Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

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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

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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

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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

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After being clinically DEAD for 11 minutes, Jana Stern returned to life with a mission: Help others honor their true essence and bring light to the world. That’s the story of Jana Stern — Jewish psychic, astrologer, and spiritual healer. In this unique episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jana opens up about her near-death experience, her lifelong connection to ancestral wisdom, and how Jewish identity and Kabbalah align with her work. She also gives Jonah a spiritual energy reading live on air! 

Jana shares:

• Her 11 minutes “beyond the veil,” encountering ancestors and choosing to return to this world
• How hearing voices — once feared as schizophrenia — became the foundation of her spiritual gift
• The Jewish roots of astrology, Kabbalah, and metaphysics, and why she says this wisdom is “ours”
• How Shabbat, rituals, and Torah teachings are deeply tied to spiritual energy
• Why she believes there are no coincidences — only divine coordination and manifestation
• How trauma, tragedy, and loss can still be part of a higher purpose for growth and healing

From astrology charts and synchronicities to Shabbat candles and Jewish ancestry, Jana brings a unique lens on spirituality, Judaism, and healing in the modern world.

Listen now to explore how Jewish wisdom and mysticism can bring meaning and healing to modern life.

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 The Episode

• I’m Really Into “That Stuff” — Jana Stern’s Podcast
• Janastern.com
• Anchor & Orbit — Jana Stern’s Newsletter
• What is Gematria?
• Kabbalah and Mysticism 101
• Own Your Fucking Intuition
• "Manifest A New Reality with the Power of Your Mind" - Dr Joe Dispenza
• “My ADHD Diagnosis Changed My Life!” How Jonah Platt Discovered his Full Authentic Self

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We’re Back! I In this very special season premiere of Being Jewish, Jason Alexander, who gave us the iconic George Costanza from Seinfeld, joins Jonah Platt to discuss Jewish identity, cultural Judaism vs. religion, his work as a proud Jew and activist supporting Israel, and the impact of October 7th. The legendary actor, Tony Award-winner, and generational TV comedy icon kicks off the new season in a deep and honest conversation. Jason Alexander cares about the children; he is not interested in belonging to a group and would rather build bridges and not borders, learn why this Mensch is truly a Master of His Domain. 

Jason Alexander discusses his personal faith and the distinction between cultural Judaism (a "shirt I can't take off") and formal religious doctrine. He shares the emotional weight of being a Jew since October 7th and his long-standing commitment to Jewish philanthropy, including organizations like Magen David Adom, the ADL, and Jewish Federation. He clarifies the story behind his stage name change from Jay Scott Greenspan to Jason Alexander. 

If that’s not enough, Jason gives us his unbelievable inside stories from working on Seinfeld and tells us about the one episode that even he thought pushed the boundaries taste too much. 

Connect with Our Guest

• Follow Jason Alexander on Instagram
• Jason Alexander’s IMDB Page
• Jason Alexander Hosts Cancer Research Fund August 5 Virtual Gala

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

• How Many American Adults Actually Use Social Media? Pew Research Report
• Advanced Technique with Jason Alexander
• Entrepreneur & Bridge-Builder Daniel Lubetzky
• Wilshire Boulevard Temple
• Jason Alexander Post for Ohad Munder-Zichri
• Over 4,000 Hollywood Actors & Directors Boycott Israeli Productions in Name of Gaza
• 24/7 Seinfeld Online Stream
• Watch Seinfeld on Netflix
• Bryan Cranston as Tim Whatley on Seinfeld Season 8, Episode 19: “The Yada Yada”
• Seinfeld, Season 5, Episode 5: “The Bris”
• Seinfeld, Season 3, Episode 3: “The Pen”
• Jason as Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” at La Mirada
• Jonah Platt and Mark Whitten sing “The Riddle Song” from “Floyd Collins” at La Mirada Theater, 2014
• Jason Alexander Returns to ‘Broadway Bound’ as Director
• About Neil Simon
• The Neil Simon Collection
• If I Forget, Directed by Jason Alexander
• PeaceWorks Foundation (formerly OneVoice Movement)
• Anti-Defamation League
• Jason to Direct “Sweeney Todd” at La Mirada Theater

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Season 2 premieres THIS TUESDAY September 30th! And we’ll continue dropping 30 Minute Mensches every Thursday. A double dose of BJJP every week!

This season features more incredible guests beginning with Jason Alexander, Tomer Peretz, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, Sarah Hurwitz, Sarah Podemski & Lani Anpo, Jake Tapper and many more!

Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you don’t miss a moment!

