Episodes

  • Have Young Jews Forgotten Who They Are? with Alissa Bernstein and David Hazony

    Have Young Jews Forgotten Who They Are? with Alissa Bernstein and David Hazony
    Nov 13 2024
    What's the matter with kids today? Jewish youth is either the most connected or disconnected demographic of the Jewish population. If you're ages 18 - 35, you're a part of an inconsistent international community that can't decide on a lot of things. Most of all, you may be confused about your past and how relevant your upbringings are to today. David Hazony and Alissa Bernstein are from Z3, a zionist thinktank rethinking the future of the American-Israeli relationship. Bernstein and Hazony work together to engage with Jewish youth across America. They help Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, understand the young Jewish professional landscape along with the implications and impacts of the recent US election. The Z3 Conference (FREE) Sign up here - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/z3-conference-2024-tickets-945746562427 Alissa's essay can be found in the book Young Zionist Voices available on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DMSZ4WSQ/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MZP0EzFzNCxNo628m9fzW2t7IwTZ9jRsDL3wjFkSVdfEDPdowIzFtpyH4XUsU1Be6kwY74UFMmwn27r2ehs3FQ.by1MiXXgJL1CayaH45haZs1WjcqcqQXZZxbtBVOaACc&dib_tag=se&keywords=young+zionist+voices&qid=1731453054&sr=8-1 00:00 Introduction - Alissa Bernstein 03:19 Introduction - David Hazony 06:39 Jewish assimilation 10:25 Religious journeys 15:06 Young people resist rising antisemitism 20:37 Anti-Zionism: Organized, influential, and societal impact 21:50 coexistence is essential. 27:21 Outspoken Zionists on college campuses 28:20 The rolls of internet trolls 32:32 Modern Maccabees 38:18 Refocus energy on educating disconnected communities 40:08 Young Jewish professional identity amidst turbulence About Alissa Bernstein: Alissa Bernstein is the Assistant Director of AJC Los Angeles, where she manages the region's political outreach and legislative advocacy and interfaith and intergroup coalition building. In her role, she is responsible for deepening and expanding the office's political relationships on a local, State and Federal level, testifying in front of local offices to support ordinances which protect and empower the Jewish community, meeting with State officials to support legislation that enhances Holocaust and Genocide education and improves hate crimes reporting systems across the state, and building relationships with members of Congress to support legislation that safeguards the Jewish community and Israel's security. Alissa is dedicated to reaching outside of the Jewish community to build bridges with other cultural and religious groups in the region, including the Black, Latino, AAPI, LGBTQ+, Indian, and many other communities. Alissa is also a contributing author to the Z3 Project’s upcoming book, Young Zionist Voices, and was a 2024 nominee for the Z3 Bridge Builder Award. Alissa graduated Cum Laude from Occidental College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in Spanish. She is passionate about fighting antisemitism at home and abroad through education, policy, and long-term relationship building. About David Hazony: David Hazony is the Director and Steinhardt Senior Fellow of the Z3 Institute for Jewish Priorities. He edited the book Jewish Priorities: Sixty-Five Proposals for the Future of Our People (Wicked Son, 2023), and, more recently, Young Zionist Voices: A New Generation Speaks Out (Wicked Son, 2024). He lives in Jerusalem. Learn more at jewishpriorities.com and z3project.org. Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod
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    41 mins
  • Why Do Mentors Matter for Jews? with Cari Uslan

    Why Do Mentors Matter for Jews? with Cari Uslan
    Nov 6 2024
    **This episode is our FIRST-EVER SPONSORED EPISODE! Keep scrolling for more information. Scroll further down for details!** Being a Jew is difficult. Being anyone is difficult but the difficulties of existing as a Jew in this turbulent world is ever more clear, especially after October 7th, 2023. It's nearly impossible to navigate this world alone and that's why mentors exist. Cari Uslan of Jewish Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Los Angeles knows this too well. She helps run an organization built on making life more manageable. 'Littles' get assigned 'bigs' and vice versa, all to clear the fog that is reality. Uslan elaborates on the Jewish approach to mentorship in this special episode of Bad Jew. 00:00 Introduction AND sponsor message 06:26 Jewish identity is inescapable; mentors guide. 07:15 Mentors expand worldview, crucial for personal growth. 10:44 Mentors inspire transformative growth and opportunities. 15:22 Impactful Jewish mentorship changes lives positively. 20:07 Commitment-focused vetting and support for mentors. 21:02 Mentorship: Supportive guidance, friendship, showing up. 25:24 Giving time enriches mentors and community. 28:22 Excited partnership offers mentorship resources, visit jbbsla.org. About Cari Uslan: Cari B. Uslan has been a nonprofit leader for over 20 years. In 2016, Ms. Uslan joined Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles (JBBBSLA). Currently serving in her third year as Chief Executive Officer; she spent two years as the Executive Vice President, and two years as the Vice President of Development. As Executive Vice President, Ms. Uslan was responsible for overseeing Camp Bob Waldorf, College Access + Success, and the Development department. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, she was integral in transitioning JBBBSLA’s in-person programming to virtual programming and ensuring that all youth and their families being served by the agency were being fully supported by JBBBSLA. Ms. Uslan has also led the organization through financial challenges. Her focus on new fundraising efforts, increased communication, and creative outreach strategies ensured a lower than anticipated deficit in 2020, 2021, and 2022. She also led JBBBSLA through difficult employee transitions. Under Ms. Uslan’s leadership, JBBBSLA created the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) committee that is comprised of a diverse group of staff members representing all staffing levels in the agency. In all cases, her adept leadership and open communication has allowed the organization to overcome the current challenges and continue to grow in the future. Prior to JBBBSLA, Ms. Uslan worked at MAZON, developing their national fundraising strategy to fight hunger in the U.S. and Israel. Ms. Uslan also served as a Development Officer for Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Ms. Uslan is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and has served on several nonprofit boards. Connect with Cari Uslan: https://www.jbbbsla.org/contact-us/ IG @JBBBSLA YouTube: @JBBBSofLA FB: https://www.facebook.com/jbbbsla SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE: JEWISH BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS OF LOS ANGELES! Become a big today! JBBBSLA.org/mentorship Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod
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    30 mins
  • How Should Jews Vote This Election? with Z.E. Silver

    How Should Jews Vote This Election? with Z.E. Silver
    Nov 5 2024
    DISCLAIMER: This podcast does not reflect any affiliation with either party and the opinions expressed in this episode do not reflect the opinions of either speaker's affiliation with any organization. It's time to vote. For some, they rush to the polls excited to cast their ballot. For others, it's a day of dread. Jews this year are a particularly divided demographic. Who is ultimately better? The progressive values that come with Kamala Harris's campaign or the right-wing values that red lines in support of Zionism with Donald Trump? Z.E. Silver is a well-known TikToker and educator on various social media platforms. His work has often attracted both the left and the right in the Jewish community as he has defended Zionism, exposed truths, and debated other content creators online. Chaz Volk has the privilege of learning from him as he gets ready to cast his vote. 00:00 Shalom Chaverim 04:12 Community strengthens Jewish identity and personal growth. 09:11 Vote based on personal values and priorities. 13:00 Witnessing conflict shifted perceptions about idealism. 16:47 Realized Russia was adversary; foreign policy divided. 19:21 Parties converging: Both extremes mirror each other. 23:56 Diaspora Jews thrive with strong democratic leadership. 25:03 America offers unparalleled religious and individual freedom. 30:59 She loses due to declining Jewish support. 34:56 October 7th: Globally defining moment; Israel-Gaza conflict transformed. 36:06 Stalemate until unexpected war; dominoes falling. 39:59 Increased minority support for Trump after October 7th. 45:13 System prevents demagogues and mob rule nationally. 47:11 Thankful for analysis; crucial election's impact. About Z.E. Silver: Zach has worked for the Jewish people his entire life from being a camp counselor and youth group leader to serving as a volunteer and now a Jewish professional for over six years across three different organizations. His education in international affairs and political science along with his experience working in professional politics combined with time spent in the for-profit realm has uniquely shaped his worldview. Over the last year, he has been creating content hoping to educate others on the intricacies of Judaism, Jewish culture, Israel, Zionism, U.S. Politics, and International Relations. He amassed 27,000 followers on TikTok and over 350 subscribers on his Substack, Gam v'Gam. Connect with Z.E. Silver: TikTok @silver_z.e GamVGam.substack.com Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod
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    49 mins
  • Does Jewish Matchmaking Work? with Gabi Koyenov

    Does Jewish Matchmaking Work? with Gabi Koyenov
    Oct 30 2024
    Dating is a stressful and exhausting process. It's often romanticized (no pun intended) as this cutesy, lovely gathering when really it's a trial in the spotlight of your future that determines EVERYTHING. It's daunting. Luckily Jewish matchmaking (also known as the shidduch system) makes that process easier... right? Wrong. Gabi Koyenov, licensed therapist and host of the GKP Podcast, tells us his nightmare story of the long, high-pressure and seemingly forced experience he went through to find his wife. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, commiserates with Koyenov, as he too is familiar with the judgmental world that can be Jewish dating. Tune in for the full story! 00:00 Introduction 04:48 Curiosity of the Shidduch System 06:53 Orthodox Jewish marriage process explained 12:03 LGBTQ? 14:41 Judgement from family 16:10 Hindering potential 20:06 Repeated vetting 25:31 First impressions 28:21 Irrational, yet rational fear of poor matchmaking. 29:19 Lack of romance severely impacted my mental health. 35:05 Acknowledges flaws, but praises shadow system's benefits. 35:34 Singles experience gridlock; community leaders must act. About Gabi Koyenov: Gabi is a natural empath with a love for people. His care and curiosity creates a safe and inviting space where growth, healing, and discovery occurs. Additionally, Gabi is driven by a passion for psychology and helping other. Along with a hard working attitude, this has lead to him graduating his dual master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling with summa cum laude honors. He prides himself on being a life long learner and is on the cutting edge of treatment. Gabi’s approach is unique, high quality, clinically proven, and always puts you first. Connect with Gabi Koyenov: Podcast: The GKP Podcast IG @journey_with_gabi www.TheMensTherapyStudio.com www.youtube.com/@gabikoyenov Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod
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    39 mins
  • What Is The Real Story of Simchat Torah? with Ben Berger

    What Is The Real Story of Simchat Torah? with Ben Berger
    Oct 23 2024
    Are the high holidays over yet? NOPE! We got one more (two more if you count Shemini Etzeret - the holiday where we ask God for rain). Mainly, Simchat Torah is everyone's focus. This festive holiday is about joy! But how can we be fully joyous a year into a post October 7th reality? Actor and comedian Ben Berger jumps back onto the podcast, talking happiness, laughter, l'chaims, and dancing! This sense of profound Jewish joy is shred with Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew. Ben Berger and Chaz Volk collaborate to teach Judaism, spread joy, and inspire around the idea of starting anew! 00:00 Introduction 07:59 Chaz is leaving for Israel... again... for a year! 10:19 Jewish joy persists through dark times 15:45 Simchat Torah 2024 18:49 Unique traditions 22:39 Studying Torah 26:05 Torah relevance 26:55 Partnering up to study Torah About Ben Berger: Connect with Ben Berger: IG and TikTok @BenBererBaby Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod
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    30 mins
  • Why Do Jews Shake Sticks and Fruits? with Rabbi Yitz Jacobs

    Why Do Jews Shake Sticks and Fruits? with Rabbi Yitz Jacobs
    Oct 16 2024
    Sukkot is upon us! Does that mean we like camping? Well we do but this holiday is less about camping and more about commemorating the 40 years Jews lived in temporary shelters while wandering the desert on the way to Israel, their promised land. On this holiday, when you actually enter this holy "shack" you come across a ritual of waving around fruits and sticks... If it's your first time witnessing this, you must agree that this is a bizarre ritual. Rabbi Yitz Jacobs of MyAishLA and Aish Los Angeles helps us understand the deeper meaning behind this highly choreographed ritual. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, goes beyond the joy of building the sukkah in order to understand the movements and philosophies behind this act. 00:00 Introduction 06:11 High holiday breakdown by purpose 09:15 Divine protection and dependency 10:33 Beyond the "shack" 16:07 6-dimensional 19:37 Feminine perfection 23:24 Unity with God through tradition 25:07 Tree of Life 28:42 World-building About Rabbi Yitz Jacobs: Rabbi Yitz Jacobs grew up in one of the only secular sections of Long Island. He earned a BS in Biology at Cornell University, and is still repenting for the freshman dorm experience. He then stayed on at Cornell and earned a Masters in Public Administration. He often wonders why, after spending all that money at Cornell, they’re still trying to get more out of him. After working in technology consulting for two years in Washington D.C. for Booz-Allen and Hamilton, he decided to do what every Jewish boy dreams of doing after being in the work force—go back to graduate school! Upon acceptance to University of Virginia Law school, he quit his job and took a quick detour to the holy land for a “three hour cruise.” He ended up staying for six years and earning his Rabbinical degree from Aish. R. Jacobs is married to his wonderful wife, Chavi Jacobs, and has 5 beautiful children. Connect with Rabbi Yitz Jacobs: Follow him on FB and IG @myaishla Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod
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    32 mins
  • Why Do We Fast? with Rabbi Ari Averbach

