Bad Jew (Mr. Thrive Media)

On October 7th, 2023, on the festive holiday of Simchat Torah, Israel's southern border was infiltrated and attacked by the terrorist organization, Hamas. Celebrations were abruptly hindered and ceased by the deliberate targeting of Israeli civilians across the country. In a historically shocking development, the highest number of Jewish murders since the holocaust unfolded. Entire villages were torn apart, leaving behind a graphic trail of blood that Israel has never seen before.  As the world mourns the losses of so many, and as Israel ramps up its retaliation towards the Gaza strip, we are left wondering what the meaning behind the timing of this is. If there is a G-d and everything happens for a reason, surely we are supposed to learn something from this... right? World-renowned author and speaker, Rabbi Simon Jacobson, speaks humbly from the heart in this episode. Taking on a new tone of voice, Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, learns with Jacobson in this sensitive and complicated episode. About Rabbi Simon Jacobson:  Rabbi Simon Jacobson is a pioneering speaker, educator, mentor to thousands. He is the author of the best-selling book “Toward a Meaningful Life,” a William Morrow publication that has sold over 400,000 copies to date and has been translated into Hebrew, French, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, German, Hungarian, Polish, Czech, Georgian and Croatian.     Rabbi Jacobson heads The Meaningful Life Center, called a “Spiritual Starbucks” by the New York Times, which bridges the secular and the spiritual through a wide variety of live and online programming, presenting the universal teachings of Torah as a blueprint for life to people of all backgrounds. With his keen insight into the human condition, he has the unique ability to offer clarity and direction especially in difficult times. Rabbi Jacobson and the MLC have been lauded for creating non-stop programming nourishing people’s hearts and souls.  Rabbi Jacobson is also YouTube’s Rabbi of choice! With over 200,000 subscribers (and rising!), and over 15 million views — the MLC is spanning the globe and reaching every corner of the earth. For over 14 years Rabbi Jacobson, as Editor-in-Chief of Vaad Hanochos Hatmimim, was responsible for publishing the talks of the late Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, one of the most influential Jewish leaders of the 20th century. Beginning in 1979, Rabbi Jacobson headed a team of scholars that memorized and transcribed entire talks that the Rebbe gave during the Sabbath and holidays, as writing and tape recording are not permitted on holy days. In this position, he was privileged to work in close association with the Rebbe and published more than 1000 of the Rebbe’s talks. He also headed the research team for Sefer Halikutim — an encyclopedic collection of Chassidic thought (26 volumes, published 1977-1982).     Rabbi Jacobson is one of the greatest scholars and most sought-after speakers in the Jewish world today. He has lectured to diverse audiences on six continents and in forty states on psycho-spiritual issues and applying Jewish thought to contemporary life. His voice is rooted in the timeless teachings of Torah, yet at the same time is profoundly timely, relevant, unique, and cutting edge. He has been interviewed on over 300 radio and TV shows, including CBS, CNN, Newsmax, PragerU, PBS, MSNBC, FOX, and NPR. He is also the chairman and publisher of The Algemeiner Journal, the “fastest growing Jewish newspaper in America” according to CNBC, filling the position of his illustrious father, esteemed journalist Gershon Jacobson.   Connect with Rabbi Simon Jacobson: www.MeaningfulLife.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/Meaningfullife  @Meaningfullifecenter   Connect with Bad Jew: Connect with Bad Jew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Surely you've heard the chant "Free Palestine" but have you asked yourself What is Palestine? It'd be irresponsible not to do your research. Perhaps you'd be surprised to learn it was never a state but rather a land. You may also be surprised to learn that Jews, Christians, and Arabs alike were once called Palestinian. What regional features define the land of Palestine and what are we 'freeing'? Who are we giving the freedom to anyway? These are all such important questions to ask, especially after October 7th brought international attention to the land. Liel Kopell hails from Haifa, Israel to bring light to this confusion. But how do we know it's not propaganda? Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, interviews and even debates the material and opinions of Mr. Kopell while uncovering the truth behind Palestine and its relation to Israel. About Liel Kopell: Liel Kopell, known as MrKopell, is a 23-year-old Israeli TikToker who lives in Israel, a true patriot of his country, enlisted to the Israel Defense Forces and served in the Navy despite having suffered a severe knee injury in his youth. After the atrocities of October 7th, Liel decided to open a Tiktok page and confront pro-Palestinians around the world to voice the Israeli perspective while providing unique insights that many haven't considered. Follow Liel Kopell: IG: @mr.kopell TikTok: @mrkopellnew Contact Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Is Torah relevant as we go into the new year (not the Jewish new year, just the regular new year)? Afterall, this text was written over 3,000 years ago! How can something so literally ancient be applied to a world with social media, vaccines, gender studies, technology, and more? Rabbi Benzion Klatzko explains the world that we face today from the Jewish perspective. This fascinating dialogue brings about many questions and probably warrants for a 2-part episode. About Rabbi Klatzko: Rabbi Klatzko attended Telshe Yeshiva in Cleveland and received his rabbinic ordination from Mir Yeshiva in Brooklyn, New York from Rabbi Shmuel Berenbaum, ZTL. Rabbi Klatzko accepted an offer to serve as Rabbi of the 14th ave Agudath Israel of Brooklyn, New York. After seven years of serving, he began a three year stint as the Rabbi of Shaarey Tzedek Congregation in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. In 1999 saw the Klatzko family move to California so that he could accept the position of Campus Rabbi at UCLA, the first of hundreds of Olami rabbis who would work and live on campus. As a hands-on and loveable ambassador for the Jewish faith, he reconnected literally thousands of young Jewish men and women to their heritage. He also made an impressive splash in the broader Jewish community, earning the moniker “The Hollywood Rabbi.” Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars and producers became regulars at his popular monthly class on Jewish thought. Beyond transforming lives at UCLA through JAM, Rabbi Klatzko’s activities touched-off a revolution that profoundly changed the landscape of North American Jewry. Almost overnight, dozens of young rabbis throughout the country moved their families to campuses with high Jewish populations in an effort to reach out to the unaffiliated and curious. To this day, hundreds of young rabbis seek out Rabbi Klatzko's sagacious advice in an effort to glean some of his wisdom and experience. He currently serves as a Senior Director for Olami and in that capacity oversees and trains Jewish educators throughout North America. Rabbi Klatzko also founded the highly impactful “Akiva Trip” franchise with trips to Israel, Poland and New York Stateside. A person of indefatigable energy, Rabbi Klatzko is also a successful author (The Kuntrus / Moznaim Publications), noted public speaker, music producer, and Mohel. In 2010, Rabbi Benzion Klatzko founded the website Shabbat.com to facilitate shabbos and shidduch connections across the globe. Today, Shabbat.com is the largest Jewish Social Network in the world. Endorsed by the gedolim and active in 220 countries, 10,000 people a week take advantage of the Shabbat.com service. He is also the founder of many other projects to increase Jewish awareness and observance including the organizations Hisoriri (Hisoriri.com), Chazkeinu (Chazkeinu.org), Havdalah.com, Hashem.com, Illuminatethe World.com, LiveJudaism.com, WhyMarryJewish.com, OdYavo.org, and others. Rabbi Klatzko, his wife Shani, and their 11 children currently live in Monsey, New York, where hosting 70 or more people for Shabbos in the norm. He is proud to be counted among Rabbi Klatzko is one of Olami’s “founding fathers” with 2 decades of service to campus outreach and Jewish life. Be sure to follow Rabbi Benzion Klatzko: Email: RabbiKlatzko@gmail.com Music: Klatzko Art: RishonArt.com Join Shabbat.com, the World's Largest Jewish Network, and download the app. Dating, Jobs, and Shabbat Hospitality Worldwide! http://www.Shabbat.com Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tribex.shabbat&hl=en Apple - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/shabbat/id1037705799?ls=1 Connect with Bad Jew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Dear Trolls,  We thought we explained this to you well enough but we clearly haven't. Over 95% of Jews understand this well: Your attempt to separate Jews from their origins in Judea-Samaria (aka Israel) is blatant Jew hatred disguised as anti-Zionism. Being said, I brought on an expert from the Jewish Agency for Israel. Daniel Elbaum has dedicated his life to understanding the complicated geopolitics and history of the middle easy. Elbaum understands that such matters require microscopic-level analyses and intricate and articulate explanations. Elbaum reveals deeper connections to Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, in hopes to arm listeners with the facts to help them explain the truth more effectively.  00:00 Discussing Jewish connection to Israel amidst conflict 04:00 Introduction 08:00 Israel is essential to Jewish identity and history 10:10 History repeats 14:59 Israeli support of the Jewish state 17:28 Questioning motives 22:15 Antisemitic enablers 25:14 Prayer for anti-Zionists' enlightenment 29:00 Israel: refuge and homecoming  30:38 Israel's importance globally. 33:41 Conclusion About Daniel Elbaum: Dan Elbaum is the Head of North America for The Jewish Agency for Israel and President and CEO of Jewish Agency International Development(JAID). In this role, he leads and oversees all aspects of the historic organization’s North American operations. Since taking on his current position, Elbaum has spearheaded innovative new ways to advance The Jewish Agency’s work in connecting American Jews to Israel and Jews around the world. He has appeared in media outlets ranging from NBC Date line to Al Jazeera and has had opinion pieces published in both English and Hebrew in some of America and Israel’s leading newspapers. In 2023, the Alpha Epsilon Pi Foundation awarded Elbaum the Gitelson Silver Medallion for his commitment to world Jewry. In the fraternity’s110-year history, only 55 alumni out of 120,000 have received this award. Prior to joining The Jewish Agency, Elbaum was the Chief Advocacy Officer for the American Jewish Committee (AJC) where he oversaw the organization’s advocacy efforts around the world. He had previously served as AJC’s Director of Regional Offices, and before that as Regional Director of AJC Chicago. He came to AJC after six years as Civil Rights Counsel and Director of Development for the Anti-Defamation League’s Midwest Region. Before entering the world of Jewish non-profits, Elbaum was a felony prosecutor in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Law and lives in the suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters. SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE: JEWISH BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS OF LOS ANGELES! Become a big today! JBBBSLA.org/mentorship Connect with Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Israel is the only pro-LGBTQ country in the Middle East but does that mean you should automatically be a Zionist? Probably, but for a vast majority of LGBTQ members, especially Jews, they are faced with the inner conflict of crossing political lines and personal values, stepping aside from the guidelines of their political affiliation's doctrine. How can they navigate this dilemma? Marcus Breman, better known on TikTok as @yourfavoritegayzionist, discusses this dilemma from a personal experience. Having lived in both the United States and Israel, Marcus makes commentary paving his own path for his opinions and political stances. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, works to understand this complicated positioning and where U.S. politics fits into the morality that Zionism has built.  00:00 Introduction 03:10 The younger generation 06:32 Switching political parties 11:42 Israel's anti-discrimination laws for LGBTQ+ 14:23 Diverse voter motivations in U.S. 17:19 LGBT asylum controversy in the West Bank 20:06 Israel is THE successful decolonization project 23:47 Echo chambers 29:33 Biden vs. Trump's Zionism 30:54 Conclusion About Marcus Breman: Connect with Marcus Breman: TikTok @yourfavoritegayzionist Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod

There's something uncanny happening in the background of the Israel-Hamas war right now. Do you see it? The Torah seems to be predicting... everything. In the recent Torah portion of Noah's Arc, "Hamas" is mentioned twice... TWICE! Since then there have been other important correlations that have acted as milestones in this conflict. With the eyes of the world focused on the Middle East, Torah-observant Jews have made it clear that there's something to be said about the coincidental appearance of Hamas in this story and in other parts of the Torah. As someone who regularly observes and studies the Torah, Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport (also known as Rabbi Raps) connects the dots and helps us understand why there's no such thing as coincidence. In a dvar Torah unlike any other, Rabbi Raps teaches host Chaz Volk why this occurs and what it means for the future of the Jewish state. About Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport: Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport, AKA @RabbiRaps Rabbi, Influencer, Film Maker & Motivational Speaker. The TikTok Rebbe. With more than 330k followers across Instagram and Tictok and videos with Millions of views, @Rabbiraps is one of the fastest-growing Jewish social media influencers in the world today.  "Community Rabbi becomes an Influencer by accident. Since 2016 Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport has served as the Spiritual Leader of the Chabad at the shore in Atlantic County, NJ. He is a graduate of the Rabbinical College of America and received his Rabbinical Ordination in 2003. In 2021, during the COVID-19 epidemic, Rabbi Rapoport began creating videos to communicate with his community. After a few videos went viral, he realized the power of social media and began creating content on a daily basis."  Connect with Rabbi Raps: IG and TikTok @RabbiRaps Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

The spirit of the Jewish people is challenged by the fact that most of us don't have a direct way to participate in this war. Between that simple fact and the negativity spewing off social media, it's easy to fall into a pit of helplessness. It's completely valid to feel down. However... Shoshanna Stein from @MySoCalledJewishLife is a spiritual warrior. She interviews with the host of Bad Jew, Chaz Volk, to highlight how she fights this war from a pragmatic place. Her passion and efforts are highlighted in her day-to-day as well as in the content she produces. Get inspired by the enlightening vibrations of this episode. About Shoshanna Stein: Born into a Chabad family, Shoshanna Stein hails from a highly orthodox background. At 18, she relocated to Israel, she pursued studies in fashion in Tel Aviv where she got her degree. Shoshanna is a mother of three and is passionate about art, using her experiences to create meaningful and spiritual pieces. Her profound connection to Judaism is evident in her vibrant Jewish life, which combines Chabad and Sephardic influences. A particular focus is the Ki Tov Project, which conveys the belief that everything is essentially good. Now involved in the Hebrew Academy, she aims to bring the Ki Tov Project to schools in Miami and beyond. Connect with Shoshanna Stein: https://linktr.ee/mysocalledjewishlife Connect with Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

We have to fast? Again? Yep. For another 25 hours, Jews are told to fast for what is considered the saddest day in the Jewish calendar. Tisha B’Av is a holiday some know very fondly while others have never heard of. It commemorates the destruction of the 1st and 2nd Temples along with other exceptionally tragic moments in Jewish history. What is the meaning of this? What did we do to deserve this? Why does this keep happening? Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser, known for his comedic and unique style of speaking, jumps onto Bad Jew to explore the deeper ideas behind this portion of our history. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, gets a crash course to the Jewish diaspora, the tragedy that have struck our generations, and explores what we can do to change the outcome of the future (Moshiach!) Special thanks to Yosef Behar of Oshpiza (Oshpiza.com) for making this interview possible.  About Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser: Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser received a Bachelors Degree in Humanities from the University of California at Santa Barbara. For 12 years he surfed internationally on a professional level. He is also an accomplished mountain biker and professional musician. He received rabbinic ordination from Aish HaTorah and the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. His areas of expertise are Kabbala, Spirituality and Psychotherapy. Connect with Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser: YouTube - @RabbiYomTov   IG - @rabbiyomtov  Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod

Do you feel lonely? Do you feel it's time to find your true love? Do you feel hopeless in the romance department? Many of us do including me. If you're like me, Chaz Volk, the host of this show, you have spent many sleepless nights staring at the ceiling wondering what the future holds and if you're even worthy of your desires.  In the quest to find my b'sheret ("meant to be"), I interview "Coach" Daniel Ratner hailing from Israel to explain the necessary pieces that need to be in place in order to find love. Coach draws from the wisdom of workshops he has led and books he has written to explain what necessary elements must be existent in order to survive the four stages of love. 00:00 Introduction 04:42 Discipline 08:40 The Four Phases of Love 09:37 Listening is key for meaningful relationships 14:32 Embrace growth 18:13 Physicality and attraction 20:43 The issue with getting physical too soon 24:05 Fully understanding your partner 29:19 Attracting the right people 31:55 The beauty disadvantage 35:15 Conclusion About Coach Daniel Ratner: Coach Ratner was a world-class rare coin dealer & real estate developer in America. He has now transitioned himself into an influential educator for organizations who seek inspiration. His focus is on fostering meaningful relationships, building self-esteem, and providing spiritual motivation. His 5th book, “Infinite Marriage: The 4 Phases of Loving Relationship”, was released in May 2024. Connect Coach Daniel Ratner: Podcast: Living in Clarity - available on all podcast platforms! www.coachratner.com Connect Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

The intersection between business and Judaism raises intriguing questions about the compatibility of religious values with profit-driven endeavors. Explore how Judaism's emphasis on social justice, ethical conduct, and communal responsibility can guide entrepreneurs and business leaders in navigating ethical challenges and cultivating integrity in the competitive world of capitalism. Discover the potential harmony or tension that arises when business and Judaism converge. Chaz Volk, the charismatic host of Bad Jew, engages in thought-provoking conversations about the role of Judaism in business with Rabbi Baruch Tuman. Tuman founded Raise Your Bar, which is known for emphasizing the importance of consistency, transparency, and spirituality in the corporate world. Delve into how Tuman integrates his Jewish values, champions honesty, and authenticity, and fosters trust among his team, clients, and partners. Uncover the spiritual dimension of business as Tuman infuses his work with a higher purpose, elevating his business practices to create a profound impact. About Rabbi Baruch Tuman: Baruch was born and raised in Arroyo Grande, California (the Central Coast). After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in political science, he made his way to Israel to seek a greater understanding of his Jewish heritage. He remained in Israel for nine years and, while there, received his rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Yitzchak Berkovits. From 2013 to 2016, Baruch worked as a rabbi/educator on the DePaul, UIC, and Loyola campuses in Chicago. For the past seven years, he has been serving as an educator and teacher for Jewish professionals and adults with the Ember Foundation & TORAHUB. He primarily meets people for one-on-one sessions in their offices or nearby coffee shops and he has monthly and bi-monthly group classes. Many classes are held online. Baruch has a passion for teaching and giving all Jewish people a license to better understand their own heritage. He believes wholeheartedly that apathy toward Judaism is rooted in Jewish illiteracy. Baruch would assert that knowledge is so much more than just power. Jewish youth have opportunities to engage and learn about Judaism and Baruch strives to give Jews of all ages similar learning opportunities, regardless of background and observance level.  In addition to his non-profit work, Baruch started Raise Your Bar LLC to help business owners and entrepreneurs grow their company revenue and profits by providing business coaching. He uses proprietary applications, Profit Acceleration Software™, vetted and used by thousands of small to midsize businesses to enhance their bottom line. Baruch loves coaching people in their businesses which inevitably allows him to discuss and help in other life areas such as marriage, dating, child-rearing, interpersonal interactions, life purpose/meaning, etc.  Baruch currently lives in West Rogers Park, Chicago with his lovely wife, Judith, and their four delicious children.  Contact Rabbi Baruch Tuman here: baruchtuman@torahub.org www.torahub.org baruch@raiseyourbar.live www.raiseyourbar.live www.linkedin.com/in/baruchtuman Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Have you ever tried to pray and been discouraged? Have you ever clasped your hands together in hopes of a miracle, only to be met by crickets? Have you ever felt isolated in your journey because you feel like a beginner in a sea full of veteran Jews? We have too. Reena Friedman Watts, host of Better Call Daddy, founder of Mega Watts Productions, and Jewish mother, has taken it upon herself to journey deeper into her Judaism with her family. On Bad Jew, host Chaz Volk uncovers the trials and tribulations that Watts and her family have endured from an identity level, a community level, and a spiritual level. In this episode, Chaz and Reena provide tips for beginners while calling on organizations to be more accessible to those who practice Judaism at a novice level. About Reena Friedman Watts: There’s not much Reena Friedman Watts hasn’t done in her professional life. She’s scoured the NPR newswire for stories. She’s combed through hundreds of small claims cases. She’s worked on reality TV shows such as The Jerry Springer Show, Court TV, and Nanny 911. She’s worked in Radio. She’s planned mega-events for the telecom and finance industries. She’s secured sponsors and emceed. She’s booked sensational and hard-to-get guests such as Howard Schultz, Barbara Corcoran, Ken Coleman, and Derek Sivers on Cathy Heller’s Don’t Keep Your Day Job Podcast and boosted the downloads from 4M to nearly 15M. Reena has a God-given talent for connecting people and building communities, and she bestows her magic on people in the most selfless and genuine way. Ideas for how people can achieve the fantastic flow out of her head as effortlessly as breath flows into her lungs. Her diverse background and skill set allow her to seamlessly weave in and out of multiple markets and find her way through doors that don’t open for others. She coaches entrepreneurs on how to get unstuck and find their first clients, she gets blurbs from influencers for their best-selling books, and she even helps them grow communities of their own. Reena is a questioner and a story junkie, and she’s scratching that itch on her highly anticipated podcast, Better Call Daddy. She’s telling the stories that haven’t been told and sprinkling them with wisdom from one of her most trusted advisors, her Dad. Reena is a hustler, a change-maker, and a consummate connector. Imagine what she can do for you. Reach Reena Friedman Watts at: Check out BetterCallDaddy.com Linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts Instagram.com/reenafriedmanwatts Instagram.com/bettercalldaddypodcast Twitter.com/reenareena Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

All Yeshivas are notoriously known for giving life-changing education. Teaching Judaism with a higher kind of discipline while embedding principles to live by is not something that happens overnight. You hear of people that stay for a week. You hear of people that stay for years. But does it really provide you with ALL the tools you need in life? Daniel Mouyal is known for his collaborations with musicians like Kosha Dillz. Before the reputation we know today, he desired a complete 180 in his life. He went to Yeshiva and has since thrived off the Torah's teachings while paving his own path. Did Yeshiva teach him EVERYTHING? He discusses this with Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, to highlight his experiences and truth.  00:00 Introduction 03:57 Daniel's pursuits 07:34 A year at Yeshiva 13:52 Seek power through selfless prayer 15:19 Stories of Yeshiva part 1 20:13 Stories from Yeshiva part 2 20:50 Joys of not knowing 25:14 Conclusion About Daniel Mouyal: Daniel Mouyal is 28 years old and resides in Miami, Florida. He is known for his music and does stand up comedy and acting.  Connect with Daniel Mouyal: www.linktr.ee/danielmouyal Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod

If you're a YJP (Young Jewish Professional), chances are your life is awesome. You may be hit up to go bowling with some friends. Guess what? It's a Moishe House event and it's free of charge! You may later sign up for a young adult retreat through NuRoots to tap into Torah Study while exploring the great outdoors. You will likely run into that old friend from BBYO whom you enjoyed Hebrew school with at your local synagogue. You may host a Shabbat event and even more amazing: The price of that meal will be subsidized by OneTable (CEO and Founder Aliza Kline was on this podcast). The possibilities for Jews are endless! You don't have to be in your 20s to enjoy these programs. You can be a recent parent, a senior citizen, or even a newborn. There is a guarantee that a Jewish non-profit impacted your life one way or another. Why is this network so strong? Gary S. Cohn of Painted Rock Advisors is a non-profit and philanthropic advisor. He helps organizations run smoothly while helping entrepreneurs and philanthropists allocate their wealth to the right organizations. With these contributions, Cohn has impacted the Jewish and non-Jewish world in numerous ways. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, interviews Cohn to understand why it's more than just money that makes these non-profits run. Volk, having produced Cohn's Podcast, The Road to Philanthropy, is aware of his passion and drive, helping Gary showcase his talents to the Bad Jew community. About Gary S. Cohn: Gary brings over thirty years of non-profit and development experience to his work as a trusted advisor. Gary became the Executive Director of Temple Emanu-El in San Francisco from 1991-2007. Temple Emanu-El is one of the leading congregations in Reform Judaism with over 2,000 families founded in 1850. There he managed all business aspects of the congregation plus membership services and program. Gary was responsible for an annual budget of $15 million and an endowment equities and real estate of over $40 million. In 2008 he became the Regional Director of American Technion Society in the Pacific Northwest (Silicon Valley to Seattle) raising about $15-$20 million a year to support the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. From 20015 until 2020 Gary held Senior Vice President/Major Gift roles at Alzheimer’s Association and the Jewish Agency for Israel. In 2020, Gary founded Painted Rock Advisors. Painted Rock Advisors provides services to the philanthropic and non-profit communities. His podcast, The Road to Philanthropy debuted in 2021 and now has over 6,000 listeners. Gary serves on the Board of Directors of Hillel 818 and Safe Parking Los Angeles where he is Chair of Governance at both non-profits. Previously served on the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross-Bay Area, the San Francisco Food Bank and Bentley School. He was on the Advisory Board of City National Bank in Northern California from 2000-2007. Gary is a graduate of California State University at Long Beach and received his BS from the College of Business. He was honored as Alumnus of the Year for the College of Business in 2009. Gary lives in Woodland Hills with his partner, Paula and has a daughter, Erica, who works in the entertainment industry. Connect with Gary S. Cohn: https://linktr.ee/RoadToPhilanthropy www.paintedrockadvisors.com Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Hashem is this infinite being, for lack of better term. He's all-encompassing and created us out of nothing, indicating his sheer power. Yet, it's a mitzvah to pray and is a commandment to pray during certain times. So then... does he need anything or not? And of all things, why prayer? Prayer is an area of specialty for Rabbi Ephy Greene of Aish HaTorah's Yeshiva in Jerusalem, Israel. During a 'swearing in' ceremony by the IDF, Ephy goes into detail on why Hashem wants us to daven and seek spirituality within ourselves. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, learns why it's a necessity to get closer to Hashem. 00:00 Introduction 04:33 Life-changing moments 07:08 Questioning purpose  10:09 Our relationship with God depends on us 16:07 The search for meaning 18:06 Informal prayer expresses vulnerability 20:57 Structure is essential 25:31 Torah is God's communication and vision 27:10 Living a moral life through heartfelt prayer 30:54 Conclusion About Ephy Greene: Rabbi Ephy Greene has been teaching in the US & Israel for over 20 years. Growing up the son of a Conservative rabbi, but attending Orthodox schools, Ephy experienced Jews and Judaism in a variety of contexts, from USY retreats to studying with Chassidim in the Mir. Rabbi Greene has been teaching in Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem for the past decade. He is also a Jewish singer/songwriter, inspirational speaker, and loving, but slightly embarrassing dad! Connect with Rabbi Ephy Greene: www.AishYeshiva.com Listen to music by Ephy Greene on Spotify Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod

What is a relationship? And in which context are we defining it? These general questions are too vague to answer simply. A 'relationship' tends to be romantic. Expanding on that, it can be with your very own health (physical and/or mental). You can have a relationship with your family, your community, your neighborhood, and even G-d. When G-d enters the picture, one might even realize that the divine is in... everything, and thus awesome relationships can have a certain sense of G-d conscious awareness. In this in-depth episode, Ted Riter, Embodiment & Sexual Polarity Teacher, Relationship Coach, Men’s Work Trainer, and ordained Rabbi, tackles the definition of a 'relationship' with care and tenderness. With his Rabbinic background, he ties his Jewish studies to his relationship coaching, giving an incredibly holistic and unique lesson on all of the ways relationships impact us. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, pushes the show into personal spaces while learning new ways to embrace meditation, prayer, and general embrace. About Ted Riter: Ted Riter is a certified Embodiment & Sexual Polarity Teacher, Relationship Coach, Men’s Work Trainer, and ordained Rabbi. He has 30+ years of experience in guiding individuals and couples through their relationships, and is known for his playful, deep, heart-centered approach to personal growth and relating.  Connect with Ted: -website: www.tedriter.com -Instagram: @tedritertalks Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

What have we learned after a year? Bad Jew, the podcast has produced content for over a year. 58 episodes later, the show has reached the top 10% of Jewish podcasts by being consistent in Jewish teachings. But has it been consistent in teaching the foundation it was built on? That there is no such thing as a Bad Jew? Igor Milgram, an entrepreneur from the Bay Area of Northern California, had a similar idea. Wanting to connect the forgotten members of the Jewish community, he put together his personal resources to spread the message that there truly is no such thing as a Bad Jew. He does this by creating spaces to welcome all members no matter what their background is. Milgram's events caught the eye of Bad Jew podcast host Chaz Volk. Chaz and Igor explore the meaning of Bad Jew, Jewish identity, and openly discuss the potential of their comprehensive partnership. About Igor Milgram: Igor Milgram – A Jewish Immigrant from Ukraine. Born during the Soviet Union and a Bay Area Resident since he was two years old. Igor has always broken the mold of what was expected of him. Whether it be working at NASA with no degree at 21, becoming Vice President of AEPI at SJSU at 23, starting a Cannabis Infused Beef Jerky Company, or helping run a high-end meat processing company before the age of 30, he has chosen to carve his own path instead of using one set out in front of him. Now a consultant in the cannabis industry, who helps take care of his mother and grandmother, and an active participant in the SF Bay Area Jewish scene, he has started a new project to foster a change in the Jewish Community. By creating SFBadJews he hopes to create a sense of home for all the Jewish People who have been left behind by the Jewish world as it exists currently, change the stereotypes of what society expects a Jewish person to be, and transform what the Jewish world thinks a Good Jew or Bad Jew looks like.  Connect with Igor Milgram: IG @sfbadjews Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

The holiday of Hannukah is here! We often remember it for the 8 nights of gift-giving, latkes, donuts, and dreidels. However, there's so much more to the holiday and honestly, it's essential you understand this because non-Jews love to appropriate Jewish holidays into their own movements.  SO... "How is Hannukah Zionist?" highlights the hard facts around the strong Jewish ties to Zionism while staying authentic to Jewish values and tradition. Ari Lesser, a slam poet and hip hop artist, jumps on to the podcast to discuss and rap about the beloved holiday of Hannukah. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, learns lessons about tradition and authenticity around the holiday that often gets thrown into the same category as Christmas. 00:00 Introduction to Ari Lesser 07:11 Zionism: Indigenous Jewish rights 10:25 Non-Jews rewriting Jewish history  12:19 Proving the Pro-Palestinian "movement" wrong 15:32 Ari's talents 19:26 Maccabees' resistance to oppression 23:19 Embracing Jewish authenticity  25:17 Gifts vs. money 29:24 Teaching Jewish values to family 31:37 Jews are indigenous to the Middle East 34:23 Conclusion About Ari Lesser: Ari Lesser is a singer, songwriter, rapper, and spoken word artist from Cleveland, Ohio. He has a degree in Political Science from the University of Oregon and also spent time in Israel studying at Yeshivot in Tzfat and Jerusalem. He has performed around the world, and written hundreds of songs on a wide range of subjects. Ari’s repertoire is expansive, touching on everything from modern politics, to ancient Jewish mysticism. He can step into character and rap from the perspectives of hundreds of different personalities living and dead, real and fictional, human and animal. He has also created rhymed translations of dozens of Psalms and other traditional prayers, bringing their powerful timeless message back into the realm of song. Ari’s performance gives life to words in a way that is inspirational, accurate, educational, and very entertaining for English speaking audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Connect with Ari Lesser: YouTube @arilesser   Ig and TikTok @ariblesser Spotify: Ari Lesser - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6rxfyBJGSo932qG8Ssk138?si=oGB69U79Q_OrmhF0iMkbsA SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE: JEWISH BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS OF LOS ANGELES! Become a big today! JBBBSLA.org/mentorship Connect with Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

What is a Bad Jew? Hi, I'm Chaz Volk and time and time again, I've been called a 'Bad Jew'. But why? There's a few potential reasons that we uncover in this episode. My Jewish journey has been lifelong however my emotional breakthroughs started in July of 2022. During an organized trip in Israel, it became very clear what was missing in my life. I started practicing the entry level teachings of the Torah and even adopted a few lifestyle changes. While I'm not comfortable with everything, I learned that the best way to embrace this gift is to learn and ask questions. Being in the space to ask questions of any magnitude is imperative for the Jewish journey. Without it, there is no growth. On this podcast, we embrace the act of asking all kinds of questions to Jewish thought leaders across the world. That is to say that I, Chaz Volk, am no thought leader. I'm merely the student, like you! To learn more, you can join my online What'sApp Community by emailing BadJewPod@gmail.com I'm also on TikTok and Instagram: @BadJewPod Stay tuned for more radically confrontational Jewish learning!

How many times have you clasped your hands together, looked up at the sky, and BEGGED G-d for something only to get crickets in return. Praying to G-d can be a disheartening and even intimidating task for some. This is an incredibly valid and real experience and anyone who believes in G-d would be lying if they said that was never their experience. But what if there was a better way to ask for things? Jesse Orenshein, known for his valiant and impressive efforts on the famous TV show American Ninja Warrior, tells his story about the eye-opening epiphany that changed the course of his Jewish journey. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, who recently learned how to pray and daven from his most recent trip to Israel, refines his understanding thanks to Jesse and his tried and true experiences.  00:00 Introduction 03:09 Asking G-d for Things 07:16 American Ninja Warrior experience 09:22 Out of Body experience 13:14 Difficulties of competing while religious 18:27 Grace and sacrifice 22:00 Miraculous changes 24:40 Impacts of Israel 26:48 You can't always get what you want 30:06 Persistence and luck 33:58 Custom prayer can follow Rambam's format 35:42 Conclusion About Jesse Orenshein: Jesse Orenshein is a children's book author, screenwriter, and 4-time competitor on NBC's hit show, American Ninja Warrior. His recent appearance on Season 16 gained mass Jewish recognition, after Jesse iconically put on a back-up yarmulke when his first one fell in the water. Jesse competes on ANW to inspire Jews around the world, especially the four loves of his life - his wife and three beautiful daughters. Buy Jesse Orenshein's books at: www.GrandpaHerbiesStories.com Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod

What's the matter with kids today? Jewish youth is either the most connected or disconnected demographic of the Jewish population. If you're ages 18 - 35, you're a part of an inconsistent international community that can't decide on a lot of things. Most of all, you may be confused about your past and how relevant your upbringings are to today. David Hazony and Alissa Bernstein are from Z3, a zionist thinktank rethinking the future of the American-Israeli relationship. Bernstein and Hazony work together to engage with Jewish youth across America. They help Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, understand the young Jewish professional landscape along with the implications and impacts of the recent US election. The Z3 Conference (FREE) Sign up here - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/z3-conference-2024-tickets-945746562427 Alissa's essay can be found in the book Young Zionist Voices available on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DMSZ4WSQ/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MZP0EzFzNCxNo628m9fzW2t7IwTZ9jRsDL3wjFkSVdfEDPdowIzFtpyH4XUsU1Be6kwY74UFMmwn27r2ehs3FQ.by1MiXXgJL1CayaH45haZs1WjcqcqQXZZxbtBVOaACc&dib_tag=se&keywords=young+zionist+voices&qid=1731453054&sr=8-1 00:00 Introduction - Alissa Bernstein 03:19 Introduction - David Hazony 06:39 Jewish assimilation 10:25 Religious journeys 15:06 Young people resist rising antisemitism  20:37 Anti-Zionism: Organized, influential, and societal impact 21:50 coexistence is essential. 27:21 Outspoken Zionists on college campuses 28:20 The rolls of internet trolls 32:32 Modern Maccabees 38:18 Refocus energy on educating disconnected communities 40:08 Young Jewish professional identity amidst turbulence About Alissa Bernstein: Alissa Bernstein is the Assistant Director of AJC Los Angeles, where she manages the region's political outreach and legislative advocacy and interfaith and intergroup coalition building. In her role, she is responsible for deepening and expanding the office's political relationships on a local, State and Federal level, testifying in front of local offices to support ordinances which protect and empower the Jewish community, meeting with State officials to support legislation that enhances Holocaust and Genocide education and improves hate crimes reporting systems across the state, and building relationships with members of Congress to support legislation that safeguards the Jewish community and Israel's security. Alissa is dedicated to reaching outside of the Jewish community to build bridges with other cultural and religious groups in the region, including the Black, Latino, AAPI, LGBTQ+, Indian, and many other communities. Alissa is also a contributing author to the Z3 Project’s upcoming book, Young Zionist Voices, and was a 2024 nominee for the Z3 Bridge Builder Award. Alissa graduated Cum Laude from Occidental College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in Spanish. She is passionate about fighting antisemitism at home and abroad through education, policy, and long-term relationship building.  About David Hazony: David Hazony is the Director and Steinhardt Senior Fellow of the Z3 Institute for Jewish Priorities. He edited the book Jewish Priorities: Sixty-Five Proposals for the Future of Our People (Wicked Son, 2023), and, more recently, Young Zionist Voices: A New Generation Speaks Out (Wicked Son, 2024). He lives in Jerusalem. Learn more at jewishpriorities.com and z3project.org. Connect with Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

You may have heard the stereotype of Jews running Hollywood. You'd have to be living under a rock to think that Jews never had anything to do with Hollywood. This concept is taken to an extreme that feeds anti-Semitism. We hear such rhetoric from non-Jewish figures Dave Chappelle and even from Jewish figures like Larry David. Why is that? Saul Blinkoff jumps onto Bad Jew to demystify these buzzwords and key phrases designed to hurt our community. In this episode, we discuss the history of these concepts and the making of Hollywood while exploring the changes that have impacted the diversity that consumes Hollywood today. About Saul: Saul Blinkoff is a Hollywood filmmaker who has worked for many high profile clients including; DISNEY, DREAMWORKS, NETFLIX and AMAZON. He animated on the DISNEY films Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan and Tarzan and directed Winnie the Pooh:Springtime with Roo and Kronk’s New Groove. Saul also worked on the hit DISNEY show Doc McStuffins, Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures, Llama Llama and the award winning DREAMWORKS series; Madagascar: A Little Wild. Saul speaks around the world sharing practical tools for success, meaning and fulfillment in all aspects of life and hosts the inspirational weekly podcast; Life of AWESOME! Saul lives in Los Angeles with his wife and their four children. Links Website: http://www.saulblinkoff.com/ Watch Saul's speaking engagements here: https://youtu.be/j4i9yYJsvyo IG: @saul.blinkoff Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saulblinkoff23/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saul-blinkoff-a702563 Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-of-awesome/id1546988218 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1D8YQe0kvyLJ6bP6jO5jJQ?si=deRPgWkaS8aJp4OonPcXew Connect with Bad Jew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Have you ever had a religious person knock on your door and ask you to join them at church? Have you ever had a preacher on the street shout at you for living differently than them? Ever notice that none of those figures are Jewish? As a matter of fact, Jews know better than to not try to convert people as it is a sin according to their bible. Yet... the Jewish population is so small. Couldn't they use the numbers? Yo Mark Jean is a hip hop artist and content creator who is in the middle of his conversion process. While he's not officially a Jew at the time of this recording (July 2024) he brings to the podcast a vast amount of Torah wisdom and knowledge that debunks different ideas designed to guilt Jews into converting into other religions. Mark Jean also shares personal stories and discoveries to Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew. 00:00 Introduction 03:53 Proselytizing 08:35 Perfecting the world 12:49 Historical Jewish conversion and reasons behind it 14:03 Mass conversion to Christianity as an easy choice 17:32 Torah authenticity 21:14 Predictions and liberation 25:15 Debates with Christian community 29:11 Torah is not just for Jews 29:48 Conclusion About Yo Mark Jean: Born in Queens, NY, D’Mark Jeantine — known by his artist name, Yo Mark Jean — brings his culture, faith and values to his music. Jean started making music at age 7 with a regimented schedule of private lessons. He’s from a family formed by music; his parents met while his father was a guitarist in a musical group back in New York. As he grew into a professional, Jean found that mixing beats for other artists made way for opportunities and connections. You can hear music from Yo Mark Jean on Apple Music, iHeart and Spotify Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod

Your brain is the most precious and unique part of your body. It is more than just a memory drive or a ball of grey matter. It essentially contains the essence of your soul. When scientists fully understood this truth, Jews had already figured this out thousands of years earlier. If you look at the laws and life guiding principles around Jewish communities, you'll see that it's geared to be a system of timeless mental health choices that can help make life better. Rabbi Daniel Sher comes from a unique background that bridges the gap between psychology and Judaism. Many of his teachings in his shull are designed to offer sustainable mental health solutions that are Torah-approved and kosher habits. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, eagerly takes on this unique subject matter to understand how the elevated literature that is Torah elevates us! 00:00 Introduction 03:54 Family, faith, kidney transplant 07:16 Torah as lifelong, psychologically relevant learning 10:22 Is Torah relevant, or are we? 13:35 Fortune teller stereotype  18:50 Joy coexists with brokenness 22:38 Human wholeness 24:53 Psychology, community, creativity, learning, sharing 29:17 Blending faith and wonder. 30:27 Find community About Rabbi Daniel Sher:  Rabbi Daniel Sher is the newest member of our clergy team. He first joined us at KI as an intern, continued as Youth and Family Rabbinic Fellow, and now serves as our Associate Rabbi. He works to create vibrant and meaningful Jewish moments like his PJ Library Havdalah in the Park, Multigenerational Alternative High Holy Day Service, and soulful “Shabbat on the Rocks” Kabbalat Service for our Kehillat 20/30 community. He is a proud 18Doors Rukin Rabbinic Fellow, serving as a resource for interfaith families across all of Los Angeles. His enthusiasm for our tradition is matched only by his ability to translate it for our time. Rabbi Sher grew up in Palos Verdes and now lives here in the Pacific Palisades with his wife Jen, their children Levi and Sami, and their two dogs Herzl and Golda. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelors of Science in Psychology and a bachelors of arts in Religious Studies and was ordained from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion here in Los Angeles. Rabbi Sher loves taste-testing tacos, taking early morning bike rides, and getting coffee around town. Connect with Rabbi Daniel Sher: IG @rabbidanielsher Ig @kehillatisrael TikTok @rabbidanielsher www.ourki.org SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE: JEWISH BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS OF LOS ANGELES! Become a big today! JBBBSLA.org/mentorship Connect with Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

The Torah is central to Judaism. There’s no debate there. But why is it relevant to our daily lives? It’s a history book… about supernatural things that we can’t possibly relate to… right? Joey Swaid, a young and bright yeshiva student in Jerusalem, Israel, speaks the words of wisdom and truth relating Torah and it’s relevancy to our daily lives. While offering a deeper perspective on the turbulent state of our people, he also provides practical steps to add meaning and depth to your week and perspective on the world’s current state.  About Joey Swaid: Joey Swaid is currently entering his third year at Yeshivat Mikdash Melech in Yerushalayim. He is passionate about inspiring others and offering Chizuk. with Hashem’s help, he shares a weekly recording of the Devar Torah on the Parasha every Friday on his WhatsApp chat.  Connect with Joey Swaid’s WhatsApp Chat here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/lYtALxNy8NI25NQbZV2i42 Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod

Yes, some hostages are back but the war still rages on. To say Israel hasn't been the same since October 7th is an understatement, to say the least. The country pre-war was more divided politically than it had ever seen. There was political unrest, which was a reaction to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial reform. Protests and demonstrations were being made in front of the Knesset and other government properties. However, in the strange and miraculous way that Israelis function, the country appears to be more united than ever before. Israeli citizens who can't fight on the frontlines are busy performing acts of service wherever they can, sacrificing time, effort, and money to support Israel's right to exist. Jacob Churchbourne is no exception to this phenomenon. Originally positioned to serve in the Israeli Defense Forces, his service was delayed due to the war. He and other reservists have teamed up to create Tzachi Israel, a non-profit that gifts 100% of everything they receive (money and resources) directly to soldiers stationed at military bases around Israel. Together they have tirelessly supplied the frontlines while reminding the individuals that they have love and support backing their every move. Churchbourne shows Chaz, host of Bad Jew, how they plan to grow and be a driving force behind this war.  About Jacob Churchbourne: Jacob Churchbourne is a 23-year-old individual who takes pride in his Jewish identity. Originally hailing from a small town in North Carolina, he spent his childhood herding cattle on his family's farm. With a father who served in the US military for over 30 years, Jacob developed a strong sense of service and dedication from a young age. Growing up, Jacob was actively involved in sports, playing hockey and lacrosse. Eventually, he pursued lacrosse at North Carolina State University. Following his graduation, Jacob participated in the Israel Lacrosse Association gap year program, where he developed a deep affection for the country. Opting to extend his stay, he took on the role of a youth development coordinator, coaching children in Ashkelon, southern Israel. In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Jacob is a professional hockey player for the Bat Yam Dolphins of the IEHL, representing Israel in international competitions. Motivated by the tragic events of October 7, he, along with a group of friends, founded the non-profit organization Tzachi Israel. The organization's mission is to ensure that every IDF soldier has the necessary gear to safeguard themselves, their comrades, and the country. Since the inception of Tzachi Israel, they have successfully raised over $250,000, covered over 9,000 miles, and delivered supplies to more than 80 different locations. Their commitment remains unwavering as they continue to contribute to the well-being of IDF soldiers and the nation during times of war. Connect with Jacob Churchbourne IG @tzachi.israel www.TzachiIsrael.org/en Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

We know Judaism really cares about rituals and commandments. But is there any focus on personal well-being? Mental health? Self-care? In this interview with actor, Eli Sandhaus, we explore Judaism's view on mental health. Sandhaus explains that the tale of anxiety, depression, OCD, and schizophrenia is a tale as old as time... or at least the Torah. These sicknesses can be a common experience within Jewish communities. Eli also shares his personal battles with mental health and discusses its relation to Jewish culture, and why figures may choose to not seek help. Sandhaus also discussed how his own Jewish upbringing has influenced his views on mental health. He emphasized the importance of breaking down stigmas surrounding mental health and encouraging individuals to seek help when needed, regardless of cultural or religious background. Overall, the interview highlights the need for open and honest conversations about mental health in all communities, including those with strong cultural or religious identities. About Eli Sandhaus: Eli Sandhaus is an Orthodox Jewish actor and host of the podcast "Conversation & Calculation". He currently attends Yeshiva University and hopes to pursue a career in neuropsychology. He is also the author of an upcoming novel. Eli hopes to represent Orthodox Jews in media and wishes to make a Kiddush HaShem. Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Jews are not white! How many times do we need to tell you this? If you're not a Jew and are listening to this episode, you probably have the image of a Fiddler-on-the-Roof-looking fellow (called a Chassid). While they are certainly real, they're not the only ones. Despite being in the minority of Jewish diversity, they are given most of the spotlight. Let's fix that problem. In this episode of Bad Jew we interview members of The LUNAR Collective, the only organization by and for Asian American Jews! Maryam Chishti, Vanessa Bloom, and David Chiu highlight the feats of the organization while discussing their personal experiences as Asian-American Jews. Host of Bad Jew Chaz Volk uncovers the Asian-Jewish experience and their contribution to the Jewish world. Timeline: 00:00 : Introduction 06:37 The LUNAR COLLECTIVE 07:17 Asian-Jewish Community 12:33 Stereotypes 15:14 Self-Identification, Tradition 20:06 The Lunar Calendar 21:03 Double meaning of "LUNAR" 27:01 The Asian-Jewish experience 32:55 Diaspora Jews 34:39 Connecting with non-Jewish Asians 37:46 Conclusion About LUNAR:  A bit about LUNAR: The LUNAR Collective cultivates connection, belonging and visibility for Asian American Jews through intersectional community programming and authentic digital storytelling. About Maryam Chishti:  Maryam Chishti is the proud Co-Executive Director of The LUNAR Collective, the first and only organization for Asian American Jews. She is a graduate of JoCI's Inaugural Leadership Fellowship and is currently a fellow at The Ruskay Institute at UJA. Outside of LUNAR, Maryam runs a Moishe House in New York and is passionate about democratic politics and theater. She performs improv and sketch comedy, and enjoys creative writing as well.  About Vanessa Bloom: Vanessa Bloom a Chinese Jewish American writer, educator, and filmmaker from Orange County, California. Her work has been featured in HeyAlma, The Braid Jewish Theater, NFFTY, South Eastern European Film Festival, Mixed Asian Media Festival, and more. In addition to creative pursuits, Vanessa earned her B.A. and teaching credential in History, and she is a Los Angeles Community Leader for The LUNAR Collective. Vanessa loves mystery novels, sushi, and copious amounts of Jewish humor. About David Chiu: David Chiu, of Litvak and Cantonese heritage, is the Marketing & Communications Manager for The Braid, the go-to Jewish story company. He is a producer on its storytelling web-series, StoryNosh, as well as a frequent writer for its stage productions. David is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Temple Isaiah, a social-justice oriented West Los Angeles synagogue, where he co-founded its Young Professionals Group, is the Chair of its Voter Engagement Group, is a member of its Green Team and Social Justice Committee, and received its 2019 Emerging Leader Award. He is a Los Angeles Community Leader for The LUNAR Collective, a national organization of Asian Jews creating community and visibility, creating numerous events and having served on the creation committee of LUNAR's Asian Jewish Haggadah. Together, LUNAR and The Braid are creating What Do I Do with All This Heritage? — the first theatre show to explore the lives of Asian Jews. David is the lead producer of that production. He also serves on the Board of Directors of California Interfaith Power & Light, an environmental activist organization. Connect with LUNAR www.WeAreAsianJews.org Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

One of the most intimidating things about being on your Jewish journey is answering the question, "What kind of Jew are you?" There are so many ways 'to Jew', how can you possibly choose? And once you do, who said you're personally ready to be labeled in a specific way? Instagram and TikTok star Melinda Strauss is no stranger to this concept. Knowing that the Jewish identity is personal, she emphasizes how to navigate the constant barrage of communal standards while giving the breakdown for how to follow mitzvahs and practices that work best for you. 00:00 Introduction 06:11 Funny commentary 09:10 Embrace your identity and choices, and respect others 10:46 Orthodox Judaism: diverse sects united by Torah 13:17 Calling me a sinner is also sin 17:21 Being a Jew is diverse and personal 21:53 Envying others' Jewish school and religious choices 23:05 Discovering Judaism as a couple 27:23 Discovering practical blessings broke my rigid perceptions 32:00 Fear of future, toxic shame, seeking help 32:42 Conclusion About Melinda Struass: Melinda Strauss, a Jewish Content Creator on social media with over 1 million followers on TikTok and Instagram, is well known for her educational videos about Orthodox Judaism, Jewish history, discussing Antisemitism and Zionism, sharing her kosher recipes and her everyday life. Born and raised in Seattle WA, Melinda now lives with her family in New York.  Melinda has been blogging and sharing her recipes since 2011 and she will be debuting her first cookbook in Fall 2025.  Connect with Melinda: MelindaStrauss.com IG and TikTok: @therealmelindastrauss  YouTube: @therealmelindastrauss   Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod

Shabbat, the weekly holiday that Jews practice to break from the everyday grind of life, can change drastically depending on who leads it. Factors that can impact your Shabbat experience can rely on the shull you attended, whose home you're in, the experience of the leader, the cultural background, etc. There are so many experiences that come with Shabbat; One has to ask - What is the right Shabbat vibe? Host of Bad Jew, Chaz Volk, is joined by talented singer and Rabbi-In-Training Tori Greene to get break down the proper 'vibe' of Shabbat. Greene discusses and even sings the niguns and melodies that help us explore the traditions encompassing Kabbalat Shabbat. She delves into rituals and practices of Shabbat emphasizing what makes it so integral to Jewish tradition. Tune in to this playful and insightful episode that sheds light on the influence of music that welcomes the Sabbath. 00:00 Introduction to Tori Greene 05:44 Intention of Shabbat 08:06 Diversity of Jewish music 11:52 What is Kabbalat Shabbat 13:56 Participating in Jewish prayer 19:07 Meaning behind the structure of prayer 25:15 Shabbat observance 28:14 Various melodies and their intention 33:14 Keva vs. Kavanaugh 34:16 Expressing gratitude About Tori Greene: Tori Greene is a proud Latina-Jew. She’s an innovator, community builder, and collaborator. She is passionate about impacting the Jewish world by creating spaces for exploration and belonging, from leading twelve Birthright trips to heading the first-ever Moishe Pod to launching the Miami hub for OneTable. As a passionate educator for all things Israel and Jewish, she runs an Instagram page in hopes of being a strong voice for liberal Zionism. You can follow her at @DivreiTori  Tori understands that music has the power to bring people in. It connects us through our hearts and our souls and provides feelings of joy and belonging. Currently pursuing Rabbinical ordination with a dual master’s in Nonprofit Management at Hebrew Union College, she invites individuals to consider how the wisdom of our Jewish tradition helps us find meaning and purpose in our lives through a modern lens while weaving in music that calls to yearning Jewish souls. Connect with Tori Greene IG: @divreitori Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Happy New Year!... But wait, it's September... Why would we say that? Us Jews have our own calendar that follows the lunar cycle. Based on that and the timing of when we created our calendar in the first place, the Jewish calendar doesn't come close to lining up with that of the secular world. You may also hear horns blow and notice a deficit of apples and honey in your local grocery store. Yes, there's a correlation to the Jewish New Year as well. Why is this an annual ritual of ours? David Sacks, co-founder and Spiritual Leader of the Happy Minyan, world-renowned Torah lecturer, Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning Hollywood writer, and Harvard College graduate, gets behind the microphone to connect the dots behind these common items at the Rosh Hashanah celebration. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, shares his familiarity with these practices but learns about the true meaning of the WHY. Get ready for the high holidays by tuning in with some apples and honey! About David Sacks Born and raised in New York City, David Sacks attended Harvard College, graduating with a degree in Government. While there he began his comedy writing career for the school’s humor magazine, The Harvard Lampoon. Upon graduating, David moved to Los Angeles and began writing for television. Among the shows he’s worked for are “The Simpsons”, where he won an Emmy Award, and “Third Rock from the Sun” for which he won a Golden Globe Award, “Malcolm in the Middle”, “Murphy Brown”, and “Final Space” on Adult Swim. David is the co-founder and Senior Lecturer of The Happy Minyan of Los Angeles. David is married and raises his family in Beverly Hills, CA. David Sacks gives the weekly Torah podcast “Spiritual Tools for an Outrageous World” and has spoken to enthusiastic crowds, opening the hearts of people across the US, Europe, Israel, and South Africa. His topics range from the meaning of life, to Hollywood’s impact on the world, to achieving happiness. Connect with David Sacks www.HappyMinyan.org Whatsapp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DBAv0w4n0TkAnmxjXJmYY1 Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

When was the last time you spoke with a stranger? Maybe it was when you were on the subway or when you were at a restaurant. Maybe it was at the grocery store. Maybe it was at your favorite sports event. It might've been recently. But when was the last time you spoke about religion or politics with a stranger? That's a much more difficult task, isn't it? Benny Greenstein aka BennyJeee is a professional conversation starter. He approaches people on the street to explore any random idea that comes to mind. Some of these ideas include politics, religion, society, mental health, and history. The people BennyJeee finds on the street are fascinating character studies. When talking about religion, BennyJeee represents his grandfather, a survivor of the Holocaust, carrying out the message of inclusivity, openness, and pride in identity. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, explores in-depth BennyJeee's approach to talking with strangers while making his work applicable to anyone who feels the need to stand up for their values in public. About BennyJeee: BennyJeee aka Benny Greenstein, is the most unique Jewish content creator and he knows it. With tooth gems, hair patterns, and deconstructed eyebrows, Benny is one of a kind. But above all he loves being JEWISH 💎 Connect with BennyJeee: https://www.tiktok.com/@bennyjeeee?lang=en https://www.instagram.com/bennyjeee/ Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

It's easy to get swept away with the mundane of existing. You get up, brush your teeth, eat breakfast, go to work, eat lunch, come home, brush your teeth, go to sleep... Sound familiar? How can any of it mean anything? There is nothing special about this. After all, this is what it means to be an adult, right? Rabbi Alex Kress works day in and day out to operate differently than the notion above. The idea that life is grey is an unrelatable idea as Rabbi Kress takes the principals of radical amazement by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and applies to literally EVERY moment of his life. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, learns from Rabbi Kress how to make every second radically amazing! 00:00 Introduction 04:53 Fostering gratitude and radical amazement 08:31 Having a structured life can be detrimental 10:57 Preconceived knowledge 15:38 Be grateful for what you have 16:28 God-centered transformation 19:37 Don't take things for granted 24:21 Seeking God 26:42 Transforming chores 31:19 Reflection, contemplation, and ethical change 32:47 Practical advice About Rabbi Alex Kress: Rabbi Alex is a born and raised Philadelphian. In 2012, he graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies and immediately flew to Israel to begin his studies at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Rabbi Alex loves good coffee, shabbos ball, and reading an actual, physical newspaper.  Rabbi Alex's life was changed when his parents sent him to Camp Harlam in 2002. It was the first domino in a series that led him to the rabbinate. He became involved in NFTY PAR, traveled with NFTY in Israel and NFTY EIE, and then studied abroad at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. That semester in the spring of 2010 definitively set Rabbi Alex's course for the rabbinate.  Connect with Rabbi Alex Kress: www.AlexKress.com Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

It's time to light our candles, fill our donuts with jelly, and spin our dreidels. American Jewry's favorite Jewish holiday is here! Hanukkah. Channukah? Chanukkah? Which spelling do you go by? Regardless, this time is marked by festive parties, gift exchanges, and family time. With the international crisis of the Jewish identity, with the war in Israel raging on, we need this positivity for our mental health's sake! No less, one has to ask themselves "What is the origin of this holiday?" When looking deeper into the Channukah story, one can't help but find parallels between the Maccabee's actions of the past and extremists today. Does this mean we're celebrating the actions of a violent clan of Jewish mobsters? Was our favorite childhood holiday a giant lie? Jay Hoffman, better known as Sephardic Soul by his Instagram, takes a break from teaching children at a Hebrew school in New York to teach Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, who the Maccabees actually were and how their actions compare to today's current events. About Jay Hoffman: Sephardicsoul is a Jewish educator in New Jersey. He has lived in Israel for a year in 2018 studying at Ohr Somayach in Jerusalem and working at the Israeli Ministry of Health in Tel Aviv. He is passionate about the Classical Sephardic outlook that has been espoused by great Jewish leaders such as Maimonides, Gersonides, and ibn Gabirol. Sephardicsoul enjoys cooking, reading, and inviting friends and family to his home for Shabbat. Connect with Jay Hoffman IG @SephardicSoul Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Do you ever wish you could tell the future? Or have some kind of spiritual mirror that reveals your destiny? Does it ever feel like your life is falling apart because mercury is in retrograde? These are all common expressions and ideas from the secular world; Concepts that mix with Judaism like water and oil, simply having no place in common with Jewish discussion. Then you remember, we do everything off of the lunar calendar. Surely the galaxy is involved somehow which means... it's not a far fetched idea to include astrology into the mix. In this thought-provoking interview with the esteemed astrologist and historian, Lorelai Kude. Delving into the realm of Jewish astrology, Lorelai provides listeners with a unique perspective on the celestial forces intertwined with Kabbalah and mysticism. As the conversation unfolds, Lorelai sheds light on the intricate connection between zodiac signs and Jewish teachings, offering a fascinating exploration of how ancient wisdom and cosmic energies converge. Listeners are treated to a journey through the lunar calendar's significance in Jewish traditions, revealing how celestial cycles play a pivotal role in the spiritual fabric of Judaism. About Lorelai Kude: Lorelai Kude holds a BA in Journalism with a Minor in Religious Studies from San Francisco State University. She received her MA in Jewish Studies from Berkeley’s Graduate Theological Union.  Her thesis “Yesh Mazal l’Yisrael: Astrology in Jewish Cultural History and Identity” explores the rabbinic enterprise’s institutionalization of astrology, despite the legal prohibition against its use in divination.  A professional practicing astrologer for over 30 years and a teacher/ mentor of private astrology students, she writes “Astrolojew”, an internationally syndicated Jewish horoscope column.   Connect with Lorelai Kude: https://myjewishstars.com/ Connect with Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Most Jews have a real difficulty with this holiday. Jews love to eat. We love to shmooze over meals. Then there's Yom Kippur which is notoriously known for the 25-hour fast. Why must we starve ourselves? And why does this tradition go on for so long? How does neglecting my stomach purify me and why is everyone wearing white? In this episode of Bad Jew, Rabbi Jack Melul of AishLIT comes back to the show to shed light on the nuances of Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur is much more than fasting, and as a matter of fact, is considered a joyous holiday. Melul explains to Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, how becoming angel-like is the mitzvah that has been commanded of us and why this one particular day holds so much depth. About: Born in Manchester UK, Rabbi Jack Melul spent over 10 years studying in the top Rabbinic Training Academies in the world. He received Semicha from the Rabbinical Supreme court in Israel, as well as Beit Medrash Darchei horaah Lerabanim of the late chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu zt”l in 2012. An entertaining speaker, Moroccan cantor, and a spiritual coach Rabbi Jack is a founding Director of AishLIT – Young Professionals Los Angeles together with his wife Shira. Helping create a powerful revolution for young professionals and grad students. His passion brought him from the UK to The University Oregon to become the founder of Akiva on Campus. Giving daily lectures on and off campus on topics ranging from the daily Talmud to Jewish philosophy. Connect with AishLIT: www.AishLIT.com IG: @aishLIT TikTok: @aishlit_ Email: JMelul@aishla.com Connect with Bad Jew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

The war we're experiencing in Israel (started by Hamas from Gaza on October 7th, 2023) isn't the first dark time we Jews have endured. You'd have to live under a rock to think that we have never experienced such atrocities like this before. Looking back only 100 years, one could get a sample of understanding as to where we Jews acquired our thick skin. Would you suspect that our strength comes from poetry? Rabbi and frequent reciter of Tehillim, Rabbi Josh Franklin of the Jewish Center of the Hamptons, sheds light on the secret weapon Jews possess. Franklin goes into detail on why these 150 psalms, thought to be written by the prophecy of King David, are timeless pieces that have given Jews the strength to survive for 3000+ years. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, who recently became aware of this collection of writings, sits with Rabbi Franklin to learn of the relevant texts and history of Tehillim. About Rabbi Josh Franklin: Rabbi Josh Franklin heads the Jewish Center of the Hamptons (East Hampton) as the Senior Rabbi. In his six years on East End, he has helped revitalize and grow the Jewish community through engaging programming, transformative classes, inspiring worship, and welcoming community outreach. Hundreds of people flock to his community for Shabbat on the Beach each week over the summer for an innovative and magical prayer experience. All year round, he draws people to the Jewish Center of the Hamptons to hear from him and learn with him.  In addition to his role at the synagogue, Rabbi Franklin contributes widely to the greater Hamptons community. He co-writes a bi-monthly column in Dan’s Papers called “Hamptons Soul,” discussing issues of spirituality and justice in the Hamptons. He has sat on numerous local committees including the East Hampton Police Reform Committee and the Adolescent Mental Health and Substance Use Task Force. He also sits on the board of L’Arche Long Island, a community center and home for adults with developmental disabilities. Rabbi Franklin was named to the 2021 Schneps Media Powerlist, honoring the movers and shakers on the East End of Long Island. Dans Papers named Rabbi Franklin one of its “People of the Year: East Enders Who Made the World A Better Place in 2022.” Before receiving his ordination at Hebrew Union College, Rabbi Franklin attended Clark University in Worcester, MA. There he graduated Magna Cum Laude, receiving both a B.A. and M.A in History. He also holds two additional masters degrees in Jewish Education and Hebrew Literature. Rabbi Franklin was the recipient of the Daniel and Bonnie Tisch Fellowship, a rabbinical program exploring congregational studies, personal theology, and contemporary religion in North America. Before coming to the Hamptons, he served as a rabbi at Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley, MA.  Rabbi Franklin resides in East Hampton with his wife Stephanie and two children Lilah and Amelia. Connect with Rabbi Josh Franklin: www.RabbiJoshFranklin.com www.JCOH.org Connect with Bad Jew: Connect with Bad Jew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

If you're a Jew, life feels like chaos right now. How can you not spiral into the anxiety-induced environment we're in? If you're like us, you go from your phone (filled with terrible news stories coming out of Israel), to your local supermarket (wondering who's going to scope you out and say something because you're Jewish), only to wind up back home where the normal everyday responsibilities of existing piles up. This is because our identities and the general public are suddenly clashing. Whether we like it or not, we're at war. Just as familiar with this feeling is Devora Golberg, host of the Desire to Be podcast. Goldberg is an overall healer and has used her wisdom in Torah and Judaism to guide groundbreaking personal development. She steps onto Bad Jew with Chaz Volk to guide all of us on how to release, center, and realign our thinking to be resilient and healthy despite the times. About Devora Goldberg: Devora Goldberg is the owner of RELEASE to RELAX corporate workshops. When people show up in their corporate roles, all they want to do is excel at their work, yet so many times anxiety, fear, and unworthiness get in the way. Devora’s workshops offer an inner calm reset and release of what we may be holding onto within. She is also the host of the Desire To Be podcast, uncovering the many avenues that people’s deep desires project their path to greatness on their life. Contact Devora Goldberg: Desire to Be - a podcast available on your favorite listening platform LinkedIn - Devora Goldberg Contact Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Yom Kippur is notorious for the strenuous difficult key feature task of fasting for 25 hours. Beyond just getting the rumbles in your tummy, starving for prolonged periods of time with no water leads to headaches, fatigue, and a lack of ability to focus. So how could it possible do any good for a time when we must reflect and pray? Rabbi Ari Averbach is no stranger to the importance of this act. Whether it's the high holidays or another fasting day, Rabbi Averbach brings attention to the deeper meaning of this holy ritual. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, learns from Ari, who now heads the synagogue that Chaz grew up in. Learn from Rabbi Ari Averbach and Chaz Volk in order to add more depth to your high holidays.  00:00 Introduction 04:13 Blending storytelling, Torah, and life's pivotal moments 07:52 Understanding Yom Kippur's significance and practices discussed 12:18 Modern Judaism evolved beyond original Torah teachings 14:51 Yom Kippur fasting questioned for focus validity 17:08 Deciding between comfort and traditional discomfort 22:14 Yom Kippur questions identity in face of death 25:01 Purim and Yom Kippur: Reflection, celebration, identity 28:18 Facing death daily, alleviated by prayer reflections 30:34 Stoicism and reflection: growth through difficult situations 34:41 Conclusion About Rabbi Ari Averbach: Rabbi Ari Averbach has served as Senior Rabbi at Temple Etz Chaim since July 2019.  Rabbi Averbach grew up in Agoura Hills, a student of the public schools and Los Angeles Hebrew High School. He graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, spending several years working in film and television. His volunteering, especially with Jewish World Watch, a non-profit organization fighting genocide in Darfur and Congo, changed his career path. Through this work, he was a guest lecturer at dozens of synagogues, churches, schools and summer camps around Southern California. Rabbi Averbach was ordained at AJU’s Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles, where he was presented the Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence and was honored to be elected the class speaker. During school, he earned certification in chaplaincy at Children’s Hospital, and served as the rabbinic intern at Valley Beth Shalom in Encino. Rabbi Averbach previously served as Assistant Rabbi at Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook, Illinois, and volunteered as a chaplain at local hospitals. He was the founding leader of the Rabbinical Assembly affinity group for Assistant Rabbis and served as Treasurer of the local RA chapter. He was featured on CBS News, quoted in the New York Times, and was a contributor to Says You. As a family, Ari, his wife Vanessa, a high school English teacher, and their three children, spend free time going for long walks, doing crossword puzzles and riding bikes. Connect with Rabbi Ari Averbach: www.TempleEtzChaim.org Connect with Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

