Podcasts about chelm

We have a really fun episode for you today—We're talking with James Goldberg about his delightful book Tales of the Chelm First Ward, which he co-wrote with his, wife Nicole Wilkes Goldberg, and his brother, Mattathias Singh.The book is a collection of fictional stories set in a Latter-day Saint ward in the imagined town of Chelm—a nod to Jewish folklore and the famous “village of fools.” The humor is wonderfully absurd but beneath the silliness is something powerful and profound.In this conversation, we explore what might be called a theology of humor. James reflects on how laughter opens us. It softens the edges of our seriousness and rigidity, and draws us closer in shared connection. He reminded us that not everything about “church culture” needs to be critiqued or stripped away—sometimes it can be embraced with lightness and joy, as part of what brings us together and helps us live in community. The idea that stayed with us most was this: maybe what makes a ward great isn't how aligned everyone is theologically or politically, or how smoothly things run, or how polished people are in their callings. Maybe it's just about creating a group of people who are all rooting for each other—through the everyday moments, the imperfect efforts, and the callings that stretch us. It's about showing up with love, having each other's backs, and learning to see one another the way God does—with patience, grace, and deep affection.We hope this episode might just help you love your ward a little more—with all its quirks and imperfections. We hope it helps you see the people around you with a little more grace, a little more humor, and a little more tenderness.And with that, here's our conversation with James Goldberg.https://www.wayfaremagazine.org/p/tales-of-the-chelm-first-ward-introductionAffiliate link for Chelm: https://bookshop.org/a/108982/9781961471030 

The annual Chelm Comedy Convention is exactly what to expect of the Wise Fools. Special appearance by Nancy Sullivan. This is the final episode of the podcast, and also the final story in the book.  Thank you for taking this journey with us.  May all your foolishness be wise. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Here's a special bonus episode, with the final tale dropping next week. From October 2024, recorded live at Bayit Shelanu Rosh Hashanah services in Santa Monica, California (imperfect audio, recorded from the video livestream)...it's a five-minute medley based on Chelm--and not really a story. Nobody's perfect. (We assume you remember that "tsuris" means "trouble." That will matter...once.) Also featuring Rabbi Jan Goldstein, Rena Strober, and musical accompanyists Bruce Garnitz and Steve Blum. We'll see you next week for the final episode.

Mendel the Messenger finally got married. What took him so long? (Special appearance by Nancy Sullivan.) From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

In this episode, Geoff and Katrina take a trip to several different cities of fools (and feel right at home). First Katrina explains how the folkloric village of Gotham ended up turning into a city of Batman. Then the pair travel backwards in time to take a peek into one of the oldest joke books, from the 4th century AD. They discuss how common it is for people to come together to bad mouth the people one town over. Katrina takes a couple shots at LA and her own cousins, while Geoff wants to talk Florida Man and Idiotsville, USA. And then they dive into the Jewish folkloric town of Chelm for several fun stories that illustrate the power of these silly stories to showcase human nature.   Books Used: The Jar of Fools by Eric A. Kimmel Yiddish Folktales by Beatrice Weinreich Favorite Folktales from Around the World edited by Jane Yolen   Book Mentioned at the Beginning of this episode: Specters of the Marvelous by Kimberly J. Lau

Boris the Balagoola--a Wise Fool who is smarter than you think. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Little Shaindel is smart as a whip, but has never said a word--not even to complain! That is very strange among the Wise Fools. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Daf Yummy épisode 1354. Sanhedrin 33 : Les Sages de Chelm. by Myriam Ackermann Sommer

The most charitable Wise Fool of Chelm is the shoemaker, but it's never easy. With the amazing Nancy Sullivan! From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Who does a Wise Fool turn to when the flood waters are rising? Special appearance by the one and only Nancy Sullivan. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Cossacks have much to learn from the Wise Fools. (This tale was inspired by a story in Chaim Topol's "To Life!") From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

You got problems? The Wise Fools have a solution. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

How does a Wise Fool get directions on a visit to Holy Land? Special appearance by Rabbi Jan Goldstein! (Check out his podcast, "All That Matters.") From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

What happens when Boris the Balagoola encounters a talking machine? Probably just what you'd expect of a Wise Fool. [Note: the version of this story has been altered slightly from what appears in the book, to streamline the audio experience.] From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

A milkman, a rabbi, a white horse, and a Tsar walk into a bar. Well, not quite...but among the Wise Fools almost anything is possible. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y  

Need an actor for a small but important part? Hire a Wise Fool. Special appearance by Nancy Sullivan! From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

There are few more dangerous statements than "We formed a committee." Appointing Wise Fools to that committee would likely do the trick. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

It's not always easy eliciting clear testimony in the court of Wise Fools. Special appearance by Nancy Sullivan. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

If you were from another planet, you would want to meet the Wise Fools, too. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Always be kind to those who helped you. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

