Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman are two of the most dynamic, interesting, and thought-provoking Jewish leaders today. Two seasoned educators who love to talk, listen, laugh, challenge, and grow, Mijal and Noam are the Wondering Jews, leading us through thought-provoking discussions that are as serious as they are entertaining. Whether you're a seasoned scholar or just curious about Jewish culture, this show offers a refreshing perspective that's both enlightening and enjoyable. It's not just ...
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Finally, a smart, funny, fast-moving podcast for Jews who love weed and for the people who love them! Join co-hosts Josh and Roy for cannabis strain reviews, headlines from around the Jewish and weed worlds, special guest interviews, and general, all-purpose laughter and curiosity. Check out the most recent 20 episodes for free, or become a Patreon Patron at any level and get access to the full back catalog. L'High'im!
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What Are We Thankful For? Personal Reflections from Mijal and Noam
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Hosts Mijal and Noam explore themes of gratitude along with Jewish and American identity. As Thanksgiving approaches, they share personal reflections, listener questions, and cultural insights while emphasizing the importance of gratitude in everyday life. ------------ Get in touch at WonderingJews@jewishunpacked.com, and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews. T…
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Elon Gold: Laughing through Faith, Identity, and Resilience
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Comedian and actor Elon Gold joins Mijal and Noam to talk about Jewish identity, cultural pride, and the impact of antisemitism on Jewish life today. Known for his appearances on Curb Your Enthusiasm and his comedy specials, Elon shares personal reflections on balancing his career with a deep connection to Judaism and Israel. Elon, Mijal and Noam a…
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Meghan McCain on Antisemitism and Politics: Live from the JFNA
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In their first live episode, hosts Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman talk to Meghan McCain—author, former co-host of The View, and podcast host. The conversation was recorded live in front of a packed audience at the Jewish Federation of North America's General Assembly in Washington, DC. Meghan McCain, the daughter of the late Senator John McCain, br…
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The Jewish Vote and Preserving Democracy with Lauren Markoe
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Hosts Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman welcome Lauren Markoe, news editor of The Forward, to discuss polls and trends among Jewish voters, many of whom live in swing states. The conversation touches on how Jewish communities navigate political divides, the challenges of public opinion, and cultural identity. Lauren highlights the heightened concern f…
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Navigating Israel, Identity, and Empathy in a Changing World
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Hosts Mijal and Noam explore the podcast's mission: to discuss and try to understand the complexities within the Jewish world. They talk about an ongoing challenge for parents; how to talk about antisemitism and Israel with children. Mijal and Noam also reflect on how their beliefs have changed over the past year. ------------ This podcast was brou…
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What Lies Ahead for Israel with Haviv Rettig Gur
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Hosts Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman sit down with journalist and friend, Haviv Rettig Gur to talk about what lies ahead for Israel. They discuss the many challenges Israel faces, including a regional war with new technologies, the fate of the hostages still in Gaza, an uncertain geopolitical future and deep internal divisions. Haviv, Mijal and Noa…
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Finding Joy in Sukkot and Beyond
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In this episode of Wondering Jews, Noam and Mijal dive into the themes of joy and happiness through the lens of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. They explore the paradox of a festival centered on joy amidst life’s impermanence, discussing how the temporary structure of the sukkah reminds us of what truly brings happiness: relationships, community, and…
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The Anniversary of October 7th with Amir Tibon
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Hosts Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman sit down with Israeli journalist and survivor of October 7th, Amir Tibon, in a special episode commemorating the anniversary of the Hamas attack. Tibon is the author of a new book, The Gates of Gaza, that tells the story of the attack on kibbutz Nahal Oz. In their conversation, Tibon reflects on the harrowing ex…
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Rosh Hashanah Reflections: Joy, Grief, and Solidarity
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Hosts Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman are back to reflect on the emotional complexity of this year’s High Holidays. They explore the tension between joy and grief during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and share insights from Rabbi Yoni Rosensweig. Mijal and Noam discuss how moments of collective solidarity, faith, and love for the Jewish people coexi…
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Remembering Carmel, Ori, Hersh, Eden, Alexander, and Almog
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Since Oct. 7, the Jewish world has been collectively mourning — especially for the hostages still held captive in Gaza. Last week, we received the tragic news that six hostages had been cruelly murdered after surviving for nearly 11 months in captivity. In this episode of Wondering Jews, Mijal reflects on this deep loss and explores her personal fe…
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Wondering Jews is on a short hiatus. We’re taking off for the rest of August and September and coming back for the High Holidays. We love hearing from you so be sure to email us at wonderingjews@jewishunpacked.com or leave us a voicemail, at (833) WON-JEWS. ------------ This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For o…
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A Journey Through Zionism: Identity, Politics, and Faith
