Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam

Few holidays in Israel are as complex as Yom Yerushalayim. Mijal and Noam explore the significance of Yom Yerushalayim, reflecting on the Six-Day War, the reunification of Jerusalem, and its complex personal and national meanings. They discuss the celebrations, the diverse perspectives within Israeli society, and the ongoing impact on Jewish identity and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.------------This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History NerdsUnpacking Israeli HistorySoulful Jewish Living

Journalist Haviv Rettig Gur joins hosts to discuss the history and misconceptions of Zionism, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the importance of self determination and Jewish identity.

Faith is a complicated topic — one that many people struggle with. But what do Jewish philosophers say about faith? And how does Judaism approach belief in God? In this thought-provoking episode, Mijal and Noam discuss the challenges of maintaining faith with questions such as “Can you be Jewish and not believe in God?” and “What is the meaning of emunah”?------------This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History NerdsUnpacking Israeli HistorySoulful Jewish Living

Mijal and Noam delve into the complexities of the Pro-Palestinian student encampments, student activism, the emotional and social dynamics within these movements, and the broader implications for Jewish identity and community.Letter from Columbia students------------This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History NerdsUnpacking Israeli HistorySoulful Jewish Living

This year, Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut will feel unlike any other year. Noam and Mijal address the days' significance in the wake of Oct.7, highlighting the solemn transition from Yom HaZikaron to the joyfulness of Yom Ha'atzmaut. They share their personal experiences, addressing how these poignant holidays hold a deeper meaning this year amidst an ongoing war in Gaza.------------This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History NerdsUnpacking Israeli HistorySoulful Jewish Living

With the Holocaust being one of history's darkest chapters, how do you educate future generations to ensure such horrors never happen again? Join Noam and Mijal as they re-examine Holocaust education and navigate the delicate balance between honoring the past and shaping a resilient future amidst the increasingly hostile climate of today.------------This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History NerdsUnpacking Israeli HistorySoulful Jewish Living

The story of Exodus is one of the most significant pieces of history that is still relevant to this day. Join Mijal and Noam as they dive deep into the story of Passover, exploring the themes of liberation as told through the Haggadah, and contrasting it with the narrative of human struggle and divine intervention found in the Torah.------------This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History NerdsUnpacking Israeli HistorySoulful Jewish Living

Normally we ask, how is this night different than all over nights. This year, we have to ask - how is this Passover different than all over Passovers? In this episode, Noam and Mijal reflect about how to think about the seder and Passover, what makes Passover different this year, and some suggestions and insights for how to approach our seder.------------Lefum tza'ara agraMishael and Noam Zion's HaggadahZion Haggadah Excerpts------------This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History NerdsUnpacking Israeli HistorySoulful Jewish Living

Last week, the Jewish world lost several giants, including Professor Daniel Kahneman, a leading scholar of behavior economics, and Senator Joseph Lieberman, an American politician and statesman. Noam and Mijal reflect on their legacies and ask us to consider what we can learn from their incredible lives.------------Cass Sunstein on KahnemanTeam of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham LincolnKotzker Rebbe and the Binding of IsaacThe Gift of Rest: Lieberman's book about shabbatCan the nation survive with a vice president who isn't allowed to bind sheaves on a Saturday?Lieberman's VP acceptance speechEthan Tucker's eulogy for LiebermanLieberman on 18Forty podcastThe Golden Age of American Jews is Ending------------This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History NerdsUnpacking Israeli HistorySoulful Jewish Living

The battle over whether Haredim should be mandated to serve in the IDF, like the rest of Jewish Israel, is not a new one. But the debate was brought to the forefront when the Sephardic chief rabbi threatened that Haredim would leave the country rather than serve in the IDF. This week, Mijal and Noam discuss the issue of mandatory conscription for Haredi Jews. They push each other to give generous arguments and ask, how can Israel possibly solve this contentious issue?------------This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History NerdsUnpacking Israeli HistorySoulful Jewish Living