Bad Jew

It's been mentioned on this podcast a few times now - Chaz is Vegan. And while he has gotten a few raised eyebrows for his dietary preferences, he has tried to explain the Jewish implications of it. Coming short in elaborating on how it works with Jewish law, he went to the expert.

Rabbi Akiva Gersh, branded 'The Vegan Rabbi' teaches Chaz the ins and outs of navigating the vegan diet through the laws of kashrut. Citing the Torah, Gersh debunks multiple rumors and gives context to the Jewish approach to enjoying plant-based food. 

00:00 Introduction

06:02 Approaching Kashrut for the first time

07:59 Veganism simplifies adherence to kosher laws

10:40 Navigating veganism 

13:14 Veganism and using animal products in rituals

18:52 Ancient practices: using every part, reducing waste

21:47 Animal sacrifices were 1/3 of Jewish history

26:56 Jewish vegan advocacy

31:04 Tikkun Olam

34:51 Major Rabbi's insights on veganism

37:25 Navigating restaurants

40:11 Committed to kosher vegan lifestyle

About Rabbi Akiva Gersh:

I grew up in the U.S. eating lots of meat, barely any vegetables and with a very weak connection with Judaism. By time I was in high school I felt that Judaism was archaic, irrelevant to the world (and my life) and, most tragically, uninspiring.

During my first year in college I had many realizations about the negative impact we modern-day humans are having on the world through our seemingly innocent everyday actions. By the end of that year I decided to major in Environmental Studies and became vegetarian (after a childhood of eating lots of meat and no veggies).

The following year I became vegan at the age of 19 and continued my studies as well as my activist work trying to inspire positive change. 

Around that same time, I began to discover teachings in the Jewish tradition that related to environmental ethics and animal welfare. I was absolutely in shock. I never knew that Judaism focused on these issues and, yet, I saw that it has for thousands of years.

This inspired me to look deeper into my Jewish roots which turned into a journey that lasted a few years.

Eventually, that journey led me to studying Torah in a yeshiva in Tzfat, Israel and it is there that I fell in love with and deeply connected to the Jewish path of life.

After about six months in Tzfat I returned to the U.S., continued my yeshiva studies and began my work in the field of Jewish Education, a field I continue to work in today over 20 years later. 

Over the years, in addition to other subjects and topics, I have taught about the connection between Judaism and the environment, animal welfare and veganism to thousands of students through classes, courses and workshops.

Along the way, in 2003, I got married and in 2004 my wife Tamar and I moved to Israel where we continue to live with our four kids.

My formal studies include a BA in Religious Studies from Brown University, an MA in Jewish Education from Yeshiva University, and a rabbinic ordination from Yeshivat Sulam Yaakov in Jerusalem.

Connect with Rabbi Akiva Gersh:

www.AkivaGersh.com

YouTube: @akivagersh  

IG: @veganrabbi

FB: The Vegan Shull

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE:

JEWISH BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS OF LOS ANGELES!

Become a big today! JBBBSLA.org/mentorship

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Dear Trolls, 

We thought we explained this to you well enough but we clearly haven't. Over 95% of Jews understand this well: Your attempt to separate Jews from their origins in Judea-Samaria (aka Israel) is blatant Jew hatred disguised as anti-Zionism. Being said, I brought on an expert from the Jewish Agency for Israel.

Daniel Elbaum has dedicated his life to understanding the complicated geopolitics and history of the middle easy. Elbaum understands that such matters require microscopic-level analyses and intricate and articulate explanations. Elbaum reveals deeper connections to Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, in hopes to arm listeners with the facts to help them explain the truth more effectively. 

00:00 Discussing Jewish connection to Israel amidst conflict

04:00 Introduction

08:00 Israel is essential to Jewish identity and history

10:10 History repeats

14:59 Israeli support of the Jewish state

17:28 Questioning motives

22:15 Antisemitic enablers

25:14 Prayer for anti-Zionists' enlightenment

29:00 Israel: refuge and homecoming 

30:38 Israel's importance globally.

33:41 Conclusion

About Daniel Elbaum:

Dan Elbaum is the Head of North America for The Jewish Agency for Israel and President and CEO of Jewish Agency International Development(JAID). In this role, he leads and oversees all aspects of the historic organization’s North American operations.

