The Schmooze

Don Schapira and Jared Shore
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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.

Episodes

  1. Episode 11: Schmooze with Jay Cairns, Executive Director of Friends of JNF Alberta and Charlotte Korchak, Founder of the Jerusalem Education Institute

    6D AGO

    Episode 11: Schmooze with Jay Cairns, Executive Director of Friends of JNF Alberta and Charlotte Korchak, Founder of the Jerusalem Education Institute

    We’re dropping this one early because Charlotte Korchuk is in Alberta this weekend for a live community program hosted by Friends of JNF Canada. In this passionate and wide-ranging conversation, Don and Jared are joined by Jay Cairns (Executive Director, Friends of JNF Canada – Alberta) and Charlotte Korchuk (Jerusalem Education Institute) to talk about Jewish identity, Zionist pride, and the urgent need for education that doesn’t just hand out talking points — it builds real understanding. We dig into: The “October 8th Jew” awakening — and why so many people feel alone, overwhelmed, and under-informed Why knowledge becomes a “coat of armor” (and why soundbites aren’t enough) The difference between education vs. indoctrination: “not what to think, but how to think” How to navigate different audiences: uninformed, misinformed, apathetic, curious — and why the “mushy middle” matters Why parents are often the most neglected audience — and why education has to start at home A powerful reframe: we don’t just need allies — we need friends Live event: Diaspora, Israel, and the Go-Forward Calgary: Sunday, Feb 8, 2026 — 7:00 PM Edmonton: Monday, Feb 9, 2026 — 7:00 PMRegister via Friends of JNF Canada (event details provided upon registration). Show notes and links: Ask Haviv Anything Podcast - with Haviv Retting Gur with Noam Weissman Episode to be found here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5tyj2C1ClLhKScXe9u7Y44?si=X60krvSPR-CDvlhBbyhTAQ

    1h 13m
  2. Episode 10: Schmooze with Ofer Idels, Fellow at University of Calgary, Israel Studies

    JAN 30

    Episode 10: Schmooze with Ofer Idels, Fellow at University of Calgary, Israel Studies

    This week on The Schmooze, we sit down with Ofer Idels, an Israeli historian and postdoctoral fellow in Israel Studies at the University of Calgary. Ofer breaks down Zionism in both academic and plain language, and explains why debates around “anti-Zionism” often function as debates about whether Jews are allowed to be active agents in history, rather than passive participants judged by others’ moral frameworks. We also discuss: Zionism as a modern response to the crisis of Jewish life in Europe “Self-determination” and what it means in lived terms Why semantic debates can become a cul-de-sac, and what to focus on instead The campus climate in Calgary, and why Ofer’s experience has been unexpectedly positive How the Calgary Jewish community can better use academic resources already here Community events mentioned: Feb 12 (12:00 PM MT, Zoom): Ofer’s speaker series talk, “From Horse Cadavers to Garden Plots: Concepts of Non-Human Nature and the Łódź Ghetto.” Feb 8 (JCC): Friends of JNF Canada event, “Diaspora Israel and the Go-Forward,” featuring Charlotte K. (Jerusalem Education Institute / StandWithUs). Connect with Ofer:Ofer can be found via his University of Calgary profile, and he welcomes community outreach for lectures, initiatives, and collaboration.

    1h 16m

  3. JAN 23

    Episode 9: Schmooze with Kaveh Shahrooz, Lawyer and Human Rights Activist and Senior Fellow at MacDonald-Laurier Institute

    Iran is in turmoil. Nationwide protests that began with economic frustration have escalated into a direct challenge to the Islamic Republic, amid internet shutdowns, mass detentions, and reports of severe crackdowns. On this episode of The Schmooze, Don Schapira and Jared Shore are joined by Kaveh Shahrooz, a Toronto-based Iranian-Canadian lawyer, human rights activist, and Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. Kaveh walks us through “Iran 101” (how Iran got here), what we can and can’t confirm about what’s happening right now, why much of the activist left has stayed quiet, and what Canadians can do today to support the Iranian people, including practical pressure points for MPs and enforcement against regime-linked actors in Canada. We also discuss the historic bond between Persians and Jews, the Iranian diaspora in Canada, and why solidarity matters now more than ever.

    1h 12m

  4. JAN 16

    Episode 8: Schmooze with Marnie and Dahlia, Former Co-Chairs of Holocaust and Human Rights Remembrance and Education

    How does real community impact begin? In this episode of The Schmooze, Don sits down with Marnie Bondar and Dahlia Libin, whose volunteer leadership transformed Holocaust education and remembrance in Calgary. From the creation of Here to Tell to major public partnerships and survivor-centered education, their work has reached classrooms, cultural institutions, and tens of thousands of people across the city. What started as a “crazy idea” became a model of how passion, persistence, and responsibility can shape a community. This conversation explores leadership without titles, education that adapts to the moment, and the power of two people saying yes. 🎧 Listen now.

    1h 10m
  5. Episode 7: Schmooze with Yael Berkovich, West Coast Educator, Stand With Us Canada

    JAN 9

    Episode 7: Schmooze with Yael Berkovich, West Coast Educator, Stand With Us Canada

    In this episode of The Schmooze, we sit down with Yael Berkovich for an honest conversation about Jewish and Israeli identity in Canada — and what it means to live openly and authentically on campus today. Yael shares her journey from growing up in a Zionist household to navigating public school, university life, and student leadership, as well as the challenges Jewish students are facing in the post–October 7 climate. We explore pride, visibility, allyship, and why showing up still matters — even when it’s uncomfortable. A thoughtful, grounded conversation about identity, courage, and the next generation of leadership.

    1h 7m
  6. Episode 6: Schmooze with Emile Scheffel, Managing Director of CJPAC

    JAN 2

    Episode 6: Schmooze with Emile Scheffel, Managing Director of CJPAC

    In this episode of The Schmooze, we sit down with Emile Scheffel, Managing Director of CJPAC (the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee). Emile shares his personal journey into Jewish advocacy, why civic engagement matters more than ever, and how real relationships — not outrage or slogans — shape political outcomes in Canada. We explore how Jewish Canadians and allies can meaningfully participate in democracy, combat antisemitism, and ensure our community’s voice is heard across the political spectrum. This is an honest, grounded conversation about showing up, building trust, and strengthening the future of Jewish life in Canada — one relationship at a time.

    1h 10m
  7. Episode 5: Schmooze with Reverend Mark Leach - When Allies Step Forward: Antisemitism, Courage, and Canada’s Wake-Up Call

    12/25/2025

    Episode 5: Schmooze with Reverend Mark Leach - When Allies Step Forward: Antisemitism, Courage, and Canada’s Wake-Up Call

    What happens when hate is tolerated long enough to feel “normal”? In this powerful episode of The Schmooze, we sit down with Rev. Mark Leach — Anglican pastor, lifelong ally, and founder of Australia’s grassroots movement Never Again Is Now Australia. Mark shares: What he witnessed after October 7 and why silence is never neutral How the Bondi attack became a national wake-up call Why antisemitism is not a Jewish problem, but a threat to Western democracy What everyday Canadians can do right now — and why writing your MP actually works How citizen movements like Allies for a Strong Canada turn concern into real accountability This conversation is raw, urgent, and deeply human.If you care about Canada’s values, safety, and future — this is a must-listen. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and share. Watch Mark stand tall on October 8th at the Sydney Opera House - (5) Pro-Palestinians chase Christian pastor holding Israeli flag in Sydney - YouTube

    1h 10m
  8. Episode 4 - Special Episode - Schmooze with Shuv

    12/19/2025

    Episode 4 - Special Episode - Schmooze with Shuv

    This special episode of The Schmooze was recorded in response to the Bondi Beach massacre and the questions it forces us to confront. We sit down with Shuv for a direct and urgent conversation about: The attack at Bondi Beach and what it reveals about modern extremism The failure of mainstream media in Canada to report with clarity and moral consistency Why political leadership continues to repeat the same mistakes — and what happens when lessons are ignored The Liberal government’s approach to hate, extremism, and Bill C-9 The growing inversion of truth and its impact on Jewish safety and Western democratic values This is not a partisan discussion.It is a conversation about truth, accountability, and the consequences of denial. To our Jewish brothers and sisters: you are not alone. 🔗 Learn more about Shuv’s work or support the mission at shuv.ca

