Explore every episode of the podcast REALLY JEWISH with Oliver Joseph

The conversation explores the significance of the 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, delving into the themes of reflection, repentance, and self-improvement. It also touches on the challenges and practices of observing these days, as well as the impact of sharing Torah and spiritual experiences with a wider audience.

Takeaways

• Teshuvah: The 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are a time for reflection, repentance, and self-improvement.
• Challenges and Practices: Observing the 10 days involves prayer, contemplation, self-assessment, and immersion in spiritual experiences.
• Sharing Torah: Sharing Torah and spiritual experiences with a wider audience can be both meaningful and challenging.

Chapters

• 00:00 The 10 Days of Teshuvah
• 03:19 Challenges of Observing the 10 Days
• 20:54 The Significance of the Shofar
• 40:15 Reflections on Sharing Torah

S2:E1, ‘New Year’s resolutions and vows’. Turning our attention to the Jewish new year, we  talk about the topic of vows in the Jewish tradition, discussing the ambivalence towards vows in the Bible and the significance of making commitments. It delves into the impact of vows on personal and religious life, as well as the broader community, and examines the power dynamics and implications of annulment of vows.

Takeaways

• Vows in Judaism carry a deep sense of commitment and agency, reflecting a balance between religious and secular perspectives.
• The Kol Nidre service holds significant cultural and communal importance, providing a sense of renewal and a fresh start for the year ahead.

Chapters

• 00:00 Exploring the Concept of Vows in Judaism
• 02:14 The Biblical Perspective on Vows
• 05:39 Personal Experiences and Reflections on Vows
• 24:09 The Significance of Kol Nidre
• 31:23 Power Dynamics of Vow Annulment

The conversation begins with an introduction to Israel Story and the power of storytelling. It then delves into Mishy Harman's personal journey, the impact of podcasts, the magic of live storytelling, and the humanity in stories. The conversation concludes with a wish for the Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Takeaways

• Diverse storytelling
• Humanity in storytelling

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Journey
• 01:18 The Essence of Judaism and Religious Identity
• 03:08 The Power of Storytelling
• 08:05 Personal Stories and Identity
• 10:11 The Impact of Stories on Perception
• 13:31 The Role of Empathy in Storytelling
• 16:59 The Power of Personal Stories
• 19:27 The Impact of Personal Stories
• 21:22 The Intimacy of Storytelling
• 23:34 The Universality of Stories
• 28:15 The Influence of Personal Stories

The conversation delves into the Love of the Land Substack project (link in show notes), the complexity of the Israel-Palestine narrative, the historical and archaeological composition of the land, the tragedy and possibility of the encounter between Jews and Arabs, the impact of recent events on work and family, and the importance of historical knowledge in understanding the Jewish story.

Takeaways

• Jewish history and connection to the land of Israel
• The importance of deepening historical knowledge and understanding the complexity of the Israel-Palestine narrative

Chapters

• 00:00 The Jewish Relationship with Israel
• 03:36 Historical and Archaeological Aspects of the Land
• 28:02 Impact of COVID and War on Tourism
• 35:43 Personal Reflections of Being a Tour Guide in Israel

The conversation explores the intersection of tradition and innovation in Jewish life, reflecting on the balance between the two and the impact on personal and national identity. It delves into the complexities of maintaining tradition while embracing innovation, drawing from historical and contemporary examples.

Takeaways

• Tradition and innovation are intertwined in Jewish life
• The balance between tradition and innovation is crucial for personal and national identity

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
• 02:59 The Significance of Recording in Person
• 04:11 Masoret and Chidush: Tradition and Innovation
• 05:42 The Impact of Tradition and Innovation in Jerusalem
• 10:27 The Role of Tradition and Innovation in Jewish Life
• 17:51 The Intersection of Tradition and Innovation in Jewish Culture
• 34:21 The Story of Rabbi Akiva and Moses

Rabbi Joel discusses the concept of blasphemy, the role of the sacred, and the mystery of the name of God in the Jewish tradition. He emphasizes the importance of truth, the tension between fraudulence and truth, and the significance of the sacred in human life. The conversation delves into the concept of the hidden sacred, the reverence and avoidance of pronouncing the name of God, the interaction with divine and the edges of holiness, the dark side of sacredness, and the need for reframing religion in the 21st century. It explores the impossibility of blasphemy, the impact of religious hostility on society, and the significant challenge of understanding religion in a connected world.

