In this laugh-filled episode, Rabbi Raphael Leban and Howard Wedgle dive into Parshat Noach — kvetching about what it must’ve smelled like in the Ark, the endless rain, and those poor two worms. From there, they tackle a real listener's question: how do you politely step back from a friendship that just isn’t working anymore without hurting the other person’s feelings? The result is a mix of humor, honesty, and heartfelt insight about maintaining shalom — even when it’s a little, well, discordant.

After a High Holiday episode full of congregational kvetching, Rabbi Raphael Leban and Howard Wedgle head to BMH-BJ to hear the other side of the story — from the people who make synagogue life actually happen. Their guest, Executive Director Ilene Rosen, pulls back the curtain on the chaos, joy, and occasional coughing fits that come with hosting hundreds of Jews on the holiest days of the year. How do you keep smiling when everyone’s complaining about the temperature? Tune in for this special behind-the-scenes look at the art of staying gracious through the greatest of kvetches.

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.