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&amp;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. <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/87489518" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon</a> —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. <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/87489518" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">—Thoughts on Disrupting Politicians’ Vacations—</a> 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&amp;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!

The “Wonderwomen” Edition

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!

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. <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/87129440" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon</a> —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”? <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/87129440" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">—News Consumption Overload—</a> 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!

The “Dei Ex Machina?” Edition

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!

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. <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/86741846" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon</a> —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? <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/86741846" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">—What Does Tisha B’Av Mean to Us, Especially After this Week—</a> 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!

The “What Happened? What Happens Now?” Edition

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!

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. <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/86392180" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon</a> —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. <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/86392180" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">—Our Summer Eats, Drinks, and Favorite Places that Help Ease the Heat—</a> 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!

The “Heat of Summer” Edition

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!

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. <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/86035356" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon</a> —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. <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/86035356" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">—Should We Keep Our Purchases Out of Our Protests?—</a> 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!

The “It Ain’t the Heat, It’s the Fluidity” Edition

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!)

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!)

The “Good Trouble” Edition

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

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

The “Just a Little Longer” Edition

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!

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. <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/84956975" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon</a> —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 href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/84956975" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">—A Fresh Perspective—</a> 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!

The “Paragons of Reason?” Edition

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!

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. <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/84613805" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon</a> —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 href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/84613805" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">—A True Display of Mixed Israeli Society—</a> 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!

The “You Be the Judge” Edition

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. <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/84264387" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon</a> —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? <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/84264387" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">—How Bad Is Inflation, Actually?—</a> 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!

The “Ships in the Night” Edition

An inside view of how Israel can warm your heart and make your blood boil. It’s a show by a journalist, a professor and an NGO professional who live in and love Israel even though it drives them crazy, and who each week discuss the latest in Israeli politics, culture, and society.

Excellent review of the potential new cabinet!

Promise podcast

Avid listener for a few years..

The Promised Podcast

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron, and Don Futterman discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Looking for the extra segment? The Holocaust Will Not Be Tweeted Dramatizing the Holocaust on Instagram so phone-addicted kids will pay attention? Seriously? Sins of the Fathers' Grocer When a supermarket chain uses a made-up story about Ashkenazi wholesalers exploiting and insulting Mizrahi shoppers four decades ago, is that a bigger insult to Ashkenazim or Mizrahim? Lights Unto the Nation What do the people chosen to light torches at the national Independence Day say about the state of our national soul? Really NYTimes? Really? For our most extravagantly generous Patreon patrons, in our extra-special, special extra segment, we discuss the caricature in the New York Times of a big-nosed dachshund Netanyahu with a Jewish star on his collar, leading a blind, yarmulka-ed Trump. Wha?!? Music Songs of Remembrance, for Yom Ha-Shoah:  Halom, by Ohad Kostki (with lyrics by Abramek Koplowitz, who perished at 14 in Auschwitz) Beautiful that way, by Achinoam Nini (Noa) Mi ba-Esh, by Shanty Kadar Afar ve-Avak, by Yehuda Poliker 

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron, and Don Futterman discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. <a href="http://www.patreon.com/posts/26537105" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Looking for the extra segment?</a> The Holocaust Will Not Be Tweeted Dramatizing the Holocaust on Instagram so phone-addicted kids will pay attention? Seriously? Sins of the Fathers' Grocer When a supermarket chain uses a made-up story about Ashkenazi wholesalers exploiting and insulting Mizrahi shoppers four decades ago, is that a bigger insult to Ashkenazim or Mizrahim? Lights Unto the Nation What do the people chosen to light torches at the national Independence Day say about the state of our national soul? <a href="http://www.patreon.com/posts/26537105" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Really NYTimes? Really?</a> For our most extravagantly generous Patreon patrons, in our extra-special, special extra segment, we discuss the caricature in the New York Times of a big-nosed dachshund Netanyahu with a Jewish star on his collar, leading a blind, yarmulka-ed Trump. Wha?!? Music Songs of Remembrance, for Yom Ha-Shoah: <ul> <li>Halom, by Ohad Kostki (with lyrics by Abramek Koplowitz, who perished at 14 in Auschwitz)</li> <li>Beautiful that way, by Achinoam Nini (Noa)</li> <li>Mi ba-Esh, by Shanty Kadar</li> <li>Afar ve-Avak, by Yehuda Poliker</li> </ul>

The “Simulacrum and Dissimulation” Edition

Don Futterman, Noah Efron, and roving freelance journalist Naomi Zeveloff discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Send These, the Homeless, Tempest-Tost, the Bill! Trump says to the UN that America won’t pay anymore for food, medicine, schools or homes for Palestinian refugees. PM Netanyahu says, yahoo, but most every other Israeli responds with quiet anxiety. Home is Where the Homework Is The number of homeschooled Israeli kids increases 1,150% in ten years. What the hell is going on? 5778 As a new year begins, we ask, What were the most important people and events of the tired, waning year limping to a close? Extra Segment: What Can American Rabbis Say About Israel This Rosh Hashanah For our primo Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra segment, we discuss an intriguing essay in Haaretz called, “What on Earth Can American Rabbis Say about Israel this Rosh Hashana?”, by the singular Rav. Eric Yoffie , onetime President of the Union for Reform Judaism in America. With him we wonder, well, what on earth can a rabbi tell his flock about this stiff-necked people in this beautiful and troubled land? Music Galatz Songs of the year, 5774-5777 (As we impatiently await the song of the year for 5778!)  5774: Shlomi Shaban and Chava Alberstein - Targil be-Hit’orrerut 5775: Nadav Guedj - Golden Boy 5776: Hanan Ben Ari - Tutim 5777: Nechi Nech - Kol ha-Zman ha-Zeh 

Don Futterman, Noah Efron, and roving freelance journalist Naomi Zeveloff discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Send These, the Homeless, Tempest-Tost, the Bill! Trump says to the UN that America won’t pay anymore for food, medicine, schools or homes for Palestinian refugees. PM Netanyahu says, yahoo, but most every other Israeli responds with quiet anxiety. Home is Where the Homework Is The number of homeschooled Israeli kids increases 1,150% in ten years. What the hell is going on? 5778 As a new year begins, we ask, What were the most important people and events of the tired, waning year limping to a close? <a href="http://www.patreon.com/posts/21246484" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Extra Segment</a>: What Can American Rabbis Say About Israel This Rosh Hashanah For our primo Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra segment, we discuss an intriguing essay in Haaretz called, “<a href="https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/.premium-what-on-earth-can-rabbis-say-about-israel-this-rosh-hashana-1.6433074" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">What on Earth Can American Rabbis Say about Israel this Rosh Hashana?</a>”, by the singular Rav. Eric Yoffie , onetime President of the Union for Reform Judaism in America. With him we wonder, well, what on earth can a rabbi tell his flock about this stiff-necked people in this beautiful and troubled land? Music Galatz Songs of the year, 5774-5777 (As we impatiently await the song of the year for 5778!) <ul> <li>5774: Shlomi Shaban and Chava Alberstein - Targil be-Hit’orrerut</li> <li>5775: Nadav Guedj - Golden Boy</li> <li>5776: Hanan Ben Ari - Tutim</li> <li>5777: Nechi Nech - Kol ha-Zman ha-Zeh</li> </ul>

