How many times have you clasped your hands together, looked up at the sky, and BEGGED G-d for something only to get crickets in return. Praying to G-d can be a disheartening and even intimidating task for some. This is an incredibly valid and real experience and anyone who believes in G-d would be lying if they said that was never their experience. But what if there was a better way to ask for things? Jesse Orenshein, known for his valiant and impressive efforts on the famous TV show American Ninja Warrior, tells his story about the eye-opening epiphany that changed the course of his Jewish journey. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, who recently learned how to pray and daven from his most recent trip to Israel, refines his understanding thanks to Jesse and his tried and true experiences.  00:00 Introduction 03:09 Asking G-d for Things 07:16 American Ninja Warrior experience 09:22 Out of Body experience 13:14 Difficulties of competing while religious 18:27 Grace and sacrifice 22:00 Miraculous changes 24:40 Impacts of Israel 26:48 You can't always get what you want 30:06 Persistence and luck 33:58 Custom prayer can follow Rambam's format 35:42 Conclusion About Jesse Orenshein: Jesse Orenshein is a children's book author, screenwriter, and 4-time competitor on NBC's hit show, American Ninja Warrior. His recent appearance on Season 16 gained mass Jewish recognition, after Jesse iconically put on a back-up yarmulke when his first one fell in the water. Jesse competes on ANW to inspire Jews around the world, especially the four loves of his life - his wife and three beautiful daughters. Buy Jesse Orenshein's books at: www.GrandpaHerbiesStories.com Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod

You turn on your TV or go on your phone and the first video that pops up is insurmountable destruction of Gaza. A once complete society is now in rubble, leaving bloodied bodies and children behind. And who's responsible? Israel. Surely this is a genocide, right? Well, it's true that Gaza is in ruins but characterizing what's going on in Gaza as a genocide is tone deaf. Sam Fried, a former paratrooper and two-time veteran of the Israeli Defense Forces, has continued his fight by speaking on behalf of Israel and the IDF. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, takes common misconceptions and narratives seen from his @badjewpod tiktok account and tests Fried on his responses to dig deeper and find the truth. 00:00 Introduction 03:51 Speaking for peace 06:56 Genocide? 11:22 Echo chambers on social media 16:09 The IDF's draft 18:45 Displacement of Palestinians 20:05 The heinous nature of war 25:40 The principals of the IDF 27:17 Not playing fairly 31:37 Reflections on October 7th 34:43 Dialogue, peace, and disagreement are necessary 36:30 Conclusion About Sam Fried: Sam Fried is 27, from New York, works in finance at an international bank, and served in the IDF Paratroopers from 2020-2022. On October 7th, Sam knew he had to take action to protect Jews and eradicate the inhumanity that Hamas brought to the world. Sam is a First-Sergeant Paratrooper reservist in the IDF who recently returned from fighting in Gaza. He served as a commander of a squadron and as a sharpshooter in the middle and south of Gaza for approximately 50 days on the front lines fighting Hamas, as well as several high-priority missions in the West Bank. Since returning home, Sam has been committed to Hasbarah (Israel advocacy), speaking to Jewish and non-Jewish communities around the country whether at universities, churches, mosques, on panels, debates, synagogues, schools, etc. to promote his thee foundational pillars: 1) Empowering Jews and allies to be proud in today’s environment, 2) Peace through dialogue, and 3) Humanizing the IDF. Connect with Sam Fried: IG @samfried26 Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod

Just remember what they taught you in grade school: When you're public speaking, just imagine everyone's pants are down... That trick never worked did it? Public speaking is hard. Giving a sermon to a high-expecting congregation is harder.  Rabbi Daniel Steinberg is no stranger to the difficulty of trying to inspire and emotionally elevate a crowd. Being very familiar with the film industry, sales, and Jewish needs within a community, Steinberg teaches Chaz Volk the fundamentals of speaking to a Jewish crowd. Tune in to learn how to engage and communicate with the broader Jewish community.  00:00 Introduction 05:39 Existential doubts 09:42 Speaking to needs 12:04 Ethos, Pathos, and Logos behind Bad Jew 14:40 Commandments 16:48 Stand-up comic's connection to audience reactions 22:48 Unexpected movie sparks discussion about Zionism symbolism 25:12 Public speaking is about authenticity, not polish. 27:19 Conclusion About Rabbi Daniel Steinberg: It's true. I was an intern for SNL, wrote for Howard Stern, & spent 2 years performing stand-up comedy in NYC and San Francisco clubs before moving to Palo Alto, CA to pursue a career in community outreach & Jewish education. After 6 years of community-building work, I assumed the role of Marketing Director for a start-up co-founded by Alan Dershowitz. I then went on to start a digital marketing & e-commerce consultancy, where my innovative storytelling & copywriting skills helped my ​clients earn upwards of $1MM in yearly revenue.  These days, I draw on my eclectic experiences in the worlds of entertainment, education and marketing to help rabbis find their authentic voice, craft meaningful Drashos & build strong relationships with their congregations. Connect with Rabbi Daniel Steinberg: Linked In: Daniel Steinberg Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod

Probably the most challenging question any religious person could answer from an agnostic person is "Is God Real?" The religious person might say "Of course he is real!" "And how do you know?" "Can't you feel it?" Of course, we all know 'feeling' is not enough. Rabbi Aaron Zimmer and Rabbi Elie Feder produced a podcast called "Physics to God" to go beyond the feeling of God. Using the scientific method along with their understanding of physics and mathematics they are able to quantifiably prove that Hashem made the universe and is indeed the embodiment of everything we know. 00:00 Introduction 05:02 Math and Physics 06:26 Proof of God 11:56 Laws of nature 15:45 Atoms and life 19:10 Fine tuning and constants 21:30 Parallel Universes 25:06 Intelligent Creator 27:39 Laws of nature 30:07 Conclusion, Physics to God About Rabbi Aaron Zimmer: After earning a physics degree and receiving rabbinical ordination from Rabbi Yisrael Chait, Aaron Zimmer considered furthering his education through graduate school. However, his intellectual curiosity extended far beyond the realm of physics, encompassing a diverse array of fields, including philosophy, mathematics, and psychology. Capitalizing on his blend of analytical and philosophical skills, Aaron utilized his personal resources to venture into commodity futures trading. This endeavor involved commodities such as oil, natural gas, cotton, sugar, and coffee. His strategic approach was deeply rooted in the conceptual frameworks of physics and the Brisker Method for Talmudic analysis. After an eleven-year career marked by success in commodity trading, Aaron decided to retire. In his retirement, Aaron channels his intellectual energy into studying various branches of knowledge, including the Talmud and physics. He resides in Lawrence, New York, along with his wife and their five children. About Rabbi Elie Feder: Elie Feder earned a PhD in mathematics from the CUNY Graduate Center and received Rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Yisrael Chait. Since 2004, Elie has been a mathematics professor at Kingsborough Community College. He has published many papers and delivered numerous talks in graph theory, which is his field of mathematical research. As a teacher, Elie has a passion for simplifying complex topics for his students. Recently, he authored a book "Gematria Refigured," which presents a rational, nonmystical approach to gematria as a tool of uncovering the significance of quantity and fine tuning in Torah, life, and the universe. For more information, you can visit Elie’s website, GematriaRefigured.com, and listen to his podcast, Gematria Refigured+. Elie resides in Far Rockaway, New York, with his wife and their four children. Connect with Rabbi Aaron Zimmer and Rabbi Elie Feder Facebook: @Physics to God (Page; not group) X/Twitter: @PhysicsToGod Instagram: @physics_to_god Connect with Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

WE FINALLY RECEIVED THE TORAH! Time to enjoy the taste of milk and honey. But why? Can our Jewish stomachs really handle all of that dairy and what are we actually celebrating when we look at the history of the Torah - the constant tug-of-war we have with the values God laid out for us? Have we, an exiled people, really earned a celebration? Sruly Meyer, known for his incredible online recipes, embraces Shavuot - his favorite out of all of the favorite holidays. Aside from it being a tasty holiday, Meyer highlights how the Torah is our marriage contract and how our relationship with God has been "on a break" and why. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, enjoys an educational 30 minutes of learning why Shavuot stands as one of the most unique metaphysical experiences. 00:00 Introduction 05:58 Our relationship with God 06:33 Hashem's marriage contract with us 12:20 Relationships and Shavuot 15:15 Improving our relationship with God 17:34 Israel, the ultimate gift 20:20 Spiritual connection 25:49 Jewish resilience post October 7th 28:02 Torah is sweet 30:09 Conclusion About Sruly Meyer: Sruly runs a marketing agency in Hollywood, Florida. He is a home cook and recipe developer who runs a food and travel blog, discussing local food scenes and daily Jewish life. He is a proud Jewish father and business owner. Connect with Sruly Meyer IG and TikTok @srulycooks   www.SrulyMeyer.com Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

