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#417> To purchase the book: https://amzn.to/3MhucaO> This episode sponsored by the Touro Graduate School of Jewish Studies. Are you ready to nurture your interest in Jewish studies or pursue your graduate degree in the field? Perhaps you're in need of a deeper understanding of Jewish history and thought to advance your career? At Touro's Graduate School of Jewish Studies, you can explore such topics as the history of Hasidism, studies in 19th-20th century biblical commentaries and much more. You'll learn from noted subject matter experts as you earn your master's in Jewish Education or Jewish History or audit any course that interests you. All courses are offered fully online via Zoom. For more information visit https://gsjs.touro.edu/history/> This episode is also sponsored by Amudim.Unite to Heal, Amudim's annual 36-hour livestream, is happening December 7–8, and it's become the most-watched Jewish event of the year. Everything you'll see is original — real conversations, real Torah, real mental-health insight — with some of the most respected voices in the Jewish world.If you're into thoughtful Torah conversations, honest discussions about mental health and community, and hearing from some of the most interesting Jewish voices today, you're going to want to tune in!https://unitetoheal.com/seforim-ch> To join the SeforimChatter WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DZ3C2CjUeD9AGJvXeEODtK> To join the SeforimChatter WhatsApp status: https://wa.me/message/TI343XQHHMHPN1> To support the podcast or to sponsor an episode follow this link: https://seforimchatter.com/support-seforimchatter/or email seforimchatter@gmail.com (Zelle/QP this email address)Support the show
When Dublin officials moved to strip the name of Chaim Herzog—Israel's Irish-born sixth president—from a community park, it wasn't just a local dispute. It was an act of erasure. In this emotional episode, Dr. Alexandra Herzog, AJC's Director of the William Petschek Global Jewish Communities Department, explains why this attempt to rewrite history should alarm not only Jews, but all citizens of goodwill. As anti-Zionist fervor increasingly targets Jewish identity across the West, the push to remove a Jewish name from a park beside Ireland's only Jewish school sends a chilling message: Jewish heritage has now become a political battleground. Alexandra shares personal memories of her grandfather and illustrates why this fight isn't about a plaque in Ireland—it's about halting the slide from criticism of Israel into the deletion of Jewish memory. Tune in to understand why defending this history is essential to protecting Jewish dignity everywhere. Key Resources: AJC Welcomes Dublin City Council's Decision to Shelve Renaming of Herzog Park Letter in the Irish Times: Renaming Herzog Park in Dublin Would Be An Act of Erasure Against Ireland's Jews Listen: Will Ireland Finally Stop Paying Lip Service When it Comes to Combating Antisemitism? AJC Directly Addresses Antisemitism and Vilification of Israel in Ireland with the Prime Minister Listen – AJC Podcasts: Architects of Peace The Forgotten Exodus People of the Pod Follow People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you've appreciated this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Read the full transcript: https://www.ajc.org/news/podcast/erasing-jewish-history-why-what-happened-in-ireland-should-alarm-all-jews Transcript of the Interview: Manya Brachear Pashman: Members of the City Council of Dublin, Ireland have withdrawn a proposal to rename a park that since 1995 has honored former Israeli President Chaim Herzog. The park, located near Dublin's only Jewish school, is named after Herzog, Israel's sixth president, who was born in Belfast. Here to talk about the now withdrawn proposal is Alexandra Herzog, AJC's Director of the William Petschek Global Jewish Communities Department, and Chaim Herzog's granddaughter. Alexandra, welcome to People of the Pod. Alexandra Herzog: Thank you so much for having me, Manya. Manya Brachear Pashman: So you have joined us before, but on a different podcast, The Forgotten Exodus, which is our narrative series about Jews from the Middle East and North Africa. You were joining us to talk about your maternal grandfather, Nessim Gaon, the longtime president of the World Sephardi Federation. He came to Israel from Sudan. But this time, we're talking about your paternal grandfather, Chaim Herzog. How did someone born in Ireland later become President of Israel? Alexandra Herzog: Yes, that's a great question. Manya, so my grandfather, Chaim Herzog, was, as you said, born in Belfast. He grew up in Dublin in a very proudly Jewish home. His father actually was a Rabbi Isaac Halevi Herzog, and he served as the Rabbi of Belfast before becoming the chief rabbi of Ireland. So he moved from Belfast to Dublin in 1919. He was affectionately known as the Sinn Féin rabbi, and he was highly respected and close to many of the leaders of the Irish independence movement. So my grandfather really grew up in a house that was deeply steeped in Jewish learning, in Irish patriotism, and he had a very strong sense of moral responsibility. And as a young man, he had to leave Ireland to study, and he later enlisted in the British Army during World War Two, he fought the Nazis as an intelligence officer. He was one of the first soldiers actually to enter the concentration camp of Bergen Belsen, and he interrogated senior Nazi officials. Now, after the war, he moved to what would become the State of Israel, and he helped build the very young country, almost from its founding, in different positions. And you know, then later, he became Israel's ambassador to the UN and a member of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. And by the time he was elected as Israel's sixth president in 1983 he was widely seen really, as a statesman who combined Irish warmth and some storytelling with a very deep sense of Jewish history and Jewish responsibility. He never stopped describing himself, actually, as an Irish born man. and he often spoke about how Ireland really shaped his worldview, and his commitment to freedom and to democracy. Manya Brachear Pashman: And you mentioned that he was the ambassador to the United Nations. He was, in fact, Ambassador when the resolution Zionism is Racism was, was part of the conversation. Alexandra Herzog: That's right. Yes, one of the two UN resolutions ever to be withdrawn and canceled, very important one. That's right. Manya Brachear Pashman: In fact, if I'm not mistaken, he tore it in half. Alexandra Herzog: He did. He tore it in half saying that this was nothing but a piece of paper, and explained how, you know, we could not equate Zionism to racism in any sort of way. Manya Brachear Pashman: So were those the reasons why, in 1995, the Dublin City Council decided to name the park after your grandfather? Or were there other reasons? Yeah. Alexandra Herzog: I mean, I think that, you know, I think it was a gesture, really, of recognition, of pride. I mean, Dublin was basically honoring an Irish man, you know, one of its own, an Irish born Jew who had gone to become, it's true, a global statesman, the President of Israel, but who really never stopped speaking about his Irish roots. And I think that that was really a source of pride for him, but also for Ireland in general, for many, many years. And as you said, you know, Herzog Park really sits in a very historically Jewish neighborhood. It's near, actually, where my family lived, where my grandfather grew up, and it's right next to the country's only Jewish school. So naming a park for my grandfather was, I think, really a way of acknowledging this deep Irish Jewish history, and the fact that it is part of Irish history. So I think that my family story is very much woven into the country's broader story of independence, of democracy and of moral courage, really. Manya Brachear Pashman: Yet 30 years later, there has been an attempt to rename that park and strip that name from the park. Why? What happened in 30 years? Alexandra Herzog: It's a great question. I think that in the past three decades, you know, we've really seen the Israeli Palestinian conflict become a proxy battlefield for broader political debates in Europe, but also really everywhere around the world. In Ireland, the criticism of Israeli policies, of the Israeli government, has increasingly blurred into hostility towards Israel as a whole, and at times even towards Israelis and towards Jews. What is really striking about this proposal is that it doesn't target a policy or even a government decision within Ireland. It targets a piece of Jewish and Irish history. So instead of creating a new space or a memorial, the proposal really sought to erase an existing Jewish name. And I think that that shift from debate to erasure, because that's really what we're talking about, is what worries me the most. It reflects really a climate in which maybe some feel that expressing solidarity with Palestinians require overriding an important part of Jewish history and Jewish presence. Jewish memory, really. So one of their proposals is actually to rename it Free Palestine park, or to rename it after, you know, a Palestinian child. Obviously from a personal perspective, it's extremely problematic to remove a Jewish name to replace it by another group. We don't need to do that. We can recognize the realities and the lived experiences of both groups without having to erase one over another. Manya Brachear Pashman: I should note that last year, Israel recalled its ambassador, and in December, closed its embassy in Dublin, accusing the Irish government of extreme anti-Israel policies, antisemitic rhetoric and double standards. So really, taking the debate to extremes, and that the, in fact, the tiny Jewish community that is still there about–would you say about 3000 people in the Irish Jewish community? Alexandra Herzog: That's right. Manya Brachear Pashman: They're facing antisemitism as well. We actually interviewed our colleague, AJC's Director of International Jewish Affairs, Rabbi Andrew Baker, at the time, just about a year ago, because he also serves as the Personal Representative on Combating Antisemitism and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. So he had just met with the Irish Prime Minister whose administration had recently adopted the international Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's Working Definition of Antisemitism. So I'm curious now with this attempt to rename the park and do something so harsh to erase Jewish history, has that definition been implemented, or has it failed to be implemented? Alexandra Herzog: Yeah, I think that the adoption of the IHRA working definition of antisemitism by the Irish government was really an important and a very welcome step. On paper, you know, it gives officials and institutions, law enforcement, a shared framework, really, for recognizing antisemitism, including when it appears in the guise of anti-Israel rhetoric. I think that the challenge, really, as always, is implementation. So from what I hear in conversations with the Irish Jewish community, and you know, Jewish community leaders and colleagues who follow these issues very closely, there's still a significant gap between the formal adoption of the IHRA and the day to day practice. Whether it's in, you know, political discourse or in education, or even how incidents are simply discussed or understood. And I think that the current controversy here that we're talking about with Herzog Park is a perfect example of that. If you apply the IHRA seriously, then you see very quickly how targeting a specifically Jewish symbol in a Jewish neighborhood, in order to make a political point about Israel, actually crosses the line into antisemitism. So I think that if we could really work on the implementation much more, that would be extremely positive. Manya Brachear Pashman: And in fact, the prime minister himself actually condemned the attempt by the Dublin City Council to rename the park, correct, he encouraged the withdrawal of this proposal? Alexandra Herzog: That's correct. Both the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister actually issued statements saying that this proposal should not have come to even be considered, and that they should be withdrawn. And I'm very grateful for their leadership in that. And I think that it's important, though, to underline the fact that it is not, you know, just a global form of antisemitism, but that it is really an expressed form of antisemitism on the ground, really erasing Jewish history and blaming an entire Jewish population for what is happening miles and miles away is antisemitism. Manya Brachear Pashman: So what are you hearing from the tiny Jewish community there? Are you in touch with people there? Do you still have relatives who live in Ireland? Alexandra Herzog: I sadly don't have relatives there anymore, but I am in contact with the Jewish community. And I think that, you know, it's a community that really has a lot of pride in their Jewish history and their Irish history and in their Irish roots. I think there is a feeling, what I'm hearing from them, that there is a bit of a mix of fatigue also, and of anxiety. And you know this, we're talking, as we said before, about a very small community, about 3000 Jews. It's a close knit community that has contributed far beyond its size to Irish society. They love Ireland, and they feel deeply Irish, but in the past years, and especially since October 7, they have felt increasingly targeted, and they often have felt exposed, misunderstood. So I think that incidents like the proposed renaming of the park lands particularly hard because it's not abstract. It's a park that's in their neighborhood, that's next to their children's school, and bearing the name of someone who for them symbolizes their connection to Ireland. So to see this name singled out really sends a chilling message that, you know, Jewish presence, Jewish history are negotiable. Manya Brachear Pashman: You know, we talked about similar issues when we talked about your maternal grandfather in Sudan and the erasure of Jewish history across the Middle East and North Africa in these countries where Jews fled. Would you say that there are parallels here? Or is that, is that an unfair statement? Is that taking it too far? Alexandra Herzog: I mean, I think that, in general, the notion of commemoration, the notion of really talking about one's history is, is a problematic one, when those commemorations, or those celebrations of memory, of Jewish memory and Jewish impact, are being erased because of the connection with Israel. And when people use the platform to accuse Israel of genocide, they distort history. They weaponize really Jewish suffering. I think that there is something to be said there. And, you know, it's the same idea as, you know, removing a Jewish name from a park in order to make that political point about Israel. I think that it is something that we're seeing way too much. It is a very slippery slope, and it's something that we should be 100% avoiding. Because Jewish memory, whether it be, you know, like a commemoration about like, what happened to Jews from our fleeing Arab lands, what happened during the Holocaust, anything that has to do with Jewish memory, it needs to be preserved. It needs to be honored on its own terms. It cannot be repurposed or overwritten to serve certain political narratives or even certain political accusations that like the ones that we're hearing right now, to me, that is very deeply troubling, and it's something that Jewish communities worldwide, I think, are experiencing more and more unfortunately. Manya Brachear Pashman: So I wanted to ask you, your grandfather passed away in 1997. This park was named two years earlier. Was he present for that dedication? Alexandra Herzog: Yeah, unfortunately, he wasn't able to attend the inauguration. He was still alive, that's true when the park was named, and he was deeply touched by the gesture. I think that for him, it really symbolized a bit of a full circle somehow. You know, the Irish boy who became President of Israel, who's being honored in the neighborhood where his story really began. I think that there was something very powerful and beautiful about it. For the 100th anniversary of my grandfather's birth in 2018 the family actually went to the park and got the dedication plaque up. And you know, that was a very meaningful event. Manya Brachear Pashman: It must be heartbreaking for you to know that they want to tear that plaque down now. Alexandra Herzog: I know how proud my grandfather was of his Irish roots. I know the work that my great-grandfather did in Ireland for Irish independence. And I think that it's completely uncalled for right now to rewrite history and to pretend that our family's story has no place in this country that meant so much for two generations of my family, and really even as a statement for Israel. My grandfather always, you know, talked about Ireland, and really always had this pride. So it touches very deeply. I think it really gives the very wrong message to young Jews and children who are growing up in a country where they are such a minority, I think that we have to put things in perspective a little bit. And, you know, I imagine being a kid and seeing like the name of somebody who maybe symbolizes something for you, their name being removed.It sends a message that really should not be out there in any kind of way and is not justified. Manya Brachear Pashman: You knew your grandfather. Did he share stories about his childhood, and was there anything as you were standing in that park that reflected those stories? Alexandra Herzog: Yeah, I had the very big privilege to know my grandfather very well, to spend a lot of time with him. I'm his first grandchild, so we spent a lot of time together. We shared a deep passion together for history, for literature, for politics, but also for nature. For me, before any before being a public figure, he really was my grandfather, my Saba. Someone who was warm, who was funny, who was very present as a grandfather, who would take me to the garden and show me all of his fruit trees that he was so very proud. And I had this feeling, I mean, the park, this park is very small. It's a tiny, you know, it's a tiny park, but somehow is so meaningful to him. And I know that he loved living in that neighborhood. It was very hard for him to leave Ireland and, you know, go to what was then Palestine. So it's something that I really felt very strongly when I was there, and that I think that our family thinks about often. Manya Brachear Pashman: Well, Alexandra, I am so glad that the Dublin City Council tabled this proposal for the time being. And I appreciate you sharing some memories about your grandfather and putting this in perspective for our listeners. Alexandra Herzog: Thank you very much. It was an honor. Manya Brachear Pashman: You can hear the story of Alexandra Herzog's maternal grandfather Nissim Gaon and the challenges he and his family faced in Sudan in the first season of our award-winning series The Forgotten Exodus. In 12 episodes, we also share the erased or often-forgotten stories of Jewish families who left or were driven from their homes in the Middle East and North Africa. And don't forget to listen to our most recent series about reconciliation in the region: Architects of Peace: The Abraham Accords Story.