    57 min
  9. Episode 3: The Schmooze – Hanukkah Special with Rabbi Menachem Matusof of Chabad Lubavitch of Alberta

    12/12/2025

    Episode 3: The Schmooze – Hanukkah Special with Rabbi Menachem Matusof of Chabad Lubavitch of Alberta

    37 years ago a young rabbi from Casablanca by way of PalmSprings landed in post-Olympic Calgary with his wife and a crazy dream: build the future of Jewish life in Alberta. Today, Chabad is the beating heart of our community, touching lives across every affiliation (and even those with none at all). In this warm, funny, and deeply moving conversation, Rabbi Matusof pulls back the curtain on: Why he jokingly tells people “Shabbat services are boring — come during the week instead” How Chabad exploded from one couple to 16rabbis/rabbanits and 50+ staff while staying 100% donor-funded and membership-freeThe real story behind the mayor drama of the last two years and why he chose light over grudgeThe breathtaking growth on the new Chabad campus (150–200kids in camp, 80 women showing up for Kabbalah class, teens in limos visiting sukkahs, and yes… the espresso is still flowing)Why Hanukkah’s message has never felt more urgent: “A little bit of light pushes away a lot of darkness”Plus: Don raves about Douglas Century’s new WWII rescuethriller “Crash of the Heavens” (hint: we’re booking Doug for a future episode). And of course — your personal invitation to Calgary’s biggest,warmest, most joyful Jewish night of the year: Monday, December 15th – 5:30 PMCalgary City Hall Atrium37th Annual Community Menorah LightingLive music, school choirs, magic show, hot soup, latkes, dreidels, raffles & thousands of us celebrating light together.Bring your family, bring your friends, bring your light.Details & donations: menorah.ca This episode will leave you proud, inspired, and ready to show up Monday night with a full heart. Chag Chanukah Sameach from Don, Jared, and the entire Schmooze family

    1h 14m
  10. Episode 2: Interview with Rob Nagus, CEO of Calgary Jewish Federation

    12/05/2025

    Episode 2: Interview with Rob Nagus, CEO of Calgary Jewish Federation

    A Conversation with Rob Nagus, CEO of Calgary Jewish Federation In this episode of The Schmooze, Don and Jared sit down with Calgary Jewish Federation CEO Rob Nagus for a deep and candid conversation about Jewish life in Calgary. Rob shares his personal journey from Montreal to Edmonton, Toronto, and finally Calgary, reflecting on identity, community, and belonging along the way. Together, they unpack what Federation actually does—from advocacy and security, to community programming, to supporting schools, camps, and vulnerable families. The conversation also addresses the changing climate for Jews in Canada, the rise in antisemitism post–October 7, and why collaboration and engagement are more important than ever. Whether you’re deeply involved in Jewish Calgary or just starting to reconnect, this episode offers clarity, direction, and inspiration. Jared's Podcast Recommendation - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/what-is-happening-here-canadaland-investigates/id1438924421 Don's Podcast Recommendation -https://youtu.be/O4m_EL9Dj2U?si=yzsAveqoIexhQVT7

    1h 14m

  11. 12/03/2025

    Episode 1 - Introducing: The Schmooze

    Welcome to the very first episode of The Schmooze — Calgary’s Jewish Community Podcast.In this intro, Don and Jared share why the show was created, what conversations they hope to spark, and how they plan to highlight the people, stories, challenges, and celebrations that shape Jewish life in Calgary. New episodes every week. Thanks for listening to Episode 1 — we’re just getting started.

    5 min
  • 11 Episodes

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 Schapira and Jared Shore
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Don Schapira and Jared Shore
  • Show Website
    The Schmooze

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