Many Jewish creators know the reality: speak about Israel or antisemitism online, and you risk being banned, shadow-banned, or erased.

In this episode of Hot Jewish Energy: The Podcast, Michael sits down with Max Rotenberg, a young Canadian-Jewish creator, who shares what happened after he built a TikTok following of 8,000+ by educating viewers on Jewish history, Zionism, and antisemitism — only to have his platform removed overnight.

We discuss:

- The rise of antisemitism on social media

- How TikTok and Instagram moderate Jewish content

- The research behind his videos (JSTOR, Britannica, verified sources)

- The mental toll of being banned

- Being openly Jewish, Zionist, and queer online

- The tension within LGBTQ spaces

This isn’t about victimhood. It’s about refusing to disappear.

As antisemitism rises and digital platforms shape public opinion, Jewish voices matter more than ever. Max is rebuilding — and speaking louder.

Follow Max:

Twitter/X: @lilbuddymax

Instagram: @maxr.lmao

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