Too often, as Jews we find ourselves frustrated that so many Jews in Hollywood stay silent in the face of antisemitism and anti-Israel bias. They have a huge platform that would enable them to do good in the world, but seem to use it for everyone but their own community.
Don’t get me wrong, I understand why they may not speak up. And there are also those who are better off saying nothing at all.
That’s why it was especially maddening when Adam Brody, the “hot rabbi” of Netflix’s Nobody Wants This, told GQ in September that he believes Israel is committing a genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
We won’t dwell on that, though. The better story is who answered him.
Tovah Feldshuh, a Broadway veteran who plays Brody’s mother on the show, was first in line. As Brody’s interview went viral, frustrated and disappointed fans called on her to speak up about Israel. A longtime vocal supporter of the Jewish State, Feldshuh didn’t hold back in her interview with the New York Post.
She isn’t the only one who has spoken out.
Rabbi Steve Leder, the show’s technical adviser on season one and former rabbi at the synagogue at which the show’s creator Erin Foster converted, came down on Brody’s statement.
Jackie Tohn, who plays Brody’s sister-in-law, has called herself “the flag wavingest Jew around” and regularly speaks to Jewish audiences about her identity.
Then there are Erin Foster and her sister, executive producer Sara Foster. Days after October 7, Sara used her platform to call out people too afraid to say they stand with Israel, saying that at the very least, everyone should stand against terrorists dragging children from their beds.
On Tuesday’s episode of the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast with host Amanda Hirsch, Erin addressed Brody’s comments and explained her intentions for the show.
The sisters and Hirsch also discussed the mikvah scene at the end of the new season, where Kristen Bell’s character, Joanne, completes her conversion. They called it an “emotional” moment and explained the challenge of balancing an interesting storyline with details about the Jewish conversion process in such short episodes.
That tradeoff is part of why the show’s portrayal of Judaism is controversial – as some say it waters down Judaism and Jewish identity, while its Jewish women have been criticized as caricatured and stereotypical.
Erin’s explanation makes sense, and much can be forgiven (all except for confusing Tu Bishvat with Tisha B’Av).
All in all, credit is due where credit is due. It’s a positive Jewish portrayal in Hollywood, from a cast and crew who do have a record of speaking out against antisemitism and anti-Israel bias. It has a show creator who loves being Jewish with all her heart, and who brought us a show meant to be “a love letter to Judaism” — inspired by her own conversion process.
It’s sad that we wait for these breadcrumbs. It’s sadder that we need them. Nonetheless, here we are.
So “put me down” for watching season three of the show. I certainly want it. But please, for the love of G-d, send Rabbi Noah for a visit to Israel in season four.
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© Divuach Ne’eman R”A, 2025
