The Avrum Rosensweig Show

Episode 53 - Brian Prousky: The Spirited, Creative Man Running Jewish Family & Child Service

It's a big deal to be the executive director of the Jewish Family & Child Service (JF&CS) in Toronto. It is because JF&CS is the most important organization in the Jewish community, more important than the kashruth (kosher),  cemetery, or the fundraising office. JF&CS has thirty-three programs all of which are crucial toward assisting the most vulnerable in the Jewish community such as those who: suffer from poverty and require funds; have mental health issues; are mourning and feel alone or are going through a high conflict divorce, etc.  Now, what sort of person would run a place like that? No doubt, someone who is highly empathetic, has a Jewish soul, is warm, incredibly bright, disciplined, organized, creative, preferably funny, and well respected. That person is my guest on episode 53, and his name is Brian Prousky. Brian is such a compelling guest as he has all of the above character traits and is colorful, animated and high-spirited, with years of experience in the field and as the boss, and gripping stories to tell. Have a listen. Get insight into Brian as a son, father, husband and lover of Dylan. Hear about a man's great empathy for those in need, and wisdom to impart to his staff, many of whom are on the front line of life and working for a place whose mandate is to 'love thy neighbor' - not a simple one. HatRadio! The show that schmoozes.  ____________________________________________________________________

A special thank to Howard Pasternack, David Nefesh and Stephanie who helped me with various aspects of the show and helped make it pretty good, in my estimation. 

Episode 52 - David Matlow: The World's Biggest Collector of Theodore Herzl Memorabilia

Episode 52 of HatRadio! is with David Matlow, the world's biggest collector of Theodore Herzl memorabilia. Herzl is considered the father of Zionism and the visionary for the State of Israel. The idea that someone is the 'biggest' or 'the best' in pretty much anything, has always blown me away. I've had the honor of interviewing Clive Caldwell who was once seeded #1 in the world, in squash doubles/#2 in singles. Recently, I schmoozed with David Shore, the creator/writer of the shows 'House' and 'The Good Doctor'. They are brilliant and at the top of their game. In essence, these guys have stood a the top of the mountain (although they won't say they have. They are humble) and know they can mostly look no higher. David Matlow is like that. You'll hear it in his voice and how he articulates  his narrative and his emulation of Theodore Herzl (David will frequently ask himself, 'what would Theodore do'). David tells a highly compelling story about securing his collection, sharing it, and anti-Semitism then and now. But mostly what you'll learn from episode 52, is how one man's appreciation, gratitude and respect in 2020 of another man from 1900, highlights an important continuum of hope and the pursuit and actualization of a dream, in our world. It's a wonderful interview. HatRadio! The show that schmoozes.   

Episode 51 - Adi Berkovits: A Son Creates A Musical Honoring his Father, a Survivor of Auschwitz

Episode 51 of Hatradio! is with Adi Berkovits, a son honoring his father, Eduard, through the creation and eventual performance of an original musical - THE JOURNEY HOME. Adi, a musician and songwriter (and the brother of Lou Berkovits, my first guest on HatRadio!) tells us about the deeply inspiring story of his sixteen year old father's trek, with his thirteen year old brother, to find their home in Romania following their liberation from a concentration camp. The musical - a first of its kind - will be performed at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts on March 25th and will include a nine-piece orchestra and three singers. The backdrop will be parts of a Shoah Foundation interview with Eduard.  The beauty of episode 51 is that we are privy to Adi's unabashed openness about his own life and the bravery he inherited from Eduard. Adi's tells us about his enormous struggle dealing with a terrible stutter. We hear a private moment in his life, a time when he was too scared to order a medium coffee in a cafe, because he could not get out words that began with 'm'. Over time, Adi knew he had to fix his problem. And he did. One day he 'marched up' to the cashier and proudly ordered a MEDIUM COFFEE. This episode is about a son, a Survivor, courage, creativity, growth and love. Have a listen. You'll grow through it because you'll see yourself in Aid's life.  HatRadio! The show that schmoozes. 

