Ask a Jew

Join us November 7th in NYC for a Shabbat dinner!! Tickets here! There will be food, there will be alcohol, there will be listeners just like you. Tickets are limited.In this solo-pod, we recommend taking smartphones away from your kids and giving them cigarettes instead, ask ourseleves if we are crying wolf about Mamdani (no), and discuss what Israeli Jews and diaspora Jews should learn from each other.As I was typing this, I just heard of the passing of the NYPD’s Chaplain, Chief Chaplain Rabbi Dr. Alvin Kass.Rabbi Kass had close to 60 years of service under his belt with the NYPD, and was an absolute powerhouse. You couldn’t meet with him and not feel uplifted, no matter your background or faith. He truly loved this city, the NYPD, the Jewish faith, the cops - he was one of a kind. His legacy is pretty much the opposite of everything Mamdani stands for, and we should never forget him. May his memory be a blessing. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit askajew.substack.com/subscribe

You may recognize journalist Amit Segal from Dan Senor’s “Call Me Back” podcast, or his contributions to The Free Press. Israelis know him as Channel 12’s Chief Political Correspondent, co-host of our local version of “Meet the Press”, and author of the newly-translated bestseller: “A Call at 4 AM: Thirteen Prime Ministers and the Crucial Decisions that Shaped Israeli Politics”. He also publishes the wildly succesful and very useful daily newsletter “It’s Noon in Israel”.We discuss the madness of the Israeli political system, why Israeli media has no choice but to try and be objective, where Americans should get their news, the ultra-orthodox question, and what it was like to be stuck on a broken plane filled with Knesset members and holocaust survivors.This episode NOT sponsored by Chaya Leah’s brother’s laundromat Super Clean in Jerusalem. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit askajew.substack.com/subscribe

More photos and videos on askajew.substack.comGood morning from a different Israel,Something feels lighter in the air today. It’s been this way since I landed yesterday and probably started Wednesday evening when Trump announced a deal had been reached to release all remaining hostages and end the war. Israelis managed to not get their hopes up for about 30 seconds, but the joy in the faces of the hostage families – a light we had never seen before – was too infectious. If I could describe the mood here, I’d say it’s a cautious euphoria. Then again, contradictions are nothing new to us.The almost-24-hour newsrooms are posting “highlight reels” of the war, coupled with hopeful,l yet not-quite-upbeat ballads like Arik Einstein’s “A song that comes after the war ”. The mood is of graduation, and end of an era, wrap-up. The news panels are full of the usual crowd of retired generals, politicians, and journalists are discussing the sustainability of the agreement, the uncertain future, the tenuous political landscape, and other things that we can worry about…tomorrow.For now, we wait. There’s something so special about moving through the streets here and knowing that every single person you interact with - from your family to the cashier at the supermarket – is going through the exact same thing. Every conversation ends with something like “hopefully by the next time I see you…” or “let’s hope tomorrow we’ll get some good news”.Yesterday at hostage square in Tel Aviv (rumored to soon be renamed “returning square” – it sounds better in Hebrew), I stood in a line of strangers waiting to hug Dani Miran, father of hostage Omri Miran. He was beaming. I said something about miracles and he corrected me: “I don’t believe in miracles. I believe in the power of our people”.Later that evening, 100,000 of us people gathered to support the hostage families and hear Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump address the crowd. People carried American flags and signs that read “Thank you President Trump” and “End this f*cking war”, a nod to an allegedly tense conversations between Trump and Netanyahu. There were cheers at every mention of Trump’s name, and Boos at mentions of Netanyahu. Loud cheers when Jared Kushner mentioned peace for the people of Gaza as well, and even louder cheers when he thanked the IDF.If you’ve only been following the conflict through the black and white lens of social media, these seem like huge contradictions, but they make absolute perfect sense here. 66% of Israelis want the war to end, but do not confuse them for pacifists or allies of the groveling, frankly pathetic global left. It is not kumbaya and hand-holding we yearn for. We want peace because the only other option in the Middle East is war.When I posted something along these lines on X, I got some pushback from people who reminded me that it’s hard to make peace with those who vow to slaughter the Jew when he hides behind the stones and the trees. But peace is made with enemies, not friends, and in reality it looks very different than the one starry-eyed college students in the west envision. Here in the Middle East It means the enemy is deterred, and soldiers can go back to their lives, their jobs and their families. It means normalcy and life, and that is what we cherish above all.I will write more in the coming days, but hopefully, by the next time we speak…More photos and videos on askajew.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit askajew.substack.com/subscribe

