The Schmooze

Don & Jared

The Schmooze brings together the voices, programs, and stories shaping Jewish life in Calgary. Hosted by Don Schapira and Jared Shore, each episode features a community calendar, interviews with leaders and students, and highlights from across the city. This is your space to stay informed, engaged, and connected.

  1. Episode 18: Schmooze with Rabbi Ilana Krygier Lapides, The Rocky Mountain Rabbi | From Holocaust Legacy to Passover After October 7

    16H AGO

    Episode 18: Schmooze with Rabbi Ilana Krygier Lapides, The Rocky Mountain Rabbi | From Holocaust Legacy to Passover After October 7

    Rabbi Ilana Krygier Lapides, also known as the Rocky Mountain Rabbi, joins The Schmooze for a powerful and deeply personal conversation. Born and raised in Calgary as the daughter of Holocaust survivors, Rabbi Ilana’s life has been shaped by memory, resilience, and a commitment to Jewish community. From her early leadership in BBYO to over a decade as a Holocaust educator, her journey has touched nearly every corner of Jewish Calgary. But this episode goes deeper. We explore:• The legacy of Holocaust survival and its impact across generations• The emotional toll of Holocaust education• Her decision to step into the rabbinate• The role of joy, identity, and spirituality in modern Jewish life• And how the story of Passover resonates in today’s world At a time when Jewish identity feels both challenged and renewed, this conversation asks an essential question: How do we carry the past… while still choosing life, meaning, and joy?

    1h 15m

  2. MAR 31

    Episode 17: Schmooze with Stacey Leavitt-Wright, CEO of Jewish Federation of Edmonton

    What happens when ideology enters policing—and a community is forced to respond? In this episode of The Schmooze, Don and Jared sit down withStacey Leavitt-Wright, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton Over the past few weeks, Edmonton has found itself at the center of a growing national conversation. A routine visit to Israel by the city’s police chief sparked a political firestorm.But as the situation unfolded, it became clear this was about far more than a trip. This conversation explores: How Israel became the focal point of a local controversyThe role of political leadership and public pressureWhat rising antisemitism looks like in real timeThe responsibility—and cost—of speaking for a communityAt one point, Stacey puts it plainly: “Israel was on trial.” And yet, out of that moment came something unexpected:community strength, unlikely alliances, and a broader awakening. This is a conversation about leadership, courage, and the kind of country Canada is becoming.

    59 min

  3. MAR 23

    Episode 16: Iran, Escalation, and What Comes Next — A Follow-up with Kaveh Shahrooz

    In this follow-up episode, we reconnect with Kaveh after our initial conversation in late January, when Iran was in the midst of widespread protests that received little global attention. Since then, the situation has evolved significantly. We explore what is happening inside Iran today, the strategic dynamics shaping the conflict, and the broader implications for the region and beyond. The conversation also touches on the role of global powers, the challenges facing the Iranian people, and the potential risks that could extend far beyond the Middle East. This is a timely and in-depth discussion that aims to bring clarity to a complex and rapidly changing situation.

    1h 7m
  4. Episode 15: Schmooze with Councilor Mike Elliott

    MAR 15

    Episode 15: Schmooze with Councilor Mike Elliott

    In this timely episode of The Schmooze, Don and Jared sit down with Edmonton City Councillor Mike Elliott to discuss the controversy surrounding Edmonton Police Chief Warren Driechel’s recent trip to Israel and the political fallout that followed. Councillor Elliott brings a rare combination of civic leadership, policing experience, and moral clarity to the conversation. A former RCAF pilot, police officer, staff sergeant, and police association leader, he offers a grounded perspective on why professional policing exchanges matter, why municipal leaders should focus on local governance, and why double standards in public discourse are so corrosive. The conversation explores political pressure, civic responsibility, antisemitism in Canada, public safety, leadership, and the growing tension between moral courage and political expediency. This is one of our most urgent and important episodes to date. Take action and show your support for Chief Dreichel here: 26-03-12 Edmonton Chief Driechel - CIJA Action Hub

    1h 8m

  5. MAR 12

    The Schmooze: From Israel to Calgary - Making Sense of a Tumultuous Week

    Don is back in Calgary, and this episode of The Schmooze picks up right where the last conversation left off, with snow outside, a lot on our minds, and plenty to talk through. Jared and Don discuss the emotional whiplash of returning home from Israel, the ongoing realities facing Israelis and the Jewish diaspora, and the larger context surrounding the conflict with Iran and its proxies. They also examine the role of media, political leadership in Canada, public discourse, and the challenges facing Jewish communities across the country. The conversation also turns inward, focusing on Calgary, community leadership, and the importance of staying unified even when there are disagreements. One of the core themes of this episode is that strong communities are built not by tearing each other down, but by staying in dialogue, asking hard questions, and working toward common purpose. This is a timely, candid, and deeply personal conversation about resilience, clarity, and the work still ahead.

    59 min

  6. MAR 1

    The Schmooze: Exclusive from Tel Aviv

    🎙️ Emergency Episode – Live from Israel In this urgent new episode of The Schmooze, Don joins us live from Tel Aviv after waking up to air raid sirens marking the start of Operation Roaring Lion. Over the past 36 hours, he’s gone to a bomb shelter more than 30 times. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, he shares what it’s like on the ground right now — the sirens, the uncertainty, the tragic losses, and the remarkable calm and resolve of everyday Israelis. We discuss:• What daily life looks like between alerts• The Home Front Command warning system• The mood in Israel right now• Iranian civilians protesting their regime• Media narratives abroad• What strength, resilience, and Zionism mean in this moment This episode is emotional, honest, and deeply personal. It’s not analysis from afar — it’s lived experience in real time. 🎧 Listen now and share with someone who wants a clearer picture of what’s happening. Am Yisrael Chai. 💙

    25 min
  7. Episode 14: Schmooze with Rabbi Mark Glickman, Temple B'nai Tikva

    FEB 27

    Episode 14: Schmooze with Rabbi Mark Glickman, Temple B'nai Tikva

    In this episode of The Schmooze, Don and Jared sit down with Rabbi Mark Glickman of Temple B’nai Tikvah in Calgary for an honest, respectful conversation about what it means to lead with principle in complicated times. We talk about Reform Judaism (what it is, what it values, and how it approaches modernity), the diversity of views inside a single congregation, and how Rabbi Glickman has worked to keep people at the table since October 7 — without pretending disagreements don’t exist. We also discuss: When anti-Zionism overlaps with antisemitism (and when it doesn’t) Why Jewish communities struggle with internal dissent Interfaith relationships after October 7: abandonment, new allies, and hard truths The controversial decision to invite Mayor Jyoti Gondek to Temple for dialogue Upcoming Temple programming and ways to connect Upcoming events mentioned: Scholar-in-Residence — March 13–14 with Dr. Andrew Rehfeld, President of Hebrew Union College Temple Israel Trip — October (open beyond the congregation)

    1h 13m
  8. Episode 13: Schmooze with Adam Louis-Klein, Founder of Movement Against Antizionism

    FEB 20

    Episode 13: Schmooze with Adam Louis-Klein, Founder of Movement Against Antizionism

    In this episode of The Schmooze, we sit down with Adam Louis-Klein—writer, anthropologist, musician, and PhD candidate at McGill—to unpack a framework that’s reshaping how many Jews are responding to what’s happened since October 7. Adam argues that anti-Zionism isn’t merely “criticism of Israel” that sometimes crosses a line. He describes it as a distinct hate movement with its own ideology, its own “libels,” and its own trail of harm—especially in academia, media, and public life. We talk about how the discourse shifted over time, why the “genocide” accusation functions as a modern libel, and what it looks like to stop defending and start naming, describing, and holding the ideology itself to account. We also discuss Adam’s work through the Movement Against Anti-Zionism, why legacy organizations need a clearer vocabulary for the moment, and how communities can build “discursive infrastructure” now—before the next flare-up. Guest: Adam Louis-Klein (McGill; London Centre for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism; founder, Movement Against Anti-Zionism) Mentioned in this episode Virtual event: “Never Forget: Montana Tucker on the Holocaust, Antisemitism, and Hope” (Calgary Public Library + Calgary Jewish Federation, Feb 22, 7:00–8:30pm MST, online) Friends of JNF Canada “Negev” event featuring Lt.-Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus (announced for June 7, 2026) Follow AdamMovement Against AntizionismAdam Louis-Klein

    1h 6m
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About

The Schmooze brings together the voices, programs, and stories shaping Jewish life in Calgary. Hosted by Don Schapira and Jared Shore, each episode features a community calendar, interviews with leaders and students, and highlights from across the city. This is your space to stay informed, engaged, and connected.

Information

  • Creator
    Don & Jared
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Don & Jared
  • Show Website
    The Schmooze

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