The Sunday Simcha Radio Show

The Sunday Simcha Radio Show Sundays from 2-3 PM ET on WMNF Community Conscious Radio 88.5 FM Tampa Bay and globally at WMNF.org

Since 1980, The Sunday Simcha has featured Jewish entertainment, culture, and information with music from Jewish artists and communities around the globe, local Tampa Bay/Central Florida events and activities, news of Jewish culture, arts, and happenings from around the world, comedy, interviews, and weekly spiritual features. Our audience has an international listenership, both Jewish and non-Jew

ish. Among WMNF’s earliest programs after the station signed on air in 1979,The Jewish Sound (as originally named) was hosted by Oded Salpeter from 1980-1985. In 1986, when Oded took a similar position with WKAT-Miami, Mike Eisenstadt took over fully as programmer/host (after serving as a reporter/guest host frequently in the years prior), giving it the name by which it has been known since—The Sunday Simcha. Until his passing in 2005, Mike dedicated himself with whole heart to this program and to WMNF Radio as he brought news of the local Jewish community, Israel, and Jewish community worldwide and aired news and cultural features in addition to the range of Jewish music and comedy for which the program became well known. Rabbi Shalom Adler, Founder of Chabad/Young Israel of Pinellas County, brought listeners a recorded or live Weekly Dvar Torah—a tradition carried forward by his son, Rabbi Pinchas Adler, in a live interview each week. Kevin Frye and Shlomo (Steve) Schwersky served as hosts of The Sunday Simcha following Mike’s death. After Kevin’s untimely passing in 2016, Shlomo and daughter Jordyn Schwersky, co-hosted the program, dedicating themselves to giving Jewish news around the world and expanding the music library of the program. The two announced their plans to retire in spring 2019; Joy Katzen-Guthrie took over as host of the program beginning June 16, 2019. With an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary, Klezmer, Chassidic, Israeli, Yiddish, Ladino, Mizrachi, Liturgical, and a variety of Jewish folk, pop, and film music from artists around the globe, features include Milot Chochmah—Words of Wisdom—in which rabbis, cantors, and Jewish spiritual leaders from the Tampa Bay Region to share a Dvar Torah, personal insight or teaching. Programs are spiced with a touch of humor via A Bisl Freylichkayt—A Little Mirth. Community Kvell is a celebration of members of the local community, and The Kehillah Calendar provides events in the weeks ahead. We are grateful for your comments, suggestions, donations and for your ears! Join us weekly, hear our program in the weekly WMNF archive at https://www.wmnf.org/events/sunday-simcha/, and contact us any time at [email protected].

Shavua Tov, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners and Chanukah Sameach. This afternoon's program at 2 PM ET on WMNF C...
12/07/2025

Shavua Tov, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners and Chanukah Sameach. This afternoon's program at 2 PM ET on WMNF Community Radio 88.5 FM Tampa and globally at WMNF.org continues our joyous Chanukah musical celebration with both traditional and contemporary Chanukah songs from the voices of Kenny Ellis, Joe Buchanan and LIOR BEN-HUR, Thank you Hashem and Zusha, Static & Ben El with Israel Bidur, Kugelplex, Myriam Molinet & Muriel Hirschman, Di Naye Kapelye, Jonathan Stout and his Campus Five, feat. Hilary Alexander, Comunidad Bet El de México & Cantor Ari Litvak, Judy Frankel, Sarah Aroeste, Kyra Goldman, Ben Kweller, Ziv Breitbart, and Nehorah & Hadas with Netal Bracha Karni.

Last week's Chanukah season program and other past programs may be heard via the WMNF archive and in our Sunday Simcha Dropbox Archive at https://www.wmnf.org/events/sunday-simcha/. Listen to the Sunday Simcha every Sunday afternoon from 2-3 PM at WMNF Community Radio 88.5 FM Tampa and globally at https://www.wmnf.org/

God Bless, Am Yisrael Chai, a Joyous Chanukah and a good new year.

