Podcast appearances and mentions of Ralph Benmergui

On this episode of Not That Kind of Rabbi, Ralph Benmergui speaks with neohasid.org founder and author of the book, Kabbalah and Ecology, Rabbi David Seidenberg, on how we can restore the spiritual bond with an earth based Judaism.

Ralph talks about counselling older people, and keeping the right perspective on life / The weather still blows / Listener email / Sherpa Jay Bondy - being aligned with your advisor / Rubik's cube records / Dan Duran the anchorman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ralph Benmergui addresses the anxiety caused by Trumple Thin Skin / We all need to relax / Fred is in Cabarete / Sherpa Jay Bondy talks about alternatives / Dan Duran the anchorman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Amichai Lau-Lavie realized he was gay, he knew he had to make a choice: hide his identity to abide by his Orthodox upbringing, or be true to himself. It wasn't an easy call for a man whose ancestors had been rabbis for generations—including his uncle and cousin, who both served as the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel. Ultimately, Lau-Lavie decided to split the difference. As an out gay man, he became an Jewish leader, drag performer and rabbi, founding Lab/Shul—a "God-optional" experimental community for Jewish gathering—in New York City. Now, he's also the star of a documentary about his controversial career, Sabbath Queen, which is currently touring the American film festival circuit. If anyone is "not that kind of rabbi," it's Amichai Lau-Lavie—and he joins Ralph Benmergui this week on Not That Kind of Rabbi, a show about spirituality and personal journeys. Credits Host: Ralph Benmergui Producer: Michael Fraiman Music: Yevhen Onoychenko Support The CJN Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to Not That Kind of Rabbi (Not sure how? Click here)

Rabbi Aaron Rotenberg realized at a young age he was drawn to Jewish studies. After graduating from Jewish day schools around Toronto, he decided to attend the Jewish Theological Seminary, a Conservative rabbinical school in New York City, for five years—only to end up a Renewal rabbi years later, ordained just this month. As the spiritual leader of the Annex Shul in downtown Toronto—and one of a handful of Renewal rabbis in the city—his goal is to connect with younger audiences. That means leading unconventional services including music, dance parties and an emphasis on Earth-based Judaism. Just ahead of Tu b'Shevat, Rabbi Rotenberg sat down with Ralph Benmergui on Not That Kind of Rabbi for a lengthy discussion about the Renewal movement, eco-spirituality and the age-old relationship between Jews and the land. Credits Host: Ralph Benmergui Producer: Michael Fraiman Music: Yevhen Onoychenko Support The CJN Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to Not That Kind of Rabbi (Not sure how? Click here)

In this 1629th episode of Toronto Mike'd, Mike chats with John Wing about his favourite Toronto Yuk Yuks comics of the early 80s, his recent health challenge, and Trumps threats to Canada before John recites Ralph Benmergui's stand-up routines from 40+ years ago. Toronto Mike'd is proudly brought to you by Great Lakes Brewery, Palma Pasta, Ridley Funeral Home, and RecycleMyElectronics.ca. If you would like to support the show, we do have partner opportunities available. Please email Toronto Mike at mike@torontomike.com

Ralph Benmergui nails it. We must stop blaming and look inward / We're off tomorrow, so we deal with emails today / You have to be careful while booking a trip online / Sherpa Jay Bondy explains what is bad debt and good debt / Dan Duran the anchorman has several bullet points Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the recent news of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas and the eventual return of the remaining Israeli hostages, tensions remain high between pro- and anti-Zionist communities here in Canada, who've stood sharply divided on the foreign conflict for 15 months. Members of those communities may still be holding hatred or anger in their hearts—leading to increased depression, anxiety and isolation. But according to Dr. Robert Enright, forgiveness is a choice rooted in mercy—and doesn't come at the expense of moral justice. As the co-founder of the International Forgiveness Institute, Enright has dedicated his career to studying forgiveness and the effects it has on the human brain and body. He joins Ralph Benmergui on the latest episode of Not That Kind of Rabbi. Credits Host: Ralph Benmergui Producer: Michael Fraiman Music: Yevhen Onoychenko Support The CJN Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to Not That Kind of Rabbi (Not sure how? Click here)

Once upon a time, Toronto was a sleepy city. The atmosphere shut down at night. Red tape and cultural meekness kept things status quo. But through the 1970s and 1980s, the city's younger generations changed how things work—and one of the biggest players behind the scenes was Gary Topp. A music promoter and independent movie theatre operator, it was Topp—along with his colleague, Gary Cormier, together known as the Two Garys—who first brought and promoted The Ramones, The Police, Slayer and other countercultural icons to Canadians for the first time. Topp also began operating the Roxy Theatre, an art deco building on the Danforth, for punk concerts and movie screenings that wouldn't be shown anywhere else in the country. Last month, Topp's transformative career was printed in a coffee table book, He Hijacked My Brain: Gary Topp's Toronto, recalling legendary stories and performances from decades past. He joins his old friend Ralph Benmergui (who also grew up in Forest Hill, not far away) for a walk down memory lane in exploring his influence on the cultural fabric of the city—and what's changed in the music scene today. Credits Host: Ralph Benmergui Producer: Michael Fraiman Music: Yevhen Onoychenko Support The CJN Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to Not That Kind of Rabbi (Not sure how? Click here)

On Oct. 9, around 2,500 strangers packed Montreal's Place des Arts concert hall to sing Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" in surprisingly perfect harmony. The melody was beautiful. In a video recording posted online, tears and smiles are visible as people sing out the familiar chorus. You could say it was a spiritual performance—unless you're Nobu Adilman, who co-organized the event, for whom this mass choir has always been about enjoying life. While people often feel tapped into a higher power, Adilman is more pragmatic about the whole thing. Adilman, along with his artistic partner, Daveed Goldman, founded the group Choir! Choir! Choir! in a living room more than a decade ago. The idea was simple: strangers singing songs together. Those first contributors had so much fun, Adilman and Goldman decided to keep it going. The group grew in popularity until they amassed hundreds of thousands of social media followers and tour dates that rack up hundreds, even thousands of paying attendees. And before all that, Adilman worked at CBC with a young Ralph Benmergui. Adilman reconnects with his old mentor on Not That Kind of Rabbi to discuss the origins of his hit group and the innate spirituality of music. Credits Host: Ralph Benmergui Producer: Michael Fraiman Music: Yevhen Onoychenko Support The CJN Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to Not That Kind of Rabbi (Not sure how? Click here)

Mark Leiren-Young wrote Shylock in 1996, a play using Shakespeare's controversial Jewish character in The Merchant of Venice to explore modern-day cancel culture. While the script saw productions aorund the world, Leiren-Young was wary of giving the rights away too quickly, knowing it was complex, sensitive subject matter that required an intellectual approach. So when he met the acclaimed actor Saul Rubinek, who proposed that Leiren-Young rewrite the script to tailor it to his own real life, Leiren-Young jumped at the chance. A fan of blending fact with fiction, the B.C.-based writer began researching Rubinek's life and updating the nearly 20-year-old script to match a post-pandemic view of what "cancel culture" really means. The result is Playing Shylock, running at Canadian Stage until Dec. 8 in Toronto. Leiren-Young sat down with his old friend Ralph Benmergui to discuss how this show came to life, what it was like creating the production during and after Oct. 7, and how he got his start in writing—including an early break writing an unconventional pacifist episode of the '90s CGI cartoon Beast Wars. Credits Host: Ralph Benmergui Producer: Michael Fraiman Music: Yevhen Onoychenko Support The CJN Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to Not That Kind of Rabbi (Not sure how? Click here)

In this 1586th episode of Toronto Mike'd, Mike gets out of the way and let's Ralph Benmergui and Brent Bambury talk. Toronto Mike'd is proudly brought to you by Great Lakes Brewery, Palma Pasta, Ridley Funeral Home, The Advantaged Investor podcast from Raymond James Canada, The Yes We Are Open podcast from Moneris and RecycleMyElectronics.ca. If you would like to support the show, we do have partner opportunities available. Please email Toronto Mike at mike@torontomike.com

Growing up, Allan Novak assumed his family was fairly ordinary: modest, witty, hardworking Jewish immigrants who found a new live in Canada after the war. That his mother was one of four sibling survivors was noteworthy, but the outside world did not take notice. That is, until the siblings all began reaching the age of 100. Once international reporters and Holocaust foundations discovered the story of the world's oldest survivor siblings, Novak—a veteran director who worked with Canadian comedy icons in the 1980s and '90s—decided to turn the camera on his own family. The result is a 30-minute documentary called Crossing the River: From Poland to Paradise, featuring intimate and insightful interviews with his aunts, uncle and mother, the youngest of whom is 96-years-old. The film has been touring the festival circuit this year and is currently available on-demand. Novak sat down to share his family's remarkable story with his longtime friend and collaborator, Ralph Benmergui, on the latest episode of Not That Kind of Rabbi. Credits Host: Ralph Benmergui Producer: Michael Fraiman Music: Yevhen Onoychenko Support The CJN Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to Not That Kind of Rabbi (Not sure how? Click here)

