Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

In a compelling discussion, philosopher and journalist Bernard-Henri Lévy dives deep into contemporary issues of Jewish solidarity and historic conflict. Drawing on his extensive experience as a war correspondent, he examines the implications of October 7th on Jewish identity and global perceptions. Lévy argues for the necessity of defeating Hamas militarily, critiques the rise of anti-Zionism, and emphasizes the fragility of democracy. He passionately defends Israel's unique resilience and the importance of confronting antisemitism, urging a return to moral clarity in public discourse.

Dr. Miri Bar-Halpern, a Harvard-affiliated clinical psychologist and trauma expert, shares her insights on traumatic invalidation in the Jewish community after the October 7th attacks. Growing up in Israel during conflict, she discusses how inherited trauma shapes mental health responses. Miri highlights her efforts with Parents for Peace to prevent radicalization and combat antisemitism, emphasizing the importance of validating Jewish trauma. Her work advocates for mental health support and education to nurture resilience and address community needs.

In this landmark 50th episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah celebrates the milestone with his wife, Courtney Ann Platt (Glee, So You Think You Can Dance, Rock of Ages), the world-class dancer, television star, and multiple sclerosis advocate whose journey into Judaism has become a defining part of the traditions and values in their home. From growing up Italian Catholic in New York to becoming a Jewish mother raising three young Platts, Courtney opens up about the turning points that reshaped her life.With humor and candor, Courtney and Jonah revisit the early days of their relationship, the emotional path of Courtney’s Orthodox conversion, and their commitment to blending two traditions under one roof, from negotiating Christmas celebrations to creating a home where Jewish values are woven into everyday life. Courtney also reflects on motherhood, the visceral awakening she felt after October 7th, and how becoming part of the Jewish people changed her understanding of community, resilience, and responsibility. The conversation touches on spirituality, loss, MS, and what it means to both choose and defend your identity. This milestone episode is a celebration of love, tradition, and the family Courney and Jonah have built together. It’s an intimate look at what it means to choose Judaism, and to choose each other.Other Topics Include:The Story of How Jonah and Courtney Met Doing HAIR at the Hollywood BowlJonah and Courtney’s First Date & First “I Love You”How and When to Bring Up “The Conversion Convo”Conversion to Judaism: The Process and ChallengesProtecting Jewish Identity Post-October 7thJewish Day School vs. Hebrew SchoolHow Jonah Learned to Love Christmas!How Grief Affects Our Faith in GodThe Losses of Courtney’s SYTYCD brothers, Stephen “Twitch” Boss & Joshua Allen Courtney’s Life with MS (multiple sclerosis)Please support the podcast and become a member (join the Kahillah) to get exclusive benefits. https://beingjewishpodcast.com/communityMentioned In The Episode:Courtney Ann Platt InstagramUnstoppable: How Professional Dancer Courtney Platt Has Redefined Success While Navigating Society With Relapsing Multiple SclerosisGlee (Disney+)Hit the Floor (Apple TV)Rock of Ages (Apple TV)Camp Rock Two (Disney+)Adam Shankman L.A. Theater Review: ‘Hair’ at the Hollywood BowlAngelini Osteria & AlimentariCamp Ramah in CaliforniaVatican CityThe Rich History of Mall SantasWhat Happens on the Day of ConversionKnicks City DancersSo You Think You Can Dance (Prime Video)Why Bat Mitzvahs (and other parties) need a dance motivatorBJJP Tiffany HaddishWhat Is Rosh HashanahOhr Torah StoneThe MikvahWhat is Niddah?Why do Jewish Women Wear Wigs?Tattooing in Jewish LawThe Blessing of UnpluggingWhy Fast on Yom Kippur?Why do we Wear a Kippah?October 13, 2024 “Day of Jihad”Being Jewish: Together Mosaic ShabbatHoneymoon IsraelJoshua Allen, ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ season 4 winner, dies in train accidentRemembering Marc BeckerWhat is Kavanah?Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.comTo contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishWritten and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing,  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

Duff Goldman, a celebrity pastry chef and beloved TV personality, shares his heartwarming journey from baking to embracing his Jewish identity. He candidly discusses experiences with antisemitism and how they shaped his connection to family and food. Duff opens up about his upcoming Duff's Deli and Market, blending culinary traditions, and the joy of mentoring young bakers on Kids Baking Championship. With reflections on recovery from a serious car accident and the importance of tzedakah, this conversation is a delightful mix of laughter, resilience, and rich traditions.

Jean-Claude Nkulikiyimfura, the Executive Director of Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village in Rwanda, shares his inspiring journey from refugee to leader. He highlights how Jewish principles like Tikkun Olam shape ASYV's holistic education model for genocide orphans. The conversation dives into the impactful Tulane study showing impressive student outcomes, the empowerment of young women through the Inheritance Theater Project, and the vital ‘Anything is Possible’ campaign, which aims to sustain ASYV's mission in rebuilding Rwanda.

In this spirited and emotional episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Broadway legend Seth Rudetsky — actor, pianist, musical director, SiriusXM host (Seth’s Big Fat Broadway, Seth Speaks), comedy writer, and tireless advocate — joins Jonah for an honest conversation about the deep history of Jewish contributions to Broadway. They discuss the rise of anti-Jewish and anti-Israel sentiment in the arts world, and the creations of the Jewish Broadway Alliance, a grassroots effort Seth launched in the wake of October 7th. Drawing from decades on stage and behind the piano, Seth opens up about the challenges of Jewish advocacy, the shock of Broadway’s silence that drove him to speak up, and the emotional weight of organizing initiatives like the Broadway-hosted hostage video and Broadway Shabbat. Seth and Jonah also delve into the highlights from Rudetsky's extraordinary career — from hosting Stars in the House during the COVID-19 pandemic to his concerts for social justice causes — and his dream of creating new educational content celebrating Jewish history through music. This conversation is a celebration of Jewish creativity and the deep-rooted bond between Jewish artists and the Broadway stage. And if you listen through to the end, you’ll find a special surprise that captures the spirit, heart, and joy that Seth brings to every room he enters.The Importance of Jewish Influence on BroadwayIntroducing the Special Episode and GuestSeth Advocacy and Jewish IdentityThe Impact of October 7th on SethForming the Jewish Broadway AllianceChallenges and Support in the Broadway CommunityBroadway Shabbat and Jewish JoyConcerts and Fundraising for Social JusticeStars in the House: A COVID-Time InitiativeCameron Crowe's Scaled-Down Broadway ProductionSupporting a One-Man Show: Ariel Stachel's StoryJewish Upbringing and Summer Camp MemoriesFive Deep Questions with Seth RudetskyGrand Finale: A Musical PerformanceThis episode is supported by Berkeley Mosha, a Jewish co-housing community in California.Mentioned:Seth Rudetsky InstagramSeth Rudetsky CareerJewish Broadway Alliance YouTubeSiriusXM On Broadway Seth’s Big Fat Broadway CruiseEntertainment Community FundSeth’s Posts after October 7thBroadway community “Bring Them Home” song for the HostagesBroadway for Orlando “What the World Needs Now”Broadway for Biden/Harris Inauguration Black Theater UnitedStars in the House YouTubeJack PlotnickShabbat on BroadwayAmanda LipitzJulie Benko Sings “Tomorrow” - Hanukkah on BroadwayEverything’s Coming Up Moses by Rachel Shukert: A Biblical Fable based on GYPSYUnited Voices For ChangeAJC: 5 Facts About Jewish Connection to IsraelZionism has become a 'bad' word. It is anything but.Jewish Broadway Alliance with Roz RothsteinJewish Broadway Alliance with Ritchie TorresDefining AntizionismDreamgirls Reunion (Stars In The House)Congregation Beit Simchat TorahHelp is on the Way - David FriedmanConcert for AmericaCornell BrooksGrey’s Anatomy on Stars In The House30 Rock Special Stars In The HouseMaui Wildfires of 2023Stars in the House Offers Avenue Q Sing Through August 24 to Raise Funds for Hawaii Wildfire VictimsAri’el StachelAri’el Stachel’s play, OtherAriel Stachel videos about Jewish identityCamp HillelUSDAN Summer Camp Duck Sauce - Barbra StreisandVarla Jean Merman’s StonewallBirthright IsraelPeople Moving Back to Kibbutz Nir OzDr. Noam Wiesman on Being JewishVan Jones on Being JewishNeshama AppWhat I’ve Learnt PodcastTrybal GatheringsMagen David AdomTestigos Del TerrorLeah Soibel on Being JewishFuente Latina_BBYO Mountain RegionThe Big ShabbatWatch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.comTo contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish

In this powerful episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Academy Award-nominated producer Lawrence Bender — the creative producing force behind Pulp Fiction, Good Will Hunting, Reservoir Dogs, An Inconvenient Truth and Inglorious Basterds — Joins Jonah for a candid conversation about the film industry’s reckoning after October 7th and the moral weight of telling real stories in the aftermath of tragedy. Bender’s latest project, Paramount+ miniseries Red Alert, dramatizes the true stories of horror, heroism, and hope that took place on October 7th, 2023, the darkest chapter in Israel’s history.Bender shares what drew him to the series — from his deep personal connection with Israel, to his collaboration with Israeli production company Keshet, to the emotional and logistical challenges of bringing real stories to screen amid an ongoing conflict. He opens up about the silence he witnessed from Hollywood and his peers in the aftermath of October 7th, and reflects on how his Jewish identity has shaped his life and career.This episode is both an exploration on the power of art and a call to conscience, illuminating how filmmakers like Bender use their craft to bear witness, challenge complacency, and re-humanize the media headlines that shape our world.In the episode they discuss:From civil engineer to dancer to Hollywood mega-producerGrowing up in Antisemitic AmericaThe Impact of October 7th and the Birth of Red AlertLawrence's Meeting with Former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon PeresMeeting the Real Heroes of Red AlertBeing Quentin Tarantino’s Partner & Inglorious BastardsThe Challenges of Filming in During a WarSelling an Israel-focused Series in Today’s Anti-Israel HollywoodPlease support the podcast and become a member (join the Kahillah) to get exclusive benefits. https://beingjewishpodcast.com/communityMentioned In The Episode:Lawrence Bender On InstagramRed Alert on Paramount PlusKeshet Israel Policy ForumAbu Mazin (Mahmoud Abbas) Believes in a Two State Solution and Opposes ViolenceJoc Pederson (Former Dodger)Domantas Sobonis (King’s Basketball Player)Jackie Thon on Being Jewish with Jonah PlattDuffy DiggsHosni MubarakBoaz YakinTwo Distant Strangers - Best Live-Action Short Oscar-WinnerCops and Robbers short filmJordana Reuben Yecheil Oct 7 billboardsLior ChefetzThe StrongholdOct. 7 series ‘Red Alert’ a harrowing global reminder of what unfolded in Hamas massacreRocket Alerts from GazaThe Gay Parade in IsraelYad Vashem Holocaust MuseumOhad Yahalomi Ziv KorenActors and directors pledge not to work with Israeli film groups ‘implicated in genocide’Skip Brittenham ObituaryDavid Ellison Brings New Direction to ParamountShimon PeresWritten and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing,  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

Jake Tapper, an Emmy Award-winning CNN anchor and bestselling author, engages in a thought-provoking discussion on politics and Jewish identity. He delves into the impact of the Virginia governor's race and the current state of both political parties. Tapper examines why non-Jews may hesitate to condemn antisemitism and discusses the prevalence of this sentiment across the political spectrum. He also shares personal stories from October 7th, touching on the emotional weight of his reporting and the importance of human connection in securing a Jewish future.

Ami Kozak, a modern Orthodox comedian and impressionist, discusses how his Jewish identity influences his daring approach to comedy and truth. He reflects on the transformation in his purpose after October 7, emphasizing moral clarity. Ami shares his strategies for engaging controversial figures like Candace Owens while confronting ideas rather than personal attacks. He critiques the misuse of terms like 'genocide' and argues for a nuanced understanding of Israel's responsibilities amidst conflict. His creative process for crafting sharp impressions is both enlightening and entertaining.

In this engaging session, Sarah Podemski, a Canadian actress known for her role in FX's Reservation Dogs, and Lani Anpo, a multi-tribal Native American Jewish advocate, explore the complexities of their dual Jewish and Indigenous identities. They share personal stories about acceptance and challenges faced within their communities. Topics include blood quantum laws, tribal sovereignty, and the rich cultural parallels between Native and Jewish experiences. Their insights into community engagement and embracing mixed heritage are both enlightening and empowering.