Finding Our Why

Why do we travel, and what happens to our sense of identity when we leave our comfort zones? In this episode, we unpack the transformative power of journeys and ask whether we hit the road simply to see new places or to see ourselves differently. From camping trips in Australia to formative journeys across Malaysia and Kenya, we examine why so many foundational Jewish stories are rooted in wandering and exile. Is there a uniquely Jewish lesson in learning through travel? Looking t...

As we approach the High Holy Days, we ask: What is the purpose of Jewish rituals? We explore the complex link between belief and practice, debating whether our traditions offer deep personal meaning or just a sense of inherited obligation. Tune in as we celebrate the rituals we cherish and get honest about the ones that challenge our identity. Feedback on this episode is welcome at [email protected] Music: This episode features the Shira choir singing Lecha...

Like religion and politics, grief is often treated as a taboo topic in everyday conversation. We stay quiet to spare those who are hurting, but what if our silence actually makes the pain worse? In this episode, we sit down with special guest Ruby Kraner-Tucci to explore what happens when we break the silence around loss, how to navigate the awkwardness of grief, and why talking about death is essential to finding meaning. Read Ruby’s writing: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/health/mental-health...

This episode explores several questions about faith and meaning. Do people who believe in a higher power and prayer have more meaning in their lives? Can someone fully experience the richness of Jewish ritual and festival observance without belief in God and Halacha? Is it appropriate to adapt sacred texts, such as rewriting the Shema, to better reflect contemporary values? Who is ultimately responsible for the good and bad in our world? Feedback on this episode is welcome at findingour...

What is the difference between Jewish education that simply passes along information and learning that truly stays with you for a lifetime? In this episode, we address a critical question facing our community: Should we focus our resources on fighting antisemitism, or invest them in strengthening Jewish literacy and engagement? We wrap up with a traditional, chavruta-style Talmud study, examining how Ben Zoma’s teachings in Pirkei Avot (4:1) offered a new framework for Jewish continuity after...