Note: this episode was recorded before the horrifying shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia.

The Chanukkah / Hanukkah / Chanuka episode... in which the rabbis discuss rebellious b'nai mitzvah children, receiving underwear gifts for Hanukkah, and the right way to light the candles.

In this episode, hosts Noah and Rena get into our modern celebration of Hanukkah. The history, rituals and traditions, latke crispiness hacks, and why decorating is a thing (p.s. it's actually a commandment!)

We want to note that this episode was recorded before the horrifying shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia. We are sending our love to Jews in Australia and Jews around the world who are mourning the loss of those precious lives.

Credits

Hosted by Rabbis Rena Singer and Noah Westreich of Temple Emanu-El San Francisco

Produced and edited by Arielle Nissenblatt

Engineered and scored by David Woje

Production company Pinwheel by Audily

Timestamps

[00:00:00 – 00:03:45] Welcome! From dark chapels to honest teens
[00:03:45 – 00:07:30] Can a Jewish mother be responsible for picking the rabbi that marries her kid?
[00:07:30 – 00:12:45] Hanukkah, capitalism, and competing with Christmas
[00:12:45 – 00:19:45] Why we light the menorah this way
[00:19:45 – 00:25:15] Public miracles, safety, and Jewish visibility
[00:25:15 – 00:33:30] Latkes, handwashing, and mindful rituals

In the pilot episode of Hebrew School Dropouts, hosts and rabbis Noah Westreich and Rena Singer introduce us to the concept of being a Hebrew school dropout. They emphasize that it's more about a mindset than actual credentials. You don't have to have actually dropped out — or gone to Hebrew school at all — to enjoy this show.

Rabbis Noah and Rena introduce the structure of the podcast, which includes segments like "Ritual of the Week," "Big Jewish Idea," and "Rabbi Moments." P.s. if you want to help them rename or officially name these segments, reach out!

Noah and Rena each select a Jewish ritual and bring it to the class. In this episode, Noah shares some words about hakafot, the circles that couples make around one another at weddings — and shares how he adapts it for couples that he marries.

Rena brings the Modeh Ani prayer, highlighting her personal practice and connection to it — and how she's adapted it over the years.

The "Big Jewish Ideas," segment tackles concepts like the understanding of God versus belief, and insights from Martin Buber's Hasidic philosophy that challenges the separation between the sacred and the profane.

This inaugural episode is an exploration of Jewish spirituality, inviting listeners to consider how these ideas and rituals can be integrated into modern life.

"Rabbi Moments" brings personal anecdotes from our hosts, offering a glimpse into the unique responsibilities and humorous situations they encounter.

Credits

Timestamps

[00:05] Intro to The Show

[01:33] Ritual Of The Week

[12:47] Big Jewish Idea

[24:53] Day In The Life Of A Rabbi