Feb 26 2025 38 mins
For over two years, I, Chaz Volk, successfully released one episode of Jewish content per week. Each episode averaged 30 minutes, offering Torah insights and glimpses into Jewish diasporic cultures. This endeavor was nothing less than a passion project—one that I balanced alongside my day-to-day work life. My primary goal was to learn.
Coming from a conservative/secular Jewish background, my knowledge was limited. It still is, humbly speaking. However, I am proud to say that I have grown tremendously since the show's inception.
I write this with a deep sense of care and pride, knowing how far I’ve come from my initial understanding. The show opened doors, connecting me with rabbis, coaches, actors, professionals, musicians, and content creators. I had the unique opportunity to learn from so many incredible voices, exploring the theology of Judaism through its many lenses.
The show itself achieved notable success, ranking as the 17th-largest Jewish podcast in the world from 2023 to the present. Occasionally, I even received public recognition for my work. Despite not considering myself a thought leader (seriously, I've only ever been a student), I was able to foster a community. The learning experience was so personally fulfilling that it ultimately inspired me to study Torah full-time at Aish HaTorah, embracing the rich Jewish tradition of yeshiva.
While in Israel, I had the honor of recording in-person interviews at a studio in the Old City. Unfortunately, that studio shut down, forcing my show into an unexpected hiatus. But as Hashem would have it (because there’s no such thing as luck—only Hashem), I was invited to speak for Aish’s "Gesher" program. I was granted one-time access to a rabbi’s camera and microphone equipment, seizing the opportunity to publicly share my story.
In my speech, I revealed the two other reasons I created this show:
- To make it clear, once and for all, that there is NO SUCH THING AS A BAD JEW
- Revenge
Why revenge? Tune in to find out.
00:00 Parshas Mishpatim
06:52 Historical Context of Slavery Laws
10:12 Hebrews’ Mindset
13:52 A Shameful Quarrel
16:23 Final Moments
18:34 Variations of Judaism
24:33 The Dream
25:53 Disconnection
30:32 THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A BAD JEW
34:08 Divine Justice
34:40 A Revenge Story
About Chaz Volk:
Chaz Volk grew up in Thousand Oaks, California, where he began his Torah studies until becoming Bar Mitzvah at Temple Etz Chaim. From a young age, he was keenly aware of his uniqueness and often found himself the token Jew in non-Jewish settings.
In middle school, Chaz experienced his first encounter with antisemitism—an experience that, rather than distancing him from his heritage, only strengthened his connection to his Jewish identity. Later, he attended San Francisco State University, where he became deeply involved with SF Hillel as both a volunteer and an intern. From early on, he recognized the university's social climate and its stance on Jews and Zionism.
Chaz eventually became the lead plaintiff in the class-action lawsuit Volk v. CSU Board of Trustees—a case that he and his legal representation won. Since then, he has proudly embraced his Jewish identity and actively participated in Jewish communities across Southern California.
Most recently, Chaz experienced an emotional awakening during an organized trip to Israel. There, he adopted new Jewish practices that remain an integral part of his life today. Currently, he is a volunteer and frequent participant in Aish HaTorah’s programming. Through this show, he aims to promote Aish’s programs, events, and resources while sharing valuable Jewish teachings.
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