In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman welcomes Mitchell Hoenig, a former lone soldier in the IDF, to discuss the inspiration behind the song "Dear David." Drawing from his unique experiences in the Israeli army, Mitchell shares the profound impact of soldiers receiving letters and gifts during their service and reflects on the importance of maintaining human connections despite the distance and challenges.

The conversation delves into the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the emotional journey of being a soldier, and the poignant moments of attending friends’ funerals. It also highlights the significance of creative expression, like songwriting, as a form of support and understanding.

Tune in to explore the intricate blend of duty, art, and empathy, and discover how songs inspired by the Psalms can evoke powerful emotions and serve as a medium for healing and hope.

In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman dives deep into the transformative power of forgiveness and reconciliation. Joined by industry veterans Brent Travers, a talent manager and producer, and Dan Weidman, a corporate communications expert, this heartfelt discussion draws from their rich history and personal experiences.

Brent challenges the notion of seeking forgiveness from God alone, emphasizing the importance of mending human relationships. Meanwhile, Dan reflects on the significance of Catholic rituals and how prayer shapes their lives. Together, they tackle the pressing issue of teaching forgiveness to younger generations and the vital role of starting anew to heal fractured bonds.

The conversation also explores the everyday impact of prayer, the diversity of rituals across religions, and powerful personal stories that illuminate the journey of forgiveness. Tune in for an inspiring dialogue that blends faith with real-life applications, fostering understanding and compassion in our quest for spiritual fulfillment. Don't miss this enriching episode!

In this introspective episode of "The Rest is Commentary," Shep Rosenman and Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum, Dean of the London School of Jewish Studies, unravel the layers of personal and spiritual reflection in the song, "Naked in Your Gaze," inspired by Psalm 5. In a compelling discussion, they delve into themes of love, deception, and the creative process.

Shep and Rabbi Zarum explore how poetry and song can serve as mirrors, reflecting personal truths and collective experiences, navigating through imposter syndrome, and confronting the fear of deception. Through profound insights and personal anecdotes, this conversation touches on the intersections of love, faith, and authenticity, examining how these concepts resonate in both human and divine relationships.

Tune in for an enlightening dialogue that bridges the ancient wisdom of Psalms with contemporary reflections on identity and sincerity, all punctuated by the lyrical exploration of "Naked in Your Gaze."

In this episode of "The Rest is Commentary," host Shep Rosenman welcomes Rabbi Sharon Brous, the senior and founding rabbi of IKAR and author of the national bestseller, "The Amen Effect," to explore the transformative power of love, justice, and personal connection drawing inspiration from Shep's song (cowritten by Ray Allen Kayanek) "Love is the Heart of this Coup" and Psalm 25.

Rabbi Brous shares her insights on how loneliness can pave the way for tyranny, as articulated by Hannah Arendt, and emphasizes the importance of addressing social rifts to prevent the abuse of power. She highlights the significance of intimate conversations as well as systemic change in envisioning a future unburdened by past injustices, in which humanity and justice prevail and she and Shep offer practical steps for rehumanizing our interactions and building a more inclusive society.

Join Shep Rosenman and Rabbi Sharon Brous as they explore the intersections of music, spirituality, and activism, and listen to the song "Love is the Heart of This Coup."

In this episode of "The Rest is Commentary," host Shep Rosenman is joined by Abby Fifer-Mandell, a senior lecturer in entrepreneurship at USC and a visiting professor at UVA's School of Medicine. They delve deep into a conversation inspired by Psalm 91 and the song "Fraction of Grace," touching on themes of loss, family, depression, and social networks.

Shep and Abby explore the phenomenon of what we see and what we don't see, both in our relationships and within ourselves. They discuss the hidden and revealed aspects of life, the choices we make, and the unseen labor that shapes our existence. Abby shares personal reflections on her family's influence and the ways childhood traditions carry into adulthood.

The episode also examines the profound impact of community and faith-based networks on mental health, the balance between individuality and belonging, and the importance of rituals. Abby and Shep navigate through the complexities of depression and anxiety, offering insights on coping mechanisms and the moments of grace that bring light into darkness.

Join Shep and Abby for an intimate and heartfelt conversation that underscores the interconnectedness of humanity and the divine grace that touches our lives.

In this heartwarming episode, Shep and Elise Miller reminisce about their high school days, their shared love of music, and the unexpected journey of faith and doubt that life has taken them on. With personal anecdotes and deep reflections, they explore the power of music to unify and uplift, the challenges of maintaining faith in difficult times, and the importance of being present in the moment. Join us for a candid conversation inspired by the song "Coffee & Beignet" and Psalm 27, that blends humor, nostalgia, and profound insights on spirituality and human connection.

In this episode of The Rest Is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman sits down with Rabbi David Kasher to discuss the intricate dance between faith, doubt, and destiny. Rabbi Kasher, director of Hadar West Coast, shares his personal journey of synthesizing diverse Jewish traditions and his deep love for Jerusalem, inspired by "Sun Break" from Shep Rosenman's Psalms song cycle and Psalm 125.

They delve into the complexities of belief, the role of observance, and how faith evolves over a lifetime. The conversation touches on the significance of questioning within Judaism, the metaphorical representation of Jerusalem, and the enduring impact of music and creativity on spiritual life.

Join Shep and Rabbi Kasher as they explore how suffering, historical narratives, and the quest for meaning shape our understanding of God and our place in the world. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to live a life of faith, even if that faith is splintered.

Links:

Lyrics, Psalm, and sources - www.sefaria.org/sheets/255111

Hadar - www.Hadar.org

Welcome to The Rest is Commentary, a podcast where music, ancient wisdom, and personal connections intertwine. Hosted by Shep Rosenman, each episode features a unique song inspired by the Psalms, or Tehillim in Hebrew, shared with a friend to spark meaningful conversations.

Join Shep and his diverse array of guests—including rabbis, designers, professors, actors, authors and more —as they explore universal themes through a Jewish lens. From Rabbi David Kasher to Dr. Mayim Bialik, each episode delves into the rich tapestry of tradition and contemporary insights.

Whether you have a deep connection to Jewish heritage or are entirely new to it, The Rest is Commentary invites you to connect with ancient texts, profound discussions, and the shared human experience. Tune in for a journey that bridges the past with the present, one song and conversation at a time.