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Who Jew Think You Are

Who Jew Think You Are

Written by: Eylan Ezekiel
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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.

Eylan Ezekiel Judaism Social Sciences Spirituality World
Episodes
  • Who Jew Think We Can Become? - Eylan Ezekiel

    Who Jew Think We Can Become? - Eylan Ezekiel
    Dec 5 2025
    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.Find us elsewhere, here!Show creditsHost / Producer: Eylan EzekielPost-production: Communicating for ImpactArtwork: Emily TheodoreMusic: Aleksafor utransndr KarabanovSound effects: Serge Quadrado Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    13 mins
  • Echoes of Aden at the table - Claudia Mendoza

    Echoes of Aden at the table - Claudia Mendoza
    Nov 7 2025
    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)Find us elsewhere, here!Show creditsHost / Producer: Eylan EzekielPost-production: Communicating for ImpactArtwork: Emily TheodoreMusic: Aleksafor utransndr KarabanovSound effects: Serge Quadrado Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    50 mins
  • Memory as Resistance - Eliaz Reuben-Dandeker

    Memory as Resistance - Eliaz Reuben-Dandeker
    Oct 17 2025
    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 channelFind us elsewhere, here!Show creditsHost / Producer: Eylan EzekielPost-production: Communicating for ImpactArtwork: Emily TheodoreMusic: Aleksafor utransndr KarabanovSound effects: Serge Quadrado Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    36 mins
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