Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
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 explore Jewish texts, history, and values and the apparent and invisible connections to your favorite movies, characters, and hobbies. www.torahsmash.com
All episodes
Best episodes
Top 10 Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Episode 36 - Cobra Chai ...With Special Guest Dr. Betsy Stone
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
08/30/23 • 47 min
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-haraConnect 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
Episode 20 - Captain Janeway's Transporter Trolley Dilemma
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
01/18/23 • 46 min
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.
Episode 6 - Movie Midrash: Mussar of Madness
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
07/06/22 • 39 min
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 A plethora of references
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
Episode 33 - Cancel Lashon Hara ...With Special Guest Rachel Frish
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
07/19/23 • 53 min
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-haraConnect 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.
Episode 7 - For You Were Once A Superhero In Egypt ...with Guest Host Isaac Brynjegard-Bialik
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
07/20/22 • 49 min
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
Episode 35 - Genesis of the Spider-Verse ...With Special Guest Danny Fingeroth
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
08/16/23 • 47 min
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.
Episode 5 - Leadership Without Vision
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
06/22/22 • 41 min
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
Episode 10 - It's Daf Yomi, Mr. Frodo! ...With Special Guest Miriam Anzovin
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
08/31/22 • 51 min
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
Episode 3 - Pretty Fly for a Text Study
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
05/25/22 • 45 min
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
Episode 11 - Movie Midrash: Iyov And Thunder
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
09/14/22 • 46 min
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 [email protected].
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
Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews have?
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews currently has 76 episodes available.
What topics does Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews cover?
The podcast is about Geek, Nerd, Religion & Spirituality, Jewish, Podcasts, Superhero, Comic Book, Judaism, Torah and Nerdy.
What is the most popular episode on Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews?
The episode title 'Episode 22 - Producing A Hit Spiel ...With Guest Host Rabbi Leah Berkowitz' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews?
The average episode length on Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews is 48 minutes.
How often are episodes of Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews released?
Episodes of Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews are typically released every 14 days.
When was the first episode of Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews?
The first episode of Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews was released on May 22, 2022.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