Shows
Heritage WordsSushi on Shabbat: A Pacific Islander’s Journey of Blending Cultures and Building Jewish Identity with Genevieve Okada GoldstoneIn this episode, Sarah Bunin Benor interviews Genevieve Okada Goldstone, who has a rich multiracial heritage, including Portuguese, Japanese, and Chamorro. Genevieve shares her long, personal journey of converting to Judaism and discusses her efforts to imbue her children with a strong Jewish identity. She explains how she has prioritized Hebrew heritage words, while still infusing elements of her diverse cultural background.Heritage Words - conversations about the words we inherit and the meaning they bring to our lives - is produced by the HUC Jewish Language Project and HUC Connect.Host and producer: Sarah...
2025-08-2033 minHeritage WordsFrom Krakow to Kurdistan to Casablanca: Heritage Words from Jewish Language Project StaffIn this episode, Sarah Bunin Benor hosts a roundtable discussion with staff members of the Jewish Language Project. Together, they explore heritage words from a range of languages, including Judeo-Arabic, Yiddish, Ladino, and two varieties of Jewish Neo-Aramaic. Participants explain how these words carry cultural meaning and share their personal connections to their heritage languages. The group also discusses the role heritage words can play in language revitalization efforts, offering insights into how even a single word can spark connection and continuity across generations.Heritage Words - conversations about the words we inherit and the meaning they...
2025-08-0636 minHeritage WordsYiddish “Sounds Like Home,” with Michele Lieberman and Guest Interviewer Jack LiebermanIn this episode, Sarah Bunin Benor hands over hosting duties to a guest host, Jack Lieberman, who interviews his mother, Michele, about her ancestral language, Yiddish. From family memories to funny Yiddish anecdotes, their chat is a heartfelt tribute to preserving cultural language, food, and music as living links to a vibrant past.Jack was a student in Sarah’s class "Jewish Language in the 21st Century" at the University of Southern California in fall 2024. Sarah found the experience of interviewing people about their heritage words so interesting and enriching that she decided to share that experience wi...
2025-07-2324 minHeritage WordsEthiopian-Israeli-American Experience: A Conversation with Mother and Son Tawkalich Michal Avera Samuel and Telahun Liad SamuelIn this episode, Sarah Bunin Benor interviews Ethiopian Jewish mother and son, Tawkalich Michal Avera Samuel and Telahun Liad Samuel, who share stories about their family’s migration, cultural traditions, and the Amharic words that connect their generations. Their conversation highlights how heritage words for foods, holidays, and rituals preserve identity and keep the community’s rich history alive across generations.Heritage Words - conversations about the words we inherit and the meaning they bring to our lives - is produced by the HUC Jewish Language Project and HUC Connect.Host and executive producer: Sarah Buni...
2025-07-0953 minHeritage WordsI Sing it Fluently: Ladino Activism with Sarah AroesteIn this episode, Sarah Bunin Benor interviews Sarah Aroeste in front of a live audience about her journey in exploring her Sephardic heritage through language and travel. They discuss Sarah Aroeste’s efforts to engage people of all ages to learn more about Sephardic Jewry through her career in writing and singing Ladino songs and writing multilingual, Sephardic-themed children’s books that encourage the usage of heritage words.Heritage Words - conversations about the words we inherit and the meaning they bring to our lives - is produced by the HUC Jewish Language Project and HUC Connect.
2025-06-2548 minHeritage WordsFrom Mashallah to Ayouni: The Power of Arabic Words and Music in Jewish Communities with Yosef GoldmanIn this episode, Yosef Goldman talks with Sarah Bunin Benor about the rich influence of Arabic music on his Sephardic Jewish heritage, showing how these sounds bridge cultures and generations from Yemen to New York. Yosef discusses the challenge of blending Sephardic and Mizrahi prayer styles into Ashkenazi services, highlighting the importance of educating communities about this rich diversity.Heritage Words - conversations about the words we inherit and the meaning they bring to our lives - is produced by the HUC Jewish Language Project and HUC Connect.Host and executive producer: Sarah Bunin Benor
2025-06-1141 minHeritage Words“Sampling my grandparents” with Galeet DardashtiIn this episode, Sarah Bunin Benor interviews Galeet Dardashti, an anthropologist, musician, composer, and a trailblazing and award-winning performer and scholar of Middle Eastern Jewish culture. Galeet also co-created the award-winning podcast “The Nightingale of Iran,” about her family's Persian musical legacy.Heritage Words - conversations about the words we inherit and the meaning they bring to our lives - is produced by the HUC Jewish Language Project and HUC Connect.Host and executive producer: Sarah Bunin BenorProducers and editors: Kyle Fingerhut, Avishay ArtsyVideo editor: Annabel NoarEdit...
2025-05-2842 minHeritage WordsAsher Shasho Levy, Bringing Maqam to a San Francisco KnisIn this episode, Sarah Bunin Benor interviews Asher Shasho Levy, a Syrian Jewish musician based in San Francisco, where he is the hazan and musical director at The Kitchen, a progressive Jewish community. He's also the leader of the Aram Soba ensemble, a group dedicated to the musical heritage of Syrian Jewry.Heritage Words - conversations about the words we inherit and the meaning they bring to our lives - is produced by the HUC Jewish Language Project and HUC Connect.Host and executive producer: Sarah Bunin BenorProducers and editors: Kyle Fingerhut...
2025-05-1448 minHeritage WordsFrom vilde chaye to Yiddish parenting maven, with Mayim BialikIn this episode, the guest is Mayim Bialik, who discusses Yiddish in American English.
