Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

In this engaging conversation, Noa Tishby, an Israeli-American actress and former Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism, touches on her journey from Israeli stardom to Hollywood. She discusses the complexities of Jewish identity in America versus Israel and reflects on her impactful work in advocacy. Noa shares behind-the-scenes stories from producing HBO's 'In Treatment' and delves into her viral Hanukkah videos. Her thoughts on the Iran threat and the Gaza conflict spark important discussions about communal responsibility and combating antisemitism.

David Baddiel, a British comedian and author known for his sharp insights on Jewish identity, joins the conversation to discuss his book, 'Jews Don’t Count.' He tackles the double standards in addressing antisemitism compared to other forms of racism and shares personal stories from his family's escape from Nazi Germany. Baddiel also reflects on the complexities of Jewish representation in media and the emotional landscape of his atheism. With humor and honesty, he navigates the nuances of contemporary anti-Jewish racism, emphasizing the need for recognition and dialogue.

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:Jonah@JonahPlatt.comTo contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishAuburn Men's Basketball head coach Bruce Pearl joins Jonah for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about life, leadership, and faith, only a few weeks after leading Auburn to their second NCAA Final Four.  A legendary figure in college basketball, Coach Pearl opens up about his Jewish heritage, his decision to speak up for the Israeli hostages in the middle of the NCAA March Madness Tournament, his ideas for the Middle East post-Gaza/Israel war, and his mission to build bridges between different communities of faith around the world.🎙️ Other topics include:The Jewish Evangelical Christian AllianceInterfaith marriageThe truth about Palestine and QatarReal-World coaching scenariosBeing a Jewish coach in AlabamaWhat’s broken in American Jewish educationWhether you're passionate about sports, Judaism, or geopolitics, this episode offers a rare and inspiring look at the intersection of athletics, identity, and advocacy.Sign Up For “One Mitzvah A Day”Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editors: Patrick Edwards & 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 Bell; Interns: Sasha Nelson & Emma WebbMENTIONED IN EPISODEBruce Pearl Coaching BioWhat is the Hebrew Word “Kavana?” Coach Bruce Pearl Uses Post-Game Conference to Speak Up for Eden Alexander | Video + ArticleAdi Alexander Reacts to Auburn Coach’s Comments About His SonIsraeli President Isaac Herzog Thanks Coach Bruce Pearl Jewish Wedding Traditions Explained Three Jewish Basketball Coaches Reach The Final FourThe 1943 Alabama Resolution on Israel No Genocide in Gaza Myth: Israel is An Apartheid StateArabs in Israel Make Up Nearly A Quarter of Healthcare & Medical WorkersIsrael Removes Jews Out of Gaza in 2005Jewish Graves Disassembled in Gaza During 2005 Withdrawal What is Mount Moriah & Why is It Significant to Judaism?What is Gethsemane?Jewish Holy Sites in Judea & Samaria/West BankWhat is Nakba?Britain, France, Canada release joint statement against IsraelGolda Meir quoteQatar Funds HamasBruce Pearl Calls On The World to “Wake Up” Yaron Lischinsky & Sarah Milgrim Murdered in DC by Terrorist Who Shouted “Free Palestine”BBC & NBC Report Erroneous Statistics About Babies in Gaza Abdul Basheer transfers to play basketball at Auburn UniversityJonah’s monologue about struggling with GodJonah and Sarah Hurwitz talk ShavuotJonah’s monologue on “Going Full Jew”Jonah talks Shavuot with Tessa Veksler and Eden YadegarJonah’s episode with Chris CaresnoneWhat is the Significance of Shavuot? What is The Zohar? Sacred Kabbalistic TextDan Senor’s Podcast “Call Me Back” with Guest Rachel Goldberg-Polin (Shavuot Discussion)The Book of Ruth (Sacred Jewish Text)Understanding King David Why Do We Study Torah on Shavuot?

In an enlightening conversation, André Aciman, renowned author of 'Call Me By Your Name', shares his experiences as a Sephardic Jew shaped by displacement across multiple cultures. He discusses the rich tapestry of his Jewish heritage and the emotional complexities of belonging. Aciman reflects on how his family's past influences his writing, particularly in his latest work, 'Room on the Sea'. The dialogue navigates themes of love, identity, and the struggles of adaptation, offering a deep dive into the interplay between personal memory and artistic expression.

Jonah Platt chats with Chris Caresnone, a Black content creator known for his multicultural culinary adventures. They dive into Los Angeles' Jewish food scene, tasting Borekas and the innovative Wagyu shawarma. Chris shares his journey of building bridges through food, tackling topics of identity and resilience, and how cultural meals foster community. The conversation highlights the importance of connecting over shared heritage and the richness of Jewish culinary traditions, punctuated with humor and heartfelt anecdotes.

