Exploring a more inclusive Jewniverse, with Eylan Ezekiel.
Meeting fascinating guests, this podcast will take you around the world, to understand the diverse histories and identities of Jewish people.
For more, join our community here https://linktr.ee/eylanezekielwhojew
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Exploring a more inclusive Jewniverse, with Eylan Ezekiel.
Meeting fascinating guests, this podcast will take you around the world, to understand the diverse histories and identities of Jewish people.
For more, join our community here https://linktr.ee/eylanezekielwhojew
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
Claudia 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.
Short definitions and terms referenced in this episode:
Explore past episodes that also reflect on identity, race, and Jewish belonging:
S2E5 – Unity Through Diversity with Dr Isaac Amon
S2E4 – Everything Needs to Change with Daniel Jonas
Show credits
Host / Producer: Eylan Ezekiel
Post-production: Communicating for Impact
Artwork: Emily Theodore
Music: Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov
Sound effects: Serge Quadrado
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
Eliaz 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.
Short 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 Passover
Melida: 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 ceremony
Want to learn more? Listen to previous episodes where we discuss identity.
References & Resources
Show credits
Host / Producer: Eylan Ezekiel
Post-production: Communicating for Impact
Artwork: Emily Theodore
Music: Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov
Sound effects: Serge Quadrado
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
As 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.
Short definitions and terms referenced in this episode:
Explore past episodes that also reflect on language, memory, and identity:
S2E6 – Endangered, Not Erased with Samantha Ellis
S1E10 – British Black Jews - a conversation with Kenneth Awele Okafor
Michael Lomotey’s Dvar Torah For Parashat Tazria-Metzora
Dr Louis Gordon – Scholar of philosophy and Jewish studies; writes on anti-Blackness and pluralism
Dr 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.
Show credits
Host / Producer: Eylan Ezekiel
Post-production: Communicating for Impact
Artwork: Emily Theodore
Music: Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov
Sound effects: Serge Quadrado
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Samantha Ellis shares the story of growing up in London as the daughter of Iraqi Jewish refugees and how language, food, and memory helped shape a strong sense of identity in a world that often didn’t understand it. From rediscovering her heritage through writing, to reflecting on what gets passed down (and what doesn’t), Samantha invites us into an honest and powerful conversation about exile, legacy, and the things that hold us together.
Samantha Ellis is a writer and playwright based in London. Born to Iraqi Jewish parents, Samantha explores themes of identity, loss, and cultural preservation in her work — most recently through her powerful memoir, Chopping Onions on My Heart.
Short definitions and terms referenced in this episode:
Judeo-Iraqi Arabic: A historically spoken dialect of Arabic used by Jews in Iraq; now highly endangered
Black eggs (brown eggs): Eggs slow-cooked overnight with onion skins, often served for Shabbat
Rosh Hashanah Seder: A New Year ritual practised in some Mizrahi communities, involving symbolic foods and blessings
Sofér: A Jewish scribe who writes and repairs Torah scrolls
Explore past episodes that also reflect on language, memory, and identity:
S1E6 - Other within the Other with Carol Isaacs
S1E7 – Identity is Overrated with Ophira Gamliel
Show credits
Host / Producer: Eylan Ezekiel
Post-production: Communicating for Impact
Artwork: Emily Theodore
Music: Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov
Sound effects: Serge Quadrado
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Guest
Dr. 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 Topics
Your guide
Short definitions of terms mentioned in this episode:
Want to learn more? Listen to previous episodes where we discuss identity.
References & Resources
Show credits
Host / Producer: Eylan Ezekiel
Post-production: Communicating for Impact
Artwork: Emily Theodore
Music: Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov
Sound effects: Serge Quadrado
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 guest
Meet 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 topics
Your guide
Short definitions of terms mentioned in this episode:
Want to learn more? Listen to previous episodes where we discuss identity.
References & Resources
Dive deeper into the Jewniverse
Who Jew you think you are?