It goes without saying that the internet can be a disgusting display of human nature. Anonymous trolls, scams, and false information run rampant and they're not hard to run into. A centerpiece to this disturbing reality is the adult entertainment industry which has never been known to treat people with dignity. Exposing people of all ages to this content can do a variety of harmful things but the worst is that it enables everyone to participate in it including the young.  Solomon Friedman of Ethical Capital Partners recognized this truth. While his calling was not a religious one, he has helped make the internet a safer place by incorporating device-based age verification technology and sharing such recognition software with law enforcement. Friedman is responsible for putting up roadblocks in front of every nefarious action that takes place on a variety of adult sites. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, learns that bringing light to the darkest of places means taking on unpopular projects while showing proud leadership and poise.  00:00 Introduction 05:35 Adult industry pioneered key internet innovations 07:06 Surprising ideas about ethics in internet marketing 11:19 Online platforms need moderation and safety measures 16:14 Opting out, age gates needed for online content 19:47 Internet privacy is essential for freedom and democracy 22:40 Jurisdiction of freedom 23:51 Tech giants and governments needed for safer platforms 26:55 Legal, meets safety standards, limits certain content 30:16 Conclusion About Solomon Friedman:  Connect with Solomon Friedman Solomon is a trial and appellate lawyer, representing individuals and organizations before all levels of court in Canada. He is certified as a specialist in criminal law by the Law Society of Ontario. For over a decade, Solomon has been a trusted voice at Parliament, regularly appearing before Standing Committees of both the House of Commons and Senate in Canada, providing testimony about criminal, regulatory and constitutional law matters. Solomon is a legal author and commentator. He has published dozens of academic and popular articles and is the co-author of Canada’s leading text on firearms law and regulation. He also lectures widely to audiences of defence lawyers, judges and police officers on a wide spectrum of criminal and regulatory law topics.  Solomon's work has been recognized by his peers in both the legal and broader business community. In 2014, he was named one of the Forty under 40 by the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Chamber of Congress. In 2016, he was given Precedent Magazine's Precedent Setter Award. In 2018, he received the Regional Senior Justice Award by the County of Carleton Law Association. Solomon is an adjunct law professor, teaching The Law of Evidence and Advanced Criminal Evidence at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law. Prior to his call to the bar, Solomon clerked for Justice Morris Fish of the Supreme Court of Canada. Solomon came to the law following rabbinical studies in Israel, where he was ordained in 2005. Connect with Solomon Friedman: EthicalCapitalPartners.com Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Do you feel lonely? Do you feel it's time to find your true love? Do you feel hopeless in the romance department? Many of us do including me. If you're like me, Chaz Volk, the host of this show, you have spent many sleepless nights staring at the ceiling wondering what the future holds and if you're even worthy of your desires.  In the quest to find my b'sheret ("meant to be"), I interview "Coach" Daniel Ratner hailing from Israel to explain the necessary pieces that need to be in place in order to find love. Coach draws from the wisdom of workshops he has led and books he has written to explain what necessary elements must be existent in order to survive the four stages of love. 00:00 Introduction 04:42 Discipline 08:40 The Four Phases of Love 09:37 Listening is key for meaningful relationships 14:32 Embrace growth 18:13 Physicality and attraction 20:43 The issue with getting physical too soon 24:05 Fully understanding your partner 29:19 Attracting the right people 31:55 The beauty disadvantage 35:15 Conclusion About Coach Daniel Ratner: Coach Ratner was a world-class rare coin dealer & real estate developer in America. He has now transitioned himself into an influential educator for organizations who seek inspiration. His focus is on fostering meaningful relationships, building self-esteem, and providing spiritual motivation. His 5th book, “Infinite Marriage: The 4 Phases of Loving Relationship”, was released in May 2024. Connect Coach Daniel Ratner: Podcast: Living in Clarity - available on all podcast platforms! www.coachratner.com Connect Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Now more than ever before, your people need YOU! Anti-Israel and anti-Jewish rallies have spread like wildfire across the nation. Students get harassed on campus just for being Jews. The few Jews that do join the encampments are tokenized and glorified in hypocritical ways. No matter how much light we shed on the situation, our adversaries come back more aggressively. This is an uphill battle.  Such battles don't stop Marla Friedson, co-host of Schmuckboys, from joining the counterprotests. Marla and her friends regularly post on social media and take to the streets to share their voices proudly. Friedson joins Chaz Volk on Bad Jew to discuss what it takes to effectively and accurately speak on behalf of Israel. Volk takes this opportunity to assess how the international Jewish community is doing when it comes to sharing information as well. Tune in to become inspired to take the streets and speak on behalf of those that can't! 00:00 Introduction 03:12 Judaism as a moral basis for activism 08:39 Unity within activism 09:42 The value of attending rallies 13:21 Avoiding misinformation 18:42 Credibility 20:19 Responsibility in influence 23:44 Accuracy and literacy 26:29 Jewish intimidation and antisemitism 31:22 Zionism 34:12 The undeniable tie of Judaism and Zionism 36:47 Education is key to combating antisemitism About Marla Friedson: Marla Friedson is the receptionist at Circle of Confusion, a tv/film production and management company. She is also a freelance producer, having worked on a variety of content from unscripted TV to short films to the US Tennis Open. Marla is the co-host and co-producer of Schmuckboys, a podcast about Jewish dating, Jewish identity and antisemitism. Her and co-host Libby Walker interview Jewish guests from all walks of life and release new episodes every other week through the Jewish Journal Podcast Network. Marla is very involved in Jewish organizations in L.A. serving on the board of AishLIT and working part-time as the Head of Operations for Jews Talk Justice, a Tel Aviv Institute project. She is a vocal activist for the Jewish people, using her social media platform to help educate others. Connect with Marla Friedson: IG @marsbars36 Tune into Schmuckboys on your favorite podcast platform Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

One message this podcast has tried time and time again to explain... Jews come in all shapes and colors. The Jews from the Middle East are called Mizrahi Jews and they are just as culturally tied as Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews are.  Tal Oran, better known as The Travelling Clatt, steps away from his travel vlogging to share the full overview of Mizrahi Jewish culture. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, goes through a learning curve to uncover the impactful contribution Mizrahi Jews have had on all of us and embraces the personal survival story of the Oran family. 00:00 Decade of travel, YouTube success, pro-Israel advocate. 05:12 Mizrahi Jews struggle with silencing and race 08:36 Challenged the portrayal of Jewish culture in media 12:12 Mizrahi Jews from Iraq and Azerbaijan bond 14:24 Iraqi Jewish dialect is separate language from Iraqi 17:44 Mizrahi cuisine 21:10 The long history of violence 23:35 Family fled Iraq to Iran, then Israel 26:47 Christians, Jews, and peace throughout history (myth) 30:56 Moroccan celebration Mimouna embraced by diverse cultures 31:36 Moroccan music, food, and traditional attire About Tal Oran: Tal makes content about Israel, Palestine, The Holy Land, Religions, and what makes us all come together or go apart. He wants to make peace and show love. His journey can be seen on his Instagram and YouTube channel where he produces content full time. Follow Tal Oran: Ig: @thetravellingclatt   YT: @thetravellingclatt TT: thetravellingclatt Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

As we commemorate Yom HaShoah, we dedicate this week’s episode to understanding the lives and legacies of those who survived the Holocaust. Our guest, Michael Ruskin, offers an intimate glimpse into his life as the last surviving member of his family who escaped the horrors of the Holocaust. He shares tales of his own upbringing under the shadow of his parents’ past traumas and how these experiences shaped their family dynamics. Michael also discusses his book, "The Vow," which not only documents the atrocities of the Holocaust but captures the extraordinary love story of his parents finding their way back to each other post-war. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, emphasizes the resilience of survivors along with the impact of generational trauma on later generations. 00:00 Introduction 03:27 Poor upbringing and protective Holocaust-survivor parents 08:37 Found family history 10:23 Love over wealth, reflection of 'The Vow' 12:48 Difficulty conveying past experiences 17:37 Writing the book 25:16 Research, learning, and resilience 26:54 How his parents lived 29:44 Conclusion About Michael Ruskin: Michael Ruskin (born Meyer Ruksen), was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in the beautiful city of Perth Amboy, New Jersey (central New Jersey). He is the youngest son of David and Dora Ruskin and the younger brother of the late Allen Ruskin. A graduate from Kent State University in Ohio, he received a B.A. in Political Science and Psychology. Michael spent most of his 40-year career in corporate Human Resources and private consulting. Mr. Ruskin, now retired, lives a very active lifestyle which includes traveling, tennis, dancing, hiking. He is a student of spirituality, world history, and an avid researcher.  He has one niece and enjoys spending time with friends and making new ones. Michael is the last surviving member of his immediate family. The Vow: A Love Story and the Holocaust is Mr. Ruskin's first book, but not his last.  He currently resides in Roswell, Georgia. Connect with Michael Ruskin: Buy 'The Vow' on www.TheVowALoveStory.com Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Take a deep breath. Let's acknowledge the fact that the world is crazy which can naturally make anyone a little crazy. It's okay to be off your rocker sometimes but that's where the mindfulness kicks in. While the world seems to spew hate in our direction, there's no better time than the present to turn toward the Jewish lens of mindfulness. Gila Ross, podcast host of PowerUp!, draws from her Jewish studies, namely from pirkei avot, to guide listeners and provide Jewish wisdom to all who tune in. Drawing from a similar inspiration, Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, pushes and challenges some of the ideas behind Jewish mindfulness in hopes of finding peace of his own. 00:00 Introduction to Gila Ross 03:37 Teaching abroad 08:38 Finding our purpose 12:23 Jewish mindfulness 14:30 Growth mindset 19:28 Recognizing and fixing sins 20:29 Repairing your life 23:54 Bringing out the best 29:44 Daily gratitude practices 33:00 Seeking spiritual guidance 33:43 Prayer changed to mindfulness About Gila Ross: Gila Ross's vibrant, positive and relatable style makes her a well-sought-after and much-loved coach and educator with over 20 years of experience. She has a passion for sharing the joy and relevance of Judaism and positive parenting. She is a senior educator with SEED UK. Her Power Up! podcast was named number 6 on Jewish Podcasts Worldwide. It has several weekly episodes, allowing listeners to access her wit, wisdom, and inspiration in their own time. The Ross family’s open and fun-filled home makes it a top destination for families wishing to celebrate Shabbat and the chagim. Connect with Gila Ross: IG @itsGilaRoss Book:https://lightofinfinite.com/presenter/gila-ross/ Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Gilaross?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=6461bc56-69f4-40fc-bd13-c7b9c6f97b78 Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Right about now, you might be wondering why we have to eat flat bread. Right about now, you might be frustrated with the long dinners with the even longer stories. Right about now, you might be bored out of your mind as there is CLEARLY no meaning to these new restrictions. Don't worry. We'll explain everything. Chaz Volk, the new Chief Marketing Officer of Aish Los Angeles and host of Bad Jew, interviews his boss, Executive Director Rabbi Aryeh Markman. Markman goes beyond the elementary-level Hebrew school class on Passover and explains the real meaning of Passover and how this tradition started not too long ago. 00:00 Introduction with my boss 04:30 Embracing tradition 09:05 3,000 years is not that long 11:54 Jewish culture and success tied to Torah 13:16 Challenging perceptions of ancient Passover story validity 18:25 Ego 21:41 Freedom and reflection 25:13 Pesach on the hebrew calendar 27:50 Modern Day Antisemitism 30:05 Conclusion About Rabbi Aryeh Markman: Rabbi Aryeh Markman has been the dedicated Executive Director of Aish HaTorah Los Angeles since 1994. Rabbi Markman attended the university of Illinois, graduating with a Distinction in Finance. He then visited Israel, where he was introduced to Rabbi Noach Weinberg and Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem. Turning down MBA school offers from University of Chicago, and Northwestern University, he continued to pursue Talmudic study, and received Smicha from Rabbi Noach Weinberg. Rabbi Markman and his wife Rochel then moved to Los Angeles in 1991, and are the proud parents of 7 children. Connect with Rabbi Aryeh Markman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aryehmarkman/ IG and Facebook: Jewish Men's Initiative LA Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

The Torah is central to Judaism. There’s no debate there. But why is it relevant to our daily lives? It’s a history book… about supernatural things that we can’t possibly relate to… right? Joey Swaid, a young and bright yeshiva student in Jerusalem, Israel, speaks the words of wisdom and truth relating Torah and it’s relevancy to our daily lives. While offering a deeper perspective on the turbulent state of our people, he also provides practical steps to add meaning and depth to your week and perspective on the world’s current state.  About Joey Swaid: Joey Swaid is currently entering his third year at Yeshivat Mikdash Melech in Yerushalayim. He is passionate about inspiring others and offering Chizuk. with Hashem’s help, he shares a weekly recording of the Devar Torah on the Parasha every Friday on his WhatsApp chat.  Connect with Joey Swaid’s WhatsApp Chat here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/lYtALxNy8NI25NQbZV2i42 Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod

It's one of Judaism's most iconic holidays! Passover! The Rugrats did an episode about it. How could you not know about the holiday? You know, the one where we eat flat crackers? The one with the long dinner that's delayed by stories? Speaking of dinners, who's leading it this year? Oh, you are? And have you ever led a Passover Seder before? No? That's okay, Larry Cohen has you covered. Leading a Passover Seder dinner can be intimidating whether you're a pro or not. There are tons of logistics to coordinate and you also have to be mindful of the story. How can you possibly take this task on if you're not properly taught? Larry Cohen, a philanthropist, business owner, and mentor of Chaz Volk's, teaches the fundamentals and mindfulness around the Passover story (or Haggadah). 00:00 Introduction 04:05 The Cohen Family's work in the Jewish Community / JCA Shalom 08:01 Inclusion on Passover 10:41 Modern plagues 16:27 Building community in difficult times 19:46 Cute family traditions 23:09 Passing on Jewish traditions for future generations 24:27 Jewish leadership and gratitude 28:12 Conclusion About Larry Cohen: Professional  Larry is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Glyphix advertising which celebrates 29 years of delivering breakthrough creative across all kinds of media, to a wide variety of clients. Communal Board Member of Los Angeles Jewish Federation Executive Board Member of Valley Alliance  Founder of JBL Roundtable (Jewish Business Leaders) Chair of Conejo Valley Outreach Program Board Member of Heschel West Day school Board Member Jewlicious President Shalom Institute Wexner Alumni Executive Director Leve Family Foundation Connect with Larry Cohen: Support JCA Shalom at ShalominStitute.com www.Glyphix.com  Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

This episode is about humans. This episode is about identity. This episode is about health. This episode is about self-awareness and self-care. This episode is about morality and this episode is about making sacrifices to pursue authenticity and wholeness. Any commentary outside of those themes is out of ignorance.  Michael Alroy, a contestant on Israel's Big Brother, a business owner, and a kind soul, speaks to his life journey and how it relates to his Judaism. Chaz Volk, an ally of the LGBTQA community and host of Bad Jew, investigates Alroy's journey to shed light on the human need to pursue inconvenient and difficult measures to embrace identity.  00:00 Introduction 05:01 Understanding gender 06:49 Realized identity 10:57 Emphasizing with the transgender community  15:07 Revealing transgender identity 18:12 Respect, kindness, reflection 22:27 Challenges in LGBTQ community 25:06 Promoting understanding and acceptance 26:49 Transition process 30:09 Outro About Michael Alroy: “Life begins where fear ends” was Michael’s motto when he made the bold decision to undergo gender reassignment surgery at the age of 21. This was an irreversible decision, which finally allowed him to be and look, the way he felt. From that point on there was no hesitation, regrets, and no holds barred as he transformed himself from Michelle Haziza, to Michael Alroy – a man of his own. Michael Alroy was born Michelle Haziza in Johannesburg South Africa in 1990. He spent the first seven years of his life in South Africa and attended a Jewish Day School in Johannesburg until Grade 1. In Israel, Michael struggled to adapt to the strictly religious environment of his school as he began to experience a conflict with his gender identity. He felt like a boy in girls' clothing and hated the rules about dress and behavior imposed on him by the school. Nevertheless, the girls admired his spirit of independence and insistence on being and acting as he felt. As you can imagine his school life was fraught with conflict and feelings of duality and awkwardness. His most joyous day was when he finally finished his schooling and was able to dress and act as he wanted. Still, he encountered more difficulties. The lecture provides an opportunity to hear first-hand Michael's touching and fascinating life story, whilst compelling the audience to identify with his plight and to look more closely at the society in which they live. Michael awakens in each and every member of the audience their potential and power to make changes in their lives. Connect with Michael Alroy: YouTube @mikialroy21   IG @michael_alroy LI Michael Alroy Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

We've all heard of Kabbalah but what does it really do? Why does it matter? This fictitious book filled with magical and mystical ideas seems to have just as much realism as Greek mythology, right? Wrong. What if Kabbalah was one of the most misunderstood pieces of text out of Jewish literature?  Like many others, the concept and purpose of Kabbalah has been a mystery to people like host Chaz Volk. Volk speaks with Kabbalah student and coach Reb Adam Yitzchak Polinovskiy to uncover the truth and reasoning behind this ancient text. Tune in to learn how Kabbalah is much more involved in our lives than we can possibly conceive!  00:00 Introduction 07:02 Kabbalistic Overview 14:02 Trauma into Inspiration 16:35 Chaz's Kabbalah Story 19:34 Benefits of Kabbalah 24:25 Personal Development 28:27 Transformative opportunities 30:28 Outro About Reb Adam Yitzchak Polinovskiy: Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Reb Adam Yitzchak Polinovskiy has had an incredible journey back to his Jewish roots thanks to Kabbalistic Wisdom. Having studied directly under world-leading Kabbalist, Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Gottlieb Shlit"a, Reb Adam has gained the skills and knowledge to help elevate the generation. Reb Adam has gained around 40,000 combined social media followers and flourished a transformational Mindset/Life Coaching practice for CEO's, Founders, and beyond in the past year alone. Reb Adam now resides in Israel with his wife and son. Oh, and he loves schnitzel! Connect with Reb Adam Yitzchak Polinovskiy: RebAdam.com Ig and TikTok @rebadamyitzchak YT @RebAdamYitzchak   Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Let's be real. Tattoos look cool. Some tattoos are questionable and regrettable later in life. But ultimately, who doesn't want a tattoo? It's also important to acknowledge that Jews and tattoos haven't always had the best relationship given our survival story. Despite this, it's been well-known that Jews can't have tattoos. What if we told you that's not true? Chabad Rabbi Dovid Braslawsce hails from the Yiddishkeit communities of the East Coast to teach why tattoos are actually acceptable. You read that correctly. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, gets his preconceived notions challenged by this new school of thought most have never considered before. Learn the actual rules and semantics of the Torah around the hot-button topic of tattoos with Chaz and 'The Tattoo Rabbi'! About Rabbi Dovid Braslawsce: Dovid, originally from the trucker-stop town of Beaver, Pennsylvania, where his family stood as the lone Jewish presence among its 4 thousand inhabitants, navigated a childhood marked by boundless energy and frequent mischief, lacking kosher avenues to express his authentic self. However, his trajectory shifted after being exposed to both Chabad and Mixed Martial Arts during his time in university. Today, known affectionately as the Tattoo Rabbi, Dovid calls Crown Heights, New York home, dedicating himself to dual pursuits: G-d and the discipline of martial arts. By day, he serves as the Happiness Manager for Chabad.org, while his evenings are devoted to leading a self-defense program for men in Crown Heights. He also travels internationally to campuses and communities to share his story, give encouragement, and teach what it means to be a strong and proud Jew. His overarching purpose lies in inspiring and empowering individuals, irrespective of their religiosity, to embrace and take ownership of their Yiddishkeit. 00:00 Introduction to Rabbi Dovid Braslawsce 06:06 Can Jews Have Tattoos? 09:09 Jewish cemeteries laws around tattoos 12:02 Bible origin of the law 14:34 Holocaust survivors and the Jewish relationship with tattoos 18:27 Life and death situations 24:57 Meaningful decisions for tattoos 28:42 Tattoo removal 30:21 Expressing Jewish identity in action 32:43 Conclusion Connect with Rabbi Dovid Braslawsce IG @tattoo_rabbi Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

It's Purim! The holiday when Jews dress up in fun costumes, eat cookies, read stories of Jewish revolt, and drink tons of alcohol. Sound accurate to your experience? What if we told you all of that was untrue? Rabbi Raps returns to the podcast to teach the truth behind the beloved holiday of Purim. Join host and birthday boy, Chaz Volk, as he learns about the deeper meaning behind our rituals, the several layers of the Megillah reading, and the relevant part Purim plays in our day-to-day lives as Jews. 00:00 Introduction and birthday blessing to the guest and audience 05:01 The nature of Jewish holidays 08:52 What Values Does Purim Embrace? 12:54 Jews and Alcohol 16:02 The Megillah Reading 18:56 G-d's presence in the Megillah Reading 20:42 The Jewish Empowerment Story 23:17 Hidden Layers of Meaning 29:01 The Rebbe's Final Thoughts on Purim 29:54 Conclusion About Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport: Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport, AKA @RabbiRaps Rabbi, Influencer, Film Maker & Motivational Speaker. The TikTok Rebbe. With more than 330k followers across Instagram and Tictok and videos with Millions of views, @Rabbiraps is one of the fastest-growing Jewish social media influencers in the world today. "Community Rabbi becomes an Influencer by accident. Since 2016 Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport has served as the Spiritual Leader of the Chabad at the shore in Atlantic County, NJ. He is a graduate of the Rabbinical College of America and received his Rabbinical Ordination in 2003. In 2021, during the COVID-19 epidemic, Rabbi Rapoport began creating videos to communicate with his community. After a few videos went viral, he realized the power of social media and began creating content on a daily basis." Connect with Rabbi Raps: IG and TikTok @RabbiRaps Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Are the Jewish people united? It may seem like a simple question but it's not. Before October 7th, the Knesset faced a great division among its people. During the 96th Academy Awards, we saw Jewish filmmakers speaking against Israel. Among Jews, we see labels and identifiers to help tell our ethnic story. Depending on the context, that label can be used in a negative. In this thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Yaacov Haber discusses with Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, to discuss the identity crisis and compromise that is Jewish identity. Rabbi Haber goes in-depth on the multifaceted nature and opinions of Jewish identity, from the front lines in Israel to the international diaspora, and the complex but beautiful symphony of individual roles contributing to the grander Jewish narrative. 00:00 Introduction to Rabbi Yaacov Haber 04:17 Are Jews United? 06:45 Diverse opinions in democracy and Judaism's disunity 11:23 The relevance and value of every Jew 13:38 Unity within division 19:31 International opinions of Israel 22:02 Peace 24:27 Reaction to antisemtism 28:38 Being a light unto nations 30:27 Conclusion About Rabbi Yaacov Haber: Since 1978, Rabbi Yaacov Haber has been a leading figure in the global Jewish community, with a rich history of leadership in education and spiritual guidance. His journey includes founding the Australian Institute of Torah, revitalizing the Jewish community in Buffalo, New York, serving as National Director of Jewish Education for the Orthodox Union, and playing a pivotal role in the Association of Jewish Outreach Programs (AJOP), where he furthered Jewish outreach and education. Notably, Rabbi Haber also served as the Rav of Congregation Bais Torah in Monsey, New York. Today, Rabbi Haber is the Rav and Spiritual Leader of Kehillat Shivtei Yeshurun in Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel. His ongoing role at Shivtei Yeshurun represents a significant chapter in a career dedicated to fostering Jewish learning, community, and spiritual growth. Rabbi Haber is also the President of Mosaica Press and an author of numerous impactful works, continuing his lifelong commitment to Jewish education and enrichment. Connect with Rabbi Yaacov Haber: www.YaacovHaber.com  @RabbiYaacovHaber   Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Jews are not white! How many times do we need to tell you this? If you're not a Jew and are listening to this episode, you probably have the image of a Fiddler-on-the-Roof-looking fellow (called a Chassid). While they are certainly real, they're not the only ones. Despite being in the minority of Jewish diversity, they are given most of the spotlight. Let's fix that problem. In this episode of Bad Jew we interview members of The LUNAR Collective, the only organization by and for Asian American Jews! Maryam Chishti, Vanessa Bloom, and David Chiu highlight the feats of the organization while discussing their personal experiences as Asian-American Jews. Host of Bad Jew Chaz Volk uncovers the Asian-Jewish experience and their contribution to the Jewish world. Timeline: 00:00 : Introduction 06:37 The LUNAR COLLECTIVE 07:17 Asian-Jewish Community 12:33 Stereotypes 15:14 Self-Identification, Tradition 20:06 The Lunar Calendar 21:03 Double meaning of "LUNAR" 27:01 The Asian-Jewish experience 32:55 Diaspora Jews 34:39 Connecting with non-Jewish Asians 37:46 Conclusion About LUNAR:  A bit about LUNAR: The LUNAR Collective cultivates connection, belonging and visibility for Asian American Jews through intersectional community programming and authentic digital storytelling. About Maryam Chishti:  Maryam Chishti is the proud Co-Executive Director of The LUNAR Collective, the first and only organization for Asian American Jews. She is a graduate of JoCI's Inaugural Leadership Fellowship and is currently a fellow at The Ruskay Institute at UJA. Outside of LUNAR, Maryam runs a Moishe House in New York and is passionate about democratic politics and theater. She performs improv and sketch comedy, and enjoys creative writing as well.  About Vanessa Bloom: Vanessa Bloom a Chinese Jewish American writer, educator, and filmmaker from Orange County, California. Her work has been featured in HeyAlma, The Braid Jewish Theater, NFFTY, South Eastern European Film Festival, Mixed Asian Media Festival, and more. In addition to creative pursuits, Vanessa earned her B.A. and teaching credential in History, and she is a Los Angeles Community Leader for The LUNAR Collective. Vanessa loves mystery novels, sushi, and copious amounts of Jewish humor. About David Chiu: David Chiu, of Litvak and Cantonese heritage, is the Marketing & Communications Manager for The Braid, the go-to Jewish story company. He is a producer on its storytelling web-series, StoryNosh, as well as a frequent writer for its stage productions. David is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Temple Isaiah, a social-justice oriented West Los Angeles synagogue, where he co-founded its Young Professionals Group, is the Chair of its Voter Engagement Group, is a member of its Green Team and Social Justice Committee, and received its 2019 Emerging Leader Award. He is a Los Angeles Community Leader for The LUNAR Collective, a national organization of Asian Jews creating community and visibility, creating numerous events and having served on the creation committee of LUNAR's Asian Jewish Haggadah. Together, LUNAR and The Braid are creating What Do I Do with All This Heritage? — the first theatre show to explore the lives of Asian Jews. David is the lead producer of that production. He also serves on the Board of Directors of California Interfaith Power & Light, an environmental activist organization. Connect with LUNAR www.WeAreAsianJews.org Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

