Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Being Jewish with Jonah Platt
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Should Jews Proselytize? (Replay) | 03 Sep 2026 | 00:11:51 | |
Should Jews start recruiting? In this insightful monologue, Jonah Platt asks why Jews don’t proselytize, and whether that long-standing tradition still benefits the Jewish people today. Judaism offers a rich framework of ritual, purpose, and community, and yet does almost nothing to reach the millions of spiritually searching people who might genuinely thrive within it. Meanwhile, the Jewish population remains remarkably small, and the non-Orthodox community continues to shrink. Jonah makes the case that Jewish survival in the 21st century requires us to challenge one of our most deeply ingrained assumptions: that Jews should wait for potential converts to find us, rather than actively inviting them in. This isn't about cheapening Judaism. It's about asking whether our silence is a strategy, or just an outdated tradition. If you’ve ever wondered why Judaism isn’t widespread, this monologue is for you. Watch the original monologue on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUr4WPW0wYQ More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: partnerships@jonahplatt.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish CREDITS Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Interns: Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, 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 | |||
| LIVE From Atlanta: Excerpts from a Concert-sation with Yours Truly! | 01 Sep 2026 | 00:51:46 | |
In this special live episode of Being Jewish, Jonah takes the show on the road to Atlanta for a one-night-only “Concert-Sation” with Neranenah Executive Director and pianist Joe Alterman at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. Blending conversation with live music, Jonah performs a medley of music including a mashup of songs from Broadway, Jonah’s original never-before-heard song “A Tear in the Sky” from his musical adaptation of Lois Lowry’s The Giver, and more! Jonah discusses the Jewishness of Broadway, how Camp Ramah shaped his Jewish identity and life-long friendships, and becoming more politically active on social media after the 2021 Israel-Gaza violence. He also describes his 2023 Israel trip with the Tel Aviv Institute led by Hen Mazzig in 2023, and his decision to shift his focus from acting toward Jewish advocacy. This episode has music, laughter, and a deeply personal look at what it means to live your Jewish values out loud. MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: DANCING THROUGH LIFE/AS LONG AS YOUR MINE 04:25 - 9:00 Jonah sings Fiyero’s songs, “Dancing Through Life” & “As Long As Your Mine” from the Broadway musical, Wicked. He played the character on Broadway in 2015. ADHD AS AN ADULT 13:52 - 15:05 Jonah gets candid about the challenge and the blessing of receiving an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood. TEAR IN THE SKY 20:16 - 23:59 Jonah sings a now cut song from the musical he is developing with Andrew Resnick. HALLELUJAH 46:49 - 50:10 Jonah finishes the evening with the Leonard Cohen classic, “Hallelujah”. More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. www.beingjewishpodcast.com/join-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: partnerships@jonahplatt.com Merchandise: https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish CREDITS Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, 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, Jacob Ross, John Jurko, Shot By: Jacob Ross, John Jurko, Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt Special Thanks: Joe Alterman, The Marcus Foundation, Good Foot Productions, Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, Raychel Robbins, Tali Benjamin | |||
| The False Premise of "Zionist" (Replay) | 27 Aug 2026 | 00:10:18 | |
What does it really mean to call yourself a “Zionist” in today’s world? In this provocative monologue, Jonah argues that the term “Zionist” is vastly misunderstood and weaponized against the Jewish people. Jonah says we should ditch the term altogether by breaking down why continuing to defend Israel’s “right to exist” is a pointless debate. Israel already exists. It is the Jewish homeland. It’s not going anywhere. So instead of letting our enemies frame the term Zionism as an evil entity, let’s celebrate the fact that a Jewish state exists. If you’ve ever been confused by the term “Zionist” and don’t understand how it’s been twisted in the media, this monologue is for you. Watch the original monologue on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKO_VGnSNhc More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: partnerships@jonahplatt.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish CREDITS Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Interns: Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, 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 | |||
| BEST OF: The Icons, ft Cindy Crawford, Jason Alexander, and Stuart Weitzman | 25 Aug 2026 | 00:34:31 | |
What does it take to be a true icon? Stuart Weitzman shares his journey from creating one sketch to building one of today’s most recognizable luxury shoe brands, how Aretha Franklin helped turn him into the “shoemaker to the stars,” and the Jewish values he carries into his philanthropy. He also reflects on what it means to have Jewish pride, and how we can pass it to the next generation. Cindy Crawford talks about authenticity being the key to true beauty, how she’s embraced raising her children in an interfaith household, why she loves celebrating the Jewish holidays, and her memories from her iconic photoshoot in Israel with IDF soldiers. She also explains why speaking out against antisemitism feels like basic humanity, and reflects on meeting Holocaust survivor Ella Mandel when she did the Borrowed Spotlight project. Jason Alexander explains how Jewish identity shapes his humor and values, how Seinfeld helped him realize that acting could be a form of service, and how his children discovered their own paths in Judaism. He also reflects on the moment he pushed back on Larry David over a portrayal he felt crossed the line. Three icons, one shared mission: to use their platforms and icon status for a purpose. MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: 00:28 – Stuart Weitzman 14:19 – Cindy Crawford 31:46 – Jason Alexander Watch Stuart Weitzman’s full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9L9ONP5zj4 Watch Cindy Crawford’s full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1roVoyCurrY Watch Jason Alexander’s full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOH30l2BcWM More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: partnerships@jonahplatt.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish CREDITS Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, 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 | |||
| My Muslim Trip to Auschwitz (Replay) | 20 Aug 2026 | 00:12:02 | |
Is it possible to build a bridge between Muslims and Jews? In this eye-opening monologue, Jonah Platt shares his transformative experience joining a Muslim-Jewish delegation to the annual March of the Living. Jonah visited Auschwitz and Birkenau for the first time, and traveled through Europe with 20 moderate Muslims committed to building bridges with the Jewish world. Jonah reflects on the emotional weight of walking through the Nazi death camps on Yom HaShoah (Israeli Holocaust Remembrance Day), the visceral reality of seeing Auschwitz in person, and the profound sense of Jewish belonging he felt standing on sacred ground. From a 21-year-old Sufi Sheikh who offered spiritual wisdom, to a brave French Moroccan student who endured antisemitic hate without ever denying her solidarity with the Jewish people, Jonah’s encounters shattered stereotypes, and revealed just how much more unites us than divides us. Watch the original monologue on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxMJmjzjF-o More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: partnerships@jonahplatt.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish CREDITS Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Interns: Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, 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 | |||
| BEST OF: Comedians, ft Howie Mandel, Tiffany Haddish, Modi Rosenfeld, and Yohay Sponder | 18 Aug 2026 | 00:32:27 | |
How do four Jewish comedians find their voice and turn their experiences into comedy? Howie Mandel shares why the stage is where he feels most calm, present, and in control while navigating mental health struggles. He also opens up about being proud of his Jewish identity despite not being highly observant, saying Kaddish for a year while touring by requiring shows to start after sundown so he could pray with a minyan, and the lessons he learned about tzedakah and helping those in need. Tiffany Haddish tells us about how comedy literally saved her life. She also talks about her time working as an “energy producer” at Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, studying Judaism with Rabbi Susan Silverman, and celebrating her 40th birthday with a Bat Mitzvah alongside the release of her comedy special Black Mitzvah. Israeli comedian Yohay Sponder explains how performing comedy in English shaped his material about Jewish and Israeli identity, why comedy can communicate what traditional PR cannot, how audiences differ between Israel and the U.S., and why he calls touring his “reserve duty.” Modi Rosenfeld explains why he considers himself a “Jewish comedian,” reflects on being one of the last Catskills comedians, reaching diverse audiences, and knowing his audience. Four comedians. Four comedy styles. One common goal: Spread Jewish joy through laughter. MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: 00:58 – Howie Mandel 06:50 – Tiffany Haddish 14:33 – Yohay Sponder 22:28 – Modi Rosenfeld Watch Howie Mandel’s full episode: https://youtu.be/DpncSDHfhGk?si=KiD6pRjUHHRE-tWw Watch Tiffany Haddish’s full episode: https://youtu.be/5QccpVosg3A?si=r34pBuRIvhCsDi2j Watch Yohay Sponder’s full episode: https://youtu.be/LaJQSLPoId0?si=aCFLwk2bAKZg8ogo Watch Modi Rosenfeld’s full episode: https://youtu.be/SjqVNuYnxjg?si=dk5dRusF-BeyHMlV More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: partnerships@jonahplatt.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish CREDITS Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Interns: Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, 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 | |||
| Can You Be Jewish and NOT Believe in God? (Replay) | 13 Aug 2026 | 00:08:34 | |
Can someone deeply connected to Judaism wrestle with God and still belong? In this contemplative monologue, Jonah explores his lifelong struggle with belief, the nature of G-d, and the tension between faith and doubt. From questioning divine presence to contemplating the vastness of the universe, Jonah examines whether spirituality requires certainty, or if the act of searching is its own form of faith. If you’ve ever wrestled with your religious beliefs, this monologue is for you. Watch the original monologue on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLIg93V0qcY More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: partnerships@jonahplatt.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish CREDITS Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Interns: Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, 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 | |||