Show credits
Host / Producer: Eylan Ezekiel
Post-production: Communicating for Impact
Artwork: Emily Theodore
Music: Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov
Sound effects: Serge Quadrado
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Season 2 is here! This trailer explains why the conversations in the podcast are so important. Now, more than ever.
Show credits
Host / Producer: Eylan Ezekiel
Post-production: Communicating for Impact
Artwork: Emily Theodore
Music: Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov
Sound effects: Serge Quadrado
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Guest
Yaffa Judah is a community organiser, creative and educator passionate about celebrating Jewish diversity and creating spaces where all Jews feel they belong.
Key Topics
Your Guide
Short definitions of terms mentioned in this episode:
Want to learn more?
Explore earlier episodes on Jewish identity and inclusion:
S2E1: Diverse Jewish Stories with Yaacov Yadgar
S2E4: Classical Sephardi Culture with Daniel Jonas - to follow soon
References & Resources
Illustrated Guide to a Jew in India by Solomon Devika – A fun visual storytelling project about Indian Jewish history
Show credits
Host / Producer: Eylan Ezekiel
Post-production: Communicating for Impact
Artwork: Emily Theodore
Music: Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov
Sound effects: Serge Quadrado
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this deeply personal episode, Shelley Silas guides us through her intricate journey of Jewish identity, shaped by her unique heritage, family dynamics, and the profound impact of loss.
Our Guest
Shelley Silas is a playwright and storyteller whose work delves into the nuances of identity and cultural belonging. Her plays, including "Calcutta Kosher," reflect her diverse heritage and the challenges of navigating multiple identities.
Key Topics
Your guide
Short definitions of terms mentioned in this episode:
Want to learn more? Listen to previous episodes where we discuss identity.
References & Resources
Dive deeper into the Jewniverse
Who Jew Think You Are? Your turn!
Show credits
Host / Producer: Eylan Ezekiel
Post-production: Communicating for Impact
Artwork: Emily Theodore
Music: Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov
Sound effects: Serge Quadrado
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With Professor Yakov Yadgar as our guide, we explore how nation-states, particularly Israel, shape and sometimes constrain Jewish identities while emphasising the importance of celebrating diverse histories and practices, especially those of Mizrahi heritage.
Our guest
Yaacov Yadgar is a Professor of Israel Studies at Oxford School of Global & Area Studies and Oxford Department of Politics & International Relations. Read more about his work.
Key topics
Your guide
Short definitions of terms mentioned in this episode:
Want to learn more? Listen to previous episodes where we discuss identity.
References & Resources
Videos
Dive deeper into the Jewniverse
Who Jew you think you are?
Show credits
Host / Producer: Eylan Ezekiel
Post-production: Communicating for Impact
Artwork: Emily Theodore
Music: Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov
Sound effects: Serge Quadrado
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this special Passover bonus episode, Penny Rabiger and Eylan Ezekiel share their Pesach traditions and the meaning of this festival, often referred to as 'Jewish Christmas'. If you are Jew-curious, you'll learn a little more about why this festival means so much to Jews, of all flavours - and ... if you are Jewish, it's a chance to reflect on the way we make meaning from the Exodus story.
Thanks to The Maccabeats for their quality singing to cover up Penny and Eylan's
We'd love to hear from you if you think your have a Jewish identity that struggles to be heard - whether you are Sephardi, Mizrachi, from South America, and/or if you are non-Zionist, Secular, LGBTQ+, Liberal, or Orthodox. If you’d like to be involved in our projects, such as being a guest on the podcast,
please contact us here https://forms.gle/sx7Nic2rCnTNEG289
You can find out more about Eylan Ezekiel here and about Penny Rabiger here
We are on Bluesky, Facebook, and even X/ Twitter too.
Incredible artwork and design by Emily Theodore - Thanks so much Emily!!
Music by Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov
Sound Effect by Sergei Chetvertnykh
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this final episode of Season 1, Penny Rabiger and Eylan Ezekiel review the guests and the learning from their travels through the Jewniverse (so far!).
They also consider the impact of October 7th on the question this podcast poses - and how it has informed the guests and plans for Season 2.
We'd love to hear from you if you think your have a Jewish identity that struggles to be heard - whether you are Sephardi, Mizrachi, from South America, - AND if you are non-Zionist, Secular, Liberal, or Orthodox. If you’d like to be involved in our projects, such as being a guest on the podcast, please contact us here https://forms.gle/sx7Nic2rCnTNEG289
You can find out more about Eylan Ezekiel here and about Penny Rabiger here
We are on Bluesky, Facebook, and even X/ Twitter too.
Incredible artwork and design by Emily Theodore - Thanks so much Emily!!
Music by Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov
Sound Effect by Sergei Chetvertnykh
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
British Black Jews - Kenneth Awele Okafor
Our travels in the Jewniverse takes us to meet Kenneth Awele Okafor, a British Black Jew, and architect.
Kenneth and Eylan talk about discovering faith, lost Jewish histories and hope for the future.
You can read more about Kenneth in an article for The Voice:
https://www.voice-online.co.uk/news/features-news/2022/06/03/black-jews/
Banana Challah (Yum!)
Tzedakah (Charity)
Tikkun_olam (Repair the world)
Book - What does a Jew Look Like?
Festivals of Sigd and New_Yam_Festival_of_the_Igbo
https://www.lyonslearning.org.uk/
-----------------
More about Eylan Ezekiel here and about Penny Rabiger here
We are on Bluesky, Facebook, and even X/ Twitter too. If you’d like to be involved in our projects, such as being a guest on the podcast, please contact us here https://forms.gle/sx7Nic2rCnTNEG289
Incredible artwork and design by Emily Theodore - Thanks so much Emily!!
Music by Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov
Sound Effect by Sergei Chetvertnykh
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Who Jew Think You Are? , Philip Arditti - actor and writer - was in conversation with Penny Rabiger and Eylan Ezekiel.
They explored Philip's Turkish Jewish heritage and how that translates into his Artivism.
Find out more about Philip Arditti:
Philip’s creative projects:
https://www.arcolatheatre.com/
Other creative works
More about Eylan Ezekiel here and about Penny Rabiger here
Transcript of the conversation can be found here:
We are on Bluesky, Facebook, and even X/ Twitter too. If you’d like to be involved in our projects, such as being a guest on the podcast, please contact us here https://forms.gle/sx7Nic2rCnTNEG289
Incredible artwork and design by Emily Theodore - Thanks so much Emily!!
Music by Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov
Sound Effect by Sergei Chetvertnykh
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dr Ophira Gamliel talks to Eylan Ezekiel about her Yememi heritage, the role of Jewish identities in culture, and the historical and modern place of Asian Jews.
A transcript of the conversation is here
Dr Ophira Gamliel at the University of Glasgow
https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/critical/staff/ophiragamliel/
Ophira on Twitter
https://twitter.com/OphiraGamliel
Food: Jachnun
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jachnun
Food: Kugel
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kugel
Jewish renewal group: Baal Teshuva
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal_teshuva
Yemeni Musician - Ofra Haza
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ofra_Haza
Breslov sect of Hasidic Jews
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breslov
Amram Ben Sheshna
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amram_ben_Sheshna
More about Eylan Ezekiel here and More about Penny Rabiger here
The podcast is on Bluesky, Facebook, and even X/ Twitter too; where we are sharing interesting articles and posts on related topics.
If you’d like to be involved in our projects, such as being a guest on the podcast, please contact us here
Incredible artwork and design by Emily Theodore - Thanks so much Emily!!!!
Music by Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov from Pixabay
Sound Effect by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“Other within the Other” - with Carol Isaacs
The Surreal McCoy - AKA Carol Isaacs
https://www.thesurrealmccoy.com/
The Wolf of Baghdad - Book/Graphic Novel
https://myriadeditions.com/books/the-wolf-of-baghdad/
Educator Guide for Wolf of Baghdad
https://www.mattreingold.ca/_files/ugd/b5e5dd_008584d7a470469a840e17c8c961137d.pdf
Growing up Mizrahi - Short Documentary
https://ukjewishfilm.org/film/growing-up-mizrahi/
Carol on Socials - Twitter Insta YouTube
History of the Jews of Iraq
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Jews_in_Iraq
Recipe:
https://recipes.fandom.com/wiki/Kubba_Bamia
Kaukokaipuu - Finnish word for nostalgia for a place you’ve never been to.
Ahmed Mukhtar - Oud player Keith Clouston - Oud player Daniel Jonas
Transcript of episode
The podcast is on Bluesky, Facebook, and even X/ Twitter too.
If you’d like to get involved, please contact us here
Incredible artwork and design by Emily Theodore - Thanks so much Emily!!!!
Music by Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov from Pixabay
Sound Effect by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dr Yohai Hakak talked to Eylan Ezekiel about growing up Mizrahi and secular in Israel.
This episode was recorded in May 23.
“How Does the Social Work?”podcast
Hamin - more food!
Cholent - even more food!!
More about Eylan Ezekiel here and More about Penny Rabiger here
The podcast is on Bluesky, Facebook, and even X/ Twitter too; where we are sharing interesting articles and posts on related topics.
If you’d like to be involved in our projects, such as being a guest on the podcast, please contact us here
Incredible artwork and design by Emily Theodore - Thanks so much Emily!!!!
Music by Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov from Pixabay
Sound Effect by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Penny Rabiger and Eylan Ezekiel explore the definitions, histories, and experiences of Jews of Mizrahi heritage.
A transcript is available here.
Wikipedia article about Mizrahi Jews
Does Israel still discriminate against Mizrahi Jews? - Jerusalam Post article
Hen Mazzig - activist and author of The Wrong Kind of Jew: A Mizrahi Manifesto
Jowan Safadi - To be an Arab - YouTube video - Challenging, funny, catchy. Stick around for the last line!
More about Eylan Ezekiel here and More about Penny Rabiger here
The podcast is on Bluesky, Facebook, and even X/ Twitter too; where we are sharing interesting articles and posts on related topics.
If you’d like to be involved in our projects, such as being a guest on the podcast, please contact us here
Incredible artwork and design by Emily Theodore - Thanks so much Emily!!!!
Music by Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov from Pixabay
Sound Effect by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
An interview with Nina, about her Tunisian Jewish heritage.
A full transcript of this episode is available here
Some of the things we talked about:
French movie mentioned at the start - “La vérité si je mens” / “Would I lie to you?”
Brik / or “brick à l’oeuf” (egg brick)
French Documentary “May God Be with You”/Que Dieu te protège
Article, “When young French Jews return to the Maghreb of their parents”
More about Eylan Ezekiel here and More about Penny Rabiger here
The podcast is on Bluesky, Facebook, and even X/ Twitter too; where we are sharing interesting articles and posts on related topics.
If you’d like to be involved in our projects, such as being a guest on the podcast, please contact us here
Incredible artwork and design by Emily Theodore - Thanks so much Emily!!!!
Music by Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov from Pixabay
Sound Effect by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Penny Rabiger was speaking to Eylan Ezekiel about his heritage and identities: as a mixed Ashkenazi and Bene Israel Jew.
If you’d like to be involved in our projects, such as being a guest on the podcast, please contact us here
Incredible artwork and design by Emily Theodore - Thanks so much Emily!!!!
More about the history of the Ezekiel Rajpurker name
More about the pogroms at the start of the 20th Century in Poland
More about the history of Indian Jews to Britain
The transcript of this episode is available here
Music by Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov from Pixabay
Sound Effect by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.