Hey GOLDA gang, we added a second screening of Influenced since Monday’s sold out. Join us tomorrow at 4:45 p.m. at the Quad Cinema for the film + my conversation with Jill Kargman after the screening. It’s the perfect weekend treat or pre-Mother’s Day outing—get your tickets here!
We just dropped the second episode of our new podcast GOLDA Girls, where my co-hosts Diana Fersko, Esther Chehebar, Gabby Deutch, and I talk Mother’s Day, bageling, and so much more. Jill Kargman joins the show to tackle an “Ask GOLDA” listener question about banning phones at bat mitzvahs, and we all offer our picks for something that’s Good for the Jews this week. Dayenu.
You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We’ll mail a GOLDA sticker to anyone who leaves us a rating + review. Send a screenshot to [email protected] along with your mailing address 💕.
On the podcast we talked about reclaiming the Jewish mother from unfair stereotypes, instead focusing on how strong and fearless Jewish mothers are (and, sadly, have to be). With that in mind, today’s Shabbat Shop is dedicated to all the amazing Jewish moms, aunts, bubbes, and savtas in our lives. Here are Mother’s Day gift recommendations from each of the GOLDA Girls.
I had the pleasure of attending an early screening of this moving documentary at NYC’s Angelika Film Center, where I got to interview filmmaker Yael Melamede afterwards. The film tells the story of Yael’s mother, the pioneering Israeli architect Ada Karmi Melamede, who designed iconic institutions like the Supreme Court building in Jerusalem and Ben Gurion Airport, but never really got her due. Melamede’s film spotlights and celebrates her 89-year-old mother’s legacy, while also probing the sacrifices it required, most notably when it came to her children. It’s a complicated, beautiful portrayal of a brilliant woman and the daughter who’s still trying to understand her. The film is getting a digital launch for Mother’s Day, and is available to rent online—or to be sent as a virtual gift—through May 13 on Kinema.
— Stephanie Butnick, host
For Mother's Day, fulfill the mitzvah of "kibbud (av v') em"—honoring your mother. Honoring our mothers is one of the Ten Commandments—it is a foundational behavior for creating a kind and just society. Giving honor to your mother is an obligation and also just a really nice thing to do. And it doesn't matter how you do it—a thoughtful card, flowers, or simply giving your mom some sincere acknowledgement of what she means to you all count. Take a moment and give the gift of kavod (respect/honor) to the one who created you.
— Rabbi Diana Fersko, co-host
Mother's Day is all about pampering the mothers in our lives, and yes, that's important. But what about indulging? One of my mom's lifelong loves is nachos—and she has never been disappointed by the ultimate high-class Mother's Day gift: Guy Fieri's Trash Can Nachos from Goldbelly. It's a delicious meal and an activity all in one. To all the moms with great taste, we celebrate you!
— Gabby Deutch, co-host
I’m willing to bet that your mom (or aunt, or bubbe, etc.) has a string of pearls gathering dust at the back of her jewelry drawer. Yes, they are precious and lovely, but they can be fussy and difficult to wear. Enter jewelry designer Marla Aaron, who will restring your old pearls and set them with gold loops compatible with her signature locks, which range from utilitarian rubber and silver carabiners to bejeweled baroque beauties. When she gets compliments from all her friends, you’ll know you’ve done good.
— Ariel Shapiro, executive producer
A subscription to Arielle Nir’s substack is the perfect Mother’s Day gift! Arielle’s recipes are bright and bursting with flavor. She pays homage to her Persian roots with everyday recipes that are equal parts unique and non-intimidating.
— Esther Chehebar, co-host
Nu Reads may be the presenting sponsor of GOLDA Girls, but we’re all genuinely obsessed with this book subscription service from the Jewish Book Council. Mom won’t just get incredible Jewish books delivered to doorstop, she’ll get access to exclusive events and a community built on a love of Jewish storytelling. Use code NuGolda at checkout for 15% off your subscription. We love a discount!
GOLDA Events
Saturday, May 9 — New York City: 4:45 p.m. GOLDA screening of Jill Kargman’s Influenced at Quad Cinema followed by a Q&A with Stephanie Butnick. Tickets here.
Monday, May 11 — New York City: [SOLD OUT] 7 p.m. GOLDA screening of Jill Kargman’s Influenced at Quad Cinema followed by a Q&A with Stephanie Butnick.
Wednesday, May 13 — New York City: Don’t miss the final conversation in the Unpacking the Book series: Love, Sex, and Jews: Writing Jewish Romance. I’ll be interviewing authors Dahlia Adler (Soon By You) and Lily Meyer (The End of Romance) at the Jewish Museum in partnership with Jewish Book Council, The Ripped Bodice, and GOLDA. Register here.
Wednesday, May 27 — New York City: Join GOLDA at The Harmonie Club for the kickoff event in our residency there: a night of conversation with some of my favorite authors, plus shopping and a book signing. GOLDA readers can join Harmonie members and their guests by signing up here.
Happy Jewish Mother’s Day!
Stay GOLDA,
Stephanie