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A special thanks to David Nefesh for the HatRadio! song; Howard Pasternack for his post production work and Stephanie Kazdan, for the HatRadio! poster. I'm grateful. 

Episode 50 - David Shore: Humility within the Creator/Writer of 'House' and 'The Good Doctor'

Welcome to the 50th episode of HatRadio! with special guest, David Shore, the creator/writer of the shows: House and The Good Doctor. We start things off with a 26-minute monologue reviewing highlights of HatRadio!'s first year, as well as some encouragement about strengthening our world, and fighting Antisemitism and racism, through positive and complimentary actions with other individuals. The interview with David Shore is truly fascinating. It is because, David, the greatest TV writer in the world today, speaks in philosophical and meaningful terms about his life and career. He states clearly about writing scripts, "it seems pointless to just entertain" and adds, "I do like to exploring ethical question." His scripts have purpose. He thinks a lot about morality and shares hard questions with the viewer. Have a listen to this highly successful man from London, Ontario. He's very thankful for his success and gifts in life, and it's clear from our schmooze, like many great men, he simply does not see himself as such - true humility. HatRadio! The show that schmoozes. HAPPY NEW YEAR. PEACE IN OUR WORLD.  (This show is in memory of Sarah Halimi, a French Jewish woman murdered by a man who won't stand trial because of his marijuana intake. Fight this).

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Thanks to Howard Pasternack for editing the show and David Nefesh for writing and performing the HatRadio! song. Thanks too, to Stephanie Kazdan for designing the new HatRadio! Poster. Great comments. Please support Stephanie by purchasing her articles as dishswear.com or through Facebook@dishswear .

Credit for music in commercial:
"Slow Burn" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Episode 49 - Rabbi Hecht: Helping Thinkers Find a Home!

Welcome to Episode 49 of HatRadio! with our special guest, Rabbi Benjamin Hecht of nishma.org. Benjy is a brilliant Torah scholar, and my brother-in-law. He has helped me and thousands of others with our existential struggles. In a world of 'I'm right, you're wrong and therefore you'll go to hell', Rabbi Hecht's appreciation of a wide spectrum of possibilities - e'lu ve'elu - within a halachic framework’ allowed me and so many others to spiritually breathe.  In short, Rabbi Hecht helps thinkers find a home. He believes, “God wants us to think, to grow". Please learn from his personal struggles including that of being a Holocaust Survivor's child, and his evolution from "going with the masses" to finding his own voice. If you're annoyed by fundamentalism, and those who make fun of thinking, have a listen. Rabbi Hecht's is a thinking spiritual rock-star!  HatRadio! The show that schmoozes. 

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Thank you Gary Samuel and Mark Gryfe of Gryfe Philanthropic Services for their sponsorship of HatRadio!.  Thank you too, David Nefesh, for the HatRadio! song. Hear David's music at: https://www.reverbnation.com/davidnefesh.  Well done to Howard Pasternack on the editing of Episode 49. Howard and Rabbi Hecht are old friends. His work on this show was therefore motivated and directed by his great respect for the Rabbi. Well done to Stephanie Kazdan for designing the new HatRadio! Poster. Great comments. Please support Stephanie by purchasing her articles as dishswear.com or through Facebook@dishswear .

Credit for music in commercial:
"Slow Burn" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

 

Episode 48 - Randall Craig Wrote a Musical from his Hospital Bed. Life! L'chaim!

EPISODE 48 HATRADIO! 

Randall Craig was diagnosed with the ‘bad’ type of leukemia.  His friends moved a digital piano into his room... and so he started writing a musical - a modern take on the story of Esther. The first song Randall wrote was in his hospital bed right after chemo. His message is, ‘we can all be an Esther’ - courageous with the ability to change the world.  His mind is sharp. He is incredibly excited about life with an inimitable spirit; the type God or man cannot keep down. Listen for the ‘Peanut butter’ story. He wakes up every day and with gusto says, “oh, another great day!”. He can't wait to live it. This is a very sweet and inspiring interview. Have a listen. HatRadio! The show that schmoozes.

