Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam
Unpacked
Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman are two of the most dynamic, interesting, and thought-provoking Jewish leaders today. Two seasoned educators who love to talk, listen, laugh, challenge, and grow, Mijal and Noam are the Wondering Jews, leading us through thought-provoking discussions that are as serious as they are entertaining.Whether you're a seasoned scholar or just curious about Jewish culture, this show offers a refreshing perspective that's both enlightening and enjoyable. It's not just a podcast; it's a thoughtful conversation that invites everyone to wonder about the rich tapestry of Jewish ideas in the context of our daily lives. Brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 7, 2026 • 38min
Why Does Judaism Have Denominations? With Zev Eleff
Zev Eleff, president of Gratz College and scholar of American Judaism, explains how denominations in Judaism grew out of Protestant models and American culture. He traces the formation of Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox movements. Short takes cover authenticity, changing communal norms, pluralism’s shifts, Orthodox unity amid diversity, and the economic and political pressures shaping practice.
4 snips
Mar 31, 2026 • 35min
Straight Outta Egypt with Michael Rapaport
Michael Rapaport, actor and comedian known for Friends and Only Murders in the Building, reflects on Jewish visibility and vivid Passover memories. He talks about humor and resilience, daily tefillin practice, unique family seder customs, and his activism and surprising mayoral ambitions. The conversation jumps between funny, wistful, and pointed moments.
Mar 25, 2026 • 33min
The Greatest Rabbi Of All Time? With Jenna Weissman Joselit
Jenna Weissman Joselit, Professor of Judaic Studies and biographer of Mordecai M. Kaplan, brings scholarly insight and family warmth. She traces Kaplan’s immigrant roots, his shift from halakha to peoplehood, and his practical, sometimes controversial, reforms. The conversation highlights Kaplan’s evolving theology, cultural innovations like the bat mitzvah, and his lasting imprint on American Jewish life.
Mar 18, 2026 • 31min
What The Headlines Mean For American Jews with Bret Stephens
Bret Stephens, opinion columnist and editor who writes on politics and Jewish affairs, joins to tackle antisemitism, Israel, and the war with Iran. He discusses how Americans should respond to attacks at home. He explains why this conflict with Iran is different. He calls for stronger, more rigorous Israel studies and urges young Jews to engage with their heritage.
8 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 39min
The Truth About Antizionism with Adam Louis-Klein
Adam Louis-Klein, writer, philosopher and anthropologist finishing a PhD and founder of the Movement Against Antizionism (MAAZ), discusses defining and confronting anti-Zionism. He recounts his October 7th turning point and explains academic tools used to both enable and fight anti-Zionist claims. He outlines core libels, contrasts anti-Zionism with antisemitism, and describes practical tactics like meme warfare and online education.
Mar 4, 2026 • 28min
The Rhymes of History with Professor Jonathan Sarna
Jonathan Sarna, Professor Emeritus of American Jewish History at Brandeis and author of American Judaism, joins to trace late 19th-century American antisemitism. He recounts exclusionary incidents like the Seligman affair and the rise of parallel Jewish institutions. Conversations cover shifts in Jewish identity, what ended that wave of prejudice, and the role of Israel and education in Jewish continuity.
Mar 2, 2026 • 26min
Dispatch From Irangeles with Rabbi Tarlan Rabizadeh
Rabbi Tarlan Rabizadeh, a Persian-Jewish rabbi and activist in Los Angeles, offers a ground-level perspective on Iranians in LA and the diaspora. She recounts how protests began, describes cross-community solidarity and local demonstrations, critiques Western media portrayals, and reflects on the timing and consequences of recent strikes and theological meaning around Purim.
Feb 25, 2026 • 1h 4min
Clarity to Confusion: Reflections on Purim With Justin Pines & JBS
Justin Pines, host and producer for Jewish Insights at JBS, joins to reflect on Purim and Zahor. They explore remembering Amalek, how clarity and confusion shape responses to antisemitism, the role of youth and social media, and the tension between principled stands and communal safety. The conversation highlights Purim’s mix of grief, joy, communal mitzvot, and strategies for strengthening Jewish solidarity.
Feb 18, 2026 • 30min
God, the Jews, and Israel: Three Thousand Years of History
A sweeping five-part project tracing three thousand years of Zionism gets unpacked. They explore how ancient texts shaped Jewish peoplehood and the role of memory and ritual in exile. The conversation covers the clash of modernity and antisemitism that birthed political Zionism and the tumultuous transition to statehood and regional power.
Feb 11, 2026 • 35min
Soviet Anti-Zionism and the Refuseniks with Izabella Tabarovsky
Izabella Tabarovsky, scholar of Soviet anti-Zionism and author of Be a Refusenik, draws on personal history and research. She recounts Soviet tactics that erased Jewish life, the Refusenik movement’s secret education and Hebrew revival, and striking parallels between Soviet anti-Zionism and modern campus activism. Short, vivid stories illuminate survival, identity, and strategies for resistance.
