Notes from Cantor Avima

     It is no secret that I live in Monmouth County which means I have a one hour (on a good day) commute and I usually come to Adath Shalom 6 days a week. I have acclimated to this commute and sometimes, when I become immersed in a good audio book or podcast, I actually look forward to the opportunity to hear the next chapter or podcast episode. About a year ago, our member Ellen Muraskin suggested I listen to the podcast "The Nightingale of Iran". I had no idea what it was about and finally decided to explore it. The podcast was created and produced by two sisters, Danielle and Dr. Galeet Dardashti. Of course I had heard of Galeet Dardashti and heard her perform once and I was acquainted with her father, Farid and her uncle who are both Cantors and members of the Cantors Assembly. 

     The project began as a documentary about their grandfather who was a radio celebrity in Iran and the story of their father who also enjoyed fame before leaving Iran to pursue a degree in archeology in the US. What began as curiosity about their family story,  we learn all about the Jewish community in Iran and the intriguing style of music performed by their grandfather.  In order to unravel the story, the sisters not only interview many family members but also share samples from a trove of recordings found in their basement. These recordings include voices of relatives long since gone, family celebrations and give insights into not only the family story but the story of the Jewish Persian community. 

     Here is the description of the podcast from the website: 

It was a golden age for Jews in Iran. In the 1950s, a religious Jew – Younes Dardashti – became a national celebrity, singing at the Shah’s palace and on the radio. In the 1960s, his son Farid became a teen idol on TV. They were beloved by Iranian Muslims. But at the height of their fame, they left the country.

It has always been a mystery to our host Danielle Dardashti and her sister Galeet – Why did their family leave Iran? Now, in a documentary podcast series, the sisters reveal painful secrets unspoken for generations. The Nightingale of Iran is a story that will resonate with outsiders everywhere.

     I have since recommended this podcast to a few people, and have decided to share it with all of you. I hope you don't wait as long as I did to explore and listen.