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Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

Written 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 WinnerJonah Platt Judaism Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • Is Israel an Ethnostate? And the 2026 Israeli Olympic Bobsled Team

    Is Israel an Ethnostate? And the 2026 Israeli Olympic Bobsled Team
    Mar 3 2026
    In this inspiring episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with members of the Israeli Bobsled Team (AJ Edelman, Ward Fawarsy, Uri Zisman, Ower Katz, Itamar Shprinz, and Menashem Chen) while in competition in Milano Crotina, to discuss the unlikely journey of building a team for a Winter Olympic sport in a country with no snow. Representing Israel on the global stage, the athletes share how they transitioned from backgrounds in track and field, rugby, crossfit, and other sports into elite bobsled competitors. They discuss training and competing internationally, and navigating the challenges of representing Israel amid rising antisemitism following October 7. Their story is a wild one with robberies, getting booed, a death on a plane, and missing critical training runs. The conversation explores patriotism, Jewish pride, and the emotional weight of wearing the Israeli flag at global events sanctioned by the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF) and the Winter Olympics. The athletes reflect on the powerful symbolism of Israeli athletes competing on the world stage and the importance of positive representation for Israel in international sports. Jonah and AJ Edelman, captain of the Israeli Bobsled Team, get some one-on-one time to dig into the team's challenges and the role of the Israeli Olympic Committee. Edelman details self-funding, starting a nonprofit to support the team, and hopes to grow the program.Topics Discussed Include:Competing in sanctioned events under the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF) circuitQualification pathways toward the Winter OlympicsBeing champion athletes from other sport disciplinesThe nickname “Shul Runnings”Having a Druze athlete on the teamTraining in the U.S.-based tracks in Lake Placid, New York, and Park City, UtahThe measure of success is how far you’ve come, not how close you are to the topThe mechanics of a two-man and four-man bobsled under IBSF regulationsPutting together an “Ocean’s Eleven” team for bobsledFunding challenges and support from the Israeli Olympic CommitteeHow to support the team in the futureMentioned In The Episode:Advancing Jewish AthleticsDonate to the Israeli Bobsled TeamAJ Edelman InstagramWard Fawarsy InstagramUri Zisman InstagramOmer Katz InstagramItamar Shprinz InstagramMenachem Chen InstagramNOT A Genocide: Jonah Platt's Definitive Takedown of the World's Favorite Anti-Jew, Anti-Israel Lie (Part 2)Anti-Jew Libels DECONSTRUCTED-Jonah Platt Debunks 4 Lies About Israel & The Jewish People (Part 1)The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews: Part 1PART 2 - The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the JewsPART 3 - The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the JewsNatan Sharansky Natan Sharansky 3 D’sIsrael is Among a Number of EthnostatesMyanmar casts minorities to the margins as citizenship law denies legal identityMyanmar Rohingya: What you need to know about the crisisArmenia is 98% Armenian DataKoreans in JapanUAE’s Double-Standard on Citizenship RightsMigrant Rights in UAE and QatarSwiss government rejects automatic citizenship for those born in SwitzerlandCitizenship through Naturalization for Aliens of Greek ethnic originEgypt's Christians face 'constant pressure to hide their faith'Israel’s Right of ReturnOperation SolomonIsraeli Law Declares the Country the ‘Nation-State of the Jewish People’Jewish CalendarArabs Make Up 20% of the Jewish PopulationArab residents of mixed cities disadvantaged compared to Jews - ComptrollerBen Gvir’s policy goals: Going to extremes even Europe’s far right won’t touchPalestinian Authority: You're a "traitor" if you sell land to the JewsWhat does the Hamas charter say?Milano Cortina 2026 OlympicsIsrael’s first Olympic bobsled team heads to Italy in bid they have dubbed ‘Shul Runnings’The Israeli bobsled team is in last place but calls themselves 'victors'Kris Horn OK after solo ride as teammates fail to get into sledBobsled costs are skyrocketing. Can the U.S. keep up in a bedrock Olympic sport?Israel team marches to smattering of boos at Milan Winter Olympics opening ceremonyAJ Edelman, The First Orthodox Jewish Male Olympian, Is Ready For Gold!Meet Bat-El Gatterer, First Orthodox Jewish Female OlympianMIT Alumnus Competes in Winter Olympics From obese yeshivah student to Slider-Man – the remarkable run of Israel’s Olympic bobsleigh pilotIsraeli Bobsled Team's Apartment Robbed of 'Thousands of Dollars' Worth of Items During Winter Olympics TrainingWhat To Know About ‘Shul Runnings,’ the Bobsled Team Representing Israel in the Winter OlympicsVitaris ClubAt the Olympics, Israel's athletes pay a high cost in the quest for goldThe Israeli Bobsled Team’s Withdrawal from the last day of Olympic CompetitionBobsledding for IsraelSupport the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.Watch Being ...
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • L’Dor V’adorable is Back! And American-Israeli Cookbook Author Adeena Sussman

    L’Dor V’adorable is Back! And American-Israeli Cookbook Author Adeena Sussman
    Feb 24 2026
    In this delicious episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with New York Times bestselling cookbook author and Tel Aviv-based food writer Adeena Sussman for a conversation about food, culture, and the rituals of living in Israel today. Living steps from the Carmel Market, Adeena paints a vivid portrait of daily life in Tel Aviv, how Israelis continue daily routines amid rocket alarms, and what it means to compartmentalize in a country where normalcy and uncertainty coexist.Adeena reflects on feeling like an insider-outsider as an “American Israeli,” and how the shuk itself mirrors Israel’s layered religious and cultural diversity. She shares how October 7 transformed her Shabbat cookbook tour into community-centered gatherings and fundraisers, and why she views cookbooks as narrative literature that provide cultural context. She also speaks candidly about her responsibility in culinary storytelling, documenting Yemenite, Iraqi, Moroccan, and broader Middle Eastern Jewish cuisines while crediting provenance and seeking permission for adaptations.Jonah and Adeena also explore her path to co-authoring cookbooks with a number of chefs and celebrities including Chrissy Teigen, her Substack (including a viral post after attending Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s funeral), and the personal accountability she feels towards readers who bring her recipes into their homes. The episode covers her family history and Shabbat hospitality, including her mother Steffi’s influence, and what makes food suitable for Shabbat. Adeena introduces her upcoming cookbook “Zuriz” (“quick”), a collection of 100 one-page recipes designed for real life. This conversation doesn’t just talk about food as sustenance, but as a means of storytelling and connection.Topics Include:Adeena Sussman’s move from New York City to Tel AvivBecoming one of today’s most influential voices in Israeli cuisineWriting Sababa and Shabbat cookbooksLiving with Chrissy Teigen and John LegendHow Israeli Elections Really WorkWriting Cookbooks That Tell a StoryAdeena Sussman’s Recipe Development ProcessLearning the Roots: Respectful Research Across Middle Eastern Jewish CuisinesIsrael and California’s Abundant Local ProduceNYT Bestseller Pressure & What Stays Exclusive to the BooksCulinary influences from Mizrahi, Sephardi, and Ashkenazi traditionsTel Aviv’s food scene and local markets like Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel)Links to Things Mentioned in the Episode:Adeena Sussman InstagramZariz CookbookShabbat CookbookSababa CookbookTrump moves closer to a major war with IranThe Electoral System in IsraelCarmel MarketReal-time red alerts in IsraelShielded by Fire: Middle East Air Defense During the June 2025 Israel-Iran WarFood Network's New York City Wine & Food FestivalUnited HatzalahChanie ApfelbaumBusy in BrooklynNaama ShefiRachel SimonsJake CohenBengingiBreads Bakery Adeena Sussman: Came to Israel for love, stayed for foodAdeena Sussman SubstackA Stain on Israel’s Soul: Remembering Hersh Goldberg-Polin and the Beautiful SixTears From The SkyEllie Krieger CholentFirst Tango with Mango: Iraqi AmbaIsraeli produce is the best. Here’s why:Sisters fight cancer, honor mother by rolling out the doughSheet Pan Latke BoardSupport 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:jonahplattinfo@gmail.comMerchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merchTo contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishSubscribe to Ora, A Luxury Jewish Lifestyle and Culture Magazine. https://oramag.co/Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, 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
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • The Genocide Libel and Comedian Modi Rosenfeld

    The Genocide Libel and Comedian Modi Rosenfeld
    Feb 17 2026
    In this delightful and hilarious episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, comedian Modi Rosenfeld opens up about faith, fame, identity, and building unity through Jewish comedy. Recently named one of The Hollywood Reporter’s Top 10 New York Comedians, Modi discusses what it means to be a proudly Jewish comedian in today’s cultural climate, and why laughter is his path to creating what he calls “Messianic energy.”From performing at the Comedy Cellar, the Republican Jewish Coalition, and soon Radio City Music Hall, to navigating conversations with fellow comics like Dave Chappelle and Ben Shapiro, Modi shares candid insights on comedy, politics, and Jewish pride.He reflects on growing up Israeli in America, coming out as gay later in life, marrying his husband Leo, and supporting LGBTQ inclusion within the Orthodox community through organizations like Eshel. Modi also reveals how COVID, Zoom shows, and social media transformed his career into a global brand with audiences in Israel, Europe, and beyond.With humor and heart, this episode explores Judaism, comedy, Israel, identity, and the power of laughter to bring people together in divided times.Topics discussed include:Modi Rosenfeld on being a “Jewish comedian” vs. a comedian who happens to be JewishRoasting Ben Shapiro at a Commentary Magazine eventFollowing Donald Trump at the Republican Jewish CoalitionTouring internationally in Israel, Paris, Berlin, and LondonProcessing October 7th and performing in Europe amid rising antisemitismGrowing up Israeli-American on Long IslandMarriage, faith, and partnership with husband LeoSupporting LGBTQ Orthodox Jews through EshelPreparing for his upcoming Radio City Music Hall debutBuilding a global audience via Instagram and post-COVID Zoom comedyThe meaning behind his tour title: Pause for LaughterMentioned In The Episode:Anti-Jew Libels DECONSTRUCTED - Jonah Platt Debunks 4 Lies About Israel & The Jewish People (Part 1)Modi Rosenfeld WebsiteModi Rosenfeld InstagramThe reasons why what is happening in Gaza is not genocideAmnesty International is among the NGOs bashing IsraelGrand Mufti of Jerusalem and his aid to the NazisB’tselem’s “broader analytical framework” The U.N. Official Who Said Hamas is not a Terrorist OrganizationThe U.N. Condemned Israel 17 Times, more than the rest of the world combined Alice Nderitu of the U.N. said Israel’s campaign in Gaza doesn’t meet the definition of genocide. She was fired.Anyone can be a member of the International Association of Genocide Scholars, Including Cookie Monster and Emperor PalpatineArab countries ban Al-Jazeera Israel distributes over 1 million polio vaccines in GazaPalestinian death toll passes 70,000Defining genocide in a post WW2 worldIsreal’s critics rewrite the definition of genocideHineni Society Event with World-Renowned Comedian ModiDavid Attel InstagramJeff Ross InstagramJerry Seinfeld InstagramChris Rock Who are the classic Catskill ComediansOld Jewish Catskill Comedian's Classic JokesThe Messianic EraRelease of latest Epstein files unleashes online wave of antisemitic conspiraciesModi | Know Your Audience (Full Comedy Special)Q&A | Comedian Modi Is Running on ‘Moshiach Energy’What Are Tefillin?The Gestapo: OverviewJewish comedian Modi Rosenfeld, a mainstay for Orthodox audiences, is gay. So what?The Comedy CellarBen Shapiro Roasted By MODIDave Chappelle Mocks “I Stand With Israel”Dave Chappelle and the Space JewsJon CarhartRepublican Jewish CoalitionU.S. Congressman Mike JohnsonOrthodox Judaism and LGBTQ IssuesEshel Ritual Hand Washing Before MealsWhat is Chabad?A New LightFran LiebowitzModi Rosenfeld, Gay Jewish Comedian, Talks ‘Moshiach’ Energy, Celebrating Shabbat and Comparisons to Robin Williams and Richard PryorTa’anit 22a-b: A Place in the World to ComeFrance reports dozens of antisemitic acts since Hamas attackThe History of HatikvahSupport 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:jonahplattinfo@gmail.comMerchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merchTo contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishSubscribe to Ora, A Luxury Jewish Lifestyle and Culture Magazine. https://oramag.co/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, ...
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    1 hr and 11 mins
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