The Promised Podcast

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Gallantry—

Is it o.k. to sack the guy in charge of your army, while generals in Iran are planning to attack?

—Trumpery—

Prime Minister Netayahu tweets to once-and-future US President Donald Trump that his “huge victory” in “history’s greatest comeback” is “a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America.” But what will Trump’s win mean to the Middle East?

—12 Hours That Shook, Well, Us—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: How did we handle the Gallantry & Trumpery one-two punch, and how do we now gather our broken selves and move forward?

All that and more music of our times.

Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Days of Repentance, This Time With Bombs—

What are we to make of Israel’s weekend attack on Iran?

—All We Know—

What Wikipedia has to say about Israel and Zionism is changing before our eyes, and not for the better.

—Other Peoples' Elections—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Two of every three Israelis polled say they’re pulling for Trump to win. Is this true and, if so, why?

All of that and more music of our times.

Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss one topic of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

Making Sense of Sinwar, asking four questions:

1. Now that Yahya Sinwar is dead, should Israel take the win or fight on?
2. In light of the fact that Yahya Sinwar was killed in Rafiah, can we conclude retrospectively that going into Rafiah was a good idea?
3. Is the unremitting and uncompromising focus with which Israel pursued Yahya Sinwar – at the cost of hundreds of Israeli lives and tens of thousands of Palestinian lives – a demonstration of its alpha-and-omega security policy, first set out by Zev Jabotinsky 101 years ago, called “The Iron Wall”?, and
4. What should we think and feel about the very violent death of that very violent man, Yahya Sinwar?

—Simchat Tora One Hebrew Calendar Year After Oct. 7th—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: One Hebrew calendar year after Hamas’ attack on Israel, our religious communities have thought long and hard about the appropriate way to celebrate Simchat Tora.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and Tova Cohen discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Best Laid Schemes (Lea’e Us Nought but Grief An’ Pain), With Apologies to Robert Burns (And to Mice)—

Bringing down the Azrieli Towers? Conquering Israel top-to-bottom by 2025? Minutes of Hamas meetings sets out the groups grim vision.

—What’s So Funny ’Bout Peace, Love and Understanding?—

Has “peace” left the building?

—Jed Bartlet Is in the Sukkah!—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Who, this year, would be our “Ushpizin” in our (notional or real) Sukkah.

All of that and Sukkot suddenly turning up everywhere.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Regional Inferno?—

Israel’s war with Gaza may soon become an all-out regional war. How do you say “Yikes!” in Farsi?

—Accounting of the Soul—

What should we have in mind, this Yom Kippur, when we thump our chests in repentance?

—Prayer in the Square?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Our hot take on last night’s Supreme Court ruling regarding the legality of organized gender-separated public prayer in liberal Tel Aviv.

All of that and marking a year of the nightmare of October 7. Plus, music that moves us from the memorials.

A New Year and a year since. What are we remembering when we remember October 7?

Elul is here and people all over the country are keeping the before-the-high-holidays tradition of saying Selihot, asking for forgiveness and offering atonement. All this as rockets and planes fly, and bombs fall.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Major Pager Rager—

A stunning attack-by-pager left dozens of Hezbollah militiamen dead and thousands maimed and wounded. What are we to make of a thing like that?

—Commemoration Vexation—

How do you memorialize October 7, when October 7 hasn’t ended yet?

—Testicles in the Twitterverse?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Hezbollah pagers explode, social media memes erupt, but not all Israelis are laughing.

All this and the music from the remarkable new record רוח באה מדרום (Wind Comes from the South).

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Not Too Brotherly, Not Much Love—

How did the “Philadelphi Corridor” become a matter of life and death?

—Errors of Omission and Commission—

The government hasn’t investigated itself, so a bunch of citizens took it on itself. Is that a good thing?

—Much Ado About a Handful of Sand—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: A 27-year-old Tel Aviv resident was arrested for allegedly tossing wet sand at National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Was the minister being purposely provocative for personal political gain?

Songs

• Tuna — Bein ha-Ir LaPardes
• Pe’er Tasi — Yoni
• Yarin — Ein Laila

For 331 days, Rachel Goldberg-Polin went everywhere, spoke to everyone and did everything to save her son, Hersh.

703 IDF soldiers have fallen since October 7th. Each was an entire world. This is a small bit of the story of one of them, Zachariah Haber.

Linda Gradstein, Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Bennett, Done That—

Israel’s next prime minister will be … Naftali Bennett?

—Jewish Life During Wartime—

Why does war make more-secular Israelis more secular, and less-secular Israelis less secular?

—Our Flights Are Cancelled—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What happens when every airline stops flying to Israel?

Plus, a reflection on how time itself has stopped working, and music by women we’ve loved for decades, speaking now to our present moment.

Miriam Herschlag, Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—TIME Is on His Side?—

Prime Minister Netanyahu gives his longest interview since October 7. What’s it tell us?

—Time Is on HIS Side?—

How is this man growing more popular at this time, after everything?

—Fraying at the Edges—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: How we doin’ at this moment?

Plus, co-joined Kibbutzim, Tisha B’Av at Hostage Square, and the bipolar music of Tamir Grinberg.

Miriam Herschlag, Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Dead to Rights?—

When, if ever, is it o.k. to assassinate deadly enemies?

—Now, in the Awful Quiet of the Moment—

Six-packs of water and go bags: Are we doing this imminent-attack-from-Iran thing right?

—Days of Wine and Jelly Beans?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: How are the 3 of us reacting to this tense moment?

Plus, the Olympics, John Lennon glasses and new music by artists from just outside of Gaza.

Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Will Israel and Hezbollah (and Who Knows? Maybe Iran) Go to War?—

Will Hezbollah’s murder of twelve kids in Majdal Shams lead to all out war?

—Druze Clues—

What is it like to be Druze in Israel?

—Et tu, MCU?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: The folks at Marvel are turning Sabra into a Marrano?

Plus, the Olympics, science breakthroughs and music of our troubled times.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Move Over, Winston—

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to congress, again. What did he say to the senators and congresspeople, and what didn’t he say?

—Kamala Harris and the Jewish Question—

Kamala Harris anagrams to “A rakish alarm.” Who is Kamala Harris, and if she becomes president, what will it mean for, well, us?

—You’re Voting for Who?!—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: When Israeli-Americans say they’re voting for Trump because he’s good for Israel, what do they mean?

Plus, consecrating a Torah scroll for Hersh Goldberg-Polin, and trans-folk in Tel Aviv City Hall, and more music of these days.

Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—The Valley of the Shadow of Deif—

Can you do a cost-benefit analysis of assassinating a man personally responsible for thousands of Israeli deaths?

—Unboxing Gaza?—

What’s it like for Israelis to watch videos of Palestinian resilience?

—“Dos” and “Don’t-So-Much-Dos”—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Why did a short video about the “Dos” and “Don’t-So-Much-Dos” of workplace relations between secular and ultra-Orthodox colleagues tick off so many of us here in Israel?

Plus, the profound humanity of the people fighting to release the hostages, and music from Netta Barzilai’s first album, which is like a warm hug from an old friend.

Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—God Will Avenge His Blood?—

The IDF has allowed, for the first time ever, military gravestones to add “הי״ד” — “God will avenge his blood” — after the name of a slain soldier. Vengeance carved in stone?

—Heroes of Israel—

There’s a new line of “Heroes of Israel” action figures: IDF soldiers for kids to play with. What exactly do they teach our kids?

—It’s Been Long Enough to Make a Baby—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Nine months of war (long enough to make a baby). Miriam and Noah talk about how they’re doing now.

Plus, a tribute to two people we remember from iconic photographs, and a new exhibit imagines a very different Zionism than the one we got. Plus more new tunes of our times.

In a very special, tribute-to-America episode, the sax-and-fiddle player (Alon Tal), the lead-singer-and-keyboardist (Bill Slott), and the bass-player (Noah Efron) of the fondly-remembered band, “Liquid Plumr” discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Bill in Them Hills—

What can we learn from Bill who spent three months in the West Bank trying to keep local Palestinians from being harassed by local Israelis? Sometimes, you just need to be there.

—The U.S. and Us—

How have America and Americans influenced Israeli culture and politics?

—Are Two Better Than One?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What is it like to have two countries?

Plus, music by three great Israeli singers, each born-in-the-U.S.A.

Linda Gradstein, Allison Kaplan Somer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Exemption Preemption—

A bombshell unanimous Supreme Court decision says that, until the Knesset passes a law that says otherwise, Haredi men of army age need to enlist, and those that don’t cannot get government stipends. Are we about to find Yeshiva boys in foxholes?

—New Day in Gaza?—

A new report is making the rounds in Jerusalem about how to end the war and coax Gazans to accept Israel, which, new report, may or may not be nuts.

—AIPAC vs. Bowman—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: AIPAC vs. the Squad’s Jamaal Bowman. Decision, AIPAC?

Plus, Hebrew Book Week 100 years on, and more music of our times.

Linda Gradstein, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Special on Patreon

—The Other War—

The war with Hezbollah up north seems to be getting hotter and more deadly with each passing day. Will missiles rain down on Tel Aviv? And when can the nearly 100,000 evacuees from their homes near the Lebanese Border expect to go back home?

—Spring of Despair—

New polls show despair and pessimism of a sort Israelis have never known before. What do we do when more than 2/3 of Israelis are not optimistic about our future?

—When Nothing Feels Right—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Summer’s here and the time is right for what exactly?

Plus, Bnei Brak at 100, and more music of our times.

Linda Gradstein, Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Home—

Four hostages were rescued from the depths of Gaza. We need a new word for absolute joy mixed with absolute worry mixed with absolute sadness.

—Gantz, But Not Forgotten—

Benny Gantz announces that he is leaving the government and its tiny “War Cabinet,” which brought relief, anxiety and ambivalence. With Gantz gone, where will the government go?

—Shavuot In Israel—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Shavuot in Israel, after eight months of war.

Plus, the LGBTQ “Vigil of Pride and Hope” in Tel Aviv, celebrating Shavuot, and more music of our times.

Linda Gradstein, Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Prisoner's Dilemma—

A new Israeli proposal to bring home hostages puts the brakes on the war and signs some sort of pact with the Saudis. So why are religious-Zionists, most of all, opposing it?

—Same Same (But Different)—

New Supreme Court petitions might force the army to conscript Haredim. Has the war changed things enough that we can now solve the oldest, hardest problem of Israeli politics?

—Taking a Break By Going Abroad—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: After eight months of war, what’s it like for an Israeli to get on a plane to somewhere, anywhere, else? What’s it like to come back?

Plus, an appreciation of David Levy, being Israeli in Japan, and a new old museum in Tel Aviv. And more music of our times.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Golan Heights?—

We just witnessed the huge victory of IDF Reserve Major-General and former deputy chief-of-staff Yair Golan in the primary for Labor leadership (he got more than 95%). Will a new war-hero general at the head of the Labor Party bring back Rabin-era glory?

—History Lesson—

A viral lachrymose TV sketch comedy troupe portrays Jewish history as one damn-pogrom-after-another, up to and including October 7. Is Jewish history, up to and including now, just a trail of tears?

—What It’s Been Like to Be on an Ivy-League Campus This Past Year—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: The executive director of Cornell’s Hillel, Rabbi Ari Weiss, tells us about what it has been like to be on an Ivy-League campus this past year, for students and Hillel directors alike.

Plus, losing our words, and more music of these troubled times.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Gantz and Gallant Game the Endgame—

Two of five of the members of Israel’s “War Cabinet” tell Prime Minister Netanyahu that he has to figure out what comes next in Gaza. Or else!

—Unwarranted—

The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court seeks warrants for the arrest of Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant, the first time warrants have been sought for democratically-elected politicians. So will the world start arresting Israeli politicians when they travel abroad?

—A Huge Win Despite the Loss—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: When sorority sisters turn on sorority sisters, you know sh*t’s gotten real!

All that and a memorial appreciation of Yael Dayan and a good bye to the old TLV1 studios. Plus more music in the sad spirit of our times.

Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Now, Rafah—

What are we to make of Israel’s rolling incursion into Rafah? Oy.

—On Film—

There’s a new hour-long movie about the rape and sexual assault of Israeli women on October 7 and since. Oy.

—A Huge Win Despite the Loss—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Eden Golan’s amazing adventure at the Eurovision song contest.

All this and more music of these troubled times.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Days of Awe—

What do Yom Ha-Zikaron (Memorial Day) and Yom Ha-Atzmaut (Independence Day) mean in this annus horribilis? How can we celebrate, now?

—School Daze—

What should we make of the enraged protests raging on university campuses? Kids these days, am I right?

—Al Jazeera on the Chopping Block—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Israel blocks Al Jazeera for 45 days, on the grounds that the network is neither fair nor balanced. Dumb move?

Plus, a look back fifty years, a vegetable vending machine, and more music of these troubled times.

To mark Yom Ha-Shoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Noah describes the decades-long path Israelis followed to come to terms with the Holocaust, culminating in a record in 1988, fully 43 years after the camps were freed.

(Out of concern for the environment, this episode is reused and recycled, though not reduced.)

At Passover Seders all around the world, a place setting was laid before a chair left empty for one of the 133 hostages held in Gaza. We look back at the 200 days of anguish, hope, and despair that divide Simchat Torah on October 7 from this week’s holiday.

Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

—Going Too Farsi? (Or, the Persian Incursion)—

We — with the help of the US, UK, Jordan and other capable allies — buffly rebuffed the biggest missile and drone attack on Israel ever. But what does it tell us about the past and augur for the future?

—Passover, 5784—

How is this Passover different from all other Passovers?

Plus, a bereaved father on solidarity, flower-girls, fruit bats and more music of our times.

Marking six months since the massacres and the start of the war, Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Us, Here—

Whether and how we Israelis have changed, in light of all that has happened. Are we different than we were six months and one week ago?

—Us, There—

Whether and how we Jews around the world have changed, in light of all that has happened. Are we different than we were six months and one week ago?

—Iran’s Promised “Persian Incursion”—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Are we losing sleep over Iran’s promised “Persian Incursion”?

Plus, the presence of October 7 around the Seder table.  And, more music of our times.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Families 2.0—

The organization of the families of the hostages has decided to change strategies, linking its campaign to bring the hostages home to the campaign for “elections now.” Is the fight to get the hostages home entering a new phase?

—Sidelocks & Sidearms—

A Supreme Court injunction cuts off, cold-turkey, funding for army-aged, ultra-Orthodox Yeshiva students who learn instead of serve. Couldn’t they have let the turkey get to room-temperature?

—Snap Judgement—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Should a photographer who watched and snapped his shutter while people were being killed, raped and kidnapped get a prize for a picture he took?

Plus a farewell to one of the country’s greatest novelists and activists. And, more music of our times.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and newly-minted Doctor of Thinkology Gilad Halpern discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Abstention Dissension—

There seems to be a very fast decline in US-Israel relations, after the Americans abstain on a UN Security Council resolution that Israel expected them to veto. Are Israel and America, like Ross and Rachel, on a break?

—Standard Deviation—

An expert in urban warfare says Israel is more careful to protect the lives of civilians in Gaza than any other army in history. But even if that is true, does it matter?

—The Great Rupture in American Jewish Life—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Is Peter Beinart right that there is a “great rupture in American Jewish life”? If he is, should we worry?

Plus a farewell to a man who spent decades rebuilding violins that survived the Holocaust, often when the musicians who played them did not.  Plus more music of our times.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and ubermensch writer Bradley Burston discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Despite It All, Peace?—

Is all we are sayin’, just give peace a chance?

—Amalek—

Is it like reverse anti-Semitism?

—The End of Israel—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Kafka said, “A book must be an ice-axe for the frozen sea within us.” This one is.

Order Bradley Burston’s new book, The End of Israel: Dispatches from a Path to Catastrophe, here!

Plus a glimpse into the worlds of ultra-Orthodox parents of kids who grew up ultra-Orthodox and were murdered at the druggy, dancy, free-lovey Nova festival.  Plus more music of our times.

