
Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam
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, this show offers a refreshing perspective that's both enlightening and enjoyable. It's not just a podcast; it's a thoughtful conversation that invites everyone to wonder about the rich tapestry of Jewish ideas in the context of our daily lives. Brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
Latest episodes

Jun 4, 2025 • 37min
Zionism and Anti-Zionism: Defining Our Terms (Re-release)
Mijal and Noam revisit their conversation about Zionism, anti-Zionism, and Jewish identity—framed by the recent murder of two Israeli embassy staffers, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim in Washington D.C. Together, they debate whether anti-Zionism is inherently antisemitic, whether all criticism of Israel qualifies as anti-Zionist, and how to define terms like “Zionism” in different contexts—academically, personally, or communally.
Herzl's Der Judenstaat
Please Note: The updated introduction to this episode was recorded before the antisemitic attack at the hostage rally in Boulder, Colorado.
And please follow Wondering Jews on Instagram!
instagram.com/wonderingjews
Get in touch at our new email address: WonderingJews@unpacked.media and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Jewish History Nerds
Unpacking Israeli History
Soulful Jewish Living
Stars of David with Elon Gold

May 29, 2025 • 56min
BONUS Shavuot Learning: Ruth's Quiet Revolution with Rabbi Joe Wolfson and Mijal
Rabbi Joe Wolfson, who serves the JLIC community in Tel Aviv, joins Mijal to explore the profound themes of the Book of Ruth. They discuss Ruth's unwavering loyalty against societal challenges and the moral failures of leaders like Eli Melech. The conversation highlights the importance of kindness and community resilience in contemporary times, especially during Shavuot. The duo redefines 'chesed' to emphasize active engagement in community organizing, demonstrating how individual acts of kindness can lead to broader societal change.

May 28, 2025 • 29min
More than Just Cheesecake: Why Shavuot Is the Most Underrated Holiday
Mijal and Noam explore why Shavuot often feels like the “forgotten” Jewish holiday. Is it just about cheesecake, or is there a deeper reason it remains overlooked? They dive into the biblical origins of Shavuot, its transformation from an agricultural celebration to the festival of receiving the Torah, and the profound (and countercultural) themes of divine commandment and covenant. Whether you’ve celebrated Shavuot for decades or are learning about it for the first time, this episode invites you to reframe the holiday as a powerful moment of sacred obligation and spiritual awakening.
Here are the links to the books and podcasts discussed in the episode:
Believe: Why Everyone Should be Religious by Ross Ross Douthat
Moral Grandeur and Spiritual Audacity by Abraham Joshua Heschel
Ruth Ch 3 - At the Threshing Floor Alex Israel, The Tanakh Podcast
Reading Ruth by Leon Kass
And please follow Wondering Jews on Instagram!
instagram.com/wonderingjews
Get in touch at our new email address: WonderingJews@unpacked.media and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Jewish History Nerds
Unpacking Israeli History
Soulful Jewish Living
Stars of David with Elon Gold

May 22, 2025 • 11min
A Special Message from Mijal and Noam About the Tragic D.C. Shooting
In the wake of the antisemitic attack that took the lives of Yaron Lashinsky and Sarah Milgram outside a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C., Noam and Mijal reflect on their heartbreak. They discuss grief, the danger of misplaced blame, and what this moment means for Jews—and allies—around the world. From interfaith solidarity to the language of anti-Zionism, this is a conversation about mourning, clarity, and resolve.
And please follow Wondering Jews on Instagram!
instagram.com/wonderingjews
Get in touch at our new email address: WonderingJews@unpacked.media and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Jewish History Nerds
Unpacking Israeli History
Soulful Jewish Living
Stars of David with Elon Gold

May 21, 2025 • 1h 2min
Negotiating Empires: What Can the Israeli Government Learn from Tanach? Rabbi Alex Israel
Mijal sits down with Rabbi Alex Israel—beloved Tanakh educator, podcaster, and Israeli thought leader—for a sweeping conversation that bridges biblical history with today's geopolitical challenges. Together, Mijal and Rav Alex explore timeless prophetic insights, the dangers of political power, and the enduring call for moral leadership and national unity. If you've ever wondered how ancient Jewish texts might help us make sense of today's dizzying headlines, this episode is for you.
Click here for Rav Alex Israel's website, where you can register for a weekly parasha newsletter.
Here is a link to Rabbi Israel's Tanakh Podcast.
And please follow Wondering Jews on Instagram!
instagram.com/wonderingjews
Get in touch at our new email address: WonderingJews@unpacked.media and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Jewish History Nerds
Unpacking Israeli History
Soulful Jewish Living
Stars of David with Elon Gold

May 15, 2025 • 44min
Reconsidering Lag Ba'Omer with Yael Dworkin– A Holiday of Mysticism, Love, and Friendship
What’s with the bonfires, bows and arrows, and mystical vibes of Lag Ba’Omer? In this episode, Noam sits down with Yael Dworkin, a Judaic studies teacher in Jerusalem, to uncover the spiritual depths of one of Judaism’s most mysterious holidays. Together, they explore the teachings of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, the meaning of the Zohar, and why today’s generation is craving deeper, more soulful expressions of Jewish life. Whether you grew up with Lag Ba'Omer or are just Jewish-curious, this is the Lag Ba’Omer episode you never knew you needed.
You can discover more about Yael and her yeshiva at ysstorah.org.
And please follow Wondering Jews on Instagram!
instagram.com/wonderingjews
Get in touch at our new email address: WonderingJews@unpacked.media and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Jewish History Nerds
Unpacking Israeli History
Soulful Jewish Living
Stars of David with Elon Gold

May 14, 2025 • 42sec
A Message for our Listeners
Hey everybody, this is Michael, the new producer for Wondering Jews. There's no new episode today, but tomorrow, we have a brand new one with Noam and a very special guest discussing the upcoming holiday of Lag Ba Omer. So please stay tuned and check your feed. Thanks for your patience.
Please check out our brand new Instagram at Wandering Jews. Get in touch at our new email address: WonderingJews@unpacked.media and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews.
Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Jewish History Nerds
Unpacking Israeli History
Soulful Jewish Living
Stars of David with Elon Gold

May 7, 2025 • 27min
Ask Us Anything: Zionism, Israel, and the Books We Love
Mijal and Noam have asked you to get in touch. This week, they are answering some of your questions, straight from their inbox. From unpacking the layered differences between Zionism, political Zionism, and religious Zionism, to reflecting on how American Jews can honestly and constructively talk to their kids about Israel’s complexities, this episode brings nuance, humor, and intellectual clarity to some of the most pressing issues in Jewish life today.
Get in touch at our new email address: WonderingJews@unpacked.media and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews.
Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube.
------------
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Jewish History Nerds
Unpacking Israeli History
Soulful Jewish Living
Stars of David with Elon Gold

May 2, 2025 • 37min
BONUS: What the Heck Is the World Zionist Congress and Why Am I Being Asked To Vote? With WZC President Tova Dorfman
Ever wondered how Diaspora Jews help decide the fate of a $1 billion fund in Israel? Join Noam Weissman and special guest Tova Dorfman, President of the World Zionist Organization, for a fast-paced guide to the World Zionist Congress elections—who’s on the ballot, what’s at stake, and why every Jewish voter needs to make their voice heard by May 4th.
Link to Vote: https://azm.castiron.votem.net/election/037548cb-4cbb-4a94-aa9a-8aef017d4ddf

May 1, 2025 • 50min
Feeling Hopeful This Yom Haatzmaut with Haviv Rettig Gur
Celebrate 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 balance grief and gratitude—how to celebrate under the shadow of war—this is the episode for you. Tune in for a moving, insightful journey into resilience, solidarity, and the true spirit of Yom Ha’atzmaut.
Subscribe and join our community of Wondering Jews as we ask big questions and explore Jewish life together!
And follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/wonderingjews