Unholy: Two Jews on the News Exclusive: Listen to "Don't Feed the Lion", Chapter #1
Nov 11, 2025
Yonit Levi, a prominent journalist and author, reads the gripping first chapter of her new book, Don’t Feed the Lion, co-written with CNN’s Bianna Golodryga. The story unfolds on Annie’s eleventh birthday during a family Shabbat when a viral antisemitic incident involving her brother Theo’s soccer hero, Wes Mitchell, casts a shadow over their celebration. Themes of identity, peer pressure, and family bonds emerge as Theo juggles school dynamics, a critical play in soccer, and the weight of cultural heritage, all while facing the rising tensions of adolescence.
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Teen Soccer Dreams Clash With Family Rituals
- Yonit Levi narrates Theo's soccer life, his friendship with Connor, and the pressure of being a rising player.
- The chapter shows family rituals, an important Shabbat birthday, and the strain between personal ambition and family commitments.
Friendship Anchors Identity And Competition
- Theo recounts his history with Connor from childhood soccer clinics to co-captaincy and shared fandom of Wes Mitchell.
- Their bond anchors his identity while also highlighting growing competition and social pressure.
Choosing Family Costs A Big Moment
- Theo chooses family Shabbat and his sister's birthday over a press conference and social plans, costing him a pivotal soccer moment.
- Missing the shot becomes a public humiliation that clashes with his private obligations.
