Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam

• Should Jews Move to Israel?: Zionism, Aliyah, and Jewish Identity

  This week, Mijal and Noam dive into the existential question of Diaspora Jews: Should Jews move to Israel? Mijal and Noam engage in a thought provoking conversation about Zionism, Aliyah and Jewish identity. They explore historical, religious, and philosophical debates about Aliyah, which literally means ascent or rise and refers to Jewish immigration to Israel. Mijal and Noam share their personal stories, experiences of cognitive dissonance and insights from great Jewish thinkers. Together, they unpack some of the complexities of living in the Diaspora versus embracing life in Israel. Here are some of the sources referenced in the episode: Unpacking Israeli History: Does Israel Represent All Jews?: The Great Debate Blaustein/Ben Gurion exchange Lubavitcher Rebbe’s response to Ariel Sharon Programming note: Next week, Wondering Jews will release its new episode on Thursday. Get in touch at [email protected], and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews. Follow @jewishunpacked on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube. ------------ This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Unpacking Israeli History Soulful Jewish Living Stars of David with Elon Gold

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• Is "Zionism" Dead?: Re-Defining Identity in 2025

  Mijal and Noam are back with a provocative conversation about the term Zionism and what it means to be a Zionist today. They explore whether the term itself does more harm than good and discuss why it’s so polarizing. Listen to Mijal and Noam grapple with questions about Zionism's relevance by drawing on research, insight and personal reflections about language, history, and identity. Report by Matthew Boxer: What is Zionism? Assessing the Diversity of Discourse in a Charged Environment Programming note: Next week, Wondering Jews will release its new episode on Thursday. Get in touch at [email protected], and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews. Follow @jewishunpacked on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube. ------------ This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Unpacking Israeli History Soulful Jewish Living Stars of David with Elon Gold

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• A Journey through Zionism: Identity, Politics and Faith #1 Listener Pick (Re-release)

  This week, we are re-releasing the top episode chosen by Wondering Jews' loyal listeners. Mijal and Noam are joined by special guest Rabbi Joe Schwartz, director of Makom, the Israel Education Laboratory of the Jewish Agency. They explore the complexities of Jewish identity, Zionism, and the evolving relationship between Israel and the global Jewish community, particularly in light of the events of October 7th. The discussion includes the challenges of bridging the gap between American Jewry and Israel, the implications of Israel's rightward political shift, and personal reflections on what it means to be a Zionist today. Get in touch at [email protected], and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews. Follow @jewishunpacked on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube. ------------ This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Unpacking Israeli History Soulful Jewish Living Stars of David with Elon Gold

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• Wondering about Zionism with Haviv Rettig Gur : #1 Staff Pick (Re-release)

  Wondering Jews is marking its first birthday with the re-release of the Unpacked staff's all time favorite episode. Mijal and Noam talk to friend and journalist Haviv Rettig Gur in a conversation that illuminates the complexity of the Jewish story and the history of Zionism. Together they explore: What does Zionism mean to you? What does it mean to the Jewish people and the world at large? Haviv delves into Zionism as a means of survival while exploring how it has been misunderstood. Listen again or the first time to this thought-provoking episode about self determination, resilience, and Jewish identity. Get in touch at [email protected], and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews. Follow @jewishunpacked on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube. ------------ This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Unpacking Israeli History Soulful Jewish Living Stars of David with Elon Gold

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• Meghan McCain on Antisemitism and Politics: Live from the JFNA: #2 Staff Pick (Re-release)

  As we approach our one-year anniversary, we’re counting down the top five episodes from our first year, as chosen by the team at Unpacked. This week, Mijal and Noam revisit episode #2, a special live recording at the Jewish Federation General Assembly (JFNA GA). In this landmark episode, we’re joined by Meghan McCain—New York Times bestselling author, podcast host, and former co-host of The View. Meghan, the daughter of the late-US Senator, John McCain, opens up about her experiences standing up against antisemitism, her personal connections to the Jewish community, and the importance of nuanced, bipartisan dialogue. Get in touch at [email protected], and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews. Follow @jewishunpacked on Instagram ------------ This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Unpacking Israeli History Soulful Jewish Living Stars of David with Elon Gold

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