Features Overview

New Books Network

Host Michael Motia interviews Rafael Neis.

New Books in Late Antiquity is presented by Ancient Jew Review and hosted by Michael Motia.

Michael Motia teaches in Classics and Religious Studies at UMass Boston.

Frankely Judaic: Explorations in Judaic Studies

In this episode, host Jeremy Shere speaks with Rafael Neis, a professor of ancient history at the University of Michigan.

Neis’ book, When a Human Gives Birth to a Raven, delves into ancient rabbinic understandings of reproduction and identity, focusing on how the rabbis of the Talmud viewed the emergence of new life. The book aims to reveal a more complex, varied, and open ancient world, countering the traditional Judeo-Christian perspectives on family, reproduction, and identity.

Xai, how are you?

Author and scholar Rafael Neis joins Michael Sokolovsky and Rabbi Xava De Cordova to talk about their book, "When a Human Gives Birth to a Raven: Rabbis and the Reproduction of Species", featuring a riveting discussion of furries, gender, what happens if your brother is a bird, gay demon divorce and much more! Keep up with them on insta @postrafelite and on their website at rachelrafaelneis.com.

Support Xai, how are you? on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Follow us on twitter @xaihowareyou and @miss_figured.