Most people picture librarians as quiet and reserved — until you meet Eytan Kessler.

In this episode of Hot Jewish Energy: The Podcast, Michael sits down with Eytan, who shares what it means to be a gay Jewish librarian navigating faith, identity, and activism in a time of rising antisemitism. From his Long Island roots to his connection with Israel, he reflects on how books, history, and community shaped his voice — and why he refuses to let misinformation go unchallenged.

We discuss:

- Highlighting Jewish resistance stories

- Confronting harmful Holocaust narratives in publishing

- Why supporting Jewish and Zionist authors matters

- The rise of antisemitism in media and online spaces

- Navigating social media as a queer Jewish advocate

- The emotional toll of online hate

- How the Israel–Gaza war reshaped his activism

Eitan speaks candidly about stepping back for mental health, standing firm in his values, and using literature as a form of resistance.

This episode is for educators, activists, readers, and anyone who believes storytelling shapes culture. Because protecting Jewish history — and amplifying authentic voices — isn’t optional. It’s essential.

Follow Eytan: @sleepy_librarian_

*This episode was filmed before the October 7th Attacks in Israel*

In Part 2 of this conversation, The Modern Maccabee and Michael dive even deeper.

Topics include:

- The purpose behind Stop The Squad

- Why India and Israel share historic parallels

- Antisemitism within progressive politics

- BLM leadership controversy and Jewish–Black relations

- Iranian freedom movements

- Social media propaganda

- Jewish humor as a survival tool

- Sacha Baron Cohen and cultural resistance

This episode is about unity, accountability, and unapologetic Jewish identity.

🎧 Listen to Part 1 for the full context.

Follow The Modern Maccabee: @TheModernMaccabee

*This episode was filmed before the October 7th Attacks in Israel*

In this episode of Hot Jewish Energy: The Podcast, Michael sits down with UK-based Jewish activist The Modern Maccabee for a two-part, powerful and wide-ranging conversation on antisemitism, politics, Zionism, and Jewish identity in the modern West.

Part 1 explores:

- Growing up Jewish between Israel and the UK

- The rise of antisemitism in progressive spaces

- Jeremy Corbyn and what happened to the UK Labour Party

- The Squad and political extremism in America

- Jewish identity, white privilege narratives, and critical race theory

- Why Richie Torres represents something different

- Why Jewish political engagement matters more than ever

This conversation is nuanced, unfiltered, and necessary.

🎧 Listen to Part 2 for:

India–Israel relations, Stop The Squad, BLM controversy, humor as survival, and Sacha Baron Cohen’s cultural impact.

Follow The Modern Maccabee: @TheModernMaccabee