OMfG podcast: jewish wisdom for unprecedented times – Details, episodes & analysis

We are kicking off season 5 of the OMfG Podcast: Jewish Wisdom for Unprecedented Times with our feet firmly planted on the bridge between summer and a new year ahead.  If you've ever wondered what your rabbis are thinking about when the countdown to Rosh Hashanah is on, we're happy to pull the curtain back on all of the intention and hope (as well as the procrastination) that gets us from Elul to the final blast of the shofar. 

Season 4: Episode 4, the kids are allright

In this special episode of OMfG, the rabbis JG are thrilled to welcome to very special guest hosts, Aliza and Mia, two of the Berkshires' finest recent high school grads. Aliza and Mia share their experiences as Jewish American teens, reflecting on the challenges of their unique high school experiences , their evolving Jewish journeys, and the impact of  October 7.  Join us as we talk, laugh, and think out loud with Aliza and Mia as they answer questions ranging from "what do you wish adults understood about being Jewish teenagers today?" to "why do sloppy joes exist?"  

You thought those holidays were over once you sunk your teeth into that first bagel at break-fast? No way! Whether you’ve got a serious sukkah in your backyard, or are scratching your head wondering “what holidays?”- this episode has it all.  Join the rabbis JG as we talk Shemini Atzeret (Shemini At-what?)—— a somewhat obscure observance that might just be the ultimate Jewish goodbye. 

The rabbis JG are back, with a whole new season of OMfG. It's been awhile, so we're welcoming you all back with the chance to catch up and reconnect. We're excited to move through the year with all of you, as we share wit, wisdom, and poetry inspired by the Jewish calendar, with a healthy dose of snark.

On Preparation: we're kicking off season 3 asking the question "how do we prepare for transformation?" If you're feeling like all those back-to-school lists don't leave you feeling ready, then listen in- kick off Elul with a little Jewish wake up call.

How do we know when enough is enough, or maybe even too much when it comes to fulfilling our obligations to the world around us? As we make our way to seder tables for Passover 2022, the narrative of a perilous journey to freedom is literal for more than 2 million Ukrainian refugees around the world.Join the rabbis JG for an open and honest conversation on the Jewish ideas around obligation, and how we show up in times of crisis.

Who needs Wrigley's Spearmint when you've got a double dose of the month of Adar to bring on the joy? Join the rabbis JG as we think out loud about how to lean toward joy, and dabble in the Torah of Compartmentalization (i.e. some ideas for the spiritual challenges of moving in and out of pandemic intensity). 

This episode is your official rabbinic permission slip- to just get through.  Forget unprecedented- it's hard not to feel like the world is downright unhinged these days. Join the rabbis JG for a reminder that sometimes, one foot in front of another is all we need to do. 

** This episode was recorded before the events at Beth Israel in Colleyville, TX. We are grateful for the safety of our colleague Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker and his congregants.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and the rabbis JG are here for it.  Come for the Home Alone and Chinese food references, and stay to find out which famous Jewish leader had a Christmas tree in his home, and how a Christmas tree saved the lives of one Jewish family in the 1930’s.

Shout outs to Rabbi Joshua Plaut and his book: A Kosher Christmas, the American Holocaust Museum, the Berlin Jewish Museum, and of course, our wonderful editor, Jesse Ulrich and Rant9 Productions. 

No matter how you spell it, we could all use a little light and a miracle or two as we make our way to the end of 2021.  Join the Rabbis JG for a special Chanukah episode- as we "go under the hood" of the story as you might know it, and shine a light on some of the lesser known stories and customs of Chanukah. Let's just say there's plenty of salty cheese, wine and feminism to go around. Hanuká Alegré! Happy Chanukah! חנוכה שמח!

Our baby is 1 year old, and you’re invited to celebrate without the smash cake or obligation to bring a present. Join us for a look back at 1 year of OMfG!