Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

Jonah Platt
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Being Jewish with Jonah Platt is the hit weekly podcast that illuminates the vast, beautiful, and often unexplored tapestry of Jewish identity, through deeply honest and personal conversations with notable Jews and non-Jewish allies alike. Hosted by actor & advocate Jonah Platt, a trusted expert in contemporary Jewish culture, identity, and politics, Being Jewish seeks to engage, educate, and empower listeners to take full ownership of their identities and live as their proudest, most authentic selves. 2025 Webby Honoree | Podcasts - Best Indie Podcast 2025 Wilbur Award Winner

  1. Jewish Values + Reproductive Rights with The Red Tent Fund CEO Allison Korman

    17H AGO

    Jewish Values + Reproductive Rights with The Red Tent Fund CEO Allison Korman

    Host Jonah Platt interviews Allison Tombros Korman, the founder and executive director of the Red Tent Fund, a national abortion fund rooted in Jewish values. The conversation spans Korman's personal and professional journey, including her experiences with antisemitism in progressive spaces post October 7th, that led her to being forced out of her job at the DC Abortion Fund and eventually establishing the Red Tent Fund. They discuss the fund's mission to support abortion seekers through a Jewish lens, the impact of Roe v. Wade's overturning, misconceptions about third-trimester abortions, and the controversial 'Fund Abortion, Not War' campaign.  The Red Tent Fund operates by providing money directly to clinics to aid any abortion seeker regardless of religion or political affiliation, reflecting values of bodily autonomy, compassion, and community care. Discussed The Birth of the Red Tent Fund (Jewish Values, Access for All)The Purpose of Abortion FundsThe Intent and Framework of Reproductive JusticeThe Jewish Perspectives on Abortion, As Interpreted by Rabbis and ScholarsChallenges and Realities of Abortion AccessFund Abortion, Not War: A Controversial MovementWhy People Must Travel Across State Lines for Reproductive HealthThe Research of medical Sociologist Katrina Kimport, PhD, on Why People Get Third Trimester AbortionsThe Intersection of Abortion Rights and Anti-Israel Sentiments Mentioned In The Episode: Red Tent Fund Red Tent Fund Facebook Red Tent Fund Instagram Donate to Red Tent Fund DC Abortion Fund Antisemitism and the DCAF Allison Tombros Korman Tablet Magazine Article Tablet Magazine Roe v. Wade DCAF on Abortion Fund Restorative Justice Michal Cotler-Wunsh Michal-Cotler Wunsh Being Jewish Episode Antisemitism and Antizionism in Reproductive Health What is the Red Tent Fund?  Planned Parenthood National Abortion Hotline Jewish Perspective on Red Tent Site  Parashat Mishpatim Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance Red Tent Partners The Red Tent by Anita Diamant Tikkun Olam U.S. Abortion Rights by State How much does an abortion cost? Data on Third Trimester Abortions Katrina Kimport Fund Abortion Not War Black Women and Reproductive Justice  Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish *Correction: In the episode The Red Tent Fund is described as the first National Jewish Abortion Fund.  The National Council of Jewish Women's (NCJW) Jewish Fund for Abortion Access was the first national Jewish abortion fund, launched in 2022. Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, 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

    31 min
  2. My Most Important Monologue, Part 3 of 3 (The Jeremiah Effect) and Bishop Michael J. Fisher

    2D AGO

    My Most Important Monologue, Part 3 of 3 (The Jeremiah Effect) and Bishop Michael J. Fisher

    In this compelling episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah speaks with Bishop Michael J. Fisher, a prominent Los Angeles faith leader and longtime advocate for Black–Jewish solidarity. The discussion explores Bishop Fisher’s personal journey, deeply influenced by his father, Reverend W. Jerome Fisher, a World War II medic who helped liberate Jews from the Dachau concentration camp. Jonah and Bishop Fisher dig deeply into the real actions Fisher is doing to build bonds and bridges between the black and Jewish communities, and their shared perspective on what advocacy truly means.  Bishop Fisher reflects on building interfaith relationships with leaders such as Rabbi Stewart Vogel and Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback, and on the shared spiritual foundations of Judaism and Christianity, including the meaning of Zion. The discussion also addresses rising antisemitism, the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attacks, and the responsibility of moral leadership in moments of crisis. The episode highlights initiatives like the Freedom Seder and the From Compton to Jerusalem trip, celebrating Israel’s diversity and the Ethiopian Jewish community, while offering a hopeful vision of unity grounded in building relationships, and discovering truth. TOPICS INCLUDE: Bishop Michael J. Fisher on growing up in Compton under the influence of his father, Reverend W. Jerome FisherHis church, The Greater Zion Church FamilyA firsthand family connection to the Holocaust through World War II liberation effortsThe spiritual and historical meaning of Zion in Black Christianity and JudaismBuilding Black–Jewish alliances with Rabbi Stewart Vogel and Rabbi Yoshi ZweibackThe examples of people like Van Jones, Amanda Berman, and Robert Stearns in interfaith bridge-buildingHow the Freedom Seder creates shared Jewish and Black communal spaceUnderstanding antisemitism vs. anti-Zionism after the October 7 Hamas attacksWhy Israel’s diversity challenges apartheid narrativesLessons from the From Compton to Jerusalem leadership trip to IsraelExperiencing the Sigd holiday with the Ethiopian Jewish community (Beyte Israel)Advocacy vs. performative allyship in Black and Jewish communitiesWhy Black–Jewish unity remains essential for social justice in America Mentioned In the Episode: Michael J Fisher Instagram Jonah’s (shoes) JP x Air Maccabees (18% off with the code JP18) The Story of Jeremiah Seeing History Through A Foggy Lens Dangers of Exceptionalism Moral Self Licensing Temporal Distance and Discrimination Greater Zion Church Family Origins of Black History Month Freedom Seder LA Brings Together Black, Jewish, and Black-Jewish Leaders for an Evening of Unity and Liberation CNN’s Van Jones Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback Exodus Over Dinner Jerome Fisher World War II Gold Star Veteran from Maryland Reverand Jerome Fisher Passes Away, Organized 1st Black Church in Compton What Was Jim Crow Michael J. Fisher How One Compton Pastor’s Work is Changing Lives by Bridging Health & Faith The Jewish Foundation of Christianity When did Christianity and Judaism Separate? When Did Jesus Stop Being Jewish? Zion: God’s Precious Possession Dr. Maulana Karenga A Long History: American Jews and the NAACP The Tulsa Race Massacre and Oklahoma’s Jews 10 Great Moments of #BlackJewishUnity Challenging the myth of 'white, colonial' Israel Rabbi Stewart Vogel Death of George Floyd Powerful Voices: A New Look at the Rabbi Who Marched with Martin Luther King Tiffany Haddish BJJP Episode The 15 Year Battle for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Bondi Beach terrorists ‘acted alone’ in attack on Hanukkah event — Australian police Suspect arrested in predawn fire that left parts of Mississippi’s largest synagogue in charred ruins What to know about the murder of Sarah Pilgrim and Aaron Lischinsky in Washington D.C Stephen Wise Temple Wise hosts Greater Zion Church for joint Shavuot and Pentecost celebration Was Jesus’ Last Supper a Seder? Peter and the Disciples Falling Asleep - Matthew 26:40 The Old Testament Pentecost: Why Did Jesus Pour Out His Spirit on This Particular Day? Robert Sterns BLM’s Support of Hamas Is Perfectly in Line With Its Goals Rediscovering the Lost Tribes and God’s Faithfulness: The Jewish Diaspora and Aliyah Israel’s Ethnic Diversity: Why the Population of the Jewish Nation is Far From Monolithic Amanda Berman Black and Jewish people were allies once. Can they be again? Martin Luther King Jr. Assassination Redlining of Jewish Neighborhoods to Make It Difficult to Get a Mortgage Jewish Americans: Identity, History, and Experience Fact Sheet Seder2015 streams a digital Passover What is the law of first mention? Black leaders journey from their hip-hop home to the Holy Land — and find common ground What Even IS Sigd? A Short Explainer Nick Cannon opens up about past antisemitic comments and his ‘growth moment’ April Powers California schools inch closer to rescuing mental health funds slashed by Trump Global Missions — Greater Zion Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch 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, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, 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