October 7th, 2023 will always be notorious for being the greatest massacre in Jewish history since the holocaust. Everything changed after that Simchat Torah. In the epicenter of this terrible day was the Nova Festival. This music festival was famous for being a "nature party" filled with love, laughter, diversity, and memories that would last a lifetime. This beautiful experience quickly became the source for thousands of attendees' traumas as Hamas terrorists breached the border and massacred anyone in their site. The attendees of this festival were no exception.  Lee Sasi was one of the survivors from this harrowing day. Having survived under near impossible circumstances, Sasi was changed forever. She nearly lost her life and her survival is nothing short of a miracle. This particular episode comes at a relevant time as we pass the 1 year anniversary of the October 7th massacre. The war that was started by this tragic day still continues in the Gaza strip, and now Lebanon. Chaz Volk collaborates with comedian Ben Berger to hear the full testimony of Lee Sasi. This interview with recorded in the Los Angeles Nova Exhibit.  Special thanks to the LA Nova Exhibit for letting us record in their studio. For more information, go to: https://www.novaexhibition.com/  00:00 Trigger warning 05:09 A chance encounter 11:42 Going to Nova with family 18:09 Getting to the bomb shelter 21:00 Proximity of Gaza 29:22 The ultimate sacrifice  35:24 Surviving in the shelter 37:27 Mentally escaping the chaos 45:33 Dehumanization 48:32 Numb 56:45 Chaz's recent experiences in Israel 58:41 Remembering Kibbutz Be'eri 01:04:16 Delays from the war 01:11:45 The Nova Community 01:17:05 Honoring lives lost; deep gratitude for participation. Connect with Lee Sasi: IG @leesasi

Rami Matan Even-Esh aka Kosha Dillz just put Kanye West down a peg with his diss track Death Con 3. In this 2 minute comeback of a response, Kosha Dillz references the hate Jews face, American politics and the lack of action our representatives take, along with our relationships with other races. That begs the question, should we all make rap songs every time an anti-Semitic attack is hurled at us? Kosha Dillz explains to Chaz Volk the nuances of the political and social battle that is anti-Semitism in America. He explains the importance of positive messaging along with being patient with friends of gentile backgrounds. How do we educate our friends? How do we promote advocacy from other communities? How do we explain the pain of hate to people that can't relate? Be sure to follow Kosha Dillz on insta @KoshaDillz Learn more at www.KoshaDillzWorld.com Connect with Bad Jew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Israel is in the depths of a bloody war. Jews inside and outside of Israel don't feel safe. Antisemitism across the world is on the rise. Anything with a Jewish symbol on it is targeted. Echoes from the PTSD-induced horrors of the holocaust sound louder than ever. How does one smile during these dark times? Influencer and promoter Uri Cohn has an answer. Embracing his hard-to-hide Israeli identity, he walks the streets of "Jew York" proudly. Accustomed to the protests happening in the Big Apple, along with the rallies and events focused around Israel, Uri has put his talent for comedy and memes to the test. His tongue-in-cheek jokes step up to the mic on Bad Jew, hosted by Chaz Volk, to give listeners hope and enthusiasm during a time filled with so much hate.  About Uri Cohn Uri Cohn was born in Israel and proudly served as a medic in the Israeli Defense Forces. He graduated from Shuk Mahne Yehuda University. Uri has a long history of creating memes and posting funny content online related to Israel. Today, he trolls the trolls by cleverly making fun of those who oppose him and the state of Israel. He also is in the process of building his party promotion business.  Connect with Uri Cohn: IG @UriCohn TikTok @TheUriCohn Events: https://linktr.ee/uricohn Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Remember that thing we do on Fridays called The Sabbath? Remember that nice little dinner at the end of the week that feels a little more warm and fuzzy than the others? That's called Shabbat. But why does it matter? What's the origins of this festive night? Is there a way to do it right? And why does every Jew have a different opinion on it? Aliza Kline, the founder of OneTable, tells us about her journey and what it has meant for her and her family. Shabbat always played an integral role in her Jewish identity, and now she shares why. Aliza joins Chaz on Bad Jew to illustrate the exact equation to her motivation and how it has helped others connect to their inner peace. Bio: Aliza is a dynamic leader and social entrepreneur. She is co-founder and CEO of OneTable (onetable.org), a powerful platform for young adults to engage in Jewish life, practice and community by hosting and participating in peer-led Shabbat dinners. Since launching in 2014, OneTable more than 190,000 young adults in 600 cities across the country have participated. Powered By OneTable enables other organizations, like Hillels and congregations, to adapt their unique methodology and technology. In 2023, OneTableis poised to launch a new offering to engage empty nesters. OneTable has been featured in the New York Times, NPR, ABC and dozens of local news outlets. Aliza also co-founded and served as executive director of Mayyim Hayyim Community Mikveh and Education Center in Boston, an international model for re-imagining ancient rituals. A trained coach and design thinking facilitator, Aliza has worked with clients throughout North America and Israel. She lives in Brooklyn, New York. Connect with Aliza Kline: Website: www.OneTable.org Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

WE FINALLY RECEIVED THE TORAH! Time to enjoy the taste of milk and honey. But why? Can our Jewish stomachs really handle all of that dairy and what are we actually celebrating when we look at the history of the Torah - the constant tug-of-war we have with the values God laid out for us? Have we, an exiled people, really earned a celebration? Sruly Meyer, known for his incredible online recipes, embraces Shavuot - his favorite out of all of the favorite holidays. Aside from it being a tasty holiday, Meyer highlights how the Torah is our marriage contract and how our relationship with God has been "on a break" and why. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, enjoys an educational 30 minutes of learning why Shavuot stands as one of the most unique metaphysical experiences. 00:00 Introduction 05:58 Our relationship with God 06:33 Hashem's marriage contract with us 12:20 Relationships and Shavuot 15:15 Improving our relationship with God 17:34 Israel, the ultimate gift 20:20 Spiritual connection 25:49 Jewish resilience post October 7th 28:02 Torah is sweet 30:09 Conclusion About Sruly Meyer: Sruly runs a marketing agency in Hollywood, Florida. He is a home cook and recipe developer who runs a food and travel blog, discussing local food scenes and daily Jewish life. He is a proud Jewish father and business owner. Connect with Sruly Meyer IG and TikTok @srulycooks   www.SrulyMeyer.com Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Free Will doesn't exist... or does it? Afterall, all of our decisions are impacted by the decisions right before... right? Philosophy may not be your strong suit but surely we simply come into existence and act on our needs and what's around us. It's nice to feel like we make decisions but surely we're just animals like the rest of the living organisms on this Earth, thus we have no free will.... right? Rabbi M.Z. Dubov has much more to say on this! Free will does exist even with G-d in the picture! Dubov highlights the part conscience and a freed mindset play in the understanding of our place in the universe. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew and someone who once believed there was no free will, takes a deep dive into Jewish philosophy. 00:00 Introduction 06:19 Paradigm shift 08:36 Discovering Jewish tradition 12:06 Realized free will concerns 13:54 Free will exists if a higher consciousness exists 18:28 Debate over free will among believers and atheists 23:46 Determinism vs. free will in Jewish philosophy 27:28 Einstein theory 29:00 Decisions result from inputs. 34:23 Universe is not synonymous with God. 36:58 Humans are thoughts in God's infinite consciousness 40:14 Deterministic existence nullifies genuine human experience 42:34 Universal love, independence, image of God 46:49 Realize you are a soul, not a body 49:39 Survival vs. Lifestyle 52:15 Conclusion About Rabbi M.Z. Dubov:  Born in Minsk, Belarus, MZ grew up in Brooklyn in an immigrant family which fled the USSR due to antisemitism. He attended public school until enrolling in the Boston College Carroll School of Management, from which he graduated with a B.S. in Operations & Business Consulting. During his time at BC, he became heavily involved in Israeli Advocacy, co-founding “Eagles for Israel.” While running diplomatic and cultural events, MZ met Rabbi Chananel Weiner, a student of Rabbi Noach Weinberg zt”l (the founder of Aish). Rabbi Weiner opened MZ’s eyes to the depth and beauty of his Jewish roots. After graduation and before jumping into the corporate world, MZ came to Aish to learn more and decided to stay, having found his calling in life. With seven years of Torah study under his belt, MZ received Rabbinical ordination from Rabbi Nachum Barowski and Rabbi Avigdor Nebenzahl. He acts as the Director of the FoundAISHons program, in which he teaches daily and serves as a mentor to students past and present. Rabbi MZ enjoys playing basketball, hiking, taking joyrides, listening to music, and teaching his kids about this wonderful world in which we live. He and his wife often host for Shabbat in their home in French Hill, Jerusalem. Connect with M.Z. Dubov: Aish.com FeadYourHead.blog Plus.Aish.com OlamiTogether.org Souled.Olami.org Connect with Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Clasp your hands together and mumble intently your needs to a vacant space. That's called prayer. Does it work? What about when you read Hebrew from that little blue book in your shull? Did your prayers work then? Or how about when you wrapped that leather strap called Tefillin around your arm? Did Hashem hear you? The truth is, no one knows. Depending on who you talk to, they either swear by it and tell the tales of a mass revelation or the effort is sadly futile. What are we to think? Brad Weber, Founder and CEO of Avita Digital, is a proud student of Torah study and prayer. He is also a cancer survivor. His insights on his approach to prayer will leave you pleasantly surprised. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, was equally surprised by Weber's answers on prayer, our connection to G-d, and how we personally grow from adding intention into our day-to-day. About Brad: Brad considers it a privilege to work with amazing companies and grow their online revenues and protect their reputation. A results-oriented, serial entrepreneur with multiple public and private exits, Brad loves tech, learning, teaching and using a hybrid marketing model to grow online businesses. Some of Brad’s achievements in his three decades of digital marketing and management include pioneering comprehensive e-commerce solutions to early Internet businesses with Card.com. Card.com offered integrated affiliate tracking and robust chargeback risk mitigation and was quickly acquired. Brad later co-founded Interactive Telecom Network (ITN), establishing and maintaining rapid growth for one of the region’s largest Internet Service Providers. As ITN’s Chief Operating Officer, Brad led teams of 100+ in sales, online marketing, information systems, engineering, content management, e-commerce and customer service. This included spearheading the company’s pioneering movement into organic SEO and cutting-edge PPC strategies.  ITN grew from a start-up to $45M in annual revenue in just a few short years and was sold to the publicly traded New Frontier Media.  Brad next co-founded BeNetSafe, a forward-thinking company that created and launched the first automated reputation management solution for diverse clients including individuals, companies and specialized government applications.  Brad remains grateful to support clients with expansive growth and exceeding profit goals. His mission in the creation of Avita Digital in 2003 continues to be the development of new strategies and better programs for companies that rely on digital marketing services to build better brands and ensure a good online reputation. While thinking up new digital innovations, Brad enjoys yoga, hiking, traveling and learning how to better serve Avita’s clients. Connect with Brad Weber www.AvitaGroup.com Connect with Bad Jew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

According to the Torah, there's a lot more to being a mother than just giving birth. It turns out you also have to be a role model, support your family's efforts, and tell your story.  Dr. Logan Levkoff tells her story and fights her fight every day in the virtual space and in real life. Specializing in uncomfortable conversations, she reveals what her day-to-day is like from fighting trolls on TikTok to raising tomorrow's generation of Jewish Leadership. On this Mother's Day special, Dr. Logan Levkoff learns with Chaz Volk, of Bad Jew, about the importance of being a Jewish mother.  About Dr. Logan Levkoff: Dr. Logan Levkoff specializes in uncomfortable conversations. An internationally recognized expert on sexuality and relationships, she encourages honest conversation about sexuality and the role it plays in our culture. She speaks on a wide range of issues, including sexual health and sexuality education, parenting, combatting antisemitism in school settings, trends in sexuality, deconstructing double standards, relationship hurdles and intimacy, consent, and the role of sexuality and representation (or lack thereof) in pop culture, business, and politics.  For two decades, Logan has been teaching, designing, and implementing sexuality education programs, faculty development, and parent education in many secular and religious independent and public schools, universities, medical schools, community groups, and networking organizations, including YPO/WPO. Logan’s expertise with teens and parents has been profiled in numerous publications, including The New York Times. She has also worked on projects for Dove, Merck, Pfizer, and other companies in the beauty, health, and wellness space. Logan’s work has been recognized by Jewish Women International; she was a 2018 Woman to Watch. Logan is also the co-director of the Modern Sexuality Training Institute, the educator arm of Modern Sex Therapy Institute. While Logan’s platform began with her work in the sexuality space, she has proudly expanded her platform to proud Zionist activism and combatting antisemitism. She is a member of the first cohort of The Tel Aviv Institute’s “Jews Talk Justice” Lab and was named one of the Top 50 Pro-Israel Influencers in 2021 (Logan was #20).  Logan is the author of two parenting books: Got Teens? The Doctor Moms’ Guide to Sexuality, Social Media, and Other Adolescent Realities with Dr. Jennifer Wider (Seal Press, 2014). Logan is also a contributor to ToughLove: Eighteen Top Experts Share Proven Strategies for Raising Confident, Kind, Resilient Kids. (Simon & Schuster, 2016). She also penned the digital guide, How to Get Your Wife to Have Sex with You (Good in Bed Publications, 2010).  Logan is the Chairperson of the Caravan for Democracy Student Leadership Mission to Israel, a program for non-Jewish student leaders on college campuses run through Jewish National Fund and serves on the JNF Education Committee. In addition, she sits on the Board of Trustees of Temple Israel of NYC, served on the AASECT Board of Directors and is an AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator and Sexuality Educator Supervisor. She was also a founding member of the Trojan Sexual Health Advisory Council, the SheKnows Media Board of Advisors, and a member of the National Coalition for Sexual Health. Logan received her Ph.D. in Human Sexuality, Marriage, and Family Life Education from New York University and an M.S. in Human Sexuality Education and a B.A. in English from the University of Pennsylvania. She lives in New York City with her husband, son, and daughter. Connect with Dr. Logan Levkoff here: www.loganlevkoff.com TikTok: drloganlevkoff IG: loganlevkoff Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Jews have a specific relationship with money that others tend to blow out of proportion. Some Jews go out of their way to make fun of this antisemitic trope by turning themselves into caricatures in hopes of revealing such lunacy with satire. However, the Torah has so many laws around how we handle money that it must be spotlighted!  Rachel Grose, the executive director of the Jewish Free Loan Association knows a thing or two about cash from the Jewish perspective. Loaning in itself is a tricky bundle of laws to navigate, especially when it comes to the Jewish world. Grose discusses the enticing world of money with Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, in an effort to destigmatize the misunderstanding and highlight what makes the Jewish community so successful. 00:00 Introduction 05:12 Principles of society 09:01 Zero-interest loans 11:33 Circulation in Jewish communities 16:11 History of Jews and money 20:03 Case study of Jewish Free Loan Association 23:53 Jewish privilege and challenges 24:44 Repaying loans 29:20 Jewish loans help communities grow and thrive About Rachel Grose: Rachel Grose grew up in a Washington D.C. suburb, surrounded by politics but uninterested in campaigns or running for office. Her passion for creating change began in high school when she became involved with Amnesty International, where she connected deeply with the stories of people impacted by systemic issues. After earning a BFA in art, Rachel discovered an MBA program focused on nonprofit management, which launched her career in the nonprofit sector. For the past 21 years, she has served as the Executive Director of the Jewish Free Loan Association (JFLA), a financial nonprofit that provides zero-interest, no-fee loans to residents of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. Rachel takes pride in JFLA’s mission to help individuals manage life’s unexpected challenges without turning to high-interest credit cards or predatory loans. Under her leadership, the organization supports clients through every stage of life, offering loans for post-secondary education, small businesses, medical needs, fertility treatments, and funeral expenses, among others, while maintaining a remarkable 99% repayment rate. Despite the challenges of being a woman leader in one of the largest cities in America, Rachel remains committed to equitable lending and the impactful cycle of “paying it forward.” Beyond her professional achievements, Rachel cherishes warm memories of summers spent in Ocean City, Maryland with her extended family. Days on the beach—collecting shells, jumping in the waves, and sharing snacks under umbrellas with her grandmother—left a lasting impression on her heart. These personal experiences fuel her drive to build a meaningful career while balancing family life. Rachel is often asked, “How do you do it all?” Her response is evident in her decades-long dedication to fostering financial empowerment and community impact through JFLA. Connect with Rachel Grose: IG @Jewishfreeloanassociation   FB @JewishFreeLoan SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE: JEWISH BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS OF LOS ANGELES! Become a big today! JBBBSLA.org/mentorship Connect with Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

It's been acknowledged on this podcast many times - It's not been an easy year for Jews. Yet, you have to acknowledge the fact that this also isn't the hardest year for Jews either. Is that the only thing that gives us hope? That we've endured so much worse than a post-October 7th world? Or is it the fact that we have Israel so at least we have that going for us? Hope comes from so much more. Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback from Stephen Wise Temple illustrate the radically colorful history of hope that Jews have. Unique to other cultures and religions, the Jewish approach to hope continues to be the key to our survival and guides us to a state of thriving time and time again. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, levels with Rabbi Zweiback to be realistic and face the truths of the Jewish future together. 00:00 Introduction 05:54 Meeting Goldberg-Polin 09:39 Hope is fundamental to the human condition 10:43 Willpower 16:10 Disagreements on the source of hope 19:29 Mashiach 20:55 Imperfect leaders emphasize human responsibility 23:52 Generational hope 27:12 Inclusion within Zionism 31:35 The Holocaust 34:41 Every day is new 36:12 Conclusion About Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback: Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback was born in Colorado Springs, Colo., and raised in Omaha, Neb. He graduated from Princeton University in 1991 and was ordained as a rabbi by the Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion in 1998. He trained as a Jewish educator at HUC’s Los Angeles campus, where he received a M.A. in Jewish Education. He served Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills, Calif., as a rabbi and educator for 11 years, until moving to Israel with his family in 2009 to become the director of HUC’s Year-in-Israel program. In addition to overall management of the graduate level program, he served as an instructor in Jewish Liturgy. Rabbi Yoshi came to Wise in 2012 as the Head of School at Wise School and was named the third Senior Rabbi of Stephen Wise Temple in 2015. Rabbi Yoshi is a lecturer at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles, and a Senior Rabbinic Fellow of the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. He is also the volunteer Executive Director and Founder of Kavod, a non-profit tzedakah collective which is dedicated to protecting human dignity. Rabbi Yoshi is also an author, musician and composer. His publications include the teacher’s guide to Shalom Ivrit II; Day of Days; and Days of Wonder, Nights of Peace: Family Prayers in Song for Morning and Bedtime. As part of Mah Tovu, he has released three albums, published two books, and performed across the United States. He is married to Jacqueline Hantgan and, together, they are the proud parents of three daughters. Connect with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback: www.WiseLA.org IG @rabbiyoshi IG @stephenwisetemple Podcast: The Search for Meaning with Rabbi Yoshi: https://wisela.org/searchformeaning/ Connect with Bad Jew BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

It seems silly to ask this question in the first place. However, this episode isn't for the Jewish audience. This episode is a PSA to non-Jews across the globe. Every day, Jews are the targets of antisemitism. From innocently ignorant comments to intentionally hurtful actions, a common default insult is the look of a Jew. We're often characterized as white European and rural like the caricatures from Fiddler on the Roof. Rayna and Chaz know this is farther from the truth. In this episode of Bad Jew, Rayna Rose Exelbierd (self-identified as 'orthofox', not orthodox) jumps onto the podcast to explore this seemingly simple concept with host Chaz Volk. Rayna's experience across the globe as an entrepreneur, author, and IDF veteran has given her the authority to tell it as it is. You'll find that her presence is empowering and refreshing. About Rayna Rose Exelbierd: Rayna Rose Exelbierd is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, youth mentor, and children's author. Recently recognized by Hadassah as "18 American Zionist Women You Should Know", Rayna Rose uses her Jewish influence and experiences to empower non-Jewish audiences to learn Jewish history, develop relationships with the Jewish community and connect with Holocaust survivors through workshops and lectures. Her podcast, The Rose Grows, features survivors and stories of human connection and kindness. As founder and CEO, Chief Empowerment Officer of The Rose Grows, Rayna shares personal stories of facing antisemitism and how she rose up to fight it. Rayna has mentored thousands of students from around the world and has published two books, The Girl Who Said Hello to Everyone and The Girl Who Wore Two Different Shoes. In the last 10 years, over a quarter of a million people have heard Rayna speak on stage and in classrooms around the world.  Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Right about now, you might be wondering why we have to eat flat bread. Right about now, you might be frustrated with the long dinners with the even longer stories. Right about now, you might be bored out of your mind as there is CLEARLY no meaning to these new restrictions. Don't worry. We'll explain everything. Chaz Volk, the new Chief Marketing Officer of Aish Los Angeles and host of Bad Jew, interviews his boss, Executive Director Rabbi Aryeh Markman. Markman goes beyond the elementary-level Hebrew school class on Passover and explains the real meaning of Passover and how this tradition started not too long ago. 00:00 Introduction with my boss 04:30 Embracing tradition 09:05 3,000 years is not that long 11:54 Jewish culture and success tied to Torah 13:16 Challenging perceptions of ancient Passover story validity 18:25 Ego 21:41 Freedom and reflection 25:13 Pesach on the hebrew calendar 27:50 Modern Day Antisemitism 30:05 Conclusion About Rabbi Aryeh Markman: Rabbi Aryeh Markman has been the dedicated Executive Director of Aish HaTorah Los Angeles since 1994. Rabbi Markman attended the university of Illinois, graduating with a Distinction in Finance. He then visited Israel, where he was introduced to Rabbi Noach Weinberg and Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem. Turning down MBA school offers from University of Chicago, and Northwestern University, he continued to pursue Talmudic study, and received Smicha from Rabbi Noach Weinberg. Rabbi Markman and his wife Rochel then moved to Los Angeles in 1991, and are the proud parents of 7 children. Connect with Rabbi Aryeh Markman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aryehmarkman/ IG and Facebook: Jewish Men's Initiative LA Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

It's Purim! The holiday when Jews dress up in fun costumes, eat cookies, read stories of Jewish revolt, and drink tons of alcohol. Sound accurate to your experience? What if we told you all of that was untrue? Rabbi Raps returns to the podcast to teach the truth behind the beloved holiday of Purim. Join host and birthday boy, Chaz Volk, as he learns about the deeper meaning behind our rituals, the several layers of the Megillah reading, and the relevant part Purim plays in our day-to-day lives as Jews. 00:00 Introduction and birthday blessing to the guest and audience 05:01 The nature of Jewish holidays 08:52 What Values Does Purim Embrace? 12:54 Jews and Alcohol 16:02 The Megillah Reading 18:56 G-d's presence in the Megillah Reading 20:42 The Jewish Empowerment Story 23:17 Hidden Layers of Meaning 29:01 The Rebbe's Final Thoughts on Purim 29:54 Conclusion About Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport: Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport, AKA @RabbiRaps Rabbi, Influencer, Film Maker & Motivational Speaker. The TikTok Rebbe. With more than 330k followers across Instagram and Tictok and videos with Millions of views, @Rabbiraps is one of the fastest-growing Jewish social media influencers in the world today. "Community Rabbi becomes an Influencer by accident. Since 2016 Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport has served as the Spiritual Leader of the Chabad at the shore in Atlantic County, NJ. He is a graduate of the Rabbinical College of America and received his Rabbinical Ordination in 2003. In 2021, during the COVID-19 epidemic, Rabbi Rapoport began creating videos to communicate with his community. After a few videos went viral, he realized the power of social media and began creating content on a daily basis." Connect with Rabbi Raps: IG and TikTok @RabbiRaps Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

It's the secular new year which means many of you have taken the time to practice introspection and reflect on what was and what could have been. The need to improve for 2024 is conditioned by the growth mindset we all have. As it turns out, even the Torah is built around a growth mindset. While many wouldn't initially recognize the Torah as a place to set goals, Rabbi David Schlusselberg helps us realign our thinking. Schlesselberg sits with host, Chaz Volk, to draw from lessons from biblical stories and allow space for personal stories to be shared. About Rabbi David Schlusselberg: Rabbi David Schlusselberg is a teacher and the mashgiach ruchani at the Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School in Livingston, NJ. He has been working with teenagers in formal and informal settings for over 15 years. Rabbi Schlusselberg obtained semicha from Yeshiva University, and has a master's degree in Jewish education from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education. Connect with Rabbi David Schlusselberg IG @rabbi_david_schlusselberg TikTok @rabbi.davidschlusselberg Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

It's finally 2025 (5785 for those keeping track) and you want to start that new years resolution. A classic example that everyone struggles with is the desire to take on the dreaded gym goals. We know how this song goes: You start your gym membership. You realize how hard it is. You give up. Sound familiar? Of course it does. Whether or not you go to the gym, there are hundreds of tasks we wish we could take on but never do.  Rabbi Benzion Klatzko, a return guest from the early days of Bad Jew, comes back onto the podcast to reintroduce his wisdom to the Bad Jew fan base. Klatzko highlights the importance of new beginnings and explains from the deeper Talmudic lens why starting anything is excruciatingly difficult. This concept is no stranger to Chaz Volk who expresses the literal new beginning he is in by being in Israel for a FULL YEAR to study in Yeshiva at Aish HaTorah. Join Rabbi Klatzko and Chaz as they fully grasp the heavy burden of trying something new. 00:00 Life Update: ISRAEL!!! 05:08 The beginning of Bad Jew 08:46 Chasing New Project Highs 12:49 Vision as True Wisdom 13:57 Message for Unaware Complainers 18:41 Inspiring Encounter with Young Adults 21:44 Reflections Shape Relationships and Happiness 24:19 "Weathered Faces, Resonant Journeys" About Rabbi Benzion Klatzko: Rabbi Benzion Klatzko is an ordained rabbi, a music producer, a published author, and a radio talk show host. Dubbed the “Hollywood Rabbi,” for years Rabbi Klatzko delivered a popular monthly class in Jewish thought to many of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Rabbi Klatzko is one of the national directors for Jewish life on campus in North America and was named “One of America’s Most Inspiring Rabbis” by the Jewish Forward Magazine in 2014. Rabbi Klatzko is also the founder of Shabbat.com, the world’s largest Jewish social network, helping people find Shabbat, Jewish Dating, and employment in over 120 countries. Connect with Rabbi Benzion Klatzko: Email: RabbiKlatzko@gmail.com Music: Klatzko Art: RishonArt.com Join Shabbat.com, the World's Largest Jewish Network, and download the app. Dating, Jobs, and Shabbat Hospitality Worldwide! http://www.Shabbat.com  Connect with Bad Jew  BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod BadJew.co

We hear about these various labels of Judaism all of the time; Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Ashkenazi, Sephardic, Mizrahi, Hassidic, Talmudic, Kabbalistic. The list goes on and on and on. So how many types of Jews are there? Who better to answer that question than Rabbi Moshe Bryski of Conejo Chabad. Rabbi Bryski is a religious and community leader who shares the message that, truly, there is only one type of Jew despite the labels we get caught up in. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, has personal ties and gets emotional during the episode. Rabbi Moshe Bryski's Bio: RABBI MOSHE BRYSKI has served as the Executive Director of Chabad of the Conejo for the past thirty nine years. Highlighting his achievements is the founding and directing of the Conejo Jewish Academy – a unique adult education institute that has served as a model for dozens of other communities throughout the world. He and his wife Matty are the spiritual leaders of Chabad of Agoura Hills and have been blessed with eight children and ten grandchildren. Connect with Rabbi Moshe Bryski www.ChabadConejo.com rabbi@chabadconejo.com Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Just remember what they taught you in grade school: When you're public speaking, just imagine everyone's pants are down... That trick never worked did it? Public speaking is hard. Giving a sermon to a high-expecting congregation is harder.  Rabbi Daniel Steinberg is no stranger to the difficulty of trying to inspire and emotionally elevate a crowd. Being very familiar with the film industry, sales, and Jewish needs within a community, Steinberg teaches Chaz Volk the fundamentals of speaking to a Jewish crowd. Tune in to learn how to engage and communicate with the broader Jewish community.  00:00 Introduction 05:39 Existential doubts 09:42 Speaking to needs 12:04 Ethos, Pathos, and Logos behind Bad Jew 14:40 Commandments 16:48 Stand-up comic's connection to audience reactions 22:48 Unexpected movie sparks discussion about Zionism symbolism 25:12 Public speaking is about authenticity, not polish. 27:19 Conclusion About Rabbi Daniel Steinberg: It's true. I was an intern for SNL, wrote for Howard Stern, & spent 2 years performing stand-up comedy in NYC and San Francisco clubs before moving to Palo Alto, CA to pursue a career in community outreach & Jewish education. After 6 years of community-building work, I assumed the role of Marketing Director for a start-up co-founded by Alan Dershowitz. I then went on to start a digital marketing & e-commerce consultancy, where my innovative storytelling & copywriting skills helped my ​clients earn upwards of $1MM in yearly revenue.  These days, I draw on my eclectic experiences in the worlds of entertainment, education and marketing to help rabbis find their authentic voice, craft meaningful Drashos & build strong relationships with their congregations. Connect with Rabbi Daniel Steinberg: Linked In: Daniel Steinberg Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod

The movie, One Love, the Bob Marley biopic, just came out which has people looking closer at the Rastafari culture. Putting the culture into the spotlight, many have noticed the undeniable ties between their religion and Jewish themes. Jewish organizations have jumped onto the trend of asking, and even claiming, that Bob Marley was Jewish. Whether or not this is true is trivial. What's more valuable is the discovery of Jewish and Jamaican ties and how oppression brought them together. As a full-time Jewish advocate, Tyler Samuels sheds light on the little-known history of Jamaican Jews and the isolating experience of being a black Jew. From the secret crypto Jews of the Spanish Inquisition to the influences on Rastafari culture and the intriguing story of a Jewish pirate, Samuels offers an exciting exploration of Jamaican Jewish history. Don't miss out on this eye-opening episode that will challenge preconceptions and celebrate the diversity within Jewish culture. Timeline: 00:00 Introduction to Tyler Samuels 03:45 The Spanish Inquisition 07:07 Colonies and the spread of oppression 09:25 Pirates 15:23 Jewish persecution in Iberia and colonies. 16:18 Defining Genocide 21:21 Rastafarian culture is influenced by Jewish symbols. 24:35 Personal experiences 26:39 Conclusion About Tyler Samuels: Tyler Samuels is the creator of the social media account BluntBlackJew. He was the Campus Development Lead at Hillel BC Society. Tyler was also a fellow for the Union of Reform Judaism’s Jews of Color Leadership Fellowship and a Jewish Federation of North America Changemakers Fellow for Aspiring Leaders. Through Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, Tyler teaches Jews and non-Jews Caribbean Jewish & general Jewish history and life as a Black Jew. Connect with Tori Greene IG: @bluntblackjew Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Russia's invasion of Ukraine displaced thousands of civilians and endangered thousands more. The unprecedented violence and trauma caused by Vladimir Putin's war would've led to a depletion in morale if it wasn't for the inspiring resistance against Putin. The leadership of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian armed forces, and international aid has given the average person hope. Ana Sazonov is no stranger to international service. Sazonov embodies the value of tikkun olam, or "repair the world" by putting her life on the line for others on a regular basis. Miles away from the frontlines, Ana jumps onto Bad Jew to highlight her efforts and embrace the Jewish values she lives by in one of the greatest displays of bravery we've seen on this podcast. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, grows inspired and encourages YOU, the listener, to support the war effort and donate. DONATE TO UKRAINIAN PATRIOT HERE: https://ukrainianpatriot.org/ About Ana Sazonov: Ana Sazonov was born in Ukraine to a non-Jewish mother and a father who repressed his Jewish identity. Her family became Ukrainian in every way, which helped them to survive antisemitic attacks and the Holocaust. Ana grew up as a Ukrainian girl with no knowledge of Judaism or Israel. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Jewish Agency For Israel (JAFI) sprang into action, promoting the Law of Return. This gave Ana’s family a chance to make Aliyah and start a new life in the Promised Land. Aliyah to Israel allowed Ana to grapple with her Jewish identity in ways she never thought possible. Ana served two years in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as a Basic Training Commander and trained IDF soldiers to be combat-ready. During her service, she joined ‘Nativ,’ an IDF and JAFI program for strengthening Jewish and Israeli identity. This program helped her to uncover her Jewish identity and connection to Israel, to gain a sense of belonging, and to formally join the Jewish people through conversion. Ana holds a bachelor’s degree with honors from Ruppin Academic Center in Business and Economics. She has dabbled in various industries, such as advertising, crowdfunding, and development. She found her passion in Jewish communal work, beginning as the Israel Fellow (emissary) to Emory University Hillel, where she helped students explore their Jewish identity and their connection to Israel. In addition to her work on campus, she formed and led the Russian Speaking Jewish community in Atlanta. This work led her to Brandeis, where she is a 2021 graduate of the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program, receiving a MA in Jewish Professional Leadership and an MBA from the Heller School. During her time in Boston, she founded JewBer, a Jewish startup that delivered thousands of Kosher meals to Jewish medical professionals, low-income seniors, and Holocaust survivors during Covid. Following that, Ana served as the Executive Director of the Columbia Jewish Federation in South Carolina.  In the midst of the war in Ukraine, Ana responded to the call to support our brothers and sisters back home. She was able to provide support and comfort to refugees on the border as a member of a volunteer mission sponsored by the Jewish Federations of North America’s (JFNA). Beyond her connection to her home, Ana is motivated by a sense of obligation to fulfill the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. This obligation spurs her to advocate for those refugees as well as Ukraine, which led her to dedicate her time to Ukraine. Today, she is working with Ukrainian Patriot, a group of Ukrainians and internationals working to aid volunteers defending Ukraine and those civilians caught in the crossfire. In 2023 Ana was Selected to be on the Hadassah List of 18 Women who are shaping the future of Zionism.  Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Dating is a stressful and exhausting process. It's often romanticized (no pun intended) as this cutesy, lovely gathering when really it's a trial in the spotlight of your future that determines EVERYTHING. It's daunting. Luckily Jewish matchmaking (also known as the shidduch system) makes that process easier... right? Wrong. Gabi Koyenov, licensed therapist and host of the GKP Podcast, tells us his nightmare story of the long, high-pressure and seemingly forced experience he went through to find his wife. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, commiserates with Koyenov, as he too is familiar with the judgmental world that can be Jewish dating. Tune in for the full story! 00:00 Introduction 04:48 Curiosity of the Shidduch System 06:53 Orthodox Jewish marriage process explained 12:03 LGBTQ? 14:41 Judgement from family 16:10 Hindering potential 20:06 Repeated vetting 25:31 First impressions 28:21 Irrational, yet rational fear of poor matchmaking. 29:19 Lack of romance severely impacted my mental health. 35:05 Acknowledges flaws, but praises shadow system's benefits. 35:34 Singles experience gridlock; community leaders must act. About Gabi Koyenov: Gabi is a natural empath with a love for people. His care and curiosity creates a safe and inviting space where growth, healing, and discovery occurs. Additionally, Gabi is driven by a passion for psychology and helping other. Along with a hard working attitude, this has lead to him graduating his dual master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling with summa cum laude honors. He prides himself on being a life long learner and is on the cutting edge of treatment. Gabi’s approach is unique, high quality, clinically proven, and always puts you first. Connect with Gabi Koyenov: Podcast: The GKP Podcast  IG @journey_with_gabi www.TheMensTherapyStudio.com www.youtube.com/@gabikoyenov Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

**This episode is our FIRST-EVER SPONSORED EPISODE! Keep scrolling for more information. Scroll further down for details!** Being a Jew is difficult. Being anyone is difficult but the difficulties of existing as a Jew in this turbulent world is ever more clear, especially after October 7th, 2023. It's nearly impossible to navigate this world alone and that's why mentors exist.  Cari Uslan of Jewish Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Los Angeles knows this too well. She helps run an organization built on making life more manageable. 'Littles' get assigned 'bigs' and vice versa, all to clear the fog that is reality. Uslan elaborates on the Jewish approach to mentorship in this special episode of Bad Jew.  00:00 Introduction AND sponsor message 06:26 Jewish identity is inescapable; mentors guide. 07:15 Mentors expand worldview, crucial for personal growth. 10:44 Mentors inspire transformative growth and opportunities. 15:22 Impactful Jewish mentorship changes lives positively. 20:07 Commitment-focused vetting and support for mentors. 21:02 Mentorship: Supportive guidance, friendship, showing up. 25:24 Giving time enriches mentors and community. 28:22 Excited partnership offers mentorship resources, visit jbbsla.org. About Cari Uslan: Cari B. Uslan has been a nonprofit leader for over 20 years. In 2016, Ms. Uslan joined Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles (JBBBSLA). Currently serving in her third year as Chief Executive Officer; she spent two years as the Executive Vice President, and two years as the Vice President of Development. As Executive Vice President, Ms. Uslan was responsible for overseeing Camp Bob Waldorf, College Access + Success, and the Development department. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, she was integral in transitioning JBBBSLA’s in-person programming to virtual programming and ensuring that all youth and their families being served by the agency were being fully supported by JBBBSLA. Ms. Uslan has also led the organization through financial challenges. Her focus on new fundraising efforts, increased communication, and creative outreach strategies ensured a lower than anticipated deficit in 2020, 2021, and 2022. She also led JBBBSLA through difficult employee transitions. Under Ms. Uslan’s leadership, JBBBSLA created the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) committee that is comprised of a diverse group of staff members representing all staffing levels in the agency. In all cases, her adept leadership and open communication has allowed the organization to overcome the current challenges and continue to grow in the future. Prior to JBBBSLA, Ms. Uslan worked at MAZON, developing their national fundraising strategy to fight hunger in the U.S. and Israel. Ms. Uslan also served as a Development Officer for Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Ms. Uslan is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and has served on several nonprofit boards. Connect with Cari Uslan: https://www.jbbbsla.org/contact-us/ IG @JBBBSLA YouTube: @JBBBSofLA   FB: https://www.facebook.com/jbbbsla SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE: JEWISH BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS OF LOS ANGELES! Become a big today! JBBBSLA.org/mentorship Connect with Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Death is a touchy subject. When Jews lose a loved one, and their soul is no longer with us, we recite the mourner's Kaddish and focus on the missing individual's attributes. That's because Jews recognize that the soul is a reflection of their character. Jewish ritual focuses on who that person truly was. In other words, as long as our hearts are beating we must live every day to our true calling.  Rabbi Dov Muchnik of Chabad of Oxnard jumps onto Bad Jew with host, Chaz Volk, to teach us the subject that everyone dreads. Rabbi Muchnik has is no stranger to the subject of death but also emphasizes the importance of being alive now, fulfilling your mission, and living a good life. About Rabbi Dov Muchnik: Rabbi Dov Muchnik and his wife, Racheli, founded Chabad of Oxnard in 2003, where local residents and visitors can learn about and celebrate Jewish traditions in a warm and welcoming environment. Born in Brooklyn, Dov studied in rabbinical colleges in New York and Israel, and his internship included community service in the Former Soviet Union and South Africa. He was ordained by the Chief Rabbi of Israel. As spiritual leader of Chabad of Oxnard, Rabbi Dov inspires his congregants to lead lives of purpose, as enlightened by the teachings of Judaism. He and his wife host prayer services, Shabbat meals, holiday celebrations, classes, women’s events, lectures, and more. Rabbi Dov and Racheli are the parents of nine children. They established Lamplighters Jewish Academy as an outstanding educational opportunity for Jewish children in the area. Rabbi Dov is honored to serve as a Police Chaplain for Oxnard and Port Hueneme, and in this role, he offers a listening ear, advice, comfort, and specialized guidance to those in need. Connect with Rabbi Dov Muchnik: Chabad of Oxnard Jewish Center 2860 Harbor Blvd. Oxnard, CA 93035 Office: 805-382-4770 Cell: 805-844-9989 Email: Rabbi@ChabadofOxnard.com Website: www.ChabadofOxnard.com Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Beyond watching Hassidim dance in synchronized steps, do Jews dance? Turns out, we embrace a relatively new and lively tradition of choreography through Israeli folk dancing. Dancing happens to also be mentioned in the Torah. One could say it's our duty to dance. Tune in with Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, as he interviews Orly Star, teacher and choreographer, on the rich topic of the Jewish heritage of dance! About Orly Star: Orly Star Setareh started dancing at the age of 5. With over 24 years of teaching experience, instructing children and adults of all ages throughout the Los Angeles and the Valley areas, Orly instills a dance program that promotes a passion for Israel and inspires a love of learning. Her charismatic, welcoming nature immediately captivates new dancers and sparks a needed connection to our Jewish community. She infuses a fresh, young & current vibe into every teaching lesson while maintaining the importance of a healthy lifestyle and tradition. She understands that every dancer has a special role in completing our circle. That we hold hands not only in times of celebration but in times of lifting each other up in embrace & support. As Dani Dassa would explain: "We are praying through our feet". Orly has learned from and assisted David Dassa in running the most popular Israeli Dance session in America. She inherited his Wednesday night legacy in June of 2015. She plays a variety of old and new Israeli dances of all decades in her weekly session containing partner, circle and line dances. She believes in connecting all generations through the arts, le-dor va-dor, dancing the same steps in unity. Orly has choreographed some of the most popular Israeli dances that are done all over the world. She introduced hip hop to the world of Israeli dance as a draw for the younger generation to participate. Inspiring and encouraging the teens is the only way to continue our culture through dance! To make it not only survive but thrive and make the dance floor a place they can return to at any age. Orly has taught at several Israeli dance camps and co-directs her own dance weekend called "Camp SheLAnu" with Jason Goldman every President's Day Weekend @ Brandeis. She has been the dance director at several private Jewish schools and synagogues including Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School, Ilan Ramon, Temple Israel of Hollywood, and Valley Beth Shalom. She was David Dassa's dance assistant at Camp Alonim in the summers for 5 years then moved to create a dance program as the dance director at Gindling Hilltop Camp for 14 years and is now back at Camp Alonim as Dance Director for her fifth year. She was also the Israeli dance specialist at Milken Community Middle School for 12 years and she was rehearsal director for the Los Angeles Israeli Dance Company for ten years. Orly is referred to as the heartbeat of the Israeli dance community. She aims to entertain with her endless warmth and talent! She leads a thrilling Dance with Orly session on Wednesday nights in Los Angeles at Adat Shalom. Her dances include Hafinali, Suddenly, Tutim, Toro, Danza, Halaila Zeh Hazman, Tizkor, Todo Es La Musica, Fata Morgana, Hinach Yafa, Baraye, At Bali Tov, Kvish HaChof, Kapara, Imperia, and more. Orly exudes an electrifying energy that is both contagious and unparalleled! Instagram: orlystar Instagram: dancewithorly Facebook: Orly Star Setareh  (https://www.facebook.com/orly.setareh) Facebook page: Dance with Orly! (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1641761982732939) website: www.dancewithorly.com BIGGEST events of the year: 1. Yom HaAtsmaut Party: April 26th 2. Thanksgiving Marathon: Every Wednesday night before Thanksgiving 3. Pre-Cam SheLAnu Party: Every Wednesday night before President's Day weekend Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Let's be real. Tattoos look cool. Some tattoos are questionable and regrettable later in life. But ultimately, who doesn't want a tattoo? It's also important to acknowledge that Jews and tattoos haven't always had the best relationship given our survival story. Despite this, it's been well-known that Jews can't have tattoos. What if we told you that's not true? Chabad Rabbi Dovid Braslawsce hails from the Yiddishkeit communities of the East Coast to teach why tattoos are actually acceptable. You read that correctly. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, gets his preconceived notions challenged by this new school of thought most have never considered before. Learn the actual rules and semantics of the Torah around the hot-button topic of tattoos with Chaz and 'The Tattoo Rabbi'! About Rabbi Dovid Braslawsce: Dovid, originally from the trucker-stop town of Beaver, Pennsylvania, where his family stood as the lone Jewish presence among its 4 thousand inhabitants, navigated a childhood marked by boundless energy and frequent mischief, lacking kosher avenues to express his authentic self. However, his trajectory shifted after being exposed to both Chabad and Mixed Martial Arts during his time in university. Today, known affectionately as the Tattoo Rabbi, Dovid calls Crown Heights, New York home, dedicating himself to dual pursuits: G-d and the discipline of martial arts. By day, he serves as the Happiness Manager for Chabad.org, while his evenings are devoted to leading a self-defense program for men in Crown Heights. He also travels internationally to campuses and communities to share his story, give encouragement, and teach what it means to be a strong and proud Jew. His overarching purpose lies in inspiring and empowering individuals, irrespective of their religiosity, to embrace and take ownership of their Yiddishkeit. 00:00 Introduction to Rabbi Dovid Braslawsce 06:06 Can Jews Have Tattoos? 09:09 Jewish cemeteries laws around tattoos 12:02 Bible origin of the law 14:34 Holocaust survivors and the Jewish relationship with tattoos 18:27 Life and death situations 24:57 Meaningful decisions for tattoos 28:42 Tattoo removal 30:21 Expressing Jewish identity in action 32:43 Conclusion Connect with Rabbi Dovid Braslawsce IG @tattoo_rabbi Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

This episode is about humans. This episode is about identity. This episode is about health. This episode is about self-awareness and self-care. This episode is about morality and this episode is about making sacrifices to pursue authenticity and wholeness. Any commentary outside of those themes is out of ignorance.  Michael Alroy, a contestant on Israel's Big Brother, a business owner, and a kind soul, speaks to his life journey and how it relates to his Judaism. Chaz Volk, an ally of the LGBTQA community and host of Bad Jew, investigates Alroy's journey to shed light on the human need to pursue inconvenient and difficult measures to embrace identity.  00:00 Introduction 05:01 Understanding gender 06:49 Realized identity 10:57 Emphasizing with the transgender community  15:07 Revealing transgender identity 18:12 Respect, kindness, reflection 22:27 Challenges in LGBTQ community 25:06 Promoting understanding and acceptance 26:49 Transition process 30:09 Outro About Michael Alroy: “Life begins where fear ends” was Michael’s motto when he made the bold decision to undergo gender reassignment surgery at the age of 21. This was an irreversible decision, which finally allowed him to be and look, the way he felt. From that point on there was no hesitation, regrets, and no holds barred as he transformed himself from Michelle Haziza, to Michael Alroy – a man of his own. Michael Alroy was born Michelle Haziza in Johannesburg South Africa in 1990. He spent the first seven years of his life in South Africa and attended a Jewish Day School in Johannesburg until Grade 1. In Israel, Michael struggled to adapt to the strictly religious environment of his school as he began to experience a conflict with his gender identity. He felt like a boy in girls' clothing and hated the rules about dress and behavior imposed on him by the school. Nevertheless, the girls admired his spirit of independence and insistence on being and acting as he felt. As you can imagine his school life was fraught with conflict and feelings of duality and awkwardness. His most joyous day was when he finally finished his schooling and was able to dress and act as he wanted. Still, he encountered more difficulties. The lecture provides an opportunity to hear first-hand Michael's touching and fascinating life story, whilst compelling the audience to identify with his plight and to look more closely at the society in which they live. Michael awakens in each and every member of the audience their potential and power to make changes in their lives. Connect with Michael Alroy: YouTube @mikialroy21   IG @michael_alroy LI Michael Alroy Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Is there such a thing as love at first site? Are the butterflies in your stomach real or are they just chemical reactions from your nervous system? Is there truly someone out there to complete you? Aleeza Ben Shalom draws from the Torah to prove that soulmates are 100% real and not just a concept on reality TV. In this relevant interview with Aleeza Ben Shalom, a globally recognized dating coach and marriage strategist, featured on Netflix's Jewish Matchmaking series, Chaz Volk of Bad Jew challenges the concept of soulmates and whether or not they are real. As the audience tunes in to this exclusive Netflix presentation, they are greeted with a profound exploration of love, destiny, and interpersonal connections, as seen through the lens of traditional Jewish matchmaking. About Aleeza: Aleeza Ben Shalom is a renowned matchmaker, dating coach, author, sought-after speaker, and soulmate clarity expert who empowers marriage-minded singles in their relationships, guiding them from uncertainty and overwhelm to the clarity needed for confident decision-making regarding their potential life partners. She is also the featured matchmaker on the new Netflix series, Jewish Matchmaking. Aleeza authored two insightful books, Get Real, Get Married-a guide to get over your hurdles and under the chuppah, and Virtual Dating, your guide to relationships in a socially distanced world. As the founder of Marriage Minded Mentor, she connects singles globally with skilled matchmakers and dating coaches. Aleeza’s impressive track record has earned her the title of “Jewish Dating Guru,” as she has successfully led over 200 singles through the steps to engagement, regardless of age, affiliation, or life stage. Her valuable relationship advice has been featured across various media platforms, including BBC World News, NPR, Aish.com, and HuffPost. For over 15 years, Aleeza has worked with men and women worldwide to break unhealthy patterns and foster relationships that lead to marriage. During this time, she has trained more than 300 dating coaches and matchmakers worldwide.  She and her husband have been married for over 20 years and have been blessed to see her in-laws healthy marriage of over 60 years thrive. A dedicated wife and loving mother of five children, Aleeza cherishes her family which also includes a lovable dog, “koda the kelev.” Her lifelong dream of moving to Israel was realized on March 1st of 2021, and she now resides with her family in Pardes Hanna, Israel. Find your beshert by going to: www.MarriageMindedMentor.com Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Smiling can sometimes feel more like an obligation than a genuine reaction. Life has a tendency to weigh on you. Reality kicks in and it's easy to lose your spiritual connection to that which is around you. When the consequence of existing kicks in with no warning, how does one embrace happiness? The Torah has an answer to this. Therapist and proud mother, Rachael Dadbin, is no stranger to pain. Yet, her smile shines brightest in the world of Jewish thought leadership. Where does her resilience come from? In this episode, Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, explores the intersection of mental health, Torah, lifestyle, and stoicism. About Rachael Dadbin: Rachael Dadbin focuses on guiding clients who seek healing and growth to achieve desired results. You can be going through a life transition, experiencing heightened anxiety and overwhelm, substance use, academic and/or work place challenges, relational difficulties with self and others, and challenges around self-worth and esteem. Sometimes we just need a safe place to share our deepest thoughts and sort through our day-to-day because life can feel hectic. It is often ones thoughts and beliefs about self or a situation that impacts our emotions and behaviors. Rachael tailors interventions based on the needs of clients to achieve increased life satisfaction. Rachael has two Pupil Personnel Service credentials in School Counseling and Child Welfare and Attendance, and was also trained in addiction/substance use. Rachael wholeheartedly understands that life has many challenges and believes that transformation occurs when we learn to live life in a healthy and authentic way. Rachael is warm and genuine in her approach and invites you to contact her to begin your therapeutic journey. Connect with Rachael Dadbin: https://secure.helloalma.com/providers/rachael-dadbin/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/rachael-shanbrom-dadbin-agoura-hills-ca/1151740?utm_campaign=TD_SHA_1_1&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=TDE Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

There's this fun holiday that a lot of us Jews grew up celebrating. It felt like camping, especially when we constructed our huts, throwing loose tree debris and branches on top. Then we'd shake fruit in every direction because of something to do with G-d. It didn't make a ton of sense but it was fun so we did it. Why is this holiday so important?  Sukkot is a special holiday that comes right after Yom Kippur. It's our time to commemorate those who had just left the oppression of Egypt to wander in the desert for 40 years. For 40 years we lived in this temporary state of being, creating shelters from whatever piece of nature we came across. But it wasn't carelessly getting lost that marked this time. There were deeper reasons behind this lifestyle. Rabbi Levi Begun of Culver City Chabad jumps onto Bad Jew with host, Chaz Volk, to uncover the REAL story of Sukkot! About Rabbi Levi Begun: With great passion for Judaism, my wife and I together with our 2 little children moved to Culver City, California to join the 220 Chabad centers in California, and 4,000 Chabad centers worldwide. Chabad in Culver City is a center for Jews of all backgrounds who want to learn more about their Jewish roots. Chabad offers a wide variety of educational and spiritual opportunities, including Torah classes and lectures, Shabbat dinners, and an array of family and social activities. Traditional Jewish values are brought to life in a joyous, non-judgmental atmosphere. Guided by the leadership, teachings, and inspirations of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Chabad Lubavitch has set the dictum of “Love your fellow as yourself” as the defining factor in its approach of unconditional acceptance of fellow Jewish people. Chabad treasures the infinite value of every individual and is committed to enriching the lives of everyone through its multiple programs and services. Each individual is encouraged to appreciate the power of our heritage at their own comfortable pace. Chabad serves all segments of the Jewish community. Everyone is welcome regardless of their personal level of religious observance. Participants in our multitude of programs experience the joy and celebration, the intimacy and compassion, the wisdom and knowledge that is inherent in Jewish life and learning. Chabad will use whatever means necessary to bring the message of Torah true Judaism to the children, teens, adults and elderly of the community. Watch the excitement on the faces of the children who partake in our youth programs; ask the hundreds who participate in our events, and you begin to feel an incredible sense of community. We invite you to get involved and take part in our events, activities & classes for all ages! Our doors are always open, welcoming everyone to participate in all that we offer. Our family looks forward to meeting you!  Connect with Rabbi Levi Begun www.JewishCulverCity.com IG @JewishCulverCity Connect with Bad Jew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

As we commemorate Yom HaShoah, we dedicate this week’s episode to understanding the lives and legacies of those who survived the Holocaust. Our guest, Michael Ruskin, offers an intimate glimpse into his life as the last surviving member of his family who escaped the horrors of the Holocaust. He shares tales of his own upbringing under the shadow of his parents’ past traumas and how these experiences shaped their family dynamics. Michael also discusses his book, "The Vow," which not only documents the atrocities of the Holocaust but captures the extraordinary love story of his parents finding their way back to each other post-war. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, emphasizes the resilience of survivors along with the impact of generational trauma on later generations. 00:00 Introduction 03:27 Poor upbringing and protective Holocaust-survivor parents 08:37 Found family history 10:23 Love over wealth, reflection of 'The Vow' 12:48 Difficulty conveying past experiences 17:37 Writing the book 25:16 Research, learning, and resilience 26:54 How his parents lived 29:44 Conclusion About Michael Ruskin: Michael Ruskin (born Meyer Ruksen), was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in the beautiful city of Perth Amboy, New Jersey (central New Jersey). He is the youngest son of David and Dora Ruskin and the younger brother of the late Allen Ruskin. A graduate from Kent State University in Ohio, he received a B.A. in Political Science and Psychology. Michael spent most of his 40-year career in corporate Human Resources and private consulting. Mr. Ruskin, now retired, lives a very active lifestyle which includes traveling, tennis, dancing, hiking. He is a student of spirituality, world history, and an avid researcher.  He has one niece and enjoys spending time with friends and making new ones. Michael is the last surviving member of his immediate family. The Vow: A Love Story and the Holocaust is Mr. Ruskin's first book, but not his last.  He currently resides in Roswell, Georgia. Connect with Michael Ruskin: Buy 'The Vow' on www.TheVowALoveStory.com Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Traditionally, the Shema is that prayer you do when you rise up in the morning and when you lie down at night. There are many prayers that fluctuate throughout the day, but this one remains a constant no matter what time of day it is. Surely it must be important.  Jason Ciment of Get Visible joins Chaz Volk on Bad Jew to discuss the nuances of this pillar of Judaism. Jason reveals that the Shema is more than just a 'mission statement'. It turns out that the Shema lays out the foundation for how our stories are told throughout the Torah, how the commandments are given to us, and how it all is related to the creation story! About Jason Ciment: Jason is CEO of Get Visible, a boutique digital marketing agency based in Phoenix. He is known to be a fun, outside-the-box, hyper-growth consultant, mentor, and friend to rainmakers and business leaders. Prior to co-founding Get Visible in 2005, Jason acquired a variety of atypical experiences for a marketing expert. In the early 90’s he worked as a CPA for Kenneth Leventhal & Co, one of the top CPA firms in the country also known as the “gilded sweatshop.” He then graduated with honors from Fordham Law School in New York City. Instead of practicing law after passing the NY Bar, he built and launched MagMall.com, his first of many online ventures, where he provided magazine and newspaper subscription services to individuals and companies nationwide. Jason built his business up by becoming a self-taught expert in search engine optimization during the early days of the Internet. Jason also learned about the value of building and nurturing relationships by attracting clients like Google, The Gap, Nike, CAA, ICM, The Hair Cuttery, Goodyear, and Firestone. In 2003, Jason bought out the software company that had been managing his e-commerce website and partnered with a team of developers to license the e-commerce platform through www.adrecom.net. That company competes with behemoth companies like Shopify and Magento. In 2005, Jason joined forces with one of his first employees to create a new type of digital marketing agency. 18 years later, the 2 partners now have 14 more people on the team and they provide the full suite of services you would expect from a digital marketing agency. From ideation to design to development of a website, all the way through driving traffic and generating leads and sales with search engine and social media marketing. They have distilled the bulk of their service offerings into two very powerful words that describe what they produce for their clients – some of whom have been with them for over a decade. The two words are “Invincible Income.” The income describes the effectiveness of the online marketing strategies they use to generate consistent revenue growth for clients across multiple industries. The invincibility describes the force field they build around their clients’ digital presence that protects them from competitors easily stealing away their business. Clients tend to stick around for a lot of years instead of just a few months. This is very uncommon for the digital marketing industry and is a testament to their success recipe. Jason has also written two books on digital marketing. One of them was an Amazon bestseller called I Need More Clients. Digital Marketing Strategies That Grow Your Business. Get Visible has achieved notoriety by helping clients solve the online visibility challenge and accelerate revenue growth. Jason likes to say that “our team of competitive millennials transforms somewhat lazy businesses into local giants, regional players, and national contenders. And yes I’m in my lower 50’s but still think of myself as a millennial.” If you want a seasoned digital marketing team to take the marketing burden off your shoulders and get your business out of stagnation, call Jason. Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Let's play "Put A Finger Down". Put a finger down if you've had to unfriend people from your life for only listening to one side of the conflict. Put a finger down if you've gotten into arguments in the comments section. Put a finger down if the buzzwords "ethnic cleansing" and "genocide" have polluted your content. Put a finger down if your friends still don't understand why commenting "free Palestine" is antisemitic. Put a finger down if you've been accused of committing genocide. Jews are not only targeted in the war happening in Israel. Jews are caught up in 3 wars right now: There's the literal war, the spiritual war, and the informational war. Fighting on the frontlines of the informational war is Izzy Salant of Jewish News Syndicate. Salant joins host Chaz Volk, to explain the lack of nuance and the importance of vetting information given during such a chaotic time. Izzy and Chaz bond over the shared traumas of being in a constant defense while giving helpful advice on how to navigate the world of news, social media, trolls, and more. About Izzy Salant: Isaac "Izzy" Salant is a digital marketing manager and journalist for Jewish News Syndicate, with years of experience doing social media and marketing for the Jewish and non-profit world. He is the former Director of Digital Marketing at Lost Tribe, and served as a Jewish educator for Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills and Hillel at UCLA. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, with BAs in Journalism and Theater. He is also a playwright, actor, and magician. Connect with Izzy: LI: Izzy Salant www.JNS.org Connect with Bad Jew: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

As we get closer to valentines day, one has to ask, what does it take to be good at dating? From the Jewish perspective, that question differs depending on whether you're a man or woman. Rabbi Jack Melul of AishLIT steps onto the podcast with his wife, Shira Melul, to point out the mistakes he has noticed amongst men in the dating world. As we near the peak of cuffing season, you should go into your first date with the self awareness and the insight to find your soulmate! About: Born in Manchester UK, Rabbi Jack Melul spent over 10 years studying in the top Rabbinic Training Academies in the world. He received Semicha from the Rabbinical Supreme court in Israel, as well as Beit Medrash Darchei horaah Lerabanim of the late chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu zt”l in 2012. An entertaining speaker, Moroccan cantor, and a spiritual coach Rabbi Jack is a founding Director of AishLIT – Young Professionals Los Angeles together with his wife Shira. Helping create a powerful revolution for young professionals and grad students. His passion brought him from the UK to The University Oregon to become the founder of Akiva on Campus. Giving daily lectures on and off campus on topics ranging from the daily Talmud to Jewish philosophy. Connect with AishLIT: www.AishLIT.com IG: @aishLIT TikTok: @aishlit_ Email: JMelul@aishla.com SMelul@aishla.com Connect with Bad Jew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Now more than ever before, your people need YOU! Anti-Israel and anti-Jewish rallies have spread like wildfire across the nation. Students get harassed on campus just for being Jews. The few Jews that do join the encampments are tokenized and glorified in hypocritical ways. No matter how much light we shed on the situation, our adversaries come back more aggressively. This is an uphill battle.  Such battles don't stop Marla Friedson, co-host of Schmuckboys, from joining the counterprotests. Marla and her friends regularly post on social media and take to the streets to share their voices proudly. Friedson joins Chaz Volk on Bad Jew to discuss what it takes to effectively and accurately speak on behalf of Israel. Volk takes this opportunity to assess how the international Jewish community is doing when it comes to sharing information as well. Tune in to become inspired to take the streets and speak on behalf of those that can't! 00:00 Introduction 03:12 Judaism as a moral basis for activism 08:39 Unity within activism 09:42 The value of attending rallies 13:21 Avoiding misinformation 18:42 Credibility 20:19 Responsibility in influence 23:44 Accuracy and literacy 26:29 Jewish intimidation and antisemitism 31:22 Zionism 34:12 The undeniable tie of Judaism and Zionism 36:47 Education is key to combating antisemitism About Marla Friedson: Marla Friedson is the receptionist at Circle of Confusion, a tv/film production and management company. She is also a freelance producer, having worked on a variety of content from unscripted TV to short films to the US Tennis Open. Marla is the co-host and co-producer of Schmuckboys, a podcast about Jewish dating, Jewish identity and antisemitism. Her and co-host Libby Walker interview Jewish guests from all walks of life and release new episodes every other week through the Jewish Journal Podcast Network. Marla is very involved in Jewish organizations in L.A. serving on the board of AishLIT and working part-time as the Head of Operations for Jews Talk Justice, a Tel Aviv Institute project. She is a vocal activist for the Jewish people, using her social media platform to help educate others. Connect with Marla Friedson: IG @marsbars36 Tune into Schmuckboys on your favorite podcast platform Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Are the Jewish people united? It may seem like a simple question but it's not. Before October 7th, the Knesset faced a great division among its people. During the 96th Academy Awards, we saw Jewish filmmakers speaking against Israel. Among Jews, we see labels and identifiers to help tell our ethnic story. Depending on the context, that label can be used in a negative. In this thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Yaacov Haber discusses with Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, to discuss the identity crisis and compromise that is Jewish identity. Rabbi Haber goes in-depth on the multifaceted nature and opinions of Jewish identity, from the front lines in Israel to the international diaspora, and the complex but beautiful symphony of individual roles contributing to the grander Jewish narrative. 00:00 Introduction to Rabbi Yaacov Haber 04:17 Are Jews United? 06:45 Diverse opinions in democracy and Judaism's disunity 11:23 The relevance and value of every Jew 13:38 Unity within division 19:31 International opinions of Israel 22:02 Peace 24:27 Reaction to antisemtism 28:38 Being a light unto nations 30:27 Conclusion About Rabbi Yaacov Haber: Since 1978, Rabbi Yaacov Haber has been a leading figure in the global Jewish community, with a rich history of leadership in education and spiritual guidance. His journey includes founding the Australian Institute of Torah, revitalizing the Jewish community in Buffalo, New York, serving as National Director of Jewish Education for the Orthodox Union, and playing a pivotal role in the Association of Jewish Outreach Programs (AJOP), where he furthered Jewish outreach and education. Notably, Rabbi Haber also served as the Rav of Congregation Bais Torah in Monsey, New York. Today, Rabbi Haber is the Rav and Spiritual Leader of Kehillat Shivtei Yeshurun in Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel. His ongoing role at Shivtei Yeshurun represents a significant chapter in a career dedicated to fostering Jewish learning, community, and spiritual growth. Rabbi Haber is also the President of Mosaica Press and an author of numerous impactful works, continuing his lifelong commitment to Jewish education and enrichment. Connect with Rabbi Yaacov Haber: www.YaacovHaber.com  @RabbiYaacovHaber   Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Take a deep breath. Let's acknowledge the fact that the world is crazy which can naturally make anyone a little crazy. It's okay to be off your rocker sometimes but that's where the mindfulness kicks in. While the world seems to spew hate in our direction, there's no better time than the present to turn toward the Jewish lens of mindfulness. Gila Ross, podcast host of PowerUp!, draws from her Jewish studies, namely from pirkei avot, to guide listeners and provide Jewish wisdom to all who tune in. Drawing from a similar inspiration, Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, pushes and challenges some of the ideas behind Jewish mindfulness in hopes of finding peace of his own. 00:00 Introduction to Gila Ross 03:37 Teaching abroad 08:38 Finding our purpose 12:23 Jewish mindfulness 14:30 Growth mindset 19:28 Recognizing and fixing sins 20:29 Repairing your life 23:54 Bringing out the best 29:44 Daily gratitude practices 33:00 Seeking spiritual guidance 33:43 Prayer changed to mindfulness About Gila Ross: Gila Ross's vibrant, positive and relatable style makes her a well-sought-after and much-loved coach and educator with over 20 years of experience. She has a passion for sharing the joy and relevance of Judaism and positive parenting. She is a senior educator with SEED UK. Her Power Up! podcast was named number 6 on Jewish Podcasts Worldwide. It has several weekly episodes, allowing listeners to access her wit, wisdom, and inspiration in their own time. The Ross family’s open and fun-filled home makes it a top destination for families wishing to celebrate Shabbat and the chagim. Connect with Gila Ross: IG @itsGilaRoss Book:https://lightofinfinite.com/presenter/gila-ross/ Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Gilaross?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=6461bc56-69f4-40fc-bd13-c7b9c6f97b78 Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

It's Valentine's Day, the day that all people either adore or despise depending on whether or not they are single (or whether or not they're in a good relationship). Love is an abstract concept. There certainly are easy-to-spot actions that lovers take like giving and receiving affection, doing favors for each other, exchanging gifts, and even verbally saying "I love you." But how those feelings develop and how they change over time is an intangible emotion that no one has ever perfectly mastered. Rabbi Melinda Bernstein is a freelance Rabbi who regularly officiates weddings and helps guide the spirituality that couples can struggle to tap into. Bernstein guides us through the evolution of relationships, the art of communication, and the pursuit of a soulmate. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, learns about Rabbi Melinda's reframing of "roadblocks" to "road walks" in relational paths; She shares her personal experiences and Kabbalistic insights on being a vessel for divine energy. Episode Timeline: 00:00 Introduction to Rabbi Melinda Bernstein. 06:20 Choosing to heal, see passion, be real. 08:20 Road walk: conflict resolution through open dialogue. 11:01 Navigating inner conflict, seeking connection and guidance. 13:21 Kabbalah as conduit to connect with energy. 19:13 Seeking deep wisdom and joy in life. 20:35 Individual sexual energy and healing vs herd. 24:13 Manifesting good or bad outcomes is uncertain. 27:51 Seeking love and companionship after 18 years. 29:28 Time is precious, make every moment count. About Rabbi Melinda Bernstein: Melinda is a freelance rabbi in Southeast Florida. She was Ordained May 14, 2009 on the sandy beach in Hollywood, Florida. She chose this date in honor of Mother's Day and Israel Independence Day. As a native Floridian, Melinda was born in Miami Beach, was raised Reform Jewish in Dade County, raised children Orthodox Jewish in Broward County, and raised many eyebrows with her open-minded, eclectic & unique Rabbinical style.  As a child of the reform movement, Melinda felt bored and uninspired. As a wife and mother, Melinda became a Ba’al Teshuvah in the orthodox lifestyle, which was nourishing yet void of her mystical, musical and shamanic interests. As a divorcee’, Melinda embraced an embodied path and has helped others do the same. Melinda embraces the present as a loving energy between God, her Ancestors, family and beyond. From her life experiences Melinda has found and accessed a loving conduit of energy with God. Melinda's approach to Judaism is anchored with the consciousness of the heart, the passion of the soul, and the delight of knowing the body. Through years of study and practice, Melinda transcends the ordinary and knows how to meet people where they are. Her covenant with God is rooted in compassion, understanding and love upon our neighbors of the earth. Each of us has a unique journey towards redemption and in that journey is a roadmap of our soul work. Learning to map out the road ahead is Melinda’s divine specialty and joy. Read Melinda’s Journey to Redemption and get her free Roadmap to assist you map out the road ahead. Melinda is a devoted mother of two, mother-in-law to one and grandmother of three. Melinda knows that family and faith are at the forefront of every endeavor and in her "free" time, she explores new ways of being best herself.  Melinda's approach to Judaism is anchored with the consciousness of the heart, the passion of the soul, and the delight of knowing the body. Through years of study and practice, Melinda transcends the ordinary and knows how to meet people where they are. Her covenant with God is rooted in compassion, understanding and love upon our neighbors of the earth. Personable, professional & easy to work with, Melinda has excellent references! Connect with Rabbi Melinda Bernstein: www.MelindaBernstein.com Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

One message this podcast has tried time and time again to explain... Jews come in all shapes and colors. The Jews from the Middle East are called Mizrahi Jews and they are just as culturally tied as Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews are.  Tal Oran, better known as The Travelling Clatt, steps away from his travel vlogging to share the full overview of Mizrahi Jewish culture. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, goes through a learning curve to uncover the impactful contribution Mizrahi Jews have had on all of us and embraces the personal survival story of the Oran family. 00:00 Decade of travel, YouTube success, pro-Israel advocate. 05:12 Mizrahi Jews struggle with silencing and race 08:36 Challenged the portrayal of Jewish culture in media 12:12 Mizrahi Jews from Iraq and Azerbaijan bond 14:24 Iraqi Jewish dialect is separate language from Iraqi 17:44 Mizrahi cuisine 21:10 The long history of violence 23:35 Family fled Iraq to Iran, then Israel 26:47 Christians, Jews, and peace throughout history (myth) 30:56 Moroccan celebration Mimouna embraced by diverse cultures 31:36 Moroccan music, food, and traditional attire About Tal Oran: Tal makes content about Israel, Palestine, The Holy Land, Religions, and what makes us all come together or go apart. He wants to make peace and show love. His journey can be seen on his Instagram and YouTube channel where he produces content full time. Follow Tal Oran: Ig: @thetravellingclatt   YT: @thetravellingclatt TT: thetravellingclatt Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

There are archaic rituals that stump us when attempting to embrace the full picture of Judaism. When it comes to women's rights forward-thinking beliefs of the modern-day world can get in the way of our relationship with G-d. Is it contradicting to be Jewish and feminist? Is Judaism actually a sexist religion? Kayla Haber-Goldstein, author of Questioning the Answers, has pursued clarity on this troublesome thought since experiencing motherhood. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, challenges Kayla to provide clarity in under 45 minutes. Chaz, as many Jews do, puts Judaism on trial in this controversial and conversation-starting episode.  About Kayla Haber-Goldstein: Kayla Haber Goldstein, an interior designer by trade, runs her organization called Questioning the Answers from Paramus, NJ where she serves as an Associate Rebbetzin. At Questioning the Answers, Kayla provides a safe space for all questions in Judaism, research and doubts. She fosters a safe environment where research is encouraged, time is respected and love is given in abundance. Through her book, shabbatons, events, and open house in general, Kayla has reached many young women who are looking to find their place in Judaism and lead consciously religious lives. You can find Kayla on Instagram at @questioningtheanswers or email her at kaylahaber@gmail.com. She is also on YouTube at Questioning the Answers.  Purchase her books here: Judaica Spot: https://judaicaspot.com/products/questioning-the-answers?_pos=1&_sid=ec1b42101&_ss=r Grand Judaica: https://www.grandjudaica.net/questioning-the-answers.html Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Just reading this title, don't you want to sink your teeth into a dense, spongey, doughy texture, chomp on the egg-layered crust, and enjoy the taste of freshly made challah? Of course you do. Anyone who knows anything about Judaism knows that challah is one of the tastiest and most iconic foods of Jewish cuisine. But why do we eat challah and why did we land on this particular recipe for our rituals? Sarah Klegman, co-creator of Challah Hub, has probably made thousands of Challahs. She's a pro and she shares her recipes, experiences, and knowledge on the vast history of challah with Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew. Sarah and Chaz bond over their love for various recipes while embracing Jewish holidays like Shabbat and Rosh Hashanah. Tune in to grow your appetites and knowledge of challah! 00:00 Introduction 04:10 Local Jewish business owner 06:57 The history of challah 11:23 Cutting vs. Ripping 13:13 Community connections 17:13 Rosh Hashanah challah vs. Shabbat challah 22:21 New challah recipes 25:13 Blessings around Jewish bread 26:26 The role bread plays in meals 30:05 Conclusion About Sarah Klegman: Sarah Klegman is a versatile creative professional who wears many hats—writer, international speaker, and strategic consultant. She helps businesses and individuals with brand strategy, growth initiatives, and various forms of writing, from creative projects to professional communications. Her dynamic career has spanned managing stand-up comedians, serving as Chief Happiness Officer for an AI startup, and co-founding a challah company. She facilitates writing workshops for Jewish women and has spoken at Limmud festivals worldwide, weaving vulnerability and Jewish wisdom into her approach. Sarah's work has been featured in The Huffington Post and The LA Times, and she's made appearances on Comedy Central, The Great British Baking Show (PBS), and KTLA. Connect with Sarah Klegman: YouTube @sarahkleg   IG @SarahKleg X @SarahKleg LI: Sarah Klegman ChallahHub.com SarahKlegman.com Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

How familiar are you with Torah? It's an important question because a lot of people simply remember the grand journey Moses takes and how he leads the people to Israel, and boom! You have the Torah. But it's so much more. In fact, outside of the 5 books of Moses you have The Talmud and Kabbalah and you have Pirkei Avot and you have this thing called Oral Torah versus Written Torah. Somewhere within the wide scope of what's considered Torah, you'll come across this book and wonder what's so special about this guy named Zohar.  The mysteries and wisdom of The Zohar is well known and studied by Rabbi Natan Halevy. His precise and detailed work has been a lifetime achievement passed down from generation to generation within his family. Rabbi Halevy teaches Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, the depths, teachings, and relevance of this essential piece in Jewish literature.   00:00 Introduction 07:13 Oral Torah 10:04 Essential teachings 14:53 The power in reading 19:04 Zohar predicts cell phone addiction 22:30 Connection to Israel, Torah, and God deeply 24:39 Balancing study with life's responsibilities is challenging. 28:08 Alleviating depression, spreading holiness. 32:42 God's existence is fundamental 33:41 Practicing mystical teachings today About Rabbi Natan Halevy: I grew up in Los Angeles, and with my parents and siblings, attended Kahal Joseph where I had my Bar Mitzvah in 1994. As the child of Iraqi parents, I have a powerful sense of the strong culture and traditon I come from. In 2005 I received my Rabbinical ordination from Rabbi Yitchak Yaroslavsky at Yeshivat Tomchei Tmimim in Israel. I then served as an assistant Rabbi in Chabad of Great Neck, NY before I returned to Los Angeles in 2008. I love studying all facets of Torah—from the Bible to the Talmud to the inner parts of Torah. I also have knowledge of many other modalities and philosophies that I feel may support us as Jews and people in this modern day and age. My wife Bracha and our children – Yosef Hayim, Menucha, Menachem, Noam, and Shimon – are very happy to be working with the wonderful Kahal Joseph community. Contact Rabbi Natan Halevy: RabbiHaLevy@KahalJoseph.org IG @kahaljoseph SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE: JEWISH BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS OF LOS ANGELES! Become a big today! JBBBSLA.org/mentorship Connect with Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

How does it feel when someone who is not from your background partakes in your customs? In some instances, it can feel like a compliment. For others, you may wonder what the alternative motives are. Jews are faced with this dilemma on a regular basis. While our culture seems to face criticism in the public eye that flirts with antisemitism, there is also a portion of people who take an interest in Jewish wisdom. One specific group is the wide spectrum of Christians who practice the Torah with good intentions. Dr. Rivkah Lambert Adler's work specializes in teaching Torah to Christians. While she has been criticized by others, she has exposed a truth that not many Jews are ready to embrace. Dr. Rivkah Lambert Adler jumps onto Bad Jew to highlight the nuances of her work and the intersection of Judaism and Christianity and the way she guides gentiles through comprehensive and personalized educational relationships. On this episode of Bad Jew, we get a taste of the content from her classes and books. About Dr. Rivkah Lambert Adler Dr. Rivkah Lambert Adler is a writer, book reviewer and adult educator, specializing in Jewish and Israeli content. She has a special passion for the Torah awakening among non-Jews and for helping Jews understand what it means to be an Or Lagoyim - a Light to the Nations in our day. She and her husband made aliyah from Baltimore in 2010 and live in Efrat, just south of Jerusalem. Connect with Dr. Rivkah Lambert Adler at rivkah@kotevet.com Ten From The Nations: https://amzn.to/3jdKAKG Lighting Up The Nations: https://amzn.to/3VffoIE Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Fun fact: Men aren't the only ones missing their shot. Shira Melul of AishLIT has a few things to say about that. As we near Valentines day, why not go into the world dating with the proper mindset? In the 2nd of this 2-part series on dating, Shira Melul talks about the strengths that women have while also highlighting the repeated mistakes and commonly heard grievances from the women's perspective. About Shira Melul: Born in Jerusalem, Israel and raised in a home focused on education, Shira’s love and talents can be felt by all who meet her. Her passion for education, the English language, and for the Jewish people inspired her to get a degree in education and move to the UK. There she became a dorm councilor and a teacher. To date, Shira is on the team as founding Director of AishLIT – Young Professionals Los Angeles together with her husband Rabbi Jack. Giving inspiring speeches and classes to both groups and individuals. Previously the founding director of Akiva on Campus at the University of Oregon, Shira currently specializing as internships and Israel trips liaison for young professionals, grad students, and undergrad students. Besides being a wife and mother, Shira mentors girls in dating and personal growth. Connect with AishLIT: www.AishLIT.com IG: @aishLIT TikTok: @aishlit_ Email: JMelul@aishla.com SMelul@aishla.com Connect with Bad Jew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Do you ever wake up with a punim only a mother could love? Do you sometimes schlep through your day feeling like bupkes? Do you ever schmooze with people whose shtick is to prove who has more chutzpah over the others? Don't be so meshuggeneh! Get your tuches out of your head and nosh on this podcast so you can kvell about it to your friends! Ann Toback of the Workers Circle leads an organization whose roots come from Yiddish. Leading one of the premier Yiddish disciplines in the country, she reveals the strong tie between the Yiddishkeit lifestyle and activism in the United States. Her work reveals the untold importance of Yiddish and how it goes beyond cheap one-liners in Jewish humor-filled Hollywood films. Host of Bad Jew, Chaz Volk, collaborates with Ann to understand her work and bring light to the Yiddish language's value in modern-day society. About Ann Toback: Ann Toback is the CEO of the Workers Circle. Ann has served in this position since June 2008. A lifelong progressive activist – whose grandparents met at a union hall - and trained attorney, Ann previously served as the Assistant Executive Director at the Writers Guild of America, East from 1999-2008. A highlight of Ann’s union career was successfully directing and organizing the 2007-2008 Writers Guild strike on the East Coast before coming to lead the Workers Circle. During Ann’s tenure as the nonprofit’s first woman leader, she has led the organization through a reboot process, resulting in today’s Workers Circle, a social justice organization that powers progressive Jewish identity through Jewish cultural engagement, Yiddish language learning, multigenerational education, and social justice activism. Under Ann’s leadership, the organization has established itself as the leading Jewish voice in the fight to protect our democracy. The Workers Circle of today connects the storied activist history of the Jewish people to the modern-day fight to defend democracy and expand the right to vote. Recently, the Workers Circle has launched innovative new programs including Democracy Circles, a grassroots effort to bring activists together to fight back against attacks on the right to vote, and built successful multigenerational and multicultural partnerships with organizations like Black Voters Matter and the Center for Common Ground to advance this important work. Today the Workers Circle is committed to honoring its Yiddish and Bundist roots and has become the largest Yiddish language program in the world, teaching over 1,000 students the Yiddish language and connecting many more to their Yiddishkeit roots. The organization is organizing and working fiercely in support of fights for the dignity and economic rights of immigrants; worker protections, including the right to unionize and collectively bargain; living wage; and currently the organization is fighting the national rise of Fascism, bigotry, including anti-Semitic acts, systemic racism, and hate crimes. About the Workers Circle Founded 122 years ago, the Workers Circle (formerly known as the Workmen’s Circle) is a social justice organization that powers progressive Jewish identity through Jewish cultural engagement, Yiddish language learning, multigenerational education, and social justice activism. For over a century, we have provided this 360-degree approach to Jewish identity-building. Through contemporary cultural programs, strategic social justice campaigns, vibrant Yiddish language classes, interactive educational experiences and more, we connect Jewish adults, kids and families of all affiliations with their cultural heritage, working to build a better and more beautiful world for all. Learn more at www.circle.org. Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Bad things keep on happening to good people. In what world is that acceptable and how could God let that happen? People who are suffering and undergo unsurmountable levels of pain struggle with this question all of the time. Many lose their belief in God over this question. For others, it strengthens their connection to God. Rabbi Asher Resnick has gone through a lot in his life, yet he's a great person. Rabbi Resnick is no stranger to pain. He has dealt with things that you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. Drawing for Torah and Jewish teachings, Resnick shares his wisdom with Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, easing the minds of those who listen ensuring that there's something bigger happening.  Timeline: 00:00 Introduction 09:06 Dealing with suffering deepened my faith  13:03 Life distracts from feeling God's unconditional love 15:28 Focus on future 18:07 Using trauma to make the world better 22:44 Judaism emphasizes choice and finding life's meaning 24:45 Finding hope again 30:38 Success from trauma and resilience 32:12 Conclusion About Rabbi Asher Resnick: Rabbi Asher Resnick was born and raised in LA, and graduated from UCLA with a BA in Psychology. He received rabbinic ordination from Aish HaTorah and the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. He served as a senior lecturer at the Institute of Jewish Legal and Medical Ethics in San Francisco, and at the Aish HaTorah Branch in New York. Rabbi Resnick is currently one of the Educational Coordinators of Aish’s Executive Learning Center, and a senior training lecturer for Aish HaTorah’s Rabbinical Ordination program. As a close student of the late Rabbi Noach Weinberg zt”l, he developed a special expertise in addressing fundamental issues in Judaism, as well as in bringing classical texts to life. He established his JewishClarity.com website to make his wealth of material accessible to a far wider audience. Connect with Rabbi Asher Resnick: Buy "Pain is a Reality, Suffering is a Choice": https://www.amazon.com/Pain-Reality-S... Learn more about Rabbi Asher Resnick at https://yeshiva.aish.com/meet-our-staff/ Connect with Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Many of the Jewish holidays we cherish today, like Passover, are inspired by our survival story against antisemitism. While the holidays themselves are delightful, the backstory and relevant reality of racism, violence, and intolerance toward Jews are discouraging and disheartening. Roz Rothstein faces antisemitism for a living.  In this episode, Roz speaks with Chaz Volk to highlight the passionate work that Stand With Us carries out. From journalism to advocacy to representation and even community bridge-building, Roz's organization has spearheaded the fight against antisemitism and antizionism. The climate of this fight is far more nuanced than one would think. Tune in to learn more! About Roz Rothstein:   Roz is the daughter of two Holocaust survivors, and a former Family Therapist in the State of California. Roz and her husband Jerry, along with community leader Esther Renzer, sought to strengthen Israel’s image by empowering Israel’s supporters around the world with innovative educational materials, conferences, fellowships, campaigns, missions to Israel, social media, educational videos, and programs around the world. The dual mission of StandWithUs is education about Israel and the fight against antisemitism.   StandWithUs has grown rapidly during the last 21 years and now has programs and offices on six continents, including South Africa, Brazil, Israel, Australia, Canada and all over the US. Since the inception of StandWithUs, the Forward has twice named Roz one of the 50 most influential Jews in America, and the Jerusalem Post has twice named her one of the 50 most influential Jews in the world.  Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Sukkot is upon us! Does that mean we like camping? Well we do but this holiday is less about camping and more about commemorating the 40 years Jews lived in temporary shelters while wandering the desert on the way to Israel, their promised land. On this holiday, when you actually enter this holy "shack" you come across a ritual of waving around fruits and sticks... If it's your first time witnessing this, you must agree that this is a bizarre ritual.  Rabbi Yitz Jacobs of MyAishLA and Aish Los Angeles helps us understand the deeper meaning behind this highly choreographed ritual. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, goes beyond the joy of building the sukkah in order to understand the movements and philosophies behind this act.  00:00 Introduction 06:11 High holiday breakdown by purpose 09:15 Divine protection and dependency 10:33 Beyond the "shack" 16:07 6-dimensional 19:37 Feminine perfection 23:24 Unity with God through tradition 25:07 Tree of Life 28:42 World-building About Rabbi Yitz Jacobs: Rabbi Yitz Jacobs grew up in one of the only secular sections of Long Island. He earned a BS in Biology at Cornell University, and is still repenting for the freshman dorm experience. He then stayed on at Cornell and earned a Masters in Public Administration. He often wonders why, after spending all that money at Cornell, they’re still trying to get more out of him. After working in technology consulting for two years in Washington D.C. for Booz-Allen and Hamilton, he decided to do what every Jewish boy dreams of doing after being in the work force—go back to graduate school! Upon acceptance to University of Virginia Law school, he quit his job and took a quick detour to the holy land for a “three hour cruise.” He ended up staying for six years and earning his Rabbinical degree from Aish. R. Jacobs is married to his wonderful wife, Chavi Jacobs, and has 5 beautiful children. Connect with Rabbi Yitz Jacobs: Follow him on FB and IG @myaishla    Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Yiscah Smith is a religious leader based in Jerusalem, Israel. After living in such a pivotal time, studying Judaism changes and personal pathways became her calling. Yiscah jumps onto the Bad Jew podcast to remind you that you are not a bad Jew for independently discovering yourself while doing what makes sense for you Jewishly. Don't just do Jewish. BE Jewish. BIO: Yiscah is a spiritual activist, educator, mentor, and meditation guide, who addresses the spiritual practice of encountering the Divine spark within and beyond. She relies on Jewish spiritual teachings to inspire her students, acting as a compass, gently guiding them to their unique inner selves. As a spiritual trailblazer, Yiscah exemplifies what it means to carve one’s own path, as she has grappled with the entanglements at the intersection of her spirituality, Jewish tradition and passionate desire to live a life of truth and integrity. She encourages, empowers and ennobles others to remain faithful to their unique spiritual paths. Yiscah teaches Jewish contemplative practice and spiritual texts at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies and at Applied Jewish Spirituality. She has also founded Conscious Community Nachlaot, an organization in Jerusalem that hosts Shabbat spiritual gatherings. In addition, Yiscah works with individuals in her private spiritual mentoring practice. Connect with Yiscah Smith: Website: https://www.yiscahsmith.com/mentoring Podcast: https://www.yiscahsmith.com/podcast-library Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

What's happening with the Jewish people right now? Can we agree on anything? Is it even worth debating anymore? Up is down and down is up. Explanations fall on deaf ears and those who we once thought were Jewish are raising children in a completely different faith. Our identity seems to be in perils... or is it? Shoshanna Stein, known for being a Jewish teacher and content creator, gives a humbling and realistic take on what is happening to our identity and culture. While Jews are constantly at odds with each other on how to live as a Jew, Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, enters with an open mind to investigate the implications, statistics, and practices that Jews hold so dear (such as Shabbat). 00:00 Introduction 05:53 The Jewish identity is much more meaningful 07:30 Mindfulness in daily life leads to gratitude 11:27 The beauty of unexpected prayers. 14:56 The power of shabbos 19:21 Connecting humanity to Godliness 22:23 Antisemitism in the diaspora 24:07 Strive for unity to uphold Jewish values 29:19 Conclusion About Shoshanna Stein: Born into a Chabad family, Shoshanna Stein hails from a highly orthodox background. At 18, she relocated to Israel, she pursued studies in fashion in Tel Aviv where she got her degree. Shoshanna is a mother of three and is passionate about art, using her experiences to create meaningful and spiritual pieces. Her profound connection to Judaism is evident in her vibrant Jewish life, which combines Chabad and Sephardic influences. A particular focus is the Ki Tov Project, which conveys the belief that everything is essentially good. Now involved in the Hebrew Academy, she aims to bring the Ki Tov Project to schools in Miami and beyond. Connect with Shoshanna Stein: https://linktr.ee/mysocalledjewishlife Connect with Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Well? Can we? After all, at first glance, one might look at the number of times Jews have been persecuted and assume that we are a weak, submissive, opportune people to conquer. Chanan Smith, a veteran of the IDF, Krav Maga trainer, and authority in the world of security, speaks on the history of Jewish combat and how we, as a nation, learned to fight for our existence. The IDF might be our current embodiment of defense, but it certainly wasn't the first. Dating even further back than the invention of Krav Maga by Imi Lichtenfeld, it is in our heritage to be a warrior for ourselves. Chanan captures this idea in this riveting episode, illustrating to Chaz Volk, the might of the Jewish people. About Chanan: My passion to serve in this area started when I was eight years old returning home by bus from school in Central Jerusalem. We were at the last stop before exiting Jerusalem when I saw the bus driver jump up from his seat, leave the bus and knock a man to the ground. At first, no one realized what had happened, but we then noticed that the person held down by the driver had a knife next to him. After the security forces arrived, the driver continued our route. When I got to my stop, I looked at the driver with deep admiration, trying to find something to say, but unable to come up with a single word. He looked at me and said, "You'll see, one day you will do the same thing.” I shook his hand, and at that moment there was born in me a feeling of kinship to him, inspired by his courage and willingness to fight for what he believed in. I wanted to be like him. Ten years later, my wish became reality; I served as a lieutenant in the Israeli Defense Forces, with expertise in the active shooter, security, protection, and self-defense fields. I served as a lieutenant where I commanded over 200 soldiers, and I never lost a soldier in combat. My extensive experience includes trainings I have provided for Secret Service agents, NFL security teams and community members alike. Connect with Chanan Smith https://magenprotectionsolutions.com/ Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

What is a bad jew? What does it take to not be one? Is it anti-Semitic to say? Or is it just a phrase that Jews use to cruelly judge one another? Chaz Volk, a newly observant Jew, shares that the greatest way to embrace your identity is to question everything. And we mean EVERYTHING! Chaz questions the Torah, law, politics, standards, communities and even G-d itself in this confrontational and edgy show. Want to connect? IG: @BadJewPod TikTok: @BadJewPod Want to connect with our online WhatsApp community? Email: BadJewPod@gmail.com

Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, is off to Yeshiva! Studying at Aish HaTorah, Volk will be examining more than just text and Jewish law but also his soul. Before leaving, he threw a large going away party at his residence - Venice Moishe House - where he acknowledged his aggressive change and growth which enabled him to take this next big leap into 2025.  Chaz explains his bold discovery announcing his understanding of the meaning of life while offering 3 rules to help all who listen follow this path.  00:00 Bittersweet farewell and housekeeping 05:18 Ship of Theseus 09:22 Chaz's 3 Rules of Change 11:28 Acknowledgements  Connect with Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Can you point to Hashem? Is he up? Down? Left? Right? All of those directions are correct. We've heard that G-d is everywhere. So if he, or it, is everywhere and we can't see it, how can we believe it? Where's the proof? A majority of studies led by top scientists have pointed to G-d not existing. The religious leadership of our world attempts to disprove science's theory... but isn't doing particularly well. What are we supposed to believe? An even bigger question to ask: If G-d exists but doesn't do anything to enforce consequences, then why should I be expected to connect with him? Spiritual activist, Yiscah Smith, calls in from Jerusalem to confront these big questions and give context to the history. What seems simple is met with a nuanced response stemming from the holistic view of the movements within the Ashkenazi and Sephardic traditions. Now coming in for her second appearance on Bad Jew, Smith teach Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, a few things about connection, awareness, soul, and Torah. About Yiscah Smith: Yiscah is a thought leader, spiritual activist and agent of change who addresses the spiritual practice of encountering the Divine spark within --- the foundation of authentic living. In fact, Yiscah views Judaism as a spiritual practice. She relies on Jewish spiritual teachings to inform and uplift her students and audiences, acting as a compass, gently guiding them to their unique inner selves. As a spiritual trailblazer, Yiscah exemplifies what it means to carve one’s own path, as she has grappled with the entanglements at the intersection of her spirituality, Jewish tradition and passionate desire to live a life of authenticity. Encouraging, ennobling and empowering others to carve their own paths and to cultivate the integrity to remain faithful to their unique paths is indeed her passion and inner calling.  You can hear her podcasts teachings at: https://www.yiscahsmith.com/podcast-library. Yiscah teaches Jewish contemplative practice and spiritual texts at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies - http://www.pardes.org.il/ and at Applied Jewish Spirituality - https://www.appliedjewishspirituality.org/. She has also founded and directs Conscious Community Nachlaot, an organization in Jerusalem that hosts Shabbat in-person spiritual gatherings, virtual guided meditation sits and spiritual text classes. In addition Yiscah works with individuals in her private spiritual mentoring practice. Yiscah has earned a reputation as a sought-after inspiring international public speaker. Connect with Yiscah Smith: Website: https://www.yiscahsmith.com/mentoring Podcast: https://www.yiscahsmith.com/podcast-library Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

It goes without saying that the internet can be a disgusting display of human nature. Anonymous trolls, scams, and false information run rampant and they're not hard to run into. A centerpiece to this disturbing reality is the adult entertainment industry which has never been known to treat people with dignity. Exposing people of all ages to this content can do a variety of harmful things but the worst is that it enables everyone to participate in it including the young.  Solomon Friedman of Ethical Capital Partners recognized this truth. While his calling was not a religious one, he has helped make the internet a safer place by incorporating device-based age verification technology and sharing such recognition software with law enforcement. Friedman is responsible for putting up roadblocks in front of every nefarious action that takes place on a variety of adult sites. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, learns that bringing light to the darkest of places means taking on unpopular projects while showing proud leadership and poise.  00:00 Introduction 05:35 Adult industry pioneered key internet innovations 07:06 Surprising ideas about ethics in internet marketing 11:19 Online platforms need moderation and safety measures 16:14 Opting out, age gates needed for online content 19:47 Internet privacy is essential for freedom and democracy 22:40 Jurisdiction of freedom 23:51 Tech giants and governments needed for safer platforms 26:55 Legal, meets safety standards, limits certain content 30:16 Conclusion About Solomon Friedman:  Connect with Solomon Friedman Solomon is a trial and appellate lawyer, representing individuals and organizations before all levels of court in Canada. He is certified as a specialist in criminal law by the Law Society of Ontario. For over a decade, Solomon has been a trusted voice at Parliament, regularly appearing before Standing Committees of both the House of Commons and Senate in Canada, providing testimony about criminal, regulatory and constitutional law matters. Solomon is a legal author and commentator. He has published dozens of academic and popular articles and is the co-author of Canada’s leading text on firearms law and regulation. He also lectures widely to audiences of defence lawyers, judges and police officers on a wide spectrum of criminal and regulatory law topics.  Solomon's work has been recognized by his peers in both the legal and broader business community. In 2014, he was named one of the Forty under 40 by the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Chamber of Congress. In 2016, he was given Precedent Magazine's Precedent Setter Award. In 2018, he received the Regional Senior Justice Award by the County of Carleton Law Association. Solomon is an adjunct law professor, teaching The Law of Evidence and Advanced Criminal Evidence at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law. Prior to his call to the bar, Solomon clerked for Justice Morris Fish of the Supreme Court of Canada. Solomon came to the law following rabbinical studies in Israel, where he was ordained in 2005. Connect with Solomon Friedman: EthicalCapitalPartners.com Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Have you hugged a tree today? It might be more therapeutic than you think. In one of Judaism's more light-hearted holidays, Tu Bishvat marks a seasonal change full of joy, gratitude, and growth. For humans, it's just another Thursday. For trees, it's their holiest day of the year and/or their new year! With the theme of new beginnings, Jews around the world rejoice in meaningful activity around sweetness and love for nature. Rabbi Levi Begun of Culver City Chabad shares that very appreciation and love for nature. Being that his favorite fruit is the passion fruit and that his favorite animal is the lion, Begun speaks on this show with a comprehensive look at this peaceful celebration. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, peels back the layers and learns of the various degrees of intention behind this love of trees. About Rabbi Levi Begun: With great passion for Judaism, my wife and I together with our 2 little children moved to Culver City, California to join the 220 Chabad centers in California, and 4,000 Chabad centers worldwide. Chabad in Culver City is a center for Jews of all backgrounds who want to learn more about their Jewish roots. Chabad offers a wide variety of educational and spiritual opportunities, including Torah classes and lectures, Shabbat dinners, and an array of family and social activities. Traditional Jewish values are brought to life in a joyous, non-judgmental atmosphere. Guided by the leadership, teachings, and inspirations of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Chabad Lubavitch has set the dictum of “Love your fellow as yourself” as the defining factor in its approach of unconditional acceptance of fellow Jewish people. Chabad treasures the infinite value of every individual and is committed to enriching the lives of everyone through its multiple programs and services. Each individual is encouraged to appreciate the power of our heritage at their own comfortable pace. Chabad serves all segments of the Jewish community. Everyone is welcome regardless of their personal level of religious observance. Participants in our multitude of programs experience the joy and celebration, the intimacy and compassion, the wisdom and knowledge that is inherent in Jewish life and learning. Chabad will use whatever means necessary to bring the message of Torah true Judaism to the children, teens, adults and elderly of the community. Watch the excitement on the faces of the children who partake in our youth programs; ask the hundreds who participate in our events, and you begin to feel an incredible sense of community. We invite you to get involved and take part in our events, activities & classes for all ages! Our doors are always open, welcoming everyone to participate in all that we offer. Our family looks forward to meeting you!  Connect with Rabbi Levi Begun www.JewishCulverCity.com IG @JewishCulverCity Connect with Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

For those who don't know, some Jews simply hate Israel. Anti-Zionists come in all shapes and sizes. Even in the Jewish context. Some Jews strongly dislike Israel, if not hate Israel, for a variety of reasons. Some jump on the bandwagon rhetoric that it's an apartheid state. Some get caught up in the long bloody history of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Some go as far as to call the Knesset fascist.  Eyal Shay, host of the Deep Dive Podcast, takes a deep dive with Chaz Volk, to highlight the nuanced, confusing, and troublesome relationship we Jews have with modern-day Israel. Eyal and Chaz boldly attempt to capture the a well-round perspective on this one-of-a-king place from a well-balanced geo-political point of view. DISCLAIMER: THIS PODCAST DOES NOT SYMPATHIZE WITH ANTI-ZIONISTS NOR DOES IT PROMOTE THE IDEALS OF GROUPS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND/OR INDIVIDUALS WHO TARGET ISRAEL. THIS CONTENT WAS CREATED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES. About Eyal Shay Eyal Shay is a licensed tour guide in Israel who presents Israel - in all its beauty and complexity - to people from every imaginable background. He is the creator of Deep Dive Podcast, a "warm philosophy" podcast featuring people and the ideas that help them live well. In addition, Eyal is a polymath interested in just about any field of study he ever came across. Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

There's a phenomenon where pro-Hamas supporters have torn down the posters of the kidnapped. On October 7th, 2023, on our happiest day of the year (Simchat Torah), terrorists from Gaza launched a heinous attack killing 1,400 Israelis including men, women, and children, while forcefully kidnapping 240+ other Israelis. Since then, a brutal war of severe magnitude has reigned on. By the time this podcast aired, a grand total of 2 hostages had been returned. The rest are still out there and several are confirmed dead. Abroad, pro-Palestinian and pro-Hamas supporters have been caught on camera ripping down the posters of kidnapped. One has to wonder, would they rip down the posters if they knew the stories? May Perez, an Israeli actress based in the United States, has studied the testimonies and backgrounds of several hostages. She has been active in putting up posters and spreading awareness about those who have no voice, and who have been silenced by the terror of Hamas. On Bad Jew, hosted by Chaz Volk, she allows herself to be vulnerable and share the pain that so many feel across the world. She illustrates how dire the situation has gotten and describes the projected condition of the kidnapped (projected because Hamas has failed to provide any proof of life). About May Perez: May Perez is an Israeli-American actress, singer, and dancer. Connect with May Perez: IG @MayPerezOfficial CTA: IG @BringHomeNow Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Probably the most challenging question any religious person could answer from an agnostic person is "Is God Real?" The religious person might say "Of course he is real!" "And how do you know?" "Can't you feel it?" Of course, we all know 'feeling' is not enough. Rabbi Aaron Zimmer and Rabbi Elie Feder produced a podcast called "Physics to God" to go beyond the feeling of God. Using the scientific method along with their understanding of physics and mathematics they are able to quantifiably prove that Hashem made the universe and is indeed the embodiment of everything we know. 00:00 Introduction 05:02 Math and Physics 06:26 Proof of God 11:56 Laws of nature 15:45 Atoms and life 19:10 Fine tuning and constants 21:30 Parallel Universes 25:06 Intelligent Creator 27:39 Laws of nature 30:07 Conclusion, Physics to God About Rabbi Aaron Zimmer: After earning a physics degree and receiving rabbinical ordination from Rabbi Yisrael Chait, Aaron Zimmer considered furthering his education through graduate school. However, his intellectual curiosity extended far beyond the realm of physics, encompassing a diverse array of fields, including philosophy, mathematics, and psychology. Capitalizing on his blend of analytical and philosophical skills, Aaron utilized his personal resources to venture into commodity futures trading. This endeavor involved commodities such as oil, natural gas, cotton, sugar, and coffee. His strategic approach was deeply rooted in the conceptual frameworks of physics and the Brisker Method for Talmudic analysis. After an eleven-year career marked by success in commodity trading, Aaron decided to retire. In his retirement, Aaron channels his intellectual energy into studying various branches of knowledge, including the Talmud and physics. He resides in Lawrence, New York, along with his wife and their five children. About Rabbi Elie Feder: Elie Feder earned a PhD in mathematics from the CUNY Graduate Center and received Rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Yisrael Chait. Since 2004, Elie has been a mathematics professor at Kingsborough Community College. He has published many papers and delivered numerous talks in graph theory, which is his field of mathematical research. As a teacher, Elie has a passion for simplifying complex topics for his students. Recently, he authored a book "Gematria Refigured," which presents a rational, nonmystical approach to gematria as a tool of uncovering the significance of quantity and fine tuning in Torah, life, and the universe. For more information, you can visit Elie’s website, GematriaRefigured.com, and listen to his podcast, Gematria Refigured+. Elie resides in Far Rockaway, New York, with his wife and their four children. Connect with Rabbi Aaron Zimmer and Rabbi Elie Feder Facebook: @Physics to God (Page; not group) X/Twitter: @PhysicsToGod Instagram: @physics_to_god Connect with Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

DISCLAIMER: This podcast does not reflect any affiliation with either party and the opinions expressed in this episode do not reflect the opinions of either speaker's affiliation with any organization.  It's time to vote. For some, they rush to the polls excited to cast their ballot. For others, it's a day of dread. Jews this year are a particularly divided demographic. Who is ultimately better? The progressive values that come with Kamala Harris's campaign or the right-wing values that red lines in support of Zionism with Donald Trump? Z.E. Silver is a well-known TikToker and educator on various social media platforms. His work has often attracted both the left and the right in the Jewish community as he has defended Zionism, exposed truths, and debated other content creators online. Chaz Volk has the privilege of learning from him as he gets ready to cast his vote. 00:00 Shalom Chaverim 04:12 Community strengthens Jewish identity and personal growth. 09:11 Vote based on personal values and priorities. 13:00 Witnessing conflict shifted perceptions about idealism. 16:47 Realized Russia was adversary; foreign policy divided. 19:21 Parties converging: Both extremes mirror each other. 23:56 Diaspora Jews thrive with strong democratic leadership. 25:03 America offers unparalleled religious and individual freedom. 30:59 She loses due to declining Jewish support. 34:56 October 7th: Globally defining moment; Israel-Gaza conflict transformed. 36:06 Stalemate until unexpected war; dominoes falling. 39:59 Increased minority support for Trump after October 7th. 45:13 System prevents demagogues and mob rule nationally. 47:11 Thankful for analysis; crucial election's impact. About Z.E. Silver: Zach has worked for the Jewish people his entire life from being a camp counselor and youth group leader to serving as a volunteer and now a Jewish professional for over six years across three different organizations. His education in international affairs and political science along with his experience working in professional politics combined with time spent in the for-profit realm has uniquely shaped his worldview. Over the last year, he has been creating content hoping to educate others on the intricacies of Judaism, Jewish culture, Israel, Zionism, U.S. Politics, and International Relations. He amassed 27,000 followers on TikTok and over 350 subscribers on his Substack, Gam v'Gam.  Connect with Z.E. Silver: TikTok @silver_z.e GamVGam.substack.com Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Happy Jew Year! Some people get confused about this: Why do Jews celebrate 2 new years and not 1 like everyone else? Well, a better question might be "Why does everyone else celebrate a different new year?". In all actuality, the Jewish new year, Rosh Hashanah, was first and unlike the secular new year celebrated at Times Square, ours has a lot more meaning.  Jamie Geller, CMO from Aish.com, speaks to the joys of celebrating the new year to come (5785). This particular new year comes at an auspicious time as we are nearing the one year anniversary of the atrocities of October 7th. Geller speaks on adding depth to the year while also bringing up her favorite recipes that accompany the taste of a sweet new year! 00:00 Introduction 03:20 New Year's resolutions originate from Jewish traditions 09:08 The power of an individual 11:14 Get involved 14:03 The meaning of a moment 17:57 Rosh Hashanah recipes 20:16 A peaceful home 25:53 Shana Tova! 26:25 Conclusion About Jamie Geller: As the first Chief Media & Marketing Officer of Aish, Jamie Geller brings years of experience in building her media empire that influences millions every day. An award-winning producer and marketing executive for HBO and CNN, Jamie went on to successfully build a portfolio of Jewish food and lifestyle digital media brands as the Founder and CEO of Kosher Network international (KNi), the #1 Global Kosher Food Media Company and World’s Most Watched Jewish Food Network with an audience of 5 million and 1 billion views. An eight-time bestselling author who appears regularly on the daytime talk show circuit, Ms. Geller has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Cosmopolitan, The Wall Street Journal, and many more media outlets. She has joined the Aish executive team to spearhead a digital media strategy featuring entertainment, edutainment, and educational experiences to make Jewish wisdom more accessible and engaging for people across the globe. Connect with Jamie Geller: YouTube @jamiegeller   IG @jamiegeller    IG @jewlishbyjamie Learn more at Aish.com Learn more at Jewlish.com Connect with Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

One of the most progressive facts about Judaism is that the Torah and the religious texts around our holy scripture encourage sex. That makes Judaism one of the few sex-positive religions in the world! In some religions, sex is purely for procreation. In Judaism, you're commanded to have sex for pleasure on certain occasions AND are required to feel attraction. We're required to have sex and pleasure our partners a certain number of times per month depending on our jobs. We're even required to use birth control at times! How can a religion that is famously regarded as ancient and isolating in nature be so liberal with their intimate acts? Sex therapist Claire Perelman brings this taboo subject to the religious forefront. On this episode of Bad Jew, Claire teaches host Chaz Volk about our requirements and teachings revolving around this devious subject matter. Chaz takes this episode a step further by challenging Claire's personal juxtaposition on this to see what can be gained from traditional lifestyle choices that most don't live by. About Claire Perelman: I have always been extremely passionate about helping people find the most fulfillment, contentment, and pleasure in their lives. I also know that reaching out for support - especially from a therapist - can be incredibly daunting. I strive to create a welcoming, non-judgmental, affirming therapeutic space where you can feel comfortable speaking whatever is on your heart and mind - and I fully embrace utilizing humor and cursing to do so. Therapy isn’t always easy, but it should feel like a space where you are listened to, cared for, and respected; in my office, this is my standard. I grew up in Los Angeles, committing my teenage years to going to as many concerts in Hollywood as physically possible. I spent the next eight years soaking in the sun, studying, and working in San Diego. After completing my Masters in Social Work, I moved to the Bay Area and have been here ever since! Personally, relationships (of all kinds!) have always been the source of my greatest pleasure and my greatest heartbreak, which led me to become a Sex Therapist. I believe that life is built on relationships and connection to others, and I want to help you navigate all of the complexities that life offers - because I have been (and continue to be) there, too. I offer couples therapy, individual therapy, and therapy with teens and adolescents both remotely and in person. I can meet for in-person therapy sessions both in San Francisco and in Oakland. One of the most powerful connections we can form is with our therapists, and I am honored to be able to witness the totality of the courage, strength, pain, and complexity that each person brings into my office. Reach Claire Perelman at: www.sexclarified.com IG and TikTok @sexclarified Connect with Bad Jew: Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

I think it's safe to say that the person who has the toughest job in the world right now is President Joe Biden. How do you support your allies, allocate funds and war effort on multiple fronts, and prevent World War 3 all while maintaining order? The answer: It's probably impossible. Meanwhile, the United States of America is 1 year away from another big election. This election will be a flashpoint in American history and will impact the future indefinitely. These are factors that the president and his constituents in office are also thinking about. Reporting on these matters first-hand is award-winning journalist and writer Jonathan Salant. Salant possesses a long history of delivering the news, providing intellectual perspectives, and giving in-depth account to the matters happening within our government. With everything happening in Israel, our congress is challenged to take on bi-partisan views while maintaining the competition of election season that next year warrants. Salant gives Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, a detailed analysis on what is happening while providing his own predictions on tomorrow. About Jonathan Salant: Jonathan D. Salant is award-winning Washington reporter and assistant managing editor, politics for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He recently was inducted into the Journalism Hall of Fame of the D.C. chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. He is a former president of the National Press Club, a former president of the Regional Reporters Association and a former president of SPJ's DC chapter. He currently sits on the Standing Committee of Correspondents, the group of journalists who accredit Capitol Hill reporters. He is co-president of the Men's Club at B'nai Israel Congregation in Rockville, Md., and former coach of the synagogue softball team. He is married to Bonnie Cole and they have one son, Izzy. Connect with Jonathan at: X and Threads @JDSalant Connect with Bad Jew: https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

If you've been keeping up with the news, you've probably noticed a group of Jews who have protested in a different style than most when it comes to Israel. In fact, these protests aren't pro-Israel rallies. They're anti-Zionist rallies that have taken to pro-Hamas rhetoric and slanders that are quite dangerous for Zionist Jews globally. From takeovers of government buildings to blockades, Jewish Voice for Peace has taken advantage of the vulnerable place Israel is in and has capitalized on the opportunity to gaslight Jews and harm the Zionist narrative. Author Arnie Bernstein has had several run-ins with Jewish Voice for Peace. In this podcast, he describes to Chaz, host of Bad Jew, their origins, their mission, their hypocritical actions, and how they really aren't "pro-peace" whatsoever. Tune in to learn Berstein's experience and how he got his community to reject this misleading cause. Connect with Arnie Bernstein: JVP White Paper Google Doc download: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iDO_xDVIkseLZdANIqieKccS2KauyfZE/edit AISH Article: https://aish.com/uncovering-the-real-voice-of-jewish-voice-for-peace/ About Arnie Bernstein: Arnie Bernstein is a nonfiction writer based in Chicago. He's been honored by the Illinois State Library and his book "Bath Massacre: America's First School Bombing" was named a Notable Book by the State Library of Michigan. He loves taking forgotten stories in history and recreating them in vibrant new tellings for today's readers. When it comes to philosophy, Arnie follows the words of notable sage Groucho Marx: “I must say I find television very educational. The minute somebody turns it on, I go to the library and read a good book.” Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod