Rabbi-Cantor Judy Greenfeld's spiritual journey began with tragedy when her father was murdered when she was just sixteen years old. This devastating event caused her to question everything about Judaism and God, leading her away from her conservative Jewish upbringing in Cleveland, Ohio. "I think when we have trauma in our lives, it shifts us into seeing the world in a different way," she reflects. Her path of healing took her through various spiritual traditions – Buddhism, new age philosophie...
Jun 29, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 6
What happens when an art historian discovers Nazi memorabilia being sold at auction houses without ethical consideration? For Beatrice Levine , it sparked a journey that would transform her career and personal identity. Growing up as a military child in Germany during the 1990s, Beatrice developed a natural curiosity about Holocaust history and her own Jewish heritage. Though her father was ethnically Jewish, her family practiced the cultural aspects rather than religious observance – what Beatr...
May 16, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Welcome back for Part 2 of my discussion with 3G Collective: John Reed, Shany Dagan, and Jana Krumholtz! Three grandchildren of Holocaust survivors are using their talents as dancers, actors, and choreographers to tell their families' stories through powerful artistic performances. • John describes his journey from watching his sister dance to becoming a professional dancer and choreographer • John shares his experience working on "Amid Falling Walls," an off-Broadway show featuring Yiddish song...
May 05, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In this episode, we welcome a panel of third-generation Holocaust survivors (3Gs) who share their grandparents' remarkable survival stories and reflect on how this legacy shapes their lives today. • Our guests Jana Krumholtz , John Reed and Shany Dagan discuss their varied Jewish upbringings across Florida, Australia/Texas, and Israel • Each shares detailed accounts of their grandparents' Holocaust experiences, from the Lodz ghetto to concentration camps and partisan resistance • We explore how ...
Apr 24, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Join us on an enlightening journey with Dr. Beth Ricanati , whose unique path from Reform to Conservative Judaism offers a tapestry of cultural richness and personal growth. Through engaging anecdotes, Dr. Ricanati warmly shares her upbringing her transition to the spiritual experience creating Challah in her home and beyond. We explore the playful and heartfelt family traditions, such as the amusing "Challah Monster," and discuss how Jewish customs have shaped her approach to parenting and educ...
Feb 01, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Elana Frank's journey from Atlanta to Israel and back is nothing short of inspiring, as she intertwines her personal history with her professional mission. With roots tracing back to Holocaust survivors and tales of resilience from her father, Ilana's story is deeply moving and thought-provoking. Her adventurous chapter in Israel during the 2009 recession adds a layer of cultural richness, ultimately bringing her back to Atlanta where her passion for supporting those facing fertility challenges ...
Jan 08, 2025•51 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Elizabeth Kamens , the president of 3GNY , brings to light the profound connections between Jewish upbringing and Holocaust education. Elizabeth's journey from a Bat Mitzvah in Yardley, Pennsylvania, to leading an organization dedicated to preserving Holocaust legacies is a testament to the enduring impact of Jewish traditions and historical awareness. Through our conversation, Elizabeth shares the powerful emotions evoked by visiting historical Jewish sites. Her insights offer a unique perspect...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Uncover the strategies to maintain intimacy amidst the whirlwind of parenthood with Dr. Logan Levkov, who offers salient advice on nurturing closeness even when life's demands seem insurmountable. Learn how to transform the routine chore of scheduled sex into a fulfilling experience and explore alternative acts of pleasure that keep the spark alive. As we navigate the challenges of conceiving and parenting, discover the magic of creating a distraction-free sanctuary and why a touch of intimacy c...
Dec 09, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Embark on a thought-provoking journey with me as I chat with the insightful Dr. Logan Levkoff about the profound interplay between Jewish identity and sexuality education. Discover the surprising roles Jewish culture has played in pioneering sexuality research, with figures like Magnus Hirschfeld and Dr. Ruth leading the charge. As she shares tales from her Zionist upbringing, we explore the complexities of Jewish identity, celebrating its diverse expressions and the unique dynamics of interfait...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 21
What if your heritage could guide your entrepreneurial journey? Join us as we sit down with Remi Attia , a dynamic entrepreneur with Jewish and Italian roots, who shares how her multicultural upbringing in Los Angeles shaped her path. From a "Legally Blonde" themed bat mitzvah to launching her brand, The Nosh Table , Remy gives us a delightful glimpse into how cultural milestones and family gatherings have left an indelible mark on her identity. She opens up about her transition from hospitality...
Dec 07, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 20
What happens when the vibrant tapestry of Jewish childhood experiences meets the evolving dynamics of modern Jewish communities? Jessica McCormick joins me on to share her unique journey from Los Angeles to Tucson, Arizona. Together, we explore how her formative years in Hebrew school and Jewish summer camps paved the way for a career shift from Hollywood to impactful roles in municipal government and Jewish nonprofits. Jessica opens up about how these experiences intertwined with her identity a...
Dec 03, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Welcome back for part 2 with Broadway Actor Josh Lamon as he takes us on a hilarious and insightful journey through the highs and lows of live theater. From a comical rivalry with Adam Lambert in a children's production to the chaos of working with real animals in shows like Big River and Finding Neverland , Josh shares unforgettable moments that capture the unpredictable magic of the stage. With whimsical stories, Josh's tales promise laughter and a glimpse into the unique challenges of live th...
Nov 06, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 18
Join us for Part 1 as broadway's vibrant world comes alive as we sit down with my dear friend and celebrated performer, Josh Lamon . Discover the magic behind his roles in iconic productions like "Hair" and "Wicked," and learn about his current spotlight moment in "Death Becomes Her" at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre . As we reminisce about our friendship, you'll also hear about Josh's personal backstage experiences and difficulties working as a Broadway Actor. Get ready for an intimate, behind-the-s...
Oct 27, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Dana Arschin joins us for a profound exploration of her family's enduring legacy and the critical role of Holocaust education in today's world. Growing up in a predominantly Jewish community on Long Island, Dana reflects on the impact of her mother's experiences as a child of Holocaust survivors. She shares deeply personal stories of generational trauma and how they have shaped her identity and fueled her dedication to preserving Jewish heritage through her work. Dana’s unique blend of tradition...
Oct 14, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Ever wondered how growing up in a unique cultural mix shapes one's identity? Nicole Kelly sits down with Harmonie Krieger from Netflix's "Jewish Matchmaking" to share her remarkable journey from a predominantly Italian Catholic suburb in New York to finding her Jewish community at Syracuse University. Harmonie opens up about the contrasting religious backgrounds of her parents and how these dynamics enriched her understanding of her Jewish identity. Their conversation also highlights the modern ...
Aug 31, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 15
What if you could find the perfect balance between tradition and modernity in your religious life? Join us as we sit down with Netta Asner-Minster, an influential Jewish educator who takes us on a journey from her childhood in Silver Spring, Maryland, to her pivotal move to Jerusalem. With heartfelt anecdotes, Netta shares how her family’s observance evolved over time and the unique experiences that shaped her faith. Ever wondered about the intricacies of modesty and hair covering among Orthodox...
Aug 24, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Imagine turning a therapeutic hobby into a successful business. That's exactly what Arielle Zorger of Arielle Zorger Designs did. Join us as Arielle shares her fascinating journey from Baltimore to North Carolina, detailing her upbringing in the Jewish community, her education in Jewish day schools, and her initial career working for big hotel chains. Discover how the warmth and inclusiveness of her new Jewish community have affected her personally and professionally, and learn about the pivotal...
Aug 12, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 13
What happens when you transition from a traditional upbringing to becoming a trailblazer in the world of fashion and social media? In this episode, we sit down with Elaine Chaya, an influential fashionista from Los Angeles, to uncover her remarkable journey. Elaine opens up about her roots in a tight-knit Iranian Jewish community, her shift from conventional career paths to the glamorous realm of fashion blogging, and the pivotal moments that shaped her path. From her early career in PR and even...
Jun 21, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Thank you for waiting for this episode. We took a bit of a break for a couple reasons that are addressed at the opening, nothing bad -- I promise, but we are excited to be back with this new batch of upcoming episodes. This episode features an engaging discussion with a talented musician, Grammy Award Winner Joanie Leeds, who shares her journey from early musical exposure to songwriting. From creating song parodies at summer camp to more serious songwriting endeavors in college, her story is an ...
Jun 08, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 11
When the echoes of Michael Jackson's beats ignited a young Stefano Iacono's love for music, little did he know it would pave his way to becoming a cantor. Join me, Nicole Kelly, as I chat with Stefano on Shebrew in the City and share a symphony of anecdotes that illustrates how his musical zeal intertwined with a spiritual awakening. Together, we'll explore the nuances of his melodious journey, from acquiring guitar skills out of envy to finding solace in the strums that now feel like an extensi...