    1h 10m
  3. My Most Important Monologue, Part 2 of 3 (Antizionism) & Israeli Oz Party Leader Dr. Einat Wilf

    JAN 27

    My Most Important Monologue, Part 2 of 3 (Antizionism) & Israeli Oz Party Leader Dr. Einat Wilf

    In this essential episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah speaks with Israeli public intellectual, former Knesset member, and political strategist Dr. Einat Wilf about Israel’s political future in the wake of October 7th. Wilf argues that Israel has reached a historic inflection point — one that requires shedding what she calls a lingering “diaspora consciousness” and fully embracing permanent, sovereign thinking. Drawing on decades of scholarship and public service, Wilf challenges many of the assumptions that have shaped Israeli politics and peace efforts. She explains why the conflict cannot be resolved through ambiguity or process alone, why ideology — not borders — has been the central obstacle to peace, and why international frameworks have repeatedly failed to reckon with Jewish self-determination. From critiques of institutions like UNRWA to hard questions about national service, governance, and borders, Wilf calls for a renewed Israeli social contract rooted in responsibility, realism, and permanence. This episode is a rigorous exploration of sovereignty, accountability, and political maturity, offering listeners a clear vision of what it would mean for Israel and the Jewish people to stop thinking provisionally, and start acting like a nation that fully believes it is here to stay. Topics include: Understanding Israel's Political SystemFounding the Oz PartyArab ZionismClarifying BordersStrengthening the KnessetService to the State and Belonging in IsraelFrom Diaspora Consciousness to Sovereign ConductSeparation of Shul and StateWorthy Leadership and Women in PoliticsThe Oz Party's Vision and StrategyAppealing to a Diverse AudienceUNRWA and Palestinian Relationship and Legacy Thank you to this episode’s sponsor  SAPIR. Mentioned in this Episode: The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews: Part 1 Einat Wilf Instagram Einat Wilf X International Authors Call For Ban of Israeli Authors A Call For Israeli Athletes to be Banned Has Zionism Become a Bad Word The Jewish Enemy Origins of the Medieval Myth about the Jewish Drinking the Blood of Children Movement Against Antizionism Associated Press’s Coverage of Israel Why Israel’s Conflicts are Covered So Much More Than Other Countries Shaul Kelner’s Article On Antizionism as a Mass Movement in The U.S.  Shaul Kelner Early 20th Century Soviet Anti Zionism Jewish UCLA Student Blocked By Protesters Amnesty International Suspends Its Israeli Branch US Coffee House Refuses to Serve Jews Why I Founded the Oz Party Eretz Israel  How do Israeli Politics Work? Yesh Atid The Work of the Knesset Dr. Einat Wilf: 'We lied to ourselves about the Palestinians' Peace in the Middle East? The first thing that needs to happen is the destruction of the ideology at the heart of Palestinian identity. 5 Facts About the Jewish People's Ancestral Connection to the Land of Israel UNRWA Exposed, Examining the Agency’s Mission and Failures Ministers reportedly decide to keep Rafah Crossing shut, bucking US pressure amid anger over Board of Peace Separation of Shul and State In Conversation with Einat Wilf on a New Israeli Vision Who Is the Wicked Son? Who Are the Haredim? Statement on the Death of Yahya Sinwar Only 7% of Israeli Arabs define themselves as 'Palestinian' ‘We’d rather die than enlist’: Haredi Jews vow to defy conscription The Judicial Overhaul Post October 7 The State of Israel as a Jewish State 'Haredi schools need to meet minimum standards' 13 Political Parties and Democracy: The Israeli Case Campaign Financing in Israel Einat Wilf: ‘Jews Are Never Allowed To Win, and Arabs Are Never Allowed to Lose’ We Should All Be Zionists Podcast Einat Wilf Books (Amazon) Israel: A Democracy Like No Other in the Middle East The United Nations Korean Reconstruction Agency O-zionist to Allow People to Mobilize Israeli Friends  The Collapse of the Soviet Union  The Iranian Revolution, 40 Years On: Oppression at Home, Aggression Abroad --  Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com 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, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, 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

