Shows
edJEWcationTanya White on What Purim Really MeansWhat if the holiday that looks the most like a carnival is actually hiding the most profound questions in Judaism? Professor Tanya White, Bar-Ilan University professor, host of the Books and Beyond podcast, and one of the most engaging Jewish educators alive, joins Jay and ChayaLeah to unpack the Book of Esther like you've never heard before. We explore why God's name doesn't appear once in the Megillah (and what that means for us today), the concept of "radical seeing" and the stunning parallel between Purim and our post-October 7th world. ChayaLeah opens up about...
2026-02-261h 03edJEWcationWas Theodore Herzl the George Washington of Zionism?Was Theodor Herzl a secular visionary or a spiritual seeker? A hero or a heretic? On the 130th anniversary of his landmark manifesto Der Judenstaat, Professor Gil Troy, presidential historian, Zionist scholar, and editor of The Zionist Ideas, sits down with Jay and ChayaLeah for a conversation that covers all of it: Herzl's complicated relationship with Judaism, why he was persona non grata in Haredi education, the emotional power of standing at his grave on Mount Herzl, and why Professor Troy’s concept of "identity Zionism" speaks directly to Jewish students navigating hostile campuses today. Along the way, the ho...
2026-02-1859 minedJEWcationSolomon, Slot Machines, and the Still Small Voice: First Kings, Part 2What are you doing on December 16th at 8PM (aside from lighting your second Menorah candle)? Well, now you have plans…join us for our first listener Zoom call. We’d love to chat with you.What do Vegas slot machines, King Solomon’s thousand wives, and Elijah’s world-class trash-talking have in common? Apparently… everything. In this week’s episode, ChayaLeah returns from her very spiritual pilgrimage to Las Vegas (don’t ask) and the crew dives back into Kings I, where the Jewish kingdom splits faster than Jay can say “Bubastite Portal Relief.”We unpack Solomon’...
2025-12-111h 08edJEWcationMazal Tov! You Get to Hang Out with Us Now!We’re running on zero sleep, too much Friendsgiving, and a very inflated sense of our own importance, so naturally, it’s time for… a HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT.This week, Jay and ChayaLeah unveil edJEWcation’s brand-new Substack subscription levels which include monthly Zoom hangs, one-on-one sessions, and why none of this means we’re going behind a paywall. (Relax. Don’t throw things.)Plus: why Substack isn’t scary, why the Rabbi needs a bigger platform, and why Jewish content matters right now more than ever.Come for the news. Stay for the self-deprecating humor and acci...
2025-12-0109 minedJEWcationThe Great Thanksgiving Detour: Chabad Conventions, Near-Death Debates & Your Aunt’s Political Rants🚨 ALERT! Have you ever wanted to Zoom with the three of us? Or maybe even have some one-on-one time? Well, the world is now your oyster because we’ve officially launched several subscription tiers, with our first Zoom taking place sometime after Thanksgiving!These will just be the starting points (we have a lot of goodies cooking), so keep your eyes peeled — and don’t worry, we’ll also personally annoy you to make sure you don’t miss out.If you’re interested in joining us, click hereOn to the episode…What was sup...
2025-11-261h 04edJEWcationThe Rebbe, the Nazis, and the U.S. Cavalry: A Conversation with Rabbi David EliezrieHave you ever wanted to Zoom with the three of us? Or maybe even have one-on-one time? The world is now your (very kosher) oyster, as we have officially launched several subscription tiers, with our first Zoom taking place sometime after Thanksgiving.These will just be starting points, as we have a bunch of additional goodies planned, so be on the lookout (but we’ll also, of course, annoy you to make sure you’re aware).”If you're interested in joining us..click here to sign-up!On this week’s episode of edJEWcation, ChayaLea...
2025-11-201h 02edJEWcationPalestine 1936: An interview with Oren KesslerALERT - Have you ever wanted to Zoom with the three of us? Or maybe even have one-on-one time? The world is now your oyster, as we have officially launched several subscription tiers, with our first Zoom taking place sometime after Thanksgiving.These will just be starting points, as we have a bunch of additional goodies planned, so be on the lookout (but we’ll also, of course, annoy you to make sure you’re aware).”On to the episode…Jay kicks things off with a pop quiz that (shockingly!) doesn’t totally embarrass...