Mayim Bialik is best known for her lead role as Blossom Russo in the early-1990s NBC television sitcom Blossom. She played the role of Amy Farrah Fowler on the critically acclaimed CBS comedy, The Big Bang Theory, a role for which she received 2 Critics’ Choice Award wins, 4 Emmy nominations and a SAG Award nomination. She served as host of Jeopardy! for 2 seasons, earning her fifth Emmy nomination for her contributions to the iconic show which won its first primetime Emmy the year sh...
2024-11-2534 minHeritage WordsAshtidek: Preserving the beauty of Judeo-Arabic, with Sarah SassoonIn this episode, the guest is Sarah Sassoon, who discusses Judeo-Baghdadi Arabic in Australian English.
Sarah Sasoon is an Australian born, Iraqi Jewish writer, poet, and educator. She is the author of the award winning picture book Shoham’s Bangle and This is Not a Cholent. Her poetry micro chapbook, This is Why We Don’t Look Back was awarded the Harbor Review Jewish Women’s Poetry prize. She is an editorial advisor for Distinctions: A Sephardi and Mizrahi Journal. She is also the joint author of The In-Between, a literary dialogue about identity and belonging. She lives...
2024-11-1137 minHeritage WordsKhudo Kumek isn't just goodbye: Juhuri Journeys with Ilana MansharovIn this episode, the guest is Ilana Mansharov, who discusses Juhuri in Modern Hebrew and Canadian English.
Ilana Mansharov began her career as a Jewish educator over 21 years ago in Toronto and the greater Toronto area. She comes in with a diverse experience teaching, guiding, developing and leading staff and programs for students of all abilities in Jewish elementary day schools and students of all ages programs in Jewish communal settings.
Ilana is a native Israeli and a descendant of Mountain Jews who speaks Judeo-Tat, an endangered Jewish language spoken by Juhuro. Ilana fully supports...
2024-10-2841 minHeritage WordsSalud i vida! Toasting Ladino's Longevity in Seattle, with Danny JassenIn this episode, the guest is Danny Jassen, who discusses Ladino in American English.
Danny Jassen is a Seward Park, Seattle native who grew up in the Sephardic community. His maternal great-grandparents were Ladino-speaking Jewish emigrants from Turkey and the island of Rhodes. He currently serves as a board member for Sephardic Adventure Camp, North America’s only overnight Jewish camp that is a unique Sephardic experience. Having lived in Seattle, New York and Israel, you might hear him incorporate English, Hebrew and Ladino words or phrases all in the same sentence.
Heritage Words is pr...
2024-10-1437 minHeritage Words"Jonam, what's up?" Bukharian as Bridge, with Rozeeta MavashevIn this episode, the guest is Rozeeta Mavashev, whose heritage language is Bukharian.
A graduate of CUNY with a Master's in Clinical Social Work from Hunter College and a BA in Education and English Literature from the College of Staten Island, Rozeeta Mavashev is deeply committed to education, which has driven her volunteerism and career path in the Jewish professional sector. Currently, she serves as the North American Executive Director at Masa Israel Journey. Rozeeta is also a fervent advocate for amplifying diverse Jewish voices, particularly those of Mizrahi and Sephardi descent. Recognized by Jewish Week as...
2024-09-3034 minHeritage WordsEvelyn Dean-Olmsted: What are heritage words?In this episode, the guest is Dr. Evelyn Maria Dean-Olmsted, who discusses the concept of heritage words.
Evelyn Dean-Olmsted is an anthropologist whose academic research focuses on Jewish Latin America. Her book, provisionally entitled The Pragmatics of Diaspora: Language, identity, and religiosity among young Syrian Jewish Mexicans is forthcoming with Brill. She currently serves as Project Lead at Rosov Consulting, where she contributes to community studies, program evaluation, and other research services for Jewish nonprofits. Dean-Olmsted also serves on the editorial board of the journal Latin American Jewish Studies; the advisory board of the J...
2024-09-1635 min
Heritage WordsIntroducing: Heritage WordsHeritage Words is a podcast about how we engage with our ancestral languages in new and creative ways. Heritage Words is produced by the HUC-JIR Jewish Language Project, which raises awareness about Jewish ancestral diversity through the lens of language.
The song used in this trailer is "Sheikhat Al-Hara / شيخةالحارة" from Fragments by Yoni Avi Battat, used with permission.
Host and executive producer: Sarah Bunin Benor
Producer and editor: Avishay Artsy
Video editor: Annabel Noar
Editorial consultants: Kyle Fingerhut, Annabel Noar, Hannah Pressman
2024-08-2803 min
The College Commons PodcastThe Poetry of Poetry in TranslationCouple Haim and Claire Rechnitzer compose and recompose Hebrew poetry in English.
Rabbi Dr. Haim O. Rechnitzer is a Professor of Jewish Thought at HUC-JIR in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a poet. He earned his doctorate from the Department of Jewish Thought at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and his rabbinical ordination from HUC-JIR (Jerusalem) in 2003. Rabbi Dr. Rechnitzer’s research is dedicated to themes of political theology, theological trends in Hebrew poetry, Israeli theology, and Jewish education. Recent books include: Pictures / Reproductions (Jerusalem: Carme & Yediot Aharonot, 2022) and Ars-Prophetica: Theology in the Poetry of Twentieth-Century Israeli Poets Avraham Ḥalfi, Shin Shalom, Amir...
2024-01-2321 min
The College Commons PodcastHUC Connect: Inside Israel with Jeremy LeighHost Joshua Holo speaks with HUC-JIR educator, Jeremy Leigh about his experiences on the ground in Jerusalem during the Israel-Hamas War.
