Bad Jew

When was the last time you spoke with a stranger? Maybe it was when you were on the subway or when you were at a restaurant. Maybe it was at the grocery store. Maybe it was at your favorite sports event. It might've been recently. But when was the last time you spoke about religion or politics with a stranger? That's a much more difficult task, isn't it?

Benny Greenstein aka BennyJeee is a professional conversation starter. He approaches people on the street to explore any random idea that comes to mind. Some of these ideas include politics, religion, society, mental health, and history. The people BennyJeee finds on the street are fascinating character studies. When talking about religion, BennyJeee represents his grandfather, a survivor of the Holocaust, carrying out the message of inclusivity, openness, and pride in identity. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, explores in-depth BennyJeee's approach to talking with strangers while making his work applicable to anyone who feels the need to stand up for their values in public.

About BennyJeee:

BennyJeee aka Benny Greenstein, is the most unique Jewish content creator and he knows it. With tooth gems, hair patterns, and deconstructed eyebrows, Benny is one of a kind. But above all he loves being JEWISH 💎

Connect with BennyJeee:

https://www.tiktok.com/@bennyjeeee?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/bennyjeee/

Connect with Bad Jew:

Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew

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What is a relationship? And in which context are we defining it? These general questions are too vague to answer simply. A 'relationship' tends to be romantic. Expanding on that, it can be with your very own health (physical and/or mental). You can have a relationship with your family, your community, your neighborhood, and even G-d. When G-d enters the picture, one might even realize that the divine is in... everything, and thus awesome relationships can have a certain sense of G-d conscious awareness.

In this in-depth episode, Ted Riter, Embodiment & Sexual Polarity Teacher, Relationship Coach, Men’s Work Trainer, and ordained Rabbi, tackles the definition of a 'relationship' with care and tenderness. With his Rabbinic background, he ties his Jewish studies to his relationship coaching, giving an incredibly holistic and unique lesson on all of the ways relationships impact us. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, pushes the show into personal spaces while learning new ways to embrace meditation, prayer, and general embrace.

About Ted Riter:

Ted Riter is a certified Embodiment & Sexual Polarity Teacher, Relationship Coach, Men’s Work Trainer, and ordained Rabbi. He has 30+ years of experience in guiding individuals and couples through their relationships, and is known for his playful, deep, heart-centered approach to personal growth and relating. 

Connect with Ted:

-website: www.tedriter.com

-Instagram: @tedritertalks

Connect with Bad Jew:

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Russia's invasion of Ukraine displaced thousands of civilians and endangered thousands more. The unprecedented violence and trauma caused by Vladimir Putin's war would've led to a depletion in morale if it wasn't for the inspiring resistance against Putin. The leadership of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian armed forces, and international aid has given the average person hope.

Ana Sazonov is no stranger to international service. Sazonov embodies the value of tikkun olam, or "repair the world" by putting her life on the line for others on a regular basis. Miles away from the frontlines, Ana jumps onto Bad Jew to highlight her efforts and embrace the Jewish values she lives by in one of the greatest displays of bravery we've seen on this podcast. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, grows inspired and encourages YOU, the listener, to support the war effort and donate.

DONATE TO UKRAINIAN PATRIOT HERE: https://ukrainianpatriot.org/

About Ana Sazonov:

Ana Sazonov was born in Ukraine to a non-Jewish mother and a father who repressed his Jewish identity. Her family became Ukrainian in every way, which helped them to survive antisemitic attacks and the Holocaust. Ana grew up as a Ukrainian girl with no knowledge of Judaism or Israel. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Jewish Agency For Israel (JAFI) sprang into action, promoting the Law of Return. This gave Ana’s family a chance to make Aliyah and start a new life in the Promised Land. Aliyah to Israel allowed Ana to grapple with her Jewish identity in ways she never thought possible.

Ana served two years in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as a Basic Training Commander and trained IDF soldiers to be combat-ready. During her service, she joined ‘Nativ,’ an IDF and JAFI program for strengthening Jewish and Israeli identity. This program helped her to uncover her Jewish identity and connection to Israel, to gain a sense of belonging, and to formally join the Jewish people through conversion.

Ana holds a bachelor’s degree with honors from Ruppin Academic Center in Business and Economics. She has dabbled in various industries, such as advertising, crowdfunding, and development. She found her passion in Jewish communal work, beginning as the Israel Fellow (emissary) to Emory University Hillel, where she helped students explore their Jewish identity and their connection to Israel. In addition to her work on campus, she formed and led the Russian Speaking Jewish community in Atlanta. This work led her to Brandeis, where she is a 2021 graduate of the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program, receiving a MA in Jewish Professional

Leadership and an MBA from the Heller School. During her time in Boston, she founded JewBer, a Jewish startup that delivered thousands of Kosher meals to Jewish medical professionals, low-income seniors, and Holocaust survivors during Covid. Following that, Ana served as the Executive Director of the Columbia Jewish Federation in South Carolina. 

In the midst of the war in Ukraine, Ana responded to the call to support our brothers and sisters back home. She was able to provide support and comfort to refugees on the border as a member of a volunteer mission sponsored by the Jewish Federations of North America’s (JFNA). Beyond her connection to her home, Ana is motivated by a sense of obligation to fulfill the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. This obligation spurs her to advocate for those refugees as well as Ukraine, which led her to dedicate her time to Ukraine. Today, she is working with Ukrainian Patriot, a group of Ukrainians and internationals working to aid volunteers defending Ukraine and those civilians caught in the crossfire.

In 2023 Ana was Selected to be on the Hadassah List of 18 Women who are shaping the future of Zionism. 

Connect with Bad Jew:

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Do you ever wake up with a punim only a mother could love? Do you sometimes schlep through your day feeling like bupkes? Do you ever schmooze with people whose shtick is to prove who has more chutzpah over the others? Don't be so meshuggeneh! Get your tuches out of your head and nosh on this podcast so you can kvell about it to your friends!

Ann Toback of the Workers Circle leads an organization whose roots come from Yiddish. Leading one of the premier Yiddish disciplines in the country, she reveals the strong tie between the Yiddishkeit lifestyle and activism in the United States. Her work reveals the untold importance of Yiddish and how it goes beyond cheap one-liners in Jewish humor-filled Hollywood films. Host of Bad Jew, Chaz Volk, collaborates with Ann to understand her work and bring light to the Yiddish language's value in modern-day society.

About Ann Toback:

Ann Toback is the CEO of the Workers Circle. Ann has served in this position since June 2008. A lifelong progressive activist – whose grandparents met at a union hall - and trained attorney, Ann previously served as the Assistant Executive Director at the Writers Guild of America, East from 1999-2008. A highlight of Ann’s union career was successfully directing and organizing the 2007-2008 Writers Guild strike on the East Coast before coming to lead the Workers Circle. During Ann’s tenure as the nonprofit’s first woman leader, she has led the organization through a reboot process, resulting in today’s Workers Circle, a social justice organization that powers progressive Jewish identity through Jewish cultural engagement, Yiddish language learning, multigenerational education, and social justice activism. Under Ann’s leadership, the organization has established itself as the leading Jewish voice in the fight to protect our democracy. The Workers Circle of today connects the storied activist history of the Jewish people to the modern-day fight to defend democracy and expand the right to vote. Recently, the Workers Circle has launched innovative new programs including Democracy Circles, a grassroots effort to bring activists together to fight back against attacks on the right to vote, and built successful multigenerational and multicultural partnerships with organizations like Black Voters Matter and the Center for Common Ground to advance this important work. Today the Workers Circle is committed to honoring its Yiddish and Bundist roots and has become the largest Yiddish language program in the world, teaching over 1,000 students the Yiddish language and connecting many more to their Yiddishkeit roots. The organization is organizing and working fiercely in support of fights for the dignity and economic rights of immigrants; worker protections, including the right to unionize and collectively bargain; living wage; and currently the organization is fighting the national rise of Fascism, bigotry, including anti-Semitic acts, systemic racism, and hate crimes.

About the Workers Circle

Founded 122 years ago, the Workers Circle (formerly known as the Workmen’s Circle) is a social justice organization that powers progressive Jewish identity through Jewish cultural engagement, Yiddish language learning, multigenerational education, and social justice activism. For over a century, we have provided this 360-degree approach to Jewish identity-building. Through contemporary cultural programs, strategic social justice campaigns, vibrant Yiddish language classes, interactive educational experiences and more, we connect Jewish adults, kids and families of all affiliations with their cultural heritage, working to build a better and more beautiful world for all. Learn more at www.circle.org.

Connect with Bad Jew:

Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew

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With lightning, there is thunder. With death, there is grieving. It's a natural part of life. We covered in the last episode the rituals that come with death. Traditional Judaism urges mourners to bury their loved ones so that their souls could be put to rest as soon as possible. There are other traditions and customs that stem from the Torah. But what does the Torah say about the recovery process after the fact?

Inspirational coach Zach Faerber is no stranger to grief. After having been orphaned at a young age, he applies his personal experience to his expertise, helping those that suffer to better their quality of life in numerous ways. Host of Bad Jew, Chaz Volk, joins Zach in questioning the regimented outline of the grieving process the Torah provides. Faerber shares his personal journey while also allowing us to see into his life on how he grieves while maintaining a positive and happy life.

About Zach Faerber:

Zach Faerber is a passionate health and fitness coach based in sunny San Diego, California. Born and raised in Orange County, Zach has always been driven by a deep desire to help others, and it was this altruistic spirit that led him to embark on a remarkable journey in the field of fitness.

As the founder of FaerberFitness, Zach's expertise lies in an array of essential areas, including mobility, weight loss, strength training, hormone optimization, and body recomposition. His coaching company is built on a foundation of empathy and understanding, providing clients with personalized guidance and support to unlock their full potential and achieve their health and fitness goals.

Before delving into the world of fitness and wellness, Zach followed a path toward medicine. He worked diligently in the realms of orthopedics and oncology, gaining invaluable insights into the intricate workings of the human body and the importance of physical and emotional well-being.

Beyond his dedication to fitness, Zach has also made a significant impact on his community through his involvement with various charitable organizations. He has collaborated with the Jewish Federation, Cuck Fancer, City of Hope, and Be the Match, using his platform to raise awareness about cancer, grief, and loss while fostering a sense of strength and unity within the community.

With a multifaceted background that combines his medical expertise and wellness coaching, Zach Faerber brings a unique and holistic approach to human optimization. Through his coaching, advocacy, and philanthropic endeavors, he continues to touch lives, inspiring others to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Connect with Zach Faeber:

https://www.instagram.com/zach_faerber/

https://www.faerberfitness.com/

Be the Match: https://bethematch.org/

Connect with Bad Jew:

Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

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Death is a touchy subject. When Jews lose a loved one, and their soul is no longer with us, we recite the mourner's Kaddish and focus on the missing individual's attributes. That's because Jews recognize that the soul is a reflection of their character. Jewish ritual focuses on who that person truly was. In other words, as long as our hearts are beating we must live every day to our true calling. 

Rabbi Dov Muchnik of Chabad of Oxnard jumps onto Bad Jew with host, Chaz Volk, to teach us the subject that everyone dreads. Rabbi Muchnik has is no stranger to the subject of death but also emphasizes the importance of being alive now, fulfilling your mission, and living a good life.

About Rabbi Dov Muchnik:

Rabbi Dov Muchnik and his wife, Racheli, founded Chabad of Oxnard in 2003, where local residents and visitors can learn about and celebrate Jewish traditions in a warm and welcoming environment. Born in Brooklyn, Dov studied in rabbinical colleges in New York and Israel, and his internship included community service in the Former Soviet Union and South Africa. He was ordained by the Chief Rabbi of Israel. As spiritual leader of Chabad of Oxnard, Rabbi Dov inspires his congregants to lead lives of purpose, as enlightened by the teachings of Judaism. He and his wife host prayer services, Shabbat meals, holiday celebrations, classes, women’s events, lectures, and more. Rabbi Dov and Racheli are the parents of nine children. They established Lamplighters Jewish Academy as an outstanding educational opportunity for Jewish children in the area. Rabbi Dov is honored to serve as a Police Chaplain for Oxnard and Port Hueneme, and in this role, he offers a listening ear, advice, comfort, and specialized guidance to those in need.

Connect with Rabbi Dov Muchnik:

Chabad of Oxnard Jewish Center

2860 Harbor Blvd. Oxnard, CA 93035

Office: 805-382-4770

Cell: 805-844-9989

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.ChabadofOxnard.com

Connect with Bad Jew:

Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew

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It seems silly to ask this question in the first place. However, this episode isn't for the Jewish audience. This episode is a PSA to non-Jews across the globe. Every day, Jews are the targets of antisemitism. From innocently ignorant comments to intentionally hurtful actions, a common default insult is the look of a Jew. We're often characterized as white European and rural like the caricatures from Fiddler on the Roof. Rayna and Chaz know this is farther from the truth.

In this episode of Bad Jew, Rayna Rose Exelbierd (self-identified as 'orthofox', not orthodox) jumps onto the podcast to explore this seemingly simple concept with host Chaz Volk. Rayna's experience across the globe as an entrepreneur, author, and IDF veteran has given her the authority to tell it as it is. You'll find that her presence is empowering and refreshing.

About Rayna Rose Exelbierd:

Rayna Rose Exelbierd is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, youth mentor, and children's author. Recently recognized by Hadassah as "18 American Zionist Women You Should Know", Rayna Rose uses her Jewish influence and experiences to empower non-Jewish audiences to learn Jewish history, develop relationships with the Jewish community and connect with Holocaust survivors through workshops and lectures. Her podcast, The Rose Grows, features survivors and stories of human connection and kindness. As founder and CEO, Chief Empowerment Officer of The Rose Grows, Rayna shares personal stories of facing antisemitism and how she rose up to fight it. Rayna has mentored thousands of students from around the world and has published two books, The Girl Who Said Hello to Everyone and The Girl Who Wore Two Different Shoes. In the last 10 years, over a quarter of a million people have heard Rayna speak on stage and in classrooms around the world. 

Connect with Bad Jew:

Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew

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Smiling can sometimes feel more like an obligation than a genuine reaction. Life has a tendency to weigh on you. Reality kicks in and it's easy to lose your spiritual connection to that which is around you. When the consequence of existing kicks in with no warning, how does one embrace happiness? The Torah has an answer to this.

Therapist and proud mother, Rachael Dadbin, is no stranger to pain. Yet, her smile shines brightest in the world of Jewish thought leadership. Where does her resilience come from? In this episode, Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, explores the intersection of mental health, Torah, lifestyle, and stoicism.

About Rachael Dadbin:

Rachael Dadbin focuses on guiding clients who seek healing and growth to achieve desired results. You can be going through a life transition, experiencing heightened anxiety and overwhelm, substance use, academic and/or work place challenges, relational difficulties with self and others, and challenges around self-worth and esteem. Sometimes we just need a safe place to share our deepest thoughts and sort through our day-to-day because life can feel hectic.

It is often ones thoughts and beliefs about self or a situation that impacts our emotions and behaviors. Rachael tailors interventions based on the needs of clients to achieve increased life satisfaction. Rachael has two Pupil Personnel Service credentials in School Counseling and Child Welfare and Attendance, and was also trained in addiction/substance use.

Rachael wholeheartedly understands that life has many challenges and believes that transformation occurs when we learn to live life in a healthy and authentic way. Rachael is warm and genuine in her approach and invites you to contact her to begin your therapeutic journey.

Connect with Rachael Dadbin:

https://secure.helloalma.com/providers/rachael-dadbin/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/rachael-shanbrom-dadbin-agoura-hills-ca/1151740?utm_campaign=TD_SHA_1_1&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=TDE

Connect with Bad Jew:

Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew

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You might've noticed that traditional Jews don't hold hands when they're on a date and prospecting for marriage. As a matter of fact, it's common for there to be a physically awkward space between both potential partners when considering such an important life decision. This is also apparent after marriage. When meeting a married person of the opposite sex, and they come from an orthodox background, it's probable that they couldn't shake hands with you when introducing themselves. This practice is called 'Shomer Negiah' which translates to "One observant of touch".

In this episode of Bad Jew, life coach Kevin Nahai discusses the values of Shomer Negiah from the unique angle of being secular. While Kevin does not follow the rules by the book, he carries on the mitzvot of finding a middle ground that makes sense for him and his clients (who are also predominantly secular). Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, peels back the layers of this Jewish principal while opening up about personal experiences from his past in hopes to relate to the value. 

About Kevin Nahai:

When I was 19 years old, I was suddenly diagnosed with an incurable disease of the stomach that caused me to be unable to eat. Almost overnight, I went from being a bright-eyed college Freshman to being completely despondent and incapacitated. In a flash I lost complete control of my life, and rapidly fell into a dark spiral of depression, anxiety, and severe anorexia.

By the middle of my Freshman year, I was down to 112 pounds of pure skin and bone. I was starving myself, refusing to take my medications, and denying that there was a problem.

By age 20 I felt completely hopeless and helpless. Relationships were out of the question. While everyone around me was having the time of their lives, I was cowering in my dormitory planning a suicide.

After hitting this rock bottom, I had no choice but to make a change and get some professional help. With the support of my family, I began taking accountability, making serious lifestyle changes, and getting healthier.

I made some good friends, became a Personal Trainer, and started helping others. I even got a girlfriend.

I thought I was doing great. But as my girlfriend and I got deeper into our relationship, I quickly learned that I had some real emotional issues in the love department: codependency, unhealthy attachment, and fear of abandonment. And although I was loved, at my core I felt completely unlovable -- and it was showing up in my relationship.

So, back to counseling I went.

I once again had to humble myself and change my behavior. I did the work and began to see real progress. I developed authentic confidence and learned what healthy relationships consist of; I learned how to be happy and at peace; I learned how to have the things I want and want the things I have.

Fast forward after many years of working on myself, I’ve transformed my life inside and out. I believe the final stage of healing is using what you went through in order to help others; so every day, I harness my experiences and teach others how to improve their lives.

Through practical guidance and actionable steps, I will teach you how to love and respect yourself, discover your unique gift, feel fulfilled, and create lasting relationships.

I have an extraordinary life because I was willing to change my thoughts and actions for the better. Now it is your turn.

Connect with Kevin Nahai:

www.KevinNahai.com

IG @KevinNahai  

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If you're a YJP (Young Jewish Professional), chances are your life is awesome. You may be hit up to go bowling with some friends. Guess what? It's a Moishe House event and it's free of charge! You may later sign up for a young adult retreat through NuRoots to tap into Torah Study while exploring the great outdoors. You will likely run into that old friend from BBYO whom you enjoyed Hebrew school with at your local synagogue. You may host a Shabbat event and even more amazing: The price of that meal will be subsidized by OneTable (CEO and Founder Aliza Kline was on this podcast). The possibilities for Jews are endless! You don't have to be in your 20s to enjoy these programs. You can be a recent parent, a senior citizen, or even a newborn. There is a guarantee that a Jewish non-profit impacted your life one way or another. Why is this network so strong?

Gary S. Cohn of Painted Rock Advisors is a non-profit and philanthropic advisor. He helps organizations run smoothly while helping entrepreneurs and philanthropists allocate their wealth to the right organizations. With these contributions, Cohn has impacted the Jewish and non-Jewish world in numerous ways. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, interviews Cohn to understand why it's more than just money that makes these non-profits run. Volk, having produced Cohn's Podcast, The Road to Philanthropy, is aware of his passion and drive, helping Gary showcase his talents to the Bad Jew community.

About Gary S. Cohn:

Gary brings over thirty years of non-profit and development experience to his work as a trusted advisor. Gary became the Executive Director of Temple Emanu-El in San Francisco from 1991-2007. Temple Emanu-El is one of the leading congregations in Reform Judaism with over 2,000 families founded in 1850. There he managed all business aspects of the congregation plus membership services and program. Gary was responsible for an annual budget of $15 million and an endowment equities and real estate of over $40 million. In 2008 he became the Regional Director of American Technion Society in the Pacific Northwest (Silicon Valley to Seattle) raising about $15-$20 million a year to support the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. From 20015 until 2020 Gary held Senior Vice President/Major Gift roles at Alzheimer’s Association and the Jewish Agency for Israel. In 2020, Gary founded Painted Rock Advisors. Painted Rock Advisors provides services to the philanthropic and non-profit communities. His podcast, The Road to Philanthropy debuted in 2021 and now has over 6,000 listeners. Gary serves on the Board of Directors of Hillel 818 and Safe Parking Los Angeles where he is Chair of Governance at both non-profits. Previously served on the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross-Bay Area, the San Francisco Food Bank and Bentley School. He was on the Advisory Board of City National Bank in Northern California from 2000-2007. Gary is a graduate of California State University at Long Beach and received his BS from the College of Business. He was honored as Alumnus of the Year for the College of Business in 2009. Gary lives in Woodland Hills with his partner, Paula and has a daughter, Erica, who works in the entertainment industry.

Connect with Gary S. Cohn:

https://linktr.ee/RoadToPhilanthropy

www.paintedrockadvisors.com

Connect with Bad Jew:

Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

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