Daily Podcasts Video Research
4 Feb
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
11 Oct 2023
Voices from Israel: Ep. 383
In this episode of Unorthodox, stories from Israel are shared, including firsthand accounts of bravery and tragedy following a recent terror attack. The episode includes testimonies from individuals who were at the NOVA music festival, friends providing aid in Tel Aviv, and a report from the missing persons center near Ben Gurion Airport. The podcast features musical renditions by Regina Spektor and Jenny Penkin and J.Lamotta. For more eyewitness audio accounts of the Hamas massacre and additional coverage of the events, listeners can visit the Testimonies Archive and Tablet's website, respectively. Contact information and links to Unorthodox merchandise and events are provided at the end of the episode.
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.
19 Sep 2023
How Sarah Segal-Lazar went from Jewish Montreal to writing folk songs in rustic P.E.I.
Sarah Segal-Lazar, a Canadian musician and actor, drew inspiration from defying professional expectations to craft the theme song for The CJN's arts and culture podcast, Culturally Jewish. Her latest album, Valleys, showcases a mix of foot-thumping country bar tunes and poignant reflections on relationships, written between Montreal and Prince Edward Island. Despite embracing a rustic lifestyle in P.E.I., Segal-Lazar's Jewish roots remain central to her artistic journey. You can listen to Valleys and learn more about her creative process and personal evolution on Culturally Jewish, hosted by Ilana Zackon and David Sklar.
13 Sep 2023
We asked a 104-year-old 'super senior' the secret to living a long life. Here's what she said
Bella Bernstein, a 104-year-old former soprano and one of the super seniors at the Donald Berman Jewish Eldercare Centre in Montreal, shared her secret to longevity during the organization's annual group birthday party for residents over 100 years old. Bernstein's advice, discussed on The CJN Daily with host Ellin Bessner, her daughter Harriet Segal, and recreation coordinator Josie di Benedetto, sheds light on a life well-lived. The event, meant to celebrate the remarkable milestone of the elderly residents, including a Second World War veteran and Bernstein, who was the oldest of the group at 104, was clouded by the passing of one senior just before the gathering. The conversation surrounding these centenarians offers insights into the experiences and wisdom acquired over a long and storied life.
31 Aug 2023
How Nissim Black went from gangster rapper to Christian convert to making aliyah
Nissim Black, a renowned rapper from Israel, has a captivating journey from his roots in gangster rap to Christianity and eventually to making aliyah and embracing Judaism. Living in Israel with his family, Black aims to fuse his rap music with his newfound faith, becoming a successful figure in the music scene with multiple projects on the horizon. Recently featured in an interview with Rivkush, Black's story is gaining attention, including an upcoming HBO comedy series based on his life.
24 Aug 2023
Sounds of the Season: Ep 376
In a recent episode of Unorthodox, the focus was on music as part of the journey through the Hebrew month of Elul leading up to the High Holidays. Rabbi Josh Warshawsky discussed the melodies of the High Holidays and shared his new version of Hineni. Additionally, Ladino singer Sarah Aroeste paid musical tribute to the lost Sephardic community of Monastir. The episode also explored the National Library of Israel's music collection and sound archive in The Archive segment. Listeners were encouraged to reach out to the show and could find Unorthodox merchandise on Tablet Studios' website. The episode was sponsored by Hadassah's Inspire Zionism event, Cutting Edge Foods for premium kosher meats, and the National Library of Israel.
22 Aug 2023
Klezmer fans and Deadheads: How Ashkenaz Festival is merging musical styles this summer
The Ashkenaz Festival and Magen Boys Entertainment are organizing a summer jam concert series that explores the connections between Jewish culture and jam bands like The Grateful Dead and Phish, popular among Ashkenazi and Israeli Jews. The interview delves into how these bands, characterized by lengthy, improvised, musically complex songs, have gained popularity among Jews in recent years. The festival aims to highlight the deep connections between Deadheads and Jewish culture, sparking discussions about the overlap between the two musical worlds.
17 Aug 2023
The “General Malaise?” Edition
In this episode, Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss the high number of Israelis considering leaving the country, the political implications of the army's involvement, and Yair Netanyahu's controversial behavior compared to his father's. They also share a heartwarming anecdote from Israel. Additionally, they touch on a special segment for their Patreon supporters delving into Yair Netanyahu's behavior in relation to his father.
7 Aug 2023
Why do Jews love jam bands?
Jewish affinity for jam bands like The Grateful Dead and Phish, known for improvisational music and long concerts, is explored in an episode of Culturally Jewish. The scene, once associated with drugs, has become mainstream, prompting discussions on why Jews are drawn to it. The Ashkenaz Festival in Toronto even hosted a summer jam concert series, signaling deeper connections between Deadheads and Jewish culture. The episode features interviews with concert-goers and insights from Ashkenaz artistic director Eric Stein on the topic.
13 Jul 2023
Bobbi Goddard wasn't born Jewish, living in Mexico, or a country singer—and is now all three
Bobbi Goddard, a Canadian-born individual who converted to Judaism and taught herself Hebrew while in Israel, found herself in Mexico during the pandemic and extended her stay to pursue her dream of becoming a country music singer. She is currently on tour with her band, Bobbi and The Others, across Western Canada. Her diverse background and journey reflect her pursuit of different dreams in various locations, showcasing her musical talent and multicultural experiences.
1 Jun 2023
Denis Brott has recovered from severe COVID—but not from his brother's sudden death
Renowned cellist Denis Brott, a survivor of a severe case of COVID-19 that nearly took his life, is preparing to launch the Montreal Chamber Music Festival, an event he founded to promote classical music accessibility. Brott, from a prominent Canadian musical family, underwent a challenging recovery with the support of doctors who integrated classical music into his treatment at the Montreal University Hospital Centre. Despite his remarkable resilience, Brott continues to grapple with the loss of his brother Boris Brott, reflecting on his personal journey in a recent conversation. In addition to resuming his international music career, Brott is expressing gratitude by performing private concerts to support the hospital that saved him.
11 May 2023
The “Power of the Eurovision” Edition
In anticipation of this year's Eurovision Song Contest, the discussion delves into the significance and impact of the event. It highlights some lesser-known but notable songs from previous years, such as Shlomo Artzi's "At ve-Ani" in 1973, Gili ve-Galit's "Derekh Hamelekh" in 1989, Ping Pong's "Sameah!" in 2000, and Ahinoam Nini & Mira Awad's "Einayich / There Must Be Another Way" in 2009, which achieved 7th place. The text also mentions Eden Alena's "Feker Libi" from 2020, which couldn't compete due to the cancellation of the contest amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Top Topics in Jewish Podcasts

last 7 days

  1. Hamas
  2. Netanyahu
  3. Ceasefire
  4. Zionism
  5. Trump Administration
  6. Donald Trump
  7. Israeli Politics
  8. Hostages
  9. Elon Musk
  10. Military Strategy

Editors' Note

Welcome to JL;DR!
by Matt Sienkiewicz

Become a member

Support JL;DR's nonprofit mission and receive these podcast bonuses:

  • full episode summaries with key points
  • full transcript search in the archive
  • save episodes directly to your podcast app

Donate today »