In Unorthodox episode 12, discussion revolves around James Franco's bar mitzvah for charity, a viral video celebrating Jewish diversity, and a look at violent stabbing attacks in Israel through Malcolm Gladwell's lens.

The article discusses the challenges reporters for Jewish publications face when questioning interviewees about their Jewish identity.

In 2013, the name Noah surpassed Jacob as the most popular name for baby boys, possibly influenced by the blockbuster film "Noah" directed by Darren Aronofsky.

Elijah Schulman, a young bar mitzvah boy from Bethesda, MD, is planning to hold his bar mitzvah at a struggling synagogue, Mishkan Israel, in Selma, Ala., as a way to help the synagogue in need.

Families are increasingly opting for destination bar and bat mitzvahs outside traditional synagogue settings as a way to personalize the ceremonies and create meaningful experiences for the young celebrants.

Yossi Huttler's poem "Rishon LeCheshbon" reflects on the significance of a bar mitzvah occurring during Succos, a time of accountability and introspection.

The author reflects on significant numbers that have shaped his Jewish identity, ranging from experiencing a divine connection at 10 to grappling with manhood at 14, serving in the IDF at 17, engaging in activism through hunger strikes, facing healthcare costs during protests, and navigating financial transitions in Israel and the U.S.