S5 Ep5: Choosing to become Jewish

In the season finale, the rabbis’ kids step in to lead the show. Ben, Eliana, Gabriel and Michah - chips of the (not so) old block, perhaps unsurprisingly they bring unfiltered wisdom, thoughts on humanity, the state of the world as they see it, considered explanations of what their mums actually do for a living and a healthy dose of perspective: for the adults listening - we’re all going to die anyway so just chill out. Join them for a quietly brilliant end to season 5. From the RO team, thanks for listening and see you again soon.

Judaism has always been an erev rav, a mixed multitude of those who inherit it and those who actively step into it. In this episode, the rabbis are joined by Rabbi Rebecca Birk to explore what draws people to choose Judaism today — from a deep spiritual pull to emotional, psychological and even physiological connection. Along the way, they unpack the Progressive conversion journey: a process that’s as inclusive, searching, rigorous and personal as it is transformative.

What’s it really like to be a Jewish student on campus today? In this episode, the rabbis are joined by Zac Bates Fisher, Student Engagement Officer for Progressive Judaism, to hear four candid stories from students with very different experiences of Jewish life at university.In a moment when Jewish identity can feel heightened, tense or misunderstood, these stories are about choice — choosing to step into Jewish life, to build community and to find connection. From sport and Shabbat dinners to interfaith iftars and growing inclusivity across shared Progressive and Orthodox spaces, students show that even in complex times, Jewish campus life can be intentional, resilient and full of possibility.You can reach Zac on Whatsapp at: ‪+44 7704 338344‬, on instagram at @zac.pjs or by sending an email to:[email protected]

One rabbi teaches Torah on a treadmill, another kidnaps the Prime Minister, while jokes about fat, gay Jews and the Holocaust have audiences roaring. Cue the klezmer — the Jews are coming but who doesn’t love Maureen Lipman? The rabbis explore the messy, funny, and often uncomfortable world of Jewish representation, asking how these portrayals land, why laughter matters, and whether it’s time to reboot both the telly and the tired old tropes.

They say not to talk about religion or politics with friends but that's all out the window on this episode as the rabbis go for both. At the same time. Grounding their conversation in Jewish text, they ask what happens when communities mirror a polarised society, whether everything is political and crucially, how we live together after the vote.

The rabbis are back for a fifth season of Rabbiting On, kicking off with the rabbis sharing some jaw-dropping tales of what people think is perfectly acceptable to say about how they look; a nod to Judaism’s own long tradition of saying exactly what it thinks. From sacred texts that freely comment on appearance to the eternal Jewish obsession with festivals and food, this episode has opinions, laughs and plenty to chew over.Find Rabbiting On wherever you get your podcasts, follow @rabbiting_on_podcast on Instagram, and tell them what you want them to rabbit on about next.

The core of being human is to be seen and to belong. Names give us that identity but naming people and things comes so naturally, do we ever stop to think about the power of it? Now's your chance for that and to find out why the rabbis have the names they do. And what they were nearly called but weren't. So join them in saying 'Hineni' - Here I Am!We're off-air after today for a little while, but go back, binge a few of our past eps, and we'll see you again soon.You can contact the show by following us on Instagram; @rabbiting_on_podcast or by sending an email to; [email protected] next time!

Nothing to see here. If you want the goss, you're gonna have to listen to the ep.

Is Artificial Intelligence truly artificial if it's reflecting back to us our own human experiences? Is it funny, trustworthy or creative? The rabbis welcome a new guest from another dimension.Vote in the World Zionist Congress: https://www.arzenu.uk/With thanks to Google/Gemini

What can happen when men feel ridiculed or invisible? The Netflix smash hit Adolescence has prompted a new conversation on toxic masculinity and the complexities facing boys and girls and the people raising them.Also...tune in to hear how you can help create a fairer, more progressive Israel that is building towards peace.All credit and copyright to Adolescence: NetflixWith thanks to Arzenu.uk