September 25, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 64 - The Good, The Bad, and The Antisemitic …With Special Guest Dr. Linda MaizelsIt’s been almost a year since the attack on Israel on October 7. Since that time, it hasn’t just been the war that has taken over the news. It feels like there has been such a strong increase of antisemitism locally and around the world. We discuss centuries worth of antisemitism, we ask why it seems so acceptable today, and we try to find hope for the future. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of nerdy stuff, too. After all, we are talking about the struggle between good versus evil. 00:02:32 The rise of antisemitism00:05:44 Do superheroes attract supervillains? Or the other way around?00:06:06 Gotham’s evil increases after Batman shows up00:11:44 Antisemitism turns the Jew into the scapegoat00:15:04 Does support increase only because the attacks are increasing?00:18:55 Antisemitism is feeling more acceptable, for some reason00:21:30 Do you share similar hope from the X-Men ‘97 series?00:25:28 Having difficult conversations with opposing opinions00:30:40 Got Hope?00:37:02 The resident pessimist mitigates hate through empathy00:39:11 Captain Benjamin Sisco and Gul Dukat00:44:25 Time to mention to MCUShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-64-the-good-the-bad-and-the-antisemitic Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

September 11, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 63 - The Rav and The AcolyteIn today’s episode, we learn from each other as we discuss the newest Star Wars show, The Acolyte. We discuss the best and worst teachers among the sith and the jedi in the show. Also, did Darth Maul’s mommy make an appearance? Speaking of teaching, Ethan sith-splains Star Wars to his co hosts. 00:02:23 The Master and their student00:03:39 “The desire of the wise is to learn, and a fool’s to teach”00:05:16 Appreciating the cast for a moment00:11:17 “A wise person is a student who makes their teacher wiser”00:15:07 Darth Maul’s Mommy?00:16:13 “To defend a country, you need an army. But to defend an identity, youneed a school.”00:18:56 Ethan sith-splains Star Wars00:24:30 Darth Bortles is a great teacher00:26:30 “Educate a child according to their way.”00:30:46 Was it a new lightsaber set?Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-63-the-rav-and-the-acolyteConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

August 28, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 62 - Deadpool and Lamed VavnikimThere are so many people in our world who are making the world a better place. Judaism calls them lamed vavnikim, or the righteous 36. But what about the people in the void who are making our world a better place? Or those who are trying to find missing anchor beings to make their own world better for their girlfriend who doesn’t love them anymore? They’re good too, right? Well, maybe they’re not “Avengers good”, but, woo, they’re about to make a name for themselves here.00:01:24 Most people think they’re good people00:03:07 We know the right answer and these aren’t it00:06:11 Deadpool and Wolverine00:08:40 Thirty-Six (Plus) Righteous People00:12:00 The Thirty Six Graphic Novel by Kristopher White00:14:38 Barak’s rant about D&W plot holes00:19:51 Happy Hogan’s afikomen office00:24:11 Into the Void00:29:28 Wolverine variants00:33:17 Musical anchors00:35:27 Not one, but two (and a Peter)00:36:14 More likes and dislikes00:40:18 Deadpool 4?Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-62-deadpool-and-lamed-vavnikimConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

August 14, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 61 - Inside Mussar 2Emotions can sometimes be difficult to handle and we find that they’re also often pretty Jewish. Join us as we explore the two joyfully sad movies by Pixar, Inside Out 1 and 2, and the connections to a very popular Jewish practice. We let the little voices inside our heads out for this conversation and we share the emotions that we wish made appearances in the films. Plus a hot take: Bing Bong is Jewish.00:00:39 Step Inside RDY’s Mind00:02:04 Initial film reactions00:08:30 Favorite afikomen00:12:56 Saboteurs and Mussar00:19:39 Jewish guilt and nostalgia00:23:19 If can control our emotions, we show true strength00:31:23 Next is high school emotions00:34:25 The original five base emotions00:38:51 Other favorites and afikomenShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-61-inside-mussar-2Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

