Being Jewish in Public: Jonah Platt on Identity, Advocacy, and Culture

In this episode of Common Faith, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Emmy Award–winning journalist Jon Frankel sit down with Jonah Platt—actor, musician, producer, Jewish advocate, and host of the hit podcast Being Jewish—for an honest conversation about Jewish identity, pride, and public life in a post–October 7 world.

Jonah reflects on his journey from stage and screen to becoming one of the most visible Jewish voices online, explaining how advocacy became not just a choice, but a calling. He shares why he launched Being Jewish, the importance of normalizing Jewish conversations in public spaces, and what it means to create a welcoming, inclusive platform for Jews across the spectrum—as well as for non-Jewish allies.

The conversation explores the state of Jewish representation in Hollywood, the challenges and opportunities facing Jewish storytellers today, and the personal cost—or lack thereof—of speaking out unapologetically as a Jew. Jonah also addresses difficult questions about antisemitism, anti-Zionism, propaganda, and why so many Jews feel unprepared to defend their identity in today’s media landscape.

Jonah offers a compelling vision for the Jewish future, emphasizing Jewish education, intentional Jewish living, and the importance of modeling Jewish values at home. He also shares the weekly rituals that anchor his own Jewish life.

Then, with the Super Bowl approaching, the episode closes with a light, fun football segment featuring Adam Kupfer—Rabbi Cosgrove’s nephew—full of sports talk, Super Bowl predictions, and a playful head-to-head game.

Jonah Platt’s Podcast:

https://beingjewishpodcast.com

Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove:

https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove

https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove

Park Avenue Synagogue
https://www.pasyn.org

https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/#

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