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Can a CEO speak out against antisemitism without becoming the story? Sweetgreen co-founder and CEO Jonathan Neman reflects on his Persian Jewish family's escape from Iran to Los Angeles and the entrepreneurial spirit and contributions of the Persian Jewish community. He talks about his mother’s arrival in Los Angeles in 1979 for what was supposed to be a summer visit and never returned to Iran, and growing up feeling like an outsider. Jonathan also discusses his evolving pride in his Persian Jewish identity, and the values that shaped his entrepreneurial ambitions. Jonathan tells us about the backlash to his public comments about antisemitism after October 7, 2023, including his viral response to a letter from Harvard student groups blaming Israel for the attacks. He shares what he learned about using his platform to educate rather than provke, and why he believes the best response to Jew-hatred is to lead by example, celebrate Jewish culture, and invite others in through traditions like Shabbat. Plus, Jonathan opens up about Sweetgreen's business challenges, the company's farm-to-table sourcing philosophy, and why he believes creativity and craft are essential to its future. He shares how his nearly 1,000-day meditation streak helps him navigate the pressures of leadership, how meditation has deepened his connection to Jewish prayer, and whether kosher Sweetgreen could one day become a reality. MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Speaking Up as a Jewish CEO After October 7 00:50 Fighting Antisemitism Through Jewish Pride and Connection 10:50 The Persian Jewish Experience: Immigration, Resilience, and Entrepreneurship 22:00 The Sweetgreen Crisis? Food Safety, Media Panic, and Building a Business 33:20 Kosher Sweetgreen, Jewish Traditions, and Rapid-Fire Questions 43:00 More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: [email protected] Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Learn more about Jonathan Neman: Jonathan Neman on Instagram Jonathan Neman on X Jonathan Neman on LinkedIn CREDITS: Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Supervising Producer: Alex Alcheh, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Chief of Staff: Abbe Feder, Production Intern: Tova Benarroch, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt Thanks to Birthright, the Presenting Title Sponsor of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt - Season 3 https://birthrightisrael.foundation/donate

On the third anniversary of October 7th, Jonah delivers a powerful and deeply personal open letter to his non-Jewish friends, colleagues, and allies about what it means to stand with the Jewish people.  In this special solo episode of Being Jewish, Jonah reflects on the past three years of rising antisemitism, fractured friendships, and the growing isolation of Jewish communities. He addresses the dangerous normalization of anti-Jewish rhetoric, the misunderstanding of Zionism and Jewish identity, and the painful silence of those who have chosen to look away. Why have so many Jews felt abandoned by people they once trusted? How did standing up against antisemitism become controversial? And what does meaningful allyship actually look like? Through an honest, emotional, and urgent appeal, Jonah challenges listeners to confront uncomfortable truths, recognize the humanity behind the headlines, and understand why speaking up matters now more than ever. This is an episode about friendship, courage, Jewish identity, and the responsibility we all share to stand against hate. More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: [email protected] Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish CREDITS: Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Supervising Producer: Alex Alcheh, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Production Intern: Tova Benarroch, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt Thanks to Birthright, the Presenting Title Sponsor of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt - Season 3 https://birthrightisrael.foundation/donate

Today we remember the 1,200 victims, the hostages, and the profound trauma of the October 7th terror attacks in Israel. We remember the loss of innocence and the incredible resilience of the Jewish people. We remember the hostages taken, the global reaction, the rise of anti-Jewish hate, and the enduring strength of the Jewish State. Join the conversation and share this message of remembrance and defiance. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: [email protected] To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish CREDITS: Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Supervising Producer: Alex Alcheh, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Production Intern: Tova Benarroch, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

What if the most dangerous lies about Jews are the ones we’ve been taught to believe? Bestselling author Dara Horn returns to Being Jewish for a super-sized episode to discuss her new book The Final Solution to the Jewish Question and why she believes antisemitism is more than prejudice. Dara describes antisemitism as a power-serving lie built around the idea that Jews are destroying what others value most. Dara explores how propaganda spreads, from the illusory truth effect and information laundering, to harassment campaigns and the manipulation of platforms like Reddit, Wikipedia, and AI platforms.  Dara traces the evolution of modern anti-Zionism through Soviet and Islamist networks and the 2001 Durban Conference, while challenging empathy-only approaches to antisemitism that can erase Jewish difference. She also gives her opinions on Holocaust education, explains the myth of a “golden age” for American Jews, and shares a powerful story about Theodor Herzl’s grandfather. Dara answers the question of what it means to choose Jewish continuity. MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Propaganda Game - Bad News The Real Root of Antisemitism: Curiosity vs. Conformity 2:11 Antisemitism as a Lie Used to Gain Power 6:58 What Holocaust Education Gets Wrong 40:51 The Myth of America’s Jewish “Golden Age” & the Power of Jewish Agency 50:49 Zionism, the UN, Data Poisoning & the Battle Over History 1:01:24 More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: [email protected] Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Learn more about Dara Horn: Dara Horn on X Dara Horn’s Website Buy Dara’s Books on Amazon CREDITS: Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Supervising Producer: Alex Alcheh, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Production Intern: Tova Benarroch, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt Thanks to Birthright, the Presenting Title Sponsor of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt - Season 3 https://birthrightisrael.foundation/donate Want Sapir free of charge? Head to sapirjournal.org/beingjewish

What can a temporary hut teach us about living a meaningful life? In this special Sukkot episode of Being Jewish, Jonah sits down with Rabbi Adam Greenwald to unpack one of Judaism’s most joyful, and perhaps most misunderstood holidays. They explore Sukkot’s ancient origins as a harvest festival tied to the Land of Israel, why Jews shake the lulav and etrog in every direction (maybe like a certain dance we all know), and why the sukkah is intentionally built to be temporary and open to the stars. Rabbi Greenwald also explains the beautiful tradition of ushpizin, inviting the presence of ancestors and loved ones into the sukkah, and shares how anyone can find meaning in Sukkot, even without a backyard or the ability to build a sukkah of their own. But beneath all of these traditions lies a much bigger lesson: everything we build is temporary. In a world that can change in an instant, Sukkot asks us to stop trying to control the uncontrollable and instead gather with the people we love, appreciate what we have, and find meaning and joy in the present moment. It’s a conversation about Jewish tradition, gratitude, nature, family, uncertainty – and learning how to live fully inside a fragile world. More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: [email protected] Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Learn more about Rabbi Adam Greenwald AJU Page Instagram LinkedIn Facebook  CREDITS: Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Supervising Producer: Alex Alcheh, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt Thanks to Birthright, the Presenting Title Sponsor of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt - Season 3 https://birthrightisrael.foundation/donate

What happens when the son of a Hamas founder becomes one of the terrorist organization’s biggest enemies? Season 3 of Being Jewish kicks off with a powerful live conversation between Jonah Platt and Mosab Hassan Yousef, known as “The Green Prince,” recorded at the Jewish American Summit in Los Angeles. The son of Hamas co-founder Sheikh Hassan Yousef, Mosab shares the extraordinary story behind his book Son of Hamas and the documentary The Green Prince, and explains why he believes the fight against Hamas and jihadism is both crucial and existential. Yousef passionately discusses everything from the Israel-Hamas war and the U.S.-Israel relationship, to social media, the Muslim Brotherhood and the growing divisions he sees across the West. He also speaks openly about his rejection of Islam and expresses extreme anti-Muslim views that Jonah makes clear he does not share. It’s a raw, provocative conversation about Israel, Hamas, Islamism, America and what Yousef believes is at stake in the fight ahead. MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: 3:25 - Meet The Green Prince 4:48 - Mosab’s Connection To The Middle East and Toxic Social Media 9:50 - Mosab’s Message To The World 17:00 - What It Would Take To Beat The Barbarians 22:00 - Division In America  31:00 - Mosab’s Views On Islam 42:05 - Love Of America And Israel More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: [email protected] Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Learn more about Mossab Hassan Yousef: Mosab’s Instagram Mosab’s X Where to buy Mosab’s books CREDITS: Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Supervising Producer: Alex Alcheh, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt Thanks to Birthright, the Presenting Title Sponsor of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt - Season 3 https://birthrightisrael.foundation/donate

Israeli journalist Nadav Eyal joins Jonah to break down the upcoming Israeli elections and the fight for Benjamin Netanyahu's political future. Nadav lays out what a Netanyahu win would really signal about Israeli society, who is quietly considering leaving the country, and why the opposition still hasn't found the candidate to beat him. Then the flip side: what actually happens if Netanyahu loses. Nadav explains the plea deal calculation working against the clock, the education crisis nobody outside Israel is talking about, and what a new government's first moves would mean for Jews in the diaspora. If you want to go deeper beyond the podcast, join the Being Jewish Kehillah – our subscriber community that gives you access to exclusive bonus content, merch discounts, live office hours with Jonah, special community events, and more. Join the Kehillah today at http://beingjewishpodcast.com/join-kehillah  More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: [email protected] Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish CREDITS Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Supervising Producer: Alex Alcheh, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild,  Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

What does it actually cost to tell the truth about Jews and Israel? Erin Molan discusses Israel's controversial decision to withhold some of the most horrific October 7th footage, why a 30-second radio soundbite can shape public opinion more than a protest, and the letter from an Australian miner that changed how she measures impact. Bernard-Henri Lévy draws on his reporting from Rwanda and Darfur to explain what genocide actually looks like, why he believes Hamas must be defeated militarily, and why he sees anti-Zionism as inseparable from the question of Israel’s existence. Van Jones talks about the connection between the Jewish and Black communities, how the Palestinian cause has been hijacked by a bunch of Nazis, and the uncomfortable truth about who paid the price for the civil rights movement. Dana Bash takes us inside the newsroom on October 7th, tells us about the harassment her and her family experienced, and what it means to find community with fellow Jewish journalists under pressure. Jake Tapper opens up about protesters outside his home and why antisemitism on the right deserves just as much scrutiny as antisemitism on the left. Five journalists. Five perspectives. One very delicate and nuanced topic. MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: 1:18 - Erin Molan 8:04 - Bernard-Henri Lévy 15:02 - Van Jones 27:09 - Dana Bash 39:05 - Jake Tapper   Watch Erin Molan’s Full Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4zAynWP2II  Watch Bernard-Henri Lévy’s Full Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4wcg28NEwQ  Watch Van Jones’s Full Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZR0qUIUGAKM  Watch Dana Bash’s Full Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo5fFkBni-s  Watch Jake Tapper’s Full Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtHLHgmfXt0  More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: [email protected] Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish CREDITS Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Supervising Producer: Alex Alcheh, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

What does it mean to go “Full Jew?” In this inspiring monologue, Jonah talks about what he’s learned from his engagement with thousands of Jews online, in Israel, and across the U.S. He shares three major revelations about Jewish identity, anxiety, and the hesitation many feel about leaning into their Jewishness aka “Going Full Jew.” If you’ve wanted to be more proud of your Judaism and don’t know how to express it, this monologue is for you. Watch the original monologue on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA3JDpww9VU More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: [email protected] Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish CREDITS Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild,  Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Interns: Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

What do Israelis know about Israel that the rest of us don’t? Noa Tishby discusses how she noticed the rise of antisemitism and anti-Zionism long before October 7th, why she focuses on reaching moderates, and shares a powerful story of a Pro-Palestine college student who changed her views on Israel after reading Noa’s book. Einat Wilf describes what it means to belong to the Israeli collective, her hopes for universal civic service, and why arguing over what makes Israel “Jewish” is itself Jewish tradition. Fleur Hassan-Nahoum breaks down the debate in Israel about ultra-Orthodox integration into work and service, how Jerusalem is the hub for building bridges between Jews and Arabs, and why Israelis don’t understand antisemitism the way diaspora Jews do.  Tomer Peretz shares his firsthand experiences serving in the IDF, the shocking things he saw while volunteering with Zaka after the Nova massacre, and why he gave up bridge building with people who believe Israel shouldn’t exist.  Finally, President Isaac Herzog explains Israel’s high-stakes elections, how he’s handling the rising antisemitism worldwide, and his goal to strengthen the Israeli-diaspora ties. Five Israelis. One homeland. When Israelis talk about Israel, maybe we oughta be quiet and listen.  MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: 1:07 - Noa Tishby 9:03 - Einat Wilf 19:30 - Fleur Hassan-Nahoum 26:29 - Tomer Perez 34:33 - President Isaac Herzog Watch Noa Tishby’s Full Episode:  https://youtu.be/HJm4X-5Y7Gg?si=N8z3e_BRLxjpxSJD  Watch Einat Wilf’s Full Episode:  https://youtu.be/tsHsAJtGAr8?si=DeDorfx3EmVqPPce  Watch Fleur Hassan-Nahoum’s Full Episode: https://youtu.be/G_AB3aAEEyI?si=UR0Vqf_P6bIOl921  Watch Tomer Peretz’s Full Episode:   https://youtu.be/SiX2JFxgCKs?si=n1J3F4bIl5rgnt9Y  Watch President Isaac Herzog’s Full Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQq0H6Aal4Q   More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: [email protected] Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish CREDITS Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Supervising Producer: Alex Alcheh Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild,  Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

Why are some young Jews turning against Israel? In this compassionate monologue, Jonah dives into one of the most misunderstood and emotionally charged dynamics in modern Jewish life: the rise of young and progressive Jews who identify as Anti-Zionist.  More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: [email protected] Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish CREDITS Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild,  Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Interns: Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt Using the unexpected metaphor of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club,” Jonah unpacks how community, identity, education, and social pressure have shaped a generation of American and Diasporic Jews who feel more at home in progressive echo chambers than in traditional Jewish spaces. He argues that the disconnect has led to misunderstandings about Israel that cause harm, whether they know it or not.  If you’ve ever felt frustrated about the Jewish response to Israel today, this monologue is for you.  Watch the original monologue on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XooaQ4oUdQY

How do you build a billion-dollar business without sacrificing your values? Mark Wilf shares how his family turned a dream of owning an NFL team into a multibillion-dollar franchise, why he feels a responsibility to foster a community of acceptance through the Minnesota Vikings, and how his family’s Holocaust survival story shaped his commitment to giving back. Sheryl Sandberg reflects on her journey from Meta to Google, the lessons she learned that shaped her leadership, and how October 7th transformed her relationship with her own Jewish identity and pride.  Harley Finkelstein explains how he went from a T-shirt business entrepreneur to President of Shopify, why he followed through with his promise of building a Chabad building at his alma mater, and why having a platform comes with responsibility.  Daniel Lubetzky reveals how his father’s Holocaust story inspired a lifelong commitment to kindness and bridge-building, how that philosophy became the foundation of KIND and PeaceWorks, and why he uses business to bring people together. Four Jewish business leaders. Four extraordinary journeys. Because the most meaningful measure of success isn’t what you build, it’s what you do with it. MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: 00:22 - Mark Wilf On Owning the Minnesota Vikings with Jewish Values. 11:37 - Sheryl Sandberg on her book Lean In and her identity in the workplace.  25:25 - Harley Finkelstein on being a loud and proud Jewish entrepreneur and leading Shopify to the next frontier.  41:56 - Daniel Lubetzky on building bridges and leading with kindness.  Watch Mark Wilf’s full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0knLtjPcCY  Watch Sheryl Sandberg’s full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUez5CSRuvY Watch Harley Finkelstein’s full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q0JInijtgY  Watch Daniel Lubetzky’s full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFPYj8ppMlU  More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: [email protected] Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish CREDITS Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Supervising Producer: Alex Alcheh Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild,  Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE,

Should Jews start recruiting? In this insightful monologue, Jonah Platt asks why Jews don’t proselytize, and whether that long-standing tradition still benefits the Jewish people today. Judaism offers a rich framework of ritual, purpose, and community, and yet does almost nothing to reach the millions of spiritually searching people who might genuinely thrive within it. Meanwhile, the Jewish population remains remarkably small, and the non-Orthodox community continues to shrink.  Jonah makes the case that Jewish survival in the 21st century requires us to challenge one of our most deeply ingrained assumptions: that Jews should wait for potential converts to find us, rather than actively inviting them in. This isn't about cheapening Judaism. It's about asking whether our silence is a strategy, or just an outdated tradition. If you’ve ever wondered why Judaism isn’t widespread, this monologue is for you. Watch the original monologue on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUr4WPW0wYQ More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: [email protected] Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish CREDITS Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild,  Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Interns: Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

In this special live episode of Being Jewish, Jonah takes the show on the road to Atlanta for a one-night-only “Concert-Sation” with Neranenah Executive Director and pianist Joe Alterman at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. Blending conversation with live music, Jonah performs a medley of music including a mashup of songs from Broadway, Jonah’s original never-before-heard song “A Tear in the Sky” from his musical adaptation of Lois Lowry’s The Giver, and more! Jonah discusses the Jewishness of Broadway, how Camp Ramah shaped his Jewish identity and life-long friendships, and becoming more politically active on social media after the 2021 Israel-Gaza violence. He also describes his 2023 Israel trip with the Tel Aviv Institute led by Hen Mazzig in 2023, and his decision to shift his focus from acting toward Jewish advocacy.  This episode has music, laughter, and a deeply personal look at what it means to live your Jewish values out loud. MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: DANCING THROUGH LIFE/AS LONG AS YOUR MINE 04:25 - 9:00 Jonah sings Fiyero’s songs, “Dancing Through Life”  & “As Long As Your Mine” from the Broadway musical, Wicked. He played the character on Broadway in 2015.  ADHD AS AN ADULT  13:52 - 15:05 Jonah gets candid about the challenge and the blessing of receiving an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood. TEAR IN THE SKY 20:16 - 23:59 Jonah sings a now cut song from the musical he is developing with Andrew Resnick.  HALLELUJAH 46:49 - 50:10  Jonah finishes the evening with the Leonard Cohen classic, “Hallelujah”. More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. www.beingjewishpodcast.com/join-kehillah To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: [email protected] Merchandise: https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish CREDITS Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild,  Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee, Jacob Ross, John Jurko, Shot By: Jacob Ross, John Jurko, Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt Special Thanks: Joe Alterman, The Marcus Foundation, Good Foot Productions, Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, Raychel Robbins, Tali Benjamin

What does it really mean to call yourself a “Zionist” in today’s world?  In this provocative monologue, Jonah argues that the term “Zionist” is vastly misunderstood and weaponized against the Jewish people. Jonah says we should ditch the term altogether by breaking down why continuing to defend Israel’s “right to exist” is a pointless debate.  Israel already exists. It is the Jewish homeland. It’s not going anywhere. So instead of letting our enemies frame the term Zionism as an evil entity, let’s celebrate the fact that a Jewish state exists.   If you’ve ever been confused by the term “Zionist” and don’t understand how it’s been twisted in the media, this monologue is for you. Watch the original monologue on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKO_VGnSNhc More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: [email protected] Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish CREDITS Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild,  Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Interns: Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt