Bad Jew

One of the most progressive facts about Judaism is that the Torah and the religious texts around our holy scripture encourage sex. That makes Judaism one of the few sex-positive religions in the world! In some religions, sex is purely for procreation. In Judaism, you're commanded to have sex for pleasure on certain occasions AND are required to feel attraction. We're required to have sex and pleasure our partners a certain number of times per month depending on our jobs. We're even required to use birth control at times! How can a religion that is famously regarded as ancient and isolating in nature be so liberal with their intimate acts?

Sex therapist Claire Perelman brings this taboo subject to the religious forefront. On this episode of Bad Jew, Claire teaches host Chaz Volk about our requirements and teachings revolving around this devious subject matter. Chaz takes this episode a step further by challenging Claire's personal juxtaposition on this to see what can be gained from traditional lifestyle choices that most don't live by.

About Claire Perelman:

I have always been extremely passionate about helping people find the most fulfillment, contentment, and pleasure in their lives. I also know that reaching out for support - especially from a therapist - can be incredibly daunting. I strive to create a welcoming, non-judgmental, affirming therapeutic space where you can feel comfortable speaking whatever is on your heart and mind - and I fully embrace utilizing humor and cursing to do so. Therapy isn’t always easy, but it should feel like a space where you are listened to, cared for, and respected; in my office, this is my standard.

I grew up in Los Angeles, committing my teenage years to going to as many concerts in Hollywood as physically possible. I spent the next eight years soaking in the sun, studying, and working in San Diego. After completing my Masters in Social Work, I moved to the Bay Area and have been here ever since! Personally, relationships (of all kinds!) have always been the source of my greatest pleasure and my greatest heartbreak, which led me to become a Sex Therapist. I believe that life is built on relationships and connection to others, and I want to help you navigate all of the complexities that life offers - because I have been (and continue to be) there, too.

I offer couples therapy, individual therapy, and therapy with teens and adolescents both remotely and in person. I can meet for in-person therapy sessions both in San Francisco and in Oakland. One of the most powerful connections we can form is with our therapists, and I am honored to be able to witness the totality of the courage, strength, pain, and complexity that each person brings into my office.

Reach Claire Perelman at:

www.sexclarified.com

IG and TikTok @sexclarified

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Have you ever tried to pray and been discouraged? Have you ever clasped your hands together in hopes of a miracle, only to be met by crickets? Have you ever felt isolated in your journey because you feel like a beginner in a sea full of veteran Jews? We have too.

Reena Friedman Watts, host of Better Call Daddy, founder of Mega Watts Productions, and Jewish mother, has taken it upon herself to journey deeper into her Judaism with her family. On Bad Jew, host Chaz Volk uncovers the trials and tribulations that Watts and her family have endured from an identity level, a community level, and a spiritual level. In this episode, Chaz and Reena provide tips for beginners while calling on organizations to be more accessible to those who practice Judaism at a novice level.

About Reena Friedman Watts:

There’s not much Reena Friedman Watts hasn’t done in her professional life. She’s scoured the NPR newswire for stories. She’s combed through hundreds of small claims cases. She’s worked on reality TV shows such as The Jerry Springer Show, Court TV, and Nanny 911. She’s worked in Radio. She’s planned mega-events for the telecom and finance industries. She’s secured sponsors and emceed. She’s booked sensational and hard-to-get guests such as Howard Schultz, Barbara Corcoran, Ken Coleman, and Derek Sivers on Cathy Heller’s Don’t Keep Your Day Job Podcast and boosted the downloads from 4M to nearly 15M.

Reena has a God-given talent for connecting people and building communities, and she bestows her magic on people in the most selfless and genuine way. Ideas for how people can achieve the fantastic flow out of her head as effortlessly as breath flows into her lungs. Her diverse background and skill set allow her to seamlessly weave in and out of multiple markets and find her way through doors that don’t open for others. She coaches entrepreneurs on how to get unstuck and find their first clients, she gets blurbs from influencers for their best-selling books, and she even helps them grow communities of their own.

Reena is a questioner and a story junkie, and she’s scratching that itch on her highly anticipated podcast, Better Call Daddy. She’s telling the stories that haven’t been told and sprinkling them with wisdom from one of her most trusted advisors, her Dad.

Reena is a hustler, a change-maker, and a consummate connector. Imagine what she can do for you.

Reach Reena Friedman Watts at:

Check out BetterCallDaddy.com

Linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts

Instagram.com/reenafriedmanwatts

Instagram.com/bettercalldaddypodcast

Twitter.com/reenareena

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Ig @BadJewPod

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The intersection between business and Judaism raises intriguing questions about the compatibility of religious values with profit-driven endeavors. Explore how Judaism's emphasis on social justice, ethical conduct, and communal responsibility can guide entrepreneurs and business leaders in navigating ethical challenges and cultivating integrity in the competitive world of capitalism. Discover the potential harmony or tension that arises when business and Judaism converge.

Chaz Volk, the charismatic host of Bad Jew, engages in thought-provoking conversations about the role of Judaism in business with Rabbi Baruch Tuman. Tuman founded Raise Your Bar, which is known for emphasizing the importance of consistency, transparency, and spirituality in the corporate world. Delve into how Tuman integrates his Jewish values, champions honesty, and authenticity, and fosters trust among his team, clients, and partners. Uncover the spiritual dimension of business as Tuman infuses his work with a higher purpose, elevating his business practices to create a profound impact.

About Rabbi Baruch Tuman:

Baruch was born and raised in Arroyo Grande, California (the Central Coast). After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in political science, he made his way to Israel to seek a greater understanding of his Jewish heritage. He remained in Israel for nine years and, while there, received his rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Yitzchak Berkovits. From 2013 to 2016, Baruch worked as a rabbi/educator on the DePaul, UIC, and Loyola campuses in Chicago. For the past seven years, he has been serving as an educator and teacher for Jewish professionals and adults with the Ember Foundation & TORAHUB. He primarily meets people for one-on-one sessions in their offices or nearby coffee shops and he has monthly and bi-monthly group classes. Many classes are held online. Baruch has a passion for teaching and giving all Jewish people a license to better understand their own heritage. He believes wholeheartedly that apathy toward Judaism is rooted in Jewish illiteracy. Baruch would assert that knowledge is so much more than just power. Jewish youth have opportunities to engage and learn about Judaism and Baruch strives to give Jews of all ages similar learning opportunities, regardless of background and observance level. 

In addition to his non-profit work, Baruch started Raise Your Bar LLC to help business owners and entrepreneurs grow their company revenue and profits by providing business coaching. He uses proprietary applications, Profit Acceleration Software™, vetted and used by thousands of small to midsize businesses to enhance their bottom line. Baruch loves coaching people in their businesses which inevitably allows him to discuss and help in other life areas such as marriage, dating, child-rearing, interpersonal interactions, life purpose/meaning, etc. 

Baruch currently lives in West Rogers Park, Chicago with his lovely wife, Judith, and their four delicious children. 

Contact Rabbi Baruch Tuman here:

[email protected]

www.torahub.org

[email protected]

www.raiseyourbar.live

www.linkedin.com/in/baruchtuman

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Ig @BadJewPod

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How does it feel when someone who is not from your background partakes in your customs? In some instances, it can feel like a compliment. For others, you may wonder what the alternative motives are. Jews are faced with this dilemma on a regular basis. While our culture seems to face criticism in the public eye that flirts with antisemitism, there is also a portion of people who take an interest in Jewish wisdom. One specific group is the wide spectrum of Christians who practice the Torah with good intentions.