Since taking on his current position, Elbaum has spearheaded innovative new ways to advance The Jewish Agency’s work in connecting American Jews to Israel and Jews around the world. He has appeared in media outlets ranging from NBC Date line to Al Jazeera and has had opinion pieces published in both English and Hebrew in some of America and Israel’s leading newspapers.

In 2023, the Alpha Epsilon Pi Foundation awarded Elbaum the Gitelson Silver Medallion for his commitment to world Jewry. In the fraternity’s110-year history, only 55 alumni out of 120,000 have received this award.

Prior to joining The Jewish Agency, Elbaum was the Chief Advocacy Officer for the American Jewish Committee (AJC) where he oversaw the organization’s advocacy efforts around the world. He had previously served as AJC’s Director of Regional Offices, and before that as Regional Director of AJC Chicago. He came to AJC after six years as Civil Rights Counsel and Director of Development for the Anti-Defamation League’s Midwest Region. Before entering the world of Jewish non-profits, Elbaum was a felony prosecutor in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Law and lives in the suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE:

JEWISH BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS OF LOS ANGELES!

Become a big today! JBBBSLA.org/mentorship

Connect with Bad Jew: 

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It's easy to get swept away with the mundane of existing. You get up, brush your teeth, eat breakfast, go to work, eat lunch, come home, brush your teeth, go to sleep... Sound familiar? How can any of it mean anything? There is nothing special about this. After all, this is what it means to be an adult, right?

Rabbi Alex Kress works day in and day out to operate differently than the notion above. The idea that life is grey is an unrelatable idea as Rabbi Kress takes the principals of radical amazement by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and applies to literally EVERY moment of his life. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, learns from Rabbi Kress how to make every second radically amazing!

00:00 Introduction

04:53 Fostering gratitude and radical amazement

08:31 Having a structured life can be detrimental

10:57 Preconceived knowledge

15:38 Be grateful for what you have

16:28 God-centered transformation

19:37 Don't take things for granted

24:21 Seeking God

26:42 Transforming chores

31:19 Reflection, contemplation, and ethical change

32:47 Practical advice

About Rabbi Alex Kress:

Rabbi Alex is a born and raised Philadelphian. In 2012, he graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies and immediately flew to Israel to begin his studies at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Rabbi Alex loves good coffee, shabbos ball, and reading an actual, physical newspaper. 

Rabbi Alex's life was changed when his parents sent him to Camp Harlam in 2002. It was the first domino in a series that led him to the rabbinate. He became involved in NFTY PAR, traveled with NFTY in Israel and NFTY EIE, and then studied abroad at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. That semester in the spring of 2010 definitively set Rabbi Alex's course for the rabbinate. 

Connect with Rabbi Alex Kress:

www.AlexKress.com

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It's been acknowledged on this podcast many times - It's not been an easy year for Jews. Yet, you have to acknowledge the fact that this also isn't the hardest year for Jews either. Is that the only thing that gives us hope? That we've endured so much worse than a post-October 7th world? Or is it the fact that we have Israel so at least we have that going for us?

Hope comes from so much more. Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback from Stephen Wise Temple illustrate the radically colorful history of hope that Jews have. Unique to other cultures and religions, the Jewish approach to hope continues to be the key to our survival and guides us to a state of thriving time and time again. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, levels with Rabbi Zweiback to be realistic and face the truths of the Jewish future together.

00:00 Introduction

05:54 Meeting Goldberg-Polin

09:39 Hope is fundamental to the human condition

10:43 Willpower

16:10 Disagreements on the source of hope

19:29 Mashiach

20:55 Imperfect leaders emphasize human responsibility

23:52 Generational hope

27:12 Inclusion within Zionism

31:35 The Holocaust

34:41 Every day is new

36:12 Conclusion

About Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback:

Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback was born in Colorado Springs, Colo., and raised in Omaha, Neb. He graduated from Princeton University in 1991 and was ordained as a rabbi by the Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion in 1998. He trained as a Jewish educator at HUC’s Los Angeles campus, where he received a M.A. in Jewish Education.

He served Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills, Calif., as a rabbi and educator for 11 years, until moving to Israel with his family in 2009 to become the director of HUC’s Year-in-Israel program. In addition to overall management of the graduate level program, he served as an instructor in Jewish Liturgy.

Rabbi Yoshi came to Wise in 2012 as the Head of School at Wise School and was named the third Senior Rabbi of Stephen Wise Temple in 2015.

Rabbi Yoshi is a lecturer at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles, and a Senior Rabbinic Fellow of the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. He is also the volunteer Executive Director and Founder of Kavod, a non-profit tzedakah collective which is dedicated to protecting human dignity.

Rabbi Yoshi is also an author, musician and composer. His publications include the teacher’s guide to Shalom Ivrit II; Day of Days; and Days of Wonder, Nights of Peace: Family Prayers in Song for Morning and Bedtime. As part of Mah Tovu, he has released three albums, published two books, and performed across the United States.

He is married to Jacqueline Hantgan and, together, they are the proud parents of three daughters.

Connect with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback:

www.WiseLA.org

IG @rabbiyoshi

IG @stephenwisetemple

Podcast: The Search for Meaning with Rabbi Yoshi: https://wisela.org/searchformeaning/

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What's the matter with kids today? Jewish youth is either the most connected or disconnected demographic of the Jewish population. If you're ages 18 - 35, you're a part of an inconsistent international community that can't decide on a lot of things. Most of all, you may be confused about your past and how relevant your upbringings are to today.

David Hazony and Alissa Bernstein are from Z3, a zionist thinktank rethinking the future of the American-Israeli relationship. Bernstein and Hazony work together to engage with Jewish youth across America. They help Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, understand the young Jewish professional landscape along with the implications and impacts of the recent US election.

The Z3 Conference (FREE) Sign up here - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/z3-conference-2024-tickets-945746562427

Alissa's essay can be found in the book Young Zionist Voices available on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DMSZ4WSQ/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MZP0EzFzNCxNo628m9fzW2t7IwTZ9jRsDL3wjFkSVdfEDPdowIzFtpyH4XUsU1Be6kwY74UFMmwn27r2ehs3FQ.by1MiXXgJL1CayaH45haZs1WjcqcqQXZZxbtBVOaACc&dib_tag=se&keywords=young+zionist+voices&qid=1731453054&sr=8-1

00:00 Introduction - Alissa Bernstein

03:19 Introduction - David Hazony

06:39 Jewish assimilation

10:25 Religious journeys

15:06 Young people resist rising antisemitism 

20:37 Anti-Zionism: Organized, influential, and societal impact

21:50 coexistence is essential.

27:21 Outspoken Zionists on college campuses

28:20 The rolls of internet trolls

32:32 Modern Maccabees

38:18 Refocus energy on educating disconnected communities

40:08 Young Jewish professional identity amidst turbulence

About Alissa Bernstein:

Alissa Bernstein is the Assistant Director of AJC Los Angeles, where she manages the region's political outreach and legislative advocacy and interfaith and intergroup coalition building. In her role, she is responsible for deepening and expanding the office's political relationships on a local, State and Federal level, testifying in front of local offices to support ordinances which protect and empower the Jewish community, meeting with State officials to support legislation that enhances Holocaust and Genocide education and improves hate crimes reporting systems across the state, and building relationships with members of Congress to support legislation that safeguards the Jewish community and Israel's security. Alissa is dedicated to reaching outside of the Jewish community to build bridges with other cultural and religious groups in the region, including the Black, Latino, AAPI, LGBTQ+, Indian, and many other communities. Alissa is also a contributing author to the Z3 Project’s upcoming book, Young Zionist Voices, and was a 2024 nominee for the Z3 Bridge Builder Award. Alissa graduated Cum Laude from Occidental College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in Spanish. She is passionate about fighting antisemitism at home and abroad through education, policy, and long-term relationship building. 

About David Hazony:

David Hazony is the Director and Steinhardt Senior Fellow of the Z3 Institute for Jewish Priorities. He edited the book Jewish Priorities: Sixty-Five Proposals for the Future of Our People (Wicked Son, 2023), and, more recently, Young Zionist Voices: A New Generation Speaks Out (Wicked Son, 2024). He lives in Jerusalem. Learn more at jewishpriorities.com and z3project.org.

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**This episode is our FIRST-EVER SPONSORED EPISODE! Keep scrolling for more information. Scroll further down for details!**

Being a Jew is difficult. Being anyone is difficult but the difficulties of existing as a Jew in this turbulent world is ever more clear, especially after October 7th, 2023. It's nearly impossible to navigate this world alone and that's why mentors exist. 

Cari Uslan of Jewish Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Los Angeles knows this too well. She helps run an organization built on making life more manageable. 'Littles' get assigned 'bigs' and vice versa, all to clear the fog that is reality. Uslan elaborates on the Jewish approach to mentorship in this special episode of Bad Jew. 

