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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
[email protected]
Ig @BadJewPod
TikTok @BadJewPod -
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<sid=6461bc56-69f4-40fc-bd13-c7b9c6f97b78
Connect with Bad Jew:
BadJew.co
https://linktr.ee/badjew
[email protected]
Ig @BadJewPod
TikTok @BadJewPod -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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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
[email protected]
Ig @BadJewPod
TikTok @BadJewPod -
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
[email protected]
Ig @BadJewPod
TikTok @BadJewPod -
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
[email protected]
Ig @BadJewPod
TikTok @BadJewPod -
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
[email protected]
Ig @BadJewPod
TikTok @BadJewPod -
Let's be real. Tattoos look cool. Some tattoos are questionable and regrettable later in life. But ultimately, who doesn't want a tattoo? It's also important to acknowledge that Jews and tattoos haven't always had the best relationship given our survival story. Despite this, it's been well-known that Jews can't have tattoos. What if we told you that's not true?
Chabad Rabbi Dovid Braslawsce hails from the Yiddishkeit communities of the East Coast to teach why tattoos are actually acceptable. You read that correctly. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, gets his preconceived notions challenged by this new school of thought most have never considered before. Learn the actual rules and semantics of the Torah around the hot-button topic of tattoos with Chaz and 'The Tattoo Rabbi'!
About Rabbi Dovid Braslawsce:
Dovid, originally from the trucker-stop town of Beaver, Pennsylvania, where his family stood as the lone Jewish presence among its 4 thousand inhabitants, navigated a childhood marked by boundless energy and frequent mischief, lacking kosher avenues to express his authentic self. However, his trajectory shifted after being exposed to both Chabad and Mixed Martial Arts during his time in university.
Today, known affectionately as the Tattoo Rabbi, Dovid calls Crown Heights, New York home, dedicating himself to dual pursuits: G-d and the discipline of martial arts. By day, he serves as the Happiness Manager for Chabad.org, while his evenings are devoted to leading a self-defense program for men in Crown Heights. He also travels internationally to campuses and communities to share his story, give encouragement, and teach what it means to be a strong and proud Jew.
His overarching purpose lies in inspiring and empowering individuals, irrespective of their religiosity, to embrace and take ownership of their Yiddishkeit.
00:00 Introduction to Rabbi Dovid Braslawsce
06:06 Can Jews Have Tattoos?
09:09 Jewish cemeteries laws around tattoos
12:02 Bible origin of the law
14:34 Holocaust survivors and the Jewish relationship with tattoos
18:27 Life and death situations
24:57 Meaningful decisions for tattoos
28:42 Tattoo removal
30:21 Expressing Jewish identity in action
32:43 Conclusion
Connect with Rabbi Dovid Braslawsce
IG @tattoo_rabbi
Connect with Bad Jew:
BadJew.co
https://linktr.ee/badjew
[email protected]
Ig @BadJewPod
TikTok @BadJewPod -
It's Purim! The holiday when Jews dress up in fun costumes, eat cookies, read stories of Jewish revolt, and drink tons of alcohol. Sound accurate to your experience? What if we told you all of that was untrue?
Rabbi Raps returns to the podcast to teach the truth behind the beloved holiday of Purim. Join host and birthday boy, Chaz Volk, as he learns about the deeper meaning behind our rituals, the several layers of the Megillah reading, and the relevant part Purim plays in our day-to-day lives as Jews.
00:00 Introduction and birthday blessing to the guest and audience
05:01 The nature of Jewish holidays
08:52 What Values Does Purim Embrace?
12:54 Jews and Alcohol
16:02 The Megillah Reading
18:56 G-d's presence in the Megillah Reading
20:42 The Jewish Empowerment Story
23:17 Hidden Layers of Meaning
29:01 The Rebbe's Final Thoughts on Purim
29:54 Conclusion
About Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport:
Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport, AKA @RabbiRaps Rabbi, Influencer, Film Maker & Motivational Speaker. The TikTok Rebbe. With more than 330k followers across Instagram and Tictok and videos with Millions of views, @Rabbiraps is one of the fastest-growing Jewish social media influencers in the world today.
"Community Rabbi becomes an Influencer by accident. Since 2016 Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport has served as the Spiritual Leader of the Chabad at the shore in Atlantic County, NJ. He is a graduate of the Rabbinical College of America and received his Rabbinical Ordination in 2003. In 2021, during the COVID-19 epidemic, Rabbi Rapoport began creating videos to communicate with his community. After a few videos went viral, he realized the power of social media and began creating content on a daily basis."
Connect with Rabbi Raps:
IG and TikTok @RabbiRaps
Connect with Bad Jew:
BadJew.co
https://linktr.ee/badjew
[email protected]
Ig @BadJewPod
TikTok @BadJewPod -
Are the Jewish people united? It may seem like a simple question but it's not. Before October 7th, the Knesset faced a great division among its people. During the 96th Academy Awards, we saw Jewish filmmakers speaking against Israel. Among Jews, we see labels and identifiers to help tell our ethnic story. Depending on the context, that label can be used in a negative.
In this thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Yaacov Haber discusses with Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, to discuss the identity crisis and compromise that is Jewish identity. Rabbi Haber goes in-depth on the multifaceted nature and opinions of Jewish identity, from the front lines in Israel to the international diaspora, and the complex but beautiful symphony of individual roles contributing to the grander Jewish narrative.
00:00 Introduction to Rabbi Yaacov Haber
04:17 Are Jews United?
06:45 Diverse opinions in democracy and Judaism's disunity
11:23 The relevance and value of every Jew
13:38 Unity within division
19:31 International opinions of Israel
22:02 Peace
24:27 Reaction to antisemtism
28:38 Being a light unto nations
30:27 Conclusion
About Rabbi Yaacov Haber:
Since 1978, Rabbi Yaacov Haber has been a leading figure in the global Jewish community, with a rich history of leadership in education and spiritual guidance. His journey includes founding the Australian Institute of Torah, revitalizing the Jewish community in Buffalo, New York, serving as National Director of Jewish Education for the Orthodox Union, and playing a pivotal role in the Association of Jewish Outreach Programs (AJOP), where he furthered Jewish outreach and education. Notably, Rabbi Haber also served as the Rav of Congregation Bais Torah in Monsey, New York. Today, Rabbi Haber is the Rav and Spiritual Leader of Kehillat Shivtei Yeshurun in Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel. His ongoing role at Shivtei Yeshurun represents a significant chapter in a career dedicated to fostering Jewish learning, community, and spiritual growth. Rabbi Haber is also the President of Mosaica Press and an author of numerous impactful works, continuing his lifelong commitment to Jewish education and enrichment.
Connect with Rabbi Yaacov Haber:
www.YaacovHaber.com
@RabbiYaacovHaber
Connect with Bad Jew:
BadJew.co
https://linktr.ee/badjew
[email protected]
Ig @BadJewPod
TikTok @BadJewPod -
Jews are not white! How many times do we need to tell you this? If you're not a Jew and are listening to this episode, you probably have the image of a Fiddler-on-the-Roof-looking fellow (called a Chassid). While they are certainly real, they're not the only ones. Despite being in the minority of Jewish diversity, they are given most of the spotlight. Let's fix that problem.
In this episode of Bad Jew we interview members of The LUNAR Collective, the only organization by and for Asian American Jews! Maryam Chishti, Vanessa Bloom, and David Chiu highlight the feats of the organization while discussing their personal experiences as Asian-American Jews. Host of Bad Jew Chaz Volk uncovers the Asian-Jewish experience and their contribution to the Jewish world.
Timeline:
00:00 : Introduction
06:37 The LUNAR COLLECTIVE
07:17 Asian-Jewish Community
12:33 Stereotypes
15:14 Self-Identification, Tradition
20:06 The Lunar Calendar
21:03 Double meaning of "LUNAR"
27:01 The Asian-Jewish experience
32:55 Diaspora Jews
34:39 Connecting with non-Jewish Asians
37:46 Conclusion
About LUNAR:
A bit about LUNAR: The LUNAR Collective cultivates connection, belonging and visibility for Asian American Jews through intersectional community programming and authentic digital storytelling.
About Maryam Chishti:
Maryam Chishti is the proud Co-Executive Director of The LUNAR Collective, the first and only organization for Asian American Jews. She is a graduate of JoCI's Inaugural Leadership Fellowship and is currently a fellow at The Ruskay Institute at UJA. Outside of LUNAR, Maryam runs a Moishe House in New York and is passionate about democratic politics and theater. She performs improv and sketch comedy, and enjoys creative writing as well.
About Vanessa Bloom:
Vanessa Bloom a Chinese Jewish American writer, educator, and filmmaker from Orange County, California. Her work has been featured in HeyAlma, The Braid Jewish Theater, NFFTY, South Eastern European Film Festival, Mixed Asian Media Festival, and more. In addition to creative pursuits, Vanessa earned her B.A. and teaching credential in History, and she is a Los Angeles Community Leader for The LUNAR Collective. Vanessa loves mystery novels, sushi, and copious amounts of Jewish humor.
About David Chiu:
David Chiu, of Litvak and Cantonese heritage, is the Marketing & Communications Manager for The Braid, the go-to Jewish story company. He is a producer on its storytelling web-series, StoryNosh, as well as a frequent writer for its stage productions. David is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Temple Isaiah, a social-justice oriented West Los Angeles synagogue, where he co-founded its Young Professionals Group, is the Chair of its Voter Engagement Group, is a member of its Green Team and Social Justice Committee, and received its 2019 Emerging Leader Award. He is a Los Angeles Community Leader for The LUNAR Collective, a national organization of Asian Jews creating community and visibility, creating numerous events and having served on the creation committee of LUNAR's Asian Jewish Haggadah. Together, LUNAR and The Braid are creating What Do I Do with All This Heritage? — the first theatre show to explore the lives of Asian Jews. David is the lead producer of that production. He also serves on the Board of Directors of California Interfaith Power & Light, an environmental activist organization.
Connect with LUNAR
www.WeAreAsianJews.org
Connect with Bad Jew:
BadJew.co
https://linktr.ee/badjew
[email protected]
Ig @BadJewPod
TikTok @BadJewPod -
The movie, One Love, the Bob Marley biopic, just came out which has people looking closer at the Rastafari culture. Putting the culture into the spotlight, many have noticed the undeniable ties between their religion and Jewish themes. Jewish organizations have jumped onto the trend of asking, and even claiming, that Bob Marley was Jewish. Whether or not this is true is trivial. What's more valuable is the discovery of Jewish and Jamaican ties and how oppression brought them together.
As a full-time Jewish advocate, Tyler Samuels sheds light on the little-known history of Jamaican Jews and the isolating experience of being a black Jew. From the secret crypto Jews of the Spanish Inquisition to the influences on Rastafari culture and the intriguing story of a Jewish pirate, Samuels offers an exciting exploration of Jamaican Jewish history. Don't miss out on this eye-opening episode that will challenge preconceptions and celebrate the diversity within Jewish culture.
Timeline:
00:00 Introduction to Tyler Samuels
03:45 The Spanish Inquisition
07:07 Colonies and the spread of oppression
09:25 Pirates
15:23 Jewish persecution in Iberia and colonies.
16:18 Defining Genocide
21:21 Rastafarian culture is influenced by Jewish symbols.
24:35 Personal experiences
26:39 Conclusion
About Tyler Samuels:
Tyler Samuels is the creator of the social media account BluntBlackJew. He was the Campus Development Lead at Hillel BC Society. Tyler was also a fellow for the Union of Reform Judaism’s Jews of Color Leadership Fellowship and a Jewish Federation of North America Changemakers Fellow for Aspiring Leaders. Through Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, Tyler teaches Jews and non-Jews Caribbean Jewish & general Jewish history and life as a Black Jew.
Connect with Tori Greene
IG: @bluntblackjew
Connect with Bad Jew:
BadJew.co
https://linktr.ee/badjew
[email protected]
Ig @BadJewPod
TikTok @BadJewPod -
Shabbat, the weekly holiday that Jews practice to break from the everyday grind of life, can change drastically depending on who leads it. Factors that can impact your Shabbat experience can rely on the shull you attended, whose home you're in, the experience of the leader, the cultural background, etc. There are so many experiences that come with Shabbat; One has to ask - What is the right Shabbat vibe?
Host of Bad Jew, Chaz Volk, is joined by talented singer and Rabbi-In-Training Tori Greene to get break down the proper 'vibe' of Shabbat. Greene discusses and even sings the niguns and melodies that help us explore the traditions encompassing Kabbalat Shabbat. She delves into rituals and practices of Shabbat emphasizing what makes it so integral to Jewish tradition. Tune in to this playful and insightful episode that sheds light on the influence of music that welcomes the Sabbath.
