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Bad Jew

Bad Jew

Mr. Thrive Media

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: [email protected] Brand partnership: [email protected] IG: @badjewpod TikTok: @badjewpod
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Top 10 Bad Jew Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Bad Jew episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Bad Jew for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Bad Jew episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

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

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Bad things keep on happening to good people. In what world is that acceptable and how could God let that happen? People who are suffering and undergo unsurmountable levels of pain struggle with this question all of the time. Many lose their belief in God over this question. For others, it strengthens their connection to God.

Rabbi Asher Resnick has gone through a lot in his life, yet he's a great person. Rabbi Resnick is no stranger to pain. He has dealt with things that you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. Drawing for Torah and Jewish teachings, Resnick shares his wisdom with Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, easing the minds of those who listen ensuring that there's something bigger happening.

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

09:06 Dealing with suffering deepened my faith

13:03 Life distracts from feeling God's unconditional love

15:28 Focus on future

18:07 Using trauma to make the world better

22:44 Judaism emphasizes choice and finding life's meaning

24:45 Finding hope again

30:38 Success from trauma and resilience

32:12 Conclusion

About Rabbi Asher Resnick:

Rabbi Asher Resnick was born and raised in LA, and graduated from UCLA with a BA in Psychology. He received rabbinic ordination from Aish HaTorah and the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. He served as a senior lecturer at the Institute of Jewish Legal and Medical Ethics in San Francisco, and at the Aish HaTorah Branch in New York.

Rabbi Resnick is currently one of the Educational Coordinators of Aish’s Executive Learning Center, and a senior training lecturer for Aish HaTorah’s Rabbinical Ordination program. As a close student of the late Rabbi Noach Weinberg zt”l, he developed a special expertise in addressing fundamental issues in Judaism, as well as in bringing classical texts to life. He established his JewishClarity.com website to make his wealth of material accessible to a far wider audience.

Connect with Rabbi Asher Resnick:

Buy "Pain is a Reality, Suffering is a Choice": https://www.amazon.com/Pain-Reality-S...

Learn more about Rabbi Asher Resnick at https://yeshiva.aish.com/meet-our-staff/

Connect with Bad Jew:

BadJew.co

https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

TikTok @BadJewPod

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All Yeshivas are notoriously known for giving life-changing education. Teaching Judaism with a higher kind of discipline while embedding principles to live by is not something that happens overnight. You hear of people that stay for a week. You hear of people that stay for years. But does it really provide you with ALL the tools you need in life?

Daniel Mouyal is known for his collaborations with musicians like Kosha Dillz. Before the reputation we know today, he desired a complete 180 in his life. He went to Yeshiva and has since thrived off the Torah's teachings while paving his own path. Did Yeshiva teach him EVERYTHING? He discusses this with Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, to highlight his experiences and truth.

00:00 Introduction

03:57 Daniel's pursuits

07:34 A year at Yeshiva

13:52 Seek power through selfless prayer

15:19 Stories of Yeshiva part 1

20:13 Stories from Yeshiva part 2

20:50 Joys of not knowing

25:14 Conclusion

About Daniel Mouyal:

Daniel Mouyal is 28 years old and resides in Miami, Florida. He is known for his music and does stand up comedy and acting.

Connect with Daniel Mouyal:

www.linktr.ee/danielmouyal

Connect with Bad Jew:

BadJew.co

https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

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WE FINALLY RECEIVED THE TORAH! Time to enjoy the taste of milk and honey. But why? Can our Jewish stomachs really handle all of that dairy and what are we actually celebrating when we look at the history of the Torah - the constant tug-of-war we have with the values God laid out for us? Have we, an exiled people, really earned a celebration?

Sruly Meyer, known for his incredible online recipes, embraces Shavuot - his favorite out of all of the favorite holidays. Aside from it being a tasty holiday, Meyer highlights how the Torah is our marriage contract and how our relationship with God has been "on a break" and why. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, enjoys an educational 30 minutes of learning why Shavuot stands as one of the most unique metaphysical experiences.

00:00 Introduction

05:58 Our relationship with God

06:33 Hashem's marriage contract with us

12:20 Relationships and Shavuot

15:15 Improving our relationship with God

17:34 Israel, the ultimate gift

20:20 Spiritual connection

25:49 Jewish resilience post October 7th

28:02 Torah is sweet

30:09 Conclusion

About Sruly Meyer:

Sruly runs a marketing agency in Hollywood, Florida. He is a home cook and recipe developer who runs a food and travel blog, discussing local food scenes and daily Jewish life. He is a proud Jewish father and business owner.

Connect with Sruly Meyer

IG and TikTok @srulycooks

www.SrulyMeyer.com

Connect with Bad Jew:

BadJew.co

https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

TikTok @BadJewPod

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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.com

Connect with Bad Jew:

BadJew.co

https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

TikTok @BadJewPod

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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

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

TikTok @BadJewPod

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Bad Jew - Who Are The Kidnapped? with May Perez
play

11/08/23 • 38 min

There's a phenomenon where pro-Hamas supporters have torn down the posters of the kidnapped. On October 7th, 2023, on our happiest day of the year (Simchat Torah), terrorists from Gaza launched a heinous attack killing 1,400 Israelis including men, women, and children, while forcefully kidnapping 240+ other Israelis. Since then, a brutal war of severe magnitude has reigned on. By the time this podcast aired, a grand total of 2 hostages had been returned. The rest are still out there and several are confirmed dead. Abroad, pro-Palestinian and pro-Hamas supporters have been caught on camera ripping down the posters of kidnapped. One has to wonder, would they rip down the posters if they knew the stories?

May Perez, an Israeli actress based in the United States, has studied the testimonies and backgrounds of several hostages. She has been active in putting up posters and spreading awareness about those who have no voice, and who have been silenced by the terror of Hamas. On Bad Jew, hosted by Chaz Volk, she allows herself to be vulnerable and share the pain that so many feel across the world. She illustrates how dire the situation has gotten and describes the projected condition of the kidnapped (projected because Hamas has failed to provide any proof of life).

About May Perez:

May Perez is an Israeli-American actress, singer, and dancer.

Connect with May Perez:

IG @MayPerezOfficial

CTA: IG @BringHomeNow

Connect with Bad Jew:

BadJew.co

https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

TikTok @BadJewPod

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We know Judaism really cares about rituals and commandments. But is there any focus on personal well-being? Mental health? Self-care?

In this interview with actor, Eli Sandhaus, we explore Judaism's view on mental health. Sandhaus explains that the tale of anxiety, depression, OCD, and schizophrenia is a tale as old as time... or at least the Torah. These sicknesses can be a common experience within Jewish communities. Eli also shares his personal battles with mental health and discusses its relation to Jewish culture, and why figures may choose to not seek help.

Sandhaus also discussed how his own Jewish upbringing has influenced his views on mental health. He emphasized the importance of breaking down stigmas surrounding mental health and encouraging individuals to seek help when needed, regardless of cultural or religious background. Overall, the interview highlights the need for open and honest conversations about mental health in all communities, including those with strong cultural or religious identities.

About Eli Sandhaus:

Eli Sandhaus is an Orthodox Jewish actor and host of the podcast "Conversation & Calculation". He currently attends Yeshiva University and hopes to pursue a career in neuropsychology. He is also the author of an upcoming novel. Eli hopes to represent Orthodox Jews in media and wishes to make a Kiddush HaShem.

Connect with Bad Jew:

Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

TikTok @BadJewPod

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For those who don't know, some Jews simply hate Israel. Anti-Zionists come in all shapes and sizes. Even in the Jewish context. Some Jews strongly dislike Israel, if not hate Israel, for a variety of reasons. Some jump on the bandwagon rhetoric that it's an apartheid state. Some get caught up in the long bloody history of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Some go as far as to call the Knesset fascist.

Eyal Shay, host of the Deep Dive Podcast, takes a deep dive with Chaz Volk, to highlight the nuanced, confusing, and troublesome relationship we Jews have with modern-day Israel. Eyal and Chaz boldly attempt to capture the a well-round perspective on this one-of-a-king place from a well-balanced geo-political point of view.

DISCLAIMER:

THIS PODCAST DOES NOT SYMPATHIZE WITH ANTI-ZIONISTS NOR DOES IT PROMOTE THE IDEALS OF GROUPS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND/OR INDIVIDUALS WHO TARGET ISRAEL. THIS CONTENT WAS CREATED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES.

About Eyal Shay

Eyal Shay is a licensed tour guide in Israel who presents Israel - in all its beauty and complexity - to people from every imaginable background. He is the creator of Deep Dive Podcast, a "warm philosophy" podcast featuring people and the ideas that help them live well. In addition, Eyal is a polymath interested in just about any field of study he ever came across.

Connect with Bad Jew:

Join our online community HERE: https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

TikTok @BadJewPod

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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

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FAQ

How many episodes does Bad Jew have?

Bad Jew currently has 102 episodes available.

What topics does Bad Jew cover?

The podcast is about Spirituality, Religion & Spirituality, Podcasts and Judaism.

What is the most popular episode on Bad Jew?

The episode title 'What is a Bad Jew? Part 2 with Igor Milgram' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Bad Jew?

The average episode length on Bad Jew is 35 minutes.

How often are episodes of Bad Jew released?

Episodes of Bad Jew are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Bad Jew?

The first episode of Bad Jew was released on Jan 5, 2023.

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