The Jewish Experience
by Manhattan Jewish Experience
Jewish education and inspiration courtesy of Rabbi Mark N. Wildes, Founder of the Manhattan Jewish Experience (MJE). Founded in 1998, MJE is a warm and open community where millennial men and women in their 20s/30s can explore Jewish life and meet new people.
Episodes
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Shabbos Kestenbaum - Israel Activist who stood up to Harvard
Good Shabbos! Shabbos Kestenbaum is an American Jewish activist. He was born in the holy land of Teaneck, where MJE just hosted their Shabbaton. He spent much of his young adulthood serving the Jewish community in Poland, as well as helping Ukrainian refugees during his many trips to the region....
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Caroline Shinkle — Pro-Israel Candidate for Congress
Rabbi Wildes interviews Caroline Shinkle, who is running to represent New York's 12th Congressional District. They discuss Israel, and why other candidates are afraid to stand up to the anti-semitism plaguing our city. Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook…
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American Intellectual Antisemitism – A Conversation with Shai Davidai
Standing up for Israel got him ousted from Columbia University. Sitting down with Rabbi Wildes will get you inspired. The antisemitism we see in the streets didn't arise from nowhere. Join Shai Davidai to learn how hate and ignorance have been spreading through the universities for years, and the...
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Jewish Activists Need to Stop Being Polite | Abraham Hamra
In this episode, we sit down with lawyer and activist Abraham Hamra for an unfiltered conversation about identity, survival, and the political reality of being a Mizrahi Jew in the West. Abraham shares his powerful story of growing up in Damascus, where his family was part of a persecuted Jewish...
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Ranked: All Forms of Orthodox Judaism
Think all Orthodox Jews are the same? Think again! Modern Orthodox, Ultra-Orthodox, Yeshivish, and Chabad all have their own unique styles and commitments. Learn to disentangle them all, and decide what kind of Orthodox Jew you'd like to be. Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook:...
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Money, Priorities, & Purpose: Building a Jewish Life Without Going Broke
Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
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ISRAEL SPECIAL EPISODE!
The history, culture, and triumph of the Jewish Homeland. Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
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Mishnah? Torah? Mishneh Torah? - Explaining the most important Jewish books
What's the different between Torah and Tanach? Why does the Talmud have the Mishnah inside? And what can I read to catch up on the basics of Judaism? Join Rabbi Wildes as we demystify the sometimes-overwhelming world of Jewish sforim. Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook:...
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Who Can Become Jewish?
Being Jewish is a lot of commitment! So why would someone choose to become Jewish? And what would they have to do? Join Rabbi Wildes to learn all about Conversion! Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
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Who is God? - A Discussion with Rabbi Wildes
What do we know about God? How much is it possible to know about God? How can we connect to God? How has our relationship to God changed? And what do you do if you still don't believe? Join Rabbi Wildes to discover all the answers, and to raise many more questions. Website: jewishexperience.org...
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Israel’s International Spokesperson to the United Nations - Jonathan Harounoff
The United Nations has a history of opposing the interests of the state of Israel, and that's putting it mildly. Meet the man responsible for defending Israel before this famously hostile audience. Learn about Jonathan Harounoff's work in the UN, and his project of informing the world about the...
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The Pesach Seder Exhibition
Join Rabbi Wildes for a complete tour of the Passover seder, complete with Matzo, a full seder plate, and many stories and insights from three thousand years of Jewish wisdom. For the full experience, see the video edition of this episode: https://youtu.be/VHsTM29orrY Website…
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HELP! It's My First Time at an Orthodox Synagogue!
HELP! I've been invited to an Orthodox synagogue! I grew up Reform or Conservative so I don't know what to expect. Join Rabbi Wildes and learn that the Orthodox world isn't as intimidating as you might expect. Already a regular at Orthodox synagogue? Learn to anticipated the questions your…
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Ambassador Ofir Akunis
Rabbi Wildes joins Ambassador Ofir Akunis at the Israeli Consulate in New York City to learn about Iran, Israel, and the future of Judaism. Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
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Should We Celebrate When Our Enemies Are Killed?
This week Ayatollah Khamenei, the supreme ruler of Iran, was killed by US and Israeli missile strikes. While Khamenei was lifelong enemy of the Jewish people, does that make it right to celebrate his death? What can the story of Purim teach us about this latter-day Haman? And with so many…
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Should I Donate Money if I'm Already BROKE!?
It's my money! I worked for it! So why should I give away MY money? Rabbi Wildes teaches us about the laws and traditions of Tzedakah, and why giving away some of your money may lead to more money coming back to you. You can start now! Give Matanot LeEvyonim today:...
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Breaking the Law!
What happens if you break Jewish Law? Do you go to Jewish Jail? Can a good Rabbi get you a lighter sentence? Or are there worse things than punishment in the physical world? And what can this teach us about choosing to pursue the righteous path? Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook:...
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Flavors of Judaism - Which will you choose?
Every Jew has to ask the question: Which flavor will I choose? Will it be the favor my parents chose, or am I drawn to something different? Are all flavors equal? What if some flavors on the menu aren't even Jewish? This week Rabbi Wildes shows all the flavors to arm you with the knowledge you…
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Valentines Day Special! - Why the Airport May Hold the Key to Relationship Success
Most folks in the secular world are familiar with the many frustrations of dating and relationships. Maybe the solutions have been right in front us for thousands of years! Learn about kosher dating, the benefits of placing limits in relationships, and why the airport might be the right…
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Did It Really Happen? — Can I believe in Torah without turning off my brain?
Jews believe the Torah was handed down from Mount Sinai. But how can we know if we weren't there? And why should we believe any of the events recorded in Torah really happened? Rabbi Wildes addresses the challenging questions that lead intelligent Jews to question their beliefs. Website:...
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Foul Language, Violent Video Games, and Whiskey — Is It Forbidden?
Rabbi Wildes faces a volley of hard-hitting no-nonsense questions about all the activities that seem wrong to do—but are they forbidden? If you need to know whether your vices and guilty pleasures are allowed under Jewish Law, you need to hear this episode of—Is It Forbidden? Website:...
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Escaping Execution in Iran — Finding Redemption in the Jewish Community — William Mehrvarz
Rabbi Wildes sits down with Iranian born William Mehrvarz. William escaped an imminent death sentence for the crime of Apostasy to move to New York and become Jewish. He joins us to discuss the recent protests and massacres in Iran, the implications for the future of Israel, and risking…
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What is "The Jewish Experience?" | Book Launch with Shai Davidai
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-jewish-experience-book-tickets-1689309473109?aff=oddtdtcreator Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
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Brushstrokes of the Soul - Healing through Art and Kabbalah in Israel
In this moving episode, Rabbi Mark Wildes sits down with Israeli art therapist and visionary artist Rakefet Hadar (founder of Soul Pages) to explore the healing power of creativity in the wake of unimaginable tragedy. Following the violent attacks on October 7th that devastated communities across...
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Taking a Stand: Iran, Education, and Jewish Unity with Shabbos Kestenbaum
Rabbi Wildes sits down with Shabbos Kestenbaum to talk about Jewish identity, leadership, and the growing hostility toward Israel and the Jewish people — from elite universities to global politics. They discuss Shabbos’ lawsuit against Harvard, media narratives on Iran, and the importance of…
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The Jewish Idea of Beauty - The Rabbi and the Student Ep. 4 (With Daniel Wallach)
Judaism doesn’t dismiss beauty—but it doesn’t worship it either. This episode begins with our human hunger for beauty, journeys through the tension between Greek and Jewish ideals, and arrives at a distinctly Jewish idea of beauty: one that’s rooted in holiness, shaped by restraint, and never far...
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How She Survived | Dr. Aliza Erber's Story | Yom Hashoah 2025
Last night at MJE’s Yom HaShoah event, we had the honor of hearing from Dr. Aliza Erber, a Holocaust survivor, medical doctor, and chaplain. As a hidden child during the war, Dr. Erber lost both of her parents in concentration camps. Her story was raw, powerful, and deeply moving. Over 100 people...
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The Story of Israel: Unpacking History, Zionism & What Comes Next with Dr. Noam Weissman
In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Mark Wildes is joined by Dr. Noam Weissman, the voice behind the acclaimed podcast Unpacking Israeli History. Together, they dive deep into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, explore the historical roots of Gaza, and ask the difficult…
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From Soviet Prisoner to Freedom Fighter & Jewish Leader: A Conversation with Natan Sharansky
In this powerful episode of The Wilds Cast, we sit down with Natan Sharansky, a Soviet dissident, human rights activist, and former Israeli politician. Sharansky shares his harrowing experiences as a political prisoner in the Soviet Gulag, where he endured nine years of imprisonment, and his…
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Faith, Strength & Resilience: A Conversation with Rabbanit Racheli Frankel
What does it take to turn unimaginable tragedy into a source of strength and inspiration? 💔➡️💪 In this powerful episode of The Wilds Cast, I sit down with Rabbanit Racheli Frankel, a true beacon of resilience and wisdom. After losing her son Naftali in 2014, she has dedicated her life to…
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Faith in the Flow: Kosha Dillz on Rap, Israel, And Recovery
In this episode, rapper and activist Kosha Dillz takes us on a journey through his music, identity, and resilience. From performing on college campuses and tackling misconceptions about Israel to crafting lyrics that resonate and spark dialogue, Kosha shares the highs and challenges of his unique...
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Vision Beyond Sight: Resilience, Justice, and Advocacy | w/ Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein
Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein, a longtime friend of MJE and a true testament to perseverance and vision. Born blind, Justice Bernstein has defied expectations, becoming a trailblazer in law, an advocate for peace, and a...
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Navigating the Modern Jewish Landscape with Rabbi Dr. Marc Shapiro
0:00 Introduction 1:32 Academic Pursuits & Religious Values 14:48 Misunderstandings of Observance 21:20 Judaism in Politics 31:04 The Limits of Orthodox Theology 44:54 Challenges Facing Jewish Identity 53:44 How to Handle Israel Condemnation 1:03:28 Student Interest in Judaism 1:09:57 Wrapping Up...
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Why We Fight: Campus Antisemitism, Jewish Identity & Political Labels w/ Professor Shai Davidai
0:00 Introduction 1:50 Notions of Peace 6:31 This Semester at Columbia 11:39 Continuing to Teach at Columbia 14:36 Sending Kids to Antisemitic Institutions 22:21 Choosing to Fight Back 28:29 Fight for Jewish Civil Rights 34:17 Israeli vs. Diaspora Jews 43:10 Preserving Jewish Identity 55:59 Why…
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Spiritual Tidbits For the High Holidays w/ Rabbi Judah Mischel
0:00 Introduction 2:04 Welcome 7:17 Camp HASC 17:14 American Jews Giving to Israel 21:39 Negativity in the Media 26:13 Thinking Differently Than Others 30:33 Teshuvah 39:49 How Do We Find Joy? 43:33 Preparing for the High Holidays 51:29 Jewish Self-Identity 1:00:00 Wrapping Up Website:...
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Israel’s Current and Future War | With Former IDF Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Jonathan Conricus
0:00 Introduction 3:07 Is War With Hezbollah Inevitable? 11:25 American Involvement in the War 13:02 Update on the Hostages 16:17 Post War Gaza 29:40 Presidential Elections 44:04 What Can Americans Do? 51:32 Wrapping Up Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook…
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The Future of Zionism with Dr. Einat Wilf
0:00 - Welcome 8:58 - Western Indulgence of the Palestinian Dream 15:45 - Oslo Accords & 2 State Solution 26:35 - Trump Administration 32:31 - Abraham Accords 45:39 - University Protests & Encampments 58:01 - How to Stay Informed Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook:...
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Hope Amidst the Chaos: Israel’s Next Move w/ Former Ambassador Michael Oren
00:00 Introduction 1:28 Welcome 2:24 War With Iran 6:23 Elimination Hamas 7:56 United States Pushback 11:45 Voting in the US 17:26 Relations in the Middle East 22:55 Reminding our Enemies 26:02 Justifying October 7 28:15 Fear in American Jews 30:49 Giving Hope 34:57 Youth in America 37:07 Gaza...
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Unveiling Perspectives on the War in Israel: From a First Generation Persian Jew | Dr. Sheila Nazarian
0:00 Introduction 2:18 Exodus Story 5:46 Impact of Progressivism 10:42 Lack of Jewish History Education in the US 16:30 Political Divide For Jews in America 22:47 Tikkun Olam 24:58 Inspiration & Motivation 27:43 Saving the Diaspora 31:22 Judaism & Medicine 34:06 Exposure & Media Platform 37:24...
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Beyond the Firewall: Tech & Social Media Evolution Post-Oct. 7 | Featuring Hillel Fuld
In this insightful conversation, Rabbi Wildes and Hillel Fuld dissect key points shaping Israel's trajectory, shedding light on the geopolitical landscape and societal dynamics. They navigate through the intersections of technology, innovation, and advocacy, offering profound insights into how...
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The Do's & Don'ts of Dating
Held at MJE on February 14th, Rabbi Mark Wildes taught a class on the Dos & Don't of Dating. This discussion dives into Jewish teachings that offer valuable insights for everyone, regardless of background. Discover practical tips for navigating relationships and finding love in today's world....
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Remembering My Beloved Father Leon Wildes
My remarks from the funeral of my beloved father. To see the whole ceremony click here: https://www.legacycelebrated.com/leon-wildes/ May we only know Simchas Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
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The Blame Game: Taking Responsibility For Our Lives
On January 3rd, Rabbi Mark Wildes taught an insightful class titled "The Blame Game: Taking Responsibility For Our Lives," listeners are encouraged to shift their perspective on life's challenges. Rabbi Wildes delves into the concept of not externalizing failures and struggles but instead taking...
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An Arab Muslim in the IDF | Feat. Yahya Mahamid
In this compelling episode of the Wildescast, Rabbi Mark Wildes engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Yahya Mahamid, an extraordinary guest who defies expectations as an Arab Muslim IDF soldier. Raised in an anti-zionist Arab community in Israel, Yahya shares his remarkable journey of...
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In the Face of Terror: Escaping the Nova Massacre | Featuring 10/7 Survivor Maya Parizer
In this gripping and emotionally charged episode, Rabbi Mark Wildes sits down with a truly extraordinary guest, Maya Parizer. Join us as Maya bravely shares her harrowing experience at the Nova Music Festival in Israel on October 7th. On that fateful day, as the festival was underway, Hamas...
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Israel's Journey of Hope & Resilience | Rabbi Efrem Goldberg | Ruth Wildes Lecture | Chanukah 2023
Israel's Journey of Hope & Resilience | Rabbi Efrem Goldberg | Ruth Wildes Lecture | Chanukah 2023 Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/
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Being a Jew in This Moment | The Rabbi & the Student 3.0 with Daniel Wallach
Welcome back to the Wildescast, Rabbi Wildes and his student, Daniel Wallach, passionately discuss the resilience and strength of being a Jew in America post the October 7th attack on Israel. This powerful episode, the third in their "Rabbi and the Student" series, sheds light on the challenges...
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Confronting Antisemitism on College Campus | Panel at MJE w/Professor Shai Davidai, Adela Cojab, Talia Lerner, & Gideon Askowitz
Rabbi Wildes leads a dynamic live panel at MJE, delving into the effective strategies for addressing antisemitism on college campuses. Joining the discussion are distinguished panelists, including Professor Shai Davidai from Columbia Business School, Adela Cojab, a passionate Jewish activist and...
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Navigating Varied Perspectives on Zionsim
Welcome to the Wildescast. This episode is from the finale of Rabbi Mark Wildes's 3 part class series on Israel. In this class Rabbi Wildes discusses all of the differing views on Zionism and answers all the questions you have on this incredibly complex topic! This is not an episode that you will...
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Witnessing History: A Holocaust Survivor's Perspective on Israel & Hamas | Featuring Rena Quint
Welcome to the Wildescast! On this episode we delve into Rena Quint's journey through the horrors of the Holocaust is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. She will recount her experiences, the challenges she faced, and the indomitable human spirit that carried her through those tumultuous times.…
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About this show
Jewish education and inspiration courtesy of Rabbi Mark N. Wildes, Founder of the Manhattan Jewish Experience (MJE). Founded in 1998, MJE is a warm and open community where millennial men and women in their 20s/30s can explore Jewish life and meet new people.
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Manhattan Jewish Experience
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