The movie, One Love, the Bob Marley biopic, just came out which has people looking closer at the Rastafari culture. Putting the culture into the spotlight, many have noticed the undeniable ties between their religion and Jewish themes. Jewish organizations have jumped onto the trend of asking, and even claiming, that Bob Marley was Jewish. Whether or not this is true is trivial. What's more valuable is the discovery of Jewish and Jamaican ties and how oppression brought them together. As a full-time Jewish advocate, Tyler Samuels sheds light on the little-known history of Jamaican Jews and the isolating experience of being a black Jew. From the secret crypto Jews of the Spanish Inquisition to the influences on Rastafari culture and the intriguing story of a Jewish pirate, Samuels offers an exciting exploration of Jamaican Jewish history. Don't miss out on this eye-opening episode that will challenge preconceptions and celebrate the diversity within Jewish culture. Timeline: 00:00 Introduction to Tyler Samuels 03:45 The Spanish Inquisition 07:07 Colonies and the spread of oppression 09:25 Pirates 15:23 Jewish persecution in Iberia and colonies. 16:18 Defining Genocide 21:21 Rastafarian culture is influenced by Jewish symbols. 24:35 Personal experiences 26:39 Conclusion About Tyler Samuels: Tyler Samuels is the creator of the social media account BluntBlackJew. He was the Campus Development Lead at Hillel BC Society. Tyler was also a fellow for the Union of Reform Judaism’s Jews of Color Leadership Fellowship and a Jewish Federation of North America Changemakers Fellow for Aspiring Leaders. Through Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, Tyler teaches Jews and non-Jews Caribbean Jewish & general Jewish history and life as a Black Jew. Connect with Tori Greene IG: @bluntblackjew Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Shabbat, the weekly holiday that Jews practice to break from the everyday grind of life, can change drastically depending on who leads it. Factors that can impact your Shabbat experience can rely on the shull you attended, whose home you're in, the experience of the leader, the cultural background, etc. There are so many experiences that come with Shabbat; One has to ask - What is the right Shabbat vibe? Host of Bad Jew, Chaz Volk, is joined by talented singer and Rabbi-In-Training Tori Greene to get break down the proper 'vibe' of Shabbat. Greene discusses and even sings the niguns and melodies that help us explore the traditions encompassing Kabbalat Shabbat. She delves into rituals and practices of Shabbat emphasizing what makes it so integral to Jewish tradition. Tune in to this playful and insightful episode that sheds light on the influence of music that welcomes the Sabbath. 00:00 Introduction to Tori Greene 05:44 Intention of Shabbat 08:06 Diversity of Jewish music 11:52 What is Kabbalat Shabbat 13:56 Participating in Jewish prayer 19:07 Meaning behind the structure of prayer 25:15 Shabbat observance 28:14 Various melodies and their intention 33:14 Keva vs. Kavanaugh 34:16 Expressing gratitude About Tori Greene: Tori Greene is a proud Latina-Jew. She’s an innovator, community builder, and collaborator. She is passionate about impacting the Jewish world by creating spaces for exploration and belonging, from leading twelve Birthright trips to heading the first-ever Moishe Pod to launching the Miami hub for OneTable. As a passionate educator for all things Israel and Jewish, she runs an Instagram page in hopes of being a strong voice for liberal Zionism. You can follow her at @DivreiTori  Tori understands that music has the power to bring people in. It connects us through our hearts and our souls and provides feelings of joy and belonging. Currently pursuing Rabbinical ordination with a dual master’s in Nonprofit Management at Hebrew Union College, she invites individuals to consider how the wisdom of our Jewish tradition helps us find meaning and purpose in our lives through a modern lens while weaving in music that calls to yearning Jewish souls. Connect with Tori Greene IG: @divreitori Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

It's Valentine's Day, the day that all people either adore or despise depending on whether or not they are single (or whether or not they're in a good relationship). Love is an abstract concept. There certainly are easy-to-spot actions that lovers take like giving and receiving affection, doing favors for each other, exchanging gifts, and even verbally saying "I love you." But how those feelings develop and how they change over time is an intangible emotion that no one has ever perfectly mastered. Rabbi Melinda Bernstein is a freelance Rabbi who regularly officiates weddings and helps guide the spirituality that couples can struggle to tap into. Bernstein guides us through the evolution of relationships, the art of communication, and the pursuit of a soulmate. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, learns about Rabbi Melinda's reframing of "roadblocks" to "road walks" in relational paths; She shares her personal experiences and Kabbalistic insights on being a vessel for divine energy. Episode Timeline: 00:00 Introduction to Rabbi Melinda Bernstein. 06:20 Choosing to heal, see passion, be real. 08:20 Road walk: conflict resolution through open dialogue. 11:01 Navigating inner conflict, seeking connection and guidance. 13:21 Kabbalah as conduit to connect with energy. 19:13 Seeking deep wisdom and joy in life. 20:35 Individual sexual energy and healing vs herd. 24:13 Manifesting good or bad outcomes is uncertain. 27:51 Seeking love and companionship after 18 years. 29:28 Time is precious, make every moment count. About Rabbi Melinda Bernstein: Melinda is a freelance rabbi in Southeast Florida. She was Ordained May 14, 2009 on the sandy beach in Hollywood, Florida. She chose this date in honor of Mother's Day and Israel Independence Day. As a native Floridian, Melinda was born in Miami Beach, was raised Reform Jewish in Dade County, raised children Orthodox Jewish in Broward County, and raised many eyebrows with her open-minded, eclectic & unique Rabbinical style.  As a child of the reform movement, Melinda felt bored and uninspired. As a wife and mother, Melinda became a Ba’al Teshuvah in the orthodox lifestyle, which was nourishing yet void of her mystical, musical and shamanic interests. As a divorcee’, Melinda embraced an embodied path and has helped others do the same. Melinda embraces the present as a loving energy between God, her Ancestors, family and beyond. From her life experiences Melinda has found and accessed a loving conduit of energy with God. Melinda's approach to Judaism is anchored with the consciousness of the heart, the passion of the soul, and the delight of knowing the body. Through years of study and practice, Melinda transcends the ordinary and knows how to meet people where they are. Her covenant with God is rooted in compassion, understanding and love upon our neighbors of the earth. Each of us has a unique journey towards redemption and in that journey is a roadmap of our soul work. Learning to map out the road ahead is Melinda’s divine specialty and joy. Read Melinda’s Journey to Redemption and get her free Roadmap to assist you map out the road ahead. Melinda is a devoted mother of two, mother-in-law to one and grandmother of three. Melinda knows that family and faith are at the forefront of every endeavor and in her "free" time, she explores new ways of being best herself.  Melinda's approach to Judaism is anchored with the consciousness of the heart, the passion of the soul, and the delight of knowing the body. Through years of study and practice, Melinda transcends the ordinary and knows how to meet people where they are. Her covenant with God is rooted in compassion, understanding and love upon our neighbors of the earth. Personable, professional & easy to work with, Melinda has excellent references! Connect with Rabbi Melinda Bernstein: www.MelindaBernstein.com Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

We have to fast? Again? Yep. For another 25 hours, Jews are told to fast for what is considered the saddest day in the Jewish calendar. Tisha B’Av is a holiday some know very fondly while others have never heard of. It commemorates the destruction of the 1st and 2nd Temples along with other exceptionally tragic moments in Jewish history. What is the meaning of this? What did we do to deserve this? Why does this keep happening? Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser, known for his comedic and unique style of speaking, jumps onto Bad Jew to explore the deeper ideas behind this portion of our history. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, gets a crash course to the Jewish diaspora, the tragedy that have struck our generations, and explores what we can do to change the outcome of the future (Moshiach!) Special thanks to Yosef Behar of Oshpiza (Oshpiza.com) for making this interview possible.  About Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser: Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser received a Bachelors Degree in Humanities from the University of California at Santa Barbara. For 12 years he surfed internationally on a professional level. He is also an accomplished mountain biker and professional musician. He received rabbinic ordination from Aish HaTorah and the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. His areas of expertise are Kabbala, Spirituality and Psychotherapy. Connect with Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser: YouTube - @RabbiYomTov   IG - @rabbiyomtov  Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod

What have we learned after a year? Bad Jew, the podcast has produced content for over a year. 58 episodes later, the show has reached the top 10% of Jewish podcasts by being consistent in Jewish teachings. But has it been consistent in teaching the foundation it was built on? That there is no such thing as a Bad Jew? Igor Milgram, an entrepreneur from the Bay Area of Northern California, had a similar idea. Wanting to connect the forgotten members of the Jewish community, he put together his personal resources to spread the message that there truly is no such thing as a Bad Jew. He does this by creating spaces to welcome all members no matter what their background is. Milgram's events caught the eye of Bad Jew podcast host Chaz Volk. Chaz and Igor explore the meaning of Bad Jew, Jewish identity, and openly discuss the potential of their comprehensive partnership. About Igor Milgram: Igor Milgram – A Jewish Immigrant from Ukraine. Born during the Soviet Union and a Bay Area Resident since he was two years old. Igor has always broken the mold of what was expected of him. Whether it be working at NASA with no degree at 21, becoming Vice President of AEPI at SJSU at 23, starting a Cannabis Infused Beef Jerky Company, or helping run a high-end meat processing company before the age of 30, he has chosen to carve his own path instead of using one set out in front of him. Now a consultant in the cannabis industry, who helps take care of his mother and grandmother, and an active participant in the SF Bay Area Jewish scene, he has started a new project to foster a change in the Jewish Community. By creating SFBadJews he hopes to create a sense of home for all the Jewish People who have been left behind by the Jewish world as it exists currently, change the stereotypes of what society expects a Jewish person to be, and transform what the Jewish world thinks a Good Jew or Bad Jew looks like.  Connect with Igor Milgram: IG @sfbadjews Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

It's the secular new year which means many of you have taken the time to practice introspection and reflect on what was and what could have been. The need to improve for 2024 is conditioned by the growth mindset we all have. As it turns out, even the Torah is built around a growth mindset. While many wouldn't initially recognize the Torah as a place to set goals, Rabbi David Schlusselberg helps us realign our thinking. Schlesselberg sits with host, Chaz Volk, to draw from lessons from biblical stories and allow space for personal stories to be shared. About Rabbi David Schlusselberg: Rabbi David Schlusselberg is a teacher and the mashgiach ruchani at the Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School in Livingston, NJ. He has been working with teenagers in formal and informal settings for over 15 years. Rabbi Schlusselberg obtained semicha from Yeshiva University, and has a master's degree in Jewish education from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education. Connect with Rabbi David Schlusselberg IG @rabbi_david_schlusselberg TikTok @rabbi.davidschlusselberg Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Have you hugged a tree today? It might be more therapeutic than you think. In one of Judaism's more light-hearted holidays, Tu Bishvat marks a seasonal change full of joy, gratitude, and growth. For humans, it's just another Thursday. For trees, it's their holiest day of the year and/or their new year! With the theme of new beginnings, Jews around the world rejoice in meaningful activity around sweetness and love for nature. Rabbi Levi Begun of Culver City Chabad shares that very appreciation and love for nature. Being that his favorite fruit is the passion fruit and that his favorite animal is the lion, Begun speaks on this show with a comprehensive look at this peaceful celebration. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, peels back the layers and learns of the various degrees of intention behind this love of trees. About Rabbi Levi Begun: With great passion for Judaism, my wife and I together with our 2 little children moved to Culver City, California to join the 220 Chabad centers in California, and 4,000 Chabad centers worldwide. Chabad in Culver City is a center for Jews of all backgrounds who want to learn more about their Jewish roots. Chabad offers a wide variety of educational and spiritual opportunities, including Torah classes and lectures, Shabbat dinners, and an array of family and social activities. Traditional Jewish values are brought to life in a joyous, non-judgmental atmosphere. Guided by the leadership, teachings, and inspirations of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Chabad Lubavitch has set the dictum of “Love your fellow as yourself” as the defining factor in its approach of unconditional acceptance of fellow Jewish people. Chabad treasures the infinite value of every individual and is committed to enriching the lives of everyone through its multiple programs and services. Each individual is encouraged to appreciate the power of our heritage at their own comfortable pace. Chabad serves all segments of the Jewish community. Everyone is welcome regardless of their personal level of religious observance. Participants in our multitude of programs experience the joy and celebration, the intimacy and compassion, the wisdom and knowledge that is inherent in Jewish life and learning. Chabad will use whatever means necessary to bring the message of Torah true Judaism to the children, teens, adults and elderly of the community. Watch the excitement on the faces of the children who partake in our youth programs; ask the hundreds who participate in our events, and you begin to feel an incredible sense of community. We invite you to get involved and take part in our events, activities & classes for all ages! Our doors are always open, welcoming everyone to participate in all that we offer. Our family looks forward to meeting you!  Connect with Rabbi Levi Begun www.JewishCulverCity.com IG @JewishCulverCity Connect with Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Do you ever wish you could tell the future? Or have some kind of spiritual mirror that reveals your destiny? Does it ever feel like your life is falling apart because mercury is in retrograde? These are all common expressions and ideas from the secular world; Concepts that mix with Judaism like water and oil, simply having no place in common with Jewish discussion. Then you remember, we do everything off of the lunar calendar. Surely the galaxy is involved somehow which means... it's not a far fetched idea to include astrology into the mix. In this thought-provoking interview with the esteemed astrologist and historian, Lorelai Kude. Delving into the realm of Jewish astrology, Lorelai provides listeners with a unique perspective on the celestial forces intertwined with Kabbalah and mysticism. As the conversation unfolds, Lorelai sheds light on the intricate connection between zodiac signs and Jewish teachings, offering a fascinating exploration of how ancient wisdom and cosmic energies converge. Listeners are treated to a journey through the lunar calendar's significance in Jewish traditions, revealing how celestial cycles play a pivotal role in the spiritual fabric of Judaism. About Lorelai Kude: Lorelai Kude holds a BA in Journalism with a Minor in Religious Studies from San Francisco State University. She received her MA in Jewish Studies from Berkeley’s Graduate Theological Union.  Her thesis “Yesh Mazal l’Yisrael: Astrology in Jewish Cultural History and Identity” explores the rabbinic enterprise’s institutionalization of astrology, despite the legal prohibition against its use in divination.  A professional practicing astrologer for over 30 years and a teacher/ mentor of private astrology students, she writes “Astrolojew”, an internationally syndicated Jewish horoscope column.   Connect with Lorelai Kude: https://myjewishstars.com/ Connect with Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

The spirit of the Jewish people is challenged by the fact that most of us don't have a direct way to participate in this war. Between that simple fact and the negativity spewing off social media, it's easy to fall into a pit of helplessness. It's completely valid to feel down. However... Shoshanna Stein from @MySoCalledJewishLife is a spiritual warrior. She interviews with the host of Bad Jew, Chaz Volk, to highlight how she fights this war from a pragmatic place. Her passion and efforts are highlighted in her day-to-day as well as in the content she produces. Get inspired by the enlightening vibrations of this episode. About Shoshanna Stein: Born into a Chabad family, Shoshanna Stein hails from a highly orthodox background. At 18, she relocated to Israel, she pursued studies in fashion in Tel Aviv where she got her degree. Shoshanna is a mother of three and is passionate about art, using her experiences to create meaningful and spiritual pieces. Her profound connection to Judaism is evident in her vibrant Jewish life, which combines Chabad and Sephardic influences. A particular focus is the Ki Tov Project, which conveys the belief that everything is essentially good. Now involved in the Hebrew Academy, she aims to bring the Ki Tov Project to schools in Miami and beyond. Connect with Shoshanna Stein: https://linktr.ee/mysocalledjewishlife Connect with Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Israel's strength is once again being challenged in a multi-front war. Everyone's willpower has been tested from the top of government to everyday citizens. Once, it was only the South that was at risk. The general consensus among Israeli citizens is that everyone just has to try and do their part and attempt to carry on with daily life. For the most part, this is doable, and from what many are saying, requires little adjustment. However, Israelis from all corners are seasoned with similar conflicts of past. What about the newer citizens who recently made Aliyah? Eli Eisenberg used to reside comfortably in sunny Los Angeles, California, where the only thing shaking the ground was the San Andreas Fault. Now he lives miles away from a warzone, where 300,000 reservists remain on standby for orders while forces surgically work their way through the labyrinth of tunnels under Gaza. Chaz, host of Bad Jew, learns about this difficult adjustment with Eisenberg. With Hamas in Eli's backyard, one has to wonder: Was It Worth Moving To Israel? About Eli Eisenberg: Eli Eisenberg has more than 40 years of hands on experience in the financial and business management of entrepreneurial companies. From October, 2019, to April 2021, Mr. Eisenberg was CEO of Steril-Aire, a manufacturer of Ultraviolet Germicidal Devices. While at the helm of Steril-Aire, Mr. Eisenberg shepherded the company through a $70 million sale to one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. As founder and CEO of Straight Line Management™, he specializes in providing financial expertise and mentoring to high-potential early stage companies. Mr. Eisenberg helps them to increase profitability, secure funding, evaluate and capitalize on opportunities, streamline financial operations, and get the financial side of the business under control. Since launching his Straight Line Management consulting company in 1991, he has served as a trusted advisor to more than 100 early-stage companies across a variety of industries including software and game companies, high and low tech manufacturing companies, wholesale distribution companies, product and services companies. As CEO and founder of Straight Line Management, Mr. Eisenberg works at the senior level, as a trusted advisor to CEOs, CFOs, Boards and investors. In high-potential companies, he counsels senior management and guides existing staff towards the identification of profitable business opportunities, the solution of complex financial problems, and the development of improved management systems. Mr. Eisenberg is well-known for his expertise in creating financial models on behalf of start-ups and early stage companies seeking outside investment. Prior to starting Straight Line Management, Mr. Eisenberg served as Chief Financial Officer for three high technology companies, served in senior financial and operational management positions (including VP of Finance and VP of Operations) in several other high growth companies, and established, ran and sold his own successful consumer products company. Mr. Eisenberg has extensive experience in strategic planning, capital raising strategies, financial management and forecasting, business plan preparation, and development and streamlining of management reporting systems and controls. He received his MBA from the University of California, Berkeley in 1976 and became a Certified Public Accountant in the State of California is 1978. Connect with Eli Eisenberg: LinkedIn: Eli Eisenberg Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Surely you've heard the chant "Free Palestine" but have you asked yourself What is Palestine? It'd be irresponsible not to do your research. Perhaps you'd be surprised to learn it was never a state but rather a land. You may also be surprised to learn that Jews, Christians, and Arabs alike were once called Palestinian. What regional features define the land of Palestine and what are we 'freeing'? Who are we giving the freedom to anyway? These are all such important questions to ask, especially after October 7th brought international attention to the land. Liel Kopell hails from Haifa, Israel to bring light to this confusion. But how do we know it's not propaganda? Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, interviews and even debates the material and opinions of Mr. Kopell while uncovering the truth behind Palestine and its relation to Israel. About Liel Kopell: Liel Kopell, known as MrKopell, is a 23-year-old Israeli TikToker who lives in Israel, a true patriot of his country, enlisted to the Israel Defense Forces and served in the Navy despite having suffered a severe knee injury in his youth. After the atrocities of October 7th, Liel decided to open a Tiktok page and confront pro-Palestinians around the world to voice the Israeli perspective while providing unique insights that many haven't considered. Follow Liel Kopell: IG: @mr.kopell TikTok: @mrkopellnew Contact Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

