25 Aug 2025
Greatest Hits: Wayne and Shuster’s kids are helping to bring their parents’ classic comedy skits to a new generation
Wayne and Schuster, a legendary Canadian comedy duo known for their literate slapstick, are being revived by their children and a Toronto theatre company to bring their classic skits to a new generation. Despite obstacles in securing broadcast rights from the CBC, the team has launched a national stage tour featuring reinterpretations of their iconic skits such as "Rinse the Blood Off My Toga."
21 Aug 2025
Here's Some Stuff We Don't Like
The hosts discuss renowned works of art that evoke negative feelings or fail to resonate with them personally, despite their widespread acclaim. They provide candid reflections on how personal taste differs from public consensus in the art world.
14 Jul 2025
'It's my gift to the world': Why this Canadian artist painted all 54 chapters of the Torah
Sheila Nemtin Levine has undertaken the immense task of creating 54 large mixed-media paintings, each representing one chapter of the Torah, integrating modern elements and cultural references into her art. These paintings, part of her exhibit 'Tablet Tableaux,' engage audiences with both tactile and visual exploration, serving as educational tools in Jewish high schools and synagogues.
28 May 2025
How Israeli-Canadian illusionist Vitaly Beckman fooled Penn & Teller–a third time!
Vitaly Beckman, an Israeli-Canadian illusionist, has achieved a rare feat by fooling Penn and Teller for the third time on their show "Penn & Teller: Fool Us." Beckman, whose background spans engineering, art, and performance, intertwines his illusions with personal and cultural narratives, offering audiences both wonder and a potential pathway to unity during divisive times.
7 May 2025
How to Be a Jew … Like Israel's Most Famous Female Architect
Host Courtney Hazlett talks with filmmaker Yael Melamede about her documentary, "ADA: My Mother the Architect," which explores the life and work of renowned Israeli architect Ada Karmi-Melamede. The episode dives into architecture as a transformative art form and how Ada's work, especially the Israeli Supreme Court building, intersects with personal and national identity.
16 Mar 2025
From Tel Aviv to the Venice Biennale and back: How an Israeli artist took a stand on Gaza
Israeli artist Ruth Patir discusses her video installation "(M)otherland," initially intended for the Venice Biennale but kept behind closed doors due to ongoing conflicts involving Israel. Her decision not to display the work publicly was aimed at showcasing a protest against the Israeli government's actions during the Gaza War and her solidarity with affected hostages.
29 Jan 2025
How to be a jew … Like Lisa Edelstein
Lisa Edelstein discusses her journey from a prominent 80s figure and actress to a painter whose Jewish identity deeply influences her art. In the episode, Edelstein reflects on her experiences with antisemitism, the importance of cultural rituals, and how significant events like those on October 7th have shaped her work and perspective.
29 Jan 2025
How to be a Jew … Like Lisa Edelstein
Lisa Edelstein discusses her new art show, 'Dance Me to the End of the World,' emphasizing its Jewish themes and how her cultural heritage influences her work. The conversation explores her experiences in acting and painting, and how her Jewish identity shapes both her creative endeavors and personal life.
14 Jan 2025
See the world through the eyes of an autistic poet in a new exhibit by Adam Wolfond and Estée Klar
Adam Wolfond, an autistic nonverbal artist, showcases his unique artistic approach in a new exhibition at Toronto's Koffler Arts Centre, emphasizing neurodiversity and alternative communication. Together with his mother Estée Klar, they share their journey and highlight the challenges and triumphs of creating inclusive spaces for neurodivergent individuals.
5 Dec 2024
Playwright Mark Leiren-Young explains why Shylock needed a revival in 2024
Mark Leiren-Young revisits his 1996 play 'Shylock' by updating it into 'Playing Shylock,' starring Saul Rubinek, to reflect contemporary issues such as cancel culture and antisemitism. The play, blending Rubinek’s real life with fiction, challenges audiences on questions of identity, representation, and the enduring impact of Shakespeare's controversial character.
5 Dec 2024
Playwright Mark Leiren-Young explains why Shylock needed a revival in 2024
Playwright Mark Leiren-Young discusses his revival of Shylock and its relation to contemporary cancel culture, antisemitism, and the complexities of storytelling as a means of artistic expression. Collaborating with actor Saul Rubinek, he explores themes of identity, censorship, and the enduring impact of Shakespeare's controversial character Shylock on Jewish perceptions in a post-pandemic world.