2025-11-131h 09edJEWcationHow King Solomon Split The Baby: Book of Kings 1, Part 1🚨 ALERT! Have you ever wanted to Zoom with the three of us? Or maybe even have some one-on-one time? Well, the world is now your oyster because we’ve officially launched several subscription tiers, with our first Zoom taking place sometime after Thanksgiving!These will just be the starting points (we have a lot of goodies cooking), so keep your eyes peeled — and don’t worry, we’ll also personally annoy you to make sure you don’t miss out.If you’re interested in joining us, click hereThe edJEWcation tri...
2025-11-071h 03
edJEWcationPogroms, Trauma, and the Echoes of October 7This week, Jay and ChayaLeah sit down with Professor Jeffrey Veidlinger of the University of Michigan — historian, author of In the Midst of Civilized Europe, and director of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute — for a hauntingly relevant conversation about the pogroms that swept through Ukraine between 1918 and 1921.They explore how ordinary neighbors became murderers, why humiliation often cuts deeper than death, and how centuries of trauma ripple through Jewish identity to this day. From the streets of the shtetl to the chaos of modern social media, the conversation moves between past and present — revealing unsettling parallels between old hatred...
2025-10-301h 04
edJEWcationWhat’s in a Name, a Prayer, and an Apology: From Barbecue Feuds to Kol Nidre BluesIn this episode, Jay contemplates changing his Hebrew name, which leads ChayaLeah and the Rabbi into a conversation about identity, the mystical energy of names, and how prayer has become the least-popular Jewish pastime (sorry, Pew survey). Along the way, we talk about why Jews often find davening uninspiring, how Hasidic meditation works (hint: it’s not sitting cross-legged with Sam Harris), and why prayer is less about Amazon-delivery miracles and more about dialogue. We also wrestle with forgiveness, when an apology is genuine, when it’s demanded, and what to do if the other part...
2025-10-091h 04
edJEWcationPride and Frustration: The Forgotten Anglo-American Committee of Inquiry ReportThis week on edJEWcation, we dive into a nearly forgotten chapter of Jewish history: the Anglo-American Committee of Inquiry of 1946. Born out of the Harrison Report (which we discussed previously) and Truman’s pressure to open the gates of Palestine, this joint British-American commission investigated the plight of Holocaust survivors, Arab opposition, and the realities on the ground in Mandatory Palestine.Jay and ChayaLeah unpack the committee’s findings, calls for 100,000 Jewish visas, the acknowledgment that no other country would take in Jewish refugees, and candid observations on Jewish resilience, Arab demands, and British reluctance. Along the way...
2025-09-251h 24
edJEWcationCustoms, Conflicts, and Keeping the FaithThis week on edJEWcation, Jay and ChayaLeah sit down with Dr. Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili, professor at the University of Pittsburgh and head of the Center for Governance and Markets, for a conversation that bounces from Uzbekistan to Squirrel Hill, from Hasidic wedding songs to Taliban tribal law.We explore:Why minhag Yisroel Torah hi (“Jewish custom is Torah”) resonates far beyond Jewish life.How customs in Afghanistan and Central Asia parallel Hasidic practices.The heartbreak of Tree of Life, the shock of October 7th, and the question Jews whisper now: do we belong here...
2025-09-071h 07
edJEWcationThou Shalt Not Covet (David, Bathsheba & A Biblical Scandal)This week on edJEWcation, we dive into one of the most famous and scandalous stories in the entire Bible: King David, Bathsheba, and Uriah. Was David guilty of adultery, deception, and murder? Or was he fulfilling a divine destiny with Bathsheba? The Rabbi breaks down the clash between text, commentary, and morality, while Jay and ChayaLeah wrestle with the very human side of the story.We cover:Why this episode of David’s life would never make it into a fourth-grade Hebrew school curriculumWhether power corrupted Israel’s greatest king or if he w...
