edJEWcation

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.