[Image credit: Hanukkah Around the World by Charles Fazzino, created in consultation with a Chabad-Lubavitcher Rabbi to represent Chanukah menorahs globally and to support Chabad of Monticello, NY | https://www.fazzino.com/gallery/lifestyle-art/chanukah-around-the-world/ ]

Shavua Tov, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners. This afternoon's program at 2 PM ET on WMNF Community Radio 88.5 F...
11/30/2025

Shavua Tov, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners. This afternoon's program at 2 PM ET on WMNF Community Radio 88.5 FM Tampa and globally at WMNF.org begins our Chanukah musical celebration with both traditional and contemporary Chanukah songs from the voices of Walk Off The Earth, The PS 22 Chorus, Ruth and Emilia, Deborah Sacks Mintz with Yosef Goldman & Chava Mirel, SONiA disappear fear, Arlene Frank, Rabbi Neal Katz, Yair Levi, Ari Aryeh Fraser, Peter, Paul and Mary, Yerachmiel, Flory Jagoda, Shulem, and The Marvelous Matzo Balls with Ellen Allard & Stacy Lowenheim Kelly.
Last week's Thanksgiving program and other past programs may be heard via the WMNF archive and in our Sunday Simcha Dropbox Archive at https://www.wmnf.org/events/sunday-simcha/. Listen to the Sunday Simcha is heard every Sunday afternoon from 2-3 PM at WMNF Community Radio 88.5 FM Tampa and globally at https://www.wmnf.org/

God Bless, Am Yisrael Chai, and Chanukah Sameach.

[Image credit: "Chanuka: The Feast of Lights," by Rabbi Isidore Meyers, The San Francisco Call, December 28, 1902]

Shavua Tov, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners. This afternoon's program at 2 PM ET on WMNF Community Radio 88.5 F...
11/23/2025

Shavua Tov, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners. This afternoon's program at 2 PM ET on WMNF Community Radio 88.5 FM Tampa and globally at WMNF.org celebrates Thanksgiving week with songs that express gratitude for our many blessings, featuring an eclectic and joyous collection of music by Yerachmiel, Soulfarm, Ha-Chalutzim (The Pioneers), Ellen Allard, Axum, Dave Tarras and His All Stars, Di Naye Kapelye, Shir, Hani Furstenberg and Itay Tiran, Ann Hills & David Roth, Jane Roman Pitt, and Alma Zohar.
You can hear last week's Thanksgiving program and other past programs in this week's WMNF archive and in our Sunday Simcha Dropbox Archive at https://www.wmnf.org/events/sunday-simcha/.

The Sunday Simcha is heard every Sunday afternoon from 2-3 PM at WMNF Community Radio Tampa and globally at WMNF.org. God Bless, Am Yisrael Chai, and wishing you a loving and joyous Thanksgiving celebration.

[Image credit: Thanks to Them, 2012 Israel Commemorative Stamp]

Shavua Tov, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners. This afternoon's program at 2 PM ET on WMNF Community Radio 88.5 F...
11/16/2025

Shavua Tov, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners. This afternoon's program at 2 PM ET on WMNF Community Radio 88.5 FM Tampa and globally at WMNF.org celebrates the Thanksgiving season with songs of gratitude, featuring the superb talents and incomparable voices of Nefesh Mountain, Yitzchak Fuchs, Ari Lesser, Shoshana Jedwab, The Pia-Karin Helsing Group, Ray Charles, Mel Tormé, Joseph Landau and Yosl and the Yingels, Frank London's Klezmer Brass Allstars, Mickey Katz, and Chazzan Ale Edelstein.

My deepest thanks to WMNF's Mango Groove host, Hari Koipallil, for hosting last week's wonderful Sunday Simcha—another beautiful program in his series dedicated to the musical and spiritually expressive collaborations between Jewish, Israeli, and Indian artists. Hear that program and other past programs in this week's WMNF archive and in our Sunday Simcha Dropbox Archive at https://www.wmnf.org/events/sunday-simcha/.

Hear us every Sunday afternoon from 2-3 PM at WMNF Community Radio Tampa and globally at WMNF.org.

God Bless, Am Yisrael Chai, and much love always.

[Image credit: October-November is the olive harvesting season in Israel. Photo by Couleur, Pixabay, Used by permission. https://pixabay.com/users/couleur-1195798/]

Shavua Tov, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners. November is Mizrahi Heritage Month, and on this afternoon's progra...
11/02/2025

Shavua Tov, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners. November is Mizrahi Heritage Month, and on this afternoon's program from 2-3 PM ET on WMNF Community Radio 88.5 FM Tampa and globally at WMNF.org, Joy Katzen-Guthrie will celebrate the rich heritage of music inspired by the heritage, history, and traditions of Mizrahi (Middle Eastern and Mediterranean) Jews. You will hear the voices of Nurit Galron, Moshav, Samuel Torjman Thomas, Din Din Aviv and Leah Shabat, Ofri Eliaz, Glykeria and Shlomi Shabat, Gilad Segev, Light in Babylon, Reuven Garber and Derech Achim, Zehava Ben, Yair Levi, Shaina Ettel, and Yehoshua Limoni.

Last week's music representing elements of Parashat Noach—the story of Noah, the Flood and the aftermath, as well as other past programs may be downloaded via our Sunday Simcha Dropbox Archive at https://www.wmnf.org/events/sunday-simcha/.

Next Sunday's program will be hosted by Hari, the host of WMNF's Mango Groove. His programs are a creative exploration of the collaborations between Jewish and Indian artists and music, and I hope you will listen to Hari next week at 2PM.

We again want to thank you for unprecedented support from the Tampa Bay community and worldwide to our Fall Fund Drive and for bringing The Sunday Simcha above goal for this campaign. We are deeply thankful to all who have supported our program and Jewish music for 45 years and counting.

God Bless, Am Yisrael Chai, and much love always.
[Image credit: Mizrahi Jews, vox.com]

On this afternoon's Sunday Simcha Radio Show from 2-3 PM EDT on WMNF Community Radio 88.5 FM Tampa and globally at WMNF....
10/26/2025

On this afternoon's Sunday Simcha Radio Show from 2-3 PM EDT on WMNF Community Radio 88.5 FM Tampa and globally at WMNF.org, Joy Katzen-Guthrie will bring profound music to bring to life elements of Parashat Noach—the story of Noah, the Flood and the aftermath from Genesis, which we read during this weekend's Shabbat. It's an inspiring collection of music by Deva Premal and Miten, Jacob Spike Kraus, Sasha Dawe, Sivan Talmor, Peter Yarrow, Yoav Elkin, Elana Jagoda, The Levins, Benaia Barabi, Noel Paul Stookey, and MahTovu.

We again want to thank you for the unprecedented support from the Tampa Bay community and worldwide to our Fall Fund Drive. The outpouring of love that has followed the rescinding of both state and federal funding for WMNF Community Radio has been breathtaking and uplifting for every one of us at WMNF. Last week, we announced that our show had come in a few hundred dollars below its goal. A number of you stepped up over this past week to bring us over our goal. We are so grateful to all who have supported our program and Jewish music for 45 years and counting.

Last week's tribute to women's voices of Israel and honoring the 35th yahrtzeit of Leonard Bernstein as well as all our past programs may be downloaded via our Sunday Simcha Dropbox Archive at https://www.wmnf.org/events/sunday-simcha/

God Bless, Am Yisrael Chai, and much love always.

[Image credit: Photo by Cindy Lever, Pixabay, Used by permission. https://pixabay.com/users/cleverpix-2508959/]

On this afternoon's Sunday Simcha Radio Show from 2-3 PM EDT on WMNF Community Radio 88.5 FM Tampa and globally at WMNF....
10/19/2025

On this afternoon's Sunday Simcha Radio Show from 2-3 PM EDT on WMNF Community Radio 88.5 FM Tampa and globally at WMNF.org, Joy Katzen-Guthrie will bring you a tribute to Israeli women's voices of song as well as honoring the 35th yahrtzeit of Leonard Bernstein. You'll hear the voices of Ariel Root Wolpe, Ilanit, Hadassah Sigalov, Nechama Hendel, Ronit Ophir, Netanela, and compositions by the poet Rakhel, Chana Senesh, and Leah Goldberg among others. You'll also hear spectacular Hebrew choral compositions by Bernstein.

My deepest thanks to Laura Taylor, host of WMNF’s Surface Noise, and Hari Krishna, host of WMNF’s Mango Groove, for hosting last week’s fund drive program as I was unable to be with you in studio, but joined part of the program live via Zoom. I thank them for all their kind remarks about me and my contribution to this program, and I want to thank all of you who generously donated to our Fall Fund Drive.

