Shows
Wondering Jews with Mijal and NoamThe Mamdani Moment: NYC Jews Confront a Political ShiftWhat does it mean to be Jewish in NYC after Zohran Mamdani’s surprising victory in New York's Democratic mayoral primary? In this candid and passionate conversation, Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman reflect on fear, populism, and the strategic mistakes and opportunities facing the Jewish community. From public safety to coalition-building, they explore why this moment matters far beyond New York — and what must happen next.
Note: This episode was recorded on July 2nd. Subsequent developments are not discussed in this episode.
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instagram.com/wonde...2025-07-2324 minWondering Jews with Mijal and NoamBuilding Jewish Community in an Age of Cancel Culture with Zibby OwensMijal Bitton and Noam Weissman sit down with award-winning author and media entrepreneur Zibby Owens to explore what it means to publicly embrace Jewish identity after October 7th. Zibby shares her journey from a largely secular literary figure to an outspoken Jewish advocate. They discuss cancel culture, Zionism, the challenges Jewish authors face in publishing, and the power of Jewish moms stepping up.
Note: This conversation was recorded before the Iran-Israel War in June, 2025.
On Being Jewish Now, Edited by Zibby Owens.
Zibby Media
Link to the documentary: October 8
...2025-07-1635 min
Jewish Crossroads: Jewish Identity in Times of CrisisThe Voice That Rose After October 7 – Dr. Mijal BittonIn this episode of Jewish Crossroads, Tamar speaks with Dr. Mijal Bitton — scholar, spiritual leader, and one of the clearest voices to cut through the fog of antisemitism after October 7. In the wake of atrocity, as places that once stood for justice went silent, Dr. Bitton stood up. Her words — fierce, unsparing, heartbroken — echoed across a shaken Jewish world. This conversation explores what it means to fight for Jewish dignity in an era of erasure — to call out hatred without flinching. It is a discussion of faith, identity, memory, and what it means to lead when the cost of silence...2025-07-1330 min
Kehillat Israel PodcastsBalak: Is It Good To Be A People Set Apart?Rabbi Amy Bernstein's weekly Torah study class via Zoom - Numbers/Bamidbar 22:2-25:9 - July 11, 2025.Links:Balak Torah TextRabbi Sacks - A People That Dwells AloneMijal Bitton - We Jews Need the Courage to Be Despised—and the Strength to Be Beloved2025-07-1248 minWondering Jews with Mijal and NoamWhen Music Turns Into a Weapon What happens when the artists we love express hatred toward Israel—or Jews ? This week, hosts Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman confront this issue, from Bob Vylan leading chants of “Death to the IDF” at Glastonbury to Dave Matthews Band calling for a Gaza ceasefire. Listen to this timely conversation on the emotional and moral dilemmas of supporting artists whose politics feel threatening.
The Free Press: Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Glastonbury—and the Purge of the Jews
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Check us out on You...2025-07-0933 minWondering Jews with Mijal and NoamUnpacking Antisemitism with Haviv Rettig Gur(Note: this episode was recorded before Mamdani's victory in the Democratic primary of the NYC mayoral election.)
Journalist and historian Haviv Rettig Gur returns to Wondering Jews to explore why antisemitism persists across centuries —from medieval Europe to modern American campuses. Together, Haviv, Mijal and Noam unpack how conspiracy theories, religion, and political ideologies fuel hatred of Jews, why Zionism emerged as a response, and what American Jews can learn from history.
Wondering Jews is hosted by Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman.
Here is Mijal's article in the Free Press: Things Worth Remembering: Th...2025-07-021h 07
Kehillat Israel PodcastsBehaalotecha: Can We Move Forward?Rabbi Amy Bernstein's weekly Torah study class via Zoom - Numbers/Bamidbar 11:1 - June 13, 2025..Links:Behaalotecha Torah TextBehaalotecha - Rabbi Noah FarkasBehaalotecha And Mindfulness - Rabbi Larry BachBehaalotecha - Mijal Bitton2025-06-1442 minWondering Jews with Mijal and NoamFeeling Hopeful This Yom Haatzmaut with Haviv Rettig GurCelebrate Israel’s 77th birthday, as Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman welcome Times of Israel political correspondent Haviv Rettig Gur for a candid Yom Ha’atzmaut conversation. In this episode, recorded at the close of Yom HaZikaron and on the eve of Independence Day amidst national wildfires and an ongoing conflict, we unpack:
What it feels like to honor 59 hostages still held in Gaza while preparing to rejoice
How family rituals and neighborhood gatherings keep hope alive, even when the lights go out
Why shared sacrifice can unite a deeply divided society
If you’ve ever wondered how to...2025-05-0149 minWondering Jews with Mijal and NoamWhy I’m Not a Jew of Color: Mijal Bitton Unpacks Her Controversial EssayMijal and Noam take a deep dive into race, identity, and what it means to be a Jew of color in the United States today. The episode centers on Mijal Bitton's deeply personal essay, "Why I Am Not a Jew of Color," published in Sapir Journal. Mijal opens up about her background as a non-white Sephardic Jew from Argentina and Syria, and why she resists the label “Jew of Color.” Together, she and Noam unpack the complexity of racial discourse in the Jewish community. Mijal and Noam encourage a nuanced approach to the conversation about race and Jewish identity that...2025-04-0239 min
SAPIR ConversationsS16E1: I Am Not a Jew of Color with Mijal BittonIn her recent SAPIR essay, Mijal Bitton wrote that she does not identify as a Jew of color, despite being a non-white Jew, because the “term often feels more focused on “white” Jews than on people like me.” How is that the case? And what does it say about the political movement that accompanied the rise of the term? On Wednesday, March 26, Bitton joined Associate Editor Felicia Herman for a conversation on her essay, “Why I Am Not a Jew of Color.”2025-03-261h 00Wondering Jews with Mijal and NoamWhat We’ve Lost In Modernity: A Conversation with Sarah Hurwitz on FaithIn the latest episode in the miniseries, “Faith on Faith,” Mijal Bitton sits down with special guest, speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz, to explore the many layers of Jewish faith, identity, and text-based tradition. Sarah, a former White House speechwriter and author of Here All Along, shares insights from her journey from political speechwriting to passionate advocate for Jewish learning and spiritual depth. In their conversation, Mijal and Sarah explore: what does it mean to have faith as a Jew? Is it belief in God, or is it faith in a countercultural, resilient civilization with thousands of years of wisdom? Sarah revea...2025-03-1948 minWondering Jews with Mijal and NoamWhere Was God?: Purim and Post-Holocaust Theology with Tanya WhiteThis week, host Mijal Bitton kicks off a new mini-series, “Faith on Faith,” by diving deep into Jewish theology, post-Holocaust faith, and the story of Purim with renowned educator and theologian Dr. Tanya White. Together, they explore profound questions: What does it mean to believe when God seems hidden? How do we make sense of divine absence in the face of suffering, from the Holocaust to today’s crises? And what lessons can Purim—often seen as a lighthearted holiday—teach us about faith, agency, and moral courage? Drawing on Rabbi Yitz Greenberg’s “dialectical faith”, Tanya shares her personal and acad...2025-03-1246 min
People of the PodIsraeli Hostages Freed: Inside the Emotional Reunions, High-Stakes Negotiations, and What’s NextAfter 471 harrowing days in Gaza, Israeli hostages Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher are finally reunited with their families. Julie Fishman Rayman, AJC’s Managing Director of Policy and Political Affairs, discusses the emotional impact of these reunions, the high-stakes prisoner exchange deal, and the collaboration between the outgoing Biden administration and newly inaugurated President Donald Trump. This breakthrough highlights the broader societal trauma in Israel, the complexities of negotiating with Hamas, and the ongoing efforts to bring all hostages home. Learn how this pivotal moment could reshape U.S.-Israel relations and Middle East policy moving forward....2025-01-2119 min
Books & Beyond - The Rabbi Sacks Podcast with Dr. Tanya WhiteE3. Future Tense (Part 1)Dr. Tanya White and Dr. Mijal Bitton delve into the second book in the series, Future Tense (what we have termed “The Narrative”), in a thought-provoking conversation that examines its context, structure, and central themes. They explore the critical question of which Jewish narrative to embrace and grapple with the current challenge of antisemitism.Their discussion addresses the book’s relevance in a post-07/10 world, where an outward-facing, engaged Judaism may seem increasingly fraught. They reflect on Rabbi Sacks’ optimism for a forward-looking narrative and invite listeners to reflect on what it means to build a confident, outward...2025-01-211h 10
People of the PodBring Them Home: Understanding the Israel-Hamas Hostage Deal and Its ImpactAfter 467 days of anguish, Israel and Hamas have reached a pivotal agreement to begin releasing hostages. AJC Jerusalem Director Lt. Col. (res.) Avital Leibovich breaks down the deal's details, the phased approach to releases, and the emotional toll on families and the nation. Hear about the complexities of the negotiations, the potential political fallout, and the profound resilience of those waiting for their loved ones to come home. Listen – AJC Podcasts: The Forgotten Exodus: with Hen Mazzig, Einat Admony, and more. People of the Pod: Pack One Bag: Stanley Tucci and Dav...2025-01-1618 min
People of the PodPack One Bag: Stanley Tucci and David Modigliani Uncover His Jewish Family’s Escape from Fascism and Antisemitism in 1930s ItalyAs Stanley Tucci reflects, "Given the circumstances in today’s world, the parallels between then and now are impossible to ignore. It’s an incredible story, but it’s also happening today, to millions of people . . . It's a story about people in a certain place and time, and what happened to them, and what happened to them has happened before, and has happened since, and will continue to happen. Unless we as the human race begin to understand that we are all the same.” What would you do if fascism and antisemitism seized your homeland? In his award-wi...2025-01-0924 min
People of the PodGov. Josh Shapiro and AJC CEO Ted Deutch on Combating AntisemitismLast week, AJC CEO Ted Deutch traveled to Philadelphia to meet with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro for an in-depth discussion on combating antisemitism, ensuring the future vitality of Jewish communities in Pennsylvania and beyond, and addressing the challenges posed by rising political polarization both locally and nationally. “When it comes to antisemitism . . . there is no nuance. Antisemitism, bigotry, and hatred in all forms is not okay. Everyone in a position of public trust . . . has a responsibility to speak and act with moral clarity and speak out against it,” said Governor Shapiro. AJC is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. AJC...2024-12-2334 min
Kehillat Israel PodcastsVayeshev: Family, Estrangement and PeoplehoodRabbi Amy Bernstein's weekly Torah study class at K.I. and via Zoom - Bereshit/Genesis 37:1 - December 20, 2024.Links:Vayeshev Torah TextWhen We Become Estranaged - Mijal Bitton2024-12-211h 06
People of the PodMijal Bitton on What It Means to Be a Jew TodayAs many Jews deepen their sense of Jewish identity, Dr. Mijal Bitton joins the podcast to explore the significance of our Jewish heritage, texts, and peoplehood and what it means as we enter the Hanukkah season. Bitton is a sociologist, storyteller, podcast host, and Jewish advocate who also serves as the spiritual leader of the Downtown Minyan in Manhattan. As one of the first Sacks Scholars, she helps young people reclaim and reimagine Jewish traditions. In this week’s episode, Dr. Bitton discusses Sephardic Jewry, Jewish peoplehood, academia, the needs of young Jews, and the realities of inte...2024-12-1929 min
The Glue, with Eric FingerhutAmerican Realignment?Two weeks ago, Jewish communal leaders from across North America convened in Washington DC for Federations' annual General Assembly, where we tackled the biggest issues facing our community. In this episode of The Glue, we bring you the conversation between Eric Fingerhut, Pulitzer-prize winning commentator George Will, and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) as they discuss antisemitism, how Israel can win its war, the state of college campuses, and how American politics has changed since the election.You can also check out another podcast that we recorded live at General Assembly: The “Wondering Jews” podcast with Mijal...2024-12-0627 min
