The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman

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, inspired by Psalm 36. Their conversation drifts from creative inspiration to the messy beauty of real life — the push and pull between con...

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 to be a political movement. Instead, it’s a living tradition rooted in how we treat one another—with compassion, justice, and awareness. ...

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 and written by Shep and Ruby Corbyn-Ross. Together they explore how Jewish tradition holds both cosmic awe and everyday responsibility at ...

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 by Shep and Liz Hanellin and drawn from Psalm 22), their dialogue delves into the personal and political — from Robby’s journey out of r...

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 melody and lyric intertwine to express what words alone cannot.  

They talk about songwriting as a dialogue between clarity and mystery, abo...

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 loved, exactly as we are. Acts of kindness aren’t about rewards or fear, but about bringing more good into the world. Spirituality and good...

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 a modern Zion, and uncover the powerful stories and symbolism behind Babylon, love, loss, and transformation.

This lively discussion explo...

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 Than One" (which itself was inspired by Psalm 139), they discuss gender identity and sexuality, coming out later in life, family relationshi...

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 the unexpected.

Together, they journey through themes of speaking versus silence, beliefs about God and the afterlife, life in Hollywood’s ...

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 community and by God, and compassion is demanded even for our enemies, echoing through the shofar and the cry of Sisera’s mother.  

From dynam...

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 dedicated to Kim and her family. If you want to read more about Kim's life, click this link.

Shep and Ingrid reflect on grief as both a deep...

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 music, memory, and storytelling help us navigate loss.  

Through personal stories and interfaith perspectives, they reflect on the many w...

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 life, the emotional depth of Nettie Wolkind’s performance, and its heartfelt intention as a prayer for Hersh Goldberg-Polin and all the ...

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 produced by Shep's son, E. Rose, Rosenman and Rabbi Gottlieb explore the significance of integrating opposites to achieve authenticity and s...

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, cultures, and questions of the self.

Together, they explore the thin line between self-awareness and self-judgment, and how prayer—not just ...

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 a moving visit to his parents’ graves and the timeless words of Psalm 16, Shep opens up to his nephew about the story behind his heartfel...

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 serves as a Rabbanit at Netivot Shalom in Teaneck, NJ and works as a hospital chaplain, is known for her empathetic leadership and commit...

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, musician, and songwriter, but also his upcoming retirement from his beloved synagogue in Denver, Temple Emanuel—a milestone that marks the e...

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,” Naomi shares her personal journey—one shaped by resilience, hope, and, more recently, the rising tide of anti-Semitism.

Using the lens of Sh...