The Arts that Made Us

In this final episode of Finding Our Why, hosts Ittay and Courtney reflect on the journey by responding to three beautiful listener voice notes from Deni, Jacqui and Penina. They consider the challenges of Jewish education and whether its purpose is to pass on facts or nurture lifelong curiosity. Ittay shares why religion can bring meaning and connection, while also requiring care and responsibility. Together, they also ask whether a meaningful purpose must be grand, or can grow through everyday relationships, family, and small acts of connection.As they close the podcast, they celebrate the value of dialogue, choosing joy, and remaining open to growth, even when answers remain uncertain and unfinished.The episode features a recording of Forever Young by Carson McKee. To deepen your Jewish learning in Melbourne, visit the website of Beit Midrash Oz at:https://beitmidrashoz.org/Feedback on this episode is welcome at [email protected] so much to The Jewish Independent for believing in this project, to Nick King for the masterful editing, and to Donny Janks for the intro music. 

Has this series helped you find your why, or are you still searching?We'd love to hear your voice and respond to your thoughts and questions before our final episode.Voice notes can be sent via WhatsApp or Instagram at @ittay78 and @cwinterpetersWe can also be reached at: [email protected]

On this penultimate episode of Season 1, we explore the meaning of October 7 and our ever-changing relationship to the land and state of Israel.  Feedback on this episode is welcome at [email protected] Music: Hineni Band - Mitachat Lashamayim Hineni Band - Al Kol EleJaale Band Slichot Concert in Nachlaot Jerusalem, August 27, 2026. 

What role do the books, music, film, and the paintings on our walls play in enhancing our Jewish identity? -Books mentioned in this episode include:As a Driven Leaf, Milton SteinbergThe Amen Effect, Sharon BrousThe Heart of a Stranger, Angela Buchdahl Chutzpah Girls,  Julie Silverstein and Tami Schlossberg Pruwer-Music featured in this episode:Olivia Rodrigo Adon Olam (Stupid Song) - Covered by Ittay and Charlotte Eizenberg  Dolly Parton 9-5 in Yiddish - by Lea KalischDolly Parton Joellene in Hebrew - by Edut Eish YemminiHineni Band - Bashana Habaa-Ittay’s Top 10 Favourite Hebrew Songs Playlisthttps://open.spotify.com/playlist/0SiQNOyooNQrva82SwI6ef?si=lPeQ-zg5Q-20w3Wf0iAc8A&utm_source=copy-link&pi=397kbsHfRiCUzFinding meaning through Hebrew music https://fathomjournal.org/my-israeli-music-ittay-flescher/

Why is our religion so centred on arguments? Is this a weakness or a strength? In what way do arguments help us find meaning in troubled times?  What does it mean to “argue well”?The book discussed is Beyond Dispute: Rediscovering the Jewish art of constructive disagreement by Daniel Taub Full conversation between Rabbi Sharon Brous and Rabbi David Ingber on the Jonah Platt podcast on the subject of “To criticise publicly or privately.”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CvgpxlqnUo Feedback on this episode is welcome at [email protected]: This episode features a live performance of Both Sides Now by Elizabeth Riordan, recorded at the Malvern Town Hall in February 2025.  

Why do we travel, and what happens to our sense of identity when we leave our comfort zones? In this episode, we unpack the transformative power of journeys and ask whether we hit the road simply to see new places or to see ourselves differently.From camping trips in Australia to formative journeys across Malaysia and Kenya, we examine why so many foundational Jewish stories are rooted in wandering and exile. Is there a uniquely Jewish lesson in learning through travel?  Looking through the lens of pop culture like The White Lotus and the poetry of Yehuda Amichai, Ittay and Courtney explore how journeys force us to confront who we really are and ultimately reshape our understanding of home. Feedback on this episode is welcome at [email protected]: Halicha LeKeysaria by the Hineni Band. 

As we approach the High Holy Days, we ask: What is the purpose of Jewish rituals? We explore the complex link between belief and practice, debating whether our traditions offer deep personal meaning or just a sense of inherited obligation. Tune in as we celebrate the rituals we cherish and get honest about the ones that challenge our identity. Feedback on this episode is welcome at [email protected]: This episode features the Shira choir singing Lecha Dodi and the Hineni Band singing Kol Ha’Olam Kulo - A Narrow Bridge. 

Like religion and politics, grief is often treated as a taboo topic in everyday conversation. We stay quiet to spare those who are hurting, but what if our silence actually makes the pain worse?In this episode, we sit down with special guest Ruby Kraner-Tucci to explore what happens when we break the silence around loss, how to navigate the awkwardness of grief, and why talking about death is essential to finding meaning.Read Ruby’s writing:https://www.heraldsun.com.au/health/mental-health/my-dad-died-suddenly-but-the-silence-that-followed-felt-like-losing-him-again/news-story/f26ec17fa633e99aa8b7d17497f64663"My dad died suddenly, but the silence that followed felt like losing him again"–We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Send your feedback to [email protected] emotional support, contact Griefline, which provides free and confidential counselling, resources and information to people experiencing grief and loss across Australia. Call 1300 845 745

This episode explores several questions about faith and meaning.Do people who believe in a higher power and prayer have more meaning in their lives?Can someone fully experience the richness of Jewish ritual and festival observance without belief in God and Halacha? Is it appropriate to adapt sacred texts, such as rewriting the Shema, to better reflect contemporary values?Who is ultimately responsible for the good and bad in our world?Feedback on this episode is welcome at [email protected] episode features the beautiful words of Avinu Malkeni sung by The Shvesters 

What is the difference between Jewish education that simply passes along information and learning that truly stays with you for a lifetime?In this episode, we address a critical question facing our community: Should we focus our resources on fighting antisemitism, or invest them in strengthening Jewish literacy and engagement?We wrap up with a traditional, chavruta-style Talmud study, examining how Ben Zoma’s teachings in Pirkei Avot (4:1) offered a new framework for Jewish continuity after the fall of the Second Temple.Feedback on this episode is welcome at [email protected] Listeners are welcome to enjoy Ittay’s ‘Finding Our Why - Shabbat playlist at:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5dIphpo9dqi1Ed1HdGofGV?si=gaDCu-3MRdGOO-O19bngmQ