After a High Holiday episode full of congregational kvetching, Rabbi Raphael Leban and Howard Wedgle head to BMH-BJ to hear the other side of the story — from the people who make synagogue life actually happen. Their guest, Executive Director Ilene Rosen, pulls back the curtain on the chaos, joy, and occasional coughing fits that come with hosting hundreds of Jews on the holiest days of the year. How do you keep smiling when everyone’s complaining about the temperature? Tune in for this special behind-the-scenes look at the art of staying gracious through the greatest of kvetches.

Rosh Hashanah is around the corner—Rabbi Raphael Leban and Howard Wedgle dive into the ultimate holiday kvetching session: temperature wars, synagogue seating drama, fashion critiques, marathon sermons, shofar bloopers, and more. With humor and heart, they remind us the Days of Awe are about blessings, not complaints.

This week Rabbi Leban & Howard sit down with Denver’s own barber, community leader, and Shabbat House founder Abo Simonov.

From hysterical moments at the Wine & Cheese Gala (priceless, but not that priceless), to the unique challenges of navigating politics, personal kvetches, and respect in the barbershop chair—this episode is full of laughter, stories, and insights. Abo shares his journey from Tajikistan to Israel to America, how he holds space for all kinds of people in his shop, and the powerful message that respect can go “not 100%, but a million percent.”

Kvetch responsibly—because even in a haircut, there’s wisdom (and humor) to be found.

Tune in now—this cut’s worth the kvetch! 🎧