Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

What if the answer to "is antizionism antisemitism" is NO...but not for the reason you think? Adam Louis-Klein breaks down the history, language, and ideas driving the debate. In a thought-provoking conversation, host Jonah Platt interviews Adam Louis-Klein, who returned from anthropological fieldwork with the Desana in the Amazon just after October 7, 2023, to discover the horrors of the attack on Israel. This drove him to become a leading voice opposing antizionism through his writing, appearances, and the organization he founded, Movement Against Antizionism (MAAZ). Adam defines antizionism as hatred of Israel and argues it functions like racism via obsessive libels, such as “colonizer,” “apartheid,” and “genocide,” used to justify hostility and violence against Jewish people. He distinguishes pre-1948 Jewish antizionism from modern antizionism, which he traces to Arab nationalist and Soviet propaganda, and criticizes institutional normalization in universities, NGOs, media, and governments. Klein contends antizionism harms Palestinians by empowering militias like Hamas and Hezbollah and outlines a “truth and reconciliation” vision including antizionism studies and memorialization.  Together, Jonah and Adam discuss the history of Bundism, Reform Judaism, Neturei Karta, the Oslo Accords, and debates surrounding the West Bank, Judea and Samaria, and Israeli identity. The episode also explores how to engage progressive audiences, respond to antizionist rhetoric, and build institutions capable of addressing one of the most consequential ideological battles facing the Jewish community today. Plus, this week Jonah is back with the fourth installment of L’Dor V'adorable! We thought it couldn’t get any more adorable.  MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:16:17 — The Three Core Antizionist Libels: Colonizer, Apartheid, and GenocideKlein breaks down the foundational accusations driving the antizionist movement — how the colonizer, apartheid, and genocide narratives were engineered to exploit modern moral sensibilities.Defeating Antizionism 23:37 — Why "Antizionism" Is the Right Term (Not "Antisemitism")Klein explains why the hate movement has been named as antizionism rather than antisemitism — including the historical parallelism between the two terms and why the distinction actually reaches more people.Understanding Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism 51:29 — How Antizionism Harms Palestinians, Allies, and Civilization ItselfA breakdown of the collateral damage antizionism causes beyond Jews — including Palestinians living under Hamas/Hezbollah, non-Jewish allies marked as Zionists, and the broader erosion of democratic norms.Antizionism Is a Hate Movement That Harms Palestinians and All Western Societies 1:15:03 - A Vision for a Post-Anti-Zionism WorldKlein's framework for what it would take for society to fully reckon with antizionism the way it has with the Holocaust, including media accountability, university reform, and memorialization. This Episode’s Partner:Thank you to Birthright Israel Foundation More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish:Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Learn More about Adam Louis-Klein:Adam Louis-Klein WebsiteAdam Louis-Klein Instagram Movement Against Antizionism(MAAZ)MAAZ Toolkits CREDITS:Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associate: Rachel Stern, Sasha Nelson Production Intern: Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2026

Israeli comedian Yohay Sponder turns grief, antisemitism, and the Jewish experience into one of the funniest and most unexpectedly moving conversations you’ll hear all year. In this hilarious, heartfelt, and surprisingly profound episode, stand-up comic Yohay Sponder joins host Jonah Platt for a wide-ranging conversation about comedy, Jewish identity, Israel, and the global Jewish experience. Known for his viral English-language stand-up and international tours, Sponder reflects on performing for Jewish audiences across Australia, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States while witnessing rising antizionist hate around the world. Sponder recounts the shocking experience of show cancellations in Amsterdam and Australia after public threats and claims of “perceived insensitivity” in his material. Along the way, the two discuss why Yohay performs in English, what he’s learned being married to an American, and how growing up the grandchild of Holocaust survivors influenced his comedic spark. He shares his goals of making people laugh while spreading Jewish pride and the inspiration behind his comedy specials, Self-Loving Jew and Genesis.  Using humor and vulnerability, Sponder examines what connects Jews globally, emphasizing comedy’s role in strengthening cultural bonds. The episode dives into Sponder’s evolving relationship with Judaism following the death of his father, Holocaust-survivor grandparents, his embrace of traditions like tefillin and wearing a (giant) Star of David.  THIS WEEK’S MONOLOGUE: Jonah ponders Ikiagi, the Japanese concept for “your reason for being,” and how you can find your own Jewish version to guide you in these challenging times.  TIMESTAMPS2:08 — Why Yohay performs in EnglishYohay explains why English became the perfect language for his comedy, saying its structure naturally works better for punchlines than Hebrew.14:26 — The Amsterdam cancellationYohay recounts how his sold-out Amsterdam shows were canceled days before showtime after threats against the venue  18:20 — When boycotts backfireYohay explains how protests and cancellations have often helped his career by bringing more publicity, support, and ticket sales. 28:06 — The fan who said his comedy saved her familyYohay recalls a fan sharing how his comedy helped her and her father through his cancer treatments 30:32 — His father’s Holocaust survivor upbringingYohay reflects on his father’s painful childhood as the son of Auschwitz survivors — and how he chose to raise his own family with joy and laughter instead. 49:41 — The meaning of “Self-Loving Jew”Yohay explains why he named his previous tour Self-Loving Jew, framing it as a response to Jews who publicly criticized Israel after October 7th. This Episode’s Partner:Thank you honeymoonisrael.org/beingjewish More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish:Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Learn More About Yohay Sponder:Yohay Sponder YoutubeYohay Sponder InstagramYohay Sponder Stand-Up and Appearances CREDITS:Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associate: Rachel Stern, Sasha Nelson Production Intern: Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2026

The Sopranos star Jamie-Lynn Sigler gets brutally honest about Judaism, fame, motherhood, and living with MS in one of her most personal interviews ever. In one of the podcast’s most open and deeply personal episodes so far Jamie-Lynn Sigler, best known for playing Meadow Soprano on The Sopranos, reflects on growing up Jewish on Long Island, navigating Hollywood at a young age, and finding strength in Jewish identity and community. The two discuss that advocacy doesn't have to be about conflict, but about just sharing your positive experiences with the world. She shares how a transformative Birthright Israel trip deepened her connection to Judaism and Israel especially through experiences in Jerusalem. Sigler also opens up about living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the emotional toll of hiding her diagnosis for years, and how finally speaking publicly changed her life. The conversation explores marriage, mental health, and the pressure to appear “perfect” while struggling privately. Jamie-Lynn talks about her new memoir, And So It Is: A Memoir of Acceptance and Hope, and her podcasts MeSsy with Christina Applegate and Not Today, PAL. Together, she and Jonah connect with each other on their vulnerability, Jewish pride, and the freedom that comes from finally being fully yourself. Plus, Rabbi David Ingbar returns to the podcast (Three-Timer!!!) to discuss the history and importance of the Jewish Holiday, Shavout.  Topics discussed:Discussion about Jewish visibility, stereotypes about what Jewish people “look like,” and proudly embracing her Cuban, Greek, and Jewish heritage.Sigler talks about living with Multiple Sclerosis (“MS”) and why going public about her diagnosis changed her life.The emotional process behind writing her memoir And So It Is: A Memoir of Acceptance and Hope and narrating the audiobook herself.How podcasting opened her emotionally Caregiving, marriage, and parenting with her husband Cutter while navigating life with MS. Sigler explains how The Sopranos became a “safe haven” during struggles with eating disorders, MS, and personal insecurities. The Sopranos Executive Producer David Chase and how Meadow Soprano served as Sigler’s “Sasha Fierce” alter ego. The importance of Jewish community, Shabbat dinners, and raising her sons Jack and Beau with pride in their Jewish heritage.Sigler shares her perspective on Israel, Holocaust education, and visiting the Holocaust Museum during her Birthright experience. Discussion of disability representation in Hollywood and why productions should hire actors actually living with disabilities and chronic illness. Sigler discusses acting projects including Big Sky and how accommodations on set helped her work comfortably with MS.Mentioned in the episode:Rabbi David IngberWhat is Shavuot?Why Cheesecake on Shavuot?What Are the Five Books of Moses?Simon SinekCounting Up to ShavuotThe Intrinsic Unity of IsraelMount SinaiHEBREW WORD OF THE WEEK —TIKUN Dara Horn BJJP EpisodeAnd So It Is: A Memoir of Acceptance and HopeMultiple Sclerosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment OptionsJamie Lynn Sigler InstagramJamie Lynn Sigler IMDbThe Sopranos IMDbYad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance CenterEmmanuel Chriqui InstagramHollywood stars boycott Israeli film companies in response to Gaza crisisJamie-Lynn Sigler and Lance Bass' whirlwind trip to Israel in photosA Course in MiraclesMeSsy PodcastNot Today, PAL with Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Robert Iler (Podcast)David Chase IMDbWhat Jamie-Lynn Sigler Wants You to Know About MSWho Is Jamie-Lynn Sigler’s Husband? All About Cutter DykstraBirthright Israel Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associate: Rachel Stern, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2026

A Hollywood writer turned rabbi reveals the unbelievable true stories of Jewish survival history that they never taught in school. Host Jonah Platt reunites with Rabbi Shmuel Lynn, his former University of Pennsylvania Maimonides Leadership Program teacher, to discuss Lynn’s path from screenwriting (Duke, NYU Film School, LA) to Orthodox Jewish education and leading young adults. Lynn describes growing up amid antisemitism in Palm Beach, discovering observant Jews in Hollywood, and being drawn to meaningful Jewish history through a Holocaust writing job. He explains his focus on college and post-college Jews through Olami in Greenwich Village, emphasizing immersive, curated experiences and storytelling to create individual and generational change. Topics include:Jonah Platt reflects on meeting Rabbi Lynn through the Maimonides Leadership Program while attending the University of Pennsylvania. Working in Hollywood with writers from The Cosby Show and Will & Grace sparked Rabbi Lynn’s deeper exploration of Judaism and observant Jewish life. Rabbi Lynn discusses writing a Holocaust screenplay centered on Kristallnacht and how that project deepened his connection to Jewish history. The episode explores Rabbi Lynn’s Holocaust film about Bardejov and the true story of 999 Slovakian Jewish girls bound for Auschwitz concentration camp in 1942. Rabbi Lynn recounts how Jews in Slovakia prevented deportations by staging a fake typhus outbreak during the Holocaust. Rabbi Lynn explains the mission behind Olami and his Jewish center in Greenwich Village focused on college students and young professionals.The conversation highlights immersive Jewish education, including theater productions about the Spanish Inquisition and immigrant journeys through Ellis Island.Rabbi Lynn discusses leading student trips through Poland, Krakow, Budapest, and Slovakia to teach Holocaust history and Jewish perseverance.The episode explores the upcoming screenplay Rabbi Lynn is developing about the Soviet Jewry movement, including references to the KGB, the Iron Curtain, and Soviet Jewish activism. Mentioned in the episode: Rabbi Shmuel Lynn InstagramRabbi Shmuel Lynn LinktreeRabbi Shmuel Lynn FacebookRabbi Shmuel Lynn LinkedInUniversity of PennsylvaniaMaimonides Leaders FellowshipPalm Beach FloridaDuke UniversityNYU Film SchoolCosby ShowWill and GraceKristallnachtBardejov (Film)BardejovTransportation to AuschwitzAuschwitzOlamiOlami ManhattanBishvili nivra ha-olamNew York, Circa 1909ShemaOlami Events Julie PlattSoviet Jewry Movement Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, Story Producer: Sasha Nelson, Associate Producer: Emma Webb, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associate: Rachel Stern YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2026

What happens when one of the world’s leading Holocaust scholars says today’s antisemitism feels frighteningly familiar? In this vital episode Holocaust historian and former U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt discusses the dangerous surge and normalization of antisemitism worldwide, citing the incidents in London and the October 8, 2023 Sydney Opera House rally. Lipstadt argues antisemitism now operates as a “horseshoe” uniting extremes at the far right and left. She uses the analogy of an upside-down pyramid  to illustrate the threat to Jews, democracy, and international security (including “utilitarian antisemitism” on PRC platforms). She compares today to the 1930s while noting key differences. She critiques university groupthink and campus failures at UCLA and Columbia to protect Jewish students. She describes her envoy work shifting from Abraham Accords, including global guidelines signed by 44 entities and a symposium with major tech platforms.  She calls for unequivocal leadership, depoliticized action, education, and everyday speaking up. She emphasizes that there must be Jewish joy alongside fighting hate. Topics include: Lipstadt’s legal battle against Holocaust denier David Irving and the film adaptation starring Rachel Weisz. Lipstadt warns about rising antisemitic violence in London, including incidents in Golders Green and the Finchley Reform Synagogue. The episode examines antisemitic protests outside the Sydney Opera House following October 7, 2023. The discussion references the spread of antisemitic content on social media platforms including Google, Meta, Microsoft, TikTok, and X. Lipstadt describes international diplomacy surrounding the Abraham Accords and outreach to Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. Lipstadt praises cooperation from officials in Austria, Germany, and France in combating antisemitism. The Paris Peace Forum and comments by former French Prime Minister Manuel Valls following the Charlie Hebdo shooting and the Hyper Cacher kosher supermarket siege. Lipstadt discusses online hate campaigns targeting Jewish institutions including the 92nd Street Y and AIPAC. The murder of Mahsa Amini in Iran and global protests over women’s rights. Lipstadt and Platt discuss authors and commentators including Dara Horn, Douglas Murray, Bret Stephens, Candace Owens, and Tucker Carlson. Lipstadt reflects on Jewish education through organizations like BBYO, USY, and institutions including Emory University and Brandeis University. Surprising Global Allies in France and Austria Mentioned in the episode: Deborah LipstadtBrandeis UniversityEmory UniversityThe Tam Institute for Jewish StudiesDenying the Holocaust: The Growing Assault on Truth and MemoryDenial (2016 film)Rachel Weisz InstagramPresident Joe BidenA Conversation With U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Deborah LipstadtAntisemitism being 'normalized' and not taken seriously enough, chief rabbi tells BBCThird arrest over attempted arson at synagoguePolice investigate pro-Palestinian protest at Sydney Opera House over alleged anti-SemitismMarjorie Taylor Greene to resign from Congress amid clashes with Trump over Israel, EpsteinBinyamin (Bibi) Netanyahu - BiographyCode Pink Outs Itself as Anti-Jewish Hate GroupRothschild familyGunman Kills Three at Kansas City Jewish Community Center, Retirement HomeUCLA can’t allow protesters to block Jewish students from campus, judge rulesFinal Columbia University antisemitism report details disturbing examples of Jewish students being cruelly singled outMet Police apologizes for 'openly Jewish' commentParis Peace ForumManuel VallsCharlie Hebdo attack: Three days of terror‘Déjà Vu’: Remembering Hyper Cacher Five Years LaterOtto FrankReport of the Yale Committee on Trust in Higher EducationTel Aviv UniversityBBYOVenice Biennale previews in chaos, overshadowed by row over Israeli and Russian participationSara J. BloomfieldAbraham AccordsLeading Jewish Organizations Disturbed By Saudi Arabia’s Islamist TurnWahhabismFight against antisemitismKeir Starmer: ‘If you stand alongside people who say Globalize the Intifada, you are calling for terrorism against Jews’‘Globalize the Intifada’: Meaning, Origins, and Why The Slogan Is a Call for ViolenceEmory Together: Countering Antisemitism // DCCouncil of EuropeOrganization of American StatesOSCEWould-be Michigan car bomber rammed explosives-laden truck into Temple Israel preschool — before security guards shot him deadNCSYUSYA Break in the Argentina Murder Case Tied to IranIran: Mahsa Amini's father accuses authorities of a cover-up92nd Street YAIPACDebbie Wasserman SchultzDutch ministers decry Israeli ministry’s report on Amsterdam violenceTrump Is Right to Deport Hamas SupportersFiddler on the RoofGrace and FrankieJon OssoffThe Presidential Campaign That Changed American PoliticsShabbatPurimPassoverThe Metropolitan Museum of ArtWhat Is the Amidah?After Senate Confirmation Hearing, CAM Voices ‘Unqualified Support’ for Appointment of Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun as Next US Antisemitism Special EnvoySix-Day WarThe Western Wall: The Western Wall TunnelsMandelbaum GateHow Golda Meir Rose to Become the ‘Iron Lady’ of IsraelArab Terrorists Murder Israelis at Munich OlympicsNatan Sharansky, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Advisory BoardFear No EvilGal BeckermanWhen They Come for Us, We'll Be Gone: The Epic Struggle to Save Soviet JewryThe Adventures of Rabbi Jacob Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associate: Rachel Stern Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2026

From viral firestorms to death threats, this man isn’t backing down from the Israel conversation. Jonah Platt sits down with conservative activist Xaviaer DuRousseau, who describes his rapid shift from a Bernie-supporting, BLM-boosting young liberal to a professional Republican who appears on Fox News, visits the White House, and publicly supports Israel, including traveling to Gaza during the war. Xaviaer recounts growing up in Chicago and Central Illinois with Marxist family influences, becoming an activist, then researching BLM finances and concluding the movement was fraudulent, which led him to vote for Trump and face family accusations of white supremacy. He argues Bernie-to-Trump is a seamless anti-establishment pipeline, rejects widespread student-loan forgiveness as a solution, and says crime drives businesses and jobs out of black neighborhoods. Xaviaer credits a 2023 Shabbat dinner at PragerU and multiple Israel trips with deepening his connection to Jewish life, describing backlash, antisemitism, death threats, and filming humanitarian aid in Gaza to counter starvation claims. He criticizes anti-Israel voices across the left and right, advocates a black/Jewish alliance based on shared history, and discusses resentment, Marxism, and cultural lessons between the communities. Xaviaer presents his “hot takes” on most modern-day racism being against white people and asians, how he would be talking shit all day if he were jewish, and how “hood” black folks love Trump. Plus, Jonah explains why epistemic antisemitism, despite its subtlety and widespread normalization, is so terribly destructive. Topics Include: Xaviaer DuRousseau’s viral trip to Gaza documenting humanitarian aid and response to misinformation and the backlash from European audiences and online threats following his Gaza video How a Netflix show called The Circle was the unexpected catalyst for DuRousseau's political awakeningHis criticism of influencers like Hasan Piker, Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, and Nick FuentesHow PragerU’s CEO Marissa Streit in 2023 was DuRousseau's first real introduction to Jewish culture and traditionHis fallout with Candace Owens Experiences attending Passover Seder hosted by Montana TuckerThe historical alliance between Black Americans and Jewish Americans during the Civil Rights MovementCritique of Black Lives Matter (BLM) and discussions of Marxism in modern activism Exploration of Igbo Jews in Nigeria and Xaviaer’s possible ancestral ties to IsraelInfluence of activist Rudy Rochman in discussing Jewish identity and African connections Commentary on celebrities like Timothée Chalamet and Seth Rogen in relation to Jewish identity Mentioned in the episode:Law Scholar Christine A. LittletonEpistemic Antisemitism: “Good People Gone Wild”David Schraub’s The Epistemic Center of AntisemitismJonah’s take on Cognitive BiasAJC Warns: Staggering FBI Hate Crimes Data Likely Represents Under-Reporting of Anti-Jewish Hate CrimesReport on the Rise of Antisemitic Incidents in the U.S.Man Pleads Guilty for Displaying Nazi Flay at Pro-Palestine RallyTwitch streamer commenting on what “real antisemitism” is. When Did Jews Become White?Van Jones’s Statement Supporting the People of IranIsraeli’s Voice Dissent of War in GazeReverse CausationBeing Jewish Podcast Featuring Bishop Michael J. Fisher Xaviaer DuRousseau InstagramRespectfully, Xaviaer | PragerUBernie SandersHe used to march for BLM. Now he’s calling for mass incarceration to save Black AmericansXaviaer’s Instagram Post on Visiting Gaza During the WarThe debate on Latino vs. Latinx vs. Hispanic is the song that never endsThe Circle: TV’s Trashiest Reality Show We Can’t Stop WatchingXaviaer DuRousseau: PragerU Personality, Commentator, and Content CreatorAP lands national scoop on a Black Lives Matter fraud investigationActBlueNew Report Reveals Illicit Foreign Donations and Mass Resignations at ActBluePresident Donald J. TrumpKamala D. Harris Here's How Bernie Sanders Explained Democratic SocialismPresident Barack ObamaJoseph R. Biden Jr.Xaviaer’s Appearance on Dr. PhilBlack Unemployment is Surging Under Donald TrumpCandace Owens Instagram5 of Kanye West’s Antisemitic Remarks, ExplainedBLEXIT, ‘Black Exit’ Foundation Now Powered By Turning Point USAQuotas are a diversity quick-fix, but companies must dig deeperRacism in the music industry 'is upfront and personal'K. Michelle Talks Double-Standard for Black Pop SingersFox News Gues Called Out for Shading Beyoncé’s Appearance at Harris Houston Rally Despite Past PraiseBeyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, explainedAre Emily and Greg More Employable Than Lakisha and Jamal? A Field Experiment on Labor Market DiscriminationMarissa StreitWhat to Expect at a Shabbat DinnerWas I Paid to Visit Israel?Myth: The Jewish people are white settler colonialists who have no connection to the land of IsraelWhat Is the Correct Term for Someone Who Is Not Jewish?Debra Lea InstagramYad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance CenterHorseshoe Theory in American PoliticsWho is Nick Fuentes and Why Is His Antisemitism Dangerous for America?Tucker Carlson YouTubeCameron HickeyPalestinian Elections, 15 Years and CountingRepublicans are more likely than Democrats to see Israel as a US ally: AP-NORC pollHasan Piker has said that “America deserved 9/11” (yes, that is a direct quote).Alex JonesTucker Carlson’s Biggest Conspiracy Theory YetMontana Tucker BJJP EpisodeBlack Lives Matter Issues Statement Of Support For Free Palestine MovementRoy unveils immigration bill dubbed ‘MAMDANI Act’ Xaviaer Walk With Me Video on Chinese HeritageThe Igbo, DNA, Struggle for Jewish soulsRudy Rochman InstagramLiz Kennedy InstagramWe Were Never Lost DocumentaryXaviaer DuRousseau: The Black Christian Zionist, Former BLM Activist Fighting for Israel and the JewsThe Strokes frontman says ‘privileged’ Zionists talk ‘like Black people during slavery’We Have Our Eyes on Timothée ChalametEsDeeKid ft. Timothée Chalamet - 4 Raws Remix (Official Music Video)Israel’s Deni Avdija finishes 3rd in vote for NBA’s Most Improved PlayerSandy KoufaxHank AaronWhy We Care About How Seth Rogen Went From Jewish Day School to Saying ‘WTF’ to IsraelThe Jewish Fam Behind Timberland Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associate: Rachel Stern, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2026

He's worth hundreds of millions, runs one of Canada's most powerful companies, and he still gets antisemitic replies every Friday when he posts “Shabbat Shalom,” here's why he refuses to stop. Shopify President Harley Finkelstein joins host Jonah Platt for a wide-ranging conversation about Jewish identity, antisemitism, entrepreneurship, and legacy. Finkelstein, a grandson of Holocaust survivors whose family fled Hungary during the Soviet crackdown of the 1950s, opens up about why he has grown increasingly vocal as a public Jewish figure in Canada, especially in the wake of October 7th. He recounts two pivotal incidents that motivated his public advocacy: protesters storming his Big Shot podcast recording at Startup Fest, and demonstrators disrupting his speech at the opening of the Finkelstein Chabad Center in Ottawa. He discusses his relationship with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Shopify's massive e-commerce footprint (14% of all U.S. e-commerce), and his journey from being one of Shopify's first 136 merchants to its president. He also digs into Big Shot, his podcast with David Siegel that archives the stories of legendary Jewish entrepreneurs, from Charles Bronfman to Jeffrey Katzenberg, arguing that grit is the defining trait behind Jewish entrepreneurial success. Plus, Jonah shares about his recent trip to Thessaloniki, Greece where he explored Jewish history.  Topics:His published an op-ed in the National Post about rising antisemitism in CanadaMeeting Shopify founder Tobi Lutke at a Saturday entrepreneur coffee groupFinkelstein advocates loudly for visible Jewish philanthropy, arguing that public giving creates a "flywheel" of inspirationFinkelstein and David Siegel co-founding Fire Belly TeaFigures who inspired him like Jerry Schwartz and Izzy Sharp. His optimism for AI and technologyMeeting his wife Lindsay Taub, and his view on her being a partner in lifeWhy he does the Big Shot podcastBeing in a public role and the responsibility that comes with thatThe importance of jewish advocacy and leading by example A special thanks to our partner this week - Hadassah.org Donation Links:Synagogue of the Monasteriotes (Thessaloniki)The Jewish Community of AthensChabad of GreeceJewish Museum of Greece Mentioned in the episode:The Jews of Thessaloniki, a Once Great Jewish CitySephardic Jews in Eastern Europe and GreeceRomaniote Jewish HistoryThe Route Saint Paul Followed In Greece1492 Alhambra DecreeTalmud Torah HaGadolThe Cooking Accident that Decimated a Jewish Community of 70,000The Treaty of LausanneThe Nazi Occupation of GreeceAristotle University Built on The Ruins of Jewish CemeteriesJewish Federations’ National Young Leadership CabinetJonah Describes “The Jeremiah Effect”Ladino! Ron Eliran: Folk Songs for Sephardic Jews Harley Finkelstein InstagramHarley Finkelstein LinkedInRed ScareHow September 11 Affected the U.S. Stock MarketShopifyBig ShotHarley Finkelstein weekly Shabbat Shalom post on XHarley Finkelstein’s Article: Canadian Jews are being targeted simply because they are JewishHeather ReismanShopify President Makes Good on 18-Year-Old Promise to His Campus RabbiTobias Lütke LinkedIn Harley Finkelstein X Jonathan GreenblattThe Right Honorable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of CanadaJustin Trudeau | Former Prime Minister of CanadaSamuel BronfmanBobby KotickIsadore SharpDubai-based Augustus Media pushes Shopify boycott over president’s tweet supporting fair reporting about IsraelGerry SchwartzBJJP Howie Mandel EpisodeLindsay Taub (Harley Finkelstein’s spouse)David SegalHollywood’s Jewish FoundersCharles Bronfman: A Lifetime of GivingJeffrey KatzenbergBarry DillerLynda ResnickThe Merchant Prince: The Man Behind The Gap, Old Navy, and J. Crew | Mickey DrexlerLarry SilversteinDeni Avdija becomes 1st Israeli named to NBA All-Star Game Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2026

In this timely episode, host Jonah Platt sits down with Josh Gottheimer, the five-term U.S. Congressman serving New Jersey’s Fifth District. Josh is a leading pro-Israel voice in the Democratic Party and Vice-Chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus (which he co-founded). In Congress, Josh serves on two Committees, including the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, where he is the Ranking Member of the National Security Agency and Cyber Subcommittee and is a member of the Defense Intelligence and Overhead Architecture Subcommittee. Gottheimer shares candid insights on navigating politics while being Jewish. He discusses U.S. action against Iran, arguing Iran is a major threat but criticizing the administration for shifting objectives and failing to clearly explain goals, which fuels public skepticism and risks a drawn-out conflict affecting oil prices, markets, and regional stability. He rejects conditioning aid to Israel as unfairly targeting a key democratic ally and condemns the use of “apartheid” rhetoric. He describes a major rise in antisemitism, political incentives pushing members of Congress to retreat from support for Israel, and calls for coordinated Jewish-community investment in K–12 and campus education, accountability for institutions, and tougher political engagement. Plus, Jonah answers a podcast fan’s question on how to make anti-zionism taboo.  Topics discussed include:  The shifting center of the left and the rightThe role of the Problem Solvers Caucus in bipartisan cooperation in Congress Why the U.S.-Israel relationship is vital to American national securityGottheimer’s work on the House Intelligence Committee and focus on Iran and GazaCriticism of Gavin Newsom for using the term “apartheid” regarding IsraelThe influence of social media figures like Hasan Piker and political figures like Donald Trump on polarization Addressing antisemitic rhetoric tied to movements like BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions)Concerns about antisemitism and activism on college campuses like the University of PennsylvaniaHolding elected officials accountable at the local, state, and federal levels for antisemitism The importance of strategic philanthropy and community coordination within the American Jewish community A special thanks to our partner this week Hadassah.org Mentioned in the episode:Founding of the Ku Klux KlanThe Transformation of the KKK from Fraternity to Religious Extremists. 1924 Democratic National Conventions - “Klanbake”DNC Avoids Taking a Stance on Israel, AIPACThe Growing Antisemitism Among Young AmericansVanderbilt Professor Shaul KelnerBriahna Joy Gray fired from The Hill after rolling her eyes at the sister of Oct 7 hostage during an interviewThe Timeline of the SPLC Case That Bankrupted the KlanBrandies CenterStudents Against AntisemitismThe Lawfare ProjectKlan Members Murder Conviction Leads to Decline in Membership and Political Influence Josh GottheimerJosh Gottheimer InstagramJosh Gottheimer TwitterSarah Hurwitz BJJP EpisodeRep. Josh Gottheimer: The New Jersey Democrat defending Israel, battling antisemitismProblem Solvers CaucusCongressman Thomas SuozziNational Security Agency & Cyber SubcommitteeGottheimer Votes to Pass War Powers Resolution By the numbers: US thrashed military targets in Iran, but some capabilities remainIranian attack on Saudi base injures U.S. troops as more American forces arrive in the Middle EastHow the US Navy could blockade Iran’s ports and sweep mines from the Strait of HormuzIsrael didn’t drag the US into war with Iran — they enabled us to fight it smarter and fasterU.S. Capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro: Considerations for CongressOil prices rise on doubts US-Iran peace talks will ease Hormuz disruptionThe Abraham Accords, ExplainedArmy survivors of deadly attack in Kuwait dispute Pentagon's account, say unit "was unprepared" to defend itselfGottheimer Statement in Opposition to Conditioning Aid to IsraelSharia-Free America: Why Political Islam & Sharia Law Are Incompatible with the U.S. ConstitutionAyaan Hirsi Ali: 'Queers for Palestine' shows how stupid our society isGottheimer, Foxx Introduce Bill to Hold Higher Education Accountable for Anti-Israel, BDS ActivityGottheimer calls Newsom’s Israel apartheid comments ‘dangerous’Genocide, apartheid? A poll Israel cannot allow itself to ignoreCandace Owens“The Squad” Doubles Down on Anti-Israel CommentsRepresentative Elaine G. Luria Hasan Piker doubles down on Hamas supportUPenn must comply with federal subpoena seeking list of Jewish community members, judge rules Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2026

Host Jonah Platt moderates part two of a spirited conversation between Rabbi Sharon Brous (IKAR, Los Angeles) and Rabbi David Ingber (Romemu, New York) about how Jewish leaders should balance moral self-critique of Israel with addressing antisemitism, especially after October 7. Ingber argues progressive Jews and rabbis overemphasize public Jewish self-criticism, undercall out antisemitism and extremism from allies, and should name today’s anti-Zionism as an ever-evolving hate movement that erases Jewish self-determination. Brous defends the Jewish tradition of teshuvah and accountability, urges speaking against West Bank settler violence and occupation, and warns that labeling all criticism or Palestinian solidarity as antisemitic blunts the response to real threats. They also debate U.S. politics, liberal democracy’s role in Jewish safety, Jewish political “homelessness,” and the inclusion of anti-Zionist Jews. Ultimately, the conversation models a deeply Jewish tradition of debate, machloket l’shem shamayim, while emphasizing unity, responsibility, and the need to continue investing in community and the next generation.  Topics Include:Trading ideas on whether anti-Zionism is a form of modern antisemitismThe responsibility of rabbis to address West Bank settler violence and Jewish extremism References to Baruch Goldstein and the Cave of the Patriarchs massacre as a moral comparison The role of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran in shaping Jewish security concerns The influence of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter/X on Israel narratives Criticism of language like “apartheid” in discussions about Israel and PalestineThe symbolism of the watermelon flag in pro-Palestinian activism Gavin Newsom and his appearance on Pod Save AmericaThe importance of protecting liberal democracy for Jewish safety in America Failures in Jewish education, including overreliance on programs like Birthright IsraelThe role of JCCs (Jewish Community Centers) and synagogues in strengthening Jewish life The need for machloket l’shem shamayim (debate for the sake of heaven) in shaping the Jewish future A special thanks to our partners on this episode:Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropieshttps://www.schusterman.orgCrown Family Philanthropieshttps://crownfamilyphilanthropies.org/Jim Joseph Foundationhttps://jimjosephfoundation.org/ Mentioned In The Episode:Why Don’t Jews Proselytize?Conversion HistoryThe Converso: Jews converting to Christianity in Spain and Portugal in the 1300sRuth: The First Jewish ConvertHow Many Jews Are In The World?The Jewish BirthrateJewish Intermarriage RatesOur Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation (U.S. Public Health Service)American’s Religious Engagement Stays LowGlobal “Wellness” Business Grows to $6.8 TrillionJewish Prayers and Their MeaningsHow to Become Jewish Sharon Brous InstagramRabbi David IngberIKARRomemu'My mother cried out one last time': Palestinian boy, 12, describes how Israeli forces killed his family in carSurveillance soldiers charge sexism a factor in their Oct. 7 warnings being ignoredWho was Baruch Goldstein? Massacre in HebronSilence is not solidarity: Diaspora Jews must speak when Israel straysWhat is Cheshbon Hanefesh?PogromsWave of settler attacks against Palestinian herders reported in central West BankFourth suspect arrested over Jewish charity ambulance arson attackThe Importance of Tochachah-RebukeAnti-Trump rallies hit thousands of US cities for 'No Kings' protestExplosion rocks Amsterdam Jewish school in what mayor says is ‘targeted attack’ against Jewish communityAs A Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase UsNewsom ramps up his criticism of Israel, accuses Netanyahu of leading Trump into war with IranHorseshoe Theory in American PoliticsThe Z Word: Reclaiming ZionismProtocols of the Elders of ZionVenezuelan VP: US attack capturing Maduro has 'Zionist undertones'Renee Good was shot in the head, autopsy commissioned by her family findsWhy watermelons are a symbol of Palestinian solidarityIsraeli opposition members shout at Netanyahu as he tries to address parliamentEarly History of IsraelWhat Is Tikkun Olam?How to Teach the Jewish StorySvalbard Global Seed VaultThe Valley of Dry Bones and the Resurrection of the Dead -- Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2026

In this episode of 30 Minute Mensches, host Jonah Platt sits down with Rachael Fried, the Executive Director of JQY (Jewish Queer Youth). Rachael shares her personal journey from being a closeted Orthodox participant to leading the organization, which now operates a professional center in New York's Times Square with a $2 million budget. JQY serves as a vital mental health nonprofit dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ youth (ages 13–23) from "historically non-accepting communities," specifically those from Orthodox, Sephardi, Mizrahi, and Russian-speaking backgrounds. The discussion covers the critical safety risks facing these teens, including suicide and homelessness, and the creative "guerrilla marketing" JQY employs to reach youth in insular environments where internet access is restricted. Fried addresses the intersection of queer identity and Halakha (Jewish law), referencing Leviticus 18:22 and the principle of Elu v’Elu to advocate for the healthy coexistence of religious and queer identities. Finally, she highlights JQY’s national expansion through virtual drop-in centers, a mobile app, and a national Jewish queer book club. Topics Include:They discuss the scale of need (potentially hundreds of thousands)The episode addresses high-risk factors for queer Jewish youth, including increased rates of suicide, homelessness, and addiction.The discussion explores barriers to information for youth using "kosher phones" or restricted internet in ultra-Orthodox communities.Rachael explains how religious texts are often used to justify cultural homophobia beyond the literal interpretation of the law.The Jewish principle of "Elu v’Elu" (both these and those) is highlighted as a core philosophy for holding both queer and Jewish identities as true.Student activism surrounding a queer club at Yeshiva UniversityThe cultural dimensions of halakha-based rejectionGetting in-contact with the organization if you aren’t in New York City Mentioned In The Episode:Rachael Fried InstagramJewish Queer Youth (JQY) FacebookJQY appJQY InstagramJQY WebsiteAbout JQYLGBTQ+ Jewish Demographic Pew StudKosher PhoneHechsherHalachaLeviticus 18:22Turning it over in the TorahB’tselem ElohimCis/ CisgenderElu v’eluYeshiva UniversityJewish Queer Book Club JQYRuth Bader GinsbergJQY Drop In Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Story Producer: Sasha Nelson, Associate Producer: Emma Webb, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2026

At this live “Being Jewish with Jonah Platt” event in San Diego, supported by Schusterman Family Philanthropies, Crown Family Philanthropies, and the Jim Joseph Foundation, Jonah Platt welcomes two influential spiritual leaders: Rabbi Sharon Brous, founding rabbi of IKAR in Los Angeles, and David Ingber, founding rabbi of Romemu in New York. Together, they explore how their egalitarian, non-denominational communities are reimagining synagogue life by emphasizing spiritual aliveness, engaging prayer, and social justice. Brous and Ingber speak candidly about the challenges of leading “big tent” communities in a deeply polarized time, where congregants often expect rabbis to mirror their views, and leave when they don't. Brous discusses transforming sermons into collective responsibility and action, while Ingber critiques what he calls a more consumer-driven performative Judaism, shaped by convenience rather than commitment. Drawing on experience from the Women’s March controversy through the aftermath of October 7th, they examine what it means to lead with integrity when every word carries weight.  The conversation also grapples with enduring questions at the heart of Jewish life: the role of prayer, the tension between universal values and particular Jewish obligation, and the importance of humility and patience in leadership. Against the backdrop of rising antisemitism and growing political divisions around Israel and America, this episode looks at what Jewish leadership demands and what the Jewish community can become in this moment of urgency and change.   This is Part One of a Two-Part conversation.  In the episode, they discuss:The founding visions behind IKAR and Romemu How Brous and Ingber are reimagining synagogue life The rabbinical role in modern societySilence from progressive allies following October 7th  Rabbi David Ingber’s experience confronting Tamika Mallory and Louis FarrakhanThe concept of “raising flawed flags”The Talmudic story of Kamtza and Bar KamtzaBalancing universalism and particularism through Torah teachings The pressure to respond instantly on social media versus engaging in thoughtful reflection A special thanks to our partners on this episode:Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family PhilanthropiesCrown Family PhilanthropiesJim Joseph Foundation Mentioned In The Episode:Rabbi Sharon Brous InstagramRabbi David IngberBeing Jewish with Jonah Platt Webby AwardBJJP: Religious Communicators Council Award: Best Audio Visual ProgramBJJP: 2025 W3 Award Winner: Best Podcast HostDavid RittbergIKARRomemuColumbia students criticize University’s handling of antisemitism at federal civil rights listening sessionRemembering Jesse JacksonKamtza and Bar KamtzaBrooklyn Yeshivas Circa 1937 Part IWhat Is Kabbalat Shabbat?Women First Marched to Challenge Trump. Now They Are Challenging Each OtherTamika D. Mallory InstagramLouis FarrakhanGenesis 18:22-33Judaism is About Love by Rabbi Shai HeldWhat Did the People Hear at Mount Sinai?Gazing Into the Digital Face of Levinas: The Ethics of Self and Other in CyberspaceNYC bill allowing protest ‘buffer zones’ around houses of worship passes with veto-proof majorityAntisemitic mob descends on historic NYC synagogue — urging the ‘resistance’ to ‘take another settler out’Rabbi Hanan SchlesingerZohran Mamdani has no opinion on a united Ireland. That matters more than you thinkHorseshoe Theory in American PoliticsGovernor Gavin NewsomAmerican Jews May Be Moving RightThe Purim Story Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2026

She converted to Judaism yesterday! Jonah Platt interviews transgender activist, Emmy-nominated TV writer-director (Transparent, American Horror Story, Pose), and musician Our Lady J (Yona Speidel), less than 24 hours after she formally converted to Judaism. She describes her 12-year path, the beit din with three rabbis, her written reflection on Isaiah 56 and intersex identity, her mikvah immersion, and why she chose the Hebrew name Yona. She recounts growing up in a Mennonite household, losing trust in organized religion amid homophobia during the AIDS crisis, and later returning to spirituality through Judaism. The conversation addresses unconscious antisemitism, queer-community susceptibility to “they” conspiracies, and rising antisemitism in LGBT spaces after October 7. She discusses BDS (The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement) pressure on Transparent, later learning German courts found BDS antisemitic, and argues for fact-based definitions of Zionism, while saying she is pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli.  Topics discussed include: The emotional experience of completing the Beit Din and mikvah after a 12-year spiritual journey Guidance from three rabbis during the conversion process The significance of Isaiah 56 and its message welcoming eunuchs, and those who might not have a binary identity of sex or genderGrowing up in an ex–Old Order Mennonite Christian background and early perceptions of Jews The evolution of Lady J’s identity through names like Justin, Jonah, and Yona, and their biblical significance Influence of Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld, pioneer of trans medicine in Berlin (1909), on understanding antisemitism and queer history How Nazi book burnings in the 1930s destroyed Hirschfeld’s research at the Institute of SexologyThe intersection of antisemitism, transphobia, and homophobia throughout European and modern history The rise of antisemitism within the LGBTQ community following October 7 and shifting attitudes toward IsraelLady J’s experience working on Transparent (Amazon Prime Video)Referencing activist Larry Kramer and ACT UP in discussions of queer organizing and Zionist parallels The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on spiritual reflection, including cross-country travel and research in Berlin archivesJewish values of perseverance illustrated through Torah learning, including lessons about continuing even when struggling Thank you to this episode's sponsor:Jewish Communal Fund MENTIONSMs. Rachel draws ire over appeals for Gazan childrenWhy Is Everyone Talking About Ms. Rachel Right Now?YouTube star Ms. Rachel should be investigated for spreading Hamas propaganda Who is the Bibas family?In the Sudan sick and starving children continue to waste awayViolations against children have tripled in the CongoRussia’s kidnapping of Ukrainian childrenIranian children killed by Iranian security forces in crackdown of protests12 Israeli Druze children killed in Hezbollah rocket attack Lady J First day of Judaism postOur Lady J’s Film and TV CreditsThe MikvahThe Beit Din (Rabbinic Court) and ConversionRabbi Iggy‘Transparent’ Writer Our Lady J: Hollywood ‘Needs to Put Stories Into the Hands of Trans People’What is intersex?What is a eunuch in the Bible?Mennonite HistorySnapshots of an Epidemic: An HIV/AIDS TimelineLady ChablisQueer Jews Forced into a Different Closet: Antisemitism and Conditional Acceptance“Through Science to Justice”: The Story of Magnus Hirschfeld, a Gay Jewish TrailblazerLady J Zionism Instagram postThe TV series TransparentGermany Declares: BDS is AntisemiticMiller Intro to JudaismJay Sanderson BJJP EpisodeRabbi Tarlan Rabizadeh, Mandana Dayani, and Matthew Nouriel BJJP EpisodeJonah and the Whale - Bible Story MeaningJacob Wrestles with the AngelIs MAGA really pro-Israel?The Holiday You’ve Never Heard Of: Why Shmini Atzeret MattersWhy Are Grasshoppers (Locusts) Kosher for Some Jews?What’s So Wrong with Mixing Wool & Linen?Ask the Expert: Kosher Wine and Kosher Mevushal Wine Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2026

Jonah interviews Daniel Lubetzky, Mexican-American Jewish founder of KIND, Shark Tank investor, and longtime bridge-builder, about how his Holocaust-survivor father and Mexican Jewish upbringing shaped his commitment to connecting communities. Lubetzky describes mourning his father, saying Kaddish, and launching both KIND and the OneVoice Movement the same year, crediting prayer and purpose with keeping him grounded. He explains PeaceWorks, a trade-based social enterprise linking Israelis and Arabs (and later other conflict regions), which succeeded in sustaining relationships but never scaled and ultimately closed. He recounts OneVoice’s effort to empower moderates against media-driven extremism, mobilizing nearly a million Israelis and Palestinians, yet falling short of ending the conflict. Lubetzky outlines his latest project, the Builders Movement, and its “builders vs. destroyers” framework, its education, media, and civics work, and argues kindness is strong, honest action. Lubetzky reflects on the impact of reciting Kaddish after his father’s death and how Jewish ritual shaped his worldview.The founding story behind KIND Bars and why Lubetzky named the company after his father’s values.Lubetzky’s first social enterprise PeaceWorks, connecting Israelis, Palestinians, Jordanians, Egyptians, and Turks through trade.How PeaceWorks also operated in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Chiapas, Mexico to foster cooperation across conflict lines.The creation of the OneVoice Movement, which mobilized nearly 1 million Israelis and Palestinians around shared peace principles.Why Lubetzky believes media narratives often amplify extremists instead of moderates in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.Launching the Builders Movement, a global initiative promoting cooperation over division.The Builders Movement framework built around the “Four Cs”: Curiosity, Compassion, Creativity, and Courage.Educational partnerships with institutions such as Stanford University to promote builder-mindset leadership programs.Collaboration with leaders like Van Jones to strengthen alliances between Jewish and Black communities. Thank you to this episode's sponsor:Jewish Communal Fund Mentioned In The Episode:Three synagogue attacks in Toronto in one week.Blast Outside Begum SynagogueArrests made in Norway Synagogue attackSan Jose pedestrians attacked in hate crimePolice Arrest Suspect in Ramat Gan StabbingMan, Rams Truck Into Michigan Synagogue With Over 100 Children InsideThe Story Is with Exel MichaelsonThe Lead with Jake Tapper Daniel LubetzkyDaniel Lubetzky on Shark TankCamp RamahPeaceWorks FoundationVan Jones BJJP EpisodeDachauKIND SnacksJason Alexander BJJP EpisodeThe History, Significance, and Meaning of KaddishAl Jazeera Propagates Hatred. Is it also a Foreign Agent?Annapolis Peace Conference (2007)1993 Oslo AccordsKind Creates the Kind Foundation to Help Foster Kinder and Healthier CommunitiesSave Your Relationships! How To Talk to Antizionist Loved Ones About Israel - Jonah Platt’s 5 C'sLubetzky Family Foundation Builders Movement Builders on InstagramBuilders on YouTube Jewish Neighborhoods: Mexico CityMexican school merger will expand ORT’s presence in Latin AmericaMarc Platt BJJP episodeJulie Platt BJJP episodeJewish Nobel Prize LaureatesSebastian Maniscalco - Italians at Passover (Aren't You Embarrassed?)Mexican Gefilte FishRed snapper with Veracruz-style sauce (huachinango a la Veracruzana)The Rise and Fall of Eliot Ness Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2026

In this delectable episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah records on location in Harlem, New York, at Tsion Café, America’s only Ethiopian-Israeli restaurant, for a conversation with owner and chef Beejhy Barhany about Ethiopian Jewish (Beta Israel) culture, food, and identity. Beejhy explains Tsion Café’s mission of bridge-building through vegan kosher cuisine and storytelling, and why she recently closed daily dining and now hosts only private events, due to years of anti-Zionist harassment, threats, and vandalism that intensified after October 7 and after becoming fully kosher. She discusses Harlem’s support, her meaning of “Zion,” and her belief that food can break barriers. Beejhy discusses Beta Israel’s unique history, questions of legitimacy, her family’s 1980–83 trek from Ethiopia to Israel, and experiences of discrimination and “conversion” pressures in Israel.  Walking through the café, Beejhy shares the venue's legacy and culinary inspirations with Jonah. The two head into the kitchen to make samosas, discuss injera, dabo, spices, and her NY Times bestselling cookbook (Gursha). During the discussion, she describes founding the BINA (Beta Israel of North America) Cultural Foundation and raising her children with multifaceted identities. TOPICS INCLUDE: The story of the Beta Israel Jewish community of Ethiopia and their ancient connection to Judaism.Beejhy recounts her family’s escape from Ethiopia and years spent in Sudan before immigrating to Israel.Discussion of major Ethiopian Jewish airlifts, including Operation Moses and Operation Solomon.Life in immigrant absorption centers in Israel alongside newcomers from Ukraine and Russia.The role of Tsion Cafe as a cultural hub for Ethiopian Jews and the wider Jewish diaspora.Why Beejhy founded the Beta Israel North American Cultural Foundation (BINA) to promote Jewish diversity.The closing of Tsion Cafe’s regular dining service due to anti-Zionist harassment following October 7.Conversations about racism, identity, and the need for unity within the global Jewish community.How Ethiopian cuisine, such as traditional dishes served with injera, helps build cultural bridges.Reflections on raising multicultural Jewish children in New York City.The importance of celebrating Jewish diversity across communities from Israel to Africa and the United States. Thank you to our sponsors and promotional partners:Jewish Communal FundChutzpod And a Special Thanks to our production partner on this episode: Jewish Broadcasting Services (JBS) Mentioned In The Episode:Beejhy Barhan InstagramTsion CafeFar from the Eye, Close to the Heart: The Fascinating History of the Beta Israel Community in EthiopiaNYC’s only Ethiopian-Israeli restaurant closes after anti-Zionist harassment: ‘So much animosity’What is a Mezuzah?W. E. B. Du BoisThe Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley How This New York Restaurant Is Carrying on the Legacy of the Harlem RenaissanceCharlie ParkerRedd FoxxArt Tatum: A Talent Never to Be DuplicatedEthiopia, the home of coffeeEthiopian immigrantsThe Queen of Sheba  The Incredible Story of Ethiopian Jews and Their Journey to IsraelGursha: Timeless Recipes for Modern Kitchens, from Ethiopia, Israel, Harlem, and Beyond: A Cookbook Operation MosesOperation SolomonEthiopia’s Turbulent HistoryThe Law of ReturnAbsorption CentersDabo (Ethiopian Bread)Injera: Ethiopia’s Traditional Bread in Pictures and WordsLost Tribes beer company resurrects ancient brewsBeta Israel of North American Cultural FoundationShop Tsion Cafe Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2026

In this inspiring episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with members of the Israeli Bobsled Team (AJ Edelman, Ward Fawarsy, Uri Zisman, Ower Katz, Itamar Shprinz, and Menashem Chen) while in competition in Milano Crotina, to discuss the unlikely journey of building a team for a Winter Olympic sport in a country with no snow. Representing Israel on the global stage, the athletes share how they transitioned from backgrounds in track and field, rugby, crossfit, and other sports into elite bobsled competitors. They discuss training and competing internationally, and navigating the challenges of representing Israel amid rising antisemitism following October 7. Their story is a wild one with robberies, getting booed, a death on a plane, and missing critical training runs.  The conversation explores patriotism, Jewish pride, and the emotional weight of wearing the Israeli flag at global events sanctioned by the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF) and the Winter Olympics. The athletes reflect on the powerful symbolism of Israeli athletes competing on the world stage and the importance of positive representation for Israel in international sports.  Jonah and AJ Edelman, captain of the Israeli Bobsled Team, get some one-on-one time to dig into the team's challenges and the role of the Israeli Olympic Committee. Edelman details self-funding, starting a nonprofit to support the team, and hopes to grow the program. Topics Discussed Include:Competing in sanctioned events under the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF) circuitQualification pathways toward the Winter OlympicsBeing champion athletes from other sport disciplinesThe nickname “Shul Runnings”Having a Druze athlete on the teamTraining in the U.S.-based tracks in Lake Placid, New York, and Park City, UtahThe measure of success is how far you’ve come, not how close you are to the topThe mechanics of a two-man and four-man bobsled under IBSF regulationsPutting together an “Ocean’s Eleven” team for bobsledFunding challenges and support from the Israeli Olympic CommitteeHow to support the team in the future Mentioned In The Episode:Advancing Jewish AthleticsDonate to the Israeli Bobsled Team AJ Edelman InstagramWard Fawarsy InstagramUri Zisman InstagramOmer Katz InstagramItamar Shprinz InstagramMenachem Chen Instagram NOT A Genocide: Jonah Platt's Definitive Takedown of the World's Favorite Anti-Jew, Anti-Israel Lie (Part 2)Anti-Jew Libels DECONSTRUCTED-Jonah Platt Debunks 4 Lies About Israel & The Jewish People (Part 1) The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews: Part 1PART 2 - The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the JewsPART 3 - The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews Natan Sharansky Natan Sharansky 3 D’sIsrael is Among a Number of EthnostatesMyanmar casts minorities to the margins as citizenship law denies legal identityMyanmar Rohingya: What you need to know about the crisisArmenia is 98% Armenian DataKoreans in JapanUAE’s Double-Standard on Citizenship RightsMigrant Rights in UAE and QatarSwiss government rejects automatic citizenship for those born in SwitzerlandCitizenship through Naturalization for Aliens of Greek ethnic originEgypt's Christians face 'constant pressure to hide their faith'Israel’s Right of ReturnOperation SolomonIsraeli Law Declares the Country the ‘Nation-State of the Jewish People’Jewish CalendarArabs Make Up 20% of the Jewish PopulationArab residents of mixed cities disadvantaged compared to Jews - ComptrollerBen Gvir’s policy goals: Going to extremes even Europe’s far right won’t touchPalestinian Authority: You're a "traitor" if you sell land to the JewsWhat does the Hamas charter say?Milano Cortina 2026 OlympicsIsrael’s first Olympic bobsled team heads to Italy in bid they have dubbed ‘Shul Runnings’The Israeli bobsled team is in last place but calls themselves 'victors'Kris Horn OK after solo ride as teammates fail to get into sledBobsled costs are skyrocketing. Can the U.S. keep up in a bedrock Olympic sport?Israel team marches to smattering of boos at Milan Winter Olympics opening ceremonyAJ Edelman, The First Orthodox Jewish Male Olympian, Is Ready For Gold!Meet Bat-El Gatterer, First Orthodox Jewish Female OlympianMIT Alumnus Competes in Winter Olympics                   From obese yeshivah student to Slider-Man – the remarkable run of Israel’s Olympic bobsleigh pilotIsraeli Bobsled Team's Apartment Robbed of 'Thousands of Dollars' Worth of Items During Winter Olympics TrainingWhat To Know About ‘Shul Runnings,’ the Bobsled Team Representing Israel in the Winter OlympicsVitaris ClubAt the Olympics, Israel's athletes pay a high cost in the quest for goldThe Israeli Bobsled Team’s Withdrawal from the last day of Olympic CompetitionBobsledding for Israel Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Subscribe to Ora, A Luxury Jewish Lifestyle and Culture Magazine. https://oramag.co/ Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2026

In this delicious episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with New York Times bestselling cookbook author and Tel Aviv-based food writer Adeena Sussman for a conversation about food, culture, and the rituals of living in Israel today. Living steps from the Carmel Market, Adeena paints a vivid portrait of daily life in Tel Aviv, how Israelis continue daily routines amid rocket alarms, and what it means to compartmentalize in a country where normalcy and uncertainty coexist.Adeena reflects on feeling like an insider-outsider as an “American Israeli,” and how the shuk itself mirrors Israel’s layered religious and cultural diversity. She shares how October 7 transformed her Shabbat cookbook tour into community-centered gatherings and fundraisers, and why she views cookbooks as narrative literature that provide cultural context. She also speaks candidly about her responsibility in culinary storytelling, documenting Yemenite, Iraqi, Moroccan, and broader Middle Eastern Jewish cuisines while crediting provenance and seeking permission for adaptations.Jonah and Adeena also explore her path to co-authoring cookbooks with a number of chefs and celebrities including Chrissy Teigen, her Substack (including a viral post after attending Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s funeral), and the personal accountability she feels towards readers who bring her recipes into their homes. The episode covers her family history and Shabbat hospitality, including her mother Steffi’s influence, and what makes food suitable for Shabbat. Adeena introduces her upcoming cookbook “Zuriz” (“quick”), a collection of 100 one-page recipes designed for real life. This conversation doesn’t just talk about food as sustenance, but as a means of storytelling and connection. Topics Include:Adeena Sussman’s move from New York City to Tel AvivBecoming one of today’s most influential voices in Israeli cuisineWriting Sababa and Shabbat cookbooksLiving with Chrissy Teigen and John LegendHow Israeli Elections Really WorkWriting Cookbooks That Tell a StoryAdeena Sussman’s Recipe Development ProcessLearning the Roots: Respectful Research Across Middle Eastern Jewish CuisinesIsrael and California’s Abundant Local ProduceNYT Bestseller Pressure & What Stays Exclusive to the BooksCulinary influences from Mizrahi, Sephardi, and Ashkenazi traditionsTel Aviv’s food scene and local markets like Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel) Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode: Adeena Sussman InstagramZariz CookbookShabbat CookbookSababa CookbookTrump moves closer to a major war with IranThe Electoral System in IsraelCarmel MarketReal-time red alerts in IsraelShielded by Fire: Middle East Air Defense During the June 2025 Israel-Iran WarFood Network's New York City Wine & Food FestivalUnited HatzalahChanie ApfelbaumBusy in BrooklynNaama ShefiRachel SimonsJake CohenBengingiBreads Bakery Adeena Sussman: Came to Israel for love, stayed for foodAdeena Sussman SubstackA Stain on Israel’s Soul: Remembering Hersh Goldberg-Polin and the Beautiful SixTears From The SkyEllie Krieger CholentFirst Tango with Mango: Iraqi AmbaIsraeli produce is the best. Here’s why:Sisters fight cancer, honor mother by rolling out the doughSheet Pan Latke Board Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Subscribe to Ora, A Luxury Jewish Lifestyle and Culture Magazine. https://oramag.co/ Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 24 February 2026

