REALLY JEWISH with Yair Eldan and Oliver Joseph
A podcast exploring Jewish identity, tradition, and the challenges facing Judaism today. Hosts Yair Eldan, a secular law professor, and Oliver Joseph, a rabbi, engage in open conversations about personal growth, crisis, and transformation. Drawing on their 15-year friendship and life experiences, they discuss topics ranging from Jewish history to contemporary issues. Recorded from Israel and the UK, the show offers an intimate perspective on Jewish life and thought.
פרקים
REALLY JEWISH SE2:E1 - 'New Year resolutions, nedarim'
S2:E1, ‘New Year’s resolutions and vows’. Turning our attention to the Jewish new year, we talk about the topic of vows in the Jewish tradition, discussing the ambivalence towards vows in the Bible and the significance of making commitments. It delves into the impact of vows on personal and religious life, as well as the broader community, and examines the power dynamics and implications of annul
REALLY JEWISH SE1:E27 - telling stories
The conversation begins with an introduction to Israel Story and the power of storytelling. It then delves into Mishy Harman's personal journey, the impact of podcasts, the magic of live storytelling, and the humanity in stories. The conversation concludes with a wish for the Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.TakeawaysDiverse storytellingHumanity in storytellingChapters00:00 Introduction and Podc
REALLY JEWISH SE1:E26 - Loving the land
The conversation delves into the Love of the Land Substack project (link in show notes), the complexity of the Israel-Palestine narrative, the historical and archaeological composition of the land, the tragedy and possibility of the encounter between Jews and Arabs, the impact of recent events on work and family, and the importance of historical knowledge in understanding the Jewish story.Takeaway
REALLY JEWISH SE1:E25 - Between tradition & innovation, masoret & chidush
The conversation explores the intersection of tradition and innovation in Jewish life, reflecting on the balance between the two and the impact on personal and national identity. It delves into the complexities of maintaining tradition while embracing innovation, drawing from historical and contemporary examples.TakeawaysTradition and innovation are intertwined in Jewish lifeThe balance between tr
REALLY JEWISH SE1:E24 - Blasphemy, crossing the line
Rabbi Joel discusses the concept of blasphemy, the role of the sacred, and the mystery of the name of God in the Jewish tradition. He emphasizes the importance of truth, the tension between fraudulence and truth, and the significance of the sacred in human life. The conversation delves into the concept of the hidden sacred, the reverence and avoidance of pronouncing the name of God, the interactio
REALLY JEWISH SE1:E23 - Maalach Hamavet, the Angel of Death
The conversation with Rabbi Roni Tabick delves into the personal and professional journey of a rabbi, exploring the topic of Maalach Hamavet (the Angel of Death) and its significance in Jewish tradition. It also touches on the role of a rabbi at times of crisis, a rabbis capacity to comfort and offer support and something of the essence of Jewish life.TakeawaysMaalach Hamavet: The discussion provi
REALLY JEWISH SE1:E22 - Insider/Outsider
The conversation begins with a reunion between old friends. The core of the discussion is about the meaning of home, and the immigrant experience in the United States. Vadim and Oliver discuss challenges of integration and the impact and blessing of immigration. The conversation is nostalgic and raises questions of generational shifts in diaspora communities, the preservation of Jewish literacy an
REALLY JEWISH SE1:E21 - Heartbreak and home
The conversation with Rabbi Miriam Lorie delves into her journey as a female Orthodox Rabbi, her experiences in Jerusalem, and the significance of Tisha b’Av. The themes of heartbreak, hope, and responsibility are explored, along with the importance of interfaith dialogue and the inspiration drawn from modern Israeli music.TakeawaysJerusalem as a place of home and heartbreakThe importance of hope
REALLY JEWISH SE1:E20 - Judaism and creativity
The 20th episode of Really Jewish explores the theme of Judaism and creativity, delving into the tension between religious tradition and creative expression. The conversation touches on the core aspects of Jewish creativity, the role of uncertainty, and the need for urgency in the Jewish mission. It also addresses the dark forces that seek to suppress creativity within the Jewish community.Takeawa
REALLY JEWISH SE1:E19 - A Judaism of spirit
This episode delves into the intersection of Judaism and spirituality, exploring the journey of becoming a rabbi, the spiritual essence of Judaism, finding spirituality in Jewish life, and the pursuit of spirituality amidst adversity. It highlights the significance of music and singing as a source of spiritual inspiration and emphasizes the gradual and intentional nature of the spiritual journeyTa
REALLY JEWISH SE1:E18 - prohibition & fun
The conversation explores the role of pleasure and prohibition in the Jewish tradition, delving into the balance between joy and discipline. It also touches on the connection between religious life and secular life, as well as the impact of prohibitions on personal experiences.TakeawaysPleasure and Prohibition in Jewish TraditionBalancing Pleasure and ProhibitionThe Role of Prohibition in Secular
REALLY JEWISH SE1:E17 - outreach and mission in Christianity and Judaism
The conversation delves into the generations of relationship between Christianity and Judaism, exploring why we as faith leaders are ‘called’ to our work. We discuss differences in our faith perspectives, and the significance of ‘doing’ in Jewish life. It also discusses belief and obedience in religion, the focus on belief in God and God's love in Christianity. The conversation touches on Christia
REALLY JEWISH SE1:E16 - Police, nice job for a Jewish boy
The conversation delves into the unique role of the UK’ most senior Jewish police officer and the challenges faced by the Jewish community in the context of policing and social unrest. It explores the impact of social media and online hate, and concludes with a message to the Jewish community and a personal reflection on the role of Judaism in shaping the Ben Russell’s day-to-day life.REALLY JEWIS
REALLY JEWISH S1:E15 - Certainty and doubt
A technical delay on this week’s podcast, hope to be back on schedule for this Thursday!The conversation delves into the exploration of the Parshat Shelach Lecha, discussing the themes of certainty and doubt in the Jewish tradition. It also touches on personal and national faith, the vision of Rabbi Akiva, the challenge of religious fundamentalism, and the importance of persistence and faith in pe
REALLY JEWISH S1:E14 - who are you talking to?!
