The Judaism Demystified podcast, hosted by lifelong friends Ben Koren and Benzi Siouni, was created to probe topics often left unexplored in conventional Jewish education. Featuring long-form conversations with leading religious thinkers, scientists, and historians, the podcast draws from the Geonic-Maimonidean tradition and is inspired by the legacy of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. The podcast seeks to reignite a passion for classical Jewish wisdom, with an emphasis on returning to the fundamentals. Judaism Demystified invites readers and listeners alike to explore deep ideas and engage with the Jewish tradition in an insightful and meaningful way.

Koren and Siouni chose to begin their publishing journey with a book on Midrash—a central yet often misunderstood aspect of Jewish thought—to make this profound tradition more accessible and valued in the modern era.

About the Editors

Benjamin Koren is a graduate of Yeshiva University High School (MTA) and studied at Yeshivat Shaare Yerushalayim in Har Nof, Israel. He earned his B.A. in Psychology from Touro University’s Lander College for Arts and Sciences and received kabbalah/semikha in shekhita—with a specialization in poultry —from Rabbi Marc Spivak, Chief Rabbi of West Orange, NJ. He is certified by both the Gemological Institute of America’s Graduate Diamonds Program and the Center for Kosher Culinary Arts. Benjamin is the co-founder and co-host of the Judaism Demystified podcast. Professionally, he serves as the Operations Director of Digital Initiatives for an international jewelry retail brand, focusing on e-commerce strategy and execution. He lives in Great Neck, NY with his wife and five children.

Benzion Siouni studied at Yeshivat Ohr Sameyach in Jerusalem and received semikha through the Darchei Horaa program in the Ner Le’Elef division under the guidance of Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu. He is the co-founder and co-host of the Judaism Demystified podcast and works in the jewelry industry as a wholesaler. Benzion resides in Great Neck, NY with his wife and three children.