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Thank you so much to Howard for his post-production work. I'm grateful. He has helped the podcast a lot since its inception and we have such a good time on Thursday nights during post-production. A pat on the back to my buddy, David Nefesh for the HatRadio! song. What better person to ask to write and perform it then David, my friend since we're 8 years old? I'm also appreciative to Stephanie Kazdan for the HatRadio! poster and IrisMedia, in particular, Jimmy for being so supportive of my objective to bring positive podcasting to our world. Thank you folks!! Life is a community. 

Credit for music in commercial:
"Slow Burn" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

 

Episode 47 - Michael Rubin: A Touching Schmooze with a Soulful Spiritual Director of a Synagogue

We walk through life concentrating on our own stuff. That's inevitable. Then, one day, we see the person next to us, really see them, and realize their life is as significant as ours’s, that an inherent balance exists between us, which translates into equality of all peoples.

When I schmoozed with Michael Rubin on Segment 47 of HatRadio! I was able to see that life-parallelism or sorts. Why? Well because Michael - the Spiritual Director at Beth David Synagogue, once a field-educator (tour guide) in Israel and a hockey player and coach for one of Israel's nation team, a dad and husband - talked about these chapters in his life with great humility and modesty, I felt compelled to tuck my ego away and embrace his beautiful spirit. And I did. And he moved me. Listen to Michael talk about visiting Israel for the first time, kneeling on the tarmac and kissing the ground. Hear his insight into the trope (Torah notes), as sounds that reflect significant instances in the 5-books of Moses. Michael loves the dessert and sees no need to meditate there, because it is 'a meditative environment'. My guest is an inspiring man. He is an appreciative man.  Listen and see him, and then perhaps, you'll really see the person walking next to you. HatRadio! The show that schmoozes.

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Thank you, Gary Samuel, for sponsoring the show and Mark Gryfe of Gryfe Philanthropic Services for doing the same. They are generous of spirit. Thank you too, David Nefesh, for the HatRadio! song. See David in Detroit on Sat., Dec. 21 at the Plymouth Coffe Bean Co.   . Hear David's music at: https://www.reverbnation.com/davidnefesh. Appreciation to Howard Pasternack for his post-production work.  Well done to Stephanie Kazdan for designing the new HatRadio! Poster. Great comments. Please support Stephanie by purchasing her articles as dishswear.com or through Facebook@dishswear .   

Credit for music in commercial:
"Slow Burn" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

 

 

Episode 46 - Rabbi Korobkin Interviews Avrum asking 'Why did you Leave Orthodox Judaism?'

Welcome to Episode 46 of HatRadio!. I am a rabbinical son who gave up Orthodox Judaism (Frum Judaism) in my early twenties never to return to it. Many people over the years have asked me, 'why'? In this episode, Rabbi Daniel Korobkin of the orthodox BAYT synagogue (https://www.bayt.ca/) of Toronto, conducts an interview with me asking questions about my decision to leave the belief system of my father and mother. Some of the very compelling questions he ask included: What was the price I paid for leaving Frum Judaism; was I sexually abused, something that could have encouraged me to leave the lifestyle I was born into?; Was my father disappointed in me right up until his death?; Did my mother accept my decision? Did my four sisters remain religious? Do I have regrets about my decision? Have a listen to the show. It was challenging for me, but cleansing, and I'm hoping my discussion with this very fascinating Rabbi, who is my friend, will enlighten some and help others who are on a similar path I took. HatRadio! The show that schmoozes. 

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I'm grateful to Mark Gryfe of Gryfe Philanthropic Sevices, and Gary Samuel, for sponsoring the show. They are two men who are generous of spirit and basically, giving me a hand in this challenging venture. Thank you too, David Nefesh, for the HatRadio! song. Great comments on it. See David in Detroit on Sat., Dec. 21 at the Plymouth Coffe Bean Co.   . Hear David's music at: https://www.reverbnation.com/davidnefesh. Appreciation to Howard Pasternack for his post-production work.  You always manage to get the sound to a pleasurable-listening place (despite my technical weaknesses in recording). And well done to Stephanie Kazdan for designing the new HatRadio! Poster. It's magnificent and takes the show up a real big notch. Please support Stephanie by purchasing her articles as dishswear.com or through Facebook@dishswear .   

