# From Kuwait to Jerusalem: Mark Halawa's Journey to Judaism

From **Behind the Bima: R Efrem Goldberg** by R Efrem Goldberg.

- **Published:** Tue, 10 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000
- **Duration:** 01:26:38
- **Audio:** https://cdn.simplecast.com/audio/6bb88e3f-be82-49db-8030-4df7b1e067f4/episodes/e9a80d6d-5ea6-48aa-902b-aa5b3e52adf3/audio/9d3eb7ee-ff99-4719-b9cf-1791720709fa/default_tc.mp3?aid=rss_feed&feed=dEQ6NxQT
- **Page:** https://behind-the-bima.simplecast.com/episodes/from-kuwait-to-jerusalem-mark-halawas-journey-to-judaism-1U_Dz8_O
- **TorahApp:** https://torahapp.org/share/p/3P_r_efrem_goldberg_behind_the_bima/e/07ef1de6-27ce-4fce-a465-676f435bd8df

<p>In this deeply moving episode of <i>Behind the Bima</i>, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Philip Moskowitz sit down with <strong>Mark Halawa</strong>, who grew up Arab and Muslim in Kuwait, immersed in a culture where Jews were demonized, and ultimately chose a radically different path.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p><strong>This conversation explores:</strong></p><ul><li>Growing up Muslim in Kuwait and being taught to hate Jews</li><li>The unexpected encounters that challenged those beliefs</li><li>The rabbi, the apple, and the moment that changed everything</li><li>Choosing Judaism through learning, not rebellion</li><li>What it costs... and gives... to rebuild an identity from the ground up</li></ul><p>This is a powerful episode about transformation, faith, and what can happen when someone is truly seen.</p>