Hi everyone,It’s a week of hope, despair, commemoration and as usual, unbridled rage. We caught up Friday to cover the many events of the last few weeks. Also we recorded this before the announcement of the Trump plan, sorry. Hard to keep up with the madness of the times.Want to see photos? Hear about special events? Subscribe on Substack askajew.substack.comAlso:* Chaya Leah apologizes, and not to me.* Yom Kippur recap* Megyn Kelly chat - because you are reuired by law to discuss this if you have a podcast.* Yes podcasts matter.* Vote! And do it more than once if you can.* Save us, Hugh Jackman. Ok fine, Taylor Swift will do.* My enemies enemies also suck.* Thank you 12-year-old Jewish girls at the Museum of Natural History.* “Screw You” Judaism* Call that friend.Questions? Concerns? Email askajewpod@gmail.comIn other news, yesterday there was an amazing rally in Central Park NYC to commemorate October 7th and call for the release of the hostages. It was a beautiful sea of Israeli and American flags, and only 2-3 screams of “baby killers”, one from a guy on one of those wheelie things you stand on so frankly he may have other issues. We also heard from hostages Keith Siegel and Iair Horn, who were amazing in their courage, hope and humor. Iair’s brother Eitan is still being held by Hamas, and when they were held together they often dreamed of coming to the US. Now Iair is here (he jokes that every time he comes he gets to meet with the President) and is doing everything he can to fight for his brother and the remaining 47 hostages. May our nightmare be over soon. See Substack for pics. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit askajew.substack.com/subscribe

Shana Tova from Chaya Leah’s kitchen table! It is not even 8am, and she already peeled 400 apples, made 200 matza balls, and skinned 3 chickens. I am sitting here trying to stay out of the way while working on our business aka this podcast. It’s very trad-wife. Check out CL’s resolutions and photos on our substack and see you in 5786!John Podhoretz is the editor of Commentary Magazine and co-host of the wildly popular Commentary Podcast, which we should definitely be on so write them about it. In this Rosh Hashana sweet treat, we discuss Jewish politics, New York politics, national politics, and even manage to stun Jpod into silence while talking about furry throuples and Andrew Cuomo’s alleged nipple piercings.Also:* What have we done to deserve Hannah Einbender?* The people Jpod’s father knew at Elaine’s.* Jimmy Kimmel yay or nay?* Jews need to stop slinging poop at one another (including us!)* Is self-reflecting Zionism weakness? (shocker, we disagree on that!)* Do we put all the Haredis in a Shtetel, or will they do that to us?* You will be forcibly converted out of Judaism if you don’t vote in the NYC elections.* Jpod loathes Andrew Cuomo more than anyone in the world and will vote for him anyway.* Two words: Curtis. Sliwa.* In defense of Central Park horse and carriages - I will die on this hill.* Bill Clinton is everything they say he is.* So is Hilary Clinton.* The Chabad of Utah.* Jews are really good at sports…and by sports we mean owning the teams.Regarding Cuomo’s alleged nipple piercings…You be the judge on our substack! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit askajew.substack.com/subscribe

Sarah Hurwitz served as a White House speechwriter from 2009 to 2017, first as a senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama and then as head speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama. She’s with us to discuss her new brilliant book: As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story From Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us, which is a must-read for every Jew who often has mixed feelings about their faith (not that there is anyone like that), as well as non-Jews who want to understand us weirdos better. Honestly everyone should read it, or at the very least buy it. Don’t take our word for it, read what beloved guest Yossi Klein Halevi has to say: “Beautifully written and brilliantly argued, As a Jew is that rare book that defines an historical moment. The American Jewish awakening is upon us, and Sarah Hurwitz is its prophet.” We discuss Jewish peoplehood, how our story is shaped by the outside gaze, and how to have productive conversations. Also, what did Sarah steal from the White House? And what did Chaya Leah steal from Auschwitz??Want to help us grow? Review and rate us five starts on Apple Podcasts and Spotify ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Also:* White House tea* Meditation, spirituality and being a hospital chaplain* Every non-Zionist Jew should read this book and learn about their internalized antisemitism.* Zionism is not an entry point* Sarah’s campus tour that started on… October 10th, 2023.* Nobody hates the university’s Russian club* There’s a Torah for that* The revolution will not happen in old buildings* Your gateway Mitzvah* A day of Jewish difference* It’s ok if you don’t feel anything at Shul* Why Sarah couldn’t sell her book in Israel* Whose antisemites are worst, the left or the right? No need to argue, plenty of hate to go around.* Where are the politicians with a spine?* Can you yell at people until they agree with you?* Well, it’s been a great 80 years! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit askajew.substack.com/subscribe

