Being Jewish with Jonah Platt – Details, episodes &amp; analysis

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In this eye-opening episode of BEING JEWISH, Jonah Platt discusses the complexities of the term “antisemitism” with guest Kenny Hamilton, a music mogul and former Justin Bieber bodyguard. The conversation dives deep into Kenny's journey towards converting to Judaism, his experiences working with Bieber and Scooter Braun, and how his identity as a Black Jew shapes his perspective on the current social climate. They also reflect on the shared cultural experiences between Black and Jewish communities, and the significance of Shabbat in fostering deeper connections. Kenny emphasizes the importance of speaking up against anti-Black and anti-Jew bigotry, and fostering a community of understanding and support. Join us for an enlightening discussion on breaking barriers and building a more inclusive world.

All things Jonah:

Connect with Kenny!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennyhamilton/

Host & Production Team

Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards);, Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel).

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00:00 Reframing Antisemitism: A Call to Action

01:40 Research Insights: The Ineffectiveness of 'Antisemitism'

05:50 Introducing Kenny Hamilton: A Unique Journey

07:15 From Radio to Bodyguard: Kenny's Career Path

08:36 Discovering Judaism: Kenny's Conversion Story

09:44 Experiencing Israel: A Life-Changing Trip

15:36 Cultural Connections: Black and Jewish Experiences

25:25 Systemic Racism and Jewish History

26:40 Jewish Contributions to Civil Rights

27:36 Personal Journey to Judaism

29:01 Conversion Process and Reflections

33:57 Challenges and Reactions

41:25 Social Media and Public Perception

46:54 Finding Joy in Jewish Traditions

The Jewish Case for Both Trump & Harris + Social Media Activist Montana Tucker

Episode 2

mardi 1 octobre 2024 • Duration 51:42

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In this episode we are joined by dancer, singer, actress and social media star Montana Tucker. In this conversation with Jonah, she shares her journey from entertainer to Jewish advocate, discusses her Holocaust documentary “How To: Never Forget: A Holocaust remembrance film by Montana Tucker”, her powerful activism post-October 7th, and the importance of unity amidst rising anti-Jew hate. Montana also reflects on her upbringing in a predominantly Jewish area, her career in the entertainment industry, and her ongoing commitment to using her platform to uplift others for positive impact.

Mentioned in this episode

All things Jonah:

Connect with Montana!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montanatucker/

Host & Production Team

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00:00 Introduction: The Weight on American Jews

00:19 Election Year: Jewish Perspectives

01:13 Arguments for Kamala Harris

02:01 Arguments Against Donald Trump

05:12 Arguments for Donald Trump

06:38 Arguments Against Kamala Harris

08:30 The Complexity of Jewish Voting

10:22 Interview with Montana Tucker

11:27 Montana's Jewish Upbringing

17:04 Montana's Career and Social Media Rise

20:58 Holocaust Education and Activism

26:59 Personal Connection and Authenticity

27:08 Holocaust Education Challenges

27:36 Impact of Social Media on Awareness

28:03 Public Conversations and Media Influence

30:05 October 7th: A Turning Point

31:14 Rallies and Community Resilience

31:53 Family Stories of Survival

33:13 Advocacy and Social Media Challenges

34:06 Balancing Activism and Personal Life

41:28 Future Plans and Projects

43:58 Community Support and Collaboration

Why This Podcast Exists + Actor Skylar Astin

Episode 1

mardi 1 octobre 2024 • Duration 46:33

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In the premiere episode of 'Being Jewish with Jonah Platt,' host Jonah Platt sits down with Hollywood actor Skylar Astin. Skylar opens up about his evolving Jewish identity, childhood experiences, and navigating the entertainment industry as a proud Jewish professional. They discuss the impact of recent events on Jewish advocacy, the challenges of anti-Jew hate, and the importance of openly celebrating Jewish culture. Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation about Jewish identity, representation, and resilience.