00:00 Introduction to Tori Greene
05:44 Intention of Shabbat
08:06 Diversity of Jewish music
11:52 What is Kabbalat Shabbat
13:56 Participating in Jewish prayer
19:07 Meaning behind the structure of prayer
25:15 Shabbat observance
28:14 Various melodies and their intention
33:14 Keva vs. Kavanaugh
34:16 Expressing gratitude
About Tori Greene:
Tori Greene is a proud Latina-Jew. She’s an innovator, community builder, and collaborator. She is passionate about impacting the Jewish world by creating spaces for exploration and belonging, from leading twelve Birthright trips to heading the first-ever Moishe Pod to launching the Miami hub for OneTable. As a passionate educator for all things Israel and Jewish, she runs an Instagram page in hopes of being a strong voice for liberal Zionism. You can follow her at @DivreiTori
Tori understands that music has the power to bring people in. It connects us through our hearts and our souls and provides feelings of joy and belonging. Currently pursuing Rabbinical ordination with a dual master’s in Nonprofit Management at Hebrew Union College, she invites individuals to consider how the wisdom of our Jewish tradition helps us find meaning and purpose in our lives through a modern lens while weaving in music that calls to yearning Jewish souls.
Connect with Tori Greene
IG: @divreitori
Connect with Bad Jew:
BadJew.co
https://linktr.ee/badjew
[email protected]
Ig @BadJewPod
TikTok @BadJewPod -
It's Valentine's Day, the day that all people either adore or despise depending on whether or not they are single (or whether or not they're in a good relationship). Love is an abstract concept. There certainly are easy-to-spot actions that lovers take like giving and receiving affection, doing favors for each other, exchanging gifts, and even verbally saying "I love you." But how those feelings develop and how they change over time is an intangible emotion that no one has ever perfectly mastered.Rabbi Melinda Bernstein is a freelance Rabbi who regularly officiates weddings and helps guide the spirituality that couples can struggle to tap into. Bernstein guides us through the evolution of relationships, the art of communication, and the pursuit of a soulmate. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, learns about Rabbi Melinda's reframing of "roadblocks" to "road walks" in relational paths; She shares her personal experiences and Kabbalistic insights on being a vessel for divine energy.Episode Timeline:00:00 Introduction to Rabbi Melinda Bernstein.06:20 Choosing to heal, see passion, be real.08:20 Road walk: conflict resolution through open dialogue.11:01 Navigating inner conflict, seeking connection and guidance.13:21 Kabbalah as conduit to connect with energy.19:13 Seeking deep wisdom and joy in life.20:35 Individual sexual energy and healing vs herd.24:13 Manifesting good or bad outcomes is uncertain.27:51 Seeking love and companionship after 18 years.29:28 Time is precious, make every moment count.About Rabbi Melinda Bernstein:Melinda is a freelance rabbi in Southeast Florida. She was Ordained May 14, 2009 on the sandy beach in Hollywood, Florida. She chose this date in honor of Mother's Day and Israel Independence Day. As a native Floridian, Melinda was born in Miami Beach, was raised Reform Jewish in Dade County, raised children Orthodox Jewish in Broward County, and raised many eyebrows with her open-minded, eclectic & unique Rabbinical style. As a child of the reform movement, Melinda felt bored and uninspired. As a wife and mother, Melinda became a Ba’al Teshuvah in the orthodox lifestyle, which was nourishing yet void of her mystical, musical and shamanic interests. As a divorcee’, Melinda embraced an embodied path and has helped others do the same. Melinda embraces the present as a loving energy between God, her Ancestors, family and beyond. From her life experiences Melinda has found and accessed a loving conduit of energy with God.Melinda's approach to Judaism is anchored with the consciousness of the heart, the passion of the soul, and the delight of knowing the body. Through years of study and practice, Melinda transcends the ordinary and knows how to meet people where they are. Her covenant with God is rooted in compassion, understanding and love upon our neighbors of the earth.Each of us has a unique journey towards redemption and in that journey is a roadmap of our soul work. Learning to map out the road ahead is Melinda’s divine specialty and joy. Read Melinda’s Journey to Redemption and get her free Roadmap to assist you map out the road ahead.Melinda is a devoted mother of two, mother-in-law to one and grandmother of three. Melinda knows that family and faith are at the forefront of every endeavor and in her "free" time, she explores new ways of being best herself. Melinda's approach to Judaism is anchored with the consciousness of the heart, the passion of the soul, and the delight of knowing the body. Through years of study and practice, Melinda transcends the ordinary and knows how to meet people where they are. Her covenant with God is rooted in compassion, understanding and love upon our neighbors of the earth.Personable, professional & easy to work with, Melinda has excellent references!Connect with Rabbi Melinda Bernstein:www.MelindaBernstein.comConnect with Bad Jew:BadJew.cohttps://linktr.ee/[email protected] @BadJewPodTikTok @BadJewPod
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What have we learned after a year? Bad Jew, the podcast has produced content for over a year. 58 episodes later, the show has reached the top 10% of Jewish podcasts by being consistent in Jewish teachings. But has it been consistent in teaching the foundation it was built on? That there is no such thing as a Bad Jew?
Igor Milgram, an entrepreneur from the Bay Area of Northern California, had a similar idea. Wanting to connect the forgotten members of the Jewish community, he put together his personal resources to spread the message that there truly is no such thing as a Bad Jew. He does this by creating spaces to welcome all members no matter what their background is. Milgram's events caught the eye of Bad Jew podcast host Chaz Volk. Chaz and Igor explore the meaning of Bad Jew, Jewish identity, and openly discuss the potential of their comprehensive partnership.
About Igor Milgram:
Igor Milgram – A Jewish Immigrant from Ukraine. Born during the Soviet Union and a Bay Area Resident since he was two years old. Igor has always broken the mold of what was expected of him. Whether it be working at NASA with no degree at 21, becoming Vice President of AEPI at SJSU at 23, starting a Cannabis Infused Beef Jerky Company, or helping run a high-end meat processing company before the age of 30, he has chosen to carve his own path instead of using one set out in front of him. Now a consultant in the cannabis industry, who helps take care of his mother and grandmother, and an active participant in the SF Bay Area Jewish scene, he has started a new project to foster a change in the Jewish Community. By creating SFBadJews he hopes to create a sense of home for all the Jewish People who have been left behind by the Jewish world as it exists currently, change the stereotypes of what society expects a Jewish person to be, and transform what the Jewish world thinks a Good Jew or Bad Jew looks like.
Connect with Igor Milgram:
IG @sfbadjews
Connect with Bad Jew:
BadJew.co
https://linktr.ee/badjew
[email protected]
Ig @BadJewPod
TikTok @BadJewPod -
It's the secular new year which means many of you have taken the time to practice introspection and reflect on what was and what could have been. The need to improve for 2024 is conditioned by the growth mindset we all have. As it turns out, even the Torah is built around a growth mindset.
While many wouldn't initially recognize the Torah as a place to set goals, Rabbi David Schlusselberg helps us realign our thinking. Schlesselberg sits with host, Chaz Volk, to draw from lessons from biblical stories and allow space for personal stories to be shared.
About Rabbi David Schlusselberg:
Rabbi David Schlusselberg is a teacher and the mashgiach ruchani at the Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School in Livingston, NJ. He has been working with teenagers in formal and informal settings for over 15 years. Rabbi Schlusselberg obtained semicha from Yeshiva University, and has a master's degree in Jewish education from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education.
