Being Jewish with Jonah Platt Podcast By Jonah Platt cover art

Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

By: Jonah Platt
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Being Jewish with Jonah Platt is the hit weekly podcast that illuminates the vast, beautiful, and often unexplored tapestry of Jewish identity, through deeply honest and personal conversations with notable Jews and non-Jewish allies alike. Hosted by actor & advocate Jonah Platt, a trusted expert in contemporary Jewish culture, identity, and politics, Being Jewish seeks to engage, educate, and empower listeners to take full ownership of their identities and live as their proudest, most authentic selves. 2025 Webby Honoree | Podcasts - Best Indie Podcast 2025 Wilbur Award WinnerJonah Platt Judaism Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • Jonah Does CNN and KIND Founder Daniel Lubetzky

    Jonah Does CNN and KIND Founder Daniel Lubetzky
    Mar 17 2026
    Jonah interviews Daniel Lubetzky, Mexican-American Jewish founder of KIND, Shark Tank investor, and longtime bridge-builder, about how his Holocaust-survivor father and Mexican Jewish upbringing shaped his commitment to connecting communities. Lubetzky describes mourning his father, saying Kaddish, and launching both KIND and the OneVoice Movement the same year, crediting prayer and purpose with keeping him grounded. He explains PeaceWorks, a trade-based social enterprise linking Israelis and Arabs (and later other conflict regions), which succeeded in sustaining relationships but never scaled and ultimately closed. He recounts OneVoice’s effort to empower moderates against media-driven extremism, mobilizing nearly a million Israelis and Palestinians, yet falling short of ending the conflict. Lubetzky outlines his latest project, the Builders Movement, and its “builders vs. destroyers” framework, its education, media, and civics work, and argues kindness is strong, honest action.Lubetzky reflects on the impact of reciting Kaddish after his father’s death and how Jewish ritual shaped his worldview.The founding story behind KIND Bars and why Lubetzky named the company after his father’s values.Lubetzky’s first social enterprise PeaceWorks, connecting Israelis, Palestinians, Jordanians, Egyptians, and Turks through trade.How PeaceWorks also operated in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Chiapas, Mexico to foster cooperation across conflict lines.The creation of the OneVoice Movement, which mobilized nearly 1 million Israelis and Palestinians around shared peace principles.Why Lubetzky believes media narratives often amplify extremists instead of moderates in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.Launching the Builders Movement, a global initiative promoting cooperation over division.The Builders Movement framework built around the “Four Cs”: Curiosity, Compassion, Creativity, and Courage.Educational partnerships with institutions such as Stanford University to promote builder-mindset leadership programs.Collaboration with leaders like Van Jones to strengthen alliances between Jewish and Black communities.Thank you to this episode's sponsor:Jewish Communal FundMentioned In The Episode:Three synagogue attacks in Toronto in one week.Blast Outside Begum SynagogueArrests made in Norway Synagogue attackSan Jose pedestrians attacked in hate crimePolice Arrest Suspect in Ramat Gan StabbingMan, Rams Truck Into Michigan Synagogue With Over 100 Children InsideThe Story Is with Exel MichaelsonThe Lead with Jake TapperDaniel LubetzkyDaniel Lubetzky on Shark TankCamp RamahPeaceWorks FoundationVan Jones BJJP EpisodeDachauKIND SnacksJason Alexander BJJP EpisodeThe History, Significance, and Meaning of KaddishAl Jazeera Propagates Hatred. Is it also a Foreign Agent?Annapolis Peace Conference (2007)1993 Oslo AccordsKind Creates the Kind Foundation to Help Foster Kinder and Healthier CommunitiesSave Your Relationships! How To Talk to Antizionist Loved Ones About Israel - Jonah Platt’s 5 C'sLubetzky Family Foundation Builders Movement Builders on InstagramBuilders on YouTubeJewish Neighborhoods: Mexico CityMexican school merger will expand ORT’s presence in Latin AmericaMarc Platt BJJP episodeJulie Platt BJJP episodeJewish Nobel Prize LaureatesSebastian Maniscalco - Italians at Passover (Aren't You Embarrassed?)Mexican Gefilte FishRed snapper with Veracruz-style sauce (huachinango a la Veracruzana)The Rise and Fall of Eliot NessSupport the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.comMerchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merchTo 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, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, 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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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • On Location with Ethiopian-Jewish Chef and Restaurateur Beejhy Barhany

