In this landmark 50th episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah celebrates the milestone with his wife, Courtney Ann Platt (Glee, So You Think You Can Dance, Rock of Ages), the world-class dancer, television star, and multiple sclerosis advocate whose journey into Judaism has become a defining part of the traditions and values in their home. From growing up Italian Catholic in New York to becoming a Jewish mother raising three young Platts, Courtney opens up about the turning points that reshaped her life.

With humor and candor, Courtney and Jonah revisit the early days of their relationship, the emotional path of Courtney’s Orthodox conversion, and their commitment to blending two traditions under one roof, from negotiating Christmas celebrations to creating a home where Jewish values are woven into everyday life. Courtney also reflects on motherhood, the visceral awakening she felt after October 7th, and how becoming part of the Jewish people changed her understanding of community, resilience, and responsibility. The conversation touches on spirituality, loss, MS, and what it means to both choose and defend your identity.

This milestone episode is a celebration of love, tradition, and the family Courney and Jonah have built together. It’s an intimate look at what it means to choose Judaism, and to choose each other.

Other Topics Include:

• The Story of How Jonah and Courtney Met Doing HAIR at the Hollywood Bowl
• Jonah and Courtney’s First Date & First “I Love You”
• How and When to Bring Up “The Conversion Convo”
• Conversion to Judaism: The Process and Challenges
• Protecting Jewish Identity Post-October 7th
• Jewish Day School vs. Hebrew School
• How Jonah Learned to Love Christmas!
• How Grief Affects Our Faith in God
• The Losses of Courtney’s SYTYCD brothers, Stephen “Twitch” Boss & Joshua Allen
• Courtney’s Life with MS (multiple sclerosis)

Mentioned In The Episode:

Courtney Ann Platt Instagram

Unstoppable: How Professional Dancer Courtney Platt Has Redefined Success While Navigating Society With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

Glee (Disney+)

Hit the Floor (Apple TV)

Rock of Ages (Apple TV)

Camp Rock Two (Disney+)

Adam Shankman

L.A. Theater Review: ‘Hair’ at the Hollywood Bowl

Angelini Osteria & Alimentari

Camp Ramah in California

Vatican City

The Rich History of Mall Santas

What Happens on the Day of Conversion

Knicks City Dancers

So You Think You Can Dance (Prime Video)

Why Bat Mitzvahs (and other parties) need a dance motivator

BJJP Tiffany Haddish

What Is Rosh Hashanah

Ohr Torah Stone

The Mikvah

What is Niddah?

Why do Jewish Women Wear Wigs?

Tattooing in Jewish Law

The Blessing of Unplugging

Why Fast on Yom Kippur?

Why do we Wear a Kippah?

October 13, 2024 “Day of Jihad”

Being Jewish: Together Mosaic Shabbat

Honeymoon Israel

Joshua Allen, ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ season 4 winner, dies in train accident

Remembering Marc Becker

What is Kavanah?

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Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt