The Bagel Report

The Bagels are back to talk end-of-school reflections, social media tribulations, pop culture and podcast recommendations, and - of course - Jewish representation. Esther talked about her Facebook account being "permanently disabled," affecting her connections with nearly 5,000 friends (read the whole story here), and Erin shared her experience working on a live remote broadcast for the FIFA World Cup. Then the pair got down to processing the latest onslaught of pop culture, with Larry David's take on American history on HBO; Mindy Kaling's latest, Not Suitable for Work; the film Bride!, which was about the Bride of Frankenstein but also about Mary Shelley, who authored the famous monster tale; and the anticipated arrival of Steven Spielberg's latest aliens film. Also in this episode: two odd films from Sacha Baron Cohen, "The Invite," directed by Olivia Wilde and starring Seth Rogen; Anderson Cooper's podcast on grief, featuring Amanda Peet, and a wonderful episode of The Daily, a New York Times podcast, featuring the Broadway show "Every Brilliant Thing," and more!    Check out these links: On The Daily (NYTimes) Amanda Peet "There's No Algorithm for Grief"  with Anderson Cooper The Happiest List on Earth - Every Brilliant Thing Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness - Trailer Stop That Train Trailer

  Since we missed Star Wars Day, Esther and Erin are celebrating this week! Esther gives a short review of "The Mandalorian and Grogu," followed by some Jewish-adjacent notes in "Euphoria" and "The Testaments," and the funny thing that happened when the Bagels met up for "The Devil Wears Prada 2." Passover gets a moment to shine on "Friends and Neighbors," as Esther and Erin run through some of the excellent and authentic seder. There's also a reminder to watch out for the theatrical release of "Floaters," and Erin gives high praise to the documentary "Martin Short: Life is Short."

  Esther and Erin have been quite busy flying here, there, and everywhere the last few months.   If they could convert their flight miles into money, they could buy a lifetime supply of bagels...probably!  Purim and Passover have come and gone, so it's time to get into what they missed during their separate travels: a LOT of movies and some TV, too. A new Jewish actor on The Pitt; casting news for Nobody Wants This Season 3; and brief reviews from the latest roundup of streaming series. Later, Esther's got some publication news, Rachel Bloom's back in a few movies and Erin starts dreaming about future episodes. She'll keep the details to herself for now...you'll just have to stay tuned!   Check out these links: Alexandra Metz (Garcia on "The Pitt") on Instagram Pre-order link to Modeling Religious Pluralism book on Amazon (June 2nd release)  Caught Stealing: available on Netflix Nothing Is Lost: available on Apple TV The Pitt and Rooser: available on HBO Max.

Esther and Erin are back----how is it February already!? This week, they reflect on the Super Bowl and note the cultural significance of Bad Bunny's halftime show and the impact of SoCal commercials. Erin also spills the details of how she finally met her TV dad, Jason Alexander, and interviewed him about his production of Sweeney Todd playing at the La Mirada Theatre. They also react to catching some Jewy moments in The Pitt, Wonder Man, and Jeopardy.      

It's 2026 and the bagels are using Festivus as a metaphorical sage so they're ready for 2026.   Esther and Erin start with what's out, and what's in for Jewish trends in entertainment... Hot rabbis...OUT.....authentic Jewish encounters between celebrities...IN.   As awards season begins, the pair shares musings on the portrayal of Jewish identity in films like "Marty Supreme" and "Is This the Thing On?" and discusses Jewish content scrutiny fatigue.   Plus, is "Pluribus" both the most Jewish and un-Jewish show on TV right now?? More to come in 2026!   Check out this week's links!   Santa Ana Winds song --Crazy Ex Girlfriend   Drew Berrymore, Jack Black and Paul Rudd talk B'nai Mitzvahs  Kate Hudson talks Matzah Ball Soup on Table Manners Podcast     

"What is this a crossover episode???" Yes, listeners, it is! This week, Esther and Erin are featuring an episode of the Heritage Words podcast, featuring friend of the pod Sarah Benor and Raphael Bob-Waksberg, creator of Bojack Horseman and Long Story Short. The bagels spoke to RBW earlier this year about creating the most Jewy show on TV.  In this episode, RBW discusses his Ashkenazi roots, exposure to Yiddish in pop culture, and how sharing specificity allows audiences to find universal connections. You can find Heritage Words anywhere you listen to podcasts. It's sponsored by the HUC Jewish Language Project and HUC Connect.      