2025-08-2855 min
edJEWcationDueling RabbisThis week on edJEWcation, we’ve doubled the rabbis and turned up the volume. ChayaLeah invites her friend Rabbi Daniel Levine to go head-to-head (in the nicest, most Jewishly passive-aggressive way possible) with her father. The topic? What’s gone wrong with Jewish education and how to fix it, without losing our kids to boredom, bagels-only Judaism, or anti-Israel campus mobs.We cover:Why Hebrew school might be the Blockbuster Video of Jewish educationRituals vs. ideas: Which one actually keeps Judaism alive?The “mimetic tradition” and why your bubbe’s kitchen mi...
2025-08-221h 03
edJEWcationThe Report That Shamed the Allies: Earl Harrison and the “Liberated” JewsThis week on edJEWcation, Jay and ChayaLeah kick the Rabbi off the mic and dive deep into a little-known but wildly important post-Holocaust document: the Harrison Report. After hearing disturbing rumors that Jewish survivors were being kept behind barbed wire alongside former Nazis (yes, really), President Truman sent Earl Harrison: lawyer, non-Jew, and moral compass, to investigate.What he found was horrifying: Jews still wearing concentration camp uniforms, starving on moldy bread, living next to their former tormentors. And no one—not the Americans, not the Britshad any idea what to do with them....
2025-08-1456 min
edJEWcationNo Showers, No Steak, No Spotify: The Sacrifices of Tisha B'AvThis week on edJEWcation, we’re going full Nine Days mode, which means no meat, no music, no manicures, and absolutely no Martha Stewart-level Shabbat table décor.ChayaLeah and Jay kick things off with a discussion on Bob Dylan’s Orthodox daughter, Paul McCartney’s politics (or lack thereof), and why Regina Spektor just became the patron saint of Jewish pride at concerts. But don’t worry it’s not just a classic edJEWcation tangent-fest (well, it is, but on purpose). Because all this music talk was really just a smooth setup for the Nine Days of Av: the...
2025-07-311h 04
edJEWcationBombs, Birthright & the Rebbe’s Air ForceThis week on edJEWcation, ChayaLeah returns from an impromptu war-zone detour with 40 Birthright students, a cruise ship, and a newfound appreciation for bomb shelters. What started as a sunny student trip to Israel turned into a harrowing 12-day ordeal as Iran launched a massive missile attack, Ben-Gurion shut down, and Birthright scrambled to evacuate thousands.We unpack her experience taking shelter from missiles in Jerusalem, fleeing to Cyprus by boat, partying awkwardly at sea, and witnessing the awe-inspiring kindness of Chabad communities in Cyprus, Germany, and beyond. Along the way, we discuss Psalms, summer camp, and the...
2025-06-2650 min
edJEWcationWhere is ChayaLeah?!?!?!With ChayaLeah on her reverse Exodus from Israel and an interview that fell through this week, we are re-running our episode about the Jewish perspective on happiness from a few months ago, because we couldn't all use that right now?However, this one comes with an extended director's cut that includes Jay's commentary on current events in Israel.What more could you ask for at the moment?Enjoy and see you all next week.
2025-06-191h 10
edJEWcationThe Book of Judges: Warts and All, Part 2This week on edJEWcation, Jay, ChayaLeah, and the Rabbi dive deeper into the Book of Judges — and let's just say, things get complicated. From Gideon’s 300 hand-picked warriors (yes, it involves water-drinking techniques) to Yiftach’s infamous vow and the tragic fate of his daughter, we unpack the highs, the lows, and the downright puzzling. Plus, we tackle the legendary strongman Shimshon (Samson) — a one-man wrecking crew with a weakness for bad relationships and very good hair.Expect theological debates, unexpected Game of Thrones references, and a reminder that even the mightiest heroes are sometimes their own worst en...
2025-06-0656 min
edJEWcationThe Book of Judges: Warts & All, Part 1This week on edJEWcation, we dive headfirst into one of the messiest, bloodiest, most binge-worthy books of the Bible — Judges. It’s like Game of Thrones, if Game of Thrones had more sand, tent pegs, and spiritual backsliding.Join the Rabbi, ChayaLeah, and Jayas as they unpack the chaotic post-Joshua era where tribal leaders ruled — part military commander, part prophet, part "please stop worshipping idols for the love of God" counselor. We explore:🌀 The addictive allure of idolatry (spoiler: ancient people may have been worshipping their version of an iPhone)👑 Why this book proves the Bible wa...
