The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman
by srosenman
The Rest is Commentary is a podcast that explores connections through music, ancient wisdom, and conversations. Shep Rosenman is writing a song cycle inspired by the Psalms/Tehillim. In each episode, Shep offers one of his songs to a friend and they discuss whatever comes up, from the mundane to the sublime, the philosophical to the sophomoric, from dark and narrow places to wide open spaces of joy.
Episodes
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063: Spirit Doctors: A Conversation with Lloyd Segan
What does a Hollywood producer have in common with a doctor? For Lloyd Segan, both work as “doctors of the spirit.” He joins host Shep Rosenman to talk about two Psalm-inspired songs, the hopeful “Jacarandas in the Spring” and the darker “Do Not Destroy.” They also get into Jewish numerology,...
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062: Worthy of Tears: A Conversation with Mandie Davis
What do we do with our tears? This week on The Rest is Commentary, Shep Rosenman talks with Mary “Mandie” Davis, founder of Worthy of Love. The conversation was inspired by Shep’s song “Tears,” which grew out of Psalm 56. Every month for 13 years, Mandie’s nonprofit has thrown birthday…
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061: Spinoza, Psalms and Songcraft: A Conversation with David Coile
What does an ancient prayer have to say to a songwriter today? Host Shep Rosenman sits down with singer-songwriter David Coile to explore “Listen Up!”, a song inspired by Psalm 86. Their conversation moves from Psalms to Spinoza to Parmenides and Heraclitus, taking on free will, sacrifice, and…
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060: With a Little Help from My Friends: A Conversation with Lee Rosenbaum
Asking for help is human. Figuring out how to show up for one another is the harder part. Shep Rosenman sits down with Lee Rosenbaum for a candid, wide-ranging exchange about holding multiple identities, including being Black and Jewish, and what happens when the promise of solidarity collides…
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059: Faith After Fire: A Conversation with Allison Lee
What do we save when we may never come home? Shep Rosenman sits down with Allison Lee to explore how a deeply personal song he wrote with Liz Hanellin in the shadow of the January 2025 Palisades fires, became an urgent warning about extremism. They discuss the choices that shaped the song. Their...
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058: Sacred String Theory: A Conversation with Jim Wright
Composer and touch-guitar innovator Jim Wright joins Shep Rosenman for a wide-ranging conversation inspired by “Come Out and Play,” Shep’s song drawn from Psalm 34. Jim follows the song's invitation into questions of creativity, character, faith, and the surprising places meaning can emerge. Jim...
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057: Going to Hope: A Conversation with Rabbi Leon Wiener-Dow
Rabbi Leon Wiener-Dow, CEO and Director of Beit Midrash for Kolot, and host Shep Rosenman explore “All You Children,” a song inspired by Psalm 65, in a conversation about hope as a daily practice, the healing power of being truly heard and seen, and the challenge of holding on to redemption when...
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056: The Harmony of Hevrusa: A Conversation with Rabba Yaffa Epstein
If you’ve ever wanted to hear Torah, music, and prayer collide in a way that feels deeply human and unexpectedly moving, this conversation is for you. In this episode, Rabba Yaffa Epstein and host Shep Rosenman unpack the rich layers of the song Morning Prayer #1 through the lens of Jewish…
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055: Mistakes, Grace, Boundaries: A Conversation with Rabbi Hannah Jensen
Unlock a fresh perspective on mistakes, forgiveness, and genuine connection in this conversation with Rabbi Hannah Jensen, inspired by Host Shep Rosenman’s song “Worth Decanting” (from Psalm 25). Shep Rabbi Jensen challenge common views of failure—whether in faith, relationships, or inner…
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054: Jazz, Mystery, and the Search for God: A Conversation with Amy Guterson
In this intimate and wide-ranging conversation, Shep sits with playwright and educator Amy Guterson to explore “Stay,” a song inspired by Psalm 31, and the mysterious places where jazz, mysticism, and creativity meet. Amy shares the path that led her to Hasidus and Kabbalah, her founding of…
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053: Kvell Like a Champion: A Conversation with 10 x Xterra Champion Barbara Edelston Peterson
Ready to discover how celebrating others can transform your life, your community, and even your performance under pressure? In this electrifying episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman sits down with Barbara Edelston-Peterson—sports psychologist, acclaimed author, 10-time Xterra…
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052: If Gd Sleeps, Humans Act: A Conversation with Stephen Hopkins
What if a warlike psalm could become a song of empathetic resistance? Director Stephen Hopkins and host Shep Rosenman discuss "Time to Act" inspired by Psalm 76 and how the song flips aggression into care, using David Bowie–style electro-punk energy to confront injustice while honoring the people...
