pecking House and Wall Street Grill's Joey Paulino reimagine the iconic Moshe Peking menu with a 5-course feast of short ribs, duck dumplings, sesame noodles, and more, all under OU supervision at Wall Street Grill. Get your ticket at bit.ly/moshepeking. Unorthodox is produced by Tablet Studios. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation at bit.ly/givetounorthodox. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at jkross@tabletmag.com. Check out all of Tablet's podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts. Sponsors AJWS supports activism in 18 countries around the world, and when you donate to AJWS this holiday season, your gift will be matched to make double the impact. Give today at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards recognize 15 extraordinary Jewish teenagers with $36,000 toward their initiatives. Learn more and apply or nominate a teen at dillerteenawards.org/unorthodox. Spertus Institute's Certificate in Jewish Leadership is a skill-building resource specifically geared to the particular needs of Jewish organizations. Find out more at spertus.edu/certificate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Unorthodox, we're diving deeper into the cream cheese shortage. Our first guest is Dorothy Kalins, cookbook writer and former editor in chief of Saveur magazine. Liel talks to her about her new book, “The Kitchen Whisperers: Cooking with the Wisdom of Our Friends.” Then Liel sits down with retired Harvard professor Ruth Wisse, whose new memoir is “Free Like a Jew: A Personal Memoir of National Self-Liberation.” Our 300th episode is coming up this month, and we want you to be part of it. Has Unorthodox meant something to you, or played a part in your Jewish journey? Has a particular interview made you think, or a special episode stuck with you? Share your Unorthodox story by recording a voice memo on your phone and emailing it to unorthodox@tabletmag.com, or leaving a voicemail at our listener line: (914) 570-4869. Remember to tell us who you are and where you're calling from. New York-area listeners, travel back in time to 1970s NYC's haute kosher Chinese restaurant, Moshe Peking, for a prix-fixe dinner to remember on December 25, 2021. Chef Eric Huang of Pecking House reimagines the iconic Moshe Peking menu with a 5-course feast of short ribs, duck dumplings, sesame noodles, and more, all under OU supervision at Wall Street Grill. Get your ticket at bit.ly/moshepeking. Unorthodox is produced by Tablet Studios. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation at bit.ly/givetounorthodox. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at jkross@tabletmag.com. Check out all of Tablet's podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts. Sponsors: AJWS supports activism in 18 countries around the world, and when you donate to AJWS this holiday season, your gift will be matched to make double the impact. Give today at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards recognize 15 extraordinary Jewish teenagers with $36,000 toward their initiatives. Learn more and apply or nominate a teen at dillerteenawards.org/unorthodox. Rothys makes stylish and sustainable shoes and accessories. Get $20 off your first purchase at rothys.com/UNORTHODOX. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Unorthodox, we're prepping for the great cream cheese shortage of 5782. First we call up friend of the show Joshua Malina, who wrote an impassioned essay in the Atlantic asking why, after such a public history of antisemitism, Mel Gibson is still getting work in Hollywood. Then we talk to Yonit Levi, Israel's Channel 12 evening news anchor, who recently launched the podcast Unholy with The Guardian's Jonathan Freedland. Our Gentile of the Week is University of Oregon professor Annelise Heinz, whose new book, Mahjong: A Chinese Game and the Making of Modern American Culture, delves into the Jewish community's enthusiastic embrace of the tile game. Our 300th episode is coming up this month, and we want you to be part of it. Has Unorthodox meant something to you, or played a part in your Jewish journey? Has a particular interview made you think, or a special episode stuck with you? Share your Unorthodox story by recording a voice memo on your phone and emailing it to unorthodox@tabletmag.com, or leaving a voicemail at our listener line: (914) 570-4869. Remember to tell us who you are and where you're calling from. Unorthodox is produced by Tablet Studios. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation at bit.ly/givetounorthodox. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at jkross@tabletmag.com. Check out all of Tablet's podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts. Sponsors: AJWS supports activism in 18 countries around the world, and when you donate to AJWS this holiday season, your gift will be matched to make double the impact. Give today at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards recognize 15 extraordinary Jewish teenagers with $36,000 toward their initiatives. Learn more and apply or nominate a teen at dillerteenawards.org/unorthodox. Harry's is a great shave at a great price. Get $5 off any holiday shave set at harrys.com/unorthodox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Unorthodox, we really can't stop talking about Hanukkah—read our op-ed all about it in the Washington Post. First we talk to actress Sarah Podemski, who stars on the new FX on Hulu show Reservation Dogs. She tells us about her “Anishinaabe/Ashkenazi” heritage and growing up in Toronto's Jewish community, plus her experience working with an all-Indigenous cast and creative team on Reservation Dogs. Then Liel has a candid conversation with New York Times columnist Ross Douthat about his new book, The Deep Places, an account of his confounding struggle with chronic Lyme Disease. Throughout the episode you'll hear “The Hanukkah Song 2.0” from our friends Kosha Dillz and Nissim Black. We're looking for listeners to be part of two upcoming episodes. Send us your best Jew-at-Christmas stories, like the time you accidentally ruined Santa for the whole class. And on a more earnest note, has Unorthodox meant something special to you? Share your story for our 300th episode. You can leave us a voicemail at 914-570-4869 or even better, record a voice memo on your phone and email it to unorthodox@tabletmag.com. Unorthodox is produced by Tablet Studios. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation at bit.ly/givetounorthodox. Send comments and questions to unorthodox@tabletmag.com, or leave us a voicemail at (914) 570-4869. You can also record a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at jkross@tabletmag.com. Check out all of Tablet's podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts. Sponsors: Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards recognize 15 extraordinary Jewish teenagers with $36,000 toward their initiatives. Learn more and apply or nominate a teen at dillerteenawards.org/unorthodox. AJWS supports activism in 18 countries around the world. When you give to AJWS this Hanukkah, your gift will be matched to make double the impact. Give today at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Chai Flicks streams Jewish and Israeli movies and TV, with hundreds of films, series, and documentaries to choose from. Visit ChaiFlicks.com and enter code CHECKOUT to get 50% off your first month subscription. Hanukkah Homecoming Hundreds of communities are throwing Hanukkah Homecoming events this weekend. Find all the Hanukkah happenings in one place at hanukkahhomecoming.org. Tikvah Scholars Program at Yale University brings together Jewish 10th and 11th grade students to push their intellectual limits with world-class faculty. Learn more and apply or nominate a teen at tikvahscholars.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Unorthodox, it's beginning to look a lot like Hanukkah! The Festival of Lights starts Sunday, Nov. 28, and we could think of no better way to kick off a holiday about the triumph of Jewish observance over assimilation than with a special episode featuring some amazing Jews whose work celebrates Jewish culture and identity. Comedian and proud Jew Judy Gold—aka @jewdygold—joins us to discuss embracing her Jewishness on stage and off, and lighting Hanukkah candles in hotel rooms as she tours the country during the ‘holiday season.' For more Judy Gold, check out her podcast “Kill Me Now” and her book Yes, I Can Say That, and find her tour schedule at judygold.com. Listen to Judy's previous appearances on the show here and here. Jake Cohen, author of Jew-ish: A Cookbook: Reinvented Recipes from a Modern Mensch, shares his Hanukkah menu (a latke bar!) and tells us why he loves wearing his Star of David necklace on Good Morning America. We're giving away free copies of Jew-Ish to a few lucky listeners! Check out the giveaway on our Instagram and in our Facebook group. Plus we talk #HanukkahFails with Rachel Kenneth and hear new Hanukkah music from Sarah Aroeste and Jeremiah Lockwood. Tablet's 100 Most Jewish Foods book has been reimagined as a jigsaw puzzle, memory game, and sticker book, just in time for Hanukkah. Shop the whole set here. Send us your stories for our Christmas episode at unorthodox@tabletmag.com, or leave us a voicemail at (914) 570-4869. You can also record a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us. Unorthodox is produced by Tablet Studios. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation at bit.ly/givetounorthodox. Send comments and questions to unorthodox@tabletmag.com, or leave us a voicemail at (914) 570-4869. You can also record a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at jkross@tabletmag.com. Check out all of Tablet's podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts. Sponsors: AJWS supports more than 500 grassroots human rights organizations in 18 countries around the world. Made a twice matched donation today at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Rothy's shoes are stylish, comfortable, and sustainable. Get $20 off your first purchase at rothys.com/UNORTHODOX. Chai Flicks is a streaming service dedicated to Jewish and Israeli movies and TV, with hundreds of films, series, and documentaries to choose from. Visit ChaiFlicks.com and enter code CHECKOUT to get 50% off your first month subscription. Harry's is a great shave at a great price. New customers can get a Starter Set—which includes a five-blade razor, weighted handle, foaming shave gel with aloe, and a travel cover—for just $3 at harrys.com/unorthodox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Unorthodox, are we ready for a Better Bagel? Our guest is novelist Alice McDermott, whose latest book is What About the Baby? Some Thoughts on the Art of Fiction. She tells us about her 1998 National Book Award-winning novel, Charming Billy, as well as her Catholic faith, relationship with the church, and what she misses now that she's no longer teaching. Unorthodox is produced by Tablet Studios. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation at bit.ly/givetounorthodox. Send comments and questions to unorthodox@tabletmag.com, or leave us a voicemail at (914) 570-4869. You can also record a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at jkross@tabletmag.com. Check out all of Tablet's podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts. Tablet's 100 Most Jewish Foods book has been reimagined as a jigsaw puzzle, memory game, and sticker book, just in time for Hanukkah. Check out the whole set here. Sponsors: Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards recognize 15 extraordinary Jewish teenagers from across the United States with an award of $36,000 to honor their initiatives to help change the world. Nominate a teen by January 7 at dillerteenawards.org/unorthodox. AJWS supports more than 500 grassroots human rights organizations in 18 countries around the world. Made a twice matched donation today at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Spertus Institute's Certificate in Jewish Leadership is specifically geared to the particular needs of Jewish organizations. Find out more at spertus.edu/certificate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Unorthodox, we're talking all things Jewish pregnancy, from traditions and superstitions to genetic testing and fertility treatment. First we hear from Estie Rose, a genetic counselor and outreach coordinator for JScreen, a genetic testing nonprofit based at Emory University, about the importance of screening for Tay-Sachs, the BRCA gene, and other specifically Jewish conditions when planning for pregnancy. Then Dr. Bat-Sheva Maslow, a reproductive endocrinologist at Extend Fertility, explains halachic infertility, how common it really is, and what experts like them can do to solve/cure/manage fertility challenges. Next, we dive into the superstitions that arise when you're expecting Jewishly. To cover what these traditions are and why they have such a strong hold over so many of us, we turn to Rabbi Mychal Springer, adjunct professor at Jewish Theological Seminary and manager of clinical pastoral education at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Dara Horn, whose forthcoming book is People Love Dead Jews, and Esther Levy-Chehebar, a Tablet contributor who has written about her family's Syrian Jewish pregnancy traditions. Then Rabbi Miriam-Simma Walfish, faculty and senior pedagogy coach at the Hadar Institute, tells us about some of the biblical mothers whose stories still resonate today. Finally, we speak to Anita Diamant, the bestselling author of novels like The Red Tent, about her pregnancy guide The New Jewish Baby Book and why we spend so much time puzzling over baby names. Send us your stories for our upcoming special episodes. Were you or someone you know a Jewish scout? Do you have stories of apologies given or owed, for our annual Yom Kippur Apology episode? Leave us a voicemail (under a minute long) at (914) 570-4869, or record a voice memo on your phone and email it to unorthodox@tabletmag.com to be featured on the episode. Like the show? Rate us on iTunes! Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at jkross@tabletmag.com. Check out all of Tablet's podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts. Sponsors: AJWS supports activists working with vulnerable communities around the globe throughout the ongoing pandemic. Make your twice-matched, tax-deductible donation today at AJWS.org/unorthodox. KOL Foods wants to give you a free turkey breast! Be one of the first ten people to head to KOLFoods.com and use promo code UnorthodoxRH while you check out for 10% off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Unorthodox, we're observing Tisha B'Av, the Jewish day of mourning, and Tu B'Av, the Jewish Valentine's Day, all at once. First we hear from Menachem Kaiser, author of “Plunder: A Memoir of Family Property and Nazi Treasure,” his story of attempting to reclaim an apartment building in Sosnowice, Poland that his family owned before the Holocaust, and his unlikely discovery of a familial connection to... Nazi treasure hunters. Then we talk to NFL reporter Jori Epstein and Holocaust survivor Max Glauben about collaborating to write “The Upstander,” a book that tells the story of Max's life and the lessons he wants to share. And finally, in honor of Tu B'Av, the Jewish Valentine's Day, we check in with Unorthodox listeners Sabrina and Brian Cartan, who ran into Jeff Goldblum while taking their wedding photos this weekend. Send us your stories for our upcoming special episodes. Were you or someone you know a Jewish scout? Do you have stories of apologies given or owed, for our annual Yom Kippur Apology episode? Leave us a voicemail (under a minute long) at (914) 570-4869, or record a voice memo on your phone and email it to unorthodox@tabletmag.com to be featured on the episode. Like the show? Rate us on iTunes! Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at jkross@tabletmag.com. Check out all of Tablet's podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts. Sponsors: AJWS supports activists working with vulnerable communities around the globe throughout the ongoing pandemic. Make your twice-matched, tax-deductible donation today at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Harry's is a great shave at a great price. New customers can get a Starter Set for just $3 at harrys.com/unorthodox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Unorthodox, it's everyone vs. Bibi. Our Jewish guest is Iranian American writer Roya Hakakian, whose latest book, A Beginner's Guide to America: For the Immigrant and the Curious, paints a portrait of what the new immigrant experience in America is really like. She explains how, in addition to the grand ideals of liberty and opportunity offered in America, the mundane day-to-day elements of American life—like being able to return clothing to a store—remain jaw-droppingly liberating for immigrants, long after they've arrived. Our Gentile of the Week is poet and Yale Divinity School professor Christian Wiman, who shares how Abraham Joshua Heschel inspired his personal religious journey, and how that journey is foundational to his poetry. His question for the hosts is a personal one: Do they believe in god, or is their connection to Judaism more cultural? Like the show? Rate us on iTunes! Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at jkross@tabletmag.com. Check out all of Tablet's podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts. Sponsors: AJWS supports activists defending the sexual health and rights of women, girls and LGBTQI+ people across the world. This Pride Month, make a twice-matched gift to AJWS that supports local organizations advocating for justice for all people and building equitable communities at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Harry's is the perfect gift for Father's Day. New customers can get a Starter Set for just $3, and from now until June 20, take $5 off any shave set at harrys.com/unorthodox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Unorthodox, we’re proud to present our fourth-annual conversion episode. On Shavuot we read the Book of Ruth, which tells the story of the first convert to Judaism. To celebrate Ruth and all the Jews by choice since then, we’re sharing stories of conversion from all over the world. First, an interview with New York Times reporter Nellie Bowles, who has been chronicling her conversion process in her online newsletter, “Chosen by Choice.” Tablet Fellow Nina Lichtenstein describes converting for her Jewish husband (and her Jewish mother-in-law) more than two decades ago, and staying Jewish for herself after their divorce. Rapper Nissim Black shares his spiritual journey, which took him from devout Christianity to gangster rap and finally to Orthodox Judaism. Novelist Jessamyn Hope tells the story of her Italian Catholic mother’s conversion to Reform Judaism, and the many conflicted feelings Jessamyn had about it throughout her own life. Tablet Fellow Elie Bleier brings us a report from Israel about Nativ, a program that expedites conversions for soldiers serving in the IDF who aren't considered Jewish by the rabbinate. Plus, hear stories from our listeners about their own conversion experiences. Want more Unorthodox? Listen to our previous conversion episodes: 2020 Conversion Episode 2019 Conversion Episode 2018 Conversion Episode Like the show? Rate us on iTunes! Find out about all our upcoming events at www.tabletmag.com/unorthodoxlive. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at jkross@tabletmag.com. Check out all of Tablet’s podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts. Sponsors: AJWS supports activists on the ground in India helping communities during the COVID-19 surge. You can help get personal protective equipment, psychosocial support, and other critically needed aid to communities like those in India by making a twice-matched, tax-deductible donation at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Unorthodox: Gal Gadot’s pandemic injury. First we speak to Daniel Pollack-Pelzner, the Linfield University professor who was fired after publicizing accusations of sexual misconduct and anti-Semitism regarding the board of trustees and the college president. Then we welcome back one of our favorite Gentiles of the Week, Noreen Malone, who is hosting the fifth season of Slate’s Slow Burn podcast, where she breaks down the lead-up to the second Iraq War. Her question for the hosts is whether it’s rude to order blatantly non-kosher items when dining out with people who keep kosher. And finally, we call up Tel Aviv-based Tablet contributor Dana Kessler, who tells us about her most recent article for the magazine, about a new digital compilation of Turkish and Israeli music. We’re recording a new season of Hebrew School, our kids game show podcast! Do you know a child aged 7-12 who should be a contestant? Email hebrewschool@tabletmag.com to apply. Upcoming virtual events: Sunday, May 23 — Stephanie and Liel will be speaking with the Jewish Federation of Reading, PA. 11 a.m. EDT; Register here. Thursday, June 3 — Stephanie will be interviewing journalist Sarah Maslin Nir about her book Horse Crazy and her family’s Holocaust history. 7 p.m. EDT; Register here. Find out about all our upcoming events at www.tabletmag.com/unorthodoxlive. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Join our Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at jkross@tabletmag.com. Check out all of Tablet’s podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts. Sponsors: Harry’s is a great shave at a great price. Get a special offer and a Harry’s Starter Set and Body Wash at harrys.com/unorthodox. AJWS supports activists on the ground in India helping communities during the COVID-19 surge. You can help get personal protective equipment, psychosocial support, and other critically needed aid to communities like those in India by making a twice-matched, tax-deductible donation at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Unorthodox, we’re celebrating Lag B’Omer (and figuring out what, exactly, this holiday is all about). Our first guest is Juliet Litman, podcast host and head of production at the Ringer. She discusses one of her favorite podcasts, the surprisingly Jewish “Table Manners with Jesse Ware,” gives us her take on last season’s Bachelorette bagel drama, and offers her pick for the most Jewish sports team. Then it’s a Jew-Gentile double header: TV producer Amy Solomon, editor of the new book Notes from the Bathroom Line: Humor, Art, and Low-Grade Panic from 150 of the Funniest Women in Comedy, and actress and comedian Lauren Lapkus, one of the book’s contributors, join us to discuss Gilda Radner, funny women, and the perfect Hanukkah dessert. Join us Sunday, May 2 at 7 p.m. EDT/4 p.m. PDT for a special free virtual live show with Tovah Feldshuh, presented by the Community Scholar Program of Orange County California. Register at http://bit.ly/cspunorthodoxlive.This event is co-sponsored by the Merage Jewish Community Center and is made possible by a grant from the Albert and Rhoda Weissman Arts Endowment Fund, a joint program of Jewish Community Foundation Orange County and Jewish Federation Orange County Share your conversion story for our annual Shavuot episode! Leave us a voicemail (under a minute long) at (914) 570-4869, or record a voice memo on your phone and email it to unorthodox@tabletmag.com to be featured on the episode. We’re launching a new season of Hebrew School, our kids game show podcast! Do you know a child aged 7-12 who should be a contestant? Email hebrewschool@tabletmag.com to apply. Upcoming virtual events: Thursday, April 29 — Stephanie will be moderating Rachel Bloom and Tovah Feldshuh in ‘A Conversation Between a (Television) Daughter and Mother,’ presented by The Jewish Museum and the Jewish Book Council, 7 p.m. EDT. Register here. Thursday, April 29 — Liel will be talking about podcasting with JCast Network's Darone Ruskay, presented by Ansche Chesed. 7 p.m. EDT; Register here. Sunday, May 23 — Stephanie and Liel will be speaking with the Jewish Federation of Reading, PA. 11 a.m. EDT; Register here. Find out about all our upcoming events at www.tabletmag.com/unorthodoxlive. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Join our Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at jkross@tabletmag.com. Check out all of Tablet’s podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts. Sponsors: American Jewish World Service supports more than 500 social justice organizations fighting for justice around the world, including at the forefront of action against the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges it’s created.AJWS is currently twice-matching all donations; find out more and make your donation at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Unorthodox, Andrew Cuomo’s Jewish “tree houses” and Israel’s wild boars. Our Jewish guest is Devin Gordon, author of the new book “So Many Ways to Lose: The Amazin' True Story of the New York Mets—the Best Worst Team in Sports.” He tells us why Mets fandom is a profound spiritual exercise in perpetual disappointment, and Liel offers his take on why the Mets are a fundamentally Jewish team. Our Gentile of the week is writer, speaker, and activist Julie Lythcott-Haims, author of “How to Raise an Adult,” and most recently, “Your Turn: How to Be an Adult.” She explains the societal factors making it harder for today’s young adults to grow into their full potential, and offers advice for young people on how best to build meaningful and full adult lives. Her question for the hosts is how non-Jews can be better allies to the Jewish community. Share your conversion story for our annual Shavuot episode! Leave us a voicemail (under a minute long) at (914) 570-4869, or record a voice memo on your phone and email it to unorthodox@tabletmag.com by April 30 to be featured on the episode. Upcoming virtual events: Sunday, May 2 — Join us at 7 p.m. EDT/4 p.m. PT for a special virtual live show with Tovah Feldshuh, presented by the Community Scholar Program of Orange County California. It's free, but you'll need to register: http://bit.ly/cspunorthodoxlive Thursday, April 29 — Stephanie will be moderating Rachel Bloom and Tovah Feldshuh in ‘A Conversation Between a (Television) Daughter and Mother,’ presented by The Jewish Museum and the Jewish Book Council, 7 p.m. EDT. Register here. Thursday, April 29 — Liel will be talking about podcasting with JCast Network's Darone Ruskay, presented by Ansche Chesed. 7 p.m. EDT; Register here. Find out about all our upcoming events at www.tabletmag.com/unorthodoxlive. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Join our Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at jkross@tabletmag.com. Check out all of Tablet’s podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts. Sponsors: American Jewish World Service supports more than 500 social justice organizations fighting for justice around the world, including at the forefront of action against the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges it’s created.AJWS is currently twice-matching all donations; find out more and make your donation at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Harry’s is a great shave at a great price. Get a special offer and a Harry’s Starter Set and Body Wash at harrys.com/unorthodox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Unorthodox, Stephanie is out and Liel and Mark are podcasting from their man cave. Our Jewish guest is author Walter Isaacson, known for his biographies of Steve Jobs and Leonardo da Vinci, whose latest book is The Code Breaker Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race. We talk to him about the Jewish implications for the CRISPR gene editing technology, and the way that Jewish history can be mapped onto the history of scientific developments in America over the past century. He also tells us about growing up in Jewish New Orleans, and why his high school alma mater, the Isidore Newman School, produces so many fellow luminaries, like Michael Lewis, Eli and Payton Manning, and Odell Beckham Jr. Our Gentile of the week is Anne Bogel, who runs the literary community Modern Mrs. Darcy and hosts the podcast “What Should I Read Next?” She talks to Stephanie and Unorthodox producer Sara (who recently appeared on Anne’s podcast) about how she comes up with book recommendations for each of her podcasts guests based on their favorite and least favorite books, and explains why it’s important to understand and articulate why you don’t like a particular book. Her question for us is about bar and bat mitzvah gifts for her children’s classmates. Share your conversion story for our annual Shavuot episode! Leave us a voicemail (under a minute long) at (914) 570-4869, or record a voice memo on your phone and email it to unorthodox@tabletmag.com by April 30 to be featured on the episode. Upcoming virtual events: Tuesday, April 20 — Stephanie will be interviewing Bess Kalb, author of No One Will Tell You This But Me, for the Mandel JCC Book Festival, 7 p.m. EDT. Register here. Thursday, April 29 — Stephanie will be moderating Rachel Bloom and Tovah Feldshuh in ‘A Conversation Between a (Television) Daughter and Mother,’ presented by The Jewish Museum and the Jewish Book Council, 7 p.m. EDT. Register here. Find out about all our upcoming events at www.tabletmag.com/unorthodoxlive. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our.Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Join our Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at jkross@tabletmag.com. Check out all of Tablet’s podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts. Sponsors: American Jewish World Service supports more than 500 social justice organizations fighting for justice around the world, including at the forefront of action against the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges it’s created.AJWS is currently twice-matching all donations; find out more and make your donation at AJWS.org/unorthodox. The William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education at JTS provides an unparalleled academic experience that prepares its educators to work in diverse settings. MA degrees can be pursued fully online, for professionals in the field, or full-time in-residence in New York City. Learn more about the William Davidson School here or email edschool@jtsa.edu. Unstoppable is the ultimate immigrant story and an inspiring manual for survival in the face of tremendous odds. The true-life story of Siggi Wilzig offers a roadmap for recovery, vividly rendered by biographer Joshua M. Greene. Order this breathtaking and timely read here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Unorthodox, we’re down to the championship round of our Jewish Name of the Year bracket. Our Jewish guest is Israeli actress and activist Noa Tishby, whose new book is Israel: a Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth. Tishby, who describes herself as “100% Israeli and 100% American,” tells us about bringing the Israeli show In Treatment to American audiences, her first experience in bridging Israeli and American culture. She also explains how her pro-Israel activism grew from dinner party defenses to her latest project, a book designed to demystify the Jewish State for international audiences. Enter to win a free copy of Noa Tishby's book here: bit.ly/tishbygiveaway Our Gentile of the Week is Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz, whose memoir is Remain in Love: Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club, Tina. He tells us about attending Shadyside Academy in Pittsburgh (where he was friends with Mark Oppenheimer’s uncle!) before meeting future Talking Heads bandmates David Byrne and Tina Weymouth (also his future wife) at the Rhode Island School of Design and going on to conquer the music scene. His question for us is about what it means, logistically, to keep kosher. Upcoming virtual events: Tuesday, April 20 — Stephanie will be interviewing Bess Kalb, author of No One Will Tell You This But Me, for the Mandel JCC Book Festival, 7 p.m. EDT. Register here. Thursday, April 29 — Stephanie will be moderating Rachel Bloom and Tovah Feldshuh in ‘A Conversation Between a (Television) Daughter and Mother,’ presented by The Jewish Museum and the Jewish Book Council, 7 p.m. EDT. Register here. Find out about all our upcoming events at www.tabletmag.com/unorthodoxlive. As always, send us comments and questions at unorthodox@tabletmag.com, or leave us a voicemail at (914) 570-4869. You can also record a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our.Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Join our Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at jkross@tabletmag.com. Check out all of Tablet’s podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts. Sponsors: American Jewish World Service supports more than 500 social justice organizations fighting for justice around the world, including at the forefront of action against the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges it’s created. AJWS is currently twice-matching all donations; find out more and make your donation at AJWS.org/unorthodox. The William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education at JTS provides an unparalleled academic experience that prepares its educators to work in diverse settings. MA degrees can be pursued fully online, for professionals in the field, or full-time in-residence in New York City. Learn more about the William Davidson School here. Unstoppable is the ultimate immigrant story and an inspiring manual for survival in the face of tremendous odds. The true-life story of Siggi Wilzig offers a roadmap for recovery, vividly rendered by biographer Joshua M. Greene. Order this breathtaking and timely read here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, we’re filling up on matzo and revealing the Final Four competitors in our Jewish Names of the Year bracket. Our first guest is actress Emmanuelle Chriqui, who starred as Sloan in Entourage and Dalia in You Don’t Mess with The Zohan. She tells us about growing up in Canada to Moroccan Jewish parents, her latest TV role, and her involvement with the Black-Jewish Entertainment Alliance . Then, Orthodox sex therapist Bat Sheva Marcus returns to the show talk about her new book, Sex Points: Reclaim Your Sex Life with the Revolutionary Multi-point System. Lastly, Mark spoke with Shuly Rubin Schwartz, the first woman to serve as chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary. Upcoming virtual events: Thursday, April 29 — Stephanie will be moderating Rachel Bloom and Tovah Feldshuh in ‘A Conversation Between a (Television) Daughter and Mother,’ presented by The Jewish Museum and the Jewish Book Council, 7 p.m. EDT. Register here. Find out about all our upcoming events at www.tabletmag.com/unorthodoxlive. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our.Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Join our Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at jkross@tabletmag.com. Check out all of Tablet’s podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts. Sponsors: American Jewish World Service supports more than 500 social justice organizations fighting for justice around the world. AJWS is currently twice-matching all donations; find out more and make your donation at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Harry’s is a great shave at a great price. Get a Harry’s Starter Set and a free body wash at harrys.com/unorthodox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, we’re kicking off our Passover celebrations, live from the Oppenheimer home. Mark is joined by four of his children as they sit around the Seder table and wonder where, exactly, all these Passover traditions came from. Helping them along the way are co-hosts Stephanie and Liel, and a near minyan of all-star guests. First, historian and Tablet columnist Jenna Weissman Joselit expounds on the material culture associated with the home-based holiday—Seder plates, matzo covers, and afikoman bags—and wonders why Jewish ritual objects don’t always rise to the level of beauty of our other cherished home items. (Stephanie offers some beautiful holiday favorites: Seder plates from Isabel Halley Ceramics, Judaica Standard Time, Via Maris, and Apeloig Collection.) Then we talk to family therapist (and Mark’s sister-in-law!) Dr. Jessica Grogan, who tells us how the rigid archetypes of the Four Children can serve as a useful counter-example for how we see our own children. Adam Teeter of Vinepair shares the secrets of how wine can unlock memories through your olfactory system. Rabbi Gabi Weinberg from The Bnai Zion Foundation shares a story about the significance of buying matzo—and keeping the receipts—in his family. Dovid Bashevkin explains why Passover is such a big deal in the of Jewish holidays. The hosts interview Ben Freeman about his new book, Jewish Pride: Rebuilding a People, and makes the case that Passover is a holiday all about Jewish pride. And finally, our favorite cantorial student, Jacob Sandler, returns to the show to teach the hosts that there is more fun to be had after the Seder meal, specifically in the singing of “Hallel.” Check out last year’s Passover episode, “Our Socially Distanced Seder Guide,” for more on hosting a Seder on your own or for the first time. Need a Haggadah? Check out Tablet’s The Passover Haggadah: An Ancient Story for Modern Times. Upcoming virtual events: Thursday, March 25 — Stephanie will be prepping for Passover with Jake Cohen, author of the new cookbook Jew-ish. Join them for cooking and conversation, presented by the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, at 5 p.m. EDT. Register here. Later that evening, Stephanie will be interviewing Menachem Kaiser about his new book, Plunder: A Memoir of Family Property and Nazi Treasure, at the Museum of Jewish Heritage: A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, at 7 p.m. EDT. Register here. Thursday, April 29 — Stephanie will be moderating Rachel Bloom and Tovah Feldshuh in ‘A Conversation Between a (Television) Daughter and Mother,’ presented by The Jewish Museum and the Jewish Book Council, 7 p.m. EDT. Register here. Find out about all our upcoming events at www.tabletmag.com/unorthodoxlive. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our.Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Join our Check out all of Tablet’s podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts. Sponsors: Kol Foods has everything you need to create a kosher, ethical, sustainably-sourced Passover Seder spread, from delicious briskets to 100% grass-fed lamb shank bones. Use promo code UNORTHODOXPESACH for 10% off your entire Passover order at KOLFoods.com. “The Telling: How Judaism's Essential Book Reveals the Meaning of Life” is a new book by Mark Gerson all about the Passover Haggadah. This book enables readers to make the Seder what it should be: the most interesting, inspiring, and memorable night of the Jewish year. Find out more and get your copy at thetellingpassover.com. American Jewish World Service grantees are leading the effort to promote human rights, empower women and girls to fight for equal rights, and advance environmental justice in the face of climate change. AJWS is currently twice-matching all donations; find out more and make your donation at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Unorthodox, we’re live (virtually) from Beth Sholom Congregation in Elkins Park, PA. Our special guests this week are Jamie and Brian Stelter. Jamie Stelter, who had her bat mitzvah at Beth Sholom, is the traffic reporter for NY1, and Brian Stelter is the chief media correspondent for CNN and host of Reliable Sources. They talk to us about filming their TV appearances from their apartment during the pandemic, the first rule of Challah Club, and why they love Shabbat. We’re looking for two new hosts for our kids game show podcast Hebrew School! All you need to do is record a short video introducing yourself and telling us why you'd make the perfect host, and send it to hebrewschool@tabletmag.com. Do you have a great Jewish name or know someone with a great Jewish name? Enter our Jewish Name of the Year bracket! Email your suggestions to unorthodox@tabletmag.com. We’ve got virtual events! See our full schedule here. As always, let us know what you think of the show! Send us comments and questions at unorthodox@tabletmag.com, or leave us a voicemail at (914) 570-4869. You can also record a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at jkross@tabletmag.com. Sponsors: American Jewish World Service grantees are leading the effort to promote human rights, empower women and girls to fight for equal rights, and advance environmental justice in the face of climate change. AJWS is currently twice-matching all donations; find out more and make your donation at AJWS.org/unorthodox. The Beren Summer Fellowship is the Tikvah Fund’s premier summer program for undergraduates or recent graduates in New York City. Fellows will partake in intensive academic seminars led by world-class teachers and will conduct their own research projects. Visit TikvahFund.org/college for more information and to apply. Harry’s is a great shave at a great price. New customers can get a Harry’s trial shave set for just $3 at harrys.com/unorthodox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Our Jewish guest is Mike Rothschild, a conspiracy theory researcher and debunker who is writing a book about the QAnon conspiracy theory. He tells us what QAnon is and explains the anti-Semitism inherent in the conspiracy theory, confirming for us that all conspiracy theories have Jew-hatred at their core. He also confirms that everyone he interacts with in these worlds asks if he’s one of those Rothschilds. Our Gentile of the Week is NPR and Slate sports commentator Stefan Fatsis, author of Word Freak, a book about the world of competitive Scrabble players. He tells us about his annual Name of the Year bracket, which he has been running with his college friends since the 80s, and gives us tips on how to start our own Jewish Name of the Year bracket. Do you have a great Jewish name or know someone with a great Jewish name? Enter our Jewish Name of the Year contest! Email your suggestions to unorthodox@tabletmag.com. We’ve got virtual events! Join us tonight at the Temple Emanuel Streicker Center, where we will be talking about our book, The Newish Jewish Encyclopedia. See our full schedule of events here. Let us know what you think of the show! Send us comments and questions at unorthodox@tabletmag.com, or leave us a voicemail at (914) 570-4869. You can also record a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Sponsors: American Jewish World Service grantees are leading the effort to promote human rights, empower women and girls to fight for equal rights, and advance environmental justice in the face of climate change. AJWS is currently twice-matching all donations; find out more and make your donation at AJWS.org/unorthodox. “Hadassah on Call” is the new podcast from former Unorthodox guest Benyamin Cohen. He goes behind the scenes of Hadassah's world-renowned hospital in Israel, checking in with the healthcare superstars saving lives every day. Subscribe to “Hadassah On Call” wherever you get your podcasts or at hadassah.