Adventures in Jewish Studies Podcast

Introducing the AJS Critical Sources Podcast

March 26, 2024 18:00 - 1 minute - 3.17 MB

As a listener of Adventures in Jewish Studies, we hope you'll also listen to the new AJS podcast, Critical Sources. Critical Sources features Jewish studies scholars discussing a source that matters to them, offering a window into how scholars seek evidence, ask questions, and interpret the past and present. Host Avinoam Patt asks five different scholars to discuss a source—a poem, a speech, an object—that’s been on their mind since the October 7 massacre in southern Israel and in the m...

Yiddish Socialists and the Garment Industry

February 12, 2024 15:58 - 38 minutes - 88.9 MB

A century ago, Jews were at the center of the American garment industry and at the forefront in the battle for those workers’ rights. In this episode, host Avishay Artsy speaks to Daniel Katz and Caroline Luce about how Yiddish-speaking immigrants fused class and culture to empower generations of garment workers.

Rethinking Holocaust Education

December 13, 2023 19:51 - 33 minutes - 75.8 MB

A sharp rise in antisemitic incidents has led to increased calls for mandatory Holocaust education. In this episode, host Avishay Artsy speaks with educators Sarah Ellen Zarrow and Jody Spiegel about the use and misuse of Holocaust memory for combating antisemitism.

Jews in Colonial America

October 24, 2023 15:23 - 38 minutes - 52.9 MB

This episode of Adventures in Jewish Studies explores the lives of Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews who settled in what are now the states of Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and South Carolina as far back as the late seventeenth century. These early settlers, who came escaping religious persecution and seeking trade opportunities, reflect how entwined Jews have been in shaping American history. Guest scholars Shari Rabin and Toni Pitock, along with host Erin Phillips, discuss what...

Jewish Pilgrimages

May 31, 2023 17:24 - 39 minutes - 54.1 MB

Throughout the world, Jewish diaspora communities set out on pilgrimages to visit holy sites in search of wisdom, healing, and blessings. But these pilgrimage journeys, no matter where or why they take place, are about much more than the physical destination. In this episode, host Erin Phillips and guest scholars Adane Zawdu-Gebyanesh, Chris Silver, and Alexandra Mandelbaum take us on three Jewish pilgrimages as they explore the social and spiritual functions of Jewish pilgrimages and discov...

The Many Lives of Kabbalah

May 03, 2023 15:23 - 27 minutes - 64 MB

Kabbalah, one of Judaism’s most sacred schools of thought, has served as a wellspring of Jewish faith, a portal to mystical knowledge, and a bridge for intercultural and interreligious exchange. In this episode, host Avishay Artsy speaks with guest scholars Clémence Boulouque and Hartley Lachter about the many lives of Kabbalah.

Do Jews Believe in Magic?

February 08, 2023 15:22 - 46 minutes - 63.5 MB

While the Talmud famously forbids sorcery, Jewish history is full of examples of what many today might refer to as "magic." In this episode, host Erin Phillips and guest scholars Sara Ronis, Marla Segol, and Michael Swartz take us on a spellbinding journey to discover magic's role in Jewish history as they discuss Jewish magical rituals and artifacts, angelology and demonology, and the evolution of magical practices in Judaism.

The Many Genders of Judaism

November 07, 2022 14:48 - 41 minutes - 95.1 MB

In this episode, host Erin Phillips and guest scholars Max Strassfeld and S.J. Crasnow explore how gender is constructed in Judaism. They critically examine what many refer to as the "seven genders of the Talmud;" discuss the experiences of transgendered and non-binary Jews today; and share how gender creativity is helping Judaism become more accessible and equitable for all.

Kol Nidre: Yom Kippur's Most Famous Melody

September 29, 2022 13:54 - 26 minutes - 60.9 MB

Kol Nidre is recited at the beginning of evening Yom Kippur services, and serves as an emotional and dramatic opening to the Day of Atonement. However, over the centuries, this legalistic text has been maligned, ridiculed, banned – and even used to justify anti-Semitic attacks. In this episode, guest scholars Laura S. Lieber and Judah Cohen, along with host Avishay Artsy, discuss what Kol Nidre says, where its melody comes from, and the unique place it holds in Jewish religious and cultura...

