"The Wonder Schmears" feat. writer Yael Galena

Years ago, "The Wonder Years" featured a bar mitzvah episode; it was one of the most prominent examples of on-screen Jewish ritual done well. Now "The Wonder Years" has been rebooted, and aired a bar mitzvah episode of its own. So we're thrilled to welcome special guest Yael Galena—who wrote the episode!—for the inside scoop about creating this instantly-famous episode. While celebrating the love and unusually positive feedback from the Jewish community surrounding the show, we talk about how the writers used subtlety and subtext to convey difference, and what goes into selecting a Torah portion for a fictional character. Plus, dissecting the family influences (twin brothers!) and school snacks (the full tomato!) that powered her development as a comedy writer.