Story Extras

Beyond each Spiritual Edge radio story are sights, sounds and thoughts we think you will appreciate.

img_6336-espelodgeincense2-v3-150px-2961449This photo essay by photojournalist Tom Levy shows Oakland resident Samuel Martinez and his fire keepers as they prepare for a sweat lodge ceremony at his home.

The photos capture the rituals that take place before participants enter into the domed sweat lodge structure. This particular ceremony was just for Martinez and his five firekeepers, who help him with lodges throughout the month.

To see the full photo essay, click here.

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For this special episode of KALW’s Crosscurrents, we spent the hour talking about spirituality. Radio personality and Spirit Rock Buddhist teacher Wes “Scoop” Nisker was our guest. The show also featured stories about an urban Native American sweat lodge and Marin wood carver Tom Killion. We played newly discovered tape from standup comedian Robin Williams. We relived old times with a person-on-the-street interview by Nisker from the early 80s. And we got answers to the question, “What is the meaning of life?”

img_4365-800px-350x233-1174000Bay Area Jews quench thirst in the desert: This song was recorded while reporting for the story about Wilderness Torah, a Berkeley-based organization that is bringing Judaism’s ancient teachings to life. Much of the festival’s music encouraged participation. Though in Hebrew, the words were simple enough that people could catch on quickly.

Recorded by Judy Silber in the Panamint Valley, April 2014.

img_4365-800px-350x233-1174000Bay Area Jews quench thirst in the desert. Music could be heard nonstop at Berkeley-based Wilderness Torah’s Passover festival in the Panamint Valley desert. This song was recorded in the morning. The heat of the day hadn’t yet set in. The sun was rising over the mountains. Maybe you can feel that? It is written and sung by Mikey Pauker. More of his music can be found at http://mikeypauker.com/

Recorded by Judy Silber in the Panamint Valley, April 2014.