Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

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 StudiesMentioned in the episode:Jewish Federation LAJewish Television NetworkJewish AgencyDavid Ben Gurion KibbutzThe 2050 Institute Brandeis-Bardin Campus of American Jewish University.Jay Sanderson: President of AJUEric D. FingerhutMiller Intro to JudaismRabbi Tarlan RabizadehCamp AlonimBCIZiegler School of Rabbinic StudiesTzomet GamesAspen Institute [email protected] the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:[email protected] contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishWritten 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

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 advocacySupport the podcast by subscribing to the Kehillah. Thank you to this episodes sponsors.Americans for Ben-Gurion UniversitySAPIRLinks to items mentioned in the episode:Eli Sharabi Instagram“Hostage” by Eli SharabiMagen David Adom I Spent 491 Days as a Hostage of Hamas. This Is My StoryBattle of Kibbutz Be’eri2025 Magen David Adom Miami Gala: From Darkness to LightEli Sharabi’s United Nations addressThe Heroes in the Battle of Sderot on Oct 7The Civilian Heroes of Ofakim On Oct 7. Nova Festival Massacre The Be’eri Printing Press: Israel’s Print ShopParamedic Amit Man, 22: Sacrificed herself to protect patients.Senior EMT Aviya Hezroni Killed by TerroristsHamas Steals Aid'I choose life:' Ex-hostage Alon Ohel recounts Hamas kidnappingJewish Diaspora celebrates release of living hostagesEli Sharabi’s Brother Sharon Never Stopped Fighting For HimEli’s first interview after his releaseEli Sharabi Meets with UK Prime Minister Keir StarmerEli Sharabi Visits Australian ParliamentYossi Sharabi Buried in Kibbutz Be’eriIsraeli 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 policeFormer Hamas hostage Or Levy brings awareness of captives’ plight to South AfricaThe Shehecheyanu BlessingWatch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:[email protected] contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishWritten 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

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 brotherLinks to things mentioned in the episode:Cindy Crawford InstagramCindy Crawford and Noa Tishby Hanukah lightingRande GerberB’rit Mialh: The Circumcision RitualCindy Crawford Capezio Shoot in IsraelShabbat Elevator in IsraelMaxwell House Haggadah Christian CongregationalismCourtney Platt BJJP EpisodeMalibu Pacific ChurchReverend David WorthCindy Crawford reflects on 'devastating' loss of her brother to leukemiaCindy Crawford's 2 Children: All About Models Presley and Kaia GerberRande’s Father passing Olam Ha-Ba, The World to ComeBreaking the Glass at a Jewish WeddingIsrael: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on EarthNoa Tishby BJJP EpisodeCindy Crawford “New Year New Voices” VideoChris Caresnone (Campbell) BJJP Episode Borrowed Spotlight ProjectBryce ThompsonIs “shiksa” a bad word?Ella Mandel’s Story - Shoah FoundationDisplaced Persons Camps after the HolocaustHolocaust Museum L.A. honors visionary figures at galaHolocaust Museum LAJewish Global Population DataSebastian Maniscalco “Same corporation different divisions” jokeCindy Crawford (and others) step in to save Nate ‘N Al’s DeliNate ‘N Al’s DeliLangers DeliCanter’s DeliCasamigas - Cindy’s Spicy TequilaSupport the podcast by subscribing to the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:[email protected] contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishWritten 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

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 WhyA big thank you to Daily GivingMENTIONSJoint Effort ChiropracticNon-surgical spinal decompression therapyRabbi Alon Anava and His Near Death ExperienceElon Gold Daily Giving PromoDaily Giving Beneficiary OrganizationsMel Robbins on taking action Magen David AdomUnited HatzalahChai LifelineOhelOne Mitzvah a Day JFNAWatch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:[email protected] contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishWritten 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

It’s Hanukkah! In this cozy episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah is joined by culinary expert, social media darling, and New York Times-bestselling cookbook author Jake Cohen for a conversation about Jewish food, ritual, and the unifying power of gathering around the table. Known for zhuzhing up traditional Jewish cuisine with a distinctly modern yet reverent flair, Jake reflects on how food has become his spiritual practice and creative outlet for expressing Jewish identity.Jake shares how hosting Shabbat dinners became his primary avenue to building community and all the celebrity pals he has welcomed to his table, from Benny Blanco to Shoshana Bean to Katie Couric to Isaac Mizrahi. He opens up about his journey from being a self-described “High Holiday Jew” to becoming a leading voice in contemporary Jewish food culture, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, hospitality, and incorporating Jewish values into everyday life. The conversation also touches on Jake’s three best-selling cookbooks — Jew-ish, I Could Nosh and Dinner Party Animal — which aim to make Jewish cooking accessible, joyful, and inviting to Jews and non-Jews alike. Jonah and Jake explore the intersection of Jewish and queer identity, the importance of inviting dissenting opinions to your dinner table, how to host an epic dinner party, and Jake’s hopes for a more connected and peaceful future. It’s an episode filled with comfort, laughter, and the unmistakable warmth of Hanukkah.A special thank you to this episode’s sponsor:American Friends of the Hebrew University and the podcast The View From Mount ScopusMENTIONSDinner Party Animal: Recipes to Make Every Day a CelebrationJake Cohen InstagramJake Cohen TiktokJake Cohen WebsiteThe Seleucide EmpireHanukkah Antisemitism vs. Purim AntisemitismHellenism and JudaismThe Surprising Origin of The DreidelJonah @ The Big ShabbatThe Temple Emanu-El Streicker CenterThe Big ShabbatJoan NathanAdeena SussmanEthiopian Jewish Chef and Restaurateur Beejhy Barhany on Her New Cookbook, “Gursha”Tsion CafeJew-Ish: A Cookbook Jake Cohen Saveur ArticlesNanny’s Rosh Hashanah Apple CakeOneTableMurray’s CheeseEvan Ross KatzAdam EliTokin’ Jew Lemon Sumac x Jake CohenQuick Challah Recipe Demo in Under 1 Minute!“The Nanny” Is the Kind of Celebratory, Unabashed Representation Jewish Women DeserveWatch Curb Your EnthusiasmI Could Nosh: Classic Jew-ish Recipes Revamped for Every Day―Modern Jewish Recipes for Everyday Noshing Left Behind – A Project Opening up Little-Known Holocaust Histories as well as New ToolsJews of Liège under the Occupation (1940-1944)Jake Cohen and Benny Blanco bagel Instagram postCurb Your Enthusiasm “Bad Middling” SceneThese New Yorkers were in Israel when the war with Iran began. Here’s how they made it home.Which three celebrities are living together in New York?Alex EdelmanBenj PasekShoshana BeanJudy GoldWatch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:[email protected] contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishWatch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:[email protected] contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishWritten 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