Being Jewish with Jonah Platt is a weekly podcast that illuminates the full, beautiful, often unexplored spectrum of Jewish identity, by exploring the personal ...
Episode 12: Standing Up To Bigotry & Emmy winner Patricia Heaton
3-time Emmy-winning actress and longtime activist Patricia Heaton found a new calling 15 months ago - leading the Christian charge to stand with Israel and the Jewish community in the wake of October 7th. In this week’s episode, Jonah and Patricia explore why her faith demands her to stand for truth and justice, and how she is using her platform to garner solidarity with Jews worldwide. From rallies at Columbia University, to visiting hostage families in Israel, to starting the October 7th Coalition non-profit, the beloved “Everybody Loves Raymond” star highlights the urgency around her advocacy and the importance of rising to meet the moment. Patricia and Jonah also talk about the no-no’s of conservative politics in Hollywood, Heaton’s Irish Catholic upbringing, and her unwavering sense of faith in this no-holds-barred episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt. Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the audio podcast: https://beingjewishwithjonahplatt.transistor.fm/subscribe Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@JonahPlattOfficial Follow Jonah on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jonahplatt/ Follow the Show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingjewishpodcast/ Join the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comConnect with Patricia Heaton & The October 7th Coalitionhttps://www.instagram.com/patriciaheaton/https://www.instagram.com/TheOfficialO7C/Host & Production TeamHost: 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!Mentioned in EpisodeChris Rock (On Taking Care of Your Kids) (warning - explicit content)Patricia Heaton Presents at Jewish Media AwardsOctober 7th Coalition (Patricia Heaton’s Non-Profit) “The Promise Sessions” bringing Israeli musicians to NashvillePatricia talks Unity Dinner & Nova Exhibit (Section in video: 2:29-6:37)Nova ExhibitionRegistration for Patricia’s “Deborah Rising” Womens’ Trip to IsraelPaul’s Scripture (Put on the Armor of God) Jewish Girls Attacked in LondonJewish Man Shot While Walking to Synagogue in ChicagoLone Jew Arrested at Anti-Israel Rally in TorontoPolice Tell Jewish Man to Leave Downtown Montreal During Anti-Israel RallyJonah discusses Availability HeuristicMenachem Begin “Jew with Trembling Knees” speechJewish Federation of ClevelandJewish Nobel Prize WinnersApproximately 22% of Nobel Prize Winners/Laureates Are JewishMalcolm Gladwell’s Revenge of the Tipping Point Lord of The Rings Speech (About Goodness in a Dark World) MyZuzahYourZuzahBillings, Montana: How A Town Banded Together to Fight Jew-HatredMagen David Adom
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Episode 11: Giving Thanks & NFL Vikings Owner Mark Wilf
Watch the show on YouTube @JonahPlattOfficial NFL Vikings co-owner and philanthropist Mark Wilf opens up about his family’s American rebuild in the wake of the Holocaust, the importance of Israel, and the “family business” approach that has led to so much success for the Vikings franchise.. As a child of Holocaust Survivors, Wilf discusses the resilience and values his parents imparted to him, and how building a strong community is the antidote to trauma. He and Jonah also discuss numerous critical Jewish + Holocaust focused organizations such as The Jewish Agency, Jewish Federations of North America, March of the Living, and Yad Vashem. Wilf emphasizes the importance of teaching Jewish history to each new generation and how sports can be a meaningful vehicle for bringing people together around shared values. Don’t miss this eye-opening and inspirational conversation on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt! Stay ConnectedSubscribe 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/ Join the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comConnect with Mark Wilfhttps://www.vikings.com/team/front-office-roster/mark-wilfHost & Production TeamHost: 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!Mentioned in EpisodeAJU’s Millter Introduction to Judaism program Rabbi Pinchas TeitzJaroslaw, PolandLvov GhettoHolocaust Survivor Gathering in Israel Wilf Family FoundationMarch of The LivingYad Vashem Lack of Holocaust Education Among Young PeopleJewish Federation of North America The Jewish Agency For Israel (Where Mark Wilf is the Chairman of the Board of Governors)Nearly 30,000 People Immigrate to Israel in the Midst of Ongoing WarsOctober 7th Commemoration Post - 2024October 7th Post - 2023 Nova Exhibition "All statistics from the opening monologue were obtained directly from internal data via the institutions themselves”00:00 Introduction and Thanksgiving Reflection00:50 The Surge in Jewish Identity Post-October 7th01:36 Remarkable Statistics of Jewish Community Engagement04:00 Impact of the Podcast and Community Feedback06:16 Interview with Mark Wilf: Jewish Values and Sports10:33 Family Legacy and Holocaust Stories21:16 The Importance of Jewish Education and Philanthropy24:36 Hope and Resilience in the Jewish Community24:54 Legacy of a Holocaust Survivor25:44 Yad Vashem: A Beacon of Memory and Education27:32 Challenges in Holocaust Education29:10 Commitment to Jewish Advocacy29:58 Support for Terror Victims and Community Building31:27 Global Jewish Support: Ukraine and Ethiopia33:21 Jewish Advocacy in Sports36:44 Reflections on Recent Trips to Israel39:52 Community Involvement and Philanthropy42:22 Final Thoughts and Audience Q&A
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Episode 10: The Politicization of Jewish Identity & Artist Zoe Buckman
Watch the show on YouTube @JonahPlattOfficialMuseum-represented Artist, Feminist Advocate and Proud Jewish Mama Zoe Buckman joins Jonah in a frank conversation about anti-Jew bigotry on the left, both in the United States and the UK, where Buckman was raised. They discuss the progressive movements Buckman was once part of and how they’ve abandoned her since October 7th, while also looking at how the art world has changed for Jewish and Israeli creators. They also dig into the process behind Zoe’s unique artistic style and how she’s channeled grief, both personal and global, to create vibrant museum quality pieces. Additionally, she and Jonah discuss ways that Jewish individuals can deal with relationships that have been frayed since October 7th, while providing ideas on how to further unity within the community at large. Don’t miss this insightful and inspiring conversation on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt! Mentioned in EpisodeZoe’s Vogue Tribute to Her Mother History of Blood Libel & Jews Wicked Movie Trailer What is the Availability Heuristic? Tel Aviv InstituteHen Mazzig Leonard Cohen’s Quote About Judaism Zoe Buckman - “Tended” Exhibit Zoe Buckman’s Piece - “Songs Leaked From My Bedroom Walls”Zoe Buckman Uses Her Placenta To Create Art Hamas Uses Sexual Violence As Means of Attack Zoe Buckman’s Instagram Post About Anti-Jewish Hate in the Art World (August 11th) Van Jones Episode Art Basel Miami The Perez Art Museum Miami Stay ConnectedSubscribe 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/ Join the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comConnect with Zoehttps://www.instagram.com/zoebuckman/ Host & Production TeamHost: 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 Understanding False Validity00:35 The Harmful Conflation of Jewish Identity and Politics01:15 Addressing Bigotry and Misconceptions04:30 The Psychological Toll of Anti-Semitism05:41 Embracing Jewish Identity08:31 Introduction to the Guest: Zoe Buckman10:00 Zoe Buckman's Early Life in Hackney12:33 Experiencing Anti-Semitism in the UK20:52 Personal Loss and Rebirth31:06 Tattoo Ideas and Jewish Traditions32:37 Impact of Jewish Rituals34:48 Parenting and Jewish Identity36:30 Grieving and Moving On40:06 Artistic Journey and Achievements45:48 Challenges and Resilience in the Art World55:12 Future Plans and Lightning Round57:44 Listener Questions and Closing Remarks
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Episode 9: Reclaiming Social Media & Top Chef’s Gail Simmons
Watch the show on YouTube @JonahPlattOfficialGail 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 EpisodeNefesh - Rabbi Susan GoldbergChef Sara BradleyTom ColicchioHen MazzigGail Simmons’ Brisket RecipeInstagram Post by Gail SimmonsChef Birthright TripFranco-Turkish Relationship during First EmpireThe Great PowersStay ConnectedSubscribe 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/ Join the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comConnect with Gailhttps://www.instagram.com/gailsimmonseats/ Host & Production TeamHost: 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 Context00:27 The Power of Social Media03:39 Historical Reflections and Call to Action05:34 Practical Steps for Jewish Advocacy07:10 Guest Introduction: Gail Simmons09:01 Gail's Jewish Culinary Heritage12:28 Gail's Career Journey23:52 Top Chef and Cultural Impact29:59 Jewish Food Challenge Ideas31:17 Support and Community Post-October 7th35:04 Social Media Advocacy and Reactions42:05 Memories of Israel and Kibbutz Life46:39 Contemporary Jewish Food and Deli Culture48:55 Thanksgiving Traditions and Preferences50:39 Audience Questions and Reflections56:26 Closing Remarks and Credits
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Episode 8: Anti-Jew Inversion & Political Journalist Isaac Saul
Watch the show on YouTube @JonahPlattOfficialIn 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 episodeSubscribe to Tangle! ReadTangle The Week Magazine (general reference) Isaac Saul’s Article on Election FraudIsaac Saul’s Election PredictionsArticle: The Zionist case for a ceasefireArticle “The attacks on Israel, and the response.Stay ConnectedSubscribe 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/ Join the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comConnect with IsaacInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ikesaul/Host & Production TeamHost: 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 Hate00:44 Understanding Inversion: A Core Strategy01:58 Examples of Anti-Jewish Inversion03:09 The Weaponization of Jewish Identity04:38 Challenging the Apartheid Label05:52 Debunking Ethnic Cleansing and Genocide Claims07:57 The Misuse of 'Never Again'09:39 Interview with Isaac Saul: Early Jewish Memories14:16 Isaac Saul's Journey to Jewish Observance19:54 The State of Journalism Today29:18 Addressing Election Fraud Claims30:53 Understanding Political Perception Gaps34:00 Election Predictions and Analysis36:40 Personal Reflections on Trump42:12 The Israel-Palestine Conflict57:19 Social Media Questions59:04 Conclusion and Farewell
Being Jewish with Jonah Platt is a weekly podcast that illuminates the full, beautiful, often unexplored spectrum of Jewish identity, by exploring the personal journeys of both Jews and non-Jewish allies alike. Each week, actor/artist/advocate Jonah Platt will interview a celebrity figure from any number of fields—Art, Sports, Entertainment, Politics, Food, Music, Business, you name it—allowing the esteemed guest a safe space to dig deep into their own individual connection to the question, “What does it mean to be Jewish TO YOU?” Both the show’s audience and the established audience of each guest will have a unique opportunity to discover their hero’s connection to the Jewish experience through a thought-provoking conversation they won’t have heard anywhere else.