Ricky Ullman understands what it's like to adapt to a new place. In his role as Phil Diffy in the Disney Channel's popular sitcom "Phil of the Future," Ricky plays a teenager from the future who is displaced with his family to the present because their time machine broke down while they were on vacation here. Phil adjusts to his new surroundings with the help of his friend Keely and some futuristic gadgets like the Wizrd, skyaks, and the DNA Scrambler.

Ricky relates to Phil's predicament because he had similar feelings when he switched from a Jewish day school in Fairfield, Connecticut, to a public school in sixth grade. "All my schooling was based on Judaism," he explains, and attending public school was like visiting a completely different world. Although Ricky didn't have the help of Phil's high-tech gizmos, he adapted by continuing his Jewish education in a study program called Mercaz, and he stayed involved in the community through his affiliation with the National Conference of Synagogue Youth. Because of Ricky's personal experiences, his role as Phil, he says, "has a real sincerity to it." We caught up with Ricky between takes to hear what he thinks the future has in store for the Jewish people.

BABA: Hi, Ricky. Since "Phil of the Future" is about time travel, which time period would you most like to visit?

RICKY: I'd go to the past and visit my ancestors. I think you learn a lot about who you are when you know where you came from.

BABA: Why do you think unity is important for Jewish teens?

RICKY: Being part of a community is important, as it helps establish who you are and who you will become. Also, it's a great way to understand where you came from.

BABA: Tell us about your grandparents.

RICKY: My mother's father is an Orthodox rabbi. He started a shul in Stamford, Connecticut, and then founded CCJU, the Center for Christian–Jewish Understanding. He travels the world and speaks about breaking down barriers between Christians and Jews and, in the grander scheme, between all religions. He's an amazing man. My other grandfather served in World War II and ran the soda fountain on an aircraft carrier. I've learned different things from both of them. My grandfather on my mother's side is my role model, and the other has always been there for me. He's the one who always took me to movies and I sometimes stayed overnight at his house.

BABA: How do you maintain a Jewish identity in Hollywood?

RICKY: Hollywood is a funny place, because there's so much pressure to assimilate, but at the same time everyone is so unique. I live with six roommates and I'm the only Jew in the house, but I have my own set of dishes so I can keep kosher. When we cook, I have my own pans, and when they shop for food, they know to get me kosher chicken and hot dogs. If you make a point to stand up for yourself, other people will stand up for you.

BABA: What do you think the Jewish people will be like in the 22nd century?

RICKY: I hope we just maintain our identity, which is harder to do now. It takes more work. But I think the harder it is to do, the more rewarding it is. When I go to shul or do something with the Jewish community, I feel rewarded and get a lot out of it, and I hope we can all continue to do that.

BABA: Do you ever get to visit Israel?

RICKY: Unfortunately, I haven't been to Israel since I was born there. I've made plans to go about four times, and each trip had to be canceled for different reasons. But my goal is to go within the next year. I feel that Israel is our homeland and where our history is. It's very important to be a part of that.

BABA: Unfortunately, our time has run out. Thanks, Ricky, and see you on TV!