Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

A Jew, Two Jewish Latinas, and a gay Latino mass shooting survivor walk into a podcast… and 3 of them are related! In this unique episode of Being Jewish, Jonah sits down with Arizona legislators Consuelo, Alma, and Daniel Hernandez—three powerhouse siblings shaping Arizona’s Democratic party. Together, they are living proof that representation matters—and that activism starts at home.🕊️ Alma and Consuelo, the first Jewish Latinas electeds to American political history, share their intimate journeys of converting to Judaism—the backlash they’ve faced and how their experiences as women of color shape their tireless advocacy for inclusivity and equality for all. 🏛️ Daniel, known for his pivotal role in saving Congresswoman Gabby Giffords' life and currently running for Congress in Arizona’s 7th district Special Election, opens up about his life in public service, his commitment to his LGBTQ+ community, and his unbridled passion for Israel and Jewish culture - despite not technically being Jewish himself!This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a testament to what’s possible when you choose to show up, speak out, and lead with your full authentic self. Come get inspired!Watch the full episode on YouTube: @BeingJewishPodcast: https://youtu.be/1hYHlqW5DyY Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish  Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comHost & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Nathan Wheatley); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah BellMENTIONED IN EPISODESupport Daniel Hernandez's Run for Congress!Jewish-Muslim Ties in Azerbaijan Azerbaijan Becomes First Muslim Country to Define Antisemitism in TextbooksJewish Federation’s Young Leadership CabinetGermany’s Laws on Hate SpeechMeaning Behind DayenuDaniel Hernandez: The Intern Who Helped Rescue Gabby GiffordsHernandez Siblings Lead Bipartisan Trip To IsraelMeet Rabbi Stephanie Aaron: The Rabbi Who Guided The Hernandez Siblings in Their Jewish JourneyAlma Hernadez’s ZIONIST License PlateA Wider Bridge: An Organization for LGBT+ JewsMedical Crimes - The Experiments of AuschwitzAlma Hernandez with Her Late FatherHolocaust Education Bill Passes Due To Alma Hernandez’s AdvocacyBills Passed by Alma HernandezBills Passed by Consuelo HernandezArticle: Why the LGBT Community Opposes Israel, According to a Gay ZionistTel Aviv PrideRitchie Torres on Being Jewish with Jonah PlattArizona LGBTQ Caucus (Co-founded by Daniel Hernandez Jr.)Alma Hernandez Escorted Out By Police After Anti-Israel Protestors Harrass Her

It’s Spring Break! So this week we’re bringing you a replay of our Webby & RCC Wilbur Award-winning episode with Van Jones - with whom Jonah will once again be sitting down with for a Passover “Freedom Seder” this week, almost one year to the day from the first Seder where they met. We’ll be back with all new-episodes next week!Watch this episode on YouTube @BeingJewishPodcast: https://youtu.be/ZR0qUIUGAKM Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish  Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comHost & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell

Shakespeare hated Jews?? In Part 2 of Jonah Platt’s fascinating conversation with acclaimed author Dara Horn, they dive deep into:📚 The antisemitism embedded in classic literature — from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice to Roald Dahl’s The Witches 📖 Dara’s entire body of fiction work and what inspires her stories 🍷 Her famously elaborate Passover Seders 🎉 A slew of other fun and thought-provoking Jewish questions 🐐 And of course… her new children’s book One Little Goat — out now!This episode is a must-listen and watch for lovers of Jewish culture, literature, and tradition — and for anyone seeking deeper insights into how Judaism shows up in the stories we tell and the ones we inherit.Watch the episode at @BeingJewishPodcast: https://youtu.be/-Hv3F7nV2M8!Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish  Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comHost & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Nathan Wheatley); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah BellMentioned In The EpisodeGET DARA’S NEW BOOK! One Small Goat: A Passover Catastrophe by Dara Horn: https://a.co/d/a54x1wzwww.darahorn.comDara Horn is Obsessed with Passover - Hadassah Magazine Article Chad Gadya Lyrics ExplainedCapacity: A Comic by Theo EllsworthPeople Love Dead Jews by Dara HornIn The Image by Dara HornAll Other Nights by Dara HornEternal Life by Dara HornPre Order As A Jew by Sarah HurwitzThe Jewish History of Tzfat, IsraelWho Doesn’t Love Roald Dahl? By Dara HornRoald Dahl’s Active Antisemitismhttps://www.roalddahlmuseum.org/our-story/anti-racism-statement/ https://forward.com/fast-forward/349771/roald-dahls-family-has-apologized-for-his-jew-hatred-what-were-the-5-worst/Dr. Nathan Winter’s Book: Jewish Education in a Pluralist SocietyDr. Einat WilfYossi Klein HaleviAuthor Matti FriedmanYiddish Hero Avraham SutzkeverNuremberg Trial Testimony of Avrom SutzkeverBook: From The Vilna Ghetto to Nuremberg: Memoir and Testimony by Abraham Sutzkever & Justin Cammy The Paper Brigade & The Holocaust YIVO Institute for Jewish Research

Is the world more comfortable with dead Jews than living ones? In this powerful conversation, bestselling author Dara Horn (People Love Dead Jews) joins Being Jewish with Jonah Platt to discuss the origins of antisemitism, how it manifests today—including on college campuses—and why Holocaust education may be doing Jews more harm than good.Dara and Jonah also explore the role of Jews as history’s great non-conformists, the truth about Zionism and… ancient Greek reverse circumcisions?! If you want to understand the real story behind antisemitism, Jewish resilience, Israel, and why these issues matter more than ever, don’t miss this episode!Check out Dara Horn’s newest book, One Little Goat: A Passover CatastropheWatch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZxS8iATYQqY Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish  Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comHost & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Nathan Wheatley); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah BellMentioned In The Episode:www.DaraHorn.comDara Horn’s newest book, One Little Goat: A Passover CatastrophePeople Love Dead Jews by Dara HornIs Holocaust Education Making Antisemitism Worse? By Dara HornDara Horn’s Article: Becoming Anne FrankAdventures with Dead Jews PodcastWho is Wilhelm Marr? Jewish Holidays & The Land of IsraelA Basic History of Soviet AntisemitismThe Jewish Travel Guide That Inspired “The Green Book”Pogroms & Exterminations of Jews in Ukraine

Emmy and Grammy-winning comedian Tiffany Haddish opens up about discovering Judaism as an adult and having her “Black Mitzvah” at age 40!  She covers all her toughest struggles in this raw and unfiltered conversation—from growing up in foster care, her mother’s tragic accident, to fighting her way to the top of Hollywood stardom. But one of her biggest personal revelations? Discovering her Jewish roots.From sleeping in her car to selling out Netflix comedy specials to headlining blockbuster movies like “Girl Trip,” Tiffany gets real about her journey to embracing Judaism, reuniting with her African Jewish father, and what it means to navigate the world as both Black and Jewish. From Bat Mitzvah dancer to a Bat Mitzvah herself, what has faith taught her about resilience, success, and staying true to herself? This is one episode you don’t want to miss.EXPLICIT LANGUAGE* This episode features more F bombs than usual son we just wanted to give y'all a heads up!Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5QccpVosg3AStay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish  Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comHost & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah BellMentioned the EpisodeTiffany Haddish’s Funny & Fearless TourI Curse You With Joy by Tiffany HaddishThe Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany HaddishShe Ready Foundation for Youth in Foster Care (Tiffany Haddish’s Nonprofit)Tiffany Haddish’s Black Mitzvah (Netflix Special)The Laugh Factory Comedy CampTiffany Haddish & DJ Timbo’s Behind The Scenes Footage from Bar/Bat MitzvahsWatch “Girls Trip” The Asmara Synagogue in Eritrea Tiffany Haddish Opens Up About Reconnecting with Her Father Jewish History in EritreaEritrean War The Last Jews of EritreaSarah Silverman’s Rabbi Sister Susan SilvermanBacklash to Tiffany Haddish’s Trip To IsraelTiffany’s Torah Portion: Jacob’s Ladder

Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook and author, shares her insights on resilience and ambition shaped by personal grief. She reflects on her Jewish identity and the silence following the October 7th attacks, intertwining stories of loss and strength. Sheryl discusses systemic barriers women face in leadership and the importance of community in navigating these challenges. Moreover, she highlights her documentary, 'Screams Before Silence,' addressing sexual violence in conflict, and underscores the significance of unity in confronting anti-Semitism.

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hlknXe8OSAUHollywood and Broadway producing legend Marc Platt (Wicked, La La Land, Legally Blonde) sits down with his son Jonah Platt for an intimate and powerful conversation on Jewish identity, Hollywood, and storytelling. In this special episode, Marc shares:📍 Growing up Jewish in segregated Baltimore and the values of justice, inclusivity, and giving back instilled by his parents 🎭 The Jewish themes in Wicked and what it’s like to produce a once-in-a-lifetime Broadway show 🎬 Developing the groundbreaking film Philadelphia and pushing for social change in Hollywood 🏆 His experience at the 97th Academy Awards and how the industry is evolving, and not always for the better 🎤 Why so many Hollywood Jews have been silent since October 7th—and his take on private vs. public responses to antisemitism🕊️ How trauma and loss deepened his connection to God and Jewish faith, shaping his outlook on lifeMarc’s legendary career in entertainment and deep-rooted Jewish values make for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation. If you love theater, film, Jewish culture, and honest discussions about Hollywood, this episode is for you!🔔 Like, comment & subscribe for more deep dives into Jewish life, history, and entertainment!  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDHMkJLWNyQMS9HM9Y4N2bw?sub_confirmation=1Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish  Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comHost & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah BellMentioned in Episode“Wicked” Novel by Gregory Maguire2021 Study Shows One-Quarter of LA’s Jews “Minimally Involved” with JudaismMonologue From Episode 23 of “Being Jewish with Jonah Platt” - “If You’re Still Silent About Antisemitism, Watch This!” Adam’s Sandler’s “Eight Crazy Nights”Adam Sandler’s “Zohan”Adam Sandler’s “Hanukkah Song”You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah Jonah’s Article for VarietyKieran Culkin’s Acceptance SpeechAdrien Brody’s Acceptance Speech Acceptance Speech For Team Behind “No Other Land”Marc Platt’s 20 Year Road To “Wicked” MovieHebrew Free Loan Association in BaltimoreGwynn Oak Amusement Park The Munich Hostage CrisisJewish Federations of North AmericaUPenn Hillel Lecha Dodi Prayer (Prayer for the Sabbath Bride) Watch “Philadelphia” Film AIDS & Job Discrimination Watch “We Will Dance Again” Marc Platt & Scooter Braun Host “We Will Dance Again” ScreeningsJonah’s video on Artists4CeasefireMarc Platt’s Favorite Yiddish Word: Sechel“The Fox Hunt” by Mohammed Al Samawi“How To Train Your Dragon” - Live Action Trailer

In this powerful episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with Australian broadcaster Erin Molan, an award-winning journalist, television presenter, and outspoken advocate for Israel. Known for her fearless commentary and sharp insights, Erin shares her unexpected journey—from having no Jewish friends to becoming one of Israel’s strongest international allies. She opens up about her career transformation—from sports journalism, covering rugby and Australian football, to reporting on global affairs, terrorism, and the Israel-Gaza conflict. Erin discusses her decision to call out terrorism, challenge media bias against Israel, and stand in unapologetic support of the Jewish people when many others stayed silent. For the past 17 months, Molan has been an unwavering voice in the conversation on Israel and Gaza, driven by a deep sense of morality, her father’s influence, and her firsthand experience in Israel. She also shares insights from her recent meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, reflecting on the importance of allyship, media responsibility and combating misinformation. This must-watch interview explores the power of journalistic integrity, the challenges of speaking up in today’s media landscape, and what it truly means to stand against antisemitism and terrorism.Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish  Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comConnect with Our GuestErin Molan: https://www.instagram.com/erin_molan/Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah BellDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!Mentioned in EpisodeVery helpful timeline of Historical Jew HateMurder of Jews During Holocaust in Romania Erin’s Father General Jim MolanErin Molan Meets Israel’s President Isaac Herzog General Jim Molan, Erin’s Father, Visits Israel & Gaza in 2015Erin Molan’s Video: Hamas Are Responsible for Suffering of Innocent PalestiniansErin Molan unloads on UN official Francesca Albanese over 'insane' responseErin Molan’s Monologue on Sinwar’s Death A Timeline of Anti-Jewish Attacks in Australia Time Magazine: The Worst 45 MInute Film You Will Ever See (Raw Hamas Footage Screenings in Israel & Beyond)What is Erin’s Law? Molan Attributes Sky News Departure To “Budget”Erin Molan’s Trip to Israelhttps://blogs.timesofisrael.com/erin-the-magnificent/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMPBJDMRXckErin Molan’s X Post About Her Stance on Israel and Terrorism Erin Molan on 69X Minutes - News Program on X

