Let's Kvetch

Rosh Hashanah is around the corner—Rabbi Raphael Leban and Howard Wedgle dive into the ultimate holiday kvetching session: temperature wars, synagogue seating drama, fashion critiques, marathon sermons, shofar bloopers, and more. With humor and heart, they remind us the Days of Awe are about blessings, not complaints.

This week Rabbi Leban & Howard sit down with Denver’s own barber, community leader, and Shabbat House founder Abo Simonov.

From hysterical moments at the Wine & Cheese Gala (priceless, but not that priceless), to the unique challenges of navigating politics, personal kvetches, and respect in the barbershop chair—this episode is full of laughter, stories, and insights. Abo shares his journey from Tajikistan to Israel to America, how he holds space for all kinds of people in his shop, and the powerful message that respect can go “not 100%, but a million percent.”

Kvetch responsibly—because even in a haircut, there’s wisdom (and humor) to be found.

Tune in now—this cut’s worth the kvetch! 🎧

In this special episode of Let’s Kvetch, Rabbi Raphael Leban and Howard Wedgle welcome Avi Abelow, CEO of the Twelve Tribe Films Foundation and host of Pulse of Israel. From his life in Israel to his daily mission of peeling back headlines, Avi shares why he believes the Jewish people are living in times of redemption, how to balance respectful dialogue with truth-telling, and why kvetching only matters when it leads to growth. A spirited and thought-provoking conversation about faith, media, resilience, and the art of kvetching responsibly.

This week on Let’s Kvetch, Rabbi Leban and Howard flip the script: instead of kvetching, they’re kvelling! What does it mean to kvell? Can you kvell about a stranger’s success? Is there such a thing as too much kvelling? The hosts explore the origins of the word, its uniquely Jewish meaning, and more. Along the way, they tackle questions of modesty, cultural sensitivity, and whether we should all be kvelling just a little bit more.

This week's episode seves up a hearty helping of wisdom with a side of humor as Rabbi Abraham Cooper of the Simon Wiesenthal Center joins the table. From Yeshive University parking battles to high-stakes meetings with presidents, Rabbi Cooper shares how kvetching-done right-can build bridges, teach values, and even open diplomatic doors. Tune in for laughs, life lessons and a reminder to always kvetch resonsibly. 

Is it aging or just bad posture?

We're kvetching about aches, pain and the real struggle of getting older (or just surviving a kid's soccer game.) Dr. Shimi Blau joins us for a hilarious and heartfelt episode on chronic pain, medical empathy, and how to redirect a long-winded kvetch - doctor style. 

This week, Howard shares a tech support nightmare of 'biblical proportions' after attempting to upgrade his home internet. From a no-show bucket truck to a technician who didn't want to do his job, Howard's kvetch takes us on a frustrating journey. But the story's happy ending leads Rabbi Leban to connect the experience to the deeper meaning of Tisha B'Av, and the power of responsible kvetching to fix what's wrong—in our homes and in the world.

In this mouthwatering episode - our very first on location - the Kvetch crew sets up shop at the iconic East Side Kosher Deli. Special guest (and deli owner) Shua Horowitz joins Rabbi Raphael and Howard Wedgle to dish out wisdom on how to handle kvetching from the other side of the counter. Shua shares how thick skin, validation, and a side of empathy can turn complaints into connection.

Plus: the difference between kvetching and a suggestion, why online rants aren't as helpful as they seem, and the power of kvetching responsibly. Come for the deli vibes, stay for the menschkeit. 

Tune in and remember: Kvetch responsibly.

In this episode of Let's Kvetch, Rabbi Raphael and Howard welcome their first ever guest: Dr. Evelyn Male, a licensed psychologist with deep insights-and great jokes-about the power of kvetching. Together they explore the fine line between kvetching, complaining, and whining, and dive into when it helps, when it bonds and when it just makes things worse.

Bonus: a guide to kvetching without crossing into gossip-and a few manicure mishaps along the way.

Tune in for smart laughs, serious wisdom, and of course, kvetching. 

Let's Kvetch Episode 4: Kvetch Now or Forever Hold Your Peace

Is there a right time to kvetch—or does timing make all the difference? In this episode, Rabbi Raphael Leban and Howard Wedgle take on travel woes, airline etiquette, and the eternal question: who really controls the airplane window shade? Along the way, they explore the deeper value of speaking up with purpose, kvetching for good, and keeping your eyes on the Tachlis.