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:Jonah@JonahPlatt.comTo contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishWe're dropping in a compelling conversation from the Unholy podcast, hosted by Jonathan Freedland and Yonit Levi, featuring our very own Jonah Platt.Jonah dives into the need for stronger Jewish community security, the tensions within families and institutions, and how Hollywood and college campuses are wrestling with Jewish identity. He also shares why he sees signs of a modern Jewish renaissance—and what gives him hope.This thoughtful, wide-ranging interview reflects the heart of Being Jewish: honest dialogue, cultural insight, and voices that matter.Tune in and share—it’s one you won’t want to miss.Connect with UnHolyhttps://www.instagram.com/unholypodcast/https://linktr.ee/unholypod

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:Jonah@JonahPlatt.comTo contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishThe Canadian Queen of Cartoons is in the house! Legendary voice actor Tara Strong has created some of the most iconic characters of all time—Timmy Turner (The Fairly OddParents), Bubbles (Powerpuff Girls), Raven (Teen Titans), Twilight Sparkle (My Little Pony), and Dil Pickles (Rugrats)— now she’s speaking out as herself. In this episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah and Tara sit down for a candid and courageous conversation about using your voice—on and off the screen.Tara opens up about what it’s like to be a proud Jewish woman in the entertainment industry—navigating the intersection of celebrity, activism, and antisemitism in 2025. With humor, heart, and an unapologetic sense of self, she shares the personal cost of standing up for Israel, the vitriol she’s received online, and why she refuses to stay silent.Watch this episode on YouTube at: YouTube.com/@BeingJewishPodcastWe dive deep into:✅ Tara’s Jewish roots and her journey to spiritual empowerment✅ The backlash—and unexpected support—after Tara spoke out on October 7th✅ Tara’s loving & meaningful connection to the neurodivergent community ✅ The Jewish takes on classic cartoon characters you never knew you needed!Connect with our guest!Follow Tara Stronghttps://www.instagram.com/tarastrong https://x.com/tarastrongHost & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editors: Nathan Wheatley & 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 BellMENTIONED IN EPISODETara Strong’s VO Organization: VoicelingsTara Strong’s IMDB Profile Tara Strong’s Speech About March of The LivingTara Strong’s Statement on IG After October 7thTara Strong’s Statement on X After October 7thGail Simmons on Being Jewish with Jonah PlattJonah Platt Speaks at Book of Life Event in TorontoTara Strong & Jodi Benson Sing Song From The Little Mermaid SequelTara’s 2025 Passover SederTara Post About Jewish Solidarity in May 2021Middle East Film & Comic Con Majdanek Concentration Camp  Hannah Senez’s poem/song “Eli Eli” (performed by Netanela)Children of Peace: Organization Promoting Israeli-Palestinian CoexistenceHand-in-Hand Schools: Jewish-Arab School Program in Israel  Tara Strong “Boxtown” FalloutOne Mitzvah A DayDani Bowman from Love on the Spectrum Danimation EntertainmentWatch Love on the Spectrum on Netflix Remembering Noya Dan: Hamas Victim Who Was on The SpectrumRachel Goldberg-Polin Joins Tara Strong on IG Live To Discuss HostagesTara Strong’s Partner Willie Strong & Their Farm

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:Jonah@JonahPlatt.comTo contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishJewish college students are standing up—and they’re not backing down. In this powerful episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with two outstanding Jewish student leaders: Tessa Veksler (former UCSB Student Body President) and Eden Yadegar (Columbia University senior). These passionate advocates open up about what it's really like to be Jewish students facing antisemitism on college campuses today, no matter what you might see (or not!) on the news. Armed with their voices, courage, and personal histories as daughters of immigrants who escaped anti-Jewish regimes abroad, they’re reclaiming Jewish identity, challenging misinformation and demanding visibility, safety, and truth. And they’re doing it all in some of the most charged environments in higher education.Watch this episode on YouTube at: YouTube.com/@BeingJewishPodcastWe dive deep into:✅ The shocking and pervasive rise of Jew hatred on college campuses✅ The difference between more assimilated American Jews and those from families who fled persecution✅ What Jewish student leaders are doing well — and where we need to go from here✅ Engagement with the World Zionist Congress and global Jewish identity ✅ What inspires the next generation of Jewish advocates and how YOU can make a differenceWhether you're a Jewish student, parent, educator, or ally, this episode offers honest insight, personal stories, and empowering takeaways.This episode is sponsored by PJ Library, the amazing non-profit that sends FREE age-appropriate Jewish storybooks and activities every single month to families with kids age 0-12. Did we mention, it’s free! Sign up today at pjlibrary.org/JonahConnect with our guests!Follow Eden Yadegar on Instagram @edenyadegarFollow Tessa Veksler on Instagram @tessavekslerHost & 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 BellMENTIONED IN EPISODESign Up for PJ Library To Receive Free Jewish Children's Books: www.pjlibrary.org/jonahEden Yadegar’s AISH ProfileTessa Veksler’s AISH Profile Students Supporting Israel (SSI) - On-Campus OrganizationOctober 8th Film“We’re Not Going Anywhere” Featuring Tessa Veksler College TourADL’s Report on Antisemitism at Columbia UniversityFederal Civil Rights Complaint Against UCSB (On Behalf of Tessa Veksler)Recall Petition Against Student Body President Tessa Veksler Filed at UCSBEden Yadegar Files Suit Against Columbia University“Jewish Joy is Resistance” Bracelet NCSY Teen TripsWhat is the Kotel? (Wailing Wall in Israel) Going Full Jew with Jonah PlattTessa’s Post on October 9th, 2023Columbia University Suspends SJP Chapter in 2023What is Columbia University Apartheid Divest?Families of Hostages Sue Columbia University Groups over Alleged Ties to Hamas Former Hostage Shlomi Ziv Reveals Hamas Told Him They Provided Financial Support to Student GroupsHostage Edan Alexander Finally Released, May 12th, 2025World Zionist CongressWilshire Boulevard Temple What is Tahdig? (Eden’s Favorite Dish From Iran)What are Pelmeni? (Tessa’s Favorite Dish from Russia)

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:Jonah@JonahPlatt.comTo contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishIn this powerful episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years, 13) joins Jonah for a raw and thought-provoking conversation about what it means to be Jewish in American theater today. From the complexities of Jewish pride and representation to the discomfort he feels being labeled “America’s greatest Jewish composer,” Jason opens up like never before.The two dive into Jason’s legendary career, exploring the cultural impact of his shows and how Jewish themes have shaped and challenged his work. Jason shares intimate reflections on his relationships with Broadway icons Hal Prince and Alfred Uhry, the artistic tension between creative integrity and commercial success, and how he’s always felt like an outsider, even within the institutions and communities where he “should” feel at home.If you care about Broadway, authentic storytelling, identity, or what it means to stay rooted as an artist in turbulent times, this episode will challenge and inspire you.Watch this episode on YouTube: @BeingJewishOfficial - https://youtu.be/x74YTgGNc_cConnect with Sharaka Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharakango/Connect with Luai AhmedInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/justluai Connect with Jonathan ElkhouryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jon_elkInstagram Highlights from Jonah’s Trip with Sharaka to Polandhttps://www.instagram.com/p/DI5w6Dbxmou/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D Host & 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 BellMENTIONED IN EPISODESharaka: A Partnership for Moderate Arabs Seeking Dialogue with Jews & Israelis Understanding the Abraham Accords See Jonah Platt at Chai Tech in NYC Hear Jonah Platt at Am Shalom in Glencoe, ILHear Jonah at UJA’s Westchester Celebration 2015The Last Five Years on BroadwayShiksa Goddess (From The Last Five Years) Performed by Jeremy JordanThe Shmuel Song (From The Last Five Years) Performed by Jonathan BaileyThe Story of Leo Frank - the Inspiration Behind ParadeNational Tour of ParadeWho is Broadway Producer Hal Prince?Who is Writer Alfred Uhry?Who is Choreographer Rob Ashford?Donmar Warehouse Production of ParadeWho is Performer & Director Michael Arden?Parade at City CenterJason Robert Brown Developing Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil for BroadwayBridges of Madison County MusicalThe Last Five Years Film13! The Musical MovieWho is Musical Director Andrew Resnick?Watch Spread on TubiHoneymoon in Vegas Chanukah Suite by Jason Robert BrownManeschewitz Merengue by Jason Robert Brown Yiddish Theater in NYCStuart Weitzman on Being Jewish with Jonah PlattWho is Broadway’s Daisy Prince?88 Keys Piano Bar Songs For A New World by Jason Robert BrownJackie Tohn on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

In this engaging conversation, Dana Bash, CNN's chief political correspondent and a devoted voice in journalism, dives deep into her Jewish identity and the haunting legacy of her grandparents' Holocaust survival. She recounts the impactful moments of reporting live during the October 7th conflict and reflects on the evolution of trust in media, particularly due to outlets like Fox News. Dana also shares her inspiring journey from intern to anchor, offering candid insights into the chaotic world of political reporting and the significance of heritage in her life.