Writer/director/actor Jonah Feingold joins the bagels this week to talk about his new indie film "31 Candles," which blends a Hallmark Christmas movie with Jewish culture. The movie follows a 30-something New Yorker who becomes a bar mitzvah...only to win over his former camp crush, who is now a b'nai mitzvah tutor. The three also remember the legendary Rob Reiner and talk about his influence on Feingold's movies.  "31 Candles" heads to an AMC near you on January 9th.     

What is Jewish identity in the world of Nobody Wants This, Netflix's breakaway romcom hit about a rabbi and his non-Jewish girlfriend? Joyful? Overly casual and simplistic? Emotionally and spiritually unattainable? Erin and Esther continue talking about Season 2, praising the characters' chemistry and the show's potential for future exploration of interfaith relationships, personal growth, and the complexities of Jewish identity.   They also explore the representation of various Jewish practices and the challenges faced by interfaith couples within the Jewish community.   Check out this week's link:   House of R on the Ringer - Buffy the Vampire Slayer rewatch  

  Nobody Wants This, Netflix's Jewy rom-com series, is back for Season 2, and the bagels are here for it. Not only did they binge-watch the show, but they also praised the show's portrayal of Jewish life, the depth of its Jewish female characters, and the show's realistic depiction of Jewish LA. Whether you watched the whole thing or checked out after 15 minutes, Esther and Erin think viewers should give this Jewish content a watch. Later, they shout out a Jewish indie project that also just landed at Netflix. Check out our recent coverage of Nobody Wants This and Bad Shabbos  These Bagels Want This Rabbinical Rom-Com Shabbos Bagels  

This week, Esther and Erin are gearing up for the High Holy Days!  But before they do, they talk holiday baked goods, particularly challah and bagels. For most of this episode, the bagels are on location, at NYBD Bakery, for a conversation with owners Lenny Rosenberg and Adaeze Nwanonyiri about the bakery's multicultural offerings. From red velvet kola nut cupcakes to Italian rainbow cookies, this episode is so sweet — as sweet as we hope the Jewish New Year will be for all of us. Shana tova! Check out these links! N.Y.B.D & Bakery  It's a Sweet World: Recipes from Around the Globe at Bea's Bakery  

This week, Esther and Erin break down some of their favorite moments from Netlflix' super jewy animated series "Long Story Short." The show is created by Bojack Horseman writer and showrunner Raphael Bob-Waksberg, so you know it will be funny, heartfelt, and real. They don't want to spoil it for you...so you have to watch so you can tell us what you think! This is definitely a show the bagels will be talking about in the future...so what are you waiting for? Listen, then go watch!

This week, Esther and Erin spoke to TV writing genius Raphael Bob-Waksberg, known for shows like BoJack Horseman, Undone and Tuca & Bertie. The bagels chatted him up about his latest project: Long Story Short, an animated comedy about the Schwooper family. Jumping through the years, the series follows the Schwooper siblings from childhood to adulthood, chronicling their triumphs, disappointments, joys, and compromises. It's funny, heartfelt, and most importantly for this podcast, IT'S SUPER JEWISH. You can stream Long Story Short on Netflix on August 22nd.  In the meantime, you can check out the trailer!!  

This week, Esther and Erin discuss the Hollywood Bowl's recent star-studded Jesus Christ Superstar and how, for a show about Jesus... it's pretty Jewish. They explore Billy Joel's Jewish roots in a new HBO Max documentary and Erin shares her true feelings about Mel Gibson's upcoming Passion of the Christ sequel. The bagels also break down the Jewish moments in Marvel's Fantastic Four, Happy Gilmore 2 and The Naked Gun. 