11 Nov 2024
‘I Am Happy That She Lived Her Short Life to the Fullest’
Ricarda Louk reflects on the life and tragic death of her daughter Shani, a German-Israeli tattoo artist and victim of the Nova festival massacre, while highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by families of hostages. Despite the personal loss and the impact of the conflict, Ricarda emphasizes her commitment to Israel and shares efforts to keep Shani’s artistic legacy alive through exhibitions and a dedicated website.
15 Oct 2024
Giant - with Sir Nicholas Hytner
The episode features a stimulating conversation with Sir Nicholas Hytner about his latest play, "Giant," which explores Roald Dahl's antisemitism and its chilling modern relevance given the play's opening coinciding with renewed tensions in the Middle East. The discussion touches on broader themes including the intersection of artistic genius and personal flaws, and the complexities of being Jewish in today's arts community.
15 Oct 2024
Giant - with Sir Nicholas Hytner
Theatre legend Sir Nicholas Hytner discusses his latest production, 'Giant,' which explores the anti-Semitism of children's author Roald Dahl and the complex issues surrounding this aspect of his legacy. The play delves into personal and cultural identity, its relevance today, and presents a nuanced portrayal of Jewish identities within the arts.
15 Oct 2024
Giant - with Sir Nicholas Hytner
The episode features a discussion with Sir Nicholas Hytner about his new play, "Giant," which delves into Roald Dahl's anti-Semitism set against a contemporary backdrop. The conversation explores whether one can appreciate an artist's work while condemning their personal prejudices, especially in the context of Dahl's legacy and Jewish identity.
2 Oct 2024
From devastation to creation: How artist Devon Spier found spiritual meaning through affliction
Devon Spier, grappling with the challenges of long COVID, explores the concept of finding spiritual meaning in liminal spaces, leading to the creation of her art exhibit, "18 Plus One." The episode delves into themes of humanistic empathy, adventure Judaism, and the complex relationship between personal adversities and artistic expression.
2 Oct 2024
From devastation to creation: How artist Devon Spier found spiritual meaning through affliction
Artist Devon Spier discusses finding spiritual meaning and creative inspiration in the liminal spaces between suffering and peace, particularly through her experience with long COVID. Spier explores themes of wilderness, human connection, and personal struggle in her new exhibit, "18 Plus One," which weaves art, poetry, and spirituality.
2 Oct 2024
From devastation to creation: How artist Devon Spier found spiritual meaning through affliction
Devon Spier, grappling with long COVID, uses her time of forced reflection to explore spirituality and God through the creation of her art exhibit "18 Plus One," which bridges art, design, poetry, and spirituality. Spier shares her unique perspective on finding God in the wilderness of life and discusses concepts like adventure Judaism and the power of human connection.
24 Sep 2024
A new exhibit of dreamlike family portaits recall bygone Jewish life, tinged with trauma
Arnie Lipsey, a former animator, discusses his new art exhibit at the Museum of Jewish Montreal, exploring the juxtaposition of familial memories with underlying historical trauma through surreal, colorized portraits. Lipsey's work beautifully captures the ongoing presence of Jewish history's darker elements amidst scenes of everyday life, using humor and artistic innovation to engage with his family's story of escape from Nazi Europe.
24 Sep 2024
A new exhibit of dreamlike family portraits recall bygone Jewish life, tinged with trauma
Arnie Lipsey showcases a captivating series of 30 paintings titled "The Past Is Before You" at the Museum of Jewish Montreal, inspired by archival family photos and blending memory with surreal and traumatic backgrounds. The exhibit explores themes of Jewish identity, family history, and the juxtaposition of innocence with historical traumas, reflecting on the precariousness of Jewish life across generations.
9 Sep 2024
A new Winnipeg staging of 'Tuesdays with Morrie' brings the menschdom
A recent episode of Culturally Jewish explores a new Winnipeg Jewish Theatre production of "Tuesdays with Morrie," highlighting Jewish themes and personal introspections on life and death. The conversation transitions from theater insights to a discussion on Jewish cultural events like the KlezKanada retreat and the Ashkenaz Festival, alongside reflections on anti-Semitism and Jewish community dynamics post-October 7.
6 Jun 2024
What Matters Now to archaeologist Jodi Magness: Ever-changing, eternal Jerusalem
Archaeologist Jodi Magness delves into Jerusalem's complex history, discussing the city's changing rulerships and cultural influence from the Bronze Age through the Crusades. Her insights challenge common assumptions about Jerusalem's development, highlighting its unique position as a crossroads of various civilizations and religious traditions.
