Episode 7 turns inward: Jacob's daughter asked him to make an episode explaining what Space Midrash means. He describes the intersection of Jewish Civilization and the Space Age as well as defines the title: Space Midrash.

Among the 16 early Jewish astronauts, 2 died in the respective Shuttle disasters. This episode recalls the missions of the space shuttles Challenger and Columbia as well as the lives and accomplishments of fallen Jewish crew members Judith Resnick and Ilan Ramon.

Discussion on the Jewish people and objects who made meaningful space headlines in 2021.

In this episode of Space Midrash, Jacob discusses the death of Spock in the Start Trek movie, Start Trek Two, Wrath of Kahn. In unpacking some of the plot and motif, Jacob explores how Spock's funeral scene relates to the Jewish pracitces of Kaddish and Shiva. From there, Jacob probes why he thinks we need… Continue reading 4: Sitting Shiva for Spock

In episode 3 of Space Midrash, Jacob probes the Overview Effect, its implications on Jewish civilization, and what that means about narrative collapse. The Overview Effect is a philosophy of social evolution in the space age by Frank White inspired by his interviews with astronauts about their experience. In his opening monologue, Jacob jests on… Continue reading Ep. 3: How do we see ourselves (from space)?

In Episode 2 of Space Midrash, Jacob introduces the first 16 Jewish Astronauts and the Jewish objects they brought into space. In his opening monologue, he probes why there's a higher percentage of Jewish astronauts than Jews from the general population as well as confront the misconception that there were only 2 Jewish astronauts. [2:04]… Continue reading Ep. 2: Which Astronauts are Jewish?

Thank you for listening to season 1 of Space Midrash! In this episode, Jacob outlines his plan for the future of the podcast. Season 1: Jacob’s philosphical framing Season 2: Interviews with Jews throughout the space industry Season 3: Interviews with Jewish Astronauts Season 4: The Sci-Fi Season: probing Jewish themes in space sci-fi Season… Continue reading Ep. 7: What’s next for Space Midrash?

Thank you for listening to Space Midrash so far! In this episode, Jacob shares his vision and mission for this project, which is outlined below. Vision: Jewish values positively shaping and leading human culture in space An artful, ethical, and inclusive humanity thriving among the cosmos Eradication of anti-semetism and bigotry through international and cross… Continue reading Ep. 6: What are Space Age Jewish Values?

In this episode Jacob discusses havdala, the Jewish weekly ritual to distinguish one week from another. The ritual involves a multi-wicked candle, spices, and wine. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havdalah We bought a beautiful candle recently for havdala on amazon, highly recommended:

TW/CW: In this episode, Jacob drashes on Spock’s death in Star Trek: The Wrath of Kahn. He’s not a big fan and may not have the details correct but he does not want to offend members of the Star Trek Community. In this episode, Jacob unpacks Spock’s death in the original Star Trek movie, considers… Continue reading Ep. 4: Did Kirk sit shiva for Spock?

In this episode Jacob unpacks three major ideas from Frank White’s “The Overview: Effect” and applies them to Jewish self-conception. The ideas are The Overview Effect The Copernican Perspective The Universal Insight Frank writes regularly on LinkedIn as well as at 2211.world, a space philosophy blog. Check out a great piece from this summer: Frank… Continue reading Ep. 3: Who are we in the Space Age?

In this episode of Space Midrash, Jacob explores common perceptions and misperceptions of the Jews who have been to space so far, as well as listing their names and briefly describing any Judaica they brought along. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Jewish_astronauts During the episode, Jacob mentions the Space Torah Project, a film by Rachel Raz about Dr. Jeffrey Hoffman,… Continue reading Ep. 2: Do you know the Jewish Astronauts

In episode one of Space Midrash, Jacob introduces himself, presents the space-related headlines which inspired this show, and provides his commentary on why those news headlines matter. Links: https://www.insider.com/voyager-station-first-ever-space-hotel-set-open-in-2027-2021-3 Please share your story about your jewish identity and space with me on Space Midrash facebook page.

What is space midrash? It’s a podcast by me, Jacob Sager. I have a vision for an ethical, artful, and inclusive humanity thriving among the cosmos. I’m on a mission to probe the intersection of Jewish civilization and the space age at our present juncture. Space Midrash is the mission log. Join me as I… Continue reading Season 1 Promo