Feb 19, 2024•2 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 10
As your host at Shebrew in the City, I, Nicole Kelly, had the pleasure of sitting down with the vibrant Pam Wiznitzer, master mixologist and social media maven. Our heartfelt conversation soared from the intricacies of Jewish traditions and their influence on Pam's passion for mixology, to the shared laughter over our first drinks. Revel in the stories of our personal journeys - from navigating conservative upbringing to embracing the artistry of the cocktail, and the meaningful connections fost...
Feb 03, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Peek behind the curtain of history as our Producer, Patrick, rejoins us and gets to lean into his New York City tour guide roots, as he joins me in painting a vivid portrait of Emma Lazarus, the illustrious American author whose words on the Statue of Liberty have become a national treasure. Our conversation travels through the corridors of her life, from her New York roots and Sephardic Jewish heritage to her poignant poetry that speaks volumes about America's soul. We promise you'll leave this...
Jan 28, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Hey all you cool moms out there! Come join Nicole Kelly and Jenna Liu founder of Sixx Cool Moms as they discuss modern motherhood and starting new businesses. Jenna revisits her Jewish heritage and the powerful moment she celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on a Birthright trip to Israel, offering a unique perspective on the traditional coming-of-age ceremony and its profound significance when experienced in adulthood. Throughout our conversation, Jenna offers an intimate glimpse into her life's transiti...
Jan 20, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Embark on a journey of discovery with Rabbi Juli, whose story is as rich and complex as the tapestry of her faith. From an early age, Juli's life within the Reform Jewish community was profoundly shaped by the presence of female rabbis, leading her to transition from a budding diplomat to a dedicated rabbi. Our conversation unveils the deep historical roots of Reform Judaism and how Juli's personal experiences – from her b'nai mitzvah to her impactful time at with Hebrew Union College – influenc...
Jan 12, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Embark on a nuanced exploration of a legend's legacy with us as we sift through the layers of history surrounding Walt Disney. Discover the truth behind the myths of anti-Semitism and learn about Disney's controversial rendezvous with Leni Riefenstahl, juxtaposed against the hallowed adoration many have for the magic of Disneyland. Reflect with us, Southern California natives who've grown up under the spell of Disney's cultural phenomenon, on how these controversies have shaped our perceptions a...
Jan 05, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Have you every been curious about what it is like to be a child actor on Broadway? In this captivating conversation with actor Dara Bloomfield , we explore stories of her Jewish upbringing, her journey from being a child actor in the Original Broadway Production of Ragtime: The Musical, to becoming a producer, and a mother. We journey alongside Dara as she shares her experiences, from growing up on Long Island to her intriguing interest in having an adult Bat Mitzvah. Traveling back to the 90s, ...
Dec 22, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Guess who's at our Shebrew in the City table today? Amy Kritzer-Becker , the creative foodie behind the blog What Jew Wanna Eat , and co-owner of Modern Tribe . We take a ride down memory lane, exploring Amy's Jewish roots in Connecticut, her dynamic journey to culinary school, and ultimately, how she's shaking up the definition of modern Jewish culture. Learn how she spins tradition into innovation, bringing Jewish holidays to life in a contemporary world filled with unique Judaica and festive ...
Dec 15, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Are you ready for eight days of lights, miracles, and mouth-watering food? We, Nicole and Patrick Kelly, invite you to embark on a captivating journey through the rich universe of Hanukkah. From historical treasures and bustle of present-day celebrations, this episode illuminates the essence of Hanukkah. We uncover layers of cultural significance and pull out fascinating tidbits about how the commercialization of Hanukkah influences our experience of the holiday today. Hanukkah isn't just about ...
Dec 09, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Our first guest is...ME!!! I sit down with my husband Patrick and we talk about what I want to accomplish with this podcast, a bit about my family background, what it's like to be a millennial Jewish Mom and even what I wore to my Bat Mitzvah! Come and take this journey of revelation and self discovery with me as I look into what exactly it means to be Jewish in this modern crazy world. TopDogTours TopDogTours is your walking tour company. Available in New York, Philly, Boston, & Toronto! Di...
Dec 01, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 1
