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Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam

Unpacked
Israel
Judaism
Jewish Identity
Zionism
Anti-Semitism
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Antisemitism
Community
American Jews
Iran
Passover
Hanukkah
Shabbat
Jewish Community
Jewish Law
Jewish History
Holocaust
Lag Baomer
October 7th
Anti-Zionism

Mijal 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. Whether you're a seasoned scholar or just curious about Jewish culture, ... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes125Founded2 years ago
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JudaismReligion & SpiritualitySociety & Culture

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Artwork for Wondering Jews

Latest Episodes

In the wake of our Denominations series, many of you wrote to us asking "what about Chabad?" As a leading resource for all Jews, it makes perfect sense to consider how Chabad fits into the denominational puzzle of America. We're off this week, but No... more

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America has enjoyed a golden age of Jewish comedy: Mel Brooks, Jerry Seinfeld, and Amy Schumer are just some of the luminaries that have graced our stages and televisions. But with antisemitism on the rise and Israel becoming more divisive than ever,... more

The story of Zabar's--a NYC foodie fixture--is bigger than bagels: it includes a horrifying pogrom, a narrow escape to America, and success in the face of countless setbacks. For Jewish American Heritage Month, Noam asks: what does does this story me... more

Do the words that once categorized Jews--reform, conservative, orthodox--still matter today? And if they don't... then what's next? To answer these questions and close out our series on denominations, Noam and Mijal speak with Rabbi Avi Killip, the e... more

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What Matters NowThe Times of Israel
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For Heaven's SakeShalom Hartman Institute, Ark Media
Ask Haviv Anything
Ask Haviv AnythingHaviv Rettig Gur

Recent Guests

Raanan Hershberg
Comedian
Comedian from Kentucky/Baltimore
Episode: What's So Funny About Antisemitism? With Raanan Hershberg
Rabbi Avi Killip
Executive Vice President at Hadar
Hadar
Episode: Is the Future Non-Denominational? With Rabbi Avi Killip
Rabbi Rick Jacobs
President of the Union for Reform Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)
Episode: Is Reform Judaism About Modernity Or Tradition? With Rabbi Rick Jacobs
Rabbi Nicole Guzik
Co-Senior Rabbi, Sinai Temple, Los Angeles
Sinai Temple
Episode: Will Conservative Judaism Survive? With Rabbi Nicole Guzik and Rabbi Erez Sherman
Rabbi Erez Sherman
Co-Senior Rabbi, Sinai Temple, Los Angeles
Sinai Temple
Episode: Will Conservative Judaism Survive? With Rabbi Nicole Guzik and Rabbi Erez Sherman
Zev Eleff
12th president of Gratz College; author/editor on Jewish studies and American religion
Gratz College
Episode: Why Does Judaism Have Denominations? With Zev Eleff
Michael Rapaport
Actor, comedian, Jewish advocate and activist
Episode: Straight Outta Egypt with Michael Rapaport
Jenna Weissman Joselit
Professor of Judaic Studies at GW; author of Mordecai Kaplan, Restless Soul
George Washington University; Yale University Press (Jewish Lives)
Episode: The Greatest Rabbi Of All Time? With Jenna Weissman Joselit
Bret Stephens
Editor-in-chief of Sapir Journal; New York Times columnist
Sapir Journal, Maimonides Fund
Episode: What The Headlines Mean For American Jews with Bret Stephens

Hosts

Mijal Bitton
Co-host of Wondering Jews; educator and community leader with Unpacked/OpenDor Media affiliations.
Noam Weissman
Co-host; educator and communicator focusing on Jewish history and identity.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 326 ratings
  • Zabar’s

    It may not be a “store” in the traditional sense, but there is also a Zabar’s presence/booth in Grand Central, in addition to its flagship on upper west side.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ebrathedebra
    United States15 days ago
  • Stick with discussing Jewish ideas

    I normally appreciate this show but why interview one of the hate America left. And yes someone who brags about actively trying to stop and interfere with ICE is part of the hate America left. That has very little to do with the Jewish theme of the podcast

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    This Ken
    United States3 months ago
  • Great show, BUT

    I agree with the other reviewer, please don’t stray into national politics. I love this show because it provides me with information I can’t find anywhere else. I don’t need a selective “Jewish” view on America’s immigration policy and current enforcement methods. There’s a seemingly infinite number of liberal podcasts that could provide me with a similar perspective, it doesn’t add anything to do it “Jewishly.” I’m also uncomfortable with the politicization of religion, which is what this episo... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CuckerQatarlson
    United States3 months ago
  • Stick with discussing Jewish ideas

    I normally appreciate this show but why interview one of the hate America left. That has very little to do with the Jewish theme of the podcast

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    This Ken
    United States4 months ago
  • I really love this show

    Toda raba.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Maman Canadienne
    Canada6 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

High-quality guests and engaging hosts make tough topics approachable.
Thoughtful, nuanced discussions with clear expertise and warmth.
Listeners praise the balance of insight and accessibility, with occasional concerns about politics.
Episodes consistently described as engaging, intelligent, and hopeful.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Is the Future Non-Denominational? With Rabbi Avi Killip
Q: What is Hadar trying to do and where does it fit in the landscape of Jewish denominations?
Hadar is a movement and an organization that seeks to embody Halachic egalitarian Judaism and build vibrant communities by combining tradition with egalitarian practice, while not being strictly bound to existing denominational labels.
Will Conservative Judaism Survive? With Rabbi Nicole Guzik and Rabbi Erez Sherman
Q: What is Conservative Judaism?
Conservative Judaism is defined in contrast to Reform and Orthodox, focusing on authenticity within Jewish law and tradition, while engaging with modern life and community needs.
Is Reform Judaism About Modernity Or Tradition? With Rabbi Rick Jacobs
Q: What does Reform Judaism mean to you, especially for someone explaining it to a sixth grader?
Reform Judaism is a living, flexible approach that combines serious study and ethical obligations with meaningful ritual, allowing for diverse expressions of practice while keeping Jewish learning and community at the center.
The Greatest Rabbi Of All Time? With Jenna Weissman Joselit
Q: If you could share with us maybe like, you know, top three ideas that were part of this project that many people call today Reconstructionist Judaism, what would these top three ideas be?
Jenna explains that Kaplan's influence isn't easily distilled into a simple top-three; rather, it rests on a sensibility that prioritizes rational inquiry, active engagement with Jewishness, and a commitment to a broader, non-denominational sense of community that binds Jews together through shared practice, ethics, and identity.
Straight Outta Egypt with Michael Rapaport
Q: What personal practices or rituals do you carry into adulthood, and how did you start wearing Teffilin regularly?
He shares carrying Teffillin for years and making an effort to encourage others to wear it, reflecting his commitment to visible Jewish practice and community engagement.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Wondering Jews

What is Wondering Jews about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Thoughtful, interview-driven discussions on Jewish identity, history, and contemporary life are a hallmark. Episodes frequently tackle anti-Semitism, Zionism, immigration, and community resilience through perspectives from scholars, activists, and cultural leaders. The show blends rigorous ideas with accessible storytelling, often highlighting how Jewish tradition informs modern social and political issues, while fostering constructive dialogue across viewpoints. A notable strength is its capacity to mix deep scholarship with personal storytelling, making complex topics feel relevant and engaging for a broad audience.

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Which podcasts are similar to Wondering Jews?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Wondering Jews:

1. Unpacking Israeli History
2. What Matters Now
3. For Heaven's Sake
4. Ask Haviv Anything
5. The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

How many episodes of Wondering Jews are there?

Wondering Jews launched 2 years ago and published 125 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Wondering Jews?

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What guests have appeared on Wondering Jews?

Recent guests on Wondering Jews include:

1. Raanan Hershberg
2. Rabbi Avi Killip
3. Rabbi Rick Jacobs
4. Rabbi Nicole Guzik
5. Rabbi Erez Sherman
6. Zev Eleff
7. Michael Rapaport
8. Jenna Weissman Joselit

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