He’s a mogul, he’s a “macher” and most importantly … a mensch. Fashion designer and Jewish philanthropist Stuart Weitzman will steal your heart as he joins Jonah to discuss the two things most dear to his heart: Shoes and Jews. Beginning with an insightful conversation around career lessons and principles, Weitzman shares paramount advice on what it takes to be successful in nearly any industry or pursuit. Additionally, he shares his deep and unbreakable connection to Israel and the Jewish community worldwide. “When it comes to Israel, I laugh for them and I cry for them,” Weitzman says. “And I feel bad for anyone who doesn’t feel the same.” From participating in the Maccabiah games to speaking out against antisemitism on college campuses and building a Jewish museum in Spain, Weitzman’s connections and commitment to the Jewish cause is undeniable, and an inspiration to all. Kick off your shoes, grab a seat and check out this hilarious and heartfelt episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt.
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Host & Production Team
Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell
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00:00 Taking a Big Risk
00:19 Introducing Stuart Weitzman
01:13 Family and Early Career
01:54 From Hobby to Career
06:39 The Turning Point
08:34 The Rise of Stuart Weitzman
12:37 Philanthropy and Jewish Heritage
14:34 The Jewish Legacy and Education
20:54 Building the Hispanic Jewish Museum
28:38 Philanthropy and Business Initiatives
31:15 Marketing Strategies and Risk-Taking
32:04 Innovative Dance Shoes and Business Success
32:36 Truisms for Success: Risk and Imagination
35:28 The Power of Collaboration
37:19 Philanthropy and Jewish Heritage
40:26 Passion for Sports and Maccabiah Games
43:47 Connection to Israel and Jewish Pride
44:08 Philanthropy at UPenn and Anti-Semitism
55:27 Perception in Business and Life
58:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Mentioned in Episode
“The Origins of The Inquisition in Fifteenth Century Spain” by B. Netenyahu
https://a.co/d/fe4IejP
The Hamas Charter/Covenant
https://avalon.law.yale.edu/21st_century/hamas.asp
Soon-to-Open Hispanic Jewish Museum in Madrid (March 2026)
https://www.fundacionhispanojudia.org/en/museo-hispanojud%C3%ADo
Penn Lecturer Behind Grotesque Antisemitic Cartoons
https://freebeacon.com/campus/penn-lecturer-is-behind-grotesque-anti-semitic-cartoons
Controversy Behind Palestine Writes Festival At UPenn
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-759079
Stuart’s Cinderella Slippers
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stuart-weitzman-creates-glass-slipper-for-broadway-debut-of-rodgers--hammersteins-cinderella-and-launches-clearly-timeless-capsule-collection-190653331.html