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For over two years, I, Chaz Volk, successfully released one episode of Jewish content per week. Each episode averaged 30 minutes, offering Torah insights and glimpses into Jewish diasporic cultures. This endeavor was nothing less than a passion project—one that I balanced alongside my day-to-day work life. My primary goal was to learn.Coming from a conservative/secular Jewish background, my knowledge was limited. It still is, humbly speaking. However, I am proud to say that I have grown tremendously since the show's inception.I write this with a deep sense of care and pride, knowing how far I’ve come from my initial understanding. The show opened doors, connecting me with rabbis, coaches, actors, professionals, musicians, and content creators. I had the unique opportunity to learn from so many incredible voices, exploring the theology of Judaism through its many lenses.The show itself achieved notable success, ranking as the 17th-largest Jewish podcast in the world from 2023 to the present. Occasionally, I even received public recognition for my work. Despite not considering myself a thought leader (seriously, I've only ever been a student), I was able to foster a community. The learning experience was so personally fulfilling that it ultimately inspired me to study Torah full-time at Aish HaTorah, embracing the rich Jewish tradition of yeshiva.While in Israel, I had the honor of recording in-person interviews at a studio in the Old City. Unfortunately, that studio shut down, forcing my show into an unexpected hiatus. But as Hashem would have it (because there’s no such thing as luck—only Hashem), I was invited to speak for Aish’s "Gesher" program. I was granted one-time access to a rabbi’s camera and microphone equipment, seizing the opportunity to publicly share my story.In my speech, I revealed the two other reasons I created this show: To make it clear, once and for all, that there is NO SUCH THING AS A BAD JEW Revenge Why revenge? Tune in to find out.00:00 Parshas Mishpatim06:52 Historical Context of Slavery Laws10:12 Hebrews’ Mindset 13:52 A Shameful Quarrel16:23 Final Moments18:34 Variations of Judaism24:33 The Dream25:53 Disconnection30:32 THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A BAD JEW34:08 Divine Justice34:40 A Revenge StoryAbout Chaz Volk:Chaz Volk grew up in Thousand Oaks, California, where he began his Torah studies until becoming Bar Mitzvah at Temple Etz Chaim. From a young age, he was keenly aware of his uniqueness and often found himself the token Jew in non-Jewish settings.In middle school, Chaz experienced his first encounter with antisemitism—an experience that, rather than distancing him from his heritage, only strengthened his connection to his Jewish identity. Later, he attended San Francisco State University, where he became deeply involved with SF Hillel as both a volunteer and an intern. From early on, he recognized the university's social climate and its stance on Jews and Zionism.Chaz eventually became the lead plaintiff in the class-action lawsuit Volk v. CSU Board of Trustees—a case that he and his legal representation won. Since then, he has proudly embraced his Jewish identity and actively participated in Jewish communities across Southern California.Most recently, Chaz experienced an emotional awakening during an organized trip to Israel. There, he adopted new Jewish practices that remain an integral part of his life today. Currently, he is a volunteer and frequent participant in Aish HaTorah’s programming. Through this show, he aims to promote Aish’s programs, events, and resources while sharing valuable Jewish teachings.Connect with Bad Jew:BadJew.cohttps://linktr.ee/badjewBadJewPod@gmail.comIg @BadJewPodTikTok @BadJewPod

Depression is real. It's a problem as old as time. Whether it's from a lack of fulfillment or from loss or even a chronic disorder, people know what you're going through and it's valid! As cliche as it sounds, it's going to be okay. We hope that this episode brings you comfort during these troubling times and helps provide solutions through Jewish wisdom. The Torah offers insights that go beyond the 5 books of Moses to remedy this mental illness. Ari Gutman, a financial guru, content creator, and yeshiva student at Aish Hatorah with Chaz Volk, shares his personal story on how he fought drugs, anxiety, depression, and the whole nine yards. Volk and Gutman commiserate over their struggles and use the Torah as a means to bring light to dark places.00:00 Introduction06:15 Grandfather's Wisdom and Resilience08:50 Alone in the Abyss12:47 Exploring Jewish Faith Independently14:43 "Family Closeness Beyond Distance"17:17 Eden: Garden as Time Perspective21:33 "Seeing Truth Through Sobriety"23:34 Navigating AA’s Spiritual Steps27:49 Abraham's Quest Before Idol-Smashing30:02 "Life Lessons from Relationships"35:29 "Intrinsic Jewish Identity Journey"37:08 God's Comedy: Life Transformed40:53 Life's Downward Escalator Metaphor43:38 Embracing Growth Through Consistent Effort46:08 Beyond Belief: Walking with Hashem51:56 Gratitude and Life's Cycle55:02 "Pleasure and Spiritual Connection"56:41 Connect with Ari Gutman OnlineAbout Ari Gutman:Ari Gutman is a business owner, speaker and most importantly a student of life. Prior to his current standing, he battled years worth of what he calls “G-dlessness” before discovering his heartbeat and making abrupt lifestyle changes to bask in peace of mind.Want to fight anti-Semitism for $5?**VOTE for Chaz in the Aish Ha'am Slate**https://vote.aish.com/?source=ChazVolkConnect with Bad Jew:BadJew.cohttps://linktr.ee/badjewBadJewPod@gmail.comIg @BadJewPodTikTok @BadJewPod

Jews wear these weird boxes on their arms and head. They are placed there for some specific holy reason but to an outsider it's unclear why it has to be worn to pray. These "phylacteries" have an aesthetic that could be misconstrued, but once you know the truth, you won't want to take them off. Sruly Meyer, a kosher chef and return guest to the podcast, offers a comprehensive look into the beauty and holiness of tefillin. Using his very own to personally teach us, Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, takes the opportunity to learn about the specific details of the Tefillin that you might've missed putting it on the first time!00:00 Introduction04:15 "Tefillin Stands Revolutionize Outreach"08:29 "Neglected Ritual Significance"09:46 A ritual before the Torah.13:15 Obedience to G-d17:14 Spiritual community20:21 "When Will Moshiach Come?"25:22 Design cases28:11 Chaz's first tefillin29:15 Unexpected Tefillin Lesson in store33:36 The 4-stemmed shine confusion37:59 Your existence40:29 Can women wear tefillin?44:01 Spiritual meets Physical48:07 Find Tefillin Stands Near You49:03 The 4-stemmed shine ANSWERED by Chabad.org52:42 ConclusionAbout 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 MeyerIG and TikTok @srulycookswww.SrulyMeyer.comWant to fight anti-Semitism for $5?**VOTE for Chaz in the Aish Ha'am Slate**https://vote.aish.com/?source=ChazVolkConnect with Bad Jew:BadJew.cohttps://linktr.ee/badjewBadJewPod@gmail.comIg @BadJewPodTikTok @BadJewPod

Do you have the heartthrob of a hopeless romantic that bounces from one love to another? Do you go heart-first into relationships only to find yourself washed up from another treacherous and dramatic quarrel? Dating is hard but learning when to enter the dating scene is another matter.Coach Daniel Ratner jumps back onto the podcast to talk about the 'WHEN' that is so essential for dating. Drawing from the wisdom of the 5 books of Moses, including the creation story, Coach Daniel Ratner has created a system of effective and meaningful dating habits that work and have made relationships stand the test of time. Ratner teaches Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, the complicated and misunderstood world of Jewish dating.00:00 Introduction03:05 Am I Ready for Dating?08:45 Show Her Vulnerability10:42 Prioritize Emotional Connection at Home12:25 Reconsidered Traditions17:15 King Solomon's Ring20:40 Three Pre-Marriage Questions22:38 Case Study26:10 Mindful Communication in Marriage29:06 Ritual Significance at Wedding32:27 ConclusionWant to fight anti-Semitism for $5?**VOTE for Chaz in the Aish Ha'am Slate**https://vote.aish.com/?source=ChazVolkAbout Coach Daniel Ratner:Coach Ratner was a world-class rare coin dealer & real estate developer in America. He has now transitioned himself into an influential educator for organizations who seek inspiration. His focus is on fostering meaningful relationships, building self-esteem, and providing spiritual motivation. His 5th book, “Infinite Marriage: The 4 Phases of Loving Relationship”, was released in May 2024.Connect Coach Daniel Ratner:Podcast: Living in Clarity - available on all podcast platforms!www.coachratner.comConnect Bad Jew:BadJew.cohttps://linktr.ee/badjewBadJewPod@gmail.comIg @BadJewPodTikTok @BadJewPod

