Everyone knows that Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish Year, but did you know that the Talmud lists it as one of the top two happiest? How can a day that deals with such heavy themes as sin and atonement be celebrated with so much joy

What Are the Ten Days of Repentance?

Oct 5th, 2016 31m 30s

What do Jews do between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur? The answer to that question could impact your entire year!Join Mottle and Batya on this new episode of Stuff Jews Should Know for a fun, light hearted, and personal exploration of the Ten D

What is Rosh Hashanah

Sep 27th, 2016 20m 25s

Classic Rosh Hashanah episode of Stuff Jews Should Know. Have a good and sweet new year

What is Tu b’Av?

Aug 18th, 2016 26m 38s

Often referred to as the Jewish Valentine's Day, Tu b'Av is the Jewish Holiday of Love. How does Judaism view a holiday dedicated to love? Batya and Mottle explain the origins the ancient celebrations, and the modern revival of this holiday tha

What to do with a new Jewish Baby

May 6th, 2016 24m 34s

Mazal Tov! You have a new Jewish baby. What is next? Have you chosen a name? Brit Milah? What is a Shalom Zachor or a Shalom Bat? How much do you know about a Pidyon haBen? Mottle and Batya take you through the sometimes confusing process of we

What is Purim

Mar 20th, 2016 28m 23s

Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish People from a genocide in the 5th Century BCE in the Persian Empire. On one hand it is the most festive, joy filled day of the year, but to the Jewish mystics it is on a higher level than even Yom

Jewish Customs about Death and Mourning

Dec 3rd, 2015 30m 10s

Death is an experience that every human being comes in contact. Judaism has an incredible 'toolbox' for dealing with this universal experience.

Bar and Bat Mitzvah

Nov 16th, 2015 23m 14s

Where does the concept of a Bar Mitzvah come from? Today you are a man, tomorrow you are a 7th grader again. Was it always that way? Batya and Mottle dig deeper into this well known Jewish life cycle event and reveal 'stuff' about it that you p

Gossip!

Nov 5th, 2015 28m 10s

Batya and Mottle do a gossip show. It is not what you make think. (or may have hoped for). They explore the Jewish laws about what is considered gossip and what isn't. It might surprise you and possible change the way you speak about people.

What are the Major Denominations in Judaism?

Oct 29th, 2015 28m 12s

Maybe the question should be 'why are there' major denominations in Judaism? Batya and Mottle explore the major denominations and the origins, and try to get beyond the labels.

Conversion to Judaism

Oct 22nd, 2015 27m

Why does Judaism make it so difficult to convert? What are the steps required to become a Jew? How are the laws of conversion today different than they were in the past? What is the difference between a Reform conversion, or an Orthodox convers

What is the Temple Mount?

Nov 6th, 2014 31m 10s

For two thousand years where ever Jews where in the world, they have directed their prayers toward a hill in Jerusalem. What is the significance of this hill historically, and spiritually? Certain it is Stuff Jews Should Know!

What is a Jewish Wedding?

Oct 31st, 2014 34m 54s

What makes a wedding a Jewish wedding? Mottle and Batya walk you through the entire day from start to finish. You will be shouting Mazal Tov an feel like were there!

What is Jewish Prayer?

Oct 21st, 2014 30m 27s

Mottle and Batya are back with the Season Premier of Stuff Jew Should Know! Where does Jewish prayer come from? How is it different? This is Stuff Jews Should Know.

What is Yom Kippur again?

Oct 1st, 2014 18m 56s

The Classic Stuff Jews Should Know Yom Kippur episode. Prepare for the Day of AtONEment with Mottle and Batya. NEW SEASON of SJSK begins October 21.

What is Shavuot?

May 30th, 2014 20m 48s

Shavuot is one of the three main biblical festivals celebrated by the Jewish People. It commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. It is also intimately connected to Israel's ancient agricultural cycle. Learn more about this amazin

What is Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day)

May 23rd, 2014 26m 17s

Special show in honor of Yom Yerushalayim! The anniversary of the Reunification of the Eternal Capitol of the Jewish People after 2000 years of Exile.

What is Lag b’Omer

May 16th, 2014 20m 44s

Lag b'Omer is the best Jewish Holiday you never heard of! Outside of Israel, it is rarely celebrated, but in the Land of Israel, it is an ecstatic celebration of joy with deep Kabbalistic themes. Join Mottle and Batya to explore this amazing ho

Jews and Tattoos

Feb 4th, 2014 23m 6s

If I have a tattoo am I allowed to be buried in a Jewish Cemetery? Lot's of people ask this question but what what does Jewish law say? Does Jewish law conflict with your Bubbie's advice on Tattoos? Check out the Stuff Jews Should know po

What are Tefillin?

Jan 28th, 2014 28m 28s

What are those black leather boxes that you see men wearing at the Western Wall? Do women wear tefillin? What are they made of? What is the deeper spiritual meaning behind this ancient Jewish custom? Join Mottle and Batya to explore this and mo

What is Thanksgivikah?

Nov 22nd, 2013 22m 8s

First time EVER!!! and last time for 77,000 years! Chanukah and Thanksgiving overlap into the cultural sensation Thanksgivikah!!! There is actually a depth to this more than the menurkey, and Turkey latkas. Join Mottle and Batya for this fun

What is the Book of Genesis?

Oct 18th, 2013 18m 35s

It is the beginning of the five books of Moses. We are familiar with the stories, but what is the common thread that ties them all together? Why start what is predominantly a book of laws with a book of stories? What do we actually learn from t

What is Succot?

Sep 24th, 2013 21m 44s

For seven days the Jewish People dwell in temporary huts, place with fruit, and rejoice over water? What is going here?! Live from their succah in the hills of Judea, join Mottle and Batya to explore the "Stuff Jews Should Know" about the bib

What is Rosh Hashana?

Sep 3rd, 2013 19m 57s

Shana Tova u'mtuka!! Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year is upon us. Learn about the deeper meanings behind this holiday with Reb Mottle and Batya. Explore what the Jewish New year really means and how to connect to it in a way you never have b

What is Elul?

Aug 21st, 2013 15m 19s

Elul is the Jewish month of Return! No better time for Stuff Jews Should Know to return from summer hiatus with a whole crop of episodes, geared for the high holidays. This week Mottle and Batya speak about the Jewish concepts of Teshuva, and t