Shabbat Gathering: Jewish podcasts.

Brian D. Johnson

08 May 2026 • 4 min read

Gud Shabbos Khaveyrim, as is our custom, we will gather tonight at 5.45p ct to welcome Shabbat. These are the coordinates:

Zoom
Meeting ID: 883 8469 4181
Password: 822665
Phone: +1 312 626 6799

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Here we go.

I’m kind of late to podcasts. I've always have been more of a radio person than a podcast person. However, the sheer weight of all the good programming on podcasts has tempted me to dip my toes into the water and then dive in headfirst. The number of Jewish-centric podcasts has won me over.

Because you’re more technically advanced than I am (everyone is), I thought I’d spend an issue of the newsletter on a short list of what I consider to be some of the notable Jewish podcasts that are on my ever evolving playlist.

Chutzpod
I’ve been listening to Chutzpod longer than any other podcast on this list or from all podcasts at all. It was founded in 2021 and is hosted by Hanna Rosin and Rabbi Shira Stutman. Every show has questions (and answers most of the time) about Jewish issues. It’s light and frequently very funny. And I highly recommend R. Stutman.

Oral Talmud
This podcast comes to me from one of my study partners and I haven’t listened to that many episodes. This is a very in-depth, hour-long podcast on Talmud. The hosts are Benay Lappe, president and Rosh Yeshiva of SVARA, and Dan Libenson, the founder of Judaism Unbound.

The Gefilteria
Once upon a time, there was a sassy little magazine called Heeb. Heeb is in the process of being resurrected and, in keeping with its sassy antecedents, it has a new podcast, which is focused on all things having to do with Jewish food. The hosts are Liz Alpern and Jeffrey Yoskowitz. It’s light and funny and occasionally wacky.

Beyond the Pale: Radio’s Home for the Jewish Left
From WBAI, the community, listener-supported radio station in NYC (think WORT), Beyond the Pale is the station’s weekly Jewish-centric radio program and podcast. Expect to hear opinion and information not just from the Jewish left but the Jewish far left. The hosts are Rafael Shimunov and Shoshana Brown.

Hadar Podcasts
By now, you probably know I have a soft spot for anything by Hadar, a Jewish educational organization. Always up-to-date, it comes as no surprise that Hadar has not just one but several podcasts. Here are two of my favorites.

Answers with Held
Of everyone associated with Hadar, Rabbi Shai Held is the one I hold in highest esteem. His podcast is accessible and always plainspoken and always very humane. R. Held tackles issues from across the spectrum of Jewish theology.

Torah Time
R. Held’s other podcast is focused on, as he puts it, “When kids ask big questions, how do you respond? Whether you are parent, educator, or just a curious person, you've probably asked yourself the same questions.”

So, there you go. There are many, many more Jewish podcasts available. If you aren’t already connected, consider this your starter pack.

And may it be for all of us a blessing.

See you tonight!
Mit vareme grusn,
(With warm regards,)

All my love,
brian.