If you're a Jew, life feels like chaos right now. How can you not spiral into the anxiety-induced environment we're in? If you're like us, you go from your phone (filled with terrible news stories coming out of Israel), to your local supermarket (wondering who's going to scope you out and say something because you're Jewish), only to wind up back home where the normal everyday responsibilities of existing piles up. This is because our identities and the general public are suddenly clashing. Whether we like it or not, we're at war. Just as familiar with this feeling is Devora Golberg, host of the Desire to Be podcast. Goldberg is an overall healer and has used her wisdom in Torah and Judaism to guide groundbreaking personal development. She steps onto Bad Jew with Chaz Volk to guide all of us on how to release, center, and realign our thinking to be resilient and healthy despite the times. About Devora Goldberg: Devora Goldberg is the owner of RELEASE to RELAX corporate workshops. When people show up in their corporate roles, all they want to do is excel at their work, yet so many times anxiety, fear, and unworthiness get in the way. Devora’s workshops offer an inner calm reset and release of what we may be holding onto within. She is also the host of the Desire To Be podcast, uncovering the many avenues that people’s deep desires project their path to greatness on their life. Contact Devora Goldberg: Desire to Be - a podcast available on your favorite listening platform LinkedIn - Devora Goldberg Contact Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Yes, some hostages are back but the war still rages on. To say Israel hasn't been the same since October 7th is an understatement, to say the least. The country pre-war was more divided politically than it had ever seen. There was political unrest, which was a reaction to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial reform. Protests and demonstrations were being made in front of the Knesset and other government properties. However, in the strange and miraculous way that Israelis function, the country appears to be more united than ever before. Israeli citizens who can't fight on the frontlines are busy performing acts of service wherever they can, sacrificing time, effort, and money to support Israel's right to exist. Jacob Churchbourne is no exception to this phenomenon. Originally positioned to serve in the Israeli Defense Forces, his service was delayed due to the war. He and other reservists have teamed up to create Tzachi Israel, a non-profit that gifts 100% of everything they receive (money and resources) directly to soldiers stationed at military bases around Israel. Together they have tirelessly supplied the frontlines while reminding the individuals that they have love and support backing their every move. Churchbourne shows Chaz, host of Bad Jew, how they plan to grow and be a driving force behind this war.  About Jacob Churchbourne: Jacob Churchbourne is a 23-year-old individual who takes pride in his Jewish identity. Originally hailing from a small town in North Carolina, he spent his childhood herding cattle on his family's farm. With a father who served in the US military for over 30 years, Jacob developed a strong sense of service and dedication from a young age. Growing up, Jacob was actively involved in sports, playing hockey and lacrosse. Eventually, he pursued lacrosse at North Carolina State University. Following his graduation, Jacob participated in the Israel Lacrosse Association gap year program, where he developed a deep affection for the country. Opting to extend his stay, he took on the role of a youth development coordinator, coaching children in Ashkelon, southern Israel. In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Jacob is a professional hockey player for the Bat Yam Dolphins of the IEHL, representing Israel in international competitions. Motivated by the tragic events of October 7, he, along with a group of friends, founded the non-profit organization Tzachi Israel. The organization's mission is to ensure that every IDF soldier has the necessary gear to safeguard themselves, their comrades, and the country. Since the inception of Tzachi Israel, they have successfully raised over $250,000, covered over 9,000 miles, and delivered supplies to more than 80 different locations. Their commitment remains unwavering as they continue to contribute to the well-being of IDF soldiers and the nation during times of war. Connect with Jacob Churchbourne IG @tzachi.israel www.TzachiIsrael.org/en Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

It's time to light our candles, fill our donuts with jelly, and spin our dreidels. American Jewry's favorite Jewish holiday is here! Hanukkah. Channukah? Chanukkah? Which spelling do you go by? Regardless, this time is marked by festive parties, gift exchanges, and family time. With the international crisis of the Jewish identity, with the war in Israel raging on, we need this positivity for our mental health's sake! No less, one has to ask themselves "What is the origin of this holiday?" When looking deeper into the Channukah story, one can't help but find parallels between the Maccabee's actions of the past and extremists today. Does this mean we're celebrating the actions of a violent clan of Jewish mobsters? Was our favorite childhood holiday a giant lie? Jay Hoffman, better known as Sephardic Soul by his Instagram, takes a break from teaching children at a Hebrew school in New York to teach Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, who the Maccabees actually were and how their actions compare to today's current events. About Jay Hoffman: Sephardicsoul is a Jewish educator in New Jersey. He has lived in Israel for a year in 2018 studying at Ohr Somayach in Jerusalem and working at the Israeli Ministry of Health in Tel Aviv. He is passionate about the Classical Sephardic outlook that has been espoused by great Jewish leaders such as Maimonides, Gersonides, and ibn Gabirol. Sephardicsoul enjoys cooking, reading, and inviting friends and family to his home for Shabbat. Connect with Jay Hoffman IG @SephardicSoul Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Hashem is this infinite being, for lack of better term. He's all-encompassing and created us out of nothing, indicating his sheer power. Yet, it's a mitzvah to pray and is a commandment to pray during certain times. So then... does he need anything or not? And of all things, why prayer? Prayer is an area of specialty for Rabbi Ephy Greene of Aish HaTorah's Yeshiva in Jerusalem, Israel. During a 'swearing in' ceremony by the IDF, Ephy goes into detail on why Hashem wants us to daven and seek spirituality within ourselves. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, learns why it's a necessity to get closer to Hashem. 00:00 Introduction 04:33 Life-changing moments 07:08 Questioning purpose  10:09 Our relationship with God depends on us 16:07 The search for meaning 18:06 Informal prayer expresses vulnerability 20:57 Structure is essential 25:31 Torah is God's communication and vision 27:10 Living a moral life through heartfelt prayer 30:54 Conclusion About Ephy Greene: Rabbi Ephy Greene has been teaching in the US & Israel for over 20 years. Growing up the son of a Conservative rabbi, but attending Orthodox schools, Ephy experienced Jews and Judaism in a variety of contexts, from USY retreats to studying with Chassidim in the Mir. Rabbi Greene has been teaching in Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem for the past decade. He is also a Jewish singer/songwriter, inspirational speaker, and loving, but slightly embarrassing dad! Connect with Rabbi Ephy Greene: www.AishYeshiva.com Listen to music by Ephy Greene on Spotify Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod

If you've been keeping up with the news, you've probably noticed a group of Jews who have protested in a different style than most when it comes to Israel. In fact, these protests aren't pro-Israel rallies. They're anti-Zionist rallies that have taken to pro-Hamas rhetoric and slanders that are quite dangerous for Zionist Jews globally. From takeovers of government buildings to blockades, Jewish Voice for Peace has taken advantage of the vulnerable place Israel is in and has capitalized on the opportunity to gaslight Jews and harm the Zionist narrative. Author Arnie Bernstein has had several run-ins with Jewish Voice for Peace. In this podcast, he describes to Chaz, host of Bad Jew, their origins, their mission, their hypocritical actions, and how they really aren't "pro-peace" whatsoever. Tune in to learn Berstein's experience and how he got his community to reject this misleading cause. Connect with Arnie Bernstein: JVP White Paper Google Doc download: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iDO_xDVIkseLZdANIqieKccS2KauyfZE/edit AISH Article: https://aish.com/uncovering-the-real-voice-of-jewish-voice-for-peace/ About Arnie Bernstein: Arnie Bernstein is a nonfiction writer based in Chicago. He's been honored by the Illinois State Library and his book "Bath Massacre: America's First School Bombing" was named a Notable Book by the State Library of Michigan. He loves taking forgotten stories in history and recreating them in vibrant new tellings for today's readers. When it comes to philosophy, Arnie follows the words of notable sage Groucho Marx: “I must say I find television very educational. The minute somebody turns it on, I go to the library and read a good book.” Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

There's something uncanny happening in the background of the Israel-Hamas war right now. Do you see it? The Torah seems to be predicting... everything. In the recent Torah portion of Noah's Arc, "Hamas" is mentioned twice... TWICE! Since then there have been other important correlations that have acted as milestones in this conflict. With the eyes of the world focused on the Middle East, Torah-observant Jews have made it clear that there's something to be said about the coincidental appearance of Hamas in this story and in other parts of the Torah. As someone who regularly observes and studies the Torah, Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport (also known as Rabbi Raps) connects the dots and helps us understand why there's no such thing as coincidence. In a dvar Torah unlike any other, Rabbi Raps teaches host Chaz Volk why this occurs and what it means for the future of the Jewish state. About Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport: Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport, AKA @RabbiRaps Rabbi, Influencer, Film Maker & Motivational Speaker. The TikTok Rebbe. With more than 330k followers across Instagram and Tictok and videos with Millions of views, @Rabbiraps is one of the fastest-growing Jewish social media influencers in the world today.  "Community Rabbi becomes an Influencer by accident. Since 2016 Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport has served as the Spiritual Leader of the Chabad at the shore in Atlantic County, NJ. He is a graduate of the Rabbinical College of America and received his Rabbinical Ordination in 2003. In 2021, during the COVID-19 epidemic, Rabbi Rapoport began creating videos to communicate with his community. After a few videos went viral, he realized the power of social media and began creating content on a daily basis."  Connect with Rabbi Raps: IG and TikTok @RabbiRaps Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Israel is in the depths of a bloody war. Jews inside and outside of Israel don't feel safe. Antisemitism across the world is on the rise. Anything with a Jewish symbol on it is targeted. Echoes from the PTSD-induced horrors of the holocaust sound louder than ever. How does one smile during these dark times? Influencer and promoter Uri Cohn has an answer. Embracing his hard-to-hide Israeli identity, he walks the streets of "Jew York" proudly. Accustomed to the protests happening in the Big Apple, along with the rallies and events focused around Israel, Uri has put his talent for comedy and memes to the test. His tongue-in-cheek jokes step up to the mic on Bad Jew, hosted by Chaz Volk, to give listeners hope and enthusiasm during a time filled with so much hate.  About Uri Cohn Uri Cohn was born in Israel and proudly served as a medic in the Israeli Defense Forces. He graduated from Shuk Mahne Yehuda University. Uri has a long history of creating memes and posting funny content online related to Israel. Today, he trolls the trolls by cleverly making fun of those who oppose him and the state of Israel. He also is in the process of building his party promotion business.  Connect with Uri Cohn: IG @UriCohn TikTok @TheUriCohn Events: https://linktr.ee/uricohn Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

There's a phenomenon where pro-Hamas supporters have torn down the posters of the kidnapped. On October 7th, 2023, on our happiest day of the year (Simchat Torah), terrorists from Gaza launched a heinous attack killing 1,400 Israelis including men, women, and children, while forcefully kidnapping 240+ other Israelis. Since then, a brutal war of severe magnitude has reigned on. By the time this podcast aired, a grand total of 2 hostages had been returned. The rest are still out there and several are confirmed dead. Abroad, pro-Palestinian and pro-Hamas supporters have been caught on camera ripping down the posters of kidnapped. One has to wonder, would they rip down the posters if they knew the stories? May Perez, an Israeli actress based in the United States, has studied the testimonies and backgrounds of several hostages. She has been active in putting up posters and spreading awareness about those who have no voice, and who have been silenced by the terror of Hamas. On Bad Jew, hosted by Chaz Volk, she allows herself to be vulnerable and share the pain that so many feel across the world. She illustrates how dire the situation has gotten and describes the projected condition of the kidnapped (projected because Hamas has failed to provide any proof of life). About May Perez: May Perez is an Israeli-American actress, singer, and dancer. Connect with May Perez: IG @MayPerezOfficial CTA: IG @BringHomeNow Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

I think it's safe to say that the person who has the toughest job in the world right now is President Joe Biden. How do you support your allies, allocate funds and war effort on multiple fronts, and prevent World War 3 all while maintaining order? The answer: It's probably impossible. Meanwhile, the United States of America is 1 year away from another big election. This election will be a flashpoint in American history and will impact the future indefinitely. These are factors that the president and his constituents in office are also thinking about. Reporting on these matters first-hand is award-winning journalist and writer Jonathan Salant. Salant possesses a long history of delivering the news, providing intellectual perspectives, and giving in-depth account to the matters happening within our government. With everything happening in Israel, our congress is challenged to take on bi-partisan views while maintaining the competition of election season that next year warrants. Salant gives Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, a detailed analysis on what is happening while providing his own predictions on tomorrow. About Jonathan Salant: Jonathan D. Salant is award-winning Washington reporter and assistant managing editor, politics for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He recently was inducted into the Journalism Hall of Fame of the D.C. chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. He is a former president of the National Press Club, a former president of the Regional Reporters Association and a former president of SPJ's DC chapter. He currently sits on the Standing Committee of Correspondents, the group of journalists who accredit Capitol Hill reporters. He is co-president of the Men's Club at B'nai Israel Congregation in Rockville, Md., and former coach of the synagogue softball team. He is married to Bonnie Cole and they have one son, Izzy. Connect with Jonathan at: X and Threads @JDSalant Connect with Bad Jew: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Let's play "Put A Finger Down". Put a finger down if you've had to unfriend people from your life for only listening to one side of the conflict. Put a finger down if you've gotten into arguments in the comments section. Put a finger down if the buzzwords "ethnic cleansing" and "genocide" have polluted your content. Put a finger down if your friends still don't understand why commenting "free Palestine" is antisemitic. Put a finger down if you've been accused of committing genocide. Jews are not only targeted in the war happening in Israel. Jews are caught up in 3 wars right now: There's the literal war, the spiritual war, and the informational war. Fighting on the frontlines of the informational war is Izzy Salant of Jewish News Syndicate. Salant joins host Chaz Volk, to explain the lack of nuance and the importance of vetting information given during such a chaotic time. Izzy and Chaz bond over the shared traumas of being in a constant defense while giving helpful advice on how to navigate the world of news, social media, trolls, and more. About Izzy Salant: Isaac "Izzy" Salant is a digital marketing manager and journalist for Jewish News Syndicate, with years of experience doing social media and marketing for the Jewish and non-profit world. He is the former Director of Digital Marketing at Lost Tribe, and served as a Jewish educator for Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills and Hillel at UCLA. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, with BAs in Journalism and Theater. He is also a playwright, actor, and magician. Connect with Izzy: LI: Izzy Salant www.JNS.org Connect with Bad Jew: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

The war we're experiencing in Israel (started by Hamas from Gaza on October 7th, 2023) isn't the first dark time we Jews have endured. You'd have to live under a rock to think that we have never experienced such atrocities like this before. Looking back only 100 years, one could get a sample of understanding as to where we Jews acquired our thick skin. Would you suspect that our strength comes from poetry? Rabbi and frequent reciter of Tehillim, Rabbi Josh Franklin of the Jewish Center of the Hamptons, sheds light on the secret weapon Jews possess. Franklin goes into detail on why these 150 psalms, thought to be written by the prophecy of King David, are timeless pieces that have given Jews the strength to survive for 3000+ years. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, who recently became aware of this collection of writings, sits with Rabbi Franklin to learn of the relevant texts and history of Tehillim. About Rabbi Josh Franklin: Rabbi Josh Franklin heads the Jewish Center of the Hamptons (East Hampton) as the Senior Rabbi. In his six years on East End, he has helped revitalize and grow the Jewish community through engaging programming, transformative classes, inspiring worship, and welcoming community outreach. Hundreds of people flock to his community for Shabbat on the Beach each week over the summer for an innovative and magical prayer experience. All year round, he draws people to the Jewish Center of the Hamptons to hear from him and learn with him.  In addition to his role at the synagogue, Rabbi Franklin contributes widely to the greater Hamptons community. He co-writes a bi-monthly column in Dan’s Papers called “Hamptons Soul,” discussing issues of spirituality and justice in the Hamptons. He has sat on numerous local committees including the East Hampton Police Reform Committee and the Adolescent Mental Health and Substance Use Task Force. He also sits on the board of L’Arche Long Island, a community center and home for adults with developmental disabilities. Rabbi Franklin was named to the 2021 Schneps Media Powerlist, honoring the movers and shakers on the East End of Long Island. Dans Papers named Rabbi Franklin one of its “People of the Year: East Enders Who Made the World A Better Place in 2022.” Before receiving his ordination at Hebrew Union College, Rabbi Franklin attended Clark University in Worcester, MA. There he graduated Magna Cum Laude, receiving both a B.A. and M.A in History. He also holds two additional masters degrees in Jewish Education and Hebrew Literature. Rabbi Franklin was the recipient of the Daniel and Bonnie Tisch Fellowship, a rabbinical program exploring congregational studies, personal theology, and contemporary religion in North America. Before coming to the Hamptons, he served as a rabbi at Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley, MA.  Rabbi Franklin resides in East Hampton with his wife Stephanie and two children Lilah and Amelia. Connect with Rabbi Josh Franklin: www.RabbiJoshFranklin.com www.JCOH.org Connect with Bad Jew: Connect with Bad Jew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

On October 7th, 2023, on the festive holiday of Simchat Torah, Israel's southern border was infiltrated and attacked by the terrorist organization, Hamas. Celebrations were abruptly hindered and ceased by the deliberate targeting of Israeli civilians across the country. In a historically shocking development, the highest number of Jewish murders since the holocaust unfolded. Entire villages were torn apart, leaving behind a graphic trail of blood that Israel has never seen before.  As the world mourns the losses of so many, and as Israel ramps up its retaliation towards the Gaza strip, we are left wondering what the meaning behind the timing of this is. If there is a G-d and everything happens for a reason, surely we are supposed to learn something from this... right? World-renowned author and speaker, Rabbi Simon Jacobson, speaks humbly from the heart in this episode. Taking on a new tone of voice, Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, learns with Jacobson in this sensitive and complicated episode. About Rabbi Simon Jacobson:  Rabbi Simon Jacobson is a pioneering speaker, educator, mentor to thousands. He is the author of the best-selling book “Toward a Meaningful Life,” a William Morrow publication that has sold over 400,000 copies to date and has been translated into Hebrew, French, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, German, Hungarian, Polish, Czech, Georgian and Croatian.     Rabbi Jacobson heads The Meaningful Life Center, called a “Spiritual Starbucks” by the New York Times, which bridges the secular and the spiritual through a wide variety of live and online programming, presenting the universal teachings of Torah as a blueprint for life to people of all backgrounds. With his keen insight into the human condition, he has the unique ability to offer clarity and direction especially in difficult times. Rabbi Jacobson and the MLC have been lauded for creating non-stop programming nourishing people’s hearts and souls.  Rabbi Jacobson is also YouTube’s Rabbi of choice! With over 200,000 subscribers (and rising!), and over 15 million views — the MLC is spanning the globe and reaching every corner of the earth. For over 14 years Rabbi Jacobson, as Editor-in-Chief of Vaad Hanochos Hatmimim, was responsible for publishing the talks of the late Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, one of the most influential Jewish leaders of the 20th century. Beginning in 1979, Rabbi Jacobson headed a team of scholars that memorized and transcribed entire talks that the Rebbe gave during the Sabbath and holidays, as writing and tape recording are not permitted on holy days. In this position, he was privileged to work in close association with the Rebbe and published more than 1000 of the Rebbe’s talks. He also headed the research team for Sefer Halikutim — an encyclopedic collection of Chassidic thought (26 volumes, published 1977-1982).     Rabbi Jacobson is one of the greatest scholars and most sought-after speakers in the Jewish world today. He has lectured to diverse audiences on six continents and in forty states on psycho-spiritual issues and applying Jewish thought to contemporary life. His voice is rooted in the timeless teachings of Torah, yet at the same time is profoundly timely, relevant, unique, and cutting edge. He has been interviewed on over 300 radio and TV shows, including CBS, CNN, Newsmax, PragerU, PBS, MSNBC, FOX, and NPR. He is also the chairman and publisher of The Algemeiner Journal, the “fastest growing Jewish newspaper in America” according to CNBC, filling the position of his illustrious father, esteemed journalist Gershon Jacobson.   Connect with Rabbi Simon Jacobson: www.MeaningfulLife.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/Meaningfullife  @Meaningfullifecenter   Connect with Bad Jew: Connect with Bad Jew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

There's this fun holiday that a lot of us Jews grew up celebrating. It felt like camping, especially when we constructed our huts, throwing loose tree debris and branches on top. Then we'd shake fruit in every direction because of something to do with G-d. It didn't make a ton of sense but it was fun so we did it. Why is this holiday so important?  Sukkot is a special holiday that comes right after Yom Kippur. It's our time to commemorate those who had just left the oppression of Egypt to wander in the desert for 40 years. For 40 years we lived in this temporary state of being, creating shelters from whatever piece of nature we came across. But it wasn't carelessly getting lost that marked this time. There were deeper reasons behind this lifestyle. Rabbi Levi Begun of Culver City Chabad jumps onto Bad Jew with host, Chaz Volk, to uncover the REAL story of Sukkot! About Rabbi Levi Begun: With great passion for Judaism, my wife and I together with our 2 little children moved to Culver City, California to join the 220 Chabad centers in California, and 4,000 Chabad centers worldwide. Chabad in Culver City is a center for Jews of all backgrounds who want to learn more about their Jewish roots. Chabad offers a wide variety of educational and spiritual opportunities, including Torah classes and lectures, Shabbat dinners, and an array of family and social activities. Traditional Jewish values are brought to life in a joyous, non-judgmental atmosphere. Guided by the leadership, teachings, and inspirations of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Chabad Lubavitch has set the dictum of “Love your fellow as yourself” as the defining factor in its approach of unconditional acceptance of fellow Jewish people. Chabad treasures the infinite value of every individual and is committed to enriching the lives of everyone through its multiple programs and services. Each individual is encouraged to appreciate the power of our heritage at their own comfortable pace. Chabad serves all segments of the Jewish community. Everyone is welcome regardless of their personal level of religious observance. Participants in our multitude of programs experience the joy and celebration, the intimacy and compassion, the wisdom and knowledge that is inherent in Jewish life and learning. Chabad will use whatever means necessary to bring the message of Torah true Judaism to the children, teens, adults and elderly of the community. Watch the excitement on the faces of the children who partake in our youth programs; ask the hundreds who participate in our events, and you begin to feel an incredible sense of community. We invite you to get involved and take part in our events, activities & classes for all ages! Our doors are always open, welcoming everyone to participate in all that we offer. Our family looks forward to meeting you!  Connect with Rabbi Levi Begun www.JewishCulverCity.com IG @JewishCulverCity Connect with Bad Jew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Clasp your hands together and mumble intently your needs to a vacant space. That's called prayer. Does it work? What about when you read Hebrew from that little blue book in your shull? Did your prayers work then? Or how about when you wrapped that leather strap called Tefillin around your arm? Did Hashem hear you? The truth is, no one knows. Depending on who you talk to, they either swear by it and tell the tales of a mass revelation or the effort is sadly futile. What are we to think? Brad Weber, Founder and CEO of Avita Digital, is a proud student of Torah study and prayer. He is also a cancer survivor. His insights on his approach to prayer will leave you pleasantly surprised. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, was equally surprised by Weber's answers on prayer, our connection to G-d, and how we personally grow from adding intention into our day-to-day. About Brad: Brad considers it a privilege to work with amazing companies and grow their online revenues and protect their reputation. A results-oriented, serial entrepreneur with multiple public and private exits, Brad loves tech, learning, teaching and using a hybrid marketing model to grow online businesses. Some of Brad’s achievements in his three decades of digital marketing and management include pioneering comprehensive e-commerce solutions to early Internet businesses with Card.com. Card.com offered integrated affiliate tracking and robust chargeback risk mitigation and was quickly acquired. Brad later co-founded Interactive Telecom Network (ITN), establishing and maintaining rapid growth for one of the region’s largest Internet Service Providers. As ITN’s Chief Operating Officer, Brad led teams of 100+ in sales, online marketing, information systems, engineering, content management, e-commerce and customer service. This included spearheading the company’s pioneering movement into organic SEO and cutting-edge PPC strategies.  ITN grew from a start-up to $45M in annual revenue in just a few short years and was sold to the publicly traded New Frontier Media.  Brad next co-founded BeNetSafe, a forward-thinking company that created and launched the first automated reputation management solution for diverse clients including individuals, companies and specialized government applications.  Brad remains grateful to support clients with expansive growth and exceeding profit goals. His mission in the creation of Avita Digital in 2003 continues to be the development of new strategies and better programs for companies that rely on digital marketing services to build better brands and ensure a good online reputation. While thinking up new digital innovations, Brad enjoys yoga, hiking, traveling and learning how to better serve Avita’s clients. Connect with Brad Weber www.AvitaGroup.com Connect with Bad Jew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Buttoned-up clothing. Black and white style. Tight and uncomfortable. Covered and hot. No designs nor messages. And definitely no ankle. That's the summary of modesty. The concept of 'covering up' is one of the most difficult and seemingly oppressive aspects of Judaism. What if there was a much-needed paradigm shift on this idea? Moriel Shviki, an outspoken advocate for modesty and its values, comes onto the podcast to break preconceived notions about the controversial idea. Shviki explains to Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, that such a refocusing of external display causes for a different sense of freedom. There's a message the world could learn and Moriel explains just that! 00:00 Introduction 05:34 Adopting a positive social media approach for modesty 09:09 Comparing ourselves, pursuing sexiness, and human nature 10:10 Struggling with self-confidence and validation on social media 13:21 Limited exposure to modesty, but a starting point 16:37 New concept aligns with mitzvahs and symbolism 22:06 Sarah exemplified modesty and spiritual strength 25:21 Struggle with dressing against my convictions, guilt 28:28 Shift to kosher living led to judgment 30:11 Conclusion About Moriel Shviki: Moriel was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, in a traditional but not religious Israeli family. Her upbringing included cultural practices like Shabbat dinners without deep religious engagement, making her feel like an outcast at times. She attended a reformed preschool, which did not leave a significant impact on her. At 11, her family moved to Chile, where she adjusted to the language easily but found the cultural shift challenging. This was her first time attending a religious school, which had a profound impact on her. She learned Hebrew, how to pray, and began to connect with God in a personal way. Despite this, she did not keep Shabbat or kosher initially. After two years in Chile, Moriel's family returned to LA, where she continued her education at religious schools, including EMAC and Valley Torah High School. She regrets not having a bat mitzvah during this period. The experience in Chile helped shape her Jewish identity and connection to her faith. Connect with Moriel: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/modeststylemoriel Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod

Most Jews have a real difficulty with this holiday. Jews love to eat. We love to shmooze over meals. Then there's Yom Kippur which is notoriously known for the 25-hour fast. Why must we starve ourselves? And why does this tradition go on for so long? How does neglecting my stomach purify me and why is everyone wearing white? In this episode of Bad Jew, Rabbi Jack Melul of AishLIT comes back to the show to shed light on the nuances of Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur is much more than fasting, and as a matter of fact, is considered a joyous holiday. Melul explains to Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, how becoming angel-like is the mitzvah that has been commanded of us and why this one particular day holds so much depth. About: Born in Manchester UK, Rabbi Jack Melul spent over 10 years studying in the top Rabbinic Training Academies in the world. He received Semicha from the Rabbinical Supreme court in Israel, as well as Beit Medrash Darchei horaah Lerabanim of the late chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu zt”l in 2012. An entertaining speaker, Moroccan cantor, and a spiritual coach Rabbi Jack is a founding Director of AishLIT – Young Professionals Los Angeles together with his wife Shira. Helping create a powerful revolution for young professionals and grad students. His passion brought him from the UK to The University Oregon to become the founder of Akiva on Campus. Giving daily lectures on and off campus on topics ranging from the daily Talmud to Jewish philosophy. Connect with AishLIT: www.AishLIT.com IG: @aishLIT TikTok: @aishlit_ Email: JMelul@aishla.com Connect with Bad Jew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Happy New Year!... But wait, it's September... Why would we say that? Us Jews have our own calendar that follows the lunar cycle. Based on that and the timing of when we created our calendar in the first place, the Jewish calendar doesn't come close to lining up with that of the secular world. You may also hear horns blow and notice a deficit of apples and honey in your local grocery store. Yes, there's a correlation to the Jewish New Year as well. Why is this an annual ritual of ours? David Sacks, co-founder and Spiritual Leader of the Happy Minyan, world-renowned Torah lecturer, Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning Hollywood writer, and Harvard College graduate, gets behind the microphone to connect the dots behind these common items at the Rosh Hashanah celebration. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, shares his familiarity with these practices but learns about the true meaning of the WHY. Get ready for the high holidays by tuning in with some apples and honey! About David Sacks Born and raised in New York City, David Sacks attended Harvard College, graduating with a degree in Government. While there he began his comedy writing career for the school’s humor magazine, The Harvard Lampoon. Upon graduating, David moved to Los Angeles and began writing for television. Among the shows he’s worked for are “The Simpsons”, where he won an Emmy Award, and “Third Rock from the Sun” for which he won a Golden Globe Award, “Malcolm in the Middle”, “Murphy Brown”, and “Final Space” on Adult Swim. David is the co-founder and Senior Lecturer of The Happy Minyan of Los Angeles. David is married and raises his family in Beverly Hills, CA. David Sacks gives the weekly Torah podcast “Spiritual Tools for an Outrageous World” and has spoken to enthusiastic crowds, opening the hearts of people across the US, Europe, Israel, and South Africa. His topics range from the meaning of life, to Hollywood’s impact on the world, to achieving happiness. Connect with David Sacks www.HappyMinyan.org Whatsapp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DBAv0w4n0TkAnmxjXJmYY1 Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Can you point to Hashem? Is he up? Down? Left? Right? All of those directions are correct. We've heard that G-d is everywhere. So if he, or it, is everywhere and we can't see it, how can we believe it? Where's the proof? A majority of studies led by top scientists have pointed to G-d not existing. The religious leadership of our world attempts to disprove science's theory... but isn't doing particularly well. What are we supposed to believe? An even bigger question to ask: If G-d exists but doesn't do anything to enforce consequences, then why should I be expected to connect with him? Spiritual activist, Yiscah Smith, calls in from Jerusalem to confront these big questions and give context to the history. What seems simple is met with a nuanced response stemming from the holistic view of the movements within the Ashkenazi and Sephardic traditions. Now coming in for her second appearance on Bad Jew, Smith teach Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, a few things about connection, awareness, soul, and Torah. About Yiscah Smith: Yiscah is a thought leader, spiritual activist and agent of change who addresses the spiritual practice of encountering the Divine spark within --- the foundation of authentic living. In fact, Yiscah views Judaism as a spiritual practice. She relies on Jewish spiritual teachings to inform and uplift her students and audiences, acting as a compass, gently guiding them to their unique inner selves. As a spiritual trailblazer, Yiscah exemplifies what it means to carve one’s own path, as she has grappled with the entanglements at the intersection of her spirituality, Jewish tradition and passionate desire to live a life of authenticity. Encouraging, ennobling and empowering others to carve their own paths and to cultivate the integrity to remain faithful to their unique paths is indeed her passion and inner calling.  You can hear her podcasts teachings at: https://www.yiscahsmith.com/podcast-library. Yiscah teaches Jewish contemplative practice and spiritual texts at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies - http://www.pardes.org.il/ and at Applied Jewish Spirituality - https://www.appliedjewishspirituality.org/. She has also founded and directs Conscious Community Nachlaot, an organization in Jerusalem that hosts Shabbat in-person spiritual gatherings, virtual guided meditation sits and spiritual text classes. In addition Yiscah works with individuals in her private spiritual mentoring practice. Yiscah has earned a reputation as a sought-after inspiring international public speaker. Connect with Yiscah Smith: Website: https://www.yiscahsmith.com/mentoring Podcast: https://www.yiscahsmith.com/podcast-library Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

When was the last time you spoke with a stranger? Maybe it was when you were on the subway or when you were at a restaurant. Maybe it was at the grocery store. Maybe it was at your favorite sports event. It might've been recently. But when was the last time you spoke about religion or politics with a stranger? That's a much more difficult task, isn't it? Benny Greenstein aka BennyJeee is a professional conversation starter. He approaches people on the street to explore any random idea that comes to mind. Some of these ideas include politics, religion, society, mental health, and history. The people BennyJeee finds on the street are fascinating character studies. When talking about religion, BennyJeee represents his grandfather, a survivor of the Holocaust, carrying out the message of inclusivity, openness, and pride in identity. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, explores in-depth BennyJeee's approach to talking with strangers while making his work applicable to anyone who feels the need to stand up for their values in public. About BennyJeee: BennyJeee aka Benny Greenstein, is the most unique Jewish content creator and he knows it. With tooth gems, hair patterns, and deconstructed eyebrows, Benny is one of a kind. But above all he loves being JEWISH 💎 Connect with BennyJeee: https://www.tiktok.com/@bennyjeeee?lang=en https://www.instagram.com/bennyjeee/ Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod