Kaddish

Kaddish's farewell episode, recorded live at Kol Tzedek at the Calvary Center for Culture and Community on July 6 in Philadelphia, PA.Featuring:Evi NumenChristopher BartlettPoetry:Noor ('Ditee) JaberMusic of:Dan BlacksbergDot RoseRachel WinsbergKaddish listeners:It’s been an incredible year of hearing your stories--connecting with listeners who shared the stories of their loved ones, who sought ritual, permission to own their stories and grief, who made space, who found company to walk alongside them on the path of grief.We've released 9 episodes heard almost 7,000 times. Kaddish has hosted guests like poetess and author Dr. Joy Ladin, sex educator and death doula Megan Andelloux, organizer and preacher Pastor Naomi Leapheart, rabbis, artists, groundskeepers, academics, hospice nurses, and the people who made the Mushroom Suit at Coieo.Before the Jewish new year sets in tonight at sunset, I wanted to share with you the final episode of Kaddish. You can listen on iTunes and Soundcloud, and you can watch the full show online, here.At this time of year when the absence of our beloveds can feel particularly intense, may we feel them only more close. The distance between heaven and earth is shorter at this time of year than usual--tradition says that our prayers are more easily heard, our tshuvah (returning/repentance/repair) is more possible. May the separation between the dead and the living be a window, not a wall.Kaddish will be on an indefinite hiatus after this episode. Thank you for all the ways you supported this project this year, thank you for sharing it with your friends, donating time or money to make the project happen! It is with deep gratitude we close this season. Thank you to our listeners, guests, makers and professionals behind the scenes. May the memory of those we hold close be for a blessing. Love to you.Ariana

In this episode of Kaddish, listeners share their stories of chosen family and grieving the losses of loved ones.Where is there room in the Jewish tradition to honor the role that chosen family, logical family, plays in our lives? How have others mourned the losses of chosen family?Featuring the voices of Rabbi Vivie Mayer, as well as Rebecca, Noga, Meryl, and Sarah.Music and lyrics by Ariel Wolpe and Mariangela MihaiFor full transcript of this episode:https://www.arianakatz.com/kaddish-episodes/episode7

Graham Garner of the Friends Southwestern Burial Ground and Namrata Kolla of Coeio join episode 6 of Kaddish to share stories of synchronicity and celebrating identity in burial.Learn more about FSWBGLearn more about CoeioFor full transcript of this episode:https://www.arianakatz.com/kaddish-episodes/episode6

Naomi Leapheart discusses queer reproductive loss in episode 5. Also featuring some crucial listener feedback at the top of the show, and this article.Thank you so much to:Naomi Christine LeapheartTiny Victor, for the musicChelsea NoriegaCyd WeissmanThe Jewish Federation of Greater HartfordFor full transcript of this episode:https://www.arianakatz.com/kaddish-episodes/bonusepisode5

Jacqui Morton shares her story of reproductive loss, and the founding of Holding Our Space.For full transcript of this episode:https://www.arianakatz.com/kaddish-episodes/episode4

In this episode of Kaddish, guests Dr. Joy Ladin and Noach Dzmura discuss transgender taharah, the ritual washing of the dead before burial."It takes some strength of soul and not just individual strength but collective understanding to avoid the void. And to stand up demanding to be seen and heard." Adrienne RichNovember 15 is Trans Day of ResilienceNovember 20 is Trans Day of RememberenceMentioned orgs and links:Sacredstonecamp.orgindigenousrising.orgFor full transcript of this episode:https://www.arianakatz.com/kaddish-episodes/episode3

What is it about the taharah ritual that can transition a person from this world to the next? And why does it necessitate gallons of water? Rabbi Linda Holtzman, founder of the Reconstructionist Chevra Kadisha of Philadelphia joins Kaddish to talk about the origins of the local progressive community that washes and prepares the dead for burial. David Zinner, Executive Director of Kavod v'Nichum and the Gamliel Institute shares historical and contemporary context of the ritual.For full transcript of this episode:https://www.arianakatz.com/kaddish-episodes/episode2

Bonus episode this month.A conversation with Deidre Scherer, textile artist that often focuses on the faces of the elderly, they dying, and the deceased.Content warning: storytelling includes audio of air raid sirens.Follow Deidre's workThanks to Moment Magazine for covering Kaddish this monthFor full transcript of this episode:https://www.arianakatz.com/kaddish-episodes/bonusepisode1

This episode features the health, teaching, and sickness of Megan Andelloux, sex educator and hospice volunteer. This episode explores dementia, hospice, and advance directives.For full transcript of this episode:https://www.arianakatz.com/kaddish-episodes/bonusepisode1-cwxla

Introducing Kaddish, a podcast about death, dying, and who we are while we do it.Featuring:The liturgy of Black Lives MatterElliott batTzedek, poet and liturgistThe tale of Rabbi Akiva, a cemetery, and the origins of the mourner's prayerFor full transcript of this episode:https://www.arianakatz.com/kaddish-episodes/episode0