In this delightful and hilarious episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, comedian Modi Rosenfeld opens up about faith, fame, identity, and building unity through Jewish comedy. Recently named one of The Hollywood Reporter’s Top 10 New York Comedians, Modi discusses what it means to be a proudly Jewish comedian in today’s cultural climate, and why laughter is his path to creating what he calls “Messianic energy.” From performing at the Comedy Cellar, the Republican Jewish Coalition, and soon Radio City Music Hall, to navigating conversations with fellow comics like Dave Chappelle and Ben Shapiro, Modi shares candid insights on comedy, politics, and Jewish pride. He reflects on growing up Israeli in America, coming out as gay later in life, marrying his husband Leo, and supporting LGBTQ inclusion within the Orthodox community through organizations like Eshel. Modi also reveals how COVID, Zoom shows, and social media transformed his career into a global brand with audiences in Israel, Europe, and beyond. With humor and heart, this episode explores Judaism, comedy, Israel, identity, and the power of laughter to bring people together in divided times. Topics discussed include: Modi Rosenfeld on being a “Jewish comedian” vs. a comedian who happens to be JewishRoasting Ben Shapiro at a Commentary Magazine eventFollowing Donald Trump at the Republican Jewish CoalitionTouring internationally in Israel, Paris, Berlin, and LondonProcessing October 7th and performing in Europe amid rising antisemitismGrowing up Israeli-American on Long IslandMarriage, faith, and partnership with husband LeoSupporting LGBTQ Orthodox Jews through EshelPreparing for his upcoming Radio City Music Hall debutBuilding a global audience via Instagram and post-COVID Zoom comedyThe meaning behind his tour title: Pause for Laughter Mentioned In The Episode:Anti-Jew Libels DECONSTRUCTED - Jonah Platt Debunks 4 Lies About Israel & The Jewish People (Part 1) Modi Rosenfeld WebsiteModi Rosenfeld InstagramThe reasons why what is happening in Gaza is not genocideAmnesty International is among the NGOs bashing IsraelGrand Mufti of Jerusalem and his aid to the NazisB’tselem’s “broader analytical framework” The U.N. Official Who Said Hamas is not a Terrorist OrganizationThe U.N. Condemned Israel 17 Times, more than the rest of the world combined Alice Nderitu of the U.N. said Israel’s campaign in Gaza doesn’t meet the definition of genocide. She was fired.Anyone can be a member of the International Association of Genocide Scholars, Including Cookie Monster and Emperor PalpatineArab countries ban Al-Jazeera Israel distributes over 1 million polio vaccines in GazaPalestinian death toll passes 70,000Defining genocide in a post WW2 worldIsreal’s critics rewrite the definition of genocideHineni Society Event with World-Renowned Comedian ModiDavid Attel InstagramJeff Ross InstagramJerry Seinfeld InstagramChris Rock Who are the classic Catskill ComediansOld Jewish Catskill Comedian's Classic JokesThe Messianic EraRelease of latest Epstein files unleashes online wave of antisemitic conspiraciesModi | Know Your Audience (Full Comedy Special)Q&A | Comedian Modi Is Running on ‘Moshiach Energy’What Are Tefillin?The Gestapo: OverviewJewish comedian Modi Rosenfeld, a mainstay for Orthodox audiences, is gay. So what?The Comedy CellarBen Shapiro Roasted By MODIDave Chappelle Mocks “I Stand With Israel”Dave Chappelle and the Space JewsJon CarhartRepublican Jewish CoalitionU.S. Congressman Mike JohnsonOrthodox Judaism and LGBTQ IssuesEshel Ritual Hand Washing Before MealsWhat is Chabad?A New LightFran LiebowitzModi Rosenfeld, Gay Jewish Comedian, Talks ‘Moshiach’ Energy, Celebrating Shabbat and Comparisons to Robin Williams and Richard PryorTa’anit 22a-b: A Place in the World to ComeFrance reports dozens of antisemitic acts since Hamas attackThe History of Hatikvah Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Subscribe to Ora, A Luxury Jewish Lifestyle and Culture Magazine. https://oramag.co/ Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 17 February 2026

In this special emergency episode, host Jonah Platt interviews Adam Katz, president of the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate. They discuss the purpose and strategy behind the $15 million 2026 Super Bowl ad aired by the organization, founded by Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft. The discussion covers the ad's target audience, primarily the unengaged Americans oblivious to the severity of antisemitism. Adam explains the rigorous data-driven process behind creating and testing the ad and addresses varying reactions and criticisms from the Jewish community. The episode also explores the effectiveness and future direction of the organization’s campaign to combat Jewish hate, emphasizing the importance of allyship and broader community action. Topics include:The Super Bowl Ad: Goals and Target AudienceThe Creative Process Behind the AdTesting and Refining the AdAddressing Criticisms and ReactionsThe Importance of Allyship and Audience TargetingMeasuring the Impact of the CampaignThe Blue Square InitiativeEvolution of the Organization and MessagingWhat it means to actively participate in fighting Jewish hate Mentioned in the episode:Adam KatzAdam Katz LinkedInBlue Square AllianceRobert KraftBlue Square Super Bowl adRobert Kraft and the Kraft GroupBlue Square Alliance Jewish Hate DataOther Blue Square adsGen Z & Anti-Jew HateFreedom to MarrySharing Blue Square on Social MediaRequest a Blue Square PinBlack Unity Event Davos Blue Square Pins Van Jones Wearing Blue Square on CNNGLAAD AssociationShift from Combat Hate/Antisemitism to BSABSA Super Bowl Commercial 2025 Snoop Dogg and Tom Brady"Tony" 2023 Swastika Painted on the GarageIsaiah BSA SpotWhat's Up With Hate InstagramWhen There Are No Words AdBeing Jewish: Discussing When There Are No WordsStand Up To Jewish Hate Instagram Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Subscribe to Ora, A Luxury Jewish Lifestyle and Culture Magazine. https://oramag.co/ Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2026

In this powerful episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah speaks with Jewish Iranian advocates, Rabbi Tarlan Rabizadeh of American Jewish University, Mandana Dayani of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, and Matthew Nouriel of JIMENA - Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa, whose families fled persecution by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), offering an urgent and deeply personal look at life under the Iranian regime. The conversation exposes how the IRGC functions not just as a military force, but as an ideological and economic power structure responsible for widespread human rights abuses, political repression, and global terrorism. The guests share personal stories about living under the threat and surveillance of the IRGC.  The episode explores the Iranian regime’s hostility toward Israel, the Jewish community, and the West, while drawing clear distinctions between the Iranian people and their government. Jonah and his guests discuss how the IRGC funds proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, destabilizing the Middle East and exporting violence far beyond Iran’s borders. The conversation also highlights the challenges refugees face when seeking asylum in the United States, Canada, and Europe, and the importance of educating Western audiences about Iran’s internal resistance movements. Ultimately, the episode is a call to awareness, urging listeners to recognize the human cost of extremism and stand with those fighting for freedom, and truth. Topics Include: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its role in IranPolitical repression and surveillance in IranIranian refugees seeking asylum in the United States and CanadaIRGC funding of Hamas and HezbollahIran’s anti-Israel ideology and antisemitismDistinguishing the Iranian people from the Iranian regimeIranian opposition movements and internal resistanceTerrorism exported by Iran across the Middle EastThe impact of October 7 on Iranian dissidents worldwideWestern media narratives about Iran and the IRGCJewish solidarity with persecuted communities under authoritarian regimes Mentioned In The Episode:Part 1:The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the JewsPart 2: The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the JewsPart 3: The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews Tarlan Rabizadeh InstagramMatthew Nouriel InstagramMandana Dayani InstagramBrandolini’s LawAvailability HeuristicInattention BlindnessDhimmi Under Muslim RuleIsrael is not an Apartheid StateAre Jews White?Infant Death During the Hamas Attack on Israel'They just kept killing': Eyewitnesses describe deadly crackdown in IranWhat Led to the 1979 Iranian Revolution?Over 36,500 killed in Iran's deadliest massacre, documents revealThe expulsion of Jews from Arab countries and Iran – an untold historyFirst Persian Female Rabbi Finds Her VoiceMiller Intro to JudaismThe Battle for Sheikh JarrahWhy Iranian women are burning their hijabs after the death of Mahsa Amini“Women, Life, Freedom” a new revolutionary era in IranLGBT Rights in IranSpeaking Up - United Nations Special Session on Oct. 7th: Mandana DayaniADL and JLens Urge Accountability Regarding Huda Kattan's Antisemitic RemarksHuda Beauty faces boycott campaign over founder’s Iran protest videoRediscovering the Lost Tribes and God’s Faithfulness: The Jewish Diaspora and AliyahIranian Diaspora CollectiveHow Ancient Persians Essentially Saved Judaism As We Know It TodayWhy Are We So Silent About the Uprising in Iran?Leading Change: How Persian and Jewish Diasporas Can Unite against AntisemitismI came to Israel for Pride. It got canceled.Matthew Nouriel, The Empress MizrahiAmerican Jewish UniversityReport Shows Foreign-Born Citizens Are More Socially Conservative Than Their Native-Born Counterparts and Are Less Likely to Identify with Either Political PartyMatthew Nouriel, Community Engagement Director JIMENASephardim, Mizrachim in NY more conservative, less likely to intermarry than peers, per UJA studyAyatollah Khomeini returns to IranThe Ironies of History: The Ukraine Crisis through the Lens of Jewish HistoryJimmy Carter, blamed by many Iranians for the revolution, dies at 100The Fascinating History and Political Lives of Jews in IranJewish students assaulted, threatened and harassed at UCLA campusEducation Department opens second investigation into Yale antisemitismIran-Iraq WarHIAS United States Holocaust Memorial Council (Board of Trustees)Steven Wise TempleGerman Jews' Passports Declared InvalidExpulsion to cultural integration: 500 years of Sephardic Jews in TürkiyeDid Ezra Reconstruct the Torah or Just Change the Script?Rabbi Tarlan Rabizadeh Named American Jewish University’s VP for Jewish EngagementJay Sanderson BJJPPersian Gondi on Fridays Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 10 February 2026

Host Jonah Platt interviews Allison Tombros Korman, the founder and executive director of the Red Tent Fund, a national abortion fund rooted in Jewish values. The conversation spans Korman's personal and professional journey, including her experiences with antisemitism in progressive spaces post October 7th, that led her to being forced out of her job at the DC Abortion Fund and eventually establishing the Red Tent Fund. They discuss the fund's mission to support abortion seekers through a Jewish lens, the impact of Roe v. Wade's overturning, misconceptions about third-trimester abortions, and the controversial 'Fund Abortion, Not War' campaign.  The Red Tent Fund operates by providing money directly to clinics to aid any abortion seeker regardless of religion or political affiliation, reflecting values of bodily autonomy, compassion, and community care. DiscussedThe Birth of the Red Tent Fund (Jewish Values, Access for All)The Purpose of Abortion FundsThe Intent and Framework of Reproductive JusticeThe Jewish Perspectives on Abortion, As Interpreted by Rabbis and ScholarsChallenges and Realities of Abortion AccessFund Abortion, Not War: A Controversial MovementWhy People Must Travel Across State Lines for Reproductive HealthThe Research of medical Sociologist Katrina Kimport, PhD, on Why People Get Third Trimester AbortionsThe Intersection of Abortion Rights and Anti-Israel Sentiments Mentioned In The Episode: Red Tent FundRed Tent Fund FacebookRed Tent Fund InstagramDonate to Red Tent FundDC Abortion FundAntisemitism and the DCAFAllison Tombros Korman Tablet Magazine ArticleTablet MagazineRoe v. WadeDCAF on Abortion FundRestorative JusticeMichal Cotler-WunshMichal-Cotler Wunsh Being Jewish EpisodeAntisemitism and Antizionism in Reproductive HealthWhat is the Red Tent Fund? Planned ParenthoodNational Abortion HotlineJewish Perspective on Red Tent Site Parashat MishpatimJewish Orthodox Feminist AllianceRed Tent PartnersThe Red Tent by Anita DiamantTikkun OlamU.S. Abortion Rights by StateHow much does an abortion cost?Data on Third Trimester AbortionsKatrina KimportFund Abortion Not WarBlack Women and Reproductive Justice  Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish *Correction: In the episode The Red Tent Fund is described as the first National Jewish Abortion Fund.  The National Council of Jewish Women's (NCJW) Jewish Fund for Abortion Access was the first national Jewish abortion fund, launched in 2022. Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, Story Producer: Sasha Nelson, Associate Producer: Emma Webb, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 5 February 2026

In this compelling episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah speaks with Bishop Michael J. Fisher, a prominent Los Angeles faith leader and longtime advocate for Black–Jewish solidarity. The discussion explores Bishop Fisher’s personal journey, deeply influenced by his father, Reverend W. Jerome Fisher, a World War II medic who helped liberate Jews from the Dachau concentration camp. Jonah and Bishop Fisher dig deeply into the real actions Fisher is doing to build bonds and bridges between the black and Jewish communities, and their shared perspective on what advocacy truly means.  Bishop Fisher reflects on building interfaith relationships with leaders such as Rabbi Stewart Vogel and Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback, and on the shared spiritual foundations of Judaism and Christianity, including the meaning of Zion. The discussion also addresses rising antisemitism, the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attacks, and the responsibility of moral leadership in moments of crisis. The episode highlights initiatives like the Freedom Seder and the From Compton to Jerusalem trip, celebrating Israel’s diversity and the Ethiopian Jewish community, while offering a hopeful vision of unity grounded in building relationships, and discovering truth. TOPICS INCLUDE:Bishop Michael J. Fisher on growing up in Compton under the influence of his father, Reverend W. Jerome FisherHis church, The Greater Zion Church FamilyA firsthand family connection to the Holocaust through World War II liberation effortsThe spiritual and historical meaning of Zion in Black Christianity and JudaismBuilding Black–Jewish alliances with Rabbi Stewart Vogel and Rabbi Yoshi ZweibackThe examples of people like Van Jones, Amanda Berman, and Robert Stearns in interfaith bridge-buildingHow the Freedom Seder creates shared Jewish and Black communal spaceUnderstanding antisemitism vs. anti-Zionism after the October 7 Hamas attacksWhy Israel’s diversity challenges apartheid narrativesLessons from the From Compton to Jerusalem leadership trip to IsraelExperiencing the Sigd holiday with the Ethiopian Jewish community (Beyte Israel)Advocacy vs. performative allyship in Black and Jewish communitiesWhy Black–Jewish unity remains essential for social justice in America Mentioned In the Episode:Part 1:The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the JewsPart 2: The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the JewsPart 3: The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews Michael J Fisher InstagramJonah’s (shoes) JP x Air Maccabees (18% off with the code JP18)The Story of JeremiahSeeing History Through A Foggy LensDangers of ExceptionalismMoral Self LicensingTemporal Distance and DiscriminationGreater Zion Church FamilyOrigins of Black History MonthFreedom Seder LA Brings Together Black, Jewish, and Black-Jewish Leaders for an Evening of Unity and LiberationCNN’s Van JonesRabbi Yoshi ZweibackExodus Over DinnerJerome Fisher World War II Gold Star Veteran from MarylandReverand Jerome Fisher Passes Away, Organized 1st Black Church in ComptonWhat Was Jim CrowMichael J. Fisher How One Compton Pastor’s Work is Changing Lives by Bridging Health & FaithThe Jewish Foundation of ChristianityWhen did Christianity and Judaism Separate?When Did Jesus Stop Being Jewish?Zion: God’s Precious PossessionDr. Maulana KarengaA Long History: American Jews and the NAACPThe Tulsa Race Massacre and Oklahoma’s Jews10 Great Moments of #BlackJewishUnityChallenging the myth of 'white, colonial' IsraelRabbi Stewart VogelDeath of George FloydPowerful Voices: A New Look at the Rabbi Who Marched with Martin Luther KingTiffany Haddish BJJP EpisodeThe 15 Year Battle for Martin Luther King Jr. DayBondi Beach terrorists ‘acted alone’ in attack on Hanukkah event — Australian policeSuspect arrested in predawn fire that left parts of Mississippi’s largest synagogue in charred ruinsWhat to know about the murder of Sarah Pilgrim and Aaron Lischinsky in Washington D.CStephen Wise TempleWise hosts Greater Zion Church for joint Shavuot and Pentecost celebrationWas Jesus’ Last Supper a Seder?Peter and the Disciples Falling Asleep - Matthew 26:40The Old Testament Pentecost: Why Did Jesus Pour Out His Spirit on This Particular Day?Robert SternsBLM’s Support of Hamas Is Perfectly in Line With Its GoalsRediscovering the Lost Tribes and God’s Faithfulness: The Jewish Diaspora and AliyahIsrael’s Ethnic Diversity: Why the Population of the Jewish Nation is Far From MonolithicAmanda BermanBlack and Jewish people were allies once. Can they be again?Martin Luther King Jr. AssassinationRedlining of Jewish Neighborhoods to Make It Difficult to Get a MortgageJewish Americans: Identity, History, and Experience Fact SheetSeder2015 streams a digital PassoverWhat is the law of first mention?Black leaders journey from their hip-hop home to the Holy Land — and find common groundWhat Even IS Sigd? A Short ExplainerNick Cannon opens up about past antisemitic comments and his ‘growth moment’April PowersCalifornia schools inch closer to rescuing mental health funds slashed by TrumpGlobal Missions — Greater Zion Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 3 February 2026