Unpacking Israeli HistorySpecial Crossover: Navigating Israel, Identity, and Empathy—How to Talk to Kids About IsraelIn this special crossover episode, Noam Weissman shares an insightful conversation from his other podcast, Wondering Jews With Mijal and Noam, co-hosted with Dr. Mijal Bitton. Together, they tackle one of the toughest questions Jewish parents face today: how to approach the complex topic of Israel and antisemitism with children. Noam and Mijal dive into the nuances of Israel education, offering reflections on how their perspectives have evolved over the past year and practical ways to discuss difficult subjects. Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone deeply engaged with Jewish issues, this episode offers thoughtful guidance for fostering understanding...2024-11-1839 minWondering Jews with Mijal and NoamMeghan McCain on Antisemitism and Politics: Live from the JFNAIn their first live episode, hosts Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman talk to Meghan McCain—author, former co-host of The View, and podcast host. The conversation was recorded live in front of a packed audience at the Jewish Federation of North America's General Assembly in Washington, DC. Meghan McCain, the daughter of the late Senator John McCain, brings an insightful perspective on antisemitism, American politics, and her personal experiences as an ally to the Jewish community. The episode explores complex, timely themes, balancing moments of humor with serious reflections on the challenges facing Jewish communities today....2024-11-1444 minWondering Jews with Mijal and NoamThe Jewish Vote and Preserving Democracy with Lauren MarkoeHosts Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman welcome Lauren Markoe, news editor of The Forward, to discuss polls and trends among Jewish voters, many of whom live in swing states. The conversation touches on how Jewish communities navigate political divides, the challenges of public opinion, and cultural identity. Lauren highlights the heightened concern for democracy within Jewish communities, the complexity of political allegiances, and how issues such as Israel, antisemitism, and civic engagement drive Jewish voter priorities.Kenneth Wald: The Foundations of American Jewish Liberalism------------This podcast was brought to...2024-11-0639 min
Matan: One on One Parsha PodcastEpisode 188 - Parshat Noach: On Feeling FloodedIn this conversation with Dr. Mijal Bitton, we discuss Noach's emotional state after the flood and from where one can draw strength in hard times.
Our Breishit series titled, 'These are Our Heroes' explores the highs and lows of our greatest biblical figures.
To donate to Matan or sponsor a podcast episode visit the Matan Website's DONATE page: https://www.matan.org.il/en/donatenow/2024-10-2736 minWondering Jews with Mijal and NoamWhat Lies Ahead for Israel with Haviv Rettig GurHosts Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman sit down with journalist and friend, Haviv Rettig Gur to talk about what lies ahead for Israel. They discuss the many challenges Israel faces, including a regional war with new technologies, the fate of the hostages still in Gaza, an uncertain geopolitical future and deep internal divisions. Haviv, Mijal and Noam address Israel's relationship with American Jews at a time when American Jewish identity is also evolving. On this Simchat Torah, which marks one year since the Hamas attack according to the Jewish calendar, they reflect on the role of Jewish tradition after...2024-10-2248 minWondering Jews with Mijal and NoamFinding Joy in Sukkot and BeyondIn this episode of Wondering Jews, Noam and Mijal dive into the themes of joy and happiness through the lens of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. They explore the paradox of a festival centered on joy amidst life’s impermanence, discussing how the temporary structure of the sukkah reminds us of what truly brings happiness: relationships, community, and purpose. Along the way, they share personal confessions from their high school reading lists, memories of joyful moments, and reflections on how to balance joy with the realities of the modern world. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about how Jewish tra...2024-10-1531 minSAPIR ConversationsJewish Peoplehood: One Year Later with Mijal BittonMaimonides Fund Scholar in Residence and Downtown Minyan Rosh Kehillah Mijal Bitton crystalized the despairing unity felt by Jews around the world on October 7 in her essay “That Pain You’re Feeling Is Peoplehood” published on November 1, 2023. After the brutal attacks in southern Israel, “many of us — thousands of miles away — cried out in visceral pain,” wrote Bitton. “This is what Jewish peoplehood feels like.”
Mijal Bitton joined SAPIR Institute Director Chanan Weissman for a conversation on how Jewish peoplehood has evolved in the year since October 7. Prior to listening to this conversation, we encourage you to revisit B...2024-10-0945 minWondering Jews with Mijal and NoamThe Anniversary of October 7th with Amir TibonHosts Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman sit down with Israeli journalist and survivor of October 7th, Amir Tibon, in a special episode commemorating the anniversary of the Hamas attack. Tibon is the author of a new book, The Gates of Gaza, that tells the story of the attack on kibbutz Nahal Oz. In their conversation, Tibon reflects on the harrowing experience hiding in a safe room with his wife and two young children and their incredible rescue aided by Tibon's 62-year-old father. The discussion focuses on the importance of storytelling to preserve the memory of October 7th, the ongoing...2024-10-0747 minWondering Jews with Mijal and NoamRosh Hashanah Reflections: Joy, Grief, and SolidarityHosts Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman are back to reflect on the emotional complexity of this year’s High Holidays. They explore the tension between joy and grief during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and share insights from Rabbi Yoni Rosensweig. Mijal and Noam discuss how moments of collective solidarity, faith, and love for the Jewish people coexist with the pain and theological questions that arise during times of crisis. Join Mijal and Noam for a deeply thoughtful and heartfelt conversation in the first episode of the new season.Rabbi Rosensweig's letter can be fo...2024-10-0233 min
Ask a JewThe one Kosher restaurant in Cape Town A haunting and beautiful skit from the Israeli show "Hayehudim Baim" ("The Jews are coming")Peter Paltchik, olympic medalist, with his coach Oren Smadja who just lost his son in GazaIsael's Olympic team (6 medals and counting!)Dr. Mijal Bitton at the NYU rallyJoing the AAJ conversation on Susbtack! askajew.substack.comEmail us your questions askajewpod@gmail.com ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Want to help us grow? Rate and review us 5 stars on Apple podcasts and Spotify ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ This is a publi...2024-08-1053 min
Women’s Gallery: Showcasing Women in Jewish Leadership(1) Dr. Mijal Bitton: Spiritual entrepreneurship & building an ideal form of Jewish lifeI think of Mijal Bitton as a spiritual entrepreneur - she's the Rosh Kehilla, spiritual leader, of the Downtown Minyan in New York City, where she's building vibrant traditional Jewish life. She's also a Torah teacher, a thought leader, and a sociologist with a current research focus on Sefardic Jews. Mijal has really pivoted her energies lately to leading at this time of need in the Jewish world, speaking at the huge Stand with Israel Washington rally, working in the interfaith world and dealing with antisemitism on campus. I have so much...2024-07-1838 min
Matan: One on One Parsha PodcastEpisode 170 - Parshat Shelach: Standing up to the ScoutsIn this candid conversation with Dr. Mijal Bitton about the reconnaissance mission and its failures, we explore what it takes to stand up to social pressure when the surrounding environment demonizes the things you hold dearest.2024-06-2347 min
Federation CJA 360 Podcast: The Pulse of Montreal’s Jewish CommunityUnveiling the Jewish Student Landscape and Advocacy Strategies | Federation CJA 360 Podcast Episode 24Continuing our vital conversation on Israel Advocacy, we are honoured to welcome back Dr. Mijal Bitton for the second part of this enlightening series, brought to you by the B'Yachad CEGEP Fellowship program.In this episode, explore the complexities of the Jewish student landscape on campuses. Discover the most effective strategies to counteract false claims against Israel, fostering an environment of understanding and resilience. Our esteemed moderators, Avishai Infeld and Jenna Yaffe, bring their unique insights and experiences to the table, making this a must-listen for anyone seeking guidance in navigating difficult dialogues and conflicts....2024-04-1841 min
