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Did you know that Jewish people celebrate the trees' birthday? And the moon? Is Jewish Valentine's day romantic or horrific? Tami & Shoshana are here for you as they discuss Rosh Chodesh, Tu B'av and Tu B'shevat aka. Tu Bishvat. Plus an angry Jewish parent on Facebook needs to find a Jewish school that isn’t “woke”.  Trigger warning: At 26 minutes, this episode touches on sexual assault, including discussion of sexual violence in the Bible. Listener discretion is advised. This episode was filmed at Storytellers Australia. You can watch it on YouTube The vocalist in the theme song is Sara Yael  Subscribe to The Jewish Independent's bi-weekly newsletter: jewishindependent.com.au Follow Tami and Shoshana on Instagram : @tami_sussman_bits & @jewishmemesonly X: TJI_au Facebook: TheJewishIndependentAU Instagram: thejewishindependent LinkedIn: the-jewish-independent Listen to the Hallel Playlist 

Why do Jewish people get anxious about waste? Have a different calendar? Occasionally marry their in-law? Tami & Shoshana are here for you; all will be answered in this week’s 'Rapid Fire' episode. Plus, a curious FB group member asks if it’s permissible to use a buzzbuzz on shabbat.  This episode was filmed at Storytellers Australia.  The vocalist in the theme song is Sara Yael  Did you know you can watch this series on YouTube?   Subscribe to The Jewish Independent's bi-weekly newsletter: jewishindependent.com.au Follow Tami and Shoshana on Instagram : @tami_sussman_bits & @jewishmemesonly X: TJI_au Facebook: TheJewishIndependentAU Instagram: thejewishindependent LinkedIn: the-jewish-independent

Welcome back to Season 4 of The Jewish Independent’s podcast ASHAMED TO ADMIT. In the first episode of the season, Tami Sussman asks BRAND NEW CO-HOST Shoshana Gottlieb Beker how Jews ended up in so many places around the world! Plus, they introduce a new segment which exposes the craziest things people post in Jewish Facebook Groups.  ASHAMED TO ADMIT: It’s everything you didn’t get in Jewish Studies Class.  This episode was filmed at Storytellers Australia.  The vocalist in the theme song is Sara Yael  Subscribe to The Jewish Independent's bi-weekly newsletter: thejewishindependent.com.au Follow Tami and Shoshana on Instagram  X: TJI_au YouTube: thejewishindependentAU Facebook: TheJewishIndependentAU Instagram: thejewishindependent LinkedIn: the-jewish-independent

In this one-off interview, TJI's Editor-in-Chief Deborah Stone speaks with Sir Mick Davis and Mike Prashker, founders of The London Initiative—a global network connecting Jewish leaders across the diaspora. They discuss the threat of illiberalism in Israel and what the diaspora's role should be in defending Israeli democracy. Ashamed to Admit returns in January 2026 with Tami Sussman and a soon-to-be-announced co-host.  Watch the episode in video: https://thejewishindependent.com.au/reviving-israels-liberal-democracy Read Sir Mick's address to The Great Synagogue: https://thejewishindependent.com.au/we-must-speak-out-for-a-democratic-fair-peace-seeking-israel Our editorial: https://thejewishindependent.com.au/israel-decline-democracy-protest You won’t regret subscribing to The Jewish Independent's bi-weekly newsletter: jewishindependent.com.au X: TJI_au YouTube: thejewishindependentAU Facebook: TheJewishIndependentAU Instagram: thejewishindependent LinkedIn: the-jewish-independent

For this Season 3 finale, their very last episode as co-hosts, Tami and Dash balance the over/undersharing scale by delving into Dash’s secret and scandalous family history. They discover that there’s more than one way to define a “Jewish Family.”  Ashamed to Admit will continue as a podcast AND a vodcast in 2026 with a new co-host joining Tami in the studio. Follow TJI on Instagram for more intel.  Read the full article: https://thejewishindependent.com.au/jewish-ancestry-barnett-family You won’t regret subscribing to The Jewish Independent's bi-weekly newsletter: jewishindependent.com.au Tami and Dash on Instagram: tami_sussman_bits and dashiel_and_pascoe X: TJI_au YouTube: thejewishindependentAU Facebook: TheJewishIndependentAU Instagram: thejewishindependent LinkedIn: the-jewish-independent

On the second anniversary of October 7th, host Tami Sussman sits down with Nova Festival survivor Natalie Sanandaji, an Iranian-American Jewish woman who narrowly escaped the Hamas attacks.  Natalie discusses her transformation from New York real estate professional to full-time advocate fighting antisemitism, her unique perspective as someone with both Israeli and Iranian heritage and why she believes this conflict extends far beyond Israel and Palestine.  She opens up about survivor's guilt, the responsibility she feels to speak for those who can't, and the surprising support she's received from the Iranian diaspora. Tami and Natalie discuss the vital importance of bearing witness, the broader threats to women and minorities and why breaking out of echo chambers is essential for meaningful change. Follow Natalie and her incredible work: https://www.instagram.com/natalie.sanandaji/?hl=en Footage of Natalie being reunited with Moshe Saati who saved her life on Oct 7:  https://edition.cnn.com/videos/world/2023/12/21/exp-nova-festival-reunion-will-ripley-pkg-122112aseg2-cnni-world.cnn A special thank you to the National Council of Jewish Women  You can follow Tami here Read and listen to more from The Jewish Independent X: TJI_au YouTube: thejewishindependentAU Facebook: TheJewishIndependentAU Instagram: thejewishindependent LinkedIn: the-jewish-independent

At Australia's largest congregation, Emanuel Synagogue, a historic transition is underway as the High Holy Days approach. Longstanding Senior Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins has announced he is passing the metaphorical shofar to Rabbi Jacqueline Nino. Tami and Dash sat down with this wise and inspiring rabbinic duo to discuss legacy, leadership, and how Jeffrey has played 'the long game.'  Oh, and Tami and Dash have an announcement of their own!  You won’t regret subscribing to The Jewish Independent's bi-weekly newsletter: jewishindependent.com.au Tami and Dash on Instagram: tami_sussman_bits and dashiel_and_pascoe X: TJI_au YouTube: thejewishindependentAU Facebook: TheJewishIndependentAU Instagram: thejewishindependent LinkedIn: the-jewish-independent

Tami and Dash sit down with chef, author, influencer and newly minted award-winner Ellie Bouhadana. From the kitchen to the page, Ellie has been cooking up more than focaccia. Catch a glimpse of Ellie's table :) Articles relevant to today's episode:  https://thejewishindependent.com.au/the-best-jewish-australian-books-of-the-past-year https://thejewishindependent.com.au/writer-awards-celebrate-talent-in-face-of-discrimination You won’t regret subscribing to The Jewish Independent's bi-weekly newsletter: jewishindependent.com.au Tami and Dash on Instagram: tami_sussman_bits and dashiel_and_pascoe X: TJI_au YouTube: thejewishindependentAU Facebook: TheJewishIndependentAU Instagram: thejewishindependent LinkedIn: the-jewish-independent

In the middle of the upcoming Jewish High Holy Days, SHIR Australian Jewish Music Festival is returning to stages in Sydney and Melbourne. This year's theme, Songs of Strength, will see Jewish music ranging from musical theatre to pop, liturgical to the latest releases from Israel - including the song that propelled Yuval Raphael to second place at Eurovision, New Day Will Rise. But behind this celebration lies a more complex story. What does it mean to create music when your very identity has become controversial? In this raw conversation, Australian music icon Deborah Conway and SHIR festival director Ben Adler reveal the personal and professional costs of being Jewish artists in post-October 7th Australia - from cancelled performances and security concerns to the artistic defiance that keeps them creating. Articles related to this week's episode: https://thejewishindependent.com.au/if-i-have-to-pick-a-hill-to-die-on-exposing-antisemitism-among-the-good-is-the-one https://thejewishindependent.com.au/extreme-intolerance-deborah-conway-on-the-pro-palestinian-protestors-who-wouldnt-let-her-sing https://thejewishindependent.com.au/deborah-conway-in-conversation-with-ramona-koval https://thejewishindependent.com.au/australian-music-video-goes-viral-in-support-of-israel https://thejewishindependent.com.au/chutneys-debut-album-is-a-klezmer-tasting-jar More information about SHIR: https://www.shir.com.au/ And about Deborah and Ben's music and upcoming shows: https://www.deborahconway.com/ https://www.chutneyband.com/ You won’t regret subscribing to The Jewish Independent's bi-weekly newsletter: jewishindependent.com.au Tami and Dash on Instagram: tami_sussman_bits and dashiel_and_pascoe X: TJI_au YouTube: thejewishindependentAU Facebook: TheJewishIndependentAU Instagram: thejewishindependent LinkedIn: the-jewish-independent

After welcoming over one million visitors since opening its doors in 1992, the Sydney Jewish Museum is embarking on an ambitious and brave transformation that speaks directly to our tumultuous present moment. Senior Curator Shannon Biederman shares a curator's perspective on navigating the delicate balance between preserving Holocaust testimony and celebrating living Jewish culture in the post-October 7 age.  The week's episode is  sponsored by the Sydney Jewish Museum  Articles related to this week's episode: https://thejewishindependent.com.au/expanded-sydney-jewish-museum-aims-to-challenge-prejudice-with-pride https://thejewishindependent.com.au/sydney-jewish-museum-to-build-new-cultural-centre-in-major-expansion https://thejewishindependent.com.au/video-sydney-jewish-museum-immortalises-holocaust-survivors-3d-technology More information about the redevelopment: https://capitalappeal.sydneyjewishmuseum.com.au/ Submit your 'Chai-lights' You won’t regret subscribing to The Jewish Independent's bi-weekly newsletter: jewishindependent.com.au Tami and Dash on Instagram: tami_sussman_bits and dashiel_and_pascoe X: TJI_au YouTube: thejewishindependentAU Facebook: TheJewishIndependentAU Instagram: thejewishindependent LinkedIn: the-jewish-independent

Tami and Dash sit down with the incomparable Alexis Fishman: one of Australia’s most dynamic Jewish performers. Ahead of her upcoming performance in Anne Being Frank (presented by Monstrous Theatre, Neil Gooding Productions and The Shalom Collective) Alexis talks about the politics of Jewish representation on stage and what it really takes to sustain a creative career across Australia and New York. The interview is candid, cheeky and full of some great "Ashamed to Admits" https://thejewishindependent.com.au/alexiss-musical-journey-new-york-amy-beyond Buy tickets to Anne Being Frank here: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/theatre/anne-being-frank Did you know Tami and Alexis are different people? Tami: https://www.instagram.com/tami_sussman_bits/?hl=en Alexis: https://www.instagram.com/alexis_fishman/?hl=en You won’t regret subscribing to The Jewish Independent's bi-weekly newsletter: jewishindependent.com.au X: TJI_au YouTube: thejewishindependentAU Facebook: TheJewishIndependentAU Instagram: thejewishindependent LinkedIn: the-jewish-independent

In this episode, Tami sits down with illustrator, author and all-round creative powerhouse Beck Feiner for a conversation that’s equal parts Jewy, chewy and a little bit shamey. Tami and Beck cover the full spectrum: from having proud Jewish mums and to online dating, Jewish weddings (and divorces) to why Jewish South African immigrants often find themselves the butt of jokes. They also tackle a thornier question: in the current climate, are Jewish-themed picture books still commercially possible? As always, expect a mix of light, shade and the kind of honesty that makes us just a little bit ashamed to admit… Book tickets to Jewish &  https://thejewishindependent.com.au/events/jewish-2 Beck’s website:  www.beckfeinercreations.com Articles adjacent to this episode:  https://thejewishindependent.com.au/should-i-say-im-jewish-on-my-dating-profile https://thejewishindependent.com.au/my-renewed-hope-for-a-changing-south-africa https://thejewishindependent.com.au/orthodox-women-begin-sex-strike-against-divorce-refusal Tami and Dash on Instagram: tami_sussman_bits and dashiel_and_pascoe You won’t regret subscribing to The Jewish Independent's bi-weekly newsletter: jewishindependent.com.au X: TJI_au YouTube: thejewishindependentAU Facebook: TheJewishIndependentAU Instagram: thejewishindependent LinkedIn: the-jewish-independent

Tami and Dash are joined by Aussie actor and influencer Jakey Parry, who now serves in the IDF and has garnered a large following from his funny, insightful and moving videos about being a new immigrant and learning Hebrew in Israel.  Take the TJI Quiz https://thejewishindependent.com.au/quiz/tji-quiz-55 More from Jakey on TJI  https://thejewishindependent.com.au/i-have-learned-orthodox-actor-is-not-an-oxymoron Jakey's Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/jakey_parry/ Tami and Dash on Instagram: tami_sussman_bits and dashiel_and_pascoe You won’t regret subscribing to The Jewish Independent's bi-weekly newsletter: jewishindependent.com.au X: TJI_au YouTube: thejewishindependentAU Facebook: TheJewishIndependentAU Instagram: thejewishindependent LinkedIn: the-jewish-independent

Lee Kofman and her family survived Soviet persecution as refuseniks in the 1970s, but nothing could prepare her for what happened when she tried to support fellow Jewish creatives in Australia after October 7th. The acclaimed author and writing teacher created a WhatsApp group (later vilified as 'Zio600') for Jewish artists and academics, only to see the private conversations leaked and members' personal details publicly doxxed. She lost most of her teaching work overnight, but she won't be silenced. Lee caught up with Tami and Dash to discuss the chilling parallels between her childhood in the USSR and today's literary gatekeeping, and why she's channelling her energy into "Ruptured" - a powerful new collection of essays from Australian Jewish women.  Article related to this conversation: https://thejewishindependent.com.au/reassembling-the-jewish-matryoshka-dolls-in-my-family https://thejewishindependent.com.au/hate-on-becoming-a-bad-jew https://thejewishindependent.com.au/australians-love-hearing-about-writers-roots-unless-theyre-israeli More information about Lee and Ruptured: https://leekofman.com.au/ruptured/ You won’t regret subscribing to The Jewish Independent's bi-weekly newsletter: jewishindependent.com.au Tami and Dash on Instagram: tami_sussman_bits and dashiel_and_pascoe X: TJI_au YouTube: thejewishindependentAU Facebook: TheJewishIndependentAU Instagram: thejewishindependent LinkedIn: the-jewish-independent

What happens when two passionate Jewish educators decide to reimagine what a Jewish day school could be? Adam Hyman and Eleanor Hasenfratz are bringing a radical new vision to Melbourne's Jewish community with Beit Hillel Community School, set to open in 2026. They caught up with Tami and Dash (both parents of kids in prep) to discuss their vision and why they think Melbourne's Jewish community is ready for this unique model of education.  Article related to this conversation: https://thejewishindependent.com.au/an-alternative-jewish-school-for-melbourne More information about the school: https://beithillelschool.com/ You won’t regret subscribing to The Jewish Independent's bi-weekly newsletter: jewishindependent.com.au Tami and Dash on Instagram: tami_sussman_bits and dashiel_and_pascoe X: TJI_au YouTube: thejewishindependentAU Facebook: TheJewishIndependentAU Instagram: thejewishindependent LinkedIn: the-jewish-independent