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Bad Jew

By: Mr. Thrive Media
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  • Summary

  • What is a bad jew? What does it take to not be one? Is it anti-Semitic to say? Or is it just a phrase that Jews use to cruelly judge one another? Chaz Volk, a newly observant Jew, shares that the greatest way to embrace your identity is to question everything. And we mean EVERYTHING! Chaz questions the Torah, law, politics, standards, communities and even G-d itself in this confrontational and edgy show. About Chaz: Chaz Volk grew up in Thousand Oaks, California where he began Torah studies until he was Bar Mitzva'ed at Temple Etz Chaim. From a young age, he was very aware of his uniqueness and how he was the token-Jew outside of Jewish settings. In middle school, Chaz experienced his first taste of antisemitism which brought him closer to his identity, despite his adversaries' wishes. Later, he'd attend San Francisco State University, where he'd get deeply involved at SF Hillel as a volunteer and intern. SFSU's social climate and its perspective on Jews and Zionism became clear from an early point. He'd later become the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit known today as Volk v. CSU Board of Trustees. In this class action case, Chaz Volk and his representation won. Since then, Chaz has proudly immersed himself in his identity and partaken in communities across southern California. Most recently, Chaz's emotional awakening occurred on an organized trip to Israel. There he adopted new practices that he instilled in his lifestyle to this day. Today, he's a volunteer and frequent of Aish HaTorah's programming and plans to use this show to promote their programs, events, and resources along with valuable Jewish teachings. Want to engage with our online WhatsApp community? Email: BadJewPod@gmail.com Brand partnership: BadJewPod@gmail.com IG: @badjewpod TikTok: @badjewpod
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Episodes
  • What Are Holocaust Survivors Like? (Yom HaShoah Special) with Michael Ruskin

    What Are Holocaust Survivors Like? (Yom HaShoah Special) with Michael Ruskin
    May 8 2024
    As we commemorate Yom HaShoah, we dedicate this week’s episode to understanding the lives and legacies of those who survived the Holocaust. Our guest, Michael Ruskin, offers an intimate glimpse into his life as the last surviving member of his family who escaped the horrors of the Holocaust. He shares tales of his own upbringing under the shadow of his parents’ past traumas and how these experiences shaped their family dynamics. Michael also discusses his book, "The Vow," which not only documents the atrocities of the Holocaust but captures the extraordinary love story of his parents finding their way back to each other post-war. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, emphasizes the resilience of survivors along with the impact of generational trauma on later generations. 00:00 Introduction 03:27 Poor upbringing and protective Holocaust-survivor parents 08:37 Found family history 10:23 Love over wealth, reflection of 'The Vow' 12:48 Difficulty conveying past experiences 17:37 Writing the book 25:16 Research, learning, and resilience 26:54 How his parents lived 29:44 Conclusion About Michael Ruskin: Michael Ruskin (born Meyer Ruksen), was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in the beautiful city of Perth Amboy, New Jersey (central New Jersey). He is the youngest son of David and Dora Ruskin and the younger brother of the late Allen Ruskin. A graduate from Kent State University in Ohio, he received a B.A. in Political Science and Psychology. Michael spent most of his 40-year career in corporate Human Resources and private consulting. Mr. Ruskin, now retired, lives a very active lifestyle which includes traveling, tennis, dancing, hiking. He is a student of spirituality, world history, and an avid researcher. He has one niece and enjoys spending time with friends and making new ones. Michael is the last surviving member of his immediate family. The Vow: A Love Story and the Holocaust is Mr. Ruskin's first book, but not his last. He currently resides in Roswell, Georgia. Connect with Michael Ruskin: Buy 'The Vow' on www.TheVowALoveStory.com Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod
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    31 mins
  • What Is Jewish Mindfulness? with Gila Ross

    What Is Jewish Mindfulness? with Gila Ross
    May 1 2024
    Take a deep breath. Let's acknowledge the fact that the world is crazy which can naturally make anyone a little crazy. It's okay to be off your rocker sometimes but that's where the mindfulness kicks in. While the world seems to spew hate in our direction, there's no better time than the present to turn toward the Jewish lens of mindfulness. Gila Ross, podcast host of PowerUp!, draws from her Jewish studies, namely from pirkei avot, to guide listeners and provide Jewish wisdom to all who tune in. Drawing from a similar inspiration, Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, pushes and challenges some of the ideas behind Jewish mindfulness in hopes of finding peace of his own. 00:00 Introduction to Gila Ross 03:37 Teaching abroad 08:38 Finding our purpose 12:23 Jewish mindfulness 14:30 Growth mindset 19:28 Recognizing and fixing sins 20:29 Repairing your life 23:54 Bringing out the best 29:44 Daily gratitude practices 33:00 Seeking spiritual guidance 33:43 Prayer changed to mindfulness About Gila Ross: Gila Ross's vibrant, positive and relatable style makes her a well-sought-after and much-loved coach and educator with over 20 years of experience. She has a passion for sharing the joy and relevance of Judaism and positive parenting. She is a senior educator with SEED UK. Her Power Up! podcast was named number 6 on Jewish Podcasts Worldwide. It has several weekly episodes, allowing listeners to access her wit, wisdom, and inspiration in their own time. The Ross family’s open and fun-filled home makes it a top destination for families wishing to celebrate Shabbat and the chagim. Connect with Gila Ross: IG @itsGilaRoss Book:https://lightofinfinite.com/presenter/gila-ross/ Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Gilaross?utm_source=linktree_profile_share
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    37 mins
  • What Is The Real Story of Passover? with Rabbi Markman

    What Is The Real Story of Passover? with Rabbi Markman
    Apr 24 2024
    Right about now, you might be wondering why we have to eat flat bread. Right about now, you might be frustrated with the long dinners with the even longer stories. Right about now, you might be bored out of your mind as there is CLEARLY no meaning to these new restrictions. Don't worry. We'll explain everything. Chaz Volk, the new Chief Marketing Officer of Aish Los Angeles and host of Bad Jew, interviews his boss, Executive Director Rabbi Aryeh Markman. Markman goes beyond the elementary-level Hebrew school class on Passover and explains the real meaning of Passover and how this tradition started not too long ago. 00:00 Introduction with my boss 04:30 Embracing tradition 09:05 3,000 years is not that long 11:54 Jewish culture and success tied to Torah 13:16 Challenging perceptions of ancient Passover story validity 18:25 Ego 21:41 Freedom and reflection 25:13 Pesach on the hebrew calendar 27:50 Modern Day Antisemitism 30:05 Conclusion About Rabbi Aryeh Markman: Rabbi Aryeh Markman has been the dedicated Executive Director of Aish HaTorah Los Angeles since 1994. Rabbi Markman attended the university of Illinois, graduating with a Distinction in Finance. He then visited Israel, where he was introduced to Rabbi Noach Weinberg and Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem. Turning down MBA school offers from University of Chicago, and Northwestern University, he continued to pursue Talmudic study, and received Smicha from Rabbi Noach Weinberg. Rabbi Markman and his wife Rochel then moved to Los Angeles in 1991, and are the proud parents of 7 children. Connect with Rabbi Aryeh Markman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aryehmarkman/ IG and Facebook: Jewish Men's Initiative LA Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod
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    32 mins
Psychology Hygiene & Healthy Living Judaism Spirituality
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