Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

• What is the Purpose of Judaism? Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin Has The Answer… And It’s Not What You Think!

  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 does it mean to reclaim Judaism not in the synagogue — but at the family table? That’s the vision of Rabbi David Bashevkin, author, podcaster, educator and one of today’s most engaging Modern Orthodox voices. In this episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with Rabbi Bashevkin to explore how Judaism can speak authentically to modern life and why Jewish identity is ultimately about integrating our “unchosen” identities with the “chosen” ones. Rabbi Bashevkin shares:Why Jewish life must begin in the home, not in synagogues or textbooksHow Judaism helps us integrate our unchosen identity (family, history, peoplehood) with our chosen paths in lifeThe importance of 1840 — a mystical year that reshaped Jewish thought, technology, and modern identityWhy Jewish education must instill a love of lifelong learning– not just through graduationThe urgent need for bridge-building within the Jewish community — and how to turn religious difference into dialogueWhy teens crave authenticity, and how NCSY empowers them through peer-to-peer mentorshipThe challenge of negative Orthodox representation in the media — and why Judaism is meant for the imperfect among usRabbi Bashevkin’s work through his platform 18Forty (essays, podcasts, and conversations at 1840.org) opens the door for “post-institutional Jews” and anyone searching for meaning beyond the classroom. Listen to this episode to find out why Judaism isn’t just about survival or fighting antisemitism — it’s about rediscovering purpose, family, and the sanctity of everyday existence.Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew ‘MoJo' Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili & Sasha Nelson. Editor: Jacob Kindberg and Kevin Maynard; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah BellMore on Dovid Bashevkin18Forty WebsiteFollow Rabbi Bashevkin on XMentioned in EpisodeListen to 18Forty Podcast (Apple Podcasts)Watch the 18Forty Podcast on YouTubeEssays by Rabbi David BashevkinWhat Makes A Jewish Home?What Is The Significance of The Year 1840?Understanding The Zohar & The Significance of the Year 1840 for JewsThe Sixth Millennium & The Age of MoshiachWhat is The Zohar?What Jewish Education Means To Me by Rabbi David BashevkinHere All Along by Sarah HurwitzSarah Hurwitz on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt (Season 1)Parashat Vayehi: Teach A Child According To Their WayWho is Rabbi Moshe Hayim Luzzatto?An Appreciation of Rav Yitzchok HutnerWho is Martin Buber?Phish Rendition of Avinu MalkeinuA Brief Biography of The Lubavitcher RebbeQuestions & Answers on Moshe & The AngelsWhat is NCSY? National Conference of Synagogue Youth

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• Anti-Jew Propaganda in the Hispanic World with Fuente Latina CEO Leah Soibel

  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 eye-opening episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with Leah Soibel, an Argentine-American Jew and the founder and CEO of Fuente Latina, to explore her remarkable journey — from studying across the Middle East during the Second Intifada to becoming a leading voice for Latino-Jewish allyship. Leah spent years immersed in Cairo, Beirut, and beyond, before building the first organization dedicated to connecting Spanish-speaking journalists with accurate, on-the-ground stories from Israel.Leah shares:Her experiences as the only American Jew debating at a “Mock Arab League” in Cairo — and what she learned about misunderstanding vs. hatredHow traveling solo across Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank, and Gaza shaped her perspective on media, politics, and truthWhy she founded Fuente Latina — and how it bridges the gap between Israel and over 500 million Spanish speakers worldwideThe rise of antisemitism in Spain — and the quiet network of allies working behind the scenesWhy Latin American immigrants to Israel were among the hardest hit on October 7th — and the powerful new docuseries sharing their storiesWhy U.S. Latinos, the fastest-growing voting bloc, may be the strongest future allies for Israel and the Jewish communityLeah’s story is one of courage, strategy, and vision — showing how truth and relationships can combat misinformation and build bridges across cultures. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation. Listen now and join the movement for Latino-Jewish allyship.More On Leah SoibelFuente LatinaFollow Fuente Latina on InstagramFollow Fuente Latina on TikTokFuente Latina on YouTubeContact Leah SoibelHost & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew ‘MoJo’ Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili & Sasha Nelson; Content Director: Alexandra Fugère. Editor: Jacob Kindberg and Kevin Maynard; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah BellMentioned in Episode710 Testigos Del Terror: A Film About The Latin-Israelis Affected by 10/7Rioting Erupts As Ariel Sharon Visits Temple MountPalestinian Population in ChileIran Launches Spanish Network in 2012Jonah’s Episode with Stuart WeitzmanFive Things To Know About Anti-Jewish Hate in SpainLatin Population in the United States by the NumbersHow Latinos Voted in 2024 ElectionMany Latinos Aspire To Visit Israel & The Holy LandIsrael Recovers Body of Mexican Held Hostage in GazaLatino Jews Grieve, Worry As Attack in Israel Puts Close Family Ties in FocusA Latina’s Experience Living Near the Israel-Gaza BorderTestimony from Alejandra Lopez - A Latina 10/7 SurvivorWhat Dave Chapelle’s SNL Monologue Got Right & Wrong About Antisemitism in America

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• 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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