31 Oct
Live from the Toronto Holocaust Museum: Talking zombies on Halloween Eve
Michael Fraiman, producer of the Culturally Jewish podcast, discusses his audio drama 'Justice: A Holocaust Zombie Story,' which combines Holocaust education with a zombie narrative to engage a younger audience. Recorded live at the Toronto Holocaust Museum, this episode explores the creative motivations and public reception of blending the Holocaust with an unconventional, fictional genre.
16 Oct
Meir Soloveichik on the Meaning of the Jewish Calendar
Rabbi Meir Soloveichik discusses how the Jewish calendar serves as an instrument for national cohesion and cultural memory, illuminating the connection between Jewish holidays and the principles of Jewish history and identity. Using examples from both Jewish tradition and modern Zionism, Soloveichik explains the profound impact of a unitive time consciousness intrinsic to Jewish life, as explored in his new book, "Sacred Time."
7 Oct
Remembering and Forgetting: The High Holidays as a Time of Solidarity
Elana Stein Hain explores how memory and solidarity intertwine during the High Holidays, emphasizing the necessity of collective remembrance, particularly in the context of recent hostages. Drawing from Jewish tradition, she presents frameworks for how communities can maintain unity amidst differences, underscoring the importance of commitment and reconciliation.
2 Oct
Days of Awe - with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl
As Rosh Hashanah approaches, Yonit and Jonathan discuss the intensified Iranian threat against Israel, marked by a recent attack of ballistic missiles, offering a grave reflection on the past year. Featuring interviews with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl and David Gutmann, the episode explores themes of resilience, joy amidst sorrow, and Jewish identity during turbulent times.
27 Sep
Beautifully Jewish High Holiday Table
Exploring the spiritual and communal dimensions of the Jewish dining table, this episode offers practical tips and cultural insights for enhancing Rosh Hashanah celebrations. The discussion spans from table etiquette and culinary inspiration to deeper reflections on Jewish resilience and joy amid challenging times.
21 Aug
Awaiting the Return of the Hostages
Families of Israeli hostages discuss their experiences and the harrowing aftermath of the Hamas hostage crisis that began on October 7. They share insights into their relatives' lives and the ongoing struggle to secure their release, emphasizing the urgency and complexity surrounding the situation.
12 Aug
From the archives: How to mark the Tisha b'Av holiday of mourning after Oct. 7
Tisha b'Av, observed on August 12, is a solemn day in Jewish tradition commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem centuries apart. The destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE and the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE are central events on this day. Yossi Klein Halevi, a prominent scholar and journalist, discusses the significance of the day in Jewish history, reflecting on its impact during a time of potential conflict with Iran and Hezbollah.
8 Aug
#200 - Understanding Tisha B’Av & National Tragedy
In this podcast episode, the discussion revolves around the appropriateness of mentioning recent national tragedies, like the events of October 7 or the 2006 Gaza withdrawal, on Tisha B'Av. They delve into the question of what level of national tragedy is suitable for acknowledgment on this day and whether writing Kinos (elegies) is still practiced today. The episode also includes a link to Rabbi Wittenstein's Kinos shiurim for further exploration.
2 Aug
J.J. Schacter on the First Tisha b'Av Since October 7
Rabbi J.J. Schacter, a seasoned leader in Tisha b'Av services and an expert in Jewish history and commemoration, discusses the significance of this year's Tisha b'Av, falling on August 12-13, which marks the first observance since the October 7 attack on Israel. In a conversation with Jonathan Silver, they delve into how the traditional Tisha b'Av observances can be adapted to incorporate more recent tragedies, like the October 7 attack. They consider questions about expanding the liturgy, determining when new fast days are warranted versus being included within Tisha b'Av, and how to integrate new tragedies into Jewish collective memory through the recitation of kinnot. Schacter's insights offer a thoughtful exploration into the evolving nature of Jewish communal mourning and remembrance practices.
4 Jul
Beach volleyballer Sam Schachter qualified for the 2024 Olympics at the last moment. Here's how he's prepping for Paris
Sam Schachter, a Canadian Jewish beach volleyball player, qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics with partner Daniel Dearing after a last-minute win at the NORCECA Continental Cup. He discusses his preparation for the games, what it means to compete on the Olympic stage, and the unique location of their tournament at the base of the Eiffel Tower.
20 Jun
Sidura Ludwig’s new children’s book about baking challah shares a recipe for turbulent times
Sidura Ludwig's new children's book, "Rising," intertwines the soothing ritual of challah baking with the Jewish tradition, offering a comforting activity amid troubling times. Born from the pandemic lockdown experience, the book highlights challah's role as a spiritual refuge, especially for those facing grief and anxiety in a post-October 7 world.