It's finally 2025 (5785 for those keeping track) and you want to start that new years resolution. A classic example that everyone struggles with is the desire to take on the dreaded gym goals. We know how this song goes: You start your gym membership. You realize how hard it is. You give up. Sound familiar? Of course it does. Whether or not you go to the gym, there are hundreds of tasks we wish we could take on but never do. Rabbi Benzion Klatzko, a return guest from the early days of Bad Jew, comes back onto the podcast to reintroduce his wisdom to the Bad Jew fan base. Klatzko highlights the importance of new beginnings and explains from the deeper Talmudic lens why starting anything is excruciatingly difficult. This concept is no stranger to Chaz Volk who expresses the literal new beginning he is in by being in Israel for a FULL YEAR to study in Yeshiva at Aish HaTorah. Join Rabbi Klatzko and Chaz as they fully grasp the heavy burden of trying something new.00:00 Life Update: ISRAEL!!!05:08 The beginning of Bad Jew08:46 Chasing New Project Highs12:49 Vision as True Wisdom13:57 Message for Unaware Complainers18:41 Inspiring Encounter with Young Adults21:44 Reflections Shape Relationships and Happiness24:19 "Weathered Faces, Resonant Journeys"About Rabbi Benzion Klatzko:Rabbi Benzion Klatzko is an ordained rabbi, a music producer, a published author, and a radio talk show host. Dubbed the “Hollywood Rabbi,” for years Rabbi Klatzko delivered a popular monthly class in Jewish thought to many of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Rabbi Klatzko is one of the national directors for Jewish life on campus in North America and was named “One of America’s Most Inspiring Rabbis” by the Jewish Forward Magazine in 2014.Rabbi Klatzko is also the founder of Shabbat.com, the world’s largest Jewish social network, helping people find Shabbat, Jewish Dating, and employment in over 120 countries.Connect with Rabbi Benzion Klatzko:Email: RabbiKlatzko@gmail.comMusic: KlatzkoArt: RishonArt.comJoin Shabbat.com, the World's Largest Jewish Network, and download the app. Dating, Jobs, and Shabbat Hospitality Worldwide! http://www.Shabbat.com Connect with Bad Jew BadJewPod@gmail.comIg @BadJewPodTikTok @BadJewPodBadJew.co

Your brain is the most precious and unique part of your body. It is more than just a memory drive or a ball of grey matter. It essentially contains the essence of your soul. When scientists fully understood this truth, Jews had already figured this out thousands of years earlier. If you look at the laws and life guiding principles around Jewish communities, you'll see that it's geared to be a system of timeless mental health choices that can help make life better.Rabbi Daniel Sher comes from a unique background that bridges the gap between psychology and Judaism. Many of his teachings in his shull are designed to offer sustainable mental health solutions that are Torah-approved and kosher habits. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, eagerly takes on this unique subject matter to understand how the elevated literature that is Torah elevates us!00:00 Introduction03:54 Family, faith, kidney transplant07:16 Torah as lifelong, psychologically relevant learning10:22 Is Torah relevant, or are we?13:35 Fortune teller stereotype 18:50 Joy coexists with brokenness22:38 Human wholeness24:53 Psychology, community, creativity, learning, sharing29:17 Blending faith and wonder.30:27 Find communityAbout Rabbi Daniel Sher: Rabbi Daniel Sher is the newest member of our clergy team. He first joined us at KI as an intern, continued as Youth and Family Rabbinic Fellow, and now serves as our Associate Rabbi. He works to create vibrant and meaningful Jewish moments like his PJ Library Havdalah in the Park, Multigenerational Alternative High Holy Day Service, and soulful “Shabbat on the Rocks” Kabbalat Service for our Kehillat 20/30 community. He is a proud 18Doors Rukin Rabbinic Fellow, serving as a resource for interfaith families across all of Los Angeles. His enthusiasm for our tradition is matched only by his ability to translate it for our time.Rabbi Sher grew up in Palos Verdes and now lives here in the Pacific Palisades with his wife Jen, their children Levi and Sami, and their two dogs Herzl and Golda. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelors of Science in Psychology and a bachelors of arts in Religious Studies and was ordained from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion here in Los Angeles.Rabbi Sher loves taste-testing tacos, taking early morning bike rides, and getting coffee around town.Connect with Rabbi Daniel Sher:IG @rabbidanielsherIg @kehillatisraelTikTok @rabbidanielsherwww.ourki.orgSPECIAL THANKS TO THE SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE:JEWISH BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS OF LOS ANGELES!Become a big today! JBBBSLA.org/mentorshipConnect with Bad Jew: BadJew.cohttps://linktr.ee/badjewBadJewPod@gmail.comIg @BadJewPodTikTok @BadJewPod

How familiar are you with Torah? It's an important question because a lot of people simply remember the grand journey Moses takes and how he leads the people to Israel, and boom! You have the Torah. But it's so much more. In fact, outside of the 5 books of Moses you have The Talmud and Kabbalah and you have Pirkei Avot and you have this thing called Oral Torah versus Written Torah. Somewhere within the wide scope of what's considered Torah, you'll come across this book and wonder what's so special about this guy named Zohar. The mysteries and wisdom of The Zohar is well known and studied by Rabbi Natan Halevy. His precise and detailed work has been a lifetime achievement passed down from generation to generation within his family. Rabbi Halevy teaches Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, the depths, teachings, and relevance of this essential piece in Jewish literature. 00:00 Introduction07:13 Oral Torah10:04 Essential teachings14:53 The power in reading19:04 Zohar predicts cell phone addiction22:30 Connection to Israel, Torah, and God deeply24:39 Balancing study with life's responsibilities is challenging.28:08 Alleviating depression, spreading holiness.32:42 God's existence is fundamental33:41 Practicing mystical teachings todayAbout Rabbi Natan Halevy:I grew up in Los Angeles, and with my parents and siblings, attended Kahal Joseph where I had my Bar Mitzvah in 1994. As the child of Iraqi parents, I have a powerful sense of the strong culture and traditon I come from. In 2005 I received my Rabbinical ordination from Rabbi Yitchak Yaroslavsky at Yeshivat Tomchei Tmimim in Israel. I then served as an assistant Rabbi in Chabad of Great Neck, NY before I returned to Los Angeles in 2008. I love studying all facets of Torah—from the Bible to the Talmud to the inner parts of Torah. I also have knowledge of many other modalities and philosophies that I feel may support us as Jews and people in this modern day and age. My wife Bracha and our children – Yosef Hayim, Menucha, Menachem, Noam, and Shimon – are very happy to be working with the wonderful Kahal Joseph community.Contact Rabbi Natan Halevy:RabbiHaLevy@KahalJoseph.orgIG @kahaljosephSPECIAL THANKS TO THE SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE:JEWISH BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS OF LOS ANGELES!Become a big today! JBBBSLA.org/mentorshipConnect with Bad Jew: BadJew.cohttps://linktr.ee/badjewBadJewPod@gmail.comIg @BadJewPodTikTok @BadJewPod

Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, is off to Yeshiva! Studying at Aish HaTorah, Volk will be examining more than just text and Jewish law but also his soul. Before leaving, he threw a large going away party at his residence - Venice Moishe House - where he acknowledged his aggressive change and growth which enabled him to take this next big leap into 2025. Chaz explains his bold discovery announcing his understanding of the meaning of life while offering 3 rules to help all who listen follow this path. 00:00 Bittersweet farewell and housekeeping05:18 Ship of Theseus09:22 Chaz's 3 Rules of Change11:28 Acknowledgements Connect with Bad Jew: BadJew.cohttps://linktr.ee/badjewBadJewPod@gmail.comIg @BadJewPodTikTok @BadJewPod

