Can someone deeply connected to Judaism wrestle with God and still belong? 

In this contemplative monologue, Jonah explores his lifelong struggle with belief, the nature of G-d, and the tension between faith and doubt. From questioning divine presence to contemplating the vastness of the universe, Jonah examines whether spirituality requires certainty, or if the act of searching is its own form of faith.

If you’ve ever wrestled with your religious beliefs, this monologue is for you.

Watch the original monologue on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLIg93V0qcY

More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish:

Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.

To contact us & all things BJJP:

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Follow Jonah on:

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CREDITS

Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild,  Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Interns: Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

What happens when five rabbis share their Jewish wisdom? 

In this special BEST OF: Jewish Wisdom mashup, Rabbis David Wolpe, Angela Buchdahl, David Lichtenstein, Sharon Brous, and Manis Friedman tackle some very Jewish questions about faith, identity, meaning, Israel, and how to make sense of the world around us.

Rabbi David Wolpe explores whether you need to believe in God to be Jewish, why Jewish law evolves, and why Israel remains central to modern Jewish identity. Rabbi Angela Buchdahl challenges exclusion within Judaism and shares how Jewish wisdom, joy, and community can help us face moments of crisis. David Lichtenstein dives into ritual, faith, Torah study, and finding purpose through adversity. Rabbi Sharon Brous unpacks the complicated balance between criticizing Israel, supporting Palestinians, and living up to Jewish moral responsibility. And Rabbi Manis Friedman asks whether our modern anxiety comes from a deeper sense of meaninglessness, and what it means to be “needed” by God.

Five rabbis. Five perspectives. One very big question: What does it actually mean to be Jewish?

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

00:01:31 — Rabbi David Wolpe

00:09:18 — Rabbi Angela Buchdahl

00:17:11— Dovid Lichtenstein

00:27:15 — Rabbi Sharon Brous

00:36:28 — Rabbi Manis Friedman

Watch Rabbi David Wolpe's full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdEvVUJSGMw

Watch Rabbi Angela Buchdahl's full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2A1fy_rNgs

Watch David Lichtenstein's full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5xHHAZFfRs

Watch Rabbi Sharon Brous's full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYYI3VfvO5g

Watch Rabbi Manis Friedman's full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9J2GQLE9UY

More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish:

Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.

To contact us & all things BJJP:

www.BeingJewishPodcast.com

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:

www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast

Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:

bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter

For Sponsorships, please email:

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Merchandise

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Follow Jonah on:

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CREDITS

Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild,  Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Interns: Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

What do you do when millions of people have been taught by teachers, influencers, and even professors, that Zionism is a form of evil?

In this searing and personal monologue, Jonah analyzes thousands of hateful messages he’s received to uncover important truths: How millions have been brainwashed to believe Zionism is evil, how social media erases Jewish voices and spreads misinformation about Israel, and why the Jewish community must act now to invest in education, allyship, and cultural resilience.

From understanding the difference between intentional antisemitism and brainwashed ignorance, to explaining how algorithms create false realities and fuel division, Jonah delivers an unflinching look at today's challenges, and offers a path forward for building a stronger Jewish future.

Watch the original monologue on YouTube here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZAnMb5AMgY

More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish:

Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.

To contact us & all things BJJP:

www.BeingJewishPodcast.com

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:

www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast

Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:

bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter

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[email protected]

Merchandise

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Follow Jonah on:

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CREDITS

Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild,  Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Interns: Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

What happens when a movie shoot brings its cast and crew to Jewish summer camp – and then throws bears and lightning into the mix? 

Following the Los Angeles premiere of The Floaters at the Laemmle Royal in Santa Monica, Jonah sits down with stars of the film Jackie Tohn, Ben Krieger, Jillian Jordyn, and Bekah Zornosa, alongside producers Shai Korman and Andra Gordon, for a special Being Jewish crossover event filmed in front of a live audience.

The panel gives us a behind the scenes look at the making of The Floaters. They share their personal Jewish experiences that shaped the film, the pleasantly unexpected places they’ve been invited to screen it, and why publicly celebrating Jewish joy is more important than ever. They also reveal what it was really like on set at an actual Jewish summer camp, where the cast and crew became a family, and where encounters with bears, lightning, and other unexpected surprises made the production an adventure of its own.

The conversation, like the film itself, is about Jewish storytelling, community and friendship. In today’s world, movies like The Floaters are exactly what the Jewish people, and the world, need.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Why Hollywood Needs to ‘Explore and Highlight Jewish Joy,’ Not Just ‘Suffering or Idiosyncrasies’ by Jonah Platt

Why Jewish Screen Stories Need More Joy by Rachel Israel

Learn more about The Floaters:

The Floaters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/floatersmovie/

Official Website: https://floatersmovie.com/

Official Trailer on YouTube

Jackie Tohn: https://www.instagram.com/jackietohn/

Bekah Zornosa: https://www.instagram.com/bekahzornosa/

Jillian Jordyn: https://www.instagram.com/jillianjordynn/

Ben Krieger: https://www.instagram.com/heybenkrieger

More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish:

Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.

To contact us & all things BJJP:

www.BeingJewishPodcast.com

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:

www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast

Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:

bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter

For Sponsorships, please email:

[email protected]

Merchandise

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Follow Jonah on:

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Follow Being Jewish on:

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CREDITS:

Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Production Interns: Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Why won’t people call antisemitism what it really is?

In this powerful monologue, drawing from personal experience, Jonah shares why the word "antisemitism" is outdated, misunderstood, and often ineffective at calling out real, harmful bigotry. Jonah breaks down the urgent need for clarity in how we talk about hate toward Jews. 

If you’ve ever been frustrated by the muddled debates around antisemitism, then this monologue is for you. It’s time to stop being polite, and to start getting real about Anti-Jew hate.

Watch the original monologue on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV2vAirnQm4

More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish:

Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.

To contact us & all things BJJP:

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Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:

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Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:

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Merchandise

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Follow Jonah on:

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CREDITS

Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild,  Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Interns: Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Are Jews safer in Uganda than in America?

Jonah interviews Shoshana McKinney Kirya Ziraba, a Southern California-born Black Jewish woman, now living in Eastern Uganda among the Abayudaya Jewish community. Shoshanah tells us about the nonprofit she runs called Tikvah Chadasha Uganda, Hebrew for "New Hope for Uganda,"  which provides women in Uganda with sustainable chicken farms, vocational and rehabilitation support for children with disabilities, and educational programs.

Shoshana discusses the origins of the Abayudaya Jewish community, and how those who converted about 100 years ago are not the same kinds of converts we think of today. She explains their Sephardic influences, distinctive music, and persecution under Idi Amin when Judaism was outlawed, followed by a public resurgence. 

Shoshana also compares antisemitism in America with Uganda, and describes Uganda as a healing place where her Black and Jewish identities are normalized. She tells us how Ugandan Synagogues don’t need security the way most diaspora Synagogues do. Shoshanah explains Tikvah Chadasha Uganda’s programs: repairing wheelchairs, supporting children with disabilities and medical needs, providing glasses, building chicken farms to help women earn income, and selling challah covers and kippot on their website. She shares funding challenges and ways to support via tikvahuganda.org and on their YouTube channel.

MENTIONS:

1:30 – The History of the Abayudaya Community in Uganda

Shoshana discusses how the Abayudaya community came to be, and its roots and connection to Judaism. 

The Abayudaya and “All of Us”: Partners in Tikkun Olam

3:35 – Music in the Abayudaya Community

Shoshana discusses music in the community, and its Grammy-nominated album

Abayudaya: Music from the Jewish People of Uganda

3:55 – Judaism Outlawed in Uganda

Shoshanaa discusses the period in Uganda where Judaism was outlawed. 

https://jewishmuseum.org.uk/2019/12/04/the-abayudaya-the-jews-of-uganda/

5:50 – Christian Ugandan Pro-Israel Rally

Shoshana tells us about the Christian pro-Israel rally that occured in Uganda after the October 7th attacks.

https://www.jns.org/israel-news/african-christians-hold-prayer-rally-for-israel-in-uganda

11:54 – Discussion about Tikvah Chadasha Uganda 

Shoshana describes the non-profit organization she formed in Uganda to support women, girls, and the Jewish community.

https://jwa.org/blog/7-questions-shoshana-mckinney-kirya-ziraba

16:21 – Ohr Torah Stone

https://ots.org.il/

Learn More About Shoshana

Shoshana McKinney Instagram

Abayudaya Communities in Uganda

Tikvah Uganda Website

Tikvah Chadsha Uganda Youtube

More Being Jewish:

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:

www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast

Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:

bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter

For Sponsorships, please email:

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To contact us & all things BJJP:

www.BeingJewishPodcast.com

Follow Jonah on:

Instagram - @JonahPlatt

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Follow Being Jewish on:

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CREDITS

Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Production Interns: Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Is antisemitism the music industry's open secret?

Scooter Braun, the man behind icons such as Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and pre-Nazi Kanye West, joins Jonah for a conversation about his journey of taking the Nova Music Festival Exhibition outside of Israel and showing it to the world. Braun connects his family’s Holocaust story to his decision to become one of the only voices in the music industry to speak up after October 7th. To him, a music festival is an untouchable sacred place. After visiting Israel to meet the Nova survivors, he saw peace-seeking kids whose stories had to be told.

Braun talks about turning Nova into an immersive exhibition in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and London, and why he sees that work as “hand-to-hand combat” in a world consumed by social media. He also tells stories of how seeing the exhibit has actually opened minds. He explains why he’d rather call Jew-hatred racism, and how words like “antisemitism” and “Zionist” are masks for racism. 

Braun also reflects on raising proud Jewish children by passing down his grandparents’ Holocaust survival stories. His work, both professional and personal, is guided by the Nova survivors’ message: “We will dance again.”

MONOLOGUE: Jonah argues that we could be entering a Jewish Golden Age, and tells us why unity – or JEWnity – is how we’ll get there.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

00:24:15 – Antisemitism as Racism

Scooter explains why he thinks “antisemitism” can alienate Jews from other minority experiences, and why calling Jew-hatred “racism” creates more common ground.

00:28:45 – Speaking Up After October 7

Scooter opens up about feeling like the “wrong person” to speak publicly, then realizing that too few people with platforms were standing up for the Nova victims.

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-895318

00:36:30 – The Nova Exhibit

Scooter describes using business meetings to bring artists and executives through the Nova Music Festival Exhibition, where figures like Ryan Tedder, Usher, and Jermaine Dupri were deeply moved.

Nova Exhibition

00:43:15 – Palestinians and Israelis Finding Common Ground at Nova

Scooter recalls private events with Palestinian and pro-Palestinian visitors, including a Palestinian friend in a keffiyeh being embraced by an Israeli inside the exhibit.

Israeli and Palestinian Men Embrace at the Nova Exhibit

00:51:15 – In-Person Conversations Change Minds

Scooter argues that online outrage cannot build understanding, and that real change happens through one-on-one conversations, friendships, and small tables.

Digital Antisemitism: The Largest Propaganda Machine Since the Holocaust - The Israel Democracy Institute

01:04:15 – “We Will Dance Again”: The Nova Survivors’ Message of Hope

Scooter explains why the Nova survivors’ slogan means more to him than defiance alone: tell people what happened, then choose life, joy, and dancing again.

More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish:

Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.

To contact us & all things BJJP:

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Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:

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Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:

bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter

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[email protected]

Merchandise

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Follow Jonah on:

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Follow Being Jewish on:

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Learn more about Scooter Braun:

Scooter Braun’s Website 

Scooter Braun’s X Account

Scooter Braun’s Instagram

Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Production Interns: Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, Emma Webb, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Can Britain stop its antisemitism crisis before it's too late?

Baroness Luciana Berger, a member of the House of Lords in the UK Parliament, spoke to Jonah in the aftermath of the sudden resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The Baroness explains what this resignation means for the Labour Party, including the likely rise of Andy Burnham as the candidate to represent the party in the Prime Minister elections.

Baroness Berger reflects on Starmer’s role in rooting out antisemitism in the Labour Party following the Equality and Human Rights Commission findings that revealed an immense imbalance of racially targeted attacks towards Jews versus other communities in the UK. She also recounts her own experience of threats, harassment, and political toxicity under Jeremy Corbyn, which led her to leave the Labour Party in 2019, and later returned to the party in 2023. She discusses the under-16 social media ban she championed, the far-right UK political Reform Party, and rising antisemitism in the UK after October 7, including attacks in Greater Manchester, Golders Green, and the arrest of spies for Iran. Baroness Berger also describes increased Jewish school security, and emphasizes the vibrancy of British Jewish life.

MONOLOGUE: Israeli Journalist Nadav Eyal joins Jonah for a special bonus interview to break down the upcoming Israeli state elections, and what a Netanyahu win or loss would signal for Israel and the diaspora.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

00:23:30 – PM Starmer Resignation Fallout

Baroness Luciana Berger tells us where she was when Starmer suddenly resigned from his position of Prime Minister, and what prompted Starmer to step down.

Starmer Quits as Labour Leader and Paves Way For Contest For New Prime Minister

00:30:25 – Baroness Berger’s Political Origin Story

Baroness Luciana Berger walks through her journey from student politics to National politics in the Labour party, the challenges she faced while campaigning, and why she left the Labour party for years during a toxic era for the party.

Parliamentary Career

00:36:10 – Threats, Harassment, and Breaking Point

Baroness Luciana Berger describes the harassment and threats to her physical safety she received as a Jewish representative.

Labour's Luciana Berger Receives Death Threats Telling Her to 'Watch Her Back'

00:41:20 EHRC Probe and Reform Plan

Baroness Luciana Berger explains the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) 2020 investigation into antisemitism in the Labour party.

Investigation into Antisemitism in the Labour Party Finds Unlawful Acts of Discrimination and Harassment

00:44:22 – Andy Burnham as the next PM

Baroness Luciana Berger says her hopes and worries for an Andy Burnham succession as the representative of the Labour party in the next election.

Burnham Set To Be Next PM as 322 Labour MPs Back Him in First Nomination Tally

00:48:06 – Antisemitic Attacks in Britain

Baroness Luciana Berger describes all of the antisemitic terror attacks since October 7th, including Heaton Park Synagogue, Golders Green, the firebombing of Jewish ambulances in London, and convictions of Brits spying for Iran.

The Rise of Antisemitism in the U.K.

00:53:25 – The Beauty of the British Jewish Community

Baroness Luciana Berger tells us the close-knit and vibrant Jewish community in Britain, how enrollment in Jewish day schools has gone up, and their positive contributions to society.

More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish:

Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.

To contact us & all things BJJP:

www.BeingJewishPodcast.com

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:

www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast

Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:

bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter

For Sponsorships, please email:

[email protected]

Merchandise

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Follow Jonah on:

Instagram - @JonahPlatt

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Follow Being Jewish on:

Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast

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Learn more about Baroness Luciana Berger:

Luciana Berger’s Instagram

Luciana Berger’s X

Luciana Berger - Jewish Leadership Counsel

CREDITS:

Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Sasha Fiora, Production Intern: Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Is Israel at its turning point – or at its breaking point?

Jonah interviews Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, who explains Israel’s non-executive presidency and his priority of unifying a debating war-time nation. President Herzog breaks down the challenging future of the Middle East, the pivotal bond between Israel and the Jewish diaspora, and his vision for healing deep political divisions ahead of pivotal Knesset elections – including the heated debate over Haredi military service and the IDF. 

President Herzog also reflects on the rising global antisemitism post 10/7, and why strengthening ties between Israelis and world Jewry has become one of his highest priorities. He lays out why he sees Israel as a frontline defender of the free world, and the role the Trump administration, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Ambassador Mike Huckabee have in reshaping Middle East diplomacy.

President Herzog dives into Israel’s evolving diplomatic framework with Lebanon, the challenges of dismantling Hezbollah and Hamas – while insisting that Iran remains “the head of the snake,” and how his Voice of the People initiative can create positive change. He also shares his hopes for Israel’s 80th anniversary.

MONOLOGUE: Jonah Phona is back! Jonah responds to listeners’ burning questions about the podcast, his favorite Jewish Broadway show, how to have constructive bridge-building conversations, and more!

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

00:01:49 – The Role of the President in Israeli Politics

President Herzog breaks down his responsibilities as the President of Israel, primarily focusing on his role in unifying the Israeli body politics and nation.

The institution of the Presidency

00:03:43 – Haredi Draft Debate

President Herzog explains the nuances of the newly passed Torah study bill granting exemption to Heredi Irealis from being drafted into the IDF.

Contentious Basic Law on Torah study, aimed at shielding draft evaders, passes 1st reading

00:10:14 – Elections and National Stakes

President Herzog tells us what he thinks the stakes of the upcoming Israeli elections are, and his role in making sure Israelis participate peacefully and respectfully. 

Trends and Key Developments Ahead of the 2026 Israeli Election

00:14:13 – Diaspora and Jewish Unity

President Herzog emphasizes the necessity of Jewish education in the Diaspora in order to maintain Israel’s vibrant democracy, and lauds the Jewish Federation’s new bill granting funds to Jewish day schools around the world.

Israeli government, JFNA partner on $66.7 million plan to boost Jewish day schools

00:16:36 – Voice of the People Initiative

President Herzog tells us about his Voice of the People initiative, which aims to engage a diverse range of Jewish voices from 6 continents, working together to collectively identify, discuss and creatively address the most pressing immediate and long term challenges affecting the Jewish people.

Voice of the People Initiative

00:24:23 – War Front Lebanon and Gaza

President Herzog talks about the new Israel-Lebanon agreement, the challenges Iran poses to unity in the Middle East, and how the disarmament of Hezbollah and Hamas are essential for lasting peace.

Landmark Israel-Lebanon Agreement Intersects the U.S.-Iran Conflict

00:34:45 – The Past, Present, and Future of President Herzog in his Current Role

President Herzog reflects on the first 5 years of his presidency, what his current priorities are, and his goals for the rest of his term.

More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish:

Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.

To contact us & all things BJJP:

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Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:

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Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:

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[email protected]

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Follow Jonah on:

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Learn more about President Isaac Herzog:

President Herzog’s Instagram

President Herzog’s X Account

Office of President of Israel X Account

Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Sasha Fiora, Production Intern: Emma Webb,Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

What happens when a boy raised on antisemitic propaganda becomes a Muslim bridge-builder whose life is saved by Jewish friends?

Mohammed Al Samawi, Yemeni refugee and author of The Fox Hunt, joins Jonah on location at Abrahamic House in Washington, D.C., for a conversation about the painstaking work of learning another person’s story. Al Samawi founded the multi-faith co-living and community space, where Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Bahá’í fellows share meals, host Shabbat and Ramadan gatherings, and create a safer way for people to ask hard questions. In this episode, Al Samawi describes growing up in Sanaa, where slogans like “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” were used to redirect anger away from corrupt leaders and toward Jews. As a teenager, he internalized violent antisemitic ideas, but learning English through movies, reading the Bible in secret, and asking forbidden questions began to unravel what he had been taught.

The conversation follows Al Samawi, from reading Torah and messaging Israelis on Facebook to attending his first Muslim-Jewish conference. Later, as the Houthis and Al-Qaeda closed in, three Jewish friends and one Christian friend helped coordinate his evacuation from Yemen. Those experiences became the foundation for Abrahamic House. After October 7, Al Samawi says the house became even more necessary: a place where grief did not have to become separation, and where hospitality could make room for truth.

Ultimately, Mohammed’s story makes the case that interfaith work is not abstract idealism; it can be the difference between inherited hatred and real human connection.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

00:01:22 — Inside Abrahamic House, Where Shabbat Meets Ramadan

Mohammed shows Jonah the dining room where fellows host Shabbats, Ramadan celebrations, Eid gatherings, and family-style meals for the community.

Abrahamic House

00:08:15 — From Antisemitic Indoctrination to Questioning Jewish Hate

Mohammed recalls the violent anti-Jewish ideas he absorbed as a teenager and how religious curiosity eventually pushed him to investigate for himself.

The Against the Odds Escape of Mohammed Al Samawi | AJC

00:23:30 — How Facebook Became a Window Past Propaganda

Mohammed explains how social media helped him meet Jews and Israelis, ask forbidden questions, and discover shared values outside state-controlled narratives.

Mohammed Al Samawi: How Interfaith Activism Became, and Saved, His Life

00:34:00 — The 13 Days Hiding from Houthis and Al-Qaeda

Mohammed describes hiding in Aden with no safe way out, praying for help, and posting on Facebook in hopes someone could evacuate him.

How Facebook friends saved one man from execution

00:42:45 — Why Mohammed Created Abrahamic House in Washington, D.C.

Mohammed explains how loneliness as a refugee, his love of friendship, and the model of Friends inspired a real-life interfaith home.

00:51:00 — How to Meet Muslims Beyond Fear and Stereotypes

Mohammed urges listeners to investigate Islam the way he investigated Judaism: by meeting people, asking human questions, and resisting extremist narratives.

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Learn more about Mohammed Al Samawi:

Mohammed Al Samawi - Abrahamic House

The Fox Hunt: A Memoir of Yemen and My Odyssey to America – A True Story of Courage and Escape Through Social Media

Mohammed Al Samawi Instagram

Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Sasha Fiora, Production Intern: Emma Webb,Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt