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Deatra Cohen and Adam Siegel have explored the world of Jewish medicinal plant healers within the communities of the Pale of Settlement in Eastern Europe, and written a book to share their findings. As trained librarians and linguists, Deatra and Adam were uniquely suited to uncover these practices that lasted from the Middle Ages to the Modern Era, hidden by language barriers and obscure documents. The book is eye-opening and includes the first materia medica of 26 plants and herbs essential to Ashkenazi folk medicine. In this interview, Deatra and Adam discuss their research process, the legacy of Ashkenazi herbalism, and how their experiences as Jews interacted with their work.EPISODE NOTESOrder "Ashkenazi Herbalism: Rediscovering the Herbal Traditions of Eastern European Jews" from Bookshop.orgVisit the Ashkenazi Herbalism WebsiteJoin the Ashkenazi Herbalism Facebook GroupFollow Ashkenazi Herbalism on InstagramOn Wandering is going on hiatus! To find out what comes next, subscribe to our email list here. You can follow Clarissa on Twitter and Instagram @ClarissaRMarksTo request a transcript, or just say “hi,” send an email to hello@onwandering.coIf you liked this episode try out Embracing Yiddish Language, Theater, Culture, and History, with Rokhl Kafrissen or Jewish New York with Dr. Deborah Dash Moore .Like the show? Here are three great ways to support!—Rate On Wandering 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts (this helps folks find us).—Share On Wandering with a Friend (IRL or via Twitter)—Buy Me a Coffee. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps create the best show possible.This episode was produced and presented by Clarissa Marks with music by Gillicuddy.This episode was recorded on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past, present, and emerging. As a land-based people in diaspora, we recognize first nations and indigenous people as the stewards of this land from time immemorial. We honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

We dig into a topic that has come up in many of the conversations on this podcast: intergenerational trauma. The study of this phenomenon is relatively new, but it’s resonated with many Jews whose ancestors’ survived violence and persecution. To take a closer look at this, Clarissa talks to Jo Kent Katz, a Therapist, Ritualist, and Political Educator. In 2020, Jo launched a website called “Transcending Jewish Trauma” to help Jews unpack and heal from inherited unconscious beliefs and behaviors associated with ancestral trauma. Included on the website is a map that explores the many manifestations of collective trauma experienced by Ashkenazi Jews living in the US.EPISODE NOTESOn Wandering is going on hiatus!To find out what comes next, subscribe to our email list here. Learn more about Jo Kent Katz at jokentkatz.comFind Jo’s map at transcendingjewishtrauma.comYou can follow Clarissa on Twitter and Instagram @ClarissaRMarksTo request a transcript, or just say “hi,” send an email to hello@onwandering.coIf you liked this episode try out “Finding Crypto-Jewish Ancestors w/Researcher and Historian Genie Milgrom,” or “Jewish Ethnicity, Jewish Joy, Mizrahi Culture, and Decolonizing Jewishness, with Yasmine Esther.”Like the show? Here are three great ways to support!-Rate On Wandering 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts (this helps folks find us).-Share On Wandering with a Friend (IRL or via Twitter)-Buy Me a Coffee. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps create the best show possible.This episode was produced and presented by Clarissa Marks with music by Gillicuddy.This episode was recorded on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past, present and emerging. As a land-based people in diaspora, we recognize first nations and indigenous people as the stewards of this land from time immemorial. We honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

Clarissa talks to Yasmine Esther, a community educator, and a Bukharan, Ashkenazi, and Mizrahi Jew. Yasmine’s made it her mission to inform Jews and non-Jews alike about Jewish politics and culture. With over sixteen-thousand followers on Instagram, Yasmine combats misconceptions and erasure of Jewish customs and history. She often shares about overlooked parts of her multifaceted culture including food, clothing, music and jewelry from her Mizrahi and Bukharin background. Yasmine also has black family members, and her educational work incorporates confronting anti-blackness and racism.EPISODE NOTES**Announcement**: On Wandering will be on summer break starting in July. New, monthly episodes will resume in the fall. Follow Yasmine on Instagram @yasmine.dreamzMizrahiSephardiAshkenaziBukharan JewsYemenite Children’s AffairBreaking the WallAshkenormativityThe Problem With the Term ‘Ethnic Jew’Instagram Responses to “The Problem With the Term ‘Ethnic Jew’” You can follow Clarissa on Twitter and Instagram @ClarissaRMarksTo request a transcript, suggest a topic or a guest, or just say “hi,” send an email to hello@onwandering.coIf you liked this episode try out “Embracing Yiddish Language, Theater, Culture, and History, with Rokhl Kafrissen” or “Finding Crypto-Jewish Ancestors w/Researcher and Historian Genie Milgrom.”Like the show? Here are three great ways to support!·       Rate On Wandering 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts. This helps others find us.·       Share On Wandering with a Friend (IRL or via Twitter)·       Buy Me a Coffee. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps create the best show possible.On Wandering is produced and presented by Clarissa Marks. The intro music for this episode is by Gillicuddy and the outro music by Ketsa. The show is recorded on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past, present and emerging. As a land-based people in diaspora, we recognize first nations and indigenous people as the stewards of this land from time immemorial. We honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

Forty years ago, thousands of Jews fled Iran after the Islamic Revolution, settling primarily in Los Angeles. Nicole Nowparvar is a member of that Persian Jewish community. She’s a psychotherapist, and the cofounder of Chaya, a community of intimate gatherings for Jewish Iranians. In this conversation, Clarissa talks with Nicole about how social, familial, and cultural expectations shape the community and the way that Chaya is helping individuals navigate what it means to be Jewish Iranian in the U.S.EPISODE NOTESNicole Nowparvar’s WebsiteNicole Nowparvar’s InstagramChaya CommunityTaarof You can follow Clarissa on Twitter and Instagram @ClarissaRMarksTo request a transcript, suggest a topic or a guest, or just say “hi,” send an email to hello@onwandering.co If you liked this episode try out: Embracing Yiddish Language, Theater, Culture, and History, with Rokhl Kafrissen and Hebrew Tattoos w/Artist and Calligrapher Gabriel Wolff Like the show? Here are three great ways to support!·       Rate On Wandering 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts. This helps others find the show!·       Share On Wandering with a Friend (IRL or via Twitter)·       Buy Me a Coffee. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps create the best show possible. On Wandering is produced and presented by Clarissa Marks.The intro music for this episode is by Gillicuddy and the outro music by Sound: The EncounterThe show is recorded on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past, present and emerging. As a land-based people in diaspora, we recognize first nations and indigenous people as the stewards of this land from time immemorial. We honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

A Resource List for Israel-PalestineThis list is in no way exhaustive – and we’re open to suggestions. We’ve tried to include resources that are thoughtful and align with the goal of justice and liberation for all people in the region.You can follow Clarissa on Twitter and Instagram @ClarissaRMarksTo share your thoughts, suggest a topic or a guest, or just say “hi,” send an email to hello@onwandering.co

Clarissa talks with Dr. Deborah Dash Moore, a professor of Jewish History, about a city that holds a special place for American Jews and Jewish culture: New York City. They talk about her book “Jewish New York,” how Jews transformed the city of New York, and how the city transformed them.EPISODE NOTES Follow Deborah Dash Moore at https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/deborahdashmoore/Media Mentioned·      Jewish New York: The Remarkable Story of a City and a People·      Deborah’s research on American Jewish Photographers·      The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization·      Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: A New York Jewish Story with William Klein, “Macy’s Day Parade Watchers, 1954”You can follow Clarissa on Twitter and Instagram @ClarissaRMarksTo request a transcript, suggest a topic or a guest, or just say “hi,” send an email to hello@onwandering.co If you liked this episode try out: Finding Crypto-Jewish Ancestors w/Researcher and Historian Genie MilgromLike the show? Here are three great ways to support!·       Rate On Wandering 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts. This helps others find the show!·       Share On Wandering with a Friend (IRL or via Twitter)·       Buy Me a Coffee. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps create the best show possible.On Wandering is produced and presented by Clarissa Marks.The intro music for this episode is by Ketsa and the outro music by George Gershwin. The show is recorded on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past, present and emerging. As a land-based people in diaspora, we recognize first nations and indigenous people as the stewards of this land from time immemorial. We honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

Clarissa talks with Rabbi Yohanna Kinberg about the influence of the patriarchy on Judaism and how it impacts gender roles in Jewish spaces today. In the early 2000s, Rabbi Kinberg had to act as a whistleblower in a sexual abuse case involving a clergy member. Clarissa asks Rabbi Kinberg about that experience, and her approach to leading tough conversations on gender equality and justice within the larger Jewish community.Note: This interview was recorded before the outbreak of COVID-19 in the United State.Click here to find Rabbi Yohanna Kinberg’s Bio, Blog & Contact InfoOrganizations MentionedFaith Action NetworkHadassah The Women's Torah ProjectMuslim Association of Puget Sound: MAPSKol AmiArticles Mentioned“When Reform Leaders Downplay Charges of Rabbis Behaving Badly” (The Forward)“Twenty-Five Years After the Rebbe’s Passing, Chabad Perpetuates Its Mission to Unite All Jews. Can They Bring Us Together?” (Jewish in Seattle Magazine)Hebrew Terms MentionedDaf YomiMechitzah You can follow Clarissa on Twitter and Instagram @ClarissaRMarksThe show’s online home is Onwandering.coIf you liked this episode try out: “Feminist and Full of Chutzpah w/Alma Editor Molly Tolsky”Like the show? Here are three great ways to support!·       Rate On Wandering 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts. This helps others find us.·       Share On Wandering with a Friend (IRL or via Twitter)·       Buy Me a Coffee. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps create the best show possible. On Wandering is produced and presented by Clarissa Marks, with intro music by Ketsa and outro music by Gillicuddy. The show is recorded on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past, present and emerging. As a land-based people in diaspora, we recognize first nations and indigenous people as the stewards of this land from time immemorial. We honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

DESCRIPTIONClarissa talks to journalist and graduate student of philosophy Jesi Taylor Cruz about her paper “The Caged Bird Tweets of Freedom: On the Digital Hypervisibility of Black Jewish life.” They discuss race and racism in the Jewish community, and the ways in which digital spaces, and Black, Jewish Twitter (Jwitter), in particular, has offered Black Jews a way to build community on a global scale.SHOW NOTESFollow Jesi Taylor Cruz on Twitter and InstagramThe Caged Bird Tweets of Freedom: On the Digital Hypervisibility of Black Jewish life#blackshabbatRebecca PierceCrown Heights RiotsLemonadeBroad CityVitiligoYou can follow Clarissa on Twitter and Instagram @ClarissaRMarksFind the transcript for this show at onwandering.co/episodesIf you liked this episode try out: White Jews & Race w/Dr. Elliot RatzmanLike the show? Here are three great ways to support!·      Rate On Wandering 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts. This helps others find the show.·      Share On Wandering with a Friend (IRL or via Twitter)·      Buy Me a Coffee. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps create the best show possible.On Wandering is produced and presented by Clarissa Marks, with intro music by Ketsa and outro music by Gillicuddy.The show is recorded on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past, present and emerging. As a land-based people in diaspora, we recognize first nations and indigenous people as the stewards of this land from time immemorial. We honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

Clarissa talks to Rokhl Kafrissen, a Yiddish cultural critic and playwright. You may know her from her column in Tablet Magazine, Rokhl’s Golden City, or her blog, Yiddish Praxis. Rokhl and Clarissa talk about her venture into the world of Yiddish, and what it's like to fill the gap in her knowledge of our own history. They also talk about Rokhl’s new play that explores the ethical dilemmas that can show up when collecting Yiddish folklore. This conversation was recorded in the summer of 2020.SHOW NOTESFollow Rokhl on Twitter at @RokhlKThe KlezmaticsKlezmer Conservatory BandYIVO Awakening LivesLABA: A Laboratory for Jewish Culture - 14th Street YShin is for Shtumer Shabes (or Behind the Scenes with Shtumer Shabes (Silent Sabbath))You can follow Clarissa on Twitter and Instagram @ClarissaRMarksFind the transcript for this show at onwandering.coLike the show? Here are three great ways to support us!·  Rate On Wandering 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts. This helps others find us.·  Share On Wandering with a Friend (IRL or via Twitter)·  Buy Me a Coffee. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps create the best show possible.On Wandering is produced and presented by Clarissa Marks, with intro music by Ketsa and outgoing music by Gillicuddy.The show is recorded on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past, present and emerging. As a land-based people in diaspora, we recognize first nations and indigenous people as the stewards of this land from time immemorial. We honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

Show DescriptionClarissa talks with Molly Tolsky, the longtime editor of Kveller and the founding editor of the Jewish culture site, Alma. Alma describes itself as feminist, and full of chutzpah. They cover a wide range of topics and something about them makes you feel like you're just hanging out with a really cool friend. This interview was recorded in January 2020. Molly talks about her creative journey, the story of how Alma came to be, and how her personal Jewish identity has been influenced by her work in the Jewish media world.TV Shows MentionedFrasierThe NannyBroad CityCrazy Ex-GirlfriendWebsites & Magazines MentionedKvellerJezebelBustBustleThe CutBitchAlma Pieces Mentioned“Paul Rudd Just Gave Jews the Rallying Cry We Didn’t Know We Needed” by Molly Tolsky“All the Details (and Photos!) from Tiffany Haddish’s Bat Mitzvah” by Emily Burack“Fran Drescher and Rachel Bloom Are Bringing ‘The Nanny’ to Broadway” by Emily Burack“King Princess Is the Jewish Queer Pop Icon We’ve Been Waiting For” by Arielle KaplanOrganizations Mentioned70 Faces MediaUJA Federation of New YorkConnect with UsVisit heyalma.comFollow Molly TolskyTwitter: @mollytolskyInstagram:@mollytolskyWebsite: MollyTolsky.comFollow Clarissa MarksTwitter: @clarissarmarksInstagram: @clarissarmarksVisit Onwandering.co for show notes and transcriptsLike the show? Rate On Wandering 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts Suggest a topic or a guest by sending an email to ClarissaRMarks@gmail.comLand AcknowledgementOn Wandering is recorded on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present, and honors with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

DescriptionClarissa talks with artist and calligrapher, Gabriel Wolff. They talked about his journey to finding his niche as a Hebrew calligrapher, specifically for tattoo art, and the ways that Jews are using tattoos to wrestle with and communicate their individual and group identity. Gabriel also shared how he sees his art as part of our collective struggle as Jews to find a way past a "post-traumatic experience of life.”People, Places & Things MentionedArt NouveauThe Beit Din (Rabbinic Court)Example of one of Gabriel’s tattoo designs with a phoenixShatnezThe Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michael ChabonConnect with UsFollow Gabriel WolffInstagram:@hebrew_tattoosWebsite: GabrielWolff.comGabriel’s Tattoo Art Website: Hebrew-Tattoos.comFollow Clarissa MarksTwitter: @clarissarmarksInstagram: @clarissarmarksVisit Onwandering.co for show notes and transcriptsLike the show? Rate On Wandering 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts Suggest a topic or a guest by sending an email to ClarissaRMarks@gmail.comLand AcknowledgementOn Wandering is recorded on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present, and honors with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

Clarissa talks to Genie Milgrom. Genie was raised Catholic, but always had an inkling her family was actually Jewish. After years of investigation, she was able to trace her family tree back to 16th century Jews on the Iberian Peninsula. Along the way, Genie became a historian and advocate for Crypto and Converso Jews; Jews whose ancestors were forced to convert to Catholicism during the inquisitions. She’s authored several books about her work, including a cookbook documenting a treasure trove of family recipes found in her mother’s house with a rather unique recipe for so-called “pork chops.”Genie’s Books Mentioned“My 15 Grandmothers” by Genie Milgrom“How I Found My 15 Grandmothers: Como Encontre a Mis 15 abuelas” by Genie Milgrom“Pyre to Fire” by Genie Milgrom“Recipes of My 15 Grandmothers: Unique Recipes and Stories from the Times of the Crypto-Jews during the Spanish Inquisition” by Genie MilgromOther People, Places & Things MentionedFermoselle, SpainThe Beit Din (Rabbinic Court)Boyos/BoyikosDr. Sergio Della PergolaChuletas (“Pork Chops”)KulanuConnect with UsFollow Genie Milgrom:Website: Geniemilgrom.infoFacebook: @my15grandmothersCheck out Genie’s resource website for researching Sephardic Jewish lineages at Sephardicancestry.comFollow Clarissa MarksTwitter: @clarissarmarksInstagram: @clarissarmarksVisit Onwandering.co for show notes and transcriptsLike the show? Rate On Wandering 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts Suggest a topic or a guest by sending an email to ClarissaRMarks@gmail.comLand AcknowledgementOn Wandering is recorded on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People, and honors with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

Clarissa talks with writer Abraham Riesman. This conversation was recorded in December 2019 when Abe was writing a biography of the Jewish Marvel Comics Icon Stan Lee. The book is titled “True Believer, the Rise and Fall of Stan Lee,” and is slated for release February of 2021. Abe talks about his journey as a writer, reclaiming Jewish history and culture that has been left behind or erased, and finding his way to becoming what he calls “a born-again Jew.”Media MentionedCall Me by Your Name“The Yiddish Policemen's Union” by Michael Chabon“Radical Then, Radical Now: Exploring the Legacy of the World’s Oldest Religion” by Rabbi Lord Jonathan SacksOrganizations MentionedThe Workers CircleJewish CurrentsBase HillelAbraham Riesman’s Articles Mentioned“A Jew's Christmas Confession”“David Berman Struggled to Feel the Joy He Brought Us”“It’s Stan Lee’s Universe”Connect with UsFollow Abraham RiesmanWebsite: Abrahamriesman.comNewsletter: Type SlowlyTwitter: @abrahamjosephInstagram: @abrahamjosephFollow Clarissa MarksTwitter: @clarissarmarksInstagram: @clarissarmarksVisit Onwandering.co for show notes and transcriptsLike the show? Rate On Wandering 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts Suggest a topic or a guest by sending an email to ClarissaRMarks@gmail.comLand AcknowledgementOn Wandering is recorded on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People, and honors with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

Clarissa talks to Dr. Elliot Ratzman, a professor in Jewish studies, race, and social justice in religion. They discuss the contemporary intersection of white Jews and race, including the questions you weren’t sure how to ask, like “What race are white Jews?”, “How should they partner with other minorities for civil rights?”, and “How does modern antisemitism come into play?” Dr. Ratzman shares the history behind these questions, the importance of self-identification, and his thoughts on Jewish ethics in regards to racial justice.Organizations MentionedJews for Racial & Economic JusticeBend the ArkIf Not NowNever Again is NowBe’Chol LashonJews in ALL HuesJewish Voice for PeaceResources MentionedUnderstanding Antisemitism: An Offering to our Movement A Resource from Jews For Racial & Economic Justice“The Past Didn't Go Anywhere” by April Rosenblum“Strange Hate: Antisemitism, Racism, and the Limits of Diversity” by Keith Kahn-Harris“Antisemitism: Here and Now” by Deborah E. Lipstadt“The Crisis of Zionism” by Peter Beinart“On Antisemitism: Solidarity and the Struggle for Justice” by Jewish Voice for Peace.Contact InfoEmail Dr. Elliot Ratzman at elratzman@gmail.comYou can suggest a topic or a guest for an upcoming show by sending an email to ClarissaRMarks@gmail.comYou can follow Clarissa at ClarissaRMarks on Instagram and Twitter.Visit Onwandering.co for more show notes and transcripts.Land acknowledgementOn Wandering is recorded on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

Clarissa shares the very first conversation she recorded for the podcast and it’s all about American Jewish Fiction. She talks to rabbinical student (and book lover) Heather Paul about how Jewish novels inspired her to become a professional Jew, and we try to answer the question, “what IS Jewish fiction?” Stay tuned to hear high praise for some amazing books.EPISODE NOTESBooks referenced:“Everything is Illuminated” by Jonathan Safran Foer"All of A Kind Family" by Sydney Taylor"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Safran Foer“The Corrections” by Jonathan Franzen“History of Love” by Nicole Krauss"The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay" by Michael Chabon“The Red Tent” by Anita Diamant“Mazel” by Rebecca Goldstein"Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant?" by Roz Chast“A Guide for the Perplexed” by Dara Horn“The Weight of Ink” by Rachel Kadish“Little Failure” by Gary ShteyngartConnect with us!You can find out more about Heather Paul at scatteredleaves.netFollow Clarissa MarksTwitter: @clarissarmarksInstagram: @clarissarmarksVisit Onwandering.co for show notes and transcriptsLike the show? Rate On Wandering 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts You can suggest a topic or a guest for an upcoming show by sending an email to ClarissaRMarks@gmail.comLand AcknowledgementOn Wandering is recorded on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present, and honors with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

Introducing On Wandering and what you can expect from the upcoming season! See show notes, transcripts and episodes at Onwandering.co.