Miriam Herschlag, Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—אַ סוף צו אַ גאָלדען עלטער אין אַ גאלדענע מדינה—

This month’s Atlantic cover story argues that the “Golden Age” for American Jews has come to a close and, with it, maybe the “Golden Age” for America and the “Golden Age” for Jews. Is the US putting the “mean” back into “reversion to the mean”?

—Retracted—

A well-regarded literary journal retracts an essay by an Israeli on account of, well, what exactly? Is it a literary crime to be an Israeli in 2024?

—Hurricane—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: This year’s Eurovision is gonna be a sh*tshow.

Plus poetry on the moon and more songs of these troubled days.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Jerusalem, Mon Amour?—

What’s it mean that Jerusalem just elected to its city council a straight-up majority of ultra-Orthodox men?

—Reckoning?—

Is it time for soul-searching and spiritual reckoning over the death and destruction in Gaza?

—Five Months—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Five months since October 7, we are awfully tired.

All that and remembering Beige Shohat, plus more songs of these troubled days.

Miriam Herschlag, Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Going Local—

They say that, in a democracy, even the most humble among us can be elected to public office. Now we know it’s true!

—Mayor for Life—

Few positions have more job security than mayor of a major city in Israel.

—Jon Stewart Goes Viral on the Gaza War—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Jon Stewart goes viral on the Gaza war.

All this and a memorial tribute to MK Charlie Biton, and more songs of our troubled times.

138 days in, The Promised Podcast looks back.

—Premonition—

—City of Slaughter—

—Sally—

—The Wheat Grows Again—

—The Battalion’s WhatsApp—

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Elections Now?—

Billboards all over the country and full-page ads in the papers call for new elections now. Is this a good idea?

—The Draft on the Draft: Getting the Shaft?—

A crisis is a terrible thing to waste.

—Wartime Hookups—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What is it about war that makes people want to pair off?

All that and risking the lives of dozens of young men to save the lives of two old men, plus more moving songs of these troubled days.

Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Negotiating With Terrorists—

Hamas finally sets out their demands in exchange for releasing the 136 living-and-dead Israeli hostages dragged to Gaza from their homes. Is there anywhere to go from here?

—Bar-Raving Time!—

Itamar Ben-Gvir is having a moment.

—The New York Talk Times—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: The New York Times brings together five historians to explain how Israelis and Palestinians got to where we got. How’d they do?

All that and more moving songs of these troubled days.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—A Few Murderous Apples—

A dozen United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) workers killed, raped and kidnapped on October 7, and one in four Gazan men who work for UNRWA have ties to Hamas. What can you say to that?

—Soldiers of the Dream—

Have the reserve soldiers in Gaza discovered the secret to making Israel a better, more decent place?

—What Those Dog-Tags Are All About—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What’s up with those dog-tags millions of Israelis wear these days?

All that and still more music of our time.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—General Malaise—

Former IDF Chief of Staff and member of Israel’s “War Cabinet” says the government is not telling us the truth or making the right decisions when it comes to the war. What now?

—In the Shadow of the Shoah—

Seventy-nine years after the Nazis surrendered, there’s more talk of the Holocaust than ever. How come?

—Sending Your Kid off to the Army When the Country’s At War—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What is it like to drop your kid off at an army induction camp?

All that and new, soulful music of our time.

Linda Gradstein, Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Why Did the Army Fail Us?—

The first job of the army is to protect us at our borders.

—Why Do We Still Believe In the IDF?—

Even after everything went wrong, and so many people died, we still trust the IDF. Why?

—A New “Normal”—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What’s it like for us to try to get back to some sort of “normal”?

All that and a sad voice calling in the wilderness, plus new music for our times by some of the grand eminences of Israeli music.

Miriam Herschlag, Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Phase III—

The last phase of the Israel-Hamas war is starting. Why don’t we feel relieved?

—South Africa v. Israel—

Eighty years after the Holocaust ended, Israel is on trial for genocide.

—How Do You Podcast a War?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: How do you podcast this war? (With Jen Richler, genius producer “Can We Talk?”)

All that and the music of Idan Amedi, who was injured badly this week as an IDF reservist in Gaza.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Basic—

Israel’s Supreme Court decides, by the thinnest of margins, to overturn an amendment to a “Basic Law” passed by the Knesset. Is that a good thing?

—October 90th—

Are we stuck reliving over and over the nightmare of October 7?

—A New PTSD Treatment—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Will oxygen help wipe our trauma clean?

All that and new music for coping with grief and worry.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Back to the Basics of Bouncing Bibi?—

Do you oust the man who is leading you in war?

—“Under Renovation”—

Does Israel have any Left left at all?

—Watching the War in Cinematic 4K—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: The IDF, the government, and the public broadcast corporation Kan are making polished high-def videos about the war. Is it bizarre, maybe counter-productive, to make “cinematic” videos about what is, after all, a terrible business?

All that and a heartfelt tribute to a heroin dealer and Eviatar Banai’s covers of classic songs for these days of violence and grief.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—What They Think About Us—

More than half college-age American kids think Israel should be “ended and given to Hamas”? Really?

—What They Think About Them—

72% of Palestinians on the West Bank think Hamas’s decision to do what it did on October 7 “was the correct one”? Really?

—What We Think about Us & Them—

Four in five Israelis tell pollsters that the suffering of Gaza civilians shouldn’t change how Israel fights the war? Really?

—Adam Unrehearsed!—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Don Futterman reads part of his new novel, Adam Unrehearsed! It’s like hearing Crime & Punishment read by Dostoyevsky, or the Bible read by God!

All that and songs of these times, mostly sung together.

William Blake once counselled “to see a world in a grain of sand.” In this very special podcast episode, Noah tries to see our troubled world right now, in a Whatsapp thread or a TikTok “For You.”

—The Battalion WhatsApp—

—Dog of War—

—Post Hoc, Ergo TikTok—

Star journalist Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Kids Out—

Every day for a week hostages got out of Gaza until, all of a sudden, they didn’t.

—Kids In—

When your kid calls to say he loves you.

—The Jew-Hate on Other Campuses—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: We’ve heard all about how scary and contentious Ivy League schools have become. But what’s it like at all the other places? Prof. Noah Stoffman shares what it’s like on the campus of a world-class public campus: Indiana University.

All that and wheat, oranges and Torah scrolls.

Miriam Herschlag, Gilad Halpern and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Women & the War—

Gender’s gotten weird (even weirder than usual) in this war. Miriam Schler, Executive Director of the Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center, joins us to make sense of it.

—That Thing About the Muses—

So many paintings, songs, poems, sculptures, site exhibits, and plays have been made since October 7. But why?

—The Rape and Other Sexual Violence That Took Place on October 7—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: We talk about rape and other sexual violence on October 7 with Miriam Schler, Executive Director of the Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center.

All that and weddings, weddings, weddings.

(Plus, if you can, maybe give something to the Sexual Assault Crisis Center, which is struggling to meet the massive demand for its services)

Noah takes a break from scrolling and refreshing, to consider the songs of this war (which has produced more music than all of Israel’s past wars rolled into one), and what they say about the country and how it has changed over the years, and for the better.

Miriam and Noah talk about the deal struck between Israel and Hamas, via the Qataris and the Americans, that would return 50 hostages, mostly kids and their mothers, in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners and a four day cease fire, the execution of which deal was already delayed on its first day. Miriam talks about evil and Viktor Frankl while Noah, as far as we can tell, lay in a fetal position, moaning on the floor of the studio.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Trolley Problems—

If the two goals of the war – crushing Hamas and returning the captives home – turn out to be at odds, what should Israel do?

—Ceasefire—

What is the answer to the question, “Why not stop the war right now?”

—What the Large Demonstration in DC Looked Like From Tel Aviv—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: 300,000 Americans, mostly Jews, demonstrate at the Mall in DC in support of Israel and against anti-Semitism. What was it like seeing that from Tel Aviv?

All that and a temporary, new high-rise kibbutz in Tel Aviv, and a tribute in memoriam to Vivian Silver, z”l. Also, buy Don’s book, and if you already did, buy another two copies!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Our Tragedy & Theirs—

Should our papers, shows and sites be showing and telling us more about the suffering of Gazans, when we have so much pain of our own to come to grips with?

—Bearing Arms—

More people have applied for a gun license in the past month than in the prior decade. Should we be worried?

—Is Noah About to Get His First Tattoo?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Israelis go in droves to tattoo parlors to ink memento of the October 7 massacres. What’s that all about?

All that and good coming from bad, and more new music written in the aftermath of the massacres. Also, last chance to pre-order Don’s book!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Lessons—

What can Israelis learn from October 7 about the prospect of peace with Palestinians?

—Netanyahu, Now—

Can we still rally around our Prime Minister, even now?

—We Try to Answer the Question, “How Are You?”—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: A few weeks in, our nerves are frayed. We each try to answer the vexed question, “How are you?”

All that and a mother lobbying God with dough to get her girl out of Gaza and new music about our lives after October 7. Also, pre-order Don’s book!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Waiting—

The span of time we have now waited for Israel to counter-attack Hamas is now longer than the entire Yom Kippur War. How much longer can we stay in this strange and terrible in-between period without going crazy?

—Captives—

Is our hostage crisis driving us towards our government (as such things often do), or away from it?

—How the Government Deserted An 85 Year Old Hostage For A Second Time—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: An 85 year old hostage is releases, and she says in a press conference that after beating her when she was just captured, Hamas treated her well. What do you do with that?

All that and an ultra-Orthodox wedding planned by a couple of married-to-each-other lesbians, plus music from the big telethon raising money for the victims of the Hamas attack.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Unity, Sure, but Not National Unity—

One leader of Israel’s opposition joined Netanyahu in a “War Cabinet.” The other leader of the opposition did not. Who made the right call?

—Left Behind—

Why are some of Israel’s leading leftists surprised that murdering babies, old-folks and everything in between does not discredit Hamas in the eyes of some of America’s and Europe’s leading leftists?

—Is Joe Biden the Zionist Leader Israel Needs?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Is US President Joe Biden the leader Israelis yearn for?

All that and the music made this week in hope of finding consolation.

Peace, co-existence and social-justice activist Sally Abed tells Noah what these last, terrible days of grief, anger and fear have been like for her, as an Israeli Arab. This is not for everyone, not at this moment, and if it is not for you, at this moment, don’t listen to it. For some people, it is maybe just what they want to hear, at this moment.

Allison, Miriam and Noah talk about the only thing that could possibly be on our minds at this moment of tragedy, mourning and anxiety.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Citizens Stepped in Where Government Failed—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: For the first 24 hours of tragedy, journalists did what our government failed to do.

All that and songs of consolation.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Partition Plans?—

On Yom Kippur, Tel Aviv became a battlefield in a religious war. What happened?

—That War—

Exactly fifty years ago, Israel was attacked from the south and the north, and 19 days of bloody fighting ensued. What is the legacy of that terrible war?

—Our Peak Sukkah Experiences—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Our peak Sukkah experiences. Come for the booths, stay for Miriam’s joke about the KGB!

All that and the music of the supremely talented Ariel Herzog, Shauli Eckel and Seballal!

Noah tells the story of one song that is also, in a way, the story of Israel itself.

In this very special episode of sustainably recycled stuff devoted to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, hear about the evolution of the great piyyut and prayer, u’netanah tokef, and hear how members of the crew make sense of the strange and beautiful holiday from their strange and beautiful perspectives.

Jeremy Benstein, “The Bikes and Vibes of Yom Kippur in the first modern, Jewish city”

Miriam Herschlag, “Sins for the Internet Age”

Noah, “And to think that I saw it on Yom Kippur”

All that and indie songs of Yom Kippur!

In this very special holiday Turducken of a podcast, we’ve stuffed into our own carcass an interview that Allison did for the Haaretz Weekly podcast with Noah and his comrade-in-politics Inbal Orpaz on why they are running for city council and what they stand for. 

The tryptophan alone is reason enough to listen!

After a momentous week, after many momentous months, the Promised Podcast wishes you and yours a new year of every good thing!

Maybe no one is a better symbol of how Israel is changing (and did more to cause this change) than Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, who died at 83 in 2020.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—It Ain’t the Economy, Stupid!—

Israel may be the most expensive country in the world, and that fact has zero-zilch-nada impact on politics here. How come?

—Elul, 5783—

Elul is a month of soul-searching. What could we have done better, politically speaking?

—Yair Netanyahu Pays the Price—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: The court orders first son Yair Netanyahu to pay 130,000 NIS in damages to a woman he defamed on Twitter. Should people have to pay cash money for their scumbaggery on social?

All that and songs of Elul, to put us in the mood!

Linda Gradstein, Noah Efron, and scholar-public intellectual-podcaster Masua Sagiv discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Extremism in the Name of Moderation—

Extremism in the name of moderation is no vice?

—Won’t Anyone Think of the Children?!?—

What’s it like to be a kid living through the tumult and angst of Israel in 2023?

—Does the Road to Coexistence Run Through “Silicon Wadi”?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Does one road to coexistence pass through “Silicon Wadi”?

All that and meat from a machine, Netta Barzilai’s Ha-Tikva, and some great new music by wunderkind Itamar Ramati!

Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Out of Dodge?—

A recent poll shows that almost one in three Israelis are thinking about leaving the country. But are all these folks really about to leave?

—General Malaise—

What happens when the army gets political?

—What to Do With Someone Like Yair Netanyahu?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Is Yair Netanyahu a trollish Dr. Hyde to his father’s sometimes more refined Dr. Jekyll?

All that and a tenth-anniversary tribute to TLV1 and the odd, amazing music of Itay Blau, only some of which was recorded live in a cave.

Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Shikma—

Does it matter that the first-among-equals leader of Israel’s biggest-ever protest movement is a woman (and a renowned particle physicist and a mother of five)?

—Gal, or, Toward a Grand Unified Theory of Gal Gadot—

Why is Gal Gadot, among Israelis, the most beloved Israeli since maybe Moshe Dayan? It needs to be explained, once and for all.

—Thoughts on Disrupting Politicians’ Vacations—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Protesters disrupt politicians’ vacations, scaring their kids and vowing there’ll be no R&R for the people behind the judicial reform. Is that cricket?

All that and a slam poetry tribute to all things parve, and some great new music by Oren Lotenberg!

Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—National Unity?—

Does the idea of tossing out of the government the far-right parties, and swapping in the center-left, makes a lick of sense? Is this even possible anymore?

—Save Us from Ourselves, Joe Biden !?!—

Is Israel’s left sending to DC a droid with the message: “Help us, Joe Biden. You’re our only hope”?

—News Consumption Overload—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What happened to all the news?

All that and a tribute to one of Israel’s great feminist pioneers, Esther Ellam, who died this week. Plus, the punky pop (or is it poppy punk) of Yishai Berger!

Linda Gradstein, Allison Kaplan Sommer, and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—What Happened?—

The government passed the law that limits the court’s ability to limit the Ministers and cabinet. So why did the two sides fail to reach compromise, even though all sides said that’s what they wanted?

—What Happens Now?—

Now that the law limiting the court’s ability to limit the Ministers and cabinet passed, where do we go from here?

—What Does Tisha B’Av Mean to Us, Especially After this Week—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Has Tisha B’Av taken on new meanings in these schismatic times?

All that and the 101st birthday of Tirza Hodes, who helped invent Israeli folk dance, and the music of the Yama Ensemble!

Sally Abed, Allison Kaplan Sommer, and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Fortress of Democracy?—

Does anyone really think it would be a good idea for Israel’s Supreme Court to fire Benjamin Netanyahu?

—Jenin, Again—

Two weeks ago, thirteen people died in an IDF operation in Jenin that, today, is all but forgotten.

—And No Religion, Too!—

A major documentary seeks to understand the soul of secular Israelis.

—Our Summer Eats, Drinks, and Favorite Places that Help Ease the Heat—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What do we drink, what do we eat, and where do we go to mark the advent of “high summer”?

