Wandering Jews: A Travel Podcast That Entertains & Informs

David Magen set out on a journey to uncover his family’s history. His journey spans continents, from the historic cities of Vienna and Prague to the bustling streets of Shanghai, the serene Isle of Man, and the heart of Israel. David’s dedication to tracing his family tree is not only inspiring but also highlights the intimate connections between personal histories and the broader tapestry of the history of the Jewish people. David’s excitement and commitment invites each one of us to take a journey into our own family history and memory.Links and resources:MyHeritage.com Family Tree BuilderAncestry.com The world's largest collection of online family history recordsJewishGen.org The global home for Jewish genealogyFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!

Few peoples traverse their homeland as Israelis do. The hike, or tiyul, is integral to the narrative of a people returning from exile, yearning to reconnect with their land. In this episode, we delve into the tiyul as a key aspect of Israel’s tradition of knowing the land, “Yediat Ha’Aretz,” and explore the profound connections between walking and memory. Links for further readings:Hiking in Israel: Why Are These Trails Different? Shay Rabineau, AJS Perspectives – The Magazine of the Association of Jewish StudiesFrom Backpacks To Trailblazers: A Visual History Of Hiking In Israel Gilad Carmeli, Ynetnews.com. 20 April 2023 The Israel National TrailFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!

Join us for a captivating exploration of Jerusalem's Western Wall, originally a retaining wall of the Temple Mount and today one of Judaism’s holiest sites, acting as a magnet for Jews and non-Jews alike from across the globe. We will be zooming in on Ezrat Yisrael, the egalitarian section that symbolizes the ongoing quest for inclusivity at this sacred site. Sorelle shares her personal journey, finding solace and connection amidst the ancient stones of the Kotel, while Scott describes the profound impact of Ezrat Yisrael on J2’s groups. Through poignant narratives, we uncover the complexities of the Kotel's role as a unifying and/or divisive force for all Jews, highlighting the challenges and aspirations of creating a space that truly belongs to all.In today’s “something for the road,” J2‘s Rivka Brama, Head of Content and a Jerusalemite herself, shares her favorite place to hang out in Jerusalem’s city center.Links for further reading:How the Western Wall Became One of Judaism’s Holiest Sites: When and how did Jews begin praying at the Western Wall? Amit Naor, The Israel National LibraryWelcoming Israel: A Blessing for New Jews: A Visit to Azrat Yisrael - Scott Copeland, Times of IsraelEqual Access For All Jews at the Western Wall - Israel Religious Action CommitteeFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Find more at j2adventures.com

In this episode, Sorelle visits Hostages Square in Tel Aviv for the first time, sharing her perspective as an Israeli. We explore the crisis's impact on daily life in Israel, from bumper stickers to posters, and discuss the private versus collective pain felt during this year’s Jewish holidays. The episode touches on the tradition of pidyon shvuyim (redeeming captives) and global prayers, showcasing civilian resilience and hope. May all our brothers and sisters be returned safely from captivity.On a lighter note, in today’s “something for the road,” Rabbi Don Goor, J2’s rabbinic liaison, shares his favorite Tel Aviv restaurant.Links for further reading:Redemption of Captives – Jewish Sources - Sefaria - A Living Library of TorahBring Them Home Now - The Hostages ForumA Majority of Jewish Israelis See a Hostage Deal as a Higher National Priority Than Military Action in Rafah - Israel Democracy InstituteFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Find more at j2adventures.com

In this episode, we uncover the remarkable life and legacy of David Ben Gurion, a towering figure in Israeli history whose visionary leadership continues to shapethe nation to this day. From his humble beginnings to his pivotal role in founding the State of Israel, we explore his incredible achievements. We also reflect on BenGurion's profound vision for the Negev, Israel's once "forgotten backyard," that is now flourishing but still faces ongoing challenges as we strive to perpetuate hisvision and commitment.In “something for the road,” Shira Kleinman, J2’s Tour Educator and Senior Project Manager, shares her favorite Israeli radio station and her favorite Israeli artist.Links for further reading:The Vision Of David Ben Gurion In 2024 - I24NewsBen-Gurion: Father of Modern Israel – A Book Review - FathomDavid Ben-Gurion – The Man and His Legacy - Ruth Levush, The Library of CongressFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Find more at j2adventures.com

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Find more at j2adventures.com

In this episode, we're flipping the script on travel with a wild journey of self-discovery down the road less traveled. We're veering off the beaten path and, through the lens of famous Biblical figures, like Abraham and Sarah, David and Goliath, we uncover surprising insights about ourselves. In “Something for the Road,” Scott shares a gem from his bookshelf while Sorelle offers an unconventional addition to your travel toolkit. Join us as we unearth the hidden quirks of our ancestors and ourselves, revealing layers of Jewish identity and connection along the way.Links for further reading:J 2 Adventures – ResourcesJewish Journeys by Jeremy Leigh – A Book Review - Maron L. Waxman, The Jewish Book CouncilJews and Journeys: Travel and the Performance of Jewish Identity - Joshua Levinson & Orit Bashkin, 2021Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Find more at j2adventures.com