Parshas Toldos is the ultimate masterclass in parenting, love, perseverance, and the eternal tug-of-war between heaven and earth. When Rivka feels her twins fighting in the womb, she is terrified that she is carrying one confused child who is pulled toward both holiness and idolatry. The prophet calms her with the shocking news: “Shnei goyim b'vitnech – two nations are in your womb.” Instead of despairing, she is relieved. Why? Because, as Rabbi Wolbe explains, “the benefit and greatness of Yaakov is so immense that it will supersede all the negative that she will ever experience from Esav.” One pure Yaakov is worth more than all the damage a thousand Esavs can do.The Torah then paints a seemingly troubling picture: “Isaac loved Esav because he put game in his mouth, but Rivka loved Yaakov.” How can holy parents play favorites? The answer redefines love itself: “Love is not finding similarities — love is seeing the potential in the other person and connecting to that.” Isaac gazed at wild, powerful Esav and thought, “If this explosive energy is ever channeled for good, he could move mountains.” Rivka looked at quiet, tent-dwelling Yaakov and saw pure, undiluted holiness already shining. Both parents loved both sons — they simply poured their energy into the child whose hidden potential moved them the most. This becomes the model for all healthy parenting and marriage: every child is your favorite — favorite scholar, favorite artist, favorite comedian, favorite mensch — because “each one is uniquely different… you're not comparing apples to apples, you're comparing apples to oranges to bananas.”For 63 long years Yaakov lives in his wicked brother's shadow. Esav hunts, flatters, and cleverly asks questions like “How do you tithe salt?” just to appear pious and win Isaac's heart. Yaakov, meanwhile, clings only to the “heel” of spirituality — always second place, always doubting, always wondering, “Maybe my father is right and I'm wrong.” Yet he never once compromises. At 63 he finally cooks the lentil stew that wins the blessings, proving that “spiritual growth is always at the heel — slow, painful, and full of doubt — but the tzaddik never quits.” As Rabbi Wolbe powerfully declares: “Quitters always finish first. If you want to win, you can't quit — ever.” And again: “The natural state of a tzaddik is to fall seven times… but the falling is not what we emphasize — it's the getting back up.”The parsha ends with two beautiful side lessons. First, Eliezer (from the cursed lineage of Canaan) is rejected as a match for Isaac, yet when he remains loyally devoted to Avraham despite the insult, Hashem rewards him with kfitzas haderech — miraculous instant travel reserved only for the righteous. Loyalty and perseverance turn even a “cursed” person into a tzaddik. Second, the same dynamic of “investing in the child who needs it most” repeats with Yaakov and Yosef: Yaakov favors Yosef not out of nepotism, but because he sees the unimaginable trials awaiting him in Egypt and knows, “This one is going to need extra love to survive and triumph.”_____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on November 25, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on December 3, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Genesis, #ParentalLove, #Resilience, #Family, #Rebecca, #Isaac, #Esau, #Jacob, #Potential, #Growth, #Yetzirah, #EvilInclination, #Choices, #Challenges, #Yosef, #Destiny, #Potential, #JewishHistory, #Mitzrayim, #Trials, #Yitzchak, #Complexity, #Struggle ★ Support this podcast ★
Parshas Toldos is the ultimate masterclass in parenting, love, perseverance, and the eternal tug-of-war between heaven and earth. When Rivka feels her twins fighting in the womb, she is terrified that she is carrying one confused child who is pulled toward both holiness and idolatry. The prophet calms her with the shocking news: “Shnei goyim b'vitnech – two nations are in your womb.” Instead of despairing, she is relieved. Why? Because, as Rabbi Wolbe explains, “the benefit and greatness of Yaakov is so immense that it will supersede all the negative that she will ever experience from Esav.” One pure Yaakov is worth more than all the damage a thousand Esavs can do.The Torah then paints a seemingly troubling picture: “Isaac loved Esav because he put game in his mouth, but Rivka loved Yaakov.” How can holy parents play favorites? The answer redefines love itself: “Love is not finding similarities — love is seeing the potential in the other person and connecting to that.” Isaac gazed at wild, powerful Esav and thought, “If this explosive energy is ever channeled for good, he could move mountains.” Rivka looked at quiet, tent-dwelling Yaakov and saw pure, undiluted holiness already shining. Both parents loved both sons — they simply poured their energy into the child whose hidden potential moved them the most. This becomes the model for all healthy parenting and marriage: every child is your favorite — favorite scholar, favorite artist, favorite comedian, favorite mensch — because “each one is uniquely different… you're not comparing apples to apples, you're comparing apples to oranges to bananas.”For 63 long years Yaakov lives in his wicked brother's shadow. Esav hunts, flatters, and cleverly asks questions like “How do you tithe salt?” just to appear pious and win Isaac's heart. Yaakov, meanwhile, clings only to the “heel” of spirituality — always second place, always doubting, always wondering, “Maybe my father is right and I'm wrong.” Yet he never once compromises. At 63 he finally cooks the lentil stew that wins the blessings, proving that “spiritual growth is always at the heel — slow, painful, and full of doubt — but the tzaddik never quits.” As Rabbi Wolbe powerfully declares: “Quitters always finish first. If you want to win, you can't quit — ever.” And again: “The natural state of a tzaddik is to fall seven times… but the falling is not what we emphasize — it's the getting back up.”The parsha ends with two beautiful side lessons. First, Eliezer (from the cursed lineage of Canaan) is rejected as a match for Isaac, yet when he remains loyally devoted to Avraham despite the insult, Hashem rewards him with kfitzas haderech — miraculous instant travel reserved only for the righteous. Loyalty and perseverance turn even a “cursed” person into a tzaddik. Second, the same dynamic of “investing in the child who needs it most” repeats with Yaakov and Yosef: Yaakov favors Yosef not out of nepotism, but because he sees the unimaginable trials awaiting him in Egypt and knows, “This one is going to need extra love to survive and triumph.”_____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on November 25, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on December 3, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Genesis, #ParentalLove, #Resilience, #Family, #Rebecca, #Isaac, #Esau, #Jacob, #Potential, #Growth, #Yetzirah, #EvilInclination, #Choices, #Challenges, #Yosef, #Destiny, #Potential, #JewishHistory, #Mitzrayim, #Trials, #Yitzchak, #Complexity, #Struggle ★ Support this podcast ★
Send us a textWelcome to another inspiring episode of God-sized Stories with Patricia Holbrook! In this heartfelt conversation, Patricia sits down with Devorah, one of the leaders of Dugit Outreach Center in Tel Aviv, to discuss the powerful legacy behind the book "Legacy of Hope," the impact of Messianic Judaism in Israel, and the courageous story of Rabbi Daniel Tzion, who helped save thousands of Jews during WWII.Learn about the vibrant outreach ministries of Dugit Outreach Center, The Anchor coffee shop, Adonai Way congregation, humanitarian work, and Shilano TV. Devorah shares personal reflections on generational faith, the emotional impact of the recent war, and how stories from the past offer guidance and encouragement for todayWhether you're passionate about Jewish-Christian relations, seeking hope in difficult times, or just want to hear what God is doing in Israel, this episode is for you.
