Verses
Welcome to Verses: Where Broadway and Torah Meet, a place to geek out on Broadway musicals, Biblical text, and the interplay of the verses in both. On each episode of Verses, Anita Silvert in Chicago selects a song from the Broadway canon and matches it with a selection from the Biblical canon, putting the texts in conversation with one another.
Welcome to Verses: Where Broadway and Torah Meet, a place to geek out on Broadway musicals, Biblical text, and the interplay of the verses in both. On each episode of Verses, Anita Silvert in Chicago selects a song from the Broadway canon and matches it with a selection from the Biblical canon, putting the texts in conversation with one another.
Episodes

Jul 3, 2025
CAMELOT w/ The Garden of Eden
Jul 3, 2025
Jul 3, 2025
25 min
A note from Anita: This was one of my mother's favorite musicals, and in her memory, I'm re-airing this episode. She believed in the magic of making a beautiful world; she believed in the promise of humanity, and the glory of gardens. In memory of Charlene Salzman, I hope you think of her as you listen. Paradise: what creeps in to make it crumble? Join Rachel and Anita as they explore "Camelot" from Camelot, and the text from Genesis and the Garden of Eden.
Follow along at https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/418659?lang=bi
Jul 3, 2025
25 min

May 13, 2025
Counting the Omer
May 13, 2025
May 13, 2025
27 min
Join Verses for an exploration of making a journey to find our life’s dreams. We’ll listen to “Climb Every Mountain” from Sound of Music and the Counting of the Omer, between Passover and Shavuot.Follow along with the scripture here.
May 13, 2025
27 min

Apr 8, 2025
Why We Tell the Story
Apr 8, 2025
Apr 8, 2025
26 min
Happy Passover! Join Anita as she explores the Exodus story and “Why we tell the Story” from Once on this Island. You can follow along with the lyrics and the Biblical text here. Feel free to share and follow! And let me know what you like, or would like more/less of here at our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/941182063491276
Apr 8, 2025
26 min

Mar 10, 2025
Hiding Behind a Mask
Mar 10, 2025
Mar 10, 2025
39 min
Now is the time for feasting, folly, and hiding behind masks! Join Rabbi Anita Silvert, with special co-host Sarah Sapperstein, for an exploration into the story of Esther and Purim, and the Cinderella song from Sondheim’s “Into the Woods”. Who are you, behind the mask? Who’s hiding? Who isn’t?
And who are you without the mask?
Follow along with the scripture here.
Mar 10, 2025
39 min

Feb 11, 2025
Tu B’shvat and Spring
Feb 11, 2025
Feb 11, 2025
33 min
It’s almost spring….somewhere. We are quickly approaching Tu B’Shvat, the annual birthday of trees and a harbinger of spring. Join Verses as we connect this holiday with a spring song from “A New Brain” by William Finn. Dig out those planting tools!
Follow along with the scripture here.
Feb 11, 2025
33 min

Jan 15, 2025
Defense of Love (AGYG/Samson)
Jan 15, 2025
Jan 15, 2025
40 min
Love can make you do some wild and sometimes dangerous things! Join me as we explore the stories of Frank Butler in Annie Get Your Gun, and Samson. We discuss love (philandering?), ego, vows, and the famous Mr. and Mrs. Manoach in the book of Judges. Guest co-host is Rabbi Lisa Ann Wharton. Check out her website at www.pnaishore.org, and to connect with me, you can join the Facebook page Verses-Where Broadway and Torah Meet. You can also subscribe to my Substack for more of my musings!Follow along with the scripture here.
Jan 15, 2025
40 min

Dec 23, 2024
Light and Darkness — Chanukah
Dec 23, 2024
Dec 23, 2024
35 min
It’s the darkest time of the year, yet we find light. Join us as we explore light and darkness, day and night, and of course Chanukah! We’ll be hearing music from A Little Night Music, and look at texts from Creation, Joshua, and more. Link to source sheet.
Dec 23, 2024
35 min

Nov 25, 2024
Pirke Avot and Corner of the Sky
Nov 25, 2024
Nov 25, 2024
23 min
While you’re cooking for Thanksgiving’s meal, take a listen as we look at the idea of fitting into a community, whether it’s two people at your table, or 20 or more. We bring together wisdom from Pirke Avot and Pippin’s Corner of the Sky. Follow along with the scripture here.
Nov 25, 2024
23 min

Nov 5, 2024
Election 2024 Suffs and Zelophechad
Nov 5, 2024
Nov 5, 2024
20 min
It’s election time….finally. Listen as we explore how women stood up and demanded their rights, both in the Torah and the new musical “Suffs”, about the suffragettes in the early 20th century. Follow along with the scripture here.
Nov 5, 2024
20 min

Sep 6, 2024
Only for Now
Sep 6, 2024
Sep 6, 2024
19 min
Global economy, foreclosures, mortgages, finding work, and swimming against a tide of political and social changes. Sound familiar? It should! Join me as we explore Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) and “For Now” from Avenue Q. Follow along with the scripture here.
Sep 6, 2024
19 min