This is the story of Selma the Seamstress and Louise the Lip, and perhaps even the accidental invention of the filibuster. Special appearance by Nancy Sullivan. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Which child of the village is the Wisest of the future Wise Fools? From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

The trains need to be prompt, because Shloime the Student can't be late for school again! This story was inspired by the 1992 Academy-Award-Winning Documentary Short Subject film "Omnibus." From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Even for a Wise Fool, a family heirloom prayer shawl needs tender care to be cleaned properly. (Special appearance by Nancy Sullivan.) From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Even among the Wise Fools, it's important to wait your turn. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Fundraising requires focus. Among the Wise Fools, good luck with that idea. (The kiddush is the ceremonial blessing over the wine.) From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

You won't believe what Kalman the Karpenter did on Yom Kippur. (This year, Yom Kippur arrives this coming Friday night, October 11 and Saturday, October 12.) Starring the great Bret Shefter, who originated his role years ago at Shofar Synagogue in Southern California. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

How do the Wise Fools rate...in the afterlife? From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

The wonderful Nancy Sullivan joins us for another tale, of Boris the Balagoola and his wife Becky--the perfect marriage of two Wise Fools. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

In Chelm, some days are unluckier than others. [A latke is a potato pancake, but has nothing to do with the tale; it's just a play on the song from "Guys and Dolls." Lucky for you!] From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Among the Wise Fools, easy things are not always easy. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

The Wise Fools have one hot export, but even that can't overcome what essentially collapses this week into a lot of Dad Jokes. In the story's defense, Charles M. Powell was, in fact, a dad. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

You think politics is crazy today? Try electing a Mayor for the Village of Wise Fools. We just experienced the convention of one of the major parties in the United States. Now try it in Chelm. [Note: this story contains a quick reference to the author's collegiate alma mater, Yale.] From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

What do you do about an infestation of mice in the synagogue? More to the point--what do the Wise Fools do? From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

An epic battle: Boris the Balagoola versus a strange, three-legged fowl! (You've heard the Thanksgiving version and you've heard the poetry version, but here's the Original Recipe.) From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

This story just isn't kosher. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Nancy Sullivan is back as an 84-year-old brand-new mother. This could only happen among the Wise Fools. (The 84-year-old mother part. Happily, Nancy can happen anywhere.) From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Schneider the Tailor needs some help with his business. Where else would a Wide Fool turn?  [Note: this is a very New York joke, but we left it in as it was one of the late Charlie Powell's favorite stories.] Special appearance by the great and powerful Nancy Sullivan. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

In the afterlife--especially for a Wise Fool like Boris the Balagoola--there are different meal plans for "upstairs" and "downstairs," if you know what we mean.... From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Sometimes it's tough for the Wise Fools to get first-class treatment. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Too much of a good thing? Perhaps, if you're a Wise Fool. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y  

Relya, Wise Fool of Chelm, world-traveler, widow, one ungrateful son, is ready for the perfect vacation: a journey to meet The Grand Guru high in the Hermalayas. Recorded live at Bayit Shelanu on September 16, 2023, with gratitude to Rabbi Jan Goldstein. (Early audio issue clears quickly.) Starring guest performer Rena Strober! https://www.renastrober.com/ Also featuring Bruce Garnitz! (Small sound glitch in the first ten seconds...stick with it!) From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

The power of prayer has its own meaning...if you're a Wise Fool. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Has the jury of Wise Fools reached a verdict? From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Join Daniel & Harry on an exhilarating adventure as they welcome acclaimed writer and podcaster David Tuchman to unearth the Jewish treasures buried within Steven Spielberg's iconic 1981 masterpiece, "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark."Prepare to delve into the thrilling world of archaeology, exploring how it sets out to preserve ancient traditions, artifacts, and customs. Discover the fascinating accuracy behind the depiction of the Ark of the Covenant and uncover the hidden depths Spielberg wove into the film. The conversation takes a bold turn as they analyze the portrayal of Nazis as unequivocal villains and ponder the possibility of such clear-cut antagonists in contemporary cinema.As the episode reaches its climax, our hosts highlight the most Jewish moments, debate the “stretches of the pod,” and tackle the ultimate question: Is "Raiders of the Lost Ark" good for the Jews?Tune in for a riveting discussion, packed with insights and spirited rankings of the film's overall Jewishness.IMDb PageMovie TrailerDavid Tuchman's LinksListen to OMGWTFBIBLERead David's Story "Chelm, NJ"Connect with Jews on Film online:Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/productsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpodYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilmTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

To impress your future father-in-law, you'd better have the chops. (From a story shared by the late Dr. Melvin H. Present, a long-time friend.) From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

It isn't easy funding an education system, especially among the Wise Fools. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

The great Nancy Sullivan returns, to help us understand how best to honor the perfect Wise Fool of a husband after his passing. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Not even a Wise Fool should waste talent on the wrong career. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Wise Fools are Wise Fools, day or knight. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y