The holiday of Hannukah is here! We often remember it for the 8 nights of gift-giving, latkes, donuts, and dreidels. However, there's so much more to the holiday and honestly, it's essential you understand this because non-Jews love to appropriate Jewish holidays into their own movements. SO... "How is Hannukah Zionist?" highlights the hard facts around the strong Jewish ties to Zionism while staying authentic to Jewish values and tradition. Ari Lesser, a slam poet and hip hop artist, jumps on to the podcast to discuss and rap about the beloved holiday of Hannukah. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, learns lessons about tradition and authenticity around the holiday that often gets thrown into the same category as Christmas.00:00 Introduction to Ari Lesser07:11 Zionism: Indigenous Jewish rights10:25 Non-Jews rewriting Jewish history 12:19 Proving the Pro-Palestinian "movement" wrong15:32 Ari's talents19:26 Maccabees' resistance to oppression23:19 Embracing Jewish authenticity 25:17 Gifts vs. money29:24 Teaching Jewish values to family31:37 Jews are indigenous to the Middle East34:23 ConclusionAbout Ari Lesser:Ari Lesser is a singer, songwriter, rapper, and spoken word artist from Cleveland, Ohio. He has a degree in Political Science from the University of Oregon and also spent time in Israel studying at Yeshivot in Tzfat and Jerusalem. He has performed around the world, and written hundreds of songs on a wide range of subjects. Ari’s repertoire is expansive, touching on everything from modern politics, to ancient Jewish mysticism. He can step into character and rap from the perspectives of hundreds of different personalities living and dead, real and fictional, human and animal. He has also created rhymed translations of dozens of Psalms and other traditional prayers, bringing their powerful timeless message back into the realm of song. Ari’s performance gives life to words in a way that is inspirational, accurate, educational, and very entertaining for English speaking audiences of all ages and backgrounds.Connect with Ari Lesser:YouTube @arilesser Ig and TikTok @ariblesserSpotify: Ari Lesser - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6rxfyBJGSo932qG8Ssk138?si=oGB69U79Q_OrmhF0iMkbsASPECIAL THANKS TO THE SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE:JEWISH BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS OF LOS ANGELES!Become a big today! JBBBSLA.org/mentorshipConnect with Bad Jew: BadJew.cohttps://linktr.ee/badjewBadJewPod@gmail.comIg @BadJewPodTikTok @BadJewPod

Jews have a specific relationship with money that others tend to blow out of proportion. Some Jews go out of their way to make fun of this antisemitic trope by turning themselves into caricatures in hopes of revealing such lunacy with satire. However, the Torah has so many laws around how we handle money that it must be spotlighted! Rachel Grose, the executive director of the Jewish Free Loan Association knows a thing or two about cash from the Jewish perspective. Loaning in itself is a tricky bundle of laws to navigate, especially when it comes to the Jewish world. Grose discusses the enticing world of money with Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, in an effort to destigmatize the misunderstanding and highlight what makes the Jewish community so successful.00:00 Introduction05:12 Principles of society09:01 Zero-interest loans11:33 Circulation in Jewish communities16:11 History of Jews and money20:03 Case study of Jewish Free Loan Association23:53 Jewish privilege and challenges24:44 Repaying loans29:20 Jewish loans help communities grow and thriveAbout Rachel Grose:Rachel Grose grew up in a Washington D.C. suburb, surrounded by politics but uninterested in campaigns or running for office. Her passion for creating change began in high school when she became involved with Amnesty International, where she connected deeply with the stories of people impacted by systemic issues. After earning a BFA in art, Rachel discovered an MBA program focused on nonprofit management, which launched her career in the nonprofit sector. For the past 21 years, she has served as the Executive Director of the Jewish Free Loan Association (JFLA), a financial nonprofit that provides zero-interest, no-fee loans to residents of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties.Rachel takes pride in JFLA’s mission to help individuals manage life’s unexpected challenges without turning to high-interest credit cards or predatory loans. Under her leadership, the organization supports clients through every stage of life, offering loans for post-secondary education, small businesses, medical needs, fertility treatments, and funeral expenses, among others, while maintaining a remarkable 99% repayment rate. Despite the challenges of being a woman leader in one of the largest cities in America, Rachel remains committed to equitable lending and the impactful cycle of “paying it forward.”Beyond her professional achievements, Rachel cherishes warm memories of summers spent in Ocean City, Maryland with her extended family. Days on the beach—collecting shells, jumping in the waves, and sharing snacks under umbrellas with her grandmother—left a lasting impression on her heart. These personal experiences fuel her drive to build a meaningful career while balancing family life. Rachel is often asked, “How do you do it all?” Her response is evident in her decades-long dedication to fostering financial empowerment and community impact through JFLA.Connect with Rachel Grose:IG @Jewishfreeloanassociation FB @JewishFreeLoanSPECIAL THANKS TO THE SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE:JEWISH BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS OF LOS ANGELES!Become a big today! JBBBSLA.org/mentorshipConnect with Bad Jew: BadJew.cohttps://linktr.ee/badjewBadJewPod@gmail.comIg @BadJewPodTikTok @BadJewPod