J Talks

In this episode, Molly interviews award-winning playwright Bess Welden and David Winitsky, Founder and Executive Director of the Jewish Plays Project. Welden and her new play 𝑴𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔 recently won the JPP’s 11th Annual Jewish Playwriting Contest, and she and Winitsky discuss the play, what exactly constitutes a “Jewish Play,” and what it means to present this kind of work to the public. *Correction: In the interview Welden mentions 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘵 playwright David Silberman, but noted afterwa...

In this episode, Molly speaks with former Center Day Camp Director Eli Small about his roles as a developer, business owner, and former teacher navigating the Covid era, and the balancing act of passing on values and traditions he was raised with while meeting the needs of his family and community today.

In this episode, Molly talks with the journalist and photographer, Patrisha McLean. Patricia founded the nonprofit Finding Our Voices, which is dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding domestic violence and supporting survivors in their journey toward healing.

In this episode, Molly talks with the JCA's Welcoming Receptionist and local musician, Sara Hallie Richardson. They talk about performing live during a pandemic, serving celebrities in LA, and observing Judaism with a broader lens.

In this episode, Molly talks with attorney, Stephen J. Schwartz, about his memories of Portland as a kid, his loving father, his experiences in practicing law, and the history behind our new Jewish Community Alliance building on Congress!

In this episode, Molly talks with Karl and Margaret- the beautiful people behind Ten Apple Farms. They discuss goat hikes, their cookbook, and the importance of holding on to hope.

In this episode, our guest interviewer and welcoming receptionist, Sara Richardson, interviews our very own Mah Jongg instructor, Judi Slotsky!We talk about the basics of Mah Jongg, why it's so fun, and our excitement around playing it together one day soon!

Welcome Season Two! In this episode, Molly speaks with Rabbi Carolyn Braun about her connection with judaism at an early age, her rabbinical journey as a woman, and the joys she is finding in this "new normal."

In this episode, Molly talks to Rabbi Sandmel, Senior Advisor on Interreligious Affairs at ADL (Anti-Defamation League). We learn about his connections to Maine and the work he does through ADL.

Quite apropos of this week, Molly talks to Cantor Sheila Nesis about the power of healing through music, the ways in which we can come together, and how to hold space for everyone.