Shows
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman041: Guilt & Groove: A Conversation with Jim EhrichWhen podcast host, Shep Rosenman, turned to Psalm 38, its haunting honesty became the heartbeat of his song “Don’t Turn Away From Me.” In this conversation, Jim Ehrich joins Shep to unpack how guilt, vulnerability, and longing for connection can become pathways toward "teshuvah"—repentance and renewal—through music.
As the two explore the intersection of sacred text and songwriting, Jim opens up about his journey as a leukemia survivor, the transformative moment of facing illness while expecting his daughter, and how that experience reshaped his understanding of faith beyond religious boundaries. Together, they reflect on the healing pow...
2026-02-1049 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman040: Rhythms of Radical Empathy: A Conversation with Avram MandellIn this episode of The Rest is Commentary, Avram Mandell—founder of Tzedek America—joins host Shep Rosenman for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation about empathy, community, and the healing power of story and song. Through memories of New York City playgrounds, transformative civil rights journeys, and meaningful encounters across borders and on Skid Row, Avram reflects on how human connection can turn personal pain into strength and shared understanding.
Inspired by the song “Waiting” (drawn from Psalm 89) by Liz Hanellin and Shep Rosenman, this episode invites listeners to explore how storytelling and music can bridge divides...
2026-02-031h 03
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman039: Into the Wow: A Conversation with Dr. Sarah Bunin BenorWhat happens when ancient psalms meet modern songwriting? In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman sits down with Dr. Sarah Bunin Benor to talk about “Into the Wow” — a song they wrote inspired by Psalm 118 that turns timeless text into fresh musical and spiritual expression.
Together, they explore what it means to find community at the heart of Judaism, to experience awe beyond traditional God-language, and to discover rituals that make everyday life feel sacred. Sarah reflects on her personal recovery, reimagines prayer through a human-centered lens, and shows how joy, creativity, and connect...
2026-01-2753 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman038: Cosmic Chorus: A Conversation with Rabbi Steve GreenbergThis week's guest on The Rest is Commentary is Rabbi Steve Greenberg, founding director of Eshel, an organization that supports LGBTQ+ and their families in the Orthodox community. Steve and host Shep Rosenman to dive into the song “Like Sailors”—a piece inspired by Psalm 148 and co-written by Shep and Liz Hanellin. Their conversation blends music, theology, and wonder, exploring what it means to stand in awe of creation and to see prayer as joining a vast cosmic chorus of praise.
The discussion widens into a moving exploration of moral responsibility: how we shape a world worthy of future...
2026-01-1343 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman037: Navigating Chaos: A Conversation with Vicente AmorimWhat does it mean to stay open — as an artist, a parent, and a person — when life asks you to both take control and let go?
In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, director Vicente Amorim sits down with host Shep Rosenman to talk about “Infinite Light,” a song Shep co-wrote with Liz Hanellin, inspired by Psalm 36. Their conversation drifts from creative inspiration to the messy beauty of real life — the push and pull between control and surrender, listening to your inner teenager, and how romance and storytelling shape the way we create and connect.
Together...
2025-12-3043 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman036: Mercy, Muse, and the Music of Prayer: A Conversation with Chava MirelWhat does it really mean to live a Jewish life guided by Torah—not politics?
In this episode, Chava Mirel joins us for an honest and deeply heartfelt conversation about Judaism, identity, and what happens when faith and nationalism start to overlap. Chava reminds us that Judaism was never meant to be a political movement. Instead, it’s a living tradition rooted in how we treat one another—with compassion, justice, and awareness.
Together, we explore how Torah can guide the way we show up in the world, not through power or political ambition, but through...
