Model, activist and former National Spokeswoman for the Republican Party, Elizabeth Pipko, joins People Jew Wanna Know to reflect on supporting the Trump campaign and the current state of politics. This episode is a front row seat into the world of people closest to Donald Trump.

Margarita and Elizabeth discuss Elizabeth's work for the Republican party, her Russian-speaking Jewish upbringing, and her new non-profit - Chabad Friends.

Follow Elizabeth on Instagram @elizabethpipko .

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda

06:08 Elizabeth's path into politics from modeling

08:22 What was it like to support Trump's latest campaign?

11:06 Elizabeth's Jewish upbringing & identity

14:12 Elizabeth's take on what's happening to the Jewry right now

16:40 How to keep going when experiencing antisemitism & political polarization

22:45 "I could not get closer to the campaign unless I was Donald Trump himself"

23:30 Do you have an obligation to vote for someone else's interests?

26:00 Chabad Friends - what is it?

29:40 Can we make progress on antisemitism in the next 4 years?

33:27 A message to young Jews - get religious!

38:05 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Named "one of the most interesting thinkers in the Jewish world" by The Jewish Week and one of America's Top 50 Rabbis by The Forward, Amichai Lau Lavie joins People Jew Wanna Know podcast to share his story.

Rabbi Amichai comes from 38 consecutive generations of Rabbis and is known for his progressive, "God-optional" congregation Lab/Shul in NYC and a documentary film about his life - Sabbath Queen. In this conversation, Margarita and Amichai discuss Sabbath Queen, the importance of embracing "the messy middle," and the current political landscape in Israel.

Follow Amichai on Instagram @amichailaulavie and check out his film, Sabbath Queen, at www.sabbathqueen.com

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda

07:18 Who is the Sabbath Queen? Meeting in the messy middle

13:11 At what point is changing tradition changing Judaism altogether?

16:40 Death of the conservative Jewish movement in NYC

20:03 How do we build bridges with Anti-Zionist Jews? Learnings from Amichai's Lab/Shul congregation

31:15 Amichai's take on Israeli politics today - end the occupation, immediate ceasefire

39:21 "We are dreaming a nightmare, and we have to wake up."

42:30 Is the Moshiach coming?

43:21 What is Amichai optimistic about?

45:04 What would Hadassah say?

46:02 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

This week, Margarita interviews Hannah Simpson - writer, speaker, and activist on queer & trans identity.

Hannah's episode is filled with humor, depth, and meaning as she walks us through her transition journey, the queer Jewish community, and what the situation looks like for queer people today.

Follow Hannah on Instagram @hannah.e.simpson and check out her website www.hannahsimpson.net

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda

02:30 Becoming Hannah Simpson - from medical school to trans activism

09:54 What is the trans Jewish community like?

11:20 "And I know I'm a nice person because science removed the dick part of me"

13:58 "Judaism gives me a better framework for being a trans person"

14:16 Explaining being trans to Rabbis & reintroducing yourself to everyone

19:50 Israel's importance to the queer community

25:30 How do you build bridges with people in the queer community who don't support Israel?

35:30 "We always want to walk in others' shoes, especially if they're high heels"

44:25 Hannah's work as a mortuary technician during COVID 19

50:28 A message to us about the current state of trans rights - we have a crisis on our hands

56:06 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination