Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam What it Means to be Jewish: A Conversation with Jonah Platt
Nov 19, 2025
Join Jonah Platt, actor and host of Being Jewish, as he dives into the essence of Jewish identity and activism post-October 7. He shares his journey from a Jewish upbringing to becoming an 'October 8th activist.' The conversation covers Hollywood's portrayal of Jewish stories, the importance of the 'Five C’s' for tough dialogues about Israel, and his reflections on the beauty and challenges of Jewish life. Jonah emphasizes unity and pride in Jewish traditions, while also addressing the need for more voices in the industry.
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Naked In Hair, Married After The Bowl
- Jonah Platt met his wife while performing in Hair at the Hollywood Bowl, where he even performed a naked scene as part of the show.
- The production led to a lasting personal relationship and highlights Jonah's early arts career before his Jewish activism.
Crisis Catalyzed Deeper Jewish Engagement
- October 7th accelerated Jonah's long-standing Jewish engagement and turned him into an 'October 8th activist.'
- He shifted time from auditions to advocacy because the crisis made Jewish work feel more urgent and necessary.
Raised Immersed, Questions Built Literacy
- Jonah was raised steeped in Jewish life: day school, Shabbat, holidays, and communal leadership across generations.
- Early immersion gave him literacy and skills even when youthful rebellion led him to question rituals.
