Episodes

  • The Sun Became a Bagel

    The Sun Became a Bagel
    Apr 19 2024
    John wonders whether the recent eclipse and earthquake should have us concerned, and Asher assures us that gam zu l’tovah - everything is for the good. He also convinces us to say shehechiyanu more often. We begin the countdown to Passover by stopping tachanun, spring cleaning our chometz, and watching the latest Moses flick.
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Stranger in a Strange Land

    Stranger in a Strange Land
    Mar 21 2024
    Asher describes his new Ann Arbor gig, as all eyes remain on Michigan this election year. Speaking of politicians, we discuss whether Schumer is such a shomer and why Proxmire should be better known. John questions whether those red pins at the Oscars were about our shared humanity, or something more sinister. As Purim arrives, we approach joy in a time of pain, learn moral self-defense, and consider how quickly misfortune can be reversed.
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    Less than 1 minute
  • The Sap Is Rising

    The Sap Is Rising
    Jan 25 2024
    Baby it’s cold outside!  In a surprise twist, Asher acknowledges Nathan of Gaza for the Tu Bishvat seder.  We then contemplate WWMLKD (what would MLK do) in the current environment.  John summarizes the flawed ICJ case against Israel, and wonders if the pro-Hamas/Houthi protesters ever consider themselves the “baddies.”  Despite the negative temperatures, we end with positive thoughts about longer days. 00:29 Introduction and Casual Conversation 00:48 Discussing Tuba Shvat and its Significance 02:54 Exploring the Tradition of Tu Bishvat Seder 03:47 Reflecting on the History of Jewish Communities 04:25 Contemplating Political Involvement and Leadership 06:44 Appreciating the Importance of Jewish Unity 07:27 Remembering Martin Luther King and His Legacy 09:11 Discussing the Current Political Climate 10:31 Reflecting on the Importance of Jewish-Black Unity 11:26 Discussing the Current Situation in Israel 13:29 Analyzing the Legal Implications of the Israel Conflict 16:43 Reflecting on the Tragedy of Misused Ingenuity
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    28 mins
  • Latke vs. Hamantash (vs. Draykops)

    Latke vs. Hamantash (vs. Draykops)
    Jan 4 2024
    Asher describes his ongoing Israel advocacy efforts, including his recent trip to the Holy Land, which included visiting hospitals, picking lettuce, and reveling in his strange love of driving there. We then discuss Bibi’s role in history, and how it would have been improved by early retirement. After some Harvard schadenfreude, John defends his negative campaign against Chanukah in his shul’s version of the famous Latke-Hamantash Debate.
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    29 mins
  • Ep 38 – Best of Times, Worst of Times

    Ep 38 – Best of Times, Worst of Times
    Nov 22 2023
    Asher describes being one of almost 300,000 at the Israel rally, while John joined virtually.  We turn our ire on fellow Jews who give aid and comfort to the enemy, and suggest mini-cherem for them.  After questioning whether we can be simultaneously frightened and emboldened by current events, we end on a note of Thanksgiving - and kosher turkey. Enjoy Thanksgiving!
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Ep 37 – Clash of Civilizations

    Ep 37 – Clash of Civilizations
    Nov 9 2023
    We lament the “useful idiots” who support Hamas, but derive hope from our true allies.  Asher surprisingly announces his political aspirations, while John (an avid C-SPAN viewer) advises caution.  Asher memorializes Samantha Woll, and we compare notes on our crying habits these days.  We rejoice in the newfound Jewish unity and faith, and John reminds us that humor is a Jewish superpower in times of trouble.  
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Ep 36 – Am Yisrael Chai

    Ep 36 – Am Yisrael Chai
    Oct 20 2023
    In our most somber episode (hopefully ever), we discuss how we celebrated Judaism’s happiest day on Israel’s saddest day.  Asher taps his expertise on Islam to explain the 10/7 perpetrators, while we try to understand the mentality of their supporters worldwide.  So much for Asher’s upcoming “shared society” trip to Israel.  As usual, we end on a positive note, in this case the return of Jewish unity - for now.
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    47 mins
  • Ep 35 – Live Long and Prosper

    Ep 35 – Live Long and Prosper
    Sep 24 2023
    We discuss our respective Rosh Hashanas, including Asher’s geopolitical sermons and John’s unexpected rendition of Dem Bones for his congregation.  For Yom Kippur, Asher explains how we should approach repentance, both among individuals, and between individuals and “The Place.”  We then unpack the Yom Kippur service, including why some Jews pray like Muslims.  Of course we had to mention Mr. Spock’s famous gesture.
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    31 mins