Ralph talks about acceptance, connecting and spirituality / Joe Rogan and the power of stupid / How many steps are enough steps / The shitter controversy continues / The Retirement Sherpa / Dan Duran the anchorman Humble and Fred is proudly brought to you by Bodog, Kelseys Original Roadhouse, The Chambers Plan, The Retirement Sherpa Tim Niblett

Michael Coren has lived many lives. Born to a Jewish cab driver in England, Coren converted to Catholocism in the 1980s, then Evangelicalism in the '90s; he grew into a bombastic right-wing Christian talk radio and TV personality with shows on the Sun News Network and the Crossroads Television System; then he came back to embrace the Catholic Church, before finally leaving again to become not just an Anglican—but an Anglican priest. Coren's spiritual malleability—including open repentance for insulting comments he made about queer people decades ago, and the journey he's taken to fundamentally change various political opinions—is at the heart of his new memoir, Heaping Coals: From Media Firebrand to Anglican Priest, published in October 2024. In it, he recounts how he never considered how hard it was for his parents when he left his home country for Canada, and how his perspective on Christian values has changed, while the role of Christiandom has shifted in the broader Western world. Coren sits down with fellow former broadcaster Ralph Benmergui for a frank talk about his numerous mea culpas, handling backlash on social media and the profound difficulty in forgiveness. Credits Host: Ralph Benmergui Producer: Michael Fraiman Music: Yevhen Onoychenko Support The CJN Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to Not That Kind of Rabbi (Not sure how? Click here)

Both of Eva Almos's parents were Holocaust survivors. Her mother, from Lithuania, was a kind and gentle soul who went out of her way to uplift strangers and support her daughter. But her father was the opposite: a traditional Greek man with chauvinist ideas who was hardened by the horrors of the Holocaust. The duality sent Almos into therapy, where she spent years trying to piece herself together. All this time, she was making a career in the Los Angeles entertainment industry. She's worked on numerous cartoons from the 1980s to today, including Care Bears, Pinky and the Brain and the popular current PBS show Wild Kratts. But her latest project has a very different vibe. Almos voices numerous characters in The CJN's new original audio drama, Justice: A Holocaust Zombie Story, including a survivor whose voice she styled after her late mother. To explain more about her inspiration and life, Eva Almos sat down with her old friend Ralph Benmergui for a candid conversation about the impacts of generational trauma and the new zombie audio drama, available at thecjn.ca/zombies. Credits Host: Ralph Benmergui Producer: Michael Fraiman Music: Yevhen Onoychenko Support The CJN Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to Not That Kind of Rabbi (Not sure how? Click here)

Devon Spier has long COVID. The artist, poet and spiritual guide has spent days bedridden, feeling ill and angry at God. But that forced pause gave her time to reflect on her life, art and beliefs, and she began to realize more emphatically how God, for her, exists in liminal spaces—in the wilderness, in small moments of peace and beauty between devastation and pain. These thoughts led her to create a new exhibit that blends art, design, poetry and spirituality. "18 Plus One" is on display at the Gerrard Art Space in Toronto from Oct 2 - 9, ahead of a fuller exhibit at the JCC Ann Arbor in Michigan from December 2024 to February 2025. Spier joins Ralph Benmergui—who is, like Spier, also not a rabbi but kind of vaguely close to one—on Not That Kind of Rabbi for a fulsome conversation about artistic expression, humanistic empathy and the meaning of God. Credits Host: Ralph Benmergui Producer: Michael Fraiman Music: Yevhen Onoychenko Support The CJN Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to Not That Kind of Rabbi (Not sure how? Click here)