Dr. Rivkah Lambert Adler's work specializes in teaching Torah to Christians. While she has been criticized by others, she has exposed a truth that not many Jews are ready to embrace. Dr. Rivkah Lambert Adler jumps onto Bad Jew to highlight the nuances of her work and the intersection of Judaism and Christianity and the way she guides gentiles through comprehensive and personalized educational relationships. On this episode of Bad Jew, we get a taste of the content from her classes and books.

About Dr. Rivkah Lambert Adler

Dr. Rivkah Lambert Adler is a writer, book reviewer and adult educator, specializing in Jewish and Israeli content. She has a special passion for the Torah awakening among non-Jews and for helping Jews understand what it means to be an Or Lagoyim - a Light to the Nations in our day. She and her husband made aliyah from Baltimore in 2010 and live in Efrat, just south of Jerusalem.

Connect with Dr. Rivkah Lambert Adler at [email protected]

Ten From The Nations: https://amzn.to/3jdKAKG

Lighting Up The Nations: https://amzn.to/3VffoIE

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How difficult is it to be somewhere on the LGBTQ spectrum? Now ask yourself if it's difficult to be Jewish. Put those two challenges together and you have yourself one of the most difficult identities to embrace. The intersection of sexual identity, gender identity, and Jewish identity can sometimes harmoniously fall into place. For the most part, it's a challenging and often scrutinized route to follow. 

Comedian and writer Raye Schiller jumps onto Bad Jew to discuss their identity, their sexuality, and how it clashed with their Judaism. Having delved into many styles of religious practice, Raye reflects on their journey so far and what it means to study the Torah in the current place they're at. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew and ally to the LGBTQ world, workshops with Raye on the best ways to embrace LGBTQ identity while embracing the Jewish journey. 

About Raye Schiller:

Raye Schiller is a Los Angeles-based comedian and writer known for her razor-sharp wit and her ability to make even the most taboo topics hilarious. As a queer formerly Orthodox Jew, Raye is basically a walking contradiction, and her comedy reflects that perfectly.

Raye's infectious energy and unique perspective have taken her to venues around the world, including Paris, Rome, Lisbon and Peru. She's performed at top comedy clubs like the Hollywood Improv and Broadway Comedy Club.

With their fearless approach and undeniable talent, Raye is quickly becoming a rising star in the comedy world.

Connect with Raye Schiller at www.RayeSchiller.com

Check out their new podcast "Yenta! A Secret Comedy Podcast"

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Is there such a thing as love at first site? Are the butterflies in your stomach real or are they just chemical reactions from your nervous system? Is there truly someone out there to complete you? Aleeza Ben Shalom draws from the Torah to prove that soulmates are 100% real and not just a concept on reality TV.

In this relevant interview with Aleeza Ben Shalom, a globally recognized dating coach and marriage strategist, featured on Netflix's Jewish Matchmaking series, Chaz Volk of Bad Jew challenges the concept of soulmates and whether or not they are real. As the audience tunes in to this exclusive Netflix presentation, they are greeted with a profound exploration of love, destiny, and interpersonal connections, as seen through the lens of traditional Jewish matchmaking.

About Aleeza:

Aleeza Ben Shalom is a renowned matchmaker, dating coach, author, sought-after speaker, and soulmate clarity expert who empowers marriage-minded singles in their relationships, guiding them from uncertainty and overwhelm to the clarity needed for confident decision-making regarding their potential life partners. She is also the featured matchmaker on the new Netflix series, Jewish Matchmaking.

Aleeza authored two insightful books, Get Real, Get Married-a guide to get over your hurdles and under the chuppah, and Virtual Dating, your guide to relationships in a socially distanced world. As the founder of Marriage Minded Mentor, she connects singles globally with skilled matchmakers and dating coaches. Aleeza’s impressive track record has earned her the title of “Jewish Dating Guru,” as she has successfully led over 200 singles through the steps to engagement, regardless of age, affiliation, or life stage. Her valuable relationship advice has been featured across various media platforms, including BBC World News, NPR, Aish.com, and HuffPost.