In this essential episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah speaks with Israeli public intellectual, former Knesset member, and political strategist Dr. Einat Wilf about Israel’s political future in the wake of October 7th. Wilf argues that Israel has reached a historic inflection point — one that requires shedding what she calls a lingering “diaspora consciousness” and fully embracing permanent, sovereign thinking. Drawing on decades of scholarship and public service, Wilf challenges many of the assumptions that have shaped Israeli politics and peace efforts. She explains why the conflict cannot be resolved through ambiguity or process alone, why ideology — not borders — has been the central obstacle to peace, and why international frameworks have repeatedly failed to reckon with Jewish self-determination. From critiques of institutions like UNRWA to hard questions about national service, governance, and borders, Wilf calls for a renewed Israeli social contract rooted in responsibility, realism, and permanence. This episode is a rigorous exploration of sovereignty, accountability, and political maturity, offering listeners a clear vision of what it would mean for Israel and the Jewish people to stop thinking provisionally, and start acting like a nation that fully believes it is here to stay. Topics include:Understanding Israel's Political SystemFounding the Oz PartyArab ZionismClarifying BordersStrengthening the KnessetService to the State and Belonging in IsraelFrom Diaspora Consciousness to Sovereign ConductSeparation of Shul and StateWorthy Leadership and Women in PoliticsThe Oz Party's Vision and StrategyAppealing to a Diverse AudienceUNRWA and Palestinian Relationship and Legacy Thank you to this episode’s sponsor  SAPIR.https://sapirjournal.org/BeingJewish Mentioned in this Episode:Part 1:The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the JewsPart 2: The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the JewsPart 3: The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews Einat Wilf InstagramEinat Wilf XInternational Authors Call For Ban of Israeli AuthorsA Call For Israeli Athletes to be BannedHas Zionism Become a Bad WordThe Jewish EnemyOrigins of the Medieval Myth about the Jewish Drinking the Blood of ChildrenMovement Against AntizionismAssociated Press’s Coverage of IsraelWhy Israel’s Conflicts are Covered So Much More Than Other CountriesShaul Kelner’s Article On Antizionism as a Mass Movement in The U.S. Shaul KelnerEarly 20th Century Soviet Anti ZionismJewish UCLA Student Blocked By ProtestersAmnesty International Suspends Its Israeli BranchUS Coffee House Refuses to Serve JewsWhy I Founded the Oz PartyEretz Israel How do Israeli Politics Work?Yesh AtidThe Work of the KnessetDr. Einat Wilf: 'We lied to ourselves about the Palestinians'Peace in the Middle East? The first thing that needs to happen is the destruction of the ideology at the heart of Palestinian identity.5 Facts About the Jewish People's Ancestral Connection to the Land of IsraelUNRWA Exposed, Examining the Agency’s Mission and FailuresMinisters reportedly decide to keep Rafah Crossing shut, bucking US pressure amid anger over Board of PeaceSeparation of Shul and StateIn Conversation with Einat Wilf on a New Israeli VisionWho Is the Wicked Son?Who Are the Haredim?Statement on the Death of Yahya SinwarOnly 7% of Israeli Arabs define themselves as 'Palestinian'‘We’d rather die than enlist’: Haredi Jews vow to defy conscriptionThe Judicial Overhaul Post October 7The State of Israel as a Jewish State'Haredi schools need to meet minimum standards'13 Political Parties and Democracy: The Israeli CaseCampaign Financing in IsraelEinat Wilf: ‘Jews Are Never Allowed To Win, and Arabs Are Never Allowed to Lose’We Should All Be Zionists PodcastEinat Wilf Books (Amazon)Israel: A Democracy Like No Other in the Middle EastThe United Nations Korean Reconstruction AgencyO-zionist to Allow People to Mobilize Israeli Friends The Collapse of the Soviet Union The Iranian Revolution, 40 Years On: Oppression at Home, Aggression Abroad --Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 27 January 2026

In this energetic and wide-ranging episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with comedy and television icon Howie Mandel (America’s Got Talent, Deal or No Deal, Gremlins, St. Elsewhere) for a conversation that moves effortlessly between laughter and reflection. From his early days as a stand-up comic to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in television, Howie reflects on a career that has spanned more than four decades, and the values that have grounded him throughout it. With trademark honesty and humor, Howie opens up about his Jewish upbringing, family life, and how Jewish values have shaped his worldview both onstage and off. The conversation also takes a more serious turn as Howie speaks candidly about the resurgence of antisemitism, the aftermath of October 7th, and what it has felt like to navigate Jewish identity in an increasingly hostile global climate. Thoughtful, funny, and unexpectedly moving, this episode offers a rare glimpse into how one of comedy’s most familiar figures navigates faith, fear, and responsibility to show up when it matters most. Topics Discussed Include:Howie’s Jewish upbringing in TorontoHow comedy became a creative outlet and coping mechanism for anxiety and OCDThe influence of Howie’s father on his Jewish values and identityHowie’s early years doing stand-upHowie’s opinion on tzedakah   Why Israel struggles with public perceptionJewish identity and visibility in a time of rising antisemitismHowie speaks out about injustice and intolerancePro-Palestinian vs. Anti-Israel movements: understanding the differenceHowie on NBC, Hollywood, and Jewish representationJews being targets for their appearance outside of NY and LA Howie’s goal, “I just wanna do the right thing.” Thank you to this episode's sponsors The Dream Raffle and SAPIR.https://sapirjournal.org/BeingJewish Mentioned In The Episode:Part 1:The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the JewsPart 2: The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the JewsPart 3: The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews Ultimate Nite Out Featuring Debra Messing and Jonah PlattWatch America’s Got Talent (NBC)Howie Mandel InstagramHowie Mandel WebsiteHowie Mandel Does Stuff (YouTube)What You Need to Know About Israel's The Iron DomeQatar’s Investments in the US Education SystemRussia’s Interference in US Elections Continues to Get More BrazenChina’s Potential Use of TikTok Is A National Security ThreatYuri Bezmenov and his Stages of Ideological SubversionIsrael Recognizes Somaliland as an Independent Country“I Have a Tough Time Being with Myself.” Howie Mandel on living with OCD, ADHD, and anxietyB’rit Mialh: The Circumcision RitualHowie Mandel discusses saying the Kaddish for his fatherEverything You Need to Know About the Jewish Custom of ShivaMinyan: The Congregational QuorumTzedakah 101Are the Jews the Chosen People?Meet Howie Mandel's 3 talented kids with his wife of 45 years—2 options with regard to his in-laws being holocaust survivors—A survivors’ love story, and a game-changing secretHowie Mandel to Appear at Malibu Film SocietyThe Role of Doctors and NursesMyth: Jews Have Too Much PowerWhy Israel is losing the PR warDid Israel Bomb a Hospital? No. What to Know About Hamas’ Lie About a Rocket Strike on a Gaza HospitalCollecting German Air-dropped Leaflets on BritainIsraeli film on Oct. 7 premieres at Toronto film festival after initially being droppedMasadaHaifaWatch Inspector Gadget (Xumo)Haim Saban (IMDB)Shuki LeviBondi Beach terrorists ‘acted alone’ in attack on Hanukkah eventHowie Mandel Ari Shaffir clip on antisemitism.Ari Shaffir InstagramWhy Do We Wear a Kippah?What Is Tzitzit?Former SNL comedian Jay Pharoah says he was racially profiled by police, detained with knee on his neckSt. Elsewhere (Apple TV)Demonstrators rally across the U.S. in response to violent conflict between Israel and HamasWatch Little Monsters (Pluto TV)DayenuProto HologramHowie Mandel Become ESports Team Owner Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 20 January 2026

In this episode of 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with longtime Jewish communal leader Jay Sanderson, recently appointed President of American Jewish University (AJU). Sanderson recounts a harrowing childhood marked by intense antisemitic violence while growing up in Boston public housing, including a near-fatal incident in which he was buried alive. That trauma ultimately propelled him toward a life of Jewish leadership after a transformative summer in Israel facilitated by the Jewish Agency, culminating in a pivotal childhood encounter with David Ben-Gurion. The conversation traces Sanderson’s career running major institutions such as Jewish Federation of Los Angeles and Jewish Television Network, before turning to his vision for the Jewish future. Sanderson critiques the Jewish world’s tendency to focus narrowly on combating antisemitism rather than proactively planning for long-term vitality. This outlook led to the creation of the 2050 Institute, an initiative designed to address the lack of adequate modern training for Jewish professionals and lack of planning for the Jewish future. Sanderson explains why he came out of retirement after October 7 to lead AJU, outlining an ambitious plan to reimagine rabbinic education, expand the Miller Introduction to Judaism program, and position AJU as a central pipeline for future Jewish leaders. Jay’s challenge for leaders of today to get off the sidelines, bring new blood and ideas forward, and actively shape what the Jewish experience should look like in 25 years.  Topics of the episode includeJay Sanderson’s childhood trauma and antisemitism in BostonA near-death experience and its long-term psychological impactA formative Israel trip through the Jewish AgencyMeeting David Ben-Gurion at a kibbutzLeadership roles at Jewish Federation of Los AngelesThe founding vision of the 2050 InstituteSanderson becoming President of American Jewish UniversityExpanding the Miller Introduction to Judaism programReimagining the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies Mentioned in the episode: Jewish Federation LAJewish Television NetworkJewish AgencyDavid Ben Gurion KibbutzThe 2050 Institute Brandeis-Bardin Campus of American Jewish University.Jay Sanderson: President of AJUEric D. FingerhutMiller Intro to JudaismRabbi Tarlan RabizadehCamp AlonimBCIZiegler School of Rabbinic StudiesTzomet GamesAspen Institute Jay.Sanderson@AJU.edu Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, Story Producer: Sasha Nelson, Associate Producer: Emma Webb, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 15 January 2026

In one of the most powerful and singular conversations ever featured on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with Eli Sharabi, a survivor of 491 days in Hamas captivity. Eli joins Jonah for a two-part conversation that moves from public testimony to deeply personal reflection. The episode opens with a live, onstage discussion at a Magen David Adom gala in Miami, honoring Eli and tracing his journey from Kibbutz Be’eri to captivity and eventual freedom. It then shifts to an intimate studio conversation in Los Angeles, where Eli speaks with remarkable clarity, courage, and humanity about survival, resilience, and the inner discipline that sustained him through unimaginable psychological and physical torment. Together, Jonah and Eli explore the writing of Eli’s book Hostage, the healing power of telling his story, and the global impact of his speech at the United Nations. With profound honesty, Eli reflects on the loss of his wife Lianne, his daughters Noiya and Yahel, and his brother Yossi, and shares his ongoing mission to share his story as a testimony against terrorism, confront disinformation, and raise awareness about the truth of what happened to Hamas captives. Topics discussed include: Eli takes us back to October 7th, sharing what he remembers from the day his life changed foreverThe unimaginable loss of Eli’s family, and how he carries their memory with himHonoring the courage and ultimate sacrifices of Amit Mann and Avia Hetzroni from Kibbutz Be’eriWhat inspired Eli to write Hostage and how putting words on the page became part of his healingThe reality of what food looked like in captivity, and what deprivation teaches you about survivalHow Eli became a mentor and source of strength for Alon Ohel while they were held togetherEli reflects on meeting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer The emotional impact of Itamar Ben Gvir’s comments Holding onto tradition, faith, and Shabbat rituals under inhumane conditionsInside Hamas’ psychological warfare, and how Eli resisted being brokenRebuilding life after captivity, looking ahead, and Eli’s new mission of truth-telling and advocacy Support the podcast by subscribing to the Kehillah. Thank you to this episodes sponsors.Americans for Ben-Gurion UniversitySAPIR Links to items mentioned in the episode:Eli Sharabi Instagram“Hostage” by Eli SharabiMagen David Adom I Spent 491 Days as a Hostage of Hamas. This Is My StoryBattle of Kibbutz Be’eri2025 Magen David Adom Miami Gala: From Darkness to LightEli Sharabi’s United Nations addressThe Heroes in the Battle of Sderot on Oct 7The Civilian Heroes of Ofakim On Oct 7. Nova Festival Massacre The Be’eri Printing Press: Israel’s Print ShopParamedic Amit Man, 22: Sacrificed herself to protect patients.Senior EMT Aviya Hezroni Killed by TerroristsHamas Steals Aid'I choose life:' Ex-hostage Alon Ohel recounts Hamas kidnappingJewish Diaspora celebrates release of living hostagesEli Sharabi’s Brother Sharon Never Stopped Fighting For HimEli’s first interview after his releaseEli Sharabi Meets with UK Prime Minister Keir StarmerEli Sharabi Visits Australian ParliamentYossi Sharabi Buried in Kibbutz Be’eriIsraeli Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir taunts Palestinian prisoners Jachnun (Rolled Yemenite Sabbath Bread)What Is the Kiddush?Bondi Beach terrorists ‘acted alone’ in attack on Hanukkah event — Australian policeFormer Hamas hostage Or Levy brings awareness of captives’ plight to South AfricaThe Shehecheyanu Blessing Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 13 January 2026

In this intimate and revealing episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, iconic supermodel and Jewish ally Cindy Crawford sits down for a rare interview with Jonah to discuss family, faith, and allyship. Known worldwide for redefining beauty and celebrity, Cindy opens up about the quieter values that have shaped her life — from her interfaith marriage to Rande Gerber to the loss of her only brother to leukemia at an early age. Cindy shares personal stories about building a home rooted in Jewish and Protestant tradition, raising her children with an appreciation for Jewish rituals, and why speaking out against antisemitism now feels both urgent and unavoidable. She reflects on her experience working with Holocaust survivors through the Borrowed Spotlight Project,  her role in preserving the cultural legacy of Nate and Al’s, and her decision to use her platform for Jewish advocacy (New Year New Voices). Jonah and Cindy also discuss the trajectory of her career, the shifting landscape of beauty standards, and what the future might look like for her. The episode underscores Cindy's ongoing commitment to cultural empathy, allyship, and what it looks like to stand with the Jewish community not by accident or obligation, but by choice. In this episode, Cindy and Jonah dive into: How social media has become “poison” Why even small acts of Jewish allyship now feel “controversial”Growing up Protestant in the MidwestCindy’s first visit to IsraelNavigating a Jewish/Protestant Interfaith Marriage Jewish traditions that resonated with CindyCindy’s adult children's relationship to Jewish identityCindy’s participation in the Borrowed Spotlight ProjectThe loss of Cindy’s brother Links to things mentioned in the episode:Cindy Crawford InstagramCindy Crawford and Noa Tishby Hanukah lightingRande GerberB’rit Mialh: The Circumcision RitualCindy Crawford Capezio Shoot in IsraelShabbat Elevator in IsraelMaxwell House Haggadah  Christian CongregationalismCourtney Platt BJJP EpisodeMalibu Pacific ChurchReverend David WorthCindy Crawford reflects on 'devastating' loss of her brother to leukemiaCindy Crawford's 2 Children: All About Models Presley and Kaia GerberRande’s Father passing Olam Ha-Ba, The World to ComeBreaking the Glass at a Jewish WeddingIsrael: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on EarthNoa Tishby BJJP EpisodeCindy Crawford “New Year New Voices” VideoChris Caresnone (Campbell) BJJP Episode Borrowed Spotlight ProjectBryce ThompsonIs “shiksa” a bad word?Ella Mandel’s Story - Shoah FoundationDisplaced Persons Camps after the HolocaustHolocaust Museum L.A. honors visionary figures at galaHolocaust Museum LAJewish Global Population DataSebastian Maniscalco “Same corporation different divisions” jokeCindy Crawford (and others) step in to save Nate ‘N Al’s DeliNate ‘N Al’s DeliLangers DeliCanter’s DeliCasamigas - Cindy’s Spicy Tequila Support the podcast by subscribing to the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing,  Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 6 January 2026

Can we change the world with just ONE dollar? In this inspiring episode of '30 Minute Mensches,' Jonah talks to Dr. Jonathan Donath, founder and president of Daily Giving, the grassroots online platform that has turned daily donations of just $1 into almost $27 million distributed to over 75 Jewish causes worldwide. Dr. Donath shares the epiphany that led him to start Daily Giving, the importance of working the daily giving “muscle”, and the organization’s growth journey.  A true mensch, Dr. Donath’s appeal will have you racing to sign up so that you too can feel the joy of philanthropy, unity, and the transformative power of giving. Discussed topics include:The Near Death Experience of a Rabbi that Inspired Daily GivingThe Big Impact of Many Small MitzvahsStories of Daily Giving’s WorkMel Robbins and Why Immediate Action is ImportantChasing Balance in LifeComedian Elon Gold’s Viral Moment for Daily GivingNonprofit Operational Challenges and GrowthWho Are Some Partner Organizations (75+) and Why A big thank you to Daily Giving MENTIONSJoint Effort ChiropracticNon-surgical spinal decompression therapyRabbi Alon Anava and His Near Death ExperienceElon Gold Daily Giving PromoDaily Giving Beneficiary OrganizationsMel Robbins on taking action Magen David AdomUnited HatzalahChai LifelineOhelOne Mitzvah a Day JFNA Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Story Producer: Sasha Nelson, Associate Producer: Emma Webb, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 18 December 2025

It’s Hanukkah! In this cozy episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah is joined by culinary expert, social media darling, and New York Times-bestselling cookbook author Jake Cohen for a conversation about Jewish food, ritual, and the unifying power of gathering around the table. Known for zhuzhing up traditional Jewish cuisine with a distinctly modern yet reverent flair, Jake reflects on how food has become his spiritual practice and creative outlet for expressing Jewish identity. Jake shares how hosting Shabbat dinners became his primary avenue to building community and all the celebrity pals he has welcomed to his table, from Benny Blanco to Shoshana Bean to Katie Couric to Isaac Mizrahi. He opens up about his journey from being a self-described “High Holiday Jew” to becoming a leading voice in contemporary Jewish food culture, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, hospitality, and incorporating Jewish values into everyday life.  The conversation also touches on Jake’s three best-selling cookbooks — Jew-ish, I Could Nosh and Dinner Party Animal — which aim to make Jewish cooking accessible, joyful, and inviting to Jews and non-Jews alike. Jonah and Jake explore the intersection of Jewish and queer identity, the importance of inviting dissenting opinions to your dinner table, how to host an epic dinner party, and Jake’s hopes for a more connected and peaceful future. It’s an episode filled with comfort, laughter, and the unmistakable warmth of Hanukkah. A special thank you to this episode’s sponsor: American Friends of the Hebrew University and the podcast The View From Mount Scopus MENTIONSDinner Party Animal: Recipes to Make Every Day a CelebrationJake Cohen InstagramJake Cohen TiktokJake Cohen WebsiteThe Seleucide EmpireHanukkah Antisemitism vs. Purim AntisemitismHellenism and JudaismThe Surprising Origin of The DreidelJonah @ The Big ShabbatThe Temple Emanu-El Streicker CenterThe Big ShabbatJoan NathanAdeena SussmanEthiopian Jewish Chef and Restaurateur Beejhy Barhany on Her New Cookbook, “Gursha”Tsion CafeJew-Ish: A Cookbook Jake Cohen Saveur ArticlesNanny’s Rosh Hashanah Apple CakeOneTableMurray’s CheeseEvan Ross KatzAdam EliTokin’ Jew Lemon Sumac x Jake CohenQuick Challah Recipe Demo in Under 1 Minute!“The Nanny” Is the Kind of Celebratory, Unabashed Representation Jewish Women DeserveWatch Curb Your EnthusiasmI Could Nosh: Classic Jew-ish Recipes Revamped for Every Day―Modern Jewish Recipes for Everyday Noshing Left Behind – A Project Opening up Little-Known Holocaust Histories as well as New ToolsJews of Liège under the Occupation (1940-1944)Jake Cohen and Benny Blanco bagel Instagram postCurb Your Enthusiasm “Bad Middling” SceneThese New Yorkers were in Israel when the war with Iran began. Here’s how they made it home.Which three celebrities are living together in New York?Alex EdelmanBenj PasekShoshana BeanJudy Gold Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing,  Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 16 December 2025