Growing up in the Orthodox movement, Neshama Carlebach would hear it a lot: "It's a shame your father never had sons." The father in question, the acclaimed Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, instead had two daughters—and the implication was that his legacy as a prolific songwriter, whose repertoire includes the popular 1965 folk anthem "Am Yisrael Chai", would die with him. Neshama didn't let those comments stop her—in fact, the opposite became true. After growing up in Toronto, Neshama ended up following in her father's footsteps, first becoming an acclaimed singer, teacher and songwriter, and now embarking on a years-long journey to becoming a rabbi. Her theological studies changed tone after Oct. 7, sparking a new desire in her to be "a rabbi who fights" for her community. But what's remained consistent has been her stubborn defiance of societal expectations. Neshama joins Ralph Benmergui on Not That Kind of Rabbi to discuss her life and music, and explain what it's like raising two sons to carry on the Carlebach legacy in an increasingly antisemitic world. Credits Host: Ralph Benmergui Producer: Michael Fraiman Music: Yevhen Onoychenko Support The CJN Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to Not That Kind of Rabbi (Not sure how? Click here)

Ralph Benmergui talks about tonights big Presidential debate / The Smartless boys make their move / Podcasting makes the rich richer / Aaron Rodgers loses / Humbles elbow / Dan Duran the anchorman / Nick Ainis the condo man Humble and Fred is proudly brought to you by Bodog, Kelseys Original Roadhouse, The Chambers Plan, The Retirement Sherpa Tim Niblett

In the aftermath of Oct. 7, Jesse Brown—who has risen to prominence as a media critic and muckraker with his Canadaland podcast and digital media company—once again stirred up controversy online. But it wasn't a big news investigation that sparked outrage; it was a series of posts about antisemitic attacks on Canadian Jewish-aligned institutions, from synagogues and community centres to bookstores owned by Jews. Brown was shocked at the response he got from his own progressive supporters. As he saw it, he was doing what he'd always done: report in objective terms about the ongoing harassment of an ethnic minority on Canadian soil. But not everyone saw it that way. Every day, by the dozens, his supporters dropped off, boycotting him and pressuring his advertisers to do the same. Ralph Benmergui invited Brown onto Not That Kind of Rabbi to hear what it's been like going through this public flogging—and also chat about the evolution of news media and where podcasting fits into everything. Credits Host: Ralph Benmergui Producer: Michael Fraiman Music: Yevhen Onoychenko Support The CJN Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to Not That Kind of Rabbi (Not sure how? Click here)

When Rabbi Victor Gross was looking for a home to grow his congregation in Boulder, CO, he knew he didn't want a dedicated building. It wasn't just the cost, but the environmental impact of operating a space that's only used a few hours a week. Instead, he looked for a church to rent out Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. He asked church leaders two questions: Was the church open and affirming to everyone? And could the churchgoers and clergy not proselytize to Jews? After many honest rejections, they found a partner in a Lutheran church, establishing a concrete example of what's been dubbed "deep ecumenism". It's a level beyond interfaith work that sees members of different religious communities dialoguing, working together and praying in the same space—a true form of acceptance and tolerance. This is just one way of drastically reimagining the future of not just Judaism, but all organized religions, as many synagogues shutter and congregations dwindle across the world. Rabbi Gross joins his former student, Ralph Benmergui, on Not That Kind of Rabbi to explain more about deep ecumenism and how religion can be used as a force of unity—rather than division. Credits Host: Ralph Benmergui Producer: Michael Fraiman Music: Yevhen Onoychenko Support The CJN Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to Not That Kind of Rabbi (Not sure how? Click here)

While Israel remains on the brink of war with Lebanon in the north, one of the country's most iconic sites—the famous Baha'i Gardens and shrine—sit less than an hour away. That a religion based on unity among humankind, which views all religions and tribes as branches from the same tree, should have its headquarters so close to a warzone is tragically ironic. The irony is not lost on Mary Darling, a Canadian TV producer of Baha'i faith and longtime friend of Not That Kind of Rabbi host Ralph Benmergui. During these tense times, Ralph wanted to speak to spiritual people outside the Jewish community to learn their perspective on religion, peace and conflict. Can the world transition from creeping nationalism to a global community? Can the United Nations play a role in global governance? Or is all this just a cute idea from an offbeat peacenik group of people? Mary Darling joins to discuss the issue directly from Haifa, where she was visiting the Baha'i headquarters. Credits Host: Ralph Benmergui Producer: Michael Fraiman Music: Yevhen Onoychenko Support The CJN Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to Not That Kind of Rabbi (Not sure how? Click here)

Bernie Farber helped create the Canadian Anti-Hate Network (CAHN) in 2018, and sat as its founding chair until shortly after Oct. 7, 2023. The organization—which investigates, publicizes and works with journalists to report on hateful far-right extremist groups—was infamously silent in the weeks following the Hamas slaughter and kidnapping of 1,200 people in Israel, which sparked waves of antisemitic acts across Canada. It was around that time that Farber quietly stepped down as chair. Amid the tension and silence, many wondered how correlated the two events were. Now, in a candid conversation with his old friend (and fellow progressive Jew) Ralph Benmergui on Not That Kind of Rabbi, Farber opens up about the real reason why he left CAHN. Further on, he reflects on decades of work educating non-Jewish communities about antisemitism and traces how progressive Jews and Zionists—once embraced and even looked up to by other minority and community organizations—came to be challenged and excluded from left-wing circles. Credits Not That Kind of Rabbi is hosted by Ralph Benmergui and produced by Michael Fraiman. We're a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To support The CJN and receive a charitable tax receipt, please consider a monthly donation by clicking here.

In 2018, at a time when the faith beat in Canadian newspapers was steadily declining, John Longhurst made an unusual deal with the publisher of the Winnipeg Free Press. He wanted to help expand the paper's audience by reporting on religion, particularly within local communities: Mennonite, Indigenous, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, whomever. The publisher thought it was a nice idea, but how would they get the money? For Longhurst, the answer wasn't difficult. He went out and fundraised it. Since then, after every other faith reporter in the country has retired, been fired or passed away, Longhurst—who is also a Winnipeg correspondent for The CJN—has found himself the last man standing in his field, his career kept afloat by annual crowdfunding campaigns. And on June 12, he is launching his new book, Can Robots Love God and Be Saved?, a collection of articles and essays he's written during his decades covering religion. Longhurst joins Ralph Benmergui, himself a spiritual director, for a zoomed-out conversation about the state of religion in Canada today: what's changed over recent decades, what the data shows and how reporting on religion has evolved. Credits Not That Kind of Rabbi is hosted by Ralph Benmergui and produced by Michael Fraiman. We're a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To support The CJN and receive a charitable tax receipt, please consider a monthly donation by clicking here.

Ralph talks about mortality and the after life / Dan hates bright lights / The Ashley Madison documentary / Fish oils fantasy / The Retirement Sherpa / Plastic stuff sucks Humble and Fred is proudly brought to you by Bodog, The Chambers Plan, The Retirement Sherpa Tim Niblett, Lenders' Choice Mortgages, and Boron One.

Rabbi Beni Wajnberg has worked in Brazil, Argentina, Singapore, New York, Tennessee, California, Montana and beyond. When it came down to settle down with his family and put down roots, he chose Hamilton, Ont., where he's now the spiritual leader at Beth Jacob Synagogue. Throughout his travels, he's found that one thing connects all those far-flung places' Jewish communities: they're all Jews by choice. They take the time to invest in their community and actively live Jewish lifestyles. That, he says, is the difference between being a stakeholder in a synagogue, as opposed to simply paying dues and rarely going to shul. As he puts it: "Never pay dues." Rabbi Wajnberg joins Ralph Benmergui to share his own spiritual journey, the lessons he's learned and what God means to him on the latest episode of Not That Kind of Rabbi. Credits Not That Kind of Rabbi is hosted by Ralph Benmergui and produced by Michael Fraiman. We're a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To support The CJN and receive a charitable tax receipt, please consider a monthly donation by clicking here.

Marsha Lederman is a catastrophizer. As the daughter of Holocaust survivors, the author and Globe and Mail columnist has gone through life worrying about everything that can go wrong, to the point that she wrote a book about things going wrong in her life. Kiss the Red Stairs, released August 2023, investigates the ramifications of intergenerational trauma as she navigates her own divorce while recalling her parents' stories of the Holocaust. For Yom HaShoah 2024, Lederman joins Ralph Benmergui on Not That Kind of Rabbi, a podcast about personal lives and spiritual journeys, to share her story and explain why this solemn day of commemoration is actually a day she feels embraced by her community. Credits Not That Kind of Rabbi is hosted by Ralph Benmergui and produced by Michael Fraiman. We're a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To support The CJN and receive a charitable tax receipt, please consider a monthly donation by clicking here.

