From Kuwait to Jerusalem: Mark Halawa's Journey to Judaism | Behind the Bima #190

Description

What happens when someone raised to hate Jews chooses to become one? In this extraordinary episode of Behind the Bima, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Philip Moskowitz sit down with Mark Halawa, who grew up Arab and Muslim in Kuwait in an environment steeped in antisemitism—and ultimately found his way to Judaism. This is not a story of protest or politics. It’s a story of quiet moments, sincere questions, and human connection. Mark recounts the encounters that unsettled his assumptions, including a small but unforgettable act of kindness from a Rabbi that planted the first seed of change. 🆕 New episodes release Tuesdays at 6:00 AM EST 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Behind the Bima: https://www.youtube.com/@rabbiefremgoldberg === CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Intro 0:24 - Banter 20:22 - Mark Halawa Interview === Also available on Apple and Spotify: 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-bima/id1513477929 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hhhCkfDDy9ppIOnASBvjQ === This season of Behind the Bima is sponsored by Julie Charlestein & Darryl Benjamin in honor of their grandparents, Morton & Malvina Charlestein, and their children, Ruby and Maccabi Benjamin.