Connect with Rabbi David Schlusselberg
IG @rabbi_david_schlusselberg
TikTok @rabbi.davidschlusselberg
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Have you hugged a tree today? It might be more therapeutic than you think. In one of Judaism's more light-hearted holidays, Tu Bishvat marks a seasonal change full of joy, gratitude, and growth. For humans, it's just another Thursday. For trees, it's their holiest day of the year and/or their new year! With the theme of new beginnings, Jews around the world rejoice in meaningful activity around sweetness and love for nature.Rabbi Levi Begun of Culver City Chabad shares that very appreciation and love for nature. Being that his favorite fruit is the passion fruit and that his favorite animal is the lion, Begun speaks on this show with a comprehensive look at this peaceful celebration. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, peels back the layers and learns of the various degrees of intention behind this love of trees.About Rabbi Levi Begun:With great passion for Judaism, my wife and I together with our 2 little children moved to Culver City, California to join the 220 Chabad centers in California, and 4,000 Chabad centers worldwide.Chabad in Culver City is a center for Jews of all backgrounds who want to learn more about their Jewish roots. Chabad offers a wide variety of educational and spiritual opportunities, including Torah classes and lectures, Shabbat dinners, and an array of family and social activities. Traditional Jewish values are brought to life in a joyous, non-judgmental atmosphere.Guided by the leadership, teachings, and inspirations of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Chabad Lubavitch has set the dictum of “Love your fellow as yourself” as the defining factor in its approach of unconditional acceptance of fellow Jewish people.Chabad treasures the infinite value of every individual and is committed to enriching the lives of everyone through its multiple programs and services. Each individual is encouraged to appreciate the power of our heritage at their own comfortable pace.Chabad serves all segments of the Jewish community. Everyone is welcome regardless of their personal level of religious observance.Participants in our multitude of programs experience the joy and celebration, the intimacy and compassion, the wisdom and knowledge that is inherent in Jewish life and learning. Chabad will use whatever means necessary to bring the message of Torah true Judaism to the children, teens, adults and elderly of the community. Watch the excitement on the faces of the children who partake in our youth programs; ask the hundreds who participate in our events, and you begin to feel an incredible sense of community.We invite you to get involved and take part in our events, activities & classes for all ages! Our doors are always open, welcoming everyone to participate in all that we offer.Our family looks forward to meeting you! Connect with Rabbi Levi Begunwww.JewishCulverCity.comIG @JewishCulverCityConnect with Bad Jew: BadJew.cohttps://linktr.ee/[email protected] @BadJewPodTikTok @BadJewPod
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Do you ever wish you could tell the future? Or have some kind of spiritual mirror that reveals your destiny? Does it ever feel like your life is falling apart because mercury is in retrograde? These are all common expressions and ideas from the secular world; Concepts that mix with Judaism like water and oil, simply having no place in common with Jewish discussion. Then you remember, we do everything off of the lunar calendar. Surely the galaxy is involved somehow which means... it's not a far fetched idea to include astrology into the mix.
In this thought-provoking interview with the esteemed astrologist and historian, Lorelai Kude. Delving into the realm of Jewish astrology, Lorelai provides listeners with a unique perspective on the celestial forces intertwined with Kabbalah and mysticism. As the conversation unfolds, Lorelai sheds light on the intricate connection between zodiac signs and Jewish teachings, offering a fascinating exploration of how ancient wisdom and cosmic energies converge. Listeners are treated to a journey through the lunar calendar's significance in Jewish traditions, revealing how celestial cycles play a pivotal role in the spiritual fabric of Judaism.
About Lorelai Kude:
Lorelai Kude holds a BA in Journalism with a Minor in Religious Studies from San Francisco State University. She received her MA in Jewish Studies from Berkeley’s Graduate Theological Union.
Her thesis “Yesh Mazal l’Yisrael: Astrology in Jewish Cultural History and Identity” explores the rabbinic enterprise’s institutionalization of astrology, despite the legal prohibition against its use in divination.
A professional practicing astrologer for over 30 years and a teacher/ mentor of private astrology students, she writes “Astrolojew”, an internationally syndicated Jewish horoscope column.
Connect with Lorelai Kude:
https://myjewishstars.com/
Connect with Bad Jew:
BadJew.co
https://linktr.ee/badjew
[email protected]
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The spirit of the Jewish people is challenged by the fact that most of us don't have a direct way to participate in this war. Between that simple fact and the negativity spewing off social media, it's easy to fall into a pit of helplessness. It's completely valid to feel down. However...
Shoshanna Stein from @MySoCalledJewishLife is a spiritual warrior. She interviews with the host of Bad Jew, Chaz Volk, to highlight how she fights this war from a pragmatic place. Her passion and efforts are highlighted in her day-to-day as well as in the content she produces. Get inspired by the enlightening vibrations of this episode.
About Shoshanna Stein:
Born into a Chabad family, Shoshanna Stein hails from a highly orthodox background. At 18, she relocated to Israel, she pursued studies in fashion in Tel Aviv where she got her degree.
Shoshanna is a mother of three and is passionate about art, using her experiences to create meaningful and spiritual pieces. Her profound connection to Judaism is evident in her vibrant Jewish life, which combines Chabad and Sephardic influences. A particular focus is the Ki Tov Project, which conveys the belief that everything is essentially good. Now involved in the Hebrew Academy, she aims to bring the Ki Tov Project to schools in Miami and beyond.
