1 Aug 2025
War and Poetry: Owen Lewis on Being a Jewish Poet in a Time of Crisis
Acclaimed poet and professor Owen Lewis delves into the role of poetry in addressing trauma and grief following significant events such as the October 7th attacks. He discusses his experiences as a Jewish professor amid rising antisemitism on campus and the power of poetry to bridge divides in conflict-ridden times.
21 Apr 2025
Writing - The Remedy?
William Kolbrener and Ronit Eitan discuss their platform Writing on the Wall and their magazine Balagan, aiming to foster diverse conversations in literature and art, especially in response to crises like those following October 7th. The focus is on creating a dialogue through English-language publications that reach an international audience, providing a new cultural narrative grounded in Israeli and Jewish identity.
16 Apr 2025
What Matters Now to Israel Story's Mitch Ginsburg: A 1973 exodus from Egypt
Mitch Ginsburg tells the extraordinary story of a group of Israeli POWs who, while held captive in Egypt during the War of Attrition, decided to translate J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" into Hebrew. This episode presents a compelling saga of adaptation and survival, chronicling both the communal efforts inside the prison and the personal challenges these soldiers faced upon their return to Israel after more than three years of captivity.
7 Feb 2025
Cynthia Ozick on "The Conversion of the Jews" (Rebroadcast)
Cynthia Ozick discusses her story "The Conversion of the Jews," which explores historical and contemporary themes of Jewish identity, conversion, and the profound mystery of apostasy through the fictional journey of Solomon Edelberg. The conversation traverses the complexities of rationality, mysticism, and identity linked to historical figures and events, juxtaposing them with modern issues of Jewish self-perception and continuity.
3 Feb 2025
The ‘Big Data’ of Israeli Literature
Dr. Yael Dekel discusses the innovative use of digital methods in studying Israeli literature, focusing on a project that blends traditional close reading with distant reading techniques to capture a broader literary canon. This interdisciplinary approach, utilizing public participation, re-evaluates canonical boundaries and reflects societal shifts in themes such as space and identity.
25 Dec 2024
This Hanukkah, a new children’s book shares the true story of a young boy who kept the light on in his shtetl
Sheila Baslaw, at the age of 92, has co-authored a children's book, "The Light Keeper," with Karen Levine, highlighting the true story of Baslaw's father, Samuel Saslove, who maintained the electric street lights in his shtetl in Ukraine. The tale addresses themes of resilience and responsibility, set against the backdrop of Jewish life in early 20th-century Eastern Europe, and aims to inspire readers of all backgrounds.
23 Dec 2024
Elias Khoury: In Memoriam
Yehuda Shenhav Shaharabani reflects on his profound connection with Lebanese novelist Elias Khoury, highlighting the author's influential role in bridging cultural understandings between Arabic and Hebrew-speaking communities. Khoury's work, with its focus on Palestinian identity and the delicate portrayal of Jewish-Arab relations, offers a unique literary exploration of the shared histories and traumas of both peoples.
6 Nov 2024
A new book of poetry explores resilience and conflict in a post-Oct. 7 world
Sharon Zohar, moved by the hate she encountered while promoting civility in Toronto, channeled her response into the poetry anthology, "Proof of Life," which includes global Jewish voices expressing the tumultuous emotions and resilience in the aftermath of the October 7th attacks. Collaborating with OneFamily Fund, proceeds support Israeli terror victims, and a second volume focusing on allied voices is in the works.
2 Oct 2024
"Between the Covers" Live: Dionne Brand and Adania Shibli
Dionne Brand and Adania Shibli engage in a rich dialogue with David Naimon, examining the intersection of language, narrative, and colonial practices. They challenge the concept of home and democracy, envisioning new ways to rebuild identities and communities beyond traditional nation-states.
30 Aug 2024
Gary Saul Morson on Alexander Solzhenitsyn and His Warning to America
In this episode, Jonathan Silver discusses Alexander Solzhenitsyn's Harvard commencement address with Gary Saul Morson, examining Solzhenitsyn's critique of both the Soviet and Western systems. Solzhenitsyn's insights highlight the enduring value of truth and literature in resisting societal decay and promoting moral values.
15 Aug 2024
The Making of a COMMENTARY Issue
In a discussion about creating an issue of COMMENTARY magazine, John and Abe detail the process from commissioning articles to editing, production, and the editorial decisions involved, using the July/August issue as an example. They touch on practical considerations like print constraints and how these factors influence the final content of each issue.
7 Aug 2024
AYN RAND
Ayn Rand (1905-1982) was a prominent American writer known for her bestselling novels The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, which advocated for American capitalism, individualism, and creativity. In a new Jewish Lives biography by Alexandra Popoff, Rand's perspective on success is discussed, highlighting her significant influence on American thought over multiple generations. The episode also features George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue."
18 Jul 2024
Reuven Fenton on Summer Reads
Reuven Fenton shares insights into his debut novel, 'Goyhood: A Novel,' which explores identity and faith through a humorous narrative inspired by his own experiences with Jewish religiosity. The conversation delves into themes of cultural identity, the ethics of journalism, and the transformative power of writing fiction.
1 Jul 2024
Our Favorite Biographies
Commentary Magazine writers discuss their favorite biographies, offering insights into the lives of Churchill, Truman, Tolstoy, Dickens, and more. They engage with the deeper themes found within these works, highlighting how impactful a well-told life story can be.
28 Jun 2024
Jeffrey Saks on the Genius of S.Y. Agnon
Rabbi Jeffrey Saks discusses the literary genius of S.Y. Agnon, his significant role in the revival of modern Hebrew literature, and his intertextual engagement with traditional Jewish texts. Agnon's profound body of work, which reflects the Jewish experience and its complexities, earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1966, marking a significant cultural achievement for Israel.
27 Jun 2024
Long-buried Nazi atrocities, retold in Robert Rotenberg’s new crime novel, have lessons for today
Robert Rotenberg's latest novel, 'What We Buried,' blends historical fiction with contemporary themes, highlighting a long-overlooked Nazi massacre in Italy and drawing parallels to Canada's controversial postwar immigration policy. Speaking on The CJN Daily, Rotenberg discusses the resurgence of interest in lesser-known World War II atrocities and their connections to modern issues, such as the recent Canadian political gaffe involving a former Nazi soldier.
27 Jun 2024
Long-buried Nazi atrocities, retold in Robert Rotenberg’s new crime novel, have lessons for today
Author Robert Rotenberg discusses his latest crime novel, 'What We Buried,' which delves into a Nazi massacre in Italy during World War II and its contemporary resonances, including Canada's historical acceptance of former Nazi soldiers. The book highlights the importance of confronting history to understand the present, blending fictional characters with real events to tell stories of resistance, complicity, and secrets.
25 Jun 2024
Danila Botha's new book of short fiction wants to break the mold of Jewish Orthodoxy
Canadian author Danila Botha discusses her latest book, "Things That Cause Inappropriate Happiness," featuring Jewish stories that challenge traditional Orthodox narratives. Botha, who is openly Zionist, shares her experiences navigating the complexities of identity in literature and discusses how current social climates impact reception to her work.
25 Jun 2024
Danila Botha's new book of short fiction wants to break the mold of Jewish Orthodoxy
Danila Botha discusses her new book, "Things That Cause Inappropriate Happiness," which explores diverse Jewish identities and challenges traditional narratives through fictional stories. She navigates the complexity of being an openly Zionist author in a climate that's increasingly hostile to her views, while integrating imaginative storytelling with cultural and historical insight.
20 Jun 2024
“Beyond the Capacity of English to See”
Palestinian-American poet Fady Joudah discusses the geopolitical and cultural constraints placed on Palestinian narratives within Western frameworks, focusing on his latest poetry collection. He explores themes of language's limitations, the potential of silence, and the ongoing struggle against oppressive narratives and genocides.
11 Jun 2024
In her poetry, Zilka Joseph channels the stories of her Bene Israel ancestors in India
Zilka Joseph reflects on the rich history of the Bene Israel community in India through her poetry, exploring cultural traditions and personal stories that connect past and present. Her work provides insight into how the community maintained their Jewish identity while integrating into Indian society and facing modern challenges.
