18 Aug 2025
The Best Broadway Musicals
The hosts of the Commentary Magazine Podcast delve into their favorite Broadway musicals, exploring the specific performances and characteristics that make each significant. From personal recollections to deeper thematic discussions, this episode provides listeners with vivid analyses of beloved shows, emphasizing the impact of artistic direction and cultural context.
18 Aug 2025
'Israeli musicians must choose if they want to be boycotted at home or boycotted abroad'
Israeli musicians face a dilemma as signing a petition criticizing the war in Gaza leads to backlash and possible cancellation of performances, demonstrating a tense cultural and political atmosphere. This tension also extends internationally, with Israeli artists encountering challenges in performing abroad due to growing pro-Palestinian activism, including boycotts and pressure from movements like BDS.
18 Aug 2025
Greatest Hits: Sharon, without Lois or Bram, transforms her classic career into a family business
Sharon Hampson of the famed children's music trio Sharon, Lois & Bram is rejuvenating her musical career with a family band that includes her daughter and grandsons. Together, they adapt their classic songs for a new generation, engaging audiences both live and on social media platforms like TikTok.
20 Jun 2025
Five For Bombing
John Ondrasik, the singer-songwriter known as Five for Fighting, discusses his support for Israel and critiques modern American foreign policy, arguing for strong moral stances, on the Commentary Magazine Podcast. The hosts also explore recent developments involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, including the possibility of military intervention in Iran.
14 May 2025
What Matters Now to Eurovision mega-fan Tal Dahan: Politics, protests and camp in Basel
Tal Dahan, a Eurovision mega-fan, discusses Israel's history and challenges in the Eurovision Song Contest as they prepare for their participation in this year's event amidst political protests in Basel. Dahan highlights both the love and hostility Israel faces, as well as the contest's complex voting systems and Israel's varied entries over the years.
23 Apr 2025
How to Be a Jew … like Matisyahu
Matisyahu reflects on his evolution as a Jewish musician, detailing his journey from his early forays into music, to his time immersed in Hasidic Judaism, and onto his current state of faith and fame. He discusses the impact of recent events on his identity and career, along with facing antisemitic protests during concerts.
4 Feb 2025
Galeet Dardashti on reviving Middle Eastern Jewish culture through music
Galeet Dardashti, a singer and anthropologist, explores her Mizrahi Jewish roots and the musical legacy of her Iranian grandfather, Iran's most famous Jewish singer, by creating music that celebrates and revives Middle Eastern and North African Jewish culture. She stresses the importance of diversifying Jewish identity narratives in North America, often dominated by Ashkenazi perspectives, to embrace the richness of Mizrahi and Sephardi traditions.
27 Jan 2025
Daniel Pelton transformed Holocaust tattoos into orchestral jazz. This is what it sounds like
Daniel Pelton, a musician from Calgary, was inspired by his exploration of Holocaust history to transform tattoo numbers from a Holocaust narrative into orchestral jazz. Utilizing the violins from the "Violins of Hope" collection, Pelton created a trio of songs released to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, thereby intertwining Holocaust memory with contemporary musical expression.
13 Jan 2025
Gary Topp ushered Toronto into the cultural future—and he’s still making alternative history
Ralph Benmergui converses with influential Toronto music promoter Gary Topp, reflecting on his role in revolutionizing the city's cultural landscape during the 1970s and 1980s. The episode delves into Topp's legacy, including his concert promotions and management of iconic venues, as chronicled in the new book, "He Hijacked My Brain: Gary Topp's Toronto."
13 Jan 2025
Gary Topp ushered Toronto into the cultural future—and he’s still making alternative history
The episode explores Gary Topp's critical role in shaping Toronto's cultural scene during the 1970s and 1980s through his work as a music promoter and independent movie theater operator. His influence on the city's community and artistic fabric is celebrated with anecdotes about his involvement with iconic bands and unique film screenings.
31 Dec 2024
Jewish Studies Unscrolled: “Raisins and Almonds” and Yiddish Folksong in Classical Folk Music with Alex Weiser
Alex Weiser discusses the impact and adaptation of the Yiddish lullaby "Rozhinkes mit Mandlen" from its folk origins to its influence on modern classical music. The episode examines how various 20th-century Jewish composers, including Saminsky, Achrun, and Wolpe, were inspired by this iconic song in their compositions.
31 Dec 2024
Jewish Studies Unscrolled: “Raisins and Almonds” and Yiddish Folksong in Classical Folk Music with Alex Weiser
Pulitzer Prize finalist Alex Weiser engages listeners with an exploration of the Yiddish lullaby “Rozhinkes mit Mandlen” and its influence on Jewish and classical music. By discussing various reinterpretations by composers such as Lazare Saminsky and Judith Shatin, Weiser illustrates how folk roots are woven into modern classical compositions.
30 Dec 2024
Erez Zobary dives into her Yemenite heritage with R&B soul
Erez Zobary, a Toronto R&B artist, explores her Yemenite heritage and Jewish identity in her latest album, influenced by family history and cultural soundscapes. The album, released post-October 7, blends personal stories with contemporary musical elements and touches on themes of resilience, identity, and community.
26 Dec 2024
Jewish Studies Unscrolled: Bruce Springsteen, with Rabbis Elliot Cosgrove and Neil Zuckerman
Exploring the spiritual resonance and themes of Bruce Springsteen's song "Thunder Road," Rabbis Elliot Cosgrove and Neil Zuckerman draw parallels between Springsteen's lyrics and Jewish themes such as tradition, self-discovery, and the journey home. Despite Springsteen's non-Jewish background, his work resonates with universal concepts of faith, community, and existential quests for identity, often mirrored in Jewish texts.
23 Dec 2024
How Choir! Choir! Choir! grew out of a living room gathering into 2,500 strangers singing Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' in Montreal
Nobu Adilman and Daveed Goldman co-founded Choir! Choir! Choir! in a living room, transforming it into a vast community experience where strangers unite in song, exemplified by a performance with 2,500 people in Montreal. Adilman shares insights into the group's organic growth, the role of music in communal gatherings, and the spiritual connection through shared singing experiences.
23 Dec 2024
How Choir! Choir! Choir! grew out of a living room gathering into 2,500 strangers singing Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' in Montreal
Nobu Adilman discusses the growth of Choir! Choir! Choir! from a humble living room gathering to a large-scale community singing event, emphasizing the power of music to create connection and community outside of traditional religious frameworks. Adilman reflects on the choir's emotional impact on participants and the potential for communal singing to fill the gap left by declining organized religious participation.
23 Dec 2024
How Choir! Choir! Choir! grew out of a living room gathering into 2,500 strangers singing Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' in Montreal
Nobu Adilman and Daveed Goldman founded the social singing group Choir! Choir! Choir!, which transformed from a casual living room gathering into a renowned mass sing-along event, bringing together thousands of people across cities. Their project emphasizes human connection and community through music, while Adilman reflects on the individualized spiritual journeys that each participant experiences through song.
13 Nov 2024
Yosl and the Yingels balance classic klezmer with modern jazz in their debut EP
Joseph Landau discusses his Yiddish swing and folk band, Yosl and the Yingels, and their efforts to revive Yiddish music with their debut EP, Zikhroynes. Landau shares his journey learning Yiddish and how his music bridges classic klezmer and modern jazz influences to reach both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences.
23 Oct 2024
Reasons to be Hopeful with Peter Himmelman
Musician and author Peter Himmelman discusses the enduring power of hope, his Jewish faith, and his dedication to using his art to foster connection and hope in challenging times. Himmelman shares insights from his new book and plays a heartfelt song dedicated to hostages in Gaza, reflecting on his journey from potential fame to meaningful, purpose-driven living.
8 Oct 2024
Matisyahu: Teshuva in the Spotlight [Teshuva IV 5/5]
Matisyahu explores his public and personal journey through Jewish identity and spirituality, reflecting on his experiences in multiple cultural and religious contexts. Despite facing communal scrutiny, he maintains a strong connection to Israel and Jewish identity, demonstrating resilience and authenticity throughout his career.
17 Sep 2024
Trailblazing artist Neshama Carlebach opens up about her next spiritual goal: the rabbinate
Neshama Carlebach discusses her journey from defying expectations in Orthodox Judaism to becoming a rabbi, inspired by recent global events and personal convictions. She reflects on her father's legacy, the challenges of raising Jewish children amidst rising antisemitism, and her dedication to fostering healing through music and spirituality.
17 Sep 2024
Trailblazing artist Neshama Carlebach opens up about her next spiritual goal: the rabbinate
Neshama Carlebach, daughter of famed Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, discusses her journey from acclaimed musician to aspiring rabbi, driven by a desire to fight for her community in the wake of rising antisemitism. The episode explores themes of legacy, identity, and the challenges of maintaining faith and community in a changing world.
