Jewish Studies Unscrolled features host Alyssa Quint in conversation with expert guests and historians. Each episode focuses on  a single classic Jewish text and covers topics ranging from a 17th-century hostage crisis, to modern classical interpretations of a  Yiddish lullaby.  

 It’s been a whopper of a year: Israel at war with Hamas and Hezbollah, a decisive Trump victory, anti-Semitism on the rise, and formerly great American institution on the decline. Yet as this look back at 2024 in Rootless reveals, we’ve many reasons to be hopeful, at home and abroad. Why? Join us in looking back at the year and find out. 

Dive into a fresh exploration of Jewish identity in a modern cultural landscape. The hosts discuss intriguing current topics through the lens of Jewish values and experiences. Expect thought-provoking insights and a sneak peek into conversations with notable guests on issues that resonate today. Their dynamic approach to cultural phenomena opens up a rich dialogue, reflecting the diverse ways of being Jewish in contemporary society.

Nicole Gelinas, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and urban affairs expert, delves into the tragic case of Jordan Neely and the implications of racial narratives on the justice system. She critiques the progressive policies impacting public safety amid rising violence in New York City. Gelinas also discusses the unforeseen challenges faced by legal systems in high-stress situations, and how current political dynamics shape the discussion around crime and public accountability. Her insights illuminate the complexities of mental health and urban safety.

In this conversation, Erica Pelman, founder and director of SHIFRA, shares her transition from the Department of Labor to supporting Jewish women facing unplanned pregnancies. She encourages a fresh perspective on the abortion debate, emphasizing compassionate dialogue over divisive labels. Pelman discusses the importance of understanding women's diverse experiences and the need for community care in pregnancy crises. She advocates for a shift in attitudes within the Jewish community, focusing on support rather than politics, to foster a more nuanced conversation.

Tony Badran, Tablet's news editor and a specialist in Middle Eastern politics, dissects the newly brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon. He argues that the agreement reflects Barack Obama’s stance on the region and complicates Trump-era policies. Badran dives into U.S.-Israel relations, highlighting military coercion and Israeli sovereignty issues. He critiques the potential benefits to Hezbollah from the ceasefire and discusses the intricate geopolitical dynamics at play, revealing the complexities of American intervention in ongoing conflicts.

In 2017, Liel, back then no fan of Donald Trump, wrote a piece defending one of the president’s advisors, Sebastian Gorka, who was outrageously accused of being an actual Nazi. The reaction it generated sent Liel on a journey of political transformation, one that many Americans have recently shared, away from intimidation and lies and towards freedom and enthusiastic faith in America. Dr. Gorka joins Liel to talk about why Trump’s detractors are still smearing his top aides as extremists, and why we even conservatives should want the Democrat Party to reinvent itself and grow saner and stronger.  Tale of Trump Adviser’s Alleged Nazi Ties Unravels What We Talk About When We Talk About Gorka The Turn

Adam Bellow, a legendary book editor and author, joins media buyer Melody Notkin to explore the challenges gripping American publishing. They discuss the rise of censorship and the targeting of Jewish writers, reflecting on the impact of activism in the industry. Bellow shares insights on the shift from independent publishers to corporate giants and how that influences creativity. The duo also examines the clash between free speech and political pressures, raising important questions about diversity of ideas in literature today.

With Donald Trump slated to return to the White House after a truly historic upset, many Americans are feeling joyful and many others bereft. Both may be missing the point, which is that change, in America, often comes by precisely in a string of revolutions, tearing down old and crumbling institutions and replacing them with ones better geared to serve the needs of their constituents. Free Press columnist Eli Lake joins Liel to deliver a quick and insightful recap of what happened on Tuesday and what it means for Democrats, Republicans, Israel, the media, and everybody else. And Tablet's Editor in Chief Alana Newhouse delivers a master class on why everyone, regardless of party affiliation, should feel tremendously hopeful about America's future. 

In this discussion, writer and podcaster Will Tanner delves into the fragile state of American democracy, emphasizing the complexities of voting rights and electoral integrity. He draws parallels between contemporary issues and the decline of the late Roman Republic, offering cautionary tales for today’s leaders. Tanner critiques the impact of diversity and welfare policies in both the U.S. and South Africa, warning of the risks they pose to political stability and public safety. The conversation urges a reevaluation of current societal norms and government actions.