12 Apr 2024
No Fans, Only Poems
The episode explores the controversy around the resignation of Guernica's editor, Jina Moore, following backlash over an essay by Israeli writer Joanna Chen, resulting in discussions about safe spaces for Jewish writers. Erika Dreifus talks about the restrictive literary environment and her efforts to highlight publications that are open to Jewish and Israeli voices.
12 Apr 2024
No Fans, Only Poems
In the wake of controversy surrounding Guernica retracting an essay by Israeli writer Joanna Chen, the literary world grapples with restrictions on Jewish voices and perspectives deemed too sympathetic to Israelis. This episode explores the implications for Jewish and Israeli writers seeking open platforms, highlighting the growing divide in the literary community post-October 7th, and initiatives to find new spaces for Jewish narratives.
26 Mar 2024
Introducing the AJS Critical Sources Podcast
The AJS Critical Sources Podcast, a new addition to the Adventures in Jewish Studies lineup, features Jewish studies scholars delving into significant sources that resonate with them. Hosted by Avinoam Patt, the podcast examines how scholars analyze and interpret various sources such as poems, speeches, and objects, especially in the context of recent events like the October 7 massacre in southern Israel. Scholars explore how their perspectives on these sources have evolved before and after the mentioned tragic event, offering insights into the ways in which they seek evidence and understand the past and present.
19 Mar 2024
A new Orthodox horror novel blends Kabbalah, family drama and memories of the Holocaust
British author Toby Lloyd discusses his debut horror novel 'Fervour,' which blends Orthodox Jewish mysticism, family complexities, and Holocaust trauma. Through the story of a Jewish family grappling with faith, ambition, and the legacy of survival, Lloyd explores themes of belief, identity, and moral ambiguity.
19 Mar 2024
A new Orthodox horror novel blends Kabbalah, family drama and memories of the Holocaust
Toby Lloyd discusses his new novel 'Fervor,' which intertwines Orthodox Jewish mysticism, family drama, and Holocaust memories. The novel explores the diverse interpretations of religious texts within a family grappling with intergenerational trauma and belief systems.
19 Mar 2024
A new Orthodox horror novel blends Kabbalah, family drama and memories of the Holocaust
Toby Lloyd discusses his debut novel "Fervour," which examines complex family dynamics within a Jewish context, exploring themes of Orthodox Judaism, mysticism, belief systems, and Holocaust trauma. He speaks with Ralph Benmergui about his inspiration, the challenges his characters face, and how personal experiences shaped the novel's narrative and themes.
19 Mar 2024
A new Orthodox horror novel blends Kabbalah, family drama and memories of the Holocaust
British Jewish author Toby Lloyd discusses his debut novel, Fervour, which interweaves Kabbalistic themes, family dynamics, and Holocaust trauma. Through characters grappling with religious belief, Lloyd explores the complexities of faith, truth, and intergenerational legacies in a modern context.
28 Feb 2024
Mitch Albom on his sportswriting career, new Holocaust book and accidentally writing a hockey anthem
Mitch Albom discusses his new Holocaust-themed novel, "The Little Liar," exploring themes of truth and deception through the story of Greek Jews during WWII, alongside reflections on his esteemed career in sportswriting. The episode also delves into notable Jewish moments in sports, including controversial incidents at a Toronto Raptors game and the achievements of F1 driver Lance Stroll.
28 Feb 2024
Mitch Albom on his sportswriting career, new Holocaust book and accidentally writing a hockey anthem
Mitch Albom discusses the influence of Judaism and the Holocaust in his latest book 'The Little Liar,' which reflects themes of truthfulness and deception in a Greek Jewish community during World War II. Additionally, the hosts explore Jewish athletes in sports media, like Toronto Blue Jays' Ben Shulman and the portrayal of Jewish figures in sports documentaries.
27 Feb 2024
Elie Schulman: Does Therapy Work? A Patient’s Journey [Mental Health 3/6]
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, host David Bashevkin engages in a conversation with his friend Elie Schulman about the effectiveness and importance of therapy. The discussion touches on the challenges of accepting vulnerability in a culture centered on comparison, offering insights on recognizing the need for therapy, overcoming self-comparison, and supporting friends. The conversation emphasizes seeking help as a strength. References to various works and authors are included. The episode provides a nuanced perspective on the value of therapy in personal growth and well-being.
27 Feb 2024
Elie Schulman: Does Therapy Work? A Patient’s Journey
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, Elie Schulman engages in a conversation with David Bashevkin about the value of therapy and self-acceptance in a culture where vulnerability is challenging. The discussion explores topics such as recognizing the need for therapy, overcoming the tendency to excessively compare oneself to others, and the concept of supporting and uplifting friends. The conversation emphasizes that seeking therapy can demonstrate strength and serves as a valuable resource for personal growth. Throughout the episode, various references are mentioned, including texts by Pema Chodron and Alice Miller, as well as insights on failure narratives by David Bashevkin.
22 Feb 2024
The Diary of Glikl: Discovering the Exceptional within the Everyday
The episode delves into the intriguing life and writings of Glikl of Hameln, a Jewish woman from 18th-century Germany. Through her diary, Glikl explores themes of business, faith, and family, providing a unique perspective on Jewish life during her time and resonating with modern readers.
19 Feb 2024
People of the Books
Yosef Halper, owner of Halper's Books in Tel Aviv, shares stories from his 30 years as a bookseller, exploring the unique characters and challenges of running a second-hand bookstore. His book, "The Bibliomaniacs," reflects on these encounters highlighting the role of independent bookstores in the bustling Allenby Street and the broader cultural landscape of the city.
15 Feb 2024
Cynthia Ozick on the Story of a Jew Who Becomes a Tormentor of Other Jews
Cynthia Ozick's short fiction, "The Story of My Family," explores the real-life kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara, a Jewish boy who was secretly baptized and taken away from his family by the Pope in the 1850s. Through the perspective of Edgardo's nephew's daughter, who has moved to America, the story delves into the impact of Edgardo's life as a priest on his own family and future generations. Ozick and Jonathan Silver discuss the significance of a story about a Jew who becomes a tormentor of other Jews and how theological disruptions can affect subsequent generations.
1 Feb 2024
Chronicles of A Talmud Girl Boss
Devorah Romm, a 19th-century Lithuanian businesswoman, revolutionized Jewish publishing by breaking norms and establishing the Vilna Shas as a prestigious standard. Her strategic decisions, including expanding the scope of published works and shaping the iconic format of Jewish texts, left a lasting impact on Jewish education and scholarly traditions.
22 Jan 2024
#82: Messianic Resurrection
In this podcast, the topic of discussion is the resurrection of the righteous in the Messianic times. It is believed that with the arrival of the Messiah, the righteous will be resurrected. There are two types of resurrection, and it is established in Jewish literature that all the righteous, both those buried within the land and outside of it, will return. The podcast explores the nature of these resurrections.
15 Jan 2024
The Many Lives of Bruno Schulz
Benjamin Balint explores the complex legacy of Bruno Schulz, a multifaceted figure whose life and work are caught in overlapping Polish, Ukrainian, and Jewish cultural histories. His tragic death during the Holocaust adds a poignant layer to the ongoing debates over the ownership and interpretation of his artistic and literary contributions.
5 Jan 2024
Our Favorite Conversations of 2023
In this episode, host Jonathan Silver looks back at some of the most interesting conversations from 2023, covering a wide range of topics in modern Jewish life. Examples include discussions with scholars, artists, rabbis, writers, soldiers, and generals. Some highlights include conversations with Russ Roberts, Cynthia Ozick, Izzy Pludwinski, Peter Berkowitz, Gadi Taub, Ran Baratz, Michael Doran, Meir Soloveichik, Shany Mor, Haviv Gur, Hussein Aboubakr, and Rick Richman. The episode concludes with optimism, highlighting Rick Richman's book of biographical portraits titled "And None Shall Make Them Afraid." Musical selections in the podcast are from composer Paul Ben-Haim's Quintet for Clarinet and Strings, op. 31a, performed by the ARC Ensemble.
27 Dec 2023
Our Picks in Books, 2023
In a holiday-themed podcast episode, a selection of the best and most impactful books read in 2023 are recommended. The list includes a discourse on lying from 1978, an Israeli novel addressing American anti-Semitism, a book discussing the breakdown of America, the best play of the century, and a comedian's memoir. Listeners are encouraged to tune in for more details and insights on these recommended readings.