Jew Oughta Know
From ancient history to current events, take yourself on a journey through the story of the Jewish People, from someone who has led hundreds of Jewish young professionals on trips throughout Israel. From the beginning of creation to modern Israel, each short episode is geared to appeal both to someone looking for the Jewish 101, as well as to those looking to go a bit beyond the basic story they already know. Check out the website at https://jewoughtaknow.com/. Enjoy!
Latest episodes
Jul 13, 2025 • 28min
200. Israel at War, Explained: The Changing Middle East, Part 2
Last week we looked at emerging threats. This week we’re going for pie-in-the-sky optimism. Can new ideas and leaders in Saudi Arabia and Syria bring forth a better future? Will Zionism move from an emphasis on security to a focus on developing a model society? Enjoy this milestone episode — #200 for Jew Oughta Know!
Jul 6, 2025 • 27min
199. Israel at War: The Changing Middle East, Part 1
All the dramatic events since October 7 tell us that “it’s a new Middle East.” Countries are realigning their relationships, old threats are giving way to new ones, and new ideologies are rising. Part 1 of 2 examines the threats: Turkey and radical Islam.
Jun 16, 2025 • 26min
198. Israel at War, Explained: War With Iran
Israel launched Operation Lion Rising, a preemptive strike to destroy Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Ballistic missiles are raining destruction on Israel in a fight with the Jews’ most committed genocidal enemy. This is a historic, dramatic moment with the potential to upend the world.
May 25, 2025 • 23min
197. Israel at War, Explained: Netanyahu's Middle East Pickle
Why didn’t Trump visit Israel during his trip to the Middle East last week? On multiple issues Trump has left Netanyahu standing on the sidelines, leaving the prime minister struggling to Make Israel Relevant Again.
Mar 23, 2025 • 26min
196. Israel at War, Explained: Trump's Double Game on Antisemitism
Trump attacks antisemitism on the left while encouraging it on the right. Jewish hatred should have consequences. But we shouldn’t use antisemitism as a pretext to erode the rule of law in order to punish political enemies.
Mar 9, 2025 • 23min
195. Israel at War, Explained: Is Trump a Threat to the Jewish State?
What happens to Israel when its most important ally turns away from democracy? When happens when a weakened United States can no longer help Israel defend itself? Where else should Israel turn when the United States allies with autocracies? Is Trump good for Israel — or its biggest long-term threat?
Mar 2, 2025 • 26min
194. Israel at War, Explained: What To Do About the Palestinians
The hostage release “ceremonies” reveal why a solution for Gaza is so elusive. How much of the answer is dependent on the Palestinian’s developing a different national culture?
Jan 21, 2025 • 25min
193. Israel at War, Explained: Three Hostages Come Home -- What's Next?
Three hostages come home. This begins the first phase of a complex cease-fire-for-hostages agreement. Should we be pessimistic or optimistic? Is this a victory for Israel or Hamas? Why did this happen now, and what happens next?
Dec 29, 2024 • 30min
192. Israel At War, Explained: Words Against Humanity
How “social justice”, “racism”, and “genocide” are re-interpreted and re-defined to demonize Israel, Zionism, and Jews.
Dec 24, 2024 • 21min
191. Re-Release! Hanukah: One Bad King and a Bunch of Non-Kosher Oil
Delve into the fascinating history of Hanukkah, uncovering its origins in the books of Maccabees. Discover why the holiday celebrates a miraculous eight days of oil and what this symbolizes. Explore the historical significance of Hanukkah as a representation of freedom from oppression and how it shapes Jewish identity today. Plus, learn how American Jews have adapted the holiday amidst a Christmas-focused culture.