The Jewish People's PodcastIsrael on CampusIn this episode, JPPI Senior Fellow and host Yaakov Katz is joined by Dr. Mijal Bitton, a researcher at NYU, a spiritual leader, and a public intellectual, to delve into the issue of campus antisemitism. Together, they diagnose the problem and explore realistic solutions moving forward. Dr. Bitton shares her experiences as an outspoken and proud Jewish activist, shedding light on the existential threat facing American Jewry. Additionally, JPPI fellows Noah Slepkov and Michal Bar-Asher Siegal weigh in on how Israeli policy influences campus conversations.2024-04-0441 minFederation CJA 360 Podcast: The Pulse of Montreal’s Jewish CommunityDr. Mijal Bitton: How to Educate Ourselves in Advocating for Israel | Federation CJA 360 Podcast Episode 22Welcome to this week's episode of the Federation CJA 360 podcast where we tell the stories that resonate deeply within our community. In this installment, we are honored to host Dr. Mijal Bitton, a distinguished Research Fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, and a true leader in our midst as the Rosh Kehilla of the Downtown Minyan in New York City.Our moderator, Federation CJA antisemitism consultant Karen Payne will focus on How to Educate Ourselves in Advocating for Israel. But that's not all. Our reporter Leah Morali brings us a poignant segment titled "Heroes,"...2024-03-2735 min
Jewish Insights with Justin PinesMijal Bitton: "Facing Evil and Antisemitism Today"- Jewish Insights with Justin Pines- Purim, Part 4In preparation for Purim, Justin is joined by Torah teacher and sociologist of American Jews Mijal Bitton to explore who or what is Amalek, the evil tribe that attacked Israel from behind in the desert and launched millennia of antisemitism, and how do we think about Amalek this year in particular and what are our obligations.
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https://jb...2024-03-191h 00Wondering Jews with Mijal and NoamDisagreeing with LoveJoin Noam Weissman and Mijal Bitton as they explore the complexities of addressing sensitive questions within the Jewish community. In this engaging conversation, the hosts share personal anecdotes and experiences related to discussions on emotionally charged topics, with a specific focus on recent events in Israel and Gaza. Navigating such conversations can be hard, and Noam and Mijal discuss coping mechanisms and strategies for engaging with diverse perspectives. Discover the importance of disagreeing with love and appreciate diverse viewpoints in this candid exploration of fostering understanding amidst challenging discussions.This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked...2024-01-3126 min
Orthodox Conundrum“Sometimes I Wonder Why We Have to Be So Afraid”: Women, Gender, and Jewish Law, with Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash (192)In episode 190, Scott and Dr. Mijal Bitton talked about the idea of creating synagogues that follow Orthodox halacha while embracing an egalitarian aesthetic. One of the ideas that they discussed was the balance between using our Torah texts to determine normative Jewish law, versus what Rabbi Dr. Haym Soloveitchik famously described in his seminal essay “Rupture and Reconstruction” as the preeminence of the mimetic tradition - that is, a way of living that is less learned than it is imitated, observed, absorbed, and passed down to the next generation almost automatically. Rabbi Dr. Soloveitchik argued that today, the mimetic trad...2024-01-291h 28Wondering Jews with Mijal and NoamTrailer: Wondering Jews with Mijal and NoamMijal 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.2024-01-2401 min
Orthodox ConundrumOrthodox Halacha, Covenantal-Traditional Community, Egalitarian Aesthetic: Orthodoxy Moves Into the Future, with Dr. Mijal Bitton (190)This podcast is called “The Orthodox Conundrum” and many of us self-identify as Orthodox, pray in Orthodox synagogues, affiliate with Orthodox institutions, and consider ourselves part of the wider Orthodox world. But is that term “Orthodox” - and perhaps the concept of denominations in general - a help or a hindrance? Do denominations lead to the building of walls that separate us, and the creation of institutions that are cornered into an inability to change? And let’s say that they do; is that a bad thing? Perhaps creating such boundaries is necessary, as without them Torah Judaism cannot effectivel...2024-01-151h 05
The Z3 PodcastJewish Grief: Does it Weaken Us or Unify Us? (Z3 Podcast Ep. 11: Dr. Mijal Bitton)In the latest Z3 podcast episode Rabbi Amitai Fraiman, our host and head of Z3, is joined by Dr. Mijal Bitton, who serves as the Rosh Kehilla (communal leader) of the Downtown Minyan community in Lower Manhattan.