All that and Elisha Shelem, demonstrations everywhere, and the music of cellist Ayala Ziv!

Miriam Herschlag, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Phase Change?—

As summer heats up, there’s an escalation of the protests and counter-protests. Looks like it’s going to be a scorching summer.

—Israel’s “Constitutional Moment”?—

Is it time for Israel finally to write a founding document, a constitution, 75 years after the country was created?

—Tradition, Tradition … Tradition!—

Are more and more Israelis religion-fluid and Yiddishkeit-queer? A new report says it is so.

—Should We Keep Our Purchases Out of Our Protests?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Do we want our shopping malls to have political opinions, or are we better off keeping our buyin’ separate from our decryin’?

All that and Yitzhak Rabin on the eve of the Yom Kippur War, a newscaster newscasting with advanced ALS, and the amazing music of 21 year old indie phenom, Alma Gov!

As the massive protests enter their seventh month, the Promised Podcast looks at the place of protest in Israeli society. (This episode contains time-tested content from the vault, so you know it’s good!)

In the waning days of Pride Month, the Promised Podcast ransacks its archives for memorable LGBTQ+ moments and music!

Prodigal Wunderkind Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida, Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—What’s More Reasonable Than Reasonableness?—

Prime Minister Netanyahu decided to move forward the judicial reform by passing a law limiting when and how judges can rule based on what seems “reasonable” to them. What, in Israel, has ever been reasonable?

—No More Heroes Anymore?—

Now that the writer-prophets, the Ozes and the Yehoshuas, are no longer with us, are we sailing on a ship without a moral compass?

—A Fresh Perspective—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: It’s like the whole country is in a weird and dark mood. How does Ohad see things as an outsider looking in?

All that and the weird interconnectedness of everything Israeli, a top drawer research organization finding Tel Aviv-Jaffa to be the happiest city on earth, and the music of rising young star Inbal Bibi!

Sally Abed, Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Selectile Dysfunction—

There was a weird Knesset vote this week that elected a representative from the opposition to the Judicial Selection Committee but no representative from the coalition, and still somehow led to a breakdown of talks at the President’s Residence. So what the hell happened and what does it mean?

—101 and Counting—

More than 100 Palestinian citizens of Israel murdered by Palestinian citizens of Israel so far this year (and the year is not yet half over). What’s happening?

—A True Display of Mixed Israeli Society—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Three stars of the team that came in third last week in the Under-20 World Cup Football (Soccer) are Palestinians. Is that a fact that means something that matters?

All that and the first Tel Aviv Pride Parade twenty-five years ago, a trip to Sinai and the changing face of Rocky Horror!

Ace reporter Linda Gradstein, Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—On Foreign Shores?—

Israeli ministers and MKs are drowned when they try to speak overseas, by Israeli protestors. Is that cool?

—The Past is Never Dead. It’s Not Even Past—

Three-quarters of a century ago, sixteen Jewish soldiers were killed when their boat was destroyed by Jewish soldiers in a Jewish State that was 37 days old. Why does this story still matter so much to so many, 75 years later?

—How Bad Is Inflation, Actually?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Inflation can topple governments. But do we even notice it, really?

All that and 50 years since The Voice of Peace first broadcast “from somewhere in the Mediterranean”, a renowned actress jumping off a Tel Aviv bridge to save a life and the official LGBTQ anthems of years gone by!

Ace reporter Linda Gradstein, Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Food Fight!—

Can the government’s war on Coca Cola be resolved by diplomatic means?

—Can You Dig It?—

Is the best thing Israeli archeologists can do, doing nothing?

—Our Love for Yulia the Monk Seal—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Why do we love Yulia the monk seal so damn much?

All that and the return of Yulia the monk seal, a reflection upon the death of the great centenarian Rabbi Gershon Edelstein and the music of The Golem of Prague!

Ace reporter Linda Gradstein, Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Spending, Rending, Upending—

Opponents say the two-year budget Netanyahu’s government just passed is “a looting of the public coffers.” Do they have a point?

—Demonstration Stagnation?—

Are the protests petering out?

—Gimme Gimme Shuk Treatment—

Does the shuk really need a boutique and a swinging hot spot?

—Our Incredible Shuk Stories—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: We love the shuk!

All that and the centennial of the “Battalion of the Defenders of the Language,” a Noa Kirel update and the charming music of Maor Shooshan.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Gaza Nova—

What the hell just happened between us and Gaza?

—Taxation, Like Charity, Begins at Home—

Redistribution of income seems like a good idea until it’s your income being redistributed.

—It’s Jerusalem Day! Yay or Oy?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: It’s Jerusalem Day! So why do we feel so glum?

All that and the sad passing of Yael Greenberg, the kabbalistic numerology of the Eurovision, and the molting seal who won our hearts! Plus the talent and cool of Orca!

In honor of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, the crew shares thoughts and memories about one of the most important events of year!

Music

Lesser-known, but still great, songs from the Eurovision

• 1973 - Shlomo Artzi, At ve-Ani. 11th Place 
• 1989 – Gili ve-Galit, Derekh Hamelekh. 12th Place
• 2000 – Ping Pong, Sameah!. 22nd Place
• 2009 - Ahinoam Nini & Mira Awad, Einayich / There Must Be Another Way. 7th Place
• 2020 – Eden Alena, Feker Libi. Contest Cancelled for Corona

Ace reporter Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Million Person Protest—

More than 200,000 gather in Jerusalem to demonstrate their support of Netanyahu’s judicial reforms. What do we learn from this?

—Declaration Contemplation—

People want to make Israel’s Declaration of Independence into a basic law and the foundation of a constitution. But is that really a good idea?

—Independence Day’s International Bible Contest—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What does it say about Israel that the beating heart of its Independence Day celebrations is an international Bible contest for teens?

All that and the International Bible Contest and the music of Yaara Top!

The crew tell share stuff in celebration of Israel’s 75th Independence Day! Plus, one great song from each decade!

Songs from Paskol Shelishi, New songs inspired by Survivors

First Decade: He’amini Yom Yavo, Yaffa Yarkoni  (1948)

Second Decade: Kol ha-Shavua Lach, Ha-halonot ha-gevohim (1967)

Third Decade: YoYa, Kaveret (1973)

Fourth Decade: Mihakim Lamashiach, Shalom Hanoch (1985)

Fifth Decade: Zan Nadir, Corrine Alal (1992)

Sixth Decade:  Bo’ee, Idan Raichel Project (2002) 

Seventh Decade: Malkat ha-Shoshanim, Eden Ben Zakken (2015)

Eight Decade: She-Rak Tehayekh, Yuval Dayan (2021)

Sally Abed, Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Politics of Memory—

Is it possible to keep politics outside the gates of our cemeteries?

—Kids & Vids—

Seven Ashkenazi teens at a religious high school for girls make a video full of stereotypes about Sefaradim. Sure, it’s icky, but what’s it mean?

—Definitely Not Live—

There’s a new duet by two of Israel’s most revered, tragic, Yemenite singers, who have been dead for decades. What happens to culture, once AI can vanquish death?

—For Some, Like Sally, It’s Going to Be a Complicated Week—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What is it like to be Sally, during this fraught eight-day-week from Holocaust Memorial Day, to Memorial Day for Israel’s Fallen, to Independence Day?

All that and a farewell to Meir Shalev, Easter in the Galilee and the remarkable music of young Israeli artists inspired by the stories of aging Holocaust survivors.

Miriam Herschlag, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

—Riff-Raff Rift—

Everyone’s worried about “The rift splitting the nation.” Is is real? And, if so, what’s it all about?

—Not the New Jew We Wanted?—

Did 56 years of occupying the West Bank change the nature of the Jewish religion fundamentally (and not for the better)?

—My Mimouna—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: No reason to stay sober on Mimouna!

All that and the Dee family, and the hip-hop of Ariela Baruh!

A medley of favorite old stories and discussions about Passover by the people of the Promised Podcast. (After all, we read the same goddam Haggadah every year, and I don’t hear anyone complaining about that!)

Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—The Hell?—

After 85 fever-dream days, what the hell just happened?

—Has Bibi Lost It?—

Is it time to administer Trump’s old “Person-Woman-Man-Camera-TV” test to Benjamin Netanyahu?

—The Fightin’ Joe—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Did Joe Biden just bitch-slap Benjamin Netanyahu?

All that and an appreciation of Yiddish poet Riva Basman Ben-Hayyim, may her memory be for a blessing, and the music of Dror Paz!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and very special guest Mijal Bitton discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—The Best Laid Plans—

President Herzog’s compromise plan for judicial reform failed straight out of the gate. But why?

—Ne’emanut Now—

Mijal explains her notion of “Ne’emanut” and how maybe there’s more to morality than being principled.

—How Are Israel’s Judicial Reforms Affecting Those On the Outside?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: How does the fight over the courts here affect Jews in other places who care about Israel?

All that and the protest song just voted “the best song in Israel’s history,” plus the music of Benaia Barabi!

Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Insubordi-Nation—

There’s a growing number of elite reservists who are refusing to serve in the IDF because of the judicial reform. Is staying home from an army a fair response?

—Secular Uprising?—

Haaretz’s Anshel Pfeffer argues that the energy behind the protests comes mostly from secular folks who are fed up, once and for all, with religious folks. In the end, does it always comes down to religion?

—Israel’s Unicorn—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Was Israel’s next Eurovision song written by ChatGPT?

All that and Chaim Topol, may his memory be for a blessing, and the music of Rotem Cohen!

In this very special episode, recorded on a “National Day of Resistance Against Dictatorship,” Noah tries your patience trying to figure out what the hell this conflict is about.

Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—In Flames—

We just witnessed the rampage on Huwara that many here are calling a pogrom. A pogrom in 2023?

—Flagging Spirits (or, Vexing Vexillology)—

Israeli flags are weirdly prominent in the protests against the judicial reform. What’s with the flags?

—Piece of Pottery Possibly Proves Purim—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: One of the president’s senior staff finds an ancient pottery shard with the name of the father of King Achashverosh, from the Purim Megillah, which somehow makes Noah feel nervous, but why, exactly?!?

All that and Rena Gluck and the birth of modern dance in Israel, Sara Netanyahu besieged in a salon, and the music of J.Lamotta!

In this first-in-all-of-human-history, cross-over edition of TLV1’s Tel Aviv Review and TLV1’s The Promised Podcast, we discuss the open letter of more than 160 renowned historians of Jews, Judaism and/or Israel (“Israel on the Edge of an Abyss”), which opens, “We, historians of the Jewish people and of the State of Israel, accuse the sixth government of Benjamin Netanyahu of endangering the very existence of the State of Israel and the Israeli nation.” Joining us is the author of the letter, the brilliant historian Orit Rozin.

Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Uncivil Disobedience?—

Strikes, blocking roads, doxing, boycotts, intimidating demonstrations right outside the doors of legislators and ministers – Where’s the line that divides legitimate protest from the other kind?

—Barak and a Hard Place—

Why is former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Aharon Barak, the most revered and reviled man in Israel?

—The Great Zionist That Denounced Zionism—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What are you supposed to feel when a person who inspired you to become a Zionist renounces and denounces Zionism?

All that and the return of Guns N’ Roses, the very public coming-out of a religious journalist, and the music of Akiva!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Sally Abed and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Presidential Importunity—

President Herzog addressed the nation, looking like he’d just seen a ghost. Many say it was the most important speech of Herzog’s life, but was it the speech we need to hear and will it do a damn thing?

—A Protest of All its Protestors!—

In demonstrations demanding democracy, why does one hear so few Palestinian voices?

—How We Holdin’ Up?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Kafka would say, Lighten up, dudes!

All that and the music of sing-songwriter-Mensch Bradley Burston!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—The Invisible Hand that Rocks the Cradle—

Newly proposed reform of the schools would give principals the power to fire bad teachers and give extra pay to the good ones, bringing free-market principles to grade-school principals. Do we really need another major reform right now?

—SS, Mein Kind—

It seems like Nazis are so much on the minds of so many who are fighting Netanyahu’s judicial reforms. Are we a Godwin-forsaken country?

—An Open Letter to Israel’s Friends in North America—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: When American-immigrant-Israeli “Dream Team” issues a Cri de Coeur you pay attention!

All that and Kiss’s Gene Simmons singing the praises of Hebrew and the music of Avi Aburomi!

Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—When Cannons Roar—

There were 32 attacks on Israeli Jews – some deadly – in January. How does the violence affect the protests over Netanyahu’s reforms that have roiled the country?

—Keeping the Faith—

Is religious-left and oxymoron?

—Caught Diddling the Fiddle—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Israel Bar Association head, and leader of the protest movement, Avi Himi is caught diddling his fiddle on a video call with a young lawyer eager for his recommendation for a seat at the bench. Oy. What happens now?

All that and the twentieth anniversary of the Columbia space shuttle disaster, young professors cruising bars for the sake of politics, and a mother-daughter dance at Suzanne Dallal! Plus, the hippest of hip hop by Talis, on the release of his first album!

Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—A Tale of Four Cities—

Fifteen times as many people are turning out for anti-government demonstrations in Tel Aviv as are coming to demonstrations in Jerusalem. But are the small demonstrations in the capital more important than the big demonstrations on the coast?

—U & Us—

University students hold every imaginable political belief. So is it right for university administrators and faculty to encourage their students to protest the new government?

—The Smart, Successful Jew—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Successful Israeli businessman Ohad Torpor says Jews are so successful at business because they love learning, hate being told what to think, are into family, and are improvisational. Where does pride end and self-congratulatory fantasy start?

All that and, to mark International Holocaust Day, a discussion with Daniel Lipson, a librarian at the National Library who has worked for years to identify the books in the library’s collections that were stolen by the Nazi’s during the war, and recovered later and shipped to Israel.

Plus, the music of Subliminal and Ha-Tzel, who just reunited fourteen years after they stopped making music together.

Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Estoppel Anagrams to “Lost Peeps”—

The Supreme Court bars Shas head Aryeh Deri from being a minister, and half the country thinks justice has been done and half the country thinks the results of Novembers democratic elections have been undone.

—WWYS, or What Would Yossi Say?—

Journalist, scholar, podcaster, public intellectual Yossi Klein Halevi published an essay on the Times of Israel arguing that we’re riven between those who long for a “State of Judaism”, and those who long for a “State of Jews.” How did we get here? Yossi Klein Halevi, who joined us for the discussion, has an answer!

—Ha’Trempistim – The Hitchhikers—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: A documentary web series shows Israelis at our pushy, boundary-less best.

All that and the first 7Eleven in a Jewish State in 5,000 years, a new Hebrew word from beyond the grave, and the music of Daria Vered!

Noah Efron and prodigal son Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

—Courting Disaster?—

The “Judicial Reform” has so many people so very worried. Is it needed reform or coup d’état?

—Our Bialik—

People still call Hayim Nahman Bialik Israel’s “National Poet.” What could that possibly mean in 2023, on the 150th anniversary of Bialik’s birth?

—The Ultimate Guide to All That Tel Aviv Has to Offer—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Ohad spills about the coolest eating and drinking spots in Tel Aviv-Jaffa.

All that and Pooh in the Promised Land, the Museum of Illusions, and Bialik’s words set to hip new music.

Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

—This Time Feels Different—

When historians look back, will they say the elections of 2022 were when Israel changed forever (and not necessarily for the better)?

—You’re Not the Judge of Me!—

If two people fighting who owes who what, and they both want to be tried by a rabbi instead of a judge, is that cool?

—Why Do Israeli College Kids Speak So Pretty and Write So Poorly?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Why do Israeli college kids speak so pretty and write so poorly?

All that and the election of Israel’s first Gay Knesset Speaker, along with various and sundry wonders experienced on busses and in movie theaters. Plus, the spectacular music of The Revivo Project!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—The Paper It’s Written On?—

What good are the new “coalition agreements” Benjamin Netanyahu just signed, if the guy is already saying he ain’t gonna honor at least some of them? Netanyahu promised, he just did not promise to keep his promise.