Ralph talks about the many aspects and angles of the Israeli, Palestinian conflict / Looking forward to our Trumper guest / A Tesla road trip / The Leafs bounce back / Mike Kazarian from LendersChoice.ca / Scheffler continues to sizzle / Dan Duran the anchorman Humble and Fred is proudly brought to you by Bodog, The Chambers Plan, The Retirement Sherpa Tim Niblett, Lenders' Choice Mortgages, and Boron One.

You may not think of keeping Shabbat as environmental activism—but Jonathan Schorsch does. The founder of the Green Sabbath Project is on a mission to tackle climate change by adapting the biblical Jewish practice into something universally good for our planet. After all, in the Venn diagram of environmentalism and observant Judaism, "Not driving one day a week" falls right in the middle. For Earth Day, Schorsch joins Not That Kind of Rabbi from his base in Berlin to explain his movement and pitch anyone who cares about environmentalism, Jewish and non-Jewish, on adopting the classical idea of Shabbat by simply relaxing every Saturday without technology, consumerism or an ecological footprint. As his organization puts it, "Make one day every week an Earth Day." Credits Not That Kind of Rabbi is hosted by Ralph Benmergui and produced by Michael Fraiman. We're a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To support The CJN and receive a charitable tax receipt, please consider a monthly donation by clicking here.

Alan Zweig was on the road to becoming, like so many other midtown Toronto Jews, a lawyer. Instead, in his early 20s, he zigzagged off the course and wound up taking multiple lengthy trips to India, changing his perspective on life and work. He chose film school instead, propelling him into a decades-long documentary career that began all those years ago with semi-verité shorts made with his friends. One of those friends was Ralph Benmergui. Now, ages after they first met, the pair reconnects to reflect on their shared origin story, spiritual journeys across the world, impending mortality and the next stage in both their careers: podcasting. Zweig will host a new one on the Canadaland network called The Worst, while Benmergui of course hosts his longstanding program, Not That Kind of Rabbi, here at The CJN. Credits Not That Kind of Rabbi is hosted by Ralph Benmergui and produced by Michael Fraiman. We're a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To support The CJN and receive a charitable tax receipt, please consider a monthly donation by clicking here.

Toby Lloyd didn't grow up religious. But the British Jewish author became fascinated with Orthodoxy—how different people, even in the same family, can interpret biblical texts as either literal or metaphorical. Wanting to tap into the meaning and effects of people's belief systems, as well as reinterpreting stories from the Torah and wrapping it in the guise of horror, Lloyd wrote his debut novel, Fervour, out March 19. The story blends difficult family dynamics, a critique of religion and intergenerational Holocaust trauma, when a patriarchal grandfather survivor dies, sparking his adult children to suspect their own daughter of falling deep into Jewish mysticism and becoming a witch. To explain how and why he wrote the book, Lloyd joins Ralph Benmergui on Not That Kind of Rabbi for a conversation about writing and the role of religion in modern British Jewry. Credits Not That Kind of Rabbi is hosted by Ralph Benmergui and produced by Michael Fraiman. We're a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To support The CJN and receive a charitable tax receipt, please consider a monthly donation by clicking here.

Diane Flacks has always felt the power of Jewish guilt. But when when she decided she wanted a divorce, that guilt grew to a whole new level. She constantly questioned the process, even while she was going through it, thinking about whether it was the right move or not. To process these thoughts and emotions, the theatre artist decided to transform this experience into her latest one-woman show, Guilt (A Love Story). Using humour and self-reflection, Flacks lays bare the story of what happened between her and her ex-wife, the impact of divorce on their kids and all the things she feels guilty about from a generational lens. The show just finished its run at the Tarragon Theatre in Toronto, and is going to the Montreal's Centaur Theatre from Mar. 12-30 before heading to Winnipeg at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre from Apr. 3-20. Ahead of those tour dates, Flacks joins old friend Ralph Benmergui on Not That Kind of Rabbi, a show about personal journeys and spirituality, to describe the story behind the play and how Jews default to comedy to analyze life. Credits Not That Kind of Rabbi is hosted by Ralph Benmergui and produced by Michael Fraiman. We're a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To support The CJN and receive a charitable tax receipt, please consider a monthly donation by clicking here.

