A Conversation with the creators of the Nightingale of Iran podcast
Hosted By: Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA), My Jewish Learning
Jews have lived in Iran for Millenia, and have been an integral part of this ancient culture’s fabric. Though Iran turned away from its Jewish “Golden Age” in the 1950s and 60s and became a bitter enemy of Israel, things were very different just four decades ago. Join the creators of the award winning podcast, Danielle and Galeet Dardashti, and author and teacher Ruby Namdar, who will reflect on this intriguing relationship and discuss some podcast highlights. Online audience members will have the opportunity to pose questions as well.
Danielle Dardashti: Host / Writer / Director / Senior Producer
Danielle is an Emmy award-winning documentary writer/producer, a former on-air TV news reporter, and a Moth StorySLAM champion who has been featured on NPR’s Moth Radio Hour. She is the co-author of the Jewish Family Fun Book (Jewish Lights) and co-founder and Creative Director of live storytelling show StoryBoom. Danielle leads corporate storytelling workshops all over the world.
Danielle is an Emmy award-winning documentary writer/producer, a former on-air TV news reporter, and a Moth StorySLAM champion who has been featured on NPR’s Moth Radio Hour. She is the co-author of the Jewish Family Fun Book (Jewish Lights) and co-founder and Creative Director of live storytelling show StoryBoom. Danielle leads corporate storytelling workshops all over the world.
Dr. Galeet Dardashti: Musical Director / Producer / Subject Matter Expert
Galeet is a trailblazing vocalist, composer, and anthropologist of Middle Eastern Jewish culture. She is widely known as leader of the all-woman Sephardi/Mizrahi ensemble, Divahn. In her new award-winning release, Monajat, she sings and composes around remixed samples of her famed Iranian grandfather with an acclaimed ensemble of musicians. She has held Assistant Professor positions at JTS and NYU and is currently a Fellow at University of Pennsylvania’s Katz Center.
Galeet is a trailblazing vocalist, composer, and anthropologist of Middle Eastern Jewish culture. She is widely known as leader of the all-woman Sephardi/Mizrahi ensemble, Divahn. In her new award-winning release, Monajat, she sings and composes around remixed samples of her famed Iranian grandfather with an acclaimed ensemble of musicians. She has held Assistant Professor positions at JTS and NYU and is currently a Fellow at University of Pennsylvania’s Katz Center.
Ruby Namdar was born and raised in Jerusalem to a family of Iranian-Jewish heritage. His first book, “Haviv” (2000), won The Ministries of Culture Award for Best First Publication. His 2017 novel, “The Ruined House,” won the Sapir Prize, Israel’s most prestigious literary award. He currently lives in New York City and teaches literature, focusing on Biblical and Talmudic narrative.
