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In this deeply moving episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Philip Moskowitz sit down with Mark Halawa, who grew up Arab and Muslim in Kuwait, immersed in a culture where Jews were demonized, and ultimately chose a radically different path.

Mark shares the quiet, human moments that began unraveling everything he thought he knew: curiosity, kindness, questions, and a single act of generosity that planted a seed. What followed was not a political statement, but a spiritual journey... one rooted in learning, truth-seeking, and courage.

This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin.

This conversation explores:

Growing up Muslim in Kuwait and being taught to hate Jews
The unexpected encounters that challenged those beliefs
The rabbi, the apple, and the moment that changed everything
Choosing Judaism through learning, not rebellion
What it costs... and gives... to rebuild an identity from the ground up

This is a powerful episode about transformation, faith, and what can happen when someone is truly seen.

From Kuwait to Jerusalem: Mark Halawa's Journey to Judaism