Daily Podcasts Video Research
6 Feb
Tariff war with U.S. could raise kosher food prices 50 to 60 percent in Canada: importer
Canada's largest kosher food importer, Altra Foods, faces potential price hikes of 50 to 60% due to a looming Canadian-imposed 25% import tariff on U.S. products amidst the ongoing trade war. Organizations such as COR, MK, and CIJA are advocating for exemptions to protect kosher consumers, especially with Passover approaching.
4 Feb
This Canadian scientist just won another award for helping create canola oil. Trump’s pick for health czar says it’s poisoning Americans
Professor Michael Eskin, a renowned food scientist, defends the health benefits of canola oil amidst Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s claims that seed oils are toxic. Despite sharing some criticism of health authorities with RFK Jr., Eskin argues for the safety and economic importance of Canada's significant canola oil industry.
8 Aug 2024
Wall-to-Waller
This week on the show "Wall-to-Waller," producer Quinn Waller presents two stories. Firstly, she explores the challenges faced by observant Jews in the trucking industry by following the unique journey of Jeff the Truck Driver. Secondly, she delves into the story of Bagel Joint, a new NYC bagel shop that offers unconventional flavors while staying true to traditional Jewish cuisine. To learn more about Tablet Membership, visit tabletm.ag/uomember, and for feedback, contact unorthodox@tabletmag.com or leave a voicemail at (914) 570-4869. Produced by Tablet Studios, more podcasts can be found at tabletmag.com/podcasts.
20 Dec 2023
Unorthodox in Israel: At the Shuk
Unorthodox is currently sharing daily updates from Israel, focusing on various aspects of Israeli culture, including a recent visit to the Shuk HaCarmel market in Tel Aviv with cookbook author Adeena Sussman. The dispatch highlights the impact of current events on Israel's renowned food scene and offers a glimpse into the local culinary offerings. The coverage is made possible by the support of organizations like the Natan Foundation and provides opportunities for listeners to engage further with the content.
4 Oct 2023
It was the 'wurst' of times: Chicago 58 celebrates 100 years of Jewish-style salami
Chicago 58 Food Products recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, tracing back to founder David Bernholtz's kosher butcher shop in Toronto's Kensington Market. Though originally known for salamis, hot dogs, and pastramis at Ontario delis, the company now contracts out production and distributes various food items besides deli products. Despite modern changes to meet current food trends and regulations, the Bernholtz family aims to maintain their traditional business practices while adapting to evolving consumer preferences. The company's story reflects a shift from in-house manufacturing to distribution, a shift symbolized by their move to a new facility in Woodbridge in 2005.
31 Aug 2023
We Could Nosh: Ep. 377
In this episode of Unorthodox, cookbook author Jake Cohen discusses his new cookbook featuring revamped Jewish recipes for everyday cooking, including dishes for Rosh Hashanah. The show visits Lee Lees Baked Goods in Harlem to speak with Alvin Lee Smalls about his renowned rugelach. Tablet writer Maggie Phillips explores the Jewish ethos at PLNT Burger with its founders, Seth Goldman and Julie Farkas. Additionally, the episode highlights the Orthodox community in the Catskills. Listeners are encouraged to share feedback and can find Unorthodox merchandise and events on Tablet. Sponsors Hadassah and MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger are also featured.
30 Mar 2023
Matzah emergency in Halifax as local Jews scramble to find crucial Passover staple
The Jewish community in Halifax is facing a matzah shortage just before Passover, prompting an emergency message from the Atlantic Jewish Council. Rabbi Yakov Kerzner is working on sourcing matzah from Montreal to ensure families have the necessary foods for the holiday. This shortage highlights ongoing challenges in obtaining Kosher food in Halifax, with orders often delayed or incomplete. Rabbi Kerzner and Yoram Abisror discuss the efforts to address this situation on The CJN Daily podcast, emphasizing the importance of helping families observe Passover properly amidst the difficulties.
