Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

• There’s No One Way to Orthodox with Jewish TikTok Star Melinda Strauss

  Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:[email protected] contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishMelinda Strauss is a modern Orthodox Jewish influencer and food blogger who passionately believes that Jewish joy is resistance and Jewish presence is power. Her digital journey began with a singular mission: to share, educate and enlighten others about the richness of Orthodox Jewish life. Feeling consistently misrepresented and misunderstood, Melinda took it upon herself to authentically showcase Orthodox Jewish identity to the world.What started with kosher recipe videos quickly grew into a powerful platform that highlights Jewish traditions, such as putting on Tefillin or wearing a Yarmulke. Her content has been met with some hate - but more curiosity and compassion. Today, Melinda Strauss is a vocal advocate for Jewish people, using her voice to increase visibility, fight anti-Jewish bigotry and celebrate Jewish heritage and culture globally — and she’s only just getting started.In this conversation with Jonah, Melinda discusses:The current climate and safety concerns facing the global Jewish community Melinda’s upcoming kosher cookbook Eat Jewish: 100 Recipes That Blend Jewish Heritage, Modern Flavors and Family Traditions Her personal journey living with Type 1 DiabetesHer nuanced thoughts on certain Jewish laws, including The Get The rich, diverse, and evolving tapestry of Orthodox Jewish identity Being Jewish Listener Survey (please help us!)https://forms.gle/rjvhcKgDD2yUknEw6Host & Production TeamHost/Creator: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sasha Nelson; Content Director: Alexandra Fugère; Associate Producer: Sean Leviashvili); Editor: Kai Patterson; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah BellMore Melinda Strausshttps://melindastrauss.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@therealmelindastraussMentioned in EpisodeOrder Melinda’s Cookbook– Eat Jewish: Over 100 Recipes That Blend Jewish Heritage, Modern Flavors and Family TraditionsMontana Tucker on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt - Season 1Baby Ariel on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt - Season 1“When They Go Low, We Go Chai” T-ShirtMelinda’s Viral Video About Her Nephew Wrapping TefillinWhat Is A Get? Understanding Divorce Law in The Orthodox Jewish CommunityWhat is Modern Orthodox Judaism?Understanding The “Niddah” or Family Purity Laws of JudaismEverything You Need To Know About The MikvahMelinda’s Post-10/7 VideoMelinda’s Posts About Her Journey with Type-1 Diabetes (Video 1)Melinda’s Posts About Her Journey with Type-1 Diabetes (Video 2)What Is The Difference Between Type One & Type Two Diabetes?Melinda’s Article About Eating Healthy For The HolidaysDiabetes BarbieA Brief Jewish History About The Pickle Business of The Lower East SideIrving Naxon, Jewish Inventor of the Slow CookerMelinda Strauss’s Sweet & Sour Tongue Recipe

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• Israeli Michelin Chef Eyal Shani - Uniting Humanity Through Food

  Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:[email protected] contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishIn this deliciously inspiring episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with world-renowned Israeli Chef Eyal Shani — the culinary visionary behind Miznon, HaSalon, Malkah, and dozens of other Israeli restaurants around the globe. As a ninth-generation Jerusalemite with no formal culinary training, Chef Eyal has redefined Israeli cuisine and hospitality while carrying out a mission much bigger than food– spreading positive energy, peace, and connection with each bite. Just days after the horrific October 7th attack, Chef Eyal was awarded the coveted Michelin star for his New York restaurant Shmone, but chose not to attend the ceremony. Why? He was busy cooking thousands of meals for soldiers on the Gaza border, embodying his belief that food is truly about people, not prizes.Together, Jonah and Chef Eyal explore:Why he treats every ingredient — from cucumbers to prime rib — as a living “creature” with a will and a storyThe night violent anti-Israel agitators attacked the Melbourne branch of his restaurant Miznon, and how Lebanese neighbors saved his team’s livesHow his deep connection to the Palestinian women of the Jerusalem markets inspired his earliest dishesWhy he believes food can reunite Israelis and Palestinians — and create “a new Israel” after warHis vision for opening a boutique hotel and restaurant on the Gaza border as a symbol of renewalChef Shani’s philosophy is radical yet simple: there are no borders in food, only human beings. Don’t miss this extraordinary conversation with a chef whose cooking has become a language of hope. Listen to the full episode now and be part of the conversation.Being Jewish Listener Survey (please help us!)https://forms.gle/rjvhcKgDD2yUknEw6All Things Chef Eyal!Chef Eyal Shani’s InstagramChef Eyal Shani’s Restaurant MiznonChef Eyal Shani’s Restaurant HaSalonChef Eyal Shani’s Restaurant MalkaChef Eyal Shani’s Restaurant ShmonéHost & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew "MoJo" Jones; Content Director: Alexandra Fugère; Associate Producer: Sean Leviashvili); Story Producer: Sasha Nelson; Editor: Kai Patterson; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah Bell; Production Assistant: Emma Webb; Theme Music by Gabriel MannMENTIONED IN EPISODE Melbourne’s Minzon Attacked by Pro-Hamas ProtestorsLebanese Brothers From Minzon’s Neighboring Restaurant Intervene to Protect MinzonIranian Missile Strikes on IsraelChef Eyal Shani Receives Michelin Star for Restaurant ShmoneChef Eyal Shani Cooks for IDF Troops the Same Day He Wins Michelin StarTimeline of The History of JerusalemChef Eyal Shani Set To Open Restaurant Near Kibbutz Nir AmMadame Lalou Bize-LeroyWhere to find Leroy Borgougne Rouge

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• Should Music Be Political? With Grammy-Winning Jewish Musician Joanie Leeds

  Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:[email protected] contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishIt’s music meets mishpacha in this heartfelt new episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches! Grammy-winning Jewish children’s music artist Joanie Leeds joins Jonah to share stories about the triumphs and challenges of making Jewish music in today’s climate. They discuss the debut of her 12th studio album Ageless, an ode to multi-generational heritage and Jewish values. Joanie and Jonah also tackle the line between music as political expression and music as the universal language of unity.  They also get into:🎶 How Joanie turned banned children’s books into the protest album Freadom✡️ The challenges of advocating for a Jewish music category at the Grammys🎤 Collaborating with her daughter on song and on the stage📚 The greatness of Jewish hero Ruth Bader Ginsburg🎸 Balancing inclusivity and political messaging in family-friendly musicPress Play and join us for 30 minutes of music, meaning, and Jewish joy!Being Jewish Listener Survey (please help us!)https://forms.gle/rjvhcKgDD2yUknEw6 All Things Joanie! Joanie Leeds’ YouTube Channel Joanie Leeds’ Spotify Channel Joanie Leeds on Apple Music Joanie Leeds’ Website Pre Order Joanie’s Album Add your name to Joanie’s Recording Academy Jewish Artists List!Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sasha Nelson; Content Director: Alexandra Fugère; Associate Producer: Sean Leviashvili); Editor: Post Relativity & Mike O’ Brien; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah BellMENTIONED IN EPISODEJoanie’s Petition to Make a Jewish Music Grammy Category What does the Hebrew word “Ruach” mean? How Mister Rogers Tackled Taboo/Difficult Topics for Children Joanie wins her first Grammy Male Acts & Performers Dominate 2018 Grammy Nominations Coldplay’s Chris Martin Welcomes Israelis & Palestinians at Concerts Rise in American Book Burning List of Banned Books Children’s Book: And Tango Makes Three Controversy Around Children’s Book “And Tango Makes Three” “FAUCI OUCHIE” by Joanie Leeds What is Banned Books Week? Who was Ruth Bader Ginsburg? Controversy Surrounding RBG’s Reluctance to Retire RBG’s Contributions to Female Financial Freedom Children’s Music Network (CMN) Joanie Leeds & Mikey Pauker Push For Jewish Music Category in The Grammys What is Grandparent’s Day? Joanie’s Upcoming Concert at the Kennedy Center 90s Music Legend Lisa Loeb Lisa Loeb’s Instagram Lisa Loeb Dishes on Being A Jewish Mom “Camp Lisa” Lisa Loeb’s Foundation & Song

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• The Secret History of Crypto-Jews with Mexican-American Jew Blanca Carrasco

  Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:[email protected] contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishWhat happens when you grow up Catholic in Mexico — and discover you’re secretly Jewish?In this riveting episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with Blanca Carrasco, a descendant of Crypto-Jews who only discovered her family’s secret heritage at age 50. Now the president of the Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies, Blanca unpacks the unknown history of Crypto-Jews — descendants of Jews who secretly maintained their faith after being forced to convert during the Spanish Inquisition. Blanca shares her extraordinary journey to discover who her true family is. She’s a leader in the global movement helping descendants of forcibly converted Jews reclaim their heritage. Blanca opens up about:🕯️ How the Spanish Inquisition forced her ancestors to flee Spain and hide their Judaism for generations✝️ Being raised devoutly Catholic — and the moment she began questioning what she was taught🔯 Her path from Messianic Judaism to a full Jewish conversion📜 The Facebook post that led to the discovery of her secret family tree🎓 Her work with the Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies, and why their academic research has personal meaning for thousands of “Anusim” around the world🎬 A sneak peek into the Society's upcoming Los Angeles conference, including an opera, film screenings, and a genealogy workshop with Jeannie MilgromFrom Monterrey to El Paso, from the Church to the shul, Blanca’s story is a global tale of discovery, identity, and reconnection. Her life proves that history isn’t just in books — it’s in your blood. Hit play to discover how centuries of hidden history came full circle, and what Blanca’s story means for all of us.Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew "MoJo" Jones; Story Producer: Sasha Nelson; Content Director: Alexandra Fugère; Associate Producer: Sean Leviashvili); Editor: Post Relativity & Mike O’ Brien; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah BellMENTIONED IN EPISODEWho Were the Crypto Jews? The Converso HistoryThe Alhambra DecreeOttoman Lands provided Safe Haven for Sephardic Jews Expelled from Spain“Anuism” MeaningCaptain Marcos Alonso de la Garza del Arcón (1551-1634)Inquisition on the Canary IslandsMessianic Jew Jonathan SettelWho are Messianic Jews?Rabbi Stephen LeonAnusim Center of El PasoCommon Converso NamesJewish Mourning Traditions (like Covering Mirrors)What is Ladino?Somos Primos Facebook GroupAshkenazi vs Sephardic JewsTikkun Olam: Repairing the WorldSociety for Crypto-Judaic StudiesHaLapid MagazineCrypto-Jews of BrazilThe Dönmes: Crypto-Jews under Turkish RuleSociety for Crypto-Judaic Studies Annual Conference in Los Angeles, August 10-12, 2025Cuban-Jewish Author/Geneologist Genie MilgromWhat is a Mikvah?A Long Journey: The Hidden Jews of the SouthwestDona Gracia Mendes-Nasi“La Señora” opera about Dona Gracia by Dr. Michelle Green Willner

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• The Truth about Israeli Minorities with Lebanese Christian activist Jonathan Elkhoury

  Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:[email protected] contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishWhat’s it like to be a gay Lebanese Christian — and proudly Zionist?In this powerful episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with international Jonathan Elkhoury, a proud Israeli citizen who is challenging false media narratives and misconceptions about Israel one campus conversation at a time. Born in Lebanon to a father who fought alongside the IDF during Israel’s 1982 intervention in the Lebanese civil war, Jonathan fled Hezbollah rule and found refuge in Israel at age 9. He shares the harrowing story of his family’s escape, his emotional reunion with his father, and how Israel not only gave him safety, but also the freedom to live openly as a gay man — the only Middle Eastern country where that’s possible.Jonathan also speaks out about:🏳️‍🌈 Israel’s track record on LGBTQ rights — and the lie of “pinkwashing”🎓 How he confronts anti-Israel misinformation on college campuses — even after being spat on, kicked, and targeted for his views🧱 How he combats "Israeli Apartheid Week" with the truth of his lived experiences👤 What it means to be a “minority within a minority within a minority” — and why he still stands with Israel📺 Why mainstream media — including the BBC — continues to fail on the Middle East🔥 The real reasons Israel went into Lebanon in 1982 — and the Palestinian terrorism that sparked a civil warJonathan’s story is a living example of intersectionality — and how true human rights work means defending people, not slogans. He is the voice anti-Israel activists try to silence. Don’t miss hearing him on this week’s can’t miss episode.Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sasha Nelson; Content Director: Alexandra Fugère; Associate Producer: Emma Webb); Editor: Rainbow Creative Team; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah BellFollow Jonathan on:IG: @jon_elkX: @Jonathan_ElkMENTIONED IN EPISODE:Jonah & Jonathan’s trip with Sharaka for March of the LivingJonathan Elkhoury on Defying StereotypesBackgrounder on the 1982 Lebanon WarLebanese Civil WarAnti-Israel “Apartheid Week”Israel’s withdrawal from Southern Lebanon (2000)Israel’s LGBT Rights TimelineHow Immigrants Boosted LGBTQ Rights in IsraelLebanese Christians under the French MandateTimeline: The Rise, Spread, and Fall of ISISIsraeli Christians Recruitment ForumIsrael’s Population DiversityIsrael defends Druze in SyriaHassan Nasrallah Killed in Israeli AirstrikeJonathan’s Post 10/7 Tweet

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