On Wandering – Details, episodes & analysis

Deatra Cohen and Adam Siegel have explored the world of Jewish medicinal plant healers within the communities of the Pale of Settlement in Eastern Europe, and written a book to share their findings. As trained librarians and linguists, Deatra and Adam were uniquely suited to uncover these practices that lasted from the Middle Ages to the Modern Era, hidden by language barriers and obscure documents. The book is eye-opening and includes the first materia medica of 26 plants and herbs essential to Ashkenazi folk medicine. In this interview, Deatra and Adam discuss their research process, the legacy of Ashkenazi herbalism, and how their experiences as Jews interacted with their work.

EPISODE NOTES

Order "Ashkenazi Herbalism: Rediscovering the Herbal Traditions of Eastern European Jews" from Bookshop.org

Visit the Ashkenazi Herbalism Website

Join the Ashkenazi Herbalism Facebook Group

Follow Ashkenazi Herbalism on Instagram

On Wandering is going on hiatus! To find out what comes next, subscribe to our email list here.

You can follow Clarissa on Twitter and Instagram @ClarissaRMarks

To request a transcript, or just say “hi,” send an email to hello@onwandering.co

If you liked this episode try out Embracing Yiddish Language, Theater, Culture, and History, with Rokhl Kafrissen or Jewish New York with Dr. Deborah Dash Moore .

Like the show? Here are three great ways to support!

—Rate On Wandering 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts (this helps folks find us).

—Share On Wandering with a Friend (IRL or via Twitter)

—Buy Me a Coffee. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps create the best show possible.

This episode was produced and presented by Clarissa Marks with music by Gillicuddy.

This episode was recorded on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past, present, and emerging. As a land-based people in diaspora, we recognize first nations and indigenous people as the stewards of this land from time immemorial. We honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

We dig into a topic that has come up in many of the conversations on this podcast: intergenerational trauma. The study of this phenomenon is relatively new, but it’s resonated with many Jews whose ancestors’ survived violence and persecution. To take a closer look at this, Clarissa talks to Jo Kent Katz, a Therapist, Ritualist, and Political Educator. In 2020, Jo launched a website called “Transcending Jewish Trauma” to help Jews unpack and heal from inherited unconscious beliefs and behaviors associated with ancestral trauma. Included on the website is a map that explores the many manifestations of collective trauma experienced by Ashkenazi Jews living in the US.

EPISODE NOTES

On Wandering is going on hiatus!

To find out what comes next, subscribe to our email list here.

Learn more about Jo Kent Katz at jokentkatz.com

Find Jo’s map at transcendingjewishtrauma.com

You can follow Clarissa on Twitter and Instagram @ClarissaRMarks

To request a transcript, or just say “hi,” send an email to hello@onwandering.co

If you liked this episode try out “Finding Crypto-Jewish Ancestors w/Researcher and Historian Genie Milgrom,” or “Jewish Ethnicity, Jewish Joy, Mizrahi Culture, and Decolonizing Jewishness, with Yasmine Esther.”

Like the show? Here are three great ways to support!

-Rate On Wandering 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts (this helps folks find us).

-Share On Wandering with a Friend (IRL or via Twitter)

-Buy Me a Coffee. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps create the best show possible.

This episode was produced and presented by Clarissa Marks with music by Gillicuddy.

This episode was recorded on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past, present and emerging. As a land-based people in diaspora, we recognize first nations and indigenous people as the stewards of this land from time immemorial. We honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

Description

Clarissa talks with artist and calligrapher, Gabriel Wolff. They talked about his journey to finding his niche as a Hebrew calligrapher, specifically for tattoo art, and the ways that Jews are using tattoos to wrestle with and communicate their individual and group identity. Gabriel also shared how he sees his art as part of our collective struggle as Jews to find a way past a "post-traumatic experience of life.”

People, Places & Things Mentioned

Art Nouveau

The Beit Din (Rabbinic Court)

Example of one of Gabriel’s tattoo designs with a phoenix

Shatnez

The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michael Chabon

Connect with Us

Follow Gabriel Wolff

Instagram:@hebrew_tattoos

Website: GabrielWolff.com

Gabriel’s Tattoo Art Website: Hebrew-Tattoos.com

Follow Clarissa Marks

Twitter: @clarissarmarks

Instagram: @clarissarmarks

Visit Onwandering.co for show notes and transcripts

Like the show? Rate On Wandering 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts 

Suggest a topic or a guest by sending an email to ClarissaRMarks@gmail.com

Land Acknowledgement

On Wandering is recorded on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present, and honors with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

Clarissa talks to Genie Milgrom. Genie was raised Catholic, but always had an inkling her family was actually Jewish. After years of investigation, she was able to trace her family tree back to 16th century Jews on the Iberian Peninsula. Along the way, Genie became a historian and advocate for Crypto and Converso Jews; Jews whose ancestors were forced to convert to Catholicism during the inquisitions. She’s authored several books about her work, including a cookbook documenting a treasure trove of family recipes found in her mother’s house with a rather unique recipe for so-called “pork chops.”