Mentioned in this episode

Skylar Astin’s Shabbat Special: Recipe for Change: Standing Up to Antisemitism - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj-pWmsOIyQ
Smokey Robinson Mispronounces Chanukah I Cameo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQPXGJIN8yQ

All things Jonah:

Connect with Skylar!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skylarastin/

Host & Production Team

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00:00 Introduction: Embracing Jewish Identity

00:38 The Turning Point: Spring 2021

01:32 Advocacy and the Podcast's Mission

05:52 Guest Introduction: Skylar Astin

07:45 Skylar's Jewish Journey

15:34 Navigating Jewish Identity in Hollywood

21:35 Combating Antisemitism: Past and Present

24:24 Reflecting on Jewish Identity and Anti-Semitism

26:17 Navigating Social Media and Public Perception

28:31 Balancing Activism and Professionalism

32:45 Experiences in the Entertainment Industry

37:45 Personal Connections and Jewish Culture

39:42 Engaging with the Audience

45:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Introducing...Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

dimanche 8 septembre 2024 • Duration 02:33

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Introducing...Being Jewish with Jonah Platt.

A weekly podcast that illuminates the full, beautiful, often unexplored spectrum of Jewish identity, by exploring the personal journeys of both Jews and non-Jewish allies alike. Each week, actor/artist/advocate Jonah Platt will interview a celebrity figure from any number of fields—Art, Sports, Entertainment, Politics, Food, Music, Business, you name it—allowing the esteemed guest a safe space to dig deep into their own individual connection to the question, “What does it mean to be Jewish TO YOU?”

Both the show’s audience and the established audience of each guest will have a unique opportunity to discover their hero’s connection to the Jewish experience through a thought-provoking conversation they won’t have heard anywhere else.

Follow and Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts.

Coming soon to YouTube!

“Shortcut Empathy” + Rabbi David Wolpe

Episode 4

mardi 8 octobre 2024 • Duration 56:04

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Why Be Jewish - Rabbi David Wolpe

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In this thought-provoking episode of "Being Jewish," Jonah Platt dives deep with Rabbi David Wolpe to explore what being Jewish means to one of Judaism’s most renowned faith leaders. From rabbinical wisdom to addressing anti-Jewish bigotry on college campuses, to October 7th, no topic goes untouched. Rabbi Wolpe weighs in on his controversial time at Harvard, his storied career as a rabbi, and his own sense of Jewish identity. Join us for an in-depth and reflective conversation just in time for the Days of Awe and Yom Kippur.

Mentioned in this episode

David: The Divided Heart - Rabbi David Wolpe

All things Jonah:

Connect with Rabbi David Wolpe!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidjwolpe

Host & Production Team

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00:00 Introduction to Yom Kippur and Self-Reflection

00:23 Psychological Biases and Self-Awareness

01:06 Shortcut Empathy: A Modern Fallacy

02:36 The Importance of True Empathy

03:36 Personal Experience on Middle Ground

04:47 A Disheartening Encounter

06:10 The Need for Genuine Empathy

06:30 Introduction to Rabbi David Wolpe

07:41 Growing Up as a Rabbi's Child

11:07 Journey to Becoming a Rabbi

15:16 Challenges and Achievements at Sinai Temple

23:47 Reflections on Jewish Identity and Heroes

26:38 Experiences at Harvard Divinity School

30:01 The Resignation Letter

30:50 Congressional Hearings and Disillusionment

34:38 DEI and Systemic Inequality

37:44 Advice for Jewish Students

39:21 Cultivating a Relationship with the Divine

44:18 Jewish Identity and Modern Challenges

51:27 Audience Questions and Reflections

Anniversary of October 7th + Fleur Hassan-Nahoum

Episode 5

mardi 15 octobre 2024 • Duration 51:37

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Jonah travels to Israel for the heart-wrenching anniversary of October 7th and sits down with outgoing Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Fleur Hassan-Nahoum to reflect on the challenges Israel faces in its war with Iran. During this conversation, Jonah and Fleur discuss her tenure in Jerusalem’s city government, and how the coexistence that exists in the city could be a blueprint for the country’s future. Additionally, they address the shortfalls of Israel’s communication strategy and what must be done to protect the country from existential threats. From college protests to the Second Intifada to the differences between Diaspora Jews & Israeli Jews, this episode tackles a wide range of pressing topics that simply can’t be missed.

All things Jonah:

Connect with Fleur Hassan-Nahoum

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fleurhassann/

Host & Production Team

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00:00 Jonah's Arrival in Israel

00:48 Reflecting on the Tragedy of October 7th

03:43 Encounters and Stories of Resilience

06:39 Unity and Mourning in Israel

09:02 Interview with Fleur Hassan-Nahoum

11:54 Fleur's Background and Family History

22:48 Challenges and Opportunities in Jerusalem

29:11 Diverse Jerusalem: A Melting Pot of Cultures

29:27 Differences Between Israeli and Diaspora Jews

29:59 Understanding Antisemitism: A Wake-Up Call

31:07 The Evolution of Zionism

32:12 Diaspora Jews and Israeli Identity

34:47 The Communications War: Israel's PR Struggles

38:19 Israel's Current Trajectory and Challenges

44:49 Resilience and Hope for the Future

45:30 Celebrating Sukkot Amidst Turmoil

46:28 Lightning Round: Personal Insights and Reflections

“Bad Jews” + CNN Analyst & Activist Van Jones

Episode 7

mardi 29 octobre 2024 • Duration 01:07:22

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In this episode, Jonah sits down with legendary commentator, activist and community ally Van Jones to dive into the historical power and current necessity of the Black & Jewish relationship. Together, Jonah and Van discuss the historic ties between their communities, the forces that try to divide them, and how both must work together to safeguard democracy and each other. Additionally, they discuss the pending Presidential election, the power of activism, and the origin of Van’s name! An eye-opening episode full of insight, truth, and personal stories not to be missed.

Mentioned in this episode

All things Jonah:

Connect with Van Jones

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanjones68/

Host & Production Team

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!

00:00 Introduction and Context

00:16 Exploring Jewish Identity

01:05 Challenging Jewish Validity

02:23 Solidarity and Unification

06:05 Introducing Van Jones

08:00 Van Jones' Early Life and Influences

13:29 Experiences with Racism and Activism

23:20 Media Integrity and Bias

27:08 Addressing Anti-Semitism and Advocacy

34:20 The Palestinian Cause and Hamas

35:23 Personal Impact and Progressive Identity

36:18 Social Media and Public Perception

37:06 Standing Up for All Communities

37:29 Facing Fear and Speaking Out

40:46 Complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

45:15 Black and Jewish Community Relations

The “Four C’s” of Productive Conversation + Jackie Tohn

Episode 6

mardi 22 octobre 2024 • Duration 54:31

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Jonah is joined by Jackie Tohn, one of the hilarious stars of Nobody Wants This, the Jewish Netflix series people can’t stop talking about. From raising Jewish children and intermarriage to Jewish representation in Hollywood, no topic goes untouched in today’s conversation. In this one-of-a-kind episode, Jackie Tohn opens up about her family’s Holocaust roots, the Jewish characters she’s gotten to portray in her career and the ongoing challenge in getting Jewish portrayals right. Beyond this, we learn about Sukkot and the cultural meaning this holiday holds. This episode offers humor and hope while authentically highlighting the challenges the Jewish community is facing.

All things Jonah:

Connect with Jackie Tohn

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackietohn/

Host & Production Team

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!

Mentioned in this episode

Nobody Wants This (Netflix: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26933824/)
- New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/05/opinion/nobody-wants-this-jewish-gender.html
- Time Magazine: https://time.com/7023404/nobody-wants-this-netflix-jewish-women/
Camp Lokanda (Website: https://www.lokanda.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camp.lokanda/)
BBYO - JEWISH ORGANIZATION FOR YOUTH (website: https://bbyo.org/)
GLOW (Netflix) Episode 25: https://ew.com/tv/2019/08/10/glow-season-3-spoilers-jackie-tohn-interview/
A Futile & Stupid Gesture - Gilda Radner Film
Variety Magazine: (https://variety.com/2023/film/focus/jonah-platt-time-to-spread-jewish-joy-1235758562/)
Erin Foster (Creator of the show: IG: https://www.instagram.com/erinfoster/)
Floaters (https://deadline.com/2024/01/jackie-tohn-sarah-podemski-seth-green-maxwell-jacob-friedman-jewish-camp-comedy-floaters-1235809724/)
CAMP SONG: 54:12 - Kenny Rogers Song PARODY “Through The Years”
Best Leftovers Ever (Netflix) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13563634/
Schusterman Foundation: https://www.schusterman.org/
Beads 4 Proceeds (Jackie’s Bracelets) https://pcfcares.org/beads4proceeds/

