Tablet Studios

This week on Unorthodox, vegemite drama in Israel.

Our first guest is Shira Haas, the Israeli actress best known for her starred role on the Netflix series Unorthodox and the Israeli hit Shtisel. She tells us about learning English by watching TV as a kid, how she responds to criticism of Unorthodox’s portrayal of Orthodox Judaism, and her upcoming role as Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir.

Our next guest is Daniel Oppenheimer, brother of our host Mark, who returns to the show to tell us about his latest book, an appreciation of the critic Dave Hickey.

Send us your stories for our upcoming special episodes. Were you or someone you know a Jewish scout? Do you have stories of apologies given or owed, for our annual Yom Kippur Apology episode? Leave us a voicemail (under a minute long) at (914) 570-4869, or record a voice memo on your phone and email it to [email protected] to be featured on the episode.

Like the show? Rate us on iTunes!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel!

Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at [email protected].

Check out all of Tablet’s podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Unorthodox, the curious case of the kosher ham.

Our Jewish guest is Raviv Ullman, who starred in the early aughts Disney Channel show Phil of the Future and who now hosts the weekly parsha podcast “The Study.” The Israeli-born actor tells us about embracing the rituals of Jewish life during the pandemic, and finding the value of identifying modern themes in ancient Jewish texts, even when those themes might be challenging.

Our Gentile of the Week is investigative reporter Madeleine Baran, who hosts the podcast “In The Dark” from APM Reports. Her reporting for the show helped lead the Supreme Court to overturn the conviction of death row inmate Curtis Flowers.

Send us your stories for our upcoming special episodes. Were you or someone you know a Jewish scout? Do you have stories of apologies given or owed, for our annual Yom Kippur Apology episode? Leave us a voicemail (under a minute long) at (914) 570-4869, or record a voice memo on your phone and email it to [email protected] to be featured on the episode.

Like the show? Rate us on iTunes!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel!

Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at [email protected].

Check out all of Tablet’s podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Unorthodox, it’s everyone vs. Bibi.

Our Jewish guest is Iranian American writer Roya Hakakian, whose latest book, A Beginner's Guide to America: For the Immigrant and the Curious, paints a portrait of what the new immigrant experience in America is really like. She explains how, in addition to the grand ideals of liberty and opportunity offered in America, the mundane day-to-day elements of American life—like being able to return clothing to a store—remain jaw-droppingly liberating for immigrants, long after they’ve arrived.

Our Gentile of the Week is poet and Yale Divinity School professor Christian Wiman, who shares how Abraham Joshua Heschel inspired his personal religious journey, and how that journey is foundational to his poetry. His question for the hosts is a personal one: Do they believe in god, or is their connection to Judaism more cultural?

Like the show? Rate us on iTunes!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel!

Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at [email protected].

Check out all of Tablet’s podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts.

Sponsors:

AJWS supports activists defending the sexual health and rights of women, girls and LGBTQI+ people across the world. This Pride Month, make a twice-matched gift to AJWS that supports local organizations advocating for justice for all people and building equitable communities at AJWS.org/unorthodox.

Harry’s is the perfect gift for Father’s Day. New customers can get a Starter Set for just $3, and from now until June 20, take $5 off any shave set at harrys.com/unorthodox.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unorthodox is off this week, but we’re bringing you "The Deal with Nissim Black," a new podcast from our friends over at the Joshua Network, [link out].

The show features Nissim Black, who was featured on our conversion episode last month, in conversation with a wide range of Jewish guests. This episode features Nissim’s interview with former Unorthodox guest Eve Barlow . In this conversation, which was recorded about a month ago, Nissim and Eve get deep into their experiences of being Jews and finding their place in the world.

Have a story to share on our upcoming episode about Jewish scouting or our annual Apology Episode? Send us an email or voicenote at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at at (914) 570-4869.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel!

Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at [email protected].

Check out all of Tablet’s podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Unorthodox, ceasefire in Israel and chaos on social media.

Our Jewish guest this week is former Late Show with Stephen Colbert writer Jen Spyra, who returns to the show to discuss her debut book, a wacky collection of short stories called Big Time.

Our Gentile of the week is novelist John Green, whose latest book, The Anthropocene Reviewed, is based on his podcast of the same name, which reviews various facets of our modern lives using a five-star scale. He also tells us about the infamous Anne Frank house kissing scene in his novel-turned-film, The Fault in Our Stars.

Join us for virtual events!

Sunday, May 30 — Liel will be talking to Andrew Fox about his new book, The Bad Luck Spirits' Social Aid and Pleasure Club, a fantasy tale about a Jewish ayin harah, or evil eye, named Kay Rosenblatt living in New Orleans and doing her best to deal with the chaos that ensues after her fellow demons summon a hurricane. 11:30 a.m. EDT; register here.

Tuesday, June 1 — Liel will be talking to Sohrab Ahmari, New York Post op-ed editor and author of The Unbroken Thread: Discovering the Wisdom of Tradition in an Age of Chaos, about his journey from Iran to America, his conversion to Catholicism, and about how our faith traditions give us the tools we so desperately need to survive and thrive in these scary and tumultuous times. 7:30 p.m. EDT; Register here.

