Episodes
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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
[email protected]
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
[email protected]
Ig @BadJewPod
TikTok @BadJewPod -
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It's been mentioned on this podcast a few times now - Chaz is Vegan. And while he has gotten a few raised eyebrows for his dietary preferences, he has tried to explain the Jewish implications of it. Coming short in elaborating on how it works with Jewish law, he went to the expert.
Rabbi Akiva Gersh, branded 'The Vegan Rabbi' teaches Chaz the ins and outs of navigating the vegan diet through the laws of kashrut. Citing the Torah, Gersh debunks multiple rumors and gives context to the Jewish approach to enjoying plant-based food.
00:00 Introduction
06:02 Approaching Kashrut for the first time
07:59 Veganism simplifies adherence to kosher laws
10:40 Navigating veganism
13:14 Veganism and using animal products in rituals
18:52 Ancient practices: using every part, reducing waste
21:47 Animal sacrifices were 1/3 of Jewish history
26:56 Jewish vegan advocacy
31:04 Tikkun Olam
34:51 Major Rabbi's insights on veganism
37:25 Navigating restaurants
40:11 Committed to kosher vegan lifestyle
About Rabbi Akiva Gersh:
I grew up in the U.S. eating lots of meat, barely any vegetables and with a very weak connection with Judaism. By time I was in high school I felt that Judaism was archaic, irrelevant to the world (and my life) and, most tragically, uninspiring.
During my first year in college I had many realizations about the negative impact we modern-day humans are having on the world through our seemingly innocent everyday actions. By the end of that year I decided to major in Environmental Studies and became vegetarian (after a childhood of eating lots of meat and no veggies).
The following year I became vegan at the age of 19 and continued my studies as well as my activist work trying to inspire positive change.
Around that same time, I began to discover teachings in the Jewish tradition that related to environmental ethics and animal welfare. I was absolutely in shock. I never knew that Judaism focused on these issues and, yet, I saw that it has for thousands of years.
This inspired me to look deeper into my Jewish roots which turned into a journey that lasted a few years.
Eventually, that journey led me to studying Torah in a yeshiva in Tzfat, Israel and it is there that I fell in love with and deeply connected to the Jewish path of life.
After about six months in Tzfat I returned to the U.S., continued my yeshiva studies and began my work in the field of Jewish Education, a field I continue to work in today over 20 years later.
Over the years, in addition to other subjects and topics, I have taught about the connection between Judaism and the environment, animal welfare and veganism to thousands of students through classes, courses and workshops.
Along the way, in 2003, I got married and in 2004 my wife Tamar and I moved to Israel where we continue to live with our four kids.
My formal studies include a BA in Religious Studies from Brown University, an MA in Jewish Education from Yeshiva University, and a rabbinic ordination from Yeshivat Sulam Yaakov in Jerusalem.
Connect with Rabbi Akiva Gersh:
www.AkivaGersh.com
YouTube: @akivagersh
IG: @veganrabbi
FB: The Vegan Shull
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
[email protected]
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
[email protected]
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
[email protected]
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
[email protected]
Ig @BadJewPod
TikTok @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
[email protected]
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
[email protected]
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
[email protected]
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
[email protected]
Ig @BadJewPod
TikTok @BadJewPod -
Are the high holidays over yet? NOPE! We got one more (two more if you count Shemini Etzeret - the holiday where we ask God for rain). Mainly, Simchat Torah is everyone's focus. This festive holiday is about joy! But how can we be fully joyous a year into a post October 7th reality?
Actor and comedian Ben Berger jumps back onto the podcast, talking happiness, laughter, l'chaims, and dancing! This sense of profound Jewish joy is shred with Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew. Ben Berger and Chaz Volk collaborate to teach Judaism, spread joy, and inspire around the idea of starting anew!
00:00 Introduction
07:59 Chaz is leaving for Israel... again... for a year!
10:19 Jewish joy persists through dark times
15:45 Simchat Torah 2024
18:49 Unique traditions
22:39 Studying Torah
26:05 Torah relevance
26:55 Partnering up to study Torah
About Ben Berger:
Connect with Ben Berger:
IG and TikTok @BenBererBaby
Connect with Bad Jew:
BadJew.co
https://linktr.ee/badjew
[email protected]
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
[email protected]
Ig @BadJewPod
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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
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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 -
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
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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
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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/
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BadJew.co
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[email protected]
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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
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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
[email protected]
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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
[email protected]
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