One big, Jewish question each episode. With answers that have integrity and inspiration.
Hi, I’m Jesse Paikin. I’m a rabbi from Canada, who’s worked with some of the most innovative and forward thinking Jewish communities across North America.
One of the things I love about my tradition / people / religion / heritage (more on what that’s all about in Episode #2) is that there is both rich diversity within Judaism, and also remarkable consistency.
One of the things that seems consistent to me is that people who care about or are interested in Judaism tend to like asking questions.
Sometimes these questions are deceptively simple. But I’m not satisfied by the easy answers that it’s so tempting to give. Questions can be simple, and yet have hard answers. But those answers shouldn’t just stay in elite academies… or feel like they’re being dumbed-down.
And I get it: sometimes you don’t have the time for an hour-long class. Maybe you don’t want to sit and get lost diving deep into Wikipedia for two hours. Maybe you don’t know a rabbi or a teacher. Maybe you’re not Jewish. Maybe you’re afraid to ask the question. Or afraid of what the answer might be.
So welcome to Shoot! a new short-form explanatory Jewish podcast, with expansive questions and diverse commentary. Whoever you are, and from wherever you’re listening, this podcast will explore some of the most foundational questions people have about Judaism.
One big, Jewish question each episode. With answers that have integrity and inspiration, and the stories behind the questions. And always where to turn next to learn more. All in around 30 minutes or less.
Shoot! is supported by a grant from Hadar Institute.
Shoot! comes from Jesse Paikin - a black-coffee-drinking, Montreal-bagel-eating, Oxford-Comma-Loving Rabbi, who believes in the depths of traditional Jewish wisdom and the heights of today’s Jewish spirituality.
You might know him from his work as a rabbi with the Jewish Emergent Network - a group of seven path‐breaking Jewish communities revitalizing the field of Jewish engagement through traditionally rooted, creative, rich, and meaningful Jewish practice.
Rabbi Jesse is from Toronto, Ontario, and wears his Canadianity on his (often plaid) sleeve. He lives with his wife, Rabbi Stephanie Crawley, and their pet turtle, Mr. Slow.