The results of WMNF's Fall Fund Drive were spectacular, with an unprecedented support from the community for this station. For the Sunday Simcha, we came short of our goal by several hundred dollars, but received generous donations from many. I appeal to those who were unable to hear last week’s program and donate during our fund drive to make a donation of any amount to bring us to our goal this week. Please visit WMNF.org, click the Support, select SIM from the drop down menu, and make a donation to show your support of this program and Jewish music.

There are marvelous thank you gifts available in return for donations of varying amounts that you can view as you make your donation. Or call the business office tomorrow or during the week at 813-238-8001 and make a donation via phone if you prefer. I’d be so grateful if you’ll bring us to our goal and show that you love this program and support Jewish artists around the world. And I thank everyone who donated to our Fall Fund Drive and who has supported The Sunday Simcha and WMNF over the 45 years of this program’s existence.

Last week's fund drive program and all of our past programs may be heard via our Sunday Simcha Dropbox Archive at https://www.wmnf.org/events/sunday-simcha/

God Bless, Am Yisrael Chai, and a beautiful Fall season and celebration of the return of our beloved hostages.

Shavua Tov, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners and Chag Sameach—a beautiful remainder of Sukkot and a joyous Simch...
10/12/2025

Shavua Tov, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners and Chag Sameach—a beautiful remainder of Sukkot and a joyous Simchat Torah. On today's Sunday Simcha at 2-3PM ET on WMNF Community Radio 88.5 FM Tampa and globally at WMNF.org, Laura Taylor, Hari of the Mango Groove, and Joy Katzen-Guthrie reach out to you as part of our Fall Fund Drive.

There's plenty of joyous music for Simchat Torah as we appeal to you for your donations in this especially important time to support community radio after all federal and state funding were rescinded earlier this year. The Sunday Simcha is a one-of-a-kind program in our area and one of only a few programs nationally that are entirely devoted to Jewish music and culture remaining on our airwaves. Now in our 45th year on WMNF, we have been graciously and generously supported by you all of these years and particularly request your support at this critical time.

Please listen from 2-3 PM today, enjoy the joyous music we feature for Simchat Torah, and become a member of WMNF's Circle of Friends ($5 or more per month), the Sunday Simcha's Circle of Chai ($18 or more per month), or make any pledge you are able to give during today's program by callin in at 813-239-9663 and donating in honor of the Sunday Simcha. Or visit WMNF Listener-Supported Radio at https://www.wmnf.org/ and click the Support menu to give in honor of the Sunday Simcha (select SIM from the drop-down menu) and select a premium gift in return for your donation if you desire — they are many wonderful choices.

Last week’s beautiful program of music for Sukkot remains in our archives through today until after this week's program at at https://www.wmnf.org/events/sunday-simcha/, and may be heard with other past programs via our Sunday Simcha Dropbox Archive at https://www.wmnf.org/events/sunday-simcha/ .

Hear us every Sunday afternoon from 2-3 PM at WMNF Community Radio Tampa and globally at WMNF.org.

Wishing you a loving and inspiring year ahead and a swift return of hostages and well being for the entire Middle East.

Am Yisrael Chai and God Bless.

Shalom, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners and Shanah Tovah u’Metukah – a good and sweet year — and Chag Sameach –...
10/04/2025

Shalom, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners and Shanah Tovah u’Metukah – a good and sweet year — and Chag Sameach – a festive Sukkot.

On this week’s program (Sun., Oct. 5 from 2-3 PM EDT on WMNF Community Radio 88.5 FM Tampa and globally at WMNF.org), Joy Katzen-Guthrie brings music for Sukkot, which begins at sunset this Monday, October 6. This week’s program features the music and voices of Allegra Levy with Carmen Staaf, Alex Goodman, and Tim Norton, Hibbat Hapiyut, Hanan Yovel, The Israel Piyut Project with Lior Elmaleh, Michael Peretz and Uriel Shay, Ruhama Raz, Sarah Aroeste, Oshy Tugendhaft, Soulfarm with Sari Greenberg, SoulAviv, The Levins, Ariel Darmon, and Lenka Lichtenberg.

Last week’s program of music for Yom Kippur remains in our archives through today until after this week's program at at https://www.wmnf.org/events/sunday-simcha/, and may be heard with other past programs via our Sunday Simcha Dropbox Archive at https://www.wmnf.org/events/sunday-simcha/ .

Hear us every Sunday afternoon from 2-3 PM at WMNF Community Radio Tampa and globally at WMNF.org.