He’s a mogul, he’s a “macher” and most importantly … a mensch. Fashion designer and Jewish philanthropist Stuart Weitzman will steal your heart as he joins Jonah to discuss the two things most dear to his heart: Shoes and Jews. Beginning with an insightful conversation around career lessons and principles, Weitzman shares paramount advice on what it takes to be successful in nearly any industry or pursuit. Additionally, he shares his deep and unbreakable connection to Israel and the Jewish community worldwide. “When it comes to Israel, I laugh for them and I cry for them,” Weitzman says. “And I feel bad for anyone who doesn’t feel the same.” From participating in the Maccabiah games to speaking out against antisemitism on college campuses and building a Jewish museum in Spain, Weitzman’s connections and commitment to the Jewish cause is undeniable, and an inspiration to all. Kick off your shoes, grab a seat and check out this hilarious and heartfelt episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt. Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish  Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comHost & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah BellDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!Mentioned in EpisodeMask & Wig (UPenn Musical Improv Group) History of the I. Miller Shoe Store Hahn ShoesU.S. Shoe (Which Jonah’s Grandpa Ran)“The Origins of The Inquisition in Fifteenth Century Spain” by B. Netenyahu Stuart Weitzman’s Productions in Spain Jonah Platt Interviews Nobel Prize Winner Dr. Drew Weissman Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy (PBS Documentary Weitzman Produced)The Hamas Charter/CovenantPLO CharterThe Weitzman Museum Soon-to-Open Hispanic Jewish Museum in Madrid (March 2026)The Spanish Inquisition Jews in the Revolutionary PeriodJews in Moorish Spain Fuego Dance ShoesStuart Weitzman’s Collectibles Maccabi Games with Stuart Weitzman Stuart Weitzman named Maccabi USA Flag Bearer at 21st Maccabiah Opening Ceremonies Penn Lecturer Behind Grotesque Antisemitic CartoonsControversy Behind Palestine Writes Festival At UPennLiz Magill’s Downfall At UPennGigi Hadid & Stuart Weitzman’s Footwear Collaborations What is Shemini Atzeret?Stuart’s Cinderella Slippers

Watch this episode on YouTube @BeingJewishPodcast  Like many American Jews, formal religious education for Sarah Hurwitz ended with her Bat Mitzvah at age 13. But after an unbelievable career as a Speechwriter for some of the nation’s most influential Democratic leaders (including Hilary Clinton, President Barack Obama, and First Lady Michelle Obama), she found herself searching for a deeper meaning in life, only to discover that Judaism held all the wisdom for which she was looking– It was Here All Along, which is what Hurwitz named her brilliant book about her Jewish journey, the focus of her deep and thought provoking conversation with Jonah in this week's episode. They tackle the problems with modern Jewish education, the disappointing internalized self-hate of some American Jews, and the miraculous power of Jewish textual study. Hurwitz also opens up about her current college speaking tour, launched just days after the October 7th Hamas attacks, and shares invaluable advice for Jewish students and parents navigating the horrific anti-Jew climate on American campuses today. Rich with valuable insight, humor, and introspection, Sarah and Jonah bring their passion for the beauty of all things Jewish to this very special episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt.Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish  Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comHost & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell, and Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!Mentioned in Episode“Here All Along” -  Sarah HurwitzPre-order “As A Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame and Try to Erase Us” by Sarah Hurwitz“Nazi Germany & The Jews: Volume 1: The Years of Persecution” by Saul Friedlander“Nazi Germany & The Jews: Volume 2: The Years of Extermination” by Saul Friedlander“A Letter in the Scroll: Understanding Our Jewish Identity and Exploring the Legacy of the World’s Oldest Religion” by Rabbi Jonathan SacksThe British White Paper of 1939  & How it Halted Jewish Migration to IsraelFDR & The Evian Conference Regarding JewsJewish Enrollment At Harvard at Historic LowA Jewish Value: Argument For The Sake of HeavenHillel International Al Gore’s “Lockbox” SpeechHadar Institute (For Torah Study)“The Heart of Torah: Volume 1” by Rabbi Shai Held Mijal BittonHashkiveinu PrayerSvara YeshivaRabbi Isaiah Rothstein Sefaria (Free Online Jewish Texts & Teachings)