Xai, how are you?
Queer Jews Michael Sokolovsky and Rabbi Xava De Cordova explore the Talmud, blending humor, prophetic insight, and rabbinic traditions. They discuss ancient texts with a modern, playful perspective, uncovering hidden meanings and smuttiness in the system.
Episodes
266. Shaven Wife, Shaven Life
To ask us questions, email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreiber.
To ask us questions, email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreiber.
265. Dough D'Oh
When you're a hardworking woman making your own dough, but you end up designating animals for a sacrifice that will never happen, hijinks are bound to ensue. Chuck some money into the Dead Sea and take a listen. Check our The Torah is a Tiara here: http://bit.ly/torah-tiara
To ask us questions, email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Sc
264. Rebellious Lashes
Want glamorous, long lasting lashes? Try breaking your Nazirite vow by going to a wine tasting after your husband has nullified it. Maybe she's born with it, maybe it's Nazarene. Check catch Shel Maala in the UK here: http://bit.ly/torah-in-exile
To ask us questions, email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreiber.
263. Wife Guy
Sometimes you can be SUCH a wife guy that you agree to her nazirite vow and later regret it. What happens then? Sign up for Xava and Binya in the UK here: http://bit.ly/torah-in-exile
To ask us questions, email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreiber.
262. Mutually Assured Naziriteship
What has a never ending paradoxical chain of interlinking vows, women's rights, the Church of England and ordinary halakha? That's right, it's our mishnah! Sign up for Alef Beysics at Shel Maala here: http://bit.ly/alef-beysics
To ask us questions, email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreiber.
261. Nazirite Tattletales
What happens when you vow, and then someone comes into court and gives testimony about your vow? But then what if another guy comes in and says something different and then two other guys say something different than that? Thank GOODNESS our Rabbis thought to explain this. Find out about Nazirite vows and legal testimony.
To ask us questions, email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on pat
260. Queen Helene Sets the Scene
A mishnah about a woman with a name and her own agenda! Now that's a rare treat. Sign up for The Three Oaths here: https://bit.ly/threeoaths
To ask us questions, email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreiber.
259. Impurity? In My Cemetery?
It's more likely than you think! What if you take a Nazirite vow in a spot that is fundamentally incompatible with Naziriteship? Thank GOODNESS the Rabbis thought about this. Catch Liz Furman at Shel Maala: https://bit.ly/sm-sfas
To ask us questions, email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreiber.
258. (100) Days of Naziriteship
After a long ramble about modesty, Xava's upcoming paper, and motivation in Judaism, we get around to a nifty little mishnah about that slippery, weird, in-between day of Naziriteship we call day 30.
To ask us questions, email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreiber.
257. Terms and Condiments
Finally, you all may learn our take on hot dog vs. hamburger and the mundanity of free will. Also, a mishnah in which when you try to be a little too specific, you really get bitten in the butt by corpse impurity. Check out Shel Maala’s PNW tour here: http://bit.ly/ShelMaalaPNW
To ask us questions, email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben
256. Fiddle Leaf Figs on the Roof
Mishnah 2 of chapter 3! What if there was a light-year long bridge of dough would that be messed up or what? Check out Shel Maala's PNW Tour here: https://bit.ly/ShelMaalaPNW
To ask us questions, email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreiber.
255. Going Both Ways
A new chapter of Mishnah begins! Is there such a thing as a day of Naziriteship which can apply to two separate terms, and count for each? Find out if the rabbis are biphobic or not with this one simple mishnah. Check out the Shel Maala PNW Tour here: Check out Shel Maala's PNW tour here: http://bit.ly/PNWInterest
To ask us questions, email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at p
254. Russian (Nazirite) Doll
The tension between the magic of vows and the legal folderol of the Rabbis heightens in this Mishnah about vows within vows. Check out Shel Maala's PNW tour here: http://bit.ly/PNWInterest
To ask us questions, email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreiber.
253. Nazirite, Interrupted
After a long break (Michael was sick, sorry!) We're back to talk about Nazirite's taking breaks. What if you go on a paternity leave Naziriteship in the middle of your day job Naziriteship? Thank goodness, our Rabbis thought of this problem.
To ask us questions, email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreiber.
252. Schrödinger’s Naziriteship
And you thought we had unspecified Nazirites before! This week, conditionals within conditionals, hedging our bets, and being embarrassed for our inadequate feelings. Sign up for In the Shadows here: http://bit.ly/shelmaalashadows
To ask us questions, email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreiber.
251. Born to be a Nazirite, Forced to be Podcaster
What if you swore a Nazirite vow on the birth of your son, but the numinous indescribable horror of gender said "No."? Find out in this episode! Also we'll talk about some Rabbinic misogyny, transphobia, and why we're still interested in this mishnah anyway. Sign up for Shel Maala's Terms of Service here: http://bit.ly/torahTOS
To ask us questions, email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us o
250. Heroes with a Half Shave
The shaving saga continues! Rabbi Meir's iconoclastic hot takes return to the pod, along with the mythical half-Nazirite. Do two halves make a whole? Let's find out.
To ask us questions, email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreiber.
249. Bros Shaving Bros
What happens when two totally normal bros vow to shave each other? The Rabbis knew and had rules about it, which they put in this mishnah. Catch Shel Maala's East Coast Tour here: http://bit.ly/eastcoast-5786
To ask us questions, email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreiber.
248. Exceptional
Sometimes people make vows claiming or assuming they’ll be the exception to normal Nazirite stuff. The Rabbis say (mostly) no way! Check out Shel Maala’s East Coast Tour here: http://bit.ly/eastcoast-5786
To ask us questions, email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreiber.
247. Drinking Problems
Mishnah 3 of chapter 2 is here! What happens when you get a guy to leave you alone at the bar by saying you’re a Nazirite? Let’s find out. Check out Shel Maala’s East Coast Tour here: http://bit.ly/eastcoast-5786
To ask us questions, email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreiber.
246. Xai Judaism, How Unbound Are You? -- Mishnah Nazir
Lex Rofeberg and Rena Yehuda Newman of Judaism Unbound join us for a big crossover episode about Nazirite philosophy, Rabbinic agendas, Kol Nidre and the metaphysical importance of vows! The Judaism Unbound podcast is a show released every Friday, pushing the boundaries of how we might understand the Jewish past, present, and future. You can subscribe via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any of your o
245. Holy Cow
If I was a Nazirite cow refusing to get up, would the Rabbi's still love me? This week, we find out! We also talk about Nazirite doors, the Shekhina as a bovine, and more.
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreiber.
244. Let Them Not Eat (Fig) Cake
Chapter two of mishnah Nazir begins! And it's about what if you make a completely nonsensical vow. And also, seemingly, how much credit do we give vow makers for their intentions, the interpretive power of the court, and all or nothing reasoning.
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon a
243. Nazirites All the Way Down
It's Mishnah 7, the conclusion of the first chapter! We talk about life expectancy, self-similarity, our thoughts on the chapter as a whole and speculation on the future of the masechet. Also, check out Aderaba, a dope new podcast right here: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ly49AOTSTpWyLmwr91jDQ
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at
242. There and Back Again, A Nazir's Tale
Would you be a nazir in a box? Would be a nazir with a fox? Find out this week! And also, why the end of the world is different than the number of hairs on our head or the walking distance to the nearest city.
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by
241. A Tisket, A Tasket, An Unspecified Basket
Mishnah five! Discussing becoming a Nazir equivalent to the capacity of a basket gets us a little more philosophical, and makes us wonder what the hell we or the Rabbis get out of any of this. Sign up for Deny, Defend, D'Rabbanan here: http://bit.ly/denydefend
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support u
240. Hair Today, Nazirite Tomorrow
Mishnah four is here! What if you vow to be a Nazirite like the hairs on your head? What if you're a Nazirite forever but not like, a Nazirite Forever? Sign up for Deny, Defend, D'Rabbanan here: http://bit.ly/denydefend
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou.
239. Nazir: From Here to Forever
Mishnah gimel is here! What is the default length of being a Nazirite and can it be eternal? Also, halakha created by magical math and is it possible the Rabbis are just silly goofs?
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreiber.
238. Samson, Sams-off
Time for mishnah bet of our Nazir journey and this time it's all about the archetypical Nazirites, Samson and Absalom. Also featured: misogyny, angels, tired wives, names of the unknowable and fatal haircuts. Catch Shel Maala in England here: http://bit.ly/sadehsleepless
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com.
237. If You're Reading This, You're a Nazirite
The beginning of a new dawn for the pod! We're starting our journey through Mishnah Nazir together with substitutions, nicknames, fabulous hair and revisiting our favorite vain youth of the Talmud. Catch Shel Maala in England here: http://bit.ly/sadehsleepless
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support u
236. Settling Down
It’s Xava’s first post wedding episode! Michael brings texts about how we absolutely really definitely should stay in one place…unless of course we should move. Should I pray or should I go now? Find out in this episode. Sign up for Sefaria Super Sleuths at http://bit.ly/sefariasleuths
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowar
235. Pleasure Reading
Xava's got a listener question about what we're allowed to read on Shabbat. Is it only fun stuff, only serious stuff? Or a secret third thing? Tell you this it is NOT menus. Check out Shel Maala at Sadeh at http://bit.ly/sadehsleepless
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.co
234. What's in a name?
Michael brings some wisdom from Aryeh Kaplan about the ineffable name, charity, the gift of existence and kabbalah! Check out Shel Maala's New York tour here: https://bit.ly/shelmaalanyc
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreiber.
233. To the Point of Distraction
Xava brings some sugyes about intention and prayer that connect back to episode 228, plus why you should never hold bread and pray! Check out Torah from the Inside Out Here: http://bit.ly/torahinsideout Check out Laasok here: http://bit.ly/laasok
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at
232. Squashing the Opposition
Michael brings us a Purim-relevant sugye on reasoning and rhetoric, full of gourds and goodies! Sign up for Torah from the Inside Out here: http://bit.ly/torahinsideout
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreiber.
231. Rich Torah, Poor Torah
Xava brings a sugye on the things that can "distract" us from Torah study, which leads to a discussion on how the hell we're supposed to relate to Torah when it's being used for wicked ends. Register for Torah from the Inside Out here: http://bit.ly/torahinsideout
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Suppo
230. Public Affairs
What does Jewish law look like on a group scale? How do we deal with harm to the public? How do you do teshuva for the commons? Find out on this episode! Sign up for Shel Maala in Seattle at http://bit.ly/shelmaalaseattle
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou
229. Can you un-Jew yourself?
Michael brings a bevy of texts to help answer the question: can you ever become un-Jewish? We’re looking at thoughts and answers from throughout history, plus one extra special Jewish monk! Sign up for Sabbatean Heresy here: https://bit.ly/sabbateanheresy Sign up for Shel Maala in Seattle here: https://bit.ly/shelmaalaseattle
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotlin
228. Intention vs Structure
Xava brings a buffet of texts exploring intention and structure, mitzvahs, prayer, baby birds and being force fed matza. Sign up for In Every Tongue with Ada Morse here: https://bit.ly/ineverytongue
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreibe
227. Cannibalism, Vegetarianism, and Origin of Morality
Michael brings us texts that connect Yellowjackets, moral norms, aesthetic values, cannibalism and vegetarianism. Check out Shel Maala in New Haven here: https://bit.ly/beyondrepairNH and in Baltimore/DC here: https://bit.ly/ShelMaalaDMV
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.
226. The Secret Jewish History of the Etrog
In today's episode, Xava brings some sugyes and history about the etrog (aka the citron aka the Persian apple aka the thing that Rabbis look at with intense love and delight), and how it made its way into our sukkot ritual! Check out Shel Maala's East Coast Tour here: https://bit.ly/shelmaalaeastcoast
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or emai
225. Brand Loyalty
This time Michael is bringing us a weird, challenging little sugye about business ethics, land deals gone wrong, breakfast food preferences and going above the letter of the law. Sign up to learn with Shel Maala in Western Mass here: https://bit.ly/shelmaalamass
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support
224. Get Off My Lawn
Xava's got a sugye about keeping your side of the street clean, zoning ordinance, Rabbinic humility and home improvement. Sign up for Shel Maala in Western Mass at https://bit.ly/shelmaalamass !
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreiber.
223. Secret Stones and Magic Dirt
Michael brings us a few sugyes about special stones, both paving and corner, in the Talmud. This leads to magic dirt and Nazis getting their faces melted off, naturally.
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreiber.
222. Protesting Exactly the Right Amount
Xava brings a series of property law sugyes that tell us about how, why, and how much we should protest, halakhically speaking. Sign up for Shel Maala's Alef Bet class here: https://bit.ly/decodingalefbet, Sign up for Sand into Pearls here: https://bit.ly/sandintopearls
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com.
221. Mommy Issues
Michael brings us all a text about ascending and descending holiness rules, relocation, divorce, parental abandonment and taking other people's opinions too seriously. Sign up for Decoding the Alef Bet here: bit.ly/decodingalefbet
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xai
220. Tales of the Unbound
Rabbi Miriam Terlinchamp of Judaism Unbound joins us to talk about incarcerated Jews, the problems with the way we handle conversion, what's next for Judaism and how the Rabbi's themselves responded to potential converts. Check out Tales of the Unbound here: http://www.judaismunbound.com/tales, sign up for Shel Maala at Sadeh here: bit.ly/shelmaalasadeh
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a vo
219. Everything was Beautiful
Xava brings some kabbalah and xasidut about the transcendent nature of beauty, plus some Talmud and Torah that seems to contradict it by saying that beauty is basically worthless. Sign up for Trancestors and Chalices here: bit.ly/shelmaalasadeh
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at p
218. Weirdos No One Has Heard Of
Michael brings a delightful obscure little Rabbi to the pod: Elijah Benamozegh! We'll learn about his universalist vision for Judaism and the strange and beautiful connections it has to other Jewish thinkers throughout the ages. Sign up for Trancestors and Chalices here: bit.ly/shelmaalasadeh
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at x
217. To Work, or not to Work?
We've got grain on the brain! In honor of counting the omer, Xava brought a text about grain, strain, pain and...Torah. Let's see if the sages can find a healthy work/life balance. Sign up for Shel Maala at Sadeh in England here: bit.ly/shelmaalasadeh
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on pat
216. Mourning and Ritual
A listener wrote in asking how we can mourn the lives lost in Gaza, if kaddish can be said for them, and how to grapple with the enormity of sadness in times like this. We do our very best to give at least a little bit of an answer. Sign up for Shel Maala at Sadeh in England here: bit.ly/shelmaalasadeh
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or ema
215. Noahide and Seek
A listener has a question about Noahidism and we've got answers! Also, the Chabad factor, alternate universes and the REAL messianic Jews. Sign up for Xava's class here: https://bit.ly/thornsinthevineyard Sign up for Shel Maala at Sadeh in England here: bit.ly/shelmaalasadeh
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.
214. Wake Me Up Before You Gecko
We're talking about rashes, scorpions, the Leviathan, ancient Messianic political ambitions, campus protests and the power of the small. Sign up for Shel Maala at Sadeh in England here: https://bit.ly/shelmaalasadeh
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Musi
213. The Rabbi and the Helpful Demon
Xava brings a story of politically useful sinning, the Rashbi, a suspiciously convenient demon friend and a truly bizarre system of law abolishment. Sign up for her next class here: https://bit.ly/thornsinthevineyard
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Mus
212. Smells Like Holy Spirit
Michael returns us to the topic of charisma with a fascinating exploration of the holy spirit in Torah, how it appears linguistically, what kind of powers and effects it gives, and its potential pitfalls. Become a Shel Maala Member here: https://bit.ly/shelmaalajoin, Sign up for Heeling Our Soles here: https://bit.ly/heelingoursoles, Sign up for Thorns in the Vineyard here: https://bit.ly/thornsin
211. Shammai Circumcision Blues
We're finally answering a listener question! In this case, what's the deal with hatafam dam brit for NB and trans folks and why does it seem like we're following Shammai when the halakaha is like Hillel?! Sign up for Heeling Our Soles here: https://bit.ly/heelingoursoles
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com.
210. Rizz
Oops! Both of us forgot who was actually supposed to prepare this episode, so enjoy this minisode about charisma, our personal issues and hints at what our next actual episode will be about.
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Follow us on twitter @xaihow
209. When a Human Gives Birth to a Raven
Author and scholar Rafael Neis joins us to talk about their book, "When a Human Gives Birth to a Raven: Rabbis and the Reproduction of Species", featuring a riveting discussion of furries, gender, what happens if your brother is a bird, gay demon divorce and much more! Keep up with them on insta @postrafelite and on their website at https://rachelrafaelneis.com.
To ask us questions, text or leave
208. Anger Management
Michael brings a bounty of sources from Talmud to Kabbalah to Xasidut on anger and what the Rabbis say we should do about it (but often don't do themselves).
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Follow us on twitter @xaihowareyou and @miss_figured. Music by
207. Foxy Loxy
Part 2 of Xava's spontaneous series on foxes! Featured are Babylonian pedagogy, greedy wolves, overzealous interpretation and selfishness in the Rabbinate. Sign up for Sacred Wiggles here: https://bit.ly/sacredwiggles
To ask us questions, text or leave us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Fol
206. Our Purims, Our Selves
Michael has brought us some luscious Xasidic and Kabbalaistic wisdom on the soul, two major Jewish holidays and the extremes of human experience. Sign up for Building Our Brakhas here: bit.ly/3IsrEBj
Visit our website to ask us questions at xaihowareyou.com and call or Text the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 and leave us a voicemail. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Follow us on
205. Fox News
Something's fishy as frenemy of the pod Rabbi Akiva returns with a parable about a fox...maybe the start of a fox series? We'll see! Also featuring: love of Torah and struggling with loving Judaism. Sign up for Sacred Wiggles at https://bit.ly/3IsrEBj
Visit our website to ask us questions at xaihowareyou.com and call or Text the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 and leave us a voicemail. Support us
204. A Tomb with a View
Michael continues his archaeology rampage with some tales and tidbits about burial practices in the first century, which sheds some light on social structures, Jewish denominations in the time and collaborative funeral cookouts. Sign up for Building Our Brakhas here: bit.ly/buildingbrakhas
Visit our website to ask us questions at xaihowareyou.com and call or Text the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-161
203. Body Horror
Xava brings a source sheet from friend of the pod Olivia Devorah Tucker about bodies, fluids, clay and the strange ways they mix. Sign up for Building Our Brakhas here: https://bit.ly/buildingbrakhas
Visit our website to ask us questions at xaihowareyou.com and call or Text the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 and leave us a voicemail. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Follow us on
202. Shared Sherds: a Story of Pots and Pans
Michael has brought our very first archaeology episode, in which we learn about the cultural significance of frittatas in the first century CE, ceramic studio pop ups and pre-revolt material culture. Sign up for Building Our Brakhas Here: https://bit.ly/3wgc215
Visit our website to ask us questions at xaihowareyou.com and call or Text the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 and leave us a voicemail. S
201. Blood Stains
Xava brings us a (maybe) allegorical story about conquest, revenge, bloodshed and breaking cycles of violence.
Visit our website to ask us questions at xaihowareyou.com and call or Text the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 and leave us a voicemail. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Follow us on twitter @xaihowareyou and @miss_figured. Music by Ben Schreiber.
200. Average Joe
Michael brings us a sugye exploring the restrictions and stigma surrounding an "am ha'aretz", plus some historical speculation and context about how that role has shifted over time. Listen to Sam's 2023 Year in Review episode here: https://soundcloud.com/historiansplaining/2023-in-historical-context-dividing-the-harvest. Sign up for The Priests Eat at Midnight here: https://bit.ly/TPEAM
Visit our
199. Temple OS 2: Modernity and Inspiration
Finally, part 2 of the TOS series is here! We're discussing the trends in computing that inspired Terry, the meaning of mysticism and the modern in spiritual thought along with friend of the pod, Sam! Sign up for The Priests Eat at Midnight here: https://bit.ly/TPEAM
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Sup
198. Actually, Don't Rashbi
We all know how the story of Shimon Bar Yoxai ends, right? Right? Wrong, turns out there's agricultural infrastructure projects, moral backsliding, secret sex work detail and edible flowers left to discover. Sign up for The Priests Eat at Midnight here: https://bit.ly/TPEAM
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.
197. Listener Question Double Feature
Michael is bringing two tasty listener queries this week that get us talking about the first cis nonbinary person in history, as well as fairies, tree antics and the mouth in the earth. Sign up for Who Created These here: https://bit.ly/whocreatedthese
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patr
196. Demonic Smorgasbord
Xava's brought a big long daf with 9 headed demons, bad father son relationships, arrogance, punishment, gay content and everything else you could possibly want in a few short paragraphs. Sign up for Who Created These here: https://bit.ly/whocreatedthese
To ask us questions, text or leaves us a voicemail at the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 or email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on p
195. Kotzker? I hardly know her!
Continuing our theme of continuing our theme, this week Michael helps us explore the legacy, vibes and snappy one liners of the Kotzker Rebbe, a famed purveyor of misanthropy and shower thoughts. Sign up for Who Created These here: https://bit.ly/whocreatedthese
Visit our website to ask us questions at xaihowareyou.com and call or Text the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 and leave us a voicemail.
194. Mythical Thunderdome Buffet
Michael brings some deep lore on the 4 branched shin, the new Torah, the World to Come and our eventual dinner of mythical creatures. Sign up for Divine Decay here: bit.ly/divinedecay
Visit our website to ask us questions at xaihowareyou.com and call or Text the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 and leave us a voicemail. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Follow us on twitter @xaihow
193. The Ghost of Genders Past
Time to get down to brass tacks about reincarnation, gender ghosts, punishment for past lives and where it all comes from. Content Warning: This episode contains mention of animal death. Sign up for Divine Decay here: https://bit.ly/divinedecay
Visit our website to ask us questions at xaihowareyou.com and call or Text the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 and leave us a voicemail. Support us on patr
192. Intellectual Pegging
Michael brings us all some theology about halos, gender roles, secret torah and the world to come. Donate to support mutual aid in Gaza here: https://bit.ly/472xmUR. Sign up for Shel Maala's Divine Decay in Portland, OR here: https://bit.ly/divinedecay
Visit our website to ask us questions at xaihowareyou.com and call or Text the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 and leave us a voicemail. Support us
191. Text Change
Xava gives a primer on mitzvot that women (supposedly) aren't obligated in and why, what even is a gender, why we get left out of the fanciest mitzvahs and whether we're okay with that.
Donate to support mutual aid efforts in Gaza here: https://secure.everyaction.com/b00t33wD-EOVJ1cNTyHixg2
Visit our website to ask us questions at xaihowareyou.com and call or Text the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1
190. I Think We're Alone Now
Michael brings us a walk through several pages of Talmud covering gender, sex, risk, isolation and sexy ladder leaping shenanigans. Sign up for The Sheydy Bunch here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-sheydy-bunch-halloween-talmud-series-on-amulets-the-demons-next-door-tickets-686988459977
Visit our website to ask us questions at xaihowareyou.com and call or Text the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619
189. What's up with essential dignity?
Xava brings in some texts and talks to explore the concept of basic dignity, honor and human rights. Sign up for CTNTC here: https://svara.org/course/trans-codex/
Visit our website to ask us questions at xaihowareyou.com and call or Text the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 and leave us a voicemail. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Follow us on twitter @xaihowareyou and @miss_figu
188. Kosher-er
Michael has brought a sexy Mishnah about vegetarian food, kosher restaurants, avodah zara and other hot, hot topics.
Visit our website to ask us questions at xaihowareyou.com and call or Text the Talmud Hotline at 401-484-1619 and leave us a voicemail. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Follow us on twitter @xaihowareyou and @miss_figured. Music by Ben Schreiber.
187. Temple OS 1: Introduction
The very first episode of our Temple OS series is finally here! We'll be releasing them slowly as we get them edited over the next few months. This week we're introducing you to what the heck is TOS, who was Terry Davis, and why we decided to create this series.
Check out Shel Maala's Fall offerings here: https://www.shelmaala.com/classes/fall-in-love-with-shel-maala/
Visit our website to ask us
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