Jeremy Leigh teaches Israel Studies and Modern Jewish History at HUC-JIR’s Taube Family Campus in Jerusalem. He is the coordinator of the Richard J. Scheuer Israel Seminar for the Year-In-Israel Program, as well as director of the HUC-JIR-JDC Fellowship for Global Jewish Responsibility. He leads the Year-In-Israel Program’s program in Lithuania and coordinates the annual professional development program in the Former Soviet Union.
Prior to coming to HUC-JIR, Leigh taught Ethnography of Israeli Society through Cinema at the...
2024-01-1615 min
The College Commons PodcastHUC Connect: Inside Israel with Michael MarmurHost Joshua Holo speaks with HUC-JIR educator, Michael Marmur about his experiences on the ground in Jerusalem during the Israel-Hamas War.
Michael Marmur is Associate Professor of Jewish Theology at HUC-JIR/Jerusalem. Until July 2018 he served as the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Provost at HUC-JIR, having previously been Dean of the Jerusalem campus. After some 20 years in administrative capacities, he now concentrates his energies on teaching and writing.
Born and raised in England, Rabbi Marmur completed a B.A. Degree in Modern History at the University of Oxford before moving to Israel in 1984. While studying for an M.A...
2024-01-0225 min
The College Commons PodcastHUC Connect: Inside Israel with Michal Muszkat-BarkanHost Joshua Holo speaks with HUC-JIR educator, Michal Muszkat-Barkan, Ph.D. about her experiences on the ground in Jerusalem during the Israel-Hamas War.
Michal Muszkat-Barkan, Ph.D., is a Professor of Jewish Education in the Parallel Track. She is the Director of the Department of Education and Professional Development at HUC-JIR/Jerusalem. Her fields of research include teachers’ professional development, teacher ideologies, multicultural teacher training, and pluralism in Jewish education.
She heads the Rikma M.A. program specializing in Community and Pluralistic Jewish Education, in collaboration with the Melton Center for Jewish Education, Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She spearheaded and is...
2023-12-1915 min
The College Commons PodcastHUC Connect: Inside Israel with Rabbi Talia Avnon-BenvenisteHost Joshua Holo speaks with HUC-JIR educator, Rabbi Talia Avnon-Benveniste about her experiences on the ground in Jerusalem during the Israel-Hamas War.
Rabbi Avnon-Benveniste is Director of the Israel Rabbinical Program at HUC-JIR’s Taube Family Campus in Jerusalem. She was ordained after completing the Israel Rabbinical Program in 2009, and returned to HUC-JIR following her time as Director of the International School for Peoplehood Studies at Beit-Hatefutsoth, the Museum of the Jewish People, where she instilled an active connection to the Jewish people among Jews throughout the world and led public discourse on Jewish Peoplehood and identity in the 21st-century. Sh...
2023-12-0511 min
The College Commons PodcastHUC Connect: Inside Israel with David MendelssonDr. David Mendelsson, Senior Lecturer in Israel Studies and Modern Jewish History at HUC-JIR’s Taube campus in Jerusalem, is an educator, historian, and author who sheds light on his experiences since October 7th as a father, mentor, and Israeli. Witnessing everything from shifts in both the literal and learning landscapes to moments inspired by Jewish peoplehood, Dr. Mendelsson offers perspective and wisdom on Israel today.
2023-11-2114 min
The College Commons PodcastSocial Justice Torah CommentaryAdvancing social justice through Torah.
Rabbi Barry H. Block serves Congregation B'nai Israel in Little Rock, Arkansas. A Houston native and graduate of Amherst College, Rabbi Block was ordained by Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York in 1991, and he received his DD, honoris causa, in 2016.
A member of the CCAR Board of Trustees, currently serving as vice president of organizational relationships, Block is the editor of The Mussar Torah Commentary (CCAR Press, 2020), a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award. He also contributed to several earlier CCAR anthologies, including Inscribed: Encounters with the Ten Commandments, The Sacred...
2022-01-0531 min
The College Commons PodcastHUC-JIR President Andrew Rehfeld: At the Intersection of Religious and Academic ValuesCreating safe spaces on campuses for free expression and intellectual candor.
Andrew Rehfeld, Ph.D., is the 10th President in the 144-year history of Hebrew Union College — Jewish Institute of Religion. A distinguished academic, President Rehfeld brings distinctive intellectual, spiritual, and professional qualities to lead the College-Institute’s mission to transform the Jewish community and the broader world. His passion for teaching and scholarship, as well as exemplary leadership skills, have set him apart as a dynamic visionary and community builder. His deep personal commitment to Reform Judaism and Jewish values, profound understanding of the impact of nonprofit Jewish institutions, and...
2020-07-3023 min
The College Commons PodcastRabbi Richard Address: Jewish Sacred AgingSeeking meaning in a spiritual approach to aging.
Rabbi Address was ordained at HUC-JIR 1972 and currently serves as the Director of Jewish Sacred Aging® (jewishsacredaging.com) and host of weekly podcast "Seekers of Meaning." He served on staff of the URJ for over 3 decades as Regional Director and Director of Jewish Family Concerns, in addition to serving congregations in CA and NJ. He is active in several national and local (Philadelphia-area) organizations dealing with aging, caregiving and end of life. He also serves as Dean of Gamliel Institute and teaches classes associated with Jewish Sacred Aging work at HUC-JIR in N...
2020-05-2619 min
The College Commons PodcastWe All Look the Same to a Virus: Shared Human-ness in View of a PandemicOff-Script: Old Wisdom, New Realty
Audio insights from religious thinkers on the Covid-19 pandemic -- a special series of the College Commons Podcast.
Episode Contributors:
BART CAMPOLO is a secular minister, speaker, and writer who currently serves as the humanist chaplain at the University of Cincinnati and the host of the award-winning Humanize Me podcast. Bart has been profiled in the New York Times Magazine and, together with his famous evangelical father, he is the author of Why I Left, Why I Stayed and the subject of the documentary film, Leaving My Father’s Faith.
