Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam

In this episode, Mijal and Noam are joined by special guest Rabbi Joe Schwartz, director of Makom, the Israel Education Laboratory of the Jewish Agency. They explore the complexities of Jewish identity, Zionism, and the evolving relationship between Israel and the global Jewish community, particularly in light of the events of October 7th. The discussion includes the challenges of bridging the gap between American Jewry and Israel, the implications of Israel's rightward political shift, and personal reflections on what it means to be a Zionist 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

Join Noam and Mijal as they explore the significance of Tisha B’Av, a day of mourning for the Jewish people. They discuss its historical roots, including the destruction of the two Temples and other calamities that befell the Jewish people on this day. Through personal reflections and discussions, they address how internal divisions within the Jewish community played a role in these tragedies and share their thoughts on the current state of Jewish unity. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about mourning, introspection, and the importance of fostering unity within the Jewish community.------------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

In this episode, Noam and Mijal are joined by returning guest Haviv Rettig Gur to discuss current events unfolding in Israel. The conversation dives into the recent Hezbollah attack that killed 12 Druze children, the potential escalation in the north, Ismail Haniyeh's assassination, and the internal turmoil in Israel, including an incident involving alleged abuse by IDF soldiers.------------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

If you had to pick just one educational experience, would it be... camp? Join Mijal and Noam as they chat with Mac Lindner, Director of Camp Young Judaea - Texas, about how Jewish summer camps shape identity. They'll explore whether camps should be considered a key part of education and how they've changed recently, especially since October 7th.------------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

In this week's episode, Mijal and Noam discuss the growing polarization and hostility between Republicans and Democrats. With the two sides feeling more divided than ever before, join us as we wonder on how we can use Jewish wisdom to bridge the gap, moving away from the hostility of today and working towards a future of reunification and respect.------------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

Join us for a special conversation with Chloe Valdary, founder of Theory of Enchantment, a New York-based organization that has arisen as an alternative to the DEI model, and fights against racism and bigotry by teaching love. Chloe delves into her respectful approach to societal conflict as it relates to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, antisemitism and social media. Chloe, Noam and Mijal dive into a thought provoking discussion about paths to peace - and whether or not Chloe believes it is even possible to achieve.------------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 Fourth of July, Mijal reflects on what America means to her as an immigrant from Uruguay. Through her personal history, she delves into the powerful ideals that make America a beacon of hope for millions: liberty, equality, and democracy. Reflecting on the current political landscape and the troubling rise of antisemitism, Mijal examines the discrepancy between America's foundational ideals and its present realities.------------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

Judaism impacts each and every person differently. Embark on a heartfelt journey with Mijal and Noam as they delve into the heart of Jewish tradition and explore what makes Judaism so special to them. From Jewish law and Shabbat to the supportive bonds of community, they reveal the enduring beauty and significance of Judaism in their lives.------------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

Can ChatGPT answer Jewish legal questions? Can Siri provide spiritual guidance? Will AI replace rabbis? Mijal and Noam discuss the evolving role of rabbis and whether artificial intelligence can replace or supplement these roles. They explore various responsibilities of rabbis, such as providing information, teaching, offering care and support, making decisions, and serving as role models. ------------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

What does your cultural heritage mean to you? Join Mijal and Noam for a personal discussion about the differences between Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jewish communities. They explore topics like prayer, religious traditions, and the unique experiences of Sephardic Jews in America and Israel while addressing the challenges of maintaining a strong sense of identity while integrating into wider communities.------------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