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Unorthodox, we’re celebrating the other New Year. Our Jewish guest is Rabbi Tiferet Berenbaum of Temple Beth Zion in Brookline, Massachusetts. She tells us about her path to the rabbinate, her passion for Jewish education, and what she’s learned running TBZ’s Hebrew school. Our Gentile of the Week is Peter Sis, the Czech-American illustrator, author, and MacArthur genius. He tells us about his latest picture book, Nicky and Vera, which tells the story of Nicholas Winton, the “British Schindler” who saved hundreds of Czech children from the Nazis. Join us Monday, Jan. 11 at 6 p.m EST. for a virtual Unorthodox live show with special married guests Jamie and Brian Stelter at Beth Sholom Congregation in Elkins Park, PA. Jamie is NY1’s traffic anchor and co-hosts Mornings on 1, and Brian hosts CNN’s Reliable Sources. Register here. On Jan. 14 at 6:30 p.m. EST, we’ll be at the Temple Emanuel Streicker Center discussing our book, The Newish Jewish Encyclopedia. Register here. See our full schedule of virtual events here. Let us know what you think of the show! Send us comments and questions at unorthodox@tabletmag.com, or leave us a voicemail at (914) 570-4869. You can also record a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Sponsors: American Jewish World Service is fighting poverty and pursuing justice in the developing world. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, AJWS is currently twice-matching all donations; find out more about the organization and make your donation at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Unorthodox, we’re celebrating the very 2020 calendar crossover of Christmas and the 10th of Tevet, a minor Jewish fast day. Our Jewish guest is writer and comedian Merrill Markoe, whose new graphic memoir is “We Saw Scenery: The Early Diaries of Merrill Markoe.” Our Gentile of the Week is Phillipe Etienne, the French ambassador to the United States, who gave us a lesson in the French notion of secularism and discussed rising anti-Semitism in France. Join us Monday, Jan. 11 at 6 p.m EST. for a virtual Unorthodox live show with special married guests Jamie and Brian Stelter at Beth Sholom Congregation in Elkins Park, PA. Jamie is NY1’s traffic anchor and co-hosts Mornings on 1, and Brian hosts CNN’s Reliable Sources. Register here. On Jan. 14 at 6:30 p.m. EST, we’ll be at the Temple Emanuel Streicker Center discussing our book, The Newish Jewish Encyclopedia. Register here. See our full schedule of virtual events here. Let us know what you think of the show! Send us comments and questions at unorthodox@tabletmag.com, or leave us a voicemail at (914) 570-4869. You can also record a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Sponsors: The William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education is offering a special one-day online program for young professionals and college students called “Jewish Ed U: Creating Joyful Learning.” Learn more about the Jan. 10 event at www.jtsa.edu/jewishedu. American Jewish World Service is fighting poverty and pursuing justice in the developing world. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, AJWS is currently twice-matching all donations; find out more about the organization and make your donation at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Harry’s is a great shave at a great price. New customers can get a Harry’s trial shave set for just $3 at harrys.com/unorthodox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Unorthodox: Hallmark Hanukkah movies, puppies for Hanukkah, and so much more. First we talk with linguist Sarah Bunin Benor, who made her first Unorthodox appearance all the way back on Ep. 102. She returns to the show to explain why some people say “lat-key” instead of “latke,” and settle other holiday pronunciation debates. Then it’s time for some music to get us in the holiday spirit! Jazz guitarist Peter Curtis tells us about being so inspired by the fact that Jewish songwriters created some of the most famous Christmas songs that he recorded his own album of covers, called “Christmas With Your Jewish Boyfriend.” Shira Kobren is the band leader of Shira & Friends, a New York City-based “kindie” rock band, whose new album, “B’yachad,” features a special Hanukkah song for kids. Jewish rapper Kosha Dillz shares his new Hanukkah song, Schmoozin’, on which he raps about “farbrengen the party,” much to Liel’s delight. He also gives us Jewish rap names and helps kickstart our freestyle careers. We’ve got virtual events! See our full schedule at tabletmag.com/unorthodoxlive. Thursday, Dec. 10: Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with Stephanie, Mayim Bialik, and G.L.O.W. star Jackie Tohn at NuRoots’ “First Night” event, at 7 p.m. P.S.T. Register here. Saturday, Dec. 12: All three hosts will be speaking at the JCC Ann Arbor Jewish Book Festival. 8 p.m. EST; Register here. Monday, Dec. 14: Stephanie joins Liberation75, 3GNY, and Shai DeLuca for a Hanukkah fireside chat. 12 p.m. EST; Register here. Tuesday, Dec. 15: Liel and Stephanie will be speaking at Sarasota, FL’s ‘People of the Book’ author series. 7 p.m. EST; Register here. Wednesday, Dec. 16: All three hosts will be at Richmond VA’s Weinstein JCC Front Row at the J: Sip and Learn Series. 7:30 p.m. EST; Register here. Let us know what you think of the show! Send us comments and questions at unorthodox@tabletmag.com, or leave us a voicemail at (914) 570-4869. You can also record a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Sponsors: Soom Foods’ tahini, chocolate sweet tahini, and silan date syrup are the perfect gift to give this holiday season. Head to soomfoods.com and use code UNORTHODOX to get 15% off your first order. American Jewish World Service is fighting poverty and pursuing justice in the developing world. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, AJWS is currently twice-matching all donations; find out more about the organization and make your donation at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Institute for Jewish Spirituality offers Jewish tools to help respond to the anxiety and stress of our times. Join them for ‘Rededication, Resilience and Renewal,’ a half-day online retreat Sunday, December 13. Learn more and register at jewishspirituality.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Unorthodox, one Mark Oppenheimer is not enough. Our first guest is Colorado Governor Jared Polis, who is the state’s first Jewish governor and the first openly gay governor in the U.S. He tells us about his Jewish upbringing, extolls the many virtues of the State of Colorado, and explains why he’s got his eyes on 2022, not 2024. Next we talk to the other Mark Oppenhemer: the South African advocate, podcaster (our own Mark Oppenheimer was a guest on his show, Brain in a Vat), and general Oppenheimer-about-town. He recalls the moment he first discovered that he wasn’t the only Mark Oppenheimer, explains his legal work surrounding free speech, and tells us about the South African Jewish community. Our third guest is Brian Hersch, the inventor of party games like Taboo, Jewish Taboo, and Super Scattergories. His latest game is Boom Again, a trivia game designed for Baby Boomers. He quizzes us on I Love Lucy and The Jetsons, and we find out that Liel might secretly be a Boomer. Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with Stephanie, Mayim Bialik, and G.L.O.W. star Jackie Tohn at NuRoots’ “First Night” event, Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. P.S.T. Register at nuroots.org/firstnight. Let us know what you think of the show! Send us comments and questions at unorthodox@tabletmag.com, or leave us a voicemail at (914) 570-4869. You can also record a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Sponsors: The Other Israel Film Festival provides an in-depth look into Israeli and Palestinian societies through films and conversations. Films stream December 3 through 10, with daily Q&As and other live events; find the full schedule at otherisrael.org. Soom Foods’ tahini, chocolate sweet tahini, and silan date syrup are the perfect gift to give this holiday season. Head to soomfoods.com and use code UNORTHODOX to get 15% off your first order. American Jewish World Service is fighting poverty and pursuing justice in the developing world. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, AJWS is currently twice-matching all donations; find out more about the organization and make your donation at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Institute for Jewish Spirituality offers Jewish tools to help respond to the anxiety and stress of our times. Join them for ‘Rededication, Resilience and Renewal,’ a half-day online retreat Sunday, December 13. Learn more and register at jewishspirituality.org. Harry’s Holiday Shave Sets make the perfect gift this season. Get 5$ off a holiday shave set at harrys.com/unorthodox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, we’re dropping an early episode to keep you company while you vote. Our first Jewish guest is Eve Barlow, a Scottish music journalist in LA who has lately started calling out anti-Semitism in America and abroad, including in her recent Tablet essay, “Wake Up America, and Smell the Anti-Semitism,” Next we talk to Gentile of the Week Vineet Chander, the Hindu chaplain at Princeton University and the first full-time Hindu chaplain at a U.S. university. And for a final treat, we’re joined by Adam Weiner, frontman of the band Low Cut Connie, who shares a song with us. Send us questions and comments at unorthodox@tabletmag.com, or leave us a voicemail at (914) 570-4869. You can also record a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Sponsors: American Jewish World Service is fighting poverty and pursuing justice in the developing world. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, AJWS is currently matching all donations tenfold; find out more about the organization and to make your matched donation at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Kol Foods Thanksgiving is coming! Order your delicious, ethically raised Glatt Kosher turkey at kolfoods.com and use the code UNORTHODOX1120 to save 10% off your order. Harry’s is a great shave at a great price. Get a free Harry's trial shave set at harrys.com/unorthodox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Comedian Judy Gold on her new book, “Yes I Can Say That,” and California Representative Katie Porter on the key to pandemic economic recovery This week on Unorthodox, we’re spoiling the new Borat movie for you. But we have two all-star returning guests that more than make up for it. Jewish guest Judy Gold was on our January 2018 live show with Father Jim Martin, and she joins us again to tell us about her new book. “Yes, ICan Say That: When They Come for the Comedians, We Are All in Trouble.” She explains the value of comedy in dark times, why Jews rely so deeply on humor for healing, and why she always talks about the Holocaust in her sets. Our Gentile of the Week is Congresswoman Katie Porter, who represents California’s 45th Congressional District and who was our guest at our January 2019 live show in Washington, D.C. Representative Porter joins us with her trademark whiteboard to explain why she decided to run for Congress in 2018, what she’s learned since then, and why childcare is key to our economic recovery. Her question for us: Why do Jews donate money in increments of $18? Send us questions and comments at unorthodox@tabletmag.com, or leave us a voicemail at (914) 570-4869. You can also record a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Sponsors: Hebrew College trains aspiring rabbis, cantors, and educational leaders. Join us for an online open house on November 16, to experience the vibrant pluralistic communities of Hebrew College. Learn more and register at hebrewcollege.edu/virtualvisit. Harry’s is a great shave at a great price. Get a free Harry's trial shave set at harrys.com/unorthodox. Kol Foods Thanksgiving is coming! Order your delicious, ethically raised Glatt Kosher turkey at kolfoods.com and use the code UNORTHODOX1120 to save 10% off your order American Jewish World Service is the leading Jewish organization working to fight poverty and pursue justice in the developing world. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, AJWS is currently matching all donations tenfold; find out more about the organization and make your matched donation at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Unorthodox, it’s Nobel Prize season! We're celebrating by airing a special virtual live show, presented by ORT America, featuring actress and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik, who shares our hobby of Googling Nobel Prize winners to see if they’re Jewish. Stars—they’re just like us! Listen as we chat with the Blossom and The Big Bang Theory actress about discovering observant Judaism in college, singing Jewish music with her quartet, and getting stopped by star-struck fans in synagogue. She also gives us a preview of her new mental health podcast, Mayim Bialik's Breakdown. We're almost at 1,000 donors in our fundraising drive! Help us get over the finish line by donating at bit.ly/unorthodox2020fundraiser. Everyone who gives will be entered into a raffle to spend some virtual time with the hosts. Let us know what you think of the show, and share your 5781 resolutions at unorthodox@tabletmag.com, or leave us a voicemail at (914) 570-4869. You can also record a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Sponsors: American Jewish World Service is the leading Jewish organization working to fight poverty and pursue justice in the developing world. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, AJWS is currently matching all donations tenfold; find out more about the organization at AJWS.org/unorthodox. Hebrew College trains aspiring rabbis, cantors, and educational leaders. Join us for Ta Sh'ma, an online open house on November 16, to experience the vibrant pluralistic communities of Hebrew College. Learn more and register at hebrewcollege.edu/virtualvisit. A Better Man is the latest book by comedian and actor Michael Ian Black. Part memoir, part advice book, it’s a heartfelt look at boyhood and a radical plea for rethinking masculinity, in the form of a letter from the comedian to his son. On sale now; Michael Ian Black will be the guest on next week’s Unorthodox episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Each year for Yom Kippur, we bring you a special episode all about apology and atonement. (Listen to our previous episodes: from 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015.) This year, we’re focusing on the theme of reconciliation—across the political divide and the religious spectrum, and beyond. Our first story comes from Chris Haugh and Jordan Blashek, two friends who decided to drive across the country together in 2016. Chris, a Berkeley born, Obama-loving liberal, and Jordan, a former marine and proud conservative, were forced to confront their vast political differences as the presidential campaign unfolded around them across the United States. You can read the full story of this and their subsequent cross-country drives in their new book, Union: A Democrat, A Republican, and a Search for Common Ground. Next we talk to Tablet columnist Marjorie Ingall, whose website (and soon to be book) SorryWatch.com chronicles the good, the bad, and the ugly of public apologies. She reminds us how to apologize (there are six steps!), helps us interpret corporate apologies in a year full of them, and reminds us that forgiveness isn’t mandatory. Then we hear from Jericho Vincent, author of the 2014 memoir Cut Me Loose: Sin and Salvation After My Ultra-Orthodox Girlhood, which tells the painful and traumatic story of leaving Orthodox Judaism as a teen. Since then, Jericho has been on a long and winding spiritual journey, exploring Buddhism, Sufi Islam, scientific atheism, and ultimately creating an entirely new conception of Judaism—and starting in a rabbinical program. This summer, Jericho struck up a correspondence with Orthodox writer and educator Dovid Bashevkin, whose book Sin•a•gogue: Sin and Failure in Jewish Thought covers many of the areas that have long fascinated Jericho. Jericho and Dovid tell us what their ongoing conversations—about everything from Jewish texts to the ongoing social and political unrest in America—can teach us about reconciliation and rebuilding in today’s stratified world. Finally, our associate editor Robert Scaramuccia tells the story of an offhand joke he made as a teenager at the Boys State summer camp, and how it has haunted (and helped) him ever since. Robert brings us along on his quest to apologize for what he said—once he figures out what exactly that was. Please consider donating to Unorthodox to help us keep making shows like this. Our annual fundraiser is underway, and everyone who gives will be entered into a raffle to spend some virtual time with the hosts. Donate at bit.ly/unorthodox2020fundraiser. Let us know what you think of the show, and share your 5781 resolutions at unorthodox@tabletmag.com, or leave us a voicemail at (914) 570-4869. You can also record a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Sponsors American Jewish World Service is the leading Jewish organization working to fight poverty and pursue justice in the developing world. AJWS will triple match any donation made before midnight Sept. 27; go to AJWS.org/unorthodox to find out more about the organization and to make your donation. Soom Foods is the preferred tahini of restaurants like Michael Solomonov’s Zahav. Soom Foods also makes a chocolate tahini spread and silan date syrup. All products are dairy-free, gluten-free, and certified kosher. Go to soomfoods.com and use code UNORTHODOX to get 15% off your first order. PJ Library sends free storybooks to children (newborn to 12 years old), making it easy to start sharing Jewish traditions. Sign up at pjlibrary.org/unorthodox, The Great Courses Plus offers online classes on everything from film to wine, personal finance, and public speaking, from professors and experts in their fields. Start your free trial at thegreatcoursesplus.com/unorthodox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ruth Messinger is Global Ambassador of American Jewish World Service, having served nearly two decades as its president. Prior to her tenure at AJWS, she had a career in New York City politics. She served on the New York City Council, was Manhattan Borough President and was the Democratic nominee for Mayor in 1997.Ruth cites many teachers throughout her extensive career including her mother, Marjorie Wyler, who had her own distinguished career in broadcasting production and public presentation for the Jewish Theological Seminary, including the Emmy Award-winning program, The Eternal Light .For a thorough history of The Eternal Light, see: Jeffrey Shander and Elihu Katz, “Broadcasting American Judaism: The Radio and Television Department of the Jewish Theological Seminary,” Jack Wertheimer, Ed., Tradition Renewed: A History of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, Volume 2: Beyond the Academy (New York: Jewish Theological Seminary, 1997), pp. 365-401.In The Eternal Light's run of more than 40 years on radio and television, one of the most memorable programs featured the 1972 interview of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel filmed shortly before Rabbi Heschel's death. Ruth discusses Rabbi Heschel as another one of her most influential teachers.For questions and comments, email Rabbi Ed Bernstein at myteacherpodcast@gmail.com.Follow the My Teacher Podcast on social media:Twitter: @PodcastTeachFacebookInstagram
This week on, “Inside the Skev,” we sit down with Brad Sugar from American Jewish World Service (AJWS). Brad is a Skevanston resident, longtime friend, Northwestern University Kellogg MBA graduate and works in AJWS’ local Chicago office. American Jewish World Service is the leading Jewish organization working to fight poverty and pursue justice in the developing world. Through philanthropy and advocacy, they respond to the most pressing issues of our time—from disasters, genocide and hunger, to the persecution of women and minorities worldwide. With Jewish values and a global reach, AJWS is making a difference in millions of lives and building a more just and equitable world.More information on AJWS can be found here: https://ajws.org/Inside the Skev is a one stop shop for all things Skokie and Evanston. Be the first to know about local events, new podcast episodes, real estate and the latest stories about the great people in these towns by going to http://www.skevanston.com. Make sure to sign up for the newsletter and reach out to Aaron at aaron@skevanston.com with any questions or suggestions.
A Face Onto the World: Robert Bank, President and CEO, discusses his work in promoting Jewish values around the world in an attempt to positively influence public policy, thoughts, and the way the American Jewish community interacts with the world around us. Read Robert's full bio, get links to AJWS, find other episodes, explore podcast partners, learn how to start your own podcast, or send us your guest suggestions at www.itswhoyouknowthepodcast.comHave a great week!
In the debut episode of Season 2 of Pod In Search Of Man, we get to hear from Ruth Messinger, the former president of AJWS and Manhattan borough president, as she shares stories from her many experiences covering Rabbi Heschel, the current political climate, and her views on education. Take a listen and enjoy!
Growing up in Apartheid-era South Africa, Robert Bank cared about social injustice from an early age. Today he travels the world for AJWS, working with local activists on a range of issues such as women's rights in India and LGBT rights in Uganda. "My job—very much like a conductor of an orchestra in some way—is to ensure that every instrument has its beautiful voice heard and that this melody is given the opportunity to really soar."
Growing up in Apartheid-era South Africa, Robert Bank cared about social injustice from an early age. Today he travels the world for AJWS, working with local activists on a range of issues such as women's rights in India and LGBT rights in Uganda. "My job—very much like a conductor of an orchestra in some way—is to ensure that every instrument has its beautiful voice heard and that this melody is given the opportunity to really soar."
Growing up in Apartheid-era South Africa, Robert Bank cared about social injustice from an early age. Today he travels the world for AJWS, working with local activists on a range of issues such as women's rights in India and LGBT rights in Uganda. "My job—very much like a conductor of an orchestra in some way—is to ensure that every instrument has its beautiful voice heard and that this melody is given the opportunity to really soar."
The Rohingya people in Myanmar are subject to ethnic cleansing by the government, and we barely know about it. Why isn't the media covering this so much? This is the second episode in a five part series of All Media Asia, a podcast that covers cultural and political topics around Asia. Host: Aashna Malpani Sound engineer/editor: Yi Ming Zhou Producer: Yi Ning Wong Speaker: Olivia Nightingale is the Program Associate for Civil and Political Rights and Humanitarian Response at American Jewish World Service (AJWS). Olivia graduated from New York University with a Master of Science in Global Affairs, with a concentration in International Development and Humanitarian Assistance. Her graduate research was focused on microfinance programming and village savings and loans associations in rural Uganda. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario. Prior to coming to AJWS, she was a Development and Events Intern at International Crisis Group, an organization that works to prevent conflict worldwide. -- We would like to thank Ken Weiner and his quartet for providing intro and outro music for this podcast series. We would also like to thank Lila Glick, Development Officer at AJWS Los Angeles, for coordinating the meeting. To learn more about the crisis and the organization's work, please visit their website at https://ajws.org/ -- For more Asia Media, go to www.asiamedia.lmu.edu
Shari Turitz of the American Jewish World Service joins us to talk about international development and the human rights work they are doing in 19 countries. The AJWS partners with strong, effective locally-based organizations in the developing world and provides them with resources to make them stronger and even more effective. Their large donor base is driven by the desire for social justice, empowering them to work directly with grassroots organizations on the ground that know and understand local conditions. Shari Turitz is the Vice President for Programs at American Jewish World Service, leading the Programs Division and overseeing AJWS’s grantmaking, domestic and international strategy. She brings with her more than 20 years of experience in human rights grantmaking, capacity building and advocacy, and 15 years of senior management and program development experience. Inspired by the Jewish commitment to justice, American Jewish World Service (AJWS) works to realize human rights and end poverty in the developing world. Learn more at www.ajws.org.
Ruth Messinger cut her teeth in New York City politics. She was a long serving member of the city council and one-time candidate for Mayor. She made the move from municipal politics to global affairs when she became the head of the American Jewish World Service, an international development and advocacy organization. Ruth tells Mark about growing up in New York, running for office, and making the switch to international issues. They kick off with a discussion about the work of the AJWS around the world.
In this epsidode, Aaron “The Schmoz” Herman attended the AJWS Global Circle Event. AJWS is the only Jewish organization working to promote human rights through grassroots development in the most marginalized communities around the world. We believe that local organizations know what’s best for their own communities, and so we support their work to fight poverty, hunger and disease from the ground up.
In this epsidode, Aaron “The Schmoz” Herman attended the AJWS Global Circle Event. AJWS is the only Jewish organization working to promote human rights through grassroots development in the most marginalized communities around the world. We believe that local organizations know what’s best for their own communities, and so we support their work to fight poverty, hunger and disease from the ground up.