Watch the show on YouTube @JonahPlattOfficial

Gail Simmons has captured our hearts and stomachs as a judge on Bravo’s Emmy and Peabody-winning series Top Chef for more than 18 years! Today, she joins Jonah to discuss her connections to food and family through the lens of her Jewish identity. A Canadian native, she reflects on her Jewish upbringing in Toronto and Montreal and how those Jewish communities persevere today in the face of immense anti-Jew hate. Additionally, she shares her concerns for the future as a Jewish mother, goes deep on all things Top Chef, and of course, sprinkles in some culinary wisdom on Jewish specialties like latkes, kosher pickles, and most importantly, Mom’s Brisket. Together, Jonah and Gail tackle a wide breadth of topics with hope, humor and heart.

Mentioned in Episode

• Nefesh - Rabbi Susan Goldberg
• Chef Sara Bradley
• Tom Colicchio
• Hen Mazzig
• Gail Simmons’ Brisket Recipe
• Instagram Post by Gail Simmons
• Chef Birthright Trip
• Franco-Turkish Relationship during First Empire
• The Great Powers

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Connect with Gail

https://www.instagram.com/gailsimmonseats/

Host & Production Team

Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards);, Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel).

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!

00:00 Introduction and Context

00:27 The Power of Social Media

03:39 Historical Reflections and Call to Action

05:34 Practical Steps for Jewish Advocacy

07:10 Guest Introduction: Gail Simmons

09:01 Gail's Jewish Culinary Heritage

12:28 Gail's Career Journey

23:52 Top Chef and Cultural Impact

29:59 Jewish Food Challenge Ideas

31:17 Support and Community Post-October 7th

35:04 Social Media Advocacy and Reactions

42:05 Memories of Israel and Kibbutz Life

46:39 Contemporary Jewish Food and Deli Culture

48:55 Thanksgiving Traditions and Preferences

50:39 Audience Questions and Reflections

56:26 Closing Remarks and Credits

Watch the show on YouTube @JonahPlattOfficial

In this week’s episode, Jonah sits down with journalist Isaac Saul, founder of independent, non-partisan political newsletter Tangle. They discuss Isaac's evolving journey with Judaism - from the local Jewish Community Center to a Yeshiva in East Jerusalem and back. Isaac also lends his expertise to the discussion of journalistic integrity today, and elaborates on Tangle's mission to bridge what he calls “The Perception Gap” between Democrats and Republicans, and the political divide on contentious issues. Additionally, Saul offers unique perspectives on the ongoing conflicts in Israel and offers his election predictions just in time for Election Day! Jonah and Isaac’s conversation offers new insights on bridging civic divides and illustrates how to have an honest, humble and respectful conversation about sensitive issues.

Mentioned in this episode

• Subscribe to Tangle! ReadTangle
• The Week Magazine (general reference)
• Isaac Saul’s Article on Election Fraud
• Isaac Saul’s Election Predictions
• Article: The Zionist case for a ceasefire
• Article “The attacks on Israel, and the response.

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Subscribe to the podcast: https://beingjewishwithjonahplatt.transistor.fm/subscribe

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All things Jonah:

www.JonahPlatt.com

Connect with Isaac

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ikesaul/

Host & Production Team

Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards);, Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel).

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!

00:00 Introduction to Anti-Jewish Hate

00:44 Understanding Inversion: A Core Strategy

01:58 Examples of Anti-Jewish Inversion

03:09 The Weaponization of Jewish Identity

04:38 Challenging the Apartheid Label

05:52 Debunking Ethnic Cleansing and Genocide Claims

07:57 The Misuse of 'Never Again'

09:39 Interview with Isaac Saul: Early Jewish Memories

14:16 Isaac Saul's Journey to Jewish Observance

19:54 The State of Journalism Today

29:18 Addressing Election Fraud Claims

30:53 Understanding Political Perception Gaps

34:00 Election Predictions and Analysis

36:40 Personal Reflections on Trump

42:12 The Israel-Palestine Conflict

57:19 Social Media Questions

59:04 Conclusion and Farewell

Watch the show on YouTube @JonahPlattOfficial

In this episode, Jonah sits down with legendary commentator, activist and community ally Van Jones to dive into the historical power and current necessity of the Black & Jewish relationship. Together, Jonah and Van discuss the historic ties between their communities, the forces that try to divide them, and how both must work together to safeguard democracy and each other. Additionally, they discuss the pending Presidential election, the power of activism, and the origin of Van’s name! An eye-opening episode full of insight, truth, and personal stories not to be missed.

Mentioned in this episode

• Article: The Message by Ta-Nehesi Coates
• The Green Collar Economy by Van Jones

Stay Connected

Subscribe to the podcast: https://beingjewishwithjonahplatt.transistor.fm/subscribe

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All things Jonah:

www.JonahPlatt.com

Connect with Van Jones

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanjones68/

Host & Production Team

Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards);, Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel).

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!

00:00 Introduction and Context

00:16 Exploring Jewish Identity

01:05 Challenging Jewish Validity

02:23 Solidarity and Unification

06:05 Introducing Van Jones

08:00 Van Jones' Early Life and Influences

13:29 Experiences with Racism and Activism

23:20 Media Integrity and Bias

27:08 Addressing Anti-Semitism and Advocacy

34:20 The Palestinian Cause and Hamas

35:23 Personal Impact and Progressive Identity

36:18 Social Media and Public Perception

37:06 Standing Up for All Communities

37:29 Facing Fear and Speaking Out

40:46 Complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

45:15 Black and Jewish Community Relations

Watch the show on YouTube @JonahPlattOfficial

Jonah travels to Israel for the heart-wrenching anniversary of October 7th and sits down with outgoing Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Fleur Hassan-Nahoum to reflect on the challenges Israel faces in its war with Iran. During this conversation, Jonah and Fleur discuss her tenure in Jerusalem’s city government, and how the coexistence that exists in the city could be a blueprint for the country’s future. Additionally, they address the shortfalls of Israel’s communication strategy and what must be done to protect the country from existential threats. From college protests to the Second Intifada to the differences between Diaspora Jews & Israeli Jews, this episode tackles a wide range of pressing topics that simply can’t be missed.

Stay Connected

• Subscribe to the podcast: https://beingjewishwithjonahplatt.transistor.fm/subscribe
• Follow Jonah on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jonahplatt/
• Follow the Show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingjewishpodcast/
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All things Jonah:

www.JonahPlatt.com

Connect with Fleur Hassan-Nahoum

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fleurhassann/

Host & Production Team

Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards);, Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel).

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!

00:00 Jonah's Arrival in Israel

00:48 Reflecting on the Tragedy of October 7th

03:43 Encounters and Stories of Resilience

06:39 Unity and Mourning in Israel

09:02 Interview with Fleur Hassan-Nahoum

11:54 Fleur's Background and Family History

22:48 Challenges and Opportunities in Jerusalem

29:11 Diverse Jerusalem: A Melting Pot of Cultures

29:27 Differences Between Israeli and Diaspora Jews

29:59 Understanding Antisemitism: A Wake-Up Call

31:07 The Evolution of Zionism

32:12 Diaspora Jews and Israeli Identity

34:47 The Communications War: Israel's PR Struggles

38:19 Israel's Current Trajectory and Challenges

44:49 Resilience and Hope for the Future

45:30 Celebrating Sukkot Amidst Turmoil

46:28 Lightning Round: Personal Insights and Reflections

Watch the show on YouTube @JonahPlattOfficial

In this thought-provoking episode of "Being Jewish," Jonah Platt dives deep with Rabbi David Wolpe to explore what being Jewish means to one of Judaism’s most renowned faith leaders. From rabbinical wisdom to addressing anti-Jewish bigotry on college campuses, to October 7th, no topic goes untouched. Rabbi Wolpe weighs in on his controversial time at Harvard, his storied career as a rabbi, and his own sense of Jewish identity. Join us for an in-depth and reflective conversation just in time for the Days of Awe and Yom Kippur.

Mentioned in this episode

Why Be Jewish - Rabbi David Wolpe

David: The Divided Heart - Rabbi David Wolpe

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Subscribe to the podcast: https://beingjewishwithjonahplatt.transistor.fm/subscribe

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Connect with Rabbi David Wolpe!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidjwolpe

Host & Production Team

Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards);, Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel).

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!

00:00 Introduction to Yom Kippur and Self-Reflection

00:23 Psychological Biases and Self-Awareness

01:06 Shortcut Empathy: A Modern Fallacy

02:36 The Importance of True Empathy

03:36 Personal Experience on Middle Ground

04:47 A Disheartening Encounter

06:10 The Need for Genuine Empathy

06:30 Introduction to Rabbi David Wolpe

07:41 Growing Up as a Rabbi's Child

11:07 Journey to Becoming a Rabbi

15:16 Challenges and Achievements at Sinai Temple

23:47 Reflections on Jewish Identity and Heroes

26:38 Experiences at Harvard Divinity School

30:01 The Resignation Letter

30:50 Congressional Hearings and Disillusionment

34:38 DEI and Systemic Inequality

37:44 Advice for Jewish Students

39:21 Cultivating a Relationship with the Divine

44:18 Jewish Identity and Modern Challenges

51:27 Audience Questions and Reflections

Watch the show on YouTube @JonahPlattOfficial

In this eye-opening episode of BEING JEWISH, Jonah Platt discusses the complexities of the term “antisemitism” with guest Kenny Hamilton, a music mogul and former Justin Bieber bodyguard. The conversation dives deep into Kenny's journey towards converting to Judaism, his experiences working with Bieber and Scooter Braun, and how his identity as a Black Jew shapes his perspective on the current social climate. They also reflect on the shared cultural experiences between Black and Jewish communities, and the significance of Shabbat in fostering deeper connections. Kenny emphasizes the importance of speaking up against anti-Black and anti-Jew bigotry, and fostering a community of understanding and support. Join us for an enlightening discussion on breaking barriers and building a more inclusive world.

Stay Connected

Subscribe to the podcast: https://beingjewishwithjonahplatt.transistor.fm/subscribe

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Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplatt

All things Jonah:

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Connect with Kenny!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennyhamilton/

Host & Production Team

Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards);, Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel).

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!

00:00 Reframing Antisemitism: A Call to Action

01:40 Research Insights: The Ineffectiveness of 'Antisemitism'

05:50 Introducing Kenny Hamilton: A Unique Journey

07:15 From Radio to Bodyguard: Kenny's Career Path

08:36 Discovering Judaism: Kenny's Conversion Story

09:44 Experiencing Israel: A Life-Changing Trip

15:36 Cultural Connections: Black and Jewish Experiences

25:25 Systemic Racism and Jewish History

26:40 Jewish Contributions to Civil Rights

27:36 Personal Journey to Judaism

29:01 Conversion Process and Reflections

33:57 Challenges and Reactions

41:25 Social Media and Public Perception

46:54 Finding Joy in Jewish Traditions