The “Another Year” Edition

In an inspiring demonstration of environmental consciousness, this week the Promised Podcast mixes new discussions with gently repurposed discussions from our archives, producing an episode with the vintage grace of a fine wine and the bracing freshness of just-squeezed orange juice. The G Word A while back, in honor of the High Holidays, Haaretz polled all 120 Members of the Knesset, asking each of them whether or not they believe in God, and found, as one journalist later put it, mostly sycophancy and cowardice. But do we want and need to know whether or not our politicians believe in god, and what can we learn from the answers they gave us when asked if they did? You Can’t Go Home Again The brilliant novelist, non-fiction impresario Ayelet Waldman returns to Israel (where she was born, and where she once considered spending her life) after many years away, and this inspires each of us to try to see the country afresh through her eyes, and ask how have things changed as we have been raising families, pursuing careers and made our different ways in the world. For the Sins As every year on Yom Kippur, Jews chant the “Al Heyt” prayer, for me one of the most affecting and beautiful of all that days very affecting and meaningful prayers. It is a list of sins that we have committed over the previous year, categorized in various ways, together mapping a rich ontology of iniquity. We search our souls and ask ourselves what our greatest political sins have been over the past year, on the Left, maybe in the country, maybe as individuals. Music Shuli Rand, off his brand-new record, Ratzoh va-Shov.  HaHaklaim Avadim Etz va-Pri (beginning at 00:00:34) Da’ B’ni Ahuvi 

In an inspiring demonstration of environmental consciousness, this week the Promised Podcast mixes new discussions with gently repurposed discussions from our archives, producing an episode with the vintage grace of a fine wine and the bracing freshness of just-squeezed orange juice. The G Word A while back, in honor of the High Holidays, Haaretz polled all 120 Members of the Knesset, asking each of them whether or not they believe in God, and found, as one journalist later put it, mostly sycophancy and cowardice. But do we want and need to know whether or not our politicians believe in god, and what can we learn from the answers they gave us when asked if they did? You Can’t Go Home Again The brilliant novelist, non-fiction impresario Ayelet Waldman returns to Israel (where she was born, and where she once considered spending her life) after many years away, and this inspires each of us to try to see the country afresh through her eyes, and ask how have things changed as we have been raising families, pursuing careers and made our different ways in the world. For the Sins As every year on Yom Kippur, Jews chant the “Al Heyt” prayer, for me one of the most affecting and beautiful of all that days very affecting and meaningful prayers. It is a list of sins that we have committed over the previous year, categorized in various ways, together mapping a rich ontology of iniquity. We search our souls and ask ourselves what our greatest political sins have been over the past year, on the Left, maybe in the country, maybe as individuals. Music Shuli Rand, off his brand-new record, Ratzoh va-Shov. <ul> <li>HaHaklaim</li> <li>Avadim</li> <li>Etz va-Pri (beginning at 00:00:34)</li> <li>Da’ B’ni Ahuvi</li> </ul>

The “Yesterday and Today” Edition

Allison, Don and Noah discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.  Netanyahu to the UN: “You like us! You really like us!” In his startling speech at the UN, Prime Minister Netanyahu argued that the nations of the world really love us, even if they haven’t noticed yet. Might he have a point? Shuttling Hassids for free! Some Knesset members have cried foul over the government's decision to provide VIP services to Hassids travelling to the Ukraine to be with a beloved rabbi who sadly died in 1810. Is this the kind of culture the Jewish state should be supporting? The year that was As we approach Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year: What were the most important things that happened in Israel over the last year, or the things that we overlooked?   All songs by Shai Tzabari:  Avo Be-Gevurot Me-Alai Demama Shemesh (with Hadag Nahash) Tfillat Ha-Derekh

Allison, Don and Noah discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Netanyahu to the UN: “You like us! You really like us!” In his startling speech at the UN, Prime Minister Netanyahu argued that the nations of the world really love us, even if they haven’t noticed yet. Might he have a point? Shuttling Hassids for free! Some Knesset members have cried foul over the government's decision to provide VIP services to Hassids travelling to the Ukraine to be with a beloved rabbi who sadly died in 1810. Is this the kind of culture the Jewish state should be supporting? The year that was As we approach Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year: What were the most important things that happened in Israel over the last year, or the things that we overlooked? All songs by Shai Tzabari:  Avo Be-Gevurot Me-Alai Demama Shemesh (with Hadag Nahash) Tfillat Ha-Derekh

"The Year that Was" Edition

Allison, Don, and Noah discuss three topics of incomparable importance, and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.   2 States, 1 Homeland? There's another peace initiative proposing two states – Palestine &amp; Israel – with no borders to separate. Palestinians  will settle in ancestral homes in, say, Haifa. But, they live in Palestine but vote and pay taxes in Israel. Can such a scheme work in practice? Israel’s Other Crisis Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon’s unveiled new proposals to solve Israel’s housing crisis. The proposals include a variety of measures all aimed at jimmying the free real estate markets. Uncultured Wars Minister of Culture and Sport, Miri Regev isn't a hometown favorite right now. She threatened to pull government funding from just about anything that offends her sensibilities. Furious artist types organize against what they call "anti-democratic censorship".   All this and a tribute to an Israeli cultural landmark, the hip-hop &amp; rap radio show Jigga Juice, on the occasion of its fifth birthday!   Music: Victor Jackson - Nimrod Reshef Tribute MedleyCohen@Mushon &amp; Peled - Tel AvivNechi Nech - GodzillaCohen@Mushon, Peled, Nechi Nech, Ortega, Z.K, Lukach &amp; Tuna - The Jigga Juice Anhtem

Allison, Don, and Noah discuss three topics of incomparable importance, and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. 2 States, 1 Homeland? There's another peace initiative proposing two states – Palestine &amp; Israel – with no borders to separate. Palestinians  will settle in ancestral homes in, say, Haifa. But, they live in Palestine but vote and pay taxes in Israel. Can such a scheme work in practice? Israel’s Other Crisis Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon’s unveiled new proposals to solve Israel’s housing crisis. The proposals include a variety of measures all aimed at jimmying the free real estate markets. Uncultured Wars Minister of Culture and Sport, Miri Regev isn't a hometown favorite right now. She threatened to pull government funding from just about anything that offends her sensibilities. Furious artist types organize against what they call "anti-democratic censorship". All this and a tribute to an Israeli cultural landmark, the hip-hop &amp; rap radio show <a href="http://jjuiceradio.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jigga Juice</a>, on the occasion of its fifth birthday! Music: Victor Jackson - Nimrod Reshef Tribute MedleyCohen@Mushon &amp; Peled - Tel AvivNechi Nech - GodzillaCohen@Mushon, Peled, Nechi Nech, Ortega, Z.K, Lukach &amp; Tuna - The Jigga Juice Anhtem

The "2 States, 1 Homeland?" Edition

Allison, Don, and Noah discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.  I think I’m turning Haredi! Although a great many people fear that our schools, army, courts, and public square are undergoing an inexorable process of "religification," do the facts on the ground really justify these fears? And if not, where does this fear come from? Bureaucrats! A new poll finds that Israelis think their civil service sucks, melding inefficiency with corruption and nepotism. In fact, by European standards, Israel’s bureaucracy ain’t so bad. So what accounts for the discrepancy? Rage! A personal essay in +972 Magazine called "When your own Jewish father calls you a Nazi" recounts how a friendly father-daughter lunch meeting turned nasty. Does the acrimony of the street now reach hearth and home?   All songs by Kiryat Gat's finest hip-hop trio, KGC: Me-Hamar La-Matok (with Avior Melasa) 100% Ten Li Koach Yom Yavoh

Allison, Don, and Noah discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. I think I’m turning Haredi! Although a great many people fear that our schools, army, courts, and public square are undergoing an inexorable process of "religification," do the facts on the ground really justify these fears? And if not, where does this fear come from? Bureaucrats! A new poll finds that Israelis think their civil service sucks, melding inefficiency with corruption and nepotism. In fact, by European standards, Israel’s bureaucracy ain’t so bad. So what accounts for the discrepancy? Rage! A personal essay in +972 Magazine called "When your own Jewish father calls you a Nazi" recounts how a friendly father-daughter lunch meeting turned nasty. Does the acrimony of the street now reach hearth and home? All songs by Kiryat Gat's finest hip-hop trio, KGC: <a href="https://youtu.be/_M3mMocpRmY?list=RDjjNkrHSy4IY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Me-Hamar La-Matok</a> (with Avior Melasa) <a href="https://youtu.be/lEMd1CMi_0g?list=RDjjNkrHSy4IY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100%</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqZH7H_C3Vc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ten Li Koach</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjNkrHSy4IY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yom Yavoh</a>