—Getting the Book of Books on the Books—

There’s a new proposed “Basic Law: Torah Study” that gives learning Talmud in a Yeshiva the same weight and status as commanding a tank in the IDF. Is it finally time to make the Torah nice and legal?

—Getting up Early and Staying Up Late to Serve the Jewish People in Toronto—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: While you’re living your life, Tamar Sommer is getting up early and staying up late to serve the Jewish People in Toronto. We hear what its like up there in the frozen North.

All that and the old-new hotel Einstein slept in in Tel Aviv, beached plastic plates in Ashkelon, and the category-defying music of Uri Brauner Kinrot, on his own and with friends.

Ever since the elections produced what the elections produced, including a new Minister in charge of the police who used to have hanging on his wall, as a tribute, a picture of a man who murdered 29 Palestinian worshippers in the Tomb of the Patriarch, we’ve been wondering what our Sally Abed makes of all this. This week, finally, we had a chance to ask.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Same Old, Same Old?—

What’s Sally think?

—Yet Another New Left?—

Has the time come for a new left – of, by and for Jews & Palestinians together – that leaves Zionism checked at the door?

—What’s J Street’s Convention Like for Someone Not So American, Not So Jewish?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What was it like at the J Street Progressive, American, Jewish lobby convention for Sally, who is plenty progressive, but not so much American and not so much Jewish?

That and the world’s biggest Lego Hanukah menorah, the Bureau for the Search for Relatives, and the music of Osher Bachta!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—The Other Two-State Solution?—

More and more progressive Israeli Jews dream of separation from the more religious, more right wing Jews. What’s up with that?

—J Street 2.0—

J Street unveiled a new vision at its recent conference. Is this J Street 2.0?

—Happy 120th Kfar Saba!—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Kfar Saba celebrates 120, and Don tells us what’s to love about his home town, as it reaches its biblical allotment of years.

All that and a farewell to the great guitarist and song-writer, Yitzhak Klepter, who passed away this week. May his memory be for a blessing.

Noah Efron and  Times of Israel Ops & Blogs impresario Miriam Herschlag discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Rock of Our Salvation?—

Why do so many people think that giving the head of a homophobic party control over school enrichment programs might be the worst thing Benjamin Netanyahu has ever done?

—The Jewish War—

Israel’s new government to American Jews: F*ck you?

—That Kid Who Yelled That Thing at That Protester—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: That kid who yelled that thing at that protester, and whether he ought to spend a week in jail for it.

All that and the outpouring of love in Israel for Morocco’s great World Cup team, good and bad neighborhoods, the Palestinian head of one of the country’s most important environmental organizations, and how cassette tapes changed Israeli music forever. All that and music by Jenny Penkin!

Noah Efron and journalist-extraordinaire Linda Gradstein discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Can’t Spell “Minister Ben Gvir” Without “Bite Me”—

Minister Ben Gvir?!?

—This Time, It’s Personal—

Anything wrong with tidying up a ‘Basic Law’ so Aryeh Deri can become a minister just four years after admitting to tax evasion?

—Good Wine Can’t Possibly Be Bad for Me!—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: With such good Israeli wine, why ever get sober?

All that and a remembrance of Amnon De Hartog, plus Tom Schneid, the “first queer rapper” since the Torah was given at Sinai!

Noah Efron and Professor, Environmental Activist and outgoing Member of Knesset Alon Tal discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Is a Dream a Lie?—

Did Israel’s outgoing government prove that right-center-left-Arab-Jewish politics is possible? Or did it prove that it’s impossible?

—White Knight?—

Should Benny Gantz break his promise, join Netanyahu’s government, and save us from the Kahanists and the homophobes?

—Good COP Bad COP?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Good COP bad COP?

All that and a website that handicaps the World Cup according to how good each country has been to the Jews. Plus, the R&B and hip hop of Ariella Baruh!

Don Futterman, Noah Efron and journalist-extraordinaire Linda Gradstein discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Yes, Virginia, There is an Override Clause—

All the parties in Netanyahu’s presumptive coalition agree to pass a law letting the Knesset to overrule the Supreme Court’s striking down laws passed by the Knesset. What happens now?

—Ungrandfathering the Grandchild Clause—

Why do the religious parties all want to change the Law of Return so it applies to fewer people?

—Nom Nom Nom—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Places we like to eat and drink.

All that and Huberman’s Stradivarius, Mossi Raz’s mission and Rosa and the Salmons!

Miriam Herschlag, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

Earth’s Promise שבועת האדמה Donation: https://bit.ly/Earthsgive Website: https://www.earthspromise.org.il/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/earthspromise

—Murder on the Election Express—

Who’s to blame for the loss of the center left?

—Not That Kind of a Jewish State—

Are the very religious parties that will make up half of Netanyahu’s coalition hoping to turn Israel into a Halakhic State?

—Keep Your Politics to Your… Students?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: A college president we’ve got affection for gets himself into hot water by trashing the newly elected government in a letter he sent to all the students at his school. Should academics stay silent when they think the country is going in a dangerous direction?

All that and Tula Ben Ari!

As the very last votes are still being counted, Miriam, Don and Noah try to make sense of the election results that will bring Benjamin Netanyahu back to the Prime Minister’s office, and what they say about the heart and soul of the country, and what they do to our own hearts and souls.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—As the Dust Settles—

What just happened?

—The ״Battle for Israel״—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: After the votes are counted, Haaretz prints an editorial enlisting us in the “Battle for Israel.”  But is that really what it’s come to?

All this and songs for pondering elections!

Sally Abed, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—It Just Doesn’t Matter?—

Why do some people wake up on election morning with the feeling that it just doesn’t matter who they vote for, or if they vote at all?

—So Goes the Nation!—

We got no secrets. Here’s how we’re voting.

—״Blood: A Strong Occupation for Israel״—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: The anti-Occupation NGO Breaking the Silence runs a faux election campaign for a faux party whose faux slogan is, “A Strong Occupation for Israel.” What do you do with that?

All this and Moom Nadir, good ol’ punk!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—The Stakes—

Just what happens if Benjamin Netanyahu is elected Prime Minister?

—A Line in the Sea—

Israel negotiates an historic treaty with Lebanon, but Prime Minister Yair Lapid doesn’t bring it to the Knesset to ratify, on the grounds that, if he did, it wouldn’t. Did he make the right call?

—Oh, Donald!—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Like with last week’s tweet by Kanye, we wonder why didn’t Donald’s tweet bug Israeli Jews.

All this and Odeya, a 21 year old cooler-than-cool rising star!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Ad Hominem, Ad Absurdum, Ad Victorium & Ad Nauseum—

We watched hundreds of election ads, so you don’t have to. What do they tell us about that the parties are trying to tell voters?

—Thesis – Antithesis – Screw You!—

Maybe nothing makes people as mad as beloved celebrity changing political camps. How come?

—After the Holidays—

For a month, during the holidays, it’s almost impossible to do anything. Then the world comes crashing back.

—Oh, Kanye!—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Why didn’t Kanye’s tweet bug Israeli Jews (who, one imagines, Kanye’s also gone to Death Con 3 on).

All this and Meshi Kleinstein, the daughter of two of the most popular singers in Israel’s history, now singing on her own (and also with her folks)!

Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

—Yair in Dag Hammarskjöld Square—

A month before elections, caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid tells the UN he supports the creation of a Palestinian state. How come?

—We Are All Grammy Hall—

Global thought leaders think Israel is the 2nd most religious country on earth? Why on earth do they think that?!?

—The Weird Magic of Yom Kippur—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Allison and Noah talk about the weird magic of Yom Kippur on Israeli streets.

All this and a preview of the throaty shoo bop goodness of Ella Raphael’s soon-to-be-released first record!

In this very special, carbon-neutral episode, we look back on people who lately left us, leaving a huge mark on our lives and world.

In Memoriam Clips

• Architect Danny Karavan
• Activist Miriam Levenger
• Rabbi Bent Melchior
• Lyricist, poet and writer Yarom Tahar-Lev
• Feminist Activist and MK Marcia Freedman
• MK Aharon Abuhatzera
• Rabbi, Scholar and Leader, Chaim Kanievsky
• Noam Schwartz

All songs by jazz genius, Yakir Arbib!

Songs

• Hassid Trance
• God Procrastinator
• The Red Fugue
• You go to My Head
• I Got Rhythm
• I’m Confessin (That I Love You)
• Song for an Unborn Child
• Things Ain’t What They Used to Be

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

—Cutting to the Core—

Benjamin Netanyahu promises ultra-Orthodox politicians, in exchange for their support, to fully-fund Haredi schools no matter what they do and do not teach. Is that unhinged and irresponsible?

—A Woman’s Place—

It’s the patriarchy, Stupid!

—Curses & Blessings—

Reflections on the year that was.

All this and songs to take us from the end of the month of Elul through the Days of Awe!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—What Gantz Wantz—

A little from Column A, a little from Column B: What does the “National Unity Party” candidate list tell us about what the party stands for?

—What Did You Learn in School Today?—

Is it wrong for a high school principal to let ultra-nationalist MK Itamar Ben Gvir give a speech to her kids?

—Enflamed Youth—

The head of Israel’s hottest new political party is a TikTok celeb too young to be elected to the Knesset. What gives?

—The Nature Hikes in Israel That Left Their Marks On Our Souls—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: In honor of Israel’s most legendary hiker, Shuka Ravek, who died this week at 91, we talk about nature hikes we’ve taken over the years that have left their marks on our psyches and our souls.

All this and Gugi!

In this very-special episode from Limmud Oz in Melbourne, Australia, Noah puzzles out – What? – why he and Susan uprooted their family tree from rich American soil, replanting it in the alluvium of Israel, and how that’s worked out for them and their kids, who are now the age their parents were when they first came to the country. Not a story for everyone, but maybe one that will interest a few. With huge thanks for the amazing folks at Limmud Oz!

In this 100% reused-reduced-recycled episode, Noah bloviates about Tel Aviv-Jaffa, the city we love so well!

The Pussycat Club 

Coffee Lab 

Tal Tenne Czaczkes

Tel Aviv’s City Council Debates Things that Matter

Bartleby in Tel Aviv 

The Boteach Sex Store 

The Bus on Ben Yehuda

Theodor Herzl’s Funeral Pal

The Hotel Where Eichmann Slept

Up in the Old Palatin Hotel

(Plus music of the city, by the city, for the city!)

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Gilad Halpern and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

—Back to the Future—

Did the Meretz party primaries just send the party back to the future?

—Homo Sionisticus Religiosus—

What, if anything, do the primaries in the Religious Zionism party say about, well, religious Zionism?

—Primary Directive—

Do party primaries pick better Knesset candidates than the more autocratic alternatives?

—How Does American College Life Differ From Israeli University Life?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: With Gilad’s triumphant return from teaching media and journalism at San Diego State University, we talk about how American college life differ from Israeli university life, and what it is like, in this day an age, to be an Israeli transplant on an American campus.

All this and Folly Tree!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

—In Labor—

After its recent primaries, does Labor still look like a party that could ever rule Israel again?

—Likud: The Screwed, Renewed and Netanyahu’ed—

After its recent primaries, has the Likud become a party “of Netanyahu, by Netanyahu and for Netanyahu”?

—Fifty Holocausts—

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says, in Berlin, dumb*ssedly, that Israel has perpetrated “fifty Holocausts.” What, if anything, do we learn from that about the man and the government he represents?

—The Head-Scratching Over How to Translate ממלכתיות—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: The new centrist party with former IDF chiefs-of-staff Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot picks a name that just can’t be translated into English. What the hell does this word that David Ben Gurion made up – mamlakhtiut – mean, and how the hell do we translate it to English?

All this and a full-of-love-and-admiration good-bye to Tzvika Pick!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Sally Abed and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—My War & Yours (& Ours)—

Can a Palestinian Israeli (like Sally) and a Jewish, Zionist Israeli (like Noah) find even a common language and common facts to talk about last week’s rockets-and-bombs in and out of Gaza?

—My Atrocity & Yours (& Ours)—

Newly unsealed documents shed some brutal light on an atrocity done in 1956. What should they mean to us today?

—Is Israel’s Left Paying Too Much Attention to Esoteric Things (Like Climate Change)?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: A candidate for the head of the liberal-left Meretz party says we should stop paying attention to esoteric things like climate change, and instead focus on what really matters: peace and democracy. What’s wrong with that?

All this and Banot ha-Tom!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and star journalist Linda Gradstein discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Smells Like Zionist Spirit—

Two small right-wing parties join to form “The Zionist Spirit”. What’s that all about?

—Gimme Shelter—

A judge orders a woman into protective custody when her ex and his family threatens her life. That can’t be right, can it?

—Carry that Weight—

A study says that IDF inductees weigh 10 kg more these days, on average, than they did 40 years ago.

—PM Lapid’s Vacation Lands Him in Hot Water—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Israel’s (very) secular PM is raked over the coals when it comes out that he planned to be enjoying a vacation on Tisha B’Av, for religious folks a traditional day of fasting and mourning. Is it the job of Israel’s Prime Minister to respect religious traditions that don’t hold much meaning for him?

All this and Avital, on the release of her new record!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—One Man’s Extremist—

Prime Minister Yair Lapid says he’ll form a government “without extremists.” What could possibly be wrong with that?

—If I Can’t Dance—

Is there a “joy disparity” between Israel’s happy-go-luck right and its bummed-out left, our pusses perennially soured?

—Who Thought That Breaking Shariah Law Was a Good Idea?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: A generally-considered-top-drawer-television-correspondent and Foreign Desk editor for prestigious Channel 13 nightly news, Gil Tamari, sneaks into Mecca for a “scoop” during the Haj, breaking Shariah Law, Saudi Law and the canons of human decency. What gives?

All this and the lovely Anat Moshkovski,  in celebration of the birth of baby Adi!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Ben-Gvir, Bistu Schein?—

The popularity of a one time acolyte of Rabbi Meir Kahane is growing leaps and bounds. Why?

—Energy Drain—

Why are the leaders of Israel’s liberal-left Meretz party, dropping out like flies?

—From Zion Will Come Our Salvation—

Will video marriage in Utah solve Israel’s wedding woes?

—No Shakes—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: A popular young Israeli singer does not shake President Joe Biden’s outstretched hand because she observes the prohibition against Negiah, unmarried women and men touching each other, and Israeli social media explodes. Why was this a thing?

All this and Kob, as his great, new record, Kavanot Tovot, drops!

Miriam Herschlag, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Biden’ Time—

What is US President Joe Biden’s visit to Israel much ado about, nothin’ or sumpin’?

—New Blue, or the Great White Hope—

What do you get when a centrist party and a right wing party merge?

—Judaica mens in corpore Judaico—

Isn’t it weird that there are Jewish Olympics, by Jews, of Jews and for Jews?

—Why Haven’t Death and Bereavement Notices Changed in 100 Years?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Death and bereavement notices – the little signs that get printed up and hung around the neighborhood when someone dies, and on the door of the people sitting shiva – haven’t changed a bit in a hundred years. Why? What accounts for the remarkable stability of this small-but-really-important cultural artifact?

All this and Nunu!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—The Torch Has Been Passed—

Yair Lapid, once a weight-lifting, party-going, celebrity hunk, is sworn in as Israel’s 14th Prime Minister. What a long strange trip it’s been.

—There Will Be Blood—

Why is menstruation trending in Israel?

—Dealing With Jewish Thugs—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Haredi thugs break up a Bat Mitzvah and two Bar Mitzvah’s at the Wall in the most awful way. How do we cope with a thing like that?

All this and Amir Lev!

Sally, Miriam, Ohad, Don and Noah tell stories of people who made and make our lives worth living. Plus, duets and collaborations by singers we love. (If the stories sound familiar, it is because, as renowned folklorist Joseph Campbell said, there are tales that live deep in our collective unconscious, that all of us know without being told. That, and because we’ve played them on the podcast in the past.)