    On Location with Ethiopian-Jewish Chef and Restaurateur Beejhy Barhany
    Mar 10 2026
    In this delectable episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah records on location in Harlem, New York, at Tsion Café, America’s only Ethiopian-Israeli restaurant, for a conversation with owner and chef Beejhy Barhany about Ethiopian Jewish (Beta Israel) culture, food, and identity. Beejhy explains Tsion Café’s mission of bridge-building through vegan kosher cuisine and storytelling, and why she recently closed daily dining and now hosts only private events, due to years of anti-Zionist harassment, threats, and vandalism that intensified after October 7 and after becoming fully kosher. She discusses Harlem’s support, her meaning of “Zion,” and her belief that food can break barriers. Beejhy discusses Beta Israel’s unique history, questions of legitimacy, her family’s 1980–83 trek from Ethiopia to Israel, and experiences of discrimination and “conversion” pressures in Israel. Walking through the café, Beejhy shares the venue's legacy and culinary inspirations with Jonah. The two head into the kitchen to make samosas, discuss injera, dabo, spices, and her NY Times bestselling cookbook (Gursha). During the discussion, she describes founding the BINA (Beta Israel of North America) Cultural Foundation and raising her children with multifaceted identities.TOPICS INCLUDE:The story of the Beta Israel Jewish community of Ethiopia and their ancient connection to Judaism.Beejhy recounts her family’s escape from Ethiopia and years spent in Sudan before immigrating to Israel.Discussion of major Ethiopian Jewish airlifts, including Operation Moses and Operation Solomon.Life in immigrant absorption centers in Israel alongside newcomers from Ukraine and Russia.The role of Tsion Cafe as a cultural hub for Ethiopian Jews and the wider Jewish diaspora.Why Beejhy founded the Beta Israel North American Cultural Foundation (BINA) to promote Jewish diversity.The closing of Tsion Cafe’s regular dining service due to anti-Zionist harassment following October 7.Conversations about racism, identity, and the need for unity within the global Jewish community.How Ethiopian cuisine, such as traditional dishes served with injera, helps build cultural bridges.Reflections on raising multicultural Jewish children in New York City.The importance of celebrating Jewish diversity across communities from Israel to Africa and the United States.Thank you to our sponsors and promotional partners:Jewish Communal FundChutzpodAnd a Special Thanks to our production partner on this episode: Jewish Broadcasting Services (JBS)Mentioned In The Episode:Beejhy Barhan InstagramTsion CafeFar from the Eye, Close to the Heart: The Fascinating History of the Beta Israel Community in EthiopiaNYC’s only Ethiopian-Israeli restaurant closes after anti-Zionist harassment: ‘So much animosity’What is a Mezuzah?W. E. B. Du BoisThe Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley How This New York Restaurant Is Carrying on the Legacy of the Harlem RenaissanceCharlie ParkerRedd FoxxArt Tatum: A Talent Never to Be DuplicatedEthiopia, the home of coffeeEthiopian immigrantsThe Queen of Sheba The Incredible Story of Ethiopian Jews and Their Journey to IsraelGursha: Timeless Recipes for Modern Kitchens, from Ethiopia, Israel, Harlem, and Beyond: A Cookbook Operation MosesOperation SolomonEthiopia’s Turbulent HistoryThe Law of ReturnAbsorption CentersDabo (Ethiopian Bread)Injera: Ethiopia’s Traditional Bread in Pictures and WordsLost Tribes beer company resurrects ancient brewsBeta Israel of North American Cultural FoundationShop Tsion CafeSupport the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:jonahplattinfo@gmail.comMerchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merchTo 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, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, 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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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Is Israel an Ethnostate? And the 2026 Israeli Olympic Bobsled Team

    Is Israel an Ethnostate? And the 2026 Israeli Olympic Bobsled Team
    Mar 3 2026
    In this inspiring episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with members of the Israeli Bobsled Team (AJ Edelman, Ward Fawarsy, Uri Zisman, Ower Katz, Itamar Shprinz, and Menashem Chen) while in competition in Milano Crotina, to discuss the unlikely journey of building a team for a Winter Olympic sport in a country with no snow. Representing Israel on the global stage, the athletes share how they transitioned from backgrounds in track and field, rugby, crossfit, and other sports into elite bobsled competitors. They discuss training and competing internationally, and navigating the challenges of representing Israel amid rising antisemitism following October 7. Their story is a wild one with robberies, getting booed, a death on a plane, and missing critical training runs. The conversation explores patriotism, Jewish pride, and the emotional weight of wearing the Israeli flag at global events sanctioned by the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF) and the Winter Olympics. The athletes reflect on the powerful symbolism of Israeli athletes competing on the world stage and the importance of positive representation for Israel in international sports. Jonah and AJ Edelman, captain of the Israeli Bobsled Team, get some one-on-one time to dig into the team's challenges and the role of the Israeli Olympic Committee. Edelman details self-funding, starting a nonprofit to support the team, and hopes to grow the program.Topics Discussed Include:Competing in sanctioned events under the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF) circuitQualification pathways toward the Winter OlympicsBeing champion athletes from other sport disciplinesThe nickname “Shul Runnings”Having a Druze athlete on the teamTraining in the U.S.-based tracks in Lake Placid, New York, and Park City, UtahThe measure of success is how far you’ve come, not how close you are to the topThe mechanics of a two-man and four-man bobsled under IBSF regulationsPutting together an “Ocean’s Eleven” team for bobsledFunding challenges and support from the Israeli Olympic CommitteeHow to support the team in the futureMentioned In The Episode:Advancing Jewish AthleticsDonate to the Israeli Bobsled TeamAJ Edelman InstagramWard Fawarsy InstagramUri Zisman InstagramOmer Katz InstagramItamar Shprinz InstagramMenachem Chen InstagramNOT A Genocide: Jonah Platt's Definitive Takedown of the World's Favorite Anti-Jew, Anti-Israel Lie (Part 2)Anti-Jew Libels DECONSTRUCTED-Jonah Platt Debunks 4 Lies About Israel & The Jewish People (Part 1)The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the Jews: Part 1PART 2 - The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the JewsPART 3 - The ONLY 3 Facts You Need to Know About Israel, Palestine, and the JewsNatan Sharansky Natan Sharansky 3 D’sIsrael is Among a Number of EthnostatesMyanmar casts minorities to the margins as citizenship law denies legal identityMyanmar Rohingya: What you need to know about the crisisArmenia is 98% Armenian DataKoreans in JapanUAE’s Double-Standard on Citizenship RightsMigrant Rights in UAE and QatarSwiss government rejects automatic citizenship for those born in SwitzerlandCitizenship through Naturalization for Aliens of Greek ethnic originEgypt's Christians face 'constant pressure to hide their faith'Israel’s Right of ReturnOperation SolomonIsraeli Law Declares the Country the ‘Nation-State of the Jewish People’Jewish CalendarArabs Make Up 20% of the Jewish PopulationArab residents of mixed cities disadvantaged compared to Jews - ComptrollerBen Gvir’s policy goals: Going to extremes even Europe’s far right won’t touchPalestinian Authority: You're a "traitor" if you sell land to the JewsWhat does the Hamas charter say?Milano Cortina 2026 OlympicsIsrael’s first Olympic bobsled team heads to Italy in bid they have dubbed ‘Shul Runnings’The Israeli bobsled team is in last place but calls themselves 'victors'Kris Horn OK after solo ride as teammates fail to get into sledBobsled costs are skyrocketing. Can the U.S. keep up in a bedrock Olympic sport?Israel team marches to smattering of boos at Milan Winter Olympics opening ceremonyAJ Edelman, The First Orthodox Jewish Male Olympian, Is Ready For Gold!Meet Bat-El Gatterer, First Orthodox Jewish Female OlympianMIT Alumnus Competes in Winter Olympics From obese yeshivah student to Slider-Man – the remarkable run of Israel’s Olympic bobsleigh pilotIsraeli Bobsled Team's Apartment Robbed of 'Thousands of Dollars' Worth of Items During Winter Olympics TrainingWhat To Know About ‘Shul Runnings,’ the Bobsled Team Representing Israel in the Winter OlympicsVitaris ClubAt the Olympics, Israel's athletes pay a high cost in the quest for goldThe Israeli Bobsled Team’s Withdrawal from the last day of Olympic CompetitionBobsledding for IsraelSupport the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.Watch Being ...
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    1 hr and 13 mins
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the pride that bj barhani has for being jewish. the knowledge that she has she can convey to her listeners.

the love that bj barhani has for her passion for cooking

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