Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

• Unwrapping Hannukah & Food Personality Jake Cohen

  It’s Hanukkah! In this cozy episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah is joined by culinary expert, social media darling, and New York Times-bestselling cookbook author Jake Cohen for a conversation about Jewish food, ritual, and the unifying power of gathering around the table. Known for zhuzhing up traditional Jewish cuisine with a distinctly modern yet reverent flair, Jake reflects on how food has become his spiritual practice and creative outlet for expressing Jewish identity.Jake shares how hosting Shabbat dinners became his primary avenue to building community and all the celebrity pals he has welcomed to his table, from Benny Blanco to Shoshana Bean to Katie Couric to Isaac Mizrahi. He opens up about his journey from being a self-described “High Holiday Jew” to becoming a leading voice in contemporary Jewish food culture, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, hospitality, and incorporating Jewish values into everyday life. The conversation also touches on Jake’s three best-selling cookbooks — Jew-ish, I Could Nosh and Dinner Party Animal — which aim to make Jewish cooking accessible, joyful, and inviting to Jews and non-Jews alike. Jonah and Jake explore the intersection of Jewish and queer identity, the importance of inviting dissenting opinions to your dinner table, how to host an epic dinner party, and Jake’s hopes for a more connected and peaceful future. It’s an episode filled with comfort, laughter, and the unmistakable warmth of Hanukkah.A special thank you to this episode’s sponsor:American Friends of the Hebrew University and the podcast The View From Mount ScopusMENTIONSDinner Party Animal: Recipes to Make Every Day a CelebrationJake Cohen InstagramJake Cohen TiktokJake Cohen WebsiteThe Seleucide EmpireHanukkah Antisemitism vs. Purim AntisemitismHellenism and JudaismThe Surprising Origin of The DreidelJonah @ The Big ShabbatThe Temple Emanu-El Streicker CenterThe Big ShabbatJoan NathanAdeena SussmanEthiopian Jewish Chef and Restaurateur Beejhy Barhany on Her New Cookbook, “Gursha”Tsion CafeJew-Ish: A Cookbook Jake Cohen Saveur ArticlesNanny’s Rosh Hashanah Apple CakeOneTableMurray’s CheeseEvan Ross KatzAdam EliTokin’ Jew Lemon Sumac x Jake CohenQuick Challah Recipe Demo in Under 1 Minute!“The Nanny” Is the Kind of Celebratory, Unabashed Representation Jewish Women DeserveWatch Curb Your EnthusiasmI Could Nosh: Classic Jew-ish Recipes Revamped for Every Day―Modern Jewish Recipes for Everyday Noshing Left Behind – A Project Opening up Little-Known Holocaust Histories as well as New ToolsJews of Liège under the Occupation (1940-1944)Jake Cohen and Benny Blanco bagel Instagram postCurb Your Enthusiasm “Bad Middling” SceneThese New Yorkers were in Israel when the war with Iran began. Here’s how they made it home.Which three celebrities are living together in New York?Alex EdelmanBenj PasekShoshana BeanJudy GoldWatch 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 - @BeingJewishWatch 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 - @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

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• The Black American Playbook and Philosopher-journalist Bernard-Henri Lévy

  In this thought-provoking episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with world-renowned philosopher, author, and war correspondent Bernard-Henri Lévy (known as BHL) for an insightful conversation about the meaning of Jewish solidarity after October 7th and the collapse of moral reasoning in the West. Drawing on five decades spent on the frontlines of conflicts from Bosnia to Bangladesh, Lévy reflects on the role of the witness, the fragility of democracy, and the shattering implications of October 7th.From Hamas to ISIS, Sudan to Ukraine, BHL draws sharp parallels between the world’s genocidal movements and the West’s habit of resisting them “just enough to help the victims survive, but never enough to let them win.” Together, Jonah and BHL explore the central arguments of his new book, Israel Alone: Israel’s unprecedented isolation, the return of antisemitism dressed in the language of antizionism, and the collapse of ethical reasoning on university campuses and in public life. BHL speaks candidly about why jihadist groups must be militarily defeated, how antisemitism differs from other forms of racism, the challenges of Jewish life in France, and why Israel’s democracy remains a modern miracle, despite being tested by decades of war.In the episode they discuss:Iranian Missile Attacks and Global ReactionsThe Necessity of Defeating HamasThe Defeat of Al Qaeda and IsisBHL’s time in Afghanistan and RwandaThe Resilience of Israeli SocietyDiverse Communities in IsraelUnderstanding AntisemitismAntizionism as the Only “Acceptable” Form of Modern Antisemitic The Role of Hate in Human HistoryCriticism vs. AntisemitismSudan's Genocide and Racist War#BernardHenriLevy #BHL #JonahPlatt #BeingJewishPodcast #IsraelAlone #JewishIdentity #Antisemitism #October7 #MoralClarity #Philosophy #HumanRights #Israel #JewishPeople Thank you to this episodes sponsor, The Dream Raffle. https://thedreamraffle.com/Please support the podcast and become a member (join the Kahillah) to get exclusive benefits. https://beingjewishpodcast.com/communityMentioned In The Episode:Bernard-Henri Levy InstagramBernard-Henri Levy YouTubeBernard-Henri Levy FacebookBernard-Henri LévyIsrael AloneThe Genius of JudaismThe Bloodlands of Africa - by Bernard-Henri Lévy‘A very bad year’: Despite Gaza truce, academic boycotts pile on, threatening Israel’s futureFlare-Burning Protesters Disrupt Israel Philharmonic Concert in Paris, Four Arrested US helps defend Israel from Iranian missile attackFrance says it intercepted drones targeting Israel during Iran warIsrael: A Democracy Like No Other in the Middle EastMyth: Israel is an “apartheid state.”Hamas Is Weakened But Not Defeated — The Truth Behind Gaza’s CeasefireAl Qaeda: Background, Current Status, and U.S. PolicyIraqi Forces Liberate Mosul From ISISHow Qatar became Trump’s key ally in his Middle East peace effortsAntisemitism in America: My Campus TourBernard-Henri Lévi tweet from Hostage SquareThe 6-Day WarAlgerian WarWeimar RepublicKings (Melachim)In France, Bernard-Henri Lévy fights a lonely battle on behalf of a solitary IsraelRwanda genocide of 1994Watch 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 - @BeingJewish

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• Jewish Traumatic Invalidation with Israeli Psychologist Dr. Miri Bar-Halpern

  Jonah hosts an insightful conversation with Israeli-American Dr. Miri Bar-Halpern, a Harvard-affiliated clinical psychologist and renowned trauma expert, about her experiences growing up in Israel during times of conflict and how they shaped her career in trauma and mental health. She explains her groundbreaking work on the concept of 'traumatic invalidation' in the Jewish community after October 7th, and the importance of recognizing and addressing this community trauma on an individual level. They discuss her shift to advocacy post-October 7th, and her role with Parents for Peace, a non-profit aimed at radicalization prevention. The episode highlights the crucial need of better mental health support, both for the Jewish community and the wider population, as a means to prevent radicalization, combat hatred, and foster resilience. It provides insights on how to effectively fight hate and radicalization through a combination of education, psychological understanding, and policy change.In the episode they discuss:Dr. Miri Bar Halpern’s Israeli childhood during the Gulf War and Second Intifada Her Personal Journey with Inherited TraumaHer Groundbreaking Article on “Traumatic Invalidation” in the Jewish CommunityCombating Radicalization with Parents for PeaceOur Stories Matter PodcastAnti-Jew Hate as the Common Denominator in RadicalizationPrevention and Intervention techniques Please support the podcast and become a member (join the Kahillah) to get exclusive benefits. https://beingjewishpodcast.com/communityMentioned in the episode:Miri Bar-Halpern InstagramDr. Bar Halpern WebsiteTraumatic Invalidation Research Article (co-authored by Dr. Bar-Halpern) Jonah on “Our Stories Matter” PodcastParents for PeaceWhat is the second intifada? What are epigenetics?Criteria of Traumatic InvalidationDr. Marsha LinehanMelanie HarnedMartin BohusMassachusetts Teachers Association's (MTA) Anti-Israel, Anti-Jewish Resources Remain.Head of Parents for Peace Myrieme ChurchillNearly 40% of Jewish Medical Professional Report Exposure to AntisemitismTrauma Informed Learning AllianceYasmine MohammedWatch 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 - @BeingJewishWritten and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, 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

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• Updated! The 5 C’s of Difficult Conversation and Superstar Dancer/Wife Courtney Platt

  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:[email protected] 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

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• I Read Peter Beinart’s Book So You Don’t Have To and “Ace of Cakes” Duff Goldman

  It’s Turkey Time! In this warm and wonderfully flavorful Thanksgiving episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with Duff Goldman — celebrity pastry chef, bestselling cookbook author, Food Network Icon, and beloved host of shows like Ace of Cakes, Kids Baking Championship, Buddy vs. Duff, and Duff’s Happy Fun Bake Time. Together, they dig into the stories and traditions that shaped Duff’s life long before he became America’s favorite baker.Duff opens up about his personal experiences with anti-Jew bigotry in New England, and how that deepened his connection to Jewish culture, family, and food. They discuss the joys and challenges of Duff’s professional achievements as a master baker, from mentoring young bakers on television to navigating the pressure of high-profile baking competitions. Duff also discusses his upcoming venture — Duff's Deli and Market, opening soon in the Atlanta airport — and his philosophy on food, tradition, and community. Duff shares heartfelt reflections on his recovery from a devastating car accident, and his commitment to tzedakahThis episode is a celebration of resilience, tradition, and the Jewish roots behind Duff’s irresistible warmth and artistry. It’s a perfect blend of heart, humor, and holiday spirit.Topics Include:Duff’s love of “Tzedakah”, the Jewish value of CharityDuff’s multicultural Passover Seders & Thanksgiving DinnersKids Baking Championship InsightsThe Birth of the iconic Charm City CakesJewish-Themed Cakes and Duff's DeliThanksgiving Traditions and FamilyThis episode is supported by The Dream Raffle. Win a Jerusalem dream home!Please support the podcast and become a member (join the Kahillah) to get exclusive benefits. https://beingjewishpodcast.com/communityMentioned In The Episode:Duff Goldman InstagramDuff Goldman YoutubeDuff Goldman “Tzedakah” PageBeing Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza by Peter BeinartInside the Tunnels of GazaThe Story of PurimWhen Jon Stewart and Peter Beinart Threw Isreal Under the BusSave A Child’s HeartJacqueline Winch (Duff Goldman’s Artist Mom)Here’s Who Won the Food Network’s First Ever Hanukkah Cooking ChallengeDuff Goldman Injured in Crash Allegedly Caused by Drunk DriverKids Baking Championship (Hulu)Charm City CakesAce of CakesDuff’s Favorite Spots “Best Things I Ever Ate”Edmart Deli ClosedFoie Grock's Chefs Bruce Kalman & Duff Goldman (YouTube)Silver YadDuff’s Deli and Market - AtlantaJapan's ancient art of taiko drummingJapanese KotoManzanar War Relocation CenterMichael VoltaggioDuff’s Food on GoldbellyMichael CimarustiRuss and DaughtersWatch 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 - @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

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