Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support! https://givebutter.com/HIA50thEpisode COMING SOON BUY MERCH! SUPPORT ME ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/ShaiDavidai --------- Guest: Melinda Strauss Linktree (all links): linktr.ee/melindastrauss In this Season 5 premiere, host Shai Davidai sits down with Melinda Strauss, a modern Orthodox Jewish creator and author with over 1.5 million followers. Melinda shares her journey from starting a food blog to becoming a prominent voice on Jewish life, faith, and food across social media. The conversation covers her approach to answering questions about Judaism, building inclusive communities, and addressing misconceptions—ranging from kosher food to Jewish identity and cultural appropriation. Melinda emphasizes the importance of curiosity, education, and making personal choices in religious practice, while also discussing the diversity within the Jewish community. This episode is a thoughtful exploration of Jewish culture, social media influence, and the power of sharing authentic stories.

This season is dedicated to Shai’s grandmother, Leah Davidai, who passed away earlier this year. Sponsored in part by Iron Dome Coffee, visit www.irondomecoffee.com for an exclusive discount just for our listeners.

🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode 📢 Follow us on social media: Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.instagram.com/hereiamwith... Tik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai / hereiamwithshaidavidai 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform: RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwiths... Apple Podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwiths... Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... #HereIAm #ShaiDavidai #MelindaStrauss #JewishLife #JewishFaith #JewishFood #Kosher #ModernOrthodox #JewishCommunity #JewishIdentity #SocialMediaInfluencer #JewishCulture #JewishHeritage #JewishRecipes #JewishTradition #CulturalDiversity #AskAJew #JudaismExplained #JewishEducation #JewishPride #JewishWomen #JewishCreator #JewishPodcast #JewishQuestions #JewishLearning #JewishVoices #JewishInspiration #JewishCookbook #JewishTikTok #JewishInstagram #JewishInfluencer Credits: Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions Graphic by Shira Auman For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]