2025-05-2958 min
edJEWcationCorrecting History: The Noble Work of Operation BenjaminJay shares the most tragic fact of his birthday (spoiler: it involves Candace Owens), and then we welcome back our most honored recurring guest: Shalom Lamm, the mensch behind Operation Benjamin.From Normandy to Arlington, Italy to Jerusalem, Shalom walks us through the sacred mission of correcting history — one headstone at a time. We talk about:🪖 How a Jewish soldier ended up in a German mass grave… and how Shalom found him🌟 The 102-year-old niece who stole the show (and our hearts) at Arlington🕊️ What it means to say Kaddish for someone who waited 80 years...
2025-05-2249 min
edJEWcationJoshua: Courage, Conquest, and the Original Imposter SyndromeThis week on edJEWcation, we crack open the Book of Joshua — swords, spies, shofars, and all — to kick off our brand-new series on the books of the Hebrew Bible beyond the Torah.Jay, ChayaLeah, and the Rabbi break down how Joshua, Moses’ humble sidekick-turned-general, led the Israelites into the land of Israel with nothing but faith, grit, and some serious divine backup. From the walls of Jericho crumbling to the sun standing still mid-battle, Joshua’s story isn’t just ancient history — it’s a masterclass in courage, community, and the art of not messing up the inheritance pa...
2025-05-151h 01
edJEWcationedJEWcation Book Club: The Screwtape LettersIn this soul-poking, faith-fueled, wildly entertaining episode of edJEWcation, we dive deep into C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters—that brilliantly British, devilishly clever tale of temptation and bureaucracy in Hell (which could be confused with your last Zoom meeting).Jay returns from Passover in full carb-rebound mode, ChayaLeah defends the honor of Jewish moms everywhere, and Dan—our resident Christian theologian—joins the pod to confess his love for Lewis, loathe for Narnia, and struggles with joy, forgiveness, and judgment (so basically, Tuesday).Whether you’re a Jew, a Christian, an atheist with literary t...
2025-05-011h 10
edJEWcationRabbi Sacks 101 with Dr. Tanya WhiteWhile ChayaLeah was literally wrapping her kitchen in tin foil to survive Pesach, we invited Dr. Tanya White, a Senior lecturer at Matan Women’s Institute for Torah Studies and lecturer in Jewish Philosophy at Bar Ilan University, to join us to discuss the philosophy of the world-renowned Rabbi Jonathan Sacks and her podcast, Books & Beyond, which discusses some of his most prominent works.Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Explained. Why the late Chief Rabbi can be quoted in a Chabad farbrengen, a Reform sermon, and a Hartman colloquium—sometimes on the same Shabbat.Fate → Faith → Fridge C...
2025-04-241h 10
edJEWcationedJEWcation Rewind: Don't Passover This EpisodeSince this is such a hectic time for the Perelmuter/Sufrin family (and of course I mean for the Rabbi…ChayaLeah gets to just lounge around this time of year), I’ve decided to do the kind thing and give them the week off. But so as not to leave our devout listeners with nothing to tide them over until next week, and since our listenership has also grown substantially since last Pesach (I guess people really like me), we decided to do an edJEWcation Rewind and repost our two Passover episodes from last year.Enjo...
2025-04-151h 14
edJEWcationThe Whole Megillah: It's time for PurimDo you like Halloween? Do you like Jews? Well, then you’ll love Purim.In this conversation, we explore the significance of Purim through its historical narrative in the Book of Esther, the key characters, and the holiday’s customs.ChayaLeah and the Rabbi reflect on their personal experiences with the holiday (probably involving drinking too much) and the evolution of Purim traditions over the years. We discuss why we drink so much on the holiday (only if you’re over 21, of course), the significance of costumes and masks, the ever-present groggers, and its modern equiva...