Am Yisrael Chai and God Bless.

Shalom, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners and G'mar Chatimah Tovah—may you be sealed for a good year. This aftern...
09/28/2025

Shalom, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners and G'mar Chatimah Tovah—may you be sealed for a good year. This afternoon's program at 2 PM ET on WMNF Community Radio 88.5 FM Tampa and globally at WMNF.org, will continue melodic themes and prayers of the High Holy Days as I present music for Yom Kippur, which begins at sunset this Wednesday evening.

This afternoon's beautiful program of Yom Kippur music will feature the voices of Judith Kate-Friedman and Laura Berkson, Cantor Netanel Hershtik, Cantor Lois Welber, Cantor Dr. Avrom Alter, Cantor Yossele Rosenblatt, Cantor Azi Schwartz, Cantor Ben-Zion Schenker, Cantor Avremi Roth, Cantor Ari Litvak and Comunidad Bet El de México, Comunidad Amijai of Buenos Aires, Cantor Roslyn Barak, Cantor Natalie Young, and SONiA disappear fear.

Last week’s program of music for High Holy Days remains in our archives through today until after this week's program at at https://www.wmnf.org/events/sunday-simcha/, and may be heard with other past programs via our Sunday Simcha Dropbox Archive at https://www.wmnf.org/events/sunday-simcha/ .

Hear us every Sunday afternoon from 2-3 PM at WMNF Community Radio Tampa and globally at WMNF.org.

My dear friend, colleague, and co-host Myrna Wolf pictured here leaves this week for Delaware to join her family. I know her future journeys will be beautiful—and I will miss her more than words can express. Safe travels and much joy with your family in the many years ahead, my dear friend. You have been a beautiful presence on The Sunday Simcha and I hope you will join me on the air again whenever you return to Tampa.

Deepest love, fulfillment, and goodwill in the year ahead.
Am Yisrael Chai and God Bless.

Shanah Tovah u'Metukah. A good and sweet, fulfilling and uplifting, healthful and vibrant year.
09/22/2025

Shanah Tovah u'Metukah. A good and sweet, fulfilling and uplifting, healthful and vibrant year.

Shalom, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners and Shanah Tovah u'Metukah—a good and sweet year ahead. This afternoon'...
09/21/2025

Shalom, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners and Shanah Tovah u'Metukah—a good and sweet year ahead. This afternoon's program with Joy Katzen-Guthrie at 2 PM ET on WMNF Community Radio 88.5 FM Tampa and globally at WMNF.org, will continue melodic themes and prayers of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur—the Days of Awe, the Jewish high holy days, which begin at sunset tomorrow (Monday, September 22nd). This afternoon's program will feature the voices of Joni Klein-Higger, Comunidad Bet El de México, Naama and Nahum Nardi, Julie Geller, Hazzan Yisroel Willinger, Hazzan Benjamin Z. Maissner, Yerachmiel and Einat Biron, Hazzan Alberto Mizrahi, Rachel Weinstock, Benzion Schenker and Admorei Bais Modzitz, Neshama Carlebach, Dan Nichols and Eighteen, and Shiri Maimon.

Last week’s program of September 14th remains in our archives through today until after this week's program at at https://www.wmnf.org/events/sunday-simcha/, featuring guest host Hari Koipallil, host of WMNF's Mango Groove program that follows ours on Sundays, with music of the High Holy Days from India and world Jewish artists inspired by the music and culture of India. That program and all past programs may be heard and downloaded via our Sunday Simcha Dropbox Archive at https://www.wmnf.org/events/sunday-simcha/

Hear us every Sunday afternoon from 2-3 PM at WMNF Community Radio Tampa and globally at WMNF.org.

We send our deepest love and prayers for lasting peace and well being. G’mar Chatimah Tovah—May you and yours be sealed for a good year in the Book of Life. Am Yisrael Chai and God Bless.

[Image credit: Vintage Rosh HaShanah greeting cards]

Sources: https://blog.cjh.org/index.php/2023/08/28/new-years-cards-yum/ | https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/arts-letters/articles/happy-rosh-hashanah-israel | https://momentmag.com/vintage-jewish-new-year-cards/ | https://www.boweryboyshistory.com/2014/09/happy-rosh-hashanah-images-of-jewish.html

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