Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews: Recent Episodes
Barak Malkin, Ethan Lane-Miller, Rabbi David Young
Where our lives of Jewish learning collide with our love of Nerd Culture. Join us as we will explore Jewish texts, history, and values and the apparent and invisible connections to your favorite movies, characters, and hobbies. www.torahsmash.com
**November 19, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 94 - The Cube of Babel …With Guest Host Cantor Ross Wolman
In this episode, our guest host, Cantor Ross Wolman, helps us take a look back at the ambitious building of the Tower of Babel. We explore what happens when humanity’s drive causes their humanity to disappear. The answers to our questions may be revealed as we look up to the heavens, past the stars, and possibly where no man has gone before.
00:03:23 The Tower of Babel
00:09:23 The Borg
00:13:05 Seven-of-Nine and Assimilation
00:17:57 Dispersion and Disconnecting from the Collective
00:22:56 Assimilation in modernity
00:25:29 The Borg Queen’s Individuality
00:33:06 The Borg helped get Obama Elected
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-94-the-cube-of-babel
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
November 5, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 93 - Um, Actually
With a world of fun facts all around us, we all sometimes get the irresistible urge to push up our glasses, tap that person on the shoulder, and say, “Um, actually…”
In this week’s episode, we correct each other while reading Proverbs 16:16. We explore the differences between knowledge and wisdom, but you know that already. We debate when education turns toxic, which you already know. And why not everyone wants to hear your favorite obscure fact, except yours though. Your trivial knowledge is important though, we know that. In fact, you may not even learn anything new from this episode, but it couldn’t hurt to check it out just in case.
00:01:13 The new vibe
00:02:12 Proverbs 16:16
00:04:56 Trivia
00:06:15 Well, Actually
00:10:33 Other people don’t care about it as much as you
00:14:38 The line between education and toxic
00:18:43 Correcting in Judaism
00:21:43 Knowledge and Wisdom
00:29:01 Favorite Facts
00:32:53 Pub Trivia Team Names
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-93-um-actually
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
October 22, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 92 - Huntrix, Honmoon, and Holy Scrolls
This episode takes us to the Honmoon protected world of the K-Pop Demon Hunters movie. We explore the protection spell cast by Huntrix and find similarities with Jewish cultural symbols that could possibly have the same effect? We discuss what it means to create a barrier that keeps something out and what does that also then keep contained inside? Turns out physical and spiritual boundaries can shield us from the darkness, if you know what the blessings sound like.
00:00:38 K-Pop Demon Hunters phenomenon
00:02:13 Initial thoughts
00:05:07 The mezuzah and its customs
00:14:51 Is the Honmoon a mezuzah?
00:21:17 Demon hunting
00:22:38 Unique mezuzot
00:30:19 Soul created mezuzah
00:32:07 Other Jewish culture protection items
00:36:27 Other notes from K-Pop Demon Hunters
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-92-huntrix-honmoon-and-holy-scrolls
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
October 8, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 91 - Not Heroes. Not Alone.
Psalm 23 talks about walking through the shadow of death. Let’s walk into it together.
In this episode, we dive into one of the newer Marvel movies to hit the big screen through the lens of one of the most popular Psalm versus. We explore fear, trust, and the power of being alone. But the people who will guide us through this conversation are not heroes… far from it.
00:03:06 Psalm 23
00:06:11 The Thunderbolts
00:09:12 The pros and cons of being alone
00:17:37 The psalms are meant to give comfort
00:22:29 Who is You?
00:25:04 Not Giving Up
00:29:38 Heroes in our Sukkah
00:34:26 Favorite parts of The Thunderbolts
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-91-not-heroes-not-alone
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
September 25, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 90 - Brave New Mindset
As we reflect during this High Holy Day season, we’re diving into the Jewish concept of teshuva—turning, returning, and transforming. What does it mean to change, to repair, and to not be wholly defined by your past?
In this episode, we look at some truly marvelous characters wrestling with their pasts and the people they want to become. Along the way, we’ll apologize, we’ll grow, and then—depending on our emotions—we may grow just a little bit more.
00:00:40 Teshuva
00:04:24 Captain America: Brave New World
00:11:33 Changes to character
00:16:28 Apologizing
00:19:21 Final Battle Debate
00:26:08 Don’t be defined by your past
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-90-brave-new-mindset
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
September 10, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 89 - Fantastic Four: First Tests
Finally, there was pretty strong Jewish representation in a Marvel movie!
In this episode, we venture through Marvel’s newest movie, Fantastic Four: First Steps, with a look at this tale of sacrifice, testing, and trust. From cosmic children with unimaginable power to the silence of those around them, we explore how stories can sometimes wrestle with what it means to be called to give up what matters most.
00:01:34 Fantastic Four: First Steps Recap
00:02:36 Akedah - The binding of Isaac
00:07:21 Responding to the call for a sacrifice
00:10:49 An absolutely fantastic movie
00:11:24 Let’s look at who’s not talking now
00:13:57 Not Nathaniel, but Franklin, is all powerful
00:15:34 Silver Surfer as a Herald
00:17:43 Tests and Choices
00:20:13 Marvel’s Movie Judaism
00:31:06 Other movie nods
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-89-fantastic-four-first-tests
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
August 27, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 88 - The Game Over People
In video games, a “game over” isn’t the end, it’s just another chance to start again. In this episode, we explore how failing, restarting, and building resilience are just as much a part of Jewish life as they are of gaming culture. From gratitude and kindness to perseverance and play, we unpack what it means to keep going even after listing a level (or three). After all, sometimes the best prize of winning is the fun we had along the way.
00:00:58 Hiring Video Gamers
00:04:11 Game over levels of Jewish stories
00:08:11 Resilience is gratitude and kindness
00:12:31 The book of Ruth
00:15:38 Other video game qualities
00:24:04 Other game over moments
00:31:48 Win or Lose or Have Fun
00:35:07 Pass the Parcel
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-88-the-game-over-people
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
August 13, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 87 - Clone Force Kilayim
Let’s talk genetics. Yes, let’s talk genetics. Is there an echo in here? Yes, there is now.
In this episode, we take a closer look at Kilayim, the Torah’s prohibition against mixing species. We inspect it and how it shows up in a tale from a long, long time ago, of a squad of soldiers unlike any other. What does Jewish tradition say about rewriting the building blocks of life? What happens when fictional characters are made in a way they didn’t choose? What about real people? And how do asian pears fit into all of this?
00:01:32 Kilayim
00:05:03 Star Wars The Bad Batch
00:07:05 Human Cloning and Gene Editing
00:10:27 Perspective - Gift or a Defect
00:14:54 Genetic Engineering
00:21:25 The grey line
00:33:20 Science Fiction and Genetics
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-87-clone-force-kilayim
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
July 30, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 86 - Pirkei Avigilante
Time to suit up as we take a daring dive into Pirkei Avot 1:10. From the streets to the courtroom, we unpack some of the tensions between working within the system or outside of it. We also discuss a certain red vigilante’s path and how it sometimes struggles when faced by its towering opposing force. If this topic gets too heated, it may be time you left the streets of the kitchen.
00:01:46 Pirkei Avot 1:10
00:05:42 Daredevil: Born Again
00:14:02 A little too real
00:21:17 Out of Character Arc
00:25:15 Season Two Predictions
00:30:36 The System or the Leader
00:34:30 Barak’s biggest issue with the ending
00:38:47 Pirkei Avot 1:11
00:44:27 The Safe Streets Initiative
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-86-pirkei-avigilante
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
July 16, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 85 - Worse Than Leprosy
This week, we look at what may possibly be the least favorite torah portion: parsha metzorah. It’s tedious, it’s a bit gross, and spoiler alert - it’s not even about leprosy! We clean up our act and take a look at why the portion has such a bad rap. What other Jewish texts are disliked? Can we discover why this bad writing has survived so long into today’s world? We all know stories that we don’t like, but we’d honestly just rather forget they exist. At least, meesuh thinks so.
00:00:42 The Torah portion with the worst reputation
00:02:24 Inspired by a stretch of “meh” movies
00:09:28 It’s not even leprosy
00:11:55 Other least favorite Jewish texts
00:14:40 Let’s just get rid of the bad stories
00:17:03 Dealing with bad stories
00:21:41 Our favorite worst movies
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-85-worse-than-leprosy
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
July 2, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 84 - Pixar’s Paradigm Shift
In this episode, we explore the theory that suggests that all Pixar films exist within a single shared universe. Or perhaps they don’t and they’re just individually made entertaining movies. Or maybe the director once knew someone named Andy and liked the way he treated his toys. We’ll discuss how literal or interpretive we believe the Pixar universe to be and we dig into some other pop culture conspiracy theories. We’ll learn that Pixar may not just be about talking toys, but about a mystical cycle of life, technology, and evolution… Oh wait, my power is low... let me just quickly grab some new Buy N Large batteries…
00:00:38 The Pixar Theory
00:02:52 P.A.R.D.E.S.
00:06:34 Our interpretation of Jewish texts
00:10:02 Explaining the Pixar Theory
00:16:44 Pixar gets the Pardes treatment
00:24:51 Other pop-culture conspiracy theories
00:31:03 An original romantic conspiracy theory
00:32:50 Favorite Pixar Movies
00:35:46 Pixar Purist
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-84-pixars-paradigm-shift
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
June 18, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 83 - Monsters and Angels
Remember the story in the Tanakh about flaming serpents? What about the one about unicorns?
This week, the mystical co-hosts of Wayward Children: Jewish Monsters, Magic, and the Stories We Tell help us summon the wild, weird, and fantastical creatures hiding in the pages of Torah. We explore the line between monsters and angels. Honestly, we didn’t know we could fit this many Jewish creatures into one episode. We also learn if Falcor has Jewish origins.
00:04:58 Numbers 21:6-8 Flaming, Flying Snakes
00:09:52 D&D converted me a Judaism
00:10:56 Finding mystical and mythological creatures in Jewish lore
00:14:27 The seraph - flaming snakes or flying angels?
00:19:12 Unicorns
00:23:24 Monster angels, cherub angels, and messenger angels
00:33:21 Too many monsters, too little time
00:39:07 Favorite monster or creature from the Torah
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-83-monsters-and-angels
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
Listen to John and Jack on their podcast - Wayward Children:Jewish Monsters, Magic, and the Stories We Tell
https://waywardchildren.buzzsprout.com/
Collectible Jewish Monsters and Magic Cards - https://madnessheart.press/product/collectable-jewish-monsters-and-magic-cards/?v=0b3b97fa6688
Treif Magic - https://madnessheart.press/product/treif-magic/?v=0b3b97fa6688
Dybbuk in the Doorway - https://www.amazon.com/Dybbuk-Doorway-John-Baltisberger/dp/B0F7XVKBRQ
June 4, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 82 - This Andor That
In this episode, Ethan guides us on a conversation to a galaxy far, far away to explore the rich themes and surprising Jewish connections within Andor, the newest series in the Star Wars universe. We dive into the blurred lines between science fiction and our own realities, we explore the sacrifices made in the name of hope, and we ask the question no one else dares: Is Syril’s mom Jewish? Put on your nicest Ghorman threads and tune in as we unpack this story of resistance, sacrifice, and hope.
00:00:41 I have friends everywhere
00:02:42 Erev Andor
00:04:11 Pulling on all the threads (of Ghorman?)
00:05:48 Almost to the Promised Land
00:11:43 Sacrifice for loss or gain
00:16:02 The robot that made us happy
00:16:38 Next year…
00:19:16 The fictional reality of science fiction
00:27:01 What kind of mother?
00:32:20 Cinta and Vel
00:33:48 Fate and Force
00:39:35 The greatest thing Star Wars has ever done?
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-82-this-andor-that
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.
**May 21, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 81 - 3rd Anniversary Special - Dungeons & Dreidels
A year has passed since the goblins were driven from the village and the light of Hanukkah was saved by the hero called Hershel… or so everyone thought. Now, on the final night of the town’s Hanukkah celebration, the wind howls and dark clouds gather above. Join the village’s unlikely heroes—a blacksmith, a tailor, a butcher, and a teacher—as they defend their home, unravel a mysterious return, and stand together to protect the light. Because Hanukkah isn't just about miracles… it's also about rolling initiative.
00:00:43 Character Introductions
00:01:43 In a tiny village, a few miles outside of Ostropol…
00:02:37 Exploring the Festival
00:06:15 Yankle’s Dreidel Game
00:15:44 Eight Festival Knights
00:31:46 Uninvited Guests
00:55:09 The Return of the Goblin King
01:04:00 Hershel’s House on the Hill
01:20:58 Something Old, Yet Familiar
01:34:10 The True Power of the Dark
01:42:21 The Final Battle of Light and Dark
02:11:45 Hebrew Runes Appear
02:24:44 The End of the Eighth Night
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-81-dungeons-and-dreidels Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com*.Character Information:Terry Black (played by Ethan Lane-Miller) Gnome Paladin.* He is the town blacksmith. Dima Silkthread (played by RDY) Halfling Rogue. He is the town tailor. Lazar Wolf (played by Joel Swedlove) Orc Barbarian. He is the town butcher. Morah Fenwin Gigglesong (played by Sparkle Peters) Elf Bard. She is the village teacher. Dungeon Master** (Barak Malkin) Keeper of the chaos, spinner of dreidels and destinies. Perhaps for this game we say… Dreidel Master.
**May 7, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 80 - Putting the Pieces Together
Samson apparently loved Delilah and word puzzles. In today’s world, before he attacked the philistines, he probably would have finished that morning’s Wordle. With so many types of puzzles in the world today, we try to piece together an episode with the clues given on the box. Would you consider that to be cheating though? If you’re confused, perhaps you should listen to figure this one out with us.
00:01:08 Judges Chapter 14
00:03:22 Puzzles
00:05:29 Puzzling habits
00:07:12 Escape Rooms with leadership
00:12:38 What’s Jewish about puzzling?
00:16:25 Get a clue
00:25:47 Infusing it all together
00:27:52 The 100 Prisoner Puzzle
00:34:40 Having a healthy argument
00:39:37 Modular puzzles
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-80-putting-the-pieces-together
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**April 23, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 79 - Let’s Get Together: Live In Austin!
Barak, Ethan, and RDY were finally in the same zip code together, for the first time ever! So they decided to record an episode with the locals! When these nerds get together they play board games, watch superhero movies, visit comic book shops, go to escape rooms, and tell wonderfully terrible jokes. So what happens when you put them together in a room full of Jews? It turns out, you end up with a definitely-not-fake laugh track! This episode comes to you live from Congregation Beth Israel in Austin, TX!
00:01:09 When nerds get together
00:02:05 When Jews get together
00:02:43 Food
00:12:24 Small Gatherings
00:14:09 Coming together for support
00:23:26 Expanding Your Knowledge
00:31:59 Playing People Geography
00:36:12 Breaking the Star Trek barrier
00:37:00 Arguing
00:43:01 Our favorite arguments
00:57:31 Favorite way to get together
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-79-lets-get-together-live-in-austin Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**April 9, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 78 - New Games, Old Wisdom
In this episode, we dice into the world of reboots, remastering, and retelling, both in the sacred and the pixelated. Ethan begins by sharing his love for the remastered version of one of his favorite games, Star Wars: Dark Forces, and what changed in its recent rerelease. We discuss movie reboots, and why it’s sometimes okay for things to change. And while some properties struggle with an updated version, some things in life seem to only get better with each replay.
00:00:41 Time Warps
00:02:45 Star Wars Dark Forces
00:05:08 Pirkei Avot Chapter 5
00:06:43 Love for Retro Gaming
00:13:05 Why retell and remaster?
00:15:42 Sometimes you turn it and nothing happens
00:18:01 Turn it and use it again
00:20:07 Retelling, Remastering, and Rebooting, Oh my!
00:24:02 What do we want to keep the same?
00:26:31 Changes we look forward to
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-78-new-games-old-wisdom
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**March 26, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 77 - God Plans, Man Laughs
There’s a new episode of Torah Smash! Yes, and… the Jewish tie in is a story from Genesis! Yes, and… the hosts find more ways to comment about muppets. With a topic like improv, anything can happen! Let’s talk about laughter and where it can be found in the world and in our work as Jewish professionals. We also explore how laughter is utilized in Jewish holidays, even in the darkest of times.
00:02:40 Genesis 17:17
00:05:31 Improvisational Acting and Comedy
00:07:07 The 3 main rules of improv
00:09:40 Yes, And-ing Judaism
00:20:29 Laughing in the face of tragedy
00:25:40 Celebrating after redemption
00:27:32 Argumentative improv
00:30:19 Does comedy need darkness?
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-77-god-plans-man-laughs
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**March 12, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 76 - Separating the Nerdy from the Mundane
After last episode’s connection to Shabbat, there was only one logical topic for the next conversation: havdalah! We learn about the ritual objects of havdalah and the meaning behind this short, weekly celebration. We discuss when we keep our nerdy parts of our lives separate, we find some sweetness in nerd culture, and we also talk about the bad body odor of gamers, for some reason. Once we’ve gotten to that point, how can we separate ourselves from that space?
00:00:41 Torah Smash Live!
00:01:32 Part II: Havdalah (Separation)
00:08:46 What are the nerdy things we do that we want to keep separate?
00:13:56 What are the spaces you wish were ceremoniously separated?
00:17:17 Sacred symbols of separation that bring us joy
00:21:51 Taking in the sweetness of nerd culture
00:28:13 Symbols of light in nerd culture
00:32:45 Ritual moments
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-76-separating-the-nerdy-from-the-mundane Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**February 26, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 75 - Shabbat: There’s A Nap For That
Shabbat is a way for us to reflect on the week and reset ourselves. We power ourselves down and find ways of interacting with our loved ones and our community in ways that can really nourish our soul. So, this is a reminder to download that special app on your smartphone that will help you appreciate and recognize shabbat. And, while you’re at it, don’t forget to organize your apps and delete the ones that just fill up the space without any significance. After that, go take a nice shabbat schluff.**
**00:00:37 Torah Smash! Live! Coming to Austin, March 2025
00:01:14 Let’s talk about Shabbat
00:03:00 Observing Shabbat in our own ways
00:10:01 What 3 apps would you keep?
00:15:14 What you need is… more Shabbat
00:18:12 Cutting back on Apps
00:23:00 Categorizing
00:25:33 Using apps unexpectedly
00:27:55 Intentional usage and intentional feeling
00:36:14 What changes are you going to make now?
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-75-shabbat-theres-a-nap-for-that
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**February 12, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 74 - JudAIsm
Artificial intelligence is everywhere—even in the clergy world! In this episode, we welcome Rabbi Josh Fixler, who was recently featured in The New York Times for his insights on how religious leaders are using AI. Join us as we explore the intersection of faith and technology, discuss the opportunities and challenges AI presents to clergy, and maybe even ask the big question: If a chatbot gives a sermon, does it count? Tune in for a fascinating conversation that’s more than just artificial—it's intelligent!
00:04:14 New York Times: At the Intersection of AI and spirituality
00:07:52 Rabbi Bot
00:12:28 Chatgpt’s suggestions for utilizing AI in Judaism
00:20:39 The differences between how two religions related to technology
00:24:21 AI and Jewish Education
00:30:58 Can you use AI with pastoral care?
00:37:23 The turing test and the most human human
00:43:44 Golem qualities of an AI
00:45:47 Welcome to the podcast… Rabbi Bot!
Rabbi Josh Fixler’s Sermon on AI with his Rabbi Bot: https://youtu.be/f_PO5Y-VQ3s?si=09or25CdNjNC9Yh_ Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-74-JudAIsm**
**January 29, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 73 - Kosher or Not Kosher?
It’s time for everyone’s favorite game show when it comes to Jewish food… Kosher! Or! Not! Kosher?! Join us as we explore some fantasy foods, science fiction foods, and some soon-to-not-be so science fiction food based questions when it comes to keeping kosher. Do we think the Klingons follow similar laws when making their ritual wines? How about Dungeons & Dragons characters? What about your video game characters? Plus, Barak shares his one unfortunate food allergy and RDY may have an alternative choice for him! But, would that also be allowed as kosher?
00:01:05 Laws of Kashrut
00:06:19 Susan Ivanova from Babylon 5
00:08:50 Unreal foods we want to try
00:09:56 Klingon Blood Wine
00:14:03 D&D’s Create Food and Water Conjuration
00:16:54 Meat cloned in a lab
00:24:24 RDY asks the wrong question
00:27:44 Are they really two generations?
00:31:20 Star Trek’s Food Replicator
00:35:28 Dietary Laws in the Torah
00:40:40 Futuristic food isn’t futuristic
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-73-kosher-or-not-kosher
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**January 15, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 72 – Leviticus All Along …With Special Guest Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner
We are thrilled to welcome the first character from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to join us on Torah Smash, Rabbi Levin, played by real life clergy, Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner. She shares about her journey into the MCU, we discuss our thoughts of the newest Jewish character to be portrayed in this world, and we share some of our favorite parts of the series. Just like the show, you may have to relisten to this one again to make sure you caught everything. Follow us my friends, to this episode at the end.
00:04:20 The road to Agatha All Along
00:06:31 Finding the right MCU Rabbi
00:07:58 Leviticus 10:1
00:11:31 A Talmudic retelling or foreshadowing?
00:16:08 Evaluating the Jewish depiction
00:23:12 Finding the meaning of names
00:25:44 Learning the Torah Portion
00:31:07 Other Jews on set
00:32:32 Experiencing and Appreciating
00:36:11 Favorite foreshadowing
00:41:11 Our hopes for next Jewish depiction in the MCU
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-72-leviticus-all-along
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**January 1, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 71 - The Wheel of New Years
The Wheel of Time turns, and we return with another episode for you. Did you know that Judaism celebrates four different new years? So, that means that American Jews celebrate 5 different New Years! And if you’re stuck in a time loop, the number is much higher than that! Join us as we celebrate and mark this time on our calendars. We share why time was invented, how we decide to mark time, and question the idea of time altogether!
00:01:48 Happy Four New Years!
00:06:52 The Wheel of Time Series
00:09:50 In A beginning
00:13:29 The observer’s anniversary versus the character’s anniversary experiences
00:14:29 Q’s Tapestry and other nerdy wheels of time
00:19:42 Spotify Wrapped and Steam winter sale
00:22:29 Nerd convention calendars
00:25:00 Paying attention to the other new years’
00:29:14 Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end
00:34:27 Why do we need time?
00:42:34 Remembering time and keeping time sacred
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-71-the-wheel-of-new-years
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**December 18, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 70 - Torah Smash Jr.
There are some stories in Jewish tradition and history that put the children at the center of it all. Jacob and Esau as well as Joseph teach us some valuable lessons as adults. But aren’t children just meant to be sidekicks? And how old are the children of the Torah anyway? Let’s just hope that as they grow up, they’ve learned from the mistakes of their parents.
00:01:00 Jacob and Esau the adult children
00:03:13 Joseph the tattletale
00:06:35 Child character focused stories
00:12:11 Favorite child centered stories
00:17:43 Does having children in the story change the message?
00:19:19 Does younger age warrant more sympathy
00:24:05 Children are sidekicks, not heroes
00:26:47 In the Torah, age isn’t just a number
00:28:11 Replace an adult character with a child character
00:31:52 Carrying the sins of our parents
00:34:47 Closing thoughts on what we didn’t talk about
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-70-torah-smash-jr
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**December 4, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 69 - Die Hard is a Chanukah Movie …With Special Guest Arnon Shorr
Chanukah falls on Christmas Day this year, so what better way to celebrate this overlap than debating if the classic action film, Die Hard, is a Christmas movie or a Chanukkah movie? We review what makes a movie holiday specific, the subtle Chanukkah plotline, and the movie’s Jewish characters… one which may surprise you! Make sure that you cuddle on the couch with some latkes and gelt in the warm glow of your menorah, and say yippee-chai-yay to this (possibly) Chanukkah classic.
