Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam

Mijal and Noam dive into the complexities of religious Zionism in Israel with renowned journalist, Yair Ettinger. They explore the historical roots of the movement, from the pragmatic vision of Rabbi Reines to the messianic approach of Rabbi Kook and discuss how these ideologies helped shape modern Israeli society. They ask tough questions, including why figures such as Meir Kahane are resurfacing in popular discourse. With the rise of hardline religious Zionist factions, Mijal and Noam delve into what religious Zionism means today, its diversity and its role in Israel’s security, politics, and peace efforts.Frayed by Yair EttingerClick here for Yair Ettinger's full bio.Yair Ettinger is a former Kogod Research Fellow at Shalom Hartman Institute of North America and an Israeli journalist whose work focuses primarily on religious affairs, the religious and Haredi communities, and their politics. Previously, he covered issues relating to Palestinian citizens of Israel and was a foreign affairs correspondent in Paris. Until 2017, he served as a journalist with Ha’aretz for 20 years.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 NerdsUnpacking Israeli HistorySoulful Jewish LivingStars of David with Elon Gold 

This week, Mijal and Noam dive into the existential question of Diaspora Jews: Should Jews move to Israel? Mijal and Noam engage in a thought provoking conversation about Zionism, Aliyah and Jewish identity. They explore historical, religious, and philosophical debates about Aliyah, which literally means ascent or rise and refers to Jewish immigration to Israel. Mijal and Noam share their personal stories, experiences of cognitive dissonance and insights from great Jewish thinkers. Together, they unpack some of the complexities of living in the Diaspora versus embracing life in Israel.Here are some of the sources referenced in the episode:Unpacking Israeli History: Does Israel Represent All Jews?: The Great DebateBlaustein/Ben Gurion exchangeLubavitcher Rebbe’s response to Ariel SharonProgramming note: Next week, Wondering Jews will release its new episode on Thursday.Get in touch at WonderingJews@jewishunpacked.com, and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews.Follow @jewishunpacked 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 NerdsUnpacking Israeli HistorySoulful Jewish LivingStars of David with Elon Gold 

Mijal and Noam are back with a provocative conversation about the term Zionism and what it means to be a Zionist today. They explore whether the term itself does more harm than good and discuss why it’s so polarizing. Listen to Mijal and Noam grapple with questions about Zionism's relevance by drawing on research, insight and personal reflections about language, history, and identity.Report by Matthew Boxer: What is Zionism? Assessing the Diversity of Discourse in a Charged EnvironmentProgramming note: Next week, Wondering Jews will release its new episode on Thursday.Get in touch at WonderingJews@jewishunpacked.com, and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews.Follow @jewishunpacked 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 NerdsUnpacking Israeli HistorySoulful Jewish LivingStars of David with Elon Gold 

This week, we are re-releasing the top episode chosen by Wondering Jews' loyal listeners. Mijal and Noam are joined by special guest Rabbi Joe Schwartz, director of Makom, the Israel Education Laboratory of the Jewish Agency. They explore the complexities of Jewish identity, Zionism, and the evolving relationship between Israel and the global Jewish community, particularly in light of the events of October 7th. The discussion includes the challenges of bridging the gap between American Jewry and Israel, the implications of Israel's rightward political shift, and personal reflections on what it means to be a Zionist today.Get in touch at WonderingJews@jewishunpacked.com, and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews.Follow @jewishunpacked 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 NerdsUnpacking Israeli HistorySoulful Jewish LivingStars of David with Elon Gold 

Wondering Jews is marking its first birthday with the re-release of the Unpacked staff's all time favorite episode. Mijal and Noam talk to friend and journalist Haviv Rettig Gur in a conversation that illuminates the complexity of the Jewish story and the history of Zionism. Together they explore: What does Zionism mean to you? What does it mean to the Jewish people and the world at large? Haviv delves into Zionism as a means of survival while exploring how it has been misunderstood. Listen again or the first time to this thought-provoking episode about self determination, resilience, and Jewish identity.Get in touch at WonderingJews@jewishunpacked.com, and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews.Follow @jewishunpacked 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 NerdsUnpacking Israeli HistorySoulful Jewish LivingStars of David with Elon Gold 

As we approach our one-year anniversary, we’re counting down the top five episodes from our first year, as chosen by the team at Unpacked. This week, Mijal and Noam revisit episode #2, a special live recording at the Jewish Federation General Assembly (JFNA GA). In this landmark episode, we’re joined by Meghan McCain—New York Times bestselling author, podcast host, and former co-host of The View. Meghan, the daughter of the late-US Senator, John McCain, opens up about her experiences standing up against antisemitism, her personal connections to the Jewish community, and the importance of nuanced, bipartisan dialogue.Get in touch at WonderingJews@jewishunpacked.com, and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews.Follow @jewishunpacked on Instagram------------This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History NerdsUnpacking Israeli HistorySoulful Jewish LivingStars of David with Elon Gold 

Mijal and Noam are back with the countdown to Wondering Jews' first birthday. In the third staff pick of the year's top episodes, they revisit an intense conversation about the 2024 campus encampments advocating for Palestinian causes. Catch this thought-provoking episode for the first time or listen again to Mijal and Noam's discussion on the backlash, and the strong emotions the encampments evoked in the Jewish community. Noam shares his philosophy on empathy, even for critics, while Mijal challenges the line between understanding and endorsing.Letter from Columbia studentsGet in touch at WonderingJews@jewishunpacked.com, and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews.Follow @jewishunpacked on Instagram------------This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History NerdsUnpacking Israeli HistorySoulful Jewish LivingStars of David with Elon Gold 

The countdown to Wondering Jews' first birthday continues with number 4, Haredim and the Israeli Army. In this episode, Mijal and Noam delve into the heated and multifaceted debate over whether Haredim should be mandated to serve in the IDF. This battle is not a new one, but it was brought to the forefront when the Sephardic chief rabbi threatened that Haredim would leave the country rather than serve in the IDF. In their discussion, Mijal and Noam push each other to give generous arguments and ask, how can Israel possibly solve this contentious issue?Get in touch at WonderingJews@jewishunpacked.com, and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews.Follow @jewishunpacked on Instagram------------This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History NerdsUnpacking Israeli HistorySoulful Jewish LivingStars of David with Elon Gold 

This New Year's Day, Mijal and Noam introduce our “Top 5 Staff Picks” in a special countdown to Wondering Jews' first birthday. They reflect on 2024 and introduce the re-release of one of Unpacked staff's favorite episodes, "Can ChatGPT replace my Rabbi?" Mijal and Noam discuss the evolving role of rabbis and whether artificial intelligence can replace or supplement these roles. At the same time, they explore various responsibilities of rabbis, such as providing information, teaching, offering care and support, making decisions, and serving as role models. Listen again or for the first time.Get in touch at WonderingJews@jewishunpacked.com, and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews.Follow @jewishunpacked on Instagram------------This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History NerdsUnpacking Israeli HistorySoulful Jewish LivingStars of David with Elon Gold 

Why is Hanukkah so beloved by Jews worldwide? What’s the deeper significance of the miracle of the oil and the fight for Jewish identity? Join Mijal and Noam on Wondering Jews as they explore the layers of Hanukkah—from its historical roots to its modern-day meanings. They explore spiritual and cultural interpretations of Hanukkah, and its role as a celebration of resilience, miracles, and light. Listen now and light up your holiday season!Get in touch at WonderingJews@jewishunpacked.com, and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews. Follow @jewishunpacked on Instagram------------This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History NerdsUnpacking Israeli HistorySoulful Jewish LivingStars of David with Elon Gold