All this and duets and collaborations by singers we love!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Going to the Polls!—

Prime Minister Bennett decides to throw in the towel and take the country to new elections. What does it say about what was, what is, and what will be?

—Not Going to the Poles!—

Foreign Minister (and soon-to-be replacement Prime Minister) Yair Lapid decides to cancel all high-school trips to concentration camps in Poland. Would we be better off rethinking entirely the way we think about Holocaust education?

—Where Do These Elections Find Us?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Does the prospect of new elections inspire anxiety, hope, or maybe just boredom?

All this and Idan Rafael Haviv!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and prodigal son Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Dead Man Governing?—

Is it time for Naftali Bennett to say when?

—“I Am Not Mentally Ill!”—

Why is ex-Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suing ex-Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, and what’s it say about Israeli politics?

—Falafel – Good or Icky?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: We were gonna talk about Iranian death squads in Istanbul, but we ended up talking about a more pressing issue: Falafel – Good or Icky?

All this and Maor Cohen!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and prodigal son Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

—Temporary Regulations Make Temporary Governments—

Israel’s government fails to renew temporary provisional regulations first put into place in 1967 by then Minister of Defense Moshe Dayan, and renewed 18 times since then, regulations that allow Israeli law to apply to Israeli citizens living in the West Bank which, by Israeli and International law both, is not part of Israel proper. What now?

—Can’t Spell “Heteronormativity” Without TV—

Israel’s biggest reality show just married off two hunky, dreamy gay guys? Is one small step towards heteronormativity a giant leap for LGBTQ folks?

—I’ve Got BDS On My Mind—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: As Ohad buys pencils and notebooks to get ready to go to PhD school in America, is BDS on his mind?

All this and Shim, in honor the release of her new EP, and in honor of the show in honor of the release of her new EP at Levontin 7, on June 22, at 10

On the week of a tense Jerusalem Day, Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron talk about the capital city and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Al-Quds—

An EU-funded, UN-midwifed Palestinian Authority plan sets out how Jerusalem will be developed as the capital of Palestine by 2030. Some Israelis decry this as a stratagem to undermine Israeli sovereignty over a united Jerusalem, which it sort-of is, but is that necessarily a bad thing?

—Ir ha-Kodesh—

Ask someone in Tel Aviv what they think about Jerusalem, and they’ll probably tell you that they don’t think about Jerusalem.

—Jerusalem’s Hidden Gems—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What are a few of the most charming unsung (or undersung) spots to see in Jerusalem?

All this and hip-hop by Jerusalem favorite son, Guy Mar!

On Don’s birthday and the day before Miriam’s, Don Futterman, Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—The MK Formerly Known as Ex-Member of the Coalition Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi—

Mertz MK Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi quits the coalition, sending Israeli politics into turmoil, only to rejoin three days later. What the hell was that about?

—Thank You for Your Service—

After days of vicious debate, Israel’s coalition and opposition agree to pay college tuition for discharged combat soldiers. Is that really a good idea?

—Denied of the Valkeries—

Wagner died 140 years ago. Is it time to put to rest our Gevalt-by-Association, and let his music boom from Tel Aviv stages?

—Son of a Surgeon—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Don just dropped an amazing podcastilogical monologue about growing up his father’s son, and we hear all about it, not just from the author, but also from the auteur!

All this and a new debut record by Joav Ben-Moshe!

Miriam Herschlag, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Nakba—

Nakba Day memorializes as a tragedy the day when a Jewish State was reborn after two thousand tumultuous, stateless years. What can an Israeli Jew say to that?

—How We Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love the Microchip—

An old joke says: The food at that restaurant is terrible and the portions are too small! The Bank of Israel says: High-tech is tearing Israel apart, and we need more of it. Which one is funnier?

—The Netanyahus—

A Pulitzer Prize presents for a packs-a-punch parable about the parent of a past premier.

—Lag B’Omer: Then and Now—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: We talk about Lag B’Omer’s past, and whether and how the holiday is changing in front of our eyes.

All this and new songs by Tzuf/Zohar/Inbal!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Shireen Abu Akleh, Z”L—

After Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian Al-Jazeera reporter, was shot and killed in cross-fire outside Jenin, everyone was sure they knew who pulled the trigger.

—A Bitter Cabbage Pill to Swallow—

Can a government without a majority do its job?

—Plus Climat Change, Plus C’EST la Même Chose—

Is a bad climate bill worse than no bill at all?

—The Death of A Colleague—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Linda and Allison talk about the sorts of relationships that evolve between Israeli and Palestinian journalists, and how they experience Shireen Abu Akleh’s killing as the death of a colleague.

All this and songs about cats, by Keren & Tammuz!

Allison, Don, Ohad, Amit, Linda, Jeremy & Noah talk about what Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day, means to them, on the eve of Israel’s 74th.

All that and old Songs of Independence, made new again!

Sally Abed, Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Violence Season—

Is it inevitable that seasons of calm are replaced by seasons of violence, just as winter gives way to spring?

—Shmandemic—

Israel’s government ends the mask mandate and says: Lighten up, happy days are here again. Did the almost 4,000 people a day still getting COVID miss the memo?

—Then, Now—

Can we, and should we, have a Holocaust Day that is not just Jewish but also Israeli?

—What’s Our Take Away From PM Bennett’s High Take-Away Expenditures?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: After Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is lavishly lambasted, lamented and lampooned after it came out that his family spends 800 shekels a day on take-out, he tweets that he’ll pay for the damn take-out with his high-tech millions. What should our take-away be?

All this and music for Yom ha-Shoah and every other day of the year

In this very-special episode, Noah tells the story of a kibbutz that surrendered to the Egyptian army in 1948, and the wounds that have never really healed.

Don Futterman, Noah Efron and superstar reporter Linda Gradstein discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra on Patreon

—Wages of Sin—

Are the crimes of terrorists visited on their loved ones?

—Rest in Peace?—

Should dead people be dug up and downsized into ossuaries a year after they’re buried? Some rabbis, scholars and environmental activists say, absolutely!

—As If We Left Egypt—

What does it mean to “see ourselves as if we ourselves left Egypt,” in this moment of viruses and violences, of refugees and unrest.

—No Funding For You—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Nineteen celebrated progressive American Rabbis act to keep donations from American Jews from reaching far-right-wing Israeli groups like the anti-gay, anti-miscegenation, Jewish supremacist organization Lahava. That’s a good thing, right?

All this and rocking Passover-ish pop!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and environmentalist & Judaicist extraordinaire Jeremy Benstein discuss three two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Wave?—

Three terror attacks on civilians in three city centers in eight days, leaving eleven dead. Is Israel facing a new round of violence?

—A Half-Baked Coalition Going Sour?—

The chairwoman of the coalition bolted to the opposition, leaving the future of Israel’s government uncertain. Israel may go to elections over what now?

—“Anti-zionism” as a “Core Value”?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: A shul in Chicago votes that “anti-Zionism” is a “core value.” Should we care?

All this and your first exposure to a tremendous new musical talent, Aviv Peck!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Half a Dozen Foreign Ministers—

Not long ago, who could even imagine that the foreign ministers of Bahrain, the UAE, Morocco, Egypt, the US and Israel would all gather in the Negev desert to talk about creating a middle-eastern “mini-NATO” alliance?

—Jewish Character?—

Why worry about the “Jewish character” of Israel at all?

—A Peep at the Past—

Israel’s greatest cult movie, Metzitzim (Peeping Toms) turns 50 this month. Why has so bleak and disagreeable a film been so popular for so long?

—Unpacking AIPAC—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: MK Alon Tal tells the AIPAC Israel lobby that the time has come to stop supporting American legislators who think the last American election was stolen from Donald Trump. Does he have a point?

All this and the R&B and rock’n’roll of The Bench!

After an encomium to the late Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, Allison, Noah and Voice of America radio superstar Linda Gradstein discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Presidential Address—

Volodymyr Zelenskyy tells Israelis that it’s time to step up and help Ukrainians, like Ukrainians helped Jews during the Holocaust. What should we do with an appeal like that?

—Laws of the Land—

Israel’s new government just finished its first legislative session. How’d they do?

—Times Will Tell—

An Israeli journalist starts a year-long project of monitoring how the New York Times reports on Israel, finding so far that the paper is biased against us. What should we make of this sort of watchdogging-the-watchdog?

—Restaurant Reviewing in the Age of an Israeli Culinary Revolution—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, Linda Gradstein takes us behind the curtain, into the world of restaurant reviewing in the age of an Israeli culinary revolution.

All this and the ultra-orthodox Indie great, Yonatan Razel!

Miriam Herschlag, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—No Place for Politics—

Yad Vashem won’t host a speech by Volodymyr on the grounds that there’s no place for politics when it comes to the Holocaust. But that can’t be right, can it?

—Was Pegasus Just Horsefeathers?—

Eight weeks after it was called “maybe the most important story in Israel’s history,” reports that police used spy software to surveil all sorts of innocent people has disappeared from our minds and our newsfeeds. What happened?

—Amalek—

Has the time come to retire the notion of Amalek, absolute and evil anti-semites who appear in each generation in a different guise?

—Purim Love—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we talk about how we learned to stop worrying and love Purim.

All this and Hila Cohen Elazar, celebrating her new record!

Sally Abed, Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Showing Up—

Should Israel take as many refugees from Ukraine as want to come?

—Another Milestone—

Sexual assault charges are dropped against a leading light of the gay community because what he did “does not cross the threshold of criminality.”

—Making Shabbat—

Should government money go to making Shabbat more “relevant” to secular folks?

—Haifa O’ Haifa—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we ask Sally, who just moved to Haifa, why she loves the place.

All this and the remarkable debut record of Revaya Raisch!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and URJ VP and Renaissance Rabbi Josh Weinberg discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Laying Low—

Israel’s leaders are heartsick about Ukraine and still nervously worried about Putin, and it shows in their muddled response to the war. Should we be doing something more and different for Ukraine?

—If It Displease the Court—

If your parents came from Morocco, is it harder to get the courts to listen?

—30 Years Gone—

Menachem Begin was beloved and reviled in his lifetime. As we mark the 30th anniversary of his death, what is the legacy of this remarkable man?

—Meeting of the Minds—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we discuss the recent meeting between the leaders of American Reform and Conservative Judaism and Israel’s Prime Minister for the first time in six years. Here’s the straight dope.

All this and the first, young sounds of Nitzan!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and linguist, Jewish scholar and environmental activist Jeremy Benstein discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Left and Gone—

Is there something about the way we see the world that drives Israel’s leftists away from the country?

—The Hills Are Alive With the Sounds of Lawsuits—

Animals and plants are people, too, right?

—Talented-Talk-of-the-Town-TikTok-Talmudist Miriam Anzovin—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we discuss how the talented-talk-of-the-town-TikTok-Talmudist Miriam Anzovin is vexing and delighting folks in Israel.

All this and the lovely music of Or Edry, to celebrate her lovely, new record, 20 Tza’adim!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Macaroni Acrimony—

Each day brings new, anguished protests over rising prices. Does the government have an answer?

—Eternity No More—

Are ultra-Orthodox soldiers less judicious and humane than all the others?

—Oh, the Humanities!—

Starting next year, Israel is cancelling make-or-break matriculation exams in the humanities. Is this dumbing down or rising up?

—Don’t Let the Door Hit You on the Way Out!—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we discuss the message sent by British Jewry to right-wing MK Bezalel Smotrich saying, “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!”

All this and pop Wunderkind Noa Kirel on the occasion of her discharge from the IDF!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Damn that Winged Horse!—

Reports that the police used Pegasus to spy on journalists, politicians, bureaucrats, and protestors sent us through all of Kubler-Ross’s stages: Shock, Outrage, Fear, Depression, Gallows humor, More depression, Cynical tweeting and, finally, pricing old Nokia flip-phones on Ebay.

—Brush Up Your Streicher!—

Do Israeli high schools teach too much about the Holocaust, and in the wrong way?

—The “Tinder Swindler”—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we ask, should the fact that the “Tinder Swindler” is Israeli worry us?

All this and Wunderkind Ollie Danon!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

—That Word Again!—

Amnesty International accuses us of being murderous racists committing crimes against humanity but, then, what’s a little constructive criticism between friends?

—Turpitude Now, Turpitude Tomorrow, Turpitude Forever—

Should politicians displaying “moral turpitude” be banned from holding office for life? Are there crimes for which penance can never be paid?

—I’ll Remember Yours, If You Remember Mine—

Should our collective memory be fixed through collective bargaining?

—L’Affaire d’Whoopi—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we discuss Whoopi’s oopsie daisy.

The Four Finalists to Represent Israel in the Eurovision!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and returning prodigal son, Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida discuss three two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

—Tantura—

“I was a murderer. I did not take prisoners,” says a man who, in 1948, was a soldier for Israel in Tantura.

—Lessons Learned and Unlearned—

Eight years ago, a teacher lost his job for being too out-there leftist in class. Now a mini-series is bringing it all back. What is it about this story that we can’t let go of?

—Is It Cool for a Non-Jew to Play a Jewess?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we wonder whether it is cool to cast, um, Gentiles like Helen Mirren to play, um, Jewesses like Golda Meir.

All this and the Avrom Sutzkever and the power-pop of The Puddles (Ha-Shluliyot)

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and returning prodigal son, Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Can’t Spell ‘Plea Bargain’ Without ‘Rage’ and ‘Pain’—

Why are so many people so mad about a possible plea bargain that would keep former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu out of both jail and the Knesset?

—The Ideology of No Ideology—

Israel’s new pandemic policy seems to be, Do what you think is best, and good luck to you! Is Israel having the most free-marketty, Adam-Smithian, pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps moment in our almost 74 year history?

—Stay a While—

Are some Israeli politicians right to worry that if Israelis can enter the U.S. without a visa, some of them will never come back?

—Our Fave Israeli Social Media Accounts—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we share some of our favorite, most fun and delightful, Israeli social media accounts.

All this and virtuoso jazz vocalist Noam Vazana singing new songs in Ladino.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

—Memorial Matters—

There never was, and will never be, anyone like Yoram Taharlev, May his Memory Be for a Blessing.

—In the Heights—

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett exults that “This is the moment of the Golan Heights.” But should it be?

—We’ve Only Just Begun—

Yair Lapid and his Yesh Atid party celebrate ten years in politics, longer than any centrist party ever survived the rough-and-tumble of Israeli politics. What is the secret of their success?

All this and new versions of a few of Yoram Taharlev’s most beloved songs, off the just-finished project, Ya‘aleh ve-Yavo: A Tribute to the Songs of Yoram Taharlev.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

—From Ramallah to Rosh Ha-‘Ayin—

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz meet in Gantz’s living room. Cause for hope?

—Be-Waldered—

Revered kids-book writer Rabbi Chaim Walder kills himself after it comes out that he sexually abused dozens of women and girls over decades, and ultra-Orthodox leaders don’t know what to do and say.

—Dunno Much About Art, But I Know What I Hate—

The mayor of Ramat Gan successfully campaigns to get his municipal art museum to take down a painting he finds offensive. What can we learn from this about who ought to decide what we see in the museums our taxes pay for?

—Our Covid Rollercoaster—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we talk about the official handling of the pandemic at this omicromical moment, which handling seems like an odd mixture of panic and passivity so great, it almost borders on apathy. It feels like we’re in a roller coaster car, having just slowly been hoisted to the top of the first steep decline, and we’re about to lose our lunch.

All this and the sultry music of Ziv!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and Sally Abed discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

Link to Give to Standing Together

—This Would Not Have Happened a Year Ago—

United Arab List head, Dr. Mansour Abbas, says that Israel always has been, and always will be a Jewish State, it’s time for everyone to accept that. How big a deal is that?

—Sara—

Did we have Sara all wrong, all along?

—This Is Reality, Itamar!—

Politicians, professors and pundits are all turning up on Reality TV. Is gravitas dead?

—“Happy” New Year?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we talk about how this New Year’s finds us: Down in the Duldrummy dumps? Ready to break out? Dazed and confused? Guardedly optimistic? Weirdly sober? It’s kind of a window into our souls!