01:27 Introducing the Four Cs of Productive Conversations

01:35 C1: Curiosity - The Key to Understanding

02:54 C2: Calm - Keeping the Stakes Low

03:32 C3: Camaraderie - Building Connections

04:17 C4: Compassion - Shared Humanity

04:48 Boundaries and Positivity in Conversations

05:24 Engaging with the Audience

05:49 Welcome to 'Being Jewish' with Jonah Platt

07:05 Jackie Tone's Jewish Upbringing

12:26 Jackie Tone's Acting Journey

14:17 Jewish Representation in Media

20:37 Critiques and Responses to the Show

27:08 Visual Storytelling and Character Dynamics

28:07 Feedback from the Jewish Community

28:51 Authenticity in the Writer's Room

30:00 Navigating Jewish Traditions On-Screen

32:44 Interfaith Relationships and Jewish Identity

36:18 Creating Joy Amidst Adversity

39:55 Season Two Expectations and Personal Projects

49:27 Audience Questions and Future Plans

All Things Passover with Author Dara Horn (PART TWO)

Episode 29

mardi 8 avril 2025 • Duration 36:38

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Shakespeare hated Jews?? In Part 2 of Jonah Platt’s fascinating conversation with acclaimed author Dara Horn, they dive deep into:

📚 The antisemitism embedded in classic literature — from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice to Roald Dahl’s The Witches
📖 Dara’s entire body of fiction work and what inspires her stories
🍷 Her famously elaborate Passover Seders
🎉 A slew of other fun and thought-provoking Jewish questions
🐐 And of course… her new children’s book One Little Goat — out now!

This episode is a must-listen and watch for lovers of Jewish culture, literature, and tradition — and for anyone seeking deeper insights into how Judaism shows up in the stories we tell and the ones we inherit.

Watch the episode at @BeingJewishPodcast: https://youtu.be/-Hv3F7nV2M8!

All things Jonah:

Host & Production Team

Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Nathan Wheatley); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell

Mentioned In The Episode

GET DARA’S NEW BOOK! One Small Goat: A Passover Catastrophe by Dara Horn: https://a.co/d/a54x1wz
www.darahorn.com
Dara Horn is Obsessed with Passover - Hadassah Magazine Article
Chad Gadya Lyrics Explained
Capacity: A Comic by Theo Ellsworth
People Love Dead Jews by Dara Horn
In The Image by Dara Horn
All Other Nights by Dara Horn
Eternal Life by Dara Horn
Pre Order As A Jew by Sarah Hurwitz
The Jewish History of Tzfat, Israel
Who Doesn’t Love Roald Dahl? By Dara Horn
Roald Dahl’s Active Antisemitism
- https://www.roalddahlmuseum.org/our-story/anti-racism-statement/
- https://forward.com/fast-forward/349771/roald-dahls-family-has-apologized-for-his-jew-hatred-what-were-the-5-worst/
Dr. Nathan Winter’s Book: Jewish Education in a Pluralist Society
Dr. Einat Wilf
Yossi Klein Halevi
Author Matti Friedman
Yiddish Hero Avraham Sutzkever
Nuremberg Trial Testimony of Avrom Sutzkever
Book: From The Vilna Ghetto to Nuremberg: Memoir and Testimony by Abraham Sutzkever & Justin Cammy
The Paper Brigade & The Holocaust
YIVO Institute for Jewish Research

Three Passover Reflections & “People Love Dead Jews” author Dara Horn (PART ONE)

Episode 28

mardi 1 avril 2025 • Duration 58:26

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Is the world more comfortable with dead Jews than living ones? In this powerful conversation, bestselling author Dara Horn (People Love Dead Jews) joins Being Jewish with Jonah Platt to discuss the origins of antisemitism, how it manifests today—including on college campuses—and why Holocaust education may be doing Jews more harm than good.

Dara and Jonah also explore the role of Jews as history’s great non-conformists, the truth about Zionism and… ancient Greek reverse circumcisions?! If you want to understand the real story behind antisemitism, Jewish resilience, Israel, and why these issues matter more than ever, don’t miss this episode!

Check out Dara Horn’s newest book, One Little Goat: A Passover Catastrophe

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZxS8iATYQqY

All things Jonah: