This season on Chutzpod! Rabbi Shira Stutman and Hanna Rosin dive into all things high holidays. How do you really start over in the new year. How can you forgive others if you can't forgive yourself on Yom Kippur. And what should we think about snakes (and dogs) on a plane? 

New episodes launch September 4th. Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss a thing. 

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Rabbi Shira and Hanna close out Season 3 with by celebrating Shavuot*, which commemorates the receiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. But how do you celebrate a sacred text that's often problematic? 

*This year Shavuot at sundown on Tuesday June 11, 2024, and concludes at nightfall on Thursday, June 13.

Story of Dinah

Torah Portion Nasso

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Rabbi Shira and Hanna talk with Franklin Foer about his cover story for The Atlantic, which argues that Anti-Semitism is threatening to end a “Golden Era” for Jewish Americans.

Read Frank’s piece

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Can three be the magic number in a Jewish marriage? Rabbi Shira and Hanna help a listener understand what Judaism says about marriage and polyamory. 

More about Jewish polyamory

Rachel Adler’s Brit Ahuvim

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Comedian, podcaster and “Subculture Vulture” Moshe Kasher joins Rabbi Shira and Hanna to help a listener pull (or not pull) a geographic.

More about Moshe Kasher

Listen to Moshe in conversation with Lauren Ober at Sixth & I.

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Rabbi Shira returns from Israel where she engaged in a week of Torah study, rabbinic debates and shepherding in the West Bank.

Send us your questions at chutzpod.com. While you’re there support the show. And follow Chutzpod, Shira & Hanna.

A listener’s friend insists that the Jews killed Jesus. How should she respond? And why does this myth continue to hurt? Rabbi Shira and Hanna talk about weaponizing myths, conspiracies, and the always helpful “I” statements.

More on dispelling that myth

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Rabbi Shira and Hanna help a listener who wants to know what Judaism says about choice when it comes to the end of life. What are the Jewish ethics around medical aid in dying? And is there a Jewish value in suffering?

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Rabbi Shira and Hanna are really Jewish. Charlotte York Goldenblatt is really Jewish. But what about the many of us who live in the gray in-between? We answer this week’s listener question: who gets to be Jewish?

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Can you be “Friends Forever”? And should you? Pulling from the ancient texts Saved by the Bell and the Talmud, Rabbi Shira and Hanna help a listener who wants to bring her oldest and dearest friendships back to life.

More on friendships & friend fights from Hanna.

And check out more of Lanie Fefferman’s music, including the song featured at the end of the show: “One by One” by Beverage Station.

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When channeling your inner Dead Poets Society isn’t enough…Rabbi Shira & Hanna help a high school teacher figure out when and how to talk with students about the war in Israel and Gaza.

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What does Judaism (and the universe) have to say about dating and divorce? Dating BEFORE divorce? And are Jews better at New Year’s Resolutions? Rabbi Shira & Hanna are back to answer these questions and more.

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A listener in an interfaith and interracial relationship asks for advice on how to navigate conversations about antisemitism, race and Israel. Rabbi Shira and Hanna are joined by antiracist educator Rachel Faulkner from the National Council of Jewish Women.

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The decision to have children is often difficult, but what about the decision to have MORE children? Rabbi Shira and Hanna advise a listener on what they think and Judaism says about having a third kid, and whether they regret having their own (spoiler: they don’t).

More:

Genesis 1:28

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I really love Judaism...should I be a rabbi? Rabbi Shira and Hanna help a listener decide whether to take the jump.

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Is a Jewish Santa kosher? Rabbi Shira & Hanna Rosin ponder the ethics of Christmas cosplay in this very merry episode.

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Rabbi Shira and Hanna give advice on how to say you’re sorry, and really (sorta) mean it.

Like Chutzpod? Please rate, review and subscribe!

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What to do when calling your mother is not just a pain, but painful. Rabbi Shira is back from Israel with insights and advice.

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What happens if you receive an unexpected inheritance from a person you’ve cut out of your life? Should you keep it? Give it away to charity? Join Rabbi Shira and Hanna as they balance the rules of Torah with the financial realities of life.

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A pastor expresses private support for his Jewish friends, but they ask him to make it public. He is squeamish…he could alienate members of his own congregation. How does he say no without ruining a friendship? And is he being antisemitic? Join Rabbi Shira and Hanna Rosin as they dive into when it’s ok to say no, and what is and isn’t antisemitic.

Read: How to tell when criticism of Israel is actually anti-Semitism

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Rabbi! Hanna! the parents ask. Tell us the magic words we can say to our children that will make them love and unequivocally support Israel. And we respond.

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On the inaugural episode of this season of Chutzpod, Hanna Rosin and Rabbi Shira wrestle with a listener's question about American Jews who are full of “yes, BUT…” when it comes to mourning murdered Israelis. Can’t we just be sad without invoking the Occupation?

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Join Rabbi Shira and Hanna Rosin in a short discussion on the fraught politics of seeking comfort if you are mourning for Israel. Why, in social justice circles, is expressing sympathy for Israelis, even in a tragic moment like this, complicated? Where should you seek comfort? If you're an ally how should you provide it? Can you feel for both Israelis and Palestinians?

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Do you suffer from Friendship FOMO? Heartburn, fatigue, painful stabs of jealousy while looking at Instagram? Rabbi Shira and Hanna will provide some relief. Podcast host and producer Lauren Ober writes in. And Shira lets out her inner mean girl.  

Biblical Moments of Jealousy: Exodus 20.5, Joseph & his brothers

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This week we finish our two-part series in partnership with Encounter honoring Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha'atzmaut. We share stories from American Jews who found moments of humanity and mutual respect and understanding with Palestinians, helping to bridge the distance between cultures, countries, and continents. We also bid l'hitraot (see you soon!) to Josh as he leaves Chutzpod for other projects.

This week is our first of two episodes in partnership with Encounter in honor of Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israeli Memorial Day and Independence Day, respectively). We share the stories of two Israelis and two Palestinians on their experience seeing "the other," and how it has helped them believe a different future is possible. This is a must-listen episode; we hope you return to it again and again. 

We've got a double parsha week everyone!  Join Rabbi Shira and Josh as they discuss Tazria-Metzora, one of the...grosser sections of the Torah. But worry not, this episode is not about skin disease but about gossip. Learn how the two are related, about the nature of gossip (hint: it's everywhere!), and when it's ok to talk about others.

On this week's episode Joshua and Rabbi Shira dig into two important observances in Judaism: Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and counting the Omer. Learn more about the modern observance of Yom Hashoah, Jewish conversion during World War II, and what lessons we can learn for today. We also discuss Leopoldstadt, the Broadway play that Joshua now stars in, and how it's just as relevant as ever. Also learn about what the heck the Omer is, why we count it and how!

On this week's episode of Chutzpod, Rabbi Shira and Joshua welcome Korin Arkin of the National Human Trafficking Hotline and Noel Gomez of the Organization for Prostitution Survivors to learn about what human trafficking and modern day slavery look like. It's a heavy episode, but important listening to understand that the Exodus story is not a thing of the past. Listen today to learn more about what is happening all around us and what you can do to help.

Episode Timecodes:

(06:00) Interview with Noel Gomez & Korin Arkin

(35:00) Closing Nigun by Yosef Goldman

In preparation for the start of Passover, Rabbi Shira and Josh (back from hiatus!) delve into the six--yes, six--senses of the seder. How do taste, smell, touch, sound, and sight help enhance the Jewish sixth sense: memory? How do your memories and traditions (new and old) enhance the seder experience? Listen today to learn more. 

In honor of International Women's Day (March 8), we discuss Lilith, Adam's supposed first wife, a demonized figure associated with stealing children and seducing men. But she is also an incredibly powerful and feminist figure. Who is Lilith really, and what can she tell us about the mixed multitudes of women today?

This week on Chutzpod we celebrate Purim! We embrace the gallows humor (pun intended) and joy of the holiday by highlighting five up-and-coming Jewish comedians (Orli Matlow, Sam Morrison, Becca Nix Tham, Evelyn Frick, and Dylan Adler) and their favorite Jewish jokes. Plus a megillah reading and, of course, a spiel.

Episode Time codes:

(13:00) 1st Megillah Reading by Scott Weiner

(20:15) Orli Matlow Joke

(22:00) Sam Morrison Joke

(24:40) 2nd Megillah Reading

(26:00) Beca Nix Tham Joke

(28:00) Evelyn Frick Joke

(31:15) 3rd Megillah Reading

(33:00) Dylan Adler Joke

(36:45) 4th Megillah Reading

(38:41) Daniel Olson Parody Song to Close (Tayler Swift)

This week we step back and answer your questions. Listen to Rabbi Shira and Sarah Podemski dig into the ideas of spirituality, what it means to be Jewish, the tension between keeping kosher and protecting our environment, and "God's plan." A trigger warning: this podcast does discuss death by suicide at the 38:30 mark.

Episode Timecodes:

(50:15) - Rabbi Shira's Guided Meditation

Rabbi Shira and Sarah Podemski discuss the (in)famous Torah passage "an eye for an eye." Wouldn't this make the whole world blind? We also discuss the importance of dual identities and what it means to be "half Jewish." Listen today!

Episode Timecodes:

(41:45) Rabbi Shira's Guided Meditation

Rabbi Shira and Hanna fire through a bunch of your letters and voice memos. Shira imagines having an audience with the Pope. Hanna reimagines her concept of Jewish power. And, yet another plug for the mikvah. 

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Spoiler alert: a guest co-host! Reservation Dogs actor Sarah Podemski joins Rabbi Shira and Josh to delve into Jethro's (the father-in-law, not the band) visit to Moses after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea. What did Jethro teach Moses about how to lead his people and how to avoid burnout? What lessons can we learn, as well? We also discuss the new Netflix film You People.

Episode Time codes:

(03:50) Discussion of You People

(10:40) Diving into the Torah Portion of Yitro

(37:40) Rabbi Shira’s Guided Meditation

We're back to the beginning of the Chutzpod cycle with our second episode on Tu Bishvat! On this week's episode, Rabbi Shira and Joshua take on food insecurity and justice with Abby Leibman, CEO of MAZON, a Jewish Response to Hunger. Learn about the Israelites' hunger after crossing the Red Sea and what hunger looks like in today's America. Stick around at the end for a special teaching from Dr. Adrienne Krone from Allegheny College.

Episode Time codes:

(12:30) Abby Leibman Interview

(42:10) Dr. Krone Special Message

Rabbi Shira and Joshua delve into the final three plagues and the Hebrews' liberation from Egyptian slavery. The story is difficult to digest--the last three plagues are devastating. Does the pursuit of justice require violence? Who really hardened Pharoah's heart? And should the new Chutzpod merch have a slash of lamb's blood on it? Listen now to find out.

Episode Timecode:

(38:00) Rabbi Shira Guided Meditation

The Exodus story continues, and with it, questions about what oppression does to both the oppressed and the oppressor, and the importance of breath in pushing back against injustice. We also coin the term "vicious squiggles," critically important for understanding any religious or political movement in history.

We've begun the book of Exodus just in time to mark Martin Luther King Jr's birthday and the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. This first parsha packs a lot in: Moses' birth, growing up Egyptian, the burning bush, and starting to fight against oppression. But it's the Hebrew and Egyptian women who really spark the first acts of civil disobedience--getting into good trouble. Learn more about the connections between MLK and the Civil Rights Movement and Exodus by listening today!

Episode Timecode:

(39:00) Guided Meditation by Rabbinic Student Evan Traylor

Happy New Year and welcome back to Chutzpod! Rabbi Shira and Joshua wrap up the Joseph narrative and conclude the Book of Genesis. Will Joseph be able to forgive his brothers? Does restitution only come from honesty? We also discuss your response to our December Dilemma episode and the beauty of crying.

Episode Timecodes:

(36:00) Rabbis Shira's Guided Meditation

We're deep into Hanukkah and Joshua and Rabbi Shira share listener stories and advice on how to navigate the December holidays as an interfaith family or couple. Should your child have to wear Christmas pajamas to school? How do you integrate traditions and food? How much egg nog ice cream can Josh's parents eat? Find out all this and more in this week's episode.

Episode Time codes:

(03:30) Diving into Listener questions

(42:10) Rabbi Shira's Guided Meditation

Rabbi Shira and Joshua go on a Hanukkah retrospective: how it started 2,200 years ago, how it's evolved through the Medieval era until today. It will have you rethinking the Hanukkah story you thought you knew. Is the oil the most important miracle of the holiday? Or is the true miracle that Shira had positive things to say about Hanukkah? Grab a jelly donut and a latke and tune in today.

Episode Timecodes:

(40:10) Rabbi Shira's Guided Meditation

For our foremothers Rachel and Leah (and Bilhah and Zilpah) it's all about what they said (or couldn't say). How does this week's Torah portion hold up against the Bechdel Test? We're also joined by New York Times journalist Jodi Kantor to discuss her Judaism, her work uncovering workplace harassment in Hollywood, and the new film She Said, out in theaters now.

Episode Timecodes:

(13:20) - Jodi Kantor Interview

(42:10) - Rabbi Shira's Guided Meditation

In our final episode before Thanksgiving, we welcome Sarah Podemski, an award-winning Anishnaabe and Ashkenzai artist and actress (Reservation Dogs). Before we get to it, Joshua and Rabbi Shira discuss this week's Torah portion Chayei Sarah about the life (and really the death) of our matriarch Sarah.

Episode Timecodes:

(6:15) Sarah Podemski Interview

(33:10) Rabbi Shira's Guided Meditation

Rabbi Shira and Hanna help a couple navigate the decision to donate their embryos. They’d like to give the gift to a Jewish family. They’d like to maintain close contact. Are mitzvahs still mitzvahs if you have an ulterior motive?

More on Judaism & Fertility

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Rabbi Shira and Joshua react to Election Night and tie it into this week's Torah portion of Vayera. We also welcome on Jodi Rudoren, editor in chief of The Forward, to discuss how she handles criticism from all corners of the Internet, her experiences at the New York Times, and her take on the hamentashen vs. latke debate.

Episode Timecodes:

(15:30) - Jodi Rudoren Interview

(41:45) - Rabbi Shira's Guided Meditation

Rabbi Shira and Joshua get back to basics with a Torah discussion about parshat Lech Lecha on going forth. We discuss the duality of fire, the concept of being a blessing, and the dynamics between Abram (Abraham) and Sarai (Sarah).   


Episode Timecode:

(36:15) Rabbi Shira’s Guided Meditation

Rabbi Shira and Joshua are hosting the Americans for Peace Now Annual Gala on Sunday 10/30 and to prepare for the gig, we are joined by one of the honorees, Letty Cottin Pogrebin.  Letty's accomplishments are too long to list, but we spend a lot of time focusing on her new book "Shanda: A Memoir of Shame and Secrecy”.  We all have elements from our past we are ashamed of, but should we be?  We also explore the significance of the number 40 in honor of our 40th episode and this week's Torah portion, the story of Noah and the ark.

Episode Timecodes:

(12:30) - Interview with Letty Cottin Pogrebin

(42:45) - Rabbi Shira's Guided Meditation

Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) is the only person to ever serve as both synagogue president and U.S. Senator. She joins the rabbi and Joshua this week to discuss navigating shul politics, the pursuit of Tikkun Olam, and even Broadway musicals. Before the interview, Chutzpod! addresses the recent comments by former President Trump on American Jews.

Episode Timecodes:

(15:30) Senator Rosen Interview

(34:15) Rabbi Shira's Guided Meditation