All Episodes

April 2, 2025 47 mins

Description:

Welcome to The Chai Road, a podcast that embraces the high road and champions

what’s right, shining a light on the voices that deserve to be heard. In today’s episode,

Max Alperstein welcomes Shabbos Kestenbaum, a Harvard graduate, proud Orthodox Jew, and the courageous lead plaintiff in a groundbreaking lawsuit against Harvard University regarding its response to antisemitism on campus.


Shabbos has become a key figure in national discussions about antisemitism, free

speech, and Jewish identity, recently sharing his powerful story at the Republican

National Convention. In this heartfelt and insightful conversation, Shabbos opens up

about his personal journey, his experiences at Harvard, and the legal battle that has

brought him into the public eye. From navigating the challenges of being an Orthodox

Jew at a prestigious university to sharing his thoughts on American politics and the

future of the Middle East, this episode explores the rich complexities of faith, identity,

and activism with warmth and depth.

Topics include:

Shabbos’s early life and personal identity, and how his upbringing shaped his

perspective on politics and Jewish identity

His experience at Harvard and the challenges he faced as an Orthodox Jew

Mahmoud Khalil and deportation on Columbia

The decision to take legal action against Harvard over antisemitism

Shabbos’s views on Israel, American politics, and the generational divide among

young Jews

Advice for young Jewish advocates navigating antisemitism and political

challenges

Shabbos’s story is a powerful example of resilience, courage, and standing up for

what’s right. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation!

For inquiries, reach out at maxvalperstein@gmail.com.

Support The Chai Road on Patreon, and follow us on YouTube and Spotify. Comment,

share, and tell your friends!

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

24/7 News: The Latest

24/7 News: The Latest

The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.