In this powerful episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Academy Award-nominated producer Lawrence Bender — the creative producing force behind Pulp Fiction, Good Will Hunting, Reservoir Dogs, An Inconvenient Truth and Inglorious Basterds — Joins Jonah for a candid conversation about the film industry’s reckoning after October 7th and the moral weight of telling real stories in the aftermath of tragedy. Bender’s latest project, Paramount+ miniseries Red Alert, dramatizes the true stories of horror, heroism, and hope that took place on October 7th, 2023, the darkest chapter in Israel’s history.

Bender shares what drew him to the series — from his deep personal connection with Israel, to his collaboration with Israeli production company Keshet, to the emotional and logistical challenges of bringing real stories to screen amid an ongoing conflict. He opens up about the silence he witnessed from Hollywood and his peers in the aftermath of October 7th, and reflects on how his Jewish identity has shaped his life and career.

This episode is both an exploration on the power of art and a call to conscience, illuminating how filmmakers like Bender use their craft to bear witness, challenge complacency, and re-humanize the media headlines that shape our world.

In the episode they discuss:

From civil engineer to dancer to Hollywood mega-producer

Growing up in Antisemitic America

The Impact of October 7th and the Birth of Red Alert

Lawrence's Meeting with Former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres

Meeting the Real Heroes of Red Alert

Being Quentin Tarantino’s Partner & Inglorious Bastards

The Challenges of Filming in During a War

Selling an Israel-focused Series in Today’s Anti-Israel Hollywood

Please support the podcast and become a member (join the Kahillah) to get exclusive benefits.

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Mentioned In The Episode:

Lawrence Bender On Instagram

Red Alert on Paramount Plus

Keshet 

Israel Policy Forum

Abu Mazin (Mahmoud Abbas) Believes in a Two State Solution and Opposes Violence

Joc Pederson (Former Dodger)

Domantas Sobonis (King’s Basketball Player)

Jackie Thon on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

Duffy Diggs

Hosni Mubarak

Boaz Yakin

Two Distant Strangers - Best Live-Action Short Oscar-Winner

Cops and Robbers short film

Jordana Reuben Yecheil Oct 7 billboards

Lior Chefetz

The Stronghold

Oct. 7 series ‘Red Alert’ a harrowing global reminder of what unfolded in Hamas massacre

Rocket Alerts from Gaza

The Gay Parade in Israel

Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum

Ohad Yahalomi 

Ziv Koren

Actors and directors pledge not to work with Israeli film groups ‘implicated in genocide’

Skip Brittenham Obituary

David Ellison Brings New Direction to Paramount

Shimon Peres

Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing,  Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

In this special Election Day episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Emmy Award–winning journalist Jake Tapper joins Jonah for a candid and wide-ranging conversation on politics, identity, and truth-telling in a polarized world. Best known as the anchor of CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper and State of the Union, Jake reflects on his decades covering America’s most defining political moments — from the Virginia governor’s race to the New York City mayoral election — and how journalism has evolved in an era of social media outrage and political echo chambers.

Together, Jonah and Jake explore the intersections of Jewish identity, antisemitism — past and present — and the evolving challenges of journalistic integrity in today’s press environment. Jake also opens up about his writing process and his latest books — Race Against Terror, which follows the pursuit of an Al-Qaeda killer, and Original Sin, his political thriller about a presidential cover-up during the 2024 election. 

This episode is a deep dive into the ethics of journalism, the responsibility of storytelling, and what it means to stay empathetic and informed in turbulent times. It’s a timely, thought-provoking listen for anyone who cares about democracy, truth, and the power of Jewish values in public discourse.

Topics covered include:

• Discussing Key Political Races
• The Democratic and Republican Parties
• Concerns Within the Jewish Community
• Antisemitism in Politics
• Personal Experiences with Antisemitism
• Challenges in Media Reporting
• Jake Tapper's Jewish Identity
• Jewish High School Experiences
• Jewish Summer Camp Memories
• Interfaith Marriages and Family Traditions
• Writing About Joe Biden
• Race Against Terror: A New Book
• Five Deep Questions with Jake Tapper

Sponsors

Sponsored by Berkeley Moshav

https://www.berkeleymoshav.org/

Please support the podcast and become a member (join the Kahillah) to get exclusive benefits.

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Mentioned in the Episode:

Understanding The Tower of Babel

Sodom and Gomorrah; The Cities Destroyed by God

What Really Happened at Mount Sinai

Bullsh*t Behavior & Central Synagogue's Rabbi Angela Buchdahl

Buchdahl Has Faced Criticism for Declining to Sign a Rabbinic Letter Condemning the Mayoral Candidate.

Increase in Jewish Hate

Jewish Population Changes

Race Against Terror: Chasing an Al Qaeda Killer at the Dawn of the Forever War by Jake Tapper

Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson

Jake Tapper Instagram

Jake Tapper X

The Lead with Jake Tapper

Key Early Elections

The Danger of Zohran Mamdani

What Does “Globalize the Intifada” Mean and How Can it Lead to Targeting Jews with Violence?

The Overton Window

The Lynching of Leo Frank

Dana Bash BJJP Ep

Sheryl Sandberg BJJP Ep

Protests at Jake Tapper’s Home

Hamas Weaponizes Sexual Assault in GAZA

Adi Vital-Kaploun, killed on October 7th, 2023

NY Times Admits to Relying Too Heavily on Hamas Reporting

News outlets’ erroneous “14,000 babies” claim

Watch the 2024 Presidential Debate

Inside the Trump Family’s Global Crypto Cash Machine

Who is Spin Ghul?

United States vs Ahmed Ghailani 

Call Your Mother Deli 

Rabbi Solomon ibn Gabirol

Selected Religious Poems Of Solomon Ibn Gabirol Translated Into English Verse By Israel Zangwill

Benjamin Franklin Bache

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Ami Kozak is redefining what Jewish comedy and commentary look like in 2025 — blending sharp impressions, fearless satire, and moral clarity in a time of chaos.

In this episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with Ami — modern Orthodox comedian, musician, and host of the podcast Ami’s House — to talk about how his Jewish faith and sense of moral clarity shaped his response to anti-Jew bigotry and misinformation after October 7.

Ami shares:

• How growing up modern Orthodox shaped his Jewish identity and worldview
• Why October 7 changed his purpose as a performer — turning laughter into a vehicle for truth
• Why he chose to have civil conversations with controversial figures like Candace Owens and Dave Smith — and what those exchanges taught him about engaging bad ideas in good faith
• The dangers of moral relativism, false “experts,” and the growing misuse of words like “genocide”
• What he calls “goosebumps with clarity” — balancing empathy with uncompromising honesty
• His creative process for impressions of President Donald Trump, Tucker Carlson, and Zohran Mamdani — and how humor can cut through disinformation

From synagogue to stage, from serious debate to satire, Ami Kozak proves that comedy can do more than make people laugh — it can make them think. 

Hashtags:

#AmiKozak #BeingJewish #30MinuteMensches #JewishComedy #ModernOrthodox #Israel #JewishIdentity #Antisemitism #FreeSpeech #JewishHumor #MoralClarity

Mentioned In The Episode:

Ami Kozak Instagram

Ami Kozak X

Ami Kozak Facebook

Ami Kozak YouTube

Ami’s House (podcast)

Yahud

Your Hebrew word for the day: MAMAD

Human Rights Council members who abuse human rights

What is Tikkun Olam?

J-Sketch YouTube 

Alex Edelman

The Karate Kid

Alan Dershowitz

Hasbara

Norman Finkelstein vs Alan Dershowitz On Israel-Palestine War With Piers Morgan | The Full Debate 

Douglas Murrey

Tucker Carlson Wedding Vows Skit

Zohran Mamdani

Kristallnacht

The Second Intifada 2000

Ami Kozak’s Band “Distant Cousins”

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Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Story Producer: Sasha Nelson, Associate Producer: Emma Webb, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

BEING JEWISH goes live! In our first ever East Coast live pod at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia, Jonah Platt welcomes two unique voices, Sarah Podemski and Lani Anpo, who share insights into their dual heritage as both Jewish and First Nation/Native American. Sarah is a Canadian actress, best known for her supporting role as Rita in the hit FX television series Reservation Dogs. Lani is a multi-tribal Native American Jewish advocate and educator, who uses her social media platform to champion the rights of hers and other marginalized groups. 

Their conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the significance of Jewish and Native cultural practices, the challenges of acceptance within respective communities, and the similarities between the two indigenous groups. Sarah and Lani share personal stories about their mixed heritage and the impact on their identities, both facing and overcoming external skepticism. The episode also delves into historical contexts such as the impact of blood quantum laws and the diaspora experience, and examines how these factors shape both modern-day struggles and triumphs. 

Sarah and Lani offer thoughtful reflections on the importance of community engagement, cultural preservation, and the struggle for sovereignty, especially for Native American and First Nation tribes. This episode is a powerful testament to the resilience and rich cultural histories of these two unique communities.

Topics covered include:

• Family Histories and Personal Journeys
• Challenges of Mixed Heritage
• Parallels Between Jewish and Native Cultures
• Support Systems and Resilience
• Navigating Trauma Together
• Exploring Israeli Identity
• Indigeneity and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
• Native American Reparations
• Jewish and Native American Cultural Exchange
• Native American History Month

This episode was produced with and recorded live at the Weitzman National

Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia.

Learn more about The Weitzman at https://theweitzman.org

and follow @weitzmanmuseum on Instagram, X, Facebook, and

YouTube.

Mentioned In The Episode:

• Lani Anpo Instagram
• Indijewness on Instagram
• Sarah Podesmski Instagram
• The Weitzman Museum on Instagram
• Watch Reservation Dogs on Hulu
• Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation
• Sicangu Lakota Nation
• Saulteaux
• The Floaters (Upcoming Film)
• Jackie Tohn on BJJP
• Blood Quantum and Sovereignty: A Guide
• The One-Drop Rule
• The Jay Treaty
• Levant
• Decolonization From 1945
• Matrilineal Descent in the era of Babylonian Exile
• Celebrating National Native American Heritage Month
• Foundational Essay of Patrick Wolf
• Sara’s Summer Camp: Camp Shomria
• About Givat Haviva
• For Jewish Indigenous actress Sarah Podemski, it’s a miracle just to exist (“plugging holes in a sinking ship”)
• Sarah’s sisters’s PBS series “Little Bird”

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On the hunt for the perfect NJB (Nice Jewish Boy) or Girl? Look no further! On this love-filled episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah is joined by international matchmaking icon Aleeza Ben Shalom, star of the hit Netflix show 'Jewish Matchmaking.” Aleeza is an author, dating coach, and modern day yente who has successfully matched over 200 couples and coached thousands more. Get ready to find your Beshert! 

Aleeze spills the tea on the most common dating mistakes, and why you might still be single. She also explains the wisdom behind her signature philosophies: “Date ‘em til’ you hate ‘em”  “No touching for five dates” and why “Love is not enough.” Aleeza emphasizes personal growth, compatibility, and building a lasting connection through mutual understanding and shared values. She also discusses her vision for a global matchmaking movement aimed at strengthening communities by helping people find their life partners.

In this episode, Jonah and Aleeza help you YOUR “Beshert” and chat about all of these meaningful topics: 

• Dating Culture Around the World
• Challenges in Modern Dating
• The #1 Dating Mistake People Make
• Post-Match Coaching and Breakup Rules
• Understanding Soulmates in Judaism
• Why Older Singles Are Still Single
• Opposites Attract vs. Peas in a Pod
• Date 'Em Till You Hate 'Em 
• No Touching for Five Dates 
• The Importance of Compatibility Beyond Love

Mentioned In Episode

• Aleeza Ben Shalom Website
• Matchmaker Matchmaker - Podcast
• Aleeza Ben Shalom Youtube
• Get Real Get Married: Get Over your Hurdles and Under the Chuppah 
• Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Find Me a Love That Lasts
• The Chuppah, or Wedding Canopy
• Shomer Negiah, the Prohibition on Touching

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:

www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast

Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:

bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter

For Sponsorships, please email:

[email protected]

To contact us & all things BJJP:

www.BeingJewishPodcast.com

Follow Jonah on:

Instagram - @JonahPlatt

X - @JonahPlatt

Follow Being Jewish on:

Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast

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Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Story Producer: Sasha Nelson, Associate Producer: Emma Webb, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:

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Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:

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For Sponsorships, please email:

[email protected]

To contact us & all things BJJP:

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Follow Jonah on:

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Our first returning guest, Sarah Hurwitz, rejoins Jonah to discuss her powerful new book As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us — a work as essential as it is uplifting in a post–October 7th world. In this deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation, Sarah reflects on how education can be a true source of empowerment and shares insights from her own evolving Jewish journey. Drawing from years of research and her current pursuit of the rabbinate, she offers a rich, nuanced perspective on what it means to live — and lead — as a Jew today.

For Sarah, Judaism isn’t about any single expression — not just Israel, Hebrew, activism, or observance — but the harmony of all these threads woven together with curiosity, study and connection to the sacred wisdom of our ancient tradition. This episode feels like stepping into a vibrant, welcoming congregation — full of learning, laughter, and meaning. Don’t miss this inspiring and deeply grounding conversation on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt.

Host & Production Team

Host: Jonah Platt; Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones, Story Producer Sean Leviashvili, Editor Diana DeCilio, and Executive Assistant Jax Santiago of Rainbow Creative; Editor: Noem Klement; Chief Business Officer Kenyon Laing, Executive Assistant Josie Rothschild; Research Associate Samantha Greenwald; Associate Producer Rachel Stern; YouTube Consultants - Zac Stein & Jason Al-Samarrie - Production Assistant, Charlie Zuker; Interns Sasha Nelson & Emma Webb; & Graphic Designer, Noah Bell

Curse of Knowledge - Cognitive Bias

What Is The Illusion of Transparency?

What is Naive Realism?

Explaining Settler Violence in the West Bank/Judea & Samaria

Understanding the IDF’S Code of Ethics

The Complicated Connection Between President Trump & American Jews

Chicago ICE’s Crackdown Leads To Father of Two Being Shot at Daycare Pickup

As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us by Sarah Hurwitz

Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life–in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There) by Sarah Hurwitz

The Atlantic: The Judaism I Thought I Knew by Sarah Hurwitz

Understanding the “As A Jew” Jews

Emancipation of European Jews

The Jewish Reform Movement in 19th Century Europe

Holy Scriptures of Judaism

Understanding Secular Zionism

Judaism and the Human Body

The Sanctity of the Human Body in Judaism

In God’s Image: B'tselem Elohim

Who is Rabbi Yitz Greenberg?

The Wexner Foundation

Who Were Amalek & The Amalekites?

Homosexuality & The Death Penalty in Leviticus 20

Ancient Teachings of “An Eye for an Eye”

Old Testament Vs New Testament

Why Do People Hate Jews: Dara Horn (Video)

A Look at “Hanukkah Vs Purim Antisemitism” by Dara Horn (Short)

“Hanukkah Vs Purim Antisemitism” — Tablet Magazine Article

The Expulsion of Jews From Arab Countries and Iran - An Untold Story

The Story of the Soviet Jews & Israel (Jewish Currents)

The Story of the Soviet Jews & Israel (Indiana Law Journal)

Ethiopian Jews in Israel: Operation Solomon & More

Anti-Judaism: The Western Tradition by David Nirenberg

What Is The Great Replacement Theory & What Should Jews Know About It?

British Foreign Minister Ernest Bevin at the Palestine Conference

What Is Brandolini’s Law?

What is Bikur Cholim? The Importance of Visiting the Sick in the Jewish Faith

Miller Intro to Judaism Program

A Code of Jewish Ethics by Joseph Telushkin

Rabbi Jonathan Sachs “Covenant and Conversation” Box Set

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:

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Madison Werner has been a trailblazer in the transgender and Jewish communities, becoming the first transgender CoverGirl model in 2024 and using her platform to inspire hundreds of thousands worldwide. With pride, compassion and honesty, she shares her story of identity, faith, and belonging.

In this episode of 30 Minute Mensches, Madison joins Jonah Platt to open up about navigating life as a Jewish and transgender woman - two powerful identities she refuses to separate. Since October 7th and the Israel/Hamas war, Madison has spoken out about the complexities many LGBTQ+ Jews face in balancing their support for Israel with acceptance in queer spaces. Through it all, she’s led with empathy, courage, and curiosity challenging brands, re-examining friendships, and deepening her connection to Jewish values.

Madison also shares:

• Her experiences at Tel Aviv Pride
• What it was like sheltering in Israel during the Iranian rocket attacks
• Growing up in a Jewish day school
• What Jewish teachings say about gender and transgender identity

This is a powerful, deeply human conversation about identity, resilience, and faith in today’s world.

Listen to Madison Werner on 30 Minute Mensches with Jonah Platt - where modern Jewish voices share stories of courage, compassion, and community.

Connect with Madison

Follow Madison Werner on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/madisonwerner/?hl=en 

Host & Production Team

Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew ‘MoJo' Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili & Sasha Nelson; Editor: Jacob Kindberg; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah Bell

Mentioned in Episode

• B’Tselem Elohim: Jewish Concept That We’re All Born in God’s Image
• JQ International
• JQ International Honors Henry Platt
• Facebook Video
• Navigating Jewish-Queer Identity in the Wake of October 7th
• Insider Israel’s Vibrant LGBTQ Community
• Understanding LGBTQ Rights in Israel
• Understanding The Horseshoe Theory in Politics
• Follow Feminist on Instagram
• Madison Werner Becomes First Transgender Model To Represent Covergirl
• The Seven Genders in the Talmud
• The Road to the Iran-Israel War

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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In an episode that beautifully blends trailblazing with tradition, Jonah Platt sits down with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl of New York’s Central Synagogue to discuss her powerful new book, Heart of a Stranger: An Unlikely Story of Faith, Identity and Belonging. Together, they explore what it means to live JEWISHLY today — drawing on timeless wisdom, personal reflection, and ancient storytelling.

From conversations about conversion and inclusion to reflections on optimism and belonging in a fractured world, Rabbi Buchdahl brings her signature depth and compassion to every topic. Much like her weekly sermons, streamed by millions around the globe every week, this discussion feels both timely and timeless, landing perfectly on the Jewish calendar as she reflects on the meaning of Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret.

At the heart of the episode — and of Rabbi Buchdahl’s book — lies a profound idea: that to be Jewish often means to feel like a stranger - usually a sentiment that feels isolating but when embraced can be inspiring, empathetic and purposeful. Don’t miss this thoughtful and uplifting episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt.

Connect with our guest

• Follow Rabbi Angela W. Buchdahl on Instagram
• Heart of a Stranger: An Unlikely Rabbi's Story of Faith, Identity, and Belonging
• Who is Rabbi Angela W. Buchdahl?

Host & Production Team

Host: Jonah Platt; Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones, Story Producer Sean Leviashvili, Editors Diana DeCilio & Jacob Kindber, and Executive Assistant Jax Santiago of Rainbow Creative; Chief Business Officer Kenyon Laing, Executive Assistant Josie Rothschild; Research Associate Samantha Greenwald; Associate Producer Rachel Stern; YouTube Consultants - Zac Stein & Jason Al-Samarrie - Production Assistant, Charlie Zuker; Interns Sasha Nelson & Emma Webb; & Graphic Designer, Noah Bell

Mentioned In Episode

• Van Orden of Wisconsin Beats Cooke in 2024 Race
• Early Polls Indicate Rebecca Cooke & Derrick Van Orden Nearly Neck And Neck
• Rebecca Cooke Calls For US to Halt Arms To Israel
• What is the Foundation To Combat Antisemitism (FCAS) Currently Blue Square Alliance Against Hate?
• FCAS/Blue Square Alliance Ads
• Blue Square Alliance “When There Are No Words” Campaign
• FCAS/Blue Square Alliance Tom Brady & Snoop Dogg Ad
• Most Recent FCAS/Blue Square Alliance Ad
• Why Are Less People Smoking Today?
• Bill Maher’s Statements About Israel (Facebook)
• Bill Maher’s Statements About Israel (Instagram)
• Why & How Did Israel Fail To Deliver Aid in Gaza?
• Humanitarian Aid in Gaza: What’s Really Happening?
• UN Data Show Most Aid to Gaza Looted
• Stream Central Synagogue’s Services
• The Neighborhood at Central Synagogue - Remote/Streaming Membership
• Women in Judaism: A History of Women’s Ordination as Rabbis
• Sports History: Michael Jordan Didn’t Make His High School Basketball Team
• In the Spotlight with Abigail Pogrebin on JBS
• The History of the Female Rabbi
• Discover Temple Beth El—A Vibrant Jewish Community in the Heart of Tacoma
• Korean Women’s Association in Tacoma (Pioneered by Rabbi Buchdahl’s Mother)
• Are We Ashkenormative or Ashkefardic?
• Jewish Infighting Is a Gift to Antisemitism
• What is an Erev Rav? A Mixed Multitude Coming out of Egypt
• Diversity in the State of Israel
• Why Is Jewishness Matrilineal?
• Did Judaism Use to Practice Patrilineal Descent?
• Understanding Ezra & Judaism
• Zera: A Seed in the Garden
• The Dissolving of Marriages in Ezra 9-10 and Nehemiah 13 Revisited
• Jewish Federation on “The Surge” of Jewish Practice & Connection Post 10/7
• Why Jews Are Leaving The Fold
• Mashber: Hebrew Word for “Crisis”
• What is Kol Nidre?

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What happens when Jewish education stops being about advocacy — and starts being about curiosity?

That’s the mission of Dr. Noam Weissman, Executive Vice President of OpenDor Media and host of the hit podcast Unpacking Israeli History. In this episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah and Noam dive into how we teach, talk and think about Israel — and what it takes to build a generation of Jews who are both passionate and informed.

Noam shares:

• Why “Israel education” should be about questions, not just advocacy
• What he calls “goosebumps with complexity” — combining emotional connection with intellectual honesty
• Why teaching young Jews that Israel is perfect does more harm than good
• The untold story of the Altalena ship, and how it nearly tore Israel apart
• Why Jewish summer camps and schools are key to rebuilding Israel literacy — and what real Zionism looks like in the 21st century

From school classrooms to TikTok feeds, Noam Weissman is revolutionizing how people learn about Israel and Jewish identity — blending history, heart, and hard truths. Listen now to hear how one educator is transforming Jewish learning for a new generation.

Host & Production Team

Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew ‘MoJo' Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili & Sasha Nelson; Editor: Jacob Kindberg; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah Bell

Mentioned In Episode

• Unpacking Israeli History Podcast
• Unpacked Media
• Unpacked for Educators
• What Is ConnectEd? Jewish/Israeli Education For Broader Constituents
• Wondering Jews Podcast
• Who is Mijal Bitton?
• Who Is Kimberly Hirabayashi?
• Understanding Yom Ha’atzmaut: Israeli Independence Day (Unpacked)
• How to Engage Students for Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom HaZikaron (Unpacked for Educators)
• What Is The Altalena: Israel’s (Almost) Civil War?
• Understanding German Reparations Post WWII
• Who Are The Mizrahi Jews?
• History of The Mizrahi Migration to Israel (Unpacked)
• Jewish Refugees from Arab Countries (Jewish Virtual Library)
• The Surprising History of Israel’s Black Panthers
• Why Doesn’t Israel Have a Constitution?
• Who is Philosopher Lev Vygotsky & What Were His Views on Zionism & Judaism?
• Philosopher Jean Piaget & The Ties to Judaism
• Julie Platt on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt
• Jonah Thinks We Should Stop Saying “Antisemitism”!
• Herzl's Troubled Dream: The Origins of Zionism
• Who is Ze’ev (Vladimir) Jabotinsky & What Are His Connections to Zionism?
• Who Is Author David Suissa?
• This Week in Jewish History | Palestinian Terrorists Kill 25 Hostages in Ma'alot Massacre
• What is the Munich Massacre?
• Unpacking Israeli History: Episode 1 – The Dreyfus Affair
• Unpacking Israeli History: Episode 2 – Herzl & The Non-Promised Land
• Unpacking Israeli History: Episode 6 – The Altalena (Israel’s Almost Civil War)
• Who Is Menachem Begin?
• Pre-IDF Brigades: Haganah, Irgun and Lechi
• David Ben-Gurion
• Who Is Ahmed Faoud Alkhatib? Palestinian-American Activist & Blogger
• Who Is Mohammed Dajani Daoudi? Arab Scholar & Peace Activist
• Who Is Haviv Rettig Gur? Israeli Journalist & The Times of Israel’s Senior Analyst
• Camp Lavi: Jewish Sleepaway Camp in The Poconos

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On the second anniversary of October 7th, Jonah sits down with Israeli artist and advocate Tomer Peretz to discuss The 8 Project — an extraordinary initiative he launched in the aftermath of the attacks. Rooted in the symbolism of creation, resilience, and renewal, The 8 Project helps survivors of October 7th — from NOVA attendees and hostage families to soldiers and grieving parents — discover how art can be a powerful path to healing.

For Tomer, that lesson is deeply personal. In Israel for a wedding just days before the attacks, he witnessed the horror of October 7th firsthand. He put his emotions aside to volunteer with ZAKA, Israel’s emergency rescue organization, but the weight of it all eventually caught up with him. What helped him process the pain was art — a lifeline that not only restored his own hope, but reignited his belief in the strength of the Jewish and Israeli people. The results of that creative resilience were recently showcased at The Museum of Tolerance, featuring works from survivors across Israel. In this emotional and deeply meaningful episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah and Tomer explore the power of art therapy, the unbreakable connection between creativity and faith and the urgent importance of sharing the stories of those who survived. 

Connect with Our Guest

• Follow Tomer Peretz: www.instagram.com/tomerperetzart
• The 8 Project: https://the8project.org/
• TomerPeretz.com: https://tomerperetz.com/

Host & Production Team

Host: Jonah Platt; Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones, Story Producer Sean Leviashvili, Editors Diana DeCilio & Jacob Kindber, and Executive Assistant Jax Santiago of Rainbow Creative; Chief Business Officer Kenyon Laing, Executive Assistant Josie Rothschild; Research Associate Samantha Greenwald; Associate Producer Rachel Stern; YouTube Consultants - Zac Stein & Jason Al-Samarrie - Production Assistant, Charlie Zuker; Interns Sasha Nelson & Emma Webb; & Graphic Designer, Noah Bell

Mentioned In Episode

• Zaka
• “The Light Will Win” Museum of Tolerance to Feature Oct 7th Inspired Artwork from Noted Israeli Artist, Tomer Peretz
• Artist Tomer Peretz Volunteers with ZAKA in Israel
• Israeli-American Describes Sheer Horror of Clearing Bodies from Hamas Terrorist Attack
• Award-Winning Artist Tomer Peretz Pulls Off Unexpected ‘Live Art’ Flash Mob at Art Basel in Miami, FL
• The True Horror of ‘Globalize the Intifada’
• Coverage of Oct 12 Lynch in Ramallah
• Golani: Serving With Pride Since 1948
• Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: Spreading Culture & Unity Through Jewish Food, Israeli-American Chef Michael Solomonov
• Native Dies as Israeli Soldier (David Solomonov)
• Israel and Palestine | Middle Ground Roundtable
• What Is A Kibbutz? The Roots of Israel’s Communal Villages
• Shifts in Attitudes Regarding Peace Amongst Kibbutzniks
• A Lifeline of its Own
• As Volunteers Step In for State, Gaza Border Towns Begin Rebuilding from Oct. 7 Ashes
• Who is Barak Hiram of the IDF?
• Controversial Commander Barak Hiram Named Next Gaza Division Chief
• Who Is the IDF General Who Ordered Tank Fire on a Kibbutz Home with 13 Hostages Inside?
• Tomer Peretz’s UNBREAKABLE Exhibit
• UNBREAKABLE Exhibit Video
• What is The Significance of The Number 8 in Judaism?
• Tomer Peretz Creates 1,200 Person Memorial Exhibit for 10/7