Episode 5: Exodus
In episode 5 of The Kibitz, we learn about the Jewish origins of superheroes from Jonathan Lethem and Damon Lindelof, and talk about the genesis of the Haggadah and the Passover seder. Plus jokes!
Who's in this episode?
Kasher vs. kasher: the story of Passover
David Kasher grew up in Oakland, California, but spent his summers in Hassidic Brooklyn, and he's been integrating these experiences ever since. After graduating from Wesleyan University, he knocked around for several years in yeshivas in Israel before landing in rabbinical school at Chovevei Torah, where he was ordained in 2007. He now spends his time bringing Torah to the people, one living room discussion group at a time, as the Senior Rabbinic Educator at Kevah. He's also working on a doctorate in Legal Philosophy, and writes a blog on the weekly Torah portion. You can read it, or listen to the podcasted version, at
Moshe Kasher. Comedian. Child Genius. Jew. Jew Comedian. OBGYN. Pleasure center. Good tipper. Guiding light. Beefcake. He lives alone in LA. Featured on: NBC, E!’s Chelsea Lately, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Comedy Central’s Drunk History, @midnight, Conan, Carson Daly, Showtime’s Shameless, MTV & more… Currently the Co-host of The Champs podcast and the author of the acclaimed memoir Kasher In The Rye on Grand Central Publishing. Selected as one of Variety Magazine’s “Ten Comics to Watch”, LA Times’ “Faces to Watch”, and iTunes’ “Comic of the Year”.
A conversation about Jews and superheroes with Damon Lindelof and Jonathan Lethem, interviewed by Rabbi Sharon Brous
Rabbi Sharon Brous
Sharon Brous is the founding rabbi of IKAR, a community sparked by a Reboot conversation years ago. Listed in Newsweek as one of the country’s leading rabbis, Sharon lectures, writes and shmoozes about spiritual wakefulness, social justice, living a life of purpose and meaning, and reimagining the Jewish future.
Damon Lindelof
Damon Lindelof is a writer/producer currently living in Los Angeles and searching for a deeper connection to a higher power that does not involve judgment, guilt or the desire to berate anyone who challenges said connection. He is currently writing the third and final season of HBO's critically-acclaimed and intensely depressing THE LEFTOVERS.
Jonathan Lethem
(Photo credit Adrian Cook)
Celebrated for his novels, short stories and essays, Jonathan Lethem is recognized today as one of America’s foremost contemporary writers. His works include nine novels, five short-story collections, six non-fiction books and an array of essays published in such publications as Rolling Stone, Harper’s and The New Yorker.
A 95-year old nana tells jokes and stories
Janice “Nana” Lubbin is 95-years-young and lives in Los Angeles. She’s the proud mother of two children, 3 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.
Ronna & Dan Get Advice with Jessica Chaffin and Dan crane (stepping in for beverly)
Ronna Glickman & Beverly Ginsberg are the best-selling co-authors of You’ll Do A Little Better Next Time: A Guide to Marriage and Re-marriage for Jewish Singles (“It says Jewish in the name — but it’s for everyone!”). These outspoken fiftysomethings from Boston, who can be seen regularly at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in LA, dispense their unique brand of relationship advice while interviewing/interrogating celebrity guests.
Beverly is currently on sabbatical.
Host: Dan Crane
Dan Crane is a writer, musician, Jew (lax, loves lox) and professional air-guitarist. He’s the author of To Air is Human and stars in the documentary, Air Guitar Nation. He writes about culture and travel for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, California Sunday, Slate, and numerous other publications. When he’s not writing, or hosting air guitar championships at home and abroad, he plays “there” guitar in various bands including Nous Non Plus and Ray & Remora.
Looking for a great Haggadah? Check out these recommendations:
http://labshul.org/about-labshul/products/the-sayder/
http://asufadesign.com/index.php?itemID=315#shop
http://gregor.ehrlich.com/seder.html
http://www.unorthodoxhaggadah.com/
http://www.thekitchensf.org/swag/seder-haggadah-game
http://www.keshetonline.org/resource/a-gay-lesbian-bisexual-transgender-questioning-ally-haggadah/
http://www.keshetonline.org/resources/queering-your-seder-lgbtq-haggadot/
This podcast is sponsored by the Emanuel J. Friedman Philanthropies.