There are Jews in Alabama?

Jews in Alabama, Episode #59

jewsinalabama@gmail.com (Eric & Raya) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:35:53 PDT

We survived the High Holidays -- hurrah!! We discuss our Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur experiences, as well as our sukkah fun, both at temple and in our own backyard. We've got some trips planned, including a trip to Atlanta to see They Might Be Giants and a jaunt to Vegas, baby!! Eric's heading solo to a local show by The Donnas in a couple of weeks -- we discuss the merits of The Donnas versus the Dead Milkmen. We're doing PR work for the March of Dimes, recording a 60-second video called "Sophie's Story" for their PSA contest. And, we try and decide the meaning of "crumitize," and eventually decide that it is a perfectly cromulent word. 40 minutes, 10 seconds of embiggening goodness.

Jews in Alabama, Episode #58

jewsinalabama@gmail.com (Eric & Raya) — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 21:09:50 PDT

We give a recap of the past couple of weeks, including our "Swim & Pray at the J" experience and Sophie's first week back at preschool. We got a little political this week, at a lunch for the local chapter of the National Jewish Democratic Council, featuring Rep. Artur Davis (D-AL). We celebrated eight years of marriage this past Wednesday with a night out on the town!! Raya's getting a team together for the NCCJ Walk as One, and there's a little controversy at our synagogue over a group for gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender Jews. 44 minutes, 24 seconds.

Jews in Alabama, Episode #57

jewsinalabama@gmail.com (Eric & Raya) — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 21:28:40 PDT

On this Atlanta-riffic episode, we talk about our trip to that giant traffic jam of a city. We visited the Georgia Aquarium, the new World of Coca-Cola (we discuss the New Coke fiasco), and the Imagine-It Children's Museum. We enjoyed excellent dinners at Max Lager's and Atlanta's Hard Rock Cafe, and had an amazing breakfast at The Flying Biscuit. No trip to Atlanta would be complete -- at least for us -- without a visit to IKEA, and we discuss our purchases from the big blue store. Raya gives an update on her health -- all good news -- and her ongoing battle with the Birmingham Water Works. We close with a little reminiscing about our experience at the Atlanta Olympics, some 11 years ago. 55 minutes, 6 seconds.

I am so smart....S-M-R-T....I mean S-M-A-R-T....

jewsinalabama@gmail.com (Eric & Raya) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 07:14:25 PDT

Because I forgot to renew the domain name before it expired this week, things on jewsinalabama.com have been a little flaky over the past couple days -- site inaccessible, iTunes feed not working, etc., etc.

I think I've got everything fixed now. But if you notice any weirdness, please let us know!

Jews in Alabama, Episode #56

jewsinalabama@gmail.com (Eric & Raya) — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 21:35:38 PDT

Our second anniversary episode is also our first show in over a month, and do we begin with a discussion of Raya's health? Of course not, we first have to talk about The Simpsons Movie!!! Then, we move on to discussions about Raya's health, including nephrotic syndrome, minimal change disease, shingles, and more! We discuss our June visit to Camp Ramah Darom, and guess what -- Sophie's walking!! Eric got a new iPhone, and we plan for a trip to the beach. We close with a discussion of upcoming stuff at Beth-El, as the "programming year" is almost beginning. 47 minutes, 36 seconds.

On hiatus.

jewsinalabama@gmail.com (Eric & Raya) — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 14:47:17 PDT

Hello JIA? listeners. Although our podcasting schedule has been hit-or-miss over the last 15 months (gee, wonder why?), you may have noticed a longer-than-usual absence, even for us. Here's what's going on.

Yesterday, Raya was diagnosed with minimal change disease, a kidney disorder. This is the primary cause of a condition she's been suffering for the past 3-4 weeks called nephrotic syndrome. Basically, she's got an inordinate amount of swelling in her feet, legs, and abdomen. This is caused by a malfunction in the kidneys that causes them to leak protein into the urine, rather than transfer it to the blood where it belongs.

However, the diagnosis of MCD was very good news. As her nephrologist put it yesterday, this is the "most treatable condition" which she could have had. He has started her on a course of steroids, along with some other medication. She will hopefully get some relief from the symptoms soon, and the condition itself should clear up within a few months. Future recurrences are possible, but she'll be able to recognize the symptoms much quicker if this ever happens again.

MCD is much more common in kids than adults; her doctor said that there was only a 5-10% chance that an adult's nephrotic syndrome would be caused by MCD. There are many other, scarier conditions that can cause nephrotic syndrome, such as diabetes, lupus, and some kidney-specific ailments. Also, the biopsy showed no signs of scarring or other permanent damage to the kidney tissue. So again, we feel very fortunate.