20 Jun
Sidura Ludwig’s new children’s book about baking challah shares a recipe for turbulent times
Sidura Ludwig's new children's book 'Rising', inspired by her personal challah-baking ritual during the pandemic, offers solace and connection amid contemporary antisemitism. With the PJ Library distributing 30,000 copies, Ludwig hopes to inspire Jewish families to embrace challah-making as a comforting tradition connecting them to Jewish spirituality and community.
7 May
This year’s March of the Living commemoration marred by ‘Stop the Genocide’ protests
The 2024 March of the Living in Poland was disrupted by protests conflating current Middle Eastern conflicts with the Holocaust, causing emotional challenges for participants including a Canadian family with deep personal connections to Holocaust history. The march underscored heightened global antisemitism and the significance of education and remembrance for future generations, as exemplified by the Wright family's participation.
22 Apr
Meet the Klezbians, the invite-only, music-playing group holding annual queer seders in B.C.
The Klezbians, a lesbian klezmer music band from Victoria, B.C., combine klezmer music with queer-inclusive Passover seders to create a welcoming space for Jewish lesbians and their partners. The band's seders are noted for their community spirit and inclusion of feminist rituals, marking a departure from traditional seders where LGBTQ individuals often felt marginalized.
21 Apr
This Earth Day, pretend it's Shabbat—and take a break for the environment
Jonathan Schorsch champions the Green Sabbath Project, proposing a Shabbat-like day of rest to mitigate climate change by reducing one's ecological footprint. By blending Jewish tradition with universal environmental values, he encourages a communal respite from consumerism and technology to foster a closer connection to the environment.
20 Apr
Rachel Goldberg-Polin: A Hostage’s Mother Fighting for His Freedom
Rachel Goldberg-Polin, whose son Hersh was kidnapped by Hamas, discusses the emotional challenge of celebrating Passover while hoping for his release. She expresses the deepening of her personal connection through prayer and poetry, as well as the significance of maintaining hope amidst despair.
20 Apr
Rachel Goldberg-Polin: A Hostage’s Mother Fighting for His Freedom [Divergence 5/5]
Rachel Goldberg-Polin discusses the painful reality of spending Passover with her son Hersh held hostage by Hamas, highlighting the challenges of maintaining hope and connection despite the traumatic circumstances. Her poignant reflections reveal the depth of a parent's love and the interweaving of Jewish faith and personal resilience during times of crisis.
19 Apr
The Third Annual Great Canadian Seder
This year's Great Canadian Seder addresses the challenge of navigating political discussions, particularly concerning Israel, at family gatherings. The episode highlights the importance of maintaining dialogue and embracing diverse perspectives at the Seder, emphasizing both traditional and modern interpretations of Passover observance and its personal meanings.
19 Apr
The Third Annual Great Canadian Seder
The Great Canadian Seder convenes voices across Canadian Jewry to explore the Seder's role in family dynamics, political discussions about Israel, and the tension between Jewish particularism and universalism. With personal stories and diverse perspectives, it examines the enduring significance of Passover and the integration of new traditions.
18 Apr
The “Unsmote, but Smitten Nonetheless” Edition
Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss Israel's recent massive missile and drone attack, supposedly orchestrated by Iran, and its implications for Israel's security and international relations. They also reflect on how this year's somber experiences might reshape the observance of Passover, pondering the blending of Jewish existential narratives with hopes for unity and redemption.
18 Apr
In Every Generation: Ep. 409
This episode of Unorthodox explores the theme of memory in Jewish life through personal stories touching on loss, remembrance, and healing. The show highlights individual and collective memories, including a son stepping into the Passover tradition, a graphic designer preserving her grandmother's Holocaust memories, and documenting the restoration of an Israeli community after conflict.
15 Apr
Let All Who Are Hungry: Ep. 408
As Passover approaches, the episode highlights the vital work of organizations like Meir Panim, Leket Israel, and MAZON addressing food insecurity, especially amid ongoing conflict in Israel. Through interviews with those leading these efforts, listeners gain insight into the systemic and immediate responses to hunger, emphasizing the Jewish community's commitment to ensuring access to food for all.
12 Apr
4/13/24 – Shiur 464 – Pesach – Great Divrei Torah for your Seder and beyond. Plus, lessons for today from Lavan’s attempt to destroy K’lal Yisroel
In this episode of "Halacha Headlines," various rabbis and educators offer insights on Pesach practices, focusing on the significance of tradition and memory at the Seder, and exploring the enduring lessons from biblical narratives such as Lavan's attempt to destroy Israel. The discussion includes reflections on personal Pesach experiences, the importance of community, and interpretations of the Seder's symbolic acts.
11 Apr
Popping Up: Ep. 407
This episode delves into diverse Jewish narratives, including an interview with Shavit Romero, a Tel Aviv-born IDF soldier undergoing conversion after being severely wounded in Gaza, and Caroline D’Amore, a Gentile who publicly supports Israel post-October 7th attacks. It also features Pam Wiznitzer's innovative Ten Plagues cocktail recipes, introduced at a Passover event in New York City.
21 Mar
A Beautifully Jewish Shabbat: Ep. 404
The episode explores the multi-faceted beauty of Shabbat with insights from cookbook author Adeena Sussman and AHYIN Judaica designer Micaela Ezra. It also introduces "Sivan Says," a new podcast examining the weekly parsha with journalist Sivan Rahav-Meir, emphasizing the enduring relevance of Torah in daily life.
12 Feb
Adi Vital-Kaploun was murdered by Hamas on Oct. 7. Now her parents are sharing her story with the world
The episode recounts the harrowing story of Adi Vital-Kaploun, a Canadian-Israeli woman, who was murdered by Hamas while heroically protecting her children. Her parents aim to transform their grief into a mission to ensure Adi's bravery and life continue to be remembered and supported by the community.
25 Jan
1/27/24 – Shiur 453 –The Shulchan Aruch of war
In this Shiur discussion, various scenarios related to Jewish religious and communal life during times of warfare are addressed. Topics include the abortion of a fetus conceived through rape, women tying tzitzis, Sheva brachos without the chosson or kallah, returning home before Shabbos if one anticipates being called up on Shabbos, returning home while one's wife is niddah if there is concern about temptation to hug, a hug before a spouse leaves for battle if the wife is niddah, burying blood-soaked cars, pidyon haben when the father or kohen is not present, shortening the taharah process for a niddah during wartime, saying shehecheyanu without lighting or seeing Chanukah candles, eating homemade foods sent to the front, a matzah bakery running to a shelter in the middle of making matzos, running to a shelter during Shemone Esrei or Krias HaTorah, yichud in a shelter, rewriting kesubos for people who evacuated their homes, and a kohen entering an ohel hameis for shelter during a siren. The discussion is led by Rabbi Chaim Jachter, Rabbi Elli Fisher, and Rabbi Moshe Bransdorfer.
22 Jan
Note from Ellin
Amid the celebration of Tu B'Shevat, known as Jewish Earth Day, Canadian synagogues are taking steps toward environmental sustainability by upgrading their facilities with eco-friendly amenities and focusing on vegetarian offerings. Rabbi Shlomo Schachter and Ariel Greene of Schara Tzedeck Synagogue discuss their involvement in the Hazon Seal of Sustainability program and highlight the importance of balancing religious traditions with modern environmental consciousness.
26 Dec 2023
Our End-of-Year Movie Picks
The article discusses end-of-year movie picks for 2023, including films from earlier years and even one from 2024. It suggests that these movies are thought-provoking and worth considering. The reader is encouraged to listen for more details on why these films were chosen as top picks.
14 Dec 2023
Midnight Oil: Ep 393
Unorthodox episode 393 presents nine stories of Jewish light amid challenging times. The episode includes reflections on the true spirit of Hanukkah, experiences from the Tablet's Hanukkah Bazaar attendees and vendors, a heartwarming story of Israeli civilians supporting IDF soldiers near the Gaza Border, the work of Sunflowers founder Hadar Kess aiding orphaned Israeli children, and a tribute to a victim of the Nova music festival, Oriya Ricardo. Additionally, it features the heroism of paramedic Awad Darawshe, the initiative Pizza 4 Moms delivering meals to Israeli families, Afya Foundation donating medical supplies to Israel, and the quest for the perfect sufganiyah in Tel Aviv. The episode highlights acts of kindness, resilience, and generosity within the Jewish community.
12 Dec 2023
Kamala's Husband and Kamala's Future
The podcast explores a tweet by the Second Gentleman, Doug Emhoff, regarding Hanukkah, discussing its implications for him and Jewish individuals, as well as the challenges Kamala Harris presents for Joe Biden. Additionally, it questions the motives behind some politicians opposing Ukraine aid and why Biden is not considering stricter border control measures in exchange for aid.
22 Sep 2023
The Great Canadian Sermon Slam 2023
The Great Canadian Sermon Slam, hosted by Bonjour Chai, is an annual event in Canadian Jewry where rabbis compete with their best sermons for the grand prize, the Kiddush Cup. This year features rabbis from across the country such as Rabbi Lisa Grushcow, Rabbi Dan Moskovitz, Rabbi Jordan Shaner, Rabbi Steve Wernick, Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl, Rabbi Adam Cutler, and Rabbi Ilana Krygier Lapides. The event kicks off with Avi Finegold interviewing guest co-host Rabbi Dr. Rachael Turkienicz, the previous Sermon Slam winner. The event is hosted by Avi Finegold and Phoebe Maltz Bovy, with Zachary Kauffman as producer and editor, and Michael Fraiman as executive producer. The show is a co-production between The Jewish Learning Lab and The CJN, distributed by The CJN Podcast Network.
21 Sep 2023
The “Atone Home” Edition
This episode of sustainably recycled stuff explores the significance of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, through discussions on the evolution of the piyyut and prayer "unetanah tokef." Various perspectives on this meaningful holiday are shared, including insights on modern Jewish city cycling practices during Yom Kippur, reflections on sins in the Internet Age, and contemplations on observing the day. The episode also features indie songs related to Yom Kippur.
14 Sep 2023
Shakshuka like a Polaroid Picture
In a podcast episode hosted by Avi Finegold and Phoebe Maltz Bovy, with guest Marc Weisblott, the focus is on reviewing major news stories of 5783 in the Jewish community. They delve into topics such as Israeli politics and combating antisemitism, while also discussing a recent viral story about a TikTok user known as the "shakshuka lady." The panel reflects on the implications of her showcasing shakshuka-making as a single person without children, prompting a broader conversation on societal perceptions of singlehood within the Jewish community.
14 Sep 2023
New year, new hurricane: Atlantic Canada once again on alert as Hurricane Lee threatens Rosh Hashanah celebrations
Hurricane Lee, a Category 1 storm, is threatening Atlantic Canada this weekend, with Nova Scotia and New Brunswick bracing for strong winds, power outages, and potential flooding. This marks the second year in a row where Maritime Jews face a hurricane disrupting Rosh Hashanah celebrations, reminiscent of Hurricane Fiona's impact last year. Despite challenges, community members like Shayna Strong from New Waterford found ways to observe the holiday amidst adversity. As the storm approaches, The CJN Daily highlights Strong's experience, emphasizing resilience and community support in facing natural disasters during significant Jewish holidays.
14 Sep 2023
New Year's Wish from the Promised Podcast
The Promised Podcast extends New Year wishes for a year filled with positivity and good things after a momentous period in the Jewish community.
13 Sep 2023
Farewell, 5783
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the challenges of the past year in Israeli history, reflecting on Jewish theology and psyche that influenced it. They emphasize the need for unity and shared purpose in Israeli society as they look toward the future and hope for a turning point in the upcoming year, 5784.
17 Aug 2023
Entering Elul: Ep. 375
In episode 375 of Unorthodox, the focus is on entering the month of Elul, the period preceding the High Holidays where introspection is key. Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin discusses the significance of Elul and ways to maximize its potential, referencing his book "Sinagogue: Sin and Failure in Jewish Thought." Additionally, Rabbi Diana Fersko talks about her book addressing antisemitism. Favorite moments from the 2021 Elul podcast are shared, and listeners are encouraged to engage through email or voicemail. Various sponsorships are mentioned, and resources for further engagement with the podcast are provided.
27 Jul 2023
Working it Out: Ep. 373
In episode 373 of Unorthodox, the podcast delves into the significance of Tisha B'Av, a day of mourning in the Jewish calendar, exploring its lessons. The episode also features a conversation with Bill Courtney, known for his role as a football coach in the documentary "Undefeated," discussing themes of overcoming resentment and fostering empathy and change. Listeners are encouraged to interact by email or voicemail, and can find podcast merchandise and information about upcoming events on Tablet Studios' website. The podcast is produced by Tablet Studios and offers a range of content on its platform.
20 Jul 2023
S4E10 - A deep dive with Andrew Cristall, the only Jew in the 2023 NHL draft
Andrew Cristall, the sole Jewish player in the 2023 NHL draft, faces a scheduling conflict with the Washington Capitals' training camp coinciding with Rosh HaShanah. Cristall has previously managed hockey games around Jewish holidays like fasting until sundown for Yom Kippur. Following his draft by the Capitals, Cristall participated in a half-hour interview with Menschwarmers host Gabe Pulver and The CJN Daily's Ellin Bessner. The interview also includes discussions on other Jewish athletes like the Gelof family's achievements, Daniel Weinman's poker win, and whether MLB player Cade Povich is Jewish.