Credit for music in commercial: "Slow Burn" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)  Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

 

Episode 45 - Jaymz Bee: The Gigantically Outrageous & Kind Spirit of an Entertainer

EPISODE 45 IS DEDICATED TO CHILDREN SOLDIERS AROUND THE WORLD WHO PRAY FOR A CHILDHOOD. HELP THEM! Do a Google search to determine how.

Welcome to Episode 45 with the inimitable Jaymz Bee. Man, this is one of those over-the-top shows with a guest who has a potful of energy, and stories galore to tell -- hence the 2 hours and 22-minute time. We just couldn't stop talking. Jaymz had to end the show with a poem he wrote reflecting his thoughts and those of many men, called, 'I Love My Almost Girlfriend' (2:19:06). 

Jaymz Bee, 56, is an entertainer, a bandleader, writer, radio host on Jazz FM, tour guide,  lover of life...and he is kind. He arrived at the interview two-hours early. I wasn't frantic as I used to get, but my notes weren't ready nor was the equipment. We got it up and going never-the-less. The talk between us ended up evolving into a real hometown schmooze, just two guys hanging out. His earliness was perfect. The show really sizzled. I loved it. 

So lay back on your Lazy-Girl/Boy, spark up a dube and let Jaymz's world seep into your consciousness. Listen to this colorful man's experience with Dr. Seuss; Tony Bennett (who calls Jaymz, 'Mr. Toronto'), the Rolling Stones (Mick welcomed Jaymz by name to impress the beautiful woman he [Jaymz] was with); Don Francks, the great Canadian actor, who was like a brother to Jaymz; Paul McCartney ('are you still vegetarian, Paul'?); Barry Manilow, Al Waxman and the Canadian cross-generational icon Mr. Dressup, Ernie Coombs. 

An inevitable question to ask a type-A pogo-stick sort of fellow like Jaymz is, 'so what were your parents like'? Jaymz responded that they were zany, quirky, crazy, funny and handsome ("Mom looked like Susan St. James; Dad looked like Rock Hudson"). They loved each other deeply, as heard through Jaymz's 'colostomy bag story' (42:47).  His Mom played practical jokes on the kids; scarred the crap out of James jumping out of the closet upon his arrival home. Her funeral was a party. Everyone got loaded and told hilarious stories including Mom's favorite comics: Jef Farquharson (couldn't remember Mom's name), and Pam Hyatt. Life was different in young Jaymz growing up year, different than most of our childhoods (would you have preferred his?). 

And his parents were kind, and this is what Jaymz aspired to be: a decent human being who could help young musicians and others as often as possible. And that's exactly who he became, despite the fact he was bullied terribly as a kid. Damn, I hate that.

Episode 45 is sprinkled with compassion and sharing. Jaymz talks about personally underwriting a record for a newcomer to Canada from Poland, the brilliant, "other world", Adam Makowicz (1:14:30).  Jaymz tells us how blessed he feels, to have been shown kindness early on by his parents, and to have siblings who are similarly kind. And he says, "I'm living on borrowed time". I'll leave that for you to figure out.

What I love about this interview is that Jaymz is a unique fellow who shares many sides of himself freely, and openly. He is a very inspiring and peculiarly human. Episode 45 is a reflection of a man who despite seeing the world as being absurd (or perhaps because of), is happy, willing to let us know who he is, including his drive to live life with gusto with lots and lots of woman friends, Hollywood stars and regular folk including guys like me.  Enjoy the show with Jaymz Bee! 

HatRadio! The show that schmoozes. Please share the link. 

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Thank you Mark Gryfe and Gryfe Philanthropic Services for your sponsorship. We look forward to welcoming Gary Samuel and Paula Zivot, as our new sponsors. We're grateful for your support. 

Thank you to David Nefesh for the HatRadio! song, and to Howard Pasternack for his post-production work. Superlative job guys! Thank you.  

