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Praised for her music’s “vibrant rhythms” and “ethereal textures” (David Ludwig, Curtis Institute of Music), composer Suzanne Kosowitz’s artistic journeys have led her through periods of growth, trials, and self-discovery. Shaped by the experience of growing up Jewish in Perth, Australia, her music represents an intertwining of the development of her Jewish identity with her personal challenges and triumphs.This episode features Kosowitz’s compositions “Dot,” “Dance in Defiance,” “Eitz Chayim,” “A Light is Sown for the Pious,” and “The Partisans’ Song.” To hear more of her music and learn more about her, visit suzannekosowitz.com.

Growing up, Eliana Rubin's Jewish identity and theatrical identity developed in perpetual conflict. That all changed at URJ 6 Points Creative Arts Academy, a Jewish arts summer camp, where she has worked each summer since its opening in 2018. That environment sparked a burst of artistic energy, fueled by her electrifying realization of the potential that interpreting biblical text through the lens of theatre has to amplify her love of those aspects of her identity. This melding of these two worlds gave birth to her creation of a series of short theatrical interpretations of Torah portions. These Jewish musicals, or "Jewiscals," have become a vehicle through which Eliana guides campers at Creative Arts Academy through explorations of text, identity, character, and narrative.In this episode, Eliana discusses the origin and process of Jewiscals as well as their impact on her Jewish identity, thought processes, and professional trajectory. To learn more, visit elianashirarubin.com and follow her on Instagram @ElianaShiraRubin.

Although Israeli composer Bracha Bdil did not consider composition until she was in her 20s, she has since produced a prolific and acclaimed output. The winner of numerous international composition prizes, Bdil's Jewish works focus on biblical themes, Mediterraneanism, and the intersection of Holocaust and liturgy. Her music is evocative, intricate, and emotionally bold.In this episode, Bdil delineates how her history, spirituality, nationality, and faith commingle into a harmonious sense of self, rooted in her unique musical upbringing. To her more of hear music and learn more, visit brachabdil.blogspot.com.