In this episode, the hosts explore controversial aspects of Disney World, discuss their obsession with Padre Pio, and interview comedian Moshe Kasher about his memoir on subcultures. They also share heartfelt letters from listeners and discuss the importance of learning Arabic for cultural understanding in Israel.
01:09:12
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Quick takeaways
The importance of finding positivity and beauty in Judaism beyond fear, rage, or guilt, incorporating laughter, tears, and meaningful experiences.
Understanding the history of Judaism helps make sense of current events and forms a crucial part of self-understanding.
Reflecting on the pervasive and obsessive hatred faced by Jews throughout history, acknowledging the need to comprehend and navigate anti-Semitism to avoid its destructive impact.
Deep dives
Pronunciation of Yiddish Words
The listener's boyfriend from Chicago pronounces many Yiddish words that end in A with an E sound instead. This may be attributed to his New World locale and the American way of pronouncing certain words. It is not uncommon for Yiddish words to undergo pronunciation shifts when brought into American English.
Infusing Jewish Identity with Laughter and Tears
The conversation with Moshe Kasher explores the importance of finding positivity and beauty in Judaism beyond fear, rage, or guilt. It is emphasized that a Jewish identity should also include laughter, tears, and meaningful experiences that go beyond current events or political aspects.
Various Letters and Feedback
The podcast received various letters and feedback from listeners expressing their thoughts and connections to the content discussed in episodes. Topics include ALS, legacy, renaming sports teams, and pronunciation of Yiddish words.
The importance of understanding Jewish history
Understanding the history of Judaism is significant in order to comprehend the speaker's perspective and position within the Jewish universe. The speaker reflects on their personal journey, having considered becoming a Jewish history professor before choosing a path in stand-up comedy. They emphasize that history is their way of understanding things, particularly in times of crisis, and how relearning the history of the region helps make sense of current events. While it may not be necessary for others to know all this information to understand the speaker, it forms a crucial part of their self-understanding.
Insights into Anti-Semitism
The speaker reflects on the pervasive and obsessive hatred faced by Jews throughout history. They acknowledge the paradoxical nature of this hatred, recognizing that it has not caused the disappearance of the Jewish people but has instead united them and contributed to their survival. The speaker delves into their understanding of anti-Semitism, acknowledging its presence in current events and the way it intersects with critiques of Israeli policy. They emphasize the need to comprehend and navigate anti-Semitism in order to avoid its destructive impact.
We’re also sharing another story from our December trip to Israel, about Blend.ar, a nonprofit Arabic and Hebrew-language program that connects Jewish and Arab Israelis.
Listen to the Testimonies Archive for more eyewitness audio accounts from Israel, and read Tablet’s coverage here.
Write to us at unorthodox@tabletmag.com, or leave a voicemail on our listener line: (914) 570-4869.
Unorthodox is produced by Tablet Studios. Check out all of our podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts.
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Visit the Contemporary Jewish Museum this winter for its new exhibit, "First Light: Rituals of Glass and Neon Art." Now on view through April 28. Book tickets today at thecjm.org.
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