    1h 5m
  4. My Most Important Monologue (Part 1 or 3) and Entertainment Icon Howie Mandel

    JAN 20

    My Most Important Monologue (Part 1 or 3) and Entertainment Icon Howie Mandel

    In this energetic and wide-ranging episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with comedy and television icon Howie Mandel (America’s Got Talent, Deal or No Deal, Gremlins, St. Elsewhere) for a conversation that moves effortlessly between laughter and reflection. From his early days as a stand-up comic to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in television, Howie reflects on a career that has spanned more than four decades, and the values that have grounded him throughout it. With trademark honesty and humor, Howie opens up about his Jewish upbringing, family life, and how Jewish values have shaped his worldview both onstage and off. The conversation also takes a more serious turn as Howie speaks candidly about the resurgence of antisemitism, the aftermath of October 7th, and what it has felt like to navigate Jewish identity in an increasingly hostile global climate. Thoughtful, funny, and unexpectedly moving, this episode offers a rare glimpse into how one of comedy’s most familiar figures navigates faith, fear, and responsibility to show up when it matters most. Topics Discussed Include: Howie’s Jewish upbringing in TorontoHow comedy became a creative outlet and coping mechanism for anxiety and OCDThe influence of Howie’s father on his Jewish values and identityHowie’s early years doing stand-upHowie’s opinion on tzedakah   Why Israel struggles with public perceptionJewish identity and visibility in a time of rising antisemitismHowie speaks out about injustice and intolerancePro-Palestinian vs. Anti-Israel movements: understanding the differenceHowie on NBC, Hollywood, and Jewish representationJews being targets for their appearance outside of NY and LA Howie’s goal, “I just wanna do the right thing.” Thank you to this episode's sponsors The Dream Raffle and SAPIR. Mentioned In The Episode: Ultimate Nite Out Featuring Debra Messing and Jonah Platt Watch America’s Got Talent (NBC) Howie Mandel Instagram Howie Mandel Website Howie Mandel Does Stuff (YouTube) What You Need to Know About Israel's The Iron Dome Qatar’s Investments in the US Education System Russia’s Interference in US Elections Continues to Get More Brazen China’s Potential Use of TikTok Is A National Security Threat Yuri Bezmenov and his Stages of Ideological Subversion Israel Recognizes Somaliland as an Independent Country “I Have a Tough Time Being with Myself.” Howie Mandel on living with OCD, ADHD, and anxiety B’rit Mialh: The Circumcision Ritual Howie Mandel discusses saying the Kaddish for his father Everything You Need to Know About the Jewish Custom of Shiva Minyan: The Congregational Quorum Tzedakah 101 Are the Jews the Chosen People? Meet Howie Mandel's 3 talented kids with his wife of 45 years —2 options with regard to his in-laws being holocaust survivors— A survivors’ love story, and a game-changing secret Howie Mandel to Appear at Malibu Film Society The Role of Doctors and Nurses Myth: Jews Have Too Much Power Why Israel is losing the PR war Did Israel Bomb a Hospital? No. What to Know About Hamas’ Lie About a Rocket Strike on a Gaza Hospital Collecting German Air-dropped Leaflets on Britain Israeli film on Oct. 7 premieres at Toronto film festival after initially being dropped Masada Haifa Watch Inspector Gadget (Xumo) Haim Saban (IMDB) Shuki Levi Bondi Beach terrorists ‘acted alone’ in attack on Hanukkah event Howie Mandel Ari Shaffir clip on antisemitism. Ari Shaffir Instagram Why Do We Wear a Kippah? What Is Tzitzit? Former SNL comedian Jay Pharoah says he was racially profiled by police, detained with knee on his neck St. Elsewhere (Apple TV) Demonstrators rally across the U.S. in response to violent conflict between Israel and Hamas Watch Little Monsters (Pluto TV) Dayenu Proto Hologram Howie Mandel Become ESports Team Owner Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com 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, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, 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

    1h 3m
  5. Disrupting Jewish Institutions with AJU President Jay Sanderson

    JAN 15

    Disrupting Jewish Institutions with AJU President Jay Sanderson

    In this episode of 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with longtime Jewish communal leader Jay Sanderson, recently appointed President of American Jewish University (AJU). Sanderson recounts a harrowing childhood marked by intense antisemitic violence while growing up in Boston public housing, including a near-fatal incident in which he was buried alive. That trauma ultimately propelled him toward a life of Jewish leadership after a transformative summer in Israel facilitated by the Jewish Agency, culminating in a pivotal childhood encounter with David Ben-Gurion. The conversation traces Sanderson’s career running major institutions such as Jewish Federation of Los Angeles and Jewish Television Network, before turning to his vision for the Jewish future. Sanderson critiques the Jewish world’s tendency to focus narrowly on combating antisemitism rather than proactively planning for long-term vitality. This outlook led to the creation of the 2050 Institute, an initiative designed to address the lack of adequate modern training for Jewish professionals and lack of planning for the Jewish future. Sanderson explains why he came out of retirement after October 7 to lead AJU, outlining an ambitious plan to reimagine rabbinic education, expand the Miller Introduction to Judaism program, and position AJU as a central pipeline for future Jewish leaders. Jay’s challenge for leaders of today to get off the sidelines, bring new blood and ideas forward, and actively shape what the Jewish experience should look like in 25 years.  Topics of the episode includeJay Sanderson’s childhood trauma and antisemitism in BostonA near-death experience and its long-term psychological impactA formative Israel trip through the Jewish AgencyMeeting David Ben-Gurion at a kibbutzLeadership roles at Jewish Federation of Los AngelesThe founding vision of the 2050 InstituteSanderson becoming President of American Jewish UniversityExpanding the Miller Introduction to Judaism programReimagining the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies Mentioned in the episode: Jewish Federation LA Jewish Television Network Jewish Agency David Ben Gurion Kibbutz The 2050 Institute  Brandeis-Bardin Campus of American Jewish University. Jay Sanderson: President of AJU Eric D. Fingerhut Miller Intro to Judaism Rabbi Tarlan Rabizadeh Camp Alonim BCI Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies Tzomet Games Aspen Institute  Jay.Sanderson@AJU.edu Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com 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, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, 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

    28 min
  6. HOSTAGE (2-Part Special): Eli Sharabi on Surviving 491 Days in Hamas Captivity

    JAN 13

    HOSTAGE (2-Part Special): Eli Sharabi on Surviving 491 Days in Hamas Captivity

    In one of the most powerful and singular conversations ever featured on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with Eli Sharabi, a survivor of 491 days in Hamas captivity. Eli joins Jonah for a two-part conversation that moves from public testimony to deeply personal reflection. The episode opens with a live, onstage discussion at a Magen David Adom gala in Miami, honoring Eli and tracing his journey from Kibbutz Be’eri to captivity and eventual freedom. It then shifts to an intimate studio conversation in Los Angeles, where Eli speaks with remarkable clarity, courage, and humanity about survival, resilience, and the inner discipline that sustained him through unimaginable psychological and physical torment. Together, Jonah and Eli explore the writing of Eli’s book Hostage, the healing power of telling his story, and the global impact of his speech at the United Nations. With profound honesty, Eli reflects on the loss of his wife Lianne, his daughters Noiya and Yahel, and his brother Yossi, and shares his ongoing mission to share his story as a testimony against terrorism, confront disinformation, and raise awareness about the truth of what happened to Hamas captives. Topics discussed include: Eli takes us back to October 7th, sharing what he remembers from the day his life changed foreverThe unimaginable loss of Eli’s family, and how he carries their memory with himHonoring the courage and ultimate sacrifices of Amit Mann and Avia Hetzroni from Kibbutz Be’eriWhat inspired Eli to write Hostage and how putting words on the page became part of his healingThe reality of what food looked like in captivity, and what deprivation teaches you about survivalHow Eli became a mentor and source of strength for Alon Ohel while they were held togetherEli reflects on meeting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer The emotional impact of Itamar Ben Gvir’s comments Holding onto tradition, faith, and Shabbat rituals under inhumane conditionsInside Hamas’ psychological warfare, and how Eli resisted being brokenRebuilding life after captivity, looking ahead, and Eli’s new mission of truth-telling and advocacy Support the podcast by subscribing to the Kehillah. Thank you to this episodes sponsors. Americans for Ben-Gurion University SAPIR Links to items mentioned in the episode: Eli Sharabi Instagram “Hostage” by Eli Sharabi Magen David Adom  I Spent 491 Days as a Hostage of Hamas. This Is My Story Battle of Kibbutz Be’eri 2025 Magen David Adom Miami Gala: From Darkness to Light Eli Sharabi’s United Nations address The Heroes in the Battle of Sderot on Oct 7 The Civilian Heroes of Ofakim On Oct 7.  Nova Festival Massacre  The Be’eri Printing Press: Israel’s Print Shop Paramedic Amit Man, 22: Sacrificed herself to protect patients. Senior EMT Aviya Hezroni Killed by Terrorists Hamas Steals Aid 'I choose life:' Ex-hostage Alon Ohel recounts Hamas kidnapping Jewish Diaspora celebrates release of living hostages Eli Sharabi’s Brother Sharon Never Stopped Fighting For Him Eli’s first interview after his release Eli Sharabi Meets with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Eli Sharabi Visits Australian Parliament Yossi Sharabi Buried in Kibbutz Be’eri Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir taunts Palestinian prisoners  Jachnun (Rolled Yemenite Sabbath Bread) What Is the Kiddush? Bondi Beach terrorists ‘acted alone’ in attack on Hanukkah event — Australian police Former Hamas hostage Or Levy brings awareness of captives’ plight to South Africa The Shehecheyanu Blessing Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com 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, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, 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

