
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

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?

Oct 13, 2024 • 27min
186. Update! Was Christopher Columbus Jewish?
Re-releasing an episode from the archives with a major update. Episode 63 from Season 3 Unsolved Jewish Mysteries explored the theory that Christopher Columbus was Jewish. Now there is a major new DNA finding that provides some answers.

Sep 26, 2024 • 27min
185. Israel at War, Explained: War With Hezbollah
Hezbollah attacked Israel on October 8 last year, laying siege to the north of the country that has killed civilians, burned entire towns to the ground, and driven tens of thousands of Israelis from their homes. Israel is now fighting back in an effort to push Hezbollah off the border and stop the attacks. Let’s look at what’s happening and why now.

Sep 5, 2024 • 27min
184. Israel at War, Explained: Why Isn't There a Hostage Deal?
Hamas executed six hostages. Israelis accuse Prime Minister Netanyahu of abandoning them for his own self-interest. They no longer trust the government to get the hostages back or wage this war effectively. So why isn't there a hostage deal? And how is Netanyahu managing to stay in power?

Jul 31, 2024 • 26min
183. Israel at War, Explained: Netanyahu's Speech to Congress
Prime Minister Benjamin addressed the United States Congress amidst a wild week of politics. We’ll examine a few takeaways regarding his own standing, Kamala Harris, the Left, and the upcoming US election.

Jun 16, 2024 • 24min
182. Israel at War, Explained: The Upside-Down Hostage Rescue
Israel’s exceptional hostage rescue operation on June 8 — and how the upside-down world condemned it.

May 20, 2024 • 27min
181. Israel at War, Explained: Biden's Arms Embargo
President Biden imposed a temporary arms embargo on Israel. He’s holding back certain types of weapons to try to prevent Israel from invading Rafah in southern Gaza. How should we think about this decision?