2025-03-131h 04
edJEWcationedJEWcation Book Club: FrankensteinThis week, we present to you all the second installment of the edJEWcation book club. This month, we discuss Mary Shelley’s classicFrankenstein.When I first suggested this book for the book club, ChayaLeah and the Rabbi looked at me as if I had two heads (each with a yarmulka on). However, after reading it, I think they came around. The book deals with several profound human questions, each of which Judaism has something to say about (but of course).During the discussion, we examine several of the book's primary themes: the need for community, th...
2025-02-131h 14
Inheritance PodcastAn Oral History: Anticipating the First Hostage ReleaseWhen reports began emerging early last week that Hamas and Israel appeared on the cusp of signing a ceasefire agreement that would see the release of 33 hostages from Hamas captivity, a surge of emotions welled in the hearts of those who have been keeping the hostages in their thoughts these past 471 days. People felt hope and apprehension, fear and joy, rage and frustration. It seemed to me that many were struggling to interpret how they felt, to make any sense of it. This is one of the most important periods of the war that began on October 7...
2025-01-2059 min
edJEWcationDivorce: A Jewish PerspectiveWhen ChayaLeah said she wanted to discuss “the big d,” I thought she meant delis, which got me excited because I can actually add something to that discussion.
Alas, it was not to be. Apparently she meant divorce, which depressed me on several levels.
Anyway, in this conversation, we start by discussing the impact of the horrendous California fires on the Jewish community, emphasizing the importance of support and charity.
Then, we transition into a deep exploration of marriage and divorce within Judaism, referencing biblical texts and rabbinical interpretations. We highlight the sanctity of m...
2025-01-161h 11
edJEWcationCharity: A Jewish PerspectiveWelcome back for another edJEWcation discussion. This week, we’re talking Tzedakah (or charity, for everyone who didn’t attend Hebrew school).
In this conversation, we explore:
The significance of charity in Judaism,
Personal stories of giving
The Torah’s perspective on charitable obligations
The impact of charity on individuals and communities
The historical context of philanthropic practices in Jewish communities
Maimonides Eight (8) Levels of Charity
Why small, daily acts of charity are better than less frequent, larger acts (even though you’re a mensch for both)
The impact of giving beyond monetary contributions
Li...
2025-01-081h 02
inCollaborationIf it's Not Fun, Stop Now.ChayaLeah Sufrin & Yael Bar Tur, hosts of the very funny, sometimes irreverent & always honest podcast, Ask a Jew, dig deep to find the secret to their successful partnership. Hint: Starts with f & ends with n.
2024-12-0244 min
edJEWcationA Homecoming - The Perelmuters in PolandThis week on edJEWcation we do something a but different, we discuss the vacation the Rabbi and ChayaLeah took. Ok, that may be underselling it a bit.
In World War Two, roughly 90% of the 3 million Jews living in Poland at the time were murdered…the Rabbi is a child of two of those survivors. To commemorate their family and all the deceased Polish Jews, the Perelmuter family organized a family trip back to Poland to visit the places where they died and lived.
On this episode we discuss:
...
2024-11-271h 20
The Fifth QuestionTrump, The Election, and the JewsI speak with ChayaLeah Sufrin podcast host of "Ask a Jew" about all things election results. We discuss the Jewish vote, Trump's potential Middle East policies, why most Orthodox and Mizrachi Jews voted for Trump, antisemitism, and much more.
2024-11-081h 07edJEWcationWin One for the KippurAlright all you sinners…this one’s for you. This episode is everything you ever wanted to know about how to get back in Hashem’s good graces. You know it, you love it…it’s Yom Kippur.
On this episode we discuss:
Yom Kippur is often misunderstood as a heavy holiday, but it is fundamentally hopeful.
The day is an opportunity for new beginnings and letting go of past baggage.
Fasting on Yom Kippur is a form of sacrifice that strengthens resolve.
Kol Nidre serves as a technical prayer to...
2024-10-101h 14edJEWcationChayaleah, the False ProphetCertain dimwitted fools (given this is a family show, that’s the best descriptor I can give) on the internet have been making claims about Judaism based on the preachings of a small group of zealots known as False Prophets. In today’s episode, we will discuss the two most famous members of the group, Sabbatai Zevi and Jacob Frank.
We’ll discuss:
The concept of prophets in Judaism
What distinguishes a true prophet from a false one
The biographies of Sabbatai Zevi and Jacob Frank
The allure of False Prophets
The state Jewry at the time w...
2024-09-041h 08edJEWcationChallah at the LadiesGet ready for a fun and insightful episode of edJewcation! This time, we're diving into the world of mitzvahs (commandments) that are all about women power. From the perfect challah to lighting Shabbos candles without burning down the house, and navigating the delicate waters of family purity—we’ve got you covered. The hosts sprinkle in some history, a dash of modern-day practices, and plenty of laughs as they highlight the spiritual significance behind these traditions. Just wait for the tense exchange between ChayaLeah and her Dad, whose side are you on?
But wait, ther...
2024-08-221h 12edJEWcationA Kindness that Can't Be Repaid - An Interview with Shalom Lamm from Operation BenjaminAnd now for something a little bit different…
On this episode, we are thrilled to welcome our first guest to edJEWcation, when ChayaLeah and Jay trade in the Rabbi for the Chief Historian of Operation Benjamin, Shalom Lamm.
Operation Benjamin is an organization that ensures Jewish soldiers who were killed in World Wars One and Two but improperly buried are given the Jewish burial they deserve. This may seem easy, but as you will discover, it is anything but.
You may remember that a few episodes ago, we discussed this article from the NY...
2024-08-011h 01edJEWcationMitzvah-havenWith ChayaLeah fresh off her trip to Florida, where the Hassdim enjoyed an outdoor wedding in 900-degree weather, with wool coats on, the gang comes back together to finish their discussion on the Rebbe by talking about his ten Mitzvah campaign.
The purpose of the campaign was to inspire less observant Jews to partake in some of the 613 Jewish mitzvahs
The ten mitzvah’s of the Rebbe’s campaign are:
Lighting Shabbat Candles
Wearing Teffilin
Hanging Mezuzah’s
Studying Torah
Giving Tzedakah
Owning Jewish...
2024-07-171h 21edJEWcationA Real TzadikThis episode is a special tribute to the Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, on the 30th anniversary of his passing.
Along with discussing his biography and leadership of the Chabad movement, we discuss some of the key elements of the Rebbe’s philosophy, such as being of service to others, the need to fulfill one’s purpose in life, not succumbing to self-pity, the benefit of placing oneself in uncomfortable situations, the urgency of the current moment, his deep belief in G-d and the Torah, and his embrace of all Jews, no matter how religious.
Th...
2024-07-111h 23edJEWcationSpeak little...To Your WifeThis week’s episode of edJEWcation centers around "Pirkei Avot," also known as "Ethics of Our Fathers," a tractate of the Mishnah that offers timeless wisdom and ethical teachings from Jewish sages. Unlike other tractates focused on legalistic or ritualistic aspects of Judaism, Pirkei Avot emphasizes moral conduct, personal integrity, and communal responsibility. It comprises six chapters filled with pithy maxims and profound insights, guiding individuals on how to live righteously, cultivate good character, and interact harmoniously with others. Its teachings advocate for humility, kindness, the pursuit of knowledge, and the importance of community, making it a beloved and wi...
2024-05-231h 26edJEWcationWe'll Shiva-t We Can Do
You know how edJEWcation is usually a rollicking good time, with crazy stories of all things being Jewish? This episode…maybe a little less of that because on this one, we conclude our “Life of a Jew” series with how every story ends…plotz-ing.
In this episode, we’ll discuss Jewish customs around death and mourning. We’ll discuss sitting Shiva, the rituals and beliefs around burials, the Kaddish, and the Jewish perspective on the afterlife (did you know Judaism believes in reincarnation?), and we’ll close with ChayaLeah speaking about her experience visiting the site of the Nov...
2024-05-021h 07edJEWcationFather of Many PodcastsAs we continue along with our life of a Jew series, we’re talking marriage today. Why we get married (why, oh, why?), why Jewish men gave up polygamy, what the marriage rituals are, what a Jewish bride and a rental car have in common, and so much more.
For the parsha portion, we finally get into talking about THE man. The Michael Jordon of Monotheism, the Shakespeare of Hashem, the Albert Einstein of Adonai…of course I’m talking about Abraham. But before he was Abraham, he was Abram, so we’ll start there.
Why was...
2024-04-111h 11edJEWcationIn the Beginning......Welcome to edJEWcation, your weekly Jewish educational podcast to catch you up on all the things you may have missed in Hebrew school. The edJEWcation all-star team consists of Rabbi Abba Perelmuter, his daughter ChayaLeah Sufrin, and their relapsed Jewish friend, Jay Covitz.
In our inaugural episode, Jay learns the difference between the myriad number of Jewish texts, and we discuss that little thing called creation.
2024-03-071h 04
Ask a JewAAJ 84 Nick Gillespie and the Pussy Cats in Outer SpaceNick Gillespie is an editor at large at Reason, the libertarian magazine of "free minds and free markets," and host of The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie, he’s also our favorite libertarian! In this episode we talk about:Hollywood’s portrayal of Israel(we all agree that Paul Newman is the perfect looking Jew)Exodus by Leon Uris (the book!) Get the BookExodus (the movie!) Watch the movie here Excellent article in Mosaic Magazine Read the article hereFiddler on the Roof
2024-01-171h 47
The Unspeakeasy With Meghan DaumTravel Notes From A War - ChayaLeah Sufrin On Her Recent Trip To IsraelIn a last-minute, new year's special, Unspeakable regular ChayaLeah Sufrin stops by the pod to report on her recent trip to Israel with her family. Even though she's been to Israel countless times, this trip was different in both expected and unexpected ways. ChayaLeah talks about the desperation of the families of hostages, the morale of Israeli soldiers, what Israelis think about America these days, and about visiting the site of the Supernovo Music Festival. She also explains (sort of) how the Iron Dome defense system works. Spoiler: it's not Jewish space lasers. She also recounts a recent family...
2024-01-0520 min
Long Beach Current PodcastsBeach Weekly S11E13 – Special Episode: The Israel-Hamas War: A Perspective from the Jewish CommunitySeason 11, episode 13 of Beach Weekly is a special episode focusing on Israel and Palestine. Host Lei Madrigal is joined by ChayaLeah Sufrin, the Executive Director of Beach Hillel, which is a student-run organization for Jewish life on Long Beach State campus. They discuss the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the history of the conflict and its potential outcome.
Host: Lei MadrigalEditors: Julia Goldman, Aidan SwanepoelProducers: El Nicklin, Aidan SwanepoelLike, comment, and follow us on your favorite platform for more content!
Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-49er-podcasts/i...
2023-11-1417 min
Walk-Ins Welcome with Bridget PhetasyE253. Beverly Hills 90210 and The Holocaust - Yael Bar Tur & ChayaLeah SufrinYael Bar Tur & ChayaLeah Sufrin, hosts of the Ask A Jew podcast, s it down with Bridget for a fun, freewheeling conversation about the differences between secular Jews and orthodox Jews, how thei Jewish identity is so central and core to who they are but they could not be more different in terms of how they express it, being Jewish and not believing in God, the cultural differences between Israel and the US, the gun debate, abortion, free range kids, and why a lot of secular Jews are embarrassed by Orthodox Jews. They also cover women who don't have...
2023-10-051h 50
The Unspeakeasy With Meghan DaumWho Were The Hottest World Leaders and Despots? Yael Bar-tur and ChayaLeah Sufrin on The UnspeakableThe ladies from Ask A Jew are back for their biannual visit. This time for the Jewish New Year! In this episode, we talk about the meaning of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and (since we apparently have to go over it again) why Orthodox Jews have to get their cars detailed before Passover. (It's true.) We also talk about mikvehs. Because you know you were wondering. If you only ever listen to one conversation about mikvehs, let it be this one. Most importantly, we revisit our evergreen topic: the world's hottest dictators, despots and garden-variety...
