The Wandering Jew Studio

In this episode, I chat with Talia Lakritz, senior lifestyle reporter for Insider and writer! We talk about Monologues from the Makom, a groundbreaking collection of poetry and prose designed to break the observant Jewish community’s taboo against open discussion of female sexuality. In her piece, Talia shares her first experience with touch after being shomer negiah for years. We also discuss affirmative consent, the harmful notion of “all men being dogs” we grew up with, sexuality, shomer negiah in practice, and more!

Monologues from the Makom will be released on September 1st and you can pre-order it here: https://benyehudapress.com/books/monologues-from-the-makom/. Follow their Instagram at @mftmakom

In this episode, I chat with Shimmy Feintuch, psychotherapist and fellow Beis Community enthusiast. We discuss the stories we create in our minds when dating, dealing with insecurities, and how to zoom out and see the big picture. He shared some mental health concepts and how to utilize them and some mindfulness techniques. Then, we tackle ways to deal with vulnerability and the most effective ways to relieve ourselves from overthinking. Damn it brain! Let’s face it, we are all messy in our own ways at times and that is ok! What a cathartic episode - thank you Shimmy!

In honor of Tu’ B’Av, I chat with Brinu Chu, close friend, roommate of 2 years, vegan and fellow Jewish feminist. Brina is a professional in the Jewish non-profit world and together, we dive into many topics at the nexus of Judaism and dating: worst date stories, misogyny, how our upbringing in Jewish spaces shaped our attitudes towards shomer negiah, modesty, niddah, Jewish identity, and even Pandemic Patty makes an appearance. Happy listening!

The Aliyah-series is in full swing! In this episode, I chat with Sarah Kirshner, graphic designer and marketer in Nachlaot, and Lielle Barth, a recent graduate from Bar Ilan university who is moving to Baka/Katamon area this week! We talk about a bunch of new topics like the culture of Israeli people, how attachment to the land changes over time, crunchy cucumbers, social life in Israel amidst coronavirus, and how important it is to immerse in the Hebrew language. Plus, what’s the shidduch crisis like in Israel? Happy listening!

Are you considering Aliyah? As part of a new series on That’s So Kvetch, I’ll be focusing on Aliyah stories from individual people! In this episode, I interview Dafna Milstein, filmmaker, creative writer and English teacher in Pardes Hanna and Roni Buchine, (old friend from Houston roots), who is studying computer science at Machon Lev in Jerusalem. We cover everything from acclimating as an immigrant, to cost of living and salaries, to the healthcare system, a typical shabbat experience, love stories, and more! It’s very cathartic to listen in and hear other people’s stories and gain insights from them. I hope you enjoy Part 1!

After a hiatus, I’m back! In this episode, I start off chatting about some recent life updates, moving apartments, and future plans. Summer is the season of change, and in the process I’ve noticed how roommate hunting is similar in some ways to dating life! I mean, it’s all about making a commitment in the end, am I right? Then, I briefly go on a tangent about Rav Nachman and nature (don’t ask) and swerve back to a scandalous and exciting story of triumph by the bad a** ladies Devorah and Yael! This dream team is truly exemplary and if you listen in, you’ll find out why! (Plus some wild plot twists along the way). Enjoy!

In this episode, I chat about my personal reflections on the Black Lives Matter movement, the positive and negative effects of social media, and my white guilt. It’s important to recognize how to be more educated and aware in the Jewish community. If we don’t talk about this, nothing will change. Then, I chat about the difficult decisions that come with dating someone of a different religious level than you. Lastly, I discuss the pressure of ‘getting over’ someone, and the negative impact that brings.

This is a very raw episode. I hope it brings you to feel less alone if you are struggling with something similar.

In this episode, I chat about the concept of dealing with uncertainty in life right now. I reflect on some positives that grew out of my uncertainty from when I graduated college. Then, I dive into the significance of Shavuot as the basis for Jewish belief and how it relates during this time. Also, this week was Israel Kamakawiwo'ole’s birthday and I shared more about his life and his charm! (He’s the Hawaiin singer and activist who sang ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’). Lastly, I top things off with a poem by Walt Whitman and some well wishes for us to find clarity and continue to move through the uncertainty with art, music, and nature.

In this episode, I chat about the awesome upcoming holiday Lag B’Omer this Tuesday and how I’ve fallen in love with its coolness. Lag B’Omer is a mystical holiday that celebrates the Kabbalah’s legacy, religious tolerance, renewal, and inspiration. I dive into the interesting story of R’Shimon Bar Yochai and talk about some funky customs from this holiday like shooting bows and arrows and eating dyed eggs? What?! Anyway, don’t worry, there are also brief chats about dating and recent tv shows I’ve enjoyed to cover all the stops. Happy listening!

In this episode, I chat with Tzvi Zuckier, a mental health therapist and friend that I met on last year’s Jewish music festival, Sababa. We interrupt his tie-dying activity to discuss the relevant topics: Tiger King, Zoom speed dating, mental health (always relevant!), and how people (sometimes) look like animals! And let’s not forget, a ‘That’s so Kvetch’ classic, worst dating stories! Happy listening!