Piece Comment

Review of Brooklyn According to Kalish


This program is a great listen. Intriguing, fascinating stuff. This documentary offers a deep view into Orthodox and Chasidic Jewish life that few outsiders have a chance to observe. The intimacy of the piece is almost palatable--leaving you to feel like you should whisper while listening, so not to revel yourself.

The only thing not to like about the program is its title and first minute. Most listeners would immediately ask themselves "Who's Kalish?" and what this program is about? Brooklyn? A guy named Kalish? In truth, the title doesn't serve the program or its subject well at all. The program starts off with the producer describing the program and how it came together. It includes a lot of "I" and "me" references that give the impression that the host is the central presence in this documentary (which isn't the case). However, once the billboard is over and the program's content gets moving along, everything falls into place beautifully and stays that way throughout. The host does offer some occasional personal observations and thoughts, but is very generous and agile with how he weaves in and out of the program.

This would make a great special around the high holy days, Chanukah, or almost anytime. It would be nice if the producer could include a promo or additional support material to help stations promote the program on-air and online.