Examining the effects of the Oct. 7 massacre on the Jewish communities in Israel and America, they dig into what the role of grief plays in the Jewish response to tragedy and how it can connect us and also empower us to action. They also discuss the ways in which different types of support are needed for different areas of communities...2024-01-1023 min
Identity/CrisisThe Battle for Liberal Values on CampusAcross the United States, students are rallying and advocating for their perspectives about the ongoing Israel-Hamas War. Campus conversations and environments are becoming increasingly hostile with many Jewish students reporting feeling unsafe. In this week’s episode, Yehuda Kurtzer is joined by Mijal Bitton, research fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America and Rosh Kehilla (communal leader) and co-founder of the Downtown Minyan in New York City to probe the term ‘safety’ and how it interacts with the discomfort that a diverse, liberal education should engender. They ask: when is discomfort productive, when is it unproductive, and when d...2023-12-0552 minSAPIR ConversationsThe Israel–Hamas War and the Ethos of Jewish PeoplehoodSAPIR Institute Director Chanan Weissman is joined by Rabbi David Wolpe, visiting scholar at Harvard Divinity School and the Max Webb Emeritus Rabbi at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles, and Dr. Mijal Bitton, a research fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute and rosh kehillah at the Downtown Minyan in New York City. They discuss their recent SAPIR essays — Wolpe’s “Wisdom in the Face of Destruction” and Bitton’s “That Pain You’re Feeling is Peoplehood“ — and delve into how Jewish tradition conceptualizes the responsibilities of the Jewish collective in a time of war. 2023-11-1355 min
What Gives? The Jewish Philanthropy PodcastDr. Mijal Bitton: Translating Sephardi and Mizrahi Stories in AmericaEpisode 44 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Dr. Mijal Bitton, Rosh Kehilla and co-founder of the Downtown Minyan, talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about being a translator for the stories of Sephardi, Mizrahi, and other non-Ashkenazi Jewish communities. Andres and Mijal talk about what the trajectory of those communities has been in the United States, and the misunderstandings that the larger American Jewish community has about the recent waves of immigrant Jews, politically and culturally. Mijal also gives insight into being a woman leader in an orthodox religious community, and witnessing...2023-09-1948 min
Reclaiming IdentityFrom Uruguay to New York part of the Jewish ExperienceDr. Mijal Bitton is a Torah teacher, thought leader, and spiritual entrepreneur.As the Rosh Kehilla (communal leader) of the Downtown Minyan in New York City and Scholar-in-Residence at the Shalom Hartman Institute, she is committed to building vibrant and welcoming traditional Jewish life.Mijal earned her doctorate from New York University where she is now directing the first national study of Sephardic Jews in the United States. She is an alumna of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship and was selected in 2018 for inclusion in “36 under 36” in the New York Jewish Week as a “Public Intellectual (with...2023-03-2636 min
The Promised PodcastThe “Oy and Thou” EditionAllison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and very special guest Mijal Bitton discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon —The Best Laid Plans— President Herzog’s compromise plan for judicial reform failed straight out of the gate. But why? —Ne’emanut Now— Mijal explains her notion of “Ne’emanut” and how maybe there’s more to morality than being principled. —How Are Israel’s Judicial Reforms Affectin...2023-03-231h 36