| BEST OF: Jewish Wisdom, ft Rabbis David Wolpe, Angela Buchdahl, David Lichtenstein, Sharon Brous, and Manis Friedman | 11 Aug 2026 | 00:45:08 | |
What happens when five rabbis share their Jewish wisdom? In this special BEST OF: Jewish Wisdom mashup, Rabbis David Wolpe, Angela Buchdahl, David Lichtenstein, Sharon Brous, and Manis Friedman tackle some very Jewish questions about faith, identity, meaning, Israel, and how to make sense of the world around us. Rabbi David Wolpe explores whether you need to believe in God to be Jewish, why Jewish law evolves, and why Israel remains central to modern Jewish identity. Rabbi Angela Buchdahl challenges exclusion within Judaism and shares how Jewish wisdom, joy, and community can help us face moments of crisis. David Lichtenstein dives into ritual, faith, Torah study, and finding purpose through adversity. Rabbi Sharon Brous unpacks the complicated balance between criticizing Israel, supporting Palestinians, and living up to Jewish moral responsibility. And Rabbi Manis Friedman asks whether our modern anxiety comes from a deeper sense of meaninglessness, and what it means to be “needed” by God. Five rabbis. Five perspectives. One very big question: What does it actually mean to be Jewish? MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: 00:01:31 — Rabbi David Wolpe 00:09:18 — Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:17:11— Dovid Lichtenstein 00:27:15 — Rabbi Sharon Brous 00:36:28 — Rabbi Manis Friedman Watch Rabbi David Wolpe's full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdEvVUJSGMw Watch Rabbi Angela Buchdahl's full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2A1fy_rNgs Watch David Lichtenstein's full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5xHHAZFfRs Watch Rabbi Sharon Brous's full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYYI3VfvO5g Watch Rabbi Manis Friedman's full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9J2GQLE9UY More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: partnerships@jonahplatt.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish CREDITS Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Interns: Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, 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 | |||
| The No Good Dirty Z Word (Replay) | 06 Aug 2026 | 00:09:04 | |
What do you do when millions of people have been taught by teachers, influencers, and even professors, that Zionism is a form of evil? In this searing and personal monologue, Jonah analyzes thousands of hateful messages he’s received to uncover important truths: How millions have been brainwashed to believe Zionism is evil, how social media erases Jewish voices and spreads misinformation about Israel, and why the Jewish community must act now to invest in education, allyship, and cultural resilience. From understanding the difference between intentional antisemitism and brainwashed ignorance, to explaining how algorithms create false realities and fuel division, Jonah delivers an unflinching look at today's challenges, and offers a path forward for building a stronger Jewish future. Watch the original monologue on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZAnMb5AMgY More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: partnerships@jonahplatt.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish CREDITS Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Interns: Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, 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 | |||
| "The Floaters”: LIVE from the film’s LA Premiere with star Jackie Tohn & special guests! | 04 Aug 2026 | 00:40:30 | |
What happens when a movie shoot brings its cast and crew to Jewish summer camp – and then throws bears and lightning into the mix? Following the Los Angeles premiere of The Floaters at the Laemmle Royal in Santa Monica, Jonah sits down with stars of the film Jackie Tohn, Ben Krieger, Jillian Jordyn, and Bekah Zornosa, alongside producers Shai Korman and Andra Gordon, for a special Being Jewish crossover event filmed in front of a live audience. The panel gives us a behind the scenes look at the making of The Floaters. They share their personal Jewish experiences that shaped the film, the pleasantly unexpected places they’ve been invited to screen it, and why publicly celebrating Jewish joy is more important than ever. They also reveal what it was really like on set at an actual Jewish summer camp, where the cast and crew became a family, and where encounters with bears, lightning, and other unexpected surprises made the production an adventure of its own. The conversation, like the film itself, is about Jewish storytelling, community and friendship. In today’s world, movies like The Floaters are exactly what the Jewish people, and the world, need. MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Why Jewish Screen Stories Need More Joy by Rachel Israel Learn more about The Floaters: The Floaters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/floatersmovie/ Official Website: https://floatersmovie.com/ Official Trailer on YouTube Jackie Tohn: https://www.instagram.com/jackietohn/ Bekah Zornosa: https://www.instagram.com/bekahzornosa/ Jillian Jordyn: https://www.instagram.com/jillianjordynn/ Ben Krieger: https://www.instagram.com/heybenkrieger More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: partnerships@jonahplatt.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish CREDITS: Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Production Interns: Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, 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 | |||
| Why we MUST stop using the word "Antisemitism" (Replay) | 30 Jul 2026 | 00:05:49 | |
Why won’t people call antisemitism what it really is? In this powerful monologue, drawing from personal experience, Jonah shares why the word "antisemitism" is outdated, misunderstood, and often ineffective at calling out real, harmful bigotry. Jonah breaks down the urgent need for clarity in how we talk about hate toward Jews. If you’ve ever been frustrated by the muddled debates around antisemitism, then this monologue is for you. It’s time to stop being polite, and to start getting real about Anti-Jew hate. Watch the original monologue on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV2vAirnQm4 More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: partnerships@jonahplatt.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish CREDITS Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Interns: Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, 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 | |||
| Is Uganda Safer for Jews Than America? Inside Africa's Abayudaya Community with Shoshana McKinney Kirya-Ziraba | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:25:36 | |
Are Jews safer in Uganda than in America? Jonah interviews Shoshana McKinney Kirya Ziraba, a Southern California-born Black Jewish woman, now living in Eastern Uganda among the Abayudaya Jewish community. Shoshanah tells us about the nonprofit she runs called Tikvah Chadasha Uganda, Hebrew for "New Hope for Uganda," which provides women in Uganda with sustainable chicken farms, vocational and rehabilitation support for children with disabilities, and educational programs. Shoshana discusses the origins of the Abayudaya Jewish community, and how those who converted about 100 years ago are not the same kinds of converts we think of today. She explains their Sephardic influences, distinctive music, and persecution under Idi Amin when Judaism was outlawed, followed by a public resurgence. Shoshana also compares antisemitism in America with Uganda, and describes Uganda as a healing place where her Black and Jewish identities are normalized. She tells us how Ugandan Synagogues don’t need security the way most diaspora Synagogues do. Shoshanah explains Tikvah Chadasha Uganda’s programs: repairing wheelchairs, supporting children with disabilities and medical needs, providing glasses, building chicken farms to help women earn income, and selling challah covers and kippot on their website. She shares funding challenges and ways to support via tikvahuganda.org and on their YouTube channel. MENTIONS: 1:30 – The History of the Abayudaya Community in Uganda Shoshana discusses how the Abayudaya community came to be, and its roots and connection to Judaism. The Abayudaya and “All of Us”: Partners in Tikkun Olam 3:35 – Music in the Abayudaya Community Shoshana discusses music in the community, and its Grammy-nominated album Abayudaya: Music from the Jewish People of Uganda 3:55 – Judaism Outlawed in Uganda Shoshanaa discusses the period in Uganda where Judaism was outlawed. https://jewishmuseum.org.uk/2019/12/04/the-abayudaya-the-jews-of-uganda/ 5:50 – Christian Ugandan Pro-Israel Rally Shoshana tells us about the Christian pro-Israel rally that occured in Uganda after the October 7th attacks. https://www.jns.org/israel-news/african-christians-hold-prayer-rally-for-israel-in-uganda 11:54 – Discussion about Tikvah Chadasha Uganda Shoshana describes the non-profit organization she formed in Uganda to support women, girls, and the Jewish community. https://jwa.org/blog/7-questions-shoshana-mckinney-kirya-ziraba 16:21 – Ohr Torah Stone Learn More About Shoshana Abayudaya Communities in Uganda More Being Jewish: Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: Jonah@JonahPlatt.com To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish CREDITS Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Production Interns: Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, 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 | |||
| Jonah’s Plan for the Jewish Future & Music Mogul Scooter Braun | 21 Jul 2026 | 01:14:32 | |
Is antisemitism the music industry's open secret? Scooter Braun, the man behind icons such as Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and pre-Nazi Kanye West, joins Jonah for a conversation about his journey of taking the Nova Music Festival Exhibition outside of Israel and showing it to the world. Braun connects his family’s Holocaust story to his decision to become one of the only voices in the music industry to speak up after October 7th. To him, a music festival is an untouchable sacred place. After visiting Israel to meet the Nova survivors, he saw peace-seeking kids whose stories had to be told. Braun talks about turning Nova into an immersive exhibition in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and London, and why he sees that work as “hand-to-hand combat” in a world consumed by social media. He also tells stories of how seeing the exhibit has actually opened minds. He explains why he’d rather call Jew-hatred racism, and how words like “antisemitism” and “Zionist” are masks for racism. Braun also reflects on raising proud Jewish children by passing down his grandparents’ Holocaust survival stories. His work, both professional and personal, is guided by the Nova survivors’ message: “We will dance again.” MONOLOGUE: Jonah argues that we could be entering a Jewish Golden Age, and tells us why unity – or JEWnity – is how we’ll get there. MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: 00:24:15 – Antisemitism as Racism Scooter explains why he thinks “antisemitism” can alienate Jews from other minority experiences, and why calling Jew-hatred “racism” creates more common ground. 00:28:45 – Speaking Up After October 7 Scooter opens up about feeling like the “wrong person” to speak publicly, then realizing that too few people with platforms were standing up for the Nova victims. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-895318 00:36:30 – The Nova Exhibit Scooter describes using business meetings to bring artists and executives through the Nova Music Festival Exhibition, where figures like Ryan Tedder, Usher, and Jermaine Dupri were deeply moved. 00:43:15 – Palestinians and Israelis Finding Common Ground at Nova Scooter recalls private events with Palestinian and pro-Palestinian visitors, including a Palestinian friend in a keffiyeh being embraced by an Israeli inside the exhibit. Israeli and Palestinian Men Embrace at the Nova Exhibit 00:51:15 – In-Person Conversations Change Minds Scooter argues that online outrage cannot build understanding, and that real change happens through one-on-one conversations, friendships, and small tables. 01:04:15 – “We Will Dance Again”: The Nova Survivors’ Message of Hope Scooter explains why the Nova survivors’ slogan means more to him than defiance alone: tell people what happened, then choose life, joy, and dancing again. More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: partnerships@jonahplatt.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Learn more about Scooter Braun: Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Production Interns: Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, 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 | |||
| The Future of British Jewry with Baroness Luciana Berger, Plus Special Guest Nadav Eyal! | 14 Jul 2026 | 01:11:55 | |
Can Britain stop its antisemitism crisis before it's too late? Baroness Luciana Berger, a member of the House of Lords in the UK Parliament, spoke to Jonah in the aftermath of the sudden resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The Baroness explains what this resignation means for the Labour Party, including the likely rise of Andy Burnham as the candidate to represent the party in the Prime Minister elections. Baroness Berger reflects on Starmer’s role in rooting out antisemitism in the Labour Party following the Equality and Human Rights Commission findings that revealed an immense imbalance of racially targeted attacks towards Jews versus other communities in the UK. She also recounts her own experience of threats, harassment, and political toxicity under Jeremy Corbyn, which led her to leave the Labour Party in 2019, and later returned to the party in 2023. She discusses the under-16 social media ban she championed, the far-right UK political Reform Party, and rising antisemitism in the UK after October 7, including attacks in Greater Manchester, Golders Green, and the arrest of spies for Iran. Baroness Berger also describes increased Jewish school security, and emphasizes the vibrancy of British Jewish life. MONOLOGUE: Israeli Journalist Nadav Eyal joins Jonah for a special bonus interview to break down the upcoming Israeli state elections, and what a Netanyahu win or loss would signal for Israel and the diaspora. MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: 00:23:30 – PM Starmer Resignation Fallout Baroness Luciana Berger tells us where she was when Starmer suddenly resigned from his position of Prime Minister, and what prompted Starmer to step down. Starmer Quits as Labour Leader and Paves Way For Contest For New Prime Minister 00:30:25 – Baroness Berger’s Political Origin Story Baroness Luciana Berger walks through her journey from student politics to National politics in the Labour party, the challenges she faced while campaigning, and why she left the Labour party for years during a toxic era for the party. 00:36:10 – Threats, Harassment, and Breaking Point Baroness Luciana Berger describes the harassment and threats to her physical safety she received as a Jewish representative. Labour's Luciana Berger Receives Death Threats Telling Her to 'Watch Her Back' 00:41:20 EHRC Probe and Reform Plan Baroness Luciana Berger explains the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) 2020 investigation into antisemitism in the Labour party. 00:44:22 – Andy Burnham as the next PM Baroness Luciana Berger says her hopes and worries for an Andy Burnham succession as the representative of the Labour party in the next election. Burnham Set To Be Next PM as 322 Labour MPs Back Him in First Nomination Tally 00:48:06 – Antisemitic Attacks in Britain Baroness Luciana Berger describes all of the antisemitic terror attacks since October 7th, including Heaton Park Synagogue, Golders Green, the firebombing of Jewish ambulances in London, and convictions of Brits spying for Iran. The Rise of Antisemitism in the U.K. 00:53:25 – The Beauty of the British Jewish Community Baroness Luciana Berger tells us the close-knit and vibrant Jewish community in Britain, how enrollment in Jewish day schools has gone up, and their positive contributions to society. More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: partnerships@jonahplatt.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Learn more about Baroness Luciana Berger: Luciana Berger - Jewish Leadership Counsel CREDITS: Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Sasha Fiora, 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 | |||
| President of Israel Isaac Herzog, plus Jonah Answers Your Questions LIVE | 07 Jul 2026 | 01:06:51 | |
Is Israel at its turning point – or at its breaking point? Jonah interviews Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, who explains Israel’s non-executive presidency and his priority of unifying a debating war-time nation. President Herzog breaks down the challenging future of the Middle East, the pivotal bond between Israel and the Jewish diaspora, and his vision for healing deep political divisions ahead of pivotal Knesset elections – including the heated debate over Haredi military service and the IDF. President Herzog also reflects on the rising global antisemitism post 10/7, and why strengthening ties between Israelis and world Jewry has become one of his highest priorities. He lays out why he sees Israel as a frontline defender of the free world, and the role the Trump administration, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Ambassador Mike Huckabee have in reshaping Middle East diplomacy. President Herzog dives into Israel’s evolving diplomatic framework with Lebanon, the challenges of dismantling Hezbollah and Hamas – while insisting that Iran remains “the head of the snake,” and how his Voice of the People initiative can create positive change. He also shares his hopes for Israel’s 80th anniversary. MONOLOGUE: Jonah Phona is back! Jonah responds to listeners’ burning questions about the podcast, his favorite Jewish Broadway show, how to have constructive bridge-building conversations, and more! MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: 00:01:49 – The Role of the President in Israeli Politics President Herzog breaks down his responsibilities as the President of Israel, primarily focusing on his role in unifying the Israeli body politics and nation. The institution of the Presidency 00:03:43 – Haredi Draft Debate President Herzog explains the nuances of the newly passed Torah study bill granting exemption to Heredi Irealis from being drafted into the IDF. Contentious Basic Law on Torah study, aimed at shielding draft evaders, passes 1st reading 00:10:14 – Elections and National Stakes President Herzog tells us what he thinks the stakes of the upcoming Israeli elections are, and his role in making sure Israelis participate peacefully and respectfully. Trends and Key Developments Ahead of the 2026 Israeli Election 00:14:13 – Diaspora and Jewish Unity President Herzog emphasizes the necessity of Jewish education in the Diaspora in order to maintain Israel’s vibrant democracy, and lauds the Jewish Federation’s new bill granting funds to Jewish day schools around the world. Israeli government, JFNA partner on $66.7 million plan to boost Jewish day schools 00:16:36 – Voice of the People Initiative President Herzog tells us about his Voice of the People initiative, which aims to engage a diverse range of Jewish voices from 6 continents, working together to collectively identify, discuss and creatively address the most pressing immediate and long term challenges affecting the Jewish people. Voice of the People Initiative 00:24:23 – War Front Lebanon and Gaza President Herzog talks about the new Israel-Lebanon agreement, the challenges Iran poses to unity in the Middle East, and how the disarmament of Hezbollah and Hamas are essential for lasting peace. Landmark Israel-Lebanon Agreement Intersects the U.S.-Iran Conflict 00:34:45 – The Past, Present, and Future of President Herzog in his Current Role President Herzog reflects on the first 5 years of his presidency, what his current priorities are, and his goals for the rest of his term. More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: partnerships@jonahplatt.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Learn more about President Isaac Herzog: Office of President of Israel X Account 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 Associates: Rachel Stern, Sasha Fiora, Production Intern: Emma Webb,Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, 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 | |||
| Jonah visits Washington D.C.'s Abrahamic House with interfaith activist Mohammed Al Samawi | 01 Jul 2026 | 01:02:29 | |
What happens when a boy raised on antisemitic propaganda becomes a Muslim bridge-builder whose life is saved by Jewish friends? Mohammed Al Samawi, Yemeni refugee and author of The Fox Hunt, joins Jonah on location at Abrahamic House in Washington, D.C., for a conversation about the painstaking work of learning another person’s story. Al Samawi founded the multi-faith co-living and community space, where Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Bahá’í fellows share meals, host Shabbat and Ramadan gatherings, and create a safer way for people to ask hard questions. In this episode, Al Samawi describes growing up in Sanaa, where slogans like “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” were used to redirect anger away from corrupt leaders and toward Jews. As a teenager, he internalized violent antisemitic ideas, but learning English through movies, reading the Bible in secret, and asking forbidden questions began to unravel what he had been taught. The conversation follows Al Samawi, from reading Torah and messaging Israelis on Facebook to attending his first Muslim-Jewish conference. Later, as the Houthis and Al-Qaeda closed in, three Jewish friends and one Christian friend helped coordinate his evacuation from Yemen. Those experiences became the foundation for Abrahamic House. After October 7, Al Samawi says the house became even more necessary: a place where grief did not have to become separation, and where hospitality could make room for truth. Ultimately, Mohammed’s story makes the case that interfaith work is not abstract idealism; it can be the difference between inherited hatred and real human connection. MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: 00:01:22 — Inside Abrahamic House, Where Shabbat Meets Ramadan Mohammed shows Jonah the dining room where fellows host Shabbats, Ramadan celebrations, Eid gatherings, and family-style meals for the community. 00:08:15 — From Antisemitic Indoctrination to Questioning Jewish Hate Mohammed recalls the violent anti-Jewish ideas he absorbed as a teenager and how religious curiosity eventually pushed him to investigate for himself. The Against the Odds Escape of Mohammed Al Samawi | AJC 00:23:30 — How Facebook Became a Window Past Propaganda Mohammed explains how social media helped him meet Jews and Israelis, ask forbidden questions, and discover shared values outside state-controlled narratives. Mohammed Al Samawi: How Interfaith Activism Became, and Saved, His Life 00:34:00 — The 13 Days Hiding from Houthis and Al-Qaeda Mohammed describes hiding in Aden with no safe way out, praying for help, and posting on Facebook in hopes someone could evacuate him. How Facebook friends saved one man from execution 00:42:45 — Why Mohammed Created Abrahamic House in Washington, D.C. Mohammed explains how loneliness as a refugee, his love of friendship, and the model of Friends inspired a real-life interfaith home. 00:51:00 — How to Meet Muslims Beyond Fear and Stereotypes Mohammed urges listeners to investigate Islam the way he investigated Judaism: by meeting people, asking human questions, and resisting extremist narratives. More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: partnerships@jonahplatt.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Learn more about Mohammed Al Samawi: Mohammed Al Samawi - Abrahamic House 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 Associates: Rachel Stern, Sasha Fiora, Production Intern: Emma Webb,Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, 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 | |||
| YouTube’s Most Popular (Hasidic!) Rabbi Manis Friedman & How Engaged a Jew are You? | 23 Jun 2026 | 00:54:26 | |
How did an 80-year-old Chabad rabbi become a global social media phenomenon, and why is his message resonating from Los Angeles to New Guinea? Rabbi Manis Friedman, author, longtime educator, and one of the world’s most-followed rabbis on YouTube, joins Jonah to ask a deceptively simple question: why are we here? Friedman argues that creation has a direction and that modern anxiety grows from meaninglessness, not deprivation. People are safer and more comfortable than ever, he says, but without knowing what life is for, comfort becomes a treadmill. From tikkun olam to the follower in New Guinea who walked eight hours for internet access and later built a Torah center, Friedman shows how a clear sense of purpose can cross cultures and transform lives. Friedman reframes Torah not as a list of commandments, but as God explaining Himself and inviting humanity into a relationship. For him, that is Chabad’s mission: making God knowable so that love can be real. He explains Shabbat as resting alongside God, modesty as protecting intimacy from the distraction of appearances, and ordinary work as service when it improves the world. When Jonah asks how a parent should respond to a child who says, “I didn’t ask to be born,” Friedman turns the question into the episode’s central claim: stop thinking of yourself as needy. You are needed. His message is bracing but hopeful: meaning begins when life stops being about what we can get and becomes about what we are here to give. THIS WEEK’S MONOLOGUE: Are you a “bad Jew”—or simply disengaged? Jonah replaces guilt with a sharper test: where are your time and energy actually going? MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: 00:01:43 — Why Judaism Says Creation Has a Purpose and Direction Rabbi Manis Friedman explains tikkun olam, humanity’s role in perfecting creation, and why the question of purpose has become urgently modern. What Is Tikkun Olam? - Chabad.org 00:16:10 — The Man Who Walked Eight Hours to Learn Torah Friedman shares how a follower in New Guinea walked eight hours to access internet, then built a Torah center for villagers arriving by canoe. 00:22:45 — The Torah Is God Explaining Why He Needs Us Friedman reframes the Torah and Ten Commandments as God revealing Himself and asking humanity to choose relationship rather than programmed obedience. The Ten Commandments | My Jewish Learning 00:29:13 — How Chabad Makes God Knowable Through Torah and Relationships Friedman explains Chabad as the work of making God knowable, arguing that genuine love—of God or a spouse—depends on understanding. 00:35:21 — You Are Not Needy—You Are Needed by God Friedman argues that humanity’s existence matters because God has “skin in the game,” transforming life from a burden into a divine necessity. 00:46:56 — Why Rabbi Manis Friedman Says Seeing Kills Intimacy Friedman connects modesty to intimacy, arguing that appearances can distract us from loving the person rather than merely their visible qualities. Why Doesn't Anyone Blush Anymore? - Reclaiming Intimacy, Modesty, and Sexuality - Chabad.org More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: partnerships@jonahplatt.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Learn more about Rabbi Manis Friedman: Rabbi Manis Friedman - YouTube It’s Good to Know - Rabbi Manis Friedman Rabbi Manis Friedman - Instagram 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 Associates: Rachel Stern, Sasha Fiora, Production Intern: Emma Webb,Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, 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 | |||
| Call Me Back x Being Jewish Crossover! Dan Senor predicts the Jewish Future, plus A New Kind of Aliyah | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:54:50 | |
From Saudi officials to diaspora Jews, why are so many people listening to Dan Senor? Dan Senor, host of the Call Me Back podcast and co-author of Start-Up Nation, joins Jonah for a deep dive on Israel, Jewish identity, and the future of Jewish life in the Diaspora. Senor explains how Call Me Back built a devoted audience organically, attracting diaspora Jews seeking trustworthy information, journalists looking for good-faith dialogue, and even international listeners, including Saudi officials, drawn to its thoughtful, long-form conversations about Israel and the Middle East. Senor discusses how the October 7 attacks reshaped Jewish engagement, the sense of political homelessness many moderate Jews have experienced, and the opportunities emerging from one of the most consequential moments in modern Jewish history. He also emphasizes the need for a Jewish Renaissance centered on expanding access to Jewish day schools, Jewish summer camps, Israel programs, and lifelong Jewish learning. Senor argues that investing in Jewish education and community infrastructure is essential for Jews to flourish. THIS WEEK’S MONOLOGUE: Jonah reflects on the importance of allies, why he'll sell tickets to future events in pairs, and why “ALLY-ah” may be just as important - if not more important - than aliyah right now. MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: 00:07:30 — How Call Me Back Became the World’s Number One Israel Podcast Dan on building the top Israel podcast organically after October 7th. Call me Back Podcast - with Dan Senor - YouTube 00:10:45 — “Israel Was at War. The Diaspora Was Under Attack.” Dan quotes Rabbi Ingber's defining line on October 7th: Israel was at war, but the diaspora had no army to fight back. The toll of the Israel-Hamas War on diaspora Jews 00:15:09 — Would Dan Interview Former Allies Who’ve Gone to a “Dark Place”? Dan considers hosting antisemitic voices to understand, not challenge, their logic. 00:27:33 — Why “Call Me Back” Audience Skews Left of Dan Senor The “October 8th Jew” phenomenon and left-of-center Jews finding community. A look at the October 8th Jews | The Jerusalem Post 00:31:42 — The Jewish Future Is Too Expensive. Here’s How to Fix It. Dan on day schools, affordability gaps, and the case for a Jewish renaissance. Why Jewish Living Feels So Expensive These Days | Kosher Money 00:43:37 — Where Do Adult Jews Without Kids Find Jewish Community? Dan on Rachel Goldberg-Polin, the Hartman Institute, and adult entry points to Jewish life. Rachel Goldberg-Polin on her Jewish faith and her slain son's spiritual quest More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Learn More about Dan Senor: Call Me Back - with Dan Senor - Podcast 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 Associates: Rachel Stern, Sasha Fiora, 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 | |||
| Does Mayim Bialik Feel Safe in Public? & The Collective Punishment Paradox | 09 Jun 2026 | 01:13:59 | |
From The Big Bang Theory to Jewish advocacy, Mayim Bialik shares the personal journey behind the public persona. Jonah Platt interviews actress, neuroscientist, author, and Orthodox Jew Mayim Bialik (Blossom and The Big Bang Theory) about rising antizionism and antisemitism, arguing it functions as a hate movement that shuts down dialogue through intimidation and threats. The conversation explores the rise of antizionist activism on college campuses, her parenting two sons amid the campus hostility, and her experiences navigating public criticism. She shares about her experiences visiting family in the West Bank, and her identification with Israel as her homeland. Jonah and Mayim discuss personal experiences of being confronted online and in public. Such as being protested for being labeled a “Zionist,” and her experience with shifting attitudes at UCLA in the late 1990s/early 2000s. She also reflects on her directorial debut, As They Made Us, pressures in Hollywood such as lost sponsorships and exclusion from liberal spaces, and the courage required to remain visibly Jewish in public life. Thoughtful, honest, and often humorous, this episode offers a powerful exploration of identity, resilience, and what it means to live proudly as a Jew in the modern world. THIS WEEK’S MONOLOGUE: Jonah unpacks the paradox of two true statements, both seemingly made untrue by the other: Denying the connection of the Jewish people to Israel is bigotry. AND, conflating the Jewish people with Israel is also bigotry. MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: 00:08:15 — Being a Public Jew in the Age of Social Media and Online Threats Mayim on how social media exposed her to antisemitic threats long before October 7th. Mayim Bialik: Our safety is at risk we've never experienced before00:17:00 — Anti-Zionism on Campus: 30 Years of Hostility from Cincinnati to UCLA Mayim traces three decades of campus anti-Zionism from UCLA swastikas to university protests. 00:32:15 — Liberal Zionism: The Strange Intersection Mayim on staying a committed Zionist while the Democratic Party distances itself. What does it mean to be a Liberal American Zionist?00:40:15 — Life in the West Bank: Armed Settlements, Checkpoints, and Human Complexity Mayim on her family's 50-year life on armed West Bank settlements. ‘Jew-Free Zone’ – My Experience in the West Bank00:53:47 — Hollywood Post-October 7th: Sponsors Lost, Silence, and Jewish Self-Segregation Mayim on losing podcast sponsors and Hollywood's silence after October 7th. I was betrayed by Hollywood for speaking out after October 7, says Will & Grace star Debra Messing01:05:24 — Baal Teshuva: From Reform Roots to Modern Orthodoxy, Divorce, and the Gaps in Jewish Community Mayim traces her baal teshuva path from Reform childhood to Modern Orthodoxy. What Is a Baal Teshuvah?This Episode’s Partner: Start watching or listening to Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam at unpacked.bio/WJ More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Learn more about Mayim Bialik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missmayim/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MayimBialik Podcast: https://www.bialikbreakdown.com/ 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 | |||
| Is Antizionism Antisemitism? Adam Louis-Klein, Founder of Movement Against Antizionism | 02 Jun 2026 | 01:15:58 | |
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 Genocide Klein breaks down the foundational accusations driving the antizionist movement — how the colonizer, apartheid, and genocide narratives were engineered to exploit modern moral sensibilities. 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 Itself A 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 World Klein'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: Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Learn More about Adam Louis-Klein: Movement Against Antizionism(MAAZ) 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 | |||
| Israeli Comedian Yohay Sponder, Plus Finding Your Jewish “Ikigai” (Reason for Being) | 26 May 2026 | 01:14:15 | |
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. TIMESTAMPS 2:08 — Why Yohay performs in English Yohay explains why English became the perfect language for his comedy, saying its structure naturally works better for punchlines than Hebrew. 14:26 — The Amsterdam cancellation Yohay recounts how his sold-out Amsterdam shows were canceled days before showtime after threats against the venue 18:20 — When boycotts backfire Yohay 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 family Yohay recalls a fan sharing how his comedy helped her and her father through his cancer treatments 30:32 — His father’s Holocaust survivor upbringing Yohay 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: Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Learn More About Yohay Sponder: Yohay 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 | |||
| She's Not Italian, She's Jewish! The Sopranos' Jamie-Lynn Sigler + What is Shavout?! | 19 May 2026 | 01:12:15 | |
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:
Mentioned in the episode: What Are the Five Books of Moses? HEBREW WORD OF THE WEEK —TIKUN And So It Is: A Memoir of Acceptance and Hope Multiple Sclerosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options Yad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Center Hollywood stars boycott Israeli film companies in response to Gaza crisis Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Lance Bass' whirlwind trip to Israel in photos Not Today, PAL with Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Robert Iler (Podcast) What Jamie-Lynn Sigler Wants You to Know About MS Who Is Jamie-Lynn Sigler’s Husband? All About Cutter Dykstra 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: For Sponsorships, please email: Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: 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 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 | |||
| Hollywood to Holy Land: Screenwriter-turned-Orthodox Rabbi Shmuel Lynn | 15 May 2026 | 00:26:56 | |
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:
Mentioned in the episode: 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: For Sponsorships, please email: Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: 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, 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 | |||
| “Bad Jews” (replay) & Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt | 12 May 2026 | 01:03:13 | |
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:
Mentioned in the episode: The Tam Institute for Jewish Studies Denying the Holocaust: The Growing Assault on Truth and Memory A Conversation With U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt Antisemitism being 'normalized' and not taken seriously enough, chief rabbi tells BBC Third arrest over attempted arson at synagogue Police investigate pro-Palestinian protest at Sydney Opera House over alleged anti-Semitism Marjorie Taylor Greene to resign from Congress amid clashes with Trump over Israel, Epstein Binyamin (Bibi) Netanyahu - Biography Code Pink Outs Itself as Anti-Jewish Hate Group Gunman Kills Three at Kansas City Jewish Community Center, Retirement Home UCLA can’t allow protesters to block Jewish students from campus, judge rules Met Police apologizes for 'openly Jewish' comment Charlie Hebdo attack: Three days of terror ‘Déjà Vu’: Remembering Hyper Cacher Five Years Later Report of the Yale Committee on Trust in Higher Education Venice Biennale previews in chaos, overshadowed by row over Israeli and Russian participation Leading Jewish Organizations Disturbed By Saudi Arabia’s Islamist Turn ‘Globalize the Intifada’: Meaning, Origins, and Why The Slogan Is a Call for Violence Emory Together: Countering Antisemitism // DC Organization of American States A Break in the Argentina Murder Case Tied to Iran Iran: Mahsa Amini's father accuses authorities of a cover-up Dutch ministers decry Israeli ministry’s report on Amsterdam violence Trump Is Right to Deport Hamas Supporters The Presidential Campaign That Changed American Politics The Metropolitan Museum of Art The Western Wall: The Western Wall Tunnels How Golda Meir Rose to Become the ‘Iron Lady’ of Israel Arab Terrorists Murder Israelis at Munich Olympics Natan Sharansky, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Advisory Board When They Come for Us, We'll Be Gone: The Epic Struggle to Save Soviet Jewry 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: For Sponsorships, please email: Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: 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 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 | |||
| Epistemic Antisemitism and Black Conservative Influencer Xaviaer DuRousseau | 05 May 2026 | 01:09:01 | |
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:
Mentioned in the episode: Law Scholar Christine A. Littleton Epistemic Antisemitism: “Good People Gone Wild” David Schraub’s The Epistemic Center of Antisemitism Jonah’s take on Cognitive Bias Report on the Rise of Antisemitic Incidents in the U.S. Man Pleads Guilty for Displaying Nazi Flay at Pro-Palestine Rally Twitch streamer commenting on what “real antisemitism” is. Van Jones’s Statement Supporting the People of Iran Israeli’s Voice Dissent of War in Gaze Being Jewish Podcast Featuring Bishop Michael J. Fisher Respectfully, Xaviaer | PragerU He used to march for BLM. Now he’s calling for mass incarceration to save Black Americans Xaviaer’s Instagram Post on Visiting Gaza During the War The debate on Latino vs. Latinx vs. Hispanic is the song that never ends The Circle: TV’s Trashiest Reality Show We Can’t Stop Watching Xaviaer DuRousseau: PragerU Personality, Commentator, and Content Creator AP lands national scoop on a Black Lives Matter fraud investigation New Report Reveals Illicit Foreign Donations and Mass Resignations at ActBlue Here's How Bernie Sanders Explained Democratic Socialism Xaviaer’s Appearance on Dr. Phil Black Unemployment is Surging Under Donald Trump 5 of Kanye West’s Antisemitic Remarks, Explained BLEXIT, ‘Black Exit’ Foundation Now Powered By Turning Point USA Quotas are a diversity quick-fix, but companies must dig deeper Racism in the music industry 'is upfront and personal' K. Michelle Talks Double-Standard for Black Pop Singers Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, explained What to Expect at a Shabbat Dinner Myth: The Jewish people are white settler colonialists who have no connection to the land of Israel What Is the Correct Term for Someone Who Is Not Jewish? Yad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Center Horseshoe Theory in American Politics Who is Nick Fuentes and Why Is His Antisemitism Dangerous for America? Palestinian Elections, 15 Years and Counting Republicans are more likely than Democrats to see Israel as a US ally: AP-NORC poll Hasan Piker has said that “America deserved 9/11” (yes, that is a direct quote). Tucker Carlson’s Biggest Conspiracy Theory Yet Black Lives Matter Issues Statement Of Support For Free Palestine Movement Roy unveils immigration bill dubbed ‘MAMDANI Act’ Xaviaer Walk With Me Video on Chinese Heritage The Igbo, DNA, Struggle for Jewish souls We Were Never Lost Documentary The Strokes frontman says ‘privileged’ Zionists talk ‘like Black people during slavery’ We Have Our Eyes on Timothée Chalamet EsDeeKid ft. Timothée Chalamet - 4 Raws Remix (Official Music Video) Israel’s Deni Avdija finishes 3rd in vote for NBA’s Most Improved Player Why We Care About How Seth Rogen Went From Jewish Day School to Saying ‘WTF’ to Israel The 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: For Sponsorships, please email: Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: 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 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 | |||
| Shopify President Harley Finkelstein & The Jews of Thessaloniki | 28 Apr 2026 | 01:16:38 | |
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:
A special thanks to our partner this week - Hadassah.org Donation Links: Synagogue of the Monasteriotes (Thessaloniki) The Jewish Community of Athens Mentioned in the episode: The Jews of Thessaloniki, a Once Great Jewish City Sephardic Jews in Eastern Europe and Greece The Route Saint Paul Followed In Greece The Cooking Accident that Decimated a Jewish Community of 70,000 Aristotle University Built on The Ruins of Jewish Cemeteries Jewish Federations’ National Young Leadership Cabinet Jonah Describes “The Jeremiah Effect” Ladino! Ron Eliran: Folk Songs for Sephardic Jews How September 11 Affected the U.S. Stock Market Harley Finkelstein weekly Shabbat Shalom post on X Harley Finkelstein’s Article: Canadian Jews are being targeted simply because they are Jewish Shopify President Makes Good on 18-Year-Old Promise to His Campus Rabbi The Right Honorable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau | Former Prime Minister of Canada Lindsay Taub (Harley Finkelstein’s spouse) Charles Bronfman: A Lifetime of Giving The Merchant Prince: The Man Behind The Gap, Old Navy, and J. Crew | Mickey Drexler Deni 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: For Sponsorships, please email: Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: 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 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 | |||
| The KKK vs. Antizionism and Congressman Josh Gottheimer (Dem, NJ-5) | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:59:10 | |
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:
A special thanks to our partner this week Hadassah.org Mentioned in the episode: The Transformation of the KKK from Fraternity to Religious Extremists. 1924 Democratic National Conventions - “Klanbake” DNC Avoids Taking a Stance on Israel, AIPAC The Growing Antisemitism Among Young Americans Vanderbilt Professor Shaul Kelner The Timeline of the SPLC Case That Bankrupted the Klan Klan Members Murder Conviction Leads to Decline in Membership and Political Influence Rep. Josh Gottheimer: The New Jersey Democrat defending Israel, battling antisemitism National Security Agency & Cyber Subcommittee Gottheimer Votes to Pass War Powers Resolution By the numbers: US thrashed military targets in Iran, but some capabilities remain Iranian attack on Saudi base injures U.S. troops as more American forces arrive in the Middle East How the US Navy could blockade Iran’s ports and sweep mines from the Strait of Hormuz Israel didn’t drag the US into war with Iran — they enabled us to fight it smarter and faster U.S. Capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro: Considerations for Congress Oil prices rise on doubts US-Iran peace talks will ease Hormuz disruption The Abraham Accords, Explained Gottheimer Statement in Opposition to Conditioning Aid to Israel Sharia-Free America: Why Political Islam & Sharia Law Are Incompatible with the U.S. Constitution Ayaan Hirsi Ali: 'Queers for Palestine' shows how stupid our society is Gottheimer, Foxx Introduce Bill to Hold Higher Education Accountable for Anti-Israel, BDS Activity Gottheimer calls Newsom’s Israel apartheid comments ‘dangerous’ Genocide, apartheid? A poll Israel cannot allow itself to ignore “The Squad” Doubles Down on Anti-Israel Comments Representative Elaine G. Luria Hasan Piker doubles down on Hamas support UPenn 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: For Sponsorships, please email: Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: 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 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 | |||
