March 12, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 76 - Separating the Nerdy from the Mundane

After last episode’s connection to Shabbat, there was only one logical topic for the next conversation: havdalah! We learn about the ritual objects of havdalah and the meaning behind this short, weekly celebration. We discuss when we keep our nerdy parts of our lives separate, we find some sweetness in nerd culture, and we also talk about the bad body odor of gamers, for some reason. Once we’ve gotten to that point, how can we separate ourselves from that space?

00:00:41 Torah Smash Live!
00:01:32 Part II: Havdalah (Separation)
00:08:46 What are the nerdy things we do that we want to keep separate?
00:13:56 What are the spaces you wish were ceremoniously separated?
00:17:17 Sacred symbols of separation that bring us joy
00:21:51 Taking in the sweetness of nerd culture
00:28:13 Symbols of light in nerd culture
00:32:45 Ritual moments

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Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

February 26, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 75 - Shabbat: There’s A Nap For That

Shabbat is a way for us to reflect on the week and reset ourselves. We power ourselves down and find ways of interacting with our loved ones and our community in ways that can really nourish our soul. So, this is a reminder to download that special app on your smartphone that will help you appreciate and recognize shabbat. And, while you’re at it, don’t forget to organize your apps and delete the ones that just fill up the space without any significance. After that, go take a nice shabbat schluff.

00:00:37 Torah Smash! Live! Coming to Austin, March 2025
00:01:14 Let’s talk about Shabbat
00:03:00 Observing Shabbat in our own ways
00:10:01 What 3 apps would you keep?
00:15:14 What you need is… more Shabbat
00:18:12 Cutting back on Apps
00:23:00 Categorizing
00:25:33 Using apps unexpectedly
00:27:55 Intentional usage and intentional feeling
00:36:14 What changes are you going to make now?

Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-75-shabbat-theres-a-nap-for-that

Connect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

February 12, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 74 - JudAIsm

Artificial intelligence is everywhere—even in the clergy world! In this episode, we welcome Rabbi Josh Fixler, who was recently featured in The New York Times for his insights on how religious leaders are using AI. Join us as we explore the intersection of faith and technology, discuss the opportunities and challenges AI presents to clergy, and maybe even ask the big question: If a chatbot gives a sermon, does it count? Tune in for a fascinating conversation that’s more than just artificial—it's intelligent!

00:04:14 New York Times: At the Intersection of AI and spirituality
00:07:52 Rabbi Bot
00:12:28 Chatgpt’s suggestions for utilizing AI in Judaism
00:20:39 The differences between how two religions related to technology
00:24:21 AI and Jewish Education
00:30:58 Can you use AI with pastoral care?
00:37:23 The turing test and the most human human
00:43:44 Golem qualities of an AI
00:45:47 Welcome to the podcast… Rabbi Bot!

Rabbi Josh Fixler’s Sermon on AI with his Rabbi Bot: https://youtu.be/f_PO5Y-VQ3s?si=09or25CdNjNC9Yh_

Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-74-JudAIsm