    1 hr
  7. Cindy Crawford: Supermodel, Super Ally

    JAN 6

    Cindy Crawford: Supermodel, Super Ally

    In this intimate and revealing episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, iconic supermodel and Jewish ally Cindy Crawford sits down for a rare interview with Jonah to discuss family, faith, and allyship. Known worldwide for redefining beauty and celebrity, Cindy opens up about the quieter values that have shaped her life — from her interfaith marriage to Rande Gerber to the loss of her only brother to leukemia at an early age. Cindy shares personal stories about building a home rooted in Jewish and Protestant tradition, raising her children with an appreciation for Jewish rituals, and why speaking out against antisemitism now feels both urgent and unavoidable. She reflects on her experience working with Holocaust survivors through the Borrowed Spotlight Project,  her role in preserving the cultural legacy of Nate and Al’s, and her decision to use her platform for Jewish advocacy (New Year New Voices). Jonah and Cindy also discuss the trajectory of her career, the shifting landscape of beauty standards, and what the future might look like for her. The episode underscores Cindy's ongoing commitment to cultural empathy, allyship, and what it looks like to stand with the Jewish community not by accident or obligation, but by choice. In this episode, Cindy and Jonah dive into:  How social media has become “poison” Why even small acts of Jewish allyship now feel “controversial”Growing up Protestant in the MidwestCindy’s first visit to IsraelNavigating a Jewish/Protestant Interfaith Marriage Jewish traditions that resonated with CindyCindy’s adult children's relationship to Jewish identityCindy’s participation in the Borrowed Spotlight ProjectThe loss of Cindy’s brother Links to things mentioned in the episode: Cindy Crawford Instagram Cindy Crawford and Noa Tishby Hanukah lighting Rande Gerber B’rit Mialh: The Circumcision Ritual Cindy Crawford Capezio Shoot in Israel Shabbat Elevator in Israel Maxwell House Haggadah   Christian Congregationalism Courtney Platt BJJP Episode Malibu Pacific Church Reverend David Worth Cindy Crawford reflects on 'devastating' loss of her brother to leukemia Cindy Crawford's 2 Children: All About Models Presley and Kaia Gerber Rande’s Father passing  Olam Ha-Ba, The World to Come Breaking the Glass at a Jewish Wedding Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth Noa Tishby BJJP Episode Cindy Crawford “New Year New Voices” Video Chris Caresnone (Campbell) BJJP Episode  Borrowed Spotlight Project Bryce Thompson Is “shiksa” a bad word? Ella Mandel’s Story - Shoah Foundation Displaced Persons Camps after the Holocaust Holocaust Museum L.A. honors visionary figures at gala Holocaust Museum LA Jewish Global Population Data Sebastian Maniscalco “Same corporation different divisions” joke Cindy Crawford (and others) step in to save Nate ‘N Al’s Deli Nate ‘N Al’s Deli Langers Deli Canter’s Deli Casamigas - Cindy’s Spicy Tequila Support the podcast by subscribing to the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com 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

    52 min
  8. One Mitzvah A Day with Daily Giving Founder Dr. Jonathan Donath

    12/18/2025

    One Mitzvah A Day with Daily Giving Founder Dr. Jonathan Donath

    Can we change the world with just ONE dollar? In this inspiring episode of '30 Minute Mensches,' Jonah talks to Dr. Jonathan Donath, founder and president of Daily Giving, the grassroots online platform that has turned daily donations of just $1 into almost $27 million distributed to over 75 Jewish causes worldwide. Dr. Donath shares the epiphany that led him to start Daily Giving, the importance of working the daily giving “muscle”, and the organization’s growth journey.  A true mensch, Dr. Donath’s appeal will have you racing to sign up so that you too can feel the joy of philanthropy, unity, and the transformative power of giving. Discussed topics include: The Near Death Experience of a Rabbi that Inspired Daily GivingThe Big Impact of Many Small MitzvahsStories of Daily Giving’s WorkMel Robbins and Why Immediate Action is ImportantChasing Balance in LifeComedian Elon Gold’s Viral Moment for Daily GivingNonprofit Operational Challenges and GrowthWho Are Some Partner Organizations (75+) and Why A big thank you to Daily Giving MENTIONS Joint Effort Chiropractic Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy Rabbi Alon Anava and His Near Death Experience Elon Gold Daily Giving Promo Daily Giving Beneficiary Organizations Mel Robbins on taking action  Magen David Adom United Hatzalah Chai Lifeline Ohel One Mitzvah a Day  JFNA Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com 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

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Being Jewish with Jonah Platt is the hit weekly podcast that illuminates the vast, beautiful, and often unexplored tapestry of Jewish identity, through deeply honest and personal conversations with notable Jews and non-Jewish allies alike. Hosted by actor & advocate Jonah Platt, a trusted expert in contemporary Jewish culture, identity, and politics, Being Jewish seeks to engage, educate, and empower listeners to take full ownership of their identities and live as their proudest, most authentic selves. 2025 Webby Honoree | Podcasts - Best Indie Podcast 2025 Wilbur Award Winner

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