'Ask Me About My Orthodox Jewish Life' At NBC

Editing by Leo Skier

About Jew in The City:
“Backwards, extreme, judgmental, sexist.” These are the words that too often come to mind when people think of Orthodox Jews and Judaism. Scandals that reinforce these associations hit the papers all too often. Popular culture, including movies, books, and TV shows repeat these negative ideas about religious Jewish people and their lifestyles. Public opinion is at best uneducated about Orthodox Jews and Judaism, and at worst, intolerant of them and their philosophy.

Even more troubling, there is a sizable minority of people who were raised Orthodox but had bad experiences (due to unhealthy upbringings and poor education) who feel just as negative as the critics from without. Their experiences are covered by the media frequently, further solidifying the public’s negative perception of Orthodox Jews. Members of this community reached out to us in 2014 asking us to help them actualize the kind of Orthodoxy they see on Jew in the City, which led to our launching Project Makom.

This is the battle our organization, a 501(c)3, has been fighting since 2007. Jew in the City reverses negative associations about religious Jews by highlighting an approach based on kindness, tolerance, sincerity, and critical thinking and makes engaging and meaningful Orthodox Judaism known and accessible. Jew in the City is reshaping the way the world views Orthodox Jews and Judaism. Our team publicizes the message that Orthodox Jews can be funny, approachable, educated, pro-women and open-minded—and that Orthodox Judaism links the Jewish people to a deep and beautiful heritage that is just as relevant today as it ever was.

[haroldfeld]

I am a Washington D.C. policy wonk who regularly testifies before Congress on technology and telecommunications policy. I have served on multiple federal advisory committees. I have a Magna Cum Laude from Princeton and a Magna Cum Laude from Boston University school of law. My wife is a hospital pharmacist specializing in medical informatix and working daily to address the Covid crisis. My son is in his final year at Rochester Institute of Technology.

And one more thing: we are all Orthodox Jewish, living in an Orthodox community, attending an Orthodox synagogue. We are proud Americans and proud Orthodox Jews.

I am not the only one.

it would be nice if Hollywood acknowledged we exist.

[jeaninerobinson]

I'm glad you were out there in front of NBC. They needed a person from your community in the writer's room. Representation matters. Blessings to all!

[SD-dedo]

I feel stupid thinking that popular shows wouldn't misconstrue or under-research a people - especially when they are going to portray their beliefs. What the heck..

[gooser]

As Western society has become increasingly secularized, observant Jewish communities often remain the only symbol of overt religiosity present in the public sphere. This unfortunately makes them a tempting target to ridicule and shun by popular entertainment, which is constantly looking to reaffirm its mantra of: religion = bad, secularism/atheism = good.

[geoman]

The mass media and naive insular and extreme people are what is the real danger of our society in general. The beauty of the world is the diverse nationalities, ethnicities and religions.

[kekoa]

Thanks for standing up and speaking truth to distortions!

[Lina.Initiate]

This is a great conversation. I would love to hear about the Jewish community’s views on organ and tissue donation for your next video.

[chaank]

Bravo for making this video and voicing the truth.

[majidamd]

Shalom all I Love Jews I Love Torah I Love Jerusalem Long Live ISRAEL Amen.

[mariamd]

I don't always agree with you but I think this was necessary and wrll done. Thank you.