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138 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Jonah Does CNN and KIND Founder Daniel Lubetzky
17 maart 2026 · 1 uur 10 min
Jonah interviews Daniel Lubetzky, Mexican-American Jewish founder of KIND, Shark Tank investor, and longtime bridge-builder, about how his Holocaust-survivor father and Mexican Jewish upbringing shaped his commitment to connecting communities. Lubetzky describes mourning his father, saying Kaddish, and launching both KIND and the OneVoice Movement the same year, crediting prayer and purpose with keeping him grounded. He explains PeaceWorks, a trade-based social enterprise linking Israelis and Arabs (and later other conflict regions), which succeeded in sustaining relationships but never scaled and ultimately closed. He recounts OneVoice’s effort to empower moderates against media-driven extremism, mobilizing nearly a million Israelis and Palestinians, yet falling short of ending the conflict. Lubetzky outlines his latest project, the Builders Movement, and its “builders vs. destroyers” framework, its education, media, and civics work, and argues kindness is strong, honest action. Lees meer
Lubetzky reflects on the impact of reciting Kaddish after his father’s death and how Jewish ritual shaped his worldview.
The founding story behind KIND Bars and why Lubetzky named the company after his father’s values.
Lubetzky’s first social enterprise PeaceWorks, connecting Israelis, Palestinians, Jordanians, Egyptians, and Turks through trade.
How PeaceWorks also operated in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Chiapas, Mexico to foster cooperation across conflict lines.
The creation of the OneVoice Movement, which mobilized nearly 1 million Israelis and Palestinians around shared peace principles.
Why Lubetzky believes media narratives often amplify extremists instead of moderates in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Launching the Builders Movement, a global initiative promoting cooperation over division.
The Builders Movement framework built around the “Four Cs”: Curiosity, Compassion, Creativity, and Courage.
Educational partnerships with institutions such as Stanford Uni…
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On Location with Ethiopian-Jewish Chef and Restaurateur Beejhy Barhany
10 maart 2026 · 1 uur 1 min
In this delectable episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah records on location in Harlem, New York, at Tsion Café, America’s only Ethiopian-Israeli restaurant, for a conversation with owner and chef Beejhy Barhany about Ethiopian Jewish (Beta Israel) culture, food, and identity. Beejhy explains Tsion Café’s mission of bridge-building through vegan kosher cuisine and storytelling, and why she recently closed daily dining and now hosts only private events, due to years of anti-Zionist harassment, threats, and vandalism that intensified after October 7 and after becoming fully kosher. She discusses Harlem’s support, her meaning of “Zion,” and her belief that food can break barriers. Beejhy discusses Beta Israel’s unique history, questions of legitimacy, her family’s 1980–83 trek from Ethiopia to Israel, and experiences of discrimination and “conversion” pressures in Israel. Lees meer
Walking through the café, Beejhy shares the venue's legacy and culinary inspirations with Jonah. The two head into the kitchen to make samosas, discuss injera, dabo, spices, and her NY Times bestselling cookbook (Gursha). During the discussion, she describes founding the BINA (Beta Israel of North America) Cultural Foundation and raising her children with multifaceted identities.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
The story of the Beta Israel Jewish community of Ethiopia and their ancient connection to Judaism.
Beejhy recounts her family’s escape from Ethiopia and years spent in Sudan before immigrating to Israel.
Discussion of major Ethiopian Jewish airlifts, including Operation Moses and Operation Solomon.
Life in immigrant absorption centers in Israel alongside newcomers from Ukraine and Russia.
The role of Tsion Cafe as a cultural hub for Ethiopian Jews and the wider Jewish diaspora.
Why Beejhy founded the Beta Israel North American Cultural Foundation (BINA) to promote Jewish diversity.
The closing of Tsion Cafe’s regular dining service due to anti-Zionist harassment following October 7.
Conver…
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Is Israel an Ethnostate? And the 2026 Israeli Olympic Bobsled Team
3 maart 2026 · 1 uur 12 min
In this inspiring episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with members of the Israeli Bobsled Team (AJ Edelman, Ward Fawarsy, Uri Zisman, Ower Katz, Itamar Shprinz, and Menashem Chen) while in competition in Milano Crotina, to discuss the unlikely journey of building a team for a Winter Olympic sport in a country with no snow. Representing Israel on the global stage, the athletes share how they transitioned from backgrounds in track and field, rugby, crossfit, and other sports into elite bobsled competitors. They discuss training and competing internationally, and navigating the challenges of representing Israel amid rising antisemitism following October 7. Their story is a wild one with robberies, getting booed, a death on a plane, and missing critical training runs. Lees meer
The conversation explores patriotism, Jewish pride, and the emotional weight of wearing the Israeli flag at global events sanctioned by the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF) and the Winter Olympics. The athletes reflect on the powerful symbolism of Israeli athletes competing on the world stage and the importance of positive representation for Israel in international sports.
Jonah and AJ Edelman, captain of the Israeli Bobsled Team, get some one-on-one time to dig into the team's challenges and the role of the Israeli Olympic Committee. Edelman details self-funding, starting a nonprofit to support the team, and hopes to grow the program.
Topics Discussed Include:
Competing in sanctioned events under the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF) circuit
Qualification pathways toward the Winter Olympics
Being champion athletes from other sport disciplines
The nickname “Shul Runnings”
Having a Druze athlete on the team
Training in the U.S.-based tracks in Lake Placid, New York, and Park City, Utah
The measure of success is how far you’ve come, not how close you are to the top
The mechanics of a two-man and four-man bobsled under IBSF regulations
…
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L’Dor V’adorable is Back! And American-Israeli Cookbook Author Adeena Sussman
24 februari 2026 · 1 uur 2 min
In this delicious episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with New York Times bestselling cookbook author and Tel Aviv-based food writer Adeena Sussman for a conversation about food, culture, and the rituals of living in Israel today. Living steps from the Carmel Market, Adeena paints a vivid portrait of daily life in Tel Aviv, how Israelis continue daily routines amid rocket alarms, and what it means to compartmentalize in a country where normalcy and uncertainty coexist. Lees meer
Adeena reflects on feeling like an insider-outsider as an “American Israeli,” and how the shuk itself mirrors Israel’s layered religious and cultural diversity. She shares how October 7 transformed her Shabbat cookbook tour into community-centered gatherings and fundraisers, and why she views cookbooks as narrative literature that provide cultural context. She also speaks candidly about her responsibility in culinary storytelling, documenting Yemenite, Iraqi, Moroccan, and broader Middle Eastern Jewish cuisines while crediting provenance and seeking permission for adaptations.
Jonah and Adeena also explore her path to co-authoring cookbooks with a number of chefs and celebrities including Chrissy Teigen, her Substack (including a viral post after attending Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s funeral), and the personal accountability she feels towards readers who bring her recipes into their homes. The episode covers her family history and Shabbat hospitality, including her mother Steffi’s influence, and what makes food suitable for Shabbat. Adeena introduces her upcoming cookbook “Zuriz” (“quick”), a collection of 100 one-page recipes designed for real life. This conversation doesn’t just talk about food as sustenance, but as a means of storytelling and connection.
Topics Include:
Adeena Sussman’s move from New York City to Tel Aviv
Becoming one of today’s most influential voices in Israeli cuisine
Writing Sababa and Shabbat cookbooks
Living with Chrissy Teigen and John Legend
How Is…
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The Genocide Libel and Comedian Modi Rosenfeld
17 februari 2026 · 1 uur 10 min
In this delightful and hilarious episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, comedian Modi Rosenfeld opens up about faith, fame, identity, and building unity through Jewish comedy. Recently named one of The Hollywood Reporter’s Top 10 New York Comedians, Modi discusses what it means to be a proudly Jewish comedian in today’s cultural climate, and why laughter is his path to creating what he calls “Messianic energy.” Lees meer
From performing at the Comedy Cellar, the Republican Jewish Coalition, and soon Radio City Music Hall, to navigating conversations with fellow comics like Dave Chappelle and Ben Shapiro, Modi shares candid insights on comedy, politics, and Jewish pride.
He reflects on growing up Israeli in America, coming out as gay later in life, marrying his husband Leo, and supporting LGBTQ inclusion within the Orthodox community through organizations like Eshel. Modi also reveals how COVID, Zoom shows, and social media transformed his career into a global brand with audiences in Israel, Europe, and beyond.
With humor and heart, this episode explores Judaism, comedy, Israel, identity, and the power of laughter to bring people together in divided times.
Topics discussed include:
Modi Rosenfeld on being a “Jewish comedian” vs. a comedian who happens to be Jewish
Roasting Ben Shapiro at a Commentary Magazine event
Following Donald Trump at the Republican Jewish Coalition
Touring internationally in Israel, Paris, Berlin, and London
Processing October 7th and performing in Europe amid rising antisemitism
Growing up Israeli-American on Long Island
Marriage, faith, and partnership with husband Leo
Supporting LGBTQ Orthodox Jews through Eshel
Preparing for his upcoming Radio City Music Hall debut
Building a global audience via Instagram and post-COVID Zoom comedy
The meaning behind his tour title: Pause for Laughter
Mentioned In The Episode:
Anti-Jew Libels DECONSTRUCTED - Jonah Platt Debunks 4 Lies About Israel & The Jewish People (Part 1)
Modi Rosenfeld Web…
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EMERGENCY MINI-POD! Behind Robert Kraft’s Blue Square Super Bowl Ad with Org President Adam Katz
11 februari 2026 · 37 min
In this special emergency episode, host Jonah Platt interviews Adam Katz, president of the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate. They discuss the purpose and strategy behind the $15 million 2026 Super Bowl ad aired by the organization, founded by Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft. The discussion covers the ad's target audience, primarily the unengaged Americans oblivious to the severity of antisemitism. Adam explains the rigorous data-driven process behind creating and testing the ad and addresses varying reactions and criticisms from the Jewish community. Lees meer
The episode also explores the effectiveness and future direction of the organization’s campaign to combat Jewish hate, emphasizing the importance of allyship and broader community action.