July 31, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 60 - All Nerds Think About Is Sects …with Special Guest Melissa RaubJudaism is divided into sects or branches, but they all share a few core beliefs. We agree that they don’t sit on a spectrum, but perhaps they live in some kind of venn diagram? But, reviewing the sects of Judaism isn’t enough for us, we also explore the sects of Nerdaism. Or, as Barak preferred to call them, the cool kids tables.00:03:21 The denominations of Judaism00:04:51 Nerds and Geeks and Dorks and Dweebs00:05:15 Breaking down the differences in Judaism00:17:42 Save the Scranton Paper Tower00:18:22 Breaking down the differences at the cool kids tables00:20:40 Just Jews and Just Nerds00:23:52 Torah Smash 5 Year Quest00:25:40 How does one translate to the other?00:28:46 Paul Rudd Marvel Nerd?00:32:32 Knowing someone helps to welcome them00:33:40 Mitzvahflix00:36:42 What type of nerdy Jew are you?Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-60-all-nerds-think-about-is-sectsConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

July 17, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 59 - The Messiah ElementNot the first element, hydrogen. Not the second, the third, or even the fourth element. No, this episode is about the Fifth Element, and it’s just… perfect. Grab a flying taxi and head to the (for some reason) garbage filled airport because you won two tickets aboard the Flohston Paradise cruise ship! Is it possible to save the world from destruction? Or is that actually how we save it? Join us meat popsicles as we discuss the future of the galaxy. But first, do you have your multipass?00:01:05 Our second “97” property in a row00:03:22 Recapping The Fifth Element00:06:01 The Jewish concept of messiah00:08:40 Isaiah 7:1400:10:22 The perfect being00:14:11 Creating from destruction00:16:29 War vs Love00:19:11 RDY’s Messianic Theology00:23:22 Bringing about the messiah00:26:27 Questions of the heavenly court00:29:21 The name of the messiah00:34:48 Childlike wonder and trash00:38:10 Barak’s favorite afikomen00:39:18 How would you imagine a saved world?00:40:16 Any final pointsShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-59-the-messiah-element Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

July 3, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 58 - X-Men Again Again …with Guest Host Joel SwedloveIn this episode, our guest host, Joel Swedlove, leads our team through a quote quote from a rabbi with a funny name name. We discuss the ever popular X-Men ‘97 animated series that recently completed and explore the similarities and differences in how we watched it. Not just because it’s a different show, but because we are different people than when we first saw it. You’re not gonna wanna miss this one, bub!00:04:30 Joel keeps us on track00:05:03 Put out the Bat SigNal00:05:57 Starting with a quote quote from a rabbi with a funny name name00:09:33 X-Men ‘9700:13:32 Reboots, sequels, and requels00:17:25 Knowing every character or story arc ahead of time00:23:45 MCU’s struggles with completionist homework00:26:33 Keeping Magneto’s impactful Jewish background00:29:25 The timeless X-Men story00:32:27 Fun fact about Menachem Begin’s X-men connection00:35:10 There is nuance between good and bad00:44:16 The X-Men will returnShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-58-x-men-again-again Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

June 19, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 57 - To Everything There Is A Bluey…with Special Guest Cantor Emily SimkinThis week’s episode of Bluey is called… Torah Smash! Sometimes special episodes come into our lives, this is one of those episodes. For real life! We talk about our feelings around the Heeler’s “moving” episode and all the advice that we’ve learned from a cartoon dog (and from real people as well). Life can get ruff sometimes, so we hope you find this episode to be a real t-r-e-a-t.00:03:01 Everyone’s favorite animated dog - Bluey!00:06:32 Bluey is Torah00:11:20 Ecclesiastes 3:100:12:34 How do we handle big life shifts?00:16:36 Wanted more of a moving episode on moving.00:19:26 Unetaneh Tokef00:22:13 How do you notice life’s little things?00:29:05 Best advice on the topic of kids00:30:18 A quick correction about blessings00:31:39 More genius advice00:40:16 Favorite Bluey episodesShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-57-to-everything-there-is-a-bluey Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

