Jay shares the most tragic fact of his birthday (spoiler: it involves Candace Owens), and then we welcome back our most honored recurring guest: Shalom Lamm, the mensch behind Operation Benjamin.

From Normandy to Arlington, Italy to Jerusalem, Shalom walks us through the sacred mission of correcting history — one headstone at a time. We talk about:

🪖 How a Jewish soldier ended up in a German mass grave… and how Shalom found him
🌟 The 102-year-old niece who stole the show (and our hearts) at Arlington
🕊️ What it means to say Kaddish for someone who waited 80 years to be remembered
✡️ Why a German brigadier general started something called “Operation Levi”
💔 And how love letters from a fallen soldier might soon become a book

Plus: we take a hard detour into cemetery trauma, ChayaLeah guilts Jay (again), and we learn why every Jewish parent should probably just send their kid to YU already.

Also featured are CBS giving Shalom smicha, Jay praying for billions, and Shalom reminding us what real Jewish nonprofit work looks like.

This week on edJEWcation, we crack open the Book of Joshua — swords, spies, shofars, and all — to kick off our brand-new series on the books of the Hebrew Bible beyond the Torah.

Jay, ChayaLeah, and the Rabbi break down how Joshua, Moses’ humble sidekick-turned-general, led the Israelites into the land of Israel with nothing but faith, grit, and some serious divine backup. From the walls of Jericho crumbling to the sun standing still mid-battle, Joshua’s story isn’t just ancient history — it’s a masterclass in courage, community, and the art of not messing up the inheritance paperwork.

We dig into:

⚔️ Why Joshua’s real superpower wasn’t military genius — it was courage (and trust in God)

📜 What Rahab, the Canaanite prostitute-turned-heroine, teaches us about redemption and surprises

🌅 The day the sun stood still — and why God actually listened

🏘️ How dividing up the land of Israel turned into the Bible’s version of a family estate drama

✡️ Why the message of Joshua feels surprisingly current — especially in moments of Jewish vulnerability today

Join us for a lively conversation on faith, leadership, and the messy, miraculous business of building a nation. And yes, we even squeeze in a beeper-Mossad reference, because why not?

Have you noticed the large number of internet trolls who are “just discovering” things recently? Or have uncovered secret truths that “you aren’t allowed to talk about?” If you have, you’ve probably seen one of the “just discovered” things that “they aren’t allowed to talk about” is that Communism was actually a secret Jewish cabal led by the likes of Karl Marx (who was Jewish) and Joeseph Stalin (who was not).

Is there any truth to this? To find answers, we interviewed Paul Hanebrink, Professor of History at Rutgers University to discuss his book A Spectre Haunting Europe: The Myth of Judeo-Bolshevism

In this conversation, we explore the historical roots and contemporary implications of the myth that associates Jews with communism, examining how this narrative has evolved and its impact on anti-Semitism, particularly in Eastern Europe.

We discuss on the role of Jewish identity in communism, the use of pogroms as political tools, and parallels to modern anti-Zionism. We delve into the complex themes of anti-Semitism, Jewish identity, and the historical context of Bolshevism and communism. We discuss the use of anti-Semitism in Eastern European political discourse, and the implications of “dual loyalty” acusation for Jewish individuals today.

We wrap up by addressing the challenges of Holocaust education (which Professor Hanebrink happens to teach a course on) and the evolving nature of Holocaust memory, emphasizing the importance of understanding the Jewish experience during these historical events.

Links from the episode:

• Professor Hanebrink’s books:

  • A Spectre Haunting Europe

  • In Defense of Christian Hungary

• In The Midst of Civilized Europe: The Pogroms of 1918-1921 and the Onset of the Holocaust by Jeffrey Veidlinger

Do you like Halloween? Do you like Jews? Well, then you’ll love Purim.

In this conversation, we explore the significance of Purim through its historical narrative in the Book of Esther, the key characters, and the holiday’s customs.

ChayaLeah and the Rabbi reflect on their personal experiences with the holiday (probably involving drinking too much) and the evolution of Purim traditions over the years. We discuss why we drink so much on the holiday (only if you’re over 21, of course), the significance of costumes and masks, the ever-present groggers, and its modern equivalents. The dialogue delves into the narratives of stories heroes, namely Esther and Mordechai, and we highlight how Ester’s story closely follows that of The Hero’s Journey. We reflect on the balance between celebrating victories, acknowledging past tragedies, and emphasizing the Jewish community’s collective responsibility to each other.

Happy Purim, everybody!

If you spend time on X/Twitter (which I would never waste my time doing), you’ve probably seen a bunch of internet morons talking about how “they’ve read the Talmud and here’s this horrendous thing it says.” Today, we discuss why they are full of nonsense (this is family programming).

But first, we begin discussing a recent Pew Research poll that shows that the decades-long slimming of American religious affiliation may have seen a stemming of the tide, especially among younger people. I asked the rabbi if he had seen this among the Chosen People.

We then move into the Talmud by discussing its structure and the central role it plays in Judaism. We delve into the complexities of Talmud study, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation, respect in disagreements, and the intricate nature of Jewish law. The Rabbi introduces us to the concept of “the meandering Talmud,” its purpose in legal arguments, and the balance between human interpretation and divine will.

We close out the episode by discussing a typical Talmudic story, The Oven of Akhnai, and how a typical Talmudic story analysis would occur.

Links from the episode:

• Chabad Teen Program

• Johnathan Sacks/Richard Dawkins debate

• Daf Yomi description

• The Oven of Akhnai

• Rabbi Perelmuter’s Talmud series

This week's episode was a high-wire act. What I thought would be a slight aside to kick things off ended up being the entire episode. You never know what those crazy Jews are going to do…

We start discussing what I thought was a profound insight from this week's parsha (don’t mind if I do!), Exodus 22:21-23 if you want to read along, which led us to a broader discussion about the importance of justice in Jewish law.

We had absolutely nothing planned for this episode, so what you hear is 100% off the cuff.

We hope you enjoy it!

Oh boy. Here we go…

This week we decided to tackle the oh-so-non-controversial, milquetoast, mundane topic of the big A.

No, the A does not stand for Alcoholism, Agamemnon, or Adult Diapers. It stands for Abortion.

