Bad Jew

We have to fast? Again? Yep. For another 25 hours, Jews are told to fast for what is considered the saddest day in the Jewish calendar. Tisha B’Av is a holiday some know very fondly while others have never heard of. It commemorates the destruction of the 1st and 2nd Temples along with other exceptionally tragic moments in Jewish history. What is the meaning of this? What did we do to deserve this? Why does this keep happening?

Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser, known for his comedic and unique style of speaking, jumps onto Bad Jew to explore the deeper ideas behind this portion of our history. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, gets a crash course to the Jewish diaspora, the tragedy that have struck our generations, and explores what we can do to change the outcome of the future (Moshiach!)

Special thanks to Yosef Behar of Oshpiza (Oshpiza.com) for making this interview possible. 

About Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser:

Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser received a Bachelors Degree in Humanities from the University of California at Santa Barbara. For 12 years he surfed internationally on a professional level. He is also an accomplished mountain biker and professional musician. He received rabbinic ordination from Aish HaTorah and the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. His areas of expertise are Kabbala, Spirituality and Psychotherapy.

Connect with Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser:

YouTube - @RabbiYomTov  

IG - @rabbiyomtov 

Connect with Bad Jew:

BadJew.co

https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

Hashem is this infinite being, for lack of better term. He's all-encompassing and created us out of nothing, indicating his sheer power. Yet, it's a mitzvah to pray and is a commandment to pray during certain times. So then... does he need anything or not? And of all things, why prayer?

Prayer is an area of specialty for Rabbi Ephy Greene of Aish HaTorah's Yeshiva in Jerusalem, Israel. During a 'swearing in' ceremony by the IDF, Ephy goes into detail on why Hashem wants us to daven and seek spirituality within ourselves. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, learns why it's a necessity to get closer to Hashem.

00:00 Introduction

04:33 Life-changing moments

07:08 Questioning purpose 

10:09 Our relationship with God depends on us

16:07 The search for meaning

18:06 Informal prayer expresses vulnerability

20:57 Structure is essential

25:31 Torah is God's communication and vision

27:10 Living a moral life through heartfelt prayer

30:54 Conclusion

About Ephy Greene:

Rabbi Ephy Greene has been teaching in the US & Israel for over 20 years. Growing up the son of a Conservative rabbi, but attending Orthodox schools, Ephy experienced Jews and Judaism in a variety of contexts, from USY retreats to studying with Chassidim in the Mir. Rabbi Greene has been teaching in Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem for the past decade. He is also a Jewish singer/songwriter, inspirational speaker, and loving, but slightly embarrassing dad!

Connect with Rabbi Ephy Greene:

www.AishYeshiva.com

Listen to music by Ephy Greene on Spotify

Connect with Bad Jew:

BadJew.co

https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

Buttoned-up clothing. Black and white style. Tight and uncomfortable. Covered and hot. No designs nor messages. And definitely no ankle. That's the summary of modesty. The concept of 'covering up' is one of the most difficult and seemingly oppressive aspects of Judaism. What if there was a much-needed paradigm shift on this idea?

Moriel Shviki, an outspoken advocate for modesty and its values, comes onto the podcast to break preconceived notions about the controversial idea. Shviki explains to Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, that such a refocusing of external display causes for a different sense of freedom. There's a message the world could learn and Moriel explains just that!

00:00 Introduction

05:34 Adopting a positive social media approach for modesty

09:09 Comparing ourselves, pursuing sexiness, and human nature

10:10 Struggling with self-confidence and validation on social media

13:21 Limited exposure to modesty, but a starting point

16:37 New concept aligns with mitzvahs and symbolism

22:06 Sarah exemplified modesty and spiritual strength

25:21 Struggle with dressing against my convictions, guilt

28:28 Shift to kosher living led to judgment

30:11 Conclusion

About Moriel Shviki:

Moriel was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, in a traditional but not religious Israeli family. Her upbringing included cultural practices like Shabbat dinners without deep religious engagement, making her feel like an outcast at times. She attended a reformed preschool, which did not leave a significant impact on her. At 11, her family moved to Chile, where she adjusted to the language easily but found the cultural shift challenging. This was her first time attending a religious school, which had a profound impact on her. She learned Hebrew, how to pray, and began to connect with God in a personal way. Despite this, she did not keep Shabbat or kosher initially. After two years in Chile, Moriel's family returned to LA, where she continued her education at religious schools, including EMAC and Valley Torah High School. She regrets not having a bat mitzvah during this period. The experience in Chile helped shape her Jewish identity and connection to her faith.

Connect with Moriel:

https://www.shopltk.com/explore/modeststylemoriel

Connect with Bad Jew:

BadJew.co

https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

Have you ever had a religious person knock on your door and ask you to join them at church? Have you ever had a preacher on the street shout at you for living differently than them? Ever notice that none of those figures are Jewish? As a matter of fact, Jews know better than to not try to convert people as it is a sin according to their bible. Yet... the Jewish population is so small. Couldn't they use the numbers?

Yo Mark Jean is a hip hop artist and content creator who is in the middle of his conversion process. While he's not officially a Jew at the time of this recording (July 2024) he brings to the podcast a vast amount of Torah wisdom and knowledge that debunks different ideas designed to guilt Jews into converting into other religions. Mark Jean also shares personal stories and discoveries to Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew.

00:00 Introduction

03:53 Proselytizing

08:35 Perfecting the world

12:49 Historical Jewish conversion and reasons behind it

14:03 Mass conversion to Christianity as an easy choice

17:32 Torah authenticity

21:14 Predictions and liberation

25:15 Debates with Christian community

29:11 Torah is not just for Jews

29:48 Conclusion

About Yo Mark Jean:

Born in Queens, NY, D’Mark Jeantine — known by his artist name, Yo Mark Jean — brings his culture, faith and values to his music. Jean started making music at age 7 with a regimented schedule of private lessons. He’s from a family formed by music; his parents met while his father was a guitarist in a musical group back in New York. As he grew into a professional, Jean found that mixing beats for other artists made way for opportunities and connections.

You can hear music from Yo Mark Jean on Apple Music, iHeart and Spotify

Connect with Bad Jew:

BadJew.co

https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

Israel is the only pro-LGBTQ country in the Middle East but does that mean you should automatically be a Zionist? Probably, but for a vast majority of LGBTQ members, especially Jews, they are faced with the inner conflict of crossing political lines and personal values, stepping aside from the guidelines of their political affiliation's doctrine. How can they navigate this dilemma?

Marcus Breman, better known on TikTok as @yourfavoritegayzionist, discusses this dilemma from a personal experience. Having lived in both the United States and Israel, Marcus makes commentary paving his own path for his opinions and political stances. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, works to understand this complicated positioning and where U.S. politics fits into the morality that Zionism has built. 

00:00 Introduction

03:10 The younger generation

06:32 Switching political parties

11:42 Israel's anti-discrimination laws for LGBTQ+

14:23 Diverse voter motivations in U.S.

17:19 LGBT asylum controversy in the West Bank

20:06 Israel is THE successful decolonization project

23:47 Echo chambers

29:33 Biden vs. Trump's Zionism

30:54 Conclusion

About Marcus Breman:

Connect with Marcus Breman:

TikTok @yourfavoritegayzionist

Connect with Bad Jew:

BadJew.co

https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

One of the most intimidating things about being on your Jewish journey is answering the question, "What kind of Jew are you?" There are so many ways 'to Jew', how can you possibly choose? And once you do, who said you're personally ready to be labeled in a specific way?

Instagram and TikTok star Melinda Strauss is no stranger to this concept. Knowing that the Jewish identity is personal, she emphasizes how to navigate the constant barrage of communal standards while giving the breakdown for how to follow mitzvahs and practices that work best for you.

00:00 Introduction

06:11 Funny commentary

09:10 Embrace your identity and choices, and respect others

10:46 Orthodox Judaism: diverse sects united by Torah

13:17 Calling me a sinner is also sin

17:21 Being a Jew is diverse and personal

21:53 Envying others' Jewish school and religious choices

23:05 Discovering Judaism as a couple

27:23 Discovering practical blessings broke my rigid perceptions

32:00 Fear of future, toxic shame, seeking help

32:42 Conclusion

About Melinda Struass:

Melinda Strauss, a Jewish Content Creator on social media with over 1 million followers on TikTok and Instagram, is well known for her educational videos about Orthodox Judaism, Jewish history, discussing Antisemitism and Zionism, sharing her kosher recipes and her everyday life. Born and raised in Seattle WA, Melinda now lives with her family in New York. 

Melinda has been blogging and sharing her recipes since 2011 and she will be debuting her first cookbook in Fall 2025. 

Connect with Melinda:

MelindaStrauss.com

IG and TikTok: @therealmelindastrauss 

YouTube: @therealmelindastrauss  

Connect with Bad Jew:

BadJew.co

https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

All Yeshivas are notoriously known for giving life-changing education. Teaching Judaism with a higher kind of discipline while embedding principles to live by is not something that happens overnight. You hear of people that stay for a week. You hear of people that stay for years. But does it really provide you with ALL the tools you need in life?

Daniel Mouyal is known for his collaborations with musicians like Kosha Dillz. Before the reputation we know today, he desired a complete 180 in his life. He went to Yeshiva and has since thrived off the Torah's teachings while paving his own path. Did Yeshiva teach him EVERYTHING? He discusses this with Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, to highlight his experiences and truth. 

00:00 Introduction

03:57 Daniel's pursuits

07:34 A year at Yeshiva

13:52 Seek power through selfless prayer

15:19 Stories of Yeshiva part 1

20:13 Stories from Yeshiva part 2

20:50 Joys of not knowing

25:14 Conclusion

About Daniel Mouyal:

Daniel Mouyal is 28 years old and resides in Miami, Florida. He is known for his music and does stand up comedy and acting. 

Connect with Daniel Mouyal:

www.linktr.ee/danielmouyal

Connect with Bad Jew:

BadJew.co

https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

Just remember what they taught you in grade school: When you're public speaking, just imagine everyone's pants are down... That trick never worked did it? Public speaking is hard. Giving a sermon to a high-expecting congregation is harder. 

Rabbi Daniel Steinberg is no stranger to the difficulty of trying to inspire and emotionally elevate a crowd. Being very familiar with the film industry, sales, and Jewish needs within a community, Steinberg teaches Chaz Volk the fundamentals of speaking to a Jewish crowd. Tune in to learn how to engage and communicate with the broader Jewish community. 

00:00 Introduction

05:39 Existential doubts

09:42 Speaking to needs

12:04 Ethos, Pathos, and Logos behind Bad Jew

14:40 Commandments

16:48 Stand-up comic's connection to audience reactions

22:48 Unexpected movie sparks discussion about Zionism symbolism

25:12 Public speaking is about authenticity, not polish.

27:19 Conclusion

About Rabbi Daniel Steinberg:

It's true. I was an intern for SNL, wrote for Howard Stern, & spent 2 years performing stand-up comedy in NYC and San Francisco clubs before moving to Palo Alto, CA to pursue a career in community outreach & Jewish education.

After 6 years of community-building work, I assumed the role of Marketing Director for a start-up co-founded by Alan Dershowitz.

I then went on to start a digital marketing & e-commerce consultancy, where my innovative storytelling & copywriting skills helped my ​clients earn upwards of $1MM in yearly revenue. 

These days, I draw on my eclectic experiences in the worlds of entertainment, education and marketing to help rabbis find their authentic voice, craft meaningful Drashos & build strong relationships with their congregations.

Connect with Rabbi Daniel Steinberg:

Linked In: Daniel Steinberg

Connect with Bad Jew:

BadJew.co

https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

Probably the most challenging question any religious person could answer from an agnostic person is "Is God Real?" The religious person might say "Of course he is real!" "And how do you know?" "Can't you feel it?" Of course, we all know 'feeling' is not enough.

Rabbi Aaron Zimmer and Rabbi Elie Feder produced a podcast called "Physics to God" to go beyond the feeling of God. Using the scientific method along with their understanding of physics and mathematics they are able to quantifiably prove that Hashem made the universe and is indeed the embodiment of everything we know.

00:00 Introduction

05:02 Math and Physics

06:26 Proof of God

11:56 Laws of nature

15:45 Atoms and life

19:10 Fine tuning and constants

21:30 Parallel Universes

25:06 Intelligent Creator

27:39 Laws of nature

30:07 Conclusion, Physics to God

About Rabbi Aaron Zimmer:

After earning a physics degree and receiving rabbinical ordination from Rabbi Yisrael Chait, Aaron Zimmer considered furthering his education through graduate school. However, his intellectual curiosity extended far beyond the realm of physics, encompassing a diverse array of fields, including philosophy, mathematics, and psychology. Capitalizing on his blend of analytical and philosophical skills, Aaron utilized his personal resources to venture into commodity futures trading. This endeavor involved commodities such as oil, natural gas, cotton, sugar, and coffee. His strategic approach was deeply rooted in the conceptual frameworks of physics and the Brisker Method for Talmudic analysis. After an eleven-year career marked by success in commodity trading, Aaron decided to retire. In his retirement, Aaron channels his intellectual energy into studying various branches of knowledge, including the Talmud and physics. He resides in Lawrence, New York, along with his wife and their five children.

About Rabbi Elie Feder:

Elie Feder earned a PhD in mathematics from the CUNY Graduate Center and received Rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Yisrael Chait. Since 2004, Elie has been a mathematics professor at Kingsborough Community College. He has published many papers and delivered numerous talks in graph theory, which is his field of mathematical research. As a teacher, Elie has a passion for simplifying complex topics for his students. Recently, he authored a book "Gematria Refigured," which presents a rational, nonmystical approach to gematria as a tool of uncovering the significance of quantity and fine tuning in Torah, life, and the universe. For more information, you can visit Elie’s website, GematriaRefigured.com, and listen to his podcast, Gematria Refigured+. Elie resides in Far Rockaway, New York, with his wife and their four children.

Connect with Rabbi Aaron Zimmer and Rabbi Elie Feder

Facebook: @Physics to God (Page; not group)

X/Twitter: @PhysicsToGod

Instagram: @physics_to_god

Connect with Bad Jew: 

BadJew.co

https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

TikTok @BadJewPod

WE FINALLY RECEIVED THE TORAH! Time to enjoy the taste of milk and honey. But why? Can our Jewish stomachs really handle all of that dairy and what are we actually celebrating when we look at the history of the Torah - the constant tug-of-war we have with the values God laid out for us? Have we, an exiled people, really earned a celebration?

Sruly Meyer, known for his incredible online recipes, embraces Shavuot - his favorite out of all of the favorite holidays. Aside from it being a tasty holiday, Meyer highlights how the Torah is our marriage contract and how our relationship with God has been "on a break" and why. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, enjoys an educational 30 minutes of learning why Shavuot stands as one of the most unique metaphysical experiences.

00:00 Introduction

05:58 Our relationship with God

06:33 Hashem's marriage contract with us

12:20 Relationships and Shavuot

15:15 Improving our relationship with God

17:34 Israel, the ultimate gift

20:20 Spiritual connection

25:49 Jewish resilience post October 7th

28:02 Torah is sweet

30:09 Conclusion

About Sruly Meyer:

Sruly runs a marketing agency in Hollywood, Florida. He is a home cook and recipe developer who runs a food and travel blog, discussing local food scenes and daily Jewish life. He is a proud Jewish father and business owner.

Connect with Sruly Meyer

IG and TikTok @srulycooks  

www.SrulyMeyer.com

Connect with Bad Jew:

BadJew.co

https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

TikTok @BadJewPod