Proudly Jewish

Eyal Bitton
  • 4.7 (9)
  • JUDAISM
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

As the Jewish world processes the October 7 massacre and the ensuing worldwide wave of antisemitism, we seek to understand what we have witnessed and to assess what it all means for us as Jews. We want to be aware of the risks and challenges around us and we also want to affirm our identity as Jews - members of an ancient faith and an ancient people whose homeland is the land of Israel. This podcast features conversations on Israel and Jewish identity, hosted by Rabbi Eyal Bitton.  To confront the challenges, obstacles, risks, and dangers in this changing world we must first assert that we are PROUDLY JEWISH.

  1. MAR 17

    Forget Nazi Germany — What If Today Looks More Like the Arab World Before the Jewish Exodus?

    What if we’re looking at the wrong historical comparison? When antisemitism rises, many people immediately think of Nazi Germany in the 1930s. But what if a closer parallel is something far less discussed — the Arab world in the 1940s and 1950s, just before nearly one million Jews disappeared from the region? In this episode of Proudly Jewish, Rabbi Eyal Bitton explores a largely forgotten chapter of history: the disappearance of ancient Jewish communities across the Middle East and North Africa — communities that had existed for centuries, and in some cases, millennia. Through historical examples and current events, this episode examines: The warning signs that preceded the Jewish exodus from Arab lands How hostility toward Israel often translated into violence against local Jews Why “antizionism” has historically not remained separate from antisemitism and what lessons this history may hold for today. From Iraq to Egypt, from Morocco to Yemen, an entire Jewish civilization vanished within a single generation. The question is not only what happened then — but whether we are recognizing similar patterns now.

    16 min

  2. MAR 9

    Every Jew Alive Is a Miracle | Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray on Jewish Survival, Music, and Identity

    (00:00:00) Why “Every Jew Alive Is a Miracle” | Introduction (00:02:00) What she loves about being Jewish (00:05:00) Growing up in a family of cantors and Jewish music (00:09:43) Becoming one of the first women cantors (00:12:59) Family legacy, Holocaust memory, and Jewish continuity (00:16:12) Finding a congregation that truly valued Jewish music (00:18:25) What a cantor really gives to a community (00:21:16) Tradition, new music, and serving a congregation well (00:25:03) Being a pioneer in the Conservative movement (00:27:20) Founding the Women Cantors’ Network (00:35:14) Sacred Sounds Reborn: bringing nusach to new music (00:41:27) “Rewirement,” not retirement (00:44:44) Studying with Elie Wiesel (00:52:30) “Every Jew alive is a miracle” (00:59:20) Antisemitism, courage, and speaking up (01:01:22) Advice for Jewish students facing hate on campus (01:07:17) The future of American Jewish life (01:10:26) Is Jewish music stronger today than it was 40 years ago? (01:16:20) Final reflections In this episode of Proudly Jewish: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity, Rabbi Eyal Bitton is joined by Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray — pioneering woman cantor, composer, educator, and founder of the Women Cantors’ Network. They talk about her extraordinary path into the cantorate, her family’s deep musical legacy, the influence of Elie Wiesel, the meaning of Jewish pride, and her beautiful new project, Sacred Sounds Reborn, which brings traditional nusach into fresh contemporary expression. This is a rich and moving conversation about Jewish identity, resilience, sacred music, memory, creativity, and hope. If you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe, and share.

    1h 17m

  3. MAR 2

    Iran, Israel, and a New Middle East: Hope on the Horizon

    Iran’s Supreme Leader is dead. After coordinated US-Israeli strikes, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — the man who led a regime devoted to Israel’s destruction — is gone. What does this mean for Israel? For the Middle East? For the Jewish people? October 7 was meant to ignite a regional war and isolate Israel. Instead, we may be witnessing the weakening of the very forces that sought Israel’s erasure. In this episode, Rabbi Eyal Bitton explores: • The ideological role Iran played in funding Hamas and Hezbollah • The difference between the Iranian regime and the Iranian people • Why normalization with Saudi Arabia may not have stopped • What this moment means for Jewish identity and Jewish pride • Why Israel’s permanence matters for Jews everywhere For 2,000 years, the Jewish people lived without sovereignty. The destruction of Israel would mean the destruction — or expulsion — of half the world’s Jews. This moment may signal something very different. A new Middle East. One that lives with Israel — not against it. 📌 Subscribe to Proudly Jewish for weekly conversations on Israel and Jewish identity.

    24 min

  4. FEB 23

    Tucker Carlson Questions Jewish Identity

    In a widely discussed interview with Ambassador Mike Huckabee, Tucker Carlson raised fundamental questions about Jewish identity: Is Judaism a religion or an ethnicity? Can converts truly belong? Should DNA determine who has a claim to Israel? And does the Bible provide legitimate grounds for Jewish connection to the land? These are not merely political questions. They go to the heart of Jewish peoplehood. In this episode of Proudly Jewish, Rabbi Eyal Bitton examines three key moments from the interview and explains why Jewish identity cannot be reduced to race, religion, or modern Western categories — and why exile does not erase indigeneity. Questioning whether Jews are really a people is not criticism of Israel — it’s something else entirely. *** 0:00 Introduction – The Interview Everyone Is Talking About 0:35 When the Conversation Shifts to Jewish Identity 1:16 What Exactly Is a Jew? 4:14 The Category Trap: Religion or Ethnicity? 4:46 Jewish Identity Explained – A Covenantal People 5:45 Yahadut vs. “Judaism” – Nationhood Before Modern Categories 7:09 Asking for Genetic Proof 9:56 DNA and the Question of Legitimacy 10:51 A Double Standard for Jews 11:17 The Audacity of Questioning Jewish Peoplehood 13:00 What Happens If We Fail the Test? 14:08 Why This Isn’t Theoretical 22:11 Jewish Identity Needs No External Certification 23:24 A Joinable People – Ruth and King David 23:45 A Living Civilization – We Are a People *** With clips from Tucker Carlson's interview with Amb. Mike Huckabee, entitled "Tucker Confronts Mike Huckabee on America’s Toxic Relationship With Israel." Yes, he really called it that! https://youtu.be/XS7itdfgNnU?si=VvTN5fsTK5D4C-80