27 Mar 2023
Jewish agencies delivering thousands of Passover food boxes to Canada’s needy amid rising inflation
Jewish social services agencies in Canada are experiencing a surge in demand for Passover food boxes due to rising inflation, with increases seen in Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, and beyond compared to last year. Factors contributing to this trend include an influx of Ukrainian refugees, high unemployment, and increased rents. For instance, the National Council of Jewish Women of Canada's Toronto branch delivered 3,000 food hampers this year compared to 2,300 last year, marking a 30 percent increase. Similar patterns were observed in Ottawa and Calgary. The rise in demand underscores the growing need for assistance during the holiday season.
6 Mar 2023
After hamantashen, the only kosher bakery on Vancouver Island is making its mark—with a challah-donut
My Way Bikery, the only kosher bakery in Victoria, B.C., offers traditional Purim hamantashen cookies and a unique creation called the challnut, a donut made from challah dough filled with jelly and sugar. The bakery, owned by Moshe and Leah Appel, recently experienced theft of a tray of challnuts, highlighting the treats' popularity. The bakery's startup story is also a heartwarming tale of love, reuniting the Montreal-raised owners. In an interview with The CJN Daily, the Appels share their inspiration for making their bakery kosher, emphasizing that it was more than just a business decision.
7 Feb 2023
This 4-year-old got his dream birthday party—at a Metro grocery store in Picton, Ont.
Lev Goldfarb, a 4-year-old boy, had his dream birthday party at a Metro grocery store in Picton, Ont., sparking goodwill in the small town. The party led to the store manager promising to stock kosher food items for the growing Jewish community in the area. Lev's mother, Hadas Brajtman, made the unlikely request for the party, which exceeded their expectations. Brajtman, along with Metro managers Murray Lupenette and Paul Jones, shared insights on the experience on The CJN Daily podcast, offering a glimpse behind the scenes. This event highlights the impact of Jewish life in Prince Edward County and the positive response from the local community.
17 Jan 2023
Tel Aviv's cocktail master talks hospitality and mixes a Boulevardier
Ariel Leizgold, a leading figure in Tel Aviv's bar scene, shares his journey from a Russian-Israeli upbringing to establishing the innovative Bellboy Group. He talks about transforming cocktail culture in Tel Aviv and his latest drink of choice, the Boulevardier.
13 Jan 2023
Use it all, says slow food, fermenting chef at Jaffa's award-winning OCD
Shalom Simcha Elbert, head of research and development at Jaffa's acclaimed OCD restaurant, discusses his innovative approach to zero waste cooking through fermentation. Trained in Italy, Elbert emphasizes creating varied flavors while ensuring sustainability through obsessive use of all ingredients.
12 Jan 2023
Montreal kosher meat store J&R abruptly closed after 70 years. The reasons why were complicated
After 70 years in operation, Montreal's J&R Kosher Meat and Deli abruptly closed, shocking the Jewish community. The owner, Sidney Nemes, cited three main reasons for the closure: unfavorable lease terms, a business decline post-COVID lockdown, and lack of support on pricing from Montreals rabbinical kosher agency. Despite the closure, Nemes plans a comeback in the spring to continue serving his loyal customers. The community awaits news on J&R's reopening, while grappling with the impact of high kosher meat prices in Montreal as discussed in an interview with the head of MK: Montreal Kosher.
10 Jan 2023
How a plate of herring is the secret to Jewish unity
Jeremy Urbach, a 21-year-old from Toronto, has gained popularity with his YouTube channel, Gishmak Herring, dedicated to reviewing the Ashkenazi dish. Inspired by his South African grandparents' recipes and his father's monthly Herring and Scotch events, Urbach's humorous takes on herring have attracted a diverse audience, transcending different Jewish denominations and beyond. He emphasizes trying new herring flavors like chipotle mayo or maple syrup. The discussion delves into the health benefits of herring and its role in Jewish culinary traditions, showcasing how a simple dish can unite people.