15 May 2024
How a class of Dawson College theatre students are incidentally workshopping a controversial script about Zionism and campus politics
David Sklar's play 'Vial,' originally a pandemic project, gains renewed relevance and controversy as it gets workshopped in Montreal amidst heightened tensions following the events of October 7. Sklar discusses the impact of recent events on the play's reception, especially among Dawson College's diverse theatre students, and reflects on the complexities of Jewish identity and free speech dramatized in his work.
2 May 2024
Controversy at the Contemporary Jewish Museum
The Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco faced a crisis after several anti-Zionist artists withdrew their works over unmet demands concerning transparency and the presentation of conflicting viewpoints. Artists Amy Trachtenberg and Liat Berdugo discuss the challenges of neutrality and the potential of dialogue amidst ongoing tensions in Jewish institutional spaces.
2 May 2024
Remembering filmmaker Charles Officer, who 'cut through the ideology' with incisive storytelling
Charles Officer, a renowned filmmaker with a unique Black and Jewish heritage, is remembered for his incisive storytelling and impactful films that often explored race and cultural identity. Friends and collaborators Jake Yanowski and Michael Levine reflect on Officer's legacy, his influence as a Black Jewish artist, and his vision for a more tolerant and inclusive world.
2 May 2024
Remembering filmmaker Charles Officer, who 'cut through the ideology' with incisive storytelling
Award-winning filmmaker Charles Officer, who passed away at age 48, is honored for his impactful storytelling on race and identity, blending his Black and Jewish heritage. Colleagues and collaborators reflect on his spiritual depth, his influence in Canadian film, and his efforts to bridge cultural divides through his work.
10 Apr 2024
Alan Zweig looks back on decades of filmmaking—and ahead to his pessimistic new podcast
Alan Zweig and Ralph Benmergui reflect on their long-standing friendship and creative collaborations, exploring their youthful journeys in India that took them off traditional paths. As Zweig prepares to launch a podcast focused on the less discussed struggles of life, he contemplates the value of sharing difficult stories to foster connection and understanding.
14 Mar 2024
How Sarah Kolker uses art to inspire her communities—Jewish, Black and beyond
Sarah Kolker revitalized a neglected park in her Philadelphia neighborhood through community mobilization and art, transforming it into a vibrant space for gatherings. As director of jkid4all, she uses her art and advocacy skills to create inclusive environments for Jewish families of color, marrying her cultural and artistic identities to foster community cohesion.
31 Jan 2024
A new comic book spotlights Toronto's Ward—with a supernatural twist
Ari Gross discusses his debut comic, "Wardens," which blends historical Toronto with Kabbalistic themes, and reflects on the culturally-rich immigrant neighborhood of The Ward. Gross draws on his expertise in science and his Jewish heritage to bring a unique supernatural comic to life, investigating the community dynamics in 1920s Toronto.
4 Jan 2024
'A very dangerous precedent': Everything wrong with the Belfry Theatre cancelling 'The Runner'
The cancellation of "The Runner" by the Belfry Theatre in B.C. has sparked debate on censorship and cancel culture within the arts community. Amidst allegations of fostering anti-Jewish sentiment, the discussion delves into the implications for Jewish representation in the arts and broader cultural narratives.
22 Dec 2023
Unorthodox in Israel: Special Delivery
In a series of dispatches from Israel, Unorthodox highlights Tanya Singer's delivery of handknit hats to IDF soldiers, crocheted dolls to hospitalized children, and handmade cards to Israelis, showcasing acts of generosity and resilience within the Jewish community. The project emphasizes the unity and strength found in crafting and giving back. The initiative was supported by various organizations such as the Natan Foundation and the Maimonides Fund. For more stories and ways to support these endeavors, visit tablet.com/unorthodoxinisrael.
12 Dec 2023
'Israelis don't see images from Gaza because our journalists are not doing their job'
In a conversation with journalist Esther Solomon, Israeli journalist and activist Anat Saragusti discusses the lack of coverage on the dire situation in Gaza by the Israeli mainstream media. Saragusti, recognized as Israel's first woman war photographer, asserts that the absence of images from Gaza in Israeli media indicates a failure on the part of journalists. She emphasizes that Hebrew-speaking Israelis watching television news are not exposed to the atrocities, destruction, and humanitarian crisis in the region. Saragusti contends that the world sees a different perspective due to the biased coverage.
30 Nov 2023
The “Women & Other Living Things” Edition
In a podcast discussion, Miriam Herschlag, Gilad Halpern, and Noah Efron explore the topics of gender dynamics during wartime and the inspiration behind creative works produced on a certain date. Miriam Schler, the Executive Director of the Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center, provides insights into the complexities of gender issues in conflict. Additionally, there is a focus on the prevalence of artistic creations following a specific event. The podcast also delves into discussions about sexual violence and encourages support for the Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center's vital services amidst high demand.
22 Nov 2023
Sitting Together: Ep. 390
In a special Thanksgiving episode of Unorthodox's Beautifully Jewish series, hosts Stephanie Butnick and Tanya Singer discuss the significance of a folding chair as a Jewish ritual object. They also provide updates on a craft-along for Israel, featuring Israeli knitwear designer Inbal Gross, who recently organized Israel's first fiber festival. Listeners are invited to join the Beautifully Jewish Facebook group, participate in a craft-along supporting Israeli hospitals and Defense Forces, and attend Tablet's Hanukkah Bazaar in New York City. Details for upcoming events and sponsorship by The Jewish Communal Fund are provided.
2 Nov 2023
'A more beautiful side of Israel': This Canadian-led photography collective is raising money for kibbutzim attacked by Hamas
Niv Shimshon, an Israeli-born photographer residing in Canada, organized a group of Jewish and Israeli photographers from Israel and North America to raise funds for kibbutzim attacked near the Gaza border by selling prints of their work through the initiative Photographers for Israel. The project quickly gained momentum, with over 20 photographers joining and raising $1,500 in net profit within a week. Shimshon's aim was to provide support to his family's kibbutz and others affected by the conflict, highlighting the power of Jewish artists coming together to make a difference.
26 Oct 2023
Closely Knit: Ep. 386
In this episode of Unorthodox, the podcast discusses various perspectives on Israel, including insights from Israeli actress Swell Ariel Or living in the United States during the recent conflict and artist Jeanette Kuvin Oren teaching art to displaced children in Israel. Ani Wilcenski explains the social media landscape post-war, while offering ways to support Israel through the Israel Reservist Fund and a Beautifully Jewish Craft-Along. The episode features a crocheted star by artist Adi Assas and promotes the Museum of Jewish Heritage's exhibit on rescue efforts during the Holocaust and the National Yiddish Theater's show honoring the Jewish spirit during that time.
19 Oct 2023
'It feels pretty hopeless': Jewish artists open up about working in a dominantly anti-Zionist industry
Jewish artists in the predominantly left-leaning arts industry face challenges due to the community's anti-Zionist stance, which can risk their friendships and careers if they express opposing political views. The ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel adds complexity to this dynamic. In a podcast featuring artists from Toronto and Calgary, they discuss navigating relationships, the impact of politics on their work, and the role of social media in exacerbating tensions. The podcast, hosted by Ilana Zackon and David Sklar, sheds light on the experiences of these Jewish artists in a politically charged environment.
3 Oct 2023
'Controversial' Canadian artist Matthew Jocelyn just took over the Koffler Centre. What does that mean for its Jewish future?
Matthew Jocelyn, a controversial Canadian artist, has taken over as the general director of the Koffler Centre of the Arts in Toronto, a prominent historically Jewish arts institution. Known for his provocative programming, Jocelyn faces the challenge of balancing Jewish programming with the center's broader mandate while navigating potential divestment calls from BDS supporters regarding Jewish artists and funding. The center's future under his leadership raises questions about how he will manage these issues and what visitors can expect. Jocelyn discusses these topics on the Culturally Jewish podcast, exploring the intersection of Jewish cultural and artistic life in Toronto.
28 Sep 2023
What Matters Now to archaeologist Erez Ben-Yosef: King David's tent-dwelling monarchy
Prof. Erez Ben-Yosef presents a compelling argument that challenges traditional views of the ancient Israelite monarchy, suggesting it was a complex, nomadic society rather than a settled kingdom. This theory arises from archaeological finds at Timna that highlight the role of nomadic societies in shaping the early biblical landscapes.
14 Sep 2023
Days of Judgement - with special guest David Remnick
In a special episode for the Jewish New Year, Yonit and Jonathan are joined by guest David Remnick to reflect on the past year and discuss the Israeli Supreme Court's session on Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul, the potential for a second term for Donald Trump, and Remnick's encounter with a prominent Jewish artist. The episode also features special awards, including one for the most audacious act of the year.