Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

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Making the Implicit Explicit and bestselling author Sarah Hurwitz

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Oct 21, 2025

Guest

Sarah Hurwitz

Sarah Hurwitz, a bestselling author and rabbinical student, joins Jonah Platt to discuss her insightful book, As a Jew. They dive into the complexities of Jewish identity and the reclamation of history in the face of antisemitism. Hurwitz explains how internalized shame has shaped traditions and highlights the importance of education as empowerment. She addresses the misconceptions surrounding Zionism, the need for honest dialogue about Israel, and the role of Jewish texts in modern spirituality. This conversation is a rich tapestry of wisdom and reflection.

01:17:14

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ADVICE

Teach Israel Honestly

Teach Israel's full, honest history rather than offering a sanitized or zero-sided account.
Honest education prevents young Jews from abandoning Israel due to perceived deception.

insights

INSIGHT

Short Clips Mislead Big Audiences

Social media clips lack context and can mislead large audiences into false conclusions.
Relying on raw videos as definitive proof fuels delusional, harmful public discourse.

volunteer_activism

ADVICE

State Condemnations Clearly

Explicitly condemn atrocities and Hamas when criticizing Israel to avoid being assumed sympathetic to terrorists.
Make your positions clear to prevent moral shorthand from defining you by omission.

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Revisiting Sarah Hurwitz and Her New Book

18:36 • 1min

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What Is the Rage In Her Book Directed At?

19:51 • 18sec

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Why Title the Book 'As a Jew' and Owning Jewish Identity

20:09 • 1min

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Thesis of 'As a Jew' — Internalized Shame and Lost Traditions

21:33 • 4min

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The 'Wrong Keys' Given to Jewish Americans

25:40 • 2min

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Obedience, Disobedience, and Torah Role Models

28:02 • 1min

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Chosenness Means Responsibility, Not Superiority

29:24 • 3min

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The Right Keys: Torah, Study, Holiness

32:09 • 3min

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How to Reconcile B'tzelem Elohim with Troubling Texts

34:52 • 1min

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Tracing the Origins of Antisemitism

36:20 • 2min

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Hanukkah Antisemitism and the Conversion Demand

38:37 • 3min

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Is Shaming Jews into Abandoning Israel Effective?

41:12 • 1min

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Clarifying Zionism vs. Israeli Government Criticism

42:20 • 1min

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Using Jews to Think With: How Societies Define Themselves

43:40 • 2min

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Tikkun Olam, Social Justice, and Jewish Particularity

45:35 • 3min

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Jewish Survival, Power, and Moral Tensions

48:42 • 39sec

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Forming Inclusive Jewish-Led Social Movements

49:20 • 2min

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Why Address Israel Now After Avoiding It Previously?

51:22 • 54sec

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Can Peace Exist If One Side Refuses Jewish Sovereignty?

52:16 • 2min

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The Forgotten Jewish Communities from the Middle East and North Africa

54:46 • 1min

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Why Anti-Jewish Propaganda Spreads and What Counters It

56:09 • 2min

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Inversion Tactics and Brandolini's Law in Anti-Israel Campaigns

58:12 • 54sec

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Antisemitism on the Right and Threats to Democracy

59:06 • 1min

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Distinguishing Political Antisemitism from Social Prejudice

01:00:14 • 3min

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How Hospital Chaplaincy Revealed Jewish Practices of Confronting Mortality

01:02:47 • 3min

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How to Talk Honestly About Dying with Loved Ones

01:05:46 • 1min

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Making Study a Spiritual Practice in Modern Life

01:06:57 • 2min

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Practical Entry Points into 2,500 Years of Jewish Texts

01:09:03 • 1min

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Why Sarah Is Pursuing Rabbinical Training Now

01:10:28 • 2min

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Rabbinic Roll Call: Quick Text and Practice Questions

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Anti-Judaism

H. L. Ellison

David Nirenberg's 'Anti-Judaism' explores the historical and structural role of anti-Judaism in shaping Western thought and identity over two millennia. Nirenberg argues that, the West has defined itself in opposition to imagined characteristics of Jews and Judaism, using them as a consistent 'significant other'. He analyzes how anti-Judaism has evolved and adapted across different periods, from early Christianity to the secular age. The book examines how negative perceptions of Jews have been instrumental in the formation of Western values, norms, and institutions. By tracing the persistent influence of anti-Judaism, Nirenberg sheds light on the complex relationship between Jews and the West. His analysis provides a framework for understanding the deep-seated prejudices that continue to affect Jewish-Western relations.

#18011

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

A Code of Jewish Ethics: Volume I

You Shall Be Holy

Joseph Telushkin

In this first volume of 'A Code of Jewish Ethics,' Joseph Telushkin explores various aspects of Jewish ethics, including building character, good manners and civility, humility, anger, and the nuances of truth and lies. The book is a monumental work on personal character and integrity, drawing from Jewish texts and traditions to provide practical ethical guidance.

#6399

• Mentioned in 6 episodes

Here All Along

Sarah Hurwitz

In 'Here All Along', Sarah Hurwitz shares her journey of rediscovering Judaism after years of being a self-described 'lapsed Jew'. She delves into the richness of Jewish traditions, ethics, and spirituality, making Judaism accessible and relevant for modern readers. The book explores how Hurwitz's exploration of Judaism transformed her life and offers insights into the timeless wisdom of Jewish practices.

#6273

• Mentioned in 6 episodes

As a Jew

Reclaiming Our Story From Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us

Sarah Hurwitz

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Our first returning guest, Sarah Hurwitz, rejoins Jonah to discuss her powerful new book As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us — a work as essential as it is uplifting in a post–October 7th world. In this deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation, Sarah reflects on how education can be a true source of empowerment and shares insights from her own evolving Jewish journey. Drawing from years of research and her current pursuit of the rabbinate, she offers a rich, nuanced perspective on what it means to live — and lead — as a Jew today.

For Sarah, Judaism isn’t about any single expression — not just Israel, Hebrew, activism, or observance — but the harmony of all these threads woven together with curiosity, study and connection to the sacred wisdom of our ancient tradition. This episode feels like stepping into a vibrant, welcoming congregation — full of learning, laughter, and meaning. Don’t miss this inspiring and deeply grounding conversation on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt.

Host & Production Team

Host: Jonah Platt; Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones, Story Producer Sean Leviashvili, Editor Diana DeCilio, and Executive Assistant Jax Santiago of Rainbow Creative; Editor: Noem Klement; Chief Business Officer Kenyon Laing, Executive Assistant Josie Rothschild; Research Associate Samantha Greenwald; Associate Producer Rachel Stern; YouTube Consultants - Zac Stein & Jason Al-Samarrie - Production Assistant, Charlie Zuker; Interns Sasha Nelson & Emma Webb; & Graphic Designer, Noah Bell