Topics include:
The Super Bowl Ad: Goals and Target Audience
The Creative Process Behind the Ad
Testing and Refining the Ad
Addressing Criticisms and Reactions
The Importance of Allyship and Audience Targeting
Measuring the Impact of the Campaign
The Blue Square Initiative
Evolution of the Organization and Messaging
What it means to actively participate in fighting Jewish hate
Mentioned in the episode:
Adam Katz
Adam Katz LinkedIn
Blue Square Alliance
Robert Kraft
Blue Square Super Bowl ad
Robert Kraft and the Kraft Group
Blue Square Alliance Jewish Hate Data
Other Blue Square ads
Gen Z & Anti-Jew Hate
Freedom to Marry
Sharing Blue Square on Social Media
Request a Blue Square Pin
Black Unity Event
Davos Blue Square Pins
Van Jones Wearing Blue Square on CNN
GLAAD Association
Shift from Combat Hate/Antisemitism to BSA
BSA Super Bowl Commercial 2025 Snoop Dogg and Tom Brady
"Tony" 2023 Swastika Painted on the Garage
Isaiah BSA Spot
What's Up With Hate Instagram
When There Are No Words Ad
Being Jewish: Discussing When There Are No Words
Stand Up To Jewish Hate Instagram
Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodc…
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Antizionist Libels & Iranian-Jewish Activists Mandana Dayani, Matthew Nouriel & Rabbi Tarlan Rabizadeh
10 februari 2026 · 1 uur 24 min
In this powerful episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah speaks with Jewish Iranian advocates, Rabbi Tarlan Rabizadeh of American Jewish University, Mandana Dayani of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, and Matthew Nouriel of JIMENA - Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa, whose families fled persecution by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), offering an urgent and deeply personal look at life under the Iranian regime. The conversation exposes how the IRGC functions not just as a military force, but as an ideological and economic power structure responsible for widespread human rights abuses, political repression, and global terrorism. The guests share personal stories about living under the threat and surveillance of the IRGC. Lees meer
The episode explores the Iranian regime’s hostility toward Israel, the Jewish community, and the West, while drawing clear distinctions between the Iranian people and their government. Jonah and his guests discuss how the IRGC funds proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, destabilizing the Middle East and exporting violence far beyond Iran’s borders. The conversation also highlights the challenges refugees face when seeking asylum in the United States, Canada, and Europe, and the importance of educating Western audiences about Iran’s internal resistance movements. Ultimately, the episode is a call to awareness, urging listeners to recognize the human cost of extremism and stand with those fighting for freedom, and truth.
Topics Include:
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its role in Iran
Political repression and surveillance in Iran
Iranian refugees seeking asylum in the United States and Canada
IRGC funding of Hamas and Hezbollah
Iran’s anti-Israel ideology and antisemitism
Distinguishing the Iranian people from the Iranian regime
Iranian opposition movements and internal resistance
Terrorism exported by Iran across the Middle East
The impact of October 7 on Iranian dissidents worldwide
…
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Jewish Values + Reproductive Rights with The Red Tent Fund CEO Allison Korman
5 februari 2026 · 31 min
Host Jonah Platt interviews Allison Tombros Korman, the founder and executive director of the Red Tent Fund, a national abortion fund rooted in Jewish values. The conversation spans Korman's personal and professional journey, including her experiences with antisemitism in progressive spaces post October 7th, that led her to being forced out of her job at the DC Abortion Fund and eventually establishing the Red Tent Fund. They discuss the fund's mission to support abortion seekers through a Jewish lens, the impact of Roe v. Wade's overturning, misconceptions about third-trimester abortions, and the controversial 'Fund Abortion, Not War' campaign. Lees meer
The Red Tent Fund operates by providing money directly to clinics to aid any abortion seeker regardless of religion or political affiliation, reflecting values of bodily autonomy, compassion, and community care.
Discussed
The Birth of the Red Tent Fund (Jewish Values, Access for All)
The Purpose of Abortion Funds
The Intent and Framework of Reproductive Justice
The Jewish Perspectives on Abortion, As Interpreted by Rabbis and Scholars
Challenges and Realities of Abortion Access
Fund Abortion, Not War: A Controversial Movement
Why People Must Travel Across State Lines for Reproductive Health
The Research of medical Sociologist Katrina Kimport, PhD, on Why People Get Third Trimester Abortions
The Intersection of Abortion Rights and Anti-Israel Sentiments
Mentioned In The Episode:
Red Tent Fund
Red Tent Fund Facebook
Red Tent Fund Instagram
Donate to Red Tent Fund
DC Abortion Fund
Antisemitism and the DCAF
Allison Tombros Korman Tablet Magazine Article
Tablet Magazine
Roe v. Wade
DCAF on Abortion Fund
Restorative Justice
Michal Cotler-Wunsh
Michal-Cotler Wunsh Being Jewish Episode
Antisemitism and Antizionism in Reproductive Health
What is the Red Tent Fund?
Planned Parenthood
National Abortion Hotline
Jewish Perspective on Red Tent Site
Parashat Mishpatim
Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance
Red …
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My Most Important Monologue, Part 3 of 3 (The Jeremiah Effect) and Bishop Michael J. Fisher
3 februari 2026 · 1 uur 10 min
In this compelling episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah speaks with Bishop Michael J. Fisher, a prominent Los Angeles faith leader and longtime advocate for Black–Jewish solidarity. The discussion explores Bishop Fisher’s personal journey, deeply influenced by his father, Reverend W. Jerome Fisher, a World War II medic who helped liberate Jews from the Dachau concentration camp. Jonah and Bishop Fisher dig deeply into the real actions Fisher is doing to build bonds and bridges between the black and Jewish communities, and their shared perspective on what advocacy truly means. Lees meer
Bishop Fisher reflects on building interfaith relationships with leaders such as Rabbi Stewart Vogel and Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback, and on the shared spiritual foundations of Judaism and Christianity, including the meaning of Zion. The discussion also addresses rising antisemitism, the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attacks, and the responsibility of moral leadership in moments of crisis.
The episode highlights initiatives like the Freedom Seder and the From Compton to Jerusalem trip, celebrating Israel’s diversity and the Ethiopian Jewish community, while offering a hopeful vision of unity grounded in building relationships, and discovering truth.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
Bishop Michael J. Fisher on growing up in Compton under the influence of his father, Reverend W. Jerome Fisher
His church, The Greater Zion Church Family
A firsthand family connection to the Holocaust through World War II liberation efforts
The spiritual and historical meaning of Zion in Black Christianity and Judaism
Building Black–Jewish alliances with Rabbi Stewart Vogel and Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback
The examples of people like Van Jones, Amanda Berman, and Robert Stearns in interfaith bridge-building
How the Freedom Seder creates shared Jewish and Black communal space
Understanding antisemitism vs. anti-Zionism after the October 7 Hamas attacks
Why Israel’s diversity challenges apartheid narratives
Lessons from th…
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My Most Important Monologue, Part 2 of 3 (Antizionism) & Israeli Oz Party Leader Dr. Einat Wilf
27 januari 2026 · 1 uur 5 min
In this essential episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah speaks with Israeli public intellectual, former Knesset member, and political strategist Dr. Einat Wilf about Israel’s political future in the wake of October 7th. Wilf argues that Israel has reached a historic inflection point — one that requires shedding what she calls a lingering “diaspora consciousness” and fully embracing permanent, sovereign thinking. Lees meer
Drawing on decades of scholarship and public service, Wilf challenges many of the assumptions that have shaped Israeli politics and peace efforts. She explains why the conflict cannot be resolved through ambiguity or process alone, why ideology — not borders — has been the central obstacle to peace, and why international frameworks have repeatedly failed to reckon with Jewish self-determination. From critiques of institutions like UNRWA to hard questions about national service, governance, and borders, Wilf calls for a renewed Israeli social contract rooted in responsibility, realism, and permanence.
This episode is a rigorous exploration of sovereignty, accountability, and political maturity, offering listeners a clear vision of what it would mean for Israel and the Jewish people to stop thinking provisionally, and start acting like a nation that fully believes it is here to stay.
Topics include:
Understanding Israel's Political System
Founding the Oz Party
Arab Zionism
Clarifying Borders
Strengthening the Knesset
Service to the State and Belonging in Israel
From Diaspora Consciousness to Sovereign Conduct
Separation of Shul and State
Worthy Leadership and Women in Politics
The Oz Party's Vision and Strategy
Appealing to a Diverse Audience
UNRWA and Palestinian Relationship and Legacy
Thank you to this episode’s sponsor SAPIR.
https://sapirjournal.org/BeingJewish
Mentioned in this Episode:
Part 1:The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews
Part 2: The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Pale…
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My Most Important Monologue (Part 1 or 3) and Entertainment Icon Howie Mandel
20 januari 2026 · 1 uur 3 min
In this energetic and wide-ranging episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with comedy and television icon Howie Mandel (America’s Got Talent, Deal or No Deal, Gremlins, St. Elsewhere) for a conversation that moves effortlessly between laughter and reflection. From his early days as a stand-up comic to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in television, Howie reflects on a career that has spanned more than four decades, and the values that have grounded him throughout it. Lees meer
With trademark honesty and humor, Howie opens up about his Jewish upbringing, family life, and how Jewish values have shaped his worldview both onstage and off. The conversation also takes a more serious turn as Howie speaks candidly about the resurgence of antisemitism, the aftermath of October 7th, and what it has felt like to navigate Jewish identity in an increasingly hostile global climate. Thoughtful, funny, and unexpectedly moving, this episode offers a rare glimpse into how one of comedy’s most familiar figures navigates faith, fear, and responsibility to show up when it matters most.
Topics Discussed Include:
Howie’s Jewish upbringing in Toronto
How comedy became a creative outlet and coping mechanism for anxiety and OCD
The influence of Howie’s father on his Jewish values and identity
Howie’s early years doing stand-up
Howie’s opinion on tzedakah
Why Israel struggles with public perception
Jewish identity and visibility in a time of rising antisemitism
Howie speaks out about injustice and intolerance
Pro-Palestinian vs. Anti-Israel movements: understanding the difference
Howie on NBC, Hollywood, and Jewish representation
Jews being targets for their appearance outside of NY and LA
Howie’s goal, “I just wanna do the right thing.”
