The Wildescast

Being Jewish is a lot of commitment! So why would someone choose to become Jewish? And what would they have to do? Join Rabbi Wildes to learn all about Conversion! Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

What do we know about God? How much is it possible to know about God? How can we connect to God? How has our relationship to God changed? And what do you do if you still don't believe? Join Rabbi Wildes to discover all the answers, and to raise many more questions. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

The United Nations has a history of opposing the interests of the state of Israel, and that's putting it mildly. Meet the man responsible for defending Israel before this famously hostile audience. Learn about Jonathan Harounoff's work in the UN, and his project of informing the world about the women standing for their rights in Iran, at the risk of their lives. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Join Rabbi Wildes for a complete tour of the Passover seder, complete with Matzo, a full seder plate, and many stories and insights from three thousand years of Jewish wisdom. For the full experience, see the video edition of this episode: https://youtu.be/VHsTM29orrY Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

HELP! I've been invited to an Orthodox synagogue! I grew up Reform or Conservative so I don't know what to expect. Join Rabbi Wildes and learn that the Orthodox world isn't as intimidating as you might expect. Already a regular at Orthodox synagogue? Learn to anticipated the questions your friends might ask! Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Rabbi Wildes joins Ambassador Ofir Akunis at the Israeli Consulate in New York City to learn about Iran, Israel, and the future of Judaism. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

This week Ayatollah Khamenei, the supreme ruler of Iran, was killed by US and Israeli missile strikes. While Khamenei was lifelong enemy of the Jewish people, does that make it right to celebrate his death? What can the story of Purim teach us about this latter-day Haman? And with so many troubles in the world today, how can we justify celebrating a joyous holiday like Purim anyway? Rabbi Wildes takes on these questions and more. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

It's my money! I worked for it! So why should I give away MY money? Rabbi Wildes teaches us about the laws and traditions of Tzedakah, and why giving away some of your money may lead to more money coming back to you. You can start now! Give Matanot LeEvyonim today: https://buy.stripe.com/5kQ00j3F38ScfLV73SbZe01 Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

What happens if you break Jewish Law? Do you go to Jewish Jail? Can a good Rabbi get you a lighter sentence? Or are there worse things than punishment in the physical world? And what can this teach us about choosing to pursue the righteous path? Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Every Jew has to ask the question: Which flavor will I choose? Will it be the favor my parents chose, or am I drawn to something different? Are all flavors equal? What if some flavors on the menu aren't even Jewish? This week Rabbi Wildes shows all the flavors to arm you with the knowledge you need to choose. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Most folks in the secular world are familiar with the many frustrations of dating and relationships. Maybe the solutions have been right in front us for thousands of years! Learn about kosher dating, the benefits of placing limits in relationships, and why the airport might be the right destination for your next date. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Jews believe the Torah was handed down from Mount Sinai. But how can we know if we weren't there? And why should we believe any of the events recorded in Torah really happened? Rabbi Wildes addresses the challenging questions that lead intelligent Jews to question their beliefs. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Rabbi Wildes faces a volley of hard-hitting no-nonsense questions about all the activities that seem wrong to do—but are they forbidden? If you need to know whether your vices and guilty pleasures are allowed under Jewish Law, you need to hear this episode of—Is It Forbidden? Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Rabbi Wildes sits down with Iranian born William Mehrvarz. William escaped an imminent death sentence for the crime of Apostasy to move to New York and become Jewish. He joins us to discuss the recent protests and massacres in Iran, the implications for the future of Israel, and risking everything to live as a Jew. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

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In this moving episode, Rabbi Mark Wildes sits down with Israeli art therapist and visionary artist Rakefet Hadar (founder of Soul Pages) to explore the healing power of creativity in the wake of unimaginable tragedy. Following the violent attacks on October 7th that devastated communities across Israel — including women living on a kibbutz — Rakefet shares how intuitive art journaling and Kabbalistic wisdom can serve as profound tools for emotional and spiritual healing. Together, she and Rabbi Wildes discuss the intersection of Jewish mysticism, art therapy, and resilience, uncovering how artistic expression can help survivors reclaim their voice, process trauma, and reconnect to the divine. 💡 Topics in this episode: • The transformative power of art for trauma recovery • How Kabbalah inspires Rakefet’s healing methods • Women’s emotional journeys after 10/7 • The role of spirituality in post-trauma growth 🖌️ Learn more about Rakefet’s work at https://soul-pages.com/ — Subscribe for more episodes on faith, spirituality, and resilience from the MJE Podcast. #ArtTherapy #Kabbalah #IsraeliArt #JewishHealing #RakefetHadar #RabbiMarkWildes #SoulPages #TraumaRecovery #MJEpodcast Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Rabbi Wildes sits down with Shabbos Kestenbaum to talk about Jewish identity, leadership, and the growing hostility toward Israel and the Jewish people — from elite universities to global politics. They discuss Shabbos’ lawsuit against Harvard, media narratives on Iran, and the importance of Jewish education rooted in values, not just victimhood. A timely and honest conversation about unity, resistance, and hope for the Jewish future. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Judaism doesn’t dismiss beauty—but it doesn’t worship it either. This episode begins with our human hunger for beauty, journeys through the tension between Greek and Jewish ideals, and arrives at a distinctly Jewish idea of beauty: one that’s rooted in holiness, shaped by restraint, and never far from the divine. We explore beauty’s power, its purpose, and its place on the path toward the divine. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

Last night at MJE’s Yom HaShoah event, we had the honor of hearing from Dr. Aliza Erber, a Holocaust survivor, medical doctor, and chaplain. As a hidden child during the war, Dr. Erber lost both of her parents in concentration camps. Her story was raw, powerful, and deeply moving. Over 100 people gathered to hear her speak and every single one left impacted. What made the evening even more meaningful was her honesty. She didn’t sugarcoat the trauma, and in doing so, gave everyone present a deeper appreciation of the strength, courage, and resilience of our people. May her words continue to echo, and may we never forget. Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Mark Wildes is joined by Dr. Noam Weissman, the voice behind the acclaimed podcast Unpacking Israeli History. Together, they dive deep into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, explore the historical roots of Gaza, and ask the difficult questions: Is the two-state solution still viable? How should Israel be taught to the next generation—both Jewish and non-Jewish? What role does bias, history, and education play in shaping our understanding of Zionism? What are the biggest misconceptions about Hamas and Palestinian leadership? Dr. Weissman shares personal insights from decades of Israel education and breaks down complex issues with clarity and honesty, offering a nuanced look at one of the most polarizing topics of our time. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes. 🎧 Listen to Dr. Weissman’s podcast: Unpacking Israeli History 🔔 Follow for more deep dives into Jewish thought, modern Israel, and meaningful conversation. #Israel #Gaza #Zionism #JewishEducation #MiddleEastConflict #UnpackingIsraeliHistory Website: jewishexperience.org  Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/  Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience/