Unorthodox

On this episode of Re-Form: Examining the Challenges and Choices of America’s Largest Jewish Movement, we look at the Reform movement’s approaches to dealing with members who are increasingly marrying people of other faiths.We are joined by Rabbi Beau Shapiro from the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles and Rabbi Dr. Lisa D. Grant, who serves as Director of the Rabbinical Program at HUC-JIR/New York

This is an October 7th story, but one that begins not in 2023, but in October of 1894 with the arrest of French military officer Alfred Dreyfus, who also happened to be a Jew. The implications of his framing, arrest, incarceration and the fallout of his eventual exoneration reverberate today. Over this five-episode series, we examine how these events unfolded, and how they connect to the antisemitism that exists today. In this first episode, we begin with the fraught political climate in France, a secretly gay general, and an illiterate cleaning lady-turned-spy had to do with it all.

An ambitious soldier with a fraudulent smoking gun sets off a chain of events that leads to the embarrassment and punishment of an innocent Jew.

As Dreyfus wastes away on Devil’s Island, his wife and brother back in France fight for his freedom and exoneration. Dreyfus struggles to survive. We speak to Dreyfus's great-great granddaughter about his legacy. 

France's most influential writer of its time, Emile Zola , becomes the champion of the victim, even at his own, perhaps fatal expense. We’re joined by his great granddaughter, who speaks of the cost Zola paid in fighting for freedom.

But what about France today, and the world for jews? French activist Carloline Fourest connects the affair to antisemitism today.

The conflict in the Middle East isn’t about religion, or national aspirations, or any of the wonderfully abstract things us westerners like to dream about: Tony Badran, Tablet’s news editor, joins Liel to explain the logic that has governed the Levant since at least the Bronze Age, and argue that Israel now has a historic opportunity to change history by disrupting Iran’s imperialist aspirations in the region.

This week on Re-Form, we’re taking a break from the interviews to look at some of the feedback we’ve been getting from you, our listeners. We find praise, questions, and even a reform rabbi who disagrees with … a lot. If you want to send more feedback reach out at podcasts@tabletmag.com

On the first episode of our new flagship series, Liel Leibovitz puts the current wars in Israel in context. He is then joined by Amiad Cohen, Founder and CEO of Herut, a leading Israeli think tank, to discuss a novel argument for a path to lasting peace on Israel’s borders.

On this episode of Re-Form: Examining the Challenges and Choices of America’s Largest Jewish Movement, we look at the positive impacts of the Reform movement’s focus on inclusivity. We’re joined by Rabbi Karen R. Perolman of Congregation B’Nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, NJ.

On this episode of Beautifully Jewish, we’re preparing for 5785 with a focus on the holiday table. Rethinking the table just might ground you and bring some clarity as you get ready for these days of awe. Tanya begins the episode with her reflections on the spiritual significance of the table before she and guest host Shannon Sarna share three interviews that serve up some sage advice.  First, we learn about creating your own beautiful holiday table with blogger Rebekah Lowin, aka The Jewish Martha Stewart, who shares some surprisingly simple ways to elevate your holiday table. Next, etiquette expert and author Lisa Gaché joins us to talk about how to bring our best selves to holiday meals (hint: it starts with a smile). We couldn’t fit all of Lisa’s ideas into this episode, but if you’re interested, check out this link about Talmudic table manners. Finally, we chat with Jewish culinary legends Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook to hear more about their new book Zahav Home: Cooking for Friends and Family and

This week we talk to Erin Foster, the creator and writer of new Netflix comedy Nobody Wants This, starring Adam Brody, Kristen Bell, and Unorthodox alum Tovah Feldshuh. Then we visit the special collections of Hebrew University. Learn more about becoming a Tablet Member at tabletm.ag/uomember Podcast Audio Write to us at unorthodox@tabletmag.com, or leave a voicemail on our listener line: (914) 570-4869. Unorthodox is produced by Tablet Studios. Check out all of our podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts. SPONSOR: Join us in celebrating 100 years of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem—a true cornerstone of Israel's success and a leader in global innovation. From pioneering academic research to fostering social progress, the university has made an indelible impact on the world. As it enters its second century, the university remains dedicated to empowering future leaders and advancing human knowledge. Learn more about how you can support Hebrew University and be part of its journey toward a brighter future a

On this episode of Re-Form: Examining the Challenges and Choices of America’s Largest Jewish Movement, we look at the Reform movement’s focus on Social Justice, and how the emphasis on it can impact Jewish practice. We spoke with Rabbi Sari Laufer, Chief Engagement Officer at Stephen Wise Temple in Los Angeles and a veteran of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. 

Executive Producer Courtney Hazlett sits down with Tanya Singer and Talia Elkin to discuss the Simchat Torah Challenge, a new project aimed at getting 10,000 Jews to read the Torah portion every week. Learn more and join the challenge at www.simchattorahchallenge.org. Then, Courtney brings us back to Israel with a visit to the Shura military base to learn about the IDF Rabbinate’s role in catering to the religious needs of all their soldiers, including sending Torah scrolls to battle.    Write to us at unorthodox@tabletmag.com, or leave a voicemail on our listener line: (914) 570-4869. Unorthodox is produced by Tablet Studios. Check out all of our podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts.

On this episode of Re-Form: Examining the Challenges and Choices of America’s Largest Jewish Movement, we look at the Reform movement’s decision about patrilineal descent, and how it re-defined who is a Jew. Rabbi Mark Washofsky joins us to discuss a pivotal 1983 responsa. 

Introducing, Re-Form: Examining the Challenges and Choices of America’s Largest Jewish Movement. Hosts Josh Kross and Rabbi Diana Fersko walk us through the big decisions — from patrilineal descent to Zionism to intermarriage — that brought the movement to the crossroads it is at today.

Liel Leibovitz sits down with the French philosopher, journalist, and filmmaker Bernard-Henri Lévy to discuss his new book, Israel Alone

For this week of our summer vacation, we went to camp, and to the old city.  First, we bring you a dispatch from a day of Beautifully jewish Day camp from earlier this month Then, Liel took a tour of Jerusalem’s Armenian quarter with the Father Koryoun Baghdasarian, Chancellor of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem and Dean of the Armenian Theological Seminary of Jerusalem, to get insight into the least examined part of the Old city. 

 Two very Jewish movies have just been released. First, Between the Temples, a comedy about a cantor who has lost his way. We talk to director Nathan Silver, and Robert Smigel, who plays a rabbi in the film. Then, there’s a conversation with Swell Ariel Or who stars in Israeli coming-of-age film Kissufim. Along with director Keren Nechmad we discuss what they hope audiences take away from this film, post 10/7.

This week we’re testing your metal in Israel! FIrst we meet Ben Zion David, an eighth generation jeweler from a Yemenite family. We met him at his shop in Jaffa to find out more. Then we talk to to two Iraelis using martial arts to better themselves and overcome PTSD.