In this thought-provoking episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with world-renowned philosopher, author, and war correspondent Bernard-Henri Lévy (known as BHL) for an insightful conversation about the meaning of Jewish solidarity after October 7th and the collapse of moral reasoning in the West. Drawing on five decades spent on the frontlines of conflicts from Bosnia to Bangladesh, Lévy reflects on the role of the witness, the fragility of democracy, and the shattering implications of October 7th. From Hamas to ISIS, Sudan to Ukraine, BHL draws sharp parallels between the world’s genocidal movements and the West’s habit of resisting them “just enough to help the victims survive, but never enough to let them win.” Together, Jonah and BHL explore the central arguments of his new book, Israel Alone: Israel’s unprecedented isolation, the return of antisemitism dressed in the language of antizionism, and the collapse of ethical reasoning on university campuses and in public life.  BHL speaks candidly about why jihadist groups must be militarily defeated, how antisemitism differs from other forms of racism, the challenges of Jewish life in France, and why Israel’s democracy remains a modern miracle, despite being tested by decades of war. In the episode they discuss:Iranian Missile Attacks and Global ReactionsThe Necessity of Defeating HamasThe Defeat of Al Qaeda and IsisBHL’s time in Afghanistan and RwandaThe Resilience of Israeli SocietyDiverse Communities in IsraelUnderstanding AntisemitismAntizionism as the Only “Acceptable” Form of Modern Antisemitic The Role of Hate in Human HistoryCriticism vs. AntisemitismSudan's Genocide and Racist War #BernardHenriLevy #BHL #JonahPlatt #BeingJewishPodcast #IsraelAlone #JewishIdentity #Antisemitism #October7 #MoralClarity #Philosophy #HumanRights #Israel #JewishPeople Thank you to this episodes sponsor, The Dream Raffle. https://thedreamraffle.com/ Please support the podcast and become a member (join the Kahillah) to get exclusive benefits. https://beingjewishpodcast.com/community Mentioned In The Episode: Bernard-Henri Levy InstagramBernard-Henri Levy YouTubeBernard-Henri Levy FacebookBernard-Henri LévyIsrael AloneThe Genius of JudaismThe Bloodlands of Africa - by Bernard-Henri Lévy‘A very bad year’: Despite Gaza truce, academic boycotts pile on, threatening Israel’s futureFlare-Burning Protesters Disrupt Israel Philharmonic Concert in Paris, Four Arrested                   US helps defend Israel from Iranian missile attackFrance says it intercepted drones targeting Israel during Iran warIsrael: A Democracy Like No Other in the Middle EastMyth: Israel is an “apartheid state.”Hamas Is Weakened But Not Defeated — The Truth Behind Gaza’s CeasefireAl Qaeda: Background, Current Status, and U.S. PolicyIraqi Forces Liberate Mosul From ISISHow Qatar became Trump’s key ally in his Middle East peace effortsAntisemitism in America: My Campus TourBernard-Henri Lévi tweet from Hostage SquareThe 6-Day WarAlgerian WarWeimar RepublicKings (Melachim)In France, Bernard-Henri Lévy fights a lonely battle on behalf of a solitary IsraelRwanda genocide of 1994 Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2025

Jonah hosts an insightful conversation with Israeli-American Dr. Miri Bar-Halpern, a Harvard-affiliated clinical psychologist and renowned trauma expert, about her experiences growing up in Israel during times of conflict and how they shaped her career in trauma and mental health. She explains her groundbreaking work on the concept of 'traumatic invalidation' in the Jewish community after October 7th, and the importance of recognizing and addressing this community trauma on an individual level. They discuss her shift to advocacy post-October 7th, and her role with Parents for Peace, a non-profit aimed at radicalization prevention. The episode highlights the crucial need of better mental health support, both for the Jewish community and the wider population, as a means to prevent radicalization, combat hatred, and foster resilience. It provides insights on how to effectively fight hate and radicalization through a combination of education, psychological understanding, and policy change. In the episode they discuss:Dr. Miri Bar Halpern’s Israeli childhood during the Gulf War and Second Intifada Her Personal Journey with Inherited TraumaHer Groundbreaking Article on “Traumatic Invalidation” in the Jewish CommunityCombating Radicalization with Parents for PeaceOur Stories Matter PodcastAnti-Jew Hate as the Common Denominator in RadicalizationPrevention and Intervention techniques    Please support the podcast and become a member (join the Kahillah) to get exclusive benefits. https://beingjewishpodcast.com/community Mentioned in the episode: Miri Bar-Halpern InstagramDr. Bar Halpern WebsiteTraumatic Invalidation Research Article (co-authored by Dr. Bar-Halpern) Jonah on “Our Stories Matter” PodcastParents for PeaceWhat is the second intifada? What are epigenetics?Criteria of Traumatic InvalidationDr. Marsha LinehanMelanie HarnedMartin BohusMassachusetts Teachers Association's (MTA) Anti-Israel, Anti-Jewish Resources Remain.Head of Parents for Peace Myrieme ChurchillNearly 40% of Jewish Medical Professional Report Exposure to AntisemitismTrauma Informed Learning AllianceYasmine Mohammed Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Story Producer: Sasha Nelson, Associate Producer: Emma Webb, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2025

In this landmark 50th episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah celebrates the milestone with his wife, Courtney Ann Platt (Glee, So You Think You Can Dance, Rock of Ages), the world-class dancer, television star, and multiple sclerosis advocate whose journey into Judaism has become a defining part of the traditions and values in their home. From growing up Italian Catholic in New York to becoming a Jewish mother raising three young Platts, Courtney opens up about the turning points that reshaped her life. With humor and candor, Courtney and Jonah revisit the early days of their relationship, the emotional path of Courtney’s Orthodox conversion, and their commitment to blending two traditions under one roof, from negotiating Christmas celebrations to creating a home where Jewish values are woven into everyday life. Courtney also reflects on motherhood, the visceral awakening she felt after October 7th, and how becoming part of the Jewish people changed her understanding of community, resilience, and responsibility. The conversation touches on spirituality, loss, MS, and what it means to both choose and defend your identity.  This milestone episode is a celebration of love, tradition, and the family Courney and Jonah have built together. It’s an intimate look at what it means to choose Judaism, and to choose each other. Other Topics Include:The Story of How Jonah and Courtney Met Doing HAIR at the Hollywood BowlJonah and Courtney’s First Date & First “I Love You”How and When to Bring Up “The Conversion Convo”Conversion to Judaism: The Process and ChallengesProtecting Jewish Identity Post-October 7thJewish Day School vs. Hebrew SchoolHow Jonah Learned to Love Christmas!How Grief Affects Our Faith in GodThe Losses of Courtney’s SYTYCD brothers, Stephen “Twitch” Boss & Joshua Allen Courtney’s Life with MS (multiple sclerosis) Please support the podcast and become a member (join the Kahillah) to get exclusive benefits. https://beingjewishpodcast.com/community Mentioned In The Episode: Courtney Ann Platt InstagramUnstoppable: How Professional Dancer Courtney Platt Has Redefined Success While Navigating Society With Relapsing Multiple SclerosisGlee (Disney+)Hit the Floor (Apple TV)Rock of Ages (Apple TV)Camp Rock Two (Disney+)Adam Shankman L.A. Theater Review: ‘Hair’ at the Hollywood BowlAngelini Osteria & AlimentariCamp Ramah in CaliforniaVatican CityThe Rich History of Mall SantasWhat Happens on the Day of ConversionKnicks City DancersSo You Think You Can Dance (Prime Video)Why Bat Mitzvahs (and other parties) need a dance motivatorBJJP Tiffany HaddishWhat Is Rosh HashanahOhr Torah StoneThe MikvahWhat is Niddah?Why do Jewish Women Wear Wigs?Tattooing in Jewish LawThe Blessing of UnpluggingWhy Fast on Yom Kippur?Why do we Wear a Kippah?October 13, 2024 “Day of Jihad”Being Jewish: Together Mosaic ShabbatHoneymoon IsraelJoshua Allen, ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ season 4 winner, dies in train accidentRemembering Marc BeckerWhat is Kavanah? Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing,  Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 2 December 2025

It’s Turkey Time! In this warm and wonderfully flavorful Thanksgiving episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with Duff Goldman — celebrity pastry chef, bestselling cookbook author, Food Network Icon, and beloved host of shows like Ace of Cakes, Kids Baking Championship, Buddy vs. Duff, and Duff’s Happy Fun Bake Time.  Together, they dig into the stories and traditions that shaped Duff’s life long before he became America’s favorite baker. Duff opens up about his personal experiences with anti-Jew bigotry in New England, and how that deepened his connection to Jewish culture, family, and food. They discuss the joys and challenges of Duff’s professional achievements as a master baker, from mentoring young bakers on television to navigating the pressure of high-profile baking competitions. Duff also discusses his upcoming venture — Duff's Deli and Market, opening soon in the Atlanta airport — and his philosophy on food, tradition, and community. Duff shares heartfelt reflections on his recovery from a devastating car accident, and his commitment to tzedakah This episode is a celebration of resilience, tradition, and the Jewish roots behind Duff’s irresistible warmth and artistry. It’s a perfect blend of heart, humor, and holiday spirit. Topics Include:Duff’s love of “Tzedakah”, the Jewish value of CharityDuff’s multicultural Passover Seders & Thanksgiving DinnersKids Baking Championship InsightsThe Birth of the iconic Charm City CakesJewish-Themed Cakes and Duff's DeliThanksgiving Traditions and Family This episode is supported by The Dream Raffle. Win a Jerusalem dream home! Please support the podcast and become a member (join the Kahillah) to get exclusive benefits. https://beingjewishpodcast.com/community Mentioned In The Episode: Duff Goldman InstagramDuff Goldman YoutubeDuff Goldman “Tzedakah” PageBeing Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza by Peter BeinartInside the Tunnels of GazaThe Story of PurimWhen Jon Stewart and Peter Beinart Threw Isreal Under the BusSave A Child’s HeartJacqueline Winch (Duff Goldman’s Artist Mom)Here’s Who Won the Food Network’s First Ever Hanukkah Cooking ChallengeDuff Goldman Injured in Crash Allegedly Caused by Drunk DriverKids Baking Championship (Hulu)Charm City CakesAce of CakesDuff’s Favorite Spots “Best Things I Ever Ate”Edmart Deli ClosedFoie Grock's Chefs Bruce Kalman & Duff Goldman (YouTube)Silver YadDuff’s Deli and Market - AtlantaJapan's ancient art of taiko drummingJapanese KotoManzanar War Relocation CenterMichael VoltaggioDuff’s Food on GoldbellyMichael CimarustiRuss and Daughters Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing,  Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2025

In this uplifting episode, Jonah speaks with Jean-Claude Nkulikiyimfura, the Executive Director of the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV) in Rwanda. ASYV was founded to support orphans of the Rwandan genocide, providing a holistic education model rooted in Jewish principles like Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and Tikkun Ha Lev (repairing the heart). Jonah has a personal connection, having volunteered there soon after college. Jean-Claude (JC) and Jonah discuss the Youth Village's success in preparing students for adulthood, which a recent Tulane University study highlights with impressive outcomes, including high rates of college placement and employment. The conversation covers impactful initiatives like the Inheritance Theater Project, which empowers young women, and the broader context of societal healing in post-genocide Rwanda. Jean-Claude also shares his personal experience as a refugee and details the future vision of ASYV, including the "Anything is Possible" campaign aimed at sustaining and expanding their vital mission. The conversation covers: The Founding and Mission of Aga Shalom Youth VillageWelcoming the Executive Director: Jean Claude's JourneyJewish Principles and the Vision for A SYVThe Impact of A SYV: Programs and Success StoriesTulane University Study: Proving the ConceptScaling Deep: The Future of ASYVGender Equity and the Inheritance Theater ProjectRwanda's Transformation: From Genocide to ProgressThe Anything is Possible Campaign Please support the podcast and become a member (join the Kahillah) to get exclusive benefits. https://beingjewishpodcast.com/community Mentioned In The Episode: JC socials:Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village Instagram JC LinkedinAgahozo-Shalom Youth Village FacebookAgahozo-Shalom Youth VillageThe Anything is Possible Campaign at ASYVJewish Principle Tikkun Olam Ann Heyman, Founder of Agahzo-ShalomYemen Alt Youth Service Dr. Chaim PeriASYV Study with Tulane UniversityScaling DeepBates College1994 Rwanda Genocide Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Story Producer: Sasha Nelson, Associate Producer: Emma Webb, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 20 November 2025

In this spirited and emotional episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Broadway legend Seth Rudetsky — actor, pianist, musical director, SiriusXM host (Seth’s Big Fat Broadway, Seth Speaks), comedy writer, and tireless advocate — joins Jonah for an honest conversation about the deep history of Jewish contributions to Broadway. They discuss the rise of anti-Jewish and anti-Israel sentiment in the arts world, and the creations of the Jewish Broadway Alliance, a grassroots effort Seth launched in the wake of October 7th.  Drawing from decades on stage and behind the piano, Seth opens up about the challenges of Jewish advocacy, the shock of Broadway’s silence that drove him to speak up, and the emotional weight of organizing initiatives like the Broadway-hosted hostage video and Broadway Shabbat. Seth and Jonah also delve into the highlights from Rudetsky's extraordinary career — from hosting Stars in the House during the COVID-19 pandemic to his concerts for social justice causes — and his dream of creating new educational content celebrating Jewish history through music.  This conversation is a celebration of Jewish creativity and the deep-rooted bond between Jewish artists and the Broadway stage. And if you listen through to the end, you’ll find a special surprise that captures the spirit, heart, and joy that Seth brings to every room he enters. The Importance of Jewish Influence on BroadwayIntroducing the Special Episode and GuestSeth Advocacy and Jewish IdentityThe Impact of October 7th on SethForming the Jewish Broadway AllianceChallenges and Support in the Broadway CommunityBroadway Shabbat and Jewish JoyConcerts and Fundraising for Social JusticeStars in the House: A COVID-Time InitiativeCameron Crowe's Scaled-Down Broadway ProductionSupporting a One-Man Show: Ariel Stachel's StoryJewish Upbringing and Summer Camp MemoriesFive Deep Questions with Seth RudetskyGrand Finale: A Musical Performance This episode is supported by Berkeley Mosha, a Jewish co-housing community in California. Mentioned: Seth Rudetsky InstagramSeth Rudetsky CareerJewish Broadway Alliance YouTubeSiriusXM On Broadway Seth’s Big Fat Broadway CruiseEntertainment Community FundSeth’s Posts after October 7thBroadway community “Bring Them Home” song for the HostagesBroadway for Orlando “What the World Needs Now”Broadway for Biden/Harris Inauguration Black Theater UnitedStars in the House YouTubeJack PlotnickShabbat on BroadwayAmanda LipitzJulie Benko Sings “Tomorrow” - Hanukkah on BroadwayEverything’s Coming Up Moses by Rachel Shukert: A Biblical Fable based on GYPSYUnited Voices For ChangeAJC: 5 Facts About Jewish Connection to IsraelZionism has become a 'bad' word. It is anything but.Jewish Broadway Alliance with Roz RothsteinJewish Broadway Alliance with Ritchie TorresDefining AntizionismDreamgirls Reunion (Stars In The House)Congregation Beit Simchat TorahHelp is on the Way - David FriedmanConcert for AmericaCornell BrooksGrey’s Anatomy on Stars In The House30 Rock Special Stars In The HouseMaui Wildfires of 2023Stars in the House Offers Avenue Q Sing Through August 24 to Raise Funds for Hawaii Wildfire VictimsAri’el StachelAri’el Stachel’s play, OtherAriel Stachel videos about Jewish identityCamp HillelUSDAN Summer Camp Duck Sauce - Barbra StreisandVarla Jean Merman’s StonewallBirthright IsraelPeople Moving Back to Kibbutz Nir OzDr. Noam Wiesman on Being JewishVan Jones on Being JewishNeshama AppWhat I’ve Learnt PodcastTrybal GatheringsMagen David AdomTestigos Del TerrorLeah Soibel on Being JewishFuente Latina_BBYO Mountain RegionThe Big Shabbat Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2025

In this powerful episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Academy Award-nominated producer Lawrence Bender — the creative producing force behind Pulp Fiction, Good Will Hunting, Reservoir Dogs, An Inconvenient Truth and Inglorious Basterds — Joins Jonah for a candid conversation about the film industry’s reckoning after October 7th and the moral weight of telling real stories in the aftermath of tragedy. Bender’s latest project, Paramount+ miniseries Red Alert, dramatizes the true stories of horror, heroism, and hope that took place on October 7th, 2023, the darkest chapter in Israel’s history. Bender shares what drew him to the series — from his deep personal connection with Israel, to his collaboration with Israeli production company Keshet, to the emotional and logistical challenges of bringing real stories to screen amid an ongoing conflict. He opens up about the silence he witnessed from Hollywood and his peers in the aftermath of October 7th, and reflects on how his Jewish identity has shaped his life and career. This episode is both an exploration on the power of art and a call to conscience, illuminating how filmmakers like Bender use their craft to bear witness, challenge complacency, and re-humanize the media headlines that shape our world. In the episode they discuss:From civil engineer to dancer to Hollywood mega-producerGrowing up in Antisemitic AmericaThe Impact of October 7th and the Birth of Red AlertLawrence's Meeting with Former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon PeresMeeting the Real Heroes of Red AlertBeing Quentin Tarantino’s Partner & Inglorious BastardsThe Challenges of Filming in During a WarSelling an Israel-focused Series in Today’s Anti-Israel Hollywood Please support the podcast and become a member (join the Kahillah) to get exclusive benefits. https://beingjewishpodcast.com/community Mentioned In The Episode: Lawrence Bender On InstagramRed Alert on Paramount PlusKeshet Israel Policy ForumAbu Mazin (Mahmoud Abbas) Believes in a Two State Solution and Opposes ViolenceJoc Pederson (Former Dodger)Domantas Sobonis (King’s Basketball Player)Jackie Thon on Being Jewish with Jonah PlattDuffy DiggsHosni MubarakBoaz YakinTwo Distant Strangers - Best Live-Action Short Oscar-WinnerCops and Robbers short filmJordana Reuben Yecheil Oct 7 billboardsLior ChefetzThe StrongholdOct. 7 series ‘Red Alert’ a harrowing global reminder of what unfolded in Hamas massacreRocket Alerts from GazaThe Gay Parade in IsraelYad Vashem Holocaust MuseumOhad Yahalomi Ziv KorenActors and directors pledge not to work with Israeli film groups ‘implicated in genocide’Skip Brittenham ObituaryDavid Ellison Brings New Direction to ParamountShimon Peres Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing,  Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 11 November 2025

In this special Election Day episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Emmy Award–winning journalist Jake Tapper joins Jonah for a candid and wide-ranging conversation on politics, identity, and truth-telling in a polarized world. Best known as the anchor of CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper and State of the Union, Jake reflects on his decades covering America’s most defining political moments — from the Virginia governor’s race to the New York City mayoral election — and how journalism has evolved in an era of social media outrage and political echo chambers. Together, Jonah and Jake explore the intersections of Jewish identity, antisemitism — past and present — and the evolving challenges of journalistic integrity in today’s press environment. Jake also opens up about his writing process and his latest books — Race Against Terror, which follows the pursuit of an Al-Qaeda killer, and Original Sin, his political thriller about a presidential cover-up during the 2024 election.  This episode is a deep dive into the ethics of journalism, the responsibility of storytelling, and what it means to stay empathetic and informed in turbulent times. It’s a timely, thought-provoking listen for anyone who cares about democracy, truth, and the power of Jewish values in public discourse. Topics covered include: Discussing Key Political RacesThe Democratic and Republican PartiesConcerns Within the Jewish CommunityAntisemitism in PoliticsPersonal Experiences with AntisemitismChallenges in Media ReportingJake Tapper's Jewish IdentityJewish High School ExperiencesJewish Summer Camp MemoriesInterfaith Marriages and Family TraditionsWriting About Joe BidenRace Against Terror: A New BookFive Deep Questions with Jake Tapper SponsorsSponsored by Berkeley Moshavhttps://www.berkeleymoshav.org/ Please support the podcast and become a member (join the Kahillah) to get exclusive benefits. https://beingjewishpodcast.com/community Mentioned in the Episode: Understanding The Tower of BabelSodom and Gomorrah; The Cities Destroyed by GodWhat Really Happened at Mount SinaiBullsh*t Behavior & Central Synagogue's Rabbi Angela BuchdahlBuchdahl Has Faced Criticism for Declining to Sign a Rabbinic Letter Condemning the Mayoral Candidate.Increase in Jewish HateJewish Population ChangesRace Against Terror: Chasing an Al Qaeda Killer at the Dawn of the Forever War by Jake TapperOriginal Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again by Jake Tapper and Alex ThompsonJake Tapper InstagramJake Tapper XThe Lead with Jake TapperKey Early ElectionsThe Danger of Zohran MamdaniWhat Does “Globalize the Intifada” Mean and How Can it Lead to Targeting Jews with Violence?The Overton WindowThe Lynching of Leo FrankDana Bash BJJP EpSheryl Sandberg BJJP EpProtests at Jake Tapper’s HomeHamas Weaponizes Sexual Assault in GAZAAdi Vital-Kaploun, killed on October 7th, 2023NY Times Admits to Relying Too Heavily on Hamas ReportingNews outlets’ erroneous “14,000 babies” claimWatch the 2024 Presidential DebateInside the Trump Family’s Global Crypto Cash MachineWho is Spin Ghul?United States vs Ahmed Ghailani Call Your Mother Deli Rabbi Solomon ibn GabirolSelected Religious Poems Of Solomon Ibn Gabirol Translated Into English Verse By Israel ZangwillBenjamin Franklin Bache Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish

Transcribed - Published: 4 November 2025

Ami Kozak is redefining what Jewish comedy and commentary look like in 2025 — blending sharp impressions, fearless satire, and moral clarity in a time of chaos. In this episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with Ami — modern Orthodox comedian, musician, and host of the podcast Ami’s House — to talk about how his Jewish faith and sense of moral clarity shaped his response to anti-Jew bigotry and misinformation after October 7. Ami shares:How growing up modern Orthodox shaped his Jewish identity and worldviewWhy October 7 changed his purpose as a performer — turning laughter into a vehicle for truthWhy he chose to have civil conversations with controversial figures like Candace Owens and Dave Smith — and what those exchanges taught him about engaging bad ideas in good faithThe dangers of moral relativism, false “experts,” and the growing misuse of words like “genocide”What he calls “goosebumps with clarity” — balancing empathy with uncompromising honestyHis creative process for impressions of President Donald Trump, Tucker Carlson, and Zohran Mamdani — and how humor can cut through disinformationFrom synagogue to stage, from serious debate to satire, Ami Kozak proves that comedy can do more than make people laugh — it can make them think.  Hashtags:#AmiKozak #BeingJewish #30MinuteMensches #JewishComedy #ModernOrthodox #Israel #JewishIdentity #Antisemitism #FreeSpeech #JewishHumor #MoralClarity Mentioned In The Episode:Ami Kozak InstagramAmi Kozak XAmi Kozak FacebookAmi Kozak YouTubeAmi’s House (podcast)YahudYour Hebrew word for the day: MAMADHuman Rights Council members who abuse human rightsWhat is Tikkun Olam?J-Sketch YouTube Alex EdelmanThe Karate KidAlan DershowitzHasbaraNorman Finkelstein vs Alan Dershowitz On Israel-Palestine War With Piers Morgan | The Full Debate Douglas MurreyTucker Carlson Wedding Vows SkitZohran MamdaniKristallnachtThe Second Intifada 2000Ami Kozak’s Band “Distant Cousins” Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Story Producer: Sasha Nelson, Associate Producer: Emma Webb, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2025

BEING JEWISH goes live! In our first ever East Coast live pod at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia, Jonah Platt welcomes two unique voices, Sarah Podemski and Lani Anpo, who share insights into their dual heritage as both Jewish and First Nation/Native American. Sarah is a Canadian actress, best known for her supporting role as Rita in the hit FX television series Reservation Dogs. Lani is a multi-tribal Native American Jewish advocate and educator, who uses her social media platform to champion the rights of hers and other marginalized groups.  Their conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the significance of Jewish and Native cultural practices, the challenges of acceptance within respective communities, and the similarities between the two indigenous groups. Sarah and Lani share personal stories about their mixed heritage and the impact on their identities, both facing and overcoming external skepticism. The episode also delves into historical contexts such as the impact of blood quantum laws and the diaspora experience, and examines how these factors shape both modern-day struggles and triumphs.  Sarah and Lani offer thoughtful reflections on the importance of community engagement, cultural preservation, and the struggle for sovereignty, especially for Native American and First Nation tribes. This episode is a powerful testament to the resilience and rich cultural histories of these two unique communities. Topics covered include: Family Histories and Personal JourneysChallenges of Mixed HeritageParallels Between Jewish and Native CulturesSupport Systems and ResilienceNavigating Trauma TogetherExploring Israeli IdentityIndigeneity and the Israeli-Palestinian ConflictNative American ReparationsJewish and Native American Cultural ExchangeNative American History Month This episode was produced with and recorded live at the Weitzman NationalMuseum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia. Learn more about The Weitzman at https://theweitzman.organd follow @weitzmanmuseum on Instagram, X, Facebook, andYouTube. Mentioned In The Episode:Lani Anpo InstagramIndijewness on InstagramSarah Podesmski InstagramThe Weitzman Museum on InstagramWatch Reservation Dogs on HuluMandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara NationSicangu Lakota NationSaulteauxThe Floaters (Upcoming Film)Jackie Tohn on BJJPBlood Quantum and Sovereignty: A GuideThe One-Drop RuleThe Jay TreatyLevantDecolonization From 1945Matrilineal Descent in the era of Babylonian ExileCelebrating National Native American Heritage MonthFoundational Essay of Patrick WolfSara’s Summer Camp: Camp ShomriaAbout Givat HavivaFor Jewish Indigenous actress Sarah Podemski, it’s a miracle just to exist (“plugging holes in a sinking ship”)Sarah’s sisters’s PBS series “Little Bird” Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:beingjewishpodcast@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish

Transcribed - Published: 28 October 2025

On the hunt for the perfect NJB (Nice Jewish Boy) or Girl? Look no further! On this love-filled episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah is joined by international matchmaking icon Aleeza Ben Shalom, star of the hit Netflix show 'Jewish Matchmaking.” Aleeza is an author, dating coach, and modern day yente who has successfully matched over 200 couples and coached thousands more. Get ready to find your Beshert!  Aleeze spills the tea on the most common dating mistakes, and why you might still be single. She also explains the wisdom behind her signature philosophies: “Date ‘em til’ you hate ‘em”  “No touching for five dates” and why “Love is not enough.” Aleeza emphasizes personal growth, compatibility, and building a lasting connection through mutual understanding and shared values. She also discusses her vision for a global matchmaking movement aimed at strengthening communities by helping people find their life partners. In this episode, Jonah and Aleeza help you YOUR “Beshert” and chat about all of these meaningful topics:  Dating Culture Around the WorldChallenges in Modern DatingThe #1 Dating Mistake People MakePost-Match Coaching and Breakup RulesUnderstanding Soulmates in JudaismWhy Older Singles Are Still SingleOpposites Attract vs. Peas in a PodDate 'Em Till You Hate 'Em No Touching for Five Dates The Importance of Compatibility Beyond Love Mentioned In Episode Aleeza Ben Shalom WebsiteMatchmaker Matchmaker - PodcastAleeza Ben Shalom YoutubeGet Real Get Married: Get Over your Hurdles and Under the Chuppah Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Find Me a Love That LastsThe Chuppah, or Wedding CanopyShomer Negiah, the Prohibition on Touching Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:Jonah@JonahPlatt.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Story Producer: Sasha Nelson, Associate Producer: Emma Webb, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2025

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:Jonah@JonahPlatt.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Our first returning guest, Sarah Hurwitz, rejoins Jonah to discuss her powerful new book As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us — a work as essential as it is uplifting in a post–October 7th world. In this deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation, Sarah reflects on how education can be a true source of empowerment and shares insights from her own evolving Jewish journey. Drawing from years of research and her current pursuit of the rabbinate, she offers a rich, nuanced perspective on what it means to live — and lead — as a Jew today. For Sarah, Judaism isn’t about any single expression — not just Israel, Hebrew, activism, or observance — but the harmony of all these threads woven together with curiosity, study and connection to the sacred wisdom of our ancient tradition. This episode feels like stepping into a vibrant, welcoming congregation — full of learning, laughter, and meaning. Don’t miss this inspiring and deeply grounding conversation on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt. Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones, Story Producer Sean Leviashvili, Editor Diana DeCilio, and Executive Assistant Jax Santiago of Rainbow Creative; Editor: Noem Klement; Chief Business Officer Kenyon Laing, Executive Assistant Josie Rothschild; Research Associate Samantha Greenwald; Associate Producer Rachel Stern; YouTube Consultants - Zac Stein & Jason Al-Samarrie - Production Assistant, Charlie Zuker; Interns Sasha Nelson & Emma Webb; & Graphic Designer, Noah Bell MENTIONED IN MONOLOGUE Curse of Knowledge - Cognitive BiasWhat Is The Illusion of Transparency?What is Naive Realism?Explaining Settler Violence in the West Bank/Judea & SamariaUnderstanding the IDF’S Code of EthicsThe Complicated Connection Between President Trump & American JewsChicago ICE’s Crackdown Leads To Father of Two Being Shot at Daycare PickupAs a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us by Sarah HurwitzHere All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life–in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There) by Sarah HurwitzThe Atlantic: The Judaism I Thought I Knew by Sarah HurwitzUnderstanding the “As A Jew” JewsEmancipation of European JewsThe Jewish Reform Movement in 19th Century EuropeHoly Scriptures of JudaismUnderstanding Secular ZionismJudaism and the Human BodyThe Sanctity of the Human Body in JudaismIn God’s Image: B'tselem ElohimWho is Rabbi Yitz Greenberg?The Wexner FoundationWho Were Amalek & The Amalekites?Homosexuality & The Death Penalty in Leviticus 20Ancient Teachings of “An Eye for an Eye”Old Testament Vs New TestamentWhy Do People Hate Jews: Dara Horn (Video)A Look at “Hanukkah Vs Purim Antisemitism” by Dara Horn (Short)“Hanukkah Vs Purim Antisemitism” — Tablet Magazine ArticleThe Expulsion of Jews From Arab Countries and Iran - An Untold StoryThe Story of the Soviet Jews & Israel (Jewish Currents)The Story of the Soviet Jews & Israel (Indiana Law Journal)Ethiopian Jews in Israel: Operation Solomon & MoreAnti-Judaism: The Western Tradition by David NirenbergWhat Is The Great Replacement Theory & What Should Jews Know About It?British Foreign Minister Ernest Bevin at the Palestine ConferenceWhat Is Brandolini’s Law?What is Bikur Cholim? The Importance of Visiting the Sick in the Jewish FaithMiller Intro to Judaism ProgramA Code of Jewish Ethics by Joseph TelushkinRabbi Jonathan Sachs “Covenant and Conversation” Box Set

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2025

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:Jonah@JonahPlatt.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Madison Werner has been a trailblazer in the transgender and Jewish communities, becoming the first transgender CoverGirl model in 2024 and using her platform to inspire hundreds of thousands worldwide. With pride, compassion and honesty, she shares her story of identity, faith, and belonging. In this episode of 30 Minute Mensches, Madison joins Jonah Platt to open up about navigating life as a Jewish and transgender woman - two powerful identities she refuses to separate. Since October 7th and the Israel/Hamas war, Madison has spoken out about the complexities many LGBTQ+ Jews face in balancing their support for Israel with acceptance in queer spaces. Through it all, she’s led with empathy, courage, and curiosity challenging brands, re-examining friendships, and deepening her connection to Jewish values. Madison also shares:Her experiences at Tel Aviv PrideWhat it was like sheltering in Israel during the Iranian rocket attacksGrowing up in a Jewish day schoolWhat Jewish teachings say about gender and transgender identity This is a powerful, deeply human conversation about identity, resilience, and faith in today’s world. Listen to Madison Werner on 30 Minute Mensches with Jonah Platt - where modern Jewish voices share stories of courage, compassion, and community. Connect with MadisonFollow Madison Werner on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/madisonwerner/?hl=en  Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew ‘MoJo' Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili & Sasha Nelson; Editor: Jacob Kindberg; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah Bell Mentioned in EpisodeB’Tselem Elohim: Jewish Concept That We’re All Born in God’s ImageJQ InternationalJQ International Honors Henry PlattFacebook VideoNavigating Jewish-Queer Identity in the Wake of October 7thInsider Israel’s Vibrant LGBTQ CommunityUnderstanding LGBTQ Rights in IsraelUnderstanding The Horseshoe Theory in PoliticsFollow Feminist on InstagramMadison Werner Becomes First Transgender Model To Represent CovergirlThe Seven Genders in the TalmudThe Road to the Iran-Israel War

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2025

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:Jonah@JonahPlatt.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish In an episode that beautifully blends trailblazing with tradition, Jonah Platt sits down with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl of New York’s Central Synagogue to discuss her powerful new book, Heart of a Stranger: An Unlikely Story of Faith, Identity and Belonging. Together, they explore what it means to live JEWISHLY today — drawing on timeless wisdom, personal reflection, and ancient storytelling. From conversations about conversion and inclusion to reflections on optimism and belonging in a fractured world, Rabbi Buchdahl brings her signature depth and compassion to every topic. Much like her weekly sermons, streamed by millions around the globe every week, this discussion feels both timely and timeless, landing perfectly on the Jewish calendar as she reflects on the meaning of Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret. At the heart of the episode — and of Rabbi Buchdahl’s book — lies a profound idea: that to be Jewish often means to feel like a stranger - usually a sentiment that feels isolating but when embraced can be inspiring, empathetic and purposeful. Don’t miss this thoughtful and uplifting episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt. Connect with our guest Follow Rabbi Angela W. Buchdahl on InstagramHeart of a Stranger: An Unlikely Rabbi's Story of Faith, Identity, and BelongingWho is Rabbi Angela W. Buchdahl? Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones, Story Producer Sean Leviashvili, Editors Diana DeCilio & Jacob Kindber, and Executive Assistant Jax Santiago of Rainbow Creative; Chief Business Officer Kenyon Laing, Executive Assistant Josie Rothschild; Research Associate Samantha Greenwald; Associate Producer Rachel Stern; YouTube Consultants - Zac Stein & Jason Al-Samarrie - Production Assistant, Charlie Zuker; Interns Sasha Nelson & Emma Webb; & Graphic Designer, Noah Bell Mentioned In EpisodeVan Orden of Wisconsin Beats Cooke in 2024 RaceEarly Polls Indicate Rebecca Cooke & Derrick Van Orden Nearly Neck And NeckRebecca Cooke Calls For US to Halt Arms To IsraelWhat is the Foundation To Combat Antisemitism (FCAS) Currently Blue Square Alliance Against Hate?FCAS/Blue Square Alliance AdsBlue Square Alliance “When There Are No Words” CampaignFCAS/Blue Square Alliance Tom Brady & Snoop Dogg AdMost Recent FCAS/Blue Square Alliance AdWhy Are Less People Smoking Today?Bill Maher’s Statements About Israel (Facebook)Bill Maher’s Statements About Israel (Instagram)Why & How Did Israel Fail To Deliver Aid in Gaza?Humanitarian Aid in Gaza: What’s Really Happening?UN Data Show Most Aid to Gaza LootedStream Central Synagogue’s ServicesThe Neighborhood at Central Synagogue - Remote/Streaming MembershipWomen in Judaism: A History of Women’s Ordination as RabbisSports History: Michael Jordan Didn’t Make His High School Basketball TeamIn the Spotlight with Abigail Pogrebin on JBSThe History of the Female RabbiDiscover Temple Beth El—A Vibrant Jewish Community in the Heart of TacomaKorean Women’s Association in Tacoma (Pioneered by Rabbi Buchdahl’s Mother)Are We Ashkenormative or Ashkefardic?Jewish Infighting Is a Gift to AntisemitismWhat is an Erev Rav? A Mixed Multitude Coming out of EgyptDiversity in the State of IsraelWhy Is Jewishness Matrilineal?Did Judaism Use to Practice Patrilineal Descent?Understanding Ezra & JudaismZera: A Seed in the GardenThe Dissolving of Marriages in Ezra 9-10 and Nehemiah 13 RevisitedJewish Federation on “The Surge” of Jewish Practice & Connection Post 10/7Why Jews Are Leaving The FoldMashber: Hebrew Word for “Crisis”What is Kol Nidre?

Transcribed - Published: 14 October 2025

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:Jonah@JonahPlatt.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish What happens when Jewish education stops being about advocacy — and starts being about curiosity? That’s the mission of Dr. Noam Weissman, Executive Vice President of OpenDor Media and host of the hit podcast Unpacking Israeli History. In this episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah and Noam dive into how we teach, talk and think about Israel — and what it takes to build a generation of Jews who are both passionate and informed. Noam shares: Why “Israel education” should be about questions, not just advocacyWhat he calls “goosebumps with complexity” — combining emotional connection with intellectual honestyWhy teaching young Jews that Israel is perfect does more harm than goodThe untold story of the Altalena ship, and how it nearly tore Israel apartWhy Jewish summer camps and schools are key to rebuilding Israel literacy — and what real Zionism looks like in the 21st century From school classrooms to TikTok feeds, Noam Weissman is revolutionizing how people learn about Israel and Jewish identity — blending history, heart, and hard truths. Listen now to hear how one educator is transforming Jewish learning for a new generation. Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew ‘MoJo' Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili & Sasha Nelson; Editor: Jacob Kindberg; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah Bell Mentioned In EpisodeUnpacking Israeli History PodcastUnpacked MediaUnpacked for EducatorsWhat Is ConnectEd? Jewish/Israeli Education For Broader ConstituentsWondering Jews PodcastWho is Mijal Bitton?Who Is Kimberly Hirabayashi?Understanding Yom Ha’atzmaut: Israeli Independence Day (Unpacked)How to Engage Students for Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom HaZikaron (Unpacked for Educators)What Is The Altalena: Israel’s (Almost) Civil War?Understanding German Reparations Post WWIIWho Are The Mizrahi Jews?History of The Mizrahi Migration to Israel (Unpacked)Jewish Refugees from Arab Countries (Jewish Virtual Library)The Surprising History of Israel’s Black PanthersWhy Doesn’t Israel Have a Constitution?Who is Philosopher Lev Vygotsky & What Were His Views on Zionism & Judaism?Philosopher Jean Piaget & The Ties to JudaismJulie Platt on Being Jewish with Jonah PlattJonah Thinks We Should Stop Saying “Antisemitism”!Herzl's Troubled Dream: The Origins of ZionismWho is Ze’ev (Vladimir) Jabotinsky & What Are His Connections to Zionism?Who Is Author David Suissa?This Week in Jewish History | Palestinian Terrorists Kill 25 Hostages in Ma'alot MassacreWhat is the Munich Massacre?Unpacking Israeli History: Episode 1 – The Dreyfus AffairUnpacking Israeli History: Episode 2 – Herzl & The Non-Promised LandUnpacking Israeli History: Episode 6 – The Altalena (Israel’s Almost Civil War)Who Is Menachem Begin?Pre-IDF Brigades: Haganah, Irgun and LechiDavid Ben-GurionWho Is Ahmed Faoud Alkhatib? Palestinian-American Activist & BloggerWho Is Mohammed Dajani Daoudi? Arab Scholar & Peace ActivistWho Is Haviv Rettig Gur? Israeli Journalist & The Times of Israel’s Senior AnalystCamp Lavi: Jewish Sleepaway Camp in The Poconos

Transcribed - Published: 9 October 2025

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:Jonah@JonahPlatt.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish On the second anniversary of October 7th, Jonah sits down with Israeli artist and advocate Tomer Peretz to discuss The 8 Project — an extraordinary initiative he launched in the aftermath of the attacks. Rooted in the symbolism of creation, resilience, and renewal, The 8 Project helps survivors of October 7th — from NOVA attendees and hostage families to soldiers and grieving parents — discover how art can be a powerful path to healing. For Tomer, that lesson is deeply personal. In Israel for a wedding just days before the attacks, he witnessed the horror of October 7th firsthand. He put his emotions aside to volunteer with ZAKA, Israel’s emergency rescue organization, but the weight of it all eventually caught up with him. What helped him process the pain was art — a lifeline that not only restored his own hope, but reignited his belief in the strength of the Jewish and Israeli people. The results of that creative resilience were recently showcased at The Museum of Tolerance, featuring works from survivors across Israel. In this emotional and deeply meaningful episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah and Tomer explore the power of art therapy, the unbreakable connection between creativity and faith and the urgent importance of sharing the stories of those who survived.  Connect with Our GuestFollow Tomer Peretz: www.instagram.com/tomerperetzartThe 8 Project: https://the8project.org/TomerPeretz.com: https://tomerperetz.com/ Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones, Story Producer Sean Leviashvili, Editors Diana DeCilio & Jacob Kindber, and Executive Assistant Jax Santiago of Rainbow Creative; Chief Business Officer Kenyon Laing, Executive Assistant Josie Rothschild; Research Associate Samantha Greenwald; Associate Producer Rachel Stern; YouTube Consultants - Zac Stein & Jason Al-Samarrie - Production Assistant, Charlie Zuker; Interns Sasha Nelson & Emma Webb; & Graphic Designer, Noah Bell Mentioned In EpisodeZaka“The Light Will Win” Museum of Tolerance to Feature Oct 7th Inspired Artwork from Noted Israeli Artist, Tomer PeretzArtist Tomer Peretz Volunteers with ZAKA in IsraelIsraeli-American Describes Sheer Horror of Clearing Bodies from Hamas Terrorist AttackAward-Winning Artist Tomer Peretz Pulls Off Unexpected ‘Live Art’ Flash Mob at Art Basel in Miami, FLThe True Horror of ‘Globalize the Intifada’Coverage of Oct 12 Lynch in RamallahGolani: Serving With Pride Since 1948Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: Spreading Culture & Unity Through Jewish Food, Israeli-American Chef Michael SolomonovNative Dies as Israeli Soldier (David Solomonov)Israel and Palestine | Middle Ground RoundtableWhat Is A Kibbutz? The Roots of Israel’s Communal VillagesShifts in Attitudes Regarding Peace Amongst KibbutzniksA Lifeline of its OwnAs Volunteers Step In for State, Gaza Border Towns Begin Rebuilding from Oct. 7 AshesWho is Barak Hiram of the IDF?Controversial Commander Barak Hiram Named Next Gaza Division ChiefWho Is the IDF General Who Ordered Tank Fire on a Kibbutz Home with 13 Hostages Inside?Tomer Peretz’s UNBREAKABLE ExhibitUNBREAKABLE Exhibit VideoWhat is The Significance of The Number 8 in Judaism?Tomer Peretz Creates 1,200 Person Memorial Exhibit for 10/7

Transcribed - Published: 7 October 2025

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:Jonah@JonahPlatt.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish After being clinically DEAD for 11 minutes, Jana Stern returned to life with a mission: Help others honor their true essence and bring light to the world. That’s the story of Jana Stern — Jewish psychic, astrologer, and spiritual healer. In this unique episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jana opens up about her near-death experience, her lifelong connection to ancestral wisdom, and how Jewish identity and Kabbalah align with her work. She also gives Jonah a spiritual energy reading live on air!  Jana shares:Her 11 minutes “beyond the veil,” encountering ancestors and choosing to return to this worldHow hearing voices — once feared as schizophrenia — became the foundation of her spiritual giftThe Jewish roots of astrology, Kabbalah, and metaphysics, and why she says this wisdom is “ours”How Shabbat, rituals, and Torah teachings are deeply tied to spiritual energyWhy she believes there are no coincidences — only divine coordination and manifestationHow trauma, tragedy, and loss can still be part of a higher purpose for growth and healing From astrology charts and synchronicities to Shabbat candles and Jewish ancestry, Jana brings a unique lens on spirituality, Judaism, and healing in the modern world. Listen now to explore how Jewish wisdom and mysticism can bring meaning and healing to modern life. Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew ‘MoJo' Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili & Sasha Nelson; Editor: Jacob Kindberg; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah Bell Mentioned In The EpisodeI’m Really Into “That Stuff” — Jana Stern’s PodcastJanastern.comAnchor & Orbit — Jana Stern’s NewsletterWhat is Gematria?Kabbalah and Mysticism 101Own Your Fucking Intuition"Manifest A New Reality with the Power of Your Mind" - Dr Joe Dispenza“My ADHD Diagnosis Changed My Life!” How Jonah Platt Discovered his Full Authentic Self

Transcribed - Published: 3 October 2025

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:Jonah@JonahPlatt.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish We’re Back! I In this very special season premiere of Being Jewish, Jason Alexander, who gave us the iconic George Costanza from Seinfeld, joins Jonah Platt to discuss Jewish identity, cultural Judaism vs. religion, his work as a proud Jew and activist supporting Israel, and the impact of October 7th. The legendary actor, Tony Award-winner, and generational TV comedy icon kicks off the new season in a deep and honest conversation. Jason Alexander cares about the children; he is not interested in belonging to a group and would rather build bridges and not borders, learn why this Mensch is truly a Master of His Domain.  Jason Alexander discusses his personal faith and the distinction between cultural Judaism (a "shirt I can't take off") and formal religious doctrine. He shares the emotional weight of being a Jew since October 7th and his long-standing commitment to Jewish philanthropy, including organizations like Magen David Adom, the ADL, and Jewish Federation. He clarifies the story behind his stage name change from Jay Scott Greenspan to Jason Alexander.  If that’s not enough, Jason gives us his unbelievable inside stories from working on Seinfeld and tells us about the one episode that even he thought pushed the boundaries taste too much.  Connect with Our GuestFollow Jason Alexander on InstagramJason Alexander’s IMDB PageJason Alexander Hosts Cancer Research Fund August 5 Virtual Gala Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones, Story Producer Sean Leviashvili, Editors Diana DeCilio & Jacob Kindber, and Executive Assistant Jax Santiago of Rainbow Creative; Chief Business Officer Kenyon Laing, Executive Assistant Josie Rothschild; Research Associate Samantha Greenwald;  Associate Producer Rachel Stern; YouTube Consultants - Zac Stein & Jason Al-Samarrie - Production Assistant, Charlie Zuker; Interns Sasha Nelson & Emma Webb; & Graphic Designer, Noah Bell Mentioned In EpisodeHow Many American Adults Actually Use Social Media? Pew Research ReportAdvanced Technique with Jason AlexanderEntrepreneur & Bridge-Builder Daniel LubetzkyWilshire Boulevard TempleJason Alexander Post for Ohad Munder-ZichriOver 4,000 Hollywood Actors & Directors Boycott Israeli Productions in Name of Gaza24/7 Seinfeld Online StreamWatch Seinfeld on NetflixBryan Cranston as Tim Whatley on Seinfeld Season 8, Episode 19: “The Yada Yada”Seinfeld, Season 5, Episode 5: “The Bris”Seinfeld, Season 3, Episode 3: “The Pen”Jason as Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” at La MiradaJonah Platt and Mark Whitten sing “The Riddle Song” from “Floyd Collins” at La Mirada Theater, 2014Jason Alexander Returns to ‘Broadway Bound’ as DirectorAbout Neil SimonThe Neil Simon CollectionIf I Forget, Directed by Jason AlexanderPeaceWorks Foundation (formerly OneVoice Movement)Anti-Defamation LeagueJason to Direct “Sweeney Todd” at La Mirada Theater

Transcribed - Published: 30 September 2025

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:Jonah@JonahPlatt.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish Season 2 premieres THIS TUESDAY September 30th! And we’ll continue dropping 30 Minute Mensches every Thursday. A double dose of BJJP every week! This season features more incredible guests beginning with Jason Alexander, Tomer Peretz, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, Sarah Hurwitz, Sarah Podemski & Lani Anpo, Jake Tapper and many more! Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you don’t miss a moment!

Transcribed - Published: 28 September 2025

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:Jonah@JonahPlatt.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish What does it mean to live proudly and publicly Jewish in New York City, with the possibility of Zohran Mamdani as mayor looming large? Ask Ben Soffer, better known as @BoyWithNoJob to his over 1 million followers online. In this episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with Ben — CEO of Spritz Society wine cocktails, co-host of the hit Good Guys podcast with Josh Peck, husband to viral creator Claudia Oshry (Girl With No Job), and proud modern Orthodox Jew — to talk about faith, family, social media, and Jewish pride in today’s charged climate. Together, Jonah and Ben dig into How Ben built a unique modern Orthodox identity on his own termsWhat it feels like to wear a kippah on the streets of New York amid rising anti-Jew bigotryThe effect October 7th had on his Jewish identity…  or didn’t?How becoming a father deepened his sense of connection to God and Jewish continuityThe story behind Spritz Society — and how a viral April Fool’s joke turned into a real-life savory cocktail courtesy of Claussen’s Pickles! From candid takes on community safety to spreading Jewish joy through humor (and beverages!), Ben Soffer embodies what it means to be unapologetically yourself — and unapologetically Jewish — in the digital age. Listen now to hear how one of the internet’s most authentic voices is shaping Jewish identity for a new generation. Connect with Our GuestBen Soffer’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boywithnojob/ Ben Soffer & Josh Peck’s Podcast “The Good Guys” https://www.instagram.com/goodguys/ Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew ‘MoJo' Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili & Sasha Nelson; Editor: Jacob Kindberg; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah Bell Mentioned In EpisodeJonah’s appearance on The Good Guys podcast “Mazel, Moses”Spritz SocietyCamp RamahNYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani’s Comments About Globalizing The Intifada'All Jewish Americans are questioning their security' after violent antisemitic attacksCollege group Zohran Mamdani co-founded welcomed radical speaker who later blamed US for 9/11 attacks: ‘Made its bed’Socialist NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani once rapped about his ‘love’ for Hamas terror-funding group ‘Holy Land Five’AJC Survey Shows American Jews are Deeply and Increasingly Connected to IsraelOuri’s Market - Upper East Side, NYCWhat Does The Word Neshama Mean?23andMe Is Under Fire. Its Founder Remains ‘Optimistic’

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2025

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:Jonah@JonahPlatt.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish What does it mean to reclaim Judaism not in the synagogue — but at the family table? That’s the vision of Rabbi David Bashevkin, author, podcaster, educator and one of today’s most engaging Modern Orthodox voices. In this episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with Rabbi Bashevkin to explore how Judaism can speak authentically to modern life and why Jewish identity is ultimately about integrating our “unchosen” identities with the “chosen” ones. Rabbi Bashevkin shares: Why Jewish life must begin in the home, not in synagogues or textbooksHow Judaism helps us integrate our unchosen identity (family, history, peoplehood) with our chosen paths in lifeThe importance of 1840 — a mystical year that reshaped Jewish thought, technology, and modern identityWhy Jewish education must instill a love of lifelong learning– not just through graduationThe urgent need for bridge-building within the Jewish community — and how to turn religious difference into dialogueWhy teens crave authenticity, and how NCSY empowers them through peer-to-peer mentorshipThe challenge of negative Orthodox representation in the media — and why Judaism is meant for the imperfect among us Rabbi Bashevkin’s work through his platform 18Forty (essays, podcasts, and conversations at 1840.org) opens the door for “post-institutional Jews” and anyone searching for meaning beyond the classroom. Listen to this episode to find out why Judaism isn’t just about survival or fighting antisemitism — it’s about rediscovering purpose, family, and the sanctity of everyday existence. Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew ‘MoJo' Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili & Sasha Nelson. Editor: Jacob Kindberg and Kevin Maynard; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah Bell More on Dovid Bashevkin 18Forty WebsiteFollow Rabbi Bashevkin on X Mentioned in Episode Listen to 18Forty Podcast (Apple Podcasts)Watch the 18Forty Podcast on YouTubeEssays by Rabbi David BashevkinWhat Makes A Jewish Home?What Is The Significance of The Year 1840?Understanding The Zohar & The Significance of the Year 1840 for JewsThe Sixth Millennium & The Age of MoshiachWhat is The Zohar?What Jewish Education Means To Me by Rabbi David BashevkinHere All Along by Sarah HurwitzSarah Hurwitz on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt (Season 1)Parashat Vayehi: Teach A Child According To Their WayWho is Rabbi Moshe Hayim Luzzatto?An Appreciation of Rav Yitzchok HutnerWho is Martin Buber?Phish Rendition of Avinu MalkeinuA Brief Biography of The Lubavitcher RebbeQuestions & Answers on Moshe & The AngelsWhat is NCSY? National Conference of Synagogue Youth

Transcribed - Published: 18 September 2025

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email:Jonah@JonahPlatt.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish In this eye-opening episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with Leah Soibel, an Argentine-American Jew and the founder and CEO of Fuente Latina, to explore her remarkable journey — from studying across the Middle East during the Second Intifada to becoming a leading voice for Latino-Jewish allyship. Leah spent years immersed in Cairo, Beirut, and beyond, before building the first organization dedicated to connecting Spanish-speaking journalists with accurate, on-the-ground stories from Israel. Leah shares: Her experiences as the only American Jew debating at a “Mock Arab League” in Cairo — and what she learned about misunderstanding vs. hatredHow traveling solo across Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank, and Gaza shaped her perspective on media, politics, and truthWhy she founded Fuente Latina — and how it bridges the gap between Israel and over 500 million Spanish speakers worldwideThe rise of antisemitism in Spain — and the quiet network of allies working behind the scenesWhy Latin American immigrants to Israel were among the hardest hit on October 7th — and the powerful new docuseries sharing their storiesWhy U.S. Latinos, the fastest-growing voting bloc, may be the strongest future allies for Israel and the Jewish community Leah’s story is one of courage, strategy, and vision — showing how truth and relationships can combat misinformation and build bridges across cultures. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation. Listen now and join the movement for Latino-Jewish allyship. More On Leah Soibel Fuente LatinaFollow Fuente Latina on InstagramFollow Fuente Latina on TikTokFuente Latina on YouTubeContact Leah Soibel Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew ‘MoJo’ Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili & Sasha Nelson; Content Director: Alexandra Fugère. Editor: Jacob Kindberg and Kevin Maynard; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah Bell Mentioned in Episode710 Testigos Del Terror: A Film About The Latin-Israelis Affected by 10/7Rioting Erupts As Ariel Sharon Visits Temple MountPalestinian Population in ChileIran Launches Spanish Network in 2012Jonah’s Episode with Stuart WeitzmanFive Things To Know About Anti-Jewish Hate in SpainLatin Population in the United States by the NumbersHow Latinos Voted in 2024 ElectionMany Latinos Aspire To Visit Israel & The Holy LandIsrael Recovers Body of Mexican Held Hostage in GazaLatino Jews Grieve, Worry As Attack in Israel Puts Close Family Ties in FocusA Latina’s Experience Living Near the Israel-Gaza BorderTestimony from Alejandra Lopez - A Latina 10/7 SurvivorWhat Dave Chapelle’s SNL Monologue Got Right & Wrong About Antisemitism in America

Transcribed - Published: 11 September 2025