The New Jew Podcast

In this episode, we present a recording of a live panel discussion about converting to Judaism that took place at Congregation Rodeph Shalom, Philadelphia, on May 26, 2026. Participants were: Rabbi Jon Cutler Jonathan Argaman Rabbi Eli Freeman, rabbi, Rodeph Shalom Oni Myers Daniel Zebrowski Sophie Zebrowski Jocelyn Hill Welcoming remarks were made by Jon Broder, president, Congregation Rodeph Sha...

In this thought-provoking episode of The New Jew Podcast , Rabbi Jon Cutler and Jonathan Argaman explore what Judaism means in everyday life through two very different stories. Kristine Simmons shares her inspiring path toward conversion, driven by her son's curiosity and her own search for meaning beyond a Christian upbringing. Lenny Kravitz reflects on a lifetime of Jewish identity, from childho...

This episode dives into the challenges and opportunities of supplemental religious education in the Jewish community, focusing on Hebrew school. The conversation explores personal experiences, generational shifts, and the evolving role of Jewish education in shaping identity and meaning. Key Topics Personal Reflections: Steve Weisgal shares candid memories of his own Hebrew school experience, desc...

In this thought-provoking episode of The New Jew, Rabbi Jon Cutler and Jonathan Argaman sit down with Ellen Gerecht, head of the National Center to Encourage Judaism (NCEJ), to explore a bold and often overlooked strategy for Jewish continuity: actively inviting non-Jews to explore Judaism. Ellen shares the inspiring origin story of NCEJ, founded by her parents over 40 years ago with a simple but...

In this episode, Rabbi Jon Cutler sits down with Eliana and Onya Meyers, and Sophie Zebrowski—three individuals whose journeys to Judaism are as unique as they are inspiring. Through candid conversation, the guests share their personal stories of conversion, the challenges and questions that led them to seek a new spiritual path, and the ways Judaism has shaped their lives. Onya Meyers describes h...

This episode of The New Jew podcast features the Zebrowski family —Dominic, Anya, Daniel, Hannah, Lena, and Dovid—who all converted to Judaism under the supervision of Rabbi Jon Cutler in 2018 . The family shares their incredible journey from growing up in Poland as devout Catholics to finding a spiritual home in Judaism, a process driven by a deep desire to build a strong ethical and moral founda...

In this introduction to "The New Jew Podcast," Rabbi Jon Cutler and co-host Jonathan Argaman set the table for a series of conversations about conversion to Judaism and some effective ways to help seekers find their way to the Jewish community.

Promotional trailer for the launch of The New Jew Podcast. Cohosts Rabbi Jon Cutler and Jonathan Argaman.