Disability & Inclusion in Judaism

July 19, 2022 18:36 - 33 minutes - 76.3 MB

In this episode of Adventures in Jewish Studies, we’re looking at the intersection of Jewish studies and disability studies. Guest scholars Julia Watts Belser and nili Broyer, along with host Avishay Artsy, talk about everything from the story of Moses to the founding of the Jewish state through a disability lens. They also consider current efforts to make Jewish life more inclusive of people with disabilities of all kinds.

The Future of Kosher Food

May 24, 2022 15:15 - 40 minutes - 39.6 MB

Are bugs kosher? What about CBD/THC edibles or Impossible Pork? Can entirely new substances - like lab grown meat - be categorized and certified? How does social justice interact with kosher restrictions? In this episode, join host Erin Phillips and guest scholars Roger Horowitz, David Zvi Kalman, and Jordan D. Rosenblum as they seek answers to these questions and consider what those answers might mean for the future of kosher eating.

Jewish Honor Courts

March 09, 2022 19:21 - 35 minutes - 81.3 MB

Following World War II, Jewish Honor Courts in Europe and criminal courts in Israel handled accusations of collaboration by Jews who were believed to have assisted the Nazis in some way. These trials were meant to heal communal wounds and rebuild trust, meting out social punishments. In this episode, guest scholars Dan Porat and Laura Jockusch discuss these honor courts, which until recently have been mainly a footnote in history.

5782: A Shmita Year

February 02, 2022 18:59 - 21 minutes - 49.1 MB

We are currently in a sabbath, or shmita year, a biblically-mandated year of rest where fields lay fallow and debts are forgiven. From nearly the beginning, however, shmita has been more of an ideal, rather than a fully-observed year, and any practice was limited to Israel. In this episode, guest scholars Adrienne Krone and Hava Tirosh-Samuelson consider the shmita's history and how this aspirational practice is being reinterpreted for the modern era with an emphasis on Jewish environmental ...

Israeli Pop Music

September 01, 2021 19:58 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MB

The story of Israeli pop music is a story of constant evolution, a reflection of Israel's complex and ever-changing history. From its pre-state origins, to music outside of the mainstream music industry, to its current more cosmopolitan and international feel, in this episode guest scholars Uri Dorchin and Daniel Stein Kokin look at the songs and music that have emerged from Israel across the decades.

Rethinking Intermarriage

July 29, 2021 14:39 - 19 minutes - 19.2 MB

For decades, the rate of intermarriage among American Jews has been rising. Among many traditionally-minded Jews and Jewish organizations, the number of Jews marrying outside the faith is cause for concern, calling into question the long-term viability of American Jewry. However, according to the recent Pew Research Center “Jewish Americans in 2020” study, nearly 50% of the children of interfaith couples identify as Jews. In this episode, host Jeremy Shere and guest scholar Keren R. McGinity...

America's First Bat Mitzvah

May 24, 2021 14:54 - 32 minutes - 29.5 MB

The first American bat mitzvah took place on March 18, 1922. As the 100th anniversary of this first bat mitzvah nears, guest scholars Carole Balin, Melissa R. Klapper, and Deborah Waxman consider the history of the bat mitzvah and its evolution over time. They also explore how the bat mitzvah helped pave the way for greater inclusion of women in public Jewish ritual and practice, and helped shape American Jewish life.

The Protocols, Henry Ford, & the International Jew

March 11, 2021 14:00 - 33 minutes - 46.1 MB

For this episode, we joined forces with Theatre Dybbuk to co-produce a special episode exploring Henry Ford’s publication of The International Jew: The World's Foremost Problem, a four volume series containing newspaper articles which were originally published from 1920-1922. These writings were based on – and included elements of – the notorious, fraudulent text “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion.” Guest scholars Pamela Nadell and Lisa Leff examine the ways in which The International J...

The Jews of Persia

February 17, 2021 20:30 - 30 minutes - 30.5 MB

If most of what you know about the history of Jews in Persia comes from the Book of Esther, when the wicked Haman (boo!) tried to massacre the Jewish population, you might get the idea that Persia was a place of great danger for Jews. And given the modern Iranian government's vehement anti-Israel rhetoric and support of Hezbollah, Hamas, and other terrorist groups that regularly attack the Jewish State, you might conclude that Jews and Persians are and always have been mortal enemies. But ...