Genie’s Books Mentioned

“My 15 Grandmothers” by Genie Milgrom

“How I Found My 15 Grandmothers: Como Encontre a Mis 15 abuelas” by Genie Milgrom

“Pyre to Fire” by Genie Milgrom

“Recipes of My 15 Grandmothers: Unique Recipes and Stories from the Times of the Crypto-Jews during the Spanish Inquisition” by Genie Milgrom

Other People, Places & Things Mentioned

Fermoselle, Spain

The Beit Din (Rabbinic Court)

Boyos/Boyikos

Dr. Sergio Della Pergola

Chuletas (“Pork Chops”)

Kulanu

Connect with Us

Follow Genie Milgrom:

Website: Geniemilgrom.info

Facebook: @my15grandmothers

Check out Genie’s resource website for researching Sephardic Jewish lineages at Sephardicancestry.com

Follow Clarissa Marks

Twitter: @clarissarmarks

Instagram: @clarissarmarks

Visit Onwandering.co for show notes and transcripts

Like the show? Rate On Wandering 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts 

Suggest a topic or a guest by sending an email to ClarissaRMarks@gmail.com

Land Acknowledgement

On Wandering is recorded on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People, and honors with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

Clarissa talks with writer Abraham Riesman. This conversation was recorded in December 2019 when Abe was writing a biography of the Jewish Marvel Comics Icon Stan Lee. The book is titled “True Believer, the Rise and Fall of Stan Lee,” and is slated for release February of 2021. Abe talks about his journey as a writer, reclaiming Jewish history and culture that has been left behind or erased, and finding his way to becoming what he calls “a born-again Jew.”

Media Mentioned

Call Me by Your Name

“The Yiddish Policemen's Union” by Michael Chabon

“Radical Then, Radical Now: Exploring the Legacy of the World’s Oldest Religion” by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

Organizations Mentioned

The Workers Circle

Jewish Currents

Base Hillel

Abraham Riesman’s Articles Mentioned

“A Jew's Christmas Confession”

“David Berman Struggled to Feel the Joy He Brought Us”

“It’s Stan Lee’s Universe”

Connect with Us

Follow Abraham Riesman

Website: Abrahamriesman.com

Newsletter: Type Slowly

Twitter: @abrahamjoseph

Instagram: @abrahamjoseph

Follow Clarissa Marks

Twitter: @clarissarmarks

Instagram: @clarissarmarks

Visit Onwandering.co for show notes and transcripts

Like the show? Rate On Wandering 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts 

Suggest a topic or a guest by sending an email to ClarissaRMarks@gmail.com

Land Acknowledgement

On Wandering is recorded on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People, and honors with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

Clarissa talks to Dr. Elliot Ratzman, a professor in Jewish studies, race, and social justice in religion. They discuss the contemporary intersection of white Jews and race, including the questions you weren’t sure how to ask, like “What race are white Jews?”, “How should they partner with other minorities for civil rights?”, and “How does modern antisemitism come into play?” Dr. Ratzman shares the history behind these questions, the importance of self-identification, and his thoughts on Jewish ethics in regards to racial justice.

Organizations Mentioned

Jews for Racial & Economic Justice

Bend the Ark

If Not Now

Never Again is Now

Be’Chol Lashon

Jews in ALL Hues

Jewish Voice for Peace

Resources Mentioned

Understanding Antisemitism: An Offering to our Movement A Resource from Jews For Racial & Economic Justice

“The Past Didn't Go Anywhere” by April Rosenblum

“Strange Hate: Antisemitism, Racism, and the Limits of Diversity” by Keith Kahn-Harris

“Antisemitism: Here and Now” by Deborah E. Lipstadt

“The Crisis of Zionism” by Peter Beinart

“On Antisemitism: Solidarity and the Struggle for Justice” by Jewish Voice for Peace.

Contact Info

Email Dr. Elliot Ratzman at elratzman@gmail.com

You can suggest a topic or a guest for an upcoming show by sending an email to ClarissaRMarks@gmail.com

You can follow Clarissa at ClarissaRMarks on Instagram and Twitter.

Visit Onwandering.co for more show notes and transcripts.

Land acknowledgement

On Wandering is recorded on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

Clarissa shares the very first conversation she recorded for the podcast and it’s all about American Jewish Fiction. She talks to rabbinical student (and book lover) Heather Paul about how Jewish novels inspired her to become a professional Jew, and we try to answer the question, “what IS Jewish fiction?” Stay tuned to hear high praise for some amazing books.

EPISODE NOTES

Books referenced:

“Everything is Illuminated” by Jonathan Safran Foer

"All of A Kind Family" by Sydney Taylor

"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Safran Foer

“The Corrections” by Jonathan Franzen

“History of Love” by Nicole Krauss

"The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay" by Michael Chabon

“The Red Tent” by Anita Diamant

“Mazel” by Rebecca Goldstein

"Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant?" by Roz Chast

“A Guide for the Perplexed” by Dara Horn

“The Weight of Ink” by Rachel Kadish

“Little Failure” by Gary Shteyngart

Connect with us!

You can find out more about Heather Paul at scatteredleaves.net

Follow Clarissa Marks

Twitter: @clarissarmarks

Instagram: @clarissarmarks

Visit Onwandering.co for show notes and transcripts

Like the show? Rate On Wandering 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts 

You can suggest a topic or a guest for an upcoming show by sending an email to ClarissaRMarks@gmail.com

Land Acknowledgement

On Wandering is recorded on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present, and honors with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

Introducing On Wandering and what you can expect from the upcoming season! See show notes, transcripts and episodes at Onwandering.co.

Clarissa talks to Yasmine Esther, a community educator, and a Bukharan, Ashkenazi, and Mizrahi Jew. Yasmine’s made it her mission to inform Jews and non-Jews alike about Jewish politics and culture. With over sixteen-thousand followers on Instagram, Yasmine combats misconceptions and erasure of Jewish customs and history. She often shares about overlooked parts of her multifaceted culture including food, clothing, music and jewelry from her Mizrahi and Bukharin background. Yasmine also has black family members, and her educational work incorporates confronting anti-blackness and racism.

EPISODE NOTES

**Announcement**: On Wandering will be on summer break starting in July. New, monthly episodes will resume in the fall.

 Follow Yasmine on Instagram @yasmine.dreamz

Mizrahi

Sephardi

Ashkenazi

Bukharan Jews

Yemenite Children’s Affair

Breaking the Wall

Ashkenormativity

The Problem With the Term ‘Ethnic Jew’

Instagram Responses to “The Problem With the Term ‘Ethnic Jew’”

 You can follow Clarissa on Twitter and Instagram @ClarissaRMarks

To request a transcript, suggest a topic or a guest, or just say “hi,” send an email to hello@onwandering.co

If you liked this episode try out “Embracing Yiddish Language, Theater, Culture, and History, with Rokhl Kafrissen” or “Finding Crypto-Jewish Ancestors w/Researcher and Historian Genie Milgrom.”

Like the show? Here are three great ways to support!

·       Rate On Wandering 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts. This helps others find us.

·       Share On Wandering with a Friend (IRL or via Twitter)

·       Buy Me a Coffee. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps create the best show possible.

On Wandering is produced and presented by Clarissa Marks. The intro music for this episode is by Gillicuddy and the outro music by Ketsa.

 The show is recorded on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past, present and emerging. As a land-based people in diaspora, we recognize first nations and indigenous people as the stewards of this land from time immemorial. We honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

Forty years ago, thousands of Jews fled Iran after the Islamic Revolution, settling primarily in Los Angeles. Nicole Nowparvar is a member of that Persian Jewish community. She’s a psychotherapist, and the cofounder of Chaya, a community of intimate gatherings for Jewish Iranians. In this conversation, Clarissa talks with Nicole about how social, familial, and cultural expectations shape the community and the way that Chaya is helping individuals navigate what it means to be Jewish Iranian in the U.S.

EPISODE NOTES

Nicole Nowparvar’s Website

Nicole Nowparvar’s Instagram

Chaya Community

Taarof 

You can follow Clarissa on Twitter and Instagram @ClarissaRMarks

To request a transcript, suggest a topic or a guest, or just say “hi,” send an email to hello@onwandering.co

If you liked this episode try out: Embracing Yiddish Language, Theater, Culture, and History, with Rokhl Kafrissen and Hebrew Tattoos w/Artist and Calligrapher Gabriel Wolff

 Like the show? Here are three great ways to support!

·       Rate On Wandering 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts. This helps others find the show!

·       Share On Wandering with a Friend (IRL or via Twitter)

·       Buy Me a Coffee. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps create the best show possible.

 On Wandering is produced and presented by Clarissa Marks.

The intro music for this episode is by Gillicuddy and the outro music by Sound: The Encounter

The show is recorded on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past, present and emerging. As a land-based people in diaspora, we recognize first nations and indigenous people as the stewards of this land from time immemorial. We honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.