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Description

Everything you learned in Hebrew School is wrong! Jewniversity is a fresh look at all things Judaism and Jewishness from Rabbi Adam Zagoria-Moffet of St. Albans Masorti Synagogue in the UK. Join us as we explore a range of topics in Jewish history, culture, and belief in a new and often irreverent manner.

Podcast episodes

Check latest episodes from Jewniversity podcast

Holy Huts and Magic Lemons - Sukkot

2026/09/24

Just before Sukkot begins we cover the history, symbolism and practice of this enigmatic and richly layered holiday. Ḥag Same'aḥ!

Blessed Be - Berakhot

2026/06/18

Blessings – what are they, what are they good for, and how do we do them? Also – are they actually blessings?! (Some of) the mysteries of Berakhot revealed.

How to Keep Kosher in a non-Kosher World

2026/06/05

We review the basic laws of kashrut, considering the concepts of hekhsher and hashgacha, and attempt to understand the contemporary excesses of the kashrut establishment, including the how and why of the fact that far more people keep kosher than claim to.

Body (of) Law - Milah, Niddah, and Taharah

2026/05/08

We cover the subjects of Milah (circumcision), Niddah (menstruation), and Taharah (cleansing of the corpse). CW: genitalia, blood, death.

R&R - Oneg Shabbat

2026/04/26

Mah Nishtanah - Pesach Q&A

2026/03/27

In the run-up to Seder, we look at audience submitted questions around Pesach. Do I need new toothbrushes and lipstick? How can I do the halakhic minimum at Seder? What's the deal with Kitniyot anyway – and much more! Our SAMS Pesach Guide is online: tiny.cc/pesach5786

The Temple and Its Sacrifices

2026/03/12

We look at the Korbanot, their details, history and significance and the context of the ancient Temple (Beit haMikdash)

Purim

2026/03/02

A quick and colourful look at Purim – the story of Megillat Ester, the rituals and mitzvot of the holiday, and its minhagim and myths

Egalitarianism

2026/02/16

In our 50th episode (!) we investigate the question of full and equal participation in Jewish life for women (egalitarianism) – its basis, its development, and its challenges today

Jews: A Taxonomy (Sort Of)

2026/01/30

So many labels exist for Jews - from ancient to modern, theological to geographical! We try (and fail) to categorise and organise all the many ways to be Jewish in this (rather poor, admittedly) attempt at a Jewish taxonomy

The Talmud

2026/01/15

Two documents are referenced in this podcast: the diagram of a page of the Vilna Shas, which is here, and the text of Massekhet Berakhot 12b-13a (the last sugya of the first chapter of Berakhot) is here

Hanukkah - Maccabees and Miracles

2025/12/18

All about Hanukkah – its history, myth, and modern practice

Is Judaism A World Religion? - Jews and Other Faiths

2025/11/20

In honour of Mitzvah Day and Interfaith Week, a look at how Judaism sees other religions and how they see us.

Angels, Demons and Dybbuks - Oh My!

2025/11/07

An introductory look at supernatural beings in Jewish tradition - the good, the bad, and the toilet demons.

The Jewish Home

2025/10/10

What makes a Jewish house a Jewish home? We explore the concept of Mikdash Ma'at and the practices, objects, and experiences inherent in building a Bayit Neeman beYisrael.