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051: Architecture of the Heart: A Conversation with Naomi Langer Voss
Uncover how love, faith, and community collide in this deep, honest conversation with Naomi Langer Voss and Shep Rosenman. Through Psalm 6 and the song it inspired Shep to write, “Have Mercy, Loretta,” they explore doubt, devotion, and whether our relationship with God is personal—or built…
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050: Groove, Gd, and Letting Go: A Conversation with Guitarist Jon Madof
Episode 50 of The Rest is Commentary isn’t just a milestone—it’s a deep dive into what really makes music come alive. Jazz guitarist and composer Jon Madof joins us for a conversation that goes far beyond chops and technique, exploring the tension between control and surrender, and how that very...
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049: Laughing Among Ruins: A Conversation with Raymond Simonson
Raymond Simonson, founding CEO of JW3 in London, joins us for a powerful conversation about what happens when music, protest, and community collide. At the heart of this episode is Fire Drill Fridays, a song born out of Limmud North America's eFestival during COVID—written collaboratively and...
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048: Learning to Dance Without You: A Conversation with Rosie Wolkind in Memory of Ivan Wolkind
Grief isn’t just about what we’ve lost—it’s about how we choose to live after loss. In this episode, Shep Rosenman sits down with Rosie Wolkind to explore how loss can reshape a life with deeper meaning, empathy, and even joy. Through the lens of her father Ivan’s legacy—his kindness, wisdom, and...
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047: Algorithms and Anti-Semitism: A Conversation with Tal-Or Cohen Montemayor and Eli Ovits
When a songwriter sits with an ancient psalm, what happens when those words collide with the wild, unseen machinery of the internet? In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman brings together Tal-Or Cohen Montemayor, founder of CyberWell, and Eli Ovitz to talk about…
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046: Perfectly Imperfect: A Conversation with Timmy Riordan
What happens when a song breaks open — and something sacred spills out? In this deeply moving episode, Host Shep Rosenman sits down with singer-songwriter Timmy Riordan for a conversation that is as honest as it is inspiring. Together they explore the beautiful, messy, and profoundly human…
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045: Songs, Psalms, and the Sacred Art of Return: A Conversation with Rabbi Aaron Lerner
What happens when ancient Torah meets modern melody with mindfulness as the bridge between them? In this episode, host Shep Rosenman sits down with Rabbi Aaron Lerner for a wide‑ranging, deeply human conversation at the crossroads of music, Jewish spirituality, and communal leadership. Anchored…
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044: The Arena of Action: A Conversation with Shoshana Bloom
In this episode, Shep Rosenman and Shoshana Bloom dive into the making and meaning of “It’s About What You Do,” a song inspired by Psalm 82. Their conversation opens into a wider reflection on what it means to show up — as leaders, creators, and members of a community. They explore the metaphor…
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043: Like, Totally Divine: A Special Purim Conversation with Noelle and Maya
Get ready for a Purim party like no other! 🎭✨ In this Purim special, host Shep Rosenman shares his original song “Let’s Talk About Faith” and joins Maya and Noelle for a lively conversation that’s equal parts joy, curiosity, and spiritual wrestling. Together, they celebrate Purim’s spirit of...
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042: Mandala and Melody: A Conversation with Emily Cheng
Artist and scholar Emily Cheng joins host Shep Rosenman for a luminous conversation at the crossroads of art, music, and sacred text. From two of Emily's monumental 18‑foot paintings charting the meeting of Western and Eastern spiritual traditions to Shep's song “Unwrapping Heaven,” inspired by...
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041: Guilt & Groove: A Conversation with Jim Ehrich
When podcast host, Shep Rosenman, turned to Psalm 38, its haunting honesty became the heartbeat of his song “Don’t Turn Away From Me.” In this conversation, Jim Ehrich joins Shep to unpack how guilt, vulnerability, and longing for connection can become pathways toward "teshuvah"—repentance and...
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040: Rhythms of Radical Empathy: A Conversation with Avram Mandell
In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, Avram Mandell—founder of Tzedek America—joins host Shep Rosenman for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation about empathy, community, and the healing power of story and song. Through memories of New York City playgrounds, transformative…
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039: Into the Wow: A Conversation with Dr. Sarah Bunin Benor
What happens when ancient psalms meet modern songwriting? In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman sits down with Dr. Sarah Bunin Benor to talk about “Into the Wow” — a song they wrote inspired by Psalm 118 that turns timeless text into fresh musical and spiritual expression....
