In this episode of Jewish Action: The Podcast, Rabbi Gil Student speaks with Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman, founding director of the OU Women’s Initiative, about one of the Fall 2025 issue’s most buzzed-about articles. The conversation opens with the now-viral “cantorial controversy,” when Jewish Action accidentally printed the sheet music for We Wish You a Merry Christmas in an article about High Holiday chazanus. What began as an embarrassing oversight became an unexpected opportunity to reflect on mistakes, apologies, and humor in the season of teshuvah.
From there, Gil and Adina turn to the larger questions at the heart of the article: how has the synagogue soundscape shifted from the grandeur of classical chazanus to more participatory styles of prayer, and what do we gain—and lose—in the process? Along the way they explore nusach, nigunim, silence, and the tension between performance and participation.
Don’t forget to follow, rate and share this episode!
Host Rabbi Gil Student is joined by Rabbi Yisrael Motzen (Ne’er Tamid; Assistant to the OU EVPs; Director, Kol Echad) to unpack two standout pieces from the Summer 2025 issue of Jewish Action.
Part 1 — Rebbetzin Tobi Kaplan:
Beyond the legend of Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan zt”l is the remarkable story of his wife, Rebbetzin Tobi Kaplan—from the Mississippi Delta to Boro Park—whose hospitality, editing help, and unwavering partnership powered his prolific impact.
Part 2 — “Living with Dementia”:
Through Wally Klatch’s first-person reflection, we explore humility, identity, and gratitude in the face of cognitive decline—what’s lost, what opens up, and how Jewish sources help us honor and support loved ones with dignity.
Themes we cover
What makes a rebbetzin’s partnership essential—and viable—today
Production vs. charisma: why clear Torah thinking wins
Memory, identity, and kavod: shattered luchos and respecting a talmid chacham who forgot his learning
Gratitude (Modim) as a daily practice—and a path through hard times
Why support groups matter, Jewish and general
Also mentioned: A teaser of the Fall 2025 issue: Building a Community—profiles of people who moved in and made an outsized impact.
Listen & subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.
Read the Summer 2025 issue at jewishaction.com.
Welcome to the Jewish Action Podcast, the official podcast of Jewish Action Magazine from the Orthodox Union. Join Rabbi Gil Student, Director of Jewish Media, Publications, and Editorial Communications at the OU, as he sits down with thought leaders and community voices to explore the issues shaping the Jewish world.
In this episode, Rabbi Student is joined by Rebbetzin Emma Katz, Rebbetzin of Congregation Anshei Chesed in Linden, New Jersey, and Community Program Coordinator for the OU Women’s Initiative. Together, they dive into the Summer 2025 issue of Jewish Action, focusing on two powerful themes:
20 years since the Disengagement from Gush Katif – reflecting on trauma, resilience, and the role of faith in recovery.
Voices of Valor – profiling extraordinary women like Meira K and Adina Fernandez (the “Now Jewish Nanny”) who are using their platforms to advocate for Israel and inspire Jewish pride.
Get a sneak peek at our first episode with Rebetzin Emma Katz!