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Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

Jonah Platt
Being Jewish with Jonah Platt
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  • Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

    Epistemic Antisemitism and Black Conservative Influencer Xaviaer DuRousseau

    05/05/2026 | 1h 9 mins.
    From viral firestorms to death threats, this man isn’t backing down from the Israel conversation.

    Jonah Platt sits down with conservative activist Xaviaer DuRousseau, who describes his rapid shift from a Bernie-supporting, BLM-boosting young liberal to a professional Republican who appears on Fox News, visits the White House, and publicly supports Israel, including traveling to Gaza during the war. Xaviaer recounts growing up in Chicago and Central Illinois with Marxist family influences, becoming an activist, then researching BLM finances and concluding the movement was fraudulent, which led him to vote for Trump and face family accusations of white supremacy. He argues Bernie-to-Trump is a seamless anti-establishment pipeline, rejects widespread student-loan forgiveness as a solution, and says crime drives businesses and jobs out of black neighborhoods. Xaviaer credits a 2023 Shabbat dinner at PragerU and multiple Israel trips with deepening his connection to Jewish life, describing backlash, antisemitism, death threats, and filming humanitarian aid in Gaza to counter starvation claims. He criticizes anti-Israel voices across the left and right, advocates a black/Jewish alliance based on shared history, and discusses resentment, Marxism, and cultural lessons between the communities.

    Xaviaer presents his “hot takes” on most modern-day racism being against white people and asians, how he would be talking shit all day if he were jewish, and how “hood” black folks love Trump.

    Plus, Jonah explains why epistemic antisemitism, despite its subtlety and widespread normalization, is so terribly destructive.

    Topics Include:

    Xaviaer DuRousseau’s viral trip to Gaza documenting humanitarian aid and response to misinformation and the backlash from European audiences and online threats following his Gaza video
    How a Netflix show called The Circle was the unexpected catalyst for DuRousseau's political awakening
    His criticism of influencers like Hasan Piker, Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, and Nick Fuentes
    How PragerU’s CEO Marissa Streit in 2023 was DuRousseau's first real introduction to Jewish culture and tradition
    His fallout with Candace Owens
    Experiences attending Passover Seder hosted by Montana Tucker
    The historical alliance between Black Americans and Jewish Americans during the Civil Rights Movement
    Critique of Black Lives Matter (BLM) and discussions of Marxism in modern activism
    Exploration of Igbo Jews in Nigeria and Xaviaer’s possible ancestral ties to Israel
    Influence of activist Rudy Rochman in discussing Jewish identity and African connections
    Commentary on celebrities like Timothée Chalamet and Seth Rogen in relation to Jewish identity

    Mentioned in the episode:
    Law Scholar Christine A. Littleton
    Epistemic Antisemitism: “Good People Gone Wild”
    David Schraub’s The Epistemic Center of Antisemitism
    Jonah’s take on Cognitive Bias
    AJC Warns: Staggering FBI Hate Crimes Data Likely Represents Under-Reporting of Anti-Jewish Hate Crimes
    Report on the Rise of Antisemitic Incidents in the U.S.
    Man Pleads Guilty for Displaying Nazi Flay at Pro-Palestine Rally
    Twitch streamer commenting on what “real antisemitism” is.
    When Did Jews Become White?
    Van Jones’s Statement Supporting the People of Iran
    Israeli’s Voice Dissent of War in Gaze
    Reverse Causation
    Being Jewish Podcast Featuring Bishop Michael J. Fisher

