Jewish Joy

For Tu Bi'shvat, I wanted to remind myself of trees and nature - and the way being in nature influences my experience of Shabbat, camping in the woods.

This week, we will tear straight into challah - by talking about the joys of tearing it actually! Plus, you might learn a little about Czech culture as well.

New Year, same calendar! The civil New Year has got me thinking about the way I relate to the Jewish year, and the Jewish calendar. Today, let's explore its peaks and downtimes and what they can teach us.

Today we are getting a bit cosy and crafty - let's talk Jewish arts and crafts! Whether it is kippahs, chanukiahs, or using Jewish references in art, there are so many ways we can be creative in our Jewish expression.

This time we will look at one of the underappreciated highlights of Shabbat (or other) dinners: washing hands before bread and not speaking after. This little moment always sparks a little whimsy joy for me - I hope it will for you next time too!

Today we will have a look into a place that some of us are very familiar with - and some don't know it exists: the kosher shop! Your place to find matza, kosher wine, and hot news from the community.

There are as many ways of enjoying Hannukah as there are Jews... and possibly more. In this Hannukah special, I asked my friends to share what they love about the holiday. I hope you all get to enjoy what you love most about it. Disclaimer: this episode was recorded before the events on Bondi Beach on the first night of Hannukah 5786. I did however want to acknowledge it, and I do so in the episode. May their memory be a blessing.

In today's episode we will dive into two contemporary Jewish books - or books about Jews? Sidra Noach is a book about the Prague flood of 2002 and how a group of men came to live together running away from it. Der Rabbi und der Kommissar is a new book series about a rabbi who solves crimes. What are your favorite Jewish books?

Have you ever noticed the simple monocoloured kippahs you see at events? Today, let's have a look at these humble symbols of Jewish life - they maybe represent more than one might first think.

In our second episode we will shine some light -pun intended- on the joy of elevating a Jewish ritual by a use of nice items. For me it was handmade Hannukah candles, what is it for you?

In the first episode, we will dive into the joys of DIY Jewish rituals - in this case, a Kabbalat Shabbat prayer in an old synagogue in a small Moravian town.