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038: Cosmic Chorus: A Conversation with Rabbi Steve Greenberg
This week's guest on The Rest is Commentary is Rabbi Steve Greenberg, founding director of Eshel, an organization that supports LGBTQ+ and their families in the Orthodox community. Steve and host Shep Rosenman to dive into the song “Like Sailors”—a piece inspired by Psalm 148 and co-written by…
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037: Navigating Chaos: A Conversation with Vicente Amorim
What does it mean to stay open — as an artist, a parent, and a person — when life asks you to both take control and let go? In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, director Vicente Amorim sits down with host Shep Rosenman to talk about “Infinite Light,” a song Shep co-wrote with Liz Hanellin,...
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036: Mercy, Muse, and the Music of Prayer: A Conversation with Chava Mirel
What does it really mean to live a Jewish life guided by Torah—not politics? In this episode, Chava Mirel joins us for an honest and deeply heartfelt conversation about Judaism, identity, and what happens when faith and nationalism start to overlap. Chava reminds us that Judaism was never meant…
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035: From Awe to Action: A Conversation with Clive Lawton
In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman welcomes renowned and award winning Jewish educator and storyteller Clive Lawton for a wide-ranging, down-to-earth conversation sparked by the song “Weaving a Garment of Light” (also known as “Work of Our Hands”), inspired by Psalm 19...
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034: What's Not Funny About Peace, Love, and Understanding?: A Conversation with Robby Berman
In this powerful episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman sits down with Robby Berman — Israeli tour guide, author, comedian, and activist — for a raw, unfiltered conversation about hope, heartbreak, and humanity in today’s Israel. Inspired by the song "What Would It Take?” (written…
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033: Holy Hands/Working Hands: A Conversation with Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson
When Shep Rosenman sits down with Rabbi Dr. Bradley Shavit Artson, the conversation becomes a journey—through grief, faith, and the mysterious power of music to hold them both. In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, they unpack Shep’s song “Holy Hands,” drawn from Psalm 134, exploring how...
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032: Heavenly Songs from the Heart of Texas: A Conversation with Joe Buchanan
In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman sits down with Texas musician and storyteller, Joe Buchanan for a deeply moving conversation about divine love and the power of good deeds. Together, they remind us that there is one God and nothing wrong with any of us — we are each...
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031: I Forgot What Happened in Babylon: A Conversation with Professor Jeff Proske and Rabbi Julia Knobloch
Get ready for an unforgettable episode as Shep Rosenman welcomes Professor Jeff Proske and Rabbi Julia Knobloch to dive deep into the creation of the Psalm-inspired song, “I Forgot What Happened in Babylon,” co-written by Shep and Julia. Experience the vibrant energy of Los Angeles reimagined as…
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030: Late Bloomers: A Conversation with Terri Sunflower
In this heartfelt conversation from 2024, host Shep Rosenman speaks with songwriter, Terri Sunflower, who shares her journey of self-discovery and acceptance, discussing her experiences with gender identity, sexuality, and the transformative power of music. Inspired by the song, "Two Is Better…
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029: Playing the Piano in Central Park: A Conversation with Chuck Tatham
Shep Rosenman sits down with Emmy-nominated writer Chuck Tatham for a deeply engaging conversation about “Time”, a song inspired by Psalm 39. From the serendipity of discovering an abandoned piano on a street corner to how humor, family, and faith spark creativity, they explore the profound and…
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028: Boxing with the Divine: A Conversation with Rabbi Rachel Kobrin and Jeff Ward
Rabbi Rachel Kobrin and Jeff Ward join host Shep Rosenman for a conversation that packs a punch. Inspired by the song, “Jaco’s Boxing” (drawn from Psalm 71), they explore prayer and tradition through the unexpected lens of the boxing ring—where resilience is tested, weary hands are lifted by...
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027: The Tears-to-Laughter Pipeline: A Conversation with Ingrid Avison
In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, Shep Rosenman sits down with singer-songwriter and grief therapist, Ingrid Avison, for a moving conversation about the making of “Little Prizes,” a song born out of Psalm 86 and the end-of-life journey of Shep’s dear friend, Kim Simon. This episode is...
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026: Silence and Song: A Conversation with Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand
Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand joins host Shep Rosenman for a moving conversation inspired by the song “Nothing Left to Be Said” and Psalm 49. Together, they explore what silence can mean in times of grief, the power of Jewish mourning rituals such as shiva and the work of the Hevra Kadisha, and how...