We’ve batted around discussing it for a while now and decided to avoid it (for probably obvious reasons). However, the great Kat Rosenfield wrote an article for The Free Press last week, which hit me like an AK-47 round right in the feels and made the time seem right to touch the seven million-degree stove.

In an article entitled, The Men Who Lost Their Babies, Kat describes the emotional pain men experience from a lost pregnancy by interviewing around a half dozen men who have gone through this painful experience, either due to miscarriage or abortion.

As one of those types of men, the article was a challenging but also cathartic read, as I expressed in the podcast this week.

In this conversation, we delve into the nuances of Jewish law regarding abortion, the concept of a Rodef (someone pursuing another person with the intent of killing them), and the cultural shifts in understanding reproductive rights.

We discuss the complexities of grief, parenting, and societal attitudes towards abortion over time, the emotional experiences of both mothers and fathers in the context of pregnancy loss, the spiritual beliefs surrounding unborn life, and the cultural shifts in how abortion is perceived.

We close out by emphasizing the need for support structures for women facing unexpected pregnancies and discuss the moral implications of valuing life based on desire versus inherent value and the importance of shared grieving within relationships.

Of course, we’re always interested in hearing your thoughts, but we’ll be particularly interested in this episode, so please comment below or send us a note to edjewcationpod@gmail.com

And if you want to be able to check out our punims, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel here.

Finally, if you read along with the edJEWcation Book Club, you’ll be excited to know we are announcing our next selection…The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

This week, we present to you all the second installment of the edJEWcation book club. This month, we discuss Mary Shelley’s classicFrankenstein.

When I first suggested this book for the book club, ChayaLeah and the Rabbi looked at me as if I had two heads (each with a yarmulka on). However, after reading it, I think they came around. The book deals with several profound human questions, each of which Judaism has something to say about (but of course).

During the discussion, we examine several of the book's primary themes: the need for community, the moral responsibilities of creation, and the desire for forbidden knowledge.

The conversation highlights the importance of friendship and belonging, the consequences of isolation, and the ethical implications of scientific advancements. We explore the intricate themes of human relationships, the pursuit of knowledge, the nature of suffering, and the roles of men and women in creation.

We also discuss the complexities of love and frustration in relationships, the consequences of seeking knowledge, and the philosophical implications of suffering as a form of atonement.

I can’t recommend this book enough. If you haven’t read it, pick it up.

After a few weeks of intense conversations, we decided to lighten it up a bit and talk about happiness and what’s so great about it, both generally and in the Jewish context.

In this conversation, we discuss the importance of a joyful home and delve into the emotional nature of happiness and gratitude. We discuss the teachings of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov and the importance of joy in spiritual practice while also addressing the distinction between true and false happiness.

We discuss the interplay between optimism and pessimism, the importance of resilience in facing life's challenges, and the relationship between happiness and achieving your goals. We emphasize practical steps you can use to cultivate happiness while also addressing cultural perceptions of happiness and its complexities.

Get ready for a great episode next week, where we’ll have our next book club…Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

In this episode, we cover a lot of ground with our guest and true Renaissance woman, Sarah Skwire.

We originally invited Sarah to discuss an article she wrote about the significance of George Washington's letter to the Hebrew congregation in Newport, Rhode Island.

During that portion of the discussion, we explore the letter’s historical context, Washington’s deft usage of language in the letter, Rhode Island’s unique role in religious toleration in America, and the impact of this letter on Jewish communities in the country.

However, as Sarah has a PhD in English Literature and expertise in Shakspeare, I would have been remiss if I hadn’t asked her the question on the tip of everyone’s tongue…was The Bard anti-Semitic?

The last piece of Sarah’s deep well of knowledge we examine is her love of free-market economics, specifically Adam Smith's philosophy and economic theories.

As you can see, this was a wide-ranging conversation, and I suspect only the first with Sarah.

We hope you enjoy it!

Links from our discussion:

• Truro Synagogue

• Sarah's article on Washington’s letter

• In Praise of Sauntering

• Adam Smith Works

• Tikvah Online

With the growth of the number of countries legalizing euthanasia to various degrees, we thought it would be a good topic to discuss this week. You know, why not hit on another lighthearted topic, amiright?

In our conversation, we discuss the importance of life in Judaism, the moral dilemmas surrounding euthanasia, and the role of rabbis in guiding families through end-of-life decisions. We touch on the intersection of euthanasia and healthcare systems, if Judaism seems to have a difference between suicide and euthanasia, and discuss concerns around the implications of state-sponsored euthanasia in countries with socialized medicine.

When ChayaLeah said she wanted to discuss “the big d,” I thought she meant delis, which got me excited because I can actually add something to that discussion.

Alas, it was not to be. Apparently she meant divorce, which depressed me on several levels.

Anyway, in this conversation, we start by discussing the impact of the horrendous California fires on the Jewish community, emphasizing the importance of support and charity.

Then, we transition into a deep exploration of marriage and divorce within Judaism, referencing biblical texts and rabbinical interpretations. We highlight the sanctity of marriage when divorce is permitted and the safeguards established by rabbis to protect individuals, particularly women, in the divorce process.

We share personal anecdotes and reflections on the complexities of divorce in modern times, illustrating the ongoing relevance of these discussions in contemporary society.

We explore Jewish law regarding divorce and remarriage, the evolution of marriage expectations, the importance of communication, and divorce’s impact on children.

We wind up the podcast by discussing the pursuit of happiness, the dangers of destination happiness, and the challenges posed by modern society, including the introduction of halakhic prenups as a solution to marital issues.

Enjoy (as best you can)

This week on edJEWcation, we sit down with Jay Sanderson — former CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, professional disruptor, accidental chef, and self-described “tail Jew” — to unpack the past, present, and precarious future of Jewish life in America.

From a near-death experience as a teen to a life-changing blessing from David Ben-Gurion, Jay takes us on a journey through his unexpected path to Jewish leadership. We tackle everything from gefilte fish trauma to why Hollywood still can’t figure out TikTok — and why that matters for the Jewish community.

Jay’s latest project, the 2050 Institute at American Jewish University, aims to shake up Jewish institutions, move beyond “1950s Judaism,” and ensure that the next generation doesn’t need a secret decoder ring to care about Jewish life.

Highlights include:

• 🕍 Why the East Coast still thinks it’s the center of Jewish life — and why L.A. begs to differ

• 🐟 Gefilte fish: nostalgic treasure or cultural relic?

• 📲 How the Jewish community can survive (and thrive) in the TikTok age

• 💡 The pitch: How to get CEOs, scientists, and thinkers at the Jewish table — without turning it into a Hollywood afterparty

• 🕎 The problem with episodic Judaism and why Birthright is only the beginning

Join us for a lively, honest conversation about leadership, legacy, and the sometimes-chaotic beauty of Jewish community — plus, why it’s time to double the size of the word Jewish in more than just logos.

Welcome back for another edJEWcation discussion. This week, we’re talking Tzedakah (or charity, for everyone who didn’t attend Hebrew school).

In this conversation, we explore:

• The significance of charity in Judaism,
• Personal stories of giving
• The Torah’s perspective on charitable obligations
• The impact of charity on individuals and communities
• The historical context of philanthropic practices in Jewish communities
• Maimonides Eight (8) Levels of Charity
• Why small, daily acts of charity are better than less frequent, larger acts (even though you’re a mensch for both)
• The impact of giving beyond monetary contributions

Links from the podcast:

• ChayaLeah’s grandparent's charity - CSSY
• Who gives and who doesn’t new segment (turns out it was 20/20 who did the segment, not John Stossel)

On this episode, we discuss the Jewish perspective on capital punishment. The discussion includes:

• A discussion about current events, including the recent horrific murder on the New York subway

• Contrasting the Jewish religious perspective with American justice.

• The role of justice in society and the biblical foundations of punishment.

• The importance of objective morality and the challenges of ensuring justice.

• The complexities of capital punishment, exploring its historical context, contemporary views, and mental health implications on criminal responsibility.

• The balance of accountability, and the societal expectations surrounding punishment.

• Public corruption and its impact on the justice system

And an announcement of our next installment of the edJEWcation book club, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

Remember to check out our Instagram where we’ve recently started posting clips of our episodes and our YouTube page

Today, we discuss the holiday where the Jews try to go head-to-head with the Christians…Chanukah.

During our discussion, we cover:

• The intersection of humor, joy, and historical context within Jewish culture, particularly focusing on the significance of Chanukah.

• The importance of humor in Jewish identity, the complexities of Jewish joy, and the historical events surrounding Chanukah, including the Maccabees' resistance against Hellenization.

• The miracles of Chanukah, the time's political landscape, and the Hasmoneans' legacy.

• The rich traditions and cultural significance of Chanukah.

• The importance of the menorah, the evolution of Chanukah customs, and the impact of commercialization on the holiday.

• The need for a strong Jewish identity and the importance of public displays of Jewish pride, particularly through menorah lightings.

• Personal memories, cultural variations, and the significance of maintaining traditions in a modern context.

Remember to check us out on our YouTube channel, Instagram and drop us a line at edjewcationpod@gmail.com

Welcome to the seminal edition of the edJEWcation book club. To usher in the monthly event, we read The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal.

During our wide-ranging discussion, we discuss:

• Some of the most impactful (both positively and negatively) responses to Wiesenthal’s conundrum

• The complexities of forgiveness, discussing various perspectives on the moral implications of granting forgiveness to those who have committed heinous acts

• How to navigate ethical questions in a world filled with pain and suffering

• The moral dilemmas faced by individuals in extreme situations

• The cultural and religious differences in understanding confession and regret, and the implications of compassion in conflict.

• Whether forgiveness can ever be truly granted in the face of such profound evil and suffering.

• The symbolism of the sunflower as a representation of humanity, identity, and individuality.

• The importance of memory in preventing the erasure of history

• 
  

• Books referenced in this episode:

• The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal

• Ordinary Men by Christopher Browning

• The Pope at War by David Kertzer

If you ever want to check out the official book list for the edJEWcation podcast, you can find it here.

And remember, you can always send us a note to edjewcationpod@gmail.com or, if you want to see our good-looking punim, visit our YouTube channel.

In this conversation, we explore the complex topic of redeeming captives from a biblical perspective. We discuss:

• The emotional and ethical dilemmas faced by families of hostages,

• Historical precedents in Jewish law, and the teachings of Maimonides.

• The implications of valuing captives, gender differences in redemption, and the broader societal impacts of these practices.

• Ethical considerations surrounding ransom payments for hostages, particularly in the context of Jewish law and the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

• The tension between individual needs and community welfare, historical precedents of kidnapping, and the implications of modern warfare on hostage situations.

• The political landscape and leadership responses to the crisis, and the challenges in striking the proper balance between individual safety and community integrity.

• The complexities surrounding the dynamics of negotiations with groups like Hamas,

• The balancing of the enduring principles of Jewish law with the need for a contemporary interpretation and the challenges faced in modern warfare.

Remember, that next week we have the first monthly edJEWcation book club discussion coming up. We’re reading The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal. If there are any topics, themes, or insights you’d like is us to discuss, please drop us a line, as always, at edjewcationpod@gmail.com

On this episode, we trade a Polish Jew (the Rabbi) for a Russian Jew, Masha Merkulova. Masha is the founder and Executive Director of Club Z. Club Z’s mission is to create a student network of educated and articulate activists who are committed to Zionism and advocate for themselves, Israel, and the Jewish people.

During the episode, we discuss:

• Masha’s upbringing in the Soviet Union

• Her revelation that she was Jewish when she turned 16

• Her early individual activism

• The deficiencies within both Jewish homes and formalized Jewish education around Israel and Zionism

• How Club Z responded to the October 7th progrom

• The importance of empowering students with the knowledge and confidence to be able to articulate the most compelling case for Israel and combat the slanders against it

• The importance of developing an adult education curriculum

If you want to learn more about Club Z, check out their website at ClubZ.org or their YouTube page. To make a donation, go here: Club Z donation page

Also, Club Z is having its annual teen conference from January 17-20, 2025, in San Francisco. You can learn about that here

And as always - you can e-mail us questions at edjewcationpod@gmail.com.