Learning About Learning: Conversations with Scholars of Jewish EducationEpisode 9: How Jewish Communities Educate | Dr. Mijal BittonMost analyses of Jewish education, like most analyses of general education in Western, liberal society, emphasize the individual student. But some communities approach education very differently. Mijal Bitton discusses her research into how the Syrian Jewish community educates its members, formally and informally, to maintain bonds of commitment.Originally recorded: 5/4/22At the Mandel Center, we are committed to advancing the field of Jewish educational scholarship, especially scholarship on teaching and learning, in order to make a deep and lasting difference on the lives of learners and the vibrancy of the Jewish community. That’s...2022-11-0127 minIdentity/CrisisWho's a Bad Jew?Why do Jews call one another (and themselves) "bad Jews?" What does it mean to be "not Jewish enough?" Emily Tamkin, US Senior Editor at the New Statesman and author of Bad Jews joins Yehuda Kurtzer to discuss the problematic idea of a "good Jew," what it means to be Jewish amidst the current political and existential turmoil, Bernie Madoff and tropes about Jews and money, and being on the outside.Additional reading:Is Jewish Continuity Sexist? On Jewish Values and Female Bodies byMijal Bittonhttps://www.sourcesj...2022-10-2544 minIdentity/Crisis#64: Sociology, Ideology, and Pew 2020 (Corrected)Hartman Director of Faculty Elana Stein Hain and Scholar-in-Residence Mijal Bitton discuss the Pew 2020 study, and the conversations Jews are - and aren't - having about it. What about our conversations have changed since the last major survey in 2013, and what's at stake when we guide our communities by the numbers?
This conversation was recorded as part of Hartman's summer of learning and is being released here in an edited version.2021-08-0250 minIdentity/Crisis#35: Post-Election Politics and the Project of DiversityHartman Fellow in Residence Mijal Bitton speaks to Yehuda Kurtzer about diverse American Jews, politics, and the goals and problematics of the project of diversity.
Mijal's article can be found here: https://www.jta.org/2020/11/19/opinion/many-jews-of-color-and-diverse-jews-are-politically-conservative-and-many-voted-for-trump2020-12-0238 min
VOCES Podcast by Jewtina y Co.Season 1, Episode 8: Mizrahi or Sephardic? (ft. Dr. Mijal Bitton)In this bonus episode of the VOCES podcast, we explore with Dr. Mijal Bitton the meaning of Mizrahi and Sephardic, and the importance of giving people the autonomy and respect to self-identify with their preferred ethnic and racial terms. Dr. Bitton also shares her insight into her family's experience of living as Sephardic Jews in Latin America and what it means to be a trailblazing feminist within an observant community. Click here to access Dr. Bitton's articles.2020-11-2739 min
Kehillat Israel PodcastsHartman Study Class 3: Identity Politics - American Jews Between Power and VulnerabilityRabbi Amy Bernstein shares more insights from her study as part of the Rabbinic Leadership Initiative at The Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. This class is based on a lecture by Mijal Bitton PhD in which she discussed many of the challenges facing American Jews today including whether the U.S. is "The Promised Land" for Jews. Due to the current coronavirus crisis and the guidelines of the State of California, it was not possible for the class to meet with Rabbi Bernstein at Kehillat Israel. So she conducted the class on the internet via Zoom with the students...2020-03-261h 15
The Clergy Suite Podcast by Temple Isaiah[Bonus Clergy Suite] Jewish Identity Politics: At the Intersection of Powerful + VulnerableRabbi Dara Frimmer and Rabbi Rachel Timoner discuss Jewish Identity Politics and the conflicting, and seemingly contradictory, experiences of being both vulnerable and powerful. How does the historical (and contemporary) Jewish experience of trauma and oppression as a minority group make us stronger allies in the fight for justice? How does our power/privilege complicate our efforts to join coalitions? Thanks to Dr. Mijal Bitton, Fellow in Residence and faculty member at Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, and the Rosh Kehilla and co-founder of the Downtown Minyan in New York City, for her lecture on this topic.2019-07-3019 min