Credit for music in commercial:
"Slow Burn" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

 

Episode 44 - Michael White: A Wise Rock-Star...the Real Deal!

Welcome to HatRadio!, Episode 44 with my special guest, the inimitable spirit, an entertainer, performer, founder of Michael White and the White, original lead singer of Motley Crew, a singer/songwriter, a Dad/family man and a fellow who went through a lot of awful shit when he was a kid - ladies and gentleman, a big hand for Mr. Michael White.  

So, on the morning of the show, I stuck my head out my door to see Michael walking down the hall. I like doing that. Sure enough he got off the elevator and headed toward me, his long rock-n-roll hair hanging down and his 6'4" frame sauntering, slowly, as if to be taking in the moment. We greeted and hugged. Old friends. We hadn’t seen each other in a while. Michael was my voice teacher and we used to schmooze for hours in his low lit and warm home studio. But it had been a couple of years. You know how it goes.

I always liked Michael because he speaks slowly, methodically and regularly wears a warm, gracious, and childlike smile on his face. He is decent and inspirational. He made me feel good about myself. And I knew I was with a real, authentic rock-star. And I love rock-stars. I've interviewed a few of them. They just have this way about them...a sort of 'life is whole lot of fun. It can be meaningful. I love what I do. And fuck you. I'll show you.' What else could you ask in a friend.

So, My friend, this larger than life man, comes into my home. I direct him to his seat. We did a sound check. He knows what he was doing. We tape the show. We cover a lot of ground like we used to do in his studio. The big topic of conversation in the first half of HatRadio! episode 44, was about his Mom. They were living in Los Angeles. Michael was 13. One day, he comes home, goes to the next room, hears a shot and finds his Mom, with a bullet in her head. Dead. Oy! Damn. My heart always breaks when I think about Michael, when he was my son's age, going through that. Damn. And he goes to school the next day....no tools to help him. No therapy. Nobody to hold him and comfort him. 'Are you okay?'. Big hug young Michael. 

But, later in life, he was okay. More than that. After Michael figured things out - what does he do to remember his Mom, to let go of those tough feelings (and this is reflective of his driven spirit)? Well, he wrote a song about her end of days called, 'Baby, Who's Gonna Stop You Now?'. And it's not what you think. Have a listen. Let me know what you think.  I think it's hauntingly upbeat. 1:01:28

Michael is the founder of Michael White and the White, the greatest Led Zeppelin Tribute Band ever. Jimmy Page and Robert Plant adore his work. They told Michael so. People lined up around the block to hear Michael and his band. During our interview he tells great stories of those days, as he beamed with pride. Yes, he tells us what we want to know: insight into the life and mind of a rock star.  Listen to the crazy-ass story about how he went into Prince's studio (with his production guy), to hear a recording of the Purple Rain stars' rendition of Voodoo Child, with Miles Davis. But the kicker of the story, is the bed in the studio. Yup. The bed. 1:36:41

Today, Michael, at 64, has developed a Beetles show.... you know, When I'm 64. He's a family man, teaches voice, composes, creates huge rock performances with school bands, invents and then reinvents.  Oh yes, Michael's played with Jeff Healey, Alice Cooper, Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue), Keith Emerson, Pat Rush, Steve Morse (Deep Purple), Rick Wakeman (Yes), Albert Lee (Jackson Browne/Joe Cocker) and Dweezil Zappa.

My dear friend is truly a fascinating guy, and he is because he has heaps of life experience, with bag full of instruments and musical notes and he's wise. And there ain't nothin' like a wise rock-star.

Have a listen. Ladies and Gentlemen, Michael White!!!! An exciting and inspiring show. HatRadio! The show that schmoozes.

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Accolades to Howard for his post-production work and the recent YouTube video he produced and filmed  https://youtu.be/WaD41Q-_5Es

Thank you too, to Mr. David Nefesh, the composer of the HatRadio! Check out his music and upcoming shows. I seem to be attracted to rock stars, eh?! song. https://www.reverbnation.com/davidnefesh

Credit for music in commercial:
Slow Burn Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Credit for Baby, Who's Gonna Stop You Now?
Michael White. Used with permission