Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

Jonah hosts an insightful conversation with Israeli-American Dr. Miri Bar-Halpern, a Harvard-affiliated clinical psychologist and renowned trauma expert, about her experiences growing up in Israel during times of conflict and how they shaped her career in trauma and mental health. She explains her groundbreaking work on the concept of 'traumatic invalidation' in the Jewish community after October 7th, and the importance of recognizing and addressing this community trauma on an individual level. They discuss her shift to advocacy post-October 7th, and her role with Parents for Peace, a non-profit aimed at radicalization prevention. The episode highlights the crucial need of better mental health support, both for the Jewish community and the wider population, as a means to prevent radicalization, combat hatred, and foster resilience. It provides insights on how to effectively fight hate and radicalization through a combination of education, psychological understanding, and policy change.

In the episode they discuss:

• Dr. Miri Bar Halpern’s Israeli childhood during the Gulf War and Second Intifada 
• Her Personal Journey with Inherited Trauma
• Her Groundbreaking Article on “Traumatic Invalidation” in the Jewish Community
• Combating Radicalization with Parents for Peace
• Our Stories Matter Podcast
• Anti-Jew Hate as the Common Denominator in Radicalization
• Prevention and Intervention techniques   

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

https://beingjewishpodcast.com/community

Mentioned in the episode:

Miri Bar-Halpern Instagram

Dr. Bar Halpern Website

Traumatic Invalidation Research Article (co-authored by Dr. Bar-Halpern) 

Jonah on “Our Stories Matter” Podcast

Parents for Peace

What is the second intifada? 

What are epigenetics?

Criteria of Traumatic Invalidation

Dr. Marsha Linehan

Melanie Harned

Martin Bohus

Massachusetts Teachers Association's (MTA) Anti-Israel, Anti-Jewish Resources Remain.

Head of Parents for Peace Myrieme Churchill

Nearly 40% of Jewish Medical Professional Report Exposure to Antisemitism

Trauma Informed Learning Alliance

Yasmine Mohammed

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[email protected]

To contact us & all things BJJP:

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Follow Jonah on:

Instagram - @JonahPlatt

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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

In this landmark 50th episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah celebrates the milestone with his wife, Courtney Ann Platt (Glee, So You Think You Can Dance, Rock of Ages), the world-class dancer, television star, and multiple sclerosis advocate whose journey into Judaism has become a defining part of the traditions and values in their home. From growing up Italian Catholic in New York to becoming a Jewish mother raising three young Platts, Courtney opens up about the turning points that reshaped her life.

With humor and candor, Courtney and Jonah revisit the early days of their relationship, the emotional path of Courtney’s Orthodox conversion, and their commitment to blending two traditions under one roof, from negotiating Christmas celebrations to creating a home where Jewish values are woven into everyday life. Courtney also reflects on motherhood, the visceral awakening she felt after October 7th, and how becoming part of the Jewish people changed her understanding of community, resilience, and responsibility. The conversation touches on spirituality, loss, MS, and what it means to both choose and defend your identity. 

This milestone episode is a celebration of love, tradition, and the family Courney and Jonah have built together. It’s an intimate look at what it means to choose Judaism, and to choose each other.

Other Topics Include:

• The Story of How Jonah and Courtney Met Doing HAIR at the Hollywood Bowl
• Jonah and Courtney’s First Date & First “I Love You”
• How and When to Bring Up “The Conversion Convo”
• Conversion to Judaism: The Process and Challenges
• Protecting Jewish Identity Post-October 7th
• Jewish Day School vs. Hebrew School
• How Jonah Learned to Love Christmas!
• How Grief Affects Our Faith in God
• The Losses of Courtney’s SYTYCD brothers, Stephen “Twitch” Boss & Joshua Allen 
• Courtney’s Life with MS (multiple sclerosis)

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

https://beingjewishpodcast.com/community

Mentioned In The Episode:

Courtney Ann Platt Instagram

Unstoppable: How Professional Dancer Courtney Platt Has Redefined Success While Navigating Society With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

Glee (Disney+)

Hit the Floor (Apple TV)

Rock of Ages (Apple TV)

Camp Rock Two (Disney+)

Adam Shankman 

L.A. Theater Review: ‘Hair’ at the Hollywood Bowl

Angelini Osteria & Alimentari

Camp Ramah in California

Vatican City

The Rich History of Mall Santas

What Happens on the Day of Conversion

Knicks City Dancers

So You Think You Can Dance (Prime Video)

Why Bat Mitzvahs (and other parties) need a dance motivator

BJJP Tiffany Haddish

What Is Rosh Hashanah

Ohr Torah Stone

The Mikvah

What is Niddah?

Why do Jewish Women Wear Wigs?

Tattooing in Jewish Law

The Blessing of Unplugging

Why Fast on Yom Kippur?

Why do we Wear a Kippah?