Dr. LEAH HOCHMAN, PH.D. di...
2020-04-2120 min
The College Commons PodcastDr. Lesley Litman and Jeremy Leigh: Israel Learned, Israel ExperiencedIsrael as we visit it in our hearts, minds, and in person.
Dr. Lesley Litman is the Director of the Executive M.A. Program in Jewish Education and works with the Experiment in Congregational Education as the coordinator of its Boston-based initiative. She also consults to The iCenter in the area of curriculum design and professional development in Israel education. Lesley holds a doctorate in Jewish education from The Jewish Theological Seminary. Her research interests focus on the connection between curriculum and innovation in congregational education.
Jeremy Leigh teaches Israel Studies and Modern Jewish History at HUC-JIR's Taube Family Campus...
2020-02-0533 min
Temple Solel Paradise Valley AZRabbi Langowitz at HUC- JIR Founders' Day (03/7/19)Rabbi Langowitz speaking at HUC- JIR Founders' Day (03/7/19) as Hebrew Union College establishes The Rabbi Dr. Eugene B. Borowitz
Chapel Endowment Fund.
2019-03-1120 min
The College Commons PodcastRabbi Gilad Kariv: Reform Judaism in IsraelRabbi Kariv provides a candid look into the social, political and religious life of Reform Judaism in Israel.
Rabbi Gilad Kariv is a Reform leader and attorney in Israel, serving as the Executive Director of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism (IMRPJ).
Rabbi Kariv was born and educated in Tel-Aviv. His involvement with the Reform Movement began in High School, when he joined Congregation Beit Daniel, the Center of Progressive movement in Tel-Aviv. Once completing his secondary education at the "Lady Davis" High-School, Gilad volunteered for a year of service (Shnat Shirut) in the Israeli Scouts, and worked...
2018-01-0435 min
The College Commons PodcastCharlottesville: HUC has SOMETHING to SAYHere are the voices of HUC-JIR scholars and students, reflecting on Charlottesville - giving context to our shared experience.
Included are:
Rabbi Rachel Adler, Ph.D.
Rabbi Adam Allenberg
Meir Bargeron
Dr. Sharon Gillerman
Rabbi Richard Levy
Rabbi Michael Marmur. Ph.D.
Rabbi Aaron Panken, Ph.D.
Rabbi Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi, Ph.D.
Sheryl Stahl
Rabbi Dvora Weisberg, Ph.D.
Dr. Yaffa Weisman
Henry Wudl
Dr. Sivan Zakai
2017-08-2133 min
Two Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Spiderman: The HomecomingFirst off I must say that British actor Tom Holland is my favorite Spider-Man ever and this reboot, directed by Jon Watts, is my favorite film in the Marvel ‘spider’ franchise. What makes this film work so well, is that it’s your basic coming of age story, filled with all the issues that you’d expect […]
2017-07-0801 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On War For The Planet Of The Apes‘The War For The Planet of the Apes’ takes places two years after ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’. Most of the human race across the globe have been wiped out by the outbreak of the ALZ113 V, aka the Simian Virus, while the ape population has thrived and grown in numbers. Caesar (the […]
2017-07-0102 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Baby DriverI’d Go Riding With This Dude Anytime ‘Baby Driver’ is by far the best film of the summer. I went to the press screening a few days ago and have not stopped thinking about it nor have I stopped playing the fantastic sound track. Edgar Wright (‘Shaun of the Dead’, Scott Pilgrim vs.the World’, ‘Hot […]
2017-06-2902 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Alien CovenantMany people, including myself, weren’t that crazy about Ridley Scott’s ‘Prometheus’. People found it confusing and not up to the original ‘Alien’ film. Well guess what? Mr. Scott has completely redeemed himself with his new film ‘Alien Convenant’ It is absolutely fantastic. and if you’re a fan, you will not be disappointed. Not wanting to […]
2017-05-0800 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2Guardians of the Galaxy is back. In case you need a refresher course, they include: Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), who was abducted from Earth as a child and raised by a group of alien thieves called the Ravagers. Because Quill saved so many people in the first film, he is now quite famous and renowned […]
2017-05-0400 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On LoganLogan (Hugh Jackman) is not the same superhero that he once was. He’s tired. He’s old, he may be dying and he drives a limo. That’s right, our super hero mutant is a limo driver. If that’s not bad enough, Logan’s BFF/mentor, Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) now 90 years old, is suffering from brain seizures […]
2017-02-2200 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On The Great WallAccording to writers, Carlo Bernard, Doug Miro, and Tony Gilroy the wall was built to keep out monsters; big, bad, souless monsters that resemble gigantic prehistoric reptiles, who swarm the wall every 60 years to kill and bring the dead bodies back to their Queen so she can eat. Apparently, her royal majesty has a […]
2017-02-1700 min
The College Commons PodcastRabbi David Ellenson: What Makes Me a Reform Jew?Rabbi Ellenson examines the tensions of Jews as they moved from seclusion in the pre-modern Jewish world to assimilation and the evolution of Reform Judaism.
Rabbi David Ellenson, Ph.D., is Chancellor Emeritus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and Director of the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies (Brandeis University), as well as Visiting Professor in the Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies at Brandeis. He served as President of HUC-JIR from 2001-2013.
Ellenson is a prolific scholar of modern Jewish thought and history with a particular expertise in the emergence and development of Orthodox Judaism in 19th c. E...
