Everything Jewish - 10 Minutes at a Time

Adam Diament
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Judaism
  • Updated Daily

Welcome to "Everything Jewish - 10 Minutes at a Time!" The podcast that makes exploring Jewish ideas easy, fun, and inviting. Whether you're Jewish, a little Jew-curious, or simply love learning new things, these bite-sized episodes will give you history, literature, theology, traditions, and cultural gems in just about ten minutes. Think of it as your friendly guide to all things Jewish, without the long sermons or heavy textbooks.

  1. 17h ago

    Kugel in 10 Minutes

    On today's episode of our daily Jewish deep dive, we're tackling one of the most deceptively simple, passionately debated, and carb-loaded pillars of Ashkenazi cuisine: kugel. Is it sweet or savory? Noodle or potato? Raisins—yes or absolutely not? From bubbling Shabbat tables to synagogue kiddush showdowns, kugel has sparked more family arguments than politics and more nostalgia than almost any other dish. We'll trace its journey from medieval Europe to modern American kitchens, unpack how a humble baked pudding became a symbol of home, and explore why one square of this golden casserole can taste like your grandmother's entire worldview. Loosen your belt—this one's going to get starchy.

    9 min
  2. You Might Also Like: Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness

    17h ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness

    Introducing What Broadway Can Teach You About Reinvention w/ CATS: The Jellicle Ball's Hair & Makeup Team from Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness. Follow the show: Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness Happy Pride Month!  This week on Getting Better, we’re heading backstage on Broadway for a dazzling deep dive into the artistry, creativity, and sheer magic that brings iconic productions to life. Jonathan sits down with the Hair & Makeup team behind the 9-Time Tony Nominated production of CATS: The Jellicle Ball: Makeup Designer Rania Zohny & Tony Award Winning Hair Designer, Nikiya Mathis. Together, they unpack the intricate process of designing for the stage - from creating unforgettable character transformations to building wigs and makeup looks that can withstand eight shows a week. Plus, they take us behind the curtain of the iconic “Memory” transformation and share what it really takes to create Broadway magic night after night. Whether you're a theatre kid, a beauty lover, or just someone who appreciates a fabulous transformation, this episode is serving artistry, history, and a whole lot of Pride. Wanna see JVN on stage? Get tix to the Hot & Healed Comedy Tour here.  Full Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow CATS: The Jellicle Ball on Instagram @catsjellicleball Follow Nikiya Mathis on Instagram @nikiyamathis   Follow Rania Zohny @raniasmakeup  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from: Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure.Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. 1d ago

    The Borscht Belt in 10 Minutes

    On today's episode of our daily Jewish deep dive, we're heading up to the Catskills—where the soup was magenta, the portions were heroic, and the punchlines came faster than the waiters clearing plates. Welcome to the Borscht Belt, that legendary summer playground where Jewish families escaped the city heat and comedians sharpened their timing in packed hotel ballrooms night after night. Before Netflix specials and late-night TV, there were tummlers, talent shows, and teenagers falling in love under fluorescent dining room lights. We'll explore how this mountain world shaped American comedy, Jewish identity, and an entire generation's sense of humor—one brisket, one rimshot, one perfectly timed sigh at a time.

    13 min

  4. 2d ago

    Krav Maga in 10 Minutes

    In this episode, we dive into the fast, fierce world of Krav Maga, the Israeli self-defense system built on one simple idea: end the threat, fast. Born from the street fights of pre-state Israel and refined by the IDF, Krav Maga blends instinct, grit, and just enough technique to make anyone feel like they could handle themselves in a tough moment. We'll explore its origins, its philosophy, why it looks so different from traditional martial arts, and how it became a global phenomenon known for practicality over perfection. Get ready—this episode hits back.

    10 min

  5. 3d ago

    Borscht and Tzimmes in 10 Minutes

    Borscht and Tzimmes represent the quintessential, yet contrasting, flavors of Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine, both originating in the cooking traditions of Eastern Europe. Borscht, a sour soup popularized by Jewish communities across Ukraine and Poland, is defined by its deep magenta color derived from its primary ingredient, beets, and can be served hot (often with potatoes, cabbage, and meat stock) or cold (sometimes topped with sour cream, which Jewish versions often omit or substitute for dairy-free consumption). In stark contrast, Tzimmes (Yiddish for "a big fuss") is a distinctly sweet, slow-cooked stew traditionally made with carrots—symbolic of coins, representing hopes for a sweet and prosperous new year—combined with sweet potatoes, prunes, or other dried fruits, and sweetened heavily with honey or brown sugar. While borscht is a comforting staple, tzimmes is intrinsically tied to the holidays, particularly Rosh Hashanah, where its sweetness embodies the fervent wish for a sweet year ahead.

    7 min

  6. 4d ago

    Chicken Soup in 10 Minutes

    This week, we simmer down the cultural significance of Jewish Chicken Soup (Yiddishe Penicillin), a dish that transcends its simple ingredients to become the ultimate symbol of maternal care, healing, and tradition in Ashkenazi Jewish life. More than just a culinary staple, this soup is considered a folk remedy, widely believed to cure everything from the common cold to existential dread due to its warmth, soothing properties, and rich nutrient content. The preparation starts with a golden, slow-simmered broth made from chicken bones and meat, often enhanced by classic mirepoix vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. The soup is then traditionally served with matzah balls (knaidelach), fine egg noodles, or kreplach (dumplings), forming the deeply comforting, indispensable opening course for Shabbat dinners, holiday meals, and moments of needed reassurance across the Jewish world.

    8 min

  7. 5d ago

    Rugelach in 10 Minutes

    Today, we're tasting the history of Rugelach, the diminutive, crescent-shaped pastry that is a staple in Jewish bakeries and homes worldwide. Originating from the Ashkenazi Jewish communities of Poland, this treat's name derives from the Yiddish word rugel, meaning "little twist" or "roll." Unlike many puff pastries, authentic rugelach are made with a distinctive, rich, and tender cream cheese dough that is subtly tangy and flaky. This dough is rolled thin, cut into triangles, and then spread with a variety of sweet fillings before being rolled up from the wide end towards the point. While traditional fillings include cinnamon sugar, raisins, and chopped walnuts, modern iterations feature chocolate, raspberry jam, apricot preserves, and even poppy seeds, making the rugelach a versatile and beloved Jewish cookie served especially on Shabbat and holidays.

    7 min

  8. 6d ago

    Babka in 10 Minutes

    Babka is a sweet, braided, yeast-leavened bread or Viennoiserie that originated in the Jewish communities of Poland and Western Ukraine, where it was traditionally made from leftover challah dough enriched with jam, cinnamon, or nuts. The Jewish version, which gained immense popularity in the diaspora (especially New York) and Israel (where it is known as Ugat Shmarim), involves rolling a rich, often brioche-like, dough into a thin rectangle, spreading it generously with a filling—most famously chocolate , and then rolling, slicing, and artfully braiding the loaf to create its characteristic visible layers and signature swirls. After baking, it is typically brushed with a sweet sugar syrup to ensure a moist texture and a beautiful glossy finish, cementing its status as a rich, decadent treat served for dessert or a sweet breakfast.

    8 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to "Everything Jewish - 10 Minutes at a Time!" The podcast that makes exploring Jewish ideas easy, fun, and inviting. Whether you're Jewish, a little Jew-curious, or simply love learning new things, these bite-sized episodes will give you history, literature, theology, traditions, and cultural gems in just about ten minutes. Think of it as your friendly guide to all things Jewish, without the long sermons or heavy textbooks.

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