Takeaways

• Blasphemy and the unsayable
• The tension between fraudulence and truth in religious beliefs Hidden nature of the sacred
• Humor in religious context

Chapters

• 00:00 Exploring Blasphemy and the Unspeakable
• 07:26 Pushing the Boundaries: Purpose and Truth
• 20:36 The Significance of the Sacred
• 29:42 The Mystery of God's Name
• 31:20 The Ultimate Sacred Postulate
• 32:01 The Reverent and Hidden Nature of the Sacred

The conversation with Rabbi Roni Tabick delves into the personal and professional journey of a rabbi, exploring the topic of Maalach Hamavet (the Angel of Death) and its significance in Jewish tradition. It also touches on the role of a rabbi at times of crisis, a rabbis capacity to comfort and offer support and something of the essence of Jewish life.

Takeaways

• Maalach Hamavet: The discussion provides a deep exploration of the concept of Maalach Hamavet, shedding light on its symbolic and psychological significance in Jewish tradition.
• Rabbinic Role: The conversation highlights the role of rabbis in providing comfort, support, and guidance to individuals facing death and loss, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in pastoral care.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Rabbi Rony
• 01:35 Rabbinic Journey and Calling
• 02:54 Exploring Maalach Hamavet
• 08:15 The Experience of Death and Pastoral Care
• 10:31 Confronting Death and Spiritual Growth
• 26:40 The Role of Rabbis in Supporting Others
• 33:39 The Human Experience of Death

The conversation begins with a reunion between old friends. The core of the discussion is about the meaning of home, and the immigrant experience in the United States. Vadim and Oliver discuss challenges of integration and the impact and blessing of immigration. The conversation is nostalgic and raises questions of generational shifts in diaspora communities, the preservation of Jewish literacy and culture, insider-outsider dynamics, contribution to community and passing down the immigrant experience.

Takeaways

• Reconnecting with old friends brings back memories and stories from the past.
• The immigrant experience in the States is complex and has a significant impact on individuals and communities. Preservation of cultural heritage in diaspora communities
• Impact of immigrant stories on the broader Jewish community

Chapters

• 00:00 Reconnecting with an Old Friend
• 01:14 The Meaning of Home
• 02:00 Immigrant Experience in the States
• 03:13 The Impact of Immigration
• 06:12 Jewish Identity and Migration
• 09:47 The Kavkazi Community and Immigration
• 12:59 The Blessing of Immigration
• 21:09 Speaking Out Loud
• 22:06 The Heartbreak of Nostalgia
• 23:06 Generational Shifts and Diaspora Communities
• 25:01 Jewish Literacy and Cultural Preservation
• 26:37 Integration and Insider-Outsider Dynamics
• 29:14 Immigrant Experience and Community Contribution
• 33:26 Diversity and Inclusion in Jewish Communities

The conversation with Rabbi Miriam Lorie delves into her journey as a female Orthodox Rabbi, her experiences in Jerusalem, and the significance of Tisha b’Av. The themes of heartbreak, hope, and responsibility are explored, along with the importance of interfaith dialogue and the inspiration drawn from modern Israeli music.