October 13, 2024 “Day of Jihad”

Being Jewish: Together Mosaic Shabbat

Honeymoon Israel

Joshua Allen, ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ season 4 winner, dies in train accident

Remembering Marc Becker

What is Kavanah?

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:

www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast

Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:

bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter

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[email protected]

To contact us & all things BJJP:

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Follow Being Jewish on:

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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

It’s Turkey Time! In this warm and wonderfully flavorful Thanksgiving episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with Duff Goldman — celebrity pastry chef, bestselling cookbook author, Food Network Icon, and beloved host of shows like Ace of Cakes, Kids Baking Championship, Buddy vs. Duff, and Duff’s Happy Fun Bake Time.  Together, they dig into the stories and traditions that shaped Duff’s life long before he became America’s favorite baker.

Duff opens up about his personal experiences with anti-Jew bigotry in New England, and how that deepened his connection to Jewish culture, family, and food. They discuss the joys and challenges of Duff’s professional achievements as a master baker, from mentoring young bakers on television to navigating the pressure of high-profile baking competitions. Duff also discusses his upcoming venture — Duff's Deli and Market, opening soon in the Atlanta airport — and his philosophy on food, tradition, and community. Duff shares heartfelt reflections on his recovery from a devastating car accident, and his commitment to tzedakah

This episode is a celebration of resilience, tradition, and the Jewish roots behind Duff’s irresistible warmth and artistry. It’s a perfect blend of heart, humor, and holiday spirit.

Topics Include:

• Duff’s love of “Tzedakah”, the Jewish value of Charity
• Duff’s multicultural Passover Seders & Thanksgiving Dinners
• Kids Baking Championship Insights
• The Birth of the iconic Charm City Cakes
• Jewish-Themed Cakes and Duff's Deli
• Thanksgiving Traditions and Family

This episode is supported by The Dream Raffle. Win a Jerusalem dream home!

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

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Mentioned In The Episode:

Duff Goldman Instagram

Duff Goldman Youtube

Duff Goldman “Tzedakah” Page

Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza by Peter Beinart

Inside the Tunnels of Gaza

The Story of Purim

When Jon Stewart and Peter Beinart Threw Isreal Under the Bus

Save A Child’s Heart

Jacqueline Winch (Duff Goldman’s Artist Mom)

Here’s Who Won the Food Network’s First Ever Hanukkah Cooking Challenge

Duff Goldman Injured in Crash Allegedly Caused by Drunk Driver

Kids Baking Championship (Hulu)

Charm City Cakes

Ace of Cakes

Duff’s Favorite Spots “Best Things I Ever Ate”

Edmart Deli Closed

Foie Grock's Chefs Bruce Kalman & Duff Goldman (YouTube)

Silver Yad

Duff’s Deli and Market - Atlanta

Japan's ancient art of taiko drumming

Japanese Koto

Manzanar War Relocation Center

Michael Voltaggio

Duff’s Food on Goldbelly

Michael Cimarusti

Russ and Daughters

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:

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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

TikTok - @BeingJewish

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 uplifting episode, Jonah speaks with Jean-Claude Nkulikiyimfura, the Executive Director of the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV) in Rwanda. ASYV was founded to support orphans of the Rwandan genocide, providing a holistic education model rooted in Jewish principles like Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and Tikkun Ha Lev (repairing the heart). Jonah has a personal connection, having volunteered there soon after college.

Jean-Claude (JC) and Jonah discuss the Youth Village's success in preparing students for adulthood, which a recent Tulane University study highlights with impressive outcomes, including high rates of college placement and employment. The conversation covers impactful initiatives like the Inheritance Theater Project, which empowers young women, and the broader context of societal healing in post-genocide Rwanda. Jean-Claude also shares his personal experience as a refugee and details the future vision of ASYV, including the "Anything is Possible" campaign aimed at sustaining and expanding their vital mission.

The conversation covers:

• The Founding and Mission of Aga Shalom Youth Village
• Welcoming the Executive Director: Jean Claude's Journey
• Jewish Principles and the Vision for A SYV
• The Impact of A SYV: Programs and Success Stories
• Tulane University Study: Proving the Concept
• Scaling Deep: The Future of ASYV
• Gender Equity and the Inheritance Theater Project
• Rwanda's Transformation: From Genocide to Progress
• The Anything is Possible Campaign

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

https://beingjewishpodcast.com/community

Mentioned In The Episode:

JC socials:

• Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village Instagram 
• JC Linkedin
• Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village Facebook



Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village

The Anything is Possible Campaign at ASYV

Jewish Principle Tikkun Olam 

Ann Heyman, Founder of Agahzo-Shalom

Yemen Alt Youth Service 

Dr. Chaim Peri

ASYV Study with Tulane University

Scaling Deep

Bates College

1994 Rwanda Genocide

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:

www.BeingJewishPodcast.com

Follow Jonah on:

Instagram - @JonahPlatt

X - @JonahPlatt

Follow Being Jewish on:

Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast

TikTok - @BeingJewish

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

In this spirited and emotional episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Broadway legend Seth Rudetsky — actor, pianist, musical director, SiriusXM host (Seth’s Big Fat Broadway, Seth Speaks), comedy writer, and tireless advocate — joins Jonah for an honest conversation about the deep history of Jewish contributions to Broadway. They discuss the rise of anti-Jewish and anti-Israel sentiment in the arts world, and the creations of the Jewish Broadway Alliance, a grassroots effort Seth launched in the wake of October 7th. 

Drawing from decades on stage and behind the piano, Seth opens up about the challenges of Jewish advocacy, the shock of Broadway’s silence that drove him to speak up, and the emotional weight of organizing initiatives like the Broadway-hosted hostage video and Broadway Shabbat. Seth and Jonah also delve into the highlights from Rudetsky's extraordinary career — from hosting Stars in the House during the COVID-19 pandemic to his concerts for social justice causes — and his dream of creating new educational content celebrating Jewish history through music. 

This conversation is a celebration of Jewish creativity and the deep-rooted bond between Jewish artists and the Broadway stage. And if you listen through to the end, you’ll find a special surprise that captures the spirit, heart, and joy that Seth brings to every room he enters.

• The Importance of Jewish Influence on Broadway
• Introducing the Special Episode and Guest
• Seth Advocacy and Jewish Identity
• The Impact of October 7th on Seth
• Forming the Jewish Broadway Alliance
• Challenges and Support in the Broadway Community
• Broadway Shabbat and Jewish Joy
• Concerts and Fundraising for Social Justice
• Stars in the House: A COVID-Time Initiative
• Cameron Crowe's Scaled-Down Broadway Production
• Supporting a One-Man Show: Ariel Stachel's Story
• Jewish Upbringing and Summer Camp Memories
• Five Deep Questions with Seth Rudetsky
• Grand Finale: A Musical Performance

This episode is supported by Berkeley Mosha, a Jewish co-housing community in California.

Mentioned:

Seth Rudetsky Instagram

Seth Rudetsky Career

Jewish Broadway Alliance YouTube

SiriusXM On Broadway 

Seth’s Big Fat Broadway Cruise

Entertainment Community Fund

Seth’s Posts after October 7th

Broadway community “Bring Them Home” song for the Hostages

Broadway for Orlando “What the World Needs Now”

Broadway for Biden/Harris Inauguration 

Black Theater United

Stars in the House YouTube

Jack Plotnick

Shabbat on Broadway

Amanda Lipitz

Julie Benko Sings “Tomorrow” - Hanukkah on Broadway

Everything’s Coming Up Moses by Rachel Shukert: A Biblical Fable based on GYPSY

United Voices For Change

AJC: 5 Facts About Jewish Connection to Israel

Zionism has become a 'bad' word. It is anything but.

Jewish Broadway Alliance with Roz Rothstein

Jewish Broadway Alliance with Ritchie Torres

Defining Antizionism

Dreamgirls Reunion (Stars In The House)

Congregation Beit Simchat Torah

Help is on the Way - David Friedman

Concert for America

Cornell Brooks

Grey’s Anatomy on Stars In The House

30 Rock Special Stars In The House

Maui Wildfires of 2023

Stars in the House Offers Avenue Q Sing Through August 24 to Raise Funds for Hawaii Wildfire Victims

Ari’el Stachel

Ari’el Stachel’s play, Other

Ariel Stachel videos about Jewish identity

Camp Hillel

USDAN Summer Camp 

Duck Sauce - Barbra Streisand

Varla Jean Merman’s Stonewall

Birthright Israel

People Moving Back to Kibbutz Nir Oz

Dr. Noam Wiesman on Being Jewish

Van Jones on Being Jewish

Neshama App

What I’ve Learnt Podcast

Trybal Gatherings

Magen David Adom

Testigos Del Terror

Leah Soibel on Being Jewish

Fuente Latina_

BBYO Mountain Region

The Big Shabbat

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:

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Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:

bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter

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To contact us & all things BJJP:

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Follow Being Jewish on:

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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.

https://beingjewishpodcast.com/community

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.

https://beingjewishpodcast.com/community

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

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:

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Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:

bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter

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[email protected]

To contact us & all things BJJP:

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Follow Jonah on:

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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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[email protected]

To contact us & all things BJJP:

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Follow Jonah on:

Instagram - @JonahPlatt

X - @JonahPlatt

Follow Being Jewish on:

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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”

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:

www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast

Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:

bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter

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[email protected]

To contact us & all things BJJP:

www.BeingJewishPodcast.com

Follow Jonah on:

Instagram - @JonahPlatt

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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

TikTok - @BeingJewish

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