Episodes

  • How Do You Do Jewish Activism? with Marla Friedson

    How Do You Do Jewish Activism? with Marla Friedson
    May 22 2024
    Now more than ever before, your people need YOU! Anti-Israel and anti-Jewish rallies have spread like wildfire across the nation. Students get harassed on campus just for being Jews. The few Jews that do join the encampments are tokenized and glorified in hypocritical ways. No matter how much light we shed on the situation, our adversaries come back more aggressively. This is an uphill battle. Such battles don't stop Marla Friedson, co-host of Schmuckboys, from joining the counterprotests. Marla and her friends regularly post on social media and take to the streets to share their voices proudly. Friedson joins Chaz Volk on Bad Jew to discuss what it takes to effectively and accurately speak on behalf of Israel. Volk takes this opportunity to assess how the international Jewish community is doing when it comes to sharing information as well. Tune in to become inspired to take the streets and speak on behalf of those that can't! 00:00 Introduction 03:12 Judaism as a moral basis for activism 08:39 Unity within activism 09:42 The value of attending rallies 13:21 Avoiding misinformation 18:42 Credibility 20:19 Responsibility in influence 23:44 Accuracy and literacy 26:29 Jewish intimidation and antisemitism 31:22 Zionism 34:12 The undeniable tie of Judaism and Zionism 36:47 Education is key to combating antisemitism About Marla Friedson: Marla Friedson is the receptionist at Circle of Confusion, a tv/film production and management company. She is also a freelance producer, having worked on a variety of content from unscripted TV to short films to the US Tennis Open. Marla is the co-host and co-producer of Schmuckboys, a podcast about Jewish dating, Jewish identity and antisemitism. Her and co-host Libby Walker interview Jewish guests from all walks of life and release new episodes every other week through the Jewish Journal Podcast Network. Marla is very involved in Jewish organizations in L.A. serving on the board of AishLIT and working part-time as the Head of Operations for Jews Talk Justice, a Tel Aviv Institute project. She is a vocal activist for the Jewish people, using her social media platform to help educate others. Connect with Marla Friedson: IG @marsbars36 Tune into Schmuckboys on your favorite podcast platform Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod
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    39 mins
  • Who Are The Mizrahi Jews? with Tal Oran

    Who Are The Mizrahi Jews? with Tal Oran
    May 15 2024
    One message this podcast has tried time and time again to explain... Jews come in all shapes and colors. The Jews from the Middle East are called Mizrahi Jews and they are just as culturally tied as Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews are. Tal Oran, better known as The Travelling Clatt, steps away from his travel vlogging to share the full overview of Mizrahi Jewish culture. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, goes through a learning curve to uncover the impactful contribution Mizrahi Jews have had on all of us and embraces the personal survival story of the Oran family. 00:00 Decade of travel, YouTube success, pro-Israel advocate. 05:12 Mizrahi Jews struggle with silencing and race 08:36 Challenged the portrayal of Jewish culture in media 12:12 Mizrahi Jews from Iraq and Azerbaijan bond 14:24 Iraqi Jewish dialect is separate language from Iraqi 17:44 Mizrahi cuisine 21:10 The long history of violence 23:35 Family fled Iraq to Iran, then Israel 26:47 Christians, Jews, and peace throughout history (myth) 30:56 Moroccan celebration Mimouna embraced by diverse cultures 31:36 Moroccan music, food, and traditional attire About Tal Oran: Tal makes content about Israel, Palestine, The Holy Land, Religions, and what makes us all come together or go apart. He wants to make peace and show love. His journey can be seen on his Instagram and YouTube channel where he produces content full time. Follow Tal Oran: Ig: @thetravellingclatt YT: @thetravellingclatt TT: thetravellingclatt Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod
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    35 mins
  • 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
  • How Do You Lead a Passover Dinner (Seder)? with Larry Cohen

    How Do You Lead a Passover Dinner (Seder)? with Larry Cohen
    Apr 17 2024
    It's one of Judaism's most iconic holidays! Passover! The Rugrats did an episode about it. How could you not know about the holiday? You know, the one where we eat flat crackers? The one with the long dinner that's delayed by stories? Speaking of dinners, who's leading it this year? Oh, you are? And have you ever led a Passover Seder before? No? That's okay, Larry Cohen has you covered. Leading a Passover Seder dinner can be intimidating whether you're a pro or not. There are tons of logistics to coordinate and you also have to be mindful of the story. How can you possibly take this task on if you're not properly taught? Larry Cohen, a philanthropist, business owner, and mentor of Chaz Volk's, teaches the fundamentals and mindfulness around the Passover story (or Haggadah). 00:00 Introduction 04:05 The Cohen Family's work in the Jewish Community / JCA Shalom 08:01 Inclusion on Passover 10:41 Modern plagues 16:27 Building community in difficult times 19:46 Cute family traditions 23:09 Passing on Jewish traditions for future generations 24:27 Jewish leadership and gratitude 28:12 Conclusion About Larry Cohen: Professional Larry is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Glyphix advertising which celebrates 29 years of delivering breakthrough creative across all kinds of media, to a wide variety of clients. Communal Board Member of Los Angeles Jewish Federation Executive Board Member of Valley Alliance Founder of JBL Roundtable (Jewish Business Leaders) Chair of Conejo Valley Outreach Program Board Member of Heschel West Day school Board Member Jewlicious President Shalom Institute Wexner Alumni Executive Director Leve Family Foundation Connect with Larry Cohen: Support JCA Shalom at ShalominStitute.com www.Glyphix.com Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod
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    31 mins
  • Can Jews Be Transgender? with Michael Alroy?

    Can Jews Be Transgender? with Michael Alroy?
    Apr 10 2024
    This episode is about humans. This episode is about identity. This episode is about health. This episode is about self-awareness and self-care. This episode is about morality and this episode is about making sacrifices to pursue authenticity and wholeness. Any commentary outside of those themes is out of ignorance. Michael Alroy, a contestant on Israel's Big Brother, a business owner, and a kind soul, speaks to his life journey and how it relates to his Judaism. Chaz Volk, an ally of the LGBTQA community and host of Bad Jew, investigates Alroy's journey to shed light on the human need to pursue inconvenient and difficult measures to embrace identity. 00:00 Introduction 05:01 Understanding gender 06:49 Realized identity 10:57 Emphasizing with the transgender community 15:07 Revealing transgender identity 18:12 Respect, kindness, reflection 22:27 Challenges in LGBTQ community 25:06 Promoting understanding and acceptance 26:49 Transition process 30:09 Outro About Michael Alroy: “Life begins where fear ends” was Michael’s motto when he made the bold decision to undergo gender reassignment surgery at the age of 21. This was an irreversible decision, which finally allowed him to be and look, the way he felt. From that point on there was no hesitation, regrets, and no holds barred as he transformed himself from Michelle Haziza, to Michael Alroy – a man of his own. Michael Alroy was born Michelle Haziza in Johannesburg South Africa in 1990. He spent the first seven years of his life in South Africa and attended a Jewish Day School in Johannesburg until Grade 1. In Israel, Michael struggled to adapt to the strictly religious environment of his school as he began to experience a conflict with his gender identity. He felt like a boy in girls' clothing and hated the rules about dress and behavior imposed on him by the school. Nevertheless, the girls admired his spirit of independence and insistence on being and acting as he felt. As you can imagine his school life was fraught with conflict and feelings of duality and awkwardness. His most joyous day was when he finally finished his schooling and was able to dress and act as he wanted. Still, he encountered more difficulties. The lecture provides an opportunity to hear first-hand Michael's touching and fascinating life story, whilst compelling the audience to identify with his plight and to look more closely at the society in which they live. Michael awakens in each and every member of the audience their potential and power to make changes in their lives. Connect with Michael Alroy: YouTube @mikialroy21 IG @michael_alroy LI Michael Alroy Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod
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    32 mins
  • What Is Kabbalah? with Reb Adam Polinovskiy

    What Is Kabbalah? with Reb Adam Polinovskiy
    Apr 3 2024
    We've all heard of Kabbalah but what does it really do? Why does it matter? This fictitious book filled with magical and mystical ideas seems to have just as much realism as Greek mythology, right? Wrong. What if Kabbalah was one of the most misunderstood pieces of text out of Jewish literature? Like many others, the concept and purpose of Kabbalah has been a mystery to people like host Chaz Volk. Volk speaks with Kabbalah student and coach Reb Adam Yitzchak Polinovskiy to uncover the truth and reasoning behind this ancient text. Tune in to learn how Kabbalah is much more involved in our lives than we can possibly conceive! 00:00 Introduction 07:02 Kabbalistic Overview 14:02 Trauma into Inspiration 16:35 Chaz's Kabbalah Story 19:34 Benefits of Kabbalah 24:25 Personal Development 28:27 Transformative opportunities 30:28 Outro About Reb Adam Yitzchak Polinovskiy: Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Reb Adam Yitzchak Polinovskiy has had an incredible journey back to his Jewish roots thanks to Kabbalistic Wisdom. Having studied directly under world-leading Kabbalist, Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Gottlieb Shlit"a, Reb Adam has gained the skills and knowledge to help elevate the generation. Reb Adam has gained around 40,000 combined social media followers and flourished a transformational Mindset/Life Coaching practice for CEO's, Founders, and beyond in the past year alone. Reb Adam now resides in Israel with his wife and son. Oh, and he loves schnitzel! Connect with Reb Adam Yitzchak Polinovskiy: RebAdam.com Ig and TikTok @rebadamyitzchak YT @RebAdamYitzchak Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod
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    34 mins