Join us for a captivating exploration of Jerusalem's Western Wall, originally a retaining wall of the Temple Mount and today one of Judaism’s holiest sites, acting as a magnet for Jews and non-Jews alike from across the globe. We will be zooming in on Ezrat Yisrael, the egalitarian section that symbolizes the ongoing quest for inclusivity at this sacred site. Sorelle shares her personal journey, finding solace and connection amidst the ancient stones of the Kotel, while Scott describes the profound impact of Ezrat Yisrael on J2’s groups. Through poignant narratives, we uncover the complexities of the Kotel's role as a unifying and/or divisive force for all Jews, highlighting the challenges and aspirations of creating a space that truly belongs to all.

In today’s “something for the road,” J2‘s Rivka Brama, Head of Content and a Jerusalemite herself, shares her favorite place to hang out in Jerusalem’s city center.

Links for further reading:

How the Western Wall Became One of Judaism’s Holiest Sites: When and how did Jews begin praying at the Western Wall? Amit Naor, The Israel National Library.

Welcoming Israel: A Blessing for New Jews: A Visit to Azrat Yisrael - Scott Copeland, Times of Israel

Equal Access For All Jews at the Western Wall - Israel Religious Action Committee

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!

Find more at j2adventures.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're embarking on a thrilling journey into the timeless legend of the Golem of Prague and its contemporary counterpart, the Golem of Rehovot. Along the way, we'll traverse through the captivating realms of graphic novels, cinematic masterpieces, and the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Sorelle recounts her mesmerizing encounter with the Golem of Rehovot at the prestigious Weizmann Institute of Science. Along the way, we confront profound questions surrounding control and Jewish power and responsibility from the vantage point of AI, contemporary technology, and the ongoing Hamas-Israel war.

In our “Something for the Road,” J2‘s very own Yoni Millo shares his favorite Israeli book – which can also be enjoyed as a movie!

Links for further reading:

The Golem of Prague & The Golem of Rehovoth - Gershom Scholem, Commentary Magazine, January 1966

The Maharal’s Robot - Ro Oranim

Golem - Jay Michaelson, My Jewish Learning

The Golem - Y.L. Peretz

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!

Find more at j2adventures.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Sorelle visits Hostages Square in Tel Aviv for the first time, sharing her perspective as an Israeli. We explore the crisis's impact on daily life in Israel, from bumper stickers to posters, and discuss the private versus collective pain felt during this year’s Jewish holidays. The episode touches on the tradition of pidyon shvuyim (redeeming captives) and global prayers, showcasing civilian resilience and hope. May all our brothers and sisters be returned safely from captivity.

On a lighter note, in today’s “something for the road,” Rabbi Don Goor, J2’s rabbinic liaison, shares his favorite Tel Aviv restaurant.

Links for further reading:

Redemption of Captives – Jewish Sources - Sefaria - A Living Library of Torah

Bring Them Home Now - The Hostages Forum

A Majority of Jewish Israelis See a Hostage Deal as a Higher National Priority Than Military Action in Rafah - Israel Democracy Institute

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!

Find more at j2adventures.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.