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In this episode, Mijal and Noam are joined by special guest Rabbi Joe Schwartz, director of Makom, the Israel Education Laboratory of the Jewish Agency. They explore the complexities of Jewish identity, Zionism, and the evolving relationship between Israel and the global Jewish community, particularly in light of the events of October 7th. The disc…
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Josh and Roy are back! This week they spark up and rip into the headlines. After that, the boys wonder about tipping culture and create a new midrash! Then, the fellas dust off the random number generator and learn about commandment #334. Want to know what we've smoked on past episodes? Want to send us a voice message for us to play on the show? Do…
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Tisha B'Av: A reflection of Jewish history and unity
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Join Noam and Mijal as they explore the significance of Tisha B’Av, a day of mourning for the Jewish people. They discuss its historical roots, including the destruction of the two Temples and other calamities that befell the Jewish people on this day. Through personal reflections and discussions, they address how internal divisions within the Jewi…
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Haviv Rettig Gur Emergency Episode: The Druze, Hezbollah, and Ismail Haniyeh
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In this episode, Noam and Mijal are joined by returning guest Haviv Rettig Gur to discuss current events unfolding in Israel. The conversation dives into the recent Hezbollah attack that killed 12 Druze children, the potential escalation in the north, Ismail Haniyeh's assassination, and the internal turmoil in Israel, including an incident involvin…
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Can Summer Camp Complete Your Education?
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If you had to pick just one educational experience, would it be... camp? Join Mijal and Noam as they chat with Mac Lindner, Director of Camp Young Judaea - Texas, about how Jewish summer camps shape identity. They'll explore whether camps should be considered a key part of education and how they've changed recently, especially since October 7th. --…
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Political Polarization: Can We Heal?
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In this week's episode, Mijal and Noam discuss the growing polarization and hostility between Republicans and Democrats. With the two sides feeling more divided than ever before, join us as we wonder on how we can use Jewish wisdom to bridge the gap, moving away from the hostility of today and working towards a future of reunification and respect. …
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Special episode: Paths to peace with Chloe Valdary
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Join us for a special conversation with Chloe Valdary, founder of Theory of Enchantment, a New York-based organization that has arisen as an alternative to the DEI model, and fights against racism and bigotry by teaching love. Chloe delves into her respectful approach to societal conflict as it relates to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, antisemit…
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The American Dream: A Personal Reflection
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This Fourth of July, Mijal reflects on what America means to her as an immigrant from Uruguay. Through her personal history, she delves into the powerful ideals that make America a beacon of hope for millions: liberty, equality, and democracy. Reflecting on the current political landscape and the troubling rise of antisemitism, Mijal examines the d…
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What does Judaism mean to you?
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Judaism impacts each and every person differently. Embark on a heartfelt journey with Mijal and Noam as they delve into the heart of Jewish tradition and explore what makes Judaism so special to them. From Jewish law and Shabbat to the supportive bonds of community, they reveal the enduring beauty and significance of Judaism in their lives. -------…
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Can ChatGPT answer Jewish legal questions? Can Siri provide spiritual guidance? Will AI replace rabbis? Mijal and Noam discuss the evolving role of rabbis and whether artificial intelligence can replace or supplement these roles. They explore various responsibilities of rabbis, such as providing information, teaching, offering care and support, mak…
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Cultural Crossroads: Exploring Sephardic and Ashkenazi Communities
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What does your cultural heritage mean to you? Join Mijal and Noam for a personal discussion about the differences between Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jewish communities. They explore topics like prayer, religious traditions, and the unique experiences of Sephardic Jews in America and Israel while addressing the challenges of maintaining a strong sense …
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Unraveling the Complexities of Yom Yerushalayim
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Few holidays in Israel are as complex as Yom Yerushalayim. Mijal and Noam explore the significance of Yom Yerushalayim, reflecting on the Six-Day War, the reunification of Jerusalem, and its complex personal and national meanings. They discuss the celebrations, the diverse perspectives within Israeli society, and the ongoing impact on Jewish identi…
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Special Episode: Wondering about Zionism with Haviv Rettig Gur
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What does Zionism mean to you? What does it mean to the Jewish people and the world at large? Noam and Mijal welcome special guest journalist Haviv Rettig Gur to delve into the history of Zionism as a means of survival for the Jewish people while pondering Western and Palestinian misunderstandings of Zionism. Don’t miss this thought-provoking episo…
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Faith is a complicated topic — one that many people struggle with. But what do Jewish philosophers say about faith? And how does Judaism approach belief in God? In this thought-provoking episode, Mijal and Noam discuss the challenges of maintaining faith with questions such as “Can you be Jewish and not believe in God?” and “What is the meaning of …
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Campus Encampments and Jewish identity: What Happens Now?
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Mijal and Noam delve into the complexities of the Pro-Palestinian student encampments, student activism, the emotional and social dynamics within these movements, and the broader implications for Jewish identity and community. Letter from Columbia students ------------ This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For ot…
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Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut in the wake of Oct. 7
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This year, Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut will feel unlike any other year. Noam and Mijal address the days' significance in the wake of Oct.7, highlighting the solemn transition from Yom HaZikaron to the joyfulness of Yom Ha'atzmaut. They share their personal experiences, addressing how these poignant holidays hold a deeper meaning this year amids…
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Resilience Amidst Remembrance: Navigating Holocaust Education
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With the Holocaust being one of history's darkest chapters, how do you educate future generations to ensure such horrors never happen again? Join Noam and Mijal as they re-examine Holocaust education and navigate the delicate balance between honoring the past and shaping a resilient future amidst the increasingly hostile climate of today. ---------…
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The Timeless Story of Exodus: Beyond the Passover Haggadah
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The story of Exodus is one of the most significant pieces of history that is still relevant to this day. Join Mijal and Noam as they dive deep into the story of Passover, exploring the themes of liberation as told through the Haggadah, and contrasting it with the narrative of human struggle and divine intervention found in the Torah. ------------ T…
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How Is This Passover Different?
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Normally we ask, how is this night different than all over nights. This year, we have to ask - how is this Passover different than all over Passovers? In this episode, Noam and Mijal reflect about how to think about the seder and Passover, what makes Passover different this year, and some suggestions and insights for how to approach our seder. ----…
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Senator Lieberman and Professor Kahneman: Reflections
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33:20
Last week, the Jewish world lost several giants, including Professor Daniel Kahneman, a leading scholar of behavior economics, and Senator Joseph Lieberman, an American politician and statesman. Noam and Mijal reflect on their legacies and ask us to consider what we can learn from their incredible lives. ------------ Cass Sunstein on Kahneman Team …
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The battle over whether Haredim should be mandated to serve in the IDF, like the rest of Jewish Israel, is not a new one. But the debate was brought to the forefront when the Sephardic chief rabbi threatened that Haredim would leave the country rather than serve in the IDF. This week, Mijal and Noam discuss the issue of mandatory conscription for H…
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Right after 10/7, public intellectual Micha Goodman wrote, “We weren't attacked by a local militia. We were attacked by the Persian Empire. We were attacked by Iran.” Sound familiar? Maybe eerily like the Purim story? This week, Mijal and Noam reflect on the upcoming holiday of Purim and ask, how are we thinking about the holiday differently in the…
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ChatGPT on Shabbat: Technology vs Tradition
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29:56
This week, Mijal and Noam explore the potential ways communal Shabbat observance could evolve, for better or worse, in a technologically advanced reality. If you’re interested in AI, ChatGPT, or simply the joys of taking a day off each week, this one’s for you. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podc…
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This week, Mijal and Noam explore the complex relationship between anti-Zionism and antisemitism and discuss whether or not they're one and the same. Through the "3 C's" aka consequences, correlation, and (C)symbolization.they discover the importance of continuous education and dialogue to combat antisemitism effectively. This podcast was brought t…
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Zionism and Anti-Zionism: Defining Our Terms
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There are so many terms surrounding Jewish identity today that sometimes... it can get overwhelming. We end up using different definitions and speaking past each other. So, what is Zionism? What is non-Zionism? Anti-Zionism? Join Mijal and Noam to explore the importance of terminology as they discuss the intersection of Zionism with Jewish identity…
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Dual Allegiance: Exploring American Zionism
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30:00
Can you be both a proud Zionist and a proud American, or do you have to pick sides? Join Noam and Mijal as they tackle this decade long debate, exploring the relationship between intersectionality and patriotism, offering fresh insights on the complexities of dual allegiance and Jewish identity today. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a …
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DEI At A Crossroads: The Jewish Perspectives
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30:07
You've probably heard about DEI - diversity, equity, and inclusion. You might already have an opinion about DEI - is it necessary to change the university and business cultures from within? Or is it an evil that chooses identity over merit? Or...somewhere in between? In this episode, Mijal and Noam discuss DEI, its strengths and weaknesses, their p…
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Antisemitism: Will Jews Always Be the Other?
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In this week's episode of "Wondering Jews," hosts Noam and Mijal explore the nature, history, and implications of antisemitism. They grapple with questions of agency, responsibility, and resilience, offering nuanced perspectives on combating antisemitism while navigating the complexities of Jewish identity and community. Listeners are invited to jo…
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Join Noam Weissman and Mijal Bitton as they explore the complexities of addressing sensitive questions within the Jewish community. In this engaging conversation, the hosts share personal anecdotes and experiences related to discussions on emotionally charged topics, with a specific focus on recent events in Israel and Gaza. Navigating such convers…
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Trailer: Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam
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1:54
Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman are two of the most dynamic, interesting, and thought-provoking Jewish leaders today. Two seasoned educators who love to talk, listen, laugh, challenge, and grow, Mijal and Noam are the Wondering Jews, leading us through thought-provoking discussions that are as serious as they are entertaining.…
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Wondering Jews is on a Summer High-atus
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We're taking a few weeks off to re-pack our bowls and we look forward to wonderng with you in the Fall. While we're away, you can listen to our back episodes by visiting WonderingJewsPodcast.com Keep Wondering!De către Wondering Jews
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Episode 100: A Hella Jelly 100th Smoketacular - You're Welcome!
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53:07
This week, Josh and Roy celebrate their centennial and spark up an oil infused Hella Jelly joint and rip into the headlines. After that, the boys celebrate the 4th of July and agree to disagree about independance Day. After that, the fellas consider the cannabis founding fathers. Then, the boys look past the 100th episode and discuss their expecati…
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Episode 99: Never Underpay a Shadchan for Lumpy Space Princess
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47:50
This week, Josh and Roy pack bowls of some top shelf lumpy space princess and rip into the headlines. After that, the boys agree to disagree about matchmaking. After that, the fellas pull out the random number generator and learn about commandment #320. This episode is supported by Bud Love - A Premium Herbal + Mixer Want to know what we've smoked …
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Episode 98: An Awesome Orange Fruit Roll-Up for Shavout
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45:10
This week, Josh and Roy light up some Awesome Orange joints and rip into the headlines. After that, the boys roll out the random number generator and learn about commandment #557. Then, the boys wander around desert and discuss the faded festival of Shavout! This episode is supported by: Bud Love - A Premium Herbal + Mixer Want to know what we've s…
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Episode 97: A Bouquet of Pink Runtz for Mother's Day
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47:05
This week, Josh and Roy spark up some Pink Runtz joints and rip into the headlines. After that, the boys delve into the faded festival of Mother's Day. Then, the boys walk over to Yiddishland and learn the Yiddish word of the week! This episode is supported by: Bud Love - A Premium Herbal + Mixer Want to know what we've smoked on past episodes? Wan…
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Episode 96: Getting Ready for Yom Tov 420 with Peanut Butter Falcon and Roy Lipsky
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This week, Josh and Roy pack bowls of peanut butter falcon and rip into the headlines. After that, the boys have a high minded conversation with Roy Lispsky, CEO and Founder of BudLove. Then, the fellas get ready to celebrate the simcha that is yom tov 420! Want to know what we've smoked on past episodes? Want to send us a voice message for us to p…
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Episode 95: Anointing our Kosher Dawg for Passover
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This week, Josh and Roy light some Kosher Dawg joints and rip into the headlines. After that, the boys dust off the random number generator and learn all about Mitzvah #107. Then, the boys find all the hametz and get ready for Passover! This episode is supported by: Bud Love - A Premium Herbal + Mixer Want to know what we've smoked on past episodes…
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Episode 94: A Bald Mensch Smoking Gastro Pop
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47:04
This week, Josh and Roy spark up some gastro pop half-gram joints and rip into the headlines. After that, the boys unpack the Yiddish word of the week. Then, the boys roll out the random number generator and learn all about Mitzvah #466! Finally, they wrap things up with Yizkor. Want to know what we've smoked on past episodes? Want to send us a voi…
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Episode 93: Finding Our Roots in a Sefer Torah on Berry Gvshers
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This week, Josh and Roy spark up some Berry Gvshers/Gushers joints and rip into the headlines. After that, the boys dust off the sorting hat and discover what tribe of Israel suits them best. Finally, the boys roll out the random number generator and learn all about Mitzvah #612! Want to know what we've smoked on past episodes? Want to send us a vo…
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