We ask this week, who are we talking to, who is the target audience of the Really Jewish podcast!? The conversation delves into the exploration of Jewish identity, the challenges of navigating Jewish communities, of teaching in diverse spaces, and the impact of exceptional times on the Jewish community. It also discusses the relationship between receiving the Torah and Jewish identity, as well as
REALLY JEWISH S1:E13 - on music
The conversation with Oi Va Voi members, Steve and Josh, delves into the journey of the band, the impact of recent events, navigating antisemitism, and the role of music in fostering hope and unity. The discussion highlights the resilience of the Jewish community and the power of music in transcending cultural boundaries.TakeawaysJewish Music and IdentityNavigating AntisemitismHope and ResilienceC
REALLY JEWISH S1:E12 - being a rabbi
Rabbi Josh Weiner and Rabbi Oliver Spike Joseph discuss their experiences as rabbis, the highs and lows of rabbinic life, the role of a rabbi in the community, and the significance of Torah learning in preparation for Shavuot. They also explore the dynamic exchange of Torah between friends and the infinite nature of Torah.TakeawaysRabbinic life involves both majestic and intensely tough moments, b
REALLY JEWISH S1:E11 - place or time - Jerusalem Day
The conversation begins with an introduction to the Really Jewish podcast and the alternating format of guest interviews and discussions. It then delves into the topic of addressing antisemitism and the impact on Jewish identity. The discussion shifts to the theme of 'Judaism of Place or Time,' exploring the significance of Jerusalem and the sanctification of time and place in Judaism. The convers
REALLY JEWISH S1:E10 - on God
The conversation delves into the exploration of God in the Jewish tradition, God's significance and onto the evolution of human culture, music and belief. It also discusses the transition from oral to written tradition and the intuitive nature of music and human experience. The conversation emphasizes the experience of God in Jewish life and the question of God in moments of crisis. The conversati
REALLY JEWISH S1:E9 - dads raising kids
The conversation delves into the complexities of modern fatherhood, exploring the challenges and nuances of traditional and egalitarian parenting roles. It also highlights the evolving dynamics of fatherhood in different eras and the impact of religious and cultural traditions on parenting practices.TakeawaysModern fatherhood in 2026Challenges of traditional and egalitarian parentingChapters00:00
REALLY JEWISH S1:E8 - Israel Memorial Day & Independence
The conversation delves into the essence of being really Jewish, exploring themes of responsibility, care, and the blessing of Jerusalem. It also reflects on the significance of the days of Yom HaShoah and Yom HaZikaron, as well as the meaning of Zion and Jerusalem in the Jewish context.TakeawaysResponsibility and CareThe Blessing of JerusalemChapters00:00 The Days of Yom HaShoah and Yom HaZikaron
REALLY JEWISH S1:E7 - Holocaust
The conversation delves into the significance of Yom HaShoah, personal reflections on the Holocaust, religious and secular perspectives, the impact of the Holocaust on Jewish identity, and the universal implications of Holocaust memory. It also explores the role of Holocaust memory in shaping personal growth and identity, as well as the political implications of using the Holocaust in public disco
REALLY JEWISH S1:E6 - food, with Ben Rebuck
Our first ever guest! Ben Rebuck on the REALLY JEWISH podcast!The conversation delves into the cultural and identity significance of Jewish food, exploring transitions in food choices, the significance of Pesach food, the global impact of Jewish food on social media, and food as a symbol of identity. The conversation delves into the festival of Passover as a celebration of Jewish identity and the
REALLY JEWISH S1:E5 - Resilience
The conversation explores the concept of resilience and its connection to endurance, community, sense of control, insecurity, critical thinking, and finding humor in tragedy. It delves into personal experiences, rabbinic and historical texts to understand the essence of Jewish resilience.TakeawaysResilience is a multifaceted concept that encompasses endurance, community support, critical thinking,
REALLY JEWISH S1:E4 - Yair's personal story
The conversation delves into Yair's personal Jewish journey, exploring his childhood, family influence, serving in the military, transition from religious to secular, personal growth, and reflections on Mishnah. Yair also reflects on transitions and fatherhood, highlighting the balance between secular and religious aspects of his life. The feedback and conclusion wrap up the episode, emphasizing t
REALLY JEWISH S1:E3 - Oliver's personal story
The conversation delves into personal Jewish journeys, childhood and family influence, coping with loss, emotional expression, finding meaning in religion, the therapeutic role of Jewish practice, the impact of Torah study, religious commitment, and joy. It concludes with feedback and gratitude from the audience.TakeawaysExploring personal Jewish journeysThe therapeutic role of mitzvahsChapters00:
REALLY JEWISH S1:E2 - on War
The conversation delves into the complexity of Jewish tradition and the interpretation of Torah texts, exploring the delicate balance of staying true to the text while addressing the moral dilemmas of Torah interpretation. It also includes personal reflections on Jewish tradition and war, highlighting the importance of holding the complexity of opposing viewpoints within the Jewish community.Takea
REALLY JEWISH S1:E1 - Launch Episode
The conversation explores the complexities of Jewish identity, the impact of friendship, and the importance of vulnerability. It delves into personal stories, challenges, and the concept of Havruta, providing a deep and insightful exploration of Jewish life and identity.TakeawaysJewish identity is a complex and evolving conceptFriendship and vulnerability play a crucial role in the exploration of
