The Jewish Experience

This week Ayatollah Khamenei, the supreme ruler of Iran, was killed by US and Israeli missile strikes. While Khamenei was lifelong enemy of the Jewish people, does that make it right to celebrate his death? What can the story of Purim teach us about this latter-day Haman? And with so many troubles in the world today, how can we justify celebrating a joyous holiday like Purim anyway? Rabbi Wildes takes on these questions and more. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

It's my money! I worked for it! So why should I give away MY money? Rabbi Wildes teaches us about the laws and traditions of Tzedakah, and why giving away some of your money may lead to more money coming back to you. You can start now! Give Matanot LeEvyonim today: https://buy.stripe.com/5kQ00j3F38ScfLV73SbZe01 Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

What happens if you break Jewish Law? Do you go to Jewish Jail? Can a good Rabbi get you a lighter sentence? Or are there worse things than punishment in the physical world? And what can this teach us about choosing to pursue the righteous path? Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Every Jew has to ask the question: Which flavor will I choose? Will it be the favor my parents chose, or am I drawn to something different? Are all flavors equal? What if some flavors on the menu aren't even Jewish? This week Rabbi Wildes shows all the flavors to arm you with the knowledge you need to choose. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Most folks in the secular world are familiar with the many frustrations of dating and relationships. Maybe the solutions have been right in front us for thousands of years! Learn about kosher dating, the benefits of placing limits in relationships, and why the airport might be the right destination for your next date. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Jews believe the Torah was handed down from Mount Sinai. But how can we know if we weren't there? And why should we believe any of the events recorded in Torah really happened? Rabbi Wildes addresses the challenging questions that lead intelligent Jews to question their beliefs. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Rabbi Wildes faces a volley of hard-hitting no-nonsense questions about all the activities that seem wrong to do—but are they forbidden? If you need to know whether your vices and guilty pleasures are allowed under Jewish Law, you need to hear this episode of—Is It Forbidden? Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Rabbi Wildes sits down with Iranian born William Mehrvarz. William escaped an imminent death sentence for the crime of Apostasy to move to New York and become Jewish. He joins us to discuss the recent protests and massacres in Iran, the implications for the future of Israel, and risking everything to live as a Jew. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

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In this moving episode, Rabbi Mark Wildes sits down with Israeli art therapist and visionary artist Rakefet Hadar (founder of Soul Pages) to explore the healing power of creativity in the wake of unimaginable tragedy. Following the violent attacks on October 7th that devastated communities across Israel — including women living on a kibbutz — Rakefet shares how intuitive art journaling and Kabbalistic wisdom can serve as profound tools for emotional and spiritual healing. Together, she and Rabbi Wildes discuss the intersection of Jewish mysticism, art therapy, and resilience, uncovering how artistic expression can help survivors reclaim their voice, process trauma, and reconnect to the divine. 💡 Topics in this episode: • The transformative power of art for trauma recovery • How Kabbalah inspires Rakefet’s healing methods • Women’s emotional journeys after 10/7 • The role of spirituality in post-trauma growth 🖌️ Learn more about Rakefet’s work at https://soul-pages.com/ — Subscribe for more episodes on faith, spirituality, and resilience from the MJE Podcast. #ArtTherapy #Kabbalah #IsraeliArt #JewishHealing #RakefetHadar #RabbiMarkWildes #SoulPages #TraumaRecovery #MJEpodcast Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Rabbi Wildes sits down with Shabbos Kestenbaum to talk about Jewish identity, leadership, and the growing hostility toward Israel and the Jewish people — from elite universities to global politics. They discuss Shabbos’ lawsuit against Harvard, media narratives on Iran, and the importance of Jewish education rooted in values, not just victimhood. A timely and honest conversation about unity, resistance, and hope for the Jewish future. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Judaism doesn’t dismiss beauty—but it doesn’t worship it either. This episode begins with our human hunger for beauty, journeys through the tension between Greek and Jewish ideals, and arrives at a distinctly Jewish idea of beauty: one that’s rooted in holiness, shaped by restraint, and never far from the divine. We explore beauty’s power, its purpose, and its place on the path toward the divine. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Last night at MJE’s Yom HaShoah event, we had the honor of hearing from Dr. Aliza Erber, a Holocaust survivor, medical doctor, and chaplain. As a hidden child during the war, Dr. Erber lost both of her parents in concentration camps. Her story was raw, powerful, and deeply moving. Over 100 people gathered to hear her speak and every single one left impacted. What made the evening even more meaningful was her honesty. She didn’t sugarcoat the trauma, and in doing so, gave everyone present a deeper appreciation of the strength, courage, and resilience of our people. May her words continue to echo, and may we never forget. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Mark Wildes is joined by Dr. Noam Weissman, the voice behind the acclaimed podcast Unpacking Israeli History. Together, they dive deep into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, explore the historical roots of Gaza, and ask the difficult questions: Is the two-state solution still viable? How should Israel be taught to the next generation—both Jewish and non-Jewish? What role does bias, history, and education play in shaping our understanding of Zionism? What are the biggest misconceptions about Hamas and Palestinian leadership? Dr. Weissman shares personal insights from decades of Israel education and breaks down complex issues with clarity and honesty, offering a nuanced look at one of the most polarizing topics of our time. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes. 🎧 Listen to Dr. Weissman’s podcast: Unpacking Israeli History 🔔 Follow for more deep dives into Jewish thought, modern Israel, and meaningful conversation. #Israel #Gaza #Zionism #JewishEducation #MiddleEastConflict #UnpackingIsraeliHistory Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

In this powerful episode of The Wilds Cast, we sit down with Natan Sharansky, a Soviet dissident, human rights activist, and former Israeli politician. Sharansky shares his harrowing experiences as a political prisoner in the Soviet Gulag, where he endured nine years of imprisonment, and his fight for Jewish freedom during the Cold War. We dive into: ✅ His extraordinary journey from Soviet oppression to Israeli leadership ✅ The refusenik movement and the struggle of Jews in the USSR ✅ How he survived years of solitary confinement with resilience and faith ✅ His political career in Israel, standing against disengagement from Gaza ✅ Modern antisemitism, the challenges faced by Jewish students, and his message to young Jews today ✅ His thoughts on Trump’s peace plan, Israel’s future, and the fight against Hamas Sharansky’s story of courage, conviction, and unwavering identity is a must-listen for anyone passionate about freedom, Jewish history, and human rights. 🔔 Subscribe & Share this episode with your friends! Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

What does it take to turn unimaginable tragedy into a source of strength and inspiration? 💔➡️💪 In this powerful episode of The Wilds Cast, I sit down with Rabbanit Racheli Frankel, a true beacon of resilience and wisdom. After losing her son Naftali in 2014, she has dedicated her life to uniting the Jewish people and strengthening our faith. 🇮🇱✨ We dive deep into: 🔹 How her personal loss connects to the pain of October 7th 🔹 The emotional complexity of hostage negotiations 🔹 Rising antisemitism and the global Jewish response 🔹 The rapid growth of women’s Torah scholarship 📖👩‍🏫 🔹 Finding hope and joy even in the darkest times Rabbanit Frankel’s perspective is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, a reminder that even through sorrow, we can choose gratitude, strength, and faith. 🌿✡️ 🎧 Tune in now and let us know what resonated with you the most in the comments! 👇💬 #JewishStrength #Resilience #Faith #Podcast #Israel #Torah #JewishWomen #JewishLearning #Hope #JewishCommunity Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

In this episode, rapper and activist Kosha Dillz takes us on a journey through his music, identity, and resilience. From performing on college campuses and tackling misconceptions about Israel to crafting lyrics that resonate and spark dialogue, Kosha shares the highs and challenges of his unique path. He opens up about overcoming addiction, the influence of Jewish values like tzedakah, and the strength that carried him through tough times. We also dive into his creative process, his experiences performing for IDF soldiers, and the reactions to his Chanukah songs and recent tracks inspired by pivotal events. Tune in for a powerful conversation that bridges hip-hop, faith, and activism.0:00 Introduction0:58 Welcome Kosha Dillz2:09 Performing on College Campuses4:36 Does doing this feel dangerous?6:30 Rap That Resonates8:20 Misconceptions About Israel13:35 The social scene of anti-Israel protests15:59 Songs since 10/722:02 Chanukah Song and Reactions on Campus23:28 What kind of schools book you?26:29 How do you work on your rap?29:13 Time on Wild 'n Out31:49 How has your jewish identity influenced your music?33:51 Tzedakah37:27 Overcoming addiction39:50 What kept you strong during tough times?43:47 Performing for IDF Soldiers48:14 Chanukah Concert and Songs49:38 Outro Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein, a longtime friend of MJE and a true testament to perseverance and vision. Born blind, Justice Bernstein has defied expectations, becoming a trailblazer in law, an advocate for peace, and a marathon runner who challenges limits in every aspect of life.In this episode, we delve into his remarkable journey, including his role in advancing the Abraham Accords and promoting peace in the Middle East. Justice Bernstein shares profound insights on the beauty of his disability, his unwavering faith in God, and how it has shaped his perspective on justice, resilience, and advocacy.0:00 Introduction2:43 Serving as a Judge in MI4:00 Resilience10:15 Resilience15:15 Identifying Purpose Through Judaism16:02 Wrongful Convictions20:34 Flint Water Case23:26 Talmudic Perspective on Wrongful Convictions24:18 Has DNA Been Helpful in Court?28:47 Overcoming Adversity with One's Mission35:26 Disability Advocacy in the Middle East50:04 Importance if the Abraham Accords52:18 Rabbi Nebenzahl59:07 Everybody is Touched by Disability1:00:32 Perception of Disabilities in the Arab World1:04:25 Collaboration with a Sheikh1:07:21 Peace with Saudi Arabia1:08:41 Opening MI Back Up During Covid1:11:15 Long Term Consequences of Covid Lockdown1:13:56 Bringing People Together1:16:23 Conclusion Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

0:00 Introduction1:32 Academic Pursuits & Religious Values14:48 Misunderstandings of Observance21:20 Judaism in Politics31:04 The Limits of Orthodox Theology44:54 Challenges Facing Jewish Identity53:44 How to Handle Israel Condemnation1:03:28 Student Interest in Judaism1:09:57 Wrapping Up Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

0:00 Introduction1:50 Notions of Peace6:31 This Semester at Columbia11:39 Continuing to Teach at Columbia14:36 Sending Kids to Antisemitic Institutions22:21 Choosing to Fight Back28:29 Fight for Jewish Civil Rights34:17 Israeli vs. Diaspora Jews43:10 Preserving Jewish Identity55:59 Why is Judaism worth defending?59:21 Political Labels1:00 Wrapping Up Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/