Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

Host Jonah Platt interviews Allison Tombros Korman, the founder and executive director of the Red Tent Fund, a national abortion fund rooted in Jewish values. The conversation spans Korman's personal and professional journey, including her experiences with antisemitism in progressive spaces post October 7th, that led her to being forced out of her job at the DC Abortion Fund and eventually establishing the Red Tent Fund. They discuss the fund's mission to support abortion seekers through a Jewish lens, the impact of Roe v. Wade's overturning, misconceptions about third-trimester abortions, and the controversial 'Fund Abortion, Not War' campaign.

The Red Tent Fund operates by providing money directly to clinics to aid any abortion seeker regardless of religion or political affiliation, reflecting values of bodily autonomy, compassion, and community care.

Discussed
The Birth of the Red Tent Fund (Jewish Values, Access for All)
The Purpose of Abortion Funds
The Intent and Framework of Reproductive Justice
The Jewish Perspectives on Abortion, As Interpreted by Rabbis and Scholars
Challenges and Realities of Abortion Access
Fund Abortion, Not War: A Controversial Movement
Why People Must Travel Across State Lines for Reproductive Health
The Research of medical Sociologist Katrina Kimport, PhD, on Why People Get Third Trimester Abortions
The Intersection of Abortion Rights and Anti-Israel Sentiments

Mentioned In The Episode:

Red Tent Fund
Red Tent Fund Facebook
Red Tent Fund Instagram
Donate to Red Tent Fund
DC Abortion Fund
Antisemitism and the DCAF
Allison Tombros Korman Tablet Magazine Article
Tablet Magazine
Roe v. Wade
DCAF on Abortion Fund
Restorative Justice
Michal Cotler-Wunsh
Michal-Cotler Wunsh Being Jewish Episode
Antisemitism and Antizionism in Reproductive Health
What is the Red Tent Fund?
Planned Parenthood
National Abortion Hotline
Jewish Perspective on Red Tent Site
Parashat Mishpatim
Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance
Red Tent Partners
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
Tikkun Olam
U.S. Abortion Rights by State
How much does an abortion cost?
Data on Third Trimester Abortions
Katrina Kimport
Fund Abortion Not War
Black Women and Reproductive Justice

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*Correction: In the episode The Red Tent Fund is described as the first National Jewish Abortion Fund. The National Council of Jewish Women's (NCJW) Jewish Fund for Abortion Access was the first national Jewish abortion fund, launched in 2022.

Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, Story Producer: Sasha Nelson, Associate Producer: Emma Webb, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, 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

In this compelling episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah speaks with Bishop Michael J. Fisher, a prominent Los Angeles faith leader and longtime advocate for Black–Jewish solidarity. The discussion explores Bishop Fisher’s personal journey, deeply influenced by his father, Reverend W. Jerome Fisher, a World War II medic who helped liberate Jews from the Dachau concentration camp. Jonah and Bishop Fisher dig deeply into the real actions Fisher is doing to build bonds and bridges between the black and Jewish communities, and their shared perspective on what advocacy truly means.

Bishop Fisher reflects on building interfaith relationships with leaders such as Rabbi Stewart Vogel and Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback, and on the shared spiritual foundations of Judaism and Christianity, including the meaning of Zion. The discussion also addresses rising antisemitism, the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attacks, and the responsibility of moral leadership in moments of crisis.

The episode highlights initiatives like the Freedom Seder and the From Compton to Jerusalem trip, celebrating Israel’s diversity and the Ethiopian Jewish community, while offering a hopeful vision of unity grounded in building relationships, and discovering truth.

TOPICS INCLUDE:
Bishop Michael J. Fisher on growing up in Compton under the influence of his father, Reverend W. Jerome Fisher
His church, The Greater Zion Church Family
A firsthand family connection to the Holocaust through World War II liberation efforts
The spiritual and historical meaning of Zion in Black Christianity and Judaism
Building Black–Jewish alliances with Rabbi Stewart Vogel and Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback
The examples of people like Van Jones, Amanda Berman, and Robert Stearns in interfaith bridge-building
How the Freedom Seder creates shared Jewish and Black communal space
Understanding antisemitism vs. anti-Zionism after the October 7 Hamas attacks
Why Israel’s diversity challenges apartheid narratives
Lessons from the From Compton to Jerusalem leadership trip to Israel
Experiencing the Sigd holiday with the Ethiopian Jewish community (Beyte Israel)
Advocacy vs. performative allyship in Black and Jewish communities
Why Black–Jewish unity remains essential for social justice in America

Mentioned In the Episode:
Michael J Fisher Instagram
Jonah’s (shoes) JP x Air Maccabees (18% off with the code JP18)
The Story of Jeremiah
Seeing History Through A Foggy Lens
Dangers of Exceptionalism
Moral Self Licensing
Temporal Distance and Discrimination
Greater Zion Church Family
Origins of Black History Month
Freedom Seder LA Brings Together Black, Jewish, and Black-Jewish Leaders for an Evening of Unity and Liberation
CNN’s Van Jones
Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback
Exodus Over Dinner
Jerome Fisher World War II Gold Star Veteran from Maryland
Reverand Jerome Fisher Passes Away, Organized 1st Black Church in Compton
What Was Jim Crow
Michael J. Fisher How One Compton Pastor’s Work is Changing Lives by Bridging Health & Faith
The Jewish Foundation of Christianity
When did Christianity and Judaism Separate?
When Did Jesus Stop Being Jewish?
Zion: God’s Precious Possession
Dr. Maulana Karenga
A Long History: American Jews and the NAACP
The Tulsa Race Massacre and Oklahoma’s Jews
10 Great Moments of #BlackJewishUnity
Challenging the myth of 'white, colonial' Israel
Rabbi Stewart Vogel
Death of George Floyd
Powerful Voices: A New Look at the Rabbi Who Marched with Martin Luther King
Tiffany Haddish BJJP Episode
The 15 Year Battle for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Bondi Beach terrorists ‘acted alone’ in attack on Hanukkah event — Australian police
Suspect arrested in predawn fire that left parts of Mississippi’s largest synagogue in charred ruins
What to know about the murder of Sarah Pilgrim and Aaron Lischinsky in Washington D.C
Stephen Wise Temple
Wise hosts Greater Zion Church for joint Shavuot and Pentecost celebration
Was Jesus’ Last Supper a Seder?
Peter and the Disciples Falling Asleep - Matthew 26:40
The Old Testament Pentecost: Why Did Jesus Pour Out His Spirit on This Particular Day?
Robert Sterns
BLM’s Support of Hamas Is Perfectly in Line With Its Goals
Rediscovering the Lost Tribes and God’s Faithfulness: The Jewish Diaspora and Aliyah
Israel’s Ethnic Diversity: Why the Population of the Jewish Nation is Far From Monolithic
Amanda Berman
Black and Jewish people were allies once. Can they be again?
Martin Luther King Jr. Assassination
Redlining of Jewish Neighborhoods to Make It Difficult to Get a Mortgage
Jewish Americans: Identity, History, and Experience Fact Sheet
Seder2015 streams a digital Passover
What is the law of first mention?
Black leaders journey from their hip-hop home to the Holy Land — and find common ground
What Even IS Sigd? A Short Explainer
Nick Cannon opens up about past antisemitic comments and his ‘growth moment’
April Powers
California schools inch closer to rescuing mental health funds slashed by Trump
Global Missions — Greater Zion

Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast

Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:
bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter

For Sponsorships, please email:
[email protected]

Merchandise
https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch

To contact us & all things BJJP:
www.BeingJewishPodcast.com

Follow Jonah on:
Instagram - @JonahPlatt
X - @JonahPlatt

Follow Being Jewish on:
Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast
TikTok - @BeingJewish

Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, 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

In this essential episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah speaks with Israeli public intellectual, former Knesset member, and political strategist Dr. Einat Wilf about Israel’s political future in the wake of October 7th. Wilf argues that Israel has reached a historic inflection point — one that requires shedding what she calls a lingering “diaspora consciousness” and fully embracing permanent, sovereign thinking.

Drawing on decades of scholarship and public service, Wilf challenges many of the assumptions that have shaped Israeli politics and peace efforts. She explains why the conflict cannot be resolved through ambiguity or process alone, why ideology — not borders — has been the central obstacle to peace, and why international frameworks have repeatedly failed to reckon with Jewish self-determination. From critiques of institutions like UNRWA to hard questions about national service, governance, and borders, Wilf calls for a renewed Israeli social contract rooted in responsibility, realism, and permanence.

This episode is a rigorous exploration of sovereignty, accountability, and political maturity, offering listeners a clear vision of what it would mean for Israel and the Jewish people to stop thinking provisionally, and start acting like a nation that fully believes it is here to stay.

Topics include:
Understanding Israel's Political System
Founding the Oz Party
Arab Zionism
Clarifying Borders
Strengthening the Knesset
Service to the State and Belonging in Israel
From Diaspora Consciousness to Sovereign Conduct
Separation of Shul and State
Worthy Leadership and Women in Politics
The Oz Party's Vision and Strategy
Appealing to a Diverse Audience
UNRWA and Palestinian Relationship and Legacy

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor SAPIR.

Mentioned in this Episode:
The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews: Part 1

Einat Wilf Instagram
Einat Wilf X
International Authors Call For Ban of Israeli Authors
A Call For Israeli Athletes to be Banned
Has Zionism Become a Bad Word
The Jewish Enemy
Origins of the Medieval Myth about the Jewish Drinking the Blood of Children
Movement Against Antizionism
Associated Press’s Coverage of Israel
Why Israel’s Conflicts are Covered So Much More Than Other Countries
Shaul Kelner’s Article On Antizionism as a Mass Movement in The U.S.
Shaul Kelner
Early 20th Century Soviet Anti Zionism
Jewish UCLA Student Blocked By Protesters
Amnesty International Suspends Its Israeli Branch
US Coffee House Refuses to Serve Jews
Why I Founded the Oz Party
Eretz Israel
How do Israeli Politics Work?
Yesh Atid
The Work of the Knesset
Dr. Einat Wilf: 'We lied to ourselves about the Palestinians'
Peace in the Middle East? The first thing that needs to happen is the destruction of the ideology at the heart of Palestinian identity.
5 Facts About the Jewish People's Ancestral Connection to the Land of Israel
UNRWA Exposed, Examining the Agency’s Mission and Failures
Ministers reportedly decide to keep Rafah Crossing shut, bucking US pressure amid anger over Board of Peace
Separation of Shul and State
In Conversation with Einat Wilf on a New Israeli Vision
Who Is the Wicked Son?
Who Are the Haredim?
Statement on the Death of Yahya Sinwar
Only 7% of Israeli Arabs define themselves as 'Palestinian'
‘We’d rather die than enlist’: Haredi Jews vow to defy conscription
The Judicial Overhaul Post October 7
The State of Israel as a Jewish State
'Haredi schools need to meet minimum standards'
13 Political Parties and Democracy: The Israeli Case
Campaign Financing in Israel
Einat Wilf: ‘Jews Are Never Allowed To Win, and Arabs Are Never Allowed to Lose’
We Should All Be Zionists Podcast
Einat Wilf Books (Amazon)
Israel: A Democracy Like No Other in the Middle East
The United Nations Korean Reconstruction Agency
O-zionist to Allow People to Mobilize Israeli Friends
The Collapse of the Soviet Union
The Iranian Revolution, 40 Years On: Oppression at Home, Aggression Abroad

--

Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast

Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:
bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter

For Sponsorships, please email:
[email protected]

To contact us & all things BJJP:
www.BeingJewishPodcast.com

Follow Jonah on:
Instagram - @JonahPlatt
X - @JonahPlatt

Follow Being Jewish on:
Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast
TikTok - @BeingJewish

Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, 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

In this energetic and wide-ranging episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with comedy and television icon Howie Mandel (America’s Got Talent, Deal or No Deal, Gremlins, St. Elsewhere) for a conversation that moves effortlessly between laughter and reflection. From his early days as a stand-up comic to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in television, Howie reflects on a career that has spanned more than four decades, and the values that have grounded him throughout it.

With trademark honesty and humor, Howie opens up about his Jewish upbringing, family life, and how Jewish values have shaped his worldview both onstage and off. The conversation also takes a more serious turn as Howie speaks candidly about the resurgence of antisemitism, the aftermath of October 7th, and what it has felt like to navigate Jewish identity in an increasingly hostile global climate. Thoughtful, funny, and unexpectedly moving, this episode offers a rare glimpse into how one of comedy’s most familiar figures navigates faith, fear, and responsibility to show up when it matters most.

Topics Discussed Include:
Howie’s Jewish upbringing in Toronto
How comedy became a creative outlet and coping mechanism for anxiety and OCD
The influence of Howie’s father on his Jewish values and identity
Howie’s early years doing stand-up
Howie’s opinion on tzedakah
Why Israel struggles with public perception
Jewish identity and visibility in a time of rising antisemitism
Howie speaks out about injustice and intolerance
Pro-Palestinian vs. Anti-Israel movements: understanding the difference
Howie on NBC, Hollywood, and Jewish representation
Jews being targets for their appearance outside of NY and LA
Howie’s goal, “I just wanna do the right thing.”

Thank you to this episode's sponsors The Dream Raffle and SAPIR.

Mentioned In The Episode:
Ultimate Nite Out Featuring Debra Messing and Jonah Platt
Watch America’s Got Talent (NBC)
Howie Mandel Instagram
Howie Mandel Website
Howie Mandel Does Stuff (YouTube)
What You Need to Know About Israel's The Iron Dome
Qatar’s Investments in the US Education System
Russia’s Interference in US Elections Continues to Get More Brazen
China’s Potential Use of TikTok Is A National Security Threat
Yuri Bezmenov and his Stages of Ideological Subversion
Israel Recognizes Somaliland as an Independent Country
“I Have a Tough Time Being with Myself.” Howie Mandel on living with OCD, ADHD, and anxiety
B’rit Mialh: The Circumcision Ritual
Howie Mandel discusses saying the Kaddish for his father
Everything You Need to Know About the Jewish Custom of Shiva
Minyan: The Congregational Quorum
Tzedakah 101
Are the Jews the Chosen People?
Meet Howie Mandel's 3 talented kids with his wife of 45 years
—2 options with regard to his in-laws being holocaust survivors—
A survivors’ love story, and a game-changing secret
Howie Mandel to Appear at Malibu Film Society
The Role of Doctors and Nurses
Myth: Jews Have Too Much Power
Why Israel is losing the PR war
Did Israel Bomb a Hospital? No. What to Know About Hamas’ Lie About a Rocket Strike on a Gaza Hospital
Collecting German Air-dropped Leaflets on Britain
Israeli film on Oct. 7 premieres at Toronto film festival after initially being dropped
Masada
Haifa
Watch Inspector Gadget (Xumo)
Haim Saban (IMDB)
Shuki Levi
Bondi Beach terrorists ‘acted alone’ in attack on Hanukkah event
Howie Mandel Ari Shaffir clip on antisemitism.
Ari Shaffir Instagram
Why Do We Wear a Kippah?
What Is Tzitzit?
Former SNL comedian Jay Pharoah says he was racially profiled by police, detained with knee on his neck
St. Elsewhere (Apple TV)
Demonstrators rally across the U.S. in response to violent conflict between Israel and Hamas
Watch Little Monsters (Pluto TV)
Dayenu
Proto Hologram
Howie Mandel Become ESports Team Owner

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast

Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:
bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter

For Sponsorships, please email:
[email protected]

To contact us & all things BJJP:
www.BeingJewishPodcast.com

Follow Jonah on:
Instagram - @JonahPlatt

X - @JonahPlatt

Follow Being Jewish on:
Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast

TikTok - @BeingJewish

Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, 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

In this episode of 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with longtime Jewish communal leader Jay Sanderson, recently appointed President of American Jewish University (AJU). Sanderson recounts a harrowing childhood marked by intense antisemitic violence while growing up in Boston public housing, including a near-fatal incident in which he was buried alive. That trauma ultimately propelled him toward a life of Jewish leadership after a transformative summer in Israel facilitated by the Jewish Agency, culminating in a pivotal childhood encounter with David Ben-Gurion.

The conversation traces Sanderson’s career running major institutions such as Jewish Federation of Los Angeles and Jewish Television Network, before turning to his vision for the Jewish future. Sanderson critiques the Jewish world’s tendency to focus narrowly on combating antisemitism rather than proactively planning for long-term vitality. This outlook led to the creation of the 2050 Institute, an initiative designed to address the lack of adequate modern training for Jewish professionals and lack of planning for the Jewish future.

Sanderson explains why he came out of retirement after October 7 to lead AJU, outlining an ambitious plan to reimagine rabbinic education, expand the Miller Introduction to Judaism program, and position AJU as a central pipeline for future Jewish leaders. Jay’s challenge for leaders of today to get off the sidelines, bring new blood and ideas forward, and actively shape what the Jewish experience should look like in 25 years.

Topics of the episode include
Jay Sanderson’s childhood trauma and antisemitism in Boston
A near-death experience and its long-term psychological impact
A formative Israel trip through the Jewish Agency
Meeting David Ben-Gurion at a kibbutz
Leadership roles at Jewish Federation of Los Angeles
The founding vision of the 2050 Institute
Sanderson becoming President of American Jewish University
Expanding the Miller Introduction to Judaism program
Reimagining the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies

Mentioned in the episode:

Jewish Federation LA
Jewish Television Network
Jewish Agency
David Ben Gurion Kibbutz
The 2050 Institute
Brandeis-Bardin Campus of American Jewish University.
Jay Sanderson: President of AJU
Eric D. Fingerhut
Miller Intro to Judaism
Rabbi Tarlan Rabizadeh
Camp Alonim
BCI
Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies
Tzomet Games
Aspen Institute
[email protected]

Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast

Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:
bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter

For Sponsorships, please email:
[email protected]

To contact us & all things BJJP:
www.BeingJewishPodcast.com

Follow Jonah on:
Instagram - @JonahPlatt
X - @JonahPlatt

Follow Being Jewish on:
Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast
TikTok - @BeingJewish

Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, Story Producer: Sasha Nelson, Associate Producer: Emma Webb, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, 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