2017-02-1533 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On John Wick: Chapter 2The Boogeyman Is Back And He’s Taking No Prisoners Poor John Wick (Keanu Reeves) All he wants to do is lead a quiet life and play with his dog. Unfortunately, his associates have other plans for him. ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’ brilliantly directed by Chad Stahelski (‘John Wick’) and written by Derek Kolstad (‘John Wick’, […]
2017-02-1000 min
The College Commons PodcastCantor Elizabeth Sacks: Music that Speaks to Our ExperienceWorship and prayer are at the center of Jewish life. Cantor Sacks explores how we can continue to create meaningful and transformative worship experiences through music and song.
Cantor Sacks serves as the Senior Cantor of Temple Emanuel in Denver, Colorado. Raised in New York, Cantor Sacks was ordained as a cantor in 2007 from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR). She was a recipient of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship in Jewish communal leadership and earned several awards as a cantorial student for Traditional Hazzanut, Talmud, and Midrash. Cantor Sacks holds a B.A. in Jewish Studies and Music...
2017-01-1823 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Hidden FiguresI loved ‘Hidden Figures’ so much that I saw it twice and I’d probably see it again. It is one of the most inspiring, touching films I’ve seen in a long time. It’s also a film that reminds us about a time when mankind seemed to forget that we were all created equal. It’s 1961 […]
2017-01-0503 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Rogue One: A Star Wars StoryOnce upon a time far far away in another galaxy Star Wars was born. Well it wasn’t really another galaxy where it was born, but that’s where the action takes place. ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ is part one of an anthology. The film is set in a time way before we get to […]
2016-12-1500 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On La La LandWhen I saw ‘Whiplash‘ I knew I was seeing the birth of a brilliant director and now with Damien Chazelle’s latest film, ‘La La Land‘ he more than proves I was right. This flm is not only a beautiful homage to the musicals of long ago, but it’s a bittersweet love story that you will […]
2016-12-1200 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Rules Don’t ApplyWarren Beatty has wanted to do this film for decades and he finally has. I have to say it was definitely worth the wait. ‘Rules Don’t Apply’ written and directed by Beatty is absolutely wonderful. The year is 1958. A beautiful young actress wannabe, Marla Mabrey (Lily Collins) has come to Hollywood with her over […]
2016-11-2400 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On The ArrivalThe Aliens Have Landed and They Have Something to Say Unfortunately no one speaks their language. ‘Arrival is based on Ted Chiang’s ‘Story of Your Life’ but I wouldn’t read his short story until you see the film. When the movie begins, it is already established that aliens have landed on 12 different locations on […]
2016-11-1200 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Doctor Strange‘Doctor Strange’ is absolutely wonderful and I loved every single second of it. The Doctor, played impeccible by Benedict Cumberbatch (who knew the dude could be so sexy?) is a different kind of superhero. Yes, he can fight but he uses the powers of mysticism to defeat his enemies instead of just brawn. When we […]
2016-11-0300 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Jack Reacher Never Go Back”I have read every single book that Lee Child’s has written and to say I am a huge fan is an understatement. What makes Child so unique is that he only writes about one character – Jack Reacher. When I first heard that Cruise had the rights to the books, I was really upset. Reacher […]
2016-10-2000 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On The AccountantI have one word for ‘The Accountant’…Awesome…I have one word to describe Ben Affleck’s performance….Freakin Fantastic. Okay that’s two words, but this is one of his best performances in years. ‘The Accountant’ directed by Gavin O’Connor is an edge of your seat thriller that will keep you guessing right up to the end. I won’t […]
2016-10-1500 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On The Birth Of A NationI went to this screening dreading the brutality I knew I was about to witness. Films about slavery and the holocaust always have the same affect on me…They wipe me out emotionally and no many how many times I see movies that deal with these horrific events, it’s still hard to fathom that ‘man’ could […]
2016-10-1000 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On The Girl On The TrainThe first thing you’re probably wondering is if I read the book. The answer to that is yes. And then you might be wondering, did I like the book? The answer to that is, “No, I LOVED the book.” The novel, in case you don’t know, was a huge success and at the top of […]
2016-10-1000 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On The Magnificent SevenI was so excited to see the remake of ‘The Magnificent Seven when I heard that the wonderful action director, Antoine Fugua (‘Training Day’, ‘The Equalizer’ ‘Southpaw’) was at the helm. His always takes it a step up when it comes to directing action movies. The first ‘Magnificent Seven’ was made in 1954 and it […]
2016-09-2300 min
The College Commons PodcastRabbi Mark Washofsky: Jewish Law in Reform JudaismWithout Jewish law, there would be no Jewish action says Rabbi Washofsky. Join this esteemed scholar as he discusses the impact of law on Jewish life and it's place within the Reform movement.
Rabbi Mark Washofsky, Ph.D. is the Solomon B. Freehof Professor of Jewish Law and Practice at HUC-JIR in Cincinnati. Dr. Washofsky has been a member of the HUC-JIR faculty since 1985, most recently serving as Professor of Rabbinics, and specializes in the literature of the Talmud and Jewish law. He received his rabbinical ordination (1980) and Ph.D. (1987) from HUC-JIR. He succeeded his teacher and mentor, Dr. Ben...
2016-08-2524 min
The College Commons PodcastRabbi Aaron Panken: Jewish Texts MatterRabbi Aaron Panken discusses the impact and relevance of Jewish texts today.
Rabbi Aaron D. Panken, Ph.D., is the 12th President in the 139-year history of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. As HUC-JIR President, Dr. Panken leads the four-campus international institution of higher learning and seminary for Reform Judaism.
Ordained at HUC-JIR in New York in 1991, Rabbi Panken has served as a member of the faculty teaching Rabbinic and Second Temple Literature since 1995, Dean of Students (1996-1998), Dean of the New York Campus (1998-2007), and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives (2007-2010). An alumnus of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship...
2016-04-2219 min
The College Commons PodcastRabbi Dr. Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi: Critique and RebukeHow far should we go to change someone’s opinion? Rabbi Dr. Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi takes a look at Jewish tradition and draws a line.
Rabbi Dr. Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi serves the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion as the National Director of Recruitment and Admissions and President's Scholar.
Prior to this appointment, Rabbi Sabath served as Vice President of the Shalom Hartman Institute and for over a decade as a member of the Institute's faculty, and directed the Hartman Lay leadership, Rabbinic leadership, and Christian leadership programs. Ordained at the HUC-JIR twenty years ago, Rabbi Sabath also earned a Ph...
2016-04-0723 min
The College Commons PodcastRabbi Edythe Mencher: Being on the MarginsThe cost of excluding people is an impoverishment of our world and our character. Rabbi Edyth Mencher takes a look at what holds us back from engaging wholeheartedly with people we think of as “other.”
Rabbi Mencher serves as URJ Faculty for Sacred Caring Community and Coordinator of the URJ-Ruderman Family Foundation Initiative for Inclusion of People with Disabilities and is an adjunct faculty member of Hebrew Union College-JIR’s Interfaith Doctor of Ministry Program in Pastoral Counseling. She serves on the Steering Committee of the Mental Health and Faith Community Partnership, created to foster dialogue between psychiatrists and faith leader...
2016-03-1030 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Hail, Caesar!‘Hail Caesar’ written and directed by the always interesting, extremely talented (Ethan and Joel) takes us back to the brothers do it in a way that will have you laughing out of your seats. At least I was. This is one clever, funny, engaging film. The Coen Bros have their own unique way of showing […]
2016-02-0500 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Star Wars: The Force Awakens SEMI-SPOILER WARNINGsaw this film last night at the Disney Studios. There was more security there than at the airport, but you know what, I didn’t care. It was worth it. The film I saw was ‘Star Wars:The Force Awakens and recommend you do the same. The publicist asked that we all write our reviews without spoilers […]
2015-12-1700 min
The College Commons PodcastRabbi Dr. Reuven Firestone: Muslim Violence through a Jewish LensProfessor Firestone uses the Bully Pulpit to explain Muslim violence through a Jewish lens.
Rabbi Dr. Reuven Firestone is the Regenstein Professor in Medieval Judaism and Islam at HUC-JIR/Los Angeles.
Since 1993, Dr. Firestone has served as associate and then full professor of Medieval Judaism and Islam at HUC-JIR. He founded the Center for Muslim-Jewish Engagement (CMJE), a joint program of Hebrew Union College, the Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Foundation and the Center for Religion and Civic Culture at the University of Southern California.
In 2012-2013 he was appointed DAAD Visiting Professor in Jewish and Islamic Studies at Universität Potsdam/G...
2015-12-0331 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Bridge Of SpiesIt’s 1957 the height of the Cold War. There are spies everywhere in the U.S. and society is suffering from Red Scare fever. It was a time of great distrust and fear. People were even building bomb shelters to escape the nuclear blast they believed could come at any time. How naive people were then. […]
2015-10-1600 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Steve Jobs‘Steve Jobs’ directed by Danny Boyle and written by the uber talented Aaron Sorkin, is a journey into the mind of a visionary who changed our world. The man, Steve Jobs, brilliantly portrayed by Michael Fassbender could not write code but he had imagination and the smarts to surround himself with geniuses, including his partner […]
2015-10-0900 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On The WalkThe year is 1973…The place is Paris. Philippe Petit (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) goes to the dentist to have a tooth treated. While waiting his turn, he picks up a magazine and reads an article about the soon-to-be-built World Trade Center towers. He forgets about his tooth ache, tears the article from the magazine, goes home and […]
2015-09-3000 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On The Martian‘The Martian’ directed by Ridley Scott and written by Drew Goddard is based on a book by Andy Weir, and it’s a definite must see. On a mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) gets stranded on the planet when his crew, led by Jessica Chastain are forced to evacuate do to a severe […]
2015-09-3000 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Black MassIn the 1970’s, in South Boston, FBI Agent, John Connolly (Joel Edgerton) persuades, Jimmy (Whitey} Bolger, head of the Winter Hill Gang, to collaborate with the Bureau to bring down the Italian Mob. To say this wasn’t the best of ideas is an understatement. ‘Whitey Bogler became one of the most feared crime lords in […]
2015-09-1800 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Pawn SacrificePersonally I don’t play chess and couldn’t ever imagine that watching a film about CHESS would be exciting…edge of your seat exciting. Well, I was so wrong. ‘Pawn Sacrifice’directed by Ed Zwick and written by Steven Knight is just that and more. Tobey Maguire, in an Oscar worthy performance, plays Bobby Fisher, a mentally ill, […]
2015-09-1600 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Straight Outta ComptonThe year is 1988. The place is Compton in South LA. A group of guys got together and made history. ‘Straight Out Of Compton’ directed by F. Gary Gray and written by Andrea Berloff and Jonathan Herman takes us on their personal as well as musical journey. It’s also a story about the times, when […]
2015-08-1300 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On The Diary Of A Teenage Girl‘The Diary of A Teenage Girl’ is a brilliant insightful film about what it’s like to be a teenage girl discovering for the first time her sexuality and LOVING every minute of it. The film is based on the graphic novel by Phoebe Gloeckner and was written and directed by Marielle Heller. This is her […]
2015-08-0700 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On The GiftIf there’s anyone that fits the expression ‘triple threat’, it’s Joel Edgerton, who not only acts in ‘The Gift’ but wrote and directed it as well. I usually judge how good a thriller is by how many times I jump up from my seat. While watching ‘The Gift’ not only did I jump but to […]
2015-08-0700 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Mission Impossible-Rogue Nation”Mission Impossible-Rogue Nation’ is the fifth installment in the ”Mission: Impossible” franchise and is it ever good. No, I take that back. It’s great. The film is everything you want in an action film…Great Plot, Likable and extremely unlikable characters, humor, suspense, surprises, on th edge of your seat car chases, and off the chart […]
2015-07-2900 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On TrainwreckWhen Amy (Amy Schumer) and her sister were very young, they are taught by their father (Collin Quinn) that monogamy is totally impossible to achieve and completely unrealistic. He taught them this little lesson, a second before he left their mother. Apparently her daddy’s words of wisdom has influenced Amy’s life big time. Unlike her […]
2015-07-1600 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Ted 2What is it to be ‘human?. That’s the issue that ‘Ted 2’ takes on. Of course, they take it on with the edgy, politically incorrect humor of Mr. Seth MacFarlane, who also wrote and directed the film. At the start of ‘the movie, Ted (voiced by MacFarlane) marries Tami-Lynn, (Jessica Barth) his girlfriend from the […]
2015-06-2300 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Insidious: Chapter 3‘Insidious Chapter 3′ is the third film in the terrifying horror franchise, created by Leigh Whannell and James Wan. This film which Leigh wrote and directed by himself, takes place several years before the haunting of the Lambert family and Elise’s (LinShaye) battle with the spirits from The Further, which we met in the first […]
2015-06-0500 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Spy‘Spy’ is without a doubt the funniest comedy of the year. This is not surprising considering it was written and directed by Paul Feig who brought us ‘Bridesmaids. Melissa McCarthy is at her comedic best as Susan Cooper, an insecure behind the scenes CIA agent. She works out of a dreary sub-basement office, serving as […]
2015-06-0400 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Entourage‘Entourage’ is the big screen version of the hit HBO series and the gang, including, Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier), Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven), Eric (Kevin Connolly), Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) and Johnny Chase (Kevin Dillion) are back. New cast members include Billy Bob Thornton and Haley Joel Osment, who play father and son, Larsen and Travis […]
2015-06-0200 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On San AndreasI'm almost ashamed to admit it, but this was one of the most enjoyable disaster pictures I've seen in a long time. Yes some of the CGI was so unbelievable, but a lot of it really worked and worked well. When it was over, I was exhausted, but in a good way.
2015-05-2900 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Mad Max: Fury RoadIn 1979 an unknown director, with a shoestring budget, cast an unknown actor in a film called ‘Mad Max’. The director was George Miller and the actor…Mel Gibson. The rest is history. No one had seen a film like ‘Mad Max and the franchise became a huge hit. And now, George Miller has done it […]
2015-05-1500 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Pitch Perfect 2‘Pitch Perfect 2′ is obviously a sequel to ”Pitch Perfect 1’ but even if you haven’t seen the first one, it won’t stop you from laughing out loud and enjoying every second of this one. When the film starts the Barden College, Bellas, an all female a capella group who have won three national titles, […]
2015-05-1400 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Avengers: Age of UltronThe gang is back and thanks to Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) they have trouble…Big trouble. When the film begins, we find ourselves in the Eastern European country of Sokovia where the Avengers: Stark, Steve Rogers aka Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Bruce Banner/The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Clint Barton/Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), t Black […]
2015-04-3000 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On The Age of AdalineOnce upon a time there was a woman named Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) who was born near the turn of the 20th century. Adaline was just an ordinary 29 year old woman, until one night, something incredible happened and Miss Bowman’s life would be changed forever. Adaline stops aging and gets to experience life in […]
2015-04-2300 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On While We’re YoungHow many people have experienced this? You find yourself in your 30’s or 40’s and yet you still feel like you’re a kid…You wonder…When did I become so grown-up? And then you do your best to convince yourself, that you’re not ‘all that grown-up’… You can still do the same things, that you did when […]
2015-03-2700 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Kingsman: The Secret ServiceIf you want to see a ‘killer’ spy movie, this is the one for you. It’s funny, exciting, clever and enormously entertaining. The film is based upon the acclaimed comic book and is directed by Matthew Vaughn (‘X-Men First Class’). This is the story of a super-secret spy organization that winds up recruiting a street […]
2015-02-1300 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Jupiter Ascending‘Jupiter Ascending’ directed by the Wachowskis (‘Cloud Atlas’) should be called ‘Jupiter Descending’ into boredom. This is a really annoying sci-fi adventure movie. The most annoying thing in the film is Mila Kunis’s eyebrows, eyelashes and lipstick that stay perfectly plastered to her face, even when she’s immersed in water, kicked around by several really […]
2015-02-0500 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On American SniperThe sign of a great actor is his or her ability to completely transform into the character they are portraying. And that’s exactly what Bradley Cooper did in ‘American Sniper’. He gained 40 pounds, which made him almost unrecognizable, changed his voice to sound like he was born and bred in Texas and even changed […]
2014-12-2400 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Into The WoodsOnce upon a time there was a man named Stephen Sondheim…Well there still is a man named Stephen Sondheim and he is one brilliant composer and my favorite.. Along with his partner James Lapine, he created a beautiful, poignant, funny musical entitled INTO THE WOODS.that played on Broadway for years. Now thanks to director Rob […]
2014-12-2400 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On SelmaThe 1964 Civil Rights Act has legally desegregated the South, but you still did not want to be a black man or woman in SELMA Alabama. For those of you, who weren’t paying attention in History class, George Wallace (the very fine, Tim Roth) was the Governor of Alabama and the dude was a first […]
2014-12-2200 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On The InterviewI can’t imagine that there is anyone on planet Earth that hasn’t heard of this film. Unfortunately, the news about Sony being hacked and them pulling this film has definitely overshadowed this comedy that Seth Rogan wrote and directed ‘The Interview’ along with Evan Goldberg (‘The End’). Seth plays Aaron the producer of an hour […]
2014-12-2200 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five ArmiesOnce upon a time there was a man named J. R. R. Tolkien, who created a magical, exciting world known as Middle Earth. We discovered this wondrous place, filled with dwarves, elves, dragons, hobbits, wizards, and some really bad creatures, through his four books: ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ trilogy. Lucky for […]
2014-12-1700 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1The revolution is on!…Well not exactly. This is Hollywood after all and they’re all about ‘the money’. We all know that Suzanne Collins’ trilogy is big money. So the powers to be have decided to stretch out the last book, which means you’re going to have to wait 365 days to see the actual revolution. […]
2014-11-2100 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On InterstellarIt’s 100 years in the future and things on Earth are bleak. The only crop farmers are able to grow is corn. Seriously…corn. On top of that, there are huge dust storms that occur constantly covering houses, buildings and people. Simply put…the Earth is dying. The only hope for mankind is to find a planet […]
2014-11-0500 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On John WickJohn Wick (Keanu Reeves) is the last person you would ever want to piss off. Why is that you ask? Because he is the most lethal dude on planet earth. How lethal is he? Well let’s just say, in any given moment, he can shoot, knife, and.or choke a man quicker than Rachel Ray can […]
2014-10-2400 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On BirdmanThis black comedy, directed by Alejendro G. Inarritu is one of the most brilliant, original films I’ve seen in a long time. It blew me away.. First the acting…Michael Keaton is absolutely magnificent in the performance of his career. He plays washed-up actor Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton), who became famous for playing an iconic superhero […]
2014-10-1700 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Whiplash‘Whiplash’ and written by directed by Damien Chazelle is definitely my favorite film of 2014. It will definitely go on my list for my top 25 films. I absolutely loved every second of it. First the performances: J. K. Simmons, a character actor you’d recognize, if you saw him, plays Terence Fletcher, a sadistic, abusive […]
2014-10-1000 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On The JudgeHank Palmer (Robert Downey Jr.) is a big city, high priced defense attorney who doesn’t know the meaning of ‘losing’. In fact, he’ll do practically anything to win. Hank is a master manipulator of the law and his services are available to the highest bidder…To say he’s a ‘workaholic’ is an understatement. One of the […]
2014-10-0900 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On St. VincentThere are many reasons to see St. Vincent, written and directed by Ted Melfi. Yes, the script/story is wonderful. It will make you laugh and probably cry. But the main reason to see this film is BILL MURRAY, who gives the performance of his career. I predict he will win the Oscar for this role. […]
2014-10-0900 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On AnnabelleCongratulations are due to Miss Annabelle. After her appearance in the film, ‘The Conjuring’ this over the top evil doll, now has her own movie. Hopefully, Annabelle’s new found stardom won’t go to her head. Okay so here’s the story…without SPOILERS… Mia Form (the excellent, Annabelle Wallis) is happily married to John (Ward Horton) a […]
2014-10-0300 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Gone GirlThrough a series of flashbacks, we see how these two budding writers, met at a party in New York City, had instant chemistry, fell madly in love and eventually married.. They live in a beautiful New York chic apartment and and have hot sex whenever and the urge hits them…(which seems to be quite often) […]
2014-10-0100 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On This Is Where I Leave YouTo write a film that is funny, touching, clever, insightful, quirky and have it work, is incredibly hard to do…Jonathon Tropper has done it brilliantly. Of course, he also wrote the novel. This dramatic comedy, directed by Shawn Levy is based on Tropper’s hilarious and poignant best selling novel. The plot: Four grown siblings are […]
2014-09-1600 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On The Drop‘There are three reasons to see ‘The Drop’ They are…Tom Hardy… Tom Hardy..Tom Hardy. He’s in practically every scene and is absolutely awesome. For those of you that may not be familiar with his name, he played the evil masked villian, Hugo Strange in ‘The Dark Knight’. In ‘The Drop’ is a gripping crime thriller, […]
2014-09-1200 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On The Expendables 3Have to say, this film was a very happy surprise. Is it silly? At times, over the top? Unbelievable? Of course…But it’s also, thanks to director, Patrick Hughes (‘Red Hill’) and screenwriters, Stallone, Creighton Rothenberger & Katrin Benedikt extremely entertaining, filled with lots of humor and killer action scenes. Okay first let’s talk about the […]
2014-08-1500 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On The Hundred-Foot JourneyThe Hundred Foot Journey’ directed by Lasse Hallstrom, is a film about food, the senses, cross-cultures and love. The film, written by Steven Knight (‘Locke’ ‘Eastern Promises’) is based on Richard C. Morais’ 2010 novel which to date, has sold over 100 million copies world-wide. After an uprising in their native Mumbai, the Kadam family […]
2014-08-0700 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Guardians Of The GalaxyOnce upon a time, a young boy, named Peter Quill, who just lost his mother, is abducted by aliens and taken to a galaxy far, far away. The boy grows up to become Chris Pratt…Well not really but that’s the actor who plays Peter aka Starlord, a lovable intergalactic thief. Peter winds up stealing an […]
2014-07-3100 minTwo Jews On Film (Audio Edition)Two Jews On Lucy‘Lucy’ starring the uber talented Scarlett Johansson, is a sci-fi, thriller that includes a lesson in evolution and the brain….Our brain to be exact and how us humans are not using it to its full capacity. No kidding….all you have to do is turn on the news and you’ll realize how un-evolved our species is. […]
2014-07-2400 min