    Xaviaer DeRousseau Instagram
    Respectfully, Xaviaer | PragerU
    Bernie Sanders
    He used to march for BLM. Now he’s calling for mass incarceration to save Black Americans
    Xaviaer’s Instagram Post on Visiting Gaza During the War
    The debate on Latino vs. Latinx vs. Hispanic is the song that never ends
    The Circle: TV’s Trashiest Reality Show We Can’t Stop Watching
    Xaviaer DuRousseau: PragerU Personality, Commentator, and Content Creator
    AP lands national scoop on a Black Lives Matter fraud investigation
    ActBlue
    New Report Reveals Illicit Foreign Donations and Mass Resignations at ActBlue
    President Donald J. Trump
    Kamala D. Harris
    Here's How Bernie Sanders Explained Democratic Socialism
    President Barack Obama
    Joseph R. Biden Jr.
    Xaviaer’s Appearance on Dr. Phil
    Black Unemployment is Surging Under Donald Trump
    Candace Owens Instagram
    5 of Kanye West’s Antisemitic Remarks, Explained
    BLEXIT, ‘Black Exit’ Foundation Now Powered By Turning Point USA
    Quotas are a diversity quick-fix, but companies must dig deeper
    Racism in the music industry 'is upfront and personal'
    K. Michelle Talks Double-Standard for Black Pop Singers
    Fox News Gues Called Out for Shading Beyoncé’s Appearance at Harris Houston Rally Despite Past Praise
    Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, explained
    Are Emily and Greg More Employable Than Lakisha and Jamal? A Field Experiment on Labor Market Discrimination
    Marissa Streit
    What to Expect at a Shabbat Dinner
    Was I Paid to Visit Israel?
    Myth: The Jewish people are white settler colonialists who have no connection to the land of Israel
    What Is the Correct Term for Someone Who Is Not Jewish?
    Debra Lea Instagram
    Yad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Center
    Horseshoe Theory in American Politics
    Who is Nick Fuentes and Why Is His Antisemitism Dangerous for America?
    Tucker Carlson YouTube
    Cameron Hickey
    Palestinian Elections, 15 Years and Counting
    Republicans are more likely than Democrats to see Israel as a US ally: AP-NORC poll
    Hasan Piker has said that “America deserved 9/11” (yes, that is a direct quote).
    Alex Jones
    Tucker Carlson’s Biggest Conspiracy Theory Yet
    Montana Tucker BJJP Episode
    Black Lives Matter Issues Statement Of Support For Free Palestine Movement
    Roy unveils immigration bill dubbed ‘MAMDANI Act’
    Xaviaer Walk With Me Video on Chinese Heritage
    The Igbo, DNA, Struggle for Jewish souls
    Rudy Rochman Instagram
    Liz Kennedy Instagram
    We Were Never Lost Documentary
    Xaviaer DuRousseau: The Black Christian Zionist, Former BLM Activist Fighting for Israel and the Jews
    The Strokes frontman says ‘privileged’ Zionists talk ‘like Black people during slavery’
    We Have Our Eyes on Timothée Chalamet
    EsDeeKid ft. Timothée Chalamet - 4 Raws Remix (Official Music Video)
    Israel’s Deni Avdija finishes 3rd in vote for NBA’s Most Improved Player
    Sandy Koufax
    Hank Aaron
    Why We Care About How Seth Rogen Went From Jewish Day School to Saying ‘WTF’ to Israel
    The Jewish Fam Behind Timberland

    Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.

    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

    To contact us & all things BJJP:
    www.BeingJewishPodcast.com

    Follow Jonah on:
    Instagram - @JonahPlatt
    X - @JonahPlatt

    Follow Being Jewish on:
    Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast
    TikTok - @BeingJewish

    Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associate: Rachel Stern, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt
  • Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

    Shopify President Harley Finkelstein & The Jews of Thessaloniki

    28/04/2026 | 1h 16 mins.
    He's worth hundreds of millions, runs one of Canada's most powerful companies, and he still gets antisemitic replies every Friday when he posts “Shabbat Shalom,” here's why he refuses to stop.

    Shopify President Harley Finkelstein joins host Jonah Platt for a wide-ranging conversation about Jewish identity, antisemitism, entrepreneurship, and legacy. Finkelstein, a grandson of Holocaust survivors whose family fled Hungary during the Soviet crackdown of the 1950s, opens up about why he has grown increasingly vocal as a public Jewish figure in Canada, especially in the wake of October 7th. He recounts two pivotal incidents that motivated his public advocacy: protesters storming his Big Shot podcast recording at Startup Fest, and demonstrators disrupting his speech at the opening of the Finkelstein Chabad Center in Ottawa. He discusses his relationship with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Shopify's massive e-commerce footprint (14% of all U.S. e-commerce), and his journey from being one of Shopify's first 136 merchants to its president. He also digs into Big Shot, his podcast with David Siegel that archives the stories of legendary Jewish entrepreneurs, from Charles Bronfman to Jeffrey Katzenberg, arguing that grit is the defining trait behind Jewish entrepreneurial success.

    Plus, Jonah shares about his recent trip to Thessaloniki, Greece where he explored Jewish history.

    Topics:
    His published an op-ed in the National Post about rising antisemitism in Canada
    Meeting Shopify founder Tobi Lutke at a Saturday entrepreneur coffee group
    Finkelstein advocates loudly for visible Jewish philanthropy, arguing that public giving creates a "flywheel" of inspiration
    Finkelstein and David Siegel co-founding Fire Belly Tea
    Figures who inspired him like Jerry Schwartz and Izzy Sharp.
    His optimism for AI and technology
    Meeting his wife Lindsay Taub, and his view on her being a partner in life
    Why he does the Big Shot podcast
    Being in a public role and the responsibility that comes with that
    The importance of jewish advocacy and leading by example

    A special thanks to our partner this week - Hadassah.org

    Donation Links:
    Synagogue of the Monasteriotes (Thessaloniki)
    The Jewish Community of Athens
    Chabad of Greece
    Jewish Museum of Greece

    Mentioned in the episode:
    The Jews of Thessaloniki, a Once Great Jewish City
    Sephardic Jews in Eastern Europe and Greece
    Romaniote Jewish History
    The Route Saint Paul Followed In Greece
    1492 Alhambra Decree
    Talmud Torah HaGadol
    The Cooking Accident that Decimated a Jewish Community of 70,000
    The Treaty of Lausanne
    The Nazi Occupation of Greece
    Aristotle University Built on The Ruins of Jewish Cemeteries
    Jewish Federations’ National Young Leadership Cabinet
    Jonah Describes “The Jeremiah Effect”
    Ladino! Ron Eliran: Folk Songs for Sephardic Jews

    Harley Finkelstein Instagram
    Harley Finkelstein LinkedIn
    Red Scare
    How September 11 Affected the U.S. Stock Market
    Shopify
    Big Shot
    Harley Finkelstein weekly Shabbat Shalom post on X
    Harley Finkelstein’s Article: Canadian Jews are being targeted simply because they are Jewish
    Heather Reisman
    Shopify President Makes Good on 18-Year-Old Promise to His Campus Rabbi
    Tobias Lütke LinkedIn
    Harley Finkelstein X
    Jonathan Greenblatt
    The Right Honorable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada
    Justin Trudeau | Former Prime Minister of Canada
    Samuel Bronfman
    Bobby Kotick
    Isadore Sharp
    Dubai-based Augustus Media pushes Shopify boycott over president’s tweet supporting fair reporting about Israel
    Gerry Schwartz
    BJJP Howie Mandel Episode
    Lindsay Taub (Harley Finkelstein’s spouse)
    David Segal
    Hollywood’s Jewish Founders
    Charles Bronfman: A Lifetime of Giving
    Jeffrey Katzenberg
    Barry Diller
    Lynda Resnick
    The Merchant Prince: The Man Behind The Gap, Old Navy, and J. Crew | Mickey Drexler
    Larry Silverstein
    Deni Avdija becomes 1st Israeli named to NBA All-Star Game

    Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.

    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

    To contact us & all things BJJP:
    www.BeingJewishPodcast.com

    Follow Jonah on:
    Instagram - @JonahPlatt
    X - @JonahPlatt

    Follow Being Jewish on:
    Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast
    TikTok - @BeingJewish

    Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt
  • Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

    The KKK vs. Antizionism and Congressman Josh Gottheimer (Dem, NJ-5)

    21/04/2026 | 59 mins.
    In this timely episode, host Jonah Platt sits down with Josh Gottheimer, the five-term U.S. Congressman serving New Jersey’s Fifth District. Josh is a leading pro-Israel voice in the Democratic Party and Vice-Chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus (which he co-founded). In Congress, Josh serves on two Committees, including the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, where he is the Ranking Member of the National Security Agency and Cyber Subcommittee and is a member of the Defense Intelligence and Overhead Architecture Subcommittee. Gottheimer shares candid insights on navigating politics while being Jewish. He discusses U.S. action against Iran, arguing Iran is a major threat but criticizing the administration for shifting objectives and failing to clearly explain goals, which fuels public skepticism and risks a drawn-out conflict affecting oil prices, markets, and regional stability. He rejects conditioning aid to Israel as unfairly targeting a key democratic ally and condemns the use of “apartheid” rhetoric. He describes a major rise in antisemitism, political incentives pushing members of Congress to retreat from support for Israel, and calls for coordinated Jewish-community investment in K–12 and campus education, accountability for institutions, and tougher political engagement.

    Plus, Jonah answers a podcast fan’s question on how to make anti-zionism taboo.

    Topics discussed include:

    The shifting center of the left and the right
    The role of the Problem Solvers Caucus in bipartisan cooperation in Congress
    Why the U.S.-Israel relationship is vital to American national security
    Gottheimer’s work on the House Intelligence Committee and focus on Iran and Gaza
    Criticism of Gavin Newsom for using the term “apartheid” regarding Israel
    The influence of social media figures like Hasan Piker and political figures like Donald Trump on polarization
    Addressing antisemitic rhetoric tied to movements like BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions)
    Concerns about antisemitism and activism on college campuses like the University of Pennsylvania
    Holding elected officials accountable at the local, state, and federal levels for antisemitism
    The importance of strategic philanthropy and community coordination within the American Jewish community

    A special thanks to our partner this week Hadassah.org

    Mentioned in the episode:
    Founding of the Ku Klux Klan
    The Transformation of the KKK from Fraternity to Religious Extremists.
    1924 Democratic National Conventions - “Klanbake”
    DNC Avoids Taking a Stance on Israel, AIPAC
    The Growing Antisemitism Among Young Americans
    Vanderbilt Professor Shaul Kelner
    Briahna Joy Gray fired from The Hill after rolling her eyes at the sister of Oct 7 hostage during an interview
    The Timeline of the SPLC Case That Bankrupted the Klan
    Brandies Center
    Students Against Antisemitism
    The Lawfare Project
    Klan Members Murder Conviction Leads to Decline in Membership and Political Influence

    Josh Gottheimer
    Josh Gottheimer Instagram
    Josh Gottheimer Twitter
    Sarah Hurwitz BJJP Episode
    Rep. Josh Gottheimer: The New Jersey Democrat defending Israel, battling antisemitism
    Problem Solvers Caucus
    Congressman Thomas Suozzi
    National Security Agency & Cyber Subcommittee
    Gottheimer Votes to Pass War Powers Resolution
    By the numbers: US thrashed military targets in Iran, but some capabilities remain
    Iranian attack on Saudi base injures U.S. troops as more American forces arrive in the Middle East
    How the US Navy could blockade Iran’s ports and sweep mines from the Strait of Hormuz
    Israel didn’t drag the US into war with Iran — they enabled us to fight it smarter and faster
    U.S. Capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro: Considerations for Congress
    Oil prices rise on doubts US-Iran peace talks will ease Hormuz disruption
    The Abraham Accords, Explained
    Army survivors of deadly attack in Kuwait dispute Pentagon's account, say unit "was unprepared" to defend itself
    Gottheimer Statement in Opposition to Conditioning Aid to Israel
    Sharia-Free America: Why Political Islam & Sharia Law Are Incompatible with the U.S. Constitution
    Ayaan Hirsi Ali: 'Queers for Palestine' shows how stupid our society is
    Gottheimer, Foxx Introduce Bill to Hold Higher Education Accountable for Anti-Israel, BDS Activity
    Gottheimer calls Newsom’s Israel apartheid comments ‘dangerous’
    Genocide, apartheid? A poll Israel cannot allow itself to ignore
    Candace Owens
    “The Squad” Doubles Down on Anti-Israel Comments
    Representative Elaine G. Luria
    Hasan Piker doubles down on Hamas support
    UPenn must comply with federal subpoena seeking list of Jewish community members, judge rules

    Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.

    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

    To contact us & all things BJJP:
    www.BeingJewishPodcast.com

    Follow Jonah on:
    Instagram - @JonahPlatt
    X - @JonahPlatt

    Follow Being Jewish on:
    Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast
    TikTok - @BeingJewish

    Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt
  • Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

    Should Jews Proselytize? & Dueling Rabbis PART 2 with Sharon Brous & David Ingber

    14/04/2026 | 1h 17 mins.
    Host Jonah Platt moderates part two of a spirited conversation between Rabbi Sharon Brous (IKAR, Los Angeles) and Rabbi David Ingber (Romemu, New York) about how Jewish leaders should balance moral self-critique of Israel with addressing antisemitism, especially after October 7. Ingber argues progressive Jews and rabbis overemphasize public Jewish self-criticism, undercall out antisemitism and extremism from allies, and should name today’s anti-Zionism as an ever-evolving hate movement that erases Jewish self-determination. Brous defends the Jewish tradition of teshuvah and accountability, urges speaking against West Bank settler violence and occupation, and warns that labeling all criticism or Palestinian solidarity as antisemitic blunts the response to real threats. They also debate U.S. politics, liberal democracy’s role in Jewish safety, Jewish political “homelessness,” and the inclusion of anti-Zionist Jews.

    Ultimately, the conversation models a deeply Jewish tradition of debate, machloket l’shem shamayim, while emphasizing unity, responsibility, and the need to continue investing in community and the next generation.

    Topics Include:
    Trading ideas on whether anti-Zionism is a form of modern antisemitism
    The responsibility of rabbis to address West Bank settler violence and Jewish extremism
    References to Baruch Goldstein and the Cave of the Patriarchs massacre as a moral comparison
    The role of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran in shaping Jewish security concerns
    The influence of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter/X on Israel narratives
    Criticism of language like “apartheid” in discussions about Israel and Palestine
    The symbolism of the watermelon flag in pro-Palestinian activism
    Gavin Newsom and his appearance on Pod Save America
    The importance of protecting liberal democracy for Jewish safety in America
    Failures in Jewish education, including overreliance on programs like Birthright Israel
    The role of JCCs (Jewish Community Centers) and synagogues in strengthening Jewish life
    The need for machloket l’shem shamayim (debate for the sake of heaven) in shaping the Jewish future

    A special thanks to our partners on this episode:
    Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies
    https://www.schusterman.org
    Crown Family Philanthropies
    https://crownfamilyphilanthropies.org/
    Jim Joseph Foundation
    https://jimjosephfoundation.org/

    Mentioned In The Episode:
    Why Don’t Jews Proselytize?
    Conversion History
    The Converso: Jews converting to Christianity in Spain and Portugal in the 1300s
    Ruth: The First Jewish Convert
    How Many Jews Are In The World?
    The Jewish Birthrate
    Jewish Intermarriage Rates
    Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation (U.S. Public Health Service)
    American’s Religious Engagement Stays Low
    Global “Wellness” Business Grows to $6.8 Trillion
    Jewish Prayers and Their Meanings
    How to Become Jewish

    Sharon Brous Instagram
    Rabbi David Ingber
    IKAR
    Romemu
    'My mother cried out one last time': Palestinian boy, 12, describes how Israeli forces killed his family in car
    Surveillance soldiers charge sexism a factor in their Oct. 7 warnings being ignored
    Who was Baruch Goldstein? Massacre in Hebron
    Silence is not solidarity: Diaspora Jews must speak when Israel strays
    What is Cheshbon Hanefesh?
    Pogroms
    Wave of settler attacks against Palestinian herders reported in central West Bank
    Fourth suspect arrested over Jewish charity ambulance arson attack
    The Importance of Tochachah-Rebuke
    Anti-Trump rallies hit thousands of US cities for 'No Kings' protest
    Explosion rocks Amsterdam Jewish school in what mayor says is ‘targeted attack’ against Jewish community
    As A Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us
    Newsom ramps up his criticism of Israel, accuses Netanyahu of leading Trump into war with Iran
    Horseshoe Theory in American Politics
    The Z Word: Reclaiming Zionism
    Protocols of the Elders of Zion
    Venezuelan VP: US attack capturing Maduro has 'Zionist undertones'
    Renee Good was shot in the head, autopsy commissioned by her family finds
    Why watermelons are a symbol of Palestinian solidarity
    Israeli opposition members shout at Netanyahu as he tries to address parliament
    Early History of Israel
    What Is Tikkun Olam?
    How to Teach the Jewish Story
    Svalbard Global Seed Vault
    The Valley of Dry Bones and the Resurrection of the Dead

    --

    Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.

    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

    To contact us & all things BJJP:
    www.BeingJewishPodcast.com

    Follow Jonah on:
    Instagram - @JonahPlatt
    X - @JonahPlatt

    Follow Being Jewish on:
    Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast
    TikTok - @BeingJewish

    Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt
  • Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

    Jewish Queer Youth (JQY) Executive Director Rachael Fried

    10/04/2026 | 30 mins.
    In this episode of 30 Minute Mensches, host Jonah Platt sits down with Rachael Fried, the Executive Director of JQY (Jewish Queer Youth). Rachael shares her personal journey from being a closeted Orthodox participant to leading the organization, which now operates a professional center in New York's Times Square with a $2 million budget. JQY serves as a vital mental health nonprofit dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ youth (ages 13–23) from "historically non-accepting communities," specifically those from Orthodox, Sephardi, Mizrahi, and Russian-speaking backgrounds.

    The discussion covers the critical safety risks facing these teens, including suicide and homelessness, and the creative "guerrilla marketing" JQY employs to reach youth in insular environments where internet access is restricted. Fried addresses the intersection of queer identity and Halakha (Jewish law), referencing Leviticus 18:22 and the principle of Elu v’Elu to advocate for the healthy coexistence of religious and queer identities. Finally, she highlights JQY’s national expansion through virtual drop-in centers, a mobile app, and a national Jewish queer book club.

    Topics Include:
    They discuss the scale of need (potentially hundreds of thousands)
    The episode addresses high-risk factors for queer Jewish youth, including increased rates of suicide, homelessness, and addiction.
    The discussion explores barriers to information for youth using "kosher phones" or restricted internet in ultra-Orthodox communities.
    Rachael explains how religious texts are often used to justify cultural homophobia beyond the literal interpretation of the law.
    The Jewish principle of "Elu v’Elu" (both these and those) is highlighted as a core philosophy for holding both queer and Jewish identities as true.
    Student activism surrounding a queer club at Yeshiva University
    The cultural dimensions of halakha-based rejection
    Getting in-contact with the organization if you aren’t in New York City

    Mentioned In The Episode:
    Rachael Fried Instagram
    Jewish Queer Youth (JQY) Facebook
    JQY app
    JQY Instagram
    JQY Website
    About JQY
    LGBTQ+ Jewish Demographic Pew Stud
    Kosher Phone
    Hechsher
    Halacha
    Leviticus 18:22
    Turning it over in the Torah
    B’tselem Elohim
    Cis/ Cisgender
    Elu v’elu
    Yeshiva University
    Jewish Queer Book Club JQY
    Ruth Bader Ginsberg
    JQY Drop In

    Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.

    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

    To contact us & all things BJJP:
    www.BeingJewishPodcast.com

    Follow Jonah on:
    Instagram - @JonahPlatt
    X - @JonahPlatt

    Follow Being Jewish on:
    Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast
    TikTok - @BeingJewish

    Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Story Producer: Sasha Nelson, Associate Producer: Emma Webb, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associates: Rachel Stern, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

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About Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

Being Jewish with Jonah Platt is the hit weekly podcast that illuminates the vast, beautiful, and often unexplored tapestry of Jewish identity, through deeply honest and personal conversations with notable Jews and non-Jewish allies alike. Hosted by actor & advocate Jonah Platt, a trusted expert in contemporary Jewish culture, identity, and politics, Being Jewish seeks to engage, educate, and empower listeners to take full ownership of their identities and live as their proudest, most authentic selves. 2025 Webby Honoree | Podcasts - Best Indie Podcast 2025 Wilbur Award Winner
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