Who Jew Think You Are

In the Season 2 finale, host Eylan Ezekiel pauses to reflect on the journey of Who Jew Think You Are? - from its origins as a personal quest for connection, to a broader exploration of Jewish futures.  Reviewing the contributions of guests across the season, Eylan discusses how the events of October 7th shifted the conversation from recovery to reckoning, the generational divides around Zionism and identity, and how the provocation that "everything needs to change" acts as a guide for future conversations.About the HostEylan Ezekiel is a writer, producer, and the creator of Who Jew Think You Are?. Drawing on his own Indian-Jewish heritage, Eylan created this space to amplify Jewish voices from the margins - exploring how colonialism, nationalism, and migration shape not only who we are, but who we want to be.Key TopicsThe Pivot: How guest Daniel Jonas’s assertion that "everything needs to change" became the anchor for this podcast’s future.October 7th & Its Aftermath: Navigating the intense pain and polarisation within the community.Generational Shifts: Analysing recent data showing how younger Jews are finding new political homes.Looking Ahead: How Season 3 of Who Jew Think You Are? will focus on re-imagining Jewish futures, solidarity, and new frameworks for belonging.Your GuideShort definitions and terms referenced in this episode:Ashkenormativity: The assumption that Ashkenazi (European) culture and history is the standard Jewish experience.Ubuntu: A Southern African philosophy often translated as "I am because we are."Chevruta: An approach to study in which a pair of students analyse, discuss and debate a text.Halakha: The collective body of religious laws derived from the Torah.Want to learn more?Dive into the full conversations featured in this episode by starting at the beginning of Season 2, or going back to Season 1!References & ResourcesJewish Policy Research - The end of two party politics? (JPR): The institute behind the data cited regarding young Jews and their shifting views on Zionism and political affiliation.Jewish Policy Research - Two years after the October 7 attacks: British Jewish views on antisemitism, Israel and Jewish life: The report into wider generational shift in attitudes.

Claudia Mendoza shares the story of growing up in northwest London with a Jewish identity shaped by both Ashkenazi and Adeni (Mizrahi/Sephardi) roots. From Shabbat tables filled with tamarind, fenugreek, and Arabic-inflected Hebrew, to vivid family memories of escape from Aden, Claudia reflects on what it means to carry multiple Jewish histories at once.Our GuestClaudia Mendoza is Chief Executive of the Jewish Leadership Council, and has worked for various think tanks as a Research Analyst, focusing on the Middle East with a special interest in Iran and the transitioning Arab states. She has a BSc in Biochemistry from University College London and an MA in Middle East Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. She is an alumna of the Adam Science Foundation Leadership Programme.Key TopicsHeritage & Memory: Growing up between Ashkenazi and Adeni influencesFood & Identity: Tamarind, fenugreek, and overnight breads as cultural markersFamily Histories: Stories of escape from Aden and the importance of oral historiesRepresentation: Why Mizrahi and Sephardi voices matter in education and leadershipYour GuideShort definitions and terms referenced in this episode:Adeni Jews: A Jewish community from Aden (formerly a British colony, now part of Yemen), distinct from Yemeni JewsTalbis: A henna and candle tradition from across Yemenite Jewry - also used at weddings.Hilbeh / H’oba: A fenugreek-based condiment popular in Adeni Jewish cuisineWant to learn more?Explore past episodes that also reflect on identity, race, and Jewish belonging:S2E5 – Unity Through Diversity with Dr Isaac AmonS2E4 – Everything Needs to Change with Daniel JonasReferences & ResourcesSephardi Voices UK – Oral history project chronicling Mizrahi and Sephardi Jewish experiencesThe Jewish Leadership Council - organisation representing the UK Jewish communityBoard of Deputies Report on Racial Inclusivity in the Jewish Community (2021)

