June 4, 2025

Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews

Episode 82 - This Andor That

In this episode, Ethan guides us on a conversation to a galaxy far, far away to explore the rich themes and surprising Jewish connections within Andor, the newest series in the Star Wars universe. We dive into the blurred lines between science fiction and our own realities, we explore the sacrifices made in the name of hope, and we ask the question no one else dares: Is Syril’s mom Jewish? Put on your nicest Ghorman threads and tune in as we unpack this story of resistance, sacrifice, and hope.

00:00:41 I have friends everywhere

00:02:42 Erev Andor

00:04:11 Pulling on all the threads (of Ghorman?)

00:05:48 Almost to the Promised Land

00:11:43 Sacrifice for loss or gain

00:16:02 The robot that made us happy

00:16:38 Next year…

00:19:16 The fictional reality of science fiction

00:27:01 What kind of mother?

00:32:20 Cinta and Vel

00:33:48 Fate and Force

00:39:35 The greatest thing Star Wars has ever done?

Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-82-this-andor-that

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

May 21, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 81 - 3rd Anniversary Special - Dungeons & Dreidels

A year has passed since the goblins were driven from the village and the light of Hanukkah was saved by the hero called Hershel… or so everyone thought. Now, on the final night of the town’s Hanukkah celebration, the wind howls and dark clouds gather above. Join the village’s unlikely heroes—a blacksmith, a tailor, a butcher, and a teacher—as they defend their home, unravel a mysterious return, and stand together to protect the light. Because Hanukkah isn't just about miracles… it's also about rolling initiative.

00:00:43 Character Introductions
00:01:43 In a tiny village, a few miles outside of Ostropol…
00:02:37 Exploring the Festival
00:06:15 Yankle’s Dreidel Game
00:15:44 Eight Festival Knights
00:31:46 Uninvited Guests
00:55:09 The Return of the Goblin King
01:04:00 Hershel’s House on the Hill
01:20:58 Something Old, Yet Familiar
01:34:10 The True Power of the Dark
01:42:21 The Final Battle of Light and Dark
02:11:45 Hebrew Runes Appear
02:24:44 The End of the Eighth Night

Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-81-dungeons-and-dreidels

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

Character Information:
Terry Black (played by Ethan Lane-Miller) Gnome Paladin. He is the town blacksmith.
Dima Silkthread (played by RDY) Halfling Rogue. He is the town tailor.
Lazar Wolf (played by Joel Swedlove) Orc Barbarian. He is the town butcher.
Morah Fenwin Gigglesong (played by Sparkle Peters) Elf Bard. She is the village teacher.
Dungeon Master (Barak Malkin) Keeper of the chaos, spinner of dreidels and destinies. Perhaps for this game we say… Dreidel Master.

May 7, 2025
Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy Jews
Episode 80 - Putting the Pieces Together

Samson apparently loved Delilah and word puzzles. In today’s world, before he attacked the philistines, he probably would have finished that morning’s Wordle. With so many types of puzzles in the world today, we try to piece together an episode with the clues given on the box. Would you consider that to be cheating though? If you’re confused, perhaps you should listen to figure this one out with us.

00:01:08 Judges Chapter 14
00:03:22 Puzzles
00:05:29 Puzzling habits
00:07:12 Escape Rooms with leadership
00:12:38 What’s Jewish about puzzling?
00:16:25 Get a clue
00:25:47 Infusing it all together
00:27:52 The 100 Prisoner Puzzle
00:34:40 Having a healthy argument
00:39:37 Modular puzzles

Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-80-putting-the-pieces-together

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