Jew Oughta Know
Jason Harris
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books
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.
Dec 10, 2024 • 25min
190. Israel at War, Explained: This Changes Everything
After 54 years, the Assad dictatorship in Syria has fallen. Iran is humiliated; its theory of power in the Middle East is a failure. And Israel is once again the region’s preeminent power. It’s been a wild few days — here’s what happened and why.
Dec 1, 2024 • 24min
189. Israel at War, Explained: Is Israel Adrift?
There’s a cease-fire in Lebanon but no path forward in Gaza, and this raises the question of Israel’s strategic direction. How come Israel can end the war with Hezbollah but not with Hamas?
Nov 10, 2024 • 25min
188. Israel at War, Explained: Following the Money
Where do Hezbollah and Hamas get their money? State sponsors, legitimate businesses, donations and humanitarian aid, and criminal activity all pour billions into the terrorists’ banks — which are now prime targets for Israel.
Oct 27, 2024 • 24min
187. Israel at War, Explained: Antisemitism on the Ballot
Jews are feeling uneasy about whomever they vote for — Donald Trump or Kamala Harris — because both parties are rife with antisemitism. Whether in the form of conspiracy theories or anti-Zionism, it’s evidence of an ailing society. Can Americans fix this rot in their politics?