She had the biopsy last Friday, and so that combined with her swelling makes her pretty uncomfortable right now. There's just not any chance we're going to sit in front of the computer and record a podcast for a couple of weeks. We'll hope to get back in the saddle by July 27, which is the two-year anniversary of this show.

So, that's our update. Think happy thoughts for Raya, and we'll talk to you all as soon as we can!

Jews in Alabama, Episode #55

jewsinalabama@gmail.com (Eric & Raya) — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 19:47:05 PDT

6/8/07 9:45 PM: New MP3 (JIA055-fixed.mp3) uploaded; audio quality fixed. Sorry about that!!

On tonight's episode we wrap up our trip to Florida, including a late-night hospital visit and a trip to Disney's Animal Kingdom. (Plus, we got to see a movie!) Eric heads to San Francisco next week for WWDC; is another visit with the Cupcakes in the cards? In sports news, Florida loses, then regains, their basketball coach. We briefly talk about Israeli politics and gay rights, and a couple of ridiculous bills making their way through the Knesset. Birmingham reaches #4 on a very worrisome list. Finally, we plug a couple of new podcasts -- the BoulderFaD Podcast with Rick and Eliana, and the Jumping Monkeys podcast.

Jews in Alabama, Episode #54

jewsinalabama@gmail.com (Eric & Raya) — Tue, 22 May 2007 21:07:22 PDT

On this episode, we spend lots of time talking about Humanistic Judaism, the local Birmingham affiliate, and the b'nai mitzvah we attended last weekend. We also discuss Al Gore's new book, and the reasons he should run for president (but probably won't). We also talk about Tammy Faye Bakker briefly, and of course the usual Sophie updates! We discuss Raya's boyfriend, Senator Jeff Sessions, and how he may have a meaningful challenger in 2008. Finally, we're getting ready for a trip to Florida -- don't touch our stuff while we're gone!! 59 minutes, 37 seconds.

Jews in Alabama, Episode #53

jewsinalabama@gmail.com (Eric & Raya) — Fri, 04 May 2007 06:27:21 PDT

Pretty much a HealthCast this time, we give updates on what's been going on with Raya's dad and with Sophie, healthwise. (Warning -- discussion of hospital procedures and baby bodily fluids ensues.) We also talk about the March of Dimes WalkAmerica, and the great success of "TEAM SOPHIE." We visited an art festival in downtown Birmingham last weekend; this weekend, a million things are going on, first and foremost: Rabbi Joseph Telushkin comes to Temple Beth-El! Hopefully Sophie will be healthy enough to meet him! (47 minutes, 16 seconds)

Jews in Alabama, Episode #52

jewsinalabama@gmail.com (Eric & Raya) — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 15:13:21 PDT

Today's show features a new (but related) Intro and Outro. Do you like? We recap Sophie's birthday party, and our trip to Chattanooga, where we visited the Tennessee Aquarium, the Creative Discovery Museum, walked over the second-longest pedestrian bridge in America, and saw the Warner Park Zoo. Pesach is coming, are you ready? Do you need a haggadah? Eric heads to Vegas next weekend, meaning his Pesach might end early!! Finally, we discuss the disturbing (and growing) relationship between American Evangelicals and Jewish Zionism. And then Sophie wakes up from her nap. 35 minutes, 14 seconds.

Jews in Alabama, Episode #51

jewsinalabama@gmail.com (Eric & Raya) — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 09:06:36 PDT

IT'S SOPHIE'S BIRTHDAY!!!! On our first show in a month, we talk about Sophie, of course, and what she wants YOU to do for her birthday!! We also discuss our recent adventures, including Purim and a Eric's unexpected Orlando road trip. We talk about some more patrilineal descent and conversion issues, related to the recent message board thread. We digress into discussion of the Confederacy for a few moments, and then get into the ridiculous "curing homosexuality in babies" suggestion from a Southern Baptist minister. Staying on that topic, we discuss the "homosexuality is immoral" comment from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and the disappointing reactions to that comment from both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. 51 minutes, 17 seconds.

Mazel Tov, Harry and Ziva!!!!

jewsinalabama@gmail.com (Eric & Raya) — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 14:35:34 PST

Congrats to Harry and Ziva, from The View From Here, on the birth of their baby girl, Tzofia Reevi.

Sophie's Hebrew name is Tzvia Ariel, so we highly approve of their name choice. :) If you've listened to Harry & Ziva, back when they had a podcast, or read Harry's blog, go and wish them congrats!! :)

Jews in Alabama, Episode #50

jewsinalabama@gmail.com (Eric & Raya) — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 09:35:02 PST

On a Shabbat morning episode, we discuss the CJLS survey [PDF link] mentioned on the last show, concerning gay rights and a little of everything else. We also talk about Raya's fabulous luck (again!) at the JEXNET conference, and the Great Cupcake Caper with our California syndicate. A new "Jewish" congregation comes to Birmingham, do we need to go undercover? Eric's mom was in town FROM Orlando last weekend, and Raya heads TO Orlando for "Yom Universal" next weekend. This weekend's been busy with Bubbe/Zayde Shabbat last night, and "Cosmic Bowling" tonight. (Sorry for the echoes, still working on our audio setup.) 46 minutes, 20 seconds.

jewsinalabama.com moved to new server

jewsinalabama@gmail.com (Eric & Raya) — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 09:37:03 PST

The jewsinalabama.com domain has been moved to a new server, using HostGator as our provider. If you notice any broken links, or other strangeness, please drop us a line and let us know. The bulletin board has been successfully moved and is working correctly. :)

New podcast coming this week!

Jews in Alabama, Episode #49

jewsinalabama@gmail.com (Eric & Raya) — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 18:43:45 PST

On tonight's episode, we recap our fabulous trip to California -- Captain Cupcake and his erotica photographers; Ashley & Anthony of Dixiecast fame; Anchor Brewing Company; and the Gators win ANOTHER national championship!! Oh yeah, and Eric went to MacWorld, eventually. We talk about Raya's upcoming trip to JEXNET, as well as Beth-El's centennial kickoff weekend. We discuss our impromptu New Year's Eve, a USCJ survey related to our last show, and Sophie waves goodbye to the mike. 40 minutes, 30 seconds.

Jews in Alabama, Episode #48

jewsinalabama@gmail.com (Eric & Raya) — Mon, 25 Dec 2006 10:52:49 PST

On the last day of Chanukah, we discuss our holiday activities and also Raya's birthday, which was the 19th. We talk about Sophie's first trip to the Birmingham Zoo, and all the animals she saw there. USCJ approves conflicting decisions on same-sex relationships and gay ordinations, and we wonder what it all means. The New York Times features a great article about Birmingham restaurants, and also an article about an uncensored (and hilarious!) SNL sketch posted to YouTube. Congress approves the "PREEMIE Act," thanks to the hard work of the March of Dimes, and we're very grateful. We close with shoutouts to our message board participants, and a short voicemail from Jen. 45 minutes, 51 seconds.

Jews in Alabama, Episode #47

jewsinalabama@gmail.com (Eric & Raya) — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 21:15:31 PST

We're back with an "in studio" episode with much better sound quality. We apologize for our "car cast" and then recap the week. We attended a funeral today for a sweet man who passed away, and we discuss Jewish funerals in general. We talk about the Florida Gators, playing for the national championship in football the same year they won the national basketball championship. Jimmy Carter pays a visit to Birmingham to shill for his dreadful new book. We mention last weekend's shul activities, and a discussion about a Kadima convention leads to talk about the American Hebrew Academy. Finally, we're getting ready for Sophie's first Chanukah, and Eric wants to know -- since there are USB Xmas Trees, why isn't there a decent USB Menorah (other than a prototype)? 45 minutes, 39 seconds.

Jews in Alabama, Episode #46

jewsinalabama@gmail.com (Eric & Raya) — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 09:05:06 PST

A Thanksgiving CarCast (tm), recorded in two parts -- on our way to Florida, and on the way back!! We discuss what we're going to do for our week of vacation, then discuss what we did!! Sorry for the on-the-road sound quality. 26 minutes even.

It's Alive.....ALIVE!!!!!

jewsinalabama@gmail.com (Eric & Raya) — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 08:52:02 PST

Apologies for the roughly 48-hour downtime experienced by this website....our host provider, VizaWeb, went completely dead with no explanation, no email, no voicemail recording, and no response to emails and voicemails.

They are back up now, but I'm a little concerned, as you might imagine. I've found out that a lot of people think VizaWeb sucks, so we may be moving to a new host in the near future.

Again, sorry for the interruption of your "Jews in Alabama" goodness.

Jews in Alabama, Episode #45

jewsinalabama@gmail.com (Eric & Raya) — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 14:56:46 PST

A special Election Night episode. Before we get to the electoral stuff, we play some voice comments left by nice listeners. These include a comment from Alan, calling Eric out on an insensitive comment he made on episode #44. Jen calls and wants to know about the Birmingham Jewish community's attitude towards Halloween, and we discuss. We talk about this week's Simpsons "Treehouse of Horror" episode, including "Operation: Enduring Occupation" and the blatant Iraq reference that was removed. Finally, we get to the election night goodness, and we play a voice comment and a "California Election Update" from Ashley and Anthony from the Dixiecast, then discuss the national and Alabama races. 48 minutes, 23 seconds.

Jews in Alabama, Episode #44