The "Rage!" Edition

Allison, Don and Noah discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.   Quo Vadis, Bibi? We discuss the weird state of the Israeli government, which seems to be, at once, on the verge of collapse and surprisingly stable: What gives?   The Curious Case of the Rabbi Excommunicated for Exercising Free Speech The moral and political dilemma arising from the Minister of Defense’s decision to excommunicate a rabbi for advising soldiers to ignore orders to evacuate settlements; we may hate the rabbis politics, but don’t we still need to defend his right to free expression.   A Tale of Two Censors Whether it’s better for democracy to have an army censor who’s in our face, or one who expects that we censor ourselves (or maybe option C, no censor at all!.)     All songs composed by the great Ahuva Ozari (a “Founding Mother” of Mizrahi Music), in honor the last 17 immigrants secreted this week from Yemen to Jerusalem: Daklon and Sagiv Cohen with Ahuva Ozari, “Tzilzulei Pa'amonim”Yehudit Ravitz and Ahuvah Ozari, “Ha-Ish Ha-Hu”Ahuva Ozari, “Ha-Or Ha-Ganuz”Daklon and Sagiv Cohen with Ahuva Ozari, “Kol Koreh”

Allison, Don and Noah discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Quo Vadis, Bibi? We discuss the weird state of the Israeli government, which seems to be, at once, on the verge of collapse and surprisingly stable: What gives? The Curious Case of the Rabbi Excommunicated for Exercising Free Speech The moral and political dilemma arising from the Minister of Defense’s decision to excommunicate a rabbi for advising soldiers to ignore orders to evacuate settlements; we may hate the rabbis politics, but don’t we still need to defend his right to free expression. A Tale of Two Censors Whether it’s better for democracy to have an army censor who’s in our face, or one who expects that we censor ourselves (or maybe option C, no censor at all!.) All songs composed by the great Ahuva Ozari (a “Founding Mother” of Mizrahi Music), in honor the last 17 immigrants secreted this week from Yemen to Jerusalem: Daklon and Sagiv Cohen with Ahuva Ozari, “Tzilzulei Pa'amonim”Yehudit Ravitz and Ahuvah Ozari, “Ha-Ish Ha-Hu”Ahuva Ozari, “Ha-Or Ha-Ganuz”Daklon and Sagiv Cohen with Ahuva Ozari, “Kol Koreh”

The "Quo Vadis, Bibi?!?" Edition

Allison, Don and Noah discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.   Israel’s Supreme Court: Democracy’s BFF or Frenemy? We discuss a spate of Supreme Court decisions that leave right-wing politicians sputtering about judicial overreach, which in turn leaves left-wing politicians sputtering about right-wing court bashing, and leaves everyone accusing everyone else of breaking Israeli democracy.   Peace Now, Still? The decline of venerable anti-occupation activist group Peace Now, as its leader for the past 14 years resigns in a huff.   This is Your Brain on Shoah! One high school’s decision to quit making trips to concentration camps in Poland, because of the lousy lessons kids get from them.   All songs by David Peretz, in honor of his pretty lovely new album, Eretz she-lo Sham, that judy dropped on Bandcamp.Ashan Ha-ZmanEretz she-lo ShamMakom be-TochiTfillah Le-Nos'im be-Sheloshah Metosim

Allison, Don and Noah discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Israel’s Supreme Court: Democracy’s BFF or Frenemy? We discuss a spate of Supreme Court decisions that leave right-wing politicians sputtering about judicial overreach, which in turn leaves left-wing politicians sputtering about right-wing court bashing, and leaves everyone accusing everyone else of breaking Israeli democracy. Peace Now, Still? The decline of venerable anti-occupation activist group Peace Now, as its leader for the past 14 years resigns in a huff. This is Your Brain on Shoah! One high school’s decision to quit making trips to concentration camps in Poland, because of the lousy lessons kids get from them. All songs by David Peretz, in honor of his pretty lovely new album, Eretz she-lo Sham, that judy dropped on Bandcamp.<a href="https://davidperetz.bandcamp.com/track/--227" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ashan Ha-Zman</a><a href="https://davidperetz.bandcamp.com/track/--231" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eretz she-lo Sham</a><a href="https://davidperetz.bandcamp.com/track/--232" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Makom be-Tochi</a><a href="https://davidperetz.bandcamp.com/track/--20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tfillah Le-Nos'im be-Sheloshah Metosim</a>

The "Peace Now, Still?" Edition

Noah, Don and Allison discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Climate Change and the Jewish Question: We’ll Always Have Paris? We discuss whether climate change is a danger to Israel’s very existence, and whether America’s withdrawal from the Paris Accord is a blow to Israel’s security. Anthologizing the Occupation? We mull over the new “Breaking the Silence” anthology of essays about the occupation, edited by Michael Chabon and Ayelet Waldman. What results might this politics-by-literature approach produce? Waiting for Gadot We ask whether the widespread fascination with Wonder Woman Gal Gadot’s IDF past and Israeli identity reflects some strange and unnerving psycho-sexual fetishization of Israeli Jewesses and power (Did we go to graduate school, or what?). Music: Sivan Kanzucker Esrim Sheniot Hilazon Hinei Bah Shape of You – Ed Sheeran Cover

Noah, Don and Allison discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Climate Change and the Jewish Question: We’ll Always Have Paris? We discuss whether climate change is a danger to Israel’s very existence, and whether America’s withdrawal from the Paris Accord is a blow to Israel’s security. Anthologizing the Occupation? We mull over the new “Breaking the Silence” anthology of essays about the occupation, edited by Michael Chabon and Ayelet Waldman. What results might this politics-by-literature approach produce? Waiting for Gadot We ask whether the widespread fascination with Wonder Woman Gal Gadot’s IDF past and Israeli identity reflects some strange and unnerving psycho-sexual fetishization of Israeli Jewesses and power (Did we go to graduate school, or what?). Music: Sivan Kanzucker Esrim Sheniot Hilazon Hinei Bah Shape of You – Ed Sheeran Cover

The "Waiting for Gadot" Edition

Allison, Don, and Noah discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Girls with scissors We discuss the anger over IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot’s statement that "I would not want a soldier to unload an entire clip into a girl who is holding scissors." What the hell is wrong with that? There’s something about Miri We discuss the revelation that Israel's Minister of Culture &amp; Sport, Miri Regev, just eight years ago considered joining the Labor Party. Is the populist right the only lane open to ambitious Mizrahi politicians? Cyber fodder A new school program is tracking Israeli nine-year-olds towards careers in the army’s cyber intelligence units. Has cyber replaced Shakespeare in the smithy of our children’s souls?   All songs by Nomke (the nom de guitar of Noam Sadan), just back from her triumphant tour of Italy: Yam HaAhavaWalk Of ShameAhava AchzaritOne Of A Kind

Allison, Don, and Noah discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Girls with scissors We discuss the anger over IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot’s statement that "I would not want a soldier to unload an entire clip into a girl who is holding scissors." What the hell is wrong with that? There’s something about Miri We discuss the revelation that Israel's Minister of Culture &amp; Sport, Miri Regev, just eight years ago considered joining the Labor Party. Is the populist right the only lane open to ambitious Mizrahi politicians? Cyber fodder A new school program is tracking Israeli nine-year-olds towards careers in the army’s cyber intelligence units. Has cyber replaced Shakespeare in the smithy of our children’s souls? All songs by Nomke (the nom de guitar of Noam Sadan), just back from her triumphant tour of Italy: <a href="http://nomkemusic.bandcamp.com/track/--15" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yam HaAhava</a><a href="http://nomkemusic.bandcamp.com/track/walk-of-shame" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Walk Of Shame</a><a href="http://nomkemusic.bandcamp.com/track/--11" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ahava Achzarit</a><a href="http://nomkemusic.bandcamp.com/track/one-of-a-kind-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">One Of A Kind</a>

The "Girls with Scissors" Edition

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and Don Futterman discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Looking for the extra segment? Heights and Rights U.S. President Donald Trump declares that the Golan belongs to Israel, after three decades of Israel trying to negotiate it back into Syrian hands. Will history remember this as something that matters, like PM Netanyahu says, or is it destined to be a forgotten footnote? Scorched by the Bern Bernie Sanders speaks out against “apartheid-like conditions in Palestine.” Just after we got used to millennial democrats harshly criticizing Israel, do we need also to get used to nearly octogenarian democrats harshly criticizing Israel? The Feynman-Levy Conjecture A feminist, social-democratic party with no position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may emerge from upcoming elections as king-makers. Is that a good thing? Can AIPAC Save America From Itself? For our most extremely generous Patreon supporters, we discuss in our extra-special, special extra segment the big AIPAC cotillion, paying special attention to three remarkable essays about it, one in the Times, one in the Forward, and the third in Haaretz (by our own Allison Kaplan-Sommer). Music Post-punk, power pop by The Driers:  Porchlight Contagious Delayed Sad Party 

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and Don Futterman discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/25691302" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Looking for the extra segment?</a> Heights and Rights U.S. President Donald Trump declares that the Golan belongs to Israel, after three decades of Israel trying to negotiate it back into Syrian hands. Will history remember this as something that matters, like PM Netanyahu says, or is it destined to be a forgotten footnote? Scorched by the Bern Bernie Sanders speaks out against “apartheid-like conditions in Palestine.” Just after we got used to millennial democrats harshly criticizing Israel, do we need also to get used to nearly octogenarian democrats harshly criticizing Israel? The Feynman-Levy Conjecture A feminist, social-democratic party with no position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may emerge from upcoming elections as king-makers. Is that a good thing? <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/25691302" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Can AIPAC Save America From Itself?</a> For our most extremely generous Patreon supporters, we discuss in our extra-special, special extra segment the big AIPAC cotillion, paying special attention to three remarkable essays about it, one in the Times, one in the Forward, and the third in Haaretz (by our own Allison Kaplan-Sommer). Music Post-punk, power pop by The Driers: <ul> <li>Porchlight</li> <li>Contagious</li> <li>Delayed</li> <li>Sad Party</li> </ul>

The “Crossing Lines” Edition

Allison, Noah and Tel Aviv Review co-host Gilad Halpern discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Press, under Stress and Duress We discuss the controversy over public broadcasting that just almost toppled the government. A Settlement for the New Millennium We mull over the cabinet’s decision to build the first new settlement of this millennium, hot on the heels of the Arab League’s affirmation of a two-state solution and U.S. President Trump’s dictate to refrain from building in the territories. Still Leaving Egypt, After All these Years We ask what might Passover, the most political of all holidays, tell us about how to seek our own modern-day redemption?   Music by Songs of Freedom by various and sundry, in celebration of Passover, the holiday of freedom!: Karizmo and Berko, “Hofesh” Doron Madali, “Hofesh” Ido B &amp; Zooki &amp; Franklin, “Daver Iti Hofesh” Shlomo Gronich, “Hofesh ad ha-Katzeh”

Allison, Noah and Tel Aviv Review co-host Gilad Halpern discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Press, under Stress and Duress We discuss the controversy over public broadcasting that just almost toppled the government. A Settlement for the New Millennium We mull over the cabinet’s decision to build the first new settlement of this millennium, hot on the heels of the Arab League’s affirmation of a two-state solution and U.S. President Trump’s dictate to refrain from building in the territories. Still Leaving Egypt, After All these Years We ask what might Passover, the most political of all holidays, tell us about how to seek our own modern-day redemption? Music by Songs of Freedom by various and sundry, in celebration of Passover, the holiday of freedom!: Karizmo and Berko, “Hofesh” Doron Madali, “Hofesh” Ido B &amp; Zooki &amp; Franklin, “Daver Iti Hofesh” Shlomo Gronich, “Hofesh ad ha-Katzeh”

The "Still Leaving Egypt, After All these Years" Edition

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. Z3 Conference Tickets to Live TPP Show (use promo code TLV1xZ3) --All About the Benjamins-- Benny Gantz promised voters he’d never serve with Benjamin Netanyahu, if the Prime Minister is indicted. To keep from having to go to the polls again, should Gantz break his promise? --Jewmanities-- What are humanities for, in a Jewish state? --Gene Blues-- Rabbis are sending folks to do DNA tests to see if they’re Jewish. Really? I mean, really? --Fighting Anti-Semitism With a Little Jewish Joy-- For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra segment, we discuss an essay in The Forward by uber-historian Deborah Lipstadt called, “The Best Way to Fight Anti-Semitism? Jewish Joy.” Lipstadt worries that fear of violent persecution has captured the American Jewish soul, but are things really as bad as all that? All this and the music of Mika Hary, just before the release of her first album. --Music-- Mika Hary, who you can expect to hear a lot of soon  Ahava Zeh ha-Helek ha-Kal Dami Lach Sunny Came Home When Morning Comes 

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. <a href="https://www.z3project.org/tickets" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Z3 Conference Tickets to Live TPP Show (use promo code TLV1xZ3)</a> --All About the Benjamins-- Benny Gantz promised voters he’d never serve with Benjamin Netanyahu, if the Prime Minister is indicted. To keep from having to go to the polls again, should Gantz break his promise? --Jewmanities-- What are humanities for, in a Jewish state? --Gene Blues-- Rabbis are sending folks to do DNA tests to see if they’re Jewish. Really? I mean, really? <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/31010520" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">--Fighting Anti-Semitism With a Little Jewish Joy--</a> For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra segment, we discuss an essay in The Forward by uber-historian Deborah Lipstadt called, “<a href="https://forward.com/opinion/433264/the-best-way-to-fight-anti-semitism-jewish-joy/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Best Way to Fight Anti-Semitism? Jewish Joy</a>.” Lipstadt worries that fear of violent persecution has captured the American Jewish soul, but are things really as bad as all that? All this and the music of Mika Hary, just before the release of her first album. --Music-- Mika Hary, who you can expect to hear a lot of soon <ul> <li>Ahava Zeh ha-Helek ha-Kal</li> <li>Dami Lach</li> <li>Sunny Came Home</li> <li>When Morning Comes</li> </ul>

The “It's All About the Benjamins” Edition

Allison, Don and Noah discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.   BDS and the Rat Bastard Conundrum We discuss how the right uses the left’s defense of the free-speech rights of BDS’ers as a cudgel and what, if anything, can be done about this. Secrets of Israel’s High-Tech Boom, Revealed! We mull over Minister of Education Naftali Bennett’s explanation in the Wall Street Journal of Israel’s high tech success: Why are we so damn good at start-ups? What’s Wrong with Kiryat Gat? Why Do Sephardim Vote for the Right? We ask why Mizrahim/Sephardim keep voting for the right.   Music by Nahum Silverman who just dropped a new record and put the 33 albums he’s recorded over the past 19 years on sale in a digital boxed set on Bandcamp!: UlLe-Ehovai Achshav Ani Motek Heart of Gold Lech ad ha-sof

Allison, Don and Noah discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. BDS and the Rat Bastard Conundrum We discuss how the right uses the left’