Renia Spiegel was born in 1924 to Jewish family living in southeastern Poland in the former land of Galicia.. At the start of 1939 Renia began a diary. “I just want a friend. I want somebody to talk to about my everyday worries and joys. Somebody who would feel what I feel, who would believe me, who would never reveal my secrets - a diary.” And so …

Entrepreneur and life-long genealogy enthusiast Bennett Greenspan founded Family Tree DNA in 2000. Family Tree DNA was the first company in the world to develop DNA testing for ancestry and genealogical purposes into a commercial business. The Y chromosome test, the company's original product, started the Direct To Consumer genetics testing revolut…

Nolan Altman was bitten by the “genealogy bug” when he was inspired to write his family history in 1996 in memory of his mother. After making use of the valuable information on JewishGen, he volunteered to do data entry on various projects. In time, he was asked to become the Coordinator for JewishGen’s Holocaust Database and subsequently the Coord…

We are very excited to present to the community this most interesting conversation between the noted author, educator, editor, publisher and award winning genealogist, Arthur Kurzweil with Gesher Galicia President, Steven Turner. Those of you who were able to attend the gala at the IAJGS in Philadelphia know what a privilege it is to listen to Arth…

The Galicia Jewish Museum exists to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust and celebrate the Jewish culture of Galicia, presenting Jewish history from a new perspective. An innovative and unique institution, it is located in Kazimierz, the Jewish district of Kraków. Jacek studied history as well as Jewish history and culture at the Jagiellonian U…

David and Miriam discuss the timeless Jewish questions Joshua Harmon asks in his new play PRAYER FOR THE FRENCH REPUBLIC. More about David Winitsky and the Jewish Plays Project: https://jewishplaysproject.org/ Find out more about PRAYER FOR THE FRENCH REPUBLIC: https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/shows/2023-24-season/prayer-for-the-french-republic…

Nia and Miriam explore the physical and emotional landscapes of New York City in Alicia Keys' new musical, HELL'S KITCHEN. More about Nia Akilah Robinson: https://www.niaakilahrobinson.com/ Find out more about HELL'S KITCHEN https://publictheater.org/productions/season/2324/hells-kitchen/ You already know about Alicia Keys (but just in case)! https…

Welcome back to Theater Practice, Season 3! Susan Bernfield is back! Join the conversation as Miriam and Suan find unexpected depth and beauty in this joyful, uplifting Broadway musical. Listen to Susan on our LEOPOLDSTADT episode:https://www.buzzsprout.com/1880898/11525837-203-leopoldstadt-by-tom-stoppard-susan-bernfield.mp3?download=true Find out…

We are very excited to present to the community this most interesting conversation between Jennifer Mendelsohn and Adina Newman of the DNA Reunion Project at the Center for Jewish History with Gesher Galicia President, Steven Turner. Jennifer and Adina together with the CJH organized this project to help reunite families separated by the Holocaust.…

Our conversation with Susan Bernfield about LEOPOLDSTADT by Tom Stoppard was our most popular episode this season. So, we thought you might be interested in this interview with Aaron Neil who plays Ernest from our friends at "Unorthodox, the World's Leading Jewish Podcast". The whole episode is great but if you want to jump right to Aaron, his segm…

From the howling coyote to the gentle roomba, T. and Miriam dive into the ways WET BRAIN moved and terrified them.By Miriam Weiner

On Yom Hashoah we remember our sacred martyrs killed by the Nazis and their collaborators. One of the reasons they were able to kill so many is because Jews trying to flee the impending catastrophe had no place that would accept them. Just as war was breaking out and the Jewish plight became more desperate, Great Britain closed the gates of Palesti…

We are very excited to present to the community this most interesting conversation between Jenna Augen and Gesher Galicia President, Steven Turner about Tom Stoppard's hit show Leopoldstadt currently on Broadway. Jenna plays the parts of Wilma and Rosa. Jenna’s bio from the Playbill. JENNA AUGEN (Wilma/Rosa). Theatre includes: Leopoldstadt (Wyndham…