2025-12-231h 02
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman035: From Awe to Action: A Conversation with Clive LawtonIn this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman welcomes renowned and award winning Jewish educator and storyteller Clive Lawton for a wide-ranging, down-to-earth conversation sparked by the song “Weaving a Garment of Light” (also known as “Work of Our Hands”), inspired by Psalm 19 and written by Shep and Ruby Corbyn-Ross. Together they explore how Jewish tradition holds both cosmic awe and everyday responsibility at the same time, asking what it means to live with wonder while still showing up for real people and real problems.
They talk about embracing contrasting ideas in Jewish thought, the call...
2025-12-1635 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman034: What's Not Funny About Peace, Love, and Understanding?: A Conversation with Robby BermanIn this powerful episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman sits down with Robby Berman — Israeli tour guide, author, comedian, and activist — for a raw, unfiltered conversation about hope, heartbreak, and humanity in today’s Israel.
Inspired by the song "What Would It Take?” (written by Shep and Liz Hanellin and drawn from Psalm 22), their dialogue delves into the personal and political — from Robby’s journey out of religious orthodoxy to his decades witnessing the beauty and turmoil of Israeli life firsthand. Berman speaks openly about violence, extremism, and the moral crossroads facing Israelis and Palestinians...
2025-12-0948 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman033: Holy Hands/Working Hands: A Conversation with Rabbi Bradley Shavit ArtsonWhen Shep Rosenman sits down with Rabbi Dr. Bradley Shavit Artson, the conversation becomes a journey—through grief, faith, and the mysterious power of music to hold them both. In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, they unpack Shep’s song “Holy Hands,” drawn from Psalm 134, exploring how melody and lyric intertwine to express what words alone cannot.
They talk about songwriting as a dialogue between clarity and mystery, about how mourning shapes creativity, and about the ways we keep speaking to those we've lost. Along the way, the two reflect on family, tradition, and the beauty fou...
2025-12-0250 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman032: Heavenly Songs from the Heart of Texas: A Conversation with Joe BuchananIn this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman sits down with Texas musician and storyteller, Joe Buchanan for a deeply moving conversation about divine love and the power of good deeds. Together, they remind us that there is one God and nothing wrong with any of us — we are each loved, exactly as we are. Acts of kindness aren’t about rewards or fear, but about bringing more good into the world. Spirituality and goodness cross every boundary, and it's in our everyday intentions that we find comfort, strength, and meaning. Tune in for an uplifting expl...
2025-11-2545 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman031: I Forgot What Happened in Babylon: A Conversation with Professor Jeff Proske and Rabbi Julia KnoblochGet ready for an unforgettable episode as Shep Rosenman welcomes Professor Jeff Proske and Rabbi Julia Knobloch to dive deep into the creation of the Psalm-inspired song, “I Forgot What Happened in Babylon,” co-written by Shep and Julia. Experience the vibrant energy of Los Angeles reimagined as a modern Zion, and uncover the powerful stories and symbolism behind Babylon, love, loss, and transformation.
This lively discussion explores the search for meaning, the impact of change, and the ways Biblical wisdom and life experiences fuel creativity and music. Discover how community supports healing, and how art can help us e...
2025-11-1859 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman030: Late Bloomers: A Conversation with Terri SunflowerIn this heartfelt conversation from 2024, host Shep Rosenman speaks with songwriter, Terri Sunflower, who shares her journey of self-discovery and acceptance, discussing her experiences with gender identity, sexuality, and the transformative power of music. Inspired by the song, "Two Is Better Than One" (which itself was inspired by Psalm 139), they discuss gender identity and sexuality, coming out later in life, family relationships and loss, songwriting as therapy, community support, the importance of authenticity in one's life and art, and so much more. The episode is dedicated to the memory of Terri’s father, Tom Cook, who died in 2025.
2025-11-0449 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman029: Playing the Piano in Central Park: A Conversation with Chuck TathamShep Rosenman sits down with Emmy-nominated writer Chuck Tatham for a deeply engaging conversation about “Time”, a song inspired by Psalm 39. From the serendipity of discovering an abandoned piano on a street corner to how humor, family, and faith spark creativity, they explore the profound and the unexpected.
Together, they journey through themes of speaking versus silence, beliefs about God and the afterlife, life in Hollywood’s writers’ rooms, climate activism, and the fleeting encounters that add meaning and joy to our days. It’s a thoughtful, spirited dialogue you won’t want to miss.
2025-10-2153 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman028: Boxing with the Divine: A Conversation with Rabbi Rachel Kobrin and Jeff WardRabbi Rachel Kobrin and Jeff Ward join host Shep Rosenman for a conversation that packs a punch. Inspired by the song, “Jaco’s Boxing” (drawn from Psalm 71), they explore prayer and tradition through the unexpected lens of the boxing ring—where resilience is tested, weary hands are lifted by community and by God, and compassion is demanded even for our enemies, echoing through the shofar and the cry of Sisera’s mother.
From dynamic prayer spaces to bold new approaches to teen engagement, from the challenges of leadership to the centrality of gratitude and love, this episode is a fast-m...
2025-09-3057 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman027: The Tears-to-Laughter Pipeline: A Conversation with Ingrid AvisonIn this episode of The Rest is Commentary, Shep Rosenman sits down with singer-songwriter and grief therapist, Ingrid Avison, for a moving conversation about the making of “Little Prizes,” a song born out of Psalm 86 and the end-of-life journey of Shep’s dear friend, Kim Simon. This episode is dedicated to Kim and her family. If you want to read more about Kim's life, click this link.
Shep and Ingrid reflect on grief as both a deep wound and a surprising wellspring of creativity—exploring how writing with co-writer Liz Hanellin, performing music as ritual, and weaving in humor...
2025-09-1552 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman026: Silence and Song: A Conversation with Rabbi Shoshana Boyd GelfandRabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand joins host Shep Rosenman for a moving conversation inspired by the song “Nothing Left to Be Said” and Psalm 49. Together, they explore what silence can mean in times of grief, the power of Jewish mourning rituals such as shiva and the work of the Hevra Kadisha, and how music, memory, and storytelling help us navigate loss.
Through personal stories and interfaith perspectives, they reflect on the many ways communities honor loved ones—whether through ritual, burial customs, humor, or the everyday objects that hold memory. The discussion weaves together Jewish tradition, universal themes of mour...
2025-09-0254 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman025: Hope is a Song: A Conversation with Leah Lesch (In Memory of Hersh Goldberg-Polin)In this powerful episode, Shep Rosenman sits down with co-writer Leah Lesch to uncover the story behind “Bring Him Home”— a moving piece born from Psalm 126 in the shadow of October 7th. The episode is dedicated to the memory of Hersh Goldberg-Polin.
Leah and Shep reflect on how the song came to life, the emotional depth of Nettie Wolkind’s performance, and its heartfelt intention as a prayer for Hersh Goldberg-Polin and all the hostages to return home.
What follows is more than a conversation about music—it’s a journey through hope and heartbreak, memory and mou...
2025-08-1950 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman024: Embracing Your Shadow: A Conversation with Rabbi Mel GottliebIn this episode of "The Rest is Commentary," host Shep Rosenman engages in a profound conversation with Rabbi Mel Gottlieb about the journey to wholeness by embracing both light and shadow within ourselves. Drawing inspiration from the song "Finding My Way Out," co-written with Liz Hanelin and produced by Shep's son, E. Rose, Rosenman and Rabbi Gottlieb explore the significance of integrating opposites to achieve authenticity and spiritual growth.
Rabbi Gottlieb shares insights from Kabbalistic and Jungian thought, encouraging listeners to love the evil in themselves and embrace their shadow, as this is essential for loving others...
2025-08-0544 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman023: Write, Reflect, Repeat: A Conversation with Anne Pinheiro Guimareas
What happens when the inner voice of prayer collides with the outer world of storytelling? In this soul-stirring episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman sits down with Brazilian writer-director Anne Pinheiro Guimarães for a raw and reflective conversation that spans continents, cultures, and questions of the self.
Together, they explore the thin line between self-awareness and self-judgment, and how prayer—not just as ritual but as a posture of the heart—can guide us through it. Anne opens up about her creative process, the quiet power of diary-keeping, and the ongoing negoti...
2025-07-2252 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman022: Legacy, Loss, and Laughter: A Conversation with Yehuda GebererWhat does it mean to leave a legacy—and can laughter help us face our own mortality?
Join host Shep Rosenman for a captivating conversation with acclaimed historian, host of the Jewish History Soundbites podcast, and tour guide Yehuda Geberer that’s equal parts profound and uplifting. Inspired by a moving visit to his parents’ graves and the timeless words of Psalm 16, Shep opens up to his nephew about the story behind his heartfelt song, “Can’t Stay Here Long.”
Together, Shep and Yehuda dive deep into the Hasidic tradition of "hisbodidus" (personal meditation/conversation with the div...
2025-07-0857 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman021: When the World Doesn't Feel Safe: A Conversation with Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-NewbornIn this deeply moving and insightful episode of The Rest is Commentary, Shep welcomes Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-Newborn—spiritual leader, hospital chaplain, interfaith activist, and author—for a conversation that bridges trauma, creativity, parenthood, and the search for shared humanity. Alissa, who serves as a Rabbanit at Netivot Shalom in Teaneck, NJ and works as a hospital chaplain, is known for her empathetic leadership and commitment to guiding people through the most intimate and challenging moments of their lives.
Alissa and Shep traverse the terrain of creativity as a sacred act, exploring how Torah, music, and pain come toge...
2025-06-2457 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman020: From Awareness to Action: A Conversation with Rabbi Joe BlackStep into an unforgettable episode of “The Rest is Commentary” as host Shep Rosenman welcomes the extraordinary Rabbi Joe Black for a conversation brimming with inspiration, music, and heartfelt reflection. In this special installment, we celebrate not only Joe’s remarkable journey as a rabbi, musician, and songwriter, but also his upcoming retirement from his beloved synagogue in Denver, Temple Emanuel—a milestone that marks the end of an era and the beginning of new creative adventures.
We have the special treat of hearing some of Joe's songs played off the cuff. Discover how Joe’s passion for music a...
2025-06-1844 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman019: Urgency of Empathy: A Conversation with Naomi Less in memory of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron LishinskyIn this powerful episode of The Rest is Commentary, acclaimed singer, composer, ritual leader, and rocker, Naomi Less joins the conversation to unravel the deep complexities of Jewish identity and the pursuit of safety in this increasingly turbulent world. As a self-described “Lefty Zionist,” Naomi shares her personal journey—one shaped by resilience, hope, and, more recently, the rising tide of anti-Semitism.
Using the lens of Shep's evocative song “Until When,” inspired by Psalm 13, Naomi reveals how music becomes both a sanctuary and a call to action.
Listeners are invited into this candid exploration of what it mea...
2025-06-1053 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman018: The Art of Repair: A Conversation with Rachell KoegelIn this captivating episode of The Rest is Commentary, Shep sits down with his cousin, Rachell Koegel—a passionate writer and educator from Oceanside, New York—for a conversation that’s as moving as it is insightful. Together, they unravel the powerful influence of role models and the lifelong journey of unlearning the patterns we pick up in childhood. Rachell opens up about her experiences in the classroom and at home, sharing stories that highlight the importance of being truly present and the courage it takes to break old cycles.
Shep and Rachel dive deep into the th...
2025-06-0459 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman017: Film, Faith and the Fight for Peace: A Conversation with Rabbi Raphael ShoreStep into a profound and inspiring dialogue with Raphael Shore, a distinguished rabbi, educator, and visionary film producer. Together, we explore the powerful themes of unity, hope, and spirituality amidst the ongoing turmoil in Israel.
Experience Rabbi Shore’s remarkable journey of finding divine connection even in the darkest moments, and uncover the transformative power of empathy, education, and faith in the pursuit of peace. This heartfelt conversation sheds light on the dangers of brainwashing and propaganda, while celebrating the enduring strength and resilience of the Jewish People.
Join Rabbi Shore and host Shep Rosenman as...
2025-05-2047 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman016 Brothers, Bonds, Beliefs: A Conversation with Zvi Howard Rosenman, my brother✨ Ready for a conversation that will move your soul? ✨🎙️
On this powerful episode of *The Rest is Commentary*, Shep Rosenman sits down with his brother - legendary film and TV producer Zvi Howard Rosenman - for a raw, unfiltered journey through the music, memories, and mysteries that shape our lives.
💔 From the wild highs of creativity to the depths of loss, Shep and Zvi reveal how music becomes a lifeline-connecting us, healing us, and helping us find meaning in the chaos. They open up about family, identity, and the courage to be authentic, all while honoring the...
2025-05-0656 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman015: Punk Torah and the Poetry of Prayer: A Conversation with Alicia Jo RabinsWhat happens when a klezmer/classical/punk violinist, Torah teacher, and poet walks into a podcast? Pure magic.
Join Shep Rosenman for a soul-stirring conversation with the incomparable *Alicia Jo Rabins*—musician, writer, and spiritual adventurer—whose work weaves together Jewish mysticism, feminist insight, and raw creative fire.
In this electrifying episode of The Rest is Commentary, Alicia opens up about her groundbreaking project *Girls in Trouble*, the spiritual power of songwriting, and how she channels ancient texts into deeply personal relevant art. Whether she’s teaching Torah or shredding on the violin, Alicia is always...
2025-04-221h 00
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman014: Roots and Changes: A Conversation with Rav Hanan SchlesingerDiscover an inspiring episode of The Rest is Commentary as host Shep Rosenman welcomes Rav Hanan Schlesinger, an Orthodox rabbi with a unique perspective. Get ready for an enlightening journey through the complexities of Israeli-Palestinian relations and the power of grassroots initiatives.
Rav Hanan, co-founder of Roots-Shorashim-Judur, shares his compelling personal transformation from a West Bank settler to an advocate for mutual understanding. His story challenges us to reconsider our own perspectives and embrace the humanity in those we may see as 'other.'
This thought-provoking conversation explores:
- The delicate balance between...
2025-04-0850 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman013: Finding the Sacred in the Ordinary: A Conversation with Rabbi Sherre HirschImagine finding the divine in every conversation, every interaction, and every moment of your life. Join host Shep Rosenman and his inspiring guest, Rabbi Sherre Hirsch, as they embark on a profound exploration of spirituality in the most unexpected places all sparked by the song, The Ballad of a Ghost. With Sherre's insightful perspective and deep spiritual wisdom, they uncover how sacred moments can emerge from the ordinary, transforming our understanding of life's journey.
In this captivating episode, Shep and Rabbi Hirsch delve into the Psalms, often associated with solemn occasions, and reveal new layers o...
2025-03-2556 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman012: Songs as Prayers, Grief as Music: A Conversation with Peter Himmelman🎶🔥 **New Episode Alert!** 🔥🎶
This week on *The Rest is Commentary*, I sit down with the one and only **Peter Himmelman**—Grammy & Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter, film composer, visual artist, and author—for a **deep, raw, and soul-stirring conversation**.
🎤 **We talk about:**
✨ The magic of songwriting and its connection to faith
💔 Turning grief into music—and music into healing
🕊️ The song he wrote for the **Bibas kids** and the power of songs as prayers
🔥 Following your heart in creativity (and in life)
💡 His one-of-a-kind meeting with the **Lubavitcher Rebbe**
🎸 How music helps us **find joy, even in the darkest times** ...
