As tragedies continue in Ukraine, Joshua & Rabbi Shira dedicate this episode to the 200K+ Jewish people who live there and are in harms way. The episode begins by letting people know the ways they can help and what Jewish relief organizations are lending their support. Then we are joined by Oksana Galkevich, born in Ukraine and as of the past few years living in Israel, who has assisted the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) with many operations in Ukraine and the Former Soviet Union.

(05:30) Rabbi Shira’s quick primer on the Jewish Worldwide Relief Organizations

(07:58) Interview with Oksana Galkevich

(27:40) Special Joint Meditation reading

What is the purpose of a community? Rabbi Shira and Joshua look at this very simple yet complex question in this episode that aligns with the Torah portion “Vayakhel”. They are then joined by the esteemed author Wajahat Ali for his unique viewpoint on the subject.

Episode Timecodes:

(17:32) Wajahat Ali Interview

(41:07) Dule Hill & Jazmyn Simon define the Hebrew & Yiddish (and even Aramaic) terms used in our episode

(43:37) Rabbi Shira’s Guided Meditation

Our hosts welcome the Queen of TikTok Talmud to the show, and they discuss the Golden Calf, feeling lost without a leader, and the rabbi under your bed.

Episode Timecodes:

(18:20) Miriam Anzovin Interview

(39:21) James Roday Rodriguez defines Hebrew/Yiddish terms used in the episode

(42:18) Rabbi Shira’s Guided Meditation

Rabbi Shira and Joshua welcome ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt to the show, to discuss antisemitism in general, and Whoopi Goldberg’s comments on the Holocaust in particular. Also, we talk about what we’re wearing, who we’re wearing, and why we’re wearing. And…our hosts welcome their spouses to the show!

Episode Timecodes:

(05:40) Melissa Merwin (Joshua’s wife & costumer) Interview on the performative nature of wearing clothing

(29:41) Jonathan Greenblatt Interview

(45:57) Russell Shaw (Shira’s husband) defines the Hebrew & Yiddish terms used in the episode

(48:40) Rabbi’s Shira’s Guided Meditation

This week Rabbi Shira and Joshua are joined by Architectural Digest’s Mayer Rus. Together they look at the weekly Torah portion, Terumah, and consider the specificity of the instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary for worship built by the Israelites in the desert.

Episode Timecodes:

(17:47) Mayer Rus Interview

(37:58) Phil LaMarr defines Hebrew/Yiddish terms used in the episode

(42:07) Rabbi Shira’s Guided Meditation

With the week’s Torah portion, Mishpatim, as a guide, Rabbi Shira and Josh probe the Jewish take on lying — is it ever acceptable? And we are joined by Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD), who discusses his new book “Unthinkable: Trauma, Truth, and the Trials of American Democracy”.

Episode Timecodes:

(25:01) Mary McCormack defines Hebrew & Yiddish terms we mentioned

(28:02) Congressman Jamie Raskin Interview

(46:35) Rabbi Shira’s Guided Meditation

Rabbi Shira and Joshua discuss the giving of the Ten Commandments, and what it takes to be prepared for “revelation” in our lives. Then they kick back with actor-writer-director David Wain to discuss his connection to Judaism, and the Ten Commandments-inspired film he co-wrote and directed, “The Ten”.

A Bonus episode in which Josh and Rabbi Shira reflect upon this past weekend’s hostage situation at a synagogue in Texas.

Don’t pack away those NYE decorations just yet! Rabbi Shira and Joshua discuss Tu Bishvat, the Jewish “New Year of the Trees.”  They’ll help you spruce up your observance with new ways to celebrate an ancient holiday. Also, we book our first guest, and it’s Santa Claus. No, really.

Episode Timecodes:

(15:30) Mark Donovan Interview

(48:10) Scott Foley defines Hebrew/Yiddish terms used on the podcast

(51:05) Rabbi Shira’s Guided Meditation

This week’s Torah Portion, “Bo,” mentions the “mixed multitude” that left Egypt with the Israelites. Who were these “others,” and who are the "others" in our own lives today?

Also, if Josh and Rabbi Shira went on a reality TV show together, which one would it be?

Episode Timecodes:

(34:51) Rabbi Shira’s Guided Meditation