Jason and Miriam describe how visiting The Jungle, currently playing at St. Ann's Warehouse, has changed their perceptions of refugee camps.By Miriam Weiner

Madeline and Miriam discuss Lloyd Suh's haunting play The Far Country, currently running at Atlantic Theater Company. For more information about Madeline Sayet and her show Where We Belong check out her website: https://www.madelinesayet.com Find out more about The Far Country and Atlantic Theater Company: https://atlantictheater.org/production/the…

We are very excited to present to the community this most interesting conversation between Tony Kahane and Andrew Zalewski, two recently retired members of our Board. Tony is the Immediate Past Research Coordinator, Past President/Chair of Gesher Galicia and was the Chair of the Gesher Galicia/AGAD symposium. Andrew is the Immediate Past Vice Presi…

Susan and Miriam discuss Tom Stoppard's personal and epic play Leopoldstadt, currently running on Broadway.By Miriam Weiner

In conversation with Gesher Galicia President, Dr. Steven S. Turner. Andrew Zalewski is past vice president of Gesher Galicia and a frequent speaker at meetings of Jewish genealogical societies and cultural and academic institutions in the US and abroad. His interests and writings have focused on Jewish cultural transformation, educational access, …

Kate and Miriam contemplate Will Arbery's mysterious and heart-opening play, Corsicana currently running at Playwrights Horizons.By Miriam Weiner

Jesse and Miriam discuss Lileana Blain-Cruz's lively, expansive production of Skin of Our Teeth at Lincoln Center Theater.By Miriam Weiner

Dr. Steven S. Turner and Ms. Darcy Stamler, President of and Treasurer of Gesher Galicia respectively in conversation with Mr. Igor Perelman, secular leader of the Ivano-Frankivsk Jewish Community and Ms. Tetiana Yavirnytska of Nadvirna, Ukraine. Igor was recently the victim of a stabbing attack while handing out food parcels bought with aid from t…

Dr. Steven S. Turner, President of Gesher Galicia in conversation with Marla and Jay Osborn of Rohatyn Jewish Heritage, residents of Lviv, currently stuck in California on the situation in Ukraine. We apologize for the echo from Steven Turner's microphone during questioning. That was not evident during the conversation but showed up in the recordin…

Recorded 2/24/22 at 19:00 Ukrainian Time A discussion between Gesher Galicia President, Steven S. Turner, Treasurer Darcy Stamler and tour guide and genealogy researcher Alex Denisenko on what it feels like to be living in Ukraine today during a Russian invasion. Any questions or comments please write to [email protected]. To join Gesher Galic…

A discussion between Gesher Galicia President Steven S. Turner, Treasurer Darcy Stamler and tour guide and genealogy researcher Alex Denisenko on what it feels like to be living in Ukraine today with the threat of war from Russia. Any questions or comments please write to [email protected]. To join Gesher Galicia click here.…

Listen to Erica and Miriam discuss Almeida Theatre's production of Hymn.By Miriam Weiner

Listen to Latrice and Miriam dig into this complex, gripping theatrical event presented by Woolly Mammoth.By Miriam Weiner

Casey and Miriam discuss this funny, heartbreaking piece presented by Actors Theatre of Louisville.By Miriam Weiner

Jenny and Miriam consider this elegant, beautifully crafted piece produced by Ma-Yi Studios in association with Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival.By Miriam Weiner

Welker and Miriam attend live theater for the first time since the pandemic lockdown and afterward relish their discussion of Enemy of the People commissioned by Park Avenue Armory.By Miriam Weiner

Host Miriam Weiner and Director Diana Yanez discuss what “Theater Practice” is all about. Don’t worry about being right or wrong, don’t worry if you’ve seen the show, these conversations will help you see theater in a new way.By Miriam Weiner