2023-09-181h 18
The Unspeakeasy With Meghan DaumThe "Ask A Jew" Girls Are Back! ChayaLeah Sufrin and Yael Bar-tur Return to The UnspeakableChayaLeah Sufrin and Yael Bar-tur hardly need an introduction, since this is their third visit to The Unspeakable! Last fall, the hosts of the acclaimed podcast Ask A Jew explained the meaning of Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, and Sukkot (or the "autumn holidays," as Meghan calls them). Now, it's the spring holiday, and Yael gives her version of the Passover story before ChayaLeah steps in and sets the record straight. ChayaLeah also explains some of the more unusual customs of Orthodox Jews during Passover, including lining your entire kitchen with tin foil and getting your car detailed to make sure i...
2023-04-031h 14
The Unspeakeasy With Meghan DaumThe Second Coming of ASK A JEW: ChayaLeah Sufrin and Yael Bar tur Are Back!ChayaLeah and Yael are both Jewish, but in very different ways. ChayaLeah has lived her whole life in an Orthodox Hasidic community in Southern California. Yael is a secular Israeli now living in New York City. In 2020, the two became friends when they met online and began having conversations about Judaism — many of which consisted of Yael asking ChayaLeah questions about orthodox Jews that she would have been afraid or embarrassed to ask someone else. The discussions were so interesting that they began recording them and from there, the ASK A JEW podcast was born. In this conversation, ChayaLeah explains th...
2022-09-191h 37
Ask a JewASK A JEW: One Star ReviewYael and ChayaLeah need therapy over their first negative review.Yael explains that ChayaLeah failed at meditation and should never try again.They also answer a listener's questions about seven days of post-wedding parties, and give legal opinions on religious liberty (considering that neither of us went to law school you can take it or leave it!)ChayaLeah describes visiting her dead grandparents and the Rebbe, while Yael explores doing triathlons and moving to Idaho.Joing the AAJ conversation on Susbtack! askajew.substack.comEmail us your questions askajewpod@gmail.com ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Want...
2022-09-071h 03
Ask a JewASK A JEW: Little Miss Has No ConfidenceIn this episode of AAJ the girls go real deep on being confident and dealing with their shortcomings, all while blaming their moms (and the Holocaust) for their problems. They also discuss Yael's bday party that you weren't invited to, ChayaLeah's obsession with a Mormon family on Instagram, why Yael refuses to be saved by a podiatrist, and of course, cats that look like Hitler.Movie Rec: The Little Dictator Book rec: The Hitler Haggadah Joing the AAJ conversation on Susbtack! askajew.substack.comEmail us your questions askajewpod@gm...
2022-08-101h 01The Unspeakeasy With Meghan DaumLadies Lunch at the Holocaust-Themed Restaurant: Yael Bar-tur and ChayaLeah Sufrin of the Ask A Jew PodcastThis week, Meghan talks with Yael Bar-tur and ChayaLeah Sufrin, co-hosts of the podcast Ask A Jew. ChayaLeah was born and raised in an Orthodox Hasidic community in Southern California and remains happily part of that community today. Yael is a secular Israeli Jew now living in New York City. The two became friends through an online community and began a dialogue about (among other things) Judaism, much of which consisted of Yael asking ChayaLeah questions about the Orthodox world that she would have been afraid or embarrassed to ask most people. The conversations were so interesting that they started recording...
2022-04-111h 56
The Fifth Column Community ShowEpisode 21: Two Jews*, Two Christians* and a Man* Walk Into a Trans SukkahIleana, Brad, ChayaLeah, Jaye and Lesley are in the virtual sukkah grappling with pressing questions related to identity: How much does identity matter? How much should it? Do Jews exist? Is Ileana more Jewish than Lenny Kravitz? And Brad has another podcast baby, but this time he's the one getting knocked up.
2021-11-181h 37
The Fifth Column Community ShowEpisode 5: Moynihan Can Be Our RebbeIleana talks to ChayaLeah (@sayscl), the Executive Director of Beach Hillel, about fighting anti-Semitism by building bridges, the joys and challenges of being a heterodox thinker, the importance of ideas, and the value of norms.
2021-03-0347 min