We are happy to welcome author, cultural critic, and social media explainer Leigh Stein to Ask A Jew today! We discuss her new novel, If You’re Seeing This, It’s Meant for You — a modern-day gothic page-turner set in a Los Angeles social media influencer hype house (if you don’t know what a hype house is, even more of a reason to tune in!)We discuss whether or not the internet is real life, what Leigh learned from being a student of TikTok, and the new controverial best-seller “Let Them”, as well as Chaya Leah’s follow up smash hit, “Stop It”. Also:* Covid weddings* The world of Bookfluencers* Are hype houses influencer sweatshops?* Leigh had to hire a consultant to help her learn TikTok (check out the fruits of her labor!)* Girl, edit out your millennial pause* Will Gen alpha save us?* The way you take selfies is OLD!* An Internet friend saved Leighs life* Let Them? Stop it!* Selling a book means selling your brand* Tea on some of your favorite authors…* Grieving the loss of a relationship and the loss of a life* Philip Roth revivalAnd more!In New York tonight? Friend of the pod (and the guest) Meghan Daum is hosting a talk with author Lionel Shriver (We Need to Talk About Kevin) and you can still get a ticket! 2/3rds of the people on this pod will be there! Here is Meghan interview with Leigh. Go buy the book immediately! And while you’re at it, pick up a copy of the Torah. And Let Them. They’re both supposed to be good. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit askajew.substack.com/subscribe

A long overdue solo awaits for those who dare! First of all we apologize for the lack of Taylor/Travis content here, we recorded this a few days ago before the breaking news. We hope you can still enjoy this discussion that covers:* ICE and immigration (in the first, like, 30 seconds)* Our nonexistent beef with The Commentary podcast* Unpopular opinions (Matcha and musicals?)* The entirety of the episode from around minute 11 is about hard boiled eggs* Oh wait now there’s a rocket attack on Tel Aviv* What do American and Israeli Jews not understand about each other?* Why are we fighting for this land? We disagree.* Update to my tshirt story! Happy ending (unless your’e an antisemite). Get your shirts here, all proceeds go to support communities affected October 7 and the war.* Cultural recommendations.Also, ICYMI:Hostage Ilana Gritzewsky testified at the UN about the horrific mental, physical and sexual abuse she suffered in Gaza. She did it to save her boyfriend Matan, and 49 others still held in hell. She is a true hero, and everyone in the world should know her name. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit askajew.substack.com/subscribe

Shabbos Kestenbaum is probably the most famous Jewish Harvard grad since Natalie Portman. You may know him as a former Bernie Bro and divinity student who went on to sue Harvard for discrimination, speak at the Republican National Convention, and accompany President Trump to the gravesite of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. We talk about what to do with all this sweet, sweet Jewish money, where Israel goes wrong on messaging, what Shabbos saw at the Gaza humanitarian aid crossing, and much more.Also:* Whats’s the deal with his name? (ask his siblings “Independence” and “India”)* From the Harvard Divinity School to yelling on Piers Morgan* Shabbos’s mom unfollowed him on X* "In a place where there are no people, strive to be a person"* History didn’t start on October 7…Shabbos on Harvard antisemitism in 2022 in Aish.com* Lots of students agree with Shabbos….quietly* The watermelon Yamulke crowd* How to combat antisemitism (hint: not more Holocaust studies)* Why the ADL stopped inviting him to meetings, but he still respects Jonathan Greenblatt (so do we by the way, in case you want to invite us to speak)* GIVE THE MONEY TO STUDENTS* Big Tent, Little Tent, Chabad and Hillel* Ladies, he’s single - a sharpt turn toward dating and the Marvel Universe* Why does Israel suck at messaging? Unclear, but here’s what to do* A very interesting meeting at the Gaza aid crossing This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit askajew.substack.com/subscribe

This week we welcome one of our favorite journaists of the moment, Olivia Reingold of The Free Press!We discuss her Jewish roots, atheism, how she went from an NPR fangirl to working for (gasp!) Bari Weiss, what’s wrong with Gen Z, accidental antisemitism, reading each and every one of Zohran Mamdani’s tweets, Mahmoud Khalil, and at the end we get into a very heated argument about…podiatrists. That said, the most controversial thing Olivia says is that she watches gaming playthrough youtubes.You can find Olivia on X (but be nice), Instagram, and of course read and watch everything she’s done at The Free Press. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit askajew.substack.com/subscribe