Takeaways

• Jerusalem as a place of home and heartbreak
• The importance of hope and inspiration in challenging times

Chapters

• 00:00 Welcoming Rabbi Miriam Lorie
• 01:05 Journey to Jerusalem and the Old City
• 04:35 Experiencing Heartbreak in Jerusalem
• 07:26 Tisha b’Av and the Destruction of the Temple
• 11:00 Jerusalem: Home and Heartbreak
• 17:22 Reflections on Tisha b’Av and Moving Forward
• 23:53 Hope and Inspiration for the Future
• 38:20 Jerusalem: The Center of the World
• 40:32 Inspiration from Modern Israeli Music

The 20th episode of Really Jewish explores the theme of Judaism and creativity, delving into the tension between religious tradition and creative expression. The conversation touches on the core aspects of Jewish creativity, the role of uncertainty, and the need for urgency in the Jewish mission. It also addresses the dark forces that seek to suppress creativity within the Jewish community.

Takeaways

• Judaism and creativity
• Religious creativity and its impact

Chapters

• 00:00 The 20th Episode Celebration and Introduction to the Topic of Judaism and Creativity
• 02:33 Religion, Creativity, and the Current State of Affairs
• 05:34 Defining Creativity and Its Role in Jewish Tradition
• 08:41 The Subversive Nature of Creation and the Role of Religion
• 15:12 The Presence of God and the Absence of Creativity
• 26:20 The Inversion in Jewish Life and the Role of Uncertainty in Creation

This episode delves into the intersection of Judaism and spirituality, exploring the journey of becoming a rabbi, the spiritual essence of Judaism, finding spirituality in Jewish life, and the pursuit of spirituality amidst adversity. It highlights the significance of music and singing as a source of spiritual inspiration and emphasizes the gradual and intentional nature of the spiritual journey

Takeaways

• Judaism and spirituality are deeply interconnected
• The practice of singing and music is a source of spiritual inspiration

Chapters

• 00:00 The Journey to Becoming a Rabbi
• 06:15 The Connection Between Judaism and Spirituality
• 11:05 Finding Spirituality in Jewish Life
• 33:06 Spirituality in Times of Struggle

The conversation explores the role of pleasure and prohibition in the Jewish tradition, delving into the balance between joy and discipline. It also touches on the connection between religious life and secular life, as well as the impact of prohibitions on personal experiences.

Takeaways

• Pleasure and Prohibition in Jewish Tradition
• Balancing Pleasure and Prohibition
• The Role of Prohibition in Secular and Religious Life

Chapters

• 00:00 The Significance of Pleasure in Jewish Tradition
• 10:20 Balancing Pleasure and Prohibition
• 23:23 Rebbe Nachman's Teaching on Joy and Depression
• 33:29 The Role of Prohibition in Secular and Religious Life

The conversation delves into the generations of relationship between Christianity and Judaism, exploring why we as faith leaders are ‘called’ to our work. We discuss differences in our faith perspectives, and the significance of ‘doing’ in Jewish life. It also discusses belief and obedience in religion, the focus on belief in God and God's love in Christianity. The conversation touches on Christian missionary work and outreach, Christian-Jewish relations, religious tolerance, and promoting confidence and dialogue. The main takeaway is embracing bravery and honesty in religious conversations.

Takeaways

• Interfaith Dialogue
• Religious Tolerance

Chapters

• 00:00 Building a Relationship
• 09:09 Belief and Obedience
• 14:10 Christian Missionary Work
• 19:37 Christian Outreach and Jewish Community
• 25:00 Cross Desecration and Religious Friction
• 30:38 Religious Tolerance and Mutual Respect

The conversation delves into the unique role of the UK’ most senior Jewish police officer and the challenges faced by the Jewish community in the context of policing and social unrest. It explores the impact of social media and online hate, and concludes with a message to the Jewish community and a personal reflection on the role of Judaism in shaping the Ben Russell’s day-to-day life.

REALLY JEWISH SE1:E16

Takeaways

The role of a senior Jewish police officer is unique and comes with its own set of challenges.

The impact of social media and online hate on the Jewish community is significant and requires attention.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Reunion

05:09 The Jewish Community and Policing

15:01 Challenges Faced by the Jewish Community

28:17 The Impact of Social Media and Online Hate

35:24 Message to the Jewish Community and Personal Reflection

A technical delay on this week’s podcast, hope to be back on schedule for this Thursday!

The conversation delves into the exploration of the Parshat Shelach Lecha, discussing the themes of certainty and doubt in the Jewish tradition. It also touches on personal and national faith, the vision of Rabbi Akiva, the challenge of religious fundamentalism, and the importance of persistence and faith in personal and national projects.

Takeaways

Certainty and doubt are integral to Jewish tradition

Personal faith and persistence are essential for progress

The challenge of religious fundamentalism requires a shift in religious understanding

Chapters

00:00 Exploring the Parshat: Shelach Lecha

13:29 Personal and National Faith

25:31 The Vision of Rabbi Akiva

34:25 The Challenge of Religious Fundamentalism

42:05 Persistence and Faith in Personal and National Projects

We ask this week, who are we talking to, who is the target audience of the Really Jewish podcast!? The conversation delves into the exploration of Jewish identity, the challenges of navigating Jewish communities, of teaching in diverse spaces, and the impact of exceptional times on the Jewish community. It also discusses the relationship between receiving the Torah and Jewish identity, as well as the complexity of Jewish conversations and the influence of Jewish identity on morality. We consider the disperate ways Jewish people identify and how one might live with identity conflict. It explores the concept of unity at Mount Sinai and the challenge of creating communal solidarity. The discussion emphasizes the importance of finding common ground and fostering a sense of togetherness within the Jewish community and beyond.

Takeaways

• Exploration of Jewish identity and its complexities
• Challenges of teaching and communicating in diverse Jewish communities Navigating Jewish identity is a complex and multifaceted journey.
• Creating communal solidarity requires finding common ground and fostering a sense of togetherness.

Chapters

• 00:00 Exploring Jewish Identity
• 08:54 Complexity of Jewish Conversations
• 16:17 Jewish Identity and Morality
• 25:04 Receiving the Torah and Jewish Identity
• 36:00 Choice and Character
• 41:30 Creating Communal Solidarity

The conversation with Oi Va Voi members, Steve and Josh, delves into the journey of the band, the impact of recent events, navigating antisemitism, and the role of music in fostering hope and unity. The discussion highlights the resilience of the Jewish community and the power of music in transcending cultural boundaries.

Takeaways

• Jewish Music and Identity
• Navigating Antisemitism
• Hope and Resilience

Chapters

• 00:00 The Journey of Oi Va Voi
• 05:39 The Impact of Recent Events
• 11:04 Navigating Antisemitism and Resilience
• 27:09 The Role of Music in Hope and Unity

Rabbi Josh Weiner and Rabbi Oliver Spike Joseph discuss their experiences as rabbis, the highs and lows of rabbinic life, the role of a rabbi in the community, and the significance of Torah learning in preparation for Shavuot. They also explore the dynamic exchange of Torah between friends and the infinite nature of Torah.

Takeaways

• Rabbinic life involves both majestic and intensely tough moments, balancing work, family, and personal growth.
• The role of a rabbi is to be a pipeline for Torah, channeling it to the community and creating space for learning and growth.
• Torah learning is a dynamic and collective experience, offering a connection to something divine and transcending individual experiences.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Significance of Torah Learning for Shavuot

The conversation begins with an introduction to the Really Jewish podcast and the alternating format of guest interviews and discussions. It then delves into the topic of addressing antisemitism and the impact on Jewish identity. The discussion shifts to the theme of 'Judaism of Place or Time,' exploring the significance of Jerusalem and the sanctification of time and place in Judaism. The conversation delves into the significance of Jerusalem in Jewish tradition, exploring the tension between place and time. It discusses the spiritual and historical importance of Jerusalem, the sanctification of time, the civic responsibility of place, and the challenges of displacement and marginality. The tension between national identities and the embrace of tensions in Jewishness are also highlighted.

Takeaways

• Antisemitism is a significant issue affecting the Jewish community
• Judaism has a multivalent relationship with different places of significance Jerusalem as a central theme
• The tension between place and time

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Really Jewish Podcast
• 22:05 The Sanctification of Time and Place in Judaism
• 49:23 Embracing Tensions in Jewishness

The conversation delves into the exploration of God in the Jewish tradition, God's significance and onto the evolution of human culture, music and belief. It also discusses the transition from oral to written tradition and the intuitive nature of music and human experience. The conversation emphasizes the experience of God in Jewish life and the question of God in moments of crisis. The conversation delves into the fluidity and fixation of Jewish texts, the role of God in Judaism, and the concept of living in a constructed world. It explores the significance of God in Jewish tradition, the challenges to belief in God, and the crisis of meaning and purpose in the 21st century.

Takeaways

• The intuitive nature of music and human experience
• The transition from oral to written tradition Jewish texts exhibit a balance between fluidity and fixation
• The significance of God in Jewish tradition is a central theme
• Living a life of meaning and purpose involves encountering the metaphysical

Chapters

• 00:00 Exploring the Jewish World
• 05:15 The Intuitive Nature of Music and Human Experience
• 11:59 The Evolution of Human Culture and Mythic Stories
• 17:15 The Theoretic Culture and the Written Tradition
• 22:21 Fluidity and Fixation in Jewish Texts
• 29:54 Living in a Constructed World

The conversation delves into the complexities of modern fatherhood, exploring the challenges and nuances of traditional and egalitarian parenting roles. It also highlights the evolving dynamics of fatherhood in different eras and the impact of religious and cultural traditions on parenting practices.

Takeaways

• Modern fatherhood in 2026
• Challenges of traditional and egalitarian parenting

Chapters

• 00:00 Exploring Modern Fatherhood
• 11:25 Traditional vs. Egalitarian Parenting
• 33:09 The Complexity of Fatherhood

The conversation delves into the essence of being really Jewish, exploring themes of responsibility, care, and the blessing of Jerusalem. It also reflects on the significance of the days of Yom HaShoah and Yom HaZikaron, as well as the meaning of Zion and Jerusalem in the Jewish context.

Takeaways

• Responsibility and Care
• The Blessing of Jerusalem

Chapters

• 00:00 The Days of Yom HaShoah and Yom HaZikaron

The conversation delves into the significance of Yom HaShoah, personal reflections on the Holocaust, religious and secular perspectives, the impact of the Holocaust on Jewish identity, and the universal implications of Holocaust memory. It also explores the role of Holocaust memory in shaping personal growth and identity, as well as the political implications of using the Holocaust in public discourse.

Takeaways

• Personal reflections on the Holocaust
• The impact of Holocaust memory on personal growth and identity

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Really Jewish Podcast
• 05:56 Religious and Secular Perspectives on Yom HaShoah
• 11:10 The Holocaust and Its Political Implications
• 16:54 The Holocaust and Jewish Identity
• 22:36 The Warsaw Ghetto and Resistance
• 30:11 Family Experience and Holocaust Memory
• 36:08 The Bravery and Resilience of Holocaust Survivors
• 41:38 Reflections on the Holocaust and Personal Growth

Our first ever guest! Ben Rebuck on the REALLY JEWISH podcast!

The conversation delves into the cultural and identity significance of Jewish food, exploring transitions in food choices, the significance of Pesach food, the global impact of Jewish food on social media, and food as a symbol of identity. The conversation delves into the festival of Passover as a celebration of Jewish identity and the historical threats faced by Jews. It transitions to a discussion on the transition to kosher eating and the experience post-Corona small seders. The impact of being Jewish in the UK and online is explored, followed by a reflection on food as a connector and divider in the Jewish community. The conversation concludes with reflections on Judaism and parenting.

Takeaways

• Jewish food as a cultural and identity marker
• Transitions in food choices and their significance
• The global impact of Jewish food on social media Passover as a festival of identity
• The impact of being Jewish in the UK and online

Chapters

• 00:00 Food as a Symbol of Identity
• 21:02 Food as a Connector and Divider in the Jewish Community

The conversation explores the concept of resilience and its connection to endurance, community, sense of control, insecurity, critical thinking, and finding humor in tragedy. It delves into personal experiences, rabbinic and historical texts to understand the essence of Jewish resilience.

Takeaways

• Resilience is a multifaceted concept that encompasses endurance, community support, critical thinking, and finding humor in tragedy.
• The Jewish tradition and historical texts provide insights into the essence of resilience and its relevance in the face of adversity.

TEXT with links

BABYLONIAN TALMUD, TRACTATE MAKKOT,  24b

The Mystery of Jewish Resilience - Why do the Jews still exist? by Daniel B. Schwartz

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Resilience
• 06:10 Resilience in Community
• 12:24 Sense of Control and Endurance
• 19:25 Resilience in the Face of Insecurity
• 25:34 Critical Thinking and Resilience
• 37:41 Finding Humor in Tragedy

The conversation delves into Yair's personal Jewish journey, exploring his childhood, family influence, serving in the military, transition from religious to secular, personal growth, and reflections on Mishnah. Yair also reflects on transitions and fatherhood, highlighting the balance between secular and religious aspects of his life. The feedback and conclusion wrap up the episode, emphasizing the podcast's growth and engagement with the audience.

Primary Source

Mishnah Shabbat 16:1

https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah_Shabbat.16.1?ven=hebrew|Torat_Emet_357&lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en

Takeaways

• Jewish identity and personal journey
• Balancing secular and religious aspects

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Really Jewish Podcast
• 05:56 Yair's Journey in the Army
• 14:59 Yair's Text Presentation and Personal Reflection
• 20:08 Discussion on Mishnah and Personal Connection
• 25:03 Yair's Reflection on Transitions and Fatherhood
• 34:57 Balancing Secular and Religious Aspects
• 39:59 Feedback and Conclusion

The conversation delves into personal Jewish journeys, childhood and family influence, coping with loss, emotional expression, finding meaning in religion, the therapeutic role of Jewish practice, the impact of Torah study, religious commitment, and joy. It concludes with feedback and gratitude from the audience.

Takeaways

• Exploring personal Jewish journeys
• The therapeutic role of mitzvahs

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Really Jewish
• 05:55 Coping with Loss and Healing
• 10:51 Finding Meaning in Religion
• 19:05 The Impact of Torah Study
• 25:07 Religious Commitment and Joy
• 37:55 Feedback and Gratitude

The conversation delves into the complexity of Jewish tradition and the interpretation of Torah texts, exploring the delicate balance of staying true to the text while addressing the moral dilemmas of Torah interpretation. It also includes personal reflections on Jewish tradition and war, highlighting the importance of holding the complexity of opposing viewpoints within the Jewish community.

Takeaways

• Complexity of Jewish Tradition
• Interpretation of Torah Texts

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to War and Jewish Tradition
• 08:39 Interpreting Torah Texts and Rabbinic Sources
• 15:02 The Moral Dilemma of Torah Interpretation
• 41:23 Personal Reflections on Jewish Tradition and War
  

TEXTS DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE - links to sefaria

DEUTERONOMY 13:13-19

SIFREI DEVARIM 94:3

BABYLONIAN TALMUD, TRACTATE SANHEDRIN 71A

The conversation explores the complexities of Jewish identity, the impact of friendship, and the importance of vulnerability. It delves into personal stories, challenges, and the concept of Havruta, providing a deep and insightful exploration of Jewish life and identity.

Takeaways

• Jewish identity is a complex and evolving concept
• Friendship and vulnerability play a crucial role in the exploration of Jewish identity

Chapters

• 00:00 Introducing Really Jewish
• 06:50 Defining Jewish Identity
• 12:22 The Impact of Friendship
• 36:09 The Concept of Havruta
• 43:13 The Importance of Friendship and Vulnerability