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What does it mean to live proudly and publicly Jewish in New York City, with the possibility of Zohran Mamdani as mayor looming large? Ask Ben Soffer, better known as @BoyWithNoJob to his over 1 million followers online. In this episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with Ben — CEO of Spritz Society wine cocktails, co-host of the hit Good Guys podcast with Josh Peck, husband to viral creator Claudia Oshry (Girl With No Job), and proud modern Orthodox Jew — to talk about faith, family, social media, and Jewish pride in today’s charged climate. Together, Jonah and Ben dig into

• How Ben built a unique modern Orthodox identity on his own terms
• What it feels like to wear a kippah on the streets of New York amid rising anti-Jew bigotry
• The effect October 7th had on his Jewish identity…  or didn’t?
• How becoming a father deepened his sense of connection to God and Jewish continuity
• The story behind Spritz Society — and how a viral April Fool’s joke turned into a real-life savory cocktail courtesy of Claussen’s Pickles!

From candid takes on community safety to spreading Jewish joy through humor (and beverages!), Ben Soffer embodies what it means to be unapologetically yourself — and unapologetically Jewish — in the digital age. Listen now to hear how one of the internet’s most authentic voices is shaping Jewish identity for a new generation.

Connect with Our Guest

Ben Soffer’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boywithnojob/ 

Ben Soffer & Josh Peck’s Podcast “The Good Guys” https://www.instagram.com/goodguys/

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

• Jonah’s appearance on The Good Guys podcast “Mazel, Moses”
• Spritz Society
• Camp Ramah
• NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani’s Comments About Globalizing The Intifada
• 'All Jewish Americans are questioning their security' after violent antisemitic attacks
• College group Zohran Mamdani co-founded welcomed radical speaker who later blamed US for 9/11 attacks: ‘Made its bed’
• Socialist NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani once rapped about his ‘love’ for Hamas terror-funding group ‘Holy Land Five’
• AJC Survey Shows American Jews are Deeply and Increasingly Connected to Israel
• Ouri’s Market - Upper East Side, NYC
• What Does The Word Neshama Mean?
• 23andMe Is Under Fire. Its Founder Remains ‘Optimistic’

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Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:

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What does it mean to reclaim Judaism not in the synagogue — but at the family table? That’s the vision of Rabbi David Bashevkin, author, podcaster, educator and one of today’s most engaging Modern Orthodox voices. In this episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with Rabbi Bashevkin to explore how Judaism can speak authentically to modern life and why Jewish identity is ultimately about integrating our “unchosen” identities with the “chosen” ones.

Rabbi Bashevkin shares:

• Why Jewish life must begin in the home, not in synagogues or textbooks
• How Judaism helps us integrate our unchosen identity (family, history, peoplehood) with our chosen paths in life
• The importance of 1840 — a mystical year that reshaped Jewish thought, technology, and modern identity
• Why Jewish education must instill a love of lifelong learning– not just through graduation
• The urgent need for bridge-building within the Jewish community — and how to turn religious difference into dialogue
• Why teens crave authenticity, and how NCSY empowers them through peer-to-peer mentorship
• The challenge of negative Orthodox representation in the media — and why Judaism is meant for the imperfect among us

Rabbi Bashevkin’s work through his platform 18Forty (essays, podcasts, and conversations at 1840.org) opens the door for “post-institutional Jews” and anyone searching for meaning beyond the classroom. Listen to this episode to find out why Judaism isn’t just about survival or fighting antisemitism — it’s about rediscovering purpose, family, and the sanctity of everyday existence.

Host & Production Team

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

More on Dovid Bashevkin

• 18Forty Website
• Follow Rabbi Bashevkin on X

Mentioned in Episode

• Listen to 18Forty Podcast (Apple Podcasts)
• Watch the 18Forty Podcast on YouTube
• Essays by Rabbi David Bashevkin
• What Makes A Jewish Home?
• What Is The Significance of The Year 1840?
• Understanding The Zohar & The Significance of the Year 1840 for Jews
• The Sixth Millennium & The Age of Moshiach
• What is The Zohar?
• What Jewish Education Means To Me by Rabbi David Bashevkin
• Here All Along by Sarah Hurwitz
• Sarah Hurwitz on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt (Season 1)
• Parashat Vayehi: Teach A Child According To Their Way
• Who is Rabbi Moshe Hayim Luzzatto?
• An Appreciation of Rav Yitzchok Hutner
• Who is Martin Buber?
• Phish Rendition of Avinu Malkeinu
• A Brief Biography of The Lubavitcher Rebbe
• Questions & Answers on Moshe & The Angels
• What is NCSY? National Conference of Synagogue Youth