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025: Hope is a Song: A Conversation with Leah Lesch (In Memory of Hersh Goldberg-Polin)
In this powerful episode, Shep Rosenman sits down with co-writer Leah Lesch to uncover the story behind “Bring Him Home”— a moving piece born from Psalm 126 in the shadow of October 7th. The episode is dedicated to the memory of Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Leah and Shep reflect on how the song came to...
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024: Embracing Your Shadow: A Conversation with Rabbi Mel Gottlieb
In this episode of "The Rest is Commentary," host Shep Rosenman engages in a profound conversation with Rabbi Mel Gottlieb about the journey to wholeness by embracing both light and shadow within ourselves. Drawing inspiration from the song "Finding My Way Out," co-written with Liz Hanelin and...
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023: Write, Reflect, Repeat: A Conversation with Anne Pinheiro Guimareas
What happens when the inner voice of prayer collides with the outer world of storytelling? In this soul-stirring episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman sits down with Brazilian writer-director Anne Pinheiro Guimarães for a raw and reflective conversation that spans continents,...
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022: Legacy, Loss, and Laughter: A Conversation with Yehuda Geberer
What does it mean to leave a legacy—and can laughter help us face our own mortality? Join host Shep Rosenman for a captivating conversation with acclaimed historian, host of the Jewish History Soundbites podcast, and tour guide Yehuda Geberer that’s equal parts profound and uplifting. Inspired by…
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021: When the World Doesn't Feel Safe: A Conversation with Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-Newborn
In this deeply moving and insightful episode of The Rest is Commentary, Shep welcomes Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-Newborn—spiritual leader, hospital chaplain, interfaith activist, and author—for a conversation that bridges trauma, creativity, parenthood, and the search for shared humanity. Alissa, who...
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020: From Awareness to Action: A Conversation with Rabbi Joe Black
Step into an unforgettable episode of “The Rest is Commentary” as host Shep Rosenman welcomes the extraordinary Rabbi Joe Black for a conversation brimming with inspiration, music, and heartfelt reflection. In this special installment, we celebrate not only Joe’s remarkable journey as a rabbi,...
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019: Urgency of Empathy: A Conversation with Naomi Less in memory of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lishinsky
In this powerful episode of The Rest is Commentary, acclaimed singer, composer, ritual leader, and rocker, Naomi Less joins the conversation to unravel the deep complexities of Jewish identity and the pursuit of safety in this increasingly turbulent world. As a self-described “Lefty Zionist,”…
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018: The Art of Repair: A Conversation with Rachell Koegel
In this captivating episode of The Rest is Commentary, Shep sits down with his cousin, Rachell Koegel—a passionate writer and educator from Oceanside, New York—for a conversation that’s as moving as it is insightful. Together, they unravel the powerful influence of role models and the lifelong...
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017: Film, Faith and the Fight for Peace: A Conversation with Rabbi Raphael Shore
Step into a profound and inspiring dialogue with Raphael Shore, a distinguished rabbi, educator, and visionary film producer. Together, we explore the powerful themes of unity, hope, and spirituality amidst the ongoing turmoil in Israel. Experience Rabbi Shore’s remarkable journey of finding…
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016 Brothers, Bonds, Beliefs: A Conversation with Zvi Howard Rosenman, my brother
✨ Ready for a conversation that will move your soul? ✨🎙️ On this powerful episode of *The Rest is Commentary*, Shep Rosenman sits down with his brother - legendary film and TV producer Zvi Howard Rosenman - for a raw, unfiltered journey through the music, memories, and mysteries that shape our...
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015: Punk Torah and the Poetry of Prayer: A Conversation with Alicia Jo Rabins
What happens when a klezmer/classical/punk violinist, Torah teacher, and poet walks into a podcast? Pure magic. Join Shep Rosenman for a soul-stirring conversation with the incomparable *Alicia Jo Rabins*—musician, writer, and spiritual adventurer—whose work weaves together Jewish mysticism,...
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014: Roots and Changes: A Conversation with Rav Hanan Schlesinger
Discover an inspiring episode of The Rest is Commentary as host Shep Rosenman welcomes Rav Hanan Schlesinger, an Orthodox rabbi with a unique perspective. Get ready for an enlightening journey through the complexities of Israeli-Palestinian relations and the power of grassroots initiatives. Rav...
About this show
The Rest is Commentary is a podcast that explores connections through music, ancient wisdom, and conversations. Shep Rosenman is writing a song cycle inspired by the Psalms/Tehillim. In each episode, Shep offers one of his songs to a friend and they discuss whatever comes up, from the mundane to the sublime, the philosophical to the sophomoric, from dark and narrow places to wide open spaces of joy.
Hosted by
srosenman
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