Award-winning author Jane Rubin's powerful new novel Over There—the final installment in her best-selling Gilded City trilogy—illuminates a little-known chapter of Jewish-American history with striking relevance for today. Set during World War I, Over There follows a family of Jewish doctors and nurses who serve with courage and compassion amid the horrors of trench warfare, advancing medicine while grappling with displacement, rising antisemitism, and questions of identity in a country they were still learning to call home.“More than 250,000 Jewish Americans answered the call to serve in 1917,” says Rubin. “Their stories deserve to be remembered—not just as history, but as inspiration.”The novel speaks directly to today's climate of global conflict, xenophobia, and renewed antisemitism, offering a deeply human portrait of Jewish resilience and patriotism. Rubin's characters, drawn from earlier books Threadbare and In the Hands of Women, reflect the immigrant journey from arrival to assimilation, service, and sacrifice—stories that echo in Jewish communities to this day.With Over There, Rubin brings Jewish heritage, wartime service, and untold family narratives into sharp, urgent focus—offering a timely conversation for Jewish listeners today.Give this one a listen!This episode, like all episodes of If This Is True, brings forth what drives creatives to do what they do. For more of this content and interaction, you can also go to my substack, coolmite25.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dublin City Council moving to remove the name of Israel's sixth president Chaim Herzog from a park and rename it "Free Palestine." Reporter Arieh O’Sullivan spoke with Malcolm Gafson, chairman of the Israel-Ireland Friendship league about the matter. (photo: Jacqueline Arzt/AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Stolen Identity: How Modern Arab Antisemitism Was ManufacturedThis episode explores how modern antisemitism in the Arab world grew out of a manufactured Arab nationalism—engineered by political and religious leaders to mask economic decline, corruption, and authoritarian rule. It examines how entire national identities across the region were tied to the destruction of Israel, creating what can be called a “stolen identity.” Through historical analysis and cultural insight, the discussion unpacks the political manipulations that shaped collective consciousness for over 70 years and reveals how hostility toward Jews became a diversion from internal failures.#ArabNationalism; #Antisemitism; #MiddleEastPolitics; #Israel; #IdentityCrisis; #Dictatorship; #Corruption; #OrientalisticsPodcast; #FalseNarratives; #JewishHistory; #ModernMiddleEast; #MediaPropaganda; #PoliticalManipulation; #StolenIdentity; #RegionalConflict; #HistoryNarratives; #ArabLeaders; #SocioPoliticalCrisis; #Zionism; #CriticalThinking
B"H There is a divine commitment hashem made to the Jewish people, a promise that has carried us through every exile, every challenge, every moment of uncertainty. No matter what the world looks like, Hashem is with us. Guiding us. Protecting us. Bringing us home to our promised land. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!
In the second part of then & now's special presentation of the panels from the “Future of History” conference, David Myers, host of then & now, moderates a conversation on the precarious state of history, democracy, and cultural institutions in the United States. The panelists include Lonnie G. Bunch III, the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution; Athena N. Jackson, UCLA's Norman and Armena Powell University Librarian; and Robin D.G. Kelley, Distinguished Professor and holder of the Gary B. Nash Chair in American History at UCLA.Lonnie Bunch warns that today's political climate poses an unprecedented threat to cultural institutions, from politicians claiming historians can be replaced by AI to direct pressure on the Smithsonian. Extending these concerns to the university, Athena Jackson highlights mounting challenges to libraries and archives, including politically driven limits on collecting and anxieties over corrupted digital data. Robin Kelley situates these pressures within a long history of attacks on curriculum, public knowledge, and racial justice, insisting that scholars must continue to expose structural inequality and resist resurgent fascism.David Myers is the host of then & now, director of the Luskin Center for History and Policy, and the Sady and Ludwig Kahn Chair in Jewish History at UCLA. He also directs the UCLA Initiative to Study Hate. He has written extensively in the fields of modern Jewish intellectual and cultural history. He previously served as chair of the UCLA History Department and as director of the UCLA Center for Jewish Studies.Athena N. Jackson became the Norman and Armena Powell University Librarian in March 2024, marking her return to UCLA after previously serving as director of UCLA Library Special Collections. She is an active member of the Association of Research Libraries and she served as chair of the Association of College and Research Libraries Rare Books and Manuscripts Section executive committee.Lonnie G. Bunch III is the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian. His most recent book, A Fool's Errand: Creating the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the Age of Bush, Obama, and Trump, chronicles the making of the museum that would become one of the most popular destinations in Washington. In 2021, Bunch received France's highest award, The Legion of Honor.Robin D.G. Kelly is Distinguished Professor and Gary B. Nash Endowed Chair in U.S. History at UCLA. He is currently completing two books, Making a Killing: Cops, Capitalism, and the War on Black Life (Henry Holt, 2027) The Education of Ms. Grace Halsell: An Intimate History of the American Century (in progress, Henry Holt).
Pastor Derek explores the theological and scriptural reasons for supporting Israel. Delve into the historical context and biblical covenants, promises and prophecies that affirm Israel's significance in God's plan. He challenges the concept of Replacement Theology, rejecting the idea that the Church has replaced Israel. God has not finished with His elect nation Israel! He highlights the importance of understanding Israel's role in both past, present and future events. Key biblical passages are examined to show God's unwavering commitment to Israel, urging viewers to align themselves with God's purposes by standing with Israel.
Pastor Derek explores the theological and scriptural reasons for supporting Israel. Delve into the historical context and biblical covenants, promises and prophecies that affirm Israel's significance in God's plan. He challenges the concept of Replacement Theology, rejecting the idea that the Church has replaced Israel. God has not finished with His elect nation Israel! He highlights the importance of understanding Israel's role in both past, present and future events. Key biblical passages are examined to show God's unwavering commitment to Israel, urging viewers to align themselves with God's purposes by standing with Israel.
In Episode 439 of The Andrew Parker Show, Andrew breaks down one of the most consequential battles of our lifetime: the global struggle between civilization and extremism—and how it's playing out in the United States.Andrew confronts the dangerous rise of misinformation about Israel, the Middle East, and the war on terror—from false genocide accusations to the myth of Israel as a “colonial state.” He unpacks the historical record, the strategic realities, and the truth behind the lies now circulating on college campuses, in Congress, and even on the far right.This episode makes a compelling case for why supporting Israel is not dual loyalty—it is a clear America First policy, rooted in shared values, strategic partnership, humanitarian principles, and decades of lifesaving cooperation.A must-listen for anyone seeking clarity in a moment clouded by propaganda, political polarization, and moral confusion.Support the showThe Andrew Parker Show - Politics, Israel & The Law. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and X. Subscribe to our email list at www.theandrewparkershow.com Copyright © 2025 The Andrew Parker Show - All Rights Reserved.
