edJEWcation

What does it actually take to be a prophet? Spoiler: it’s not just hearing voices and shouting in the marketplace (though there’s some of that). In this kickoff to our new series on the Trei Asar, the Twelve Prophets of the Tanakh, we set the stage before diving into the individual books. Think of this as Prophecy 101 with a side of cult talk, because honestly, the line between “biblical prophet” and “guy with millions of YouTube followers” is thinner than we’d like to admit.In this episode, we get into:📜 What prophecy actually is in Judaism, according to Maimonides, and why Moses was working on a totally different frequency from everyone else👑 The three pillars of Jewish leadership (king, high priest, Sanhedrin), and where the prophet fit🎤 Who got tapped to be a prophet, why some were reluctant 🚫 Why prophecy ended after Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, and what replaced it🤔 What we’d actually do if a prophet rolled up today (hint: probably an institution)😬 False prophets and cults like, Sabbatai Zvi, Jim Jones, the MooniesGet ready to learn everything you ever wanted to know about prophecy but were afraid to ask.

King Solomon had a thousand wives, wrote a book of proverbs, and still felt the need to write a whole passionate love poem about a shepherd boy and a maiden. Coincidence? We think not. In this follow-up to our Valentine’s Day episode, we go deeper into what Judaism actually teaches about love, including what Song of Songs reveals about God’s relationship with the Jewish people, and we bring it all the way down to earth with real talk about marriages stuck in a rut, whether people can truly change, and why “I can’t” usually means “I don’t want to.”In this episode, we get into:Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs): literal love poem or divine allegory?Why love is the only personality trait with its own dedicated book in the entire Hebrew BibleWhat Adam and Eve tell us about whether opposites actually attractWhy real love has nothing to do with infatuation, Hollywood, or Taylor Swift (though we do have opinions about her and Travis)Practical advice for married couples who have drifted apart and want to find their way backTrust vs. love: which one is actually the foundation of a lasting relationshipThe Baal Shem Tov’s classic “you can, you just don’t want to” and why it applies to your marriage right nowWhy the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s relationship might be the greatest love story you’ve never heard"Love goes deeper than what you can do for me. You love the person for who they are and what they are, not what they do for you." — RabbiWhether you're happily married, newly in love, or just trying to remember what you liked about the person across the breakfast table, this episode has something real for you. Come learn, laugh, and maybe text your spouse something nice when it's over. 🕯️❤️Referenced Material-Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs)Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) by King SolomonMishlei (Proverbs) by King Solomon

We’re kicking off a brand new segment called “Dear Rabbi,” where we bring real-life issues to the Rabbi and actually get into it with honest, often hilarious, sometimes painful conversations about the stuff people are quietly struggling with. First up: how to care for elderly parents without losing your mind, your marriage, or your lunch break.In this episode, we get into:Setting boundaries with elderly parents (and why that’s easier said than done)The difference between being a caregiver and being a nurseWhy your parents just want to feel significant — and no, a text does NOT countThe generational divide around phones, Uber apps, and why nobody remembers their Kaiser passwordWhat to do when your relationship with your parents is, well, complicatedThe Rabbi’s reflection on his Holocaust-survivor father and putting yourself in your parents’ shoesJay on caring for his mom while raising a young daughter and feeling guilty about feeling guiltyChayaLeah admitting which of her four sons she’d trust with her medications (spoiler: it’s not all of them)Plus a hot take on Matzo manufacturers who dare to sell non-Kosher-for-Passover matzo. The audacity.Whether you’re navigating aging parents yourself, trying to figure out how much you’re really capable of giving, or just looking for permission to laugh about the hard stuff, this one’s for you. Grab a coffee, settle in, and remember: your parents just want you to call.Got a question for Dear Rabbi? Email us at [email protected] or message us on Substack.

We kicked off this month's Zoom talking about the Rebbe's birthday and why his legacy still hits so hard, from growing Chabad's global mission to his no-nonsense philosophy on turning obstacles into opportunities. Then we got into full Passover mode: ChayaLeah is prepping a community Seder for 120 people and her game plan is SPEED. We broke down the Ten Plagues (why those plagues, why that order, and how long they actually lasted), talked about why you don't need a minimum number of people for a Seder (but the more the merrier), and heard from Moshe Perelmuter live in Israel about what Passover looks like during wartime, with packed grocery stores but empty Jerusalem streets. We also explored studying the Tanya, which the Rabbi describes as essentially a self-help book for the Jewish soul. And Goldie dropped some hilarious childhood stories about sharing a bedroom with ChayaLeah. It's Passover prep meets life advice meets family chaos.

On this chag episode, we tackle a section of the Haggadah that almost everyone breezes past: Jacob's fateful decision to "temporarily" settle in Egypt, only to buy land, put down roots, and stay for 17 years. From that ancient real estate deal, the conversation spirals into the big questions Jewish families are wrestling with right now: What does Israel really mean to diaspora Jews? Is "dual loyalty" just an antisemitic trope, or something worth actually thinking about? Why did 80% of Jews choose to stay in Egypt even after centuries of slavery? We don't talk about rising antisemitism, the war with Iran, and what it means to say "Next year in Jerusalem" from your living room in Long Beach. ChayaLeah shares her family's Passover prep rituals (poster boards, car detailing, kids moving the fridge), and we a passionate case that any level of observance counts. Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. 🍷\Resources Mentioned-Genesis 46:27 - Jacob’s family settling in EgyptExodus 13:18 - Circuitous route out of EgyptThe Four Questions explained - Chabad.orgThe Rebbe’s seder table - Chabad.org

In this edJEWcation Book Club episode, Jay brings the crew one of his all-time favorite books: Up From Slavery, the autobiography of Booker T. Washington. Born into slavery in 1856 and emancipated at nine, Washington went on to found the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and reshape what education could mean for a freed people. Jay, ChayaLeah, and the Rabbi explore the surprising parallels between Washington's vision of education as moral training and the Yeshiva model, debate the Torah's relationship with labor and productivity, and push back hard on today's victim mentality culture. The Rabbi even draws a line from Booker T. Washington to the Rebbe and the Maggid of Mezritch. It's a wide-ranging, warm, and surprisingly moving conversation about resilience, legacy, and what it really means to build something from nothing.Books mentioned in this episode:Up From Slavery by Booker T. WashingtonOpen by Andre Agassi

When the British Museum quietly updated some of its ancient Near East exhibit labels from "Palestine" to "Canaan," the internet exploded. But what does the history actually say? Israel tour guide, Jewish educator, and Substack writer Alex Stein joins Jay and ChayaLeah to break it all down, from the Bronze Age Canaanites and the Hyksos to Herodotus, to Hadrian officially naming the Roman province "Palestina" in the second century CE. Along the way we get into Jewish indigeneity, the archaeology of the Israelite conquest (spoiler: it's complicated), dual-narrative tourism, and how you'd even begin to explain any of this to a sixth grader. This is the episode for anyone who wants to actually understand the history beneath the headlines, without the yelling.Where to find Alex:Make sure to check out Alex’s upcoming Love of the Land Tour in October!From Palestine to Canaan article

What happens when a wealthy man buys up all the synagogue seats and blocks the aisles? Or when a rabbi tries to convince the Lubavitcher Rebbe, a trained engineer, that an ocean liner basically "runs itself" on Shabbos? In part 2 of their Responsa deep dive, the edJEWcation crew explores how Jewish law evolves to meet the real world, from Talmudic property rights to Shabbos doorbells in modern Brooklyn. The Rabbi, ChayaLeah, and Jay cover it all: the Cypriot chicken saga, the kosher cheeseburger question raised by lab-grown milk, getting a "hetter" (permission slip) for nail polish at the mikvah, and a last-minute Shabbos wedding in medieval Krakow that required some seriously creative legal reasoning. It's Jewish law as it's meant to be…living, breathing, and endlessly fascinating.

In this special birthday episode, ChayaLeah and Jay sit down with the man of the hour, the Rabbi, as he turns 70. Born in Montreal on March 4th, 1956 (the 22nd of Adar on the Jewish calendar), the Rabbi reflects on a life he never could have predicted: from growing up in a non-Chabad home and boarding a bus to a New Jersey yeshiva on a whim, to serving as a Schlaich in Seattle, building a Chabad presence in Boston's Kenmore Square, and eventually putting down roots in California where, through decades of challenge, a global pandemic, and more than a few permit headaches, his community finally found a permanent home. Grounded in the wisdom of Pirkei Avot (which calls 70 "ripe old age," a fullness and satisfaction), the Rabbi shares what it really feels like to look back on a life of purpose, sacrifice, and gratitude. Funny, honest, and genuinely moving, this episode is a masterclass in what it means to "keep breathing" until the sail comes in.

What if the holiday that looks the most like a carnival is actually hiding the most profound questions in Judaism? Professor Tanya White, Bar-Ilan University professor, host of the Books and Beyond podcast, and one of the most engaging Jewish educators alive, joins Jay and ChayaLeah to unpack the Book of Esther like you've never heard before. We explore why God's name doesn't appear once in the Megillah (and what that means for us today), the concept of "radical seeing" and the stunning parallel between Purim and our post-October 7th world. ChayaLeah opens up about Esther's loneliness and sacrifice, Jay brings a story about a Cold War spy finding God in his daughter's ear, and Tanya shares an "invisible string" that will genuinely move you. This is the Purim episode you didn't know you needed.Where to find Tanya-Torah Chat on WhatsAppTanyaWhite.orgBooks and Beyond PodcastTanya’s InstagramBooks & articles we discussed-The Invisible String by Patrice Karst: the children’s book Tanya shares the beautiful “invisible string” story fromWhy Grow Up? by Susan Neiman: philosopher’s book on the problem of evil that Tanya references in discussing adversity and resilienceRav Soloveitchik’s concept of “fate to destiny”: consider linking to Kol Dodi Dofek or a summary essayGod in Search of Man by Abraham Joshua Heschel: Heschel’s concept of “radical amazement”Witness by Whitaker Chambers: his memoir is where the famous “daughter’s ear” moment comes from

Was Theodor Herzl a secular visionary or a spiritual seeker? A hero or a heretic? On the 130th anniversary of his landmark manifesto Der Judenstaat, Professor Gil Troy, presidential historian, Zionist scholar, and editor of The Zionist Ideas, sits down with Jay and ChayaLeah for a conversation that covers all of it: Herzl's complicated relationship with Judaism, why he was persona non grata in Haredi education, the emotional power of standing at his grave on Mount Herzl, and why Professor Troy’s concept of "identity Zionism" speaks directly to Jewish students navigating hostile campuses today. Along the way, the hosts bring their signature mix of head and heart, Jay digs into the intellectual history while ChayaLeah shares what it was like to discover Herzl as an adult after growing up Chabad, where his picture wasn't exactly hanging on the wall. It's a timely, moving, and surprisingly fun deep dive into the father of modern Zionism.To learn more about Professor Troy’s work, you can find it at his website GilTroy.comA selection of works:To Resist the Academic Intifada: Letters to my Students on Defending the Zionist DreamThe Zionist Ideas: Visions for the Jewish Homeland: Then, Now, TomorrowThe Essential Guide to October 7th and its Aftermath: Facts, Figures, History

Do you know we have a Facebook Page now? Well we do and you can find it here- edJEWcation Facebook PageOn to the show…In honor of Valentine's Day, the edJEWcation crew tackles the big questions: What does Judaism really say about love and marriage? How do Jewish dating traditions actually work? And can you have a successful partnership while maintaining independence?The rabbi shares his own marriage story (spoiler: they got engaged after three weeks), explains why looking for perfection is a recipe for disaster, and breaks down the difference between lust, romantic love, and companionate love. CL challenges the Hollywood myth that your spouse needs to fulfill every single role in your life, while Jay keeps everyone honest about balancing independence with intimacy. From Talmudic wisdom about choosing partners to practical advice about not developing an "office wife," this episode offers refreshing perspectives on Jewish relationships that are equal parts traditional insight and modern realism. Whether you're single, dating, or been married for decades, this conversation will make you rethink what love really means and no, it's not just butterflies and Valentine's candy.