00:02:16 Popular Debate: Is Die Hard a Christmas Movie?
00:06:34 New Debate: Is Die Hard a Chanukah Movie?
00:06:55 What’s the right way to spell Hannukkahhh?
00:09:03 What does a film need in order to be a Chanukah movie?
00:13:52 Tha Chanukah Plot of Die Hard
00:17:04 The Jewish calendar of Die Hard
00:18:24 Challenging the premise of the holiday connection
00:28:18 Character and Actor connections
00:30:32 Die Hard’s Jewish Dad helps us get grounded
00:33:41 A critique of Christmas or culture?
00:37:50 Sergeant Al Powell’s Fan Theory
00:38:45 Final Chanukah notes
00:39:30 Other “Chanukah” movies
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-69-die-hard-is-a-chanukah-movie
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**November 20, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 68 - Super Mitzvot Bros. …with Special Guest Sparkle Peters
The Nintendo video game company has been filling our homes with fun and excitement for many years. Some even say that the best video game of all time was Super Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. Twitch streamer and podcaster, Sparkle Peters, joins us to discuss the innovation around the tutorial levels in video games, save skimming, and sometimes just throwing the instructions out all together. Plus, did you know that you’re remembering Rainbow Road wrong?!
00:02:09 Super Mario Bros, World 1-1
00:05:02 Teaching as you do, especially the act of mitzvot
00:07:58 Learning right from wrong in real time.
00:09:52 Video game tutorial levels… or not.
00:15:46 Enjoyable puzzle games
00:20:17 Getting gaming help
00:24:45 Just doing, not being taught
00:28:21 That’s enough rules, let’s just play the board game
00:30:20 The E.T. Video Game
00:32:04 Experiential educator playgrounds
00:34:49 Does save scumming teach us?
00:37:38 Mario Kart’s mandela effect
00:40:05 Learning little by little
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-68-super-mitzvot-bros
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**November 6, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 67 - Grief, Loss, and Lifesabers
Ethan opens his heart to all of us once again as we look back on a year of grief together with returning guest, Dr. Betsy Stone. We learn about the difference between the words grief and loss, share some of the meaningful practices during the mourning period, and hear what Star Trek has to say about the unexpected death of a loved one. We also teach Betsy what we’re supposed to call those plasma sword thingies in Star Wars. …Or maybe, she taught us?
00:02:24 A one year check in
00:04:19 Compounded grief
00:11:07 The difference between grief and loss
00:13:53 The burdens of grief on Deep Space 9
00:18:21 The experiences of the facts of our stories change
00:23:11 Something I talked about with my therapist…
00:26:48 Art imitating life and life imitating art
00:29:21 Holding joy and sadness, unlike giraffes
00:31:46 The perfect structure for mourning
00:34:43 Loss versus death
00:41:02 Grief is multilayered and disruptive
00:44:22 favorite pop culture stories centered around death or grief
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-67-grief-loss-and-lifesabers
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**October 23, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 66 - Good Ideas Gone Wrong
We recorded this episode in September of 2024, which means that we had to visit the future historical event of the time: the Bell Riots from Deep Space 9. Ethan walks us through this time travel Star Trek episode and we discuss what went wrong. They seemed like they had good intentions, but do good plans always go awry? We also visit some other future prediction events from other franchises. …Does Judaism ever predict the future?
00:01:18 Isaiah 58:7-8
00:03:26 Deep Space 9 travels back to 2024 in a transporter accident
00:05:28 DS9 “Past Tense” Parts I and II
00:10:01 Figuring out morality without violence
00:12:20 Paving the road with good intentions
00:15:21 No bowling balls in the pool!
00:21:37 How will the Bell Riots directly affect change?
00:27:53 Finding a home in other franchises
00:34:09 Predicting the future in pop culture
00:37:50 Does Judaism ever predict the future?
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-66-good-ideas-gone-wrong
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**October 9, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 62 - Sabra: The Hero not the Hummus …with Special Guest Sasha Kaplan
The upcoming Captain America movie will include the first live action portrayal of the Israeli superhero Sabra. In this episode, we take a deep dive into Sabra’s first introduction into the Marvel Comics world, the possible powers and skills you may see on the big screen, and our predictions on what her story in the MCU will look like.
00:02:41 A background on Sabra
00:07:38 Sabra got a name change
00:09:17 Sabra entering the MCU
00:17:17 Revisiting Sabra’s troubling first comic story
00:26:41 Sabra’s name and some more troubling backstory
00:37:52 Sabra’s powers and skillsets
00:43:07 Will her Jewish or Israeli background play a part in her MCU Story
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-65-sabra-the-hero-not-the-hummus
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**September 25, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 64 - The Good, The Bad, and The Antisemitic …With Special Guest Dr. Linda Maizels
It’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 antisemitism
00:05:44 Do superheroes attract supervillains? Or the other way around?
00:06:06 Gotham’s evil increases after Batman shows up
00:11:44 Antisemitism turns the Jew into the scapegoat
00:15:04 Does support increase only because the attacks are increasing?
00:18:55 Antisemitism is feeling more acceptable, for some reason
00:21:30 Do you share similar hope from the X-Men ‘97 series?
00:25:28 Having difficult conversations with opposing opinions
00:30:40 Got Hope?
00:37:02 The resident pessimist mitigates hate through empathy
00:39:11 Captain Benjamin Sisco and Gul Dukat
00:44:25 Time to mention to MCU
Share 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, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 63 - The Rav and The Acolyte
In 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 student
00:03:39 “The desire of the wise is to learn, and a fool’s to teach”
00:05:16 Appreciating the cast for a moment
00:11:17 “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, you
need a school.”
00:18:56 Ethan sith-splains Star Wars
00:24:30 Darth Bortles is a great teacher
00:26:30 “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-acolyte
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**August 28, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 62 - Deadpool and Lamed Vavnikim
There 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 people
00:03:07 We know the right answer and these aren’t it
00:06:11 Deadpool and Wolverine
00:08:40 Thirty-Six (Plus) Righteous People
00:12:00 The Thirty Six Graphic Novel by Kristopher White
00:14:38 Barak’s rant about D&W plot holes
00:19:51 Happy Hogan’s afikomen office
00:24:11 Into the Void
00:29:28 Wolverine variants
00:33:17 Musical anchors
00:35:27 Not one, but two (and a Peter)
00:36:14 More likes and dislikes
00:40:18 Deadpool 4?
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-62-deadpool-and-lamed-vavnikim
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**August 14, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 61 - Inside Mussar 2
Emotions 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 Mind
00:02:04 Initial film reactions
00:08:30 Favorite afikomen
00:12:56 Saboteurs and Mussar
00:19:39 Jewish guilt and nostalgia
00:23:19 If can control our emotions, we show true strength
00:31:23 Next is high school emotions
00:34:25 The original five base emotions
00:38:51 Other favorites and afikomen
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-61-inside-mussar-2
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**July 31, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 60 - All Nerds Think About Is Sects …with Special Guest Melissa Raub
Judaism 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 Judaism
00:04:51 Nerds and Geeks and Dorks and Dweebs
00:05:15 Breaking down the differences in Judaism
00:17:42 Save the Scranton Paper Tower
00:18:22 Breaking down the differences at the cool kids tables
00:20:40 Just Jews and Just Nerds
00:23:52 Torah Smash 5 Year Quest
00:25:40 How does one translate to the other?
00:28:46 Paul Rudd Marvel Nerd?
00:32:32 Knowing someone helps to welcome them
00:33:40 Mitzvahflix
00:36:42 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-sects
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**July 17, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 59 - The Messiah Element
Not 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 row
00:03:22 Recapping The Fifth Element
00:06:01 The Jewish concept of messiah
00:08:40 Isaiah 7:14
00:10:22 The perfect being
00:14:11 Creating from destruction
00:16:29 War vs Love
00:19:11 RDY’s Messianic Theology
00:23:22 Bringing about the messiah
00:26:27 Questions of the heavenly court
00:29:21 The name of the messiah
00:34:48 Childlike wonder and trash
00:38:10 Barak’s favorite afikomen
00:39:18 How would you imagine a saved world?
00:40:16 Any final points
Share 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, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 58 - X-Men Again Again …with Guest Host Joel Swedlove
In 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 track
00:05:03 Put out the Bat SigNal
00:05:57 Starting with a quote quote from a rabbi with a funny name name
00:09:33 X-Men ‘97
00:13:32 Reboots, sequels, and requels
00:17:25 Knowing every character or story arc ahead of time
00:23:45 MCU’s struggles with completionist homework
00:26:33 Keeping Magneto’s impactful Jewish background
00:29:25 The timeless X-Men story
00:32:27 Fun fact about Menachem Begin’s X-men connection
00:35:10 There is nuance between good and bad
00:44:16 The X-Men will return
Share 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, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 57 - To Everything There Is A Bluey…with Special Guest Cantor Emily Simkin
This 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 Torah
00:11:20 Ecclesiastes 3:1
00:12:34 How do we handle big life shifts?
00:16:36 Wanted more of a moving episode on moving.
00:19:26 Unetaneh Tokef
00:22:13 How do you notice life’s little things?
00:29:05 Best advice on the topic of kids
00:30:18 A quick correction about blessings
00:31:39 More genius advice
00:40:16 Favorite Bluey episodes
Share 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, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 56 - 2nd Anniversary Special - Paraders of the Blessed Ark - Part Two
The 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 Ai
00:08:11 KaiJew battle
00:22:19 Different player, same dice rolls
00:29:42 Monk Ki or Monkey?
00:32:02 Our deepesht thanksh
00:40:00 Summoning ladies, and sailors, and bearers. Oh my!
00:47:18 Torah Smash’s 5 Year Quest
00:49:07 Siege Preparations
00:52:41 The Battle at Jericho begins
00:58:49 Hallelujah, it’s an ice cream truck!?
01:00:37 Jerichopalooza
01:22:25 Sweet Cherry Pie
01:25:59 I suddenly remembered my charlemagne
01:35:25 D&D geometry
01:45:19 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, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 55 - 2nd Anniversary Special - Paraders of the Blessed Ark - Part 1
To 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 Introductions
00:01:44 Our story begins on the bank of the Jordan River
00:06:04 Between a rock and a river
00:12:05 An Unknown Code
00:21:37 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 house
00:45:33 Ai’ll Be Back
00:55:46 Guards!
01:27:51 Please, Don’t Leave
01:29:50 Shoutouts
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-55-paraders-of-the-blessed-arc-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, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 54 - Very Special Episodes …with Guest Host Rabbi Alan Cook
This 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 Company
00:03:44 The arrival of the “Very Special Episode”
00:10:47 A very special smash
00:15:59 Special Guest Characters of the Torah
00:16:50 Guest Starring Zelophahad’s Daughters
00:20:43 Guest Starring Moses’ Father in Law
00:25:21 Guest Starring A Celebrity!
00:30:47 More Torah Special Guests
00:34:04 Written Once More With Feeling
00:37:14 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, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 53 - Destiny Report
You’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 movie
00:05:11 Heroes not embracing their path
00:07:30 Moses’ humility
00:08:37 Destiny cannot be manipulated
00:09:47 A flaw in the logic
00:12:44 C.R.U.S.H.
00:16:02 It is your destiny!
00:22:24 All paths lay before you
00:31:34 Keeping the marbles
00:33:36 Ethan promises this isn’t a Star Wars episode
Share 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, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 52 - Moses and the Justice League
Passover 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 smashes
00:01:56 Moses and Superman
00:03:12 Comparison of the two heroes
00:11:34 No capes!
00:15:31 The rest of the biblical Justice League
00:16:17 Is Cyborg a Golem?
00:17:42 Aquaman and the sea based characters
00:18:26 Young and Impulsive
00:18:48 Green Lantern’s ring
00:23:38 The Emerald Archer
00:25:40 Martian Manhunter
00:27:48 Wonder Woman and Black Canary
00:31:24 The Dark Knight
00:34:59 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, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 51 - You Are So Not Invited To My Borg Mitzvah
Star 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 04/05/63
00:03:16 Not sure if it holds up, but what a cast!
00:07:15 The power of touch
00:10:01 How would alien life change Judaism?
00:13:55 Humanity in a post-religious world
00:16:29 Does life on other planets have free will?
00:18:45 Alien b’nai mitzvot
00:21:15 Debating through real life examples
00:25:38 First romantic contact
00:28:22 Continuing the arguments …err …conversations
00:31:04 A little perspective
00:32:24 Is there religion in 2063?
00:33:09 Going back to the writing
Share 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, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 50 - Funny, You Don’t Look Jewish …with Special Guest Fabrice Sapolsky
Purim 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 identity
00:05:45 Daniel Kaufman’s ELI Talk
00:06:33 Which Superheroes Passively hide?
00:09:44 Bear-ly hiding at conventions
00:16:04 What brings superheroes out of hiding?
00:21:59 In Jewish History and Present
00:24:43 When do you present actively or hide passively?
00:33:20 Revisiting the superheroes who passively hide
00:40:30 Movies trying to hide as comics
Share 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, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 49 - Hogwarts School of Judaism and Wizardry…With Special Guest Rabbi Emma Gottlieb
Filled 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 Potter
00:10:25 Yeshiva: A History
00:12:40 Another nerd yeshiva
00:14:27 Learning in different worlds
00:17:31 Keeping the past alive
00:20:03 The value of multiple perspectives
00:24:06 Schools around the globe
00:29:54 The competition
00:35:37 Our houses
00:38:42 Anthony Goldstein
00:40:50 Names are important
00:42:39 Abra Kadabra
Share 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, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 48 - What If Creation Wasn’t The Beginning?…With Special Guest Roy Schwartz
Judaism 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 fans
00:07:45 Ours is the world that was selected, for now.
00:09:59 Process theology
00:15:42 Save Scumming
00:20:20 Why OUR universe? Was it the burritos?
00:21:54 Jewish What If Scenarios
00:22:10 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, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 47 - Echo of Resilience
Our 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 Spertus
00:01:01 Resilience as a Jewish Value
00:02:55 Marvel’s Spotlight Hero, Echo
00:05:04 Maya’s Ancestral Resilient History
00:10:05 Jewish Ancestral Resilient History
00:17:45 Resilience stems from gratitude
00:22:14 Echos of gratitude
00:28:16 What other heroes’ past make them resilient?
00:32:31 Favorite parts of the Echo series
00:39:12 More Jewish Smashes
Share 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, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 46 - The Incredible Samson
You 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 Samson
00:02:55 Samson’s Riddle
00:08:10 The Hulk, aka Bruce Banner
00:12:08 Dr. David Banner
00:12:48 You may not like him when he’s angry
00:18:40 Where their strengths come from
00:20:51 Anger and God
00:32:26 Being gripped by God
00:36:13 Designed on a flaw
00:38:03 Doc Samson
Share 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, 2024
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 45 - Our Heroes and Transformative Grief
Ethan 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 hiatus
00:03:55 Let’s talk about grief
00:07:47 Meowing and other moments of relief
00:11:17 The Jewish grieving process
00:13:04 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 ring
00:27:57 All captains experience grief
00:32:27 It can consume you or transform you
00:34:58 The custom of kriah - tearing
00:37:43 What characters are shaped by grief
00:42:20 Sometimes there is no conclusion
Share 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**.
**December 20, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 44 - Loki and the Whale…With Special Guest Joshua Edelglass
In this episode, we timeslip between Loki, the TVA, and Nineveh with our guest, Josh Edelglass. We go back in time to talk about Loki season 2 and his learned compassion for others, just like Jonah who gained compassion for his fellow man (and many beasts as well). So pull up your throne at the end of time and grab a slice of key lime pie, because all we can say about this episode is in your best Owen Wilson impression “wow.”
00:02:01 Regaling about JewCE
00:03:11 Book Your Tickets for Tora Smash! Live!
00:04:03 Loki is back in Season 2
00:07:15 Who else learns about compassion for others?
00:08:13 The Book of Jonah
00:11:01 What does Judaism say about our own glorious purpose?
00:13:15 Unrealized purposes
00:22:01 For you, for all of us.
00:24:24 Biblical misinterpreted purposes
00:26:29 The missing endings and origins
00:33:00 When will we see you again?
00:35:35 Favorite parts of the Loki series
00:39:03 The meaning of Key Lime Pie
00:42:15 The Jewish Ouroboros
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-44-loki-and-the-whale Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**December 6, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 43 - Love, Jews + Robots …With Guest Host Joshua Sky
Our guest host this week, Joshua Sky, is not only a writer for popular properties like He-Man , Heavy Metal Illustrated, and Ben10, but he is also a massive Sci-Fi fan. He gives us an in depth look at how the era of Science Fiction started as well as the multitude of Jewish influences on its progression into modern sci-fi and comic stories.
00:02:20 Torah Smash! Live!
00:04:00 The Jewish influence on modern science fiction
00:07:36 The golden age of science fiction
00:09:11 Isaac Asimov, an OG Jewish nerd
00:11 34 The 3 Jewish Laws of Robotics
00:13:58 Asimov’s WWII rescuers
00:14:53 Stemming from the science fiction pulps
00:18:09 Judaism and jealousy in modern comics
00:22:29 Pulp science fiction paved the way for comic mythology
00:24:16 Jewish undertones
00:26:51 More representation, stemming from our love for others
00:30:38 Closing the gears on this robot
00:34:04 One last special He-Man Hanukkah smash!
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-43-love-jews-and-robots Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**November 22, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 42 - Treehouse of Talmud …With Guest Host Rabbi Benjamin Sharff
This week, guest host Rabbi Benjamin Sharff crashes into our living room couch and teaches us about the Jewish connections from the longest running sitcom in television history, The Simpsons. The incredible discoveries made here will have you saying “ay, caramba!”
00:02:31 Torah Smash! Live! Reminder
00:03:22 The Simpsons (sing the theme song opening in your head now)
00:07:26 The Mishnah (sing this the same way in your head)
00:08:30 Longest running show
00:15:03 The Jewish side of The Simpsons
00:17:10 Favorite Simpsons episodes
00:20:39 Simpsons rabbinic spinoffs
00:22:27 What if the Temple was rebuilt?
00:31:10 More Simpsons characters and appearances
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-42-treehouse-of-talmud Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**November 8, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 41 - Ahsoka Tano, RJE
In this episode, Ethan teaches us what makes Ahsoka and her Star Wars Rebels teammates different from those who came before them. Is it how they were taught? Or how they were teaching others? And which of the series’ characters are the most Jewish? Jump on a intergalactic traveling purrgil and let’s find out together!
00:00:41 Torah Smash! Live!
00:02:25 Ahsoka introduced in a Clone Wars
00:03:38 Star Wars Rebels is where it’s at
00:04:17 Who is the most Jewish character in Ahsoka?
00:05:00 The wise elder, Huyang
00:06:22 Ezra Bridger
00:08:46 Morgan Elsbeth and the Akeida
00:15:00 Kanan Jarrus, the best jedi?
00:16:58 Sabine Wren, Jew by choice
00:24:22 Ahsoka Tano is not just a Jewish Jedi
00:27:58 What am I doing wrong?
00:30:38 J.E.D.I. Training
00:31:15 Yoda’s Jewish roots
00:32:11 Ahsoka Season 2 Theories
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-41-Ahsoka-Tano-RJE Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**October 25, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 40 - Top 5 Jewish Characters ...With Special Guest Isaac Brynjegard Bialik
We welcome back Isaac to the show in this exploratory look at Jews in pop culture. We count down each of our top five favorite Jewish characters in pop-culture. We may have had some overlap in our choices, but were there any that we forgot?
00:02:15 Coming this January: Torah Smash! Live!
00:03:57 How does this countdown work?
00:05:01 Starting with our #5 picks
00:12:45 First sign of trouble with our #4’s
00:30:27 These #3’s are bringing the heat!
00:40:20 Another contentious round with our #2 picks
00:58:23 Our top favorites
01:12:25 Honorable mentions
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-40-top-5-jewish-characters Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com****.
Learn more about Isaac's career and artwork at https://www.nicejewishartist.com/ and learn about he and his wife's art workshops at https://www.papermidrash.com/**
**October 11, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 39 - Indiana Jones and the Dial of Beshert
Jock! Start the podcast! This episode we explore the most recent installment to the Indiana Jones franchise and the titular character’s entanglement with destiny. We also ask why everything belongs in a museum? And why did it have to be snakes? We don’t know. We’re making this up as we go. Just be glad we didn’t also name the podcast Indiana.
00:00:38 Big Indy fans
00:03:29 The yiddish word beshert****00:03:53 Destiny vs. free will according to Judaism
00:05:52 Joseph's divine story
00:07:19 Process theology
00:11:33 Indiana without Indiana, Isaac without Isaac
00:16:45 Moments of beshert in our lives
00:22:51 Ranking the Indy movies
00:28:18 Warehouse 13 and The Librarian
00:29:55 Jewish Archeology
00:31:41 Struggles with faith and facts
00:35:10 Changing names
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-39-indiana-jones-and-the-dial-of-beshert Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**September 27, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 38 - The Latest Last of Us …With Guest Host Rabbi Eric Linder
This episode’s guest host, Rabbi Eric Linder, reintroduces us to the recent HBO drama The Last of Us and its artful history. We’re not playing games when we explore the connections between this retelling of the Playstation hit to a few poignant biblical texts.
00:04:38 The Last of Us video game
00:08:30 The retelling in Deuteronomy
00:12:46 A completely different reason for Shabbat
00:16:17 Not so faithful adaptations
00:22:20 Retelling for a different audience
00:27:54 Retelling in the same medium
00:29:54 We have Rashi
00:31:11 Biblical text in cinema
00:34:53 The return of the twelve spies
00:41:58 Favorite video games
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-38-the-latest-last-of-us Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**September 13, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 37 - Jews in Space? …With Special Guest Dr. Miriam Mora
The Co-Creator of JewCE (the Jewish Comics Experience), Dr. Miriam Mora, joins us as we explore strange Jew worlds, seek out Jew life and Jew civilizations, and boldly discuss which of the numerous Star Trek species are Jewish. You may find some of our conclusions highly illogical, but just know that we’ve given it all we’ve got!
00:03:47 Exploring the alien races and species of Star Trek
00:04:55 Have you watched any Star Trek?
00:11:54 The Vulcan salute, their origins, and their struggles
00:22:43 The Ferengi and historical antisemitism
00:38:28 The Klingons. The Klingons?
00:43:26 Worf
00:43:47 The Bajorans
00:45:23 Cardassians
00:45:48 Why the answer is yes
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-37-jews-in-space Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**August 30, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 36 - Cobra Chai …With Special Guest Dr. Betsy Stone
Torah Smash has special guest Dr. Betsy Stone to help us as we prepare ourselves for the High Holy Days. We always tend to take a look inward and think of all the people to which we may have done wrong, because every year even though sometimes our heart knows, our head forgets. So we look at the process of teshuva with some of our favorite pop-culture senseis. And these lessons are not just for karate only. These lessons are for whole life!
00:03:13 The Jewish practice of teshuva
00:05:38 The Karate Kid returns decades later
00:07:12 Stories from the “villain’s” perspective
00:08:10 The teshuva process
00:11:59 A state of mind or an action?
00:15:00 Telling ourselves that we’re wrong
00:19:27 Regretting I hurt you, but not my behavior
00:25:42 Hypothetical ladder of teshuva
00:28:03 Cobra Kai needs better practice saying sorry
00:36:41 Advice on changing your ways
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-33-cancel-lashon-hara Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com****.
YouTube: Daniel is the Real Bully - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_Gz_iTuRMM&t=6s**
**August 16, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 35 - Genesis of the Spider-Verse …With Special Guest Danny Fingeroth
In this episode, we explore the converging and diverging realities of Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse with one of the writers and editors of the Spider-Man comics, Danny Fingeroth. We explore the origins of The Spot, canon events in Marvel and the Torah, and a startling discovery about the film that will make you question if you even saw the same movie that we did!
00:00:57 Introducing Danny Fingeroth
00:02:24 Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
00:05:20 Talking Al Milgrom and his creation: The Spot
00:09:18 Two versions of the same movie?
00:12:32 Two different Genesis stories
00:17:14 More examples of multiple stories
00:22:10 Diverging realties
00:24:30 When has Marvel told two stories?
00:27:20 The Marvel Universe’s canon event
00:29:42 The essentials of a canon event
00:34:38 Making a hero or a villain
00:35:30 Universe 42’s Prowler Theory
00:39:56 Across the Spider-Verse’s Afikomen
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-35-genesis-of-the-spider-verse
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com****.
This episode was supported in part by JewCE! (Jewish Comics Experience) which is a full day convention and preview night that brings together fans, creators, and industry professionals to explore the rich history and contributions of diverse Jewish creators and content in the comics medium. JewCE! is created and hosted by the Center for Jewish History in New York City. If you are interested in attending or to learn more, visit jewce.org*.
Also visit the Center for Jewish History at* cjh.org for new information on the institution and their partners, who are all involved in the upcoming exhibit: the museum and laboratory of the Jewish comics experience, opening in October 2023 at the center for Jewish history.**
**August 2, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 34 - Mishpacha of the Galaxy
Think back to the families that came before us: Abraham and Sarah; Rebecca and Isaac; Jacob, Leah, Rachel, Bilhah and Zilpah; and of course Rocket, Lylla, Teefs, and Floor. Join as we review the many different family structures within the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and some surprising connections to a few families from the Torah.
00:01:06 The Guardians Trilogy
00:02:26 Mishpacha means family
00:03:19 The three sets of Amidah families
00:06:10 The families in the guardians trilogy
00:09:10 Related to Kevin Bacon
00:14:15 The High Evolutionary’s obsession
00:18:52 Drax, Quasar, and Warlock
00:20:57 Rocket’s Perspective and Groot’s love language
00:25:20 Swinging back to the Jewish stuff
00:26:09 Joseph, Moses, King David, and Joseph again
00:31:40 Reliving time with your family
00:35:06 Growing from the family around you
00:37:18 Some of our favorite afikomen
00:46:32 Two types of family
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-34-mishpacha-of-the-galaxy Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**July 19, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 33 - Cancel Lashon Hara …With Special Guest Rachel Frish
In this episode, we are joined by Rachel Frish as we look at the complexities of the Hebrew phrase “lashon hara.” What happens when cultural icons speak poorly of others and how does it impact us as their nerdy fans?
00:03:28 Defining Lashon Hara
00:06:17 When is it not lashon hara?
00:12:12 How to separate an artist from their work
00:18:01 Changing and shifting culture
00:27:09 Teshuva Process
00:34:01 The point of no return
00:39:28 Frish’s Harry Potter soapbox
00:47:07 May all wickedness cease
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-33-cancel-lashon-hara Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com****.
Thank you for listening to this week’s episode, we touched on a few difficult topics. We want to make sure to say that if YOU or someone you know is a victim of abuse or in need of support, we urge you to contact your local clergy or the appropriate local or national hotline. If you are not connected to a clergy person, please call RDY. He can be reached any time at 833-722-2701. Everyone should always be able to find support when they need it.**
**July 5, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 32 - The Mikvahlorian …With Special Guest Ellery Weil
Join us and special guest, Ellery Weil, as we learn the way of the Mandalorian and the uncanny connection to one of Judaism’s ritual practices. While they don’t make their tallit out of beskar the history, culture, and customs we learn about in Season 3 of the Mandalorian help us reflect on our own practices as Jews. Much like Grogu, this podcast means more to us than you will ever know.
00:02:54 Optimal viewing experience
00:05:13 Let’s all go to the mikvah
00:07:44 An 18th Century Pirate Mikvah
00:09:17 Bo Katan’s accidental plunge
00:15:00 The dark saber’s transitive property
00:15:56 Grogu’s independence! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!
00:16:45 Pellaeon-tology
00:18:22 Two theories
00:22:09 Moff Gideon tried
00:23:12 Building Nevarro’s Temple
00:27:35 The written and spoken words at the mikvah
00:30:35 Some more low-key Judaism
00:32:06 The Jewish way
00:32:53 The spies
00:33:22 Lightsabers into plowshares
00:34:21 Night of a thousand tears
00:35:21 This last one is way out in left field
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-32-the-mikvahlorian You can read Ellery’s article on Hey Alma here: https://www.heyalma.com/is-the-mandalorian-lowkey-jewish/ Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**June 21, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 31 - Movie Midrash: D&D - Honor Among Family
Get ready to roll initiative again because we’re heading into a new medium for D&D! This episode we explore some of the Jewish “connections” that we found in the recent hit film Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. We also talk about what parts plucked at our heart strings and what we hope they include in a hopeful sequel.
00:00:46 RDY’s D&D memory flashbacks
00:04:58 Dungeon & Dragon movies
00:12:35 Roll to guess the smash
00:13:46 Kehillah kedosha, a holy community
00:14:38 Why is community a Jewish value?
00:19:46 Hillel said, “Never split the party!”
00:23:28 All of Israel is responsible for one another
00:27:37 Community amongst the skeleton army
00:28:59 Is your party cautious or not cautious?
00:30:32 When does a horde become a community?
00:35:11 Final thoughts on the film
00:37:20 The biblical word for community
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-31-movie-midrash-honor-among-family
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**June 7, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 30 - Movie Midrash: QWundermania …With Special Guest Terry Wunder
In this episode, we are joined by Terry Wunder as we explore the recent dive into Marvel’s quantum realm and discover what bothers us about the newest Ant-Man movie as well as Terry’s hopes and dreams for the future of the MCU.
00:03:41 Overall thoughts on Paul Rudd’s newest MCU film
00:11:33 It’s great that Scott wrote a book, so what?
00:12:55 It is not your responsibility to finish the work, but neither can you desist from it.
00:13:52 Jedi Temple Rabbi Tarfon’s full quote.
00:15:12 You just need to do something. Anything.
00:21:41 Getting a reward in return.
00:26:38 The grant of the reward is in the age to come.
00:34:20 LOOK OUT!! For the little guy!
00:25:59 Other LITTLE details
00:38:42 Jumping into Terry’s Wunderverse
00:41:24 Final Thoughts on Quantumania
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-30-movie-midrash-qwundermania
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**May 24, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 29 - Anniversary Special: A One-Shot of Biblical Proportions!
To celebrate one year of being Jewish and Nerdy, we invited our previous guests back to the show for a Torah Smashed version of Dungeons & Dragons. Each player chose a biblical character to portray (character descriptions below) and joined together for an adventure 5,783 years in the making.
00:02:27 Interrogating the slave master
00:06:26 MacGuffin’s compass
00:11:08 Noah: the seafarer and his mysterious ship
00:20:33 “Kuo toa! Defend Yourselves!”
00:52:02 This calls for a celebratory meal
00:54:17 Our hands are tied
01:07:13 What’s in the chest?
01:13:59 Maybe now it’s magical
01:18:13 The Temple atop Mount Sinai
01:30:00 Rabbi Fixler’s dreams come to life!
01:33:06 Who wakes Lilith?
01:51:39 It is not that easy
02:09:49 The helping friendly book
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-29-anniversary-special-a-one-shot-of-biblical-proportions
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com****.
Character Backgrounds:
JONAH - played by Barak MalkinLevel 15 Halfling Druid - Jonah comes from his eponymous book of the Tanakh, which we read on Yom Kippur. Jonah is asked by God to travel to Nineveh, tries to get away, gets swallowed by a whale (“big fish”), and eventually does as God asks. JOSEPH - played by Ethan Lane-MillerLevel 15 Half-Elf Monk/Fighter/Warlock - Joseph comes from the book of Genesis (also featured in the musical written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber), where his adventures take him on a roller-coaster ride from favorite child to slave to head of house to prisoner to Egyptian vizier. His placement in Egypt leads to the salvation of his family, which in turn leads to his people being enslaved in Egypt. TAMAR - played by Rabbi Leah BerkowitzLevel 15 Changeling Paladin - Tamar’s story is from Genesis 38, where she starts married to Judah’s eldest (making her Joseph’s niece-in-law). He dies while they are childless, so she marries Judah’s second. He dies while they are childless, so Judah keeps his third son away from her (which is against the custom of the time), and Tamar, in turn, tricks Judah into sleeping with her to provide a child. She uses Judah’s staff, cord, and signet to prove that the child is his. ISAAC - played by Rabbi Josh FixlerLevel 15 Elf Warlock - Isaac’s story comes early in Genesis. He is the only son of Abraham and Sarah, the half-brother of Ishmael, and the father of Jacob and Esau. He spends his biblical story being guided by his family rather than making his own decisions, and eventually gets tricked by his wife and son Jacob because of his dimming eyesight. RAHAV - played by Rabbi Elisa Koppel**Level 15 Half-Elf Rogue Assassin - Rahav comes from the book of Joshua, which tells the story of the conquest of Canaan. When Joshua sends spies into Jericho to scout the city, Rahav (the town prostitute) gives them a place to hide and a route of escape out of the city. Her sign of loyalty to the Israelites was a red cord tied to her window.
**May 10 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 28 - STRANGERAMA
Good news, everyone! Exodus is full of travelers, but never did we expect to travel so far into the future! We love fish out of water stories, but when Moses decided to name his son Gershom, meaning “stranger in a foreign land,” we wonder if that stranger also became a delivery boy.
00:01:32 Exodus 2:22 “A Stranger in a foreign land”
00:04:08 We’re going into the future….again!
00:06:00 Philip J. Fry, the Planet Express delivery boy of 2999
00:07:48 Favorite fish out of water stories
00:09:25 Favorite Jewish fish out of water stories
00:14:29 Futurama’s Jewish themes
00:16:24 But is it a Jewish show?
00:23:31 Dr. Zoidberg’s heritage
00:30:31 Futurama’s genius writers
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-28-strangerama
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**April 26, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 27 - Forgotten Torah Stories: The Director’s Cut
Not all Jewish stories are told. There are some that get left behind on the cutting room floor. Who decides which stories get told and how does that impact our teachings? Ethan leads us on an exploration of the forgotten, the rewritten, and the unknown.
00:04:19 How we decide which stories are canon
00:09:36 Apocryphal books
00:12:42 Items removed from nerd culture canon
00:16:14 Do we lose something when we forget stories?
00:19:39 Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor
00:23:19 Visual impact on stories we keep
00:27:55 What Jewish or nerdy stories do we wish were considered canon?
00:29:56 MCU playing with canon
00:34:52 Who decides what is canon?
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-27-forgotten-torah-stories-the-directors-cut
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**April 12, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 26 - It’s Not Easy Being Keen …With Guest Host Rabbi Elisa Koppel
Join us as Rabbi Elisa Koppel (REK) makes a most colorful connection between her biggest fandom, the Muppets, and the part of herself that she most identifies with, Jewish education. Explore our favorite muppet characters and the lessons they teach us. This one is seriously funny. Wakka wakka!
00:03:42 REK’s Biggest Fandom? The Muppets
00:14:47 Who is wise? One who learns from every other person.
00:16:38 Learning can be fun and funny
00:18:47 Learning doesn’t only happen in classrooms
00:23:31 You can teach to two audiences at once
00:35:51 Anyone can be a muppet
00:42:37 Don’t take yourself too seriously
00:46:35 Favorite Muppet Guest
00:52:43 Everyone gets included
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-26-its-not-easy-being-keen
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**March 29, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 25 - Passover’s Four Children, Mmkay?
Read the passover haggadah like never before and explore a wild theory that Barak once heard about four famous never aging 10-year-old tv characters and their connection to the four children of the passover seder.
00:01:44 The Four Children of the Passover Haggadah
00:05:10 The children of South Park, Colorado
00:09:52 The Wise One - Kyle
00:12:45 The Wicked One - Cartman
00:23:16 The Simple One - Stan
00:28:53 The One Unable To Ask - Kenny
00:39:11 Paralleling Four Generations
00:43:47 Proven to be true? Or just a fun theory?
00:45:42 Finding the Four Children in Pop Culture
00:53:09 Mr. Hanky’s Hanukkah Message
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-25-passovers-four-children-mmkay
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**March 15, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 24 - Is It Golem? …With Guest Host Rabbi Josh Fixler
This episode, we take a tour of the virtual Golem Museum with its curator, Rabbi Josh Fixler! What should we talk about? Oh, I know: Superman! And Star Trek! And supercomputers! Actually, the conversation is about the Golem…or is it?
00:03:21 The History of the golem, for Susan
00:07:43 Our experiences with golem
00:12:23 What pop-culture Golem will we talk about?
00:15:13 Rabbi Josh Fixler invented a game show for us!
00:15:51 Round 1 - Superman
00:21:49 Round 2 - A ‘different’ golem story
00:29:54 The first supercomputer in Israel
00:32:37 Round 3 - Star Trek android golems
00:39:31 Lightning Round: Frankenstein, Cybermen, Mickey’s broomsticks, the great mouse of Minsk, Pinnoccio, Ultron, and Gollum
00:47:46 Thank you touring the Golem Museum with us
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-24-is-it-golem
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com****.
Learn more about Rabbi Josh Fixler's Golem Museum on Instagram @golem_museum**
**March 1, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 23: Loving Everything, Everywhere, All At Once
This movie has won award after award across every multiverse. In this life, RDY takes his time to guide us through the 2022 film: Everything, Everywhere, All At Once. We explore the clutter, the googly eyes, the IRS receipts, and of course bagels. Find Joy for yourself in this episode and discover the Jewish text that’s guiding the lives of these characters. Or, if you need to, just be a rock.
00:01:02 The Award Winning Film: Everything, Everywhere, All at Once
00:08:40 Fighting with kindness
00:10:20 It’s all about bagels… maybe
00:14:57 V'ahavta l'reacha kamocha - Love your neighbor as yourself
00:18:46 Loving everything the Torah way
00:21:41 Finding clutter and meaning everywhere
00:26:34 Being dedicated and obligated all at once
00:29:55 Relationships aren’t won by being the nicest
00:34:01 The highest form of wisdom is kindness
00:37:30 Love means love means love
00:43:12 Take a moment to think about what you love
00:44:01 A little more love for the movie
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-23-loving-everything-everywhere-all-at-once
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**February 15, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 22: Producing a Hit Spiel ...With Guest Host Rabbi Leah Berkowitz
We explore the ideas behind the very first Purim Spiel and the villain we all love to mock with our guest host, Rabbi Leah Berkowitz. Join us as we discover the connections to one of Mel Brooks’ classic films and share some of our favorite parodies from years past.
00:02:23 Purim?! What a coincidence!
00:16:33 Mel Brooks’ anti-musical The Producers
00:19:20 Some background on the 1967 film
00:26:42 How would your 1967 persona have reacted?
00:33:32 Mel Brooks brings the context
00:37:43 Favorite portrayal of Haman
00:42:39 Quick Muppet Tangent
00:43:50 More Purim Memories
Don’t forget to rate and review us. It helps others find the show!
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-22-producing-a-hit-spiel
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**February 1, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 21 - Phase IV: The Genesis Saga
The first book of the Torah, Genesis, has many of the characters exploring the questions of “How do we know who we are or who we are supposed to be?” Lucky for us, similar themes run through the Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Four projects! Get ready for a dive on some of your favorite Marvel projects from the last two years!
00:00:50 Starting at the beginning, Genesis
00:04:18 Clarifying MCU Phase IV
00:06:30 Rapid fire of all 17 Marvel projects
00:12:35 Resetting the game board
00:20:29 The Torah Cinematic Universe’s Kang
00:29:56 Favorite Phase 4 Projects
00:35:38 When did you discover who you were supposed to be?
00:44:46 The changing of spaces that shape who we become
00:48:25 Rating MCU Phase 4
Don’t forget to rate and review us. It helps others find the show!
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-21-phase-iv-the-genesis-saga
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**January 18, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 20 - Captain Janeway’s Transporter Trolley Dilemma
Ethan takes us back for a rewatch of an episode of Star Trek: Voyager, titled “Tuvix.” A miscalculation with the transporter causes two crew mates to be merged into a new being. Captain Janeway has quite the conundrum in front of her and Judaism has a few pieces of advice for her. Also, we help prepare the rabbis for important decisions they will need to make in regards to replicators.
00:01:58 Season 2, Episode 24 - Tuvix
00:06:55 Pikuach Nefesh - To save a life
00:11:06 The Trolley Problem
00:14:05 Clarifications on Captain Kathryn Janeway
00:16:55 Some heroes kill way too many people
00:19:24 Is Tuvix made in the image of God?
00:27:50 The Captain who made decisions
00:29:48 Struggling through change
00:31:29 Future Jewish Problems
00:35:48 Computer: Run Torah Smash Holodeck Program
00:41:53 What Star Trek should someone start with?
URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy, the premiere Jewish science and technology camp in the multiverse, welcomes young scientists, innovators, and digital creators entering grades 4-11. Located on the campus of the prestigious Governor's Academy in Byfield, Massachusetts, 6 Points Sci-Tech boasts top-notch educational and recreational facilities. At 6 Points Sci-Tech, campers participate in an immersive, hands-on environment that nurtures their passion for exploration and creativity through a values-based curriculum geared towards making the world a more whole, just, and compassionate place through science and technology. Their camp programming includes instruction in Robotics, Video Game Design, Behavioral Sciences, Digital Film Production, Chemistry, Programming & Coding, Cryptology, Digital Art, as well as a variety of counselor-led electives. For more information, call 857-246-8677 or visit http://6PointsSciTech.org****.
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-14-the-mcflys-of-hillel-valley
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**January 4, 2023
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 19 - Movie Midrash: May Wakanda Forever Be A Blessing
We laugh and cry until it hurts in this look at Black Panther: Wakanda Forever with special guest Myq Kaplan. Join us as we celebrate the lives of both Chadwick Boseman and T’Challa. Also, why did they change the name to Talokan?
00:03:18 A solemn opening
00:06:47 A movie in mourning
00:15:01 Elephants and experiences
00:25:02 Memories as a blessing
00:30:24 Rituals of mourning
00:37:41 Talokan and the spelling of Hanukkah… chanukah… you get it.
00:41:47 “Sin Amore” and changing the truth we know
00:50:10 MCU mutant timeline discussion
00:53:36 Everyone has suffered loss
URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy, the premiere Jewish science and technology camp in the multiverse, welcomes young scientists, innovators, and digital creators entering grades 4-11. Located on the campus of the prestigious Governor's Academy in Byfield, Massachusetts, 6 Points Sci-Tech boasts top-notch educational and recreational facilities. At 6 Points Sci-Tech, campers participate in an immersive, hands-on environment that nurtures their passion for exploration and creativity through a values-based curriculum geared towards making the world a more whole, just, and compassionate place through science and technology. Their camp programming includes instruction in Robotics, Video Game Design, Behavioral Sciences, Digital Film Production, Chemistry, Programming & Coding, Cryptology, Digital Art, as well as a variety of counselor-led electives. For more information, call 857-246-8677 or visit http://6PointsSciTech.org****.
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-14-the-mcflys-of-hillel-valley
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**December 21, 2022
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 18 - Hershel and the Torah Smash Chanukah Special!
Walking down the dark, quiet road is Hershel of Ostropol and, what’s this? He’s real?! Not only did this yiddish folklore legend save Chanukah, but he also has so much in common with another character from nerd culture. Find out who in this very special Chanukah episode!
00:01:11 Introducing our hero, Hershel of Ostropol
00:03:40 The trickster of Yiddish folklore
00:05:50 “Better a whole lie, than a half truth”
00:10:18 Have you ever been deceived and thought it was okay?
00:12:27 One is just a more likable trickster
00:16:52 We survive, that’s just what we do
00:21:25 The Hershel Cinematic Universe
00:32:32 Favorite Loki Appearance in the MCU
00:40:15 HAPPY CHANUKAH!
URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy, the premiere Jewish science and technology camp in the multiverse, welcomes young scientists, innovators, and digital creators entering grades 4-11. Located on the campus of the prestigious Governor's Academy in Byfield, Massachusetts, 6 Points Sci-Tech boasts top-notch educational and recreational facilities. At 6 Points Sci-Tech, campers participate in an immersive, hands-on environment that nurtures their passion for exploration and creativity through a values-based curriculum geared towards making the world a more whole, just, and compassionate place through science and technology. Their camp programming includes instruction in Robotics, Video Game Design, Behavioral Sciences, Digital Film Production, Chemistry, Programming & Coding, Cryptology, Digital Art, as well as a variety of counselor-led electives. For more information, call 857-246-8677 or visit http://6PointsSciTech.org****.
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-14-the-mcflys-of-hillel-valley
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**December 7, 2022
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 17 - I. Am. Jacob …With Guest Host Micol Zimmerman Burkeman
Our guest host, Micol Zimmerman Burkeman, leads us in discussion of her favorite and least favorite representations of a hero in the bible. They may not always be fighting a villain who is the opposite of them. Sometimes it’s our own selves that need to be dealt with.
00:05:10 The first of many guesses: Micol’s fav and least fav characters?
00:12:37 A bonus guess: Torah in a musical
00:18:54 Who best represents the question, “Why Jacob?”
00:24:31 A beloved, but challenging character
00:31:15 We are not Esau and we are not Cap
00:38:03 That’s the Jewish people’s tuches
00:43:18 Jacob is the relatable figure for us
00:48:03 This enriches our experience of learning
URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy, the premiere Jewish science and technology camp in the multiverse, welcomes young scientists, innovators, and digital creators entering grades 4-11. Located on the campus of the prestigious Governor's Academy in Byfield, Massachusetts, 6 Points Sci-Tech boasts top-notch educational and recreational facilities. At 6 Points Sci-Tech, campers participate in an immersive, hands-on environment that nurtures their passion for exploration and creativity through a values-based curriculum geared towards making the world a more whole, just, and compassionate place through science and technology. Their camp programming includes instruction in Robotics, Video Game Design, Behavioral Sciences, Digital Film Production, Chemistry, Programming & Coding, Cryptology, Digital Art, as well as a variety of counselor-led electives. For more information, call 857-246-8677 or visit http://6PointsSciTech.org****.
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-14-the-mcflys-of-hillel-valley
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**November 23, 2022
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 16 - Rogue One: A Midrash Story
RDY leads us in an exploration of Rogue One and the implications it has on the vast expanding Star Wars universe. You’re probably just as surprised as us that Ethan wasn’t the lead on this episode.
TIME STAMPS
00:00:50 - RDY’s Star Wars nostalgia
00:02:16 - Think of the entire Star Wars universe for the guess
00:04:50 - Midrash and FanFiction
00:08:30 - A New Hope opening crawl and its history
00:11:53 - Hints at connections to Episode IV
00:19:54 - This isn’t their first time
00:23:31 - Favorite Torah Legends
00:28:45 - A midrash about a midrash
00:33:00 - Mon Mothma and final thoughts
URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy, the premiere Jewish science and technology camp in the multiverse, welcomes young scientists, innovators, and digital creators entering grades 4-11. Located on the campus of the prestigious Governor's Academy in Byfield, Massachusetts, 6 Points Sci-Tech boasts top-notch educational and recreational facilities. At 6 Points Sci-Tech, campers participate in an immersive, hands-on environment that nurtures their passion for exploration and creativity through a values-based curriculum geared towards making the world a more whole, just, and compassionate place through science and technology. Their camp programming includes instruction in Robotics, Video Game Design, Behavioral Sciences, Digital Film Production, Chemistry, Programming & Coding, Cryptology, Digital Art, as well as a variety of counselor-led electives. For more information, call 857-246-8677 or visit http://6PointsSciTech.org****.
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-14-the-mcflys-of-hillel-valley
Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com**.
**November 9, 2022
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 15 - Nerd Mitzvah: A Rite Of Passage
Ethan reminds us that life happens in stages. In Judaism, we experience milestones like our b’nai mitzvah or religious school or summer camp. What rituals do nerd children have to look forward to? Listen if you want to learn how to best prepare for your own Nerd Mitzvah!
00:00:38 Pirkei Avot 5:21
00:04:56 The Milestones of Being a Nerd
00:07:07 As parents, what nerdy milestones do you hope to cross off?
00:15:10 Raising Pokemon Trainers of our own
00:19:19 Welcoming a rising adult into nerd culture
00:25:35 Coming of age rituals in a nerd medium
00:32:26 Alternative B’Mitzvah in Judaism
00:37:30 Kobayashi Maru and other unexpected ceremonies
This episode is supported in part by Magnetic Shul, which is a tech-free, self-contained box with a synagogue background and magnets of the people and props we encounter at shul. The color sets invite children to play and create their own stories while at services or whenever MagneticShul is brought out.
MagneticShul makes a wonderful addition to synagogues. MagneticShul is an educational tool used by all ages: free play, structured barrier games, stop motion animation, or just retelling the synagogue experience. For parents, MagneticShul is a wonderful tool for their children to discover the synagogue through developmentally appropriate play. It is portable and can be enjoyed both on the road, while driving or in the comfort of your own home or at synagogue. Ultimately, MagneticShul is where kids play to pray.
MagneticShul is the brainchild of educator Justin Sakofs. The project was incubated through the PresenTense Global Institute with magnets produced in Israel, the tins are printed in China and assembled by the clients of Keshet in Chicago.
To learn more about MagneticShul visit www.magneticshul.com or contact Justin at justin@magneticshul.com****.
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-15-nerd-mitzvah-a-rite-of-passage
Connect with us online, support us with a donation, email us directly, and more at www.torahsmash.com**
**October 26, 2022
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 14 - The McFlys of Hillel Valley …with special guest Micah Hart
We find a new Jewish connection as we are joined by the host of the Jewish geography game show, Who Knows One?, Micah Hart. Join as we explore the numerous timeline of the Back to the Future trilogy and how it connects perfectly to a quote by the Talmudic scholar, Hillel.
00:01:35 Jewish Geography already
00:04:41 To quote Hillel, “If not now, when?”
00:06:03 We’re using Back to the Future rules
00:11:01 Are rules different for nerd spoilers?
0018:00 Last connection to self care
00:18:33 Saving the community in the sequel
00:21:52 Being erased
00:23:34 Make your future whatever you want it to be
00:27:12 Playing with the Talmud timeline
00:32:14 Favorite Time Travel Movies
00:34:17 Sequels that stand up
00:41:40 If you could go back
This episode is supported in part by Magnetic Shul, which is a tech-free, self-contained box with a synagogue background and magnets of the people and props we encounter at shul. The color sets invite children to play and create their own stories while at services or whenever MagneticShul is brought out.
MagneticShul makes a wonderful addition to synagogues. MagneticShul is an educational tool used by all ages: free play, structured barrier games, stop motion animation, or just retelling the synagogue experience. For parents, MagneticShul is a wonderful tool for their children to discover the synagogue through developmentally appropriate play. It is portable and can be enjoyed both on the road, while driving or in the comfort of your own home or at synagogue. Ultimately, MagneticShul is where kids play to pray.
MagneticShul is the brainchild of educator Justin Sakofs. The project was incubated through the PresenTense Global Institute with magnets produced in Israel, the tins are printed in China and assembled by the clients of Keshet in Chicago.
To learn more about MagneticShul visit www.magneticshul.com or contact Justin at justin@magneticshul.com****.
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-14-the-mcflys-of-hillel-valley
Connect with us online, support us with a donation, email us directly, and more at www.torahsmash.com**
**October 12, 2022
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 13: Dungeons & Discrimination?
RDY dives into his background as a Dungeon Master for a D&D group of Rabbis and we look into an article on magical creatures that makes us question our perception of the world around us.
00:02:20 RDY has a few things to say
00:04:12 Our Cassandra problem
00:08:10 The Problem with Bubble Wrap Golem
00:10:05 Homebrewing in Torah
00:12:08 Should we play a Torah Smash One Shot?
00:14:43 Satanic Panic and finding connections
00:20:16 Magic The T’shuvah
00:23:27 Do we try too hard to find antisemitism?
00:31:20 The conversation is missing
00:38:23 Most memorable campaigns
SPONSORSHIP
This episode is supported in part by MagneticShul, which is a tech-free, self-contained box with a synagogue background and magnets of the people and props we encounter at shul. The color sets invite children to play and create their own stories while at services or whenever MagneticShul is brought out.
MagneticShul makes a wonderful addition to synagogues. MagneticShul is an educational tool used by all ages: free play, structured barrier games, stop motion animation, or just retelling the synagogue experience. For parents, MagneticShul is a wonderful tool for their children to discover the synagogue through developmentally appropriate play. It is portable and can be enjoyed both on the road, while driving or in the comfort of your own home or at synagogue. Ultimately, MagneticShul is where kids play to pray.
MagneticShul is the brainchild of educator Justin Sakofs. The project was incubated through the PresenTense Global Institute with magnets produced in Israel, the tins are printed in China and assembled by the clients of Keshet in Chicago.
To learn more about MagneticShul visit www.magneticshul.com or contact its creator at justin@magneticshul.com****.
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-13-dungeons-discrimination
Connect with us online, support us with a donation, email us directly, and more at www.torahsmash.com**
**September 28, 2022
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 12 - Choice Effect 3
Finally, our first video game based episode! Ethan shares his insights to one of the most controversial decisions from the last decade that was made in the virtual RPG world. Listen to the episode or not, the choice is entirely yours. Or at least maybe that’s what we want you to think.
00:00:43 - Exploring Mishneh Torah Hilchot Teshuvah
00:05:15 - The Mass Effect Trilogy and other RPGs
00:09:27 - Limited free will
00:19:09 - The mathematical limit of choice
00:20:28 - Choice when there are limits
00:22:29 - Do you want choice A or B?
00:25:30 - A Rush text study
00:27:56 - Morally ambiguous characters
00:33:29 - Choices in the Torah
00:36:00 - Biblical RPG
This episode is supported in part by MagnetShul, which is a tech-free, self-contained box with a synagogue background and magnets of the people and props we encounter at shul. The color sets invite children to play and create their own stories while at services or whenever MagneticShul is brought out.
MagneticShul makes a wonderful addition to synagogues. MagneticShul is an educational tool used by all ages: free play, structured barrier games, stop motion animation, or just retelling the synagogue experience. For parents, MagneticShul is a wonderful tool for their children to discover the synagogue through developmentally appropriate play. It is portable and can be enjoyed both on the road, while driving or in the comfort of your own home or at synagogue. Ultimately, MagneticShul is where kids play to pray.
MagneticShul is the brainchild of educator Justin Sakofs. The project was incubated through the PresenTense Global Institute with magnets produced in Israel, the tins are printed in China and assembled by the clients of Keshet in Chicago.
To learn more about MagneticShul visit www.magneticshul.com or contact its creator at justin@magneticshul.com****.
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-12-choice-effect-3
Connect with us online, support us with a donation, email us directly, and more at www.torahsmash.com**
**September 14, 2022
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 11 - Movie Midrash: Iyov and Thunder
We proudly present our second Movie Midrash episode! Join us as we review the recently released Thor: Love and Thunder, and discover which biblical character’s story has immense similarity to one of the main characters in this newest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
00:00:53 - Initial Reactions to Thor 4
00:08:33 - The perceptions of gods in this film
00:11:17 - The man who loses everything
00:12:50 - Job’s influence in Love and Thunder
00:13:57 - Job’s first two discussion questions
00:24:18 - How is suffering explained?
00:39:35 - The role of the accuser
00:40:30 - Love comes in many forms
This episode is supported in part by Magnetic Shul, which is a tech-free, self-contained box with a synagogue background and magnets of the people and props we encounter at shul. The color sets invite children to play and create their own stories while at services or whenever MagneticShul is brought out.
MagneticShul makes a wonderful addition to synagogues. MagneticShul is an educational tool used by all ages: free play, structured barrier games, stop motion animation, or just retelling the synagogue experience. For parents, MagneticShul is a wonderful tool for their children to discover the synagogue through developmentally appropriate play. It is portable and can be enjoyed both on the road, while driving or in the comfort of your own home or at synagogue. Ultimately, MagneticShul is where kids play to pray.
MagneticShul is the brainchild of educator Justin Sakofs. The project was incubated through the PresenTense Global Institute with magnets produced in Israel, the tins are printed in China and assembled by the clients of Keshet in Chicago.
To learn more about MagneticShul visit www.magneticshul.com or contact its creator at justin@magneticshul.com****.
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-11-movie-midrash-iyov-and-thunder
Connect with us online, support us with a donation, email us directly, and more at www.torahsmash.com**
**August 31, 2022
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 10: It’s Daf Yomi, Mr. Frodo! …With Special Guest Miriam Anzovin
We form a small fellowship as we are joined by writer, visual artist, and TikTok creator, Miriam Anzovin. Explore the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, and many other nerd culture references. as we consider the forces of good and bad in the ordinary and extraordinary.
00:04:24 Lord of the Rings inspires a child
00:12:03 Let’s Smash This!
00:15:34 The yetzer hara and yetzer hatov of Middle Earth
00:20:15 Schleps, birthdays, and the letter G
00:26:10 How the One Ring would affect each host
00:36:24 The real nerd of Boston
00:37:31 Destroying the yetzer hara: a midrash
00:42:29 Reactions and conversations are teachings
00:45:14 Closing banter with Miriam
If you’re interested in following Miriam on social media, you can find her on TikTok, Instagram, and Youtube (@miriamanzovin) or on Twitter (@anzovina).
You can discover more about Miriam’s work on her website: www.miriamanzovin.com
This episode is supported in part by Sinai and Synapses, which offers people a worldview that is both scientifically grounded and spiritually uplifting. They provide tools and language for learning and living to those who see science as their ally as they pursue personal growth and the repair of our world. Sinai and Synapses helps to equip scientists, clergy and dedicated lay people with knowledge and skills to become role models, ambassadors and activists for grappling with the biggest and most important questions we face. They believe that in order to enhance ourselves and our world, we need both religion and science as sources of wisdom, as the spark for new questions, and as inspiration and motivation.
Through classes, seminars, lectures, videos and writings, they help create a vision of religion that embraces critical thinking and scientific inquiry, and at the same time, gives meaning to people’s lives and helps them make a positive impact on society.
Sinai and Synapses is incubated at Clal – The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership*, which links Jewish wisdom with innovative scholarship to deepen civic and spiritual participation in American life. You can learn more at* www.sinaiandsynapses.org or @SinaiSynapses on twitter.
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-10-its-daf-yomi-mr-frodo
Connect with us online, email us directly, and more at www.torahsmash.com**
**August 17, 2022
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 9 - Finding the Value of Why
There are distinct similarities between the subject of Mathematics and the study of Judaism. We won’t ask you to come up to the chalkboard to prove it, but make sure you have your pocket protectors and TI-85 ready for today’s class…I mean episode.
00:00:38 - Barak’s start with Mathematics
00:04:52 - Judaism can be found in everything
00:06:08 - The Torah doesn’t change, I do
00:08:58 - Letters, Numbers, Theorems, and Talmud
00:18:19 - Favorite Midrash Proofs
00:28:40 - Recognizing that it’s all around us
00:38:50 - Favorite math subjects
This episode is supported in part by Sinai and Synapses, which offers people a worldview that is both scientifically grounded and spiritually uplifting. They provide tools and language for learning and living to those who see science as their ally as they pursue personal growth and the repair of our world. Sinai and Synapses helps to equip scientists, clergy and dedicated lay people with knowledge and skills to become role models, ambassadors and activists for grappling with the biggest and most important questions we face. They believe that in order to enhance ourselves and our world, we need both religion and science as sources of wisdom, as the spark for new questions, and as inspiration and motivation.
Through classes, seminars, lectures, videos and writings, they help create a vision of religion that embraces critical thinking and scientific inquiry, and at the same time, gives meaning to people’s lives and helps them make a positive impact on society.
Sinai and Synapses is incubated at Clal – The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership*, which links Jewish wisdom with innovative scholarship to deepen civic and spiritual participation in American life. You can learn more at* www.sinaiandsynapses.org or @SinaiSynapses on twitter.
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-9-finding-the-value-of-why
Connect with us online, email us directly, and more at www.torahsmash.com**
**August 3, 2022
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 8 - What Would Picard Do?
Ethan held off as long as he could, so for his second time in the host seat we are exploring strange new worlds, new civilizations, and Star Trek’s prime directive (aka Starfleet General Order 1).
00:01:28 Going where no podcast has gone before
00:05:01 What is Judaism’s prime directive?
00:12:47 Can you separate values and practice?
00:15:26 When it’s okay to break Judaism’s prime directive
00:21:12 Best Starfleet Captain
00:29:42 Favorite depiction of the Star Trek Universe
This episode is sponsored by Sinai and Synapses, which offers people a worldview that is both scientifically grounded and spiritually uplifting. They provide tools and language for learning and living to those who see science as their ally as they pursue personal growth and the repair of our world. Sinai and Synapses helps to equip scientists, clergy and dedicated lay people with knowledge and skills to become role models, ambassadors and activists for grappling with the biggest and most important questions we face. They believe that in order to enhance ourselves and our world, we need both religion and science as sources of wisdom, as the spark for new questions, and as inspiration and motivation.
Through classes, seminars, lectures, videos and writings, they help create a vision of religion that embraces critical thinking and scientific inquiry, and at the same time, gives meaning to people’s lives and helps them make a positive impact on society.
Sinai and Synapses is incubated at Clal – The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership*, which links Jewish wisdom with innovative scholarship to deepen civic and spiritual participation in American life. You can learn more at* www.sinaiandsynapses.org or @SinaiSynapses on twitter.
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-8-what-would-picard-do
Connect with us online, email us directly, and more at www.torahsmash.com**
**July 20, 2022
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 7 - For You Were Once A Superhero in Egypt
Our first guest host, Isaac Brynjegard-Bialik, reminds us how often Jews think about Egypt. Whether we are remembering through Passover, through our mezuzot, or through Torah study, Egypt seems to be a recurring theme for Jews. We’re pretty much like superheroes in that way, or at least one superhero in particular.
00:01:11 Introducing our first guest host: Isaac Brynjegard-Bialik
00:08:51 Exploring the text from Bamidbar (Chapter 11:4-6, and 11:18)
00:16:08 A biographical sketch of Moon Knight
00:22:18 What’s the deal with all the Egypt stuff?
00:29:45 Normalizing Judaism in nerd culture
00:36:25 Moon pies and moon pockets
00:38:30 Inalienable characteristics
00:43:45 The interesting Isaac
If you’re interested in seeing more of Isaac Brynjegard-Bialik’s work, check out www.nicejewishartist.com*.
If you want to learn more about the art workshops he and his wife lead for organizations, check out* www.papermidrash.com****.
This episode is supported in part by Sinai and Synapses, which offers people a worldview that is both scientifically grounded and spiritually uplifting. They provide tools and language for learning and living to those who see science as their ally as they pursue personal growth and the repair of our world. Sinai and Synapses helps to equip scientists, clergy and dedicated lay people with knowledge and skills to become role models, ambassadors and activists for grappling with the biggest and most important questions we face. They believe that in order to enhance ourselves and our world, we need both religion and science as sources of wisdom, as the spark for new questions, and as inspiration and motivation.
Through classes, seminars, lectures, videos and writings, they help create a vision of religion that embraces critical thinking and scientific inquiry, and at the same time, gives meaning to people’s lives and helps them make a positive impact on society.
Sinai and Synapses is incubated at Clal – The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership*, which links Jewish wisdom with innovative scholarship to deepen civic and spiritual participation in American life. You can learn more at www.sinaiandsynapses.org *or @SinaiSynapses on twitter.
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-7-for-you-were-once-a-superhero-in-egypt
Connect with us online, email us directly, and more at www.torahsmash.com**
**July 6, 2022
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 6 - Movie Midrash: Mussar of Madness
You asked for a deeper dive into movies, so we give you our first Movie Midrash episode! Jump into the multiverse with us and learn what Jewish path Dr. Stephen Strange finds himself on in his most recent MCU appearance.
00:01:41 Popcorn Chat - Dr. Strange 2
00:13:47 Drawing the connection to Judaism
00:15:58 A Strange Mussar path
00:22:08 Loaded with afikomen!
00:33:35 The importance of humility
This episode is supported in part by Sinai and Synapses, which offers people a worldview that is both scientifically grounded and spiritually uplifting. They provide tools and language for learning and living to those who see science as their ally as they pursue personal growth and the repair of our world. Sinai and Synapses helps to equip scientists, clergy and dedicated lay people with knowledge and skills to become role models, ambassadors and activists for grappling with the biggest and most important questions we face. They believe that in order to enhance ourselves and our world, we need both religion and science as sources of wisdom, as the spark for new questions, and as inspiration and motivation.
Through classes, seminars, lectures, videos and writings, they help create a vision of religion that embraces critical thinking and scientific inquiry, and at the same time, gives meaning to people’s lives and helps them make a positive impact on society.
Sinai and Synapses is incubated at Clal – The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership*, which links Jewish wisdom with innovative scholarship to deepen civic and spiritual participation in American life. You can learn more at* www.sinaiandsynapses.org or @SinaiSynapses on twitter.
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-6-movie-midrash-mussar-of-madness
Connect with us online, email us directly, and more at www.torahsmash.com**
We explore Jewish texts, history, and values and the apparent and invisible connections to your favorite movies, characters, and hobbies.
www.torahsmash.com
**June 22, 2022
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 5 - Leadership Without Vision
You’ve never studied parsha Yitro like this! Leadership is filled with difficult choices and can’t happen in a bubble. Listen to this episode at your next leadership training! Trust us, your leaders are also fans of nerd culture!
00:01:22 Barak explains Yitro “in a nutshell”
00:07:42 Spoiler alerts ahead for WandaVision
00:08:50 Wanda can only do so much on her own
00:14:01 Leadership’s choice of jealousy or admiration
00:16:50 The benefits of having a… Vision (and mentor)
00:21:05 A tough lesson for leaders
00:25:06 Finding Afikomen in WandaVision’s
00:30:40 Jewish communities of Theseus paradox
00:36:35 Final notes on Wanda’s leadership
This episode is sponsored by Congregation B'nai Tzedek, a Reform congregation where you matter. Come for a visit at 9669 Talbert Ave, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, or visit us on the web at www.*cbtfv.org*. You can also call 714-963-4611 and we will answer any questions we can. Everyone is welcome at CBT, whether you are Jewish, seeking Judaism, or just curious about the Jewish community.
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-5-leadership-without-vision
Connect with us online, email us directly, and more at www.torahsmash.com**
**June 8, 2022
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 4: The American Immigrant
For his first episode in the lead chair, Rabbi David Young explores stories of Jewish immigration and its ties to one of America’s most famous superheroes!
00:01:20 - RDY Introduces the topic of Jewish Immigration and this episode’s nerdy connection
00:03:30 - The connections between Moses and Superman
00:10:36 - Everyone seems to change their names, just like some of the comic greats.
00:22:26 - The unique alter ego and how we wear our Jewish identity
00:28:05 - The significance of a cape and what items make us feel super
00:34:12 - What is it that you do that promotes truth, justice, and the Jewish way?
00:43:20 - Favorite iterations of the iconic character
This episode is sponsored by Congregation B'nai Tzedek, a Reform congregation where you matter. Come for a visit at 9669 Talbert Ave, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, or visit us on the web at www.*cbtfv.org*. You can also call 714-963-4611 and we will answer any questions we can. Everyone is welcome at CBT, whether you are Jewish, seeking Judaism, or just curious about the Jewish community.
Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-4-the-american-immigrant Follow us @torahsmash
Connect with us online, email us directly, and more at www.torahsmash.com**
**May 25, 2022
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 3: Pretty Fly for a Text Study
We grew up adoring the music and lyrics by "Weird Al" Yankovic and always wished that we could dive deep in a text study of one of his songs. Today, that dream finally came true. Oy vey! Oy vey!
00:00:55 - Ethan dives into Weird Al’s 10th studio album
00:05:28 - What is Jewish Identity?
00:09:00 - Who defines a “fly” rabbi?
00:13:15 - Our temple has had a fair share of rabbis
00:16:23 - Works like a dog at the synagogue
00:23:10 - The verse of negative stereotypes
00:29:16 - Pastrami sandwich preferences
00:31:45 - Ethan’s favorite section - Spoiler alert if you’re 8 days old
00:34:18 - Making sure we fit in all the yiddish
00:37:22 - Our favorite “Weird Al” songs
00:43:13 - The Blazing Saddles conundrum
This episode is sponsored by Congregation B'nai Tzedek, a Reform congregation where you matter. Come for a visit at 9669 Talbert Ave, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, or visit us on the web at www.cbtfv.org****. You can also call 714-963-4611 and we will answer any questions we can. Everyone is welcome at CBT, whether you are Jewish, seeking Judaism, or just curious about the Jewish community.
Share this episode with a friend:*https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-3-pretty-fly-for-a-text-study* Follow us @torahsmash
Connect with us online, email us directly, and more at www.torahsmash.com**
**May 25, 2022
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 2: Marvelous Mensch
We discern the true meaning of the word "mensch" outside of its pop culture definition. Join us as we reveal which popular character from a recent record-breaking blockbuster movie encompasses this true definition of how to behave in the world.
00:00:51 - Barak’s favorite word in Jewish culture
00:03:34 - Spoiler alert for Spiderman: No Way Home
00:04:22 - Conversation at F.E.A.S.T.
00:07:01 - With great power comes great responsibility
00:10:32 - The “surprise guests” are people, too
00:14:20 - Walking away with just a coffee
00:20:29 - Just a person, but never alone
00:24:00 - Daredevil and more movie talk
This episode is sponsored by Congregation B'nai Tzedek, a Reform congregation where you matter. Come for a visit at 9669 Talbert Ave, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, or visit us on the web at www.*cbtfv.org*. You can also call 714-963-4611 and we will answer any questions we can. Everyone is welcome at CBT, whether you are Jewish, seeking Judaism, or just curious about the Jewish community.
Share this episode with a friend:*https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-1-origin-stories* Follow us @torahsmash
Connect with us online, email us directly, and more at www.torahsmash.com**
**May 23, 2022
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 1: Origin Stories
Welcome to Torah Smash!
Discover the background behind your newest favorite podcast, Torah Smash! Meet your hosts, hear their stories, and learn how they became super nerdy Jews. …Or should we say Jewish super nerds?
00:00:47 - The journey of getting to Episode 1
00:02:50 - Allow ourselves to introduce… ourselves
00:07:15 - Jewish super nerd or super Jewish nerd?
00:11:10 - Favorite Jewish character in nerd culture?
00:17:19 - Favorite character in nerd culture overall?
00:22:01 - Nerdiest thing you’ve done in your Jewish career?
00:28:23 - Top 5 Nerdiest things about you?
00:41:30 - Final rapid-fire questions!
This episode is sponsored by Congregation B'nai Tzedek, a Reform congregation where you matter. Come for a visit at 9669 Talbert Ave, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, or visit us on the web at www.*cbtfv.org*. You can also call 714-963-4611 and we will answer any questions we can. Everyone is welcome at CBT, whether you are Jewish, seeking Judaism, or just curious about the Jewish community.
Share this episode with a friend:*https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-1-origin-stories* Follow us @torahsmash
Connect with us online, email us directly, and more at www.torahsmash.com**