Eliaz Reuben-Dandeker shares his personal and ancestral journey as a modern-day Bene Israel man living in Israel. From synagogue melodies to family recipes, and his travels in India and around the world to document a history before it disappears - Eliaz reflects on what it means to honour multiple identities in a world that often demands we choose just one. His story spans continents and generations, challenging assumptions about Jewishness, ethnicity, and belonging.Our GuestEliaz Reuben-Dandeker is a historian, writer, and artist based in Israel. His work explores heritage, identity, and cultural memory. He has authored several books and continues to document the stories of the Bene Israel community through writing, teaching, and public speaking. A special bonus clip and article is on our Substack.Key TopicsRace & Recognition: The tensions and questions Eliaz has faced around his appearance and background in different spacesTradition & Resistance: Why Eliaz insists on preserving accents, melodies, and rituals that others might dismiss or forgetCulture Through Food: From Passover samosas to homemade chai, Eliaz shares what's on his plate.Pluralism & Belonging: A powerful story about being told to “just be Jewish” and how Eliaz responds by embracing his whole identityYour GuideShort definitions of terms and traditions mentioned in this episode:Bene Israel: one of the largest and oldest Jewish groups originating from India. Bene Israel translates to ‘children of Israel’ in Hebrew.Matza: Unleavened bread eaten during PassoverMelida: A Bene Israel ceremonial gathering often held to honour milestones or life events (Recipe here)Eliyahu Hanavi / Hanabi: Elijah the Prophet, a central figure in Jewish tradition and to the Melida ceremonyWant to learn more? Listen to previous episodes where we discuss identity.S2E1: Discussing diverse Jewish national identities with Yaacov Yadgar S2E7: “Being Seen Matters” with Yaffa Judah - another Bene Israel experienceReferences & ResourcesA video with Eliaz explaining more about Bene Israel heritage on his Youtube channel

Michael Lomotey shares the story of growing up between Black, Ghanaian, British, and Jewish worlds, and how memories of Shabbat silence, Hebrew books, and family traditions shaped his sense of belonging.Our GuestAs a young adult Michael Lomotey worked as a kosher larder chef in London, and moved on to be a farm mechanic in Ghana. Michael is of Ghanaian and English heritage and was raised on the sink estates of East and West Hull, learning resistance, class solidarity and activism there. He’s currently a doctoral researcher in the final stages of his PhD research at the University of Southampton, looking at how climate change impacts upon Black and marginalised communities. Impact is key to Michael, finding solutions that are emancipatory.Key TopicsBelonging without Tokenism: Finding a synagogue community that embraces diversity and dialogueShabbat as Wellbeing: Why switching off is “the greatest environmental move”Your GuideShort definitions and terms referenced in this episode:Ahulԑ Tᴐlᴐ / nkantenkwan: Ghanaian Peanut Stew. Recipe here (thanks to Michael)Devar Torah: A short commentary or teaching based on the weekly Torah portionPluralism: The act of embracing multiple perspectives and truths within a communityWant to learn more?Explore past episodes that also reflect on language, memory, and identity:S2E6 – Endangered, Not Erased with Samantha EllisS1E10 – British Black Jews - a conversation with Kenneth Awele OkaforReferences & ResourcesMichael Lomotey’s Dvar Torah For Parashat Tazria-MetzoraDr Louis Gordon – Scholar of philosophy and Jewish studies; writes on anti-Blackness and pluralismDr Dina Lupin - Associate professor whose interests include environmental and human rights law, silencing, and epistemic injustice.Rabbi John D. Rayner – Liberal rabbi whose writings shaped Michael’s reflections on Judaism as “an attitude to reality”Lomotey (2024), Antiblackness in Flood Risk in Hull: The Afterlife of Colonialism, in Confronting Climate Coloniality, 2024, ed., Prof. Farhana Sultana.https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003465973-14/antiblackness-flood-risk-hull-michael-lomotey

Dr Isaac Amon shares how his diverse Sephardi, Mizrachi, and Ashkenazi heritage have shaped his sense of identity. From Istanbul to the American Midwest, Isaac reflects on how his family's stories, languages, food, and community influence his connection to Jewish life. Our GuestDr. Isaac Amon is an attorney and counselor at law, Adjunct Professor at Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, and Director of Academic Research at Jewish Heritage Alliance, an educational platform dedicated to promoting the legacy of Sefarad, or Iberian Jewry.  Isaac is also Director of Academic Research at the Jewish Heritage Alliance, which aims to preserve and share the history of Sephardi and Mizrachi Jews. Key TopicsNavigating Identity: How Isaac’s family history blends diverse Jewish roots, creating a rich but often challenging sense of belonging.Language and Culture: The role of multilingualism within Isaac’s family and how language shapes identityChallenging Normativity: The experience of living as a Sephardi Jew in predominantly Ashkenazi spaces and the ongoing struggle for inclusionYour guideShort definitions of terms mentioned in this episode:Ladino: A Judeo-Spanish language spoken by Sephardi Jews.Kaddish: A prayer recited in memory of the dead, with variations between communities.Burekas: Savory pastries filled with cheese, spinach, or potatoes, common in Sephardi and Mizrachi Jewish cuisines.Shakshuka: A dish of poached eggs in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce, popular in Sephardi and Mizrachi cultures.Passover Brown Eggs: Eggs boiled in onion skins, a Sephardi Passover tradition.Want to learn more? Listen to previous episodes where we discuss identity.S2E1: Discussing diverse Jewish national identities with Yaacov Yadgar S1E7: Languages and Identities challenged by Ophira GamlielReferences & ResourcesJewish Heritage Alliance - An organisation preserving and promoting Sephardi and Mizrachi Jewish historyARTICLE “Five-Hundred Years in the Life of the Amon Family: From the surrender of Spain to the court of Suleiman the Magnificent and beyond, they were there” – Published, National Library of Israel Blog, December 2020VIDEO: “Crossroads of Sefarad: In the Footsteps of the Crypto-Jews,” created jointly by Jewish Heritage Alliance and ANU Museum of the Jewish People

With Daniel Jonas as our guide, we explore how Sephardi traditions merge with philosophy, language, and music to form a personal and uniquely ‘alive’ sense of Jewish identity.Our guestMeet Daniel Jonas, a corporate innovation expert, leader of interfaith dialogue, and prominent figure in London's Sephardic community—a path that has led him to explore his Iraqi-Indian heritage and the influence of Judeo-Arabic culture. Key topicsLanguage and Identity: How language, particularly Hebrew and Judeo-Arabic, has shaped Daniel's Jewish expression.The Need for Change: Daniel advocates for systemic changes within communities and institutions to include the diversity of what it means to be Jewish.Your guideShort definitions of terms mentioned in this episode:Kippah / Yarmulke  - a brimless Jewish skullcap with variations in design and placement. Similar to a Kufi or Taquiya in IslamAmba - a delectable tangy mango pickle condiment of Baghdadi Jewish originReform Judaism - Jewish denomination that emphasises autonomy, and adapting to modern life.Want to learn more? Listen to previous episodes where we discuss identity.S1E1 The Big Three Origin StoriesReferences & ResourcesLos Desterrados - A London band with a rootsy take on the ancient folk music of the Sephardic Jews.Nahamu - an organisation dedicated to combating religious extremism within the Jewish community3yin - a London-based ground-breaking band that performs the music of the Jewish communities of the Middle East and North AfricaDive deeper into the JewniverseSubscribe to our SubstackWho Jew you think you are? Share your story

Season 2 is here! This trailer explains why the conversations in the podcast are so important. Now, more than ever.

Yaffa Judah reflects on growing up between worlds—navigating her Indian and English heritage, attending Ashkenazi schools while rooted in Bene Israel culture, and marrying into a Moroccan Jewish family. Yaffa shares how music, memory, and food have shaped her identity and how she’s working to create inclusive Jewish spaces for others.Our GuestYaffa Judah is a community organiser, creative and educator passionate about celebrating Jewish diversity and creating spaces where all Jews feel they belong.Key TopicsMixed Heritage: How growing up with Indian and English Jewish heritage shaped Yaffa’s understanding of what it means to be Jewish.Jew-ish in Ashkenazi Spaces: Yaffa reflects on being “an ethnic minority within an ethnic minority” and the experience of feeling othered.Celebrating Difference: From leading inclusive student events at university to sharing Bene Israel traditions today, Yaffa is actively widening the circle.Beyond the Norm: Yaffa explores how labels like “Sephardi” are sometimes used as a catch-all that doesn’t reflect the whole picture.Your GuideShort definitions of terms mentioned in this episode:Bene Israel - One of the oldest Jewish communities in IndiaSelichot - Prayers recited during holidays with variations between communitiesMinhag “Everyone should feel welcome—even if they’re just Jew-ish”- A custom or tradition in Jewish practiceAdani - community originally from Aden, Yemen, known for their unique pronunciation and liturgical styleWant to learn more?Explore earlier episodes on Jewish identity and inclusion:S2E1: Diverse Jewish Stories with Yaacov YadgarS2E4: Classical Sephardi Culture with Daniel Jonas - to follow soonReferences & ResourcesGate of Mercy Synagogue – the oldest synagogue in Mumbai, built in 1796JDC Entwine – A global service organisation where Yaffa led intercultural eventsIllustrated Guide to a Jew in India by Solomon Devika – A fun visual storytelling project about Indian Jewish history