Make sure to subscribe to our substack to keep up to date on the latest edJEWcation episodes and events Subscribe to the edJEWcation Podcast-----The Tucker Carlson situation has everyone asking the same question: when a friend goes off the deep end morally, do you stay loyal or cut them loose? We dig into this through a Jewish lens, from Talmudic principles to modern media ethics, and get surprisingly personal about struggles with Chabad identity and navigating between Orthodox and liberal Jewish worlds. Also in this episode: Why there are 20 Christian Bible study groups on one college campusThe Gene Wilder/Mel Brooks origin storyJoe Rogan's hilariously wrong guess about Jewish demographicsA brutally honest discussion about how we justify breaking our own values (yes, including the hypothetical In-N-Out burger scenario).

What do you do when Jewish law meets real life, and real life is messy, terrifying, or morally impossible?In this episode, we dive into rabbinic responsa: the centuries-old Jewish tradition of posing urgent, practical, and often heartbreaking questions to Rabbis. From ancient debates about matzah to modern dilemmas involving technology, medicine, and identity, responsa form Judaism’s living case law.We explore how this system developed from Moses and the Sanhedrin, through the Talmud, medieval Spain, Soviet Russia, and even Auschwitz, where a single question forced a rabbi and a father to confront the most agonizing moral choice imaginable.Along the way, we laugh a little, debate, and uncover why Jews have always believed that how you ask a question can matter just as much as the answer.Jewish law, moral philosophy, historical survival, and one very uncomfortable Pesach pastry, all in one episode.To subscribe to the edjEWcation podcast, click here:Subscribe to The edJEWcation Podcast

This episode is a recording of our second edJEWcation Zoom.Instead of a formal topic or text, we opened up the (virtual) doors and invited our listeners into a live edJEWcation Beit Midrash. What followed was an honest, unscripted conversation about being Jewish right now: how it feels, how we respond, what we’re afraid of, and why community matters more than ever.There are no hot takes here. No definitive answers. Just Jews doing what Jews have always done — talking, questioning, disagreeing, supporting one another, and refusing to face the moment alone.If you’ve been struggling to put words to how you’re feeling, this conversation might help you feel a little less alone.

Remember to subscribe to edJEWcation for all our latest updates hereIn the fourth installment of the edJEWcation book club, we discuss The True Believer by Eric HofferWritten in 1951 by a longshoreman with an unsettling grasp of human psychology, The True Believer asks a simple question with terrifying implications: why do ordinary people become fanatics?In this edJEWcation Book Club episode, we dig into Eric Hoffer’s timeless analysis of mass movements, self-hatred, humiliation, certainty, and the seductive power of belonging. From Nazism and Communism to campus encampments, TikTok activism, and online extremists, we debate whether Hoffer was describing history or diagnosing our present.We wrestle with uncomfortable questions:Is hatred easier to organize than love?Are today’s movements real revolutions or just cosplay with slogans?Why do people crave certainty so badly?Why do some religions help people lead meaningful lives, and others turn them into fanatics?Along the way, we talk loneliness, social media, male humiliation, Holocaust jokes in unexpected places, and why not knowing might be the most Jewish answer of all.Plus: a surprise detour into Marty Supreme, Timothy Chalamet, and why humiliation might be the hidden engine of fanaticism.Read the book. Question everything. And maybe, just maybe, turn your phone off.

If you haven’t already, remember to subscribe by clicking the link below:Subscribe here---------------------------------------------------Why do Jews fast, and what is fasting actually supposed to do?In this episode of edJEWcation, we dive into the 10th of Tevet, one of the lesser-known Jewish fast days, and use it as a gateway to explore the deeper meaning of Jewish fasting, repentance, and communal responsibility. The Rabbi walks us through the historical origins of the fast, the siege of Jerusalem that led to the destruction of the First Temple, while Jay asks the questions many people are thinking but rarely ask.Along the way, we unpack:What the 10th of Tevet commemorates and why it still mattersHow Jewish fast days differ from Yom KippurMaimonides’ radical idea that tragedy demands introspection, not dismissalWhether suffering is “random” or spiritually meaningfulHow fasting connects to modern events, including October 7thWhy Judaism emphasizes action, mitzvot, and responsibility over asceticismWe also zoom out to the weekly Torah portion, exploring Jacob’s final words to his sons, leadership failures, anger vs. passion, and what it means to be accountable, not just historically, but right now.This is not an episode about being hungry. It’s an episode about meaning, memory, and what Jews are supposed to do with history.📖 Topics include: Jewish fasting, the 10th of Tevet, destruction of the Temple, repentance in Judaism, Rambam on suffering, Jewish theology, Torah commentary, and Jewish responses to tragedy.

Friendly reminder to subscribe to edJEWcation on Substack so you can be included in all the happenings about the podcast and join our next monthly Zoom call.Just click hereIn this episode of edJEWcation, we unpack Kings II, one of the wildest books in the Hebrew Bible, through the lens of Jewish history, Biblical storytelling, and modern meaning.From the dramatic transition from Elijah to Elisha, to miracles that feel both supernatural and surprisingly practical, we explore Hebrew Bible stories that center on prophets, power, faith, and moral responsibility. Along the way, we discuss why salvation in the Bible so often comes from underdogs and outcasts, including one of the most unlikely heroes in all of Scripture.The conversation widens to tackle antisemitism, Israel’s place in world attention, collective Jewish trauma, and what Biblical history teaches us about societies that lose their moral compass. Why does the world obsess over Israel? Why do prophets speak uncomfortable truths? And why does the Bible keep choosing the people everyone else ignores?Blending Torah learning, Biblical history explained, cultural commentary, and a healthy dose of edJEWcation banter, this episode connects ancient texts to the questions people are asking right now about faith, meaning, and identity.

As promised, we hosted our first edJEWcation Zoom call on the 3rd night of Chanukkah this week, and a great time was had by all. We got the light the menorah with the Rabbi, had some great questions, and got to do some deep Jewish philosophizing. We opened the first Zoom to all our listeners, and we may keep it that way for a little while, but eventually it will be exclusively for paid members of the edJEWcation community.We’ll let you know the date for our January call soon, and we hope to see you all there!Chag Chanukah Sameach everyone!

What are you doing on December 16th at 8PM (aside from lighting your second Menorah candle)? Well, now you have plans…join us for our first listener Zoom call. We’d love to chat with you.What do Vegas slot machines, King Solomon’s thousand wives, and Elijah’s world-class trash-talking have in common? Apparently… everything. In this week’s episode, ChayaLeah returns from her very spiritual pilgrimage to Las Vegas (don’t ask) and the crew dives back into Kings I, where the Jewish kingdom splits faster than Jay can say “Bubastite Portal Relief.”We unpack Solomon’s great rise and even greater follies, why foreign influence can derail even the wisest man alive, how Jeroboam becomes the Biblical poster child for “absolute power corrupts absolutely,” and why miracles don’t magically fix people (looking at you, Golden Calf).Then we hit one of Tanakh’s greatest showdowns: Elijah vs. the Prophets of Baal complete with the OG trash talk, pyrotechnics, and an unexpected lesson about finding God not in the earthquake, fire, or whirlwind…but in the quiet.Plus: archeology nerdery, theological curveballs, parenting warnings from ancient Israel, and the official announcement of our first-ever edJEWcation community Zoom (yes, Rabbi is learning about it in real time).All this and more in a biblical rollercoaster that goes from Shlomo to Shishak to Still Small Voice in under an hour.

In this pre-pre-PRE-Hanukkah special (because we refuse to let Christmas music win), the crew breaks down the real Hanukkah story: the oil, the civil war, the Hellenists, the hammer, and the heroic home court advantage, while also inventing a brand-new Hanukkah tradition involving sword fights and presents hidden in a makeshift Temple. Along the way, we tackle assimilation, Jewish identity, why no one ever explained the whole “Greeks vs. Syrians” thing, and the surprising appearance of a tall FBI agent who would “take a bullet for the Jews.” Happy early Hanukkah… and don’t forget to pick up your free Chabad menorah.

We’re running on zero sleep, too much Friendsgiving, and a very inflated sense of our own importance, so naturally, it’s time for… a HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT.This week, Jay and ChayaLeah unveil edJEWcation’s brand-new Substack subscription levels which include monthly Zoom hangs, one-on-one sessions, and why none of this means we’re going behind a paywall. (Relax. Don’t throw things.)Plus: why Substack isn’t scary, why the Rabbi needs a bigger platform, and why Jewish content matters right now more than ever.Come for the news. Stay for the self-deprecating humor and accidental Jewish pep talk.Subscribe to The edJEWcation Podcast

🚨 ALERT! Have you ever wanted to Zoom with the three of us? Or maybe even have some one-on-one time? Well, the world is now your oyster because we’ve officially launched several subscription tiers, with our first Zoom taking place sometime after Thanksgiving!These will just be the starting points (we have a lot of goodies cooking), so keep your eyes peeled — and don’t worry, we’ll also personally annoy you to make sure you don’t miss out.If you’re interested in joining us, click hereOn to the episode…What was supposed to be a wholesome Thanksgiving episode turned into… well… a cross-continental Chabad saga, a philosophical smackdown over near-death experiences, a masterclass on meaning, and a heated debate about why every family should avoid politics at dinner. Rabbi shares wild scenes from the Chabad convention (VIP ropes included), Jay reveals his Mossad side-hustle, and ChayaLeah gives the only real Thanksgiving advice you need: don’t be alone, and don’t talk politics. A very gishmak pre-Thanksgiving hang with your favorite dysfunctional trio.

ALERT - Have you ever wanted to Zoom with the three of us? Or maybe even have one-on-one time? The world is now your oyster, as we have officially launched several subscription tiers, with our first Zoom taking place sometime after Thanksgiving.These will just be starting points, as we have a bunch of additional goodies planned, so be on the lookout (but we’ll also, of course, annoy you to make sure you’re aware).”On to the episode…Jay kicks things off with a pop quiz that (shockingly!) doesn’t totally embarrass ChayaLeah, the Balfour Declaration gets its due, and the laughter rolls from there. Joined by journalist and historian Oren Kessler, author of the award-winning Palestine 1936: The Great Revolt and the Roots of the Middle East Conflict, the trio time-travel back to the messy, fascinating years that set the stage for everything that followed in Israel’s story.If you’re interested in joining us, click hereAlong the way:🕵️‍♂️ We meet muftis, mayors, and media moguls from Mandate Palestine.📜 Discover how the first two-state idea appeared.💰 Learn why so many anti-Zionist Arab leaders secretly sold land to Jews.🗞️ Unpack how newspapers (and propaganda) shaped the conflict.🕰️ And of course, discuss how much Churchill loved Jews.There’s banter, history, and a few “wait what?!” moments as Oren proves that real history can be just as wild as the memes about it.So pour some coffee (or something stronger) and join us for another edJEWcational ride through the past.

🚨 ALERT! Have you ever wanted to Zoom with the three of us? Or maybe even have some one-on-one time? Well, the world is now your oyster because we’ve officially launched several subscription tiers, with our first Zoom taking place sometime after Thanksgiving!These will just be the starting points (we have a lot of goodies cooking), so keep your eyes peeled — and don’t worry, we’ll also personally annoy you to make sure you don’t miss out.If you’re interested in joining us, click hereThe edJEWcation trio is back together and possibly breaking cosmic laws by existing in the same place at the same time. After surviving time zone changes, jet lag, and Jay’s daylight-savings complaints, we dive headfirst into the wild, wise, and occasionally weird world of First Kings.This episode has it all:📖 David can’t get warm, so things get a little… biblically awkward.👶 Solomon inherits the throne at age 12 (no pressure, kid).⚖️ The OG “split the baby” moment proving once again that ancient Israel didn’t need Maury (but we date ourselves).💍 700 wives, 300 concubines, and one very patient temple-permit department.🦁 Solomon’s throne puts the Iron Throne to shame.💰 And we learn why prosperity might be the hardest test of all.ChayaLeah reflects on modern boundaries (thank you, Mel Robbins), the Rabbi reminds us that Jews are tribal, not racial, and Jay manages to squeeze in Chabad.org and a Baruch joke.It’s history, humor, and heresy (lightly toasted), exactly the way we like it.

This week, Jay and ChayaLeah sit down with Professor Jeffrey Veidlinger of the University of Michigan — historian, author of In the Midst of Civilized Europe, and director of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute — for a hauntingly relevant conversation about the pogroms that swept through Ukraine between 1918 and 1921.They explore how ordinary neighbors became murderers, why humiliation often cuts deeper than death, and how centuries of trauma ripple through Jewish identity to this day. From the streets of the shtetl to the chaos of modern social media, the conversation moves between past and present — revealing unsettling parallels between old hatreds and new headlines.It’s a deeply human, deeply Jewish episode that asks: what does it mean to live — and rebuild — in the midst of civilized Europe?

This week on edJEWcation, we go full wandering-Jew with an episode that starts in the December Project (a book about preparing for death) and somehow winds its way through Hemingway, Dostoevsky, Hasidic storytelling, Masada, Jonathan Sacks, the Nakba, Judge Caprio, and why your neighbor’s sukkah is basically Jewish Home Depot cosplay.In between, we wrestle with:Why fiction can sometimes tell the truest storiesHow Jewish stubbornness, sacred texts, and a portable identity kept us alive when every other ancient culture disappearedWhy Sukkot is the Babe Ruth of underrated mitzvot (and why American Jews still don’t show up)The awkward Jewish instinct to love every Jew except the ones on our own blockIsrael as hammer vs. nail…and why too many Jews still prefer the nailJudge Caprio, Rhode Island’s saint of traffic court, and why mercy belongs on the bench and in the Beit MidrashIt’s history, politics, theology, pop culture, and K-pop (yes, really) all shaken into one of the most edJEWcation episodes yet.

This week on edJEWcation, we sit down with William Mehrvarz, whose story takes us from the streets of Tehran to the Shabbat tables of New York. Born into a devout Shia Muslim family in Iran, William’s path veered when a camp roommate handed him a Bible written in Farsi. What followed was years of secret study, political upheaval, and dangerous choices, culminating in his escape from Iran, asylum in America, and ultimately, conversion to Judaism.We talk with William about:The contrasts between Fridays in Tehran, filled with hate-filled chants vs. Shabbats filled with song and restHow his first marriage exposed his hidden faith and nearly cost him everythingThe loneliness and beauty of his conversion journeyWhat it means to be proudly both Persian and JewishAnd why he believes America may be living in a “golden age” for Jews outside of IsraelIt’s a story of risk, resilience, and renewal — a reminder of how one person’s search for truth can transform an entire life.

In this episode, Jay contemplates changing his Hebrew name, which leads ChayaLeah and the Rabbi into a conversation about identity, the mystical energy of names, and how prayer has become the least-popular Jewish pastime (sorry, Pew survey). Along the way, we talk about why Jews often find davening uninspiring, how Hasidic meditation works (hint: it’s not sitting cross-legged with Sam Harris), and why prayer is less about Amazon-delivery miracles and more about dialogue. We also wrestle with forgiveness, when an apology is genuine, when it’s demanded, and what to do if the other party won’t accept it. Plus: barbecue feuds in Texas, Taylor Swift at the stadium, and the challenge of marking October 7 two years later.It’s an episode about reconnecting with G-d, with each other, and with what it really means to be Jewish when the world feels like it’s shaking.

As the High Holidays come into focus, we take a step back to reflect on prayer, community, and the meaning behind the words we say in shul. From the powerful sound of the shofar to the quiet struggles with Hebrew versus English prayer, we share honest conversations about connection, detachment, and what it really means to stand before G-d. Along the way, we discuss Tashlich by the lagoon, the challenge of keeping students engaged, the rise of alienation in modern life, and why screens can never replace genuine community. We even manage to wander into Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and the golden age of the Celtics. At its heart, this episode is about finding inspiration where you least expect it and remembering why the holidays matter.Links:Psalm 27What is Tashlich

This week on edJEWcation, we dive into a nearly forgotten chapter of Jewish history: the Anglo-American Committee of Inquiry of 1946. Born out of the Harrison Report (which we discussed previously) and Truman’s pressure to open the gates of Palestine, this joint British-American commission investigated the plight of Holocaust survivors, Arab opposition, and the realities on the ground in Mandatory Palestine.Jay and ChayaLeah unpack the committee’s findings, calls for 100,000 Jewish visas, the acknowledgment that no other country would take in Jewish refugees, and candid observations on Jewish resilience, Arab demands, and British reluctance. Along the way, we uncover unexpected details, from malaria maps that shaped partition lines to the striking language describing the Jewish mix of “pride and frustration.”Why did the British ignore their own commission’s recommendations? How did Zionist advances in health and education widen the gulf between Jews and Arabs? And why does this report, once seen as pivotal, barely register in collective memory?It’s a story of hope, betrayal, and the ongoing tension between Jewish pride and Jewish frustration, a snapshot of 1946 that still echoes today.

In this week’s episode, we pause from our usual lighthearted approach to reflect on a tragedy shaking the Jewish and wider American communities: the assassination of Charlie Kirk. However one viewed his politics, Charlie was a forceful supporter of Israel and a vocal opponent of antisemitism, unafraid to confront hostile audiences on college campuses and beyond. His final, unfinished work on the importance of Shabbat reminds us that wisdom can sometimes come from unexpected voices.In his honor, we turn to the Bible to explore the righteous non-Jews who stood alongside the Jewish people in moments of need…figures like Eliezer, Jethro, Pharaoh’s daughter, Rahab, Ruth, and Cyrus the Great. Their courage, loyalty, and moral clarity remind us that righteousness is not bound by heritage and that even in the darkest times, allies can emerge to protect what is sacred.This is a sobering conversation about the cost of division, the fragility of moral courage, and the enduring hope that others will rise to stand with the Jewish people.

This week on edJEWcation, the saga of King David gets darker, messier, and more painfully human. Forget the Sunday-school highlight reel, we’re diving into the tragedy of Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom.It’s a story of lust, betrayal, revenge, and rebellion: a prince consumed by desire, a sister left broken and silenced, a brother plotting justice with the patience of a viper, and a father-king paralyzed between love and duty. By the time Absalom’s flowing hair gets tangled in a tree, the whole House of David is tangled in grief, power struggles, and unanswered questions.We break down:The eerie echoes of Jacob’s family drama in David’s palaceWhy David’s own sins with Bathsheba haunt every chapter that followsAbsalom’s charisma, ambition, and ultimate downfallThe raw pain of David’s cry: “My son, Absalom, my son, my son…”How these ancient family fractures mirror today’s power, politics, and inconvenient loyaltiesPlus, in true edJEWcation fashion, we wander from burned hot dogs to Hunter Biden to the IRA, proving once again that Torah and modern life are never as far apart as they seem.

This week on edJEWcation, Jay and ChayaLeah sit down with Dr. Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili, professor at the University of Pittsburgh and head of the Center for Governance and Markets, for a conversation that bounces from Uzbekistan to Squirrel Hill, from Hasidic wedding songs to Taliban tribal law.We explore:Why minhag Yisroel Torah hi (“Jewish custom is Torah”) resonates far beyond Jewish life.How customs in Afghanistan and Central Asia parallel Hasidic practices.The heartbreak of Tree of Life, the shock of October 7th, and the question Jews whisper now: do we belong here?Why making Judaism political is dangerous—and how joy and tradition may be the antidote.What Ukraine, Russia, and bomb shelters in Israel reveal about resilience.Plus: the great baby shower debate, whether Judaism is Western, Eastern, or something bigger, and why havruta (learning in pairs) might just save the next generation from their phones.It’s a journey through customs, community, and what keeps us Jewish—even when the world feels like it’s unraveling.

This week on edJEWcation, we dive into one of the most famous and scandalous stories in the entire Bible: King David, Bathsheba, and Uriah. Was David guilty of adultery, deception, and murder? Or was he fulfilling a divine destiny with Bathsheba? The Rabbi breaks down the clash between text, commentary, and morality, while Jay and ChayaLeah wrestle with the very human side of the story.We cover:Why this episode of David’s life would never make it into a fourth-grade Hebrew school curriculumWhether power corrupted Israel’s greatest king or if he was simply following the “letter of the law”Why Uriah the Hittite might be the unsung hero of the storyHow this cautionary tale shaped Solomon’s birth and the future of the Davidic lineAnd what it means when even the Bible’s greatest figures can fail so spectacularlyIt’s love, lust, power, politics—and a reminder that nobody, not even a king, is above God’s law.

This week on edJEWcation, we’ve doubled the rabbis and turned up the volume. ChayaLeah invites her friend Rabbi Daniel Levine to go head-to-head (in the nicest, most Jewishly passive-aggressive way possible) with her father. The topic? What’s gone wrong with Jewish education and how to fix it, without losing our kids to boredom, bagels-only Judaism, or anti-Israel campus mobs.We cover:Why Hebrew school might be the Blockbuster Video of Jewish educationRituals vs. ideas: Which one actually keeps Judaism alive?The “mimetic tradition” and why your bubbe’s kitchen might have been a better classroom than Hebrew schoolHow Israel got separated from Judaism in some circles and why that makes zero senseWhether the “why” or the “how” matters more in bringing people back to Jewish lifePlus: the pepperoni pizza Passover story you didn’t know you needed, why motion beats emotion, and how chicken soup can do more for Jewish continuity than a thousand PowerPoints.Links to Rabbi Daniel’s content:JLife with DanielRabbi Daniel Levine - YouTube

This week on edJEWcation, Jay and ChayaLeah kick the Rabbi off the mic and dive deep into a little-known but wildly important post-Holocaust document: the Harrison Report. After hearing disturbing rumors that Jewish survivors were being kept behind barbed wire alongside former Nazis (yes, really), President Truman sent Earl Harrison: lawyer, non-Jew, and moral compass, to investigate.What he found was horrifying: Jews still wearing concentration camp uniforms, starving on moldy bread, living next to their former tormentors. And no one—not the Americans, not the Britshad any idea what to do with them.We break down:How the Allies “liberated” Jews into open-air prisonsWhy Truman got mad and Eisenhower actually did somethingThe British refusal to let Jews into Palestine—even after the HolocaustThe moral cowardice of world leaders who knew better and did worseThe astounding resilience of Jews in the DP camps (spoiler: 50,000 babies born in the American zone alone)Plus: family stories, the politics of guilt, and why social media would have hated Earl Harrison.This is one of those stories that should be common knowledge but isn't. So we’re fixing that.Rate, subscribe, and send us your five-star outrage. Or don’t. But we’ll judge you if you don’t.Links:The final Harrison ReportLetter between Elie Wiesel and the Rebbe about fatherhood

This week on edJEWcation, we return to the Book of Samueland things are getting biblical in the worst way. Saul’s kingship is off to a promising start: he wins battles, his son Jonathan shows promise, and even the livestock is plentiful. What could go wrong?Everything.We dive into Saul’s fateful mistakes impatience, misplaced piety, and a tragic inability to just do what he’s told. Rabbi breaks down the spiritual calculus of fasting before battle, the moral complexity of annihilating Amalek, and why “obedience is better than sacrifice” remains one of the Torah’s hardest pills to swallow (kosher or not).We also cover:Why lighting Shabbos candles in Kauai feels like being the last Jew on EarthIf you mess up twice, God’s out of second chancesRashi's wild theory about Amalekite animal shapeshiftersThe tragic arc of Saul: from lost donkeys to lost destinyAnd yes… Megan Thee Stallion may or may not be showing up in the next chapterPlus, we go full sociological as we talk mimetic desire, kosher coffee cups, and why we’re all just trying to be the cool girl in high school except with halacha.Tune in for the drama, stay for the Torah, and remember: sometimes the real Amalek is the self-doubt we picked up on Instagram.

This week on edJEWcation, we’re going full Nine Days mode, which means no meat, no music, no manicures, and absolutely no Martha Stewart-level Shabbat table décor.ChayaLeah and Jay kick things off with a discussion on Bob Dylan’s Orthodox daughter, Paul McCartney’s politics (or lack thereof), and why Regina Spektor just became the patron saint of Jewish pride at concerts. But don’t worry it’s not just a classic edJEWcation tangent-fest (well, it is, but on purpose). Because all this music talk was really just a smooth setup for the Nine Days of Av: the annual Jewish crash course in grief, restraint, and self-discipline.We break down the very real (and very weird) laws of the Nine Days: no laundry, no showers, no wine, no weddings, and definitely no binge-watching Welcome Back, Kotter. We explore what these restrictions are trying to teach us, and why Judaism demands personal sacrifice if we’re serious about rebuilding what was lost.Then we zoom out: what does it mean to truly mourn a 2,000-year-old temple? Why is Judaism more than just theoretical ideals? And can giving up Instagram for nine days actually make you a better Jew or at least a more present human being?Highlights include:🧼 The halachic logic behind skipping showers (it’s grosser than you think)📵 Why social media might be worse than smoking and what that means for our kids🕯️ How one Shabbat dinner (without screens) could be the mental health revolution America’s been waiting for🎧 And yes… Jewish a cappella is allowed. But should it be?Whether you're observing the Nine Days or just looking to unplug and reconnect, this episode is a call to swap comfort for meaning and to consider that maybe, just maybe, the messiah won’t arrive until we’re all a little more willing to go without Spotify.

In this week’s edJEWcation bonus episode, Jay ditches Montreal, loses his tefillin (almost), and gains a crash course in the most Hamish transit option known to mankind: Hyman’s bus. We then pivot—seamlessly, obviously—from gefilte-fish-scented buses to one of the most dramatic political moments in Tanakh: the Israelites demanding a king.Why did God get so cranky about the request for a king when He literally told them they’d have one? What makes a king kosher? And does asking nicely actually matter to God—or is He just like the rest of us with a fragile ego and a long memory?We unpack the tragedy of Saul, the responsibilities of a Jewish monarch, and the eternal struggle between libertarian fantasy and Torah reality. Also: the Pope, the president of Iran, Tucker Carlson’s missing follow-up questions, and the underrated importance of being short and handsome in ancient Israel.

This week on edJEWcation, we dive into the opening chapters of the Book of Samuel—because nothing says Jewish tradition like a barren woman, a holy ark, and a plague of hemorrhoids.Before we get biblical, we briefly address our deep concern over Brad Pitt's Zionism (verdict: our gut says yes) and tackle a listener question about antisemitism. Rabbi’s answer? Retreat is never the answer. Jewish pride is. And if you're not sure what you're proud of—educate yourself.Then we jump into the emotional story of Hannah, her desperate prayer, and the miraculous birth of Samuel. We unpack why her story is read on Rosh Hashanah, what it teaches us about how to pray, and how it reshapes our relationship with God (spoiler: it’s not transactional, and He doesn’t want your golden mouse).We follow Samuel’s unlikely rise as a prophet, his tragic start under Eli’s failing leadership, and the catastrophic decision to bring the Ark into battle. What happens next? The Philistines steal it—and in return, they get divine payback in the most uncomfortable way imaginable.Other highlights include:The Torah’s recurring theme of infertility and what it teaches us about divine purposeThe difference between monotheistic prayer and pagan appeasementWhy being a proud Jew matters more than a PR campaignThe theological implications of airport pickups at 1:15amNext week, we’ll crown a king and ask: did Judaism really need a monarchy, or were we doing just fine with prophets and judges?

This week on edJEWcation, ChayaLeah returns from an impromptu war-zone detour with 40 Birthright students, a cruise ship, and a newfound appreciation for bomb shelters. What started as a sunny student trip to Israel turned into a harrowing 12-day ordeal as Iran launched a massive missile attack, Ben-Gurion shut down, and Birthright scrambled to evacuate thousands.We unpack her experience taking shelter from missiles in Jerusalem, fleeing to Cyprus by boat, partying awkwardly at sea, and witnessing the awe-inspiring kindness of Chabad communities in Cyprus, Germany, and beyond. Along the way, we discuss Psalms, summer camp, and the Rebbe's unapologetic views on peace, war, and Israeli security.Also in this episode:🕍 Why the Rebbe said “not one inch”🚢 The kosher cruise ship evacuation no one saw coming🍝 How Chabad fed 600 stranded Jews with potatoes, joy, and extension cords🕊️ A hot take on anti-war platitudes from the Pope🔥 Did the war feel… messianic? And what does that even mean?🏕️ Plus, a plug for Jewish summer camps, homesick kids, and the power of watermelon by the lakeIf you’ve ever wondered what it means to be part of the Jewish people—or how to explain to your kids why the IDF deserves a L’Chaim—this one’s for you.

With ChayaLeah on her reverse Exodus from Israel and an interview that fell through this week, we are re-running our episode about the Jewish perspective on happiness from a few months ago, because we couldn't all use that right now?However, this one comes with an extended director's cut that includes Jay's commentary on current events in Israel.What more could you ask for at the moment?Enjoy and see you all next week.

This week on edJEWcation, we conclude our epic journey through the Book of Judges—and let's just say, we didn’t exactly end on a high note. Join us as we unpack two of the wildest, most uncomfortable stories you (probably) never learned in Hebrew school: the idol of Micah and the tragedy of the concubine in Givah.Along the way, we uncover shocking details like why Moses’ own grandson ends up running an idol-worshipping pop-up shul and how Israel’s first civil war unfolded in the most disastrous fashion imaginable. (Spoiler: cutting people into pieces is involved.)We wrestle with timeless questions like:Why are these messy stories in the Bible to begin with?What happens to a society when there’s no leadership?And can grab yourself a wife really be a legitimate dating strategy?Plus, we draw some uncomfortable parallels between the lawlessness of ancient Israel and the fractured, frayed world we live in today.It’s the kind of Torah study that makes you laugh, cry, and maybe want to reread the fine print on your ketubah.

This week on edJEWcation, Jay, ChayaLeah, and the Rabbi dive deeper into the Book of Judges — and let's just say, things get complicated. From Gideon’s 300 hand-picked warriors (yes, it involves water-drinking techniques) to Yiftach’s infamous vow and the tragic fate of his daughter, we unpack the highs, the lows, and the downright puzzling. Plus, we tackle the legendary strongman Shimshon (Samson) — a one-man wrecking crew with a weakness for bad relationships and very good hair.Expect theological debates, unexpected Game of Thrones references, and a reminder that even the mightiest heroes are sometimes their own worst enemies. Join us for a fast-moving, surprising, and always human look at the next arc of Judges — flaws, feats, and all.