After a total of three screenings of "Bad Shabbos," Erin and Esther break down the movie and praise its Jewish authenticity. They also discuss how the film portrays Jewish mothers in contrast to how Netflix's Emmy-nominated series, "Nobody Wants This," does. On doc watch: Esther recommends "Pee Wee as Himself," "Dear Ms." and "Tell Me Everything" about Barbara Walters, which emphasizes the importance of journalistic integrity and personal stories. Check out these links: Oh, Hi Trailer  Too Much Trailer  Bad Shabbas Trailer DOC WATCH TRAILERS: Pee Wee as Himself Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything  

This week, Esther and Erin took a field trip to Village Well in Culver City because they had a LATTE to talk about! From Andor's series finale to the themes of Reformed and Amy Poehler's new podcast, the bagels break down what they're watching and what they're listening to. Erin, in honor of Esther's birthday, also asked Esther about her rose, thorn, and seed for the year.   Check out these links: Reformed Trailer  Spaceballs 2: The Search for More Money Teaser   

This week, Erin and Esther sit down with Tzivia Schwartz Getzug, a consultant for DreamWorks' iconic animated film The Prince of Egypt. With its star-studded cast, stunning visuals, and unforgettable soundtrack, The Prince of Egypt was a landmark in animated storytelling, and now Tzivia takes us behind the scenes of the epic retelling of the Exodus story, sharing her role in shaping the film's extensive outreach to faith communities.   This episode is dedicated to the memory of Fumi Kitahara. Check out these links: Fumi Kitahara in Deadline VAL Trailer--- You can watch the documentary on Amazon Prime Video Val Kilmer feature in the New York Times

Esther and Erin reunite to discuss new jobs, the devastating wildfires, and the upcoming awards season. They also review films like indie comedy Bad Shabbos, Marvel sequel Captain America: Brave New World, and Oscar-nominated Holocaust epic The Brutalist. Later, the Bagels celebrate 50 years of Saturday Night Live and discuss the sentimental value it brings to many generations. Check out these links! Donate to Fire Relief: https://fireaidla.org Donate to Jewish LA relief efforts: jewishla.org/wildfire-crisis-relief/ Holocaust Museum LA Bad Shabbos Trailer SNL 40 "That's When You Break!" SNL 50 Adam Sandler Song  

This week, Esther and Erin are celebrating Hanukkah...and all the award show nominations trickling in. They congratulate "A Real Pain" and the Netflix rom-com favorite "Nobody Wants This" and later break down "September 5," the historical drama about the Munich Olympics massacre and the ABC Sports team that covered the events.     Check out these links: Six13's Wicked Hanukkah The Maccabeats Hanukkah

This week, Esther and Erin speak with Jessica Jablon from Sharsheret, an organization supporting Jewish women and families affected by breast and ovarian cancer. They discuss Sharsheret's services, including mental health support, genetic counseling, and the successful "Pies for Prevention" program, which has raised over $115,000 this year. The conversation also highlights breast cancer storylines in TV and film and the importance of early detection and personalized medical care. Learn more about Sharsheret at sharsheret.org

This week, Esther and Erin defy gravity and geek out over the movie musical, "Wicked." They analyze the complex relationships between Elphaba and Glinda and themes of outsiderhood and privilege. They do a deep dive into the clever Easter eggs, including potential connections to "Frozen," the Wizard's portrayal by Jeff Goldblum, and the connections to Jewish identity and social justice. Plus, they delve into the symbolism of the characters, including a link to the Passover Seder. 

This week, Esther and Erin break down Jesse Eisenberg's new Jewy film, A Real Pain, and what makes his and Kieran Culkin's performances so captivating. They also dive into the high-stakes thriller September 5th, a gripping retelling of the Munich Olympics Israeli hostage crisis and what it brings up in a post-Oct. 7th world. The bagels even talk about the new Paramount+ documentary about an Israeli-Palestinian boy band that came to LA to start a music career on Oct. 6th, 2023.  Check out these links: NPR's Retrospective on the Munich Olympics  September 5th Trailer As1One Music Video

