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 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

Shalom, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners. This Sunday afternoon's program (Sept 14th from 2-3 PM EDT on WMNF Com...
09/12/2025

Shalom, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners. This Sunday afternoon's program (Sept 14th from 2-3 PM EDT on WMNF Community Radio 88.5 FM Tampa and globally at WMNF.org) is hosted by Hari Koipallil, host of WMNF's Mango Groove program that follows ours on Sundays, with more beautiful collaborations between Jewish artists and the music and culture of India —including music of the High Holy Days from India.

Rosh HaShanah begins with sunset on Monday, Sept 22nd, with S'lichot tomorrow evening, Sat., Sept 13th. Our music through September will carry forward the melodic and prayer themes of the High Holy Days.

Last week’s program of September 7th remains in our archives through this Sunday until after this week's program, featuring music by Beth Schafer, Pumpidisa, Eitan Katz, Zusha, The Portnoy Brothers, Laurie Akers, Josh Goldberg and Shira Fox, Soulfarm, Cantor Azi Schwartz, Rabbi Menachem Creditor, Yonatan Razel and The Razel Family, Lana Ross & Andrei Krylov. 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. Shanah Tovah u’metukah — a Good and Sweet Year to you and yours. Am Yisrael Chai and God Bless.

[Image credit: Israel-India 2025 Joint Issue Stamps commemorating the Hindi festival of Holi and the Jewish festival of Purim, both of which fell on the date of March 13-14, 2025]

Shalom, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners. This afternoon's music (Sun., August 31, from 2-3 PM EDT on WMNF Commu...
09/07/2025

Shalom, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners. This afternoon's music (Sun., August 31, from 2-3 PM EDT on WMNF Community Radio 88.5 FM Tampa and globally at WMNF.org), carries forward the melodic themes and prayers of the High Holy Days with inspiring music by Beth Schafer, Pumpidisa, Eitan Katz, Zusha, The Portnoy Brothers, Laurie Akers, Josh Goldberg and Shira Fox, Soulfarm, Cantor Azi Schwartz, Rabbi Menachem Creditor, Yonatan Razel and Razel Family, Lana Ross & Andrei Krylov.

Rosh HaShanah begins with sunset Monday, Sept 22nd, with S'lichot this Saturday evening, Sept 13th. Hari Koipallil, host of the Mango Groove program that follows ours on Sundays, will again host our program on Sept 14th, with more beautiful collaborations between Jewish artists and the music and culture of India —including music of the High Holy Days from India on that program.

Last week’s program of musical themes of the High Holy Days, including music by Groyse Metsie, RebbeSoul and Shlomit Levi, Maria Katz with Evgeny Boretz and Andrey Makarevich, Chava Mirel, Moshe Denburg and Tzimmes, Ishay Ribo, Beth Hamon, Yagel Haroush & Ensemble Shir Yedidot, and Hazzan David Propis, remains in our archive until after today's broadcast, and 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. Shanah Tovah u’metukah — a Good and Sweet Year to you and yours. Am Yisrael Chai and God Bles

[Image credit: Shana Tova from 1930s Tel Aviv. A greeting card depicting Dizengoff Square, named for Zina Dizengoff, the first lady of the first Hebrew city. https://blog.nli.org.il/shana_tova/]

Shalom, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners. Our music this afternoon (Sun., August 31, from 2-3 PM EDT on WMNF Com...
08/31/2025

Shalom, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners. Our music this afternoon (Sun., August 31, from 2-3 PM EDT on WMNF Community Radio 88.5 FM Tampa and globally at WMNF.org), and for the next several weeks is devoted to the melodic themes and prayers of the High Holy Days. This afternoon's program is hosted by Joy Katzen-Guthrie and features inspiring music by Groyse Metsie, RebbeSoul and Shlomit Levi, Maria Katz with Evgeny Boretz and Yiddish Jazz with Andrey Makarevich, Chava Mirel, Moshe Denburg and Tzimmes, Ishay Ribo, Beth Hamon, Yagel Haroush & Ensemble Shir Yedidot, and Hazzan David Propis.

Rosh HaShanah begins with sunset Monday, September 22nd. I am delighted that Hari Koipallil, host of the Mango Groove program that follows ours on Sundays, will again host our program on Sept 14th, with more beautiful collaborations between Jewish artists and the music and culture of India —including music of the High Holy Days from India on that program.

Last week’s program of country and bluegrass inspired Jewish music artists, including selections by Jane Bordeaux, Aaron Markovitz, Nefesh Mountain, Moshav, Joe Buchanan, Soulfarm, Gilad Brounstein, and Mare Winningham remains in our archive until after today's broadcast, and that program and all past programs may be heard 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.

Shanah Tovah u’metukah — a Good and Sweet Year to you and yours — and G’mar Chatimah Tovah—May you be sealed for a good year in the Book of Life. Am Yisrael Chai and God Bless.

[Image credits: Reconstruction of Gwoździec Synagogue, Poland (today Ukraine) (ca 1652) bimah on display in Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw. Photos by Pudelek and Magdalena Starowieyska & Dariusz Golik, Creative Commons. The original synagogue was twice destroyed: first by fire during the Russian Front in WWI and the rebuilt synagogue destroyed by the N***s in WWII.]

Shalom, sweet The Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners. On this afternoon's program (Sun., August 24, from 2-3 PM EDT on W...
08/24/2025

Shalom, sweet The Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners. On this afternoon's program (Sun., August 24, from 2-3 PM EDT on WMNF Community Radio 88.5 FM Tampa and globally at WMNF.org), in response to requests for country and bluegrass inspired Jewish music artists, Joy Katzen-Guthrie brings some of the best of those gifted artists, including selections by Jane Bordeaux, Aaron Markovitz, Nefesh Mountain, Moshav, Joe Buchanan, Soulfarm, Gilad Brounstein, and Mare Winningham. Tune in today from 2-3 PM live on WMNF as well as in our archive throughout the week.

Last week’s program of music by composers with August birthdays includes music by Jerome Moross, David Raksin, David Janeway, Louis Armstrong, Alan Jay Lerner and Leonard Bernstein, with additional performances by Allegra Levy, Polly Bergen, Julie London, Beverly Kenney, and Linda Eder. It remains in our archive until after today's broadcast, and all past programs may be heard via our Sunday Simcha Dropbox Archive at https://www.wmnf.org/events/sunday-simcha/

In the weeks ahead, we'll bring you music in preparation for the High Holy Days. Rosh HaShanah begins with sunset Monday, September 22nd. We are delighted that Hari, host of the Mango Groove that follows our program, will again host The Sunday Simcha on Sept 14th with beautiful collaborations between Jewish artists and the music and culture of India —including music of the High Holy Days from India on that program.

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. Am Yisrael Chai and God Bless.

[Image credit: MissWhimseyArt by Lynda Smith from Pixabay. Used by permission]

Shalom, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners. This afternoon's program (Sunday, August 17) at 2-3 PM EDT on WMNF Com...
08/17/2025

Shalom, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners. This afternoon's program (Sunday, August 17) at 2-3 PM EDT on WMNF Community Radio 88.5 FM Tampa and globally at WMNF.org celebrates stellar musical artists whose birthdays fall in the month of August, including scores of film and Broadway Jerome Moross, David Raksin, James Horner, Leonard Bernstein, Alan Jay Lerner, and the music of Louis Armstrong. Additionally, Joy Katzen-Guthrie will share oustanding music by Irving Berlin & Duke Ellington from brand-new releases by jazz artists Allegra Levy and David Janeway.

Our deepest thanks to Hari Koipallil, host of WMNF's "Mangro Groove" program that follows ours on Sunday afternoons, for presenting another outstanding program last Sunday highlighting the collaboration of musical styles between Jewish, Israeli, and Indian artists. Jews and the communities of India that has existed for more than two millennia. If you missed that program or wish to hear it again and again, you can hear it and all past programs via our Sunday Simcha Dropbox Archive linked from our online page 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.

Am Yisrael Chai and God Bless

Shavua Tov, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners. This afternoon's program (Sunday, August 10) at 2-3 PM on WMNF Com...
08/10/2025

Shavua Tov, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners. This afternoon's program (Sunday, August 10) at 2-3 PM on WMNF Community Radio 88.5 FM Tampa and globally at WMNF.org will again feature guest host Hari Koipallil, who hosts WMNF's "Mangro Groove" program that follows ours.

Hari will bring a second program highlighting the collaboration of musical styles between Jewish, Israeli, and Indian artists. Jews and the communities of India that has existed for more than two millennia. Tune in this afternoon from 2-3 PM live on WMNF as well as in our archive throughout the week.

Last week's program remains in our archive until after this Sunday's broadcast, and all past programs may be heard via our Sunday Simcha Dropbox Archive linked from our online page at https://www.wmnf.org/events/sunday-simcha/. Myrna Wolf joined Joy Katzen-Guthrie in the studio last week as she prepares for travels to visit her family in the Northeast and to the Southeast Florida region to visit dear friends where she lived before settling in the Tampa Bay area. Though we said l'hitraot to Myrna last week and wish her much joy in her travels, we hope she will be returning to host programs when she is in our area. We'll be keeping you updated.

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.

Am Yisrael Chai and God Bless.

[Image Credit: 1968 India postage stamp and first day cover commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Cochin Synagogue and historic Jewish community in Cochin, Kerala, with roots dating back 2,000 years.]

Shalom, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners. On today's Tisha B'Av program (Sunday, August 3rd, 2-3 PM EDT on WMNF ...
08/03/2025

Shalom, sweet Sunday Simcha Radio Show listeners. On today's Tisha B'Av program (Sunday, August 3rd, 2-3 PM EDT on WMNF Community Radio), Myrna Wolf joins Joy Katzen-Guthrie in the studio for the last time as co-host of The Sunday Simcha before leaving Florida to join her children and grandchildren in the Northeast. Please be with us as I say l’hitraot to Myrna and wish her much fulfillment on this next journey. Today's all a-capella program in observance of this day of fasting includes Kinnot and chants for Tisha B'Av, Yerushalayim, and commemoration.

Past programs may be heard via our Sunday Simcha Dropbox Archive at https://www.wmnf.org/events/sunday-simcha/, including last week's wonderful interview with our guests in the studio, singer-songwriter-producers Guy Ohayon and Neta Bar-El, who shared music from their ensemble JABAN and sang live in the studio as well. It was a beautiful and diverse multi-language musical program with heartfelt themes of human discovery and emotion. Guy and Neta have returned now to Israel, but we look forward to having them back in the studio with us the next time they visit family in Florida. The program can be heard via our streaming archive as well as through our Dropbox Archive linked from the Sunday Simcha page.

Hear The Sunday Simcha live every Sunday afternoon from 2-3 PM at WMNF Community Radio Tampa and globally at WMNF.org, as well as from our archive throughout the week.

We send our deepest love. Am Yisrael Chai and God Bless.

[Image Credit: (L) Fast of Ab Wood engraving from The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine, Jan 1892, and (R) text from Eichah, the Book of Lamentations, chanted on Tisha B'Av in memory of the destruction of the Temples of Jerusalem and other tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people over the course of history. https://lifeofthesynagogue.charleston.edu/section/6-fasts-festivals/tisha-bav-new-york-city/]

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