This week on edJEWcation, we dive headfirst into one of the messiest, bloodiest, most binge-worthy books of the Bible — Judges. It’s like Game of Thrones, if Game of Thrones had more sand, tent pegs, and spiritual backsliding.Join the Rabbi, ChayaLeah, and Jayas as they unpack the chaotic post-Joshua era where tribal leaders ruled — part military commander, part prophet, part "please stop worshipping idols for the love of God" counselor. We explore:🌀 The addictive allure of idolatry (spoiler: ancient people may have been worshipping their version of an iPhone)👑 Why this book proves the Bible wasn’t ghostwritten by a PR firm⚔️ D’vorah: prophetess, general, poetic diss queen🔨 Yael: the most metal tent-dweller in biblical history🔥 Whether Barack was a romantic or just really needed a chaperone🪵 And why Shamgar still isn’t getting the love he deservesWe also draw some striking parallels between ancient tribal leadership struggles and modern geopolitics, and wrestle with the question: what’s worse — idol worship or spiritual apathy?Grab your milk skein, your mallet, and your marginal Hebrew translations — we’re going to war.

Jay shares the most tragic fact of his birthday (spoiler: it involves Candace Owens), and then we welcome back our most honored recurring guest: Shalom Lamm, the mensch behind Operation Benjamin.From Normandy to Arlington, Italy to Jerusalem, Shalom walks us through the sacred mission of correcting history — one headstone at a time. We talk about:🪖 How a Jewish soldier ended up in a German mass grave… and how Shalom found him🌟 The 102-year-old niece who stole the show (and our hearts) at Arlington🕊️ What it means to say Kaddish for someone who waited 80 years to be remembered✡️ Why a German brigadier general started something called “Operation Levi”💔 And how love letters from a fallen soldier might soon become a bookPlus: we take a hard detour into cemetery trauma, ChayaLeah guilts Jay (again), and we learn why every Jewish parent should probably just send their kid to YU already.Also featured are CBS giving Shalom smicha, Jay praying for billions, and Shalom reminding us what real Jewish nonprofit work looks like.

This week on edJEWcation, we crack open the Book of Joshua — swords, spies, shofars, and all — to kick off our brand-new series on the books of the Hebrew Bible beyond the Torah.Jay, ChayaLeah, and the Rabbi break down how Joshua, Moses’ humble sidekick-turned-general, led the Israelites into the land of Israel with nothing but faith, grit, and some serious divine backup. From the walls of Jericho crumbling to the sun standing still mid-battle, Joshua’s story isn’t just ancient history — it’s a masterclass in courage, community, and the art of not messing up the inheritance paperwork.We dig into:⚔️ Why Joshua’s real superpower wasn’t military genius — it was courage (and trust in God)📜 What Rahab, the Canaanite prostitute-turned-heroine, teaches us about redemption and surprises🌅 The day the sun stood still — and why God actually listened🏘️ How dividing up the land of Israel turned into the Bible’s version of a family estate drama✡️ Why the message of Joshua feels surprisingly current — especially in moments of Jewish vulnerability todayJoin us for a lively conversation on faith, leadership, and the messy, miraculous business of building a nation. And yes, we even squeeze in a beeper-Mossad reference, because why not?

This week on edJEWcation, we sit down with Jay Sanderson — former CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, professional disruptor, accidental chef, and self-described “tail Jew” — to unpack the past, present, and precarious future of Jewish life in America.From a near-death experience as a teen to a life-changing blessing from David Ben-Gurion, Jay takes us on a journey through his unexpected path to Jewish leadership. We tackle everything from gefilte fish trauma to why Hollywood still can’t figure out TikTok — and why that matters for the Jewish community.Jay’s latest project, the 2050 Institute at American Jewish University, aims to shake up Jewish institutions, move beyond “1950s Judaism,” and ensure that the next generation doesn’t need a secret decoder ring to care about Jewish life.Highlights include:🕍 Why the East Coast still thinks it’s the center of Jewish life — and why L.A. begs to differ🐟 Gefilte fish: nostalgic treasure or cultural relic?📲 How the Jewish community can survive (and thrive) in the TikTok age💡 The pitch: How to get CEOs, scientists, and thinkers at the Jewish table — without turning it into a Hollywood afterparty🕎 The problem with episodic Judaism and why Birthright is only the beginningJoin us for a lively, honest conversation about leadership, legacy, and the sometimes-chaotic beauty of Jewish community — plus, why it’s time to double the size of the word Jewish in more than just logos.

In this soul-poking, faith-fueled, wildly entertaining episode of edJEWcation, we dive deep into C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters—that brilliantly British, devilishly clever tale of temptation and bureaucracy in Hell (which could be confused with your last Zoom meeting).Jay returns from Passover in full carb-rebound mode, ChayaLeah defends the honor of Jewish moms everywhere, and Dan—our resident Christian theologian—joins the pod to confess his love for Lewis, loathe for Narnia, and struggles with joy, forgiveness, and judgment (so basically, Tuesday).Whether you’re a Jew, a Christian, an atheist with literary taste, or someone who enjoys hearing Dan get politely steamrolled by rabbinic firepower—this one’s got something for you.✡️🔥 Main discussion points:C.S. Lewis 101: Irish-born, WWI vet, former atheist, Tolkien’s BFF, and surprise: he married a Jewish woman.Joy vs. Happiness: Is joy divine? Is happiness just sugar water? We break it down with references to theology and Simchat Torah dance.Judaism vs. Christianity: Satan's job title, the nature of free will, and whether you can be forgiven too easily.Free Will & The Daily Grind: Why even small decisions (like cutting your tithing in half) may be inching you toward idolatry.The Devil’s Playbook: Temptation isn’t always about pitchforks. Sometimes it’s just a nudge during prayer or a loud chewer at synagogue.Destination Addiction: Why living for “someday” is the devil’s best trick—and how we forget to notice the water we're swimming in.Radical Forgiveness: Can you forgive a Nazi guard? And should you? (Spoiler: This got heated.)Religious Hypocrisy: Being judgmental ≠ being devout. And yes, Screwtape might be subtweeting your frum neighbor.C.S. Lewis’s Mic Drop: “There are no ordinary people.” We end with a gorgeous quote that’ll haunt your next supermarket interaction.🕍👼✨ It’s spiritual, spicy, and might get you to (re)read The Screwtape Letters—or at least stop judging your pew-mate’s outfit.