Erin and Esther are celebrating the fifth anniversary of this little ol' podcast! After some reflections on all we've lived through since October 2019 (!!),  the Bagels move down the Jewish interpretive road, examining "Agatha All Along" — its bar mitzvah episode and other moments and images that remind us of Jewy things. Looking ahead to November, the Bagels discuss A Real Pain, the movie written and directed by and starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin. Erin bubbles with enthusiasm about the release of Wicked and talks about the film's long production road. So if you care to find us, look to the Western Sky, or join us on the Bagels' Road. If you're reading this, you're with us already. And we're so grateful for that!   Check out these links:   Agatha's Jewy Plotline via Variety  A Real Pain Trailer  Wicked Trailer Stephen Schwartz Is Still 'Defying Gravity'      

As the Bagels reflect on the Jewish New Year and the anniversary of the Oct. 7th terror attacks in Israel, they are also uplifted thanks to a conversation about Reboot Studios' latest project, "We Should Eat." Written and directed by Shaina Feinberg and developed by Alysia Reiner, the short tells the story of a Jewish family with a Filipino father and Jewish mother. The duo tells Esther and Erin about the film's diverse Jewish experiences and nuanced character dynamics while addressing existential dread and intergenerational trauma. Check out these links: Shaina Feinberg's A Brief History of Hating My Face | NYT Reboot's The Anne Frank Gift Shop Sneak Peak Learn more about Reboot here.   

Nobody Wants This? More like somebody wants this! Rabbinic representation gets the Hollywood treatment in the new Netflix romantic comedy series "Nobody Wants This," about atheist podcaster Kristen Bell falling for rabbi Adam Brody. The show's trailer and title set up negative expectations, but how did the series portray Jewish life and ritual? Is the show engaging enough for a second season? And what could a show like this do for Jews in interfaith relationships? Join the bagels for a long-ranging and in-depth conversation about this 10-episode series. If you've already binged it or have just started streaming, send us your thoughts at [email protected]. Check out these links: Nobody Wants This trailer  Chrismukkah clip from the OC  Adam Brody in Fleishman Is in Trouble

This week the Bagels discuss the importance of balancing joy and tragedy.  They remember the six Israeli hostages killed by Hamas while kvelling over the very Jewish wedding of Ben Platt and Noah Galvin. They also review the trailer for the upcoming Netflix series "Nobody Wants This," featuring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody; shout out Ilana Glazer's friend-flick, "Babes," and rave over Adam Sandler's newest Netflix special, "Love You."

The Bagels are glad to have found Jonathan Branfman, a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford and author of the book, Millennial Jewish Stars: Navigating Racial Antisemitism, Masculinity and White Supremacy, to discuss how on-screen portrayals of Jewish people or situations have changed over the decades. Jon tells us about "Goyface" and how it relates to "Jewface" and racial minstrelsy. Plus, shoutouts to Andi Mack, Lil' Dicky, Uncut Gems, Broad City, Logan Lerman, Zac Efron, Adam Brody and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.  This episode will fulfill your Judaic studies academic requirements and involve you in a long-ranging discussion about Jewish masculinity in popular culture AT THE SAME TIME!   Follow Jonathan Branfman on Instagram @JonBranfman Check out these links! Thinking about Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (academic papers) Andi Mack Major Jewish and LGBTQ moment  Zac Efron on SNL  Esther's review of Israeli vampire series "Juda"  Friends of the Pod Friday Night Movie    

This week, the bagels chat with Rebecca Margolis, author of The Yiddish Supernatural on Screen: Dybbuks, Demons and a Haunted Jewish Past and Yiddish comedy in American film and television. She and the Bagels do a deep dive into the Yiddish language and how it finds its way into TV and film. Later, she answers Erin and Esther's questions about Dybbuks and why they continue to show up in supernatural spaces.  

Only the Bagels know how to connect the Muppets, Broadway and SpermWorld. This episode's journey explores the history of the Muppets, the guest stars at Ben Platt's new Broadway show and the return of one of Esther's faves, Hacks. Esther and Erin also anticipate upcoming camp movies, are moved by Jerry Seinfeld's emotions, and talk documentaries, from SpermWorld to The Jinx. We also create our ultimate Jewish Pride Pop-Culture Playlist.  Check Out These Links: Jim Henson Documentary   Hacks Season 3 on HBO  Jerry Seinfeld and Bari Weiss  SpermWorld and the NYT piece that inspired the doc.  The Jinx and The Jinx PART 2   

Erin and Esther are back together, sharing their TV-must-watches as well as what they're looking forward to, Jewy pop culture-wise. Erin talks Netflix is a Joke Fest and especially John Mulaney's limited talk show format, "Everybody's in L.A." Esther downloads her time in Israel and tunes out for Erin's Bridgerton review. Digressions include puns, GenZ phrases, Kveller articles, pop tarts, graduation speakers and more.   Check Out These Links: The Jews Are Coming Jerry Seinfeld's Commencement Speech at Duke Unfrosted Trailer  Everybody's in LA Clip Dinner with the Parents aka Friday Night Dinner  Jewish Bridgerton  Treasure Trailer  New Adam Brody RomCom on Netflix  

This week, the Bagels are joined in the virtual studio by Emmy-winning comedian Rob Kutner. He shares his experiences writing on Conan and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, as well as how he ghostwrote Marvel's meta-novel, Look Out for the Little Guy. Kutner also updates Erin and Esther on his latest project, God's Gang, a multicultural kid's series about superheroes, unity and peace.   Check out these links: God's Gang: Full Episode God's Gang Website  Look Out for the Little Guy Trailer  More on Rob Kutner!

What a week: Curb Your Enthusiasm ended, Alex Edelman's Just For Us dropped on Max, and We Were The Lucky Ones, Dinner with the Parents, and tons of other shows are keeping TV Jewy. This week Esther and Erin tackle the big questions: who's worse, Larry David or the Seinfeld Four? Why do LD's friends tolerate him? And why wasn't there more of a tribute to Richard Lewis? And to top it all off, Passover's coming...and we've got playlists and parodies and haggadahs, oh my! Check out these Links! Curb's Last Day on Set Dinner with The Parents Trailer  Lena Dunham Learns She's Jewish  Can You Feel the Dayen-ergy? Esther's Kenough Passover Kveller's Passover Parody Contest Passover Playlist from Mike Boberg of The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati  And his Purim playlist Raymond Simonson's Playlist to an Exodus   Crazy Ex-Girlfriend audio haggadah playlist episode that explains the playlist   More Passover pop culture from Esther: Heroes Haggadah Schitt's Creek Haggadah

This week, the Bagels were joined by Rabbi Sharon Brous, the founder of IKAR in Los Angeles. Esther and Erin asked questions about Brous' new book, "The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World." The bagels and Brous touched on the value of community in the darkest of times while also finding moments of joy. The Bagels also recapped the Oscars and Rabbi Brous joined in on a pop-culture speed round.  You can find The Amen Effect at a bookstore --virtual or in-person-- near you. Check out these links: Erin's Oscar Coverage Rabbi Sharon Brous' Ted Talk     

This week Erin shares her journey to the 96th Academy Awards and tries to explain all 2 hours and 46 minutes of Dune: Part 2 to Esther. Later, Esther and Erin remember comedian Richard Lewis who passed away last week at the age of 76. Esther recalls his recent Curb Your Enthusiasm cameos and other famous roles as well as his impact on comedy.  Check out these links: Follow Erin's Oscar coverage here (kfiam640.iheart.com) 'Dune 2' is set thousands of years in the future — so why does it feel like a parable about Gaza? Is 'Dune' a Retelling of the Passover Story? Murtaza Hussain & Yair Rosenberg on The Daily Show The Ally        

