Good Faith Effort

Stephen Tobolowsky - From the Bible to Groundhog Day Ep. 105

Sep 5, 2023

Stephen Tobolowsky, the greatest character actor in the history of Hollywood, discusses his lifelong journey to understand the Hebrew Bible. Topics include growing up around members of the Nazi Party, Stephen's love of Shakespeare, a hostage situation, the importance of saying the Shema, and why Ned Ryerson is the most Jewish character in American film.

01:04:06

Creator website

Episode guests

Stephen Tobolowsky

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The book of Numbers teaches us about the power of storytelling and finding meaning in our own lives.

Even in times of despair, there is always the potential for glimpses of hope and redemption.

Rituals and prayer, such as saying the Shema, provide a sense of continuity, gratitude, and a connection to generations that came before.

Deep dives

The Power of Storytelling and Finding Meanings

The podcast episode explores the importance of storytelling and how it helps us find meaning in our lives. The host discusses the book of Numbers from the Bible and the significance of its name, Bamid Bar, meaning 'in the desert.' The desert symbolizes both despair and hope, and it is in moments of anguish and vulnerability that we can glimpse the first glimpses of hope. The book of Numbers is a desert story that begins in despair but ends with redemption, teaching us about the power of storytelling and finding meaning in our own lives.

Introduction

5min

Growing up Jewish in a Non-Jewish Environment

18min

The Literary Structure of the Pentatook and its Meaning for Life

5min

Exploring Non-Conversion Stories and Embracing the Weird

3min

Surviving a Harrowing Hostage Situation

9min

Embracing Weirdness and the Transformative Power of Religious Teachings

22min

Expressing Gratitude and Recommendation for Books

2min

On today’s episode, Ari spoke with the greatest character actor in the history of Hollywood, the legendary Stephen Tobolowsky, about his lifelong journey to understand the Hebrew Bible.

Along the way they talked about growing up around members of the Nazi Party; Stephen’s love of Shakespeare; being comfortable with weirdness; Stephen getting held at gunpoint during a hostage situation; Deuteronomy and the Shema prayer; thinking about death; why Ned Ryerson is the most Jewish character in the history of American film; and much more!

Good Faith Effort is a production of Bnai Zion and SoulShop

Guest Quote
"There is such a positiveness in Judaism, that when you become a part of it, you realize how absolutely life-affirming it is. Even in death, it gets you through all the terrible transitions: from Genesis to Exodus, Leviticus to Numbers to Deuteronomy. It can get you through every one of those walls, every one of those challenges.“ - Stephen Tobolowsky

Time Stamps

* (5:06) Jordan Calhoun’s “Piccolo is Black”, and growing up without a Jewish Community

* (11:23) Stephen opens the Pandora’s Box of rediscovering Judaism

* (22:45) The 5 Books of Moses, as a story of life

* (24:28) Californication, and Stephen’s decision to write a spiritual memoir

* (30:57) Magic exists, and Stephen’s tale of finding God while being held hostage at the grocery store

* (40:33) Visiting the Bible throughout your life

* (44:44) Importance of saying the Shema

* (54:55) Is Ned Ryerson the most Jewish movie character?

Good Faith Effort is a production of SoulShop, Bnai Zion, and Caspian Studios

Links

Follow Ari on Twitter - https://twitter.com/AriLamm