The Jewish Experience
Manhattan Jewish Experience
Jewish education and inspiration courtesy of Rabbi Mark N. Wildes, Founder of the Manhattan Jewish Experience (MJE). Founded in 1998, MJE is a warm and open community where millennial men and women in their 20s/30s can explore Jewish life and meet new people.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 6, 2026 • 49min
Israel’s International Spokesperson to the United Nations - Jonathan Harounoff
The United Nations has a history of opposing the interests of the state of Israel, and that's putting it mildly. Meet the man responsible for defending Israel before this famously hostile audience. Learn about Jonathan Harounoff's work in the UN, and his project of informing the world about the women standing for their rights in Iran, at the risk of their lives. Website: jewishexperience.org
Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/
Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
Mar 30, 2026 • 1h 5min
The Pesach Seder Exhibition
Join Rabbi Wildes for a complete tour of the Passover seder, complete with Matzo, a full seder plate, and many stories and insights from three thousand years of Jewish wisdom.
For the full experience, see the video edition of this episode: https://youtu.be/VHsTM29orrY Website: jewishexperience.org
Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/
Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
Mar 23, 2026 • 59min
HELP! It's My First Time at an Orthodox Synagogue!
HELP! I've been invited to an Orthodox synagogue! I grew up Reform or Conservative so I don't know what to expect. Join Rabbi Wildes and learn that the Orthodox world isn't as intimidating as you might expect. Already a regular at Orthodox synagogue? Learn to anticipated the questions your friends might ask! Website: jewishexperience.org
Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/
Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
Mar 16, 2026 • 26min
Ambassador Ofir Akunis
Rabbi Wildes joins Ambassador Ofir Akunis at the Israeli Consulate in New York City to learn about Iran, Israel, and the future of Judaism. Website: jewishexperience.org
Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/
Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
Mar 10, 2026 • 45min
Should We Celebrate When Our Enemies Are Killed?
This week Ayatollah Khamenei, the supreme ruler of Iran, was killed by US and Israeli missile strikes. While Khamenei was lifelong enemy of the Jewish people, does that make it right to celebrate his death? What can the story of Purim teach us about this latter-day Haman? And with so many troubles in the world today, how can we justify celebrating a joyous holiday like Purim anyway? Rabbi Wildes takes on these questions and more. Website: jewishexperience.org
Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/
Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
Mar 2, 2026 • 1h 2min
Should I Donate Money if I'm Already BROKE!?
It's my money! I worked for it! So why should I give away MY money? Rabbi Wildes teaches us about the laws and traditions of Tzedakah, and why giving away some of your money may lead to more money coming back to you.
You can start now! Give Matanot LeEvyonim today: https://buy.stripe.com/5kQ00j3F38ScfLV73SbZe01 Website: jewishexperience.org
Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/
Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
Feb 23, 2026 • 1h 7min
Breaking the Law!
What happens if you break Jewish Law? Do you go to Jewish Jail? Can a good Rabbi get you a lighter sentence? Or are there worse things than punishment in the physical world? And what can this teach us about choosing to pursue the righteous path? Website: jewishexperience.org
Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/
Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
Feb 16, 2026 • 1h 7min
Flavors of Judaism - Which will you choose?
Every Jew has to ask the question: Which flavor will I choose? Will it be the favor my parents chose, or am I drawn to something different? Are all flavors equal? What if some flavors on the menu aren't even Jewish? This week Rabbi Wildes shows all the flavors to arm you with the knowledge you need to choose. Website: jewishexperience.org
Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/
Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
Feb 8, 2026 • 1h
Valentines Day Special! - Why the Airport May Hold the Key to Relationship Success
Most folks in the secular world are familiar with the many frustrations of dating and relationships. Maybe the solutions have been right in front us for thousands of years! Learn about kosher dating, the benefits of placing limits in relationships, and why the airport might be the right destination for your next date. Website: jewishexperience.org
Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/
Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
Feb 2, 2026 • 1h 9min
Did It Really Happen? — Can I believe in Torah without turning off my brain?
Jews believe the Torah was handed down from Mount Sinai. But how can we know if we weren't there? And why should we believe any of the events recorded in Torah really happened? Rabbi Wildes addresses the challenging questions that lead intelligent Jews to question their beliefs. Website: jewishexperience.org
Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/
Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/


