Bad Jew
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: BadJewPod@gmail.com
Brand partnership: BadJewPod@gmail.com
IG: @badjewpod
TikTok: @badjewpod
1
REVENGE - SEASON FINALE (a shiur by Chaz Volk)
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.
37 min
2
How Does Torah STOP Depression? with Ari Gutman
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.
58 min
3
What Is Tefillin? with Sruly Meyer
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!
53 min
4
When Should I Start Dating? with Coach Daniel R...
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.
33 min
5
Why Are New Beginnings Difficult? with Rabbi Be...
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.
25 min
6
What Is The Psychology of Judaism? with Rabbi D...
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!
33 min
7
What is The Zohar? with Rabbi Natan Halevy
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.
35 min
8
THE MEANING OF LIFE (Chaz Volk's Going Away Spe...
THE MEANING OF LIFE (Chaz Volk's Going Away Speech)
13 min
9
How is Hannukah Zionist? with Ari Lesser
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.
35 min
10
Why Do Jews Care About Money? with Rachel Grose
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.
31 min
11
Is Vegan Kosher? with Rabbi Akiva Gersh
It's been mentioned on this podcast a few times now - Chaz is Vegan. And while he has gotten a few raised eyebrows for his dietary preferences, he has tried to explain the Jewish implications of it. Coming short in elaborating on how it works with Jewish law, he went to the expert. Rabbi Akiva Gersh, branded 'The Vegan Rabbi' teaches Chaz the ins and outs of navigating the vegan diet through the laws of kashrut. Citing the Torah, Gersh debunks multiple rumors and gives context to the Jewish approach to enjoying plant-based food.
42 min
12
How Are Jews Connected to Israel? with Daniel E...
Daniel Elbaum has dedicated his life to understanding the complicated geopolitics and history of the middle easy. Elbaum understands that such matters require microscopic-level analyses and intricate and articulate explanations. Elbaum reveals deeper connections to Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, in hopes to arm listeners with the facts to help them explain the truth more effectively.
36 min
13
What Is Radical Amazement? with Rabbi Alex Kress
It's easy to get swept away with the mundane of existing. You get up, brush your teeth, eat breakfast, go to work, eat lunch, come home, brush your teeth, go to sleep... Sound familiar? How can any of it mean anything? There is nothing special about this. After all, this is what it means to be an adult, right? Rabbi Alex Kress works day in and day out to operate differently than the notion above. The idea that life is grey is an unrelatable idea as Rabbi Kress takes the principals of radical amazement by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and applies to literally EVERY moment of his life. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, learns from Rabbi Kress how to make every second radically amazing!
34 min
14
Where Do Jews Get Hope? with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback
It's been acknowledged on this podcast many times - It's not been an easy year for Jews. Yet, you have to acknowledge the fact that this also isn't the hardest year for Jews either. Is that the only thing that gives us hope? That we've endured so much worse than a post-October 7th world? Or is it the fact that we have Israel so at least we have that going for us?
37 min
15
Have Young Jews Forgotten Who They Are? with Al...
What's the matter with kids today? Jewish youth is either the most connected or disconnected demographic of the Jewish population. If you're ages 18 - 35, you're a part of an inconsistent international community that can't decide on a lot of things. Most of all, you may be confused about your past and how relevant your upbringings are to today. David Hazony and Alissa Bernstein are from Z3, a zionist thinktank rethinking the future of the American-Israeli relationship. Bernstein and Hazony work together to engage with Jewish youth across America. They help Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, understand the young Jewish professional landscape along with the implications and impacts of the recent US election.
40 min
16
Why Do Mentors Matter for Jews? with Cari Uslan
Being a Jew is difficult. Being anyone is difficult but the difficulties of existing as a Jew in this turbulent world is ever more clear, especially after October 7th, 2023. It's nearly impossible to navigate this world alone and that's why mentors exist. Cari Uslan of Jewish Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Los Angeles knows this too well. She helps run an organization built on making life more manageable. 'Littles' get assigned 'bigs' and vice versa, all to clear the fog that is reality. Uslan elaborates on the Jewish approach to mentorship in this special episode of Bad Jew.
29 min
17
How Should Jews Vote This Election? with Z.E. S...
It's time to vote. For some, they rush to the polls excited to cast their ballot. For others, it's a day of dread. Jews this year are a particularly divided demographic. Who is ultimately better? The progressive values that come with Kamala Harris's campaign or the right-wing values that red lines in support of Zionism with Donald Trump? Z.E. Silver is a well-known TikToker and educator on various social media platforms. His work has often attracted both the left and the right in the Jewish community as he has defended Zionism, exposed truths, and debated other content creators online. Chaz Volk has the privilege of learning from him as he gets ready to cast his vote.
48 min
18
Does Jewish Matchmaking Work? with Gabi Koyenov
Dating is a stressful and exhausting process. It's often romanticized (no pun intended) as this cutesy, lovely gathering when really it's a trial in the spotlight of your future that determines EVERYTHING. It's daunting. Luckily Jewish matchmaking (also known as the shidduch system) makes that process easier... right? Wrong. Gabi Koyenov, licensed therapist and host of the GKP Podcast, tells us his nightmare story of the long, high-pressure and seemingly forced experience he went through to find his wife. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, commiserates with Koyenov, as he too is familiar with the judgmental world that can be Jewish dating. Tune in for the full story!
38 min
19
What Is The Real Story of Simchat Torah? with B...
Are the high holidays over yet? NOPE! We got one more (two more if you count Shemini Etzeret - the holiday where we ask God for rain). Mainly, Simchat Torah is everyone's focus. This festive holiday is about joy! But how can we be fully joyous a year into a post October 7th reality? Actor and comedian Ben Berger jumps back onto the podcast, talking happiness, laughter, l'chaims, and dancing! This sense of profound Jewish joy is shred with Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew. Ben Berger and Chaz Volk collaborate to teach Judaism, spread joy, and inspire around the idea of starting anew!
29 min
20
Why Do Jews Shake Sticks and Fruits? with Rabbi...
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.
31 min
21
Why Do We Fast? with Rabbi Ari Averbach
Why Do We Fast? with Rabbi Ari Averbach
37 min
22
Remembering October 7th with Lee Sasi, Ben Berg...
Lee Sasi was one of the survivors from this harrowing day. Having survived under near impossible circumstances, Sasi was changed forever. She nearly lost her life and her survival is nothing short of a miracle. This particular episode comes at a relevant time as we pass the 1 year anniversary of the October 7th massacre. The war that was started by this tragic day still continues in the Gaza strip, and now Lebanon. Chaz Volk collaborates with comedian Ben Berger to hear the full testimony of Lee Sasi. This interview with recorded in the Los Angeles Nova Exhibit.
77 min
23
Why Do Jews Have a New Year? with Jamie Geller
Jamie Geller, CMO from Aish.com, speaks to the joys of celebrating the new year to come (5785). This particular new year comes at an auspicious time as we are nearing the one year anniversary of the atrocities of October 7th. Geller speaks on adding depth to the year while also bringing up her favorite recipes that accompany the taste of a sweet new year!
27 min
24
Why Do Jews Eat Challah? with Sarah Klegman
Sarah Klegman, co-creator of Challah Hub, has probably made thousands of Challahs. She's a pro and she shares her recipes, experiences, and knowledge on the vast history of challah with Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew. Sarah and Chaz bond over their love for various recipes while embracing Jewish holidays like Shabbat and Rosh Hashanah. Tune in to grow your appetites and knowledge of challah!
33 min
25
Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People? with R...
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.
33 min