Jason Harris is the creator and host of the Jew Oughta Know podcast. He’s a Jewish educator and former politico with a passion for teaching Jewish and Israeli history.

He is a graduate of the University of California, Davis, with a B.A. in International Relations, and the Hornstein Program for Jewish Professional Leadership at Brandeis University, with master’s degrees in Near Eastern & Judaic Studies and Jewish Communal Service.

Jason spent seven years on Capitol Hill as a senior congressional staffer to a U.S. Member of Congress. He specialized in speechwriting, drafting legislation, and advising on national and foreign affairs.

Eventually Jason decided it would be more rewarding to lead Birthright Israel trips, where sleeping is rare and falafel is plentiful. A Bay Area native, he plays guitar decently, sings terribly, stand up paddleboards frequently, loves Pearl Jam fervently, travels habitually, and keeps up on Israel and Jewish history incessantly. He lives with his wife and young daughter in the Bay Area, California.

Professional Experience

• Director, Taube Center for Jewish Peoplehood, Osher Marin Jewish Community Center

• Associate Director, HaMaqom | The Place

• Birthright Program Manager, San Francisco-based Jewish Community Federation & Endowment Fund

• Legislative Director, Alcee L. Hastings, Member of Congress

Education

• San Francisco State University: High School Social Studies Teaching Credential

• Brandeis University, Hornstein Program for Jewish Professional Leadership: Joint Masters, Near Eastern & Judaic Studies and Jewish Communal Service

• University of California, Davis: Bachelor of Arts, International Relations