The Avrum Rosensweig Show

DR. JUD NEWBORN: EMMY-AWARD WINNING PRODUCER, HISTORIAN, WINNER OF "SPIRIT OF ANNE FRANK" AWARD (Audio)

Welcome to this episode with Jud Newborn, an acclaimed historian, speaker, and expert in human rights and Holocaust education. Jud is a New York-based author, lecturer, cultural anthropologist and curator. A pioneer in the creation of Holocaust museums, he helped build New York's Museum of Jewish Heritage, serving as its Founding Historian and curator. He is known for his co-authored book, Sophie Scholl and the White Rose, an account of the history of the White Rose, a group formed in part by German Christian students—some former Hitler Youth fanatics—who were part of the German anti-Nazi resistance. With decades of experience in preserving and sharing stories that matter, Jud has dedicated his life to ensuring that the lessons of the past are never forgotten. His commitment to using history as a tool for empathy and change is truly inspiring, and we’re excited to dive into his journey, insights, and the ways in which history can shape our future. He was awarded his PhD with Distinction by the University of Chicago following three years of adventurous fieldwork as a Fulbright and Woodrow Wilson National Fellow, including hunting down former SS officers and working undercover during communist martial law in Poland. He was honored with the Anne Frank Center’s prestigious “Spirit of Anne Frank Award” and is the Emmy Award-winning Producer of Special Programs for Long Island’s Cinema Arts Centre.

DR. JUD NEWBORN: EMMY-AWARD WINNING PRODUCER, HISTORIAN, WINNER OF "SPIRIT OF ANNE FRANK" AWARD (Audio/Visual)

Welcome to this episode with Jud Newborn, an acclaimed historian, speaker, and expert in human rights and Holocaust education. Jud is a New York-based author, lecturer, cultural anthropologist and curator. A pioneer in the creation of Holocaust museums, he helped build New York's Museum of Jewish Heritage, serving as its Founding Historian and curator. He is known for his co-authored book, Sophie Scholl and the White Rose, an account of the history of the White Rose, a group formed in part by German Christian students—some former Hitler Youth fanatics—who were part of the German anti-Nazi resistance. With decades of experience in preserving and sharing stories that matter, Jud has dedicated his life to ensuring that the lessons of the past are never forgotten. His commitment to using history as a tool for empathy and change is truly inspiring, and we’re excited to dive into his journey, insights, and the ways in which history can shape our future. He was awarded his PhD with Distinction by the University of Chicago following three years of adventurous fieldwork as a Fulbright and Woodrow Wilson National Fellow, including hunting down former SS officers and working undercover during communist martial law in Poland. He was honored with the Anne Frank Center’s prestigious “Spirit of Anne Frank Award” and is the Emmy Award-winning Producer of Special Programs for Long Island’s Cinema Arts Centre.

PARSHA & PROSE WITH RABBI GEMARA: THE TORAH PORTION, BO THROUGH THE LENS OF 'FIDDLER ON THE ROOF' (Audio)

In the Torah portion Bo, the Israelites are preparing for their final liberation from Egypt, culminating in the dramatic events of the final three plagues and the institution of the Passover ritual. This moment of divine intervention, where God commands Moses to tell the people to mark their doorposts with lamb's blood, highlights themes of faith, obedience, and survival against oppressive forces. Through the lens of Fiddler on the Roof, this story resonates with Tevye’s struggle to maintain tradition in the face of changing times. Just as the Israelites had to trust in God’s instructions to protect them, Tevye and his family navigate a world where ancient customs are threatened by new forces, whether through political upheaval or the evolving beliefs of his daughters. The tension between holding onto tradition and adapting to survival mirrors the Israelites’ own experience in Egypt, where faith and perseverance led to their freedom, despite the overwhelming challenges they faced. In both narratives, the importance of identity, resilience, and faith in a higher power stands as a cornerstone of their survival and eventual triumph.

PARSHA & PROSE WITH RABBI GEMARA: THE TORAH PORTION, BO THROUGH THE LENS OF 'FIDDLER ON THE ROOF' (Audio/Visual)

In the Torah portion Bo, the Israelites are preparing for their final liberation from Egypt, culminating in the dramatic events of the final three plagues and the institution of the Passover ritual. This moment of divine intervention, where God commands Moses to tell the people to mark their doorposts with lamb's blood, highlights themes of faith, obedience, and survival against oppressive forces. Through the lens of Fiddler on the Roof, this story resonates with Tevye’s struggle to maintain tradition in the face of changing times. Just as the Israelites had to trust in God’s instructions to protect them, Tevye and his family navigate a world where ancient customs are threatened by new forces, whether through political upheaval or the evolving beliefs of his daughters. The tension between holding onto tradition and adapting to survival mirrors the Israelites’ own experience in Egypt, where faith and perseverance led to their freedom, despite the overwhelming challenges they faced. In both narratives, the importance of identity, resilience, and faith in a higher power stands as a cornerstone of their survival and eventual triumph.

TORONTO MIKE'D: ONE OF CANADA'S HIGHEST PROFILE, AND LONGEST RUNNING PODCAST, WITH A TORONTO SPIN! (Audio/Visual)

In this episode, we’re excited to welcome a true voice of Toronto’s podcasting scene, Mike Boon of Toronto Mike'D. For over a decade, Mike has been creating a space for fascinating conversations, bringing listeners the best in local culture, sports, music, and more. Mike’s unique blend of humor, insight, and candor has made Toronto Mike a must-listen for anyone who loves the 6ix. Some of his guests have included: Mark Hebscher, Dave Hodge, Jim Mckenny, Steve Paikin, Dave Thomas from SCTV, Jake Clemons from Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, Alan Frew from Glass Tiger, Carol Pope, Ron Sexsmith, Erin Davis, Danny Elwell and so many more. At the time of this podcast, Mike had hosted 1619 podcasts.

TORONTO MIKE'D: ONE OF CANADA'S HIGHEST PROFILE, AND LONGEST RUNNING PODCAST, WITH A TORONTO SPIN! (Audio)

In this episode, we’re excited to welcome a true voice of Toronto’s podcasting scene, Mike Boon of Toronto Mike'D. For over a decade, Mike has been creating a space for fascinating conversations, bringing listeners the best in local culture, sports, music, and more. Mike’s unique blend of humor, insight, and candor has made Toronto Mike a must-listen for anyone who loves the 6ix. Some of his guests have included: Mark Hebscher, Dave Hodge, Jim Mckenny, Steve Paikin, Dave Thomas from SCTV, Jake Clemons from Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, Alan Frew from Glass Tiger, Carol Pope, Ron Sexsmith, Erin Davis, Danny Elwell and so many more. At the time of this podcast, Mike had hosted 1619 podcasts.

BEKHA SLIDER: ON KISSING SOMEONE'S SCAR (Audio)

Bekha Slider grew up in a religious home. Dogma and the threat of going to hell, was choking her. Despite her fear, she became a pastor feeling she could help others. But questions about who she really was hounded her. Eventually, Bekha went through a process of deconstruction, pulling away the layers that had built up on her true character, and slowly, but surely, through much loneliness and struggle, went from a place of fear to self-love. In this interview, Bekha and I talk about her fascinating metamorphosis, how it affected her relationship with her family, in particular her children, and what it was like for her to feel free with an overwhelming sense of appreciation for herself. Sexuality was a big part of that change. Bekha began to truly embrace her sexual self and feel at home showing her physical beauty regardless of some physical scars and occasional comments from others. At one point, near the end of the interview, I wanted to understand how deeply her intimacy goes with others, in essence whether she had been with anyone who had kissed her scar and celebrated it with her. She responded that indeed there was someone and when they kissed the scar, it added to her feeling of happiness and love of herself. Have a watch/listen. Bekha is a very unique and inspirational person who coaches others on how to discover their essence and to learn how to love themselves. She really is a special soul.

BEKHA SLIDER: ON KISSING SOMEONE'S SCAR (Audio/Visual)

Bekha Slider grew up in a religious home. Dogma and the threat of going to hell, was choking her. Despite her fear, she became a pastor feeling she could help others. But questions about who she really was hounded her. Eventually, Bekha went through a process of deconstruction, pulling away the layers that had built up on her true character, and slowly, but surely, through much loneliness and struggle, went from a place of fear to self-love. In this interview, Bekha and I talk about her fascinating metamorphosis, how it affected her relationship with her family, in particular her children, and what it was like for her to feel free with an overwhelming sense of appreciation for herself. Sexuality was a big part of that change. Bekha began to truly embrace her sexual self and feel at home showing her physical beauty regardless of some physical scars and occasional comments from others. At one point, near the end of the interview, I wanted to understand how deeply her intimacy goes with others, in essence whether she had been with anyone who had kissed her scar and celebrated it with her. She responded that indeed there was someone and when they kissed the scar, it added to her feeling of happiness and love of herself. Have a watch/listen. Bekha is a very unique and inspirational person who coaches others on how to discover their essence and to learn how to love themselves. She really is a special soul.

INTERVIEW #2 WITH DWAYNE EPSTEIN: AUTHOR OF "KILLIN GENERALS: THE MAKING OF THE DIRTY DOZEN (Audio/Visual)

Dwayne Epstein is the author of the N.Y. Times bestselling biography, “Lee Marvin: Point Blank,” which was also a finalist in ForeWord magazine Book of the Year competitions. He is the author of the current Amazon bestseller "Killin Generals: The Making of The Dirty Dozen", The Most Iconic World War II Film of All Time.” "Killin Generals" delves into the behind-the-scenes journey of creating "The Dirty Dozen" which became a groundbreaking film due to its unconventional approach to the genre, blending dark humor with action-packed drama. The book and this interview, my second with Epstein, provides an in-depth exploration of the casting process, highlighting the unique selection of actors, including Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson, and Jim Brown, who would come to define the film's success. Epstein tells us about the challenges faced during production, such as the film's anti-authoritarian themes. "Killin Generals" offers a comprehensive look at how the filmmakers and cast transformed a gritty, unorthodox script into a cinematic phenomenon that would influence generations of action films to come. 💠 Prior to writing biographies, Epstein contributed to film chronicles on a regular basis. He wrote for Filmfax Magazine on subjects such as Bobby Darin, the Rat Pack, television pioneer Steve Allen, film director Sam Fuller, comic book artist Neal Adams, “Invasion of the Body Snatcher’s” Kevin McCarthy, John Belushi, and comedy legend Sid Caesar. Epstein later contributed to Cahiers Du Cinema’s “Serious Pleasures” which had a high profile in Europe. He wrote on American films chosen for rediscovery by directors Oliver Stone, Francis Ford Coppola, Woody Allen, and Clint Eastwood.

INTERVIEW #2 WITH DWAYNE EPSTEIN: AUTHOR OF "KILLIN GENERALS: THE MAKING OF THE DIRTY DOZEN (Audio)

Dwayne Epstein is the author of the N.Y. Times bestselling biography, “Lee Marvin: Point Blank,” which was also a finalist in ForeWord magazine Book of the Year competitions. He is the author of the current Amazon bestseller "Killin Generals: The Making of The Dirty Dozen", The Most Iconic World War II Film of All Time.” "Killin Generals" delves into the behind-the-scenes journey of creating "The Dirty Dozen" which became a groundbreaking film due to its unconventional approach to the genre, blending dark humor with action-packed drama. The book and this interview, my second with Epstein, provides an in-depth exploration of the casting process, highlighting the unique selection of actors, including Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson, and Jim Brown, who would come to define the film's success. Epstein tells us about the challenges faced during production, such as the film's anti-authoritarian themes. "Killin Generals" offers a comprehensive look at how the filmmakers and cast transformed a gritty, unorthodox script into a cinematic phenomenon that would influence generations of action films to come. 💠 Prior to writing biographies, Epstein contributed to film chronicles on a regular basis. He wrote for Filmfax Magazine on subjects such as Bobby Darin, the Rat Pack, television pioneer Steve Allen, film director Sam Fuller, comic book artist Neal Adams, “Invasion of the Body Snatcher’s” Kevin McCarthy, John Belushi, and comedy legend Sid Caesar. Epstein later contributed to Cahiers Du Cinema’s “Serious Pleasures” which had a high profile in Europe. He wrote on American films chosen for rediscovery by directors Oliver Stone, Francis Ford Coppola, Woody Allen, and Clint Eastwood.