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Our first returning guest, Sarah Hurwitz, rejoins Jonah to discuss her powerful new book As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us — a work as essential as it is uplifting in a post–October 7th world. In this deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation, Sarah reflects on how education can be a true source of empowerment and shares insights from her own evolving Jewish journey. Drawing from years of research and her current pursuit of the rabbinate, she offers a rich, nuanced perspective on what it means to live — and lead — as a Jew today.

For Sarah, Judaism isn’t about any single expression — not just Israel, Hebrew, activism, or observance — but the harmony of all these threads woven together with curiosity, study and connection to the sacred wisdom of our ancient tradition. This episode feels like stepping into a vibrant, welcoming congregation — full of learning, laughter, and meaning. Don’t miss this inspiring and deeply grounding conversation on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt.

Host & Production Team

Host: Jonah Platt; Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones, Story Producer Sean Leviashvili, Editor Diana DeCilio, and Executive Assistant Jax Santiago of Rainbow Creative; Editor: Noem Klement; Chief Business Officer Kenyon Laing, Executive Assistant Josie Rothschild; Research Associate Samantha Greenwald; Associate Producer Rachel Stern; YouTube Consultants - Zac Stein & Jason Al-Samarrie - Production Assistant, Charlie Zuker; Interns Sasha Nelson & Emma Webb; & Graphic Designer, Noah Bell

MENTIONED IN MONOLOGUE

Curse of Knowledge - Cognitive Bias

What Is The Illusion of Transparency?

What is Naive Realism?

Explaining Settler Violence in the West Bank/Judea & Samaria

Understanding the IDF’S Code of Ethics

The Complicated Connection Between President Trump & American Jews

Chicago ICE’s Crackdown Leads To Father of Two Being Shot at Daycare Pickup

As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us by Sarah Hurwitz

Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life–in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There) by Sarah Hurwitz

The Atlantic: The Judaism I Thought I Knew by Sarah Hurwitz

Understanding the “As A Jew” Jews

Emancipation of European Jews

The Jewish Reform Movement in 19th Century Europe

Holy Scriptures of Judaism

Understanding Secular Zionism

Judaism and the Human Body

The Sanctity of the Human Body in Judaism

In God’s Image: B'tselem Elohim

Who is Rabbi Yitz Greenberg?

The Wexner Foundation

Who Were Amalek & The Amalekites?

Homosexuality & The Death Penalty in Leviticus 20

Ancient Teachings of “An Eye for an Eye”

Old Testament Vs New Testament

Why Do People Hate Jews: Dara Horn (Video)

A Look at “Hanukkah Vs Purim Antisemitism” by Dara Horn (Short)

“Hanukkah Vs Purim Antisemitism” — Tablet Magazine Article

The Expulsion of Jews From Arab Countries and Iran - An Untold Story

The Story of the Soviet Jews & Israel (Jewish Currents)

The Story of the Soviet Jews & Israel (Indiana Law Journal)

Ethiopian Jews in Israel: Operation Solomon & More

Anti-Judaism: The Western Tradition by David Nirenberg

What Is The Great Replacement Theory & What Should Jews Know About It?

British Foreign Minister Ernest Bevin at the Palestine Conference

What Is Brandolini’s Law?

What is Bikur Cholim? The Importance of Visiting the Sick in the Jewish Faith<