| Should Jews Proselytize? & Dueling Rabbis PART 2 with Sharon Brous & David Ingber | 14 Apr 2026 | 01:17:57 | |
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:
A special thanks to our partners on this episode: Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies Crown Family Philanthropies https://crownfamilyphilanthropies.org/ Jim Joseph Foundation https://jimjosephfoundation.org/ Mentioned In The Episode: The Converso: Jews converting to Christianity in Spain and Portugal in the 1300s Ruth: The First Jewish Convert How Many Jews Are In The World? Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation (U.S. Public Health Service) American’s Religious Engagement Stays Low Global “Wellness” Business Grows to $6.8 Trillion Jewish Prayers and Their Meanings Surveillance soldiers charge sexism a factor in their Oct. 7 warnings being ignored Who was Baruch Goldstein? Massacre in Hebron Silence is not solidarity: Diaspora Jews must speak when Israel strays Wave of settler attacks against Palestinian herders reported in central West Bank Fourth suspect arrested over Jewish charity ambulance arson attack The Importance of Tochachah-Rebuke Anti-Trump rallies hit thousands of US cities for 'No Kings' protest As A Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us Newsom ramps up his criticism of Israel, accuses Netanyahu of leading Trump into war with Iran Horseshoe Theory in American Politics The Z Word: Reclaiming Zionism Protocols of the Elders of Zion Venezuelan VP: US attack capturing Maduro has 'Zionist undertones' Renee Good was shot in the head, autopsy commissioned by her family finds Why watermelons are a symbol of Palestinian solidarity Israeli opposition members shout at Netanyahu as he tries to address parliament The 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: For Sponsorships, please email: Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: 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 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 | |||
| Jewish Queer Youth (JQY) Executive Director Rachael Fried | 10 Apr 2026 | 00:30:48 | |
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:
Mentioned In The Episode: Jewish Queer Youth (JQY) Facebook LGBTQ+ Jewish Demographic Pew Stud 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: For Sponsorships, please email: Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: 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 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 | |||
| LIVE FROM SAN DIEGO! Rabbis Sharon Brous (IKAR) & David Ingber (Romemu/92NY) | 31 Mar 2026 | 01:01:02 | |
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:
A special thanks to our partners on this episode: Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies Mentioned In The Episode: Being Jewish with Jonah Platt Webby Award BJJP: Religious Communicators Council Award: Best Audio Visual Program BJJP: 2025 W3 Award Winner: Best Podcast Host Brooklyn Yeshivas Circa 1937 Part I Women First Marched to Challenge Trump. Now They Are Challenging Each Other Judaism is About Love by Rabbi Shai Held What Did the People Hear at Mount Sinai? Gazing Into the Digital Face of Levinas: The Ethics of Self and Other in Cyberspace NYC bill allowing protest ‘buffer zones’ around houses of worship passes with veto-proof majority Zohran Mamdani has no opinion on a united Ireland. That matters more than you think Horseshoe Theory in American Politics American Jews May Be Moving Right 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: For Sponsorships, please email: Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: 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 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 | |||
| The Ms. Rachel Monologue & The 22-Hour Jew, Trans TV Writer Our Lady J | 24 Mar 2026 | 01:16:53 | |
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:
Thank you to this episode's sponsor: MENTIONS Ms. Rachel draws ire over appeals for Gazan children Why Is Everyone Talking About Ms. Rachel Right Now? YouTube star Ms. Rachel should be investigated for spreading Hamas propaganda In the Sudan sick and starving children continue to waste away Violations against children have tripled in the Congo Russia’s kidnapping of Ukrainian children Iranian children killed by Iranian security forces in crackdown of protests 12 Israeli Druze children killed in Hezbollah rocket attack Lady J First day of Judaism post Our Lady J’s Film and TV Credits The Beit Din (Rabbinic Court) and Conversion ‘Transparent’ Writer Our Lady J: Hollywood ‘Needs to Put Stories Into the Hands of Trans People’ What is a eunuch in the Bible? Snapshots of an Epidemic: An HIV/AIDS Timeline Queer Jews Forced into a Different Closet: Antisemitism and Conditional Acceptance “Through Science to Justice”: The Story of Magnus Hirschfeld, a Gay Jewish Trailblazer Germany Declares: BDS is Antisemitic Rabbi Tarlan Rabizadeh, Mandana Dayani, and Matthew Nouriel BJJP Episode Jonah and the Whale - Bible Story Meaning The Holiday You’ve Never Heard Of: Why Shmini Atzeret Matters Why 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: For Sponsorships, please email: Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: 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 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 | |||
| Jonah Does CNN and KIND Founder Daniel Lubetzky | 17 Mar 2026 | 01:10:30 | |
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.
Thank you to this episode's sponsor: Mentioned In The Episode: Three synagogue attacks in Toronto in one week. Arrests made in Norway Synagogue attack San Jose pedestrians attacked in hate crime Police Arrest Suspect in Ramat Gan Stabbing Man, Rams Truck Into Michigan Synagogue With Over 100 Children Inside The Story Is with Exel Michaelson Al Jazeera Propagates Hatred. Is it also a Foreign Agent? Annapolis Peace Conference (2007)Kind Creates the Kind Foundation to Help Foster Kinder and Healthier Communities Save Your Relationships! How To Talk to Antizionist Loved Ones About Israel - Jonah Platt’s 5 C'sJewish Neighborhoods: Mexico City Mexican school merger will expand ORT’s presence in Latin America Jewish Nobel Prize LaureatesSebastian Maniscalco - Italians at Passover (Aren't You Embarrassed?)Red 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: For Sponsorships, please email: Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: 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 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 | |||
| On Location with Ethiopian-Jewish Chef and Restaurateur Beejhy Barhany | 10 Mar 2026 | 01:00:57 | |
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:
Thank you to our sponsors and promotional partners: And a Special Thanks to our production partner on this episode: Jewish Broadcasting Services (JBS) Mentioned In The Episode: NYC’s only Ethiopian-Israeli restaurant closes after anti-Zionist harassment: ‘So much animosity’ The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley How This New York Restaurant Is Carrying on the Legacy of the Harlem Renaissance Art Tatum: A Talent Never to Be Duplicated The Incredible Story of Ethiopian Jews and Their Journey to Israel Gursha: Timeless Recipes for Modern Kitchens, from Ethiopia, Israel, Harlem, and Beyond: A Cookbook Injera: Ethiopia’s Traditional Bread in Pictures and Words Lost Tribes beer company resurrects ancient brews Beta Israel of North American Cultural Foundation 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: For Sponsorships, please email: Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: 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 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 | |||
| Is Israel an Ethnostate? And the 2026 Israeli Olympic Bobsled Team | 03 Mar 2026 | 01:11:43 | |
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:
Mentioned In The Episode: Donate to the Israeli Bobsled Team 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 1 PART 2 - The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews PART 3 - The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews Israel is Among a Number of Ethnostates Myanmar casts minorities to the margins as citizenship law denies legal identity Myanmar Rohingya: What you need to know about the crisis UAE’s Double-Standard on Citizenship Rights Migrant Rights in UAE and Qatar Swiss government rejects automatic citizenship for those born in Switzerland Citizenship through Naturalization for Aliens of Greek ethnic origin Egypt's Christians face 'constant pressure to hide their faith' Israeli Law Declares the Country the ‘Nation-State of the Jewish People’ Arabs Make Up 20% of the Jewish Population Arab residents of mixed cities disadvantaged compared to Jews - Comptroller Ben Gvir’s policy goals: Going to extremes even Europe’s far right won’t touch Palestinian Authority: You're a "traitor" if you sell land to the Jews What does the Hamas charter say? Israel’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 sled Bobsled 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 ceremony AJ Edelman, The First Orthodox Jewish Male Olympian, Is Ready For Gold! Meet Bat-El Gatterer, First Orthodox Jewish Female Olympian MIT Alumnus Competes in Winter Olympics From obese yeshivah student to Slider-Man – the remarkable run of Israel’s Olympic bobsleigh pilot What To Know About ‘Shul Runnings,’ the Bobsled Team Representing Israel in the Winter Olympics At the Olympics, Israel's athletes pay a high cost in the quest for gold The Israeli Bobsled Team’s Withdrawal from the last day of Olympic Competition 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: For Sponsorships, please email: Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Subscribe to Ora, A Luxury Jewish Lifestyle and Culture Magazine. 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 | |||
| L’Dor V’adorable is Back! And American-Israeli Cookbook Author Adeena Sussman | 24 Feb 2026 | 01:02:03 | |
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:
Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode: Trump moves closer to a major war with Iran The Electoral System in Israel Real-time red alerts in Israel Shielded by Fire: Middle East Air Defense During the June 2025 Israel-Iran War Food Network's New York City Wine & Food Festival Adeena Sussman: Came to Israel for love, stayed for food A Stain on Israel’s Soul: Remembering Hersh Goldberg-Polin and the Beautiful Six First Tango with Mango: Iraqi Amba Israeli produce is the best. Here’s why: Sisters fight cancer, honor mother by rolling out the dough 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: For Sponsorships, please email: Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Subscribe to Ora, A Luxury Jewish Lifestyle and Culture Magazine. 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 | |||
| The Genocide Libel and Comedian Modi Rosenfeld | 17 Feb 2026 | 01:09:50 | |
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:
Mentioned In The Episode: Anti-Jew Libels DECONSTRUCTED - Jonah Platt Debunks 4 Lies About Israel & The Jewish People (Part 1) The reasons why what is happening in Gaza is not genocide Amnesty International is among the NGOs bashing Israel Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and his aid to the Nazis B’tselem’s “broader analytical framework” The U.N. Official Who Said Hamas is not a Terrorist Organization The U.N. Condemned Israel 17 Times, more than the rest of the world combined Israel distributes over 1 million polio vaccines in Gaza Palestinian death toll passes 70,000 Defining genocide in a post WW2 world Isreal’s critics rewrite the definition of genocide Hineni Society Event with World-Renowned Comedian Modi Who are the classic Catskill Comedians Old Jewish Catskill Comedian's Classic Jokes Release of latest Epstein files unleashes online wave of antisemitic conspiracies Modi | Know Your Audience (Full Comedy Special) Q&A | Comedian Modi Is Running on ‘Moshiach Energy’ Jewish comedian Modi Rosenfeld, a mainstay for Orthodox audiences, is gay. So what? Dave Chappelle Mocks “I Stand With Israel” Dave Chappelle and the Space Jews Orthodox Judaism and LGBTQ Issues Ritual Hand Washing Before Meals A New Light Ta’anit 22a-b: A Place in the World to Come France reports dozens of antisemitic acts since Hamas attack 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: For Sponsorships, please email: Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Subscribe to Ora, A Luxury Jewish Lifestyle and Culture Magazine. 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 | |||
| EMERGENCY MINI-POD! Behind Robert Kraft’s Blue Square Super Bowl Ad with Org President Adam Katz | 11 Feb 2026 | 00:37:10 | |
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:
Mentioned in the episode: Robert Kraft and the Kraft Group Blue Square Alliance Jewish Hate Data Sharing Blue Square on Social Media Van Jones Wearing Blue Square on CNN Shift from Combat Hate/Antisemitism to BSA BSA Super Bowl Commercial 2025 Snoop Dogg and Tom Brady "Tony" 2023 Swastika Painted on the Garage What's Up With Hate Instagram Being Jewish: Discussing When There Are No Words Stand 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: For Sponsorships, please email: Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Subscribe to Ora, A Luxury Jewish Lifestyle and Culture Magazine. 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 | |||
| Antizionist Libels & Iranian-Jewish Activists Mandana Dayani, Matthew Nouriel & Rabbi Tarlan Rabizadeh | 10 Feb 2026 | 01:23:43 | |
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:
Mentioned In The Episode: Part 1:The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews Part 2: The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews Part 3: The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews Israel is not an Apartheid State Infant Death During the Hamas Attack on Israel 'They just kept killing': Eyewitnesses describe deadly crackdown in Iran What Led to the 1979 Iranian Revolution? Over 36,500 killed in Iran's deadliest massacre, documents reveal The expulsion of Jews from Arab countries and Iran – an untold history First Persian Female Rabbi Finds Her Voice Why Iranian women are burning their hijabs after the death of Mahsa Amini “Women, Life, Freedom” a new revolutionary era in Iran Speaking Up - United Nations Special Session on Oct. 7th: Mandana Dayani ADL and JLens Urge Accountability Regarding Huda Kattan's Antisemitic Remarks Huda Beauty faces boycott campaign over founder’s Iran protest video Rediscovering the Lost Tribes and God’s Faithfulness: The Jewish Diaspora and Aliyah How Ancient Persians Essentially Saved Judaism As We Know It Today Why Are We So Silent About the Uprising in Iran? Leading Change: How Persian and Jewish Diasporas Can Unite against Antisemitism I came to Israel for Pride. It got canceled. Matthew Nouriel, The Empress Mizrahi Matthew Nouriel, Community Engagement Director JIMENA Sephardim, Mizrachim in NY more conservative, less likely to intermarry than peers, per UJA study Ayatollah Khomeini returns to Iran The Ironies of History: The Ukraine Crisis through the Lens of Jewish History Jimmy Carter, blamed by many Iranians for the revolution, dies at 100 The Fascinating History and Political Lives of Jews in Iran Jewish students assaulted, threatened and harassed at UCLA campus Education Department opens second investigation into Yale antisemitism United States Holocaust Memorial Council (Board of Trustees) German Jews' Passports Declared Invalid Expulsion to cultural integration: 500 years of Sephardic Jews in Türkiye Did Ezra Reconstruct the Torah or Just Change the Script? Rabbi Tarlan Rabizadeh Named American Jewish University’s VP for Jewish Engagement 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: For Sponsorships, please email: Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: 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 | |||
| Jewish Values + Reproductive Rights with The Red Tent Fund CEO Allison Korman | 05 Feb 2026 | 00:31:05 | |
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. Discussed
Mentioned In The Episode: Allison Tombros Korman Tablet Magazine Article Michal-Cotler Wunsh Being Jewish Episode Antisemitism and Antizionism in Reproductive Health Jewish Perspective on Red Tent Site Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance How much does an abortion cost? Data on Third Trimester Abortions Black 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: For Sponsorships, please email: Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @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 | |||
| My Most Important Monologue, Part 3 of 3 (The Jeremiah Effect) and Bishop Michael J. Fisher | 03 Feb 2026 | 01:09:46 | |
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:
Mentioned In the Episode: Part 1:The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews Part 2: The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews Part 3: The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews Jonah’s (shoes) JP x Air Maccabees (18% off with the code JP18) Seeing History Through A Foggy Lens Temporal Distance and Discrimination Origins of Black History Month Jerome Fisher World War II Gold Star Veteran from Maryland Reverand Jerome Fisher Passes Away, Organized 1st Black Church in Compton Michael J. Fisher How One Compton Pastor’s Work is Changing Lives by Bridging Health & Faith The Jewish Foundation of Christianity When did Christianity and Judaism Separate? When Did Jesus Stop Being Jewish? Zion: God’s Precious Possession A Long History: American Jews and the NAACP The Tulsa Race Massacre and Oklahoma’s Jews 10 Great Moments of #BlackJewishUnity Challenging the myth of 'white, colonial' Israel Powerful Voices: A New Look at the Rabbi Who Marched with Martin Luther King The 15 Year Battle for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Bondi Beach terrorists ‘acted alone’ in attack on Hanukkah event — Australian police Suspect arrested in predawn fire that left parts of Mississippi’s largest synagogue in charred ruins What to know about the murder of Sarah Pilgrim and Aaron Lischinsky in Washington D.C Wise hosts Greater Zion Church for joint Shavuot and Pentecost celebration Was Jesus’ Last Supper a Seder? Peter and the Disciples Falling Asleep - Matthew 26:40 The Old Testament Pentecost: Why Did Jesus Pour Out His Spirit on This Particular Day? BLM’s Support of Hamas Is Perfectly in Line With Its Goals Rediscovering the Lost Tribes and God’s Faithfulness: The Jewish Diaspora and Aliyah Israel’s Ethnic Diversity: Why the Population of the Jewish Nation is Far From Monolithic Black and Jewish people were allies once. Can they be again? Martin Luther King Jr. Assassination Redlining of Jewish Neighborhoods to Make It Difficult to Get a Mortgage Jewish Americans: Identity, History, and Experience Fact Sheet Seder2015 streams a digital Passover What is the law of first mention? Black leaders journey from their hip-hop home to the Holy Land — and find common ground What Even IS Sigd? A Short Explainer Nick Cannon opens up about past antisemitic comments and his ‘growth moment’ California schools inch closer to rescuing mental health funds slashed by Trump Global 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: For Sponsorships, please email: Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: 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 | |||
| My Most Important Monologue, Part 2 of 3 (Antizionism) & Israeli Oz Party Leader Dr. Einat Wilf | 27 Jan 2026 | 01:04:32 | |
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:
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 Jews Part 2: The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews Part 3: The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews International Authors Call For Ban of Israeli Authors A Call For Israeli Athletes to be Banned Origins of the Medieval Myth about the Jewish Drinking the Blood of Children Associated Press’s Coverage of Israel Why Israel’s Conflicts are Covered So Much More Than Other Countries Shaul Kelner’s Article On Antizionism as a Mass Movement in The U.S. Early 20th Century Soviet Anti Zionism Jewish UCLA Student Blocked By Protesters Amnesty International Suspends Its Israeli Branch US Coffee House Refuses to Serve Jews Dr. Einat Wilf: 'We lied to ourselves about the Palestinians' 5 Facts About the Jewish People's Ancestral Connection to the Land of Israel UNRWA Exposed, Examining the Agency’s Mission and Failures In Conversation with Einat Wilf on a New Israeli Vision Statement on the Death of Yahya Sinwar Only 7% of Israeli Arabs define themselves as 'Palestinian' ‘We’d rather die than enlist’: Haredi Jews vow to defy conscription The Judicial Overhaul Post October 7 The State of Israel as a Jewish State 'Haredi schools need to meet minimum standards' 13 Political Parties and Democracy: The Israeli Case Einat Wilf: ‘Jews Are Never Allowed To Win, and Arabs Are Never Allowed to Lose’ We Should All Be Zionists Podcast Israel: A Democracy Like No Other in the Middle East The United Nations Korean Reconstruction Agency O-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: For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP: 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 | |||
| My Most Important Monologue (Part 1 or 3) and Entertainment Icon Howie Mandel | 20 Jan 2026 | 01:03:02 | |
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:
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 Jews Part 2: The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews Part 3: The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews Ultimate Nite Out Featuring Debra Messing and Jonah Platt Watch America’s Got Talent (NBC) Howie Mandel Does Stuff (YouTube) What You Need to Know About Israel's The Iron Dome Qatar’s Investments in the US Education System Russia’s Interference in US Elections Continues to Get More Brazen China’s Potential Use of TikTok Is A National Security Threat Yuri Bezmenov and his Stages of Ideological Subversion Israel Recognizes Somaliland as an Independent Country “I Have a Tough Time Being with Myself.” Howie Mandel on living with OCD, ADHD, and anxiety B’rit Mialh: The Circumcision Ritual Howie Mandel discusses saying the Kaddish for his father Everything You Need to Know About the Jewish Custom of Shiva Minyan: The Congregational Quorum Are 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 secret Howie Mandel to Appear at Malibu Film Society The Role of Doctors and Nurses Myth: Jews Have Too Much Power Why Israel is losing the PR war Collecting German Air-dropped Leaflets on Britain Israeli film on Oct. 7 premieres at Toronto film festival after initially being dropped Bondi Beach terrorists ‘acted alone’ in attack on Hanukkah event Howie Mandel Ari Shaffir clip on antisemitism. Demonstrators rally across the U.S. in response to violent conflict between Israel and Hamas Watch Little Monsters (Pluto TV) Howie 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 | |||
| Disrupting Jewish Institutions with AJU President Jay Sanderson | 15 Jan 2026 | 00:27:33 | |
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.
Mentioned in the episode: Brandeis-Bardin Campus of American Jewish University. Jay Sanderson: President of AJU Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies 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: For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP: 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, 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 | |||
| HOSTAGE (2-Part Special): Eli Sharabi on Surviving 491 Days in Hamas Captivity | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:59:57 | |
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:
Support the podcast by subscribing to the Kehillah. Thank you to this episodes sponsors. Americans for Ben-Gurion University Links to items mentioned in the episode: I Spent 491 Days as a Hostage of Hamas. This Is My Story 2025 Magen David Adom Miami Gala: From Darkness to Light Eli Sharabi’s United Nations address The Heroes in the Battle of Sderot on Oct 7 The Civilian Heroes of Ofakim On Oct 7. The Be’eri Printing Press: Israel’s Print Shop Paramedic Amit Man, 22: Sacrificed herself to protect patients. Senior EMT Aviya Hezroni Killed by Terrorists 'I choose life:' Ex-hostage Alon Ohel recounts Hamas kidnapping Jewish Diaspora celebrates release of living hostages Eli Sharabi’s Brother Sharon Never Stopped Fighting For Him Eli’s first interview after his release Eli Sharabi Meets with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Eli Sharabi Visits Australian Parliament Yossi Sharabi Buried in Kibbutz Be’eri Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir taunts Palestinian prisoners Jachnun (Rolled Yemenite Sabbath Bread) Bondi Beach terrorists ‘acted alone’ in attack on Hanukkah event — Australian police Former Hamas hostage Or Levy brings awareness of captives’ plight to South Africa Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP: 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 | |||
| Cindy Crawford: Supermodel, Super Ally | 06 Jan 2026 | 00:52:25 | |
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:
Links to things mentioned in the episode: Cindy Crawford and Noa Tishby Hanukah lighting B’rit Mialh: The Circumcision Ritual Cindy Crawford Capezio Shoot in Israel Cindy Crawford reflects on 'devastating' loss of her brother to leukemia Cindy Crawford's 2 Children: All About Models Presley and Kaia Gerber Breaking the Glass at a Jewish Wedding Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth Cindy Crawford “New Year New Voices” Video Chris Caresnone (Campbell) BJJP Episode Ella Mandel’s Story - Shoah Foundation Displaced Persons Camps after the Holocaust Holocaust Museum L.A. honors visionary figures at gala Sebastian Maniscalco “Same corporation different divisions” joke Cindy Crawford (and others) step in to save Nate ‘N Al’s Deli Casamigas - 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: For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP: 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, 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 | |||
| One Mitzvah A Day with Daily Giving Founder Dr. Jonathan Donath | 18 Dec 2025 | 00:27:19 | |
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:
A big thank you to Daily Giving MENTIONS Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy Rabbi Alon Anava and His Near Death Experience Daily Giving Beneficiary Organizations Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP: 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, 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 | |||
| Unwrapping Hannukah & Food Personality Jake Cohen | 16 Dec 2025 | 01:04:14 | |
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 MENTIONS Dinner Party Animal: Recipes to Make Every Day a Celebration Hanukkah Antisemitism vs. Purim Antisemitism The Surprising Origin of The Dreidel The Temple Emanu-El Streicker Center Ethiopian Jewish Chef and Restaurateur Beejhy Barhany on Her New Cookbook, “Gursha” Nanny’s Rosh Hashanah Apple Cake Tokin’ Jew Lemon Sumac x Jake Cohen Quick Challah Recipe Demo in Under 1 Minute! “The Nanny” Is the Kind of Celebratory, Unabashed Representation Jewish Women Deserve Left Behind – A Project Opening up Little-Known Holocaust Histories as well as New Tools Jews of Liège under the Occupation (1940-1944) Jake Cohen and Benny Blanco bagel Instagram post Curb Your Enthusiasm “Bad Middling” Scene These 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? Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP: 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, 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 | |||
| The Black American Playbook and Philosopher-journalist Bernard-Henri Lévy | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:53:11 | |
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:
#BernardHenriLevy #BHL #JonahPlatt #BeingJewishPodcast #IsraelAlone #JewishIdentity #Antisemitism #October7 #MoralClarity #Philosophy #HumanRights #Israel #JewishPeople Thank you to this episodes sponsor, The Dream Raffle. Please support the podcast and become a member (join the Kahillah) to get exclusive benefits. https://beingjewishpodcast.com/community Mentioned In The Episode: The Bloodlands of Africa - by Bernard-Henri Lévy ‘A very bad year’: Despite Gaza truce, academic boycotts pile on, threatening Israel’s future Flare-Burning Protesters Disrupt Israel Philharmonic Concert in Paris, Four Arrested US helps defend Israel from Iranian missile attack France says it intercepted drones targeting Israel during Iran war Israel: A Democracy Like No Other in the Middle East Myth: Israel is an “apartheid state.” Hamas Is Weakened But Not Defeated — The Truth Behind Gaza’s Ceasefire Al Qaeda: Background, Current Status, and U.S. Policy Iraqi Forces Liberate Mosul From ISIS How Qatar became Trump’s key ally in his Middle East peace efforts Antisemitism in America: My Campus Tour Bernard-Henri Lévi tweet from Hostage Square In France, Bernard-Henri Lévy fights a lonely battle on behalf of a solitary Israel Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish | |||
| Jewish Traumatic Invalidation with Israeli Psychologist Dr. Miri Bar-Halpern | 04 Dec 2025 | 00:30:48 | |
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:
Please support the podcast and become a member (join the Kahillah) to get exclusive benefits. https://beingjewishpodcast.com/community Mentioned in the episode: Traumatic Invalidation Research Article (co-authored by Dr. Bar-Halpern) Jonah on “Our Stories Matter” Podcast Criteria of Traumatic Invalidation Massachusetts Teachers Association's (MTA) Anti-Israel, Anti-Jewish Resources Remain. Head of Parents for Peace Myrieme Churchill Nearly 40% of Jewish Medical Professional Report Exposure to Antisemitism Trauma Informed Learning Alliance Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP: 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, 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 | |||
| Updated! The 5 C’s of Difficult Conversation and Superstar Dancer/Wife Courtney Platt | 02 Dec 2025 | 01:12:06 | |
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:
Please support the podcast and become a member (join the Kahillah) to get exclusive benefits. https://beingjewishpodcast.com/community Mentioned In The Episode: L.A. Theater Review: ‘Hair’ at the Hollywood Bowl The Rich History of Mall Santas What Happens on the Day of Conversion So You Think You Can Dance (Prime Video) Why Bat Mitzvahs (and other parties) need a dance motivator Why do Jewish Women Wear Wigs? October 13, 2024 “Day of Jihad” Being Jewish: Together Mosaic Shabbat Joshua Allen, ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ season 4 winner, dies in train accident Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP: 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, 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 | |||