REALLY JEWISH with Oliver Joseph

Oliver Joseph
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  • Judaism

Your podcast of Jewish enquiry, growth and emotional honesty.   Judaism is a religion that in every generation has had to reinvent itself and endure moments of transformation from the outside in and from the inside out. Our small tribe is one of striving and struggle. Join the conversation about what happens next…   This podcast was founded by Oliver Joseph and Yair Eldan, Oliver is a rabbi, religious, based in London, UK. Yair, secular, a Jewish law professor based in Jerusalem, Israel.   Oliver and guests run this weekly podcast examining all things Jewish with an eye on Jewish tradition, its connection to real life experience and our emotional and spiritual journey. Yair has become a regular contributor to the podcast.     We invite you in for an inside take on a conversation which has endured for more than 2000 years, across continents. We would love your feedback and to welcome you to the Really Jewish family.   Join Oliver Joseph and friends for REALLY JEWISH!

  1. 6d ago

    REALLY JEWISH SE2:E1 - 'New Year resolutions, nedarim'

    S2:E1, ‘New Year’s resolutions and vows’. Turning our attention to the Jewish new year, we  talk about the topic of vows in the Jewish tradition, discussing the ambivalence towards vows in the Bible and the significance of making commitments. It delves into the impact of vows on personal and religious life, as well as the broader community, and examines the power dynamics and implications of annulment of vows. Takeaways Vows in Judaism carry a deep sense of commitment and agency, reflecting a balance between religious and secular perspectives.The Kol Nidre service holds significant cultural and communal importance, providing a sense of renewal and a fresh start for the year ahead. Chapters 00:00 Exploring the Concept of Vows in Judaism02:14 The Biblical Perspective on Vows05:39 Personal Experiences and Reflections on Vows24:09 The Significance of Kol Nidre31:23 Power Dynamics of Vow Annulment

    REALLY JEWISH SE2:E1 - 'New Year resolutions, nedarim'

  2. Sep 3

    REALLY JEWISH SE1:E27 - telling stories

    The conversation begins with an introduction to Israel Story and the power of storytelling. It then delves into Mishy Harman's personal journey, the impact of podcasts, the magic of live storytelling, and the humanity in stories. The conversation concludes with a wish for the Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Takeaways Diverse storytellingHumanity in storytelling Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Journey01:18 The Essence of Judaism and Religious Identity03:08 The Power of Storytelling08:05 Personal Stories and Identity10:11 The Impact of Stories on Perception13:31 The Role of Empathy in Storytelling16:59 The Power of Personal Stories19:27 The Impact of Personal Stories21:22 The Intimacy of Storytelling23:34 The Universality of Stories28:15 The Influence of Personal Stories

  3. Aug 27

    REALLY JEWISH SE1:E26 - Loving the land

    The conversation delves into the Love of the Land Substack project (link in show notes), the complexity of the Israel-Palestine narrative, the historical and archaeological composition of the land, the tragedy and possibility of the encounter between Jews and Arabs, the impact of recent events on work and family, and the importance of historical knowledge in understanding the Jewish story. Takeaways Jewish history and connection to the land of IsraelThe importance of deepening historical knowledge and understanding the complexity of the Israel-Palestine narrative Chapters 00:00 The Jewish Relationship with Israel03:36 Historical and Archaeological Aspects of the Land28:02 Impact of COVID and War on Tourism35:43 Personal Reflections of Being a Tour Guide in Israel

  4. Aug 20

    REALLY JEWISH SE1:E25 - Between tradition & innovation, masoret & chidush

    The conversation explores the intersection of tradition and innovation in Jewish life, reflecting on the balance between the two and the impact on personal and national identity. It delves into the complexities of maintaining tradition while embracing innovation, drawing from historical and contemporary examples. Takeaways Tradition and innovation are intertwined in Jewish lifeThe balance between tradition and innovation is crucial for personal and national identity Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast02:59 The Significance of Recording in Person04:11 Masoret and Chidush: Tradition and Innovation05:42 The Impact of Tradition and Innovation in Jerusalem10:27 The Role of Tradition and Innovation in Jewish Life17:51 The Intersection of Tradition and Innovation in Jewish Culture34:21 The Story of Rabbi Akiva and Moses

  5. Aug 13

    REALLY JEWISH SE1:E24 - Blasphemy, crossing the line

    Rabbi Joel discusses the concept of blasphemy, the role of the sacred, and the mystery of the name of God in the Jewish tradition. He emphasizes the importance of truth, the tension between fraudulence and truth, and the significance of the sacred in human life. The conversation delves into the concept of the hidden sacred, the reverence and avoidance of pronouncing the name of God, the interaction with divine and the edges of holiness, the dark side of sacredness, and the need for reframing religion in the 21st century. It explores the impossibility of blasphemy, the impact of religious hostility on society, and the significant challenge of understanding religion in a connected world. Takeaways Blasphemy and the unsayableThe tension between fraudulence and truth in religious beliefs Hidden nature of the sacredHumor in religious context Chapters 00:00 Exploring Blasphemy and the Unspeakable07:26 Pushing the Boundaries: Purpose and Truth20:36 The Significance of the Sacred29:42 The Mystery of God's Name31:20 The Ultimate Sacred Postulate32:01 The Reverent and Hidden Nature of the Sacred

  6. Aug 6

    REALLY JEWISH SE1:E23 - Maalach Hamavet, the Angel of Death

    The conversation with Rabbi Roni Tabick delves into the personal and professional journey of a rabbi, exploring the topic of Maalach Hamavet (the Angel of Death) and its significance in Jewish tradition. It also touches on the role of a rabbi at times of crisis, a rabbis capacity to comfort and offer support and something of the essence of Jewish life. Takeaways Maalach Hamavet: The discussion provides a deep exploration of the concept of Maalach Hamavet, shedding light on its symbolic and psychological significance in Jewish tradition.Rabbinic Role: The conversation highlights the role of rabbis in providing comfort, support, and guidance to individuals facing death and loss, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in pastoral care. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rabbi Rony01:35 Rabbinic Journey and Calling02:54 Exploring Maalach Hamavet08:15 The Experience of Death and Pastoral Care10:31 Confronting Death and Spiritual Growth26:40 The Role of Rabbis in Supporting Others33:39 The Human Experience of Death

  7. Jul 30

    REALLY JEWISH SE1:E22 - Insider/Outsider

    The conversation begins with a reunion between old friends. The core of the discussion is about the meaning of home, and the immigrant experience in the United States. Vadim and Oliver discuss challenges of integration and the impact and blessing of immigration. The conversation is nostalgic and raises questions of generational shifts in diaspora communities, the preservation of Jewish literacy and culture, insider-outsider dynamics, contribution to community and passing down the immigrant experience. Takeaways Reconnecting with old friends brings back memories and stories from the past.The immigrant experience in the States is complex and has a significant impact on individuals and communities. Preservation of cultural heritage in diaspora communitiesImpact of immigrant stories on the broader Jewish community Chapters 00:00 Reconnecting with an Old Friend01:14 The Meaning of Home02:00 Immigrant Experience in the States03:13 The Impact of Immigration06:12 Jewish Identity and Migration09:47 The Kavkazi Community and Immigration12:59 The Blessing of Immigration21:09 Speaking Out Loud22:06 The Heartbreak of Nostalgia23:06 Generational Shifts and Diaspora Communities25:01 Jewish Literacy and Cultural Preservation26:37 Integration and Insider-Outsider Dynamics29:14 Immigrant Experience and Community Contribution33:26 Diversity and Inclusion in Jewish Communities

  8. Jul 22

    REALLY JEWISH SE1:E21 - Heartbreak and home

    The conversation with Rabbi Miriam Lorie delves into her journey as a female Orthodox Rabbi, her experiences in Jerusalem, and the significance of Tisha b’Av. The themes of heartbreak, hope, and responsibility are explored, along with the importance of interfaith dialogue and the inspiration drawn from modern Israeli music. Takeaways Jerusalem as a place of home and heartbreakThe importance of hope and inspiration in challenging times Chapters 00:00 Welcoming Rabbi Miriam Lorie01:05 Journey to Jerusalem and the Old City04:35 Experiencing Heartbreak in Jerusalem07:26 Tisha b’Av and the Destruction of the Temple11:00 Jerusalem: Home and Heartbreak17:22 Reflections on Tisha b’Av and Moving Forward23:53 Hope and Inspiration for the Future38:20 Jerusalem: The Center of the World40:32 Inspiration from Modern Israeli Music

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About

Your podcast of Jewish enquiry, growth and emotional honesty.   Judaism is a religion that in every generation has had to reinvent itself and endure moments of transformation from the outside in and from the inside out. Our small tribe is one of striving and struggle. Join the conversation about what happens next…   This podcast was founded by Oliver Joseph and Yair Eldan, Oliver is a rabbi, religious, based in London, UK. Yair, secular, a Jewish law professor based in Jerusalem, Israel.   Oliver and guests run this weekly podcast examining all things Jewish with an eye on Jewish tradition, its connection to real life experience and our emotional and spiritual journey. Yair has become a regular contributor to the podcast.     We invite you in for an inside take on a conversation which has endured for more than 2000 years, across continents. We would love your feedback and to welcome you to the Really Jewish family.   Join Oliver Joseph and friends for REALLY JEWISH!

Information

  • Creator
    Oliver Joseph
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Oliver Joseph