Congressman Randy Fine represents Florida’s 8th District — and a new kind of Jewish courage in American politics. Known to admirers and critics alike as “the Hebrew Hammer,” Fine has made national headlines for his unapologetic defense of Israel, his fierce opposition to campus antisemitism, and his proud decision to wear a kippah daily — including on the floor of Congress.

In this episode, Fine opens up to David M. Cohen about:

• Growing up as the “Kentucky Fried Jew” in a hostile environment.

• Lessons learned from his blind father and his years at Harvard.

• Why he believes “truth is an absolute defense.”

• How his son inspired him to make his faith visible — and his politics fearless.

• His mission to bring moral clarity back to American leadership.

A conversation about identity, integrity, and the courage to stand tall in an age of moral confusion.

Chapters

00:00 – Meeting Trump, Reflections on Leadership

02:00 – Growing Up Jewish in Kentucky

05:00 – Lessons From His Father

06:00 – Harvard Years & Early Ambition

09:00 – Antisemitism on Campus Then and Now

14:00 – Business Success & Lessons in Drive

18:00 – How Common Core Pushed Him Into Politics

20:00 – Becoming More Jewish in Office

23:00 – The Kippah Decision and Its Symbolism

27:00 – Florida Politics and Fighting Antisemitism

31:00 – Trips to Israel & Spiritual Renewal

33:00 – Strategy, Priorities, and the Foreign Affairs Committee

36:00 – Immigration, Integration, and American Values

38:00 – Mission, Challenges, and Legacy

You can find the condensed transcript & summary of this episode and more episodes at 

https://open.substack.com/pub/thealgemeiner/p/the-hebrew-hammer-in-congress-faith?r=5m0oyd&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

This episode of "The J100 Podcast" was produced by David Taragin.