For over 15 years, Aleeza has worked with men and women worldwide to break unhealthy patterns and foster relationships that lead to marriage. During this time, she has trained more than 300 dating coaches and matchmakers worldwide. 

She and her husband have been married for over 20 years and have been blessed to see her in-laws healthy marriage of over 60 years thrive. A dedicated wife and loving mother of five children, Aleeza cherishes her family which also includes a lovable dog, “koda the kelev.” Her lifelong dream of moving to Israel was realized on March 1st of 2021, and she now resides with her family in Pardes Hanna, Israel.

Find your beshert by going to: www.MarriageMindedMentor.com

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According to the Torah, there's a lot more to being a mother than just giving birth. It turns out you also have to be a role model, support your family's efforts, and tell your story. 

Dr. Logan Levkoff tells her story and fights her fight every day in the virtual space and in real life. Specializing in uncomfortable conversations, she reveals what her day-to-day is like from fighting trolls on TikTok to raising tomorrow's generation of Jewish Leadership. On this Mother's Day special, Dr. Logan Levkoff learns with Chaz Volk, of Bad Jew, about the importance of being a Jewish mother. 

About Dr. Logan Levkoff:

Dr. Logan Levkoff specializes in uncomfortable conversations. An internationally recognized expert on sexuality and relationships, she encourages honest conversation about sexuality and the role it plays in our culture. She speaks on a wide range of issues, including sexual health and sexuality education, parenting, combatting antisemitism in school settings, trends in sexuality, deconstructing double standards, relationship hurdles and intimacy, consent, and the role of sexuality and representation (or lack thereof) in pop culture, business, and politics. 

For two decades, Logan has been teaching, designing, and implementing sexuality education programs, faculty development, and parent education in many secular and religious independent and public schools, universities, medical schools, community groups, and networking organizations, including YPO/WPO. Logan’s expertise with teens and parents has been profiled in numerous publications, including The New York Times. She has also worked on projects for Dove, Merck, Pfizer, and other companies in the beauty, health, and wellness space. Logan’s work has been recognized by Jewish Women International; she was a 2018 Woman to Watch. Logan is also the co-director of the Modern Sexuality Training Institute, the educator arm of Modern Sex Therapy Institute. While Logan’s platform began with her work in the sexuality space, she has proudly expanded her platform to proud Zionist activism and combatting antisemitism. She is a member of the first cohort of The Tel Aviv Institute’s “Jews Talk Justice” Lab and was named one of the Top 50 Pro-Israel Influencers in 2021 (Logan was #20). 

Logan is the author of two parenting books: Got Teens? The Doctor Moms’ Guide to Sexuality, Social Media, and Other Adolescent Realities with Dr. Jennifer Wider (Seal Press, 2014). Logan is also a contributor to ToughLove: Eighteen Top Experts Share Proven Strategies for Raising Confident, Kind, Resilient Kids. (Simon & Schuster, 2016). She also penned the digital guide, How to Get Your Wife to Have Sex with You (Good in Bed Publications, 2010). 

Logan is the Chairperson of the Caravan for Democracy Student Leadership Mission to Israel, a program for non-Jewish student leaders on college campuses run through Jewish National Fund and serves on the JNF Education Committee. In addition, she sits on the Board of Trustees of Temple Israel of NYC, served on the AASECT Board of Directors and is an AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator and Sexuality Educator Supervisor. She was also a founding member of the Trojan Sexual Health Advisory Council, the SheKnows Media Board of Advisors, and a member of the National Coalition for Sexual Health. Logan received her Ph.D. in Human Sexuality, Marriage, and Family Life Education from New York University and an M.S. in Human Sexuality Education and a B.A. in English from the University of Pennsylvania. She lives in New York City with her husband, son, and daughter.

Connect with Dr. Logan Levkoff here: www.loganlevkoff.com

TikTok: drloganlevkoff

IG: loganlevkoff

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There are archaic rituals that stump us when attempting to embrace the full picture of Judaism. When it comes to women's rights forward-thinking beliefs of the modern-day world can get in the way of our relationship with G-d. Is it contradicting to be Jewish and feminist? Is Judaism actually a sexist religion?

Kayla Haber-Goldstein, author of Questioning the Answers, has pursued clarity on this troublesome thought since experiencing motherhood. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, challenges Kayla to provide clarity in under 45 minutes. Chaz, as many Jews do, puts Judaism on trial in this controversial and conversation-starting episode. 

About Kayla Haber-Goldstein:

Kayla Haber Goldstein, an interior designer by trade, runs her organization called Questioning the Answers from Paramus, NJ where she serves as an Associate Rebbetzin. At Questioning the Answers, Kayla provides a safe space for all questions in Judaism, research and doubts. She fosters a safe environment where research is encouraged, time is respected and love is given in abundance. Through her book, shabbatons, events, and open house in general, Kayla has reached many young women who are looking to find their place in Judaism and lead consciously religious lives. You can find Kayla on Instagram at @questioningtheanswers or email her at [email protected]. She is also on YouTube at Questioning the Answers. 

Purchase her books here:

Judaica Spot: https://judaicaspot.com/products/questioning-the-answers?_pos=1&_sid=ec1b42101&_ss=r

Grand Judaica: https://www.grandjudaica.net/questioning-the-answers.html

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Traditionally, the Shema is that prayer you do when you rise up in the morning and when you lie down at night. There are many prayers that fluctuate throughout the day, but this one remains a constant no matter what time of day it is. Surely it must be important. 

Jason Ciment of Get Visible joins Chaz Volk on Bad Jew to discuss the nuances of this pillar of Judaism. Jason reveals that the Shema is more than just a 'mission statement'. It turns out that the Shema lays out the foundation for how our stories are told throughout the Torah, how the commandments are given to us, and how it all is related to the creation story!

About Jason Ciment:

Jason is CEO of Get Visible, a boutique digital marketing agency based in Phoenix. He is known to be a fun, outside-the-box, hyper-growth consultant, mentor, and friend to rainmakers and business leaders.

Prior to co-founding Get Visible in 2005, Jason acquired a variety of atypical experiences for a marketing expert. In the early 90’s he worked as a CPA for Kenneth Leventhal & Co, one of the top CPA firms in the country also known as the “gilded sweatshop.” He then graduated with honors from Fordham Law School in New York

City. Instead of practicing law after passing the NY Bar, he built and launched MagMall.com, his first of many online ventures, where he provided magazine and newspaper subscription services to individuals and companies nationwide. Jason built his business up by becoming a self-taught expert in search engine optimization during the early days

of the Internet. Jason also learned about the value of building and nurturing relationships by attracting clients like Google, The Gap, Nike, CAA, ICM, The Hair Cuttery, Goodyear, and Firestone.

In 2003, Jason bought out the software company that had been managing his e-commerce website and partnered with a team of developers to license the e-commerce platform through www.adrecom.net. That company competes with behemoth companies like Shopify and Magento.

In 2005, Jason joined forces with one of his first employees to create a new type of digital marketing agency. 18 years later, the 2 partners now have 14 more people on the team and they provide the full suite of services you would expect from a digital marketing agency. From ideation to design to development of a website, all the way through driving traffic and generating leads and sales with search engine and social media marketing. They have distilled the bulk of their service offerings into two very powerful words that describe what they produce for their clients – some of whom have been with them for over a decade. The two words are “Invincible Income.” The income describes the effectiveness of the online marketing strategies they use to generate consistent revenue growth for clients across multiple industries. The invincibility describes the force field they build around their clients’ digital presence that protects them from competitors easily stealing away their business. Clients tend to stick around for a lot of years instead of just a few months. This is very

uncommon for the digital marketing industry and is a testament to their success recipe. Jason has also written two books on digital marketing. One of them was an Amazon bestseller called I Need More Clients. Digital Marketing Strategies That Grow Your Business.

Get Visible has achieved notoriety by helping clients solve the online visibility challenge and accelerate revenue growth. Jason likes to say that “our team of competitive millennials transforms somewhat lazy businesses into local giants, regional players, and national contenders. And yes I’m in my lower 50’s but still think of myself as a

millennial.” If you want a seasoned digital marketing team to take the marketing burden off your shoulders and get your business out of stagnation, call Jason.

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Beyond watching Hassidim dance in synchronized steps, do Jews dance? Turns out, we embrace a relatively new and lively tradition of choreography through Israeli folk dancing. Dancing happens to also be mentioned in the Torah. One could say it's our duty to dance. Tune in with Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, as he interviews Orly Star, teacher and choreographer, on the rich topic of the Jewish heritage of dance!

About Orly Star:

Orly Star Setareh started dancing at the age of 5. With over 24 years of teaching experience, instructing children and adults of all ages throughout the Los Angeles and the Valley areas, Orly instills a dance program that promotes a passion for Israel and inspires a love of learning. Her charismatic, welcoming nature immediately captivates new dancers and sparks a needed connection to our Jewish community. She infuses a fresh, young & current vibe into every teaching lesson while maintaining the importance of a healthy lifestyle and tradition. She understands that every dancer has a special role in completing our circle. That we hold hands not only in times of celebration but in times of lifting each other up in embrace & support. As Dani Dassa would explain: "We are praying through our feet". Orly has learned from and assisted David Dassa in running the most popular Israeli Dance session in America. She inherited his Wednesday night legacy in June of 2015. She plays a variety of old and new Israeli dances of all decades in her weekly session containing partner, circle and line dances. She believes in connecting all generations through the arts, le-dor va-dor, dancing the same steps in unity. Orly has choreographed some of the most popular Israeli dances that are done all over the world. She introduced hip hop to the world of Israeli dance as a draw for the younger generation to participate. Inspiring and encouraging the teens is the only way to continue our culture through dance! To make it not only survive but thrive and make the dance floor a place they can return to at any age. Orly has taught at several Israeli dance camps and co-directs her own dance weekend called "Camp SheLAnu" with Jason Goldman every President's Day Weekend @ Brandeis. She has been the dance director at several private Jewish schools and synagogues including Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School, Ilan Ramon, Temple Israel of Hollywood, and Valley Beth Shalom. She was David Dassa's dance assistant at Camp Alonim in the summers for 5 years then moved to create a dance program as the dance director at Gindling Hilltop Camp for 14 years and is now back at Camp Alonim as Dance Director for her fifth year. She was also the Israeli dance specialist at Milken Community Middle School for 12 years and she was rehearsal director for the Los Angeles Israeli Dance Company for ten years.

Orly is referred to as the heartbeat of the Israeli dance community. She aims to entertain with her endless warmth and talent! She leads a thrilling Dance with Orly session on Wednesday nights in Los Angeles at Adat Shalom. Her dances include Hafinali, Suddenly, Tutim, Toro, Danza, Halaila Zeh Hazman, Tizkor, Todo Es La Musica, Fata Morgana, Hinach Yafa, Baraye, At Bali Tov, Kvish HaChof, Kapara, Imperia, and more. Orly exudes an electrifying energy that is both contagious and unparalleled!

Instagram: orlystar

Instagram: dancewithorly

Facebook: Orly Star Setareh 

(https://www.facebook.com/orly.setareh)

Facebook page: Dance with Orly!

(https://www.facebook.com/groups/1641761982732939)

website: www.dancewithorly.com

BIGGEST events of the year:

1. Yom HaAtsmaut Party: April 26th

2. Thanksgiving Marathon: Every Wednesday night before Thanksgiving

3. Pre-Cam SheLAnu Party: Every Wednesday night before President's Day weekend

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