In this deeply moving 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, immersed in a culture where Jews were demonized, and ultimately chose a radically different path.

Mark shares the quiet, human moments that began unraveling everything he thought he knew: curiosity, kindness, questions, and a single act of generosity that planted a seed. What followed was not a political statement, but a spiritual journey... one rooted in learning, truth-seeking, and courage.

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.

This conversation explores:

• Growing up Muslim in Kuwait and being taught to hate Jews
• The unexpected encounters that challenged those beliefs
• The rabbi, the apple, and the moment that changed everything
• Choosing Judaism through learning, not rebellion
• What it costs... and gives... to rebuild an identity from the ground up

This is a powerful episode about transformation, faith, and what can happen when someone is truly seen.