Badass Jews

“What's your Jewish background and family history?”

This is often the opening line of inquiry to establish the guest's connection to Judaism and their family origins. [d9KaMwKzFWg, agWQyjuNh0E]

“Can you clarify the specifics of your religious upbringing?”

The hosts seek to precisely define the guest's background, such as the difference between Ultra-Orthodox and Hasidic Judaism. [agWQyjuNh0E]

“How did you get out of that world?”

This question is posed to guests who have left closed communities, like Orthodox Judaism, to understand their process. [agWQyjuNh0E]

“What was your bar mitzvah like?”

Used to elicit youthful stories and specific details about their Jewish upbringing, like if the party was day or night. [vYHCaYDuZyw]

“Did you mess up your Haftorah portion?”

A playful question seeking an embarrassing or funny memory from the guest's bar mitzvah. [vYHCaYDuZyw]

“Did you believe in God when you were a kid?”

A direct probe into the guest's early faith journey and their childhood conception of God. [agWQyjuNh0E]

“How present is Judaism in your life now?”

This question explores the guest's current relationship with their cultural or religious identity after childhood. [vYHCaYDuZyw]

“Walk me through the feeling of [a major life event].”

Asks the guest to describe the emotional experience of a pivotal moment, such as being adopted. [d9KaMwKzFWg]

“Are you the only [unique identity combination] in your field?”

This question is used to highlight the guest's unique position, such as being a Black Jewish D1 quarterback. [d9KaMwKzFWg]

“How did your father shape your view of being a man?”

This question explores the impact of parental figures on the guest's values and personal development. [d9KaMwKzFWg]

“What's the most controversial thing anti-semites use against us?”

A provocative question designed to get an insider's take on sensitive texts or topics within Judaism. [agWQyjuNh0E]