June 5, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 56 - 2nd Anniversary Special - Paraders of the Blessed Ark - Part TwoThe second part of this year’s epic adventure to celebrate our podcast’s two years of being Jewish and nerdy. Can our heroes defeat this mysterious giant? Can they complete their mission? What happens to Tirza’s cat rock? Find out the answers to these questions and more on this epic anniversary episode of a Torah Smashed version of Dungeons & Dragons.00:01:40 The city golem of Ai00:08:11 KaiJew battle00:22:19 Different player, same dice rolls00:29:42 Monk Ki or Monkey?00:32:02 Our deepesht thanksh00:40:00 Summoning ladies, and sailors, and bearers. Oh my!00:47:18 Torah Smash’s 5 Year Quest00:49:07 Siege Preparations00:52:41 The Battle at Jericho begins00:58:49 Hallelujah, it’s an ice cream truck!?01:00:37 Jerichopalooza01:22:25 Sweet Cherry Pie01:25:59 I suddenly remembered my charlemagne01:35:25 D&D geometry01:45:19 The spear troop rolls well enough!01:48:43 Wait! But what about…?Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-56-paraders-of-the-blessed-ark-part-two   Contribute to Torah Smash’s 5 Year Quest at www.torahsmash.com/donate Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.Character Information:NOA (played by Barak Malkin) Changeling Sorcerer. She is a daughter of Zelophahad and twin sister to Tirza.TIRZA (played by Ethan Lane-Miller) Changeling Ranger. She is a daughter of Zelophahad and twin sister to Noa.CALEB (played by Rachel Frish) Wood Half-Elf Monk. He is second in command to Aaron.ARONA (played by Rabbi Emma Gottlieb) Aasimar Cleric. She is the assigned protector of the Ark of the Covenant by Aaron.RAHAB (played by Dr. Miriam Eve Mora) Eladrin Bard. She is a Canaanite sex worker who previously aided two of Joshua’s spies.JOSHUA (played by Rabbi Benjamin Sharff) Holy Knight Paladin. He is the appointed leader of the Jewish people following Moses.DUNGEON MASTER  (RDY) The man behind the curtain, the puller of strings, and weaver of the improvised story made by the players.

May 22, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 55 - 2nd Anniversary Special - Paraders of the Blessed Ark - Part 1To celebrate two years of being Jewish and Nerdy, we invited some of our previous guests from the past year back to the show for a Torah Smashed version of Dungeons & Dragons. Each player chose a biblical character to portray (character descriptions below) and worked together to rescue the innocents and protect one of the most famous artifacts of the Torah.00:00:37 Character Introductions00:01:44 Our story begins on the bank of the Jordan River00:06:04 Between a rock and a river00:12:05 An Unknown Code00:21:37 Stuck between a cat rock and a hard spelling place.00:26:36 All eyes in the city of Ai.00:33:25 The Chatool house00:45:33 Ai’ll Be Back00:55:46 Guards!01:27:51 Please, Don’t Leave01:29:50 ShoutoutsShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-55-paraders-of-the-blessed-ark-part-one  Contribute to Torah Smash’s 5 Year Quest at www.torahsmash.com/donate Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.Character Information:NOA (played by Barak Malkin) Changeling Sorcerer. She is a daughter of Zelophahad and twin sister to Tirza.TIRZA (played by Ethan Lane-Miller) Changeling Ranger. She is a daughter of Zelophahad and twin sister to Noa.CALEB (played by Rachel Frish) Wood Half-Elf Monk. He is second in command to Aaron.ARONA (played by Rabbi Emma Gottlieb) Aasimar Cleric. She is the assigned protector of the Ark of the Covenant by Aaron.RAHAB (played by Dr. Miriam Eve Mora) Eladrin Bard. She is a Canaanite sex worker who previously aided two of Joshua’s spies.JOSHUA (played by Rabbi Benjamin Sharff) Holy Knight Paladin. He is the appointed leader of the Jewish people following Moses.DUNGEON MASTER (RDY) The man behind the curtain, the puller of strings, and weaver of the improvised story made by the players.