As the ultra-Orthodox protest against attempts to draft them into the IDF or perform any kind of community service, internal divisions are emerging in the haredi world. Prof. Kimmy Caplan, from Bar Ilan University, Department of Jewish History, helps decipher the mindset of the haredi and told reporter Arieh O’Sullivan that they are not alone in the concept that they are the sole guardians of Judaism but are dependent on government funding for their survival. (photo: Shlomi Cohen.flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yaakov acquires claim to Israel through purchase, a sale subsequently resented by the seller. Sounds like Jewish History in Israel 1880-1948https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
Jewish Diaspora Report - Episode 179 On this episode of the Jewish Diaspora Report, Host Mike Jordan reflects on the successes of this podcast following a recent discussion on this week's torah portion and how Jewish (and non-Jewish) people need to use their voices to stand up for fact and truth. How can and should we all be using our voices to counter misinformation and false claims online and in podcasts.Explore these challenging issues and join the Jewish Diaspora Report for future episodes on issues of Politics, Culture, Current Events and more! Check us out on Instagram @jdr.podcastSend us a textSupport the show
In this episode, Karol sits down with Mario Loyola, Senior Fellow at the Heritage Foundation, for a wide-ranging conversation on Jewish history, the modern challenges facing Israel, and the global lessons learned from the rise of Nazism. Loyola breaks down today’s geopolitical climate, why democracies must stand united, and how Hamas has become increasingly isolated in the Arab world. They also explore the future of artificial intelligence, how emerging technologies could reshape global production, and the role of forgiveness and resilience in Jewish culture. The Karol Markowicz Show is part of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network - new episodes debut every Wednesday & Friday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Reuben Kaye has always known he was going to be a performer and grew up a house that encouraged his love of the limelight. But in the background was the weight of his family history full of complicated characters and stories of cruelty.Reuben's parent both came from Jewish European families who were forced to flee their homes because of World War 2. And there were other more secretive stories, involving a return to Communist East Germany and a heartbreaking decision made by Alfreda as a young woman.But Reuben has used the art of cabaret to help make sense of and pay tribute to his momentous family stories.Reuben Kaye's one man show is called EnGORGED and tickets are available via Reuben Kaye's websiteThis episode of Conversations was produced by Jen Leake, executive producer is Nicola Harrison.It explores family history, Nazi Germany, East Germany, persecution, Russia, immigration, dress making, grief, suicide, divorce, cancer, queer identity, bullying, Jewish history, Jewish identity, the Holocaust, musical theatre, drug use, London, death, funerals, live shows, comedy, make up, drag, Stolpersteine, stumbling stones, Melbourne, Leipzig.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.
Arab-Muslim discussion and interviews with hosts Samar Jarrah and Ahmed Bedier.
Last week at the Weitzman Museum of Jewish History, the former Penn president and US Ambassador to Germany reminded us what it takes to repair the breach in our country today.
In this explosive episode of "No Way, Jose!" titled "NWJ685- Going Hard on the J's w/Jared," host Jose Galison sits down with Jared, a bold anonymous online researcher who's unafraid to dive into the most controversial and taboo subjects surrounding Jewish history and influence. Together, they tackle the infamous "109 countries" narrative, exploring historical expulsions and the patterns that have fueled endless debate. No stone is left unturned as they dissect claims of blood libel, examining ancient accusations and their modern echoes, while challenging mainstream perspectives with unflinching analysis.Venturing deeper into forbidden territory, Jose and Jared unpack the age-old discussions on usury, scrutinizing its role in economic systems and cultural stereotypes throughout the centuries. With Jared's expertise drawn from years of independent research, the conversation uncovers layers of hidden history, suppressed narratives, and provocative theories that rarely see the light of day. Tune in for a raw, unfiltered dialogue that's sure to spark thought and controversy on "No Way, Jose!"Please consider supporting my work-Patreon- https://www.patreon.com/nowayjose2020Only costs $2/month and will get you access to episodes earlier than the publicNo Way, Jose! Rumble Channel- https://rumble.com/c/c-3379274No Way, Jose! YouTube Channel- https://youtube.com/channel/UCzyrpy3eo37eiRTq0cXff0gMy Podcast Host- https://redcircle.com/shows/no-way-joseApple podcasts- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-way-jose/id1546040443Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/0xUIH4pZ0tM1UxARxPe6ThStitcher- https://www.stitcher.com/show/no-way-jose-2Amazon Music- https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/41237e28-c365-491c-9a31-2c6ef874d89d/No-Way-JoseGoogle Podcasts- https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5yZWRjaXJjbGUuY29tL2ZkM2JkYTE3LTg2OTEtNDc5Ny05Mzc2LTc1M2ExZTE4NGQ5Yw%3D%3DRadioPublic- https://radiopublic.com/no-way-jose-6p1BAOVurbl- https://vurbl.com/station/4qHi6pyWP9B/Feel free to contact me at thelibertymovementglobal@gmail.com#NoWayJose #NWJ685 #GoingHardOnTheJs #JaredResearcher #TabooTopics #JewishHistory #109Countries #BloodLibel #UsuryDebate #HiddenNarratives #SuppressedHistory #ControversialConversations #JoseGalison #AnonymousResearch #ForbiddenDiscussions #CulturalStereotypes #HistoricalExpulsions #ProvocativeTheories #UnfilteredDialogue #RawAnalysis
Dr. Baruch Link (z'l) Scholar in Residence Etgar Keret, in conversation with Professor David Meyers, at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, November 9, 2025. “Etgar Keret (Hebrew: אֶתְגָּר קֶרֶת, born August 20, 1967) is an Israeli writer known for his short stories, graphic novels, and scriptwriting for film and television.” https://www.etgarkeret.com/ David N. Myers is Distinguished Professor and holds the Sady and Ludwig Kahn Chair in Jewish History. As of fall 2017, he serves as the director of the Luskin Center for History and Policy (http://luskincenter.history.ucla.edu/); he also directs the UCLA Initiative to Study Hate. (Youtube) Special Guests: David Meyers and Etgar Keret.
Jewish Diaspora Report - Episode 177 On this episode of the Jewish Diaspora Report, Host Mike Jordan discusses the modern day "Blood Libel" caused by the media and world organizations against the Jewish people and the state of Israel. We look into recent whistleblower testimony and leaked emails showing who is really behind these decisions to demonize the Jews with blood libels and why?Explore these challenging issues and join the Jewish Diaspora Report for future episodes on issues of Politics, Culture, Current Events and more! Check us out on Instagram @jdr.podcastSend us a textSupport the show
6 Hours and 35 MinutesPG-13Here is the complete audio of Pete reading and commenting on Israel Shahak's "Jewish History, Jewish Religion."Jewish History, Jewish ReligionPete and Thomas777 'At the Movies'Support Pete on His WebsitePete's PatreonPete's SubstackPete's SubscribestarPete's GUMROADPete's VenmoPete's Buy Me a CoffeePete on FacebookPete on TwitterBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-pete-quinones-show--6071361/support.
Unfortunately the phenomenon of isolated instances of Jews consumed with self hatred, while projecting antisemitic stereotypes on their brethren is nothing new. It has existed in one form or another throughout Jewish history. This historical saga is worth examining, coupled with specific stories of Jewish self hatred during the Nazi era. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: yehuda@yehudageberer.com
We have produced 175 episodes over the past 4 years BH. But what makes Jewish History special? And what does the future hold? This short clip will give you some insights - https://vimeo.com/1130639528 The link is: www.charityextra.com/jle/hftc
Jewish Diaspora Report - Episode 176 On this episode of the Jewish Diaspora Report, Host Mike Jordan discusses the "Palestinian Narrative" about their indigeneity to the land of Israel ("Palestine"), where this claim comes from and which of these claims claims do or do not match historical records. Often the "Palestinians" claim to have evidence to support their claim, however, there may be something that they are not telling you!Explore these challenging issues and join the Jewish Diaspora Report for future episodes on issues of Politics, Culture, Current Events and more! Check us out on Instagram @jdr.podcastSend us a textSupport the show
During the 18th & first half of the 19th centuries, many members of the financial and rabbinical elite in Jewish Eastern Europe engaged in the practice of marrying off their children at a very young age. Why did they do that? How widespread was this practice? Why did it end? And what ramifications did this have on European Jewish life during this time and afterwards? Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: yehuda@yehudageberer.com
One of the constants of Jewish history is that Jews have learned from the cultures around them. But this exchange of information was not an easy endeavor. Not only did Jews speak a different language, but their cultural touchpoints were different. If they were to learn from the people around them, their translations had to be deliberate, sometimes taking creative license of create buy in among the Jewish community. Between the Bridge and the Barricade: Jewish Translation in Early Modern Europe (U Penn Press, 2024) by Iris Idelson-Shein explores how translations of non-Jewish texts into Jewish languages impacted Jewish culture, literature, and history from the sixteenth century into modern times. Offering a comprehensive view of early modern Jewish translation, Iris Idelson-Shein charts major paths of textual migration from non-Jewish to Jewish literatures, analyzes translators' motives, and identifies the translational norms distinctive to Jewish translation. Through an analysis of translations hosted in the Jewish Translation and Cultural Transfer (JEWTACT) database, Idelson-Shein reveals for the first time the liberal translational norms that allowed for early modern Jewish translators to make intensely creative and radical departures from the source texts—from “Judaizing” names, places, motifs, and language to mistranslating and omitting material both deliberately and accidently. Through this process of translation, Jewish translators created a new library of works that closely corresponded with the surrounding majority cultures yet was uniquely Jewish in character.Between the Bridge and the Barricade isn't just about translation. It's about how ideas spread, how people learn, how identity is formed, and helps explain how we got to the Judaism we have today. Iris Idelson-Shein Associate Professor of Jewish History at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Rabbi Marc Katz is the Senior Rabbi of Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield, NJ. He is the author of Yochanan's Gamble: Judaism's Pragmatic Approach to Life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
One of the constants of Jewish history is that Jews have learned from the cultures around them. But this exchange of information was not an easy endeavor. Not only did Jews speak a different language, but their cultural touchpoints were different. If they were to learn from the people around them, their translations had to be deliberate, sometimes taking creative license of create buy in among the Jewish community. Between the Bridge and the Barricade: Jewish Translation in Early Modern Europe (U Penn Press, 2024) by Iris Idelson-Shein explores how translations of non-Jewish texts into Jewish languages impacted Jewish culture, literature, and history from the sixteenth century into modern times. Offering a comprehensive view of early modern Jewish translation, Iris Idelson-Shein charts major paths of textual migration from non-Jewish to Jewish literatures, analyzes translators' motives, and identifies the translational norms distinctive to Jewish translation. Through an analysis of translations hosted in the Jewish Translation and Cultural Transfer (JEWTACT) database, Idelson-Shein reveals for the first time the liberal translational norms that allowed for early modern Jewish translators to make intensely creative and radical departures from the source texts—from “Judaizing” names, places, motifs, and language to mistranslating and omitting material both deliberately and accidently. Through this process of translation, Jewish translators created a new library of works that closely corresponded with the surrounding majority cultures yet was uniquely Jewish in character.Between the Bridge and the Barricade isn't just about translation. It's about how ideas spread, how people learn, how identity is formed, and helps explain how we got to the Judaism we have today. Iris Idelson-Shein Associate Professor of Jewish History at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Rabbi Marc Katz is the Senior Rabbi of Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield, NJ. He is the author of Yochanan's Gamble: Judaism's Pragmatic Approach to Life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/jewish-studies
One of the constants of Jewish history is that Jews have learned from the cultures around them. But this exchange of information was not an easy endeavor. Not only did Jews speak a different language, but their cultural touchpoints were different. If they were to learn from the people around them, their translations had to be deliberate, sometimes taking creative license of create buy in among the Jewish community. Between the Bridge and the Barricade: Jewish Translation in Early Modern Europe (U Penn Press, 2024) by Iris Idelson-Shein explores how translations of non-Jewish texts into Jewish languages impacted Jewish culture, literature, and history from the sixteenth century into modern times. Offering a comprehensive view of early modern Jewish translation, Iris Idelson-Shein charts major paths of textual migration from non-Jewish to Jewish literatures, analyzes translators' motives, and identifies the translational norms distinctive to Jewish translation. Through an analysis of translations hosted in the Jewish Translation and Cultural Transfer (JEWTACT) database, Idelson-Shein reveals for the first time the liberal translational norms that allowed for early modern Jewish translators to make intensely creative and radical departures from the source texts—from “Judaizing” names, places, motifs, and language to mistranslating and omitting material both deliberately and accidently. Through this process of translation, Jewish translators created a new library of works that closely corresponded with the surrounding majority cultures yet was uniquely Jewish in character.Between the Bridge and the Barricade isn't just about translation. It's about how ideas spread, how people learn, how identity is formed, and helps explain how we got to the Judaism we have today. Iris Idelson-Shein Associate Professor of Jewish History at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Rabbi Marc Katz is the Senior Rabbi of Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield, NJ. He is the author of Yochanan's Gamble: Judaism's Pragmatic Approach to Life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One of the constants of Jewish history is that Jews have learned from the cultures around them. But this exchange of information was not an easy endeavor. Not only did Jews speak a different language, but their cultural touchpoints were different. If they were to learn from the people around them, their translations had to be deliberate, sometimes taking creative license of create buy in among the Jewish community. Between the Bridge and the Barricade: Jewish Translation in Early Modern Europe (U Penn Press, 2024) by Iris Idelson-Shein explores how translations of non-Jewish texts into Jewish languages impacted Jewish culture, literature, and history from the sixteenth century into modern times. Offering a comprehensive view of early modern Jewish translation, Iris Idelson-Shein charts major paths of textual migration from non-Jewish to Jewish literatures, analyzes translators' motives, and identifies the translational norms distinctive to Jewish translation. Through an analysis of translations hosted in the Jewish Translation and Cultural Transfer (JEWTACT) database, Idelson-Shein reveals for the first time the liberal translational norms that allowed for early modern Jewish translators to make intensely creative and radical departures from the source texts—from “Judaizing” names, places, motifs, and language to mistranslating and omitting material both deliberately and accidently. Through this process of translation, Jewish translators created a new library of works that closely corresponded with the surrounding majority cultures yet was uniquely Jewish in character.Between the Bridge and the Barricade isn't just about translation. It's about how ideas spread, how people learn, how identity is formed, and helps explain how we got to the Judaism we have today. Iris Idelson-Shein Associate Professor of Jewish History at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Rabbi Marc Katz is the Senior Rabbi of Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield, NJ. He is the author of Yochanan's Gamble: Judaism's Pragmatic Approach to Life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/language
With tremendous historical events unfolding, I couldn't record a regular episode.This moment demanded more than another interview, it called for guidance and clarity.What does this new chapter in our history mean?What is our role right now?How do we balance the whirlwind of emotions — gratitude, pain, pride, and confusion — that we're all feeling?I was grateful that Rav Moshe Taragin agreed to join me once again to help unpack these questions.There's truly no one who combines such deep Torah knowledge with historical awareness and a living connection to Am Yisrael.Together, we explore how to:Hold joy and grief at the same timeExpress real hakaras hatov — to Hashem, to soldiers, to each otherSee the hand of Hashem in political and military realityUnderstand what this nes demands of usA special, timely conversation for anyone trying to make sense of this historic moment.Click here to order Rabbi Taragin's books including: Reclaiming Redemption: Demystifying the Maze of Jewish History and To be holy, but human- Reflections upon my Rebbe, Harav Yehuda Amital
Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Hidden Relics: Unveiling Secrets of a Forgotten Museum Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-10-17-22-34-02-he Story Transcript:He: באמצע הסתיו, בתקופת סוכות, הרוח הקרירה נשאה את ריח העלים הנפולים לתוך מוזיאון נטוש.En: In the middle of autumn, during the Sukkot holiday, the cool breeze carried the scent of fallen leaves into an abandoned museum.He: נהלים עתיקים עמדו בשורות, מוצלים באור המעומעם.En: Ancient artifacts stood in rows, shaded in dim light.He: יעל, היסטוריונית סקרנית עם עין חדה לפרטים, נעמדה בפתח המבנה הקודר.En: Yael, a curious historian with a keen eye for details, stood at the entrance of the somber building.He: היא איבדה את עבודתה לאחרונה, אבל נחישותה למצוא את השריד האבוד הייתה חזקה מתמיד.En: She had recently lost her job, but her determination to find the lost relic was stronger than ever.He: בתוך המוזיאון עמד אריאל, שומר ביטחון חדש בעיר.En: Inside the museum was Ariel, a new security guard in the city.He: הוא שמע שמועות על השריד העתיק שנעלם.En: He had heard rumors about the ancient relic that had gone missing.He: ניהול המוזיאון דרש לשמור על השקט כדי להימנע מחשיפה רעה.En: The museum management required him to maintain silence to avoid bad exposure.He: "אריאל," אמרה יעל, "אני חייבת למצוא את השריד.En: "Ariel," Yael said, "I must find the relic.He: זה יכול לשנות את חיי.En: It could change my life."He: " פניו של אריאל הראו התלבטות.En: Ariel's face showed hesitation.He: מזג האוויר קר, והחושך המתגנב מחוץ לחלונות גרם לו להרגיש מעט לא בנוח.En: The weather was cold, and the encroaching darkness outside the windows made him feel a bit uneasy.He: "מה תעשי אם תמצאי אותו?En: "What will you do if you find it?"He: " שאל אריאל בספקנות.En: Ariel asked skeptically.He: "אני רק רוצה את האמת," השיבה יעל.En: "I just want the truth," Yael replied.He: "וזה יעזור גם לך, נכון?En: "And it will help you too, right?He: לשמור על שמו הטוב של המוזיאון?En: To preserve the museum's good name?"He: "בכאב כתפיים, הסכים אריאל לעזור.En: With sore shoulders, Ariel agreed to help.He: הם החלו לסייר בין הגלריות הישנות, לוחשים כדי לא להעיר את הדממה הקרה ששלטה במוזיאון.En: They began to tour the old galleries, whispering so as not to disturb the cold silence that dominated the museum.He: אחרי זמן מה, הם גילו מעבר סודי, מוסתר מאחורי שטיח קיר גדול.En: After some time, they discovered a secret passage, hidden behind a large tapestry.He: בתוך המעבר היו רמזים לנתיב של השריד האבוד.En: Inside the passage were clues leading to the path of the lost relic.He: בעודם מתקדמים, הבינו שלא מדובר רק בגניבה פשוטה.En: As they advanced, they realized this was not just a simple theft.He: התברר שיש קבוצה בתוך המוזיאון שביקשה לשלוט בשרידים למטרות אישיות.En: It became evident that there was a group within the museum that sought to control the relics for personal purposes.He: לאחר מאמץ משותף, הצליחו יעל ואריאל לחשוף את השריד הנעלם.En: Through joint effort, Yael and Ariel managed to uncover the missing relic.He: המבט היהודי העתיק שב אל אור היום, וזהות השולטים הסודיים נחשפה.En: The ancient Jewish artifact returned to the light of day, and the identities of the secretive controllers were revealed.He: יעל חשה בסיפוק שהמאבק לא היה לשווא.En: Yael felt satisfied that the struggle was not in vain.He: אריאל, מצדו, הרגיש גאווה על יכולתו לנווט בסביבתו החדשה ולהגן על מה שנכון.En: Ariel, for his part, felt pride in his ability to navigate his new environment and protect what was right.He: בתמורה לעזרתם, הבטיח אריאל ליעל שהוא יספק את העדויות לחשיפת האמת.En: In return for their help, Ariel promised Yael that he would provide the evidence to expose the truth.He: השניים עמדו מחוץ למוזיאון, כשאבני הרצפה העתיקות חורקות מתחת לרגליהם.En: The two stood outside the museum, as the ancient floor stones creaked beneath their feet.He: הסתיו עטף את שניהם ברוגע, והם הבינו שלפעמים צריך לתת לאחרים לעזור לך ולהאמין ביכולותיהם, גם כשזה קשה.En: Autumn enveloped them both with calm, and they realized that sometimes you have to let others help you and believe in their abilities, even when it is difficult. Vocabulary Words:autumn: סתיוbreeze: רוח קרירהabandoned: נטושartifacts: נהלים עתיקיםsomber: קודרdetermination: נחישותrelic: שרידencroaching: המתגנבhesitation: התלבטותskeptically: בספקנותtruth: אמתpreserve: לשמורgalleries: גלריותdominance: שלטהtapestry: שטיח קירpassage: מעברeffort: מאמץexposure: חשיפהrumors: שמועותclues: רמזיםnavigate: לנווטuncover: לחשוףartifact: נהליםidentities: זהותcontrollers: שולטיםevidence: עדויותcreaked: חורקותcalm: רוגעvain: לשוואsatisfied: סיפוקBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.
