Episodios

  • Why Should I Study Torah WEEKLY!?!?! With Joey Swaid (BONUS EPISODE!)
    Aug 15 2024
    The Torah is central to Judaism. There’s no debate there. But why is it relevant to our daily lives? It’s a history book… about supernatural things that we can’t possibly relate to… right? Joey Swaid, a young and bright yeshiva student in Jerusalem, Israel, speaks the words of wisdom and truth relating Torah and it’s relevancy to our daily lives. While offering a deeper perspective on the turbulent state of our people, he also provides practical steps to add meaning and depth to your week and perspective on the world’s current state. About Joey Swaid: Joey Swaid is currently entering his third year at Yeshivat Mikdash Melech in Yerushalayim. He is passionate about inspiring others and offering Chizuk. with Hashem’s help, he shares a weekly recording of the Devar Torah on the Parasha every Friday on his WhatsApp chat. Connect with Joey Swaid’s WhatsApp Chat here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/lYtALxNy8NI25NQbZV2i42 Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod
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    26 m
  • What is the REAL story of Tisha B’Av? With Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser
    Aug 15 2024
    We have to fast? Again? Yep. For another 25 hours, Jews are told to fast for what is considered the saddest day in the Jewish calendar. Tisha B’Av is a holiday some know very fondly while others have never heard of. It commemorates the destruction of the 1st and 2nd Temples along with other exceptionally tragic moments in Jewish history. What is the meaning of this? What did we do to deserve this? Why does this keep happening? Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser, known for his comedic and unique style of speaking, jumps onto Bad Jew to explore the deeper ideas behind this portion of our history. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, gets a crash course to the Jewish diaspora, the tragedy that have struck our generations, and explores what we can do to change the outcome of the future (Moshiach!) Special thanks to Yosef Behar of Oshpiza (Oshpiza.com) for making this interview possible. About Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser: Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser received a Bachelors Degree in Humanities from the University of California at Santa Barbara. For 12 years he surfed internationally on a professional level. He is also an accomplished mountain biker and professional musician. He received rabbinic ordination from Aish HaTorah and the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. His areas of expertise are Kabbala, Spirituality and Psychotherapy. Connect with Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser: YouTube - @RabbiYomTov IG - @rabbiyomtov Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod
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    36 m
  • Why Does G-d Need Me To Pray? with Rabbi Ephy Greene
    Aug 7 2024
    Hashem is this infinite being, for lack of better term. He's all-encompassing and created us out of nothing, indicating his sheer power. Yet, it's a mitzvah to pray and is a commandment to pray during certain times. So then... does he need anything or not? And of all things, why prayer? Prayer is an area of specialty for Rabbi Ephy Greene of Aish HaTorah's Yeshiva in Jerusalem, Israel. During a 'swearing in' ceremony by the IDF, Ephy goes into detail on why Hashem wants us to daven and seek spirituality within ourselves. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, learns why it's a necessity to get closer to Hashem. 00:00 Introduction 04:33 Life-changing moments 07:08 Questioning purpose 10:09 Our relationship with God depends on us 16:07 The search for meaning 18:06 Informal prayer expresses vulnerability 20:57 Structure is essential 25:31 Torah is God's communication and vision 27:10 Living a moral life through heartfelt prayer 30:54 Conclusion About Ephy Greene: Rabbi Ephy Greene has been teaching in the US & Israel for over 20 years. Growing up the son of a Conservative rabbi, but attending Orthodox schools, Ephy experienced Jews and Judaism in a variety of contexts, from USY retreats to studying with Chassidim in the Mir. Rabbi Greene has been teaching in Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem for the past decade. He is also a Jewish singer/songwriter, inspirational speaker, and loving, but slightly embarrassing dad! Connect with Rabbi Ephy Greene: www.AishYeshiva.com Listen to music by Ephy Greene on Spotify Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod
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    34 m
  • Why Is Modesty So Oppressive? with Moriel Shviki
    Jul 31 2024
    Buttoned-up clothing. Black and white style. Tight and uncomfortable. Covered and hot. No designs nor messages. And definitely no ankle. That's the summary of modesty. The concept of 'covering up' is one of the most difficult and seemingly oppressive aspects of Judaism. What if there was a much-needed paradigm shift on this idea? Moriel Shviki, an outspoken advocate for modesty and its values, comes onto the podcast to break preconceived notions about the controversial idea. Shviki explains to Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, that such a refocusing of external display causes for a different sense of freedom. There's a message the world could learn and Moriel explains just that! 00:00 Introduction 05:34 Adopting a positive social media approach for modesty 09:09 Comparing ourselves, pursuing sexiness, and human nature 10:10 Struggling with self-confidence and validation on social media 13:21 Limited exposure to modesty, but a starting point 16:37 New concept aligns with mitzvahs and symbolism 22:06 Sarah exemplified modesty and spiritual strength 25:21 Struggle with dressing against my convictions, guilt 28:28 Shift to kosher living led to judgment 30:11 Conclusion About Moriel Shviki: Moriel was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, in a traditional but not religious Israeli family. Her upbringing included cultural practices like Shabbat dinners without deep religious engagement, making her feel like an outcast at times. She attended a reformed preschool, which did not leave a significant impact on her. At 11, her family moved to Chile, where she adjusted to the language easily but found the cultural shift challenging. This was her first time attending a religious school, which had a profound impact on her. She learned Hebrew, how to pray, and began to connect with God in a personal way. Despite this, she did not keep Shabbat or kosher initially. After two years in Chile, Moriel's family returned to LA, where she continued her education at religious schools, including EMAC and Valley Torah High School. She regrets not having a bat mitzvah during this period. The experience in Chile helped shape her Jewish identity and connection to her faith. Connect with Moriel: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/modeststylemoriel Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod
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    32 m
  • Why Don't Jews Proselytize? with Yo Mark Jean
    Jul 24 2024
    Have you ever had a religious person knock on your door and ask you to join them at church? Have you ever had a preacher on the street shout at you for living differently than them? Ever notice that none of those figures are Jewish? As a matter of fact, Jews know better than to not try to convert people as it is a sin according to their bible. Yet... the Jewish population is so small. Couldn't they use the numbers? Yo Mark Jean is a hip hop artist and content creator who is in the middle of his conversion process. While he's not officially a Jew at the time of this recording (July 2024) he brings to the podcast a vast amount of Torah wisdom and knowledge that debunks different ideas designed to guilt Jews into converting into other religions. Mark Jean also shares personal stories and discoveries to Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew. 00:00 Introduction 03:53 Proselytizing 08:35 Perfecting the world 12:49 Historical Jewish conversion and reasons behind it 14:03 Mass conversion to Christianity as an easy choice 17:32 Torah authenticity 21:14 Predictions and liberation 25:15 Debates with Christian community 29:11 Torah is not just for Jews 29:48 Conclusion About Yo Mark Jean: Born in Queens, NY, D’Mark Jeantine — known by his artist name, Yo Mark Jean — brings his culture, faith and values to his music. Jean started making music at age 7 with a regimented schedule of private lessons. He’s from a family formed by music; his parents met while his father was a guitarist in a musical group back in New York. As he grew into a professional, Jean found that mixing beats for other artists made way for opportunities and connections. You can hear music from Yo Mark Jean on Apple Music, iHeart and Spotify Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod
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    33 m
  • Why Should Gay People Be Zionist? with Marcus Breman
    Jul 16 2024
    Israel is the only pro-LGBTQ country in the Middle East but does that mean you should automatically be a Zionist? Probably, but for a vast majority of LGBTQ members, especially Jews, they are faced with the inner conflict of crossing political lines and personal values, stepping aside from the guidelines of their political affiliation's doctrine. How can they navigate this dilemma? Marcus Breman, better known on TikTok as @yourfavoritegayzionist, discusses this dilemma from a personal experience. Having lived in both the United States and Israel, Marcus makes commentary paving his own path for his opinions and political stances. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, works to understand this complicated positioning and where U.S. politics fits into the morality that Zionism has built. 00:00 Introduction 03:10 The younger generation 06:32 Switching political parties 11:42 Israel's anti-discrimination laws for LGBTQ+ 14:23 Diverse voter motivations in U.S. 17:19 LGBT asylum controversy in the West Bank 20:06 Israel is THE successful decolonization project 23:47 Echo chambers 29:33 Biden vs. Trump's Zionism 30:54 Conclusion About Marcus Breman: Connect with Marcus Breman: TikTok @yourfavoritegayzionist Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod
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    33 m
  • How Do You Find YOUR Judaism? with Melinda Strauss
    Jul 10 2024
    One of the most intimidating things about being on your Jewish journey is answering the question, "What kind of Jew are you?" There are so many ways 'to Jew', how can you possibly choose? And once you do, who said you're personally ready to be labeled in a specific way? Instagram and TikTok star Melinda Strauss is no stranger to this concept. Knowing that the Jewish identity is personal, she emphasizes how to navigate the constant barrage of communal standards while giving the breakdown for how to follow mitzvahs and practices that work best for you. 00:00 Introduction 06:11 Funny commentary 09:10 Embrace your identity and choices, and respect others 10:46 Orthodox Judaism: diverse sects united by Torah 13:17 Calling me a sinner is also sin 17:21 Being a Jew is diverse and personal 21:53 Envying others' Jewish school and religious choices 23:05 Discovering Judaism as a couple 27:23 Discovering practical blessings broke my rigid perceptions 32:00 Fear of future, toxic shame, seeking help 32:42 Conclusion About Melinda Struass: Melinda Strauss, a Jewish Content Creator on social media with over 1 million followers on TikTok and Instagram, is well known for her educational videos about Orthodox Judaism, Jewish history, discussing Antisemitism and Zionism, sharing her kosher recipes and her everyday life. Born and raised in Seattle WA, Melinda now lives with her family in New York. Melinda has been blogging and sharing her recipes since 2011 and she will be debuting her first cookbook in Fall 2025. Connect with Melinda: MelindaStrauss.com IG and TikTok: @therealmelindastrauss YouTube: @therealmelindastrauss Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod
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    35 m
  • What Does Yeshiva NOT Teach You? with Daniel Mouyal
    Jul 3 2024
    All Yeshivas are notoriously known for giving life-changing education. Teaching Judaism with a higher kind of discipline while embedding principles to live by is not something that happens overnight. You hear of people that stay for a week. You hear of people that stay for years. But does it really provide you with ALL the tools you need in life? Daniel Mouyal is known for his collaborations with musicians like Kosha Dillz. Before the reputation we know today, he desired a complete 180 in his life. He went to Yeshiva and has since thrived off the Torah's teachings while paving his own path. Did Yeshiva teach him EVERYTHING? He discusses this with Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, to highlight his experiences and truth. 00:00 Introduction 03:57 Daniel's pursuits 07:34 A year at Yeshiva 13:52 Seek power through selfless prayer 15:19 Stories of Yeshiva part 1 20:13 Stories from Yeshiva part 2 20:50 Joys of not knowing 25:14 Conclusion About Daniel Mouyal: Daniel Mouyal is 28 years old and resides in Miami, Florida. He is known for his music and does stand up comedy and acting. Connect with Daniel Mouyal: www.linktr.ee/danielmouyal Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod
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    27 m