May 8, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 54 - Very Special Episodes …with Guest Host Rabbi Alan CookThis week’s episode will talk about something very special. Since we want it to be extra memorable, we’ll bring in a special guest. That should help ensure that the purpose and topic stick out in your mind. Did that work for you growing up with the very special episodes of your favorite tv shows growing up? Does that still work for you now? Find out the answer to these questions and more on this very special episode of Torah Smash!00:03:00 In Good Company00:03:44 The arrival of the “Very Special Episode”00:10:47 A very special smash00:15:59 Special Guest Characters of the Torah00:16:50 Guest Starring Zelophahad’s Daughters00:20:43 Guest Starring Moses’ Father in Law00:25:21 Guest Starring A Celebrity!00:30:47 More Torah Special Guests00:34:04 Written Once More With Feeling00:37:14 Do Special Episodes Resonate More?00:41:04 Why bad things happen to unknown people. Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-54-very-special-episodes  Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

April 24, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 53 - Destiny ReportYou’re going to listen to this episode. How do I know? Because it’s destined to happen. The fact that you’re reading this now already tells me that this episode is in your feed. Just because you're reading this doesn’t change the fact that it’s going to happen. You see the dilemma right? If you listen, then our Torah Smash precogs were right and the system works. If you don’t listen, then our precogs were wrong and the whole system is broken. What’s this episode worth to you? What choice will you make… or has it already been decided for you? 00:02:16 The legality of future crime in the Minority Report movie00:05:11 Heroes not embracing their path00:07:30 Moses’ humility00:08:37 Destiny cannot be manipulated00:09:47 A flaw in the logic00:12:44 C.R.U.S.H.00:16:02 It is your destiny!00:22:24 All paths lay before you00:31:34 Keeping the marbles00:33:36 Ethan promises this isn’t a Star Wars episodeShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-53-destiny-report Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

April 10, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 52 - Moses and the Justice LeaguePassover is around the corner, so of course, we will look at the hero who, to avoid the destruction of his people, was sent by his parents to eventually grow up to be the hero we all look up to. I’ll give you a hint, they’re a member of the Justice League. …Wait, who were you thinking of?00:00:38 Barak likes Jewish holiday smashes00:01:56 Moses and Superman00:03:12 Comparison of the two heroes00:11:34  No capes!00:15:31 The rest of the biblical Justice League00:16:17 Is Cyborg a Golem?00:17:42 Aquaman and the sea based characters00:18:26 Young and Impulsive00:18:48 Green Lantern’s ring00:23:38 The Emerald Archer00:25:40 Martian Manhunter00:27:48 Wonder Woman and Black Canary00:31:24 The Dark Knight00:34:59 Who’s left?Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-52-moses-and-the-justice-league Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

March 27, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 51 - You Are So Not Invited To My Borg MitzvahStar Date: April 5, 2063. Earth has finally made contact with other intelligent life in the universe, so we better ask them all the important questions: Do lobster people keep kosher? How many people attend a Borg’s b’nai mitzvah service? And why does Ethan think Star Trek: First Contact can hold its own with Wrath of Kahn?00:01:15 First Contact Day 04/05/6300:03:16 Not sure if it holds up, but what a cast!00:07:15 The power of touch00:10:01 How would alien life change Judaism?00:13:55 Humanity in a post-religious world00:16:29 Does life on other planets have free will?00:18:45 Alien b’nai mitzvot00:21:15 Debating through real life examples00:25:38 First romantic contact00:28:22 Continuing the arguments …err …conversations00:31:04 A little perspective00:32:24 Is there religion in 2063?00:33:09 Going back to the writingShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-51-you-are-so-not-invited-to-my-borg-mitzvah Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

March 13, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 50 - Funny, You Don’t Look Jewish …with Special Guest Fabrice SapolskyPurim is around the corner (some may say it’s around three corners) and throughout the holiday we disguise who we really are. Together with comic creator and publisher, Fabrice Sapolsky, we explore some comic heroes who hide in plain sight and we discuss how these decisions are reflective in our modern world. So, pull up a chair, grab a plate of hamantashens, and enjoy this one!00:02:13 Poppy filled pockets are coming!00:03:52 Queen Esther hides her identity00:05:45 Daniel Kaufman’s ELI Talk00:06:33 Which Superheroes Passively hide?00:09:44 Bear-ly hiding at conventions00:16:04 What brings superheroes out of hiding?00:21:59 In Jewish History and Present00:24:43 When do you present actively or hide passively?00:33:20 Revisiting the superheroes who passively hide00:40:30 Movies trying to hide as comicsShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-50-funny-you-dont-look-jewish Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

February 28, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 49 - Hogwarts School of Judaism and Wizardry…With Special Guest Rabbi Emma GottliebFilled with decades of knowledge, halls filled with history, and helping to teach the young ones the history, culture, and practices of their people. As we explore the starting point for the wizarding youth attending Hogwarts, joined by Rabbi Emma Gottlieb, we explore the connections to our own Jewish educational institutions that we had opportunities to learn and study in as well. 00:04:31 A boy named Harry Potter00:10:25 Yeshiva: A History00:12:40 Another nerd yeshiva00:14:27 Learning in different worlds00:17:31 Keeping the past alive00:20:03 The value of multiple perspectives00:24:06 Schools around the globe00:29:54 The competition00:35:37 Our houses00:38:42 Anthony Goldstein00:40:50 Names are important00:42:39 Abra KadabraShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-49-hogwarts-school-of-judaism-and-wizardry Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

February 14, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 48 - What If Creation Wasn’t The Beginning?…With Special Guest Roy SchwartzJudaism encourages us to ask questions. In this episode, we try to answer Marvel’s biggest question of What If…? We discuss the most recent animated addition to the MCU and debate how the question could be used to change our view of our own Jewish history.00:01:49 The oddities of “Is Superman Circumcised?”00:04:48 A good month for superhero fans00:07:45 Ours is the world that was selected, for now.00:09:59 Process theology00:15:42 Save Scumming00:20:20 Why OUR universe? Was it the burritos?00:21:54 Jewish What If Scenarios00:22:10 What If Pharoah’s Heart Wasn’t Hardened?00:23:42 What If Moses Didn’t Part the Red Sea?00:25:34 What If Baby Moses Chose Differently?00:26:50 What If Adam Ate The Apple First?00:28:58 What If We Didn’t Worship The Calf?00:29:17 What If Pharoah Knew Joseph?00:30:15 What If Joseph Didn’t Add?00:31:10 What Isaac Binded Abraham?00:35:00 What If we let this question loose in nerd culture?Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-48-what-if-creation-wasnt-the-beginning Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

January 31, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 47 - Echo of ResilienceOur Jewish history has been passed down through the generations and some experts may say that has made us more resilient. Superheroes learn about their ancestors’ ups and downs, but one in particular has shown the impact those stories can have when you fully embrace your past. L’dor vador. 00:00:38 Shoutout to Spertus00:01:01 Resilience as a Jewish Value00:02:55 Marvel’s Spotlight Hero, Echo00:05:04 Maya’s Ancestral Resilient History00:10:05 Jewish Ancestral Resilient History00:17:45 Resilience stems from gratitude00:22:14 Echos of gratitude00:28:16 What other heroes’ past make them resilient?00:32:31 Favorite parts of the Echo series00:39:12 More Jewish SmashesShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-47-echo-of-resilience Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

January 17, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 46 - The Incredible SamsonYou may have grown up hearing the story of Samson, whose strength was connected to his hair. Did you know that it was also tied to one of his emotions? RDY gently guides us on a comparative look of how Samson’s love of Delilah and his destructive anger ties him to certain gamma based characters in Marvel comics. 00:00:42 The story of Samson00:02:55 Samson’s Riddle00:08:10 The Hulk, aka Bruce Banner00:12:08 Dr. David Banner00:12:48 You may not like him when he’s angry00:18:40 Where their strengths come from00:20:51 Anger and God00:32:26 Being gripped by God00:36:13 Designed on a flaw00:38:03 Doc SamsonShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-46-the-incredible-samson Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

January 3, 2024Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 45 - Our Heroes and Transformative GriefEthan returns and shares about his brief hiatus from the show due to the loss of a loved one. In this episode, we celebrate the life of Kiya, we each discuss how our grief has shaped us, and the difficult personal experiences and choices that can come from losing someone dear to us. 00:00:48 Final reminder for Torah Smash! Live!00:01:50 Ethan talks about Kiya and the reason for his hiatus00:03:55 Let’s talk about grief00:07:47 Meowing and other moments of relief00:11:17 The Jewish grieving process00:13:04 The difference between “grief” and “mourn”00:16:30 What types of support have you continued for others?00:22:54 King Solomon’s special ring00:27:57 All captains experience grief00:32:27 It can consume you or transform you00:34:58 The custom of kriah - tearing00:37:43 What characters are shaped by grief00:42:20 Sometimes there is no conclusionShare this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-45-our-heroes-and-transofrmative-grief Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.