Is There a Jewish Environmental Ethic?

February 03, 2021 20:21 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MB

"If you harm the environment, you harm yourself.” This mini-episode of the Adventures in Jewish Studies podcast series asks the question “Is there a Jewish environmental ethic?” Guest scholar Tanhum Yoreh considers the “New Year of the Trees” holiday Tu Bishvat, and the concept of “bal taschit,” which prohibits wastefulness and destruction, with regard to Jewish environmentalism and ethics.

Why Most American Jews Are Democrats

October 26, 2020 18:15 - 24 minutes - 25.9 MB

Since the 1930s, around 70% of American Jews have consistently voted Democrat. However, in earlier decades, the Jewish vote was spread widely across the American political spectrum. In this episode, we explore why the overwhelming majority of American Jews have come to support the Democrats. Featured guests include Kenneth Wald and Beth Wenger.

Rethinking Black-Jewish Relations

September 08, 2020 20:13 - 30 minutes - 31.6 MB

For many people, the narrative about Black-Jewish relations goes something like this: In the 1960s, there was a strong alliance between the two groups, perfectly encapsulated by the image of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel walking arm-in-arm on the civil rights march from Selma, Alabama. Then, with the rise of black nationalism, that relationship started to break down. But what if that isn't the whole story? In this episode, host Jeremy Shere and guest scholars Marc ...

Camp!

July 27, 2020 17:54 - 30 minutes - 29.5 MB

Since the 1920s, American Jewish kids have spent many summers at Jewish summer camp. But how and why did sleepaway camp become such a staple of American Jewish life? In this episode we explore the history of American Jewish summer camp and its promise of providing an immersive Jewish experience. This episode features guests Sandra Fox and Nicole Samuel, along with host Jeremy Shere.

The Conversion Episode

June 02, 2020 14:13 - 26 minutes - 26.1 MB

On Shavuot, a Jewish holiday celebrating the people of Israel receiving the Torah from God at Mt. Sinai, we the read the Book of Ruth, the story of a Moabite woman, Ruth, who marries an Israelite man and, when he dies, remains loyal to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and returns with her to Judea. So, why do we read this story on Shavuot? It may have something to do with Ruth the Moabite being considered (however erroneously) the first ever convert to Judaism.

The History of the Passover Haggadah

March 31, 2020 15:42 - 23 minutes - 36.8 MB

The Passover Haggadah is among the most popular and fascinating texts in the Jewish liturgy. There's a Haggadah for every for sensibility and persuasion, from those steeped in orthodox tradition to seder celebrants wanting to craft a ritual reflecting modern times. But where did the Haggadah come from? Why do we ask four questions? What's the origin of the wise, wicked, simple, and too-young-to-ask children? What about Dayenu, Hag Gad Ya, and other favorite Passover songs? In this epi...

The World of Jewish Languages

February 26, 2020 17:01 - 29 minutes - 49.3 MB

This episode of the Adventures in Jewish Studies podcast explores the world of Jewish languages, and features guests Sarah Bunin Benor, Alanna Cooper, and Vitaly Shalem, along with host Jeremy Shere.

The Marvelous Mrs. Carroll

December 16, 2019 17:28 - 28 minutes - 41.5 MB

Do you love The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel? Our latest podcast episode focuses on the life of 1950s Jewish American female comedian Jean Carroll, the Mrs. Maisel of her day. Learn about this trailblazing performer in this episode filled with lively comedic routines and scholarly insight.

The Real Mrs. Maisel

December 16, 2019 17:28 - 28 minutes - 41.3 MB

Do you love The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel? Our latest podcast episode focuses on the life of 1950s Jewish American female comedian Jean Carroll, the Mrs. Maisel of her day. Learn about this trailblazing performer in this episode filled with lively comedic routines and scholarly insight.

(False) Messiahs: Messianism in Jewish History & Thought with David Berger, Laura Arnold Leibman & Kenneth Seeskin

November 05, 2019 15:24 - 31 minutes - 48.9 MB

Since the period of the late 2nd Temple, starting in the 2nd century BCE, messianic figures began appearing in Roman-controlled Judea. The idea of the messiah, a divinely annointed person who will arrive and redeem the world and restore the lost tribe of Israel to the promised land, has been a central part of traditional Judaism since the time of Maimonides, who in the 12th century made belief in the coming of the messiah a core tenet of his 13 Principles of Faith. In this episode. we explor...

Are Jews White?

September 04, 2019 18:13 - 33 minutes - 50.3 MB

The season one finale of Adventures in Jewish Studies tackles the challenging and complex issues of Jewish identity, whiteness, and anti-Semitism in America. This episode traces the history of Ashkenazi Jews in the U.S. from the turn of the century to the present day, looking at how Jews have been on the margins of whiteness, often victims of anti-Semitism and white supremacy, but also later occupying places of privilege within whiteness as they assimilated into white, mainstream America. ...

Portnoy's Complaint at 50 featuring Brett Ashley Kaplan, Warren Hoffman, Josh Lambert & Jeremy Shere and produced by the Association for Jewish Studies

June 19, 2019 18:54 - 30 minutes - 58.6 MB

50 years ago, Philip Roth's wildly controversial and hugely successful novel Portnoy's Complaint was published. A bestseller, the novel – written as the confession of a patient to his psychoanalyst – tells the story of Alexander Portnoy, a thirty-something American Jew. Portnoy is struggling to break free from his overbearing Jewish mother and the crushing guilt and anxiety that threaten to overwhelm him as he does everything he can to stake out his sexual freedom (including, as a boy, mastu...

The Yemenite Children Affair & the Story of the Mizrahi Jews in the Development of the State of Israel featuring Vincent Calvetti-Wolf, Shoshana Madmoni-Gerber, Yaacov Lozowick, Bryan K. Roby Avi Shilon & Jeremy Shere and produced by the Association for

May 06, 2019 18:58 - 40 minutes - 73.2 MB

Between 1948 and 1954, several thousand babies born to Mizrahi immigrants to Israel were separated from their parents and were claimed by Ashkenazi authorities to have mysteriously and suddenly died. Was this really the case or was this part of a larger conspiracy affecting Mizrahi Jews from Yemen, Iraq, and other parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East? This episode of Adventures in Jewish Studies looks at these disappearances, known as the Yemenite Children Affair, to illustrate the sto...

The Origins of the Jews featuring Cynthia Baker, Ofri Ilany, Beth Alpert Nakhai, Steven Weitzman, David Wolpe, and Jeremy Shere and produced by the Association for Jewish Studies

March 04, 2019 17:24 - 30 minutes - 57.3 MB

Where do Jews come from? That’s the big question we’re asking in the second episode of the Adventures in Jewish Studies podcast, and we’re turning to the fields of history, archaeology, linguistics, and genetics in our search to solve the mystery of Judaism’s roots. Join host Jeremy Shere and his Jewish Studies experts as they discuss the intriguing origins of the Jews. Guests include: Judaism and early Christianity scholar Cynthia Baker Historian Ofri Ilany Women and religion in ...

Appetizing: An American New York Jewish Food Tradition featuring Eve Jochnowitz, Hasia Diner, Mark Russ Federman, Norma Joseph and Jeremy Shere and produced by the Association for Jewish Studies

December 03, 2018 21:10 - 24 minutes - 28.3 MB

Download the transcript. In the inaugural episode of Adventures in Jewish Studies, host Jeremy Shere explores the New York Jewish food tradition of “appetizing” with guests culinary ethnographer Eve Jochnowitz, NYU history professor Hasia Diner, former 3rd generation owner of the appetizing store Russ & Daughters Mark Russ Federman, and Concordia University professor of religions and cultures Norma Joseph. Appetizing is a distinctly American, distinctly New York, distinctly Jewish, food...

Introduction to Adventures in Jewish Studies Podcast with Jeremy Shere and Warren Hoffman from the Association for Jewish Studies (AJS)

December 03, 2018 20:11 - 4 minutes - 4.7 MB

Adventures in Jewish Studies is a podcast produced by the Association for Jewish Studies, the largest learned society and professional organization representing Jewish Studies scholars worldwide. The episodes take listeners on a journey, exploring a wide range of topics, from the contemporary to the ancient, in a way that’s informative, engaging, and fun. Launched in 2018, the Adventures in Jewish Studies series produces five episodes annually.

Adventures in Jewish Studies Podcast

Episodes