    24 min

  5. FEB 16

    Spike Lee's Message of Hate at the NBA All-Star Game

    Spike Lee was recently spotted at the NBA All-Star Game wearing imagery associated with the Palestinian flag — including the now-infamous upside-down red triangle symbol that has circulated widely online since October 7th. In this episode of Proudly Jewish, Rabbi Bitton explores what that symbol represents, why its normalization in celebrity culture should concern everyone, and what it reveals about the post–October 7 wave of pro-Palestinian activism.  Rabbi Bitton also address a common accusation Jews hear today — that we are “playing the victim” — and explain why Jewish identity has never been rooted in victimhood, but in resilience, pride, and peoplehood. This is a conversation about antisemitism, antizionism, public symbols of hate, and the moral clarity demanded by this moment.

    20 min

  6. FEB 9

    Proudly Jewish Is Back: Why Jewish Pride Comes First

    Proudly Jewish is back. I started this podcast a few weeks after October 7, 2023—trying to grapple with the massacre we witnessed and the tsunami of Jew-hatred that followed. About a year ago I stepped away due to work, life, and rabbinic ordination, but I’m returning now because I’m seeing something new: a growing call for real change from within the Jewish world.  In this solo episode, I reflect on the rise of “conditional acceptance” of Jews—where society embraces only the Jew who renounces Jewish peoplehood and the Jewish state. I also explore why so much of what we call “fighting antisemitism” can become a costly, well-meaning distraction—and why building deep Jewish strength, pride, and identity must come first. Along the way, I include key clips and ideas from Bret Stephens, Ben M. Freeman, Adam Louis-Klein, and Dr. Naya Lekht, voices helping to reshape the conversation about Jewish empowerment in this moment. Also available on YouTube.

    28 min

  7. 09/02/2024

    Empowering Zionist Rabbis & Their Communities - with Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt

    In this episode of Proudly Jewish: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity, Cantor Eyal Bitton welcomes Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt, the founding rabbi of Congregation B'nai Tzedek and the visionary leader behind the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition. Together, they explore the essential role of Zionist rabbis in shaping Jewish identity, supporting Israel, and uniting Jewish communities across the globe. Rabbi Weinblatt shares the motivations behind the creation of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition, discussing how this non-partisan network of over a thousand rabbis provides crucial support, resources, and a sense of solidarity for rabbis who champion the Zionist cause. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by Zionist leaders, the significance of Jewish unity, and the broader implications of current political dynamics for American Jewry and Israel. Throughout the episode, Cantor Bitton and Rabbi Weinblatt tackle pressing issues, including the growing divide within the Jewish community, the rise of antisemitism, and the need for a strong, steadfast voice in support of Israel. Rabbi Weinblatt also reflects on the future of Zionism in America and the critical importance of maintaining a robust connection to Jewish heritage and values. This episode is a compelling listen for anyone interested in Zionism, Jewish leadership, or the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing the Jewish community today. *** The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom. PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity is also available on YouTube. ***

    55 min

  8. 08/27/2024

    Being Unapologetically Jewish & Zionist - with HILLEL FULD

    In this episode of Proudly Jewish: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity, Cantor Eyal Bitton hosts Hillel Fuld, a leading figure in the Israeli tech world and a passionate advocate for Israel and Jewish identity. Known for his unfiltered takes, Hillel dives deep into the state of Jewish pride, Zionism, and the alarming rise in global antisemitism. The conversation gets real as Hillel and Eyal discuss the uncomfortable truth about the future of American Jewry, with Hillel boldly questioning whether America will remain a safe haven for Jews in the coming years. The episode also tackles divisive topics like Trump, Kamala Harris, and the political dynamics that shape how American Jews relate to Israel. Hillel doesn’t hold back as he shares why he believes Jewish unity is crucial for survival, why apologizing for our identity is a losing strategy, and how history has shown time and again that when the Jewish people stand proud and united, they thrive against all odds. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in Jewish identity, Israel, or the complex intersections of faith, politics, and community. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful conversations on Jewish identity and Israel. *** The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Eyal Bitton or Congregation Neveh Shalom. PROUDLY JEWISH: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity is also available on YouTube.

    58 min
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4.7
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

As the Jewish world processes the October 7 massacre and the ensuing worldwide wave of antisemitism, we seek to understand what we have witnessed and to assess what it all means for us as Jews. We want to be aware of the risks and challenges around us and we also want to affirm our identity as Jews - members of an ancient faith and an ancient people whose homeland is the land of Israel. This podcast features conversations on Israel and Jewish identity, hosted by Rabbi Eyal Bitton.  To confront the challenges, obstacles, risks, and dangers in this changing world we must first assert that we are PROUDLY JEWISH.

Information

  • Creator
    Eyal Bitton
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Eyal Bitton
  • Show Website
    Proudly Jewish

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