Being Jewish with Jonah Platt is a weekly podcast that illuminates the full, beautiful, often unexplored spectrum of Jewish identity, by exploring the personal ...
Episode 17: A City on Fire and Congressman Ritchie Torres
In this highly-anticipated episode of Being Jewish, Jonah speaks with New York Congressmen Ritchie Torres about a wide range of issues including anti-Israel hate, the future of the Democratic party, and the soul of America. Torres, who has devoted much of his 10+ year career in politics to fighting anti-Jew hate and defending the State of Israel, opens up about his trips to the Holy Land, the lessons learned there and the broad, pragmatic reasons behind his unwavering loyalty and support for the Jewish state and people. Together, Jonah and Torres discuss the Biden Administration’s handling of the ongoing war in the Middle East, their thoughts on Donald Trump’s incoming administration, and the challenges that may lie ahead. Throughout this conversation, Torres offers hope, insight, and even a few Yiddish and Hebrew gems! Be sure to check out this exclusive, high level interview you won’t find anywhere but here, on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt. Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the audio podcast: https://beingjewishwithjonahplatt.transistor.fm/subscribe Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@JonahPlattOfficial Follow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt :https://www.instagram.com/jonahplatt/ Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcast: https://www.instagram.com/beingjewishpodcast/ Join the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comConnect with Ritchie Torreshttps://www.instagram.com/ritchietorresny15/ Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell, and Executive Assistant, Josie Rothschild.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!Mentioned in EpisodeLos Angeles FiresSpeech & Quote by Martin Luther King Jr. Richard Sandler’s Book: Witness To A Prosecution: The Myth of Michael MilkenDemocratic Socialists Chapter Ask Candidates To Pledge Not To Travel To Israel Senator John Fetterman The Church of Holy Sepulchre Two Muslim Families Entrusted with Care of Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem Jerusalem Open House - LGBT Center in Israel
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Episode 16: BEING JEWISH LIVE - Hollywood Stars & Jewish Advocates Josh Gad, Ginnifer Goodwin & Marlee Matlin, Live from CBS Television City
Watch the show on YouTube @JonahPlattOfficial We’re kicking off 2025 with a very special, first-ever LIVE episode of Being Jewish! Filmed in front of a studio audience at the iconic CBS Television City, Jonah sits down with Tony nominee Josh Gad, TV/film star Ginnifer Goodwin and Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin in a must-see, brilliantly honest conversation on a wide array of Jewish and personal topics. From their very different Jewish upbringings, to interfaith marriages, to fighting anti-Jew bigotry, to the silence of Hollywood post October-7th, these Hollywood stars open up about their real lives and Jewish journeys like never before. There are lots of laughs, some tears, a few major revelations, and many deep insights into the Jewish experience we all can relate to. Don’t miss this supersized showbiz episode of Being Jewish that’s sure to leave you feeling energized and inspired!Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the audio podcast: https://beingjewishwithjonahplatt.transistor.fm/subscribe Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@JonahPlattOfficial Follow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt :https://www.instagram.com/jonahplatt/ Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcast: https://www.instagram.com/beingjewishpodcast/ Join the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comConnect with Josh Gadhttps://www.instagram.com/joshgad/‘In Gad We Trust: A Tell-Some’ Book Connect with Ginnifer Goodwinhttps://www.instagram.com/ginnifergoodwin/Connect with Marlee Matlinhttps://www.instagram.com/themarleematlin/Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell, and Executive Assistant, Josie Rothschild.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!Mentioned in EpisodeJewish Federation LACBS Television CityMarlee’s upcoming PBS documentaryWhat is Kol Nidrei?Gutenberg! The Musical Josh Gad’s Instagram Post After October 7th Marlee Matlin’s Instagram Post After October 7th Ginnifer Goodwin’s First Post After 10/7Bret Stephens on Becoming 10 Percent More Jewish Ginnifer Goodwin’s Speech at Temple Israel Congregation Bene Shalom (Deaf & Hearing Congregation) Deaf Presence in the IDF Josh Gad plays Tevye in High SchoolJosh Gad’s Post on Antisemitism The Shoah FoundationMarlee’s Hannukah postGinnifer Goodwin Speaks on Behalf of 4-Year-Old Israeli HostageJosh Gad’s Comic “The Writer”Ginnifer Goodwin Bat Mitzvah PicRabbi Sharon Brous
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Episode 15: The Importance of Allies & Haredi Real Estate Mogul David Lichtenstein
Watch the episode on YouTube @JonahPlattOfficialJewish law, or Halacha, is as ancient as it is timeless, providing a fertile ground for centuries of rigorous debate and discussion - and few enjoy this fundamental Jewish practice more than Haredi podcaster and billionaire real estate mogul David Lichtenstein. Together with Jonah, Lichtenstein, who runs the Lightstone Group and the acclaimed podcast Halacha Headlines, explains the different denominations within Judaism and how the Haredi, or ultra Orthodox, navigate Jewish law and life in a vastly secular world. From intermarriage to the internet, Sabbath observance to sexuality, Lichtenstein talks frankly and wisely about some of Judaism’s most taboo topics. Beyond this, Jonah and David explore the uniqueness of each human being and their mission on earth, how a strong moral compass guides you in both professional and personal challenges, and shed light on some of Judaism’s most sacred stories and teachings. Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the audio podcast: https://beingjewishwithjonahplatt.transistor.fm/subscribe Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@JonahPlattOfficial Follow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt :https://www.instagram.com/jonahplatt/ Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcast: https://www.instagram.com/beingjewishpodcast/ Join the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comConnect with David Lichtensteinhttps://www.instagram.com/halachaheadlines/ Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell; and Executive Assistant, Josie Rothschild.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!Mentioned in EpisodeDistrict 51 Community Excellence AwardsRich Chavez Zbur Equality California Lightstone Group Acquires ExtendedStay David Lichtenstein on Financial Recovery & BouncebackCalifornia State Jewish CaucusHalacha HeadlinesLightstone Group Definition of Haredi Understanding Jewish Denominations David Lichtenstein & The History of Lightstone Lightstone Rated As Top 40 Company in NYCYeshivas Mir Jews & The Khmelnytsky UprisingRabbi Akiva EgerUnderstanding the TalmudWhat Is The Mishnah? David Lichtenstein’s Books Halacha Headlines Episode About Child MolestationHalacha Headlines Episode About Non-Jews in a Non-Jewish World Statistics on Jews and Intermarriage AI Chatbot Convinces Teen To Commit Suicide
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Episode 14: Holding Two Truths & Broadway Director Zhailon Levingston
Watch this episode on YouTube @JonahPlattOfficial Broadway director and arts activist Zhailon Levingston has been making waves in the New York theater scene through his ability to challenge audiences emotionally at the same time he is entertaining them. In this episode, Zhailon, who is not Jewish, describes his love of the very Jewish practice of “Havruta,” a collaborative method of rigorously debating ideas with a single partner over a long period of time, and how this intense intellectually wrestling is a far more productive method of bringing folks together than trying to get everyone to agree on the same positions. As artistic director of The Inheritance Theater Project, Levingston reveals deep insight into how collaborative playmaking can be a powerful technology for bringing disparate communities together. In this week’s episode, Levingston joins Jonah for an illuminating conversation on a number of deep and difficult topics, from Jewish and Black identity, to the Israel/Gaza war, to Gen Z’s struggles with social media, to the ideas of “Black Aliveness”. Don’t miss this complex, thought-provoking discussion you can only find right here, on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt!Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the audio podcastSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comHost & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell; and Executive Assistant, Josie Rothschild.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!Mentioned in EpisodeInheritance Theater ProjectJon Adam RossDr. Rebecca Schorsch Havruta Meaning & Definition The Story of The ExodusJames Baldwin Text About Black/Jewish Relations in 1968 Kevin Quashie on How to Read & Interpret Black Text Through “Aliveness”Juneteenth Seder Jonah Platt Speaks About Undiagnosed ADHD Douglas Lyons Chicken & Biscuits PlayTable 17 Play The Normal Heart Play by Larry Kramer
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Episode 13: My ADHD Journey & Chef Michael Solomonov
Watch this episode on YouTube @JonahPlattOfficial 5-time James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author Michael Solomonov is famous for his groundbreaking & wildly popular Israeli cuisine for American palates, all of which he dishes on with Jonah in this week’s episode. A child of both Israel and America, Solomonov has made it his mission to bring Israeli culture to the fore by showcasing its diverse and delicious food, a quest that’s grown more complex since October 7th and the anti-Israel sentiments that have followed - even from his own staff. In this raw and heartfelt conversation, Solomonov also opens up about the death of his younger brother while serving in the IDF, overcoming addiction, the unifying power of food, and expert culinary tips you’ll only find here, on this week’s episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt. Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the audio podcastSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comConnect with Michael Solomonovhttps://www.instagram.com/mikesolomonov/ https://www.instagram.com/zahavfoodshttps://www.instagram.com/jaffabar_philly/ Aviv Restaurant at 1 Hotel Southbeach https://www.instagram.com/1hotel.southbeach Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards); Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel).Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!Mentioned in EpisodeThe ADHD Effect on Marriage by Melissa OrlovDr. Ned Hallowell / https://www.tiktok.com/@drhallowellDavid Solomonov ObituaryRuss Cowan’s Deli: Radin’s DelicatessenPho 75 Restaurant Vetri Restaurant Philadelphia Zahav RestaurantFederal Donuts Laser Wolf DizengoffKfar Goldie Philadelphia Protests Outside of Goldie Restaurant United HatzalahAvi-Cue Shwarma Saffy’s Los Angeles Jaffa Bar PhiladelphiaAviv Restaurant MiamiSeed & Mill HalvaSpice C Philadelphia Hawaij Mixed Spice Blend Chef Aliza SokolowZahav Home Cookbook GefilteriaCourage BagelsDel Rossi’s Cheesesteak09:11 Interview with Chef Michael Solomonov34:26 Struggles and Support: Overcoming Addiction35:21 Exploring the Culinary Ventures37:32 Introducing Jaffa: A New Culinary Concept40:27 Navigating Political Challenges44:16 Reflecting on October 7th52:24 Comfort Food and Culinary Tips57:42 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
Being Jewish with Jonah Platt is a weekly podcast that illuminates the full, beautiful, often unexplored spectrum of Jewish identity, by exploring the personal journeys of both Jews and non-Jewish allies alike. Each week, actor/artist/advocate Jonah Platt will interview a celebrity figure from any number of fields—Art, Sports, Entertainment, Politics, Food, Music, Business, you name it—allowing the esteemed guest a safe space to dig deep into their own individual connection to the question, “What does it mean to be Jewish TO YOU?” Both the show’s audience and the established audience of each guest will have a unique opportunity to discover their hero’s connection to the Jewish experience through a thought-provoking conversation they won’t have heard anywhere else.