Molly Crabapple is an artist and writer who documents the extremes, from nightclubs to war zones. She's also the author of several books, including Drawing Blood and Brothers of the Gun, a memoir of the Syrian War co-written with Marwan Hisham. We sat down with Crabapple to talk about the difference between words and images, making art in the world, and the power of cartoonists to disrupt fascism.You can read a transcript of this episode here. And check out the following links:Check out our booklist with books recommended for this episode.Read Molly Crabapple's Drawing Blood, and you can pre-order her new book about the Jewish Labor Bund.See Molly's drawings and articles about the Dallas Six and the NYC taxi driver strike. You can also read Molly's interview with Art Spiegelman.Art Spiegelman's comic collaboration with Joe Sacco was published in The New York Review of Books earlier this year. You can check out Sacco's Palestine and his more recent War on Gaza from the library.
Love him or hate him, you've probably heard of Shabbos Kestenbaum —the Harvard student who made waves with his RNC speech and lawsuit against Harvard over campus antisemitism. In this episode, we go beyond the viral clip. We dig into the Jewish establishment—Hillel, Chabad, ADL, AJC, Federations—what's working, what's broken, and where donors should (and shouldn't) put their money. We also talk about why some Jewish students are drifting right politically, how to build strong Jewish identity without “anti-antisemitism” PowerPoints, and what real campus support looks like.If you care about Jewish life on campus, Israel/Zionism education, and institutional accountability, this one's for you.Timestamps0:00 Intro0:05 The RNC speech everyone saw1:14 “Tonight we fight back” — policy lines that lit up the room2:10 Why Shabbos agreed to come on: a frank look at Jewish orgs3:48 Pluralism vs. clarity: Hillel & Chabad on campus10:51 The “combating antisemitism industrial complex” critique14:25 Building strong Jews vs. anti-antisemitism trainings16:31 Are legacy orgs pivoting—or just protecting access?20:57 “Access culture,” White House invites, and speaking freely23:27 What donors should do now (and what to stop funding)31:00 Where Hillel fits when lines need drawing34:04 Leadership failures and the Claudine Gay moment37:26 Boundaries, inclusion, and campus red lines39:06 The decision to speak at the RNC41:53 Closing inviteWe coverWhy many students (even left-leaning) feel safer with a tougher federal approachThe case for funding local campus work directlyMetrics that actually show impact (beyond emails and galas)Clear red lines on campus without shutting doors to studentsIf you enjoy this convo
Art Spiegelman's Maus almost single-handedly elevated comics from throw-away inserts in newspapers to a serious literary art worthy of winning the highest award in book publishing. But it's not an accident that this book is coming back to us now. Maus was swept once again into the public eye three years ago, when the conservative movement to target marginalized stories took aim at the beloved graphic novel. In this episode, we examine how comic book censorship in the 1950s led to the creation of Maus, and eventually shifted the way we tell stories about resistance, memory, and authoritarianism.You can read a transcript of this episode on our website. Further resources:Check out our booklist with books recommended by Art Spiegelman, and more.Read Amy Kurzweil's Flying Couch and Molly Crabapple's Drawing Blood. You can read more about both of them on their websites.Art Spiegelman's comic collaboration with Joe Sacco was published in The New York Review of Books earlier this year. You can check out Sacco's Palestine and his more recent War on Gaza from the library.Learn more about the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and the history of comic book censorship.Listen to our interviews with Maia Kobabe, author of Gender Queer, and Mike Curato, author of Flamer from our previous series, Borrowed and Banned.Watch Art Spiegelman discuss MetaMaus with Dan Nadel at Brooklyn Public Library.
6 Hours and 35 MinutesPG-13Here is the complete audio of Pete reading and commenting on Israel Shahak's "Jewish History, Jewish Religion."Jewish History, Jewish ReligionPete and Thomas777 'At the Movies'Support Pete on His WebsitePete's PatreonPete's SubstackPete's SubscribestarPete's GUMROADPete's VenmoPete's Buy Me a CoffeePete on FacebookPete on TwitterBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-pete-quinones-show--6071361/support.
Who was the first שְׁלִיחַ צִבּוּר in Jewish History?
In this week's episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts U-Arkansas Prof. Albert Cheng and Eos Foundation's Andrea Silbert interview Dr. Gil Troy, senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute, Distinguished Scholar in North American History at McGill University, and editor of Theodor Herzl: The Collected Zionist Writings and Addresses of Israel's Founder. He offers an overview of Herzl's upbringing in 19th-century Vienna, the antisemitic events that shaped his worldview, and how the infamous Dreyfus Affair spurred his determination to establish a Jewish State. Dr. Troy highlights Herzl's most influential works, including The Jewish State and the Old New Land, and explained how they bolstered support for the Zionist movement. He also reflects on Herzl's role in creating the First Zionist Congress and his impact as the “spiritual father of the Jewish State,” addressing how his influence continues to confront rising global antisemitism today. Dr. Troy concludes the interview with a reading from Theodor Herzl: The Collected Zionist Writings and Addresses of Israel's Founder.
Carole King's extraordinary career has defined American popular music for more than half a century.Join us with journalist Jane Eisner, author of the new biography Carole King: She Made the Earth Move, as we explore King's lasting contributions to the great American songbook.
Modern antisemitism comes dressed in academic robes, not white hoods. Writer Nick Pell breaks down the growing threat here on Skeptical Sunday!Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and a guest break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions. This time around, we're joined by writer and researcher Nick Pell!Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1208On This Week's Skeptical Sunday:Today's antisemites aren't cartoon villains — they're professors, writers, and soft-spoken intellectuals armed with charts and citations, making them far more dangerous than traditional extremists.The "109 countries expelled Jews" myth crumbles under scrutiny — it's closer to 12 actual countries, with many expulsions being debt defaults by kings who borrowed from Jewish lenders.Kevin MacDonald's academic trilogy weaponized evolutionary psychology to frame all Jewish actions — whether capitalist or communist — as serving a unified supremacist agenda.Claims about Jewish "overrepresentation" miss the point entirely — success isn't suspicious, and asking "what's the proper amount?" flirts dangerously with totalitarian thinking.Combat bad ideas with better arguments, not censorship — engage with sophisticated antisemitism directly, learn the talking points, and dismantle them with facts rather than silence.Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom!Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors:SimpliSafe: 50% off + 1st month free: simplisafe.com/jordanProgressive: Free online quote: progressive.comBetterHelp: 10% off first month: betterhelp.com/jordanHomes.com: Find your home: homes.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The ingathering of the alienated Jews: the נִדָּחִים מִקְּצֵה הַשָּׁמַיִם עַד קְצֵה הַשָּׁמָיִם https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast
What came first in Jewish History? The תְּקִיעוֹת דִמְיוּשָׁב or the תְּקִיעוֹת דִּמְעֻמָּד ?
Amos Goldberg, Professor of Jewish History at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a renowned historian of the Holocaust, explains why he believes Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and weighs in on the role of historians and public intellectuals in addressing it. The episode is sponsored by the Sady and Ludwig Kahn Chair in Jewish History at UCLA and co-hosted by Prof David N. Myers.
6 Hours and 35 MinutesPG-13Here is the complete audio of Pete reading and commenting on Israel Shahak's "Jewish History, Jewish Religion."Jewish History, Jewish ReligionPete and Thomas777 'At the Movies'Support Pete on His WebsitePete's PatreonPete's SubstackPete's SubscribestarPete's GUMROADPete's VenmoPete's Buy Me a CoffeePete on FacebookPete on TwitterBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-pete-quinones-show--6071361/support.