In this 1434th episode of Toronto Mike'd, Mike chats with Ralph Benmergui about ageing, Stuart McLean, Friday Night! with Ralph Benmergui, Buffy Sainte-Marie, October 7th and having hope. Toronto Mike'd is proudly brought to you by Great Lakes Brewery, Palma Pasta, Ridley Funeral Home, The Advantaged Investor podcast from Raymond James Canada and Electronic Products Recycling Association. If you would like to support the show, we do have partner opportunities available. Please email Toronto Mike at mike@torontomike.com

Last month, the flagship Yuk Yuk's location in downtown Toronto hosted a stand-up comedy fundraiser for Friends of the Israel Defense Forces. Predictably, anti-Israel protesters swarmed it. The club's founder and owner, Mark Breslin—who organized the event—tried to get in through a back entrance, only to find more protesters waiting there for him and his family. Through cries of "Baby killer" and "Genocidal maniacs", they entered, got the police riot squad called in, and the show went on as planned. It's not the first time Breslin has encountered hatred because of his identity—which is, he says, more founded in tradition than religion. Breslin went into depth about his upbringing and beliefs in an engrossing sit-down interview with his old friend Ralph Benmergui, at the Prosserman JCC on Feb. 13, as part of a series of live tapings of The CJN's podcast Not That Kind of Rabbi. Credits Not That Kind of Rabbi is hosted by Ralph Benmergui and produced by Michael Fraiman. We're a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To support The CJN and receive a charitable tax receipt, please consider a monthly donation by clicking here.

Rabbi Zelig Golden likes to describe Judaism as a religion of deep roots, interconnectivity, compassion and feminine divinity, reminding the world that Adam came from the adamah. It's this philosophy that inspired Wilderness Torah, an organization based in California that promotes "healing, belonging and resilience," in an attempt to reshape how Jews feel about their culture—and the planet. But this is not eco-Judaism, or pantheism, or humanism. To better understand the philosophy, Rabbi Golden sits down with Ralph Benmergui for a deep conversation about earthly exile, Mother Nature and the panentheism inherent to his worldview. Credits Not That Kind of Rabbi is hosted by Ralph Benmergui and produced by Michael Fraiman. We're a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To support The CJN and receive a charitable tax receipt, please consider a monthly donation by clicking here.

We ask Ralph what's good about the world / What causes your dream theme / Lactose intolerance / The McRib is coming back / Joe the moron Rogan / Dan Duran the anchorman / A total eclipse of the sun Humble and Fred is proudly brought to you by Bodog, The Chambers Plan, The Retirement Sherpa Tim Niblett, Electric Vehicle Network, Palma Pasta, Kelseys and Boron One.

The climate crisis is the fault of no single person or country, but rather a widespread ideology of materialism and overwhelming lack of compassion for the natural world. What's worse—the crisis is intensifying each year. These are some of the themes espoused by Rabbi Yonatan Neril, the founder and director of the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development in Jerusalem, and the author of the Eco Bible series of books, which offer spiritual commentary on the Torah. In his telling, we need a spiritual transformation to reconnect with the world and stop suppressing the issue to confront it with more force. Ahead of Tu b'Shevat, and a few weeks after the United Nations' COP 28 climate conference, Not That Kind of Rabbi host Ralph Benmergui, who's working on a book about how climate as a spiritual crisis, sat down with Rabbi Neril to better understand the deep connection between spirituality, Judaism and our natural world—and where we go from here. Credits Not That Kind of Rabbi is hosted by Ralph Benmergui and produced by Michael Fraiman. We're a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To support The CJN and receive a charitable tax receipt, please consider a monthly donation by clicking here.

If you're feeling anxious and afraid, you should know: you're not alone. Tensions are high everywhere across the Jewish community right now as Hamas and Israel engage in a violent war with ramifications across the world. But instead of doom-scrolling social media, finding horrible images and hate-filled comments, it's important to find time to step back—far away from social media—and assess your own mental health. The CJN and the Prosserman JCC held a live event on Oct. 17, 2023, to bring together three specialists in the field of psychology to help the community better cope with these difficult times. Spiritual counsellor and podcast host Ralph Benmergui sat down with Lynda Fishman, author of Repairing Rainbows, a social worker who specializes in trauma; and Dr. Barbara Landau, a recipient of the Order of Canada, who is a conflict mediator and the co-chair of the Canadian Association of Jews and Muslims, an organization that builds interfaith understanding and empathy. More tools to help navigate these difficult times: Read Lynda Fishman's guide to help Canadian Jews support one another, especially anyone grieving Listen to Deanne Matlow's 10 tips for how parents can discuss the Israel-Hamas war with their kids on The CJN Daily Credits Not That Kind of Rabbi is hosted by Ralph Benmergui and produced by Michael Fraiman. We're a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To support The CJN and receive a charitable tax receipt, please consider a monthly donation by clicking here.