21 Aug 2024
DNC, Day 2: The Obama Roll Call
The second day of the Democratic National Convention was highlighted by impactful speeches, including ones by Doug Emhoff and Michelle Obama, with former President Barack Obama delivering a notable address that some criticized as condescending. The event featured impressive visuals, music, and the roll call of the states was particularly well-received.
30 Jul 2024
Talia Schlanger spent years interviewing professional musicians—then became one herself
Talia Schlanger, known for her career in broadcasting with CBC Radio and NPR, discusses her transition to a professional music career with the release of her debut album 'Grace for the Going.' She shares the influence of her Jewish heritage, specifically her grandparents' Holocaust survival, on her music and addresses the complexities of visible Jewish identity in today's cultural climate.
30 Jul 2024
Talia Schlanger spent years interviewing professional musicians—then became one herself
Talia Schlanger, known for her work in hosting music programs and interviewing artists on CBC Radio and NPR, recently shifted her focus to becoming a professional musician with the release of her debut album, "Grace for the Going." Despite her broadcasting background aiding her creatively, she found herself unprepared for the business aspects of the music industry. In an interview on The CJN's podcast, Culturally Jewish, Schlanger discusses her personal journey and Jewish identity, drawing inspiration from her Holocaust-survivor grandparents and sharing how she started wearing a Magen David necklace.
4 Jul 2024
Summer Jams with Zusha and Omer Netzer: Ep. 419
Zusha, a band blending Hasidic and secular musical styles, joins Omer Netzer, a Jewish-Israeli country musician, in a discussion about their creative journeys and spiritual inspirations. Host Leah Leibovitz explores how their diverse backgrounds influence their music-making processes and their shared goals of fostering Jewish and spiritual connections through music.
27 May 2024
Meet the singer who performs Yiddish opera from Holocaust survivors—and also Wagner
Jaclyn Grossman, a soprano opera singer, explores the complexity of performing works by antisemitic composer Richard Wagner alongside music by Holocaust survivors. As co-founder of the Likht Ensemble, she aims to create dialogue around these tensions through art, arguing against canceling Wagner and instead using his music to spark necessary conversations about Jewish representation and antisemitism in the arts.
27 May 2024
Meet the singer who performs Yiddish opera from Holocaust survivors—and also Wagner
Jaclyn Grossman, a Toronto-based soprano, explores the tension between performing Wagner's operas, despite the composer's antisemitic legacy, and Yiddish works by Holocaust survivors through her co-founded Likht Ensemble. Grossman argues that engaging with Wagner's music is an opportunity to address antisemitism in the arts, rather than dismissing it outright.
22 Apr 2024
Meet the Klezbians, the invite-only, music-playing group holding annual queer seders in B.C.
The Klezbians, an all-female klezmer band in Victoria, B.C., celebrates their 10th anniversary by hosting unique Passover Seders that integrate feminist and queer elements, creating an inclusive space for their Jewish lesbian community. These Seders serve as both an expression of Jewish identity and a cultural gathering, promoting connection despite varying personal and political beliefs, especially in light of current events.
22 Apr 2024
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 Mar 2024
Matisyahu’s Message to His Fellow Jews and to the Israel Haters Trying to Cancel Him
Matisyahu, a Jewish American reggae singer, rapper, and beatboxer, expresses his belief in Israel's right to exist despite facing protests and cancellations, including a recent show in Chicago. His music reflects his evolving Jewish identity and vision of peace. Matisyahu discusses his spiritual journey from a Reconstructionist background to exploring Orthodox Judaism and eventually adopting a more humanistic approach in his music and life. He emphasizes a strong Jewish pride, especially following incidents like the BDS controversy in 2015 and the October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel. Matisyahu's recent experiences in Israel, performing for soldiers and visiting targeted sites, have strengthened his connection to his Jewish identity and support for Israel, even amidst challenges in the music industry.
6 Mar 2024
From Nassau Street to United Bakers, a new family folk album waxes nostalgic about old Jewish Toronto
Eric and Erin Warner, inspired by their late grandfather's long life in Toronto, collaborated with Jason Craig to produce a concept album, 'A Song for Ira,' that nostalgically explores Jewish life in Toronto. The album, crafted by fictional characters Harold and Ruth, captures the spirit of Jewish Toronto from mid-20th century family stories, resonating with themes of cultural identity and intergenerational memory.
6 Mar 2024
From Nassau Street to United Bakers, a new family folk album waxes nostalgic about old Jewish Toronto
The Warner siblings and Jason Craig have created "A Song for Ira," a nostalgic concept album that captures the essence of Jewish life in mid-20th century Toronto, inspired by their late grandfather's experiences. By utilizing music as a storytelling tool, they aim to preserve and pass down family and cultural histories to younger generations.
8 Feb 2024
How A 10/7 Survivor is Confronting Anti-Israel Activists on College Campuses
Yoni Diller, a survivor of the 10/7 attack at the Supernova Music Festival in Israel, is now sharing his story with political leaders and college students around the world. He witnessed the horrific events that unfolded on that day, when Hamas terrorists launched an attack that killed 1200 people. Yoni describes the chaos and fear as he and others tried to escape, walking for hours through the desert to reach safety. He emphasizes the importance of spreading the truth about what happened, as there is often misinformation and denial surrounding the event. While he has received mostly positive reactions, he also encountered some negative responses, including one student at Princeton who questioned the legitimacy of the attack. Yoni chooses not to engage in political debates but instead focuses on telling his personal story.
2 Feb 2024
Tal Shimony Survived the Hamas Attack on the Nova Music Festival: Hear Her Story of Courage, Resilience, and Remembrance
Tal Shimony survived the Hamas attack on the Nova Music Festival in Israel. She was dancing at the festival when it was suddenly attacked by terrorists, resulting in the deaths of over 400 people and the kidnapping of more than 40 others. Tal shares her experiences and highlights the exhibit 'Nova 6.29' that aims to tell their story and remember the victims. The Nova Music Festival is part of the trance culture, which originated in India and became popular in Israel. Trance culture promotes love, peace, and the enjoyment of electronic music in nature. Tal emphasizes the contrast between the terrorist attack and the values of the community. She describes the magical experience of witnessing the sunrise in the desert during the festival and recounts the moment when the attack occurred.
23 Jan 2024
Lipa Schmeltzer: How to Heal: A Personal Journey of Mental Health
In a special episode of the 18Forty Podcast, Jewish singer Lipa Schmeltzer shares his personal journey of mental health. Lipa discusses breaking through barriers to seek professional help, maintaining sincerity in the face of cynicism, and the radical honesty needed for progress in mental health. Known as the Lady Gaga of Hasidic music, Lipa is a father, singer, writer, and visual artist with 18 solo albums. References to books like "The Untethered Soul" and "The Power of Now" are made in the discussion.
2 Jan 2024
#341 - Harmony Amidst Chaos: A Pianist's Journey Against Antisemitism (Live@Soho w/ Igor Levit)
Pianist Igor Levit reflects on his profound connection to music and his response to rising antisemitism following the events of October 7th. Through performances for hostage families and conversations about identity, Levit takes a stand against growing intolerance by using his art to unite and heal.
27 Nov 2023
A Canadian photographer survived the Supernova music festival on Oct. 7. Here’s what he saw
Canadian photographer Shye Klein Weinstein survived the Hamas terrorist attack at the Supernova music festival in Israel on Oct. 7 and unknowingly documented their escape through photography. Initially attending the festival on a whim with a romantic interest, Weinstein spent time capturing images of the joyful atmosphere before the tragic events unfolded. Traumatized by the massacre, Weinstein is now sharing his firsthand account and photographic evidence with Jewish students in North America, hoping to raise awareness and seek solace in processing the life-altering experience. Interested individuals can view his photos on Instagram, support the initiative Faces of Oct. 7 combating misinformation on college campuses, and donate via the organization's Instagram account.
23 Nov 2023
The “Song of War” Edition
Noah reflects on the abundance of music produced during the current war, noting that it surpasses the music created in all of Israel's previous wars combined. He ponders how these songs reflect the country's evolution and positive changes over the years.
9 Nov 2023
The “Our Tragedy & Theirs” Edition
Allison Kaplan Sommer, Linda Gradstein, and Noah Efron discuss whether Israeli media should cover the suffering of Gazans along with Israel's own challenges, as well as the increase in gun license applications in Israel. In a Patreon segment, they delve into Israelis getting tattoos to remember an event, with a focus on new music created after the tragic event discussed. The episode ends with a heartwarming anecdote from Israel.