Thank you to this episode's sponsors The Dream Raffle and SAPIR.
https://sapirjournal.org/BeingJewish
Mentioned In The Episode:
Part 1:The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews
Part 2: The …
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Disrupting Jewish Institutions with AJU President Jay Sanderson
15 januari 2026 · 28 min
In this episode of 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with longtime Jewish communal leader Jay Sanderson, recently appointed President of American Jewish University (AJU). Sanderson recounts a harrowing childhood marked by intense antisemitic violence while growing up in Boston public housing, including a near-fatal incident in which he was buried alive. That trauma ultimately propelled him toward a life of Jewish leadership after a transformative summer in Israel facilitated by the Jewish Agency, culminating in a pivotal childhood encounter with David Ben-Gurion. Lees meer
The conversation traces Sanderson’s career running major institutions such as Jewish Federation of Los Angeles and Jewish Television Network, before turning to his vision for the Jewish future. Sanderson critiques the Jewish world’s tendency to focus narrowly on combating antisemitism rather than proactively planning for long-term vitality. This outlook led to the creation of the 2050 Institute, an initiative designed to address the lack of adequate modern training for Jewish professionals and lack of planning for the Jewish future.
Sanderson explains why he came out of retirement after October 7 to lead AJU, outlining an ambitious plan to reimagine rabbinic education, expand the Miller Introduction to Judaism program, and position AJU as a central pipeline for future Jewish leaders. Jay’s challenge for leaders of today to get off the sidelines, bring new blood and ideas forward, and actively shape what the Jewish experience should look like in 25 years.
Topics of the episode include
Jay Sanderson’s childhood trauma and antisemitism in Boston
A near-death experience and its long-term psychological impact
A formative Israel trip through the Jewish Agency
Meeting David Ben-Gurion at a kibbutz
Leadership roles at Jewish Federation of Los Angeles
The founding vision of the 2050 Institute
Sanderson becoming President of American Jewish University
Expanding the Miller Introduction to Judaism program…
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HOSTAGE (2-Part Special): Eli Sharabi on Surviving 491 Days in Hamas Captivity
13 januari 2026 · 1 uur
In one of the most powerful and singular conversations ever featured on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with Eli Sharabi, a survivor of 491 days in Hamas captivity. Eli joins Jonah for a two-part conversation that moves from public testimony to deeply personal reflection. The episode opens with a live, onstage discussion at a Magen David Adom gala in Miami, honoring Eli and tracing his journey from Kibbutz Be’eri to captivity and eventual freedom. It then shifts to an intimate studio conversation in Los Angeles, where Eli speaks with remarkable clarity, courage, and humanity about survival, resilience, and the inner discipline that sustained him through unimaginable psychological and physical torment. Together, Jonah and Eli explore the writing of Eli’s book Hostage, the healing power of telling his story, and the global impact of his speech at the United Nations. With profound honesty, Eli reflects on the loss of his wife Lianne, his daughters Noiya and Yahel, and his brother Yossi, and shares his ongoing mission to share his story as a testimony against terrorism, confront disinformation, and raise awareness about the truth of what happened to Hamas captives. Lees meer
Topics discussed include:
Eli takes us back to October 7th, sharing what he remembers from the day his life changed forever
The unimaginable loss of Eli’s family, and how he carries their memory with him
Honoring the courage and ultimate sacrifices of Amit Mann and Avia Hetzroni from Kibbutz Be’eri
What inspired Eli to write Hostage and how putting words on the page became part of his healing
The reality of what food looked like in captivity, and what deprivation teaches you about survival
How Eli became a mentor and source of strength for Alon Ohel while they were held together
Eli reflects on meeting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
The emotional impact of Itamar Ben Gvir’s comments
Holding onto tradition, faith, and Shabbat rituals under inhumane conditions
Inside Hamas’ psychologi…
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Cindy Crawford: Supermodel, Super Ally
6 januari 2026 · 52 min
In this intimate and revealing episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, iconic supermodel and Jewish ally Cindy Crawford sits down for a rare interview with Jonah to discuss family, faith, and allyship. Known worldwide for redefining beauty and celebrity, Cindy opens up about the quieter values that have shaped her life — from her interfaith marriage to Rande Gerber to the loss of her only brother to leukemia at an early age. Lees meer
Cindy shares personal stories about building a home rooted in Jewish and Protestant tradition, raising her children with an appreciation for Jewish rituals, and why speaking out against antisemitism now feels both urgent and unavoidable. She reflects on her experience working with Holocaust survivors through the Borrowed Spotlight Project, her role in preserving the cultural legacy of Nate and Al’s, and her decision to use her platform for Jewish advocacy (New Year New Voices). Jonah and Cindy also discuss the trajectory of her career, the shifting landscape of beauty standards, and what the future might look like for her.
The episode underscores Cindy's ongoing commitment to cultural empathy, allyship, and what it looks like to stand with the Jewish community not by accident or obligation, but by choice.
In this episode, Cindy and Jonah dive into:
How social media has become “poison”
Why even small acts of Jewish allyship now feel “controversial”
Growing up Protestant in the Midwest
Cindy’s first visit to Israel
Navigating a Jewish/Protestant Interfaith Marriage
Jewish traditions that resonated with Cindy
Cindy’s adult children's relationship to Jewish identity
Cindy’s participation in the Borrowed Spotlight Project
The loss of Cindy’s brother
Links to things mentioned in the episode:
Cindy Crawford Instagram
Cindy Crawford and Noa Tishby Hanukah lighting
Rande Gerber
B’rit Mialh: The Circumcision Ritual
Cindy Crawford Capezio Shoot in Israel
Shabbat Elevator in Israel
Maxwell House Haggadah
Christian Congregationalism
…
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One Mitzvah A Day with Daily Giving Founder Dr. Jonathan Donath
18 december 2025 · 27 min
Can we change the world with just ONE dollar? In this inspiring episode of '30 Minute Mensches,' Jonah talks to Dr. Jonathan Donath, founder and president of Daily Giving, the grassroots online platform that has turned daily donations of just $1 into almost $27 million distributed to over 75 Jewish causes worldwide. Dr. Donath shares the epiphany that led him to start Daily Giving, the importance of working the daily giving “muscle”, and the organization’s growth journey. A true mensch, Dr. Donath’s appeal will have you racing to sign up so that you too can feel the joy of philanthropy, unity, and the transformative power of giving. Lees meer
Discussed topics include:
The Near Death Experience of a Rabbi that Inspired Daily Giving
The Big Impact of Many Small Mitzvahs
Stories of Daily Giving’s Work
Mel Robbins and Why Immediate Action is Important
Chasing Balance in Life
Comedian Elon Gold’s Viral Moment for Daily Giving
Nonprofit Operational Challenges and Growth
Who Are Some Partner Organizations (75+) and Why
A big thank you to Daily Giving
MENTIONS
Joint Effort Chiropractic
Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy
Rabbi Alon Anava and His Near Death Experience
Elon Gold Daily Giving Promo
Daily Giving Beneficiary Organizations
Mel Robbins on taking action
Magen David Adom
United Hatzalah
Chai Lifeline
Ohel
One Mitzvah a Day
JFNA
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Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Story Producer: Sasha Nelson, Associate Producer: Emma Webb, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie…
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Unwrapping Hannukah & Food Personality Jake Cohen
16 december 2025 · 1 uur 4 min
It’s Hanukkah! In this cozy episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah is joined by culinary expert, social media darling, and New York Times-bestselling cookbook author Jake Cohen for a conversation about Jewish food, ritual, and the unifying power of gathering around the table. Known for zhuzhing up traditional Jewish cuisine with a distinctly modern yet reverent flair, Jake reflects on how food has become his spiritual practice and creative outlet for expressing Jewish identity. Lees meer
Jake shares how hosting Shabbat dinners became his primary avenue to building community and all the celebrity pals he has welcomed to his table, from Benny Blanco to Shoshana Bean to Katie Couric to Isaac Mizrahi. He opens up about his journey from being a self-described “High Holiday Jew” to becoming a leading voice in contemporary Jewish food culture, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, hospitality, and incorporating Jewish values into everyday life.
The conversation also touches on Jake’s three best-selling cookbooks — Jew-ish, I Could Nosh and Dinner Party Animal — which aim to make Jewish cooking accessible, joyful, and inviting to Jews and non-Jews alike. Jonah and Jake explore the intersection of Jewish and queer identity, the importance of inviting dissenting opinions to your dinner table, how to host an epic dinner party, and Jake’s hopes for a more connected and peaceful future. It’s an episode filled with comfort, laughter, and the unmistakable warmth of Hanukkah.
A special thank you to this episode’s sponsor:
American Friends of the Hebrew University and the podcast The View From Mount Scopus
MENTIONS
Dinner Party Animal: Recipes to Make Every Day a Celebration
Jake Cohen Instagram
Jake Cohen Tiktok
Jake Cohen Website
The Seleucide Empire
Hanukkah Antisemitism vs. Purim Antisemitism
Hellenism and Judaism
The Surprising Origin of The Dreidel
Jonah @ The Big Shabbat
The Temple Emanu-El Streicker Center
The Big Shabbat
Joan Nathan
Adeena Sussman
E…
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The Black American Playbook and Philosopher-journalist Bernard-Henri Lévy
9 december 2025 · 53 min
In this thought-provoking episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with world-renowned philosopher, author, and war correspondent Bernard-Henri Lévy (known as BHL) for an insightful conversation about the meaning of Jewish solidarity after October 7th and the collapse of moral reasoning in the West. Drawing on five decades spent on the frontlines of conflicts from Bosnia to Bangladesh, Lévy reflects on the role of the witness, the fragility of democracy, and the shattering implications of October 7th. Lees meer
From Hamas to ISIS, Sudan to Ukraine, BHL draws sharp parallels between the world’s genocidal movements and the West’s habit of resisting them “just enough to help the victims survive, but never enough to let them win.” Together, Jonah and BHL explore the central arguments of his new book, Israel Alone: Israel’s unprecedented isolation, the return of antisemitism dressed in the language of antizionism, and the collapse of ethical reasoning on university campuses and in public life.
BHL speaks candidly about why jihadist groups must be militarily defeated, how antisemitism differs from other forms of racism, the challenges of Jewish life in France, and why Israel’s democracy remains a modern miracle, despite being tested by decades of war.
In the episode they discuss:
Iranian Missile Attacks and Global Reactions
The Necessity of Defeating Hamas
The Defeat of Al Qaeda and Isis
BHL’s time in Afghanistan and Rwanda
The Resilience of Israeli Society
Diverse Communities in Israel
Understanding Antisemitism
Antizionism as the Only “Acceptable” Form of Modern Antisemitic
The Role of Hate in Human History
Criticism vs. Antisemitism
Sudan's Genocide and Racist War
#BernardHenriLevy #BHL #JonahPlatt #BeingJewishPodcast #IsraelAlone #JewishIdentity #Antisemitism #October7 #MoralClarity #Philosophy #HumanRights #Israel #JewishPeople
Thank you to this episodes sponsor, The Dream Raffle.
https://thedreamraffle.com/
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Jewish Traumatic Invalidation with Israeli Psychologist Dr. Miri Bar-Halpern
4 december 2025 · 31 min
Jonah hosts an insightful conversation with Israeli-American Dr. Miri Bar-Halpern, a Harvard-affiliated clinical psychologist and renowned trauma expert, about her experiences growing up in Israel during times of conflict and how they shaped her career in trauma and mental health. She explains her groundbreaking work on the concept of 'traumatic invalidation' in the Jewish community after October 7th, and the importance of recognizing and addressing this community trauma on an individual level. They discuss her shift to advocacy post-October 7th, and her role with Parents for Peace, a non-profit aimed at radicalization prevention. The episode highlights the crucial need of better mental health support, both for the Jewish community and the wider population, as a means to prevent radicalization, combat hatred, and foster resilience. It provides insights on how to effectively fight hate and radicalization through a combination of education, psychological understanding, and policy change. Lees meer
In the episode they discuss:
Dr. Miri Bar Halpern’s Israeli childhood during the Gulf War and Second Intifada
Her Personal Journey with Inherited Trauma
Her Groundbreaking Article on “Traumatic Invalidation” in the Jewish Community
Combating Radicalization with Parents for Peace
Our Stories Matter Podcast
Anti-Jew Hate as the Common Denominator in Radicalization
Prevention and Intervention techniques
Please support the podcast and become a member (join the Kahillah) to get exclusive benefits.
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Mentioned in the episode:
Miri Bar-Halpern Instagram
Dr. Bar Halpern Website
Traumatic Invalidation Research Article (co-authored by Dr. Bar-Halpern)
Jonah on “Our Stories Matter” Podcast
Parents for Peace
What is the second intifada?
What are epigenetics?
Criteria of Traumatic Invalidation
Dr. Marsha Linehan
Melanie Harned
Martin Bohus
Massachusetts Teachers Association's (MTA) Anti-Israel, Anti-Jewish Resources Remain.
Head of Pa…
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Updated! The 5 C’s of Difficult Conversation and Superstar Dancer/Wife Courtney Platt
2 december 2025 · 1 uur 12 min
In this landmark 50th episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah celebrates the milestone with his wife, Courtney Ann Platt (Glee, So You Think You Can Dance, Rock of Ages), the world-class dancer, television star, and multiple sclerosis advocate whose journey into Judaism has become a defining part of the traditions and values in their home. From growing up Italian Catholic in New York to becoming a Jewish mother raising three young Platts, Courtney opens up about the turning points that reshaped her life. Lees meer
With humor and candor, Courtney and Jonah revisit the early days of their relationship, the emotional path of Courtney’s Orthodox conversion, and their commitment to blending two traditions under one roof, from negotiating Christmas celebrations to creating a home where Jewish values are woven into everyday life. Courtney also reflects on motherhood, the visceral awakening she felt after October 7th, and how becoming part of the Jewish people changed her understanding of community, resilience, and responsibility. The conversation touches on spirituality, loss, MS, and what it means to both choose and defend your identity.
This milestone episode is a celebration of love, tradition, and the family Courney and Jonah have built together. It’s an intimate look at what it means to choose Judaism, and to choose each other.
Other Topics Include:
The Story of How Jonah and Courtney Met Doing HAIR at the Hollywood Bowl
Jonah and Courtney’s First Date & First “I Love You”
How and When to Bring Up “The Conversion Convo”
Conversion to Judaism: The Process and Challenges
Protecting Jewish Identity Post-October 7th
Jewish Day School vs. Hebrew School
How Jonah Learned to Love Christmas!
How Grief Affects Our Faith in God
The Losses of Courtney’s SYTYCD brothers, Stephen “Twitch” Boss & Joshua Allen
Courtney’s Life with MS (multiple sclerosis)
Please support the podcast and become a member (join the Kahillah) to get exclusive benefits.
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I Read Peter Beinart’s Book So You Don’t Have To and “Ace of Cakes” Duff Goldman
25 november 2025 · 1 uur 6 min
It’s Turkey Time! In this warm and wonderfully flavorful Thanksgiving episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with Duff Goldman — celebrity pastry chef, bestselling cookbook author, Food Network Icon, and beloved host of shows like Ace of Cakes, Kids Baking Championship, Buddy vs. Duff, and Duff’s Happy Fun Bake Time. Together, they dig into the stories and traditions that shaped Duff’s life long before he became America’s favorite baker. Lees meer
Duff opens up about his personal experiences with anti-Jew bigotry in New England, and how that deepened his connection to Jewish culture, family, and food. They discuss the joys and challenges of Duff’s professional achievements as a master baker, from mentoring young bakers on television to navigating the pressure of high-profile baking competitions. Duff also discusses his upcoming venture — Duff's Deli and Market, opening soon in the Atlanta airport — and his philosophy on food, tradition, and community. Duff shares heartfelt reflections on his recovery from a devastating car accident, and his commitment to tzedakah
This episode is a celebration of resilience, tradition, and the Jewish roots behind Duff’s irresistible warmth and artistry. It’s a perfect blend of heart, humor, and holiday spirit.
Topics Include:
Duff’s love of “Tzedakah”, the Jewish value of Charity
Duff’s multicultural Passover Seders & Thanksgiving Dinners
Kids Baking Championship Insights
The Birth of the iconic Charm City Cakes
Jewish-Themed Cakes and Duff's Deli
Thanksgiving Traditions and Family
This episode is supported by The Dream Raffle. Win a Jerusalem dream home!
Please support the podcast and become a member (join the Kahillah) to get exclusive benefits.
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Mentioned In The Episode:
Duff Goldman Instagram
Duff Goldman Youtube
Duff Goldman “Tzedakah” Page
Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza by Peter Beinart
Inside the Tunnels of Gaza
The Story of Purim
When Jon Stewar…
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Jewish Values in Action, Helping Rwandan Genocide Orphans with JC Nkulikiyimfura
20 november 2025 · 27 min
In this uplifting episode, Jonah speaks with Jean-Claude Nkulikiyimfura, the Executive Director of the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV) in Rwanda. ASYV was founded to support orphans of the Rwandan genocide, providing a holistic education model rooted in Jewish principles like Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and Tikkun Ha Lev (repairing the heart). Jonah has a personal connection, having volunteered there soon after college. Lees meer
Jean-Claude (JC) and Jonah discuss the Youth Village's success in preparing students for adulthood, which a recent Tulane University study highlights with impressive outcomes, including high rates of college placement and employment. The conversation covers impactful initiatives like the Inheritance Theater Project, which empowers young women, and the broader context of societal healing in post-genocide Rwanda. Jean-Claude also shares his personal experience as a refugee and details the future vision of ASYV, including the "Anything is Possible" campaign aimed at sustaining and expanding their vital mission.
The conversation covers:
The Founding and Mission of Aga Shalom Youth Village
Welcoming the Executive Director: Jean Claude's Journey
Jewish Principles and the Vision for A SYV
The Impact of A SYV: Programs and Success Stories
Tulane University Study: Proving the Concept
Scaling Deep: The Future of ASYV
Gender Equity and the Inheritance Theater Project
Rwanda's Transformation: From Genocide to Progress
The Anything is Possible Campaign
Please support the podcast and become a member (join the Kahillah) to get exclusive benefits.
https://beingjewishpodcast.com/community
Mentioned In The Episode:
JC socials:
Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village Instagram
JC Linkedin
Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village Facebook
Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village
The Anything is Possible Campaign at ASYV
Jewish Principle Tikkun Olam
Ann Heyman, Founder of Agahzo-Shalom
Yemen Alt Youth Service
Dr. Chaim Peri
ASYV Study with Tulane University
Scali…
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What Gives Me Hope and Broadway Legend Seth Rudetsky
18 november 2025 · 1 uur 2 min
In this spirited and emotional episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Broadway legend Seth Rudetsky — actor, pianist, musical director, SiriusXM host (Seth’s Big Fat Broadway, Seth Speaks), comedy writer, and tireless advocate — joins Jonah for an honest conversation about the deep history of Jewish contributions to Broadway. They discuss the rise of anti-Jewish and anti-Israel sentiment in the arts world, and the creations of the Jewish Broadway Alliance, a grassroots effort Seth launched in the wake of October 7th. Lees meer
Drawing from decades on stage and behind the piano, Seth opens up about the challenges of Jewish advocacy, the shock of Broadway’s silence that drove him to speak up, and the emotional weight of organizing initiatives like the Broadway-hosted hostage video and Broadway Shabbat. Seth and Jonah also delve into the highlights from Rudetsky's extraordinary career — from hosting Stars in the House during the COVID-19 pandemic to his concerts for social justice causes — and his dream of creating new educational content celebrating Jewish history through music.
This conversation is a celebration of Jewish creativity and the deep-rooted bond between Jewish artists and the Broadway stage. And if you listen through to the end, you’ll find a special surprise that captures the spirit, heart, and joy that Seth brings to every room he enters.
The Importance of Jewish Influence on Broadway
Introducing the Special Episode and Guest
Seth Advocacy and Jewish Identity
The Impact of October 7th on Seth
Forming the Jewish Broadway Alliance
Challenges and Support in the Broadway Community
Broadway Shabbat and Jewish Joy
Concerts and Fundraising for Social Justice
Stars in the House: A COVID-Time Initiative
Cameron Crowe's Scaled-Down Broadway Production
Supporting a One-Man Show: Ariel Stachel's Story
Jewish Upbringing and Summer Camp Memories
Five Deep Questions with Seth Rudetsky
Grand Finale: A Musical Performance
This episode is supported by Berkeley…
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L’Dor V’adorable Returns! and 3x Academy-Award Nominated Producer Lawrence Bender
11 november 2025 · 1 uur 8 min
In this powerful episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Academy Award-nominated producer Lawrence Bender — the creative producing force behind Pulp Fiction, Good Will Hunting, Reservoir Dogs, An Inconvenient Truth and Inglorious Basterds — Joins Jonah for a candid conversation about the film industry’s reckoning after October 7th and the moral weight of telling real stories in the aftermath of tragedy. Bender’s latest project, Paramount+ miniseries Red Alert, dramatizes the true stories of horror, heroism, and hope that took place on October 7th, 2023, the darkest chapter in Israel’s history. Lees meer
Bender shares what drew him to the series — from his deep personal connection with Israel, to his collaboration with Israeli production company Keshet, to the emotional and logistical challenges of bringing real stories to screen amid an ongoing conflict. He opens up about the silence he witnessed from Hollywood and his peers in the aftermath of October 7th, and reflects on how his Jewish identity has shaped his life and career.
This episode is both an exploration on the power of art and a call to conscience, illuminating how filmmakers like Bender use their craft to bear witness, challenge complacency, and re-humanize the media headlines that shape our world.
In the episode they discuss:
From civil engineer to dancer to Hollywood mega-producer
Growing up in Antisemitic America
The Impact of October 7th and the Birth of Red Alert
Lawrence's Meeting with Former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres
Meeting the Real Heroes of Red Alert
Being Quentin Tarantino’s Partner & Inglorious Bastards
The Challenges of Filming in During a War
Selling an Israel-focused Series in Today’s Anti-Israel Hollywood
Please support the podcast and become a member (join the Kahillah) to get exclusive benefits.
https://beingjewishpodcast.com/community
Mentioned In The Episode:
Lawrence Bender On Instagram
Red Alert on Paramount Plus
Keshet
Israel Policy Forum
Abu Mazin (Mahmoud Abb…
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Jew on Jew Hate and CNN’s Anchor Jake Tapper
4 november 2025 · 1 uur 18 min
In this special Election Day episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Emmy Award–winning journalist Jake Tapper joins Jonah for a candid and wide-ranging conversation on politics, identity, and truth-telling in a polarized world. Best known as the anchor of CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper and State of the Union, Jake reflects on his decades covering America’s most defining political moments — from the Virginia governor’s race to the New York City mayoral election — and how journalism has evolved in an era of social media outrage and political echo chambers. Lees meer
Together, Jonah and Jake explore the intersections of Jewish identity, antisemitism — past and present — and the evolving challenges of journalistic integrity in today’s press environment. Jake also opens up about his writing process and his latest books — Race Against Terror, which follows the pursuit of an Al-Qaeda killer, and Original Sin, his political thriller about a presidential cover-up during the 2024 election.
This episode is a deep dive into the ethics of journalism, the responsibility of storytelling, and what it means to stay empathetic and informed in turbulent times. It’s a timely, thought-provoking listen for anyone who cares about democracy, truth, and the power of Jewish values in public discourse.
Topics covered include:
Discussing Key Political Races
The Democratic and Republican Parties
Concerns Within the Jewish Community
Antisemitism in Politics
Personal Experiences with Antisemitism
Challenges in Media Reporting
Jake Tapper's Jewish Identity
Jewish High School Experiences
Jewish Summer Camp Memories
Interfaith Marriages and Family Traditions
Writing About Joe Biden
Race Against Terror: A New Book
Five Deep Questions with Jake Tapper
Sponsors
Sponsored by Berkeley Moshav
https://www.berkeleymoshav.org/
Please support the podcast and become a member (join the Kahillah) to get exclusive benefits.
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Mentioned in the Episode:
Under…
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Navigating Comedy, Antisemitism, and the Gaza/Israel War with Impressionist Ami Kozak
30 oktober 2025 · 29 min
Ami Kozak is redefining what Jewish comedy and commentary look like in 2025 — blending sharp impressions, fearless satire, and moral clarity in a time of chaos. Lees meer
In this episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with Ami — modern Orthodox comedian, musician, and host of the podcast Ami’s House — to talk about how his Jewish faith and sense of moral clarity shaped his response to anti-Jew bigotry and misinformation after October 7.
Ami shares:
How growing up modern Orthodox shaped his Jewish identity and worldview
Why October 7 changed his purpose as a performer — turning laughter into a vehicle for truth
Why he chose to have civil conversations with controversial figures like Candace Owens and Dave Smith — and what those exchanges taught him about engaging bad ideas in good faith
The dangers of moral relativism, false “experts,” and the growing misuse of words like “genocide”
What he calls “goosebumps with clarity” — balancing empathy with uncompromising honesty
His creative process for impressions of President Donald Trump, Tucker Carlson, and Zohran Mamdani — and how humor can cut through disinformation
From synagogue to stage, from serious debate to satire, Ami Kozak proves that comedy can do more than make people laugh — it can make them think.
Hashtags:
#AmiKozak #BeingJewish #30MinuteMensches #JewishComedy #ModernOrthodox #Israel #JewishIdentity #Antisemitism #FreeSpeech #JewishHumor #MoralClarity
Mentioned In The Episode:
Ami Kozak Instagram
Ami Kozak X
Ami Kozak Facebook
Ami Kozak YouTube
Ami’s House (podcast)
Yahud
Your Hebrew word for the day: MAMAD
Human Rights Council members who abuse human rights
What is Tikkun Olam?
J-Sketch YouTube
Alex Edelman
The Karate Kid
Alan Dershowitz
Hasbara
Norman Finkelstein vs Alan Dershowitz On Israel-Palestine War With Piers Morgan | The Full Debate
Douglas Murrey
Tucker Carlson Wedding Vows Skit
Zohran Mamdani
Kristallnacht
The Second Intifada 2000
Ami…
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LIVE FROM PHILLY! Jewish & Native actress Sarah Podemski & activist Lani Anpo (Live from The Weitzman Museum in Philadelphia)
28 oktober 2025 · 1 uur 8 min
BEING JEWISH goes live! In our first ever East Coast live pod at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia, Jonah Platt welcomes two unique voices, Sarah Podemski and Lani Anpo, who share insights into their dual heritage as both Jewish and First Nation/Native American. Sarah is a Canadian actress, best known for her supporting role as Rita in the hit FX television series Reservation Dogs. Lani is a multi-tribal Native American Jewish advocate and educator, who uses her social media platform to champion the rights of hers and other marginalized groups. Lees meer
Their conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the significance of Jewish and Native cultural practices, the challenges of acceptance within respective communities, and the similarities between the two indigenous groups. Sarah and Lani share personal stories about their mixed heritage and the impact on their identities, both facing and overcoming external skepticism. The episode also delves into historical contexts such as the impact of blood quantum laws and the diaspora experience, and examines how these factors shape both modern-day struggles and triumphs.
Sarah and Lani offer thoughtful reflections on the importance of community engagement, cultural preservation, and the struggle for sovereignty, especially for Native American and First Nation tribes. This episode is a powerful testament to the resilience and rich cultural histories of these two unique communities.
Topics covered include:
Family Histories and Personal Journeys
Challenges of Mixed Heritage
Parallels Between Jewish and Native Cultures
Support Systems and Resilience
Navigating Trauma Together
Exploring Israeli Identity
Indigeneity and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Native American Reparations
Jewish and Native American Cultural Exchange
Native American History Month
This episode was produced with and recorded live at the Weitzman National
Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia.
…
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Soulful Dating Advice with Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaker Aleeza Ben Shalom
23 oktober 2025 · 28 min
On the hunt for the perfect NJB (Nice Jewish Boy) or Girl? Look no further! On this love-filled episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah is joined by international matchmaking icon Aleeza Ben Shalom, star of the hit Netflix show 'Jewish Matchmaking.” Aleeza is an author, dating coach, and modern day yente who has successfully matched over 200 couples and coached thousands more. Get ready to find your Beshert! Lees meer
Aleeze spills the tea on the most common dating mistakes, and why you might still be single. She also explains the wisdom behind her signature philosophies: “Date ‘em til’ you hate ‘em” “No touching for five dates” and why “Love is not enough.” Aleeza emphasizes personal growth, compatibility, and building a lasting connection through mutual understanding and shared values. She also discusses her vision for a global matchmaking movement aimed at strengthening communities by helping people find their life partners.
In this episode, Jonah and Aleeza help you YOUR “Beshert” and chat about all of these meaningful topics:
Dating Culture Around the World
Challenges in Modern Dating
The #1 Dating Mistake People Make
Post-Match Coaching and Breakup Rules
Understanding Soulmates in Judaism
Why Older Singles Are Still Single
Opposites Attract vs. Peas in a Pod
Date 'Em Till You Hate 'Em
No Touching for Five Dates
The Importance of Compatibility Beyond Love
Mentioned In Episode
Aleeza Ben Shalom Website
Matchmaker Matchmaker - Podcast
Aleeza Ben Shalom Youtube
Get Real Get Married: Get Over your Hurdles and Under the Chuppah
Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Find Me a Love That Lasts
The Chuppah, or Wedding Canopy
Shomer Negiah, the Prohibition on Touching
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Insta…
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Making the Implicit Explicit and bestselling author Sarah Hurwitz
21 oktober 2025 · 1 uur 17 min
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: Lees meer
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Our first returning guest, Sarah Hurwitz, rejoins Jonah to discuss her powerful new book As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us — a work as essential as it is uplifting in a post–October 7th world. In this deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation, Sarah reflects on how education can be a true source of empowerment and shares insights from her own evolving Jewish journey. Drawing from years of research and her current pursuit of the rabbinate, she offers a rich, nuanced perspective on what it means to live — and lead — as a Jew today.
For Sarah, Judaism isn’t about any single expression — not just Israel, Hebrew, activism, or observance — but the harmony of all these threads woven together with curiosity, study and connection to the sacred wisdom of our ancient tradition. This episode feels like stepping into a vibrant, welcoming congregation — full of learning, laughter, and meaning. Don’t miss this inspiring and deeply grounding conversation on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt.
Host & Production Team
Host: Jonah Platt; Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones, Story Producer Sean Leviashvili, Editor Diana DeCilio, and Executive Assistant Jax Santiago of Rainbow Creative; Editor: Noem Klement; Chief Business Officer Kenyon Laing, Executive Assistant Josie Rothschild; Research Associate Samantha Greenwald; Associate Producer Rachel Stern; YouTube Consultants - Zac Stein & Jason Al-Samarrie - Production Assistant, Charlie Zuker; Interns Sasha Nelson & Emma Webb; & Graphic Designer, Noah Bell
MENTIONED IN MONOLOGUE
Curse of …
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Being Trans & Jewish with CoverGirl model Madison Werner
16 oktober 2025 · 27 min
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: Lees meer
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Follow Jonah on:
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Madison Werner has been a trailblazer in the transgender and Jewish communities, becoming the first transgender CoverGirl model in 2024 and using her platform to inspire hundreds of thousands worldwide. With pride, compassion and honesty, she shares her story of identity, faith, and belonging.
In this episode of 30 Minute Mensches, Madison joins Jonah Platt to open up about navigating life as a Jewish and transgender woman - two powerful identities she refuses to separate. Since October 7th and the Israel/Hamas war, Madison has spoken out about the complexities many LGBTQ+ Jews face in balancing their support for Israel with acceptance in queer spaces. Through it all, she’s led with empathy, courage, and curiosity challenging brands, re-examining friendships, and deepening her connection to Jewish values.
Madison also shares:
Her experiences at Tel Aviv Pride
What it was like sheltering in Israel during the Iranian rocket attacks
Growing up in a Jewish day school
What Jewish teachings say about gender and transgender identity
This is a powerful, deeply human conversation about identity, resilience, and faith in today’s world.
Listen to Madison Werner on 30 Minute Mensches with Jonah Platt - where modern Jewish voices share stories of courage, compassion, and community.
Connect with Madison
Follow Madison Werner on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/madisonwerner/?hl=en
Host & Production Team
Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew ‘MoJo' Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili & Sasha Nelson; Editor: Jacob Kindberg; Execut…
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Bullsh*t Behavior & Central Synagogue’s Rabbi Angela Buchdahl
14 oktober 2025 · 1 uur 10 min
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Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:
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Jonah@JonahPlatt.com
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In an episode that beautifully blends trailblazing with tradition, Jonah Platt sits down with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl of New York’s Central Synagogue to discuss her powerful new book, Heart of a Stranger: An Unlikely Story of Faith, Identity and Belonging. Together, they explore what it means to live JEWISHLY today — drawing on timeless wisdom, personal reflection, and ancient storytelling.
From conversations about conversion and inclusion to reflections on optimism and belonging in a fractured world, Rabbi Buchdahl brings her signature depth and compassion to every topic. Much like her weekly sermons, streamed by millions around the globe every week, this discussion feels both timely and timeless, landing perfectly on the Jewish calendar as she reflects on the meaning of Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret.
At the heart of the episode — and of Rabbi Buchdahl’s book — lies a profound idea: that to be Jewish often means to feel like a stranger - usually a sentiment that feels isolating but when embraced can be inspiring, empathetic and purposeful. Don’t miss this thoughtful and uplifting episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt.
Connect with our guest
Follow Rabbi Angela W. Buchdahl on Instagram
Heart of a Stranger: An Unlikely Rabbi's Story of Faith, Identity, and Belonging
Who is Rabbi Angela W. Buchdahl?
Host & Production Team
Host: Jonah Platt; Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones, Story Producer Sean Leviashvili, Editors Diana DeCilio & Jacob Kindber, and Executive Assistant Jax Santiago of Rainbow Creative; Chief Business Officer Kenyon Laing, Executive Assista…
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Unpacking Better Israel Education with OpenDor Media’s Dr. Noam Weissman
9 oktober 2025 · 29 min
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What happens when Jewish education stops being about advocacy — and starts being about curiosity?
That’s the mission of Dr. Noam Weissman, Executive Vice President of OpenDor Media and host of the hit podcast Unpacking Israeli History. In this episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah and Noam dive into how we teach, talk and think about Israel — and what it takes to build a generation of Jews who are both passionate and informed.
Noam shares:
Why “Israel education” should be about questions, not just advocacy
What he calls “goosebumps with complexity” — combining emotional connection with intellectual honesty
Why teaching young Jews that Israel is perfect does more harm than good
The untold story of the Altalena ship, and how it nearly tore Israel apart
Why Jewish summer camps and schools are key to rebuilding Israel literacy — and what real Zionism looks like in the 21st century
From school classrooms to TikTok feeds, Noam Weissman is revolutionizing how people learn about Israel and Jewish identity — blending history, heart, and hard truths. Listen now to hear how one educator is transforming Jewish learning for a new generation.
Host & Production Team
Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew ‘MoJo' Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili & Sasha Nelson; Editor: Jacob Kindberg; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah Bell
Mentioned In Episode
Unpacking Israeli History Podcast
Unpacked Media
Unpacked for Educators
What Is ConnectEd? Jewish/Israeli Education For Broader Cons…
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Remembering October 7th with Israeli Artist Tomer Peretz
7 oktober 2025 · 1 uur 7 min
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Follow Being Jewish on:
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On the second anniversary of October 7th, Jonah sits down with Israeli artist and advocate Tomer Peretz to discuss The 8 Project — an extraordinary initiative he launched in the aftermath of the attacks. Rooted in the symbolism of creation, resilience, and renewal, The 8 Project helps survivors of October 7th — from NOVA attendees and hostage families to soldiers and grieving parents — discover how art can be a powerful path to healing.
For Tomer, that lesson is deeply personal. In Israel for a wedding just days before the attacks, he witnessed the horror of October 7th firsthand. He put his emotions aside to volunteer with ZAKA, Israel’s emergency rescue organization, but the weight of it all eventually caught up with him. What helped him process the pain was art — a lifeline that not only restored his own hope, but reignited his belief in the strength of the Jewish and Israeli people. The results of that creative resilience were recently showcased at The Museum of Tolerance, featuring works from survivors across Israel. In this emotional and deeply meaningful episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah and Tomer explore the power of art therapy, the unbreakable connection between creativity and faith and the urgent importance of sharing the stories of those who survived.
Connect with Our Guest
Follow Tomer Peretz: www.instagram.com/tomerperetzart
The 8 Project: https://the8project.org/
TomerPeretz.com: https://tomerperetz.com/
Host & Production Team
Host: Jonah Platt; Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones, Story Producer Sean Leviashvili, Editors Diana DeCil…
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Wisdom from Beyond the Veil with Jewish Psychic & Energy Healer Jana Stern
3 oktober 2025 · 31 min
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After being clinically DEAD for 11 minutes, Jana Stern returned to life with a mission: Help others honor their true essence and bring light to the world. That’s the story of Jana Stern — Jewish psychic, astrologer, and spiritual healer. In this unique episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jana opens up about her near-death experience, her lifelong connection to ancestral wisdom, and how Jewish identity and Kabbalah align with her work. She also gives Jonah a spiritual energy reading live on air!
Jana shares:
Her 11 minutes “beyond the veil,” encountering ancestors and choosing to return to this world
How hearing voices — once feared as schizophrenia — became the foundation of her spiritual gift
The Jewish roots of astrology, Kabbalah, and metaphysics, and why she says this wisdom is “ours”
How Shabbat, rituals, and Torah teachings are deeply tied to spiritual energy
Why she believes there are no coincidences — only divine coordination and manifestation
How trauma, tragedy, and loss can still be part of a higher purpose for growth and healing
From astrology charts and synchronicities to Shabbat candles and Jewish ancestry, Jana brings a unique lens on spirituality, Judaism, and healing in the modern world.
Listen now to explore how Jewish wisdom and mysticism can bring meaning and healing to modern life.
Host & Production Team
Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew ‘MoJo' Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili & Sasha Nelson; Editor: Jacob Kindberg; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Desi…
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Self-Inflicted Doomscrolling and Seinfeld Star Jason Alexander
30 september 2025 · 1 uur 7 min
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We’re Back! I In this very special season premiere of Being Jewish, Jason Alexander, who gave us the iconic George Costanza from Seinfeld, joins Jonah Platt to discuss Jewish identity, cultural Judaism vs. religion, his work as a proud Jew and activist supporting Israel, and the impact of October 7th. The legendary actor, Tony Award-winner, and generational TV comedy icon kicks off the new season in a deep and honest conversation. Jason Alexander cares about the children; he is not interested in belonging to a group and would rather build bridges and not borders, learn why this Mensch is truly a Master of His Domain.
Jason Alexander discusses his personal faith and the distinction between cultural Judaism (a "shirt I can't take off") and formal religious doctrine. He shares the emotional weight of being a Jew since October 7th and his long-standing commitment to Jewish philanthropy, including organizations like Magen David Adom, the ADL, and Jewish Federation. He clarifies the story behind his stage name change from Jay Scott Greenspan to Jason Alexander.
If that’s not enough, Jason gives us his unbelievable inside stories from working on Seinfeld and tells us about the one episode that even he thought pushed the boundaries taste too much.
Connect with Our Guest
Follow Jason Alexander on Instagram
Jason Alexander’s IMDB Page
Jason Alexander Hosts Cancer Research Fund August 5 Virtual Gala
Host & Production Team
Host: Jonah Platt; Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones, Story Producer Sean Leviashvili, Editors Diana DeCilio & Jacob Kindber, and Executive Assistant …
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WE’RE BACK, BABY! All-New Season 2 of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt
28 september 2025 · 1 min
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Season 2 premieres THIS TUESDAY September 30th! And we’ll continue dropping 30 Minute Mensches every Thursday. A double dose of BJJP every week!
This season features more incredible guests beginning with Jason Alexander, Tomer Peretz, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, Sarah Hurwitz, Sarah Podemski & Lani Anpo, Jake Tapper and many more!
Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you don’t miss a moment!
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Living as a Proud, Public New York Jew with “Boy With No Job” Ben Soffer
25 september 2025 · 31 min
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What does it mean to live proudly and publicly Jewish in New York City, with the possibility of Zohran Mamdani as mayor looming large? Ask Ben Soffer, better known as @BoyWithNoJob to his over 1 million followers online. In this episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with Ben — CEO of Spritz Society wine cocktails, co-host of the hit Good Guys podcast with Josh Peck, husband to viral creator Claudia Oshry (Girl With No Job), and proud modern Orthodox Jew — to talk about faith, family, social media, and Jewish pride in today’s charged climate. Together, Jonah and Ben dig into
How Ben built a unique modern Orthodox identity on his own terms
What it feels like to wear a kippah on the streets of New York amid rising anti-Jew bigotry
The effect October 7th had on his Jewish identity… or didn’t?
How becoming a father deepened his sense of connection to God and Jewish continuity
The story behind Spritz Society — and how a viral April Fool’s joke turned into a real-life savory cocktail courtesy of Claussen’s Pickles!
From candid takes on community safety to spreading Jewish joy through humor (and beverages!), Ben Soffer embodies what it means to be unapologetically yourself — and unapologetically Jewish — in the digital age. Listen now to hear how one of the internet’s most authentic voices is shaping Jewish identity for a new generation.
Connect with Our Guest
Ben Soffer’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boywithnojob/
Ben Soffer & Josh Peck’s Podcast “The Good Guys” https://www.instagram.com/goodguys/
Host & Production Team
H…
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What is the Purpose of Judaism? Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin Has The Answer… And It’s Not What You Think!
18 september 2025 · 31 min
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What does it mean to reclaim Judaism not in the synagogue — but at the family table? That’s the vision of Rabbi David Bashevkin, author, podcaster, educator and one of today’s most engaging Modern Orthodox voices. In this episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with Rabbi Bashevkin to explore how Judaism can speak authentically to modern life and why Jewish identity is ultimately about integrating our “unchosen” identities with the “chosen” ones.
Rabbi Bashevkin shares:
Why Jewish life must begin in the home, not in synagogues or textbooks
How Judaism helps us integrate our unchosen identity (family, history, peoplehood) with our chosen paths in life
The importance of 1840 — a mystical year that reshaped Jewish thought, technology, and modern identity
Why Jewish education must instill a love of lifelong learning– not just through graduation
The urgent need for bridge-building within the Jewish community — and how to turn religious difference into dialogue
Why teens crave authenticity, and how NCSY empowers them through peer-to-peer mentorship
The challenge of negative Orthodox representation in the media — and why Judaism is meant for the imperfect among us
Rabbi Bashevkin’s work through his platform 18Forty (essays, podcasts, and conversations at 1840.org) opens the door for “post-institutional Jews” and anyone searching for meaning beyond the classroom. Listen to this episode to find out why Judaism isn’t just about survival or fighting antisemitism — it’s about rediscovering purpose, family, and the sanctity of everyday exi…
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Anti-Jew Propaganda in the Hispanic World with Fuente Latina CEO Leah Soibel
11 september 2025 · 31 min
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In this eye-opening episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with Leah Soibel, an Argentine-American Jew and the founder and CEO of Fuente Latina, to explore her remarkable journey — from studying across the Middle East during the Second Intifada to becoming a leading voice for Latino-Jewish allyship. Leah spent years immersed in Cairo, Beirut, and beyond, before building the first organization dedicated to connecting Spanish-speaking journalists with accurate, on-the-ground stories from Israel.
Leah shares:
Her experiences as the only American Jew debating at a “Mock Arab League” in Cairo — and what she learned about misunderstanding vs. hatred
How traveling solo across Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank, and Gaza shaped her perspective on media, politics, and truth
Why she founded Fuente Latina — and how it bridges the gap between Israel and over 500 million Spanish speakers worldwide
The rise of antisemitism in Spain — and the quiet network of allies working behind the scenes
Why Latin American immigrants to Israel were among the hardest hit on October 7th — and the powerful new docuseries sharing their stories
Why U.S. Latinos, the fastest-growing voting bloc, may be the strongest future allies for Israel and the Jewish community
Leah’s story is one of courage, strategy, and vision — showing how truth and relationships can combat misinformation and build bridges across cultures. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation. Listen now and join the movement for Latino-Jewish allyship.
More On Leah Soibe…
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There’s No One Way to Orthodox with Jewish TikTok Star Melinda Strauss
4 september 2025 · 26 min
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Melinda Strauss is a modern Orthodox Jewish influencer and food blogger who passionately believes that Jewish joy is resistance and Jewish presence is power. Her digital journey began with a singular mission: to share, educate and enlighten others about the richness of Orthodox Jewish life. Feeling consistently misrepresented and misunderstood, Melinda took it upon herself to authentically showcase Orthodox Jewish identity to the world.
What started with kosher recipe videos quickly grew into a powerful platform that highlights Jewish traditions, such as putting on Tefillin or wearing a Yarmulke. Her content has been met with some hate - but more curiosity and compassion. Today, Melinda Strauss is a vocal advocate for Jewish people, using her voice to increase visibility, fight anti-Jewish bigotry and celebrate Jewish heritage and culture globally — and she’s only just getting started.
In this conversation with Jonah, Melinda discusses:
The current climate and safety concerns facing the global Jewish community
Melinda’s upcoming kosher cookbook Eat Jewish: 100 Recipes That Blend Jewish Heritage, Modern Flavors and Family Traditions
Her personal journey living with Type 1 Diabetes
Her nuanced thoughts on certain Jewish laws, including The Get
The rich, diverse, and evolving tapestry of Orthodox Jewish identity
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Host & Production Team
Host/Creator: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sasha Nelson; Content Director: Ale…
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Israeli Michelin Chef Eyal Shani - Uniting Humanity Through Food
28 augustus 2025 · 28 min
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In this deliciously inspiring episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with world-renowned Israeli Chef Eyal Shani — the culinary visionary behind Miznon, HaSalon, Malkah, and dozens of other Israeli restaurants around the globe. As a ninth-generation Jerusalemite with no formal culinary training, Chef Eyal has redefined Israeli cuisine and hospitality while carrying out a mission much bigger than food– spreading positive energy, peace, and connection with each bite. Just days after the horrific October 7th attack, Chef Eyal was awarded the coveted Michelin star for his New York restaurant Shmone, but chose not to attend the ceremony. Why? He was busy cooking thousands of meals for soldiers on the Gaza border, embodying his belief that food is truly about people, not prizes.
Together, Jonah and Chef Eyal explore:
Why he treats every ingredient — from cucumbers to prime rib — as a living “creature” with a will and a story
The night violent anti-Israel agitators attacked the Melbourne branch of his restaurant Miznon, and how Lebanese neighbors saved his team’s lives
How his deep connection to the Palestinian women of the Jerusalem markets inspired his earliest dishes
Why he believes food can reunite Israelis and Palestinians — and create “a new Israel” after war
His vision for opening a boutique hotel and restaurant on the Gaza border as a symbol of renewal
Chef Shani’s philosophy is radical yet simple: there are no borders in food, only human beings. Don’t miss this extraordinary conversation with a chef whose cooking has become a…
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Should Music Be Political? With Grammy-Winning Jewish Musician Joanie Leeds
14 augustus 2025 · 29 min
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It’s music meets mishpacha in this heartfelt new episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches! Grammy-winning Jewish children’s music artist Joanie Leeds joins Jonah to share stories about the triumphs and challenges of making Jewish music in today’s climate. They discuss the debut of her 12th studio album Ageless, an ode to multi-generational heritage and Jewish values. Joanie and Jonah also tackle the line between music as political expression and music as the universal language of unity. They also get into:
🎶 How Joanie turned banned children’s books into the protest album Freadom
✡️ The challenges of advocating for a Jewish music category at the Grammys
🎤 Collaborating with her daughter on song and on the stage
📚 The greatness of Jewish hero Ruth Bader Ginsburg
🎸 Balancing inclusivity and political messaging in family-friendly music
Press Play and join us for 30 minutes of music, meaning, and Jewish joy!
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Joanie Leeds’ YouTube Channel
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Pre Order Joanie’s Album
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Host & Production Team
Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sasha Nelson; Content Director: Alexandra Fugère; Associate Producer: Sean Leviashvili); Editor: Post Relativity & Mike O’ Brien; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah Bell
MENTIONED IN EPISODE
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The Secret History of Crypto-Jews with Mexican-American Jew Blanca Carrasco
7 augustus 2025 · 26 min
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What happens when you grow up Catholic in Mexico — and discover you’re secretly Jewish?
In this riveting episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with Blanca Carrasco, a descendant of Crypto-Jews who only discovered her family’s secret heritage at age 50. Now the president of the Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies, Blanca unpacks the unknown history of Crypto-Jews — descendants of Jews who secretly maintained their faith after being forced to convert during the Spanish Inquisition. Blanca shares her extraordinary journey to discover who her true family is. She’s a leader in the global movement helping descendants of forcibly converted Jews reclaim their heritage.
Blanca opens up about:
🕯️ How the Spanish Inquisition forced her ancestors to flee Spain and hide their Judaism for generations
✝️ Being raised devoutly Catholic — and the moment she began questioning what she was taught
🔯 Her path from Messianic Judaism to a full Jewish conversion
📜 The Facebook post that led to the discovery of her secret family tree
🎓 Her work with the Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies, and why their academic research has personal meaning for thousands of “Anusim” around the world
🎬 A sneak peek into the Society's upcoming Los Angeles conference, including an opera, film screenings, and a genealogy workshop with Jeannie Milgrom
From Monterrey to El Paso, from the Church to the shul, Blanca’s story is a global tale of discovery, identity, and reconnection. Her life proves that history isn’t just in books — it’s in your blood. Hit play to discover how …
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The Truth about Israeli Minorities with Lebanese Christian activist Jonathan Elkhoury
31 juli 2025 · 31 min
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What’s it like to be a gay Lebanese Christian — and proudly Zionist?
In this powerful episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with international Jonathan Elkhoury, a proud Israeli citizen who is challenging false media narratives and misconceptions about Israel one campus conversation at a time. Born in Lebanon to a father who fought alongside the IDF during Israel’s 1982 intervention in the Lebanese civil war, Jonathan fled Hezbollah rule and found refuge in Israel at age 9. He shares the harrowing story of his family’s escape, his emotional reunion with his father, and how Israel not only gave him safety, but also the freedom to live openly as a gay man — the only Middle Eastern country where that’s possible.
Jonathan also speaks out about:
🏳️🌈 Israel’s track record on LGBTQ rights — and the lie of “pinkwashing”
🎓 How he confronts anti-Israel misinformation on college campuses — even after being spat on, kicked, and targeted for his views
🧱 How he combats "Israeli Apartheid Week" with the truth of his lived experiences
👤 What it means to be a “minority within a minority within a minority” — and why he still stands with Israel
📺 Why mainstream media — including the BBC — continues to fail on the Middle East
🔥 The real reasons Israel went into Lebanon in 1982 — and the Palestinian terrorism that sparked a civil war
Jonathan’s story is a living example of intersectionality — and how true human rights work means defending people, not slogans. He is the voice anti-Israel activists try to silence. Don’t miss hearing him on this w…
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The Wonderful World of Jewish Identity with Disney Animator Saul Blinkoff
22 juli 2025 · 28 min
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In this inspiring episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with acclaimed Disney animator, filmmaker, and motivational speaker Saul Blinkoff for a powerful conversation about Jewish resilience, Disney magic, and living a life of purpose. Together, they explore how timeless Jewish values are embedded in iconic animated films like The Lion King, and Saul speaks passionately about finding meaning in your Jewish identity every day, and the importance of living with responsibility and intention.
Saul reflects on his transformative trips to Israel as a guide with the nonprofit Momentum, and urges Jews worldwide to "LIVE FOR the Jewish people" as Israeli sons and daughters die to defend them. He and Jonah discuss how Jewish resilience, hope, and creativity can be antidotes to despair, even in the face of the horrors of October 7th. They also tackle:
⁇ Was Walt Disney really an antisemite?
🎬 The hidden Jewish values in your favorite Disney films
🇮🇱 Why Saul insists it’s safe (and necessary) to go to Israel right NOW
🌟 The miraculous story of Omer Shem Tov, who kept his hope and Jewish identity alive, even as a Hamas hostage in Gaza
And much more
If you’re looking for inspiration, wisdom, and practical ways to infuse your life with purpose and Jewish pride, this episode is a must-watch!
Subscribe for more episodes of 30 Minute Mensches and join the conversation about what it truly means to be Jewish today.
Host & Production Team
Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sasha Ne…
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SERIES PREMIERE! 30 Minute Mensches: Michal Cotler-Wunsh, Israel’s Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism
15 juli 2025 · 29 min
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In the premiere of our new series 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah Platt sits down with Michal Cotler-Wunsh — former Knesset member and Israel’s Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism — for a long-overdue conversation about the eighth front of war: the battle for public opinion. Jonah and Michal discuss how antisemitism has manifested itself today, particularly through using anti-Zionist rhetoric, and how Israelis may feel a disconnect from that. Michal gives her perspective on how institutions such as the UN, Amnesty International, and elite universities have not only tolerated but enabled and normalized antisemitic double standards under the guise of progressive activism. Jonah challenges Michal to help make sense of the widespread moral confusion and media failures that culminate to chants such as “Death to the IDF,” and asks how we can bridge the gap with well-meaning people who have been misled by catchy headlines and ill-informed outrage. This episode answers the question of why antisemitism is not just a Jewish problem, but a global one, and what we can do to fight it.
This episode tackles:
🧠 Why Michal’s role as Israel’s antisemitism envoy is so crucial today, especially in combating widespread misinformation and harmful rhetoric.
🎓 How university presidents and U.S. officials have failed to take a stand in the face of rising Jew-hatred
🕍 Why most Israelis don’t understand global antisemitism — and why they need to
📖 The 3 R’s: Remember, Reclaim, Renew — a framework for Jewish pride
👤How human rights advocacy has been hijacked and weaponized by anti-Zionists.
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SEASON 1 FINALE! My Inspiration & Jewish Federation Chairwoman Julie Platt
1 juli 2025 · 1 uur 9 min
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A VERY special episode!! Julie Platt — lifelong Jewish leader, philanthropist, Chairwoman of Jewish Federations of North America– and Jonah’s mom! — joins Jonah for the highly anticipated Season One finale of Being Jewish. Her tenure as Chairwoman of the Diaspora’s largest philanthropic organization has seen Julie lead the Jewish community through Covid, the war in Ukraine, the horrors of October 7th and its aftermath, Israel’s war with Iran, and more. Through these crises and her decades of leadership, Julie has amassed a lifetime of wisdom and experience that she generously and candidly shares with Jonah and the BJJP community.
If you’ve ever asked, “What can I do to help?” — this is the episode for you. Julie offers rich stories, practical insights, and inspiring advice to power up the leader in each of us.
In this dynamic and heartfelt episode, Jonah and Julie dive into:
✡️ Why and how to be a leader
🏕️ Why Jewish Summer Camp is more than just fun — it’s formative
🌍 All the big Jewish orgs– AJC, ADL, JFNA, FJC, JDC, Hillel, Prizmah, The Jewish Agency– and how they’re trying to work together as never before
🇮🇱 When Julie received Israel’s highest civilian honor from President Isaac Herzog
🎓 Campus antisemitism in America — and how as interim board president, Julie helped steer the University of Pennsylvania through the most chaotic period in the school’s history
😂 A hilarious and personal peek inside Jonah and Julie’s own family dynamic
It’s a finale full of heart, humor, and hope — guaranteed to leave you empowered, emboldened, and inspired to be a leader, eve…
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The Key to Being Jewish & Israeli-American activist Noa Tishby
24 juni 2025 · 1 uur 7 min
Thank you to Jacob Fenton & Phil Kastel for sponsoring this episode, in honor of the lives lost during the Shoah, and the blessed lives who endured. Lees meer
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Jonah sits down with Israeli powerhouse Noa Tishby — author of Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth, former Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism, producer of HBO’s In Treatment, and one of the most influential voices in modern Jewish advocacy. From the get-go, they explore a hard truth: Ending antisemitism is not a tangible goal to achieve, but a context in which we live.
Together, Jonah and Noa dive deep into:
🇮🇱 Noa’s unique journey from Israeli stardom to Hollywood success
🕍 The key differences between Israeli and American Jewish identity
📕Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew, the book she co-wrote with NFL star Emmanuel Acho
🔥 Noa’s take on the Iran threat, Gaza war, and what's happening in Judea & Samaria
📺 Behind-the-scenes on how she brought Peabody-winning series In Treatment to HBO
📸 The story behind her viral celebrity Hanukkah videos with Gwyneth Paltrow, Mila Kunis, Gal Gadot, Tiffany Haddish, Van Jones, and Cindy Crawford
🎓Anti-Jew bigotry, Nova survivors, and having an impact on college campuses
📺 Plus: Noa’s must-watch TV picks, personal stories, laughs, and more
This is a no holds barred, no B.S. conversation – the Jewish advocacy crossover episode you’ve been waiting for!
Host & Production Team
Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editors: Patrick Edwards & Nathan Wheatley); Consulti…
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A New Segment! & “Jews Don’t Count” with British comedian David Baddiel
17 juni 2025 · 1 uur 6 min
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David Baddiel — comedian, author, public intellectual, and the UK’s most outspoken Jewish voice — joins Jonah to unpack the core ideas behind his groundbreaking book Jews Don’t Count. With his characteristic wit and unflinching eye for truth, Baddiel deconstructs contemporary anti-Jew racism, explaining how it functions, its origins, why it persists in “progressive” spaces, how it’s different from traditional antisemitism, and why Jews are so often excluded from conversations about representation, identity, and minority status.
💬 Topics include:
The double standards in how antisemitism is treated compared to other forms of racism
Baddiel’s confusing Jewish upbringing and identity struggles
His family’s escape from Nazi Germany and his grandfather’s unjust internment on the Isle of Man
Antisemitism in UK football culture
What it means to be a “Non-Zionist”
Baddiel’s atheist yearning for divine comfort aka The God Desire
His podcast with Muslim politician Sayeeda Warsi: A Jew and a Muslim Go There 🎧
And why “Jews don’t count” as a minority when it comes to media representation on shows like Friends and Seinfeld 📺
This is a must-watch conversation for anyone interested in understanding contemporary antisemitism, generational trauma, and the challenges of fighting anti-Jew racism in today’s complex “woke” climate.
Like, subscribe, and share to help us keep these important conversations going.
Host & Production Team
Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editors: Patrick Edwards & Nathan…
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Jewish Women & Auburn Basketball Head Coach Bruce Pearl
10 juni 2025 · 56 min
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: Lees meer
www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast
Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:
bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter
For Sponsorships, please email:
Jonah@JonahPlatt.com
To contact us & all things BJJP:
www.BeingJewishPodcast.com
Follow Jonah on:
Instagram - @JonahPlatt
X - @JonahPlatt
Follow Being Jewish on:
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Auburn Men's Basketball head coach Bruce Pearl joins Jonah for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about life, leadership, and faith, only a few weeks after leading Auburn to their second NCAA Final Four. A legendary figure in college basketball, Coach Pearl opens up about his Jewish heritage, his decision to speak up for the Israeli hostages in the middle of the NCAA March Madness Tournament, his ideas for the Middle East post-Gaza/Israel war, and his mission to build bridges between different communities of faith around the world.
🎙️ Other topics include:
The Jewish Evangelical Christian Alliance
Interfaith marriage
The truth about Palestine and Qatar
Real-World coaching scenarios
Being a Jewish coach in Alabama
What’s broken in American Jewish education
Whether you're passionate about sports, Judaism, or geopolitics, this episode offers a rare and inspiring look at the intersection of athletics, identity, and advocacy.
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Host & Production Team
Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editors: Patrick Edwards & 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; Interns: Sasha Nelson & Emma Webb
MENTIONED IN EPISODE
Bruce Pearl Coaching Bio
What is the Hebrew Word “Kavana?”
Coach Bruce Pearl Uses Post-Game Conference to Speak Up for Eden Alexander | Video + Article
Adi A…
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Darwin’s Finches and “Call Me By Your Name” author André Aciman
3 juni 2025 · 1 uur
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: Lees meer
www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast
Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:
bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter
For Sponsorships, please email:
Jonah@JonahPlatt.com
To contact us & all things BJJP:
www.BeingJewishPodcast.com
Follow Jonah on:
Instagram - @JonahPlatt
X - @JonahPlatt
Follow Being Jewish on:
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Jonah Platt sits down with celebrated author André Aciman, the literary voice behind the beloved novel Call Me By Your Name, in this intimate and illuminating conversation. Known for his lyrical prose and deep explorations of longing, identity, and exile, Aciman opens up about his Sephardic Jewish heritage, his family's displacement from Egypt, Turkey, Syria, Spain, and the Dalmatian Coast, and how a lifelong sense of otherness has shaped his storytelling.
Together, they dive into the emotional layers of young love, memory, and spiritual yearning that define Aciman’s most iconic works. He also shares behind-the-scenes insights into his latest book, Room on the Sea, and teases what’s next in his creative journey.
Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his world, this episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt offers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of our most thoughtful contemporary writers.
Watch the episode on YouTube here! https://youtu.be/kVGjzdl2nEQ
Host & Production Team
Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editors: Patrick Edwards & 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
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MENTIONED IN EPISODE
Darwin’s Finches & What It Means About Evolution
Evolutionary Theory & Natural Selection Explained
Charles Darwin’s Exploration on the HMS Beagle
Jews of Discretion b…