00:00 Introduction AND sponsor message

06:26 Jewish identity is inescapable; mentors guide.

07:15 Mentors expand worldview, crucial for personal growth.

10:44 Mentors inspire transformative growth and opportunities.

15:22 Impactful Jewish mentorship changes lives positively.

20:07 Commitment-focused vetting and support for mentors.

21:02 Mentorship: Supportive guidance, friendship, showing up.

25:24 Giving time enriches mentors and community.

28:22 Excited partnership offers mentorship resources, visit jbbsla.org.

About Cari Uslan:

Cari B. Uslan has been a nonprofit leader for over 20 years. In 2016, Ms. Uslan joined Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles (JBBBSLA). Currently serving in her third year as Chief Executive Officer; she spent two years as the Executive Vice President, and two years as the Vice President of Development. As Executive Vice President, Ms. Uslan was responsible for overseeing Camp Bob Waldorf, College Access + Success, and the Development department. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, she was integral in transitioning JBBBSLA’s in-person programming to virtual programming and ensuring that all youth and their families being served by the agency were being fully supported by JBBBSLA. Ms. Uslan has also led the organization through financial challenges. Her focus on new fundraising efforts, increased communication, and creative outreach strategies ensured a lower than anticipated deficit in 2020, 2021, and 2022. She also led JBBBSLA through difficult employee transitions. Under Ms. Uslan’s leadership, JBBBSLA created the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) committee that is comprised of a diverse group of staff

members representing all staffing levels in the agency. In all cases, her adept leadership and open communication has allowed the organization to overcome the current challenges and continue to grow in the future. Prior to JBBBSLA, Ms. Uslan worked at MAZON, developing their national fundraising strategy to fight hunger in the U.S. and Israel. Ms. Uslan also served as a Development Officer for Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Ms. Uslan is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and has served on several nonprofit boards.

Connect with Cari Uslan:

https://www.jbbbsla.org/contact-us/

IG @JBBBSLA

YouTube: @JBBBSofLA  

FB: https://www.facebook.com/jbbbsla

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE:

JEWISH BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS OF LOS ANGELES!

Become a big today! JBBBSLA.org/mentorship

Connect with Bad Jew: 

BadJew.co

https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

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DISCLAIMER: This podcast does not reflect any affiliation with either party and the opinions expressed in this episode do not reflect the opinions of either speaker's affiliation with any organization. 

It's time to vote. For some, they rush to the polls excited to cast their ballot. For others, it's a day of dread. Jews this year are a particularly divided demographic. Who is ultimately better? The progressive values that come with Kamala Harris's campaign or the right-wing values that red lines in support of Zionism with Donald Trump?

Z.E. Silver is a well-known TikToker and educator on various social media platforms. His work has often attracted both the left and the right in the Jewish community as he has defended Zionism, exposed truths, and debated other content creators online. Chaz Volk has the privilege of learning from him as he gets ready to cast his vote.

00:00 Shalom Chaverim

04:12 Community strengthens Jewish identity and personal growth.

09:11 Vote based on personal values and priorities.

13:00 Witnessing conflict shifted perceptions about idealism.

16:47 Realized Russia was adversary; foreign policy divided.

19:21 Parties converging: Both extremes mirror each other.

23:56 Diaspora Jews thrive with strong democratic leadership.

25:03 America offers unparalleled religious and individual freedom.

30:59 She loses due to declining Jewish support.

34:56 October 7th: Globally defining moment; Israel-Gaza conflict transformed.

36:06 Stalemate until unexpected war; dominoes falling.

39:59 Increased minority support for Trump after October 7th.

45:13 System prevents demagogues and mob rule nationally.

47:11 Thankful for analysis; crucial election's impact.

About Z.E. Silver:

Zach has worked for the Jewish people his entire life from being a camp counselor and youth group leader to serving as a volunteer and now a Jewish professional for over six years across three different organizations. His education in international affairs and political science along with his experience working in professional politics combined with time spent in the for-profit realm has uniquely shaped his worldview. Over the last year, he has been creating content hoping to educate others on the intricacies of Judaism, Jewish culture, Israel, Zionism, U.S. Politics, and International Relations. He amassed 27,000 followers on TikTok and over 350 subscribers on his Substack, Gam v'Gam. 

Connect with Z.E. Silver:

TikTok @silver_z.e

GamVGam.substack.com

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Dating is a stressful and exhausting process. It's often romanticized (no pun intended) as this cutesy, lovely gathering when really it's a trial in the spotlight of your future that determines EVERYTHING. It's daunting. Luckily Jewish matchmaking (also known as the shidduch system) makes that process easier... right?

Wrong. Gabi Koyenov, licensed therapist and host of the GKP Podcast, tells us his nightmare story of the long, high-pressure and seemingly forced experience he went through to find his wife. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, commiserates with Koyenov, as he too is familiar with the judgmental world that can be Jewish dating. Tune in for the full story!

00:00 Introduction

04:48 Curiosity of the Shidduch System

06:53 Orthodox Jewish marriage process explained

12:03 LGBTQ?

14:41 Judgement from family

16:10 Hindering potential

20:06 Repeated vetting

25:31 First impressions

28:21 Irrational, yet rational fear of poor matchmaking.

29:19 Lack of romance severely impacted my mental health.

35:05 Acknowledges flaws, but praises shadow system's benefits.

35:34 Singles experience gridlock; community leaders must act.

About Gabi Koyenov:

Gabi is a natural empath with a love for people. His care and curiosity creates a safe and inviting space where growth, healing, and discovery occurs. Additionally, Gabi is driven by a passion for psychology and helping other. Along with a hard working attitude, this has lead to him graduating his dual master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling with summa cum laude honors. He prides himself on being a life long learner and is on the cutting edge of treatment. Gabi’s approach is unique, high quality, clinically proven, and always puts you first.

Connect with Gabi Koyenov:

Podcast: The GKP Podcast 

IG @journey_with_gabi

www.TheMensTherapyStudio.com

www.youtube.com/@gabikoyenov

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Are the high holidays over yet? NOPE! We got one more (two more if you count Shemini Etzeret - the holiday where we ask God for rain). Mainly, Simchat Torah is everyone's focus. This festive holiday is about joy! But how can we be fully joyous a year into a post October 7th reality?

Actor and comedian Ben Berger jumps back onto the podcast, talking happiness, laughter, l'chaims, and dancing! This sense of profound Jewish joy is shred with Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew. Ben Berger and Chaz Volk collaborate to teach Judaism, spread joy, and inspire around the idea of starting anew!

00:00 Introduction

07:59 Chaz is leaving for Israel... again... for a year!

10:19 Jewish joy persists through dark times

15:45 Simchat Torah 2024 

18:49 Unique traditions

22:39 Studying Torah

26:05 Torah relevance 

26:55 Partnering up to study Torah

About Ben Berger:

Connect with Ben Berger:

IG and TikTok @BenBererBaby

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Sukkot is upon us! Does that mean we like camping? Well we do but this holiday is less about camping and more about commemorating the 40 years Jews lived in temporary shelters while wandering the desert on the way to Israel, their promised land. On this holiday, when you actually enter this holy "shack" you come across a ritual of waving around fruits and sticks... If it's your first time witnessing this, you must agree that this is a bizarre ritual. 

Rabbi Yitz Jacobs of MyAishLA and Aish Los Angeles helps us understand the deeper meaning behind this highly choreographed ritual. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, goes beyond the joy of building the sukkah in order to understand the movements and philosophies behind this act. 

00:00 Introduction

06:11 High holiday breakdown by purpose

09:15 Divine protection and dependency

10:33 Beyond the "shack"

16:07 6-dimensional

19:37 Feminine perfection

23:24 Unity with God through tradition

25:07 Tree of Life

28:42 World-building

About Rabbi Yitz Jacobs:

Rabbi Yitz Jacobs grew up in one of the only secular sections of Long Island. He earned a BS in Biology at Cornell University, and is still repenting for the freshman dorm experience. He then stayed on at Cornell and earned a Masters in Public Administration. He often wonders why, after spending all that money at Cornell, they’re still trying to get more out of him. After working in technology consulting for two years in Washington D.C. for Booz-Allen and Hamilton, he decided to do what every Jewish boy dreams of doing after being in the work force—go back to graduate school! Upon acceptance to University of Virginia Law school, he quit his job and took a quick detour to the holy land for a “three hour cruise.” He ended up staying for six years and earning his Rabbinical degree from Aish. R. Jacobs is married to his wonderful wife, Chavi Jacobs, and has 5 beautiful children.

Connect with Rabbi Yitz Jacobs:

Follow him on FB and IG @myaishla   

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