REALLY JEWISH with Oliver Joseph

Oliver Joseph
  • 0.0 (0)
  • 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. 3d ago

    REALLY JEWISH SE2:E6 - dealing in normal, boring as good?

    The conversation between Rabbi Oliver and Sarah-Beth Neville in New York explores the themes of routine and the mundane in Jewish life, particularly during the month of Mar Cheshvan, contrasting it with the emotional highs of the previous months filled with festivals. This is the second part of a conversation that started in SE2:E4 with Rabbi Joel Levy. This week, Sarah-Beth Neville and Oliver Joseph discuss the paradox of seeking stability while also craving adventure, and how social media influences perceptions of normalcy and excitement. The conversation explores the gradual journey into Jewish life, emphasizing the importance of consistency and continuity in religious practice. It discusses the challenges and rewards of living a religious life, the significance of learning, and finding beauty in the mundane aspects of daily life Takeaways Boring can be comfortingRoutine offers relief after chaos Embracing continuity in Jewish lifeFinding beauty in the mundane Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context of Marcheshvan02:57 The Value of the Mundane05:47 Social Media and Perceptions of Life12:12 The Journey of Rabbinical Study17:51 The Balance of Study and Life27:08 Journey into Jewish Life29:04 Learning Opportunities in Judaism32:36 Challenges of Religious Observance37:58 The Cost of Religious Life41:16 Finding Beauty in Restrictions

    REALLY JEWISH SE2:E6 - dealing in normal, boring as good?

  2. Oct 15

    REALLY JEWISH SE2:E5 - Turning the tables – Alon in the hot seat

    SPECIAL EPISODE, Alon Ben Joseph in the host hot seat with Oliver Joseph and Yair Eldan.  We talk motivations and experiences of hosting the Really Jewish podcast, focusing on personal journeys, the significance of their discussions, and the feedback they receive from listeners. The hosts reflect on the impact of their podcast on their understanding of Judaism and their personal growth. The conversation delves into the challenges and experiences of hosting a podcast focused on Jewish identity, community, and the complexities of feedback received from listeners. It highlights the personal journeys of the hosts, their professional roles, and the impact of their discussions on both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences. Takeaways Exploration of Jewish identityImpact of podcasting on personal growth Navigating negative feedbackImportance of community connection Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Really Jewish Podcast05:08 The Motivation Behind the Podcast10:07 Personal Reflections on Spirituality14:59 Listener Feedback and Engagement19:48 The Future of the Podcast27:15 The Landscape of Online Feedback31:34 The Role of the Podcast in Community33:27 Personal Journeys and Professional Lives39:01 Exploring Jewish Identity and Tradition44:56 Rabbinical Roles and Responsibilities

    REALLY JEWISH SE2:E5 - Turning the tables – Alon in the hot seat

  3. Oct 8

    REALLY JEWISH SE2:E4 - After the Holy Days, takeaways

    The conversation explores the emotional and spiritual transition from the Jewish High Holy Days to everyday life, considering how to carry the lessons learned during the festivals into daily routines. Rabbi Joel Levy discusses the significance of returning to normalcy after the intensity of the holidays, emphasizing the importance of integrating profound experiences into mundane life. The conversation explores the complexities of balancing personal responsibilities with spiritual practices during the Jewish holidays, particularly focusing on the themes of community, presence, and the emotional toll of these periods. It delves into the significance of silence, vulnerability, and in the week of Simchat Torah and October 7th, the importance of remembering those murdered on October 7th and in the tunnels of Gaza. Finally we reflect on the challenges of maintaining joy amidst life's mundane realities. Takeaways Transitioning from holidays is complexIntegrating insights into daily life Balancing responsibilities and spiritualityThe importance of community and remembrance Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Achrei Hageem02:57 The Complexity of Returning to Normalcy06:11 Reflections on the High Holidays08:55 Carrying Lessons into Everyday Life11:53 The Significance of Transitioning in Torah15:07 The Joy and Despair of Returning to the Beginning24:28 Navigating the Mundane and Spiritual25:53 The Exhaustion of Holiday Responsibilities27:22 Moments of Connection in Prayer28:21 The Discrepancy Between Ambition and Exhaustion29:13 Different Stages of Life and Holiday Experiences31:01 The Luxury of Immersion in Community32:00 Exploring the Theme of Silence34:35 Loneliness and the Human Experience37:24 Vulnerability and Presence in Spirituality43:22 Remembering the Victims of October 7th

    REALLY JEWISH SE2:E4 - After the Holy Days, takeaways

  4. Sep 24

    REALLY JEWISH SE2:E3 - Sukkot - Optimum Vulnerability

    Rabbi Oliver and Rabbi Dardashti from Brooklyn, New York go head to head discussing the festival of Sukkot as 'Optimum Vulnerability’.   We talk about Rabbi Dardashti's journey to becoming a rabbi and her inspiration. We examine her role in shaping the community at Kane Street, music at the centre of her Jewish life and the observance of Sukkot as a community leader. Taking a step back we look at the spiritual significance of Yom Kippur, ritual and the structure of Sukkot, exploring its physical and spiritual symbolism. Takeaways Diverse cultural influences shape Rabbi Dardashti's approach to JudaismSukkot holds a special significance in the Jewish calendar Connection to the divinePhysical and emotional experiencesLiving Judaism joyfully and proudly Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rabbi Michelle Dardashti02:58 Journey to Becoming a Rabbi03:58 Musical History of Kane Street Synagogue05:59 Identity and Jewish Journey10:52 Approach to Leading Services at Kane Street18:57 Significance of Sukkot21:19 The Spiritual Significance of Yom Kippur21:46 The Ritual of Yom Kippur22:29 The Holiness of Sukkot27:02 The Practice of Faith Amidst the Elements27:38 The Messy Beauty of Sukkot34:21 The Joy and Humility of Sukkot44:02 Living Judaism Joyfully and Proudly

    REALLY JEWISH SE2:E3 - Sukkot - Optimum Vulnerability

  5. Sep 16

    REALLY JEWISH SE2:E2 - ten days

    The conversation explores the significance of the 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, delving into the themes of reflection, repentance, and self-improvement. It also touches on the challenges and practices of observing these days, as well as the impact of sharing Torah and spiritual experiences with a wider audience. Takeaways Teshuvah: The 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are a time for reflection, repentance, and self-improvement.Challenges and Practices: Observing the 10 days involves prayer, contemplation, self-assessment, and immersion in spiritual experiences.Sharing Torah: Sharing Torah and spiritual experiences with a wider audience can be both meaningful and challenging. Chapters 00:00 The 10 Days of Teshuvah03:19 Challenges of Observing the 10 Days20:54 The Significance of the Shofar40:15 Reflections on Sharing Torah

    REALLY JEWISH SE2:E2 - ten days

  6. Sep 9

    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'

  7. 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

  8. 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

See All (33)

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
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Oliver Joseph

You Might Also Like