Check out the new song Paradise on Apple Music, Spotify, Youtube  Buy The Book: Careful, Beauties Ahead! Exploring Jewish Identity and Community with Tuvia Tenenbom In this episode Franciska interviews Tuvia Tenenbom, an author and journalist, about his experiences and perspectives on Jewish identity, community, and culture. Tuvia shares his background, his journey from an Orthodox upbringing in Israel to his work in journalism and writing. He discusses his time living in Mea Shearim, the dynamics within the ultra-Orthodox and Chasidic communities, and the cultural nuances he observed. The conversation delves into themes of religious practices, community support, humor, and the complexities of modern Jewish life.   00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:25 Recent Projects and Song Release 00:59 Guest Introduction: Tuvia Tenenbaum 01:13 Tuvia's Background and Early Life 03:21 Military Service and Move to the US 04:39 Career in Writing and Journalism 05:06 Exploring Themes in Tuvia's Books 06:06 Living in Mea Shearim 09:59 Questioning Religious Beliefs 12:15 Critique of Rabbinic Authority 19:28 Experiences with Chasidic Communities 30:22 Imagined Beliefs and Healing Practices 31:09 Personal Encounters with the Rebbe 31:48 Sexuality and Community Dynamics 32:31 Support and Humor in the Community 33:25 Obsessions with Modesty and Sexuality 34:23 Comparing Cultural Obsessions 36:57 Book Reception and Community Reactions 43:46 Violence and Extremism in Hasidic Groups 48:12 Cultural and Religious Critiques 59:43 Personal Reflections and Discoveries 01:04:59 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes About Our Guest: TUVIA TENENBOM is a bestselling author, journalist, playwright, and director whose books and dramas have been translated into many languages. He holds advanced degrees in fine arts and science and is the founder of the Jewish Theater of New York. Tuvia’s articles and essays have appeared in leading Western media, including Die Zeit and Der Spiegel of Germany, Corriere della Sera of Italy, the Jerusalem Post, Yedioth Ahronoth, and Israel Hayom of Israel, and the Forward and National Review of America. His plays include Father of the Angels, Like Two Eagles, One Hundred Gates, The Last Virgin, The Diary of Adolf Eichmann, The Beggar of Borough Park, and Last Jew in Europe. His previous books include Catch the Jew!, The Lies They Tell, I Sleep in Hitler’s Room, Hello Refugees!, The Taming of the Jew, and From New York to Brno. Facebook Instagram   Buy The Book: Careful, Beauties Ahead!   Check out: www.JewishCoffeeHouse.com for more Jewish Podcasts on our network.