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This program is made possible with the generous support of Dr. Ted Robinson in memory of Leni Robinson, of blessed memory, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.

Thursday, November 10, 2022
Doors at 6:30 pm, Event at 7:00 pm ET
In person at The Weitzman in Philadelphia
General Admission Ticket: $25 | Member Ticket: $18

Join us for the final program in our series celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Month.  

The Weitzman welcomes Hey Alma’s Breakout TV Actress of The Best Jewish Television of 5782 and star of Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi’s critically acclaimed television dramedy, Reservation Dogs, Sarah Podemski, to our stage. 

 A Toronto Native, Podemski’s Anishinaabe/Ashkenazi background is a significant factor in her life on and off the screen. After three decades in film and television, she is uniquely positioned to speak about the developments, or lack thereof, of Indigenous and Jewish representation in the media. Podemski will discuss her childhood, artwork, and career in the entertainment industry through her intersectional lens that considers her Indigenous and Jewish experiences. She will also share her continued efforts toward uplifting and advocating for Indigenous peoples throughout Canada and America. The program will be moderated by Rabbi Shira Stutman founding rabbi of sixth and i synagogue in DC and co-host of the PRX podcast “Chutzpod!”, which since its launch has consistently been ranked in the top five Jewish podcasts nationally, and which aims to provide Jewish answers to life’s contemporary questions and help listeners build lives of meaning. 

More About Sarah Podemski

Sarah Podemski is an award winning Anishinaabe/Ashkenazi multidisciplinary artist from Toronto. Currently, Podemski can be seen pulling double duty on television. She stars in the critically acclaimed award-winning series Reservation Dogs on FX, which is co-created and executive produced by Sterlin Harjo and Academy Award winner Taika Waititi and the Syfy/Amblin comedy Resident Alien. Most recently Podemski finished filming the independent film / sports drama Warrior Strong alongside Andrew Dice Clay (Pam & Tommy) and Jordan Johnson-Hinds (Blindspot).

Podemski began in the performing arts at the tender age of six years old. She booked her first role in the German TV series Blue Hawk at 11 and went on to appear in the iconic series Goosebumps. Her long career also includes work on television shows such as CBS’ Bull, Amazon’s Tin Star and CBC’s The Coroner and feature films include The TIFF competition films EMPIRE OF DIRT as well as Sterlin Harjo’s MEKKO, for which Podemski won Best Supporting actress at the American Indian Film Festival.

Throughout her career, Podemski has been passionate about raising awareness and elevating Indigenous and Jewish narratives in the entertainment industry. In addition to her on-camera presence, she writes and produces alongside her husband James Gadon. Beyond her work in film and television, Podemski runs Totem Designs, where she makes handmade dreamcatchers with a modern twist.

The video below is a clip from FX’s Reservation Dogs featuring Sarah Podemski as ‘Rita,’ who is in the midst of a journey of self discovery as she raises her son as a single mother.

More about the Moderator:

Rabbi Shira Stutman is a nationally known faith-based leader and change-maker. She and the actor Joshua Malina host the PRX podcast “Chutzpod!” which since its launch has consistently been ranked in the top five Jewish podcasts nationally, and which aims to provide Jewish answers to life’s contemporary questions and help listeners build lives of meaning. In addition, as founder of Mixed Multitudes, an organization that exposes diverse groups of Jews and fellow travelers to the beauty and power of Jewish life, she currently is working on a variety of projects including: helping launch a new minyan in Aspen; facilitating less reactive and more heart-centered conversations about Israel; and working with Jewish federations to lead year-long programs for the next generation of philanthropic leadership. She was named one of “America’s Most Inspiring Rabbis” by The Jewish Forward and a T’ruah Rabbinic Human Rights Hero, among other awards.

Safety / Covid 19:
Masking during theater style events is mandatory.

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Live at The Weitzman
101 South Independence Mall East (Corner of 5^th & Market)
Philadelphia, PA 19106

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Additional Events Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Month:

• October 12 (online) – Jewish and Indigenous Interactions with David S Koffman Part 1 – Click here
• November 1 (online) – Members of Two Tribes with Emily Bowen Cohen – Click here
• November 9 (online) – Jewish and Indigenous Interactions with David S Koffman Part 2 – Click here

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This program is presented by the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in partnership with the JCC of Greater Baltimore.