All this and the music of Gedy Ronen!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and and returning prodigal son, Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—“A Mandate” Anagrams to “A Tad Mean”—

Israel’s Corona Czar says the time has come to consider a “vaccine mandate.” Is this why the word “omicron” anagrams to “moronic”?

—Whose Violence is it, Anyway?—

Why do folks on the left and the right see such very different things when they look at violence on the roads and in the fields of the West Bank?

—Et Tu, Walden? (Or, Autarky Malarkey!)—

Would we all be better off if more of us lived off the grid, Henry David Thoreau style?

—Reacting to the Latest Scandal-de-Jour—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we discuss the scandal-de-jour, in which former director of the Mossad, and a presumptive heir to Benjamin Netanyahu, Yossi Cohen, is found to have braggadociously shared state secrets with his flight-attendant consort and her cuckold (and kinda pissed) husband. We’ll try to sortout what to make of this sordid affair.

All this and songs by Solomon Ibn Gvirol, to celebrate his 1,000th birthday! (Because, you only turn 1,000 once!)

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—F*ck’m!—

Former US President Donald Trump says that former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu never wanted to make peace, and doesn’t know the meaning of loyalty. But aren’t the two men BFFs?

—Unit 8200, Down on Route 60—

The IDF pledges to move its crack intelligence units from the center of the country two hours south, and lots of career soldiers weigh leaving the army for the private sector. What should the generals do?

—Torched—

Every year, twelve exemplary Israelis are chosen to light torches at the main Independence Day Celebrations, because they represent the best of us. The call for nominations just went out, and the Promised Podcast answers that call, picking our own dazzling dozen.

—Shop ‘Til You Drop—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we try to understand the newest Government corona edict, which says that you can only shop in malls if you’ve been double vaxxed and boosted, or had COVID in the past six months, save for grocery stores, pharmacies and clinics in malls, and everyone entering the mall will get either a green wristband indicating double vax and booster or a red wristband indicating anything less than that, which edict has mall proprietors apoplectic and preparing a petition to the supreme court arguing that making people wear their vax status on their wrist in malls is a violation of their privacy. Oy!

All that and the amazing live-from-the-streets music of Coral Bismuth*!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Leading the Witness—

Police investigators strong-arm Benjamin Netanyahu’s one-time spokesman and media consultant to testify against his former boss, saying that if he doesn’t they’ll destroy his family and his life. Is the whole trial tainted?

—We Beat the Syrian Army, Surely We can Beat Climate Change—

The IDF gears up to take the lead in Israel’s response to climate change. Is that a good thing?

—Holding the Line—

By changing regulations, the government plans to make it harder for ultra-Orthodox leaders to make sure their followers use only “kosher phones.” Are Haredi rabbis and politicians right to be upset?

—Be Best, Israeli Style?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we try to understand President Yitzhak Herzog’s new campaign to be nice on the internet, so as to “shine our inner light” on others. Is this anything more than presidential pablum?

All that and Ella Shik Blum!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and journalist-extraordinaire Dina Kraft discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Hanukkah with Zealots, Oh My!—

President Yitzhak Herzog lights candles with settlers in Hebron, causing protestors on the left to cry, “He’s not my president.”

—Whose Country Is It Anyway?—

By closing its borders, is Israel turning diaspora Jews into “second-class Jews”?

—(Some) People’s Army—

Is the IDF still a “People’s army”?

—Here’s Why Ultra-Orthodox Aliyah to Israel Is Breaking Records—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we talk about a socko new essay in Haaretz by FoPP Judy Maltz, entitled, “Ultra-Orthodox Aliyah to Israel is Breaking Records. Here’s Why.”

All that and Kiki Malinky!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

—No Prize—

Israel’s Education Minister decides not to give the country’s biggest prize to a genius computer theorist because he petitioned the EU to boycott an Israeli university in the territories.

—If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem, Let My Office Chair Creak—

If Jerusalem is Israel’s capital, does that mean that all the government needs to be there?

—Israel’s Next Top Model—

New models say in 2050, one in four Israelis will be ultra-Orthodox, but does that maybe tell us more about the models than it does about the ultra-Orthodox?

—The Rise of “Holocaust Distortion”—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we talk about a disturbing new essay by Allison about COVID and the rise of “Holocaust distortion.”

All that and the enchanting harp of Renana Ne’eman!

Sally Abed and Noah Efron discuss three two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Limited—

Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel’s new proposed term-limit law is the sort of law you’d see in Iran, Syria and North Korea. Does he have a point?

—Tradition, Tradition!—

Can “traditionalism” (mesoratiut) reshape Israeli politics as we know it?

—Israelis and Israeliness Abroad—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we talk about what it’s like, when we travel, to be Israelis abroad.

All that and a boy named Neta Weiner!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—What Now?—

Now that Israel has a budget (after several years of not having a budget), is it smooth sailing from now on?

—Some of the Best Standards are Double Standards—

A supermarket chain charges ultra-Orthodox shoppers a lot less than the rest of us. Is this discrimination, or just market forces doing what they do?

—The Strange Death & Curious Rebirth of the Israeli Left?—Who killed Israel’s Left?

—The Airport Gates Are (Wide) Open—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, after a week of vigorous reporting by Allison about how reopening the airport to tourists has been pretty worryingly botched, we talk about how we feel about the gates of the country finally being thrown wide to let in curious well-wishers with handsome disposable incomes, from all around the world.

All that and Cohen!

Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss three two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—You Say “Corruption” Like It Was a Bad Thing!—

Should coalition members get to earmark millions for their favorite causes?

—Death, Taxes & Traffic—

The Knesset’s new “pigovian” congestion tax will make half a million people pay handsomely every time they drive into Tel Aviv. Isn’t it time that someone made Allison pay?

—A Likud So Powerful That Even It Can’t Form a Government?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we try to make sense of a new poll finding that if elections were held today, the Likud would grow stronger – to 36 seats – but that neither today’s coalition nor today’s opposition would be able to form a government. What’s it augur?

All that and the enchanting sounds of Tandu*!

*With eternal gratitude to Reena Berenberg!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Burdens of Proof—

Defense Minister Benny Gantz says we can trust him that he wouldn’t outlaw Palestinian human rights organizations without a really good reason.

—A Great Deal of New Green—

A 100 point action plan to slow climate change? Is that maybe too many points?

—Breathing Easy—

When a COVID patient needs a new lung, should the vaxxed have priority over the unvaxxed?

—“Whose Promised Land? A Journey Into a Divided Israel”—

The new New York Times Bureau Chief in Jerusalem takes a ten-day tour of Israel, and finds that it’s filled with bitter, disaffected malcontents. Did he maybe miss something?

All that and drummer-singer-songwriter Noa Segal!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Nullifying Netanyahu?—

Former Speaker of the Knesset Yuli Edelstein challenges Benjamin Netanyahu for leadership of the Likud. Are Netanyahu’s days numbered?

—Him Too?—

“He suddenly pinned me to the door and tried to kiss me.” What do we make of Shimon Peres, now that we know?

—Rabin’s Square is Closed for Renovation—

Rabin Square is about to be closed for years of renovation. Is that a blow to civic culture, and maybe even democracy?

—The Israeli Foods We’re Nostalgic For—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, with the start of Krembo season (the happiest season of the year), we talk about the Israeli foods we’re nostalgic for.

All that and OBD!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Vax & Figures—

What’s the link between who Israelis vote for and whether, when, and how we get vaxxed and boostered?

—The Cost of Freedom—

Gilad Shalit was freed from Hamas captivity in Gaza exactly ten years ago. Was the deal that brought him home a good one?

—Once They Wrote Love Songs for Tel Aviv—

Has Tel Aviv jumped the shark?

—What to Make of L’Affaire de Rooney?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we wonder what we ought to make of l’Affaire de Rooney?

All that and new music of Israel’s most outre rapper, Hadar Farjun!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Coffee or Conflict: How Do Israelis Start Our Days?—

Was PM Bennett right when he said at the UN that “Israelis don’t wake up in the morning thinking about conflict”?

—Smile!—

Cameras in classroom, oh my!

—Stone of Hearts—

Would it really be so bad if not every building in Jerusalem was faced with the same tawny stone?

—Opposing the Occupation Yet Choosing to Join the IDF and Serve in the Territories—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we mull over a personal essay in Haaretz called, “I Oppose the Occupation. This Is Why I Chose to Serve as an IDF Soldier in the Occupied West Bank.”

All that and music by The Bench, in honor of their new, debut record, Jasimo!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Sally Abed and Noah Efron discuss three two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

—Iran, One Month from the Bomb—

Experts say Iran can have an atomic bomb by Hanukkah. What, if anything, can Israel do about it?

—Who is Sex For?— Is it unseemly for 60 year olds to let the rest of us know they still have sex?

—Our Favorite Tel Aviv Coffee Shops and Bars—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we discuss our favorite coffee shops and bars in the city.

Sarit Hadad, in honor of coming out in song!

There is an ancient tradition on Sukkot, which is to say now, called Ushpizin, an aramaic word that means “Guests”, and at its simplest, it means that one invites guests of all sorts, including anyone around who needs a meal, to eat with you in your Sukkah. But already in the 16th century, and maybe long before that, Kabbalists and mystics had symbolicized the thing, saying that when you sit in your Sukkah the Shekhinah , the divine presence, draws righteous heroes from history into your sukkah.

Join us for a podcastilogical Ushpizin, constructed of 100% reused, renewed and recycled old episodes (because that’s how much we care!)

Wild brilliance by one of our great composers, Aviya Kopelman, the youngest ever person to win the Prime Minister Prize for composition!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Sally Abed and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—A Year of Abraham Accords—

A year ago this week, ambassadors from the UAE and Bahrain celebrated with then-President Donald Trump and then-Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the launch of the Abraham Accords. With Trump and Netanyahu booted out of office in the interim, what should we make of the accords now?

—Escape—

After a week glued-to-the-screen, following a manhunt after six escaped Palestinian prisoners, we ask: What just happened?

—White-ish Feminism—

Some Israeli feminists say they’ve had enough of “White(ish) Feminism.” Do they have a point?

—What Yom Kippur Means to Us—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we discuss what this days-of-awe-holiday-season means to us, each from our own perspective.

All that and Sima Noon!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Body Politics—

A 21-year-old sergeant in the Border Police dies after being shot in the head through a hole in the wall that separates Israel from Gaza, and the tragedy instantly becomes a political talking point leading to demands that the Prime Minister resign. Why are IDF casualties suddenly being politicized?

—A Problematical, Dogmatical, Fanatical, Climatical Sabbatical?—

The Bible says that every seventh year, Jews are prohibited from planting in the Holy Land. Does that mean that, in 2021, Tel Aviv must stop planting shade trees, because the Bible told them so?

—The Goy and the Jewish Question—

Does Israel have a “Goy” problem?

—“I Know Israel Has Let You Down. We are Doing Teshuvah, Repentance.”—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we talk about a controversial High-Holidays-Days-of-Awe essay in the Times of Israel and on the JTA wire by Minister of Diaspora Affairs Nahman Shai headlined “I Know Israel Has Let You Down. We are Doing Teshuvah, Repentance.” But are we?

All that and new music one of Israel’s newest stars, Nofar Salman!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—The Year That Was—

The Talmud says that on Rosh Hashanah God judges the deeds of all creatures over the prior year. We figured, we’d get a jump on the job, giving God a hand, and figure out what we did right and what we did wrong over the past year.

—The Defense Minister & the President—

Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas meet on the down-low to talk about anything but peace. What’s it augur?

—Afghanistan and the Jewish Question—

Do Israelis have anything to learn from the heartbreak in Afghanistan? (Because, you know, it’s always, at least a little, about us.)

—Is Canceling This Year’s High Holiday a Retreat From All That Has Preserved Judaism Forever?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we talk about the brouhaha over an essay in Tablet in which Liel Leibovitz takes American rabbis to task for being overly COVID cautious. Liebowitz writes that “Jews celebrated Shabbat in silence under the Inquisition, lighting candles in darkened basements even though the flickers of holy light could attract the penalty of death. Jews baked matzo in the ghettos and observed Yom Kippur in the camps.” To cancel the high holidays now, he suggests, is a craven retreat from all that has preserved Judaism forever. Might he have a point?

All that and music of inspiration and atonement for the new year!

Sally Abed, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—What We Learned While Skipping School—

Kids are finally returning to desks-and-whiteboards after missing almost all of last year. What did we learn from the pandemic about how to make schools better?

—73 Days In—

The Knesset goes into a “summer recess” after the most tumultuous session anyone can remember. How’s the new government doing, 73 days in?

—Wigging Out—

We watched a movie about an ultra-Orthodox woman ambivalating over whether to stop wearing a wig, as women of her station are expected to wear, and came to opposite conclusions about what it all means.

—3 Beautiful Audio Essays by the Lovely & Incomparably Beautiful Miriam Herschlag—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, an encore presentation of three (count ‘em!) lovely, incomparably beautiful little audio essays by the lovely and incomparably beautiful Miriam Herschlag.

All that and the uncategorizable music of musician, painter, sculptor and performance artist Ayelet Avni!

Forty years passed before the first song was written in Israel about the Holocaust. For a long generation, Holocaust survivors, and their kids, were mostly quiet about the events that, more than any other, shaped their lives. Then that all changed.

Sally Abed, Noah Efron and Tel Aviv Review host Gilad Halpern discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Noodge—

Should the government tax us into acting right?

—Pedagogies of Prejudice & Prejudices of Pedagogy—

Can you teach co-existence? Decency? Some social scientists say “no.”

—By the Grace of Heaven—

A movie about ultra-Orthodox Bnei Brak during the pandemic upends everything we thought we knew. But is it the whole picture?

—What’s the Point of All Our Yammering About Israel in English?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, Sally, Gilad and Noah (each hosts of labor-of-love, English-language podcasts about Israeli politics and culture) talk about why we bother, which is to say, what we hope to accomplish by yammering into microphones in English about Israel. What’s the point?

All that and the jazz genius of Faraj Suleiman!

Times of Israel Ops & Blogs editor Miriam Herschlag, Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—If It Please the Court—

Is it time for Israeli courts to stop allowing improperly gotten evidence? A newly proposed law would outlaw “the fruit of the poisonous tree.”

—Gold—

What do the Olympics tell folks here about what it means to be an Israeli?

—Under Another Sun—

What does an award-winning documentary about growing up on a kibbutz tell us about what it means to be an Israeli?

—Your Only Choice Is Zionism Or Anti-Zionism. Which One Do You Choose?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we discuss an essay in Tablet by Liel Liebovitz called, “Us & Them: Your only two choices are Zionism and Anti-Zionism, Pick Wisely”, asking: Are those really our only two choices? Can’t we be Yiddishists? Can’t we be Vegans or Kantians or Olivia Rodrigo fans?

All that and Yoni Poliker!

Times of Israel Ops & Blogs editor Miriam Herschlag, Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Growing Pains—

Israel’s new government says, let “the market” decide who grows what where. Is it time to let the “Invisible Hand” till our soil?

—Keeping Kosher—

Israel’s new government says, let a thousand hekhshers (Kosher certifications) bloom. Who stands to gain and who stands to lose?

—Thought for Food—

Tel Aviv’s beautiful new “Culinary Institute of Israel” is attacked for cultural appropriation and “food-washing”. Is it possible to make a meal without a side of politics?

—Why Is Vaccinating Kids at School Controversial?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we discuss why Israel’s Education Ministry refuses to vax kids in school. Do they have a point?

All that and the genius originality of Bar Tzabari.

Times of Israel Ops & Blogs editor Miriam Herschlag, Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Keeping Tabs—

An Israeli company leases super spy software to allies who use it to surveil journalists and activists. Has Realpolitik gotten too real?

—Apartheid & Our Trip Ahead—

One in four American Jews think Israel is an apartheid state, and one in five that it’s committing genocide. What family doesn’t have its ups and downs?

—Ben! Jerry! How Could You, Bros?!?—

Ben & Jerry’s freezes out settlers, and things get hot.

—Making Sense of the Brouhaha Over Remarks by Foreign Minister Yair Lapid—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we try to make sense of the brouhaha over remarks by Foreign Minister Yair Lapid at the “Global Forum For Combating Antisemitism”, suggesting that anti-Semitism is racism is homophobia is xenophobia is sexism. What’s so controversial about that?

All that and the music of Shay Hamber, who we fell in love with when she was 13, nine years ago, on a kids’ reality music show, and who we’re falling in love with all over again today, on an adults’ reality music show!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Face the Nation-State—

Israel’s Supreme Court votes 10 to 1 to let the controversial “Nation-State Law” stay on the books. Could both the 10 and the 1 be right at the same time?

—Sins of the Fathers—

Toddler’s whose fathers study full-time in Yeshivas just lost their day-care subsidies. Should tots suffer because dads don’t work?

—Is a Dream a Lie if It Don’t Come True, or Is It Somethin’ Worse—

Ten years ago this week, Israel was rocked by the biggest protests in the country’s history. Did they make any difference?

—The State of Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Migrant Workers in Israel—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we talk with Julie Fisher, the founder and director of the Consortium for Israel & the Asylum Seekers, about the state of asylum seekers, refugees and migrant workers in the age of Corona, in Tel Aviv, and Israel in general.

All that and the strange and uncategorizable charm of Onili!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

—Unsettling—

Settlers peaceably evacuate a wildcat West-Bank outpost in a compromise that may lead, someday, to their return. What does the compromise say about Israel’s new government?

—All President and Accounted For—

Reuven Rivlin was Israel’s president for seven stormy years. What is his legacy?

—Bi-Sockuals—

A shocking and controversial ruling about Hebrew grammar by the Academy for the Hebrew Language. But are they the boss of us?

All that and the uncategorizable genius of Masok!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron, and Times of Israel Ops & Blogs editor Miriam Herschlag discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/posts/53164847

—Mistakes Were Made, Uncle Sam—

Can Israel’s new government “reset” relations with the U.S.?

—My Grandfather, the Zionist—

A grandson looks at his Zionist late-grandfather and wonders how he missed all that is wrong about Israel. But is the grandson missing something, too?

—Dudu, I Have a Feeling We’re Not in Kfar Saba Anymore—

An Israeli goes to explore the strange worlds of American Jews, like Alice in Wonderland, Gulliver in Lilliput, and Dorothy in Oz. But does he learn say more about Israel than it does about the United States?

—The Un-Jews—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we grapple with a challenging recent article in Tablet Magazine by luminaries Natan Sharansky and Gil Troy, called “The Un-Jews: The Jewish Attempt to Cancel Israel and Jewish Peoplehood.”

All that and new music by Dudu Aharon, one of the best things ever to come from Kiryat Ekron!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/posts/52877485

—My Way or Norway?—

The “Norwegian Law” lets ministers resign from the Knesset and get replaced by party cronies. Is that corrupt cronyism, or just good government?

—Deunification by Reunification—

Only a week passed before Israel’s new government came up against a controversy that threatens to blow it apart, over whether Palestinians who marry Israeli citizens should automatically get citizenship. What should MKs do when politics demands something their conscience cannot allow?

—A Brook of One’s Own?—

The Parks Authority wants to set aside times when brooks, streams, rivers and lakes are open only to women bathers, or only to men bathers. But is that cool?

—Delta, “Keep Climbing”?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we gulp and ask, how freaked-the-f*ck out should we be over rising COVID numbers, including among fully vaccinated folks.

All that and new music by Itai Toren, the 22 year old son of one of Israel’s best rocker-songwriters!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Sally Abed and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on https://www.patreon.com/posts/52610627

—“A Coalition Exposition”—

Eight documents tell us tons about what Israel’s new government plans to do, and plans not to do, and also about the exquisite tensions knitted into the fabric of this right-center-left/Jewish-Arab/religious-secular/straight-and-queer/feminist-and-not-so-feminist coalition.

—Bye Bye Bibi Bye Bye—

Benjamin Netanyahu dominated Israeli politics for a dozen years. What legacy did he leave?

—The Bare Necessities of the Naked Truth—

Why are so many Israelis squeamish about nudity?

—All Bets Placed?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we place bets on how long Israel’s new government is gonna last.

Plus, a celebration of Alon Tal, on his journey from the Promised Podcast to the Knesset!

All that and the fresh-from-the-barricades music of the Barak Cohen Band!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/promisedpodcast

—“Who Are You, Naftali Bennett?”—

Is Israel’s incipient prime minister, Naftali Bennett, the hard-line ideologue that most people take him to be?

—No Place Like Home?—

Must the Prime Minister’s family live in the official Prime Minister’s residence, even if they’d rather stay in their villa in Ra’anana, not far from Allison?

—Who Let the Dogs In?—

What explains Israel’s canine-mania?

—So We Dropped-in on the New Clubhouse App, And…—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, after we spent hours on the drop-in audio social media app “Clubhouse,” listening to Palestinians and Israelis try to talk, we try to get out of fetal position long enough to describe what we heard.

All that and the moving new record from 75-year-old Shalom Hanoch!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—“I Have Been Able to Form a Government!”—

Just before the deadline passes, Israel has maybe the oddest government in the country’s history, including a coalition of 8 very different parties, some from the pretty far right, some from the pretty far left, including one an Islamist party. What’s it mean and what’s it augur?

—President & Accounted For—

Yitzhak “Bugzhi” Herzog, one-time leader of the labor party, and son of Israel’s sixth President, Chaim Herzog, was just overwhelmingly elected by the Knesset this week to serve as Israel’s eleventh President. Herzog is a consummate insider, the elite son of an elite son of an elite son, and his opponent was a poor immigrant from Morocco who suffered inspeakably over the course of her life, and rose to be one of the country’s most revered figures. Is Herzog the right person at the right time for this job?

—Ripping Point?—

Why so many young Jewish-American progressives are saying (sadly) they’re done suffering for the sins of a Jewish state that makes no sense to them anymore.

—“Israel’s Problems Are Not Like America’s”—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we talk about a new, viral article in the Atlantic by one of our faves, Matti Friedman, called “Israel’s Problems are Not Like America’s.” Do Americans (and especially American Jews) have an Ari Ben-Canaan problem? (And who the hell is Ari Ben-Canaan, anyway?)

All that and fun with The White Trash!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Sally Abed and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Still Crazy, After All These Tears—

A cease fire has taken affect, dust has settled, dead have been buried, and rubble has begun to be cleared. But what, if anything, has changed?

—Who’s Afraid of Fifth Elections?—

So maybe 5th elections are a good idea!

—Dissenting Court or Courting Dissent?—

Did the Supreme Court just save Israeli democracy (or destroy it)?

—You Okay?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we check in with one another and ask how we are doing, personally, as the violence recedes, as the corona virus seems to be forgotten, and the movie theaters are reopening.

All that and the grunge garage band rock of The Grasshoppers (Ha-Hargolim)!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—The Problem of Power—

Trevor Noah and John Oliver say that death counts alone are enough to see that Israel is wrong, and fighting an “unfair fight.” What do you do with a claim like that?

—Paradigm Lost?—

Before the fighting, Right, Left, and Center politicians negotiated a coalition to replace Netanyahu, with the support of an Islamist party. Once the fighting broke out, the coalition fell apart before it ever took hold. Does this prove what many say, that an Arab-Jewish political alliance cannot survive an Arab-Jewish war?

—Subterfuge—

Is it kosher for the IDF Spokesman to lie to reporters, if it helps the IDF do its job?

—Thrown Out for Throwing Rocks—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we talk about a petition demanding to sack a high-school principal caught on film throwing a rock in a riot. The man – Sagi Rosenbaum is his name – says he sees he made a terrible mistake – is that enough to let him keep his job?

All that and the powerful rap of 22-year old Jerusalemite Adi Agai!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman, Sally Abed and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—“F*cked Up, Horrible Chickens”—

Rockets and missiles from the south and mob violence most everywhere else: Why did Israel just dissolve into bloodshed?

—“If I Forget Thee, O’ Jerusalem Day”—

How do you celebrate the “reunification” of Jerusalem (and how don’t you)?

—Will Social Media Be the Death of Me?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we talk about the roles played by Twitter, Facebook, Tiktok and Instoosh in our Hobbesian war-of-all-against-all moment.

All that and the music of Trace Kotik, in celebration of his brand-new debut record, Everything Has Been Done by Now, So Now, Everything is Possible…!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida, Sally Abed (for a bit) and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—(Qui Est-Ce Que) J’Accuse?—

Forty-five people are crushed to death by a crowd at an all-night revelry at Mount Meron. Who or what is to blame?

—All in the Family—

Is “family-uber-alles” the only thing that cuts across lines of religion, language, ethnicity, sexual orientation and all other things that divide one Israeli from the next?

—Ethnic What?—

On last week’s podcast, Sally called Israeli policy in Jaffa “ethnic cleansing.” This week she tell more about what she means, and why she thinks the label fits.

—They Made You Do What?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we talk about the labyrinthine procedures one needs to follow these days traveling back and forth between Israel and the US, after Allison and Noah just ran that gauntlet.

All that and the music of Stephane Legar, in honor of his new single, Na’im Meod!

Sally Abed, Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Our Bennett-factor—

The liberal, center-left newspaper Haaretz endorses Naftali Bennett, a privatize-anything-that-moves and annex-anything-God-promised-to-us-in-the-Bible right wing ideologue, as our next prime minister. What gives?

—Jaffa, Lit—

Jaffa explodes in violence and protest. What and who are to blame?

—Hebrew & Me—

Maybe the most intimate question we know: What does Hebrew mean to us?

—The Demonstrations and Violence in Jaffa: A First-Hand Look—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we hear from Sally, who was arrested at one of the Jaffa demonstrations last week, what the demonstrations was like, what the arrest was like, and whether doing hard time really hardens a woman, like in the movies. Also, how bad is prison hooch, really?

All that and the great debut EP of the one-and-only Romi Mor!

Don Futterman, Noah Efron and Times of Israel Ops & Blogs Editor Miriam Herschlag discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—“Unity is the Thing We Seek”—

Opposition leader Yair Lapid says he wants a right-left-and-center “National Unity Government.” The fact that it won’t be able to do anything about the occupation is a feature, he says, not a bug. Does he have a point?

—How Do You Solve a Problem Like Ben Gvir?—

Kahanist MK Itamar Ben Gvir represents an outlook that most Israelis find loathsome. Is it better to fight him, or just ignore him?

—Hip Like Us—

Does what we Israelis wear tell us something about who we are?

—Mask-Free and Prosper—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we talk about this strange pandemical moment, after the mask mandate was rescinded this week, when things seem to be opening up both higgledy and piggledy, which moment feels both like a resurrection – We hath risen! — and also maybe like a prologue to a setback down the road. It’s weird, so we talk about it.

All that and the great first record of Minus Efes!

In celebration of Yom Ha-Atzma‘ut, Israeli Independence Day, stories about what the day means to us, from our family to yours!

Plus, classic songs from the old Israeli songbook, performed by a new generation.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and Times of Israel Ops & Blogs Editor Miriam Herschlag discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—What Now?—

The President just asked the Prime Minister (who is standing trial for corruption) to form Israel’s next government. Should he have? What the hell happens next?

—Make My Standard a Double!—

Is it hypocritical of PM Netanyahu and his supporters to form a coalition with the support of the Islamist Ra’am Party?

—My President?—

By June, Israel will have to elect a new president. Who should she be?

—Trying to Make Sense of It—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we talk about the parole of Rushdi Hamdan Abu Mukh, after serving 35 years of a sentence for the 1984 murder of 19-year old IDF corporal Moshe Tamam. Videos show Abu Mukh being cheered and hoisted on shoulders when he returned to his hometown of Baka al Garbia, causing Tamam’s family to call for Abu Mukh to be stripped of his Israeli citizenship. What should we make of this sad, sad thing?

All that and Bilgo!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Way Out—

Israel’s political stalemate can maybe be solved by a law disqualifying PM Netanyahu (and anyone else standing trial for felonies) from heading a new government. But is it kosher to pass a law meant to end one specific person’s political career?

—Robot Soldiers—

New autonomous weapons patrolling the border with Gaza keeps militants from crossing into Israel without endangering the lives of Israeli soldiers. Is that great news or awful news, or maybe somehow both?

—What is a Museum of the Jewish People a Museum Of?—

$100 million and hundreds of thousands of hours went into reimagining the Diaspora Museum as “Anu: The Museum of the Jewish People.” What’s the new place have to tell us about Jews?

—Living in a Bubble?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, after the city-by-city election results show that Tel Aviv elected a completely secular, left-wing coalition and that Jerusalem elected a completely religious, mostly ultra-Orthodox right-wing coalition, we wonder if we’re living in a bubble that keeps us from understanding what people think and feel 45 minutes up the road from us.

All that and Groove Salad (being Boaz Giller and Liat Haber)!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman, Sally Abed and Noah Efron talk about Israel’s elections this week:

What should we make of the surprising success and kingmaker role of the Islamicist Ra’am party?

The Kahanists in the Knesset? The better-than-anyone-predicted showing of Benny Gantz and the Blue & White party? The relative failure of the right-winger who wanted to replace Netanyahu, Gideon Sa’ar and Naftali Bennett? The relative success of the Labor Party and liberal-left Meretz? The stalwart centrist Yair Lapid? What’s it all say about the state of our collective soul? What’s it all augur for the future?

—You Voted for Whom?!—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we – in a fit of self-disclosure – spill about who we voted for, and why.

All that and two of Israel’s greatest young opera singers, Shani Oshri & Noam Lowenstein, singing roots music in Ladino (see their beautiful online show next Monday)!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—A Pre-Election Reflection—

This election campaign was maybe the weirdest in Israel’s history. What the hell just happened?

—Red Ties, Blue Ties—

Netanyahu has one. Saar has one. Bennett has one. Lapid has one. Lieberman has one. And Gantz has one. How to all the American political consultants running our election campaigns affect Israeli politics?

—On the Road and Off the Derekh—

If you’re born a religious Zionist in Israel, there’s a one in three chance you’ll be secular when you grow up. Is that a fact that matters??

—Taking Two for the Team—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we discuss the many (and growing) calls for Meretz and Blue&White to withdraw from the election, essentially self-immolating on the Mr.-Spockian grounds that “logic clearly dictates that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.” Should two center-left parties euthanize themselves, for the sake of the rest of us?

All that and Mayco, celebrating the release of her socko first EP!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Lion in Winter—

The number of Israelis who think Benjamin Netanyahu is most fit to be Prime Minister has tumbled over the past few weeks. Why and what’s it mean about the upcoming elections?

—Us & Them—

A study finds Israeli teens don’t trust teens who are different than they are. Why? What can be done?

—Raffish Women—

Is there maybe a special, nuclear-grade misogyny reserved for tough, brash, in-your-face, Mizrahi women, who are among our most successful (and most disparaged) leaders today?

—Whoa, This Is Terrible! (Or, Yay This Is Great?)—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra segment, we talk about some spectacular new investigative reporting by Allison and Judy Maltz: “How Christian Evangelical Money and Biblical Prophecy Are Driving Immigration to Israel.”

All that and the inspiring Shai Meshulam Project!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Right Thinking Men—

Gideon is on the outs with Bibi, Naftali says he won’t hang with Yair, Avigdor says Arye, Moshe & Yaakov can f*ck off, Bibi says Bezalel’s great, but Itamar is only o.k. The dynamics of the leaders of Israel’s right-wing parties have the subtle complexity of a middle school pool party. What does this augur for Israel’s future?

—Courting Change—

The Supreme Courts decides that the state must recognize as Jews (for the arcane purposes of the Law of Return) folks converted by Reform and Conservative rabbis in Israel, and it’s like the whole country just stepped on the 3rd rail. Why is this controversial and what’s it all mean?

—The People of the Dynamic Meeting Space—

Is there a place for books in Israeli libraries in 2021?

—Two Shots Plus a Week—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra segment, we take out our “Green Passports” and discuss what life is like for those of us who have two shots plus a week.

All that and Yael Mess, who you’re gonna be hearing a lot of pretty soon!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Idol in the Sanctuary—

Are ultra-Orthodox attacks on Labor Party candidate, Reform Rabbi Gilad Kariv, legitimate political scrabbling, or some weird sort of herem, or religious excommunication?

—Blue is the New Red?—

Has Israel’s right just embraced the labor movement?

—Woke—

What is so infuriating about political correctness?

—WTF SNL?!—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we talk about the fufera over a six-second gag on last week’s episode of Saturday Night Live implying that Israel’s vaccine policy may give preference to Jews. Oy!

All that and a celebration of Borito, on the occasion of their first record!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida, Sally Abed and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Likud, 2021: What’s Left of the Right?—

Some longtime Likudniks lament that the party ain’t what it used to be. If that’s true, then what is it now?

—Carrots & Sticks—

Is there a fair way to cajole people to vaccinate? Fining ’em? Keeping ’em from working? Banning them from basketball arenas? Public shaming?

—Green, Yes. New, Sure. But Is It a Deal?—

Is this the time for a “New Green Deal for Israel”?

—The Weirdest Political Ads of the Week (Part 2)—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we once again discuss new and notable election videos that told us something we didn’t know about the parties and candidates running in next month’s elections.

All that and Irit Dekel!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Lapidary Matters—

So maybe Yair Lapid is more than a pretty-boy empty suit?

—Day in Court—

The International Criminal Court says that Palestine is a state and Israelis must stand trial for war crimes. “Pure anti-semitism,” as PM Netanyahu says? Or something else?

—The Revolution Is in the Mail—

New political magazines, printed on paper and sent in the mail, hope to foment revolution in Israeli politics. Do they have a chance of influencing people, in an age of Twitter?

—The Weirdest Political Ads of the Week (Part 1)—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we watch some of the weirdest political ads of the week, and try to understand what they’re trying to tell us.

All that and the beautiful disrespectful covers of old songs by one of Israel’s greatest songwriters, Yankele Rotblit!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and Standing Together’s Sally Abed discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Failure to Launch—

Why did so many men starting so many center-left parties end up with electile disfunction?

—Anyone But Them—

The biggest issue in Israel’s March elections won’t be COVID, won’t be an economy in free fall, and won’t be Iran going nuclear. Nah, the biggest issue is ultra-Orthodox Jews. Why oh why?

—But They Have Lady Pacman, Don’t They?—

Ten parties will probably be elected to the next Knesset. One will be headed by a woman. Why?

—Why Do So Many Israeli Journalists Find Their Way Into Israeli Politics?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we talk about a question Allison raised beautifully in a socko essay in Haaretz: Why do so many Israeli journalists find their way into Israeli politics?

All that and the neo-new wave of Or Litman!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—New Labor, Again?—

Did we eulogize the Labor Party too soon?

—Acting Big?—

PM Netanyahu unveils a plan to give most Israelis a pile of free cash, just weeks before elections. Is that necessarily a bad thing?

—How Will We Come Out of This?—

With one in three Israelis vaccinated, maybe it’s time to figure out what life will be like when this is all over.

—Is One Day Commemorating the Holocaust Just Not Enough?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, after marking this week’s “International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust,” we wonder what it means to have two Holocaust days, one for the world (and not for us), and one for us (and not for the world). Would we be better off if the two were combined?

All that and the music of Yakir Hillel!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Helsinki, Helsinki—

Israel’s top bioethics board says that PM Netanyahu’s deal to give Pfizer data on everyone who got the vaccinated is illegal, because it amounts to a massive human experiment that was never approved by, well, Israel’s top bioethics board. Should the deal be vacated?

—Jenin, Jenin—

A judge orders confiscation of the 2002 movie “Jenin, Jenin” – a record of Palestinian accounts of the IDFs 2002 incursion into that city – while still letting the movie stream on Youtube. Is there any sense to that verdict?

—What’s in a Name?—

What do the names Israelis give our babies say about our society and our souls?

—I Got My COVID Vaccine and I Feel Miserable About It—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, following a terrific, viral essay by Allison in Haaretz headlined, “I Just Got My COVID-19 Vaccination – Here’s Why I Feel Miserable About It,” we discuss how we’re feeling about getting vaccinated (or not getting vaccinated yet), which turns out to be surprisingly complicated. Their guilt, jubilation, worry, relief, and so many other feelings.

All that and the music of the odd and fascinating EOK Project!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Bezalel and Naftali Love You Very Much—

Is there no room anymore for “religious Zionist” parties in the Knesset?

—Lift My Eyes Unto the Hills—

Idealists? Dropouts? True-Believers? Anarchists? Pioneers? Thugs?: What should we make of “Hilltop Youth”?

—The Medium Is the Message?—

Why will Israelis never ever delete Whatsapp from our phones, no matter how much private information they fork over to Facebook?

—The Man of Grand Generosity Who Also Made Israel Less Democratic, Less Welcoming and Less Decent—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we try to figure out what (and how) to think about Sheldon Adelson, a man of grand generosity who also used his vast wealth to make two countries we love less democratic, less welcoming, and less decent. (With appreciation to Seffi Kogan and Allie Lipner Rosenblum.)

All that and the ayahuasca-inspired musical and emotional genius of Gon Ben Ari and the Zulat Choir!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Party Time!—

Five new center-left parties launched last week, and there are more on the way this week. Why are lefty parties sprouting like mushrooms after a spring rain?

—Going for Netanyahu in Droves?—

Prime Minister Netanyahu hints that he’s eager for an Islamicist party to join his coalition after the elections. Is this a turning-point in the history of Israeli politics?

—In Living Color—

An amateur historian and artist colorizes dozens of photos taken by a Wehrmacht officer of Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto, in order to show a brighter side of day-to-day life in the shadow of the Holocaust. Is that what we want? What we need?

—Should Burg Receive the Gift of No Longer Being Chosen?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we discuss former Speaker-of-the-Knesset Avrum Burg’s petition of the Supreme Court to remove from official documents any mention that his “nationality” is Jewish. This, in protest of the Nation-State Law. Should Burg receive the gift of no longer being Chosen?

All that and the new wave drive of Tal Label!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

—DNR for Labor?—

Is pulling the plug on Israel’s Labor Party the only decent thing to do?

—In Seeking Peace, Might Less Be More?—

Would Israelis and Palestinians be better off, if Americans stopped trying to broker grand peace accords?

—What’s So Wrong with Law & Liberty—

A group of conservative lawyers in Israel, following the lead of America’s Federalist Society, play the long-game to change Israel’s courts beyond recognition. Is that a bad thing?

—Political Bait and Switch?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we help the Academy for the Hebrew Language pick the “Word of the Year”!

All that and the extraordinary genius of Nissim Black!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment

—Elections, Infections & Abjections—

Is the collapse of Israel’s government a good thing, in a They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? Sort of way?

—Vaccination Lamentation—

Why are so many of Israel’s anti-vaxxers leftists?

New Jewess

Is Gal Gadot the “New Jewess”?

—“Urban Freedom”—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we discuss a new survey of “Urban Freedom” by the separation-of-church-and-state-advocacy group Yisrael Hofshit, about which Allison wrote in Haaretz.

Kama Vardi, in celebration of her new album, Moonticket!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen To the Extra-Special, Special Extra Patreon Segment

—Casablanca Dreamin’—

Might peace between Morocco and Israel be kinda a game changer?

—Netanyahu’s Man in the Islamic Movement—

Is Prime Minister Netanyahu’s newest BFF a representative of the Islamic Movement?

—Checkin’ Facts—

Real-time, live, fact-checking Netanyahu seems like a good idea, but is it?

—Political Bait and Switch?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we ask, do politicians who bolt from one party and join another, in order to stay in the Knesset, really deserve to be mocked and scorned?

All that and the music of Yagel Harush & Ensemble Shir Yedidut.

Times of Israel Ops & Blogs editor Miriam Herschlag, Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Donate to the Tel Aviv Crisis Center’s crowdsource campaign

Listen To the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—“Such Stuff as Dreams Are Made On”—

Gideon Sa’ar, an acolyte-turned-enemy of Prime Minister Netanyahu starts a new right-wing and promises to pry Netanyahu from the office he’s held for eleven long years straight. Is this the beginning of the end for Bibi?

—My Kidn is for Yidn—

Former MK Moshe Feiglin just donated a kidney, and wanted to designate that it go to a Jew. What’s wrong with that?

—Ain’t No Vision Like Eurovision—

Help pick Israel’s song in the Rotterdam Eurovision next May!

—What (if Anything) Does Hanukkah Mean to Us?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we ask, what (if anything) this holiday of lights, Hanukkah, means to us?

All that and Israeli tributes to John Lennon, marking 40 long years without him.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to the extra segment on Patreon

—An Irony Wrapped in a Prevarication Inside a Mendacity—

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants new elections but votes against them; Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz does not want new elections but votes for them. Is Israel heading back to the polls?

—Remember that Name, Fakhrizadeh—

Why does the assassination of the head of Iran’s nuclear weapons program seem like one thing in Jerusalem and something very different in Washington? (We are joined by special guest star, Tamara Cofman-Wittes of the socko Rational Security podcast)

—Arks & Sciences—

What are we to make of an archaeologist’s claim that King David was little more than the mediocre chieftain of a mediocre tribe?

—Celebrating Danny Sanderson’s 70th Birthday—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, in honor of the 70th birthday of the great songwriter-rock-star-mensch Danny Sanderson, we play a few of our favorite songs from his astonishing, 50-year career.

All that and the our own celebration of uber-mensch, rock-star Danny Sanderson’s 70th birthday!

Host of TLV1’s Tel Aviv Review, Gilad Halpern, Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

—Sub-Committee?—

Minister of Defense and Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz’s sets up a to investigate corruption in the purchase of German submarines and ships, that may implicate the Prime Minister. But should ministries be used to harass political rivals?

—The Spy Who Came in from the Cold—

American-spy-for-Israel Jonathan Pollard is free after 35 years and moving to Israel. What sort of welcome should he get?

—#IDF—

The IDF sweats to seem cool on social media. But should an army be cool?

—Is Eytan Stibbe an Actual Astronaut?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we discuss the hubbub around Eytan Stibbe, that promises to develop into a fuferra and, after that — who knows? — even a fracas. Eytan Stibbe is a fighter pilot turned venture capitalist in the fast-paced and glamorous world of international arms sales. In exchange for a seven-figure donation, he’s slated to spend ten days on the International Space Station next October, and he’s being celebrated as the second Israeli in space, after Ilan Ramon, may his memory be for a blessing. But wags say, he ain’t no hero of mine.

All that and the offbeat charm of Kochevet Al!

Times of Israel Ops & Blogs Editor Miriam Herschlag, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Listen to this week's Extra Segment on Patreon

—The Vaxx—

When Pfizer announced last week that its vaccine looks good, PM Netanyahu got on the horn and negotiated a deal to buy a mess of vaccine at high-end boutique prices, even though six months ago, Israel entered a much cheaper deal for vaccines by Moderna. Was the PM showboating, politicking, or looking out for the health of his citizens?

—The Facts—

A crowdsourced campaign puts the faces and names of rapists and abusers on billboards and bus-side ads, in order to shame them. Cathartic, yes? But does it make our lives better or worse?

—The Tax—

When you buy stuff from overseas on the internet, you don’t pay tax, but when you go into a store in Tel Aviv, you do. Does that make any sense at all?

—Will the Slurpee® Succeed on Soil Sanctified by Solomon?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we talk about plans to bring 250 branches of convenience store 7-Eleven to Israel in the next two years. Will the Slurpee® succeed on soil sanctified by Solomon? Should it succeed? Also, in Israel, do they give away the free Slurpees on July 11, like they do in America (July 11 being 7-11 in America), or will it be on November 7 (November 7 being 7-11 in Israel)? So many important questions!

All that and the challenging genius of Kalkar.

Times of Israel Ops & Blogs Editor Miriam Herschlag, Wunderkind Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

—What Was That?—

Trump will soon be the 45th ex-President of the United States. Did his turbulent four years in office change Israel in ways that will last?

—New Left?—

Aging lions of the old Left say the only way the Left will survive is if it leaves Zionism out of party politics. Do they have a point?

—The Yair Netanyahu Show—

The Twitter-pugilist son of the prime minister, Yair Netanyahu, starts a podcast interviewing right-wing populist leaders and pretenders around the world, trying to create an international coalition of My-Country-First nationalists. We listened and survived to tell the tale!

All that and songs from poems by Natan Zach, the great poet who died this week, and about whom we are tumultuously ambivalent.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

—9,499 Kilometers—

Washington lies 9,499 kilometers from Jerusalem, and yet the politics of the one affects the politics of the other. What, if anything, can we learn from the mess of American politics about the mess of Israeli politics?

—Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Zealots & Trump Jews—

Haaretz’s Anshel Pfeffer writes that Jews in Paris, Brasilia and Jerusalem splitting into two tribes: Trump Jews & Anti-Trump Jews. Does he have a point?

—“Your Rabin, Not Mine”—

An Minister in Israel says Rabin’s legacy means nothing to her. Is that cool?

—“I’ve Never Felt More American and Never Felt Less American”—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we talk about how we experienced the elections, in our different ways. Hint: At least one of us never felt more American and never felt less American, than he did at 3:30 am, Israel time, after the polls closed, pressing refresh over and over again like a rat pressing a pellet bar in a skinner box.

All that and the happy harmony of Moonshine!

Times of Israel Ops & Blogs Editor Miriam Herschlag, Wunderkind Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida, All-star Haaretz writer Allison Kaplan-Sommer, NGO-maven-and-story-teller Don Futterman, Dan-David-Prize Czar Charlotte Halle, and ne’er-do-well Noah Efron tell stories of life and love in this place they call home, all previously aired, for quality control purposes. (That’s how much we care about your listening experience!)

Times of Israel Ops & Blogs Editor Miriam Herschlag, Wunderkind Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

—How Do You Solve a Problem Like Rav Kanievsky?—

Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox kids are going each day to schools that are required by law to be closed, in maybe the biggest act of civil disobedience in Israel’s history. What’s the government to do?

—Skin in the Game?—

Race, ethnicity, peoplehood, nationality, religion: How do these things fit together in today’s Israel?

—Anything But Apathy—

Can a $678 embroidered hoodie with dropped shoulders and panelled long sleeves help bring peace to Israelis and Palestinians?

—Is There Something Unique About Antisemitism on Social Media?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we talk about an essay in the forward by Joel Swanson called, “Facebook has banned Holocaust denial. But what about other genocides?”, and ask more generally, is there something unique and sui generis about antisemitism on social media.

All that and songs from Shlomi Shabat and family and friends!

Times of Israel Ops & Blogs Editor Miriam Herschlag, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

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—Exit Strategy—

The government approves a plan to get out of Covid lockdown in nine easy stages. But will it work?

—I Am Breathing on You—

Novelist and editor Ruth Almog worries that Israelis are getting coarser, after a peeved, maskless woman breathes on her. Have we lost our civility?

—Every Day—

A big front-page ad compares abuse of animals to Treblinka. Is that o.k.?

—Ought a Jewess Like Gal Gadot Be Allowed to Play Cleopatra?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we discuss the fufura (though some think it’s a mere brouhaha) on social media over whether a Jewess like Gal Gadot ought to be allowed to play Cleopatra on screen? All the Ancient Macedonian-Greek-Egyptian actresses in Hollywood are enraged at Gadot’s cultural appropriation, and we’ll try to figure out what to make of the fracas (though some think it’s a mere ruckus).

All that and songs by Vxodoo Daddy and Evja!