Perhaps in honor of January's Holocaust Remembrance Day, or perhaps in anticipation of March's Oscars and May's Yom Hashoah — it's never the wrong time to #NeverForget. This week the Bagels talk about the influx of Holocaust-themed movies and TV shows like The New Look, A Small Light, Transatlantic and the upcoming One Life, The Tattooist of Auschwitz and We Were the Lucky Ones.  Erin saw The Zone of Interest during an L.A. flood warning and Esther took a virtual tour of Auschwitz. The two discuss what the trend in Holocaust content means and how it affects antisemitism and Jewish representation.  Plus, Schindler's List is 30; a delayed news brief about the Shabbat on Broadway event that seemed to come out of nowhere; and Susie and Jeff have a Curb Your Enthusiasm podcast. Check out these links: Six Million Voices  Difficult People  The New Look Coco Chanel's Nazi History  Schindler's List Oral History -- The Hollywood Reporter  Seinfeld Schindler's List Scene Shabbat on Broadway  Curb Your Enthusiasm Podcast  Hadassah Magazine The Wolf Hunt     

Get it? Cause we're bagels...Grab a cup of spite and a dry scone because this week the bagels are talking about the final season of Larry David's Curb Your Enthusiasm. This episode has everything: guest stars, fan contributions, the Holocaust and Elmo.  Let us know what you think of the 12th season of the series, which is now available on HBO and MAX.   Check out these links! A Real Pain The Floaters ElmoGate Larry David Defends ElmoGate on Seth Meyers Larry Latte Pop-Up  

It's a new year and that means the return of Erin's favorite joke annually told by Esther. This week, the Bagels talk about the upcoming awards season, and learn more about Maestro "Lenny" as well as how musical conducting is a lens through which to view leadership. Erin and Esther issue a Shabbat dinner invitation to Alanis Morissette, who discovered her Jewish roots, and talk about Ava DuVernay's upcoming film, Origin. Plus, Jessica Seinfeld's Instagram posts about her trip to Israel with her famous husband; and celebrating The Amen Effect, the eagerly-awaited book by IKAR Founder Rabbi Sharon Brous. The kvelling is substantial.  Check out these links! Are the Golden Globes Unlikeable?  Finding Your Roots: Born to Sing  Ted Talk Lead Like the Great Conductors Hollywood Reporter: Maestro Howard Rosenman Seinfelds Visit Israel    The Amen Effect Book Tour 

Hallmark finally got Hanukkah right and gifted us with "Round and Round," a charming, delightful movie that imagines the Festival of Lights as a time loop. In addition to this great watch at year's end, the Bagels have a list of other time loop episodes for you to check out and some movies — old and new — to end 2023 with. May 2024 bring us peace, health, and lots of new content to talk about. Happy New Year!  Check out these links: Learn More About Round and Round Greenback Boogie Lyrics (Suits Theme) Click Movie Starring Adam Sandler 

Esther shares insights from her screening of Maestro, pulling on the Jewish identity threads in the film (and yes, addressing the nose). The bagels also discuss Sarah Silverman's role in the film and her evolving, honest opinions about Jewish representation. Erin recommends Adam Sandler's Leo and looks forward to a new Jake Johnson comedy as well as a new Hanukkah movie featuring a time loop. Plus, revisiting our expectations about Jewish celebrities using their platforms to speak out about current events and Jewish issues, and running through the IMDB profile of Norman Lear, z"l. May the light of this season shine brightly, especially for those who are living in darkness. Wishing all our listeners a hopeful and illumination-centered Hanukkah.   Check out these Links: Sarah Silverman in the LA Times Spielberg's statement Leo trailer Y-Stud's A Taylor Swift Hanukkah Maccabeats Hanukkah Song   

This week, Erin and Esther celebrate another year of the Bagel Report which has been talking about all things Jewish and pop culture since October 2019! They also recap the mitzvah of Alex Edelman's unabashed Jewish representation and give a shoutout  to the new Meg Ryan and David Duchovny movie (but never actually name the movie, which is: What Happens Later.) Esther gets a little serious, talking about opportunities to raise awareness for the hostages from the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel. Erin also seeks out Hallmark Christmas movies to ice her brain and offers a prayer for a rom-com.   Check out these links:   Alex Edelman Just for Us Bring Him Home video  https://oneminaday.com/?filter= https://www.metoo-unlessurajew.com/social-share The Shark is Broken Albert Brooks documentary Defending Your Life      

With things still crazy and tragic in Israel and Gaza,  we continue to hold the hostages in our minds and our hearts. At the same time, the Bagels allow some space for joy and chat with screenwriter Alison Peck, writer of the Netflix movie "You Are SO Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah" (produced by Adam Sandler and starring at least three additional Sandler family members, and based on the 2005 book by Fiona Rosenbloom). We talk about our connections to Israel and to Jewish life, brainstorm ideas for Peck-Kustanowitz-BenMoche collabs and try to get Alison a brand partnership with Converse.    Check out these links! https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/new-initiatives-look-to-help-jewish-teens-connect-to-themselves-and-their-community-before-becoming-adults/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_Are_So_Not_Invited_to_My_Bat_Mitzvah Moving Traditions webinar with Alison Peck: https://www.movingtraditions.org/whos-invited-to-your-b-mitzvah-resources/  

This is not a normal episode. Erin and Esther process an impossible week while reacting to celebrity prayers for peace. 

With the help of IKAR, their spiritual community, Erin and Esther have atoned! Now the Bagels are breaking down their Yom Kippur experience and celebrating the end of the WGA strike. And apparently,  Hallmark Christmas Movie season begins in September, so Erin shares some news about the Hanukkah movie coming to town. Esther also talks about Hed Lamarr's hidden gifts through the PBS documentary Bombshell. 

If we had but one Rosh Hashanah wish...the Bagels would create and "bam-copyright" Hanukkah and Elul advent calendars. The Bagels prepare for the High Holy Days by manifesting wishes for 5784 and recommending movies and shows with themes that match Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Erin makes the case for Netflix's #1 show Suits as a great High Holy Days rewatch, and Esther invents a college course about faith, science and pop culture that no one asked her to develop. Plus, both of your hosts make pop culture resolutions: each to overcome resistance to shows that the other thinks are TV musts.  Sending our wishes to you all for a shana tova - a happy new Jewish year!   SNL's Steve Martin Holiday wish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uVUSBi3u0E   Suits Opening Theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q18TnxZxLI    

Finally, a movie with "bat mitzvah" in the title! What a time to be alive. :) The Adam Sandler-produced film, written by Alison Pick and directed by Sammi Cohen hit Netflix on August 25th and we've been talking about it ever since! Join Erin and Esther for a deep dive:  Did you always get called by your Hebrew name in Hebrew school? What were your bat mitzvah themes? And who is Bagel Face? Get the download on Shabbat cookies, name cakes, and adolescent drama. Plus Erin's reveal — she's encountering matzah ball ignorant people — and Esther spins a Sephardi backstory for Mateo.

'Golda' is now in theaters, with a tour de force performance by Helen Mirren as the Israeli Prime Minister, and wonderful supporting performances. We'll talk more about the film's content in future episodes, but in this special short-and-sweet episode, Erin and Esther interviewed the film's director, Guy Nattiv, who provided his insights on the woman the film presents to audiences, some of them, for the first time. To better understand our interview, we've gathered some information below that may be helpful, including more about the people he mentions during the interview. Enjoy - and feel free to email us with any questions: [email protected]. More about Golda Meir and her impact: He says that Golda didn't believe Marwan "the Angel" - a spy who worked for both Egypt and the Mossad and that when Arab leaders wanted to speak with her she thought they were crying wolf — Nattiv used the term "wolf, wolf" - an Israeli idiom for crying wolf: Ze'ev, ze'ev. He refers to Meron Medzini, Meir's former press secretary and one of her biographers: you can watch one of his lectures about Meir here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVcAEZ9RuVo Lou Kedar, Meir's longtime assistant, did an interview for the AP after Meir died — read the author's reflection on that interview here: https://www.timesofisrael.com/the-time-i-didnt-meet-golda-meir/ Golda's impact on Ukraine and President Zelenskyy https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/promova-prezidenta-ukrayini-volodimira-zelenskogo-v-kneseti-73701 https://www.jta.org/2022/03/09/global/former-israeli-prime-minister-golda-meir-is-a-hero-to-ukrainians-in-the-fight-against-russia    