2025-03-111h 15The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman011: Manifesting Divine Melody: A Conversation with Shanna in a DressStep into a realm where music sparks magic! On this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host, Shep Rosenman, sits down with the dazzling Shanna in a Dress—quirky folk-pop maven and live-wire performer. Inspired by Shep's song, Our Day Begins, which is inspired by Psalm 59, we dive deep into Shanna's creative process, where head meets heart, and discover how she transforms positivity into art.
We uncover the secrets of connecting with the divine through music, as Shanna shares raw insights on tuning into your body, embracing nature as a spiritual practice, and drawing inspiration from timeless Ps...
2025-02-2543 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman010: Psalms and Superheroes: A Conversation with Brian Michael Bendis and Rabbi Michael Shefrin🎙️ New Episode Alert! Dive into the fascinating world of creativity and spirituality with Shep Rosenman, Brian Michael Bendis (Peabody Award winning creator of iconic characters like Miles Morales and Jessica Jones), and Rabbi Michael “Stick” Shefrin. Together, they explore how faith fuels artistic expression, the influence of Jewish culture on creativity, and the art of staying true to your roots while embracing diverse traditions.
From songwriting inspired by Psalms to the balance between emotional truth and factual storytelling, this episode offers a thought-provoking conversation on the intersection of faith, community, and creativity. Don’t miss this inspiring dialogue! ✨...
2025-02-111h 03
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman009: Heart and Harmony: A Conversation with Mayim BialikIn this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman is joined by the esteemed Dr. Mayim Bialik to delve into the profound connection between Torah, music, and inspiration. Mayim, widely recognized for her roles on television, including Blossom and The Big Bang Theory, shares her insights into how music and faith intertwine in her life.
The conversation spans the exploration of poetry and music, the songwriting process, and the inspirations drawn from biblical texts, particularly the Psalms. Shep and Mayim discuss the layers of meaning behind the song "Shooting Yourself in the Heart," touching upon...
2025-01-2855 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman008 The Soundtrack of Parenting: A Conversation with Carolyn ShulmanHit play on this soulful and thought-provoking episode of "The Rest is Commentary" as host Shep Rosenman sits down with acclaimed singer-songwriter Carolyn Shulman for a powerful exploration of parenting, music, and ancient wisdom. Inspired by Shep’s song “Kissing My Son,” they dive into the raw fears and boundless joys of raising children—set against the backdrop of Psalm 2’s timeless truths.
Carolyn reveals how a childhood gift—a guitar at age nine—sparked a lifelong passion that led to her critically praised album *"Heart on a Wire." Together, she and Shep unpack the mysteries of songwriting, b...
2025-01-1455 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman007: Letters to Soldiers: A Conversation with Mitchell Hoenig, a former Lone SoldierIn this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman welcomes Mitchell Hoenig, a former lone soldier in the IDF, to discuss the inspiration behind the song "Dear David." Drawing from his unique experiences in the Israeli army, Mitchell shares the profound impact of soldiers receiving letters and gifts during their service and reflects on the importance of maintaining human connections despite the distance and challenges.
The conversation delves into the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the emotional journey of being a soldier, and the poignant moments of attending friends’ funerals. It also highlights the significance of...
2024-12-3147 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman006: Seeking Forgiveness and Reconciliation: A Conversation with Brent Travers and Dan WeidmanIn this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman dives deep into the transformative power of forgiveness and reconciliation. Joined by industry veterans Brent Travers, a talent manager and producer, and Dan Weidman, a corporate communications expert, this heartfelt discussion draws from their rich history and personal experiences.
Brent challenges the notion of seeking forgiveness from God alone, emphasizing the importance of mending human relationships. Meanwhile, Dan reflects on the significance of Catholic rituals and how prayer shapes their lives. Together, they tackle the pressing issue of teaching forgiveness to younger generations and the vital r...
2024-12-1748 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman005: Exploring Love and Deception: A Conversation with Rabbi Dr. Raphael ZarumIn this introspective episode of "The Rest is Commentary," Shep Rosenman and Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum, Dean of the London School of Jewish Studies, unravel the layers of personal and spiritual reflection in the song, "Naked in Your Gaze," inspired by Psalm 5. In a compelling discussion, they delve into themes of love, deception, and the creative process.
Shep and Rabbi Zarum explore how poetry and song can serve as mirrors, reflecting personal truths and collective experiences, navigating through imposter syndrome, and confronting the fear of deception. Through profound insights and personal anecdotes, this conversation touches on the...
2024-12-0357 minThe Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman004: Loneliness and the Seeds of Tyranny: A Conversation with Rabbi Sharon BrousIn this episode of "The Rest is Commentary," host Shep Rosenman welcomes Rabbi Sharon Brous, the senior and founding rabbi of IKAR and author of the national bestseller, "The Amen Effect," to explore the transformative power of love, justice, and personal connection drawing inspiration from Shep's song (cowritten by Ray Allen Kayanek) "Love is the Heart of this Coup" and Psalm 25.
Rabbi Brous shares her insights on how loneliness can pave the way for tyranny, as articulated by Hannah Arendt, and emphasizes the importance of addressing social rifts to prevent the abuse of power. She highlights the s...
2024-11-1952 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman003 Choose Life: A Conversation with Professor Abby Fifer-MandellIn this episode of "The Rest is Commentary," host Shep Rosenman is joined by Abby Fifer-Mandell, a senior lecturer in entrepreneurship at USC and a visiting professor at UVA's School of Medicine. They delve deep into a conversation inspired by Psalm 91 and the song "Fraction of Grace," touching on themes of loss, family, depression, and social networks.
Shep and Abby explore the phenomenon of what we see and what we don't see, both in our relationships and within ourselves. They discuss the hidden and revealed aspects of life, the choices we make, and the unseen labor that...
2024-11-0544 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman002 Reconnecting Through Music and Faith: A Conversation with Elise Miller
In this heartwarming episode, Shep and Elise Miller reminisce about their high school days, their shared love of music, and the unexpected journey of faith and doubt that life has taken them on. With personal anecdotes and deep reflections, they explore the power of music to unify and uplift, the challenges of maintaining faith in difficult times, and the importance of being present in the moment. Join us for a candid conversation inspired by the song "Coffee & Beignet" and Psalm 27, that blends humor, nostalgia, and profound insights on spirituality and human connection.
2024-10-2243 min
The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman001 Wrestling with Belief and Destiny: A Conversation with Rabbi David KasherIn this episode of The Rest Is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman sits down with Rabbi David Kasher to discuss the intricate dance between faith, doubt, and destiny. Rabbi Kasher, director of Hadar West Coast, shares his personal journey of synthesizing diverse Jewish traditions and his deep love for Jerusalem, inspired by "Sun Break" from Shep Rosenman's Psalms song cycle and Psalm 125.
They delve into the complexities of belief, the role of observance, and how faith evolves over a lifetime. The conversation touches on the significance of questioning within Judaism, the metaphorical representation of Jerusalem, and the enduring...
2024-10-0936 minThe Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman000 Teaser for The Rest is Commentary: A Journey Through Psalms, Music, and ConversationWelcome to The Rest is Commentary, a podcast where music, ancient wisdom, and personal connections intertwine. Hosted by Shep Rosenman, each episode features a unique song inspired by the Psalms, or Tehillim in Hebrew, shared with a friend to spark meaningful conversations.
Join Shep and his diverse array of guests—including rabbis, designers, professors, actors, authors and more —as they explore universal themes through a Jewish lens. From Rabbi David Kasher to Dr. Mayim Bialik, each episode delves into the rich tapestry of tradition and contemporary insights.
Whether you have a deep connection to Jewish heri...
2024-10-0102 min