Ordinary Jew. Talking. Episode 4: Gene Kadish

Recorded August 12, 2025  Photo: by LA

Being a Jew is central to Gene’s identity. He seeks to be a better Jew as a way to be a better person, practices kyudo, goes to sabbath services as a way of meditation, and attends to the little things. In this interview, he contrasts what was worth dying for prior to the nation state, and what is so valued today. Gene is also one of the organizers of the Healing Circles held by the Upper Valley Jewish Community since October 7. 

Episode 4 Notes: 

• Peter Beinart appearing on Jon Stewart show
• Books referenced: 
  • Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza, by Peter Beinart, 2024. Here’s a link to the author’s substack where he talks about the book. 
  • The Necessity of Exile: Essays from a Distance, by Shaul Magid, 2023. Here’s a link to a discussion with Magid at Harvard Divinity School. 
  • Impossible Takes Longer – Israel at 75, by Daniel Gordis, 2023. Here’s a link to a discussion on the book. See also Gordis’s Substack where he surfaces media from across the Israeli spectrum that reflect the national discourse: Israel from the Inside  including this 22 minute standup routine on PTSD by Udi Kagan. 
• Newspapers: 
  • Ha-aretz, English Edition
  • Times of Israel 
• Organizations supporting a shared future: (just those mentioned in this Episode)
  • New Jewish Narrative
  • Standing Together
  • New Israel Fund