Erin and Esther went to see Theater Camp together and spoiler alert, everything is adorable, especially Molly Gordon and Ben Platt. This week was all about unpacking the film's cinematic influences while reminiscing about our own camp/theater camp experiences at Camp Tamarack and Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. Even though the bagels attended camp at different times and places, their life lessons were similar. Lessons include how any musical number can be translated into Hebrew, and that there are no small roles, only small child actors.  Have a favorite camp movie? We do, but advise you not to google "popular camp movies" or you might find yourself in the middle of WW2. As the WGA strike continues well past 100 days, we give a shout-out to Hannah Einbinder's Jewish activist presence, good Mandy Patinkin vibes and Marnina Schon's Jewy comments on protesting. Later, Jewish erasure in Oppenheimer takes on a new angle, and, as two unrelated movies come out the same day, we have to ask ourselves: is You Are So Not Invited to Golda's Bat Mitzvah the new Barbenheimer?

Hi Broadway!! (Hi Broadway!) Welcome to Season 3 of The Bagel Report!   Our episode recorded after the Tonys — recorded in June, but new to you! — gets a new Barbenheimer intro to an episode about Jewy Broadway, with an exploration of Alex Edelman's "Just for Us," which Esther saw in New York. Erin breaks down the importance of "Parade," plus mentions for "Leopoldstadt" and "Rent," and Erin asks Esther to define "TV Gone Jewy." Shabbat pajamas, what?? (Visit https://midrashmanicures.com/ and use the code JWEEKLY!)    SHOW NOTES/LINKS: Midrash Manicures (for Shabbat pajamas, Barbie-inspired challah cover and more!) Washington Post article about Alex Edelman getting advice from famous comedy people Just For Us - get tickets for Alex Edelman's Broadway show here Golda film - TRAILER You are SO Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah! - https://www.netflix.com/title/81416306    Visit us on socials!  IG: @TBRthepod, @estherkustanowitz @ebenmoche X? Is that really what we're calling it? Oh fine: @TheBagelReport, @EstherK @ebenmoche

Erin and Esther take to the studio: Esther discovers what it means to do a comedy roast for a concept, and Erin recommends a film about an ember and a wave who fall in love, and may represent different immigrant stories. And the Bagels talk about their dads, sharing essential characteris and musing over casting ideas Connect with us on socials! Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReport Instagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: [email protected] Links: Modi clip Elon gold clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CY3aTshYG8 Elementals clip https://jweekly.com/2023/06/16/howie-mandel-and-rachel-bloom-headline-an-la-comedy-roast-of-anti-semitism/

Breaking down the Renaissance Faire, cosplay and the Gilded Age with fashion historian Vi (pronounced "vee"), from the SnappyDragonStudios channel on YouTube. We talk about Jewish 1880s fashion and Vi's recreation of her great-great-grandmother's dress, as well as "The Clothes on our Backs," the YouTube series she produced with guidance from the Jewish Writers Initiative Digital Storytelling Lab. Plus — you knew they had to — the Bagels take one more tour through The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, but from a fashion perspective, talking about how show corsets, sitting and standing skirts, and colors inform the show's characters. Connect with us on socials! Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReport Instagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: [email protected] Links! MyJewishLearning class on Jewish ren faire - SnappyDragon channel - https://www.youtube.com/@SnappyDragon What HBO's The Gilded Age Leaves Out - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O-VnIndndA&t=605s Jewish Historical Fashion: https://www.youtube.com /playlist?list=PLSbboTUNfEhAzaWBta3XgEC8_o0i_SmSn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misssnappydragon/ snappydragonstudios.patreon.com Facebook and Twitter: @misssnappydragon

As Mrs. Maisel takes her final bow, the Bagels review the finale episode and the series as a whole: its highlights and misses, unanswered questions, and a robust number of listener comments and questions. Go watch the season 5 finale, and then join us for the conversation. Connect with us on socials! Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReport Instagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: [email protected] Links: https://decider.com/2023/04/14/the-marvelous-mrs-maisels-season-5-time-jumps-explained-timeline-in-order/amp/ The incredible "one shot" https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cs7Oh0kAGJ6/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Kevin Pollak is doing a Maisel rewatch podcast so The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel truly never ends! https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cs8rjZGL7zZ/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==