The Avrum Rosensweig Show

TARS 63: Puberty & Other Horrors. A Frank Conversation with Author, Shira Dicker (Audio/Visual)

In my 63rd podcast, I am thrilled to welcome Shira Dicker, the acclaimed author of 'Lolita at Leonard’s of Great Neck'. Shira’s collection of novellas offers a poignant and witty exploration of life from 1974 - 2000s, capturing the turbulence of puberty, growing up with rooftop kisses and crushes on teachers and the rebellious spirit that clashes with authority figures. Amazon describe's Shira's book and its characters as: "Age-old power struggles—between lovers, between friends, between parents and children— illuminated and analyzed". In our conversation, Shira shares her deeply personal experiences, including the complex emotions of being adopted as an infant. She also talks about the universal fears surrounding puberty, like the anxiety many girls feel about getting their period in public, and young teenage boys having an erection on the train or in the classroom. Join us as we delve into Shira's wonderfully colorful life and her fascinating journey through these intimate and cultural narratives.

October 7th To a 3 Year-Old: Mommy Won't Be Coming Home; They are Looking for Daddy. He's Kidnapped (Audio/Visual)

In this short short, Michael Levy tells us a heartbreaking story that unfolded on October 7th, when a 3-year-old child was told the tragic reality of his mother's murder. Amidst the chaos and sorrow, the young boy also learns that his father has been kidnapped, ('they are looking for him') thrusting him into a world of profound loss and uncertainty at such a tender age. This episode explores the emotional turmoil and the profound impact of such traumatic events on a child's life, shedding light on the resilience of the human spirit even in the darkest of times. Join us as we navigate through this devastating narrative.

PARSHA & PROS: Chukat Compared to 'The Death of Ivan Illych', With Rabbi Gemara & Avrum Rosensweig (Audio)

In this week's podcast series - PARSHA & PROS, with Rabbi Shlomo Gemara and Avrum Rosensweig, we discuss the Torah portion, Chukat, and delve into the profound themes of mortality and purification. Chukat explores the paradoxical nature of the laws of purity and impurity, highlighting the inevitable confrontation with death and the ritual of the Red Heffer that symbolize spiritual cleansing. Similarly, we talk about Leo Tolstoy's novella, 'The Death of Ivan Illych', which grapples with the existential crisis of a man facing his own mortality. Ivan Illych's journey reflects the Torah's exploration of death and purification through its stark portrayal of Ivan's inner turmoil and societal façades crumbling in the face of death's inevitability. Both texts provoke contemplation on the essence of life, the inevitability of death, and the quest for spiritual and moral purity amidst human frailty. The show is sponsored by Gary Samuel and Paul Zivot and Family; Peter Ekstein and Family; Mathew Diamond & Family, who pay tribute to IDF soldiers fighting courageously for the safety and security of Israel, and Jews everywhere. Sponsorship is available. Please be in touch at avrum.rosensweig@gmail.com. Thank you.

PARSHA & PROS: Torah Portion, Chukat Compared to 'The Death of Ivan Ilych', With Rabbi Gemara & Avrum Rosensweig (Audio/Visual)

In this week's podcast series - PARSHA & PROS, with Rabbi Shlomo Gemara and Avrum Rosensweig, we discuss the Torah portion, Chukat, and delve into the profound themes of mortality and purification. Chukat explores the paradoxical nature of the laws of purity and impurity, highlighting the inevitable confrontation with death and the ritual of the Red Heffer that symbolize spiritual cleansing. Similarly, we talk about Leo Tolstoy's novella, 'The Death of Ivan Ilych', which grapples with the existential crisis of a man facing his own mortality. Ivan Illych's journey reflects the Torah's exploration of death and purification through its stark portrayal of Ivan's inner turmoil and societal façades crumbling in the face of death's inevitability. Both texts provoke contemplation on the essence of life, the inevitability of death, and the quest for spiritual and moral purity amidst human frailty. The show is sponsored by Gary Samuel and Paul Zivot and Family; Peter Ekstein and Family; Mathew Diamond & Family, who pay tribute to IDF soldiers fighting courageously for the safety and security of Israel, and Jews everywhere. Sponsorship is available. Please be in touch at avrum.rosensweig@gmail.com. Thank you.

"I Just Kept Running".11 Years-Old. Family Murdered. Rwanda Genocide. Providence Nkurunzia (Audio/Visual)

In my podcast interview with Providence Nkurunzia, we delve into her harrowing journey as an 11-year-old during the Rwandan genocide of 1994, when her parents and five of her siblings were murdered. Providence vividly recounts how she "just kept running" to evade the brutality that engulfed her homeland, showcasing unimaginable courage and resilience at such a tender age. As a survivor, she has dedicated her life to amplifying the voices of those who perished and combating the dangerous rhetoric of genocide deniers. Providence's story is not just one of survival but of unwavering determination to ensure that the horrors of history are never forgotten or repeated. Her advocacy serves as a powerful beacon of hope and a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable tragedy. Providence is a mighty humanitarian warrior.

Oct. 7: "Where are my parents?" Almog, 3 cries. Terrorists Murdered mom, Eynav & kidnapped dad, Or. (Audio/Visual)

In a poignant and deeply moving episode of our podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Michael Levy, whose life was forever altered on October 7th when his brother, Or Levy, was tragically taken hostage, and his sister-in-law, Eynav Levy, was senselessly murdered by terrorists in southern Israel. They have a three year old son, Almog. Michael bravely shared with us the raw emotions, challenges, and profound resilience that have marked his family's journey since that fateful day. His reflections on loss, strength, and the power of community paint a vivid picture of both personal tragedy and unwavering hope. This interview is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure amidst unimaginable hardship and a reminder of the importance of solidarity in times of adversity.

Through the Years with Jon Strauss: A Journey in Friendship (Audio/Visual)

Welcome to my podcast, where childhood memories and lifelong friendships come alive! In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jon Strauss, my best friend since we were five years old. We took a stroll down memory lane, reminiscing about our early years growing up in Kitchener, Ontario. We shared fond memories of attending Beth Jacob synagogue together, where our families bonded over shared traditions and community events. As we grew older, Jon pursued his passion for music, eventually finding his groove as a reggae singer. We delve into his journey from our quiet suburban neighborhood to the vibrant music scene (rock, raggae and cantorial), exploring how his childhood experiences shaped his artistic path. Join us as we uncover the threads that have woven our friendship over the decades, celebrating the unique journey of Jon Strauss and the enduring bonds of childhood friendship.

Korach & Julius Caesar: Rabbi Shlomo Gemara Learns with Avrum Rosensweig (Audio)

Rabbi Shlomo Gemara and Avrum Rosensweig study the Torah portion of Korach and Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar". Both explore themes of power, betrayal, and the consequences of ambition. In the Torah, Korach's rebellion against Moses and Aaron mirrors the power struggle in ancient Rome depicted in Shakespeare's play. Both narratives reveal the dangers of unchecked ambition and the destabilizing effects of internal dissent within a community or empire. Korach, like Caesar, challenges established authority, leading to upheaval and tragic outcomes. Both stories highlight the complexities of leadership and the perilous nature of challenging those in power, serving as cautionary tales about the repercussions of ambition and the importance of maintaining unity and order.

Korach & Julius Caesar: Rabbi Shlomo Gemara Learns with Avrum Rosensweig (Audio/Visual)

Rabbi Shlomo Gemara and Avrum Rosensweig study the Torah portion of Korach and Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar". Both explore themes of power, betrayal, and the consequences of ambition. In the Torah, Korach's rebellion against Moses and Aaron mirrors the power struggle in ancient Rome depicted in Shakespeare's play. Both narratives reveal the dangers of unchecked ambition and the destabilizing effects of internal dissent within a community or empire. Korach, like Caesar, challenges established authority, leading to upheaval and tragic outcomes. Both stories highlight the complexities of leadership and the perilous nature of challenging those in power, serving as cautionary tales about the repercussions of ambition and the importance of maintaining unity and order.

Ghoulish Grins and Giggling Ghosts: Kids' Spooky Adventures: Jonathan Rosen, Children's Story Author (Audio/Visual)

Welcome to our podcast featuring Jonathan Rosen, the brilliant mind behind children's stories that blend humor and horror in captivating ways. Join us as Jonathan shares his unique perspective on storytelling, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the evil characters meet their just desserts by the story's end. With his knack for weaving narratives that resonate with young readers, Jonathan Rosen reveals how he infuses his tales with both mischief and moral lessons, making each adventure a thrilling and meaningful journey for children and adults alike. Get ready to delve into the imaginative world of Jonathan Rosen and discover the magic of storytelling that leaves a lasting impression.