JL;DR

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"Beautifully Jewish: Ep. 378" is a new series on Unorthodox hosted by Stephanie Butnick and Tanya Singer, focusing on Jewish material culture and ritual objects that enrich Jewish identity and observance. The series explores the deep historical connection between Jews and objects, starting from the creation of the Mishkan in Exodus. The episode features Gabriel Goldstein from Yeshiva University Museum discussing this connection, fiber artist Heather Stoltz showcasing Torah covers she made, and Tanya teaching Stephanie to knit. Listeners are encouraged to share their own meaningful Jewish objects, and there are opportunities to engage through social media and events. Sponsorships for the episode include Hadassah, HIAS, and American Jewish University's online learning.

In this podcast episode, Eli Lake discusses the connections between Hunter and Joe Biden, including the role of Devon Archer and the slow reveal of information. There is curiosity about the individuals purchasing Hunter's paintings, alongside a mention of Joe Biden's dogs. The conversation also touches on recent Covid-origin research.

Comedian Alex Edelman, featured as the Jew of the Week on Unorthodox, discusses his solo show "Just for Us" heading to Broadway and the importance of moving Jewish art beyond stereotypes. The Gentile of the Week, author Will Leitch, talks about his novel "The Time Has Come" and shares insights on fatherhood and baseball. Listeners are encouraged to provide feedback via email or voicemail. The podcast is associated with Tablet Studios, offers merchandise, and provides information on upcoming events. Additionally, they promote Hebrew College's Jewish education programs.

Billboards from JewBelong in New York City are generating discussion for their bold slogans demanding an end to Jew hate, sparking conversations about Jewish acceptance. While the effectiveness of these ads is questioned, they have spurred dialogue. In a podcast, Avi and Phoebe analyze the meaning behind the marketing and discuss a Picasso exhibit curated by Hannah Gadsby, exploring the idea of separating problematic artists from their art. The show "Bonjour Chai" is hosted by Avi Finegold and Phoebe Maltz Bovy, produced by Zachary Kauffman, and distributed by The CJN Podcast Network.

Max Stern, a Jewish art dealer whose gallery in Dusseldorf was seized by the Nazis, had one of his stolen paintings, "Portrait of the Artists Children," by Wilhelm von Schadow, returned to the City of Dusseldorf by his heirs nearly 90 years later. After fleeing to Canada as a refugee in 1941, Stern became a prominent art dealer, supporting Canadian artists like the Group of Seven and Emily Carr. Stern's estate, now funding the Max Stern Art Restitution Project, has been working to reclaim around 400 missing paintings. The recent return of one painting to Germany has sparked controversy, with art historian Clarence Epstein overseeing the restitution project.

Architect Manuel Herz designed a mesmerizing new synagogue and memorial at Babyn Yar, Ukraine, commemorating the Holocaust massacre that occurred there in 1941. The synagogue, completed in April 2021, unfolds like a pop-up book and celebrates life, optimism, creativity, and the Jewish literary spirit. Herz's take on Jewish architecture emphasizes breaking away from the somber tone often seen in Holocaust memorials. An art exhibit at the Koffler Centre of the Arts in Toronto showcases the story of the synagogue until Nov. 12, 2023, highlighting its historical origins, construction, and completion.

Jewish people are questioning the significance of Judaica items, such as seder plates and kiddush cups, that are manufactured in places like China or India rather than by Jewish artisans. While some retailers seek to support original Jewish artists, the outsourcing trend to Southeast Asia and the Far East is prevalent. The podcast "The CJN Daily" features discussions with individuals from Israels The Judaica Centre and Judaica artist David Tzvi Kalman, exploring the implications of where Judaica products are made and whether their origin affects their meaning to individuals. Various Judaica products from different countries, including Canada, Israel, China, and India, are highlighted, emphasizing the ongoing debate around the production of Jewish ritual items.

Archaeologist Prof. Yonatan Adler explores the origins of Judaism by treating the history of Jewish practices as an archaeological excavation, searching for physical and textual evidence. Through his research, he attempts to pinpoint when specific Jewish commandments began to be observed, applying a scientific approach to a spiritual inquiry.

"Culturally Jewish" is a trailer featuring actors David Sklar and Ilana Zackon who engage with various creative Jews in Canada's arts community to explore the significance of cultural representation within the Jewish community. They delve into the importance of Jewish culture in various artistic disciplines, providing insights into the impact and relevance of Jewish arts within society.