    Why Do We Fast? with Rabbi Ari Averbach
    Oct 9 2024
    Yom Kippur is notorious for the strenuous difficult key feature task of fasting for 25 hours. Beyond just getting the rumbles in your tummy, starving for prolonged periods of time with no water leads to headaches, fatigue, and a lack of ability to focus. So how could it possible do any good for a time when we must reflect and pray? Rabbi Ari Averbach is no stranger to the importance of this act. Whether it's the high holidays or another fasting day, Rabbi Averbach brings attention to the deeper meaning of this holy ritual. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, learns from Ari, who now heads the synagogue that Chaz grew up in. Learn from Rabbi Ari Averbach and Chaz Volk in order to add more depth to your high holidays. 00:00 Introduction 04:13 Blending storytelling, Torah, and life's pivotal moments 07:52 Understanding Yom Kippur's significance and practices discussed 12:18 Modern Judaism evolved beyond original Torah teachings 14:51 Yom Kippur fasting questioned for focus validity 17:08 Deciding between comfort and traditional discomfort 22:14 Yom Kippur questions identity in face of death 25:01 Purim and Yom Kippur: Reflection, celebration, identity 28:18 Facing death daily, alleviated by prayer reflections 30:34 Stoicism and reflection: growth through difficult situations 34:41 Conclusion About Rabbi Ari Averbach: Rabbi Ari Averbach has served as Senior Rabbi at Temple Etz Chaim since July 2019. Rabbi Averbach grew up in Agoura Hills, a student of the public schools and Los Angeles Hebrew High School. He graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, spending several years working in film and television. His volunteering, especially with Jewish World Watch, a non-profit organization fighting genocide in Darfur and Congo, changed his career path. Through this work, he was a guest lecturer at dozens of synagogues, churches, schools and summer camps around Southern California. Rabbi Averbach was ordained at AJU’s Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles, where he was presented the Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence and was honored to be elected the class speaker. During school, he earned certification in chaplaincy at Children’s Hospital, and served as the rabbinic intern at Valley Beth Shalom in Encino. Rabbi Averbach previously served as Assistant Rabbi at Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook, Illinois, and volunteered as a chaplain at local hospitals. He was the founding leader of the Rabbinical Assembly affinity group for Assistant Rabbis and served as Treasurer of the local RA chapter. He was featured on CBS News, quoted in the New York Times, and was a contributor to Says You. As a family, Ari, his wife Vanessa, a high school English teacher, and their three children, spend free time going for long walks, doing crossword puzzles and riding bikes. Connect with Rabbi Ari Averbach: www.TempleEtzChaim.org Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod
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    38 mins
  • Remembering October 7th with Lee Sasi, Ben Berger, and Chaz Volk (The Los Angeles Nova Exhibit)

    Remembering October 7th with Lee Sasi, Ben Berger, and Chaz Volk (The Los Angeles Nova Exhibit)
    Oct 7 2024
    October 7th, 2023 will always be notorious for being the greatest massacre in Jewish history since the holocaust. Everything changed after that Simchat Torah. In the epicenter of this terrible day was the Nova Festival. This music festival was famous for being a "nature party" filled with love, laughter, diversity, and memories that would last a lifetime. This beautiful experience quickly became the source for thousands of attendees' traumas as Hamas terrorists breached the border and massacred anyone in their site. The attendees of this festival were no exception. Lee Sasi was one of the survivors from this harrowing day. Having survived under near impossible circumstances, Sasi was changed forever. She nearly lost her life and her survival is nothing short of a miracle. This particular episode comes at a relevant time as we pass the 1 year anniversary of the October 7th massacre. The war that was started by this tragic day still continues in the Gaza strip, and now Lebanon. Chaz Volk collaborates with comedian Ben Berger to hear the full testimony of Lee Sasi. This interview with recorded in the Los Angeles Nova Exhibit. Special thanks to the LA Nova Exhibit for letting us record in their studio. For more information, go to: https://www.novaexhibition.com/ 00:00 Trigger warning 05:09 A chance encounter 11:42 Going to Nova with family 18:09 Getting to the bomb shelter 21:00 Proximity of Gaza 29:22 The ultimate sacrifice 35:24 Surviving in the shelter 37:27 Mentally escaping the chaos 45:33 Dehumanization 48:32 Numb 56:45 Chaz's recent experiences in Israel 58:41 Remembering Kibbutz Be'eri 01:04:16 Delays from the war 01:11:45 The Nova Community 01:17:05 Honoring lives lost; deep gratitude for participation. Connect with Lee Sasi: IG @leesasi
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    1 hr and 18 mins