24 Nov 2022
Truly Thankful: Ep. 339
In this episode of Unorthodox, the hosts reveal the winners of their fundraiser mystery boxes and dive into conversations on Jewish comfort food. Culinary historian Michael Twitty discusses his book 'Koshersoul,' while producer Quinn Waller and cookbook author Molly Yeh make challah, sharing the joys and struggles of exploring Jewish cooking and identity.
23 Nov 2022
Israelis love these natural popsicles -- all year round
Chef Nomi Zysblat shares her journey of creating Paletas, a Tel Aviv-based company crafting natural popsicles with local, seasonal ingredients inspired by Mexican paletas she discovered in New York. The episode delves into the intertwining of food culture and business innovation in Israel, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of running a small enterprise that resonates with both children and adults.
25 Oct 2022
Want to run a deli? The owner of Vancouver's storied Omnitsky Kosher is looking to sell—or close shop
In this episode, Efrem "Eppy" Rappaport discusses his decision to potentially sell or close the well-known Omnitsky Kosher deli in Vancouver due to upcoming redevelopment and his desire to retire after managing the business for over 40 years. Rappaport shares his feelings of guilt and responsibility towards the Jewish community as his deli is Western Canada's sole provider of fresh kosher meat.
3 Oct 2022
S3E17 - Buy me some pinot and Cracker Jack: Meet the MLB's first-ever master sommelier
The San Francisco Giants made history by hiring Evan Goldstein, one of the few master sommeliers worldwide, as the first-ever master sommelier in Major League Baseball. Goldstein's role is to introduce wine to baseball fans at Giants games, create partnerships, and organize wine tasting events. This move aims to bridge the gap between beer-loving fans and the world of wine, showcasing different wines at ballparks and exploring wine pairings with ballpark food. Goldstein discusses his new job and the state of wine in ballparks in a podcast hosted by Menschwarmers.
29 Sep 2022
Get a taste of Bonnie Stern's first cookbook in over a decade
Bonnie Stern, a celebrated cookbook author, collaborates with her daughter Anna Rupert to release "Don't Worry, Just Cook," marking her first cookbook in over a decade that embraces the change brought by the social media era. The episode explores how family, cooking, and social media have influenced Stern's work, particularly in a post-pandemic world where home-cooked meals emphasize togetherness and comfort.
22 Sep 2022
Family Hold Back: Ep. 331
This episode of Unorthodox features kosher chef Kim Kushner discussing her Moroccan-influenced kosher cuisine and cookbook, while filmmakers Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein explore America's response to the Holocaust in their PBS documentary. The hosts also delve into Jewish and Gentile cultural stereotypes, the complexities of religious observances in modern life, and address contemporary issues through historical parallels.
11 Aug 2022
Greatest Hits: Modern diets are making us fat: A Canadian author explains food cravings
In this episode, Canadian journalist Mark Schatzker discusses his book "The End of Craving" which explores how modern diets and food additives disrupt our brain's ability to accurately gauge calorie intake, leading to overeating. Schatzker suggests that to eat healthier, we should focus on consuming real, pleasurable food in a communal setting, similar to dietary habits observed in northern Italy.
10 Aug 2022
Craft coffee and chocolate maker sells for social impact
Jeff Abella of Moka Origins shares how his company blends artisanal coffee and chocolate production with social impact initiatives. The enterprise supports subsistence farmers in Cameroon and is expanding to help communities in Uganda, Costa Rica, and Mexico.
28 Jul 2022
Definitely Not the Mafia
Rabbi Saul Emanuel, executive director of the Jewish Community Council of Montreal and head of Montreal Kosher (MK), discusses the high cost of kosher meat and responds to criticisms about traditional kosher rules impacting affordability and job opportunities. This conversation, featured on the Bonjour Chai podcast, sparks a debate on the evolution of halakhah and the economic comparisons between Montreal and New York. Additionally, the episode includes discussions on Canada's performance at the Maccabiah Games and Nathan Englander's experience in adapting his book into a stage play. The podcast is hosted by Avi Finegold, Ilana Zackon, and David Sklar, produced by Michael Fraiman, and distributed by The CJN Podcast Network.
24 Jun 2022
The Kosher Empire Strikes Back
The podcast episode discusses the response to a previous episode on kosher food ethics, with a focus on Montreal's Vaad Ha'ir defending the high cost of kosher meat, receiving criticism for what some saw as propaganda. Avi, the host, invited expert Steven Lapidus to analyze the situation. Additionally, the episode features a new segment on Jewish hot spots in Montreal for summer travel recommendations. The episode is hosted by Avi Finegold, Ilana Zackon, and David Sklar, produced by Michael Fraiman, and is a part of The Jewish Learning Lab and The CJN Podcast Network.
21 Jun 2022
Bibi's Audacious Gambit—and Food, Inglorious Food!
Dan Senor discusses the collapse of Israel's government as an audacious move by Bibi Netanyahu on a podcast. Also, the podcast features a discussion on an essay by Noah Rothman in COMMENTARY magazine about the significance of food choices. Netanyahu's political strategy and the importance of dietary decisions are the main topics of the conversation.
16 Jun 2022
You Are What You Eat
The podcast episode discusses recent kosher controversies, such as non-Orthodox certification, disruptive behaviors at kosher establishments, and scandals involving individuals with kosher certifications. The hosts explore the politics, ethics, and decision-making behind kosher practices, inviting expert Richard Rabkin to provide insights. Chef Zane Caplansky shares his challenges with keeping kosher, while Rabbah Aliza Libman Baronofsky and Rabbah Amy Newman offer words of wisdom. The episode sheds light on the complexities of maintaining kosher standards amid various dilemmas in the community.
16 Jun 2022
Stirring the Pot: Ep 321
This episode of Unorthodox delves into the rich culinary history of Italian Jews with Benedetta Guetta, who discusses Jewish influence on Italian food, and Barry Levenson shares the Jewish connections to mustard at the National Mustard Museum. Eric Huang, a former fine-dining chef turned fried chicken entrepreneur, reflects on his culinary journey and opinions on Jewish foods.
7 Jun 2022
Michael Twitty on race, religion, politics and survival in America
Michael Twitty, a renowned chef, author, and food historian who is proudly Black, gay, and Jewish, discusses race, religion, politics, and food in a recent interview with Rivka Campbell. Despite his successes, particularly with his acclaimed works like The Cooking Gene and Kosher Soul, Twitty faces judgment and assumptions, especially due to his Jewish identity. The interview took place shortly after a tragic incident in which a white nationalist killed Black individuals in Buffalo. Twitty's multifaceted identity and his reflections on societal issues are central in this conversation, shedding light on his experiences in America.
5 Apr 2022
Demand for food donations keeps spiking as Canadians enter their third pandemic Passover
This episode of The CJN Daily highlights the increasing demand for Passover food donations in Canadian Jewish communities as the pandemic persists into its third year. Volunteers from various organizations, including the MADA Community Center and the National Council of Jewish Women of Canada, discuss how they are managing the surge in need and the efforts to distribute kosher food packages to those affected by food insecurity.
4 Apr 2022
Why is kosher-for-Passover Coca-Cola different from all other Coca-Colas?
This episode explores the tradition and significance of kosher-for-Passover Coca-Cola, which replaces high-fructose corn syrup with cane sugar to meet Passover dietary restrictions. The episode highlights the lengths that enthusiasts like Jeff Dobro go to obtain this seasonal treat and its nostalgic appeal for both Jewish and non-Jewish consumers.
3 Mar 2022
Out of the Dragons' Den and into the fire: Amy Rosen on her 'humiliating' TV debut and new show
Amy Rosen, a Jewish baking entrepreneur, discusses her challenging experience on CBC's Dragons' Den where she faltered over sales figures but found redemption with her upcoming appearance as a judge on Food Network Canada's Wall of Bakers. The episode delves into Rosen's background in Jewish cuisine, her culinary career, and future plans for national distribution of her cinnamon bun line.
3 Feb 2022
Coming in Hot: Ep. 304
In this engaging episode of Unorthodox, seasoned journalist Carl Bernstein shares insights from his memoir about his early career, while Jürgen Krauss, a non-Jewish Great British Baking Show contestant, discusses his experiences incorporating Jewish traditions into his baking. Sprinkled with humor and cultural commentary, the episode delves into diverse Jewish experiences and touches upon contemporary issues.
6 Jan 2022
Modern diets are making us fat: A Canadian author explains food cravings
In this episode, Canadian journalist Mark Schatzker discusses the influence of modern food manufacturing on our eating habits and weight gain, as explored in his book "The End of Craving: Recovering the Lost Wisdom of Eating Well." Schatzker argues that the abundance of additives and artificial sweeteners in our diet disrupts our brain's perception of calorie intake, leading to increased cravings and overeating.
24 Dec 2021
A Commentary Family Christmas!
This podcast episode delves into a range of topics including holiday cooking, the enduring legacy of Charles Dickens, geopolitical tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and the ongoing impact of COVID-19. Listeners are invited to explore these diverse subjects in a casual and engaging discussion.
18 Nov 2021
Nettie Cronish
Nettie Cronish is a noted food enthusiast who skillfully combines spirit, ethics, knowledge, and passion to create delicious vegetarian recipes. Her latest endeavor involves a Fair Trade cookbook that offers a soulful exploration of eating and living well. Examples of her recipes include creative dishes like Jalapeno Chocolate Chili, showcasing her innovative approach to cooking.
21 Oct 2021
The “From ‘Et Tu’ to ‘Me Too’” Edition
Allison Kaplan Sommer, Miriam Herschlag, and Noah Efron discuss Yuli Edelstein challenging Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership of Likud, questioning if Netanyahu's reign is coming to an end. They also examine the implications of Shimon Peres' past behavior in light of recent revelations and discuss the closure of Rabin Square for renovation and its impact on civic culture and democracy in Israel. In a Patreon-exclusive segment, they share nostalgia for Israeli foods.
18 Oct 2021
Wacky Mac vanished from Canadian grocery shelves and Jews are freaking out
The episode delves into the sudden disappearance of Wacky Mac, a popular kosher macaroni and cheese, from Canadian stores, leaving Jewish communities scrambling to find it. Various stakeholders, including consumers and grocers, share their efforts to source or replace this culinary favorite amid supply chain issues.
31 Aug 2021
The story behind Canada's new fully kosher-certified brewery
In this episode, Ellin Bessner interviews Ben and Jamie Shillow, the Orthodox Jewish couple behind Canada's first fully kosher-certified craft brewery, Shillow Beer. They discuss the challenges and motivations behind obtaining kosher certification and how it has opened new markets and opportunities for their diverse range of flavored beers.
29 Jul 2021
The “Thought for Food” Edition
In this edition, Miriam Herschlag, Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida, and Noah Efron from the Times of Israel discuss the new Israeli government's approach to market-driven agricultural policies and an increase in Kosher certifications. They also address the controversy surrounding the Culinary Institute of Israel and its perceived cultural appropriation. Additionally, they delve into the debate over vaccinating children at schools in Israel. The discussion concludes with a heartwarming anecdote about something positive in Israel during the week.
29 Jul 2021
Matt Abergel: Running a Michelin-star Hong Kong restaurant during the pandemic
In this episode, Canadian chef Matt Abergel discusses the challenges and achievements of running his Michelin-starred restaurant Yardbird in Hong Kong during the pandemic and amidst political unrest. Abergel reflects on how his Jewish background influences his cooking, emphasizing the importance of generosity and community in hospitality.

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