Links from the episode:

• Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Jew

• Tragic Awakening

This week on edJEWcation we do something a but different, we discuss the vacation the Rabbi and ChayaLeah took. Ok, that may be underselling it a bit.

In World War Two, roughly 90% of the 3 million Jews living in Poland at the time were murdered…the Rabbi is a child of two of those survivors. To commemorate their family and all the deceased Polish Jews, the Perelmuter family organized a family trip back to Poland to visit the places where they died and lived.

On this episode we discuss:

• The Perelmuter’s family connections to Poland and the Holocaust

• Their visits to Auschwitz, Krakow, Lublin and Warsaw

• Cultural observations and heartbreaking stories from their travels

• The literal and proverbial Jewish graveyards they visited

• The resilience of Jewish identity and culture

• The complexities of faith for the survivors

• The fact that we won

If you want to check out my t-shirt homage to Douglass Murray, you’ll need to watch the video version of the episode on Spotify or check out our YouTube page.

Remember to send us questions and comments to our e-mail at edjewcationpod@gmail.com

This week, we talk about the founder of the Hasidic movement…the life and legacy of the Baal Shem Tov. We discuss:

• His early life and spiritual awakening

• The impact he had on Jewish spirituality

• Early opposition to the Hasidic movement

• The distinct customs, modes of prayer, and the joy that Hasidism brought to the Jewish people during a time of despair.

• The challenges of faith and the importance of earnestness in one's spiritual journey

• The Baal Shem Tov’s emphasis on the importance of unity in the Jewish community

• The intersection of politics and the Orthodox community, highlighting the complexities of modern Jewish identity

If YouTube is your thing, check us out on our YouTube page here

Welcome back (In the Welcome Back Cotter melody…am I dating myself?). After a looooooooong holiday period, we are finally recording a new episode for the first time in a month. And do we have a barn burner for you!!!!!

But first, here are a couple of quick updates about the show:

1. When we started the show, we began by splitting the episodes into cultural topics and Parsha discussion, but in case you haven't noticed, we only get to the Parsha about 50% of the time. So, to rectify that, we will start recording two episodes each week, one on the cultural topic and a second on the Parsha. We will wait a few weeks to restart the Parsha discussions since we are almost caught up to where we are and will start moving along as the good book does. So be on the lookout for two episodes each week soon.

2. We decided to start an edJEWcation book club. Here's how it will work: We will announce whatever book we will read a month before the episode, so if you want to read along with us, you'll be able to. Then, we'll discuss the book with an eye toward how Judaism would interpret some of its themes and meanings. I'm very excited about the list we have so far. Some of the books are books you'd expect, and some less so.

3. The first book we will read is The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal. Please send us your questions about the book or topics you'd like us to cover before we discuss it sometime in early December! We may even have a guest join us.

4. Finally, we are starting a new series about great Jewish thinkers that will cover the next several episodes. In our episode, we will discuss Maimonides, also known as Rambam.

In our discussion, we'll cover-

• Why he matters

• The world he lived in and how it changed over his lifetime

• His two seminal works, The Guide for the Perplexed and the Mishna Torah

• How he organized Jewish law into a comprehensive system, making it accessible to all Jews.

• The backlash he faced for his authoritative approach to Jewish law.

• How his legacy continues to influence Jewish thought and philosophy.

• His influence extended globally, impacting Jewish thought across centuries.

• His alignments and disagreements with Aristotelian thought

• The 13 principles of faith are foundational to Jewish belief.

  
  

Links

Guide to the Perplexed

Mishna Torah

The 13 Principles of Faith

The Unmoved Mover

Remember to check us out on YouTube and send us questions at edjewcationpod@gmail.com

This is a short episode based on a substack post I made last week about the IDF's killing of Yahya Sinwar and what our response should be.

If you don't subscribe to our Substack you can find the post here - https://edjewcationpod.substack.com/p/dont-dance-on-graves

And you can find a link to the X post I reference here - https://x.com/amjadt25/status/1847199234828693879

We'll be back soon with full episodes after the holidays, so be on the lookout for those.

We hope everyone had a great Sukkot and Simchat Torah!

In this soul-poking, faith-fueled, wildly entertaining episode of edJEWcation, we dive deep into C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters—that brilliantly British, devilishly clever tale of temptation and bureaucracy in Hell (which could be confused with your last Zoom meeting).

Jay returns from Passover in full carb-rebound mode, ChayaLeah defends the honor of Jewish moms everywhere, and Dan—our resident Christian theologian—joins the pod to confess his love for Lewis, loathe for Narnia, and struggles with joy, forgiveness, and judgment (so basically, Tuesday).

Whether you’re a Jew, a Christian, an atheist with literary taste, or someone who enjoys hearing Dan get politely steamrolled by rabbinic firepower—this one’s got something for you.✡️🔥 Main discussion points:

• C.S. Lewis 101: Irish-born, WWI vet, former atheist, Tolkien’s BFF, and surprise: he married a Jewish woman.

• Joy vs. Happiness: Is joy divine? Is happiness just sugar water? We break it down with references to theology and Simchat Torah dance.

• Judaism vs. Christianity: Satan's job title, the nature of free will, and whether you can be forgiven too easily.

• Free Will & The Daily Grind: Why even small decisions (like cutting your tithing in half) may be inching you toward idolatry.

• The Devil’s Playbook: Temptation isn’t always about pitchforks. Sometimes it’s just a nudge during prayer or a loud chewer at synagogue.

• Destination Addiction: Why living for “someday” is the devil’s best trick—and how we forget to notice the water we're swimming in.

• Radical Forgiveness: Can you forgive a Nazi guard? And should you? (Spoiler: This got heated.)

• Religious Hypocrisy: Being judgmental ≠ being devout. And yes, Screwtape might be subtweeting your frum neighbor.

• C.S. Lewis’s Mic Drop: “There are no ordinary people.” We end with a gorgeous quote that’ll haunt your next supermarket interaction.

🕍👼✨ It’s spiritual, spicy, and might get you to (re)read The Screwtape Letters—or at least stop judging your pew-mate’s outfit.

Have you ever seen a Jew build a house? Unlikely. The closest we get is during the Sukkot holiday. That alone makes the holiday notable, but there are other reasons we should pay attention to the holiday, and we will discuss all of those in this episode, along with a bonus discussion about Simchat Torah.

In this episode, we’ll get into-

• The origins and traditions of Sukkot

• The significance of the Sukkah and its customs

• Family traditions and modern adaptations

• The Four Species: symbolism and meaning

• Historical context and practices

• The celebration of the Torah which is Simchat Torah

• The importance of community and togetherness

• Reflections on joy and resilience

• The role of children in celebrating Sukkot

• The three parts of sukkot

• The connection between Sukkot and Simchat Torah

• The significance of the Torah in Jewish life

• Final thoughts and recommendations

Don’t forget to check us out on YouTube and our new Instagram page.

And if you have any questions or comments, drop us a line at edjewcationpod@gmail.com

Alright all you sinners…this one’s for you. This episode is everything you ever wanted to know about how to get back in Hashem’s good graces. You know it, you love it…it’s Yom Kippur.

On this episode we discuss:

• Yom Kippur is often misunderstood as a heavy holiday, but it is fundamentally hopeful.

• The day is an opportunity for new beginnings and letting go of past baggage.

• Fasting on Yom Kippur is a form of sacrifice that strengthens resolve.

• Kol Nidre serves as a technical prayer to nullify past vows and promises.

• The communal aspect of Yom Kippur and the concept of sacrifice

• The significance of Kol Nidre.

• How tradition plays a crucial role in personal and collective identity.

• That crazy tradition of Kapparot that I never get tired of making fun of ChayaLeah for.

One way you may be able to cleanse your soul this year is by subscribing to our podcast, our YouTube channel and/or our new Instagram. I’m fairly certain Hashem counts all of those as Mitzvot.

Any questions? e-mail us at edjewcationpod@gmail.com

This week, we reflect on the October 7th massacre from both a personal and religious perspective. We discuss:

• How October 7th changed us personally and affected our Jewish identity.

• The idea of collective grief

• The rise of domestic antisemitism in the immediate aftermath and the year since

• Unity among the Jewish community

• How education needs to be reevaluated

• Theological questions about suffering and God's intentions

• Resilience in Jewish life

• The need to take action and not succumb to despair

• The importance of community support and solidarity

Do you have any questions about dealing with October 7th, grief, or anything else? Leave a comment below or email us at edjewcationpod@gmail.com.

You can also watch us on YouTube (now with actual video of us) here

Talk to you all again soon, under happier circumstances.

We’re coming up to the busiest Jew time of the year and it all starts with Rosh Hashana, so this week, we’ll give you all a primer on the holiday.

We’ll talk about-

• The importance of food in Jewish culture

• Understanding Rosh Hashanah and Attending Synagogue

• Overcoming Intimidation and Finding Meaning in Synagogue Services

• Reflection and Personal Growth during Rosh Hashanah

• A Time for Reflection and Self-Improvement

• The Difference Between the Jewish New Year and the Secular New Year

• The Significance of the Shofar

• The Opportunity for Change and Reflection

• The Wake-Up Call of the Shofar

• The Rebbe's Blowing of the Shofar

• The Two-Day Celebration of Rosh Hashanah

• Observance of Two Days and Temple Rituals

• Changes in Rosh Hashanah Celebration

• Modern Additions and External Rituals

• Influence of Social Media and Consumerism

• Authenticity and Self-Reflection in Rosh Hashanah

• The Power of Prayer

We hope everyone has a happy new year! Shanah Tovah!

Make sure to e-mail your questions to edjewcationpod@gmail.com

In this episode, we talk about…a month. No, that’s not the episode's length; that is its topic. Specifically, the month of Elul (I know, I know…trust me, the episode is much more interesting than it sounds).

We discuss:

• Elul’s significance as a time for reflection before Rosh Hashana

• The month’s biblical origins

• What does the “King in the Field” have to do with Elul

• The importance of the concept of אני לדודי ודודי לי, or I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved is mine

• Personal struggles with spiritual practice

Then, we transition to this week's Torah portion, where we discuss the story of how Jacob obtained Esau’s birthright in exchange for a bowl of soup.

We also cover the all-important topic of what a Shonda transliteration is.

Please send us your questions to edjewcationpod@gmail.com

You can also now find us on YouTube here.

In this episode of the Edjewcation Podcast, the hosts tackle an eclectic mix of topics, from their chaotic recording schedule (who needs sleep anyway?) to basking in some much-needed listener love. They even dip their toes into controversy, dissecting a wild interview from Tucker Carlson's show (because why not stir the pot a little?). The spotlight, however, is on the Rabbi’s deep dive into the history of Jewish sects—because nothing says fun like a walk through ancient Jewish drama. He breaks down the squabbles of the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Karaites, who all had their own “unique” takes on Jewish law. Spoiler alert: the Pharisees, those rabbinic VIPs, came out on top, shaping the Judaism we know today. The Rabbi also touches on the Zealots (basically, ancient rebels without a cause) and the Nazarenes, but notes that they were more like historical side characters. He wraps up with a pep talk on the resilience of Judaism and the importance of sticking together—because, let’s face it, unity is the best weapon against all the curveballs history throws our way. Tune in for a lively episode packed with ancient beefs, cultural insights, and the occasional podcasting mishap. It’s Edjewcation—where Jewish history meets modern-day hilarity!

For those of you who are not of the "very online" set, Tucker Carlson interviewed Darryl Cooper, also known as MartyrMade, on his show this week. The interview set off a firestorm because of Cooper's, let's be generous and say poorly informed World War 2 opinions.

After that, some old tweets emerged in which he made some quite disparaging remarks about Judaism and its relationship to Christianity.

We discussed one of those tweets during our weekly recording this week, but rather than waiting for the entire episode to come out in about ten days or so, we thought we would clip that section and send it out now because the discussion is so in the zeitgeist at the moment.

It appears the original tweet we discussed has been since deleted, ⁠but you can find it screenshotted here.

Certain dimwitted fools (given this is a family show, that’s the best descriptor I can give) on the internet have been making claims about Judaism based on the preachings of a small group of zealots known as False Prophets. In today’s episode, we will discuss the two most famous members of the group, Sabbatai Zevi and Jacob Frank.

We’ll discuss:

• The concept of prophets in Judaism
• What distinguishes a true prophet from a false one
• The biographies of Sabbatai Zevi and Jacob Frank
• The allure of False Prophets
• The state Jewry at the time which made the rise of False Prophets possible
• The dangers of False Prophets
• The importance of studying Kabbalah only within the context of the more traditional Jewish texts
• The throughline between False Prophets and modern-day charlatans

As you may have noticed in the subhead above, ⁠we’re now on YouTube⁠, so if that’s your application of choice to listen to podcasts, you can check us out there. The channel has our entire back catalogue of episodes and will be updated each week with our new ones.

⁠Link to YouTube⁠

Remember to e-mail us with any questions at edjewcationpod@gmail.com

With all the online anti-semitism and Jewish conspiracy theories in the dark corners of the internet (thanks, Candace Owens), we decided to take one of the issues head-on and discuss the concept of Kabbalah and its core teachings.

Including:

• The history of Kabbalah, its mystical nature, its relationship with traditional Judaism, and the Zohar

• The blurred line between Kabbalistic practices and halakhic (legal) practices, as well as the misconceptions and commercialization of Kabbalah in popular culture.

• How Kabbalah offers a deeper understanding of the spiritual world and our connection to God.

• How it relates to daily Jewish practices and rituals.

• The effect Kabbalah has had on Jewish history.

We then go on to this weeks parsha and discuss Isaac and Rebekah’s challenge with getting pregnant and the theme of infertility in the bible, and ultimately the birth of their twin sons, Jacob and Esau.

Please drop us a line at ewjewcationpod@gmail.com with any questions or comments.

We hope everyone has a great weekend!

Get ready for a fun and insightful episode of edJewcation! This time, we're diving into the world of mitzvahs (commandments) that are all about women power. From the perfect challah to lighting Shabbos candles without burning down the house, and navigating the delicate waters of family purity—we’ve got you covered. The hosts sprinkle in some history, a dash of modern-day practices, and plenty of laughs as they highlight the spiritual significance behind these traditions. Just wait for the tense exchange between ChayaLeah and her Dad, whose side are you on?

But wait, there’s more! We shift gears to the weekly Parsha, Genesis 24, where Abraham is on a mission to find the perfect wife for his son Isaac. Spoiler alert: It’s not your typical matchmaking story! We chat about why Abraham wasn’t keen on Isaac going along for the ride, the servant’s prayer for some divine dating help, and Rebecca’s star turn as the future matriarch of the Jewish people. With insights, blessings, and a wedding to top it all off, this episode is like a Shabbos meal—nourishing, comforting, some family tension, and all with a touch of sweetness.

This weeks Parsha

While ChayaLeah was literally wrapping her kitchen in tin foil to survive Pesach, we invited Dr. Tanya White, a Senior lecturer at Matan Women’s Institute for Torah Studies and lecturer in Jewish Philosophy at Bar Ilan University, to join us to discuss the philosophy of the world-renowned Rabbi Jonathan Sacks and her podcast, Books & Beyond, which discusses some of his most prominent works.

• Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Explained. Why the late Chief Rabbi can be quoted in a Chabad farbrengen, a Reform sermon, and a Hartman colloquium—sometimes on the same Shabbat.

• Fate → Faith → Fridge Cleaning. Tanya walks us through Rabbi Sacks’ move “from fate to faith,” his “letter in the scroll” metaphor, and what it means for every Jew who’s ever asked, “Do I really matter?” (Yes, even you.)

• Invisible Strings & Horizontal Hugs. Meet the vertical string to Heaven (halacha) and the horizontal string across Am Yisrael—plus how both strings got yanked on 7 October.

• Sacks, Soloveitchik & the Lubavitcher Rebbe Walk into a Bar. How an existentialist, a Hasidic visionary, and the world’s politest Brit forged a Judaism that both debates Richard Dawkins and comforts nervous college freshmen.

• Bonus Material. Burnt ovens, Pharaoh slander, avocado farming on a Yemeni moshav, and the time a rebbetzin tried to cancel Rabbi Sacks in the middle of a shiur (spoiler: it did not go well).

Now that we’re all eating Chametz again, grab a piece of toast, and enjoy our interview with the outstanding Tanya White. Make sure to check out her podcast and the rest of her work at www.tanyawhite.org.

This was one of my favorite episodes. Enjoy!

Most internet influencers acquire an audience by emoting more positivity in a single Insta post than the average person can conjure in a week…but on edJEWcation, that’s not how we roll, thus the title of this week's episode, where we will discuss two supremely depressing topics.

For the first topic, we discuss the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar, the three weeks and the holiday of Tisha B’av (which happens to be the day this episode is released). This is an annual mourning period during which Jews mourn the destruction of the first and second temples, along with numerous other tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people.

Then, for the parsha, we will discuss Genesis 23, the story of Sarah’s death and Abraham’s acquisition of the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron.

For everyone honoring the holiday today…we hope you have an easy fast and enjoyed your ashy egg last night (it's an inside joke).

This week's Parsha - Genesis 23

And now for something a little bit different…

On this episode, we are thrilled to welcome our first guest to edJEWcation, when ChayaLeah and Jay trade in the Rabbi for the Chief Historian of Operation Benjamin, Shalom Lamm.

Operation Benjamin is an organization that ensures Jewish soldiers who were killed in World Wars One and Two but improperly buried are given the Jewish burial they deserve. This may seem easy, but as you will discover, it is anything but.

You may remember that a few episodes ago, we discussed this article from the NY Post about the discovery of the body and reburial of World War 2 soldier Nathan Baskind.

After reading that article, we researched Operation Benjamin, were bowled over by their work, and decided to invite Shalom onto the show to discuss the efforts to repatriate Lt. Baskind and Operation Benjamin overall.

Among other topics, we discuss:

• Shalom’s background and how he transitioned from the business world to military history

• The origins of Project Benjamin

• The process they use to go about identifying Jewish soldiers

• The complexities they face in this process

• Connecting with families on this painful topic

• What made the Nathan Baskind case a particularly challenging and rewarding one

It’s important to note that Operation Benjamin never asks the soldiers’ descendants for money while at the same time assisting them with international travel for the rededication ceremony, as needed. They are a 501(C)3 charity 100% funded by donors. So, if you are interested in donating, their donations page can be found here: Donation Page.

Since we have been neglecting the parsha recently, we decided to spend this week focusing on one of the essential stories of the Old Testament, The Binding of Isaac.

In this episode, we explore:

• Different interpretations and perspectives on the story, including the idea that Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son was a test of his faith and the belief that G-d wanted Abraham to say no to the command.

• The significance of the sacrifice's location and Isaac's age during the event.

• The moral implications of the story and the challenges it presents in understanding the nature of G-d.

• The themes of devotion, blind faith, sacrifice, and getting out of one's comfort zone.

• If the story is more about the nature of G-d vs. Abraham or Isaac.

• What the story tells us about being a good role model for our children.

• The concept of martyrdom in Judaism and Rabbi’s mixed views on the topic.

• Sarah’s role in the story and the complexity of her position.

Have a question you are dying for us to answer? Want to recommend a topic? Drop us an e-mail at edjewcationpod@gmail.com

Enjoy!

With ChayaLeah fresh off her trip to Florida, where the Hassdim enjoyed an outdoor wedding in 900-degree weather, with wool coats on, the gang comes back together to finish their discussion on the Rebbe by talking about his ten Mitzvah campaign.

The purpose of the campaign was to inspire less observant Jews to partake in some of the 613 Jewish mitzvahs

The ten mitzvah’s of the Rebbe’s campaign are:

1. Lighting Shabbat Candles

2. Wearing Teffilin

3. Hanging Mezuzah’s

4. Studying Torah

5. Giving Tzedakah

6. Owning Jewish Texts

7. Keeping Kosher

8. Jewish Education

9. Observation of Family Purity

10. Loving Your Fellow Jew

You can learn more about the 10 campaigns here.

This episode is a special tribute to the Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, on the 30th anniversary of his passing.

Along with discussing his biography and leadership of the Chabad movement, we discuss some of the key elements of the Rebbe’s philosophy, such as being of service to others, the need to fulfill one’s purpose in life, not succumbing to self-pity, the benefit of placing oneself in uncomfortable situations, the urgency of the current moment, his deep belief in G-d and the Torah, and his embrace of all Jews, no matter how religious.

The Rabbi and ChayaLeah also discuss their personal connections to the Rebbe and his impact on their lives.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Rebbe, I highly recommend the book Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History, by Joseph Telushkin

Welcome to a special episode of "Edjewcation," where we're diving into Jewish traditions like we're on a spiritual scavenger hunt! First up, the "shul." What's the deal with shuls? Are they more than just where your Bubbe goes to schmooze? We'll unravel their historical secrets and discover why they're the ultimate hangout spot for Jewish life, gossip included. Ever wondered about the cantor's role? Are they the divas of the synagogue, or just really, really good at belting out prayers? We'll uncover the truth behind their melodic magic and why they're the MVPs of the prayer service. And speaking of music, who knew it wasn't just the shofar that gets everyone's toes tapping? What’s the deal with music in shul Now, onto the Ark—no, not Noah's, but the one cradling those precious Torah scrolls. It's more than just a fancy cabinet; it's the VIP section of the synagogue, and we're getting backstage access to its spiritual significance and architectural awesomeness. Then, hold onto your yarmulkes as we tackle the Torah tale of Lot and his daughters. We're taking a fresh look at this ancient soap opera, exploring its family drama and the eyebrow-raising moral lessons that definitely wouldn't make it into a Disney movie. And finally, we're jetting off to the desert with Hagar and Ishmael. These two know a thing or two about survival skills and family dynamics—spoiler alert: it involves a lot less kugel and a lot more wandering. Join us for laughs, learning, and a whole lot of "oy vey"s on this episode of "Edjewcation." Whether you're a Jewish scholar or just Jew-curious, we've got something for everyone in our spiritual rollercoaster ride through Jewish history and tradition.

Even most non-Yids know that Shabbat is the day of rest, but did you know there are 39 categories of work that are prohibited on the Sabbath? If not, you better listen to this episode where we discuss some of them, or you’ll just go on sinning every Sabbath and be none-the-wiser.

We’ll talk about the benefits of Shabbat in the reconnecting with family and community, the history and significance of lighting the Shabbat candles, the Saturday evening Havdalah service which closes out the Sabbath, and many other questions around the commandment and poignancy of celebrating the Sabbath.

Then, we’ll make the hardest of hard turns…moving from the serenity of Shabbat to the fire and brimstone of our Parsha of the week, Sodom and Gomorrah.

Why did G-d feel it necessary to give Abraham warning that he was going to destroy the city? Why did G-d listen to Abraham when he negotiated for the lives of the innocent people who lived there? What does this tell us about the Bible’s perspective on collective punishment?

Links for the week:

Parsha: Genesis 18:17 - 18:33

Recommended Reading: The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel

Here's the description - When most goys think of being Jewish, they think the little hats, eight crazy nights, and no cheeseburgers; well it's that last thing we're talking about today…kosher.

But first, we'll do something we rarely do…cover a recent event. We'll discuss a New York Post story about a Jewish World War 2 soldier who was lost behind enemy lines only to have been discovered two years ago buried in a mass grave with Nazi soldiers and the efforts undertaken to give him a proper burial.

NY Post Article: https://nypost.com/2024/06/01/world-news/remains-of-jewish-american-soldier-recovered-after-being-buried-with-nazis/

When we get to the kosher topic, we'll discuss-

• The history of kosher laws
• Challenges with keeping kosher
• The meaning of the word "kosher"
• How Kosher upholds Jewish belief in treating animals with dignity
• The difference between kosher and parve
• What a kosher kitchen looks like
• The deal with kosher wine
• And how chickens made the cut to become kosher
• 
  

For this week's parsha, we'll discuss the Angels who visit Abraham and Sarah and tell them the good news about Isaac's coming.

To round it out, our buddy Eli Lake wrote us a little ditty about keeping kosher (with an AI assist). It's a banger…

Welcome back to edJEWcation! On this week’s episode, we start by discussing a couple of potential business ideas: Could there be a “Chabad-mode” for AI that would allow Jews who are Shomer Shabbos to use it during the weekly day of rest? Or a “Fred Flintstone-mode” for Uber so observant Jews can use it during the holiday?

Then we get into the meat of our discussion (no dairy, though; this is a thoroughly kosher podcast): the holiday of Shavuot (which is going on in the US right now), which commemorates the Jewish people receiving the Torah from G-d 3,000 years ago. We talk about the significance of the story of the giving of the Torah, the 49 days leading up to the holiday, the Ten Commandments, and the need for an ethical foundation in our lives.

During the discussion, we take a slight detour to discuss The True Believer by Eric Hoffer and how it can help explain the craziness we see on college campuses around the country.

We then wrap up with our final discussion of the Ethics of our Fathers, emphasizing the importance of virtues and character.

Links from our discussion:

• Description of Shavous

• Ethics of our Fathers

• The True Believer by Eric Hoffer

On this week's edJEWCation we talk about jail.

The Rabbi talks about why Chabad spends time there, why he goes, the ethical and moral implications of punishment, how the Torah attempted to deter crime, and the role of the Torah in shaping societal justice.

Then we go into our penultimate discussion of Ethics of our Fathers where we discuss Mishna's which talk about balancing wisdom with action and empathy with understanding.

As promised earlier in the week, here is the edJEWcation Rewind of our second Passover episode from last year.

If you’ve made it this far without the Chametz, it’s all downhill from here!

Talk to you all next week!

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Chag Sameach everyone! We were so excited about our first Passover episode we decided to do it again!

We start out this episode answering a few listener questions like what are some good books about Israel and Judaism, go further into the matchmaking marriage process Chabad uses to marry off their kids, and what the heck made the Rabbi want to become a Rabbi in the first place?

Then, we get into the parts of the Passover Seder we didn’t get a chance to discuss last week. Why do car detailing businesses love Passover almost as much as Jews do, the ten plagues, how the Greeks influenced the Seder, and why we still end every Seder with the phrase “Next Year in Jerusalem” when, well, Jews can actually do that now!

Join us in this enlightening episode as we delve into the intricate dynamics of power, politics, and purpose within Jewish history and contemporary society. We continue to explore the cautionary wisdom of Pirkei Avot (Ethics of our Sages), examining the allure and perils of proximity to authority and the impact of antisemitism on political ideologies.

Rabbi Perelmuter offers invaluable insights, from the dangers of social media distraction to the significance of embracing individual paths and fulfilling the commandments.

We get quite personal toward the end of the episode as we discuss the essence of belonging, the challenges of finding community in today's transient society, and the pivotal role of religious communities in fostering shared values and support. And yes, we do spend several minutes discussing Tina Turner… you never know what you’re going to get from edJEWcation!

This week’s episode of edJEWcation centers around "Pirkei Avot," also known as "Ethics of Our Fathers," a tractate of the Mishnah that offers timeless wisdom and ethical teachings from Jewish sages. Unlike other tractates focused on legalistic or ritualistic aspects of Judaism, Pirkei Avot emphasizes moral conduct, personal integrity, and communal responsibility. It comprises six chapters filled with pithy maxims and profound insights, guiding individuals on how to live righteously, cultivate good character, and interact harmoniously with others. Its teachings advocate for humility, kindness, the pursuit of knowledge, and the importance of community, making it a beloved and widely studied text in Jewish tradition.

The Rabbi breaks it down in his usual wise-cracking way, stressing the importance of spreading Torah knowledge and setting up study hubs. We chat about making disciples and how sometimes teachers learn more from students—kind of like how Yoda learned patience from dealing with Luke (and how much the Rabbi learns from ChayaLeah).

We delve into the concept of "fences around the Torah," which isn't about keeping goats out but rather extending prohibitions to safeguard the Torah's essence. It's like setting your alarm clock five minutes early to avoid being late. The Rabbi gets philosophical, discussing the importance of intention and motivation—essentially, doing good without expecting a medal or a viral tweet. Continuous Torah study is hyped as the ultimate game-changer for life, sort of like how leveling up in a video game opens new realms of awesomeness.

ChayaLeah and Jay then chat about their Torah study adventures, emphasizing the joy of diving deep into its teachings. Curiosity and imagination are hailed as vital, with a nod to needing the right resources—like a Torah-themed scavenger hunt. Finally, the Rabbi extols the virtues of silence, action, and greeting others warmly, suggesting that a pleasant countenance is more effective than a thousand memes. They wrap up by reflecting on how ancient wisdom trumps pop culture icons, proving that sometimes old school is the coolest school.

We had so much fun during this discussion, that we never got around to the Parsha portion, but don’t worry, we’ll get back to that this week.

What does Ivanka Trump, Elizabeth Taylor, Patriots great Andre Tippet, and Sammy Davis, Jr. all have in common? That's right, they all converted to the chosen people, and that's the topic for our discussion today...conversion.

We'll talk about how things may have gone a lot more smoothly for G-d's chosen people if they had tried recruiting more, why so few people who start the conversion process end up completing it, the court that decides your Jewish fate, why Ruth converted, and why yes, if uncut men convert, they still have to get their tip snipped.

As for the Parsha this week, for the sake of continuity, we'll discuss why circumcision is so important, the somewhat messed story of Sarai and Hagar, and the birth of Ishmael.

This week's Parsha covers, Genesis 16:1–17:16

On this week’s episode of “edJEWcation” we embark on an intellectual rollercoaster as we delve into a mosaic of Jewish sagacity and humor! Ever heard of a Rabbi turned stockbroker? Well, strap in because we're diving into that tale and more! Curious about why Jews put stones on graves? Consider it cracked! And just when you thought we'd stay in the shallow end, we'll take a short aside into the ethics of war.

But wait, there's more! From the ancient annals of Jewish prayer history to the intricate mechanics of the Shema, Amidah, and Kaddish, we'll navigate the labyrinthine corridors of spiritual devotion together. Ever pondered the peculiar sway of Orthodox Jews during prayer? Prepare for enlightenment! And brace yourselves for a "lively" debate on women and prayer that's bound to ruffle a few feathers.

And as if that's not enough, we'll cap it all off with a riveting dissection of Abraham's legendary clash against not one, not two, but a whopping NINE kings! So, don your yarmulke, sharpen your wit, and join us for a rib-tickling journey of enlightenment and laughter on "edJEWcation"!