Thursday, June 3 — Stephanie will be interviewing Sarah Maslin Nir, New York Times reporter and author of Horse Crazy: The Story of a Woman and a World in Love with an Animal, about her family’s Holocaust history (and, of course, horses), presented by the Museum of Jewish Heritage. 7 p.m. EDT; Register here.

Find out about all our upcoming events at www.tabletmag.com/unorthodoxlive.

Like the show? Rate us on iTunes!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel!

Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at [email protected].

Check out all of Tablet’s podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts.

Sponsors:

Harry’s is a great shave at a great price. New customers can get a starter set valued at $13 for just $3 at HARRYS.COM/UNORTHODOX.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Unorthodox, we’re doing our best to process—and to help you process—what’s going on in Israel and Gaza.

First we talk with Israeli journalist Matti Friedman, whose recent article for Tablet, “Jerusalem of Glue,” highlights the gap between the outward narrative of conflict and the more cohesive day-to-day reality on the ground in the city. He’s been on the show before, talking about his book Spies of No Country: Secret Lives at the Birth of Israel.

Then we take you into the bomb shelters of Tel Aviv, where Carrie Keller-Lynn and Aliza Landes, hosts of the podcast “Us Among the Israelis, have been documenting their experiences as an audio diary.

We're here for you as we all process this together. Send us a note at [email protected] and let us know how we can be a resource for you.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Unorthodox, we’re proud to present our fourth-annual conversion episode. On Shavuot we read the Book of Ruth, which tells the story of the first convert to Judaism. To celebrate Ruth and all the Jews by choice since then, we’re sharing stories of conversion from all over the world.

First, an interview with New York Times reporter Nellie Bowles, who has been chronicling her conversion process in her online newsletter, “Chosen by Choice.”

Tablet Fellow Nina Lichtenstein describes converting for her Jewish husband (and her Jewish mother-in-law) more than two decades ago, and staying Jewish for herself after their divorce.

Rapper Nissim Black shares his spiritual journey, which took him from devout Christianity to gangster rap and finally to Orthodox Judaism.

Novelist Jessamyn Hope tells the story of her Italian Catholic mother’s conversion to Reform Judaism, and the many conflicted feelings Jessamyn had about it throughout her own life.

Tablet Fellow Elie Bleier brings us a report from Israel about Nativ, a program that expedites conversions for soldiers serving in the IDF who aren't considered Jewish by the rabbinate.

Plus, hear stories from our listeners about their own conversion experiences.

Want more Unorthodox? Listen to our previous conversion episodes:

2020 Conversion Episode

2019 Conversion Episode

2018 Conversion Episode

Like the show? Rate us on iTunes!

Find out about all our upcoming events at www.tabletmag.com/unorthodoxlive.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel!

Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at [email protected].

Check out all of Tablet’s podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts.

Sponsors:

AJWS supports activists on the ground in India helping communities during the COVID-19 surge. You can help get personal protective equipment, psychosocial support, and other critically needed aid to communities like those in India by making a twice-matched, tax-deductible donation at AJWS.org/unorthodox.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Unorthodox: Gal Gadot’s pandemic injury.

First we speak to Daniel Pollack-Pelzner, the Linfield University professor who was fired after publicizing accusations of sexual misconduct and anti-Semitism regarding the board of trustees and the college president.

Then we welcome back one of our favorite Gentiles of the Week, Noreen Malone, who is hosting the fifth season of Slate’s Slow Burn podcast, where she breaks down the lead-up to the second Iraq War. Her question for the hosts is whether it’s rude to order blatantly non-kosher items when dining out with people who keep kosher.

And finally, we call up Tel Aviv-based Tablet contributor Dana Kessler, who tells us about her most recent article for the magazine, about a new digital compilation of Turkish and Israeli music.

We’re recording a new season of Hebrew School, our kids game show podcast! Do you know a child aged 7-12 who should be a contestant? Email [email protected] to apply.

Upcoming virtual events:

Sunday, May 23 — Stephanie and Liel will be speaking with the Jewish Federation of Reading, PA. 11 a.m. EDT; Register here.

Thursday, June 3 — Stephanie will be interviewing journalist Sarah Maslin Nir about her book Horse Crazy and her family’s Holocaust history. 7 p.m. EDT; Register here.

Find out about all our upcoming events at www.tabletmag.com/unorthodoxlive.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Join our

Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at [email protected].

Check out all of Tablet’s podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts.

Sponsors:

Harry’s is a great shave at a great price. Get a special offer and a Harry’s Starter Set and Body Wash at harrys.com/unorthodox.

AJWS supports activists on the ground in India helping communities during the COVID-19 surge. You can help get personal protective equipment, psychosocial support, and other critically needed aid to communities like those in India by making a twice-matched, tax-deductible donation at AJWS.org/unorthodox.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Unorthodox, we’re celebrating Lag B’Omer (and figuring out what, exactly, this holiday is all about).

Our first guest is Juliet Litman, podcast host and head of production at the Ringer. She discusses one of her favorite podcasts, the surprisingly Jewish “Table Manners with Jesse Ware,” gives us her take on last season’s Bachelorette bagel drama, and offers her pick for the most Jewish sports team.

Then it’s a Jew-Gentile double header: TV producer Amy Solomon, editor of the new book Notes from the Bathroom Line: Humor, Art, and Low-Grade Panic from 150 of the Funniest Women in Comedy, and actress and comedian Lauren Lapkus, one of the book’s contributors, join us to discuss Gilda Radner, funny women, and the perfect Hanukkah dessert.

Join us Sunday, May 2 at 7 p.m. EDT/4 p.m. PDT for a special free virtual live show with Tovah Feldshuh, presented by the Community Scholar Program of Orange County California. Register at http://bit.ly/cspunorthodoxlive.This event is co-sponsored by the Merage Jewish Community Center and is made possible by a grant from the Albert and Rhoda Weissman Arts Endowment Fund, a joint program of Jewish Community Foundation Orange County and Jewish Federation Orange County

Share your conversion story for our annual Shavuot episode! Leave us a voicemail (under a minute long) at (914) 570-4869, or record a voice memo on your phone and email it to [email protected] to be featured on the episode.

We’re launching a new season of Hebrew School, our kids game show podcast! Do you know a child aged 7-12 who should be a contestant? Email [email protected] to apply.

Upcoming virtual events:

Thursday, April 29 — Stephanie will be moderating Rachel Bloom and Tovah Feldshuh in ‘A Conversation Between a (Television) Daughter and Mother,’ presented by The Jewish Museum and the Jewish Book Council, 7 p.m. EDT. Register here.

Thursday, April 29 — Liel will be talking about podcasting with JCast Network's Darone Ruskay, presented by Ansche Chesed. 7 p.m. EDT; Register here.

Sunday, May 23 — Stephanie and Liel will be speaking with the Jewish Federation of Reading, PA. 11 a.m. EDT; Register here.

Find out about all our upcoming events at www.tabletmag.com/unorthodoxlive.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Join our

Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at [email protected].

Check out all of Tablet’s podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts.

Sponsors:

American Jewish World Service supports more than 500 social justice organizations fighting for justice around the world, including at the forefront of action against the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges it’s created.AJWS is currently twice-matching all donations; find out more and make your donation at AJWS.org/unorthodox.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Unorthodox, Andrew Cuomo’s Jewish “tree houses” and Israel’s wild boars.

Our Jewish guest is Devin Gordon, author of the new book “So Many Ways to Lose: The Amazin' True Story of the New York Mets—the Best Worst Team in Sports.” He tells us why Mets fandom is a profound spiritual exercise in perpetual disappointment, and Liel offers his take on why the Mets are a fundamentally Jewish team.

Our Gentile of the week is writer, speaker, and activist Julie Lythcott-Haims, author of “How to Raise an Adult,” and most recently, “Your Turn: How to Be an Adult.” She explains the societal factors making it harder for today’s young adults to grow into their full potential, and offers advice for young people on how best to build meaningful and full adult lives. Her question for the hosts is how non-Jews can be better allies to the Jewish community.

Share your conversion story for our annual Shavuot episode! Leave us a voicemail (under a minute long) at (914) 570-4869, or record a voice memo on your phone and email it to [email protected] by April 30 to be featured on the episode.

Upcoming virtual events:

Sunday, May 2 — Join us at 7 p.m. EDT/4 p.m. PT for a special virtual live show with Tovah Feldshuh, presented by the Community Scholar Program of Orange County California. It's free, but you'll need to register: http://bit.ly/cspunorthodoxlive. This event is co-sponsored by the Merage Jewish Community Center and is fully funded by a grant from the Albert and Rhoda Weissman Arts Endowment Fund, a joint program of Jewish Community Foundation Orange County and Jewish Federation Orange County

Thursday, April 29 — Stephanie will be moderating Rachel Bloom and Tovah Feldshuh in ‘A Conversation Between a (Television) Daughter and Mother,’ presented by The Jewish Museum and the Jewish Book Council, 7 p.m. EDT. Register here.

Thursday, April 29 — Liel will be talking about podcasting with JCast Network's Darone Ruskay, presented by Ansche Chesed. 7 p.m. EDT; Register here.

Find out about all our upcoming events at www.tabletmag.com/unorthodoxlive.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Join our

Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at [email protected].

Check out all of Tablet’s podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts.

Sponsors:

American Jewish World Service supports more than 500 social justice organizations fighting for justice around the world, including at the forefront of action against the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges it’s created.AJWS is currently twice-matching all donations; find out more and make your donation at AJWS.org/unorthodox.

Harry’s is a great shave at a great price. Get a special offer and a Harry’s Starter Set and Body Wash at harrys.com/unorthodox.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices