Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam

The hosts dive into the intricacies of parenting in a modern world, particularly how to discuss sensitive topics like Israel and antisemitism with children. They share personal reflections on the evolution of their beliefs and advocate for building empathy and trust through open dialogue. The challenges of generational differences in understanding Israel's history are examined, alongside practical tips for creating safe spaces for these essential conversations. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of unconditional love while navigating complex familial dynamics.

Hosts 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 October 7th and the need to embrace difference to foster Jewish unity.Books by Micah GoodmanJonathan Haidt The Righteous Mind------------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 Living

In 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 traditions offer timeless lessons on finding joy, even in challenging times.Mijal Bitton: Committed by Mijal Bitton  | SubstackMartin Seligman: Pursuit of HappinessRobert Waldinger and Marc Schulz (Harvard study on happiness): The Good LifeNoam Weissman's Jewish Journal article about Sukkot: Living in the Joy of Sukkot------------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 Living

Hosts 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 challenges Israel faces and the need to bring back the hostages. Tibon's story inspired Mijal and Noam to reflect on grief, courage, and a renewed commitment by Jews to support one another.The Gates of GazaOne Day in October------------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 Living

Hosts 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 found here.------------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 Living

Since Oct. 7, the Jewish world has been collectively mourning — especially for the hostages still held captive in Gaza. Last week, we received the tragic news that six hostages had been cruelly murdered after surviving for nearly 11 months in captivity. In this episode of Wondering Jews, Mijal reflects on this deep loss and explores her personal feelings surrounding faith and loss, touching on tough questions of justice and divine intervention, wondering how such suffering can occur to those who loved and fought for their families. The article that Mijal references in this episode can be found here.------------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 Living

Wondering Jews is on a short hiatus. We’re taking off for the rest of August and September and coming back for the High Holidays. We love hearing from you so be sure to email us at wonderingjews@jewishunpacked.com or leave us a voicemail, at (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 NerdsUnpacking Israeli HistorySoulful Jewish Living

In this episode, 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.------------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 Living

Join Noam and Mijal as they explore the significance of Tisha B’Av, a day of mourning for the Jewish people. They discuss its historical roots, including the destruction of the two Temples and other calamities that befell the Jewish people on this day. Through personal reflections and discussions, they address how internal divisions within the Jewish community played a role in these tragedies and share their thoughts on the current state of Jewish unity. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about mourning, introspection, and the importance of fostering unity within the Jewish community.------------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 Living

In this episode, Noam and Mijal are joined by returning guest Haviv Rettig Gur to discuss current events unfolding in Israel. The conversation dives into the recent Hezbollah attack that killed 12 Druze children, the potential escalation in the north, Ismail Haniyeh's assassination, and the internal turmoil in Israel, including an incident involving alleged abuse by IDF soldiers.------------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 Living