August 27, 2025

Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews

Episode 88 - The Game Over People

In video games, a “game over” isn’t the end, it’s just another chance to start again. In this episode, we explore how failing, restarting, and building resilience are just as much a part of Jewish life as they are of gaming culture. From gratitude and kindness to perseverance and play, we unpack what it means to keep going even after listing a level (or three). After all, sometimes the best prize of winning is the fun we had along the way.

00:00:58 Hiring Video Gamers

00:04:11 Game over levels of Jewish stories

00:08:11 Resilience is gratitude and kindness

00:12:31 The book of Ruth

00:15:38 Other video game qualities

00:24:04 Other game over moments

00:31:48 Win or Lose or Have Fun

00:35:07 Pass the Parcel

Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-88-the-game-over-people

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

August 13, 2025

Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews

Episode 87 - Clone Force Kilayim

Let’s talk genetics. Yes, let’s talk genetics. Is there an echo in here? Yes, there is now.

In this episode, we take a closer look at Kilayim, the Torah’s prohibition against mixing species. We inspect it and how it shows up in a tale from a long, long time ago, of a squad of soldiers unlike any other. What does Jewish tradition say about rewriting the building blocks of life? What happens when fictional characters are made in a way they didn’t choose? What about real people? And how do asian pears fit into all of this?

00:01:32 Kilayim

00:05:03 Star Wars The Bad Batch

00:07:05 Human Cloning and Gene Editing

00:10:27 Perspective - Gift or a Defect

00:14:54 Genetic Engineering

00:21:25 The grey line

00:33:20 Science Fiction and Genetics

Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-87-clone-force-kilayim

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

July 30, 2025

Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews

Episode 86 - Pirkei Avigilante

Time to suit up as we take a daring dive into Pirkei Avot 1:10. From the streets to the courtroom, we unpack some of the tensions between working within the system or outside of it. We also discuss a certain red vigilante’s path and how it sometimes struggles when faced by its towering opposing force. If this topic gets too heated, it may be time you left the streets of the kitchen.

00:01:46 Pirkei Avot 1:10

00:05:42 Daredevil: Born Again

00:14:02 A little too real

00:21:17 Out of Character Arc

00:25:15 Season Two Predictions

00:30:36 The System or the Leader

00:34:30 Barak’s biggest issue with the ending

00:38:47 Pirkei Avot 1:11

00:44:27 The Safe Streets Initiative

Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-86-pirkei-avigilante

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