Connect with Shoshanna Stein:
https://linktr.ee/mysocalledjewishlife
Connect with Bad Jew:
BadJew.co
https://linktr.ee/badjew
[email protected]
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Israel's strength is once again being challenged in a multi-front war. Everyone's willpower has been tested from the top of government to everyday citizens. Once, it was only the South that was at risk. The general consensus among Israeli citizens is that everyone just has to try and do their part and attempt to carry on with daily life. For the most part, this is doable, and from what many are saying, requires little adjustment. However, Israelis from all corners are seasoned with similar conflicts of past. What about the newer citizens who recently made Aliyah?
Eli Eisenberg used to reside comfortably in sunny Los Angeles, California, where the only thing shaking the ground was the San Andreas Fault. Now he lives miles away from a warzone, where 300,000 reservists remain on standby for orders while forces surgically work their way through the labyrinth of tunnels under Gaza. Chaz, host of Bad Jew, learns about this difficult adjustment with Eisenberg. With Hamas in Eli's backyard, one has to wonder: Was It Worth Moving To Israel?
About Eli Eisenberg:
Eli Eisenberg has more than 40 years of hands on experience in the financial and business management of entrepreneurial companies. From October, 2019, to April 2021, Mr. Eisenberg was CEO of Steril-Aire, a manufacturer of Ultraviolet Germicidal Devices. While at the helm of Steril-Aire, Mr. Eisenberg shepherded the company through a $70 million sale to one of the largest privately held companies in the United States.
As founder and CEO of Straight Line Management™, he specializes in providing financial expertise and mentoring to high-potential early stage companies. Mr. Eisenberg helps them to increase profitability, secure funding, evaluate and capitalize on opportunities, streamline financial operations, and get the financial side of the business under control.
Since launching his Straight Line Management consulting company in 1991, he has served as a trusted advisor to more than 100 early-stage companies across a variety of industries including software and game companies, high and low tech manufacturing companies, wholesale distribution companies, product and services companies.
As CEO and founder of Straight Line Management, Mr. Eisenberg works at the senior level, as a trusted advisor to CEOs, CFOs, Boards and investors. In high-potential companies, he counsels senior management and guides existing staff towards the identification of profitable business opportunities, the solution of complex financial problems, and the development of improved management systems. Mr. Eisenberg is well-known for his expertise in creating financial models on behalf of start-ups and early stage companies seeking outside investment.
Prior to starting Straight Line Management, Mr. Eisenberg served as Chief Financial Officer for three high technology companies, served in senior financial and operational management positions (including VP of Finance and VP of Operations) in several other high growth companies, and established, ran and sold his own successful consumer products company.
Mr. Eisenberg has extensive experience in strategic planning, capital raising strategies, financial management and forecasting, business plan preparation, and development and streamlining of management reporting systems and controls. He received his MBA from the University of California, Berkeley in 1976 and became a Certified Public Accountant in the State of California is 1978.
Connect with Eli Eisenberg:
LinkedIn: Eli Eisenberg
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BadJew.co
https://linktr.ee/badjew
[email protected]
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Surely you've heard the chant "Free Palestine" but have you asked yourself What is Palestine? It'd be irresponsible not to do your research. Perhaps you'd be surprised to learn it was never a state but rather a land. You may also be surprised to learn that Jews, Christians, and Arabs alike were once called Palestinian. What regional features define the land of Palestine and what are we 'freeing'? Who are we giving the freedom to anyway?
These are all such important questions to ask, especially after October 7th brought international attention to the land. Liel Kopell hails from Haifa, Israel to bring light to this confusion. But how do we know it's not propaganda? Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, interviews and even debates the material and opinions of Mr. Kopell while uncovering the truth behind Palestine and its relation to Israel.
About Liel Kopell:
Liel Kopell, known as MrKopell, is a 23-year-old Israeli TikToker who lives in Israel, a true patriot of his country, enlisted to the Israel Defense Forces and served in the Navy despite having suffered a severe knee injury in his youth. After the atrocities of October 7th, Liel decided to open a Tiktok page and confront pro-Palestinians around the world to voice the Israeli perspective while providing unique insights that many haven't considered.
Follow Liel Kopell:
IG: @mr.kopell
TikTok: @mrkopellnew
Contact Bad Jew:
BadJew.co
https://linktr.ee/badjew
[email protected]
Ig @BadJewPod
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