Jonah Platt, an accomplished actor known for his roles on Broadway and in film, is shifting the focus of his career towards a powerful new venture: his podcast, “Being Jewish with Jonah Platt.”
This podcast has gained significant traction, positioning itself as one of the leading Jewish podcasts in the nation.
With a live recording set for September 17 at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia, Platt is particularly enthusiastic about this event, which holds special significance for him.
“I was very focused on my career and entertainment, and then Oct. 7 happened, and I found that I was spending all of my time and energy in this space trying to educate, trying to cut through the noise and explain things,” Platt remarks about the catalyzing event that spurred his shift in focus.
He emphasized that he has endeavored to help others understand and cope with the realities unfolding around them.
After months of addressing various issues reactively, Platt yearned to return to his roots in Jewish advocacy, concentrating on celebrating Jewish identity and affirming the joy of being Jewish in public life.
The podcast became his avenue for this mission, and it has resonated with many.
Notable guests featured on “Being Jewish” include comedian Tiffany Haddish and Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, among others.
As Platt gears up for the live event in Philadelphia, which will also feature other special guests yet to be announced, he reflects on his deep ties to the city.
Having graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, Platt reveals he has spent more time in Philadelphia than anywhere outside of his native Los Angeles or the theater-centric New York City.
“I’ll have friends from college who will come to the event, and it’ll be great to be walking those familiar streets,” he says, emphasizing his affinity for the city.
The live taping on September 17 will see doors opening at 6 p.m., with the event commencing at 7 p.m.
Ticket prices for general admission are set at $40, with discounts for museum members.
VIP tickets are also available for $60, which include a meet and greet with Platt.
The podcast’s growth has been remarkable since its inception, evolving from a one-man operation to now including a full team behind it.
Several team members were initially fans of the podcast who reached out to Platt expressing interest in contributing.
“What I love the most is the way that it’s helping people,” Platt articulates, citing the abundant positive feedback he receives from listeners.
He describes the podcast as a comforting community for many, reflecting its impact in bringing individuals together.
Listeners come from diverse backgrounds across the spectrum of Jewish life.
Platt has connected with Orthodox rabbis in Israel, as well as individuals new to their Jewish heritage from places like the Midwest.
The podcast also attracts listeners from the LGBTQIA community and non-Jews seeking a deeper understanding of Jewish life.
In times like these, Platt believes it is vital to celebrate Jewish joy.
“My show’s about how much we love being Jewish and how great being Jewish is, and how it doesn’t just need to be about current events or what other people think of us,” he explains.
As he prepares to return to Philadelphia for the live event, Platt is eager to engage with a live audience.
He reflects on his university years, describing them as a model experience for what Jews aspire to achieve in life, blending seamlessly into the diverse tapestry of communities at Penn.
“It was normal [to be Jewish],” Platt recounts, highlighting the integration he felt within the broader student body.
His overarching hope is for that sense of belonging and acceptance to be realized in Jewish communities everywhere.
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