Welcome to the newest season of Not That Kind of Rabbi! Ralph's spiritual deep-dive podcast is back, now joining The CJN Podcast Network. After more than three years and 80 guests, we'll be focusing on Jewish Canadians, exploring the inner lives of public figures. To kick things off, we're hosting a special live taping on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at the Prosserman JCC in Toronto. Ralph will sit down with his old friend and Yuk Yuks founder Mark Breslin. Get tickets here.

In this 1302nd episode of Toronto Mike'd, Mike chats with That Canadian Guy Glen Foster about his 40 years of funny, from the early Yuk Yuks days, to the recent Just For Laughs controversy. Glen also shares his thoughts on political correctness, Spotify royalties, Norm Macdonald, Mike MacDonald, Ralph Benmergui, and rap music. Toronto Mike'd is proudly brought to you by Great Lakes Brewery, Palma Pasta, The Moment Lab, Ridley Funeral Home and Electronic Products Recycling Association.

Ralph talks about the disturbing new style of protests in Canada and our passive attitude towards climate change / Dol doesn't listen to the show anymore / Confronting ignorant fuckwads / Lightning strikes at the trailer park / Our chips are better / Dan Duran the anchorman / Tips on how to prolong your life Humble and Fred is proudly brought to you by Bodog, GoDaddy, The Chambers Plan, The Retirement Sherpa Tim Niblett, Electric Vehicle Network, and Kelseys Original Roadhouse.

Benmergui talks about death, but more importantly, living / The Leafs lose the first one / The Coronation, do you care / Did we handle Gordon Lightfoot's death properly / The Retirement Sherpa Humble and Fred is proudly brought to you by Bodog, GoDaddy, The Chambers Plan, The Retirement Sherpa Tim Niblett, Electric Vehicle Network, and Kelseys Original Roadhouse.

Ralph offers his great perspective on the troubled world in which we live / Maie Pauts is an award winner / Humble's going to the Jays home opener tonight / Taking advantage of third world labour / Marc Maron's exceptional special / Louis CK on abortion / Dan Duran the anchorman / Darryl Croft from EV Net / 100 embarrassing days for the USA Humble and Fred is proudly brought to you by Bodog, GoDaddy, The Chambers Plan, The Retirement Sherpa Tim Niblett, Electric Vehicle Network, and Kelseys Original Roadhouse.

Paul Romanuk guest-Freds and Ralph Benmergui, host of Not That Kind of Rabbi, drops by for more insight and inspiration. Humble and Fred is proudly brought to you by Bodog, GoDaddy, The Chambers Plan, The Retirement Sherpa Tim Niblett, Electric Vehicle Network, and Kelseys Original Roadhouse.

Lisa Moore on This is How We Love, Canadian musician David Myles on Felicity by Mary Oliver and TNC columnist Elisabeth de Mariaffi recommends three interesting thrillers, and more.

In this 1126th episode of Toronto Mike'd, Mike is joined by Ralph Benmergui as Ralph tries to makes sense of it all before kicking out some jams. Toronto Mike'd is proudly brought to you by Great Lakes Brewery, Palma Pasta, Yes, We Are Open, The Advantaged Investor, Canna Cabana, StickerYou, Ridley Funeral Home and Electronic Products Recycling Association.

Ralph Benmergui delivers big time today - disturbing, but real / Dan Duran let's go of his boy / The right is turning righties left / Bad places to need a poop / Joe Biden is very sleepy / The Retirement Sherpa / Angela Landsbury is dead

Ralph Benmergui talks about the environment, his dislike of the Ford government, his new book and regulating the internet / Humble, Fred and Dan recap their vacation / The LIV golf tour and Donald Trump / Humble helps a guy move / Taking chances as old guys / Dan Duran and the anchorman

Ralph Benmergui talks about disgraced broadcaster John Derringer and the Provincial election / We re tell the Andy Frost story / What would we have done / Dan Duran the anchorman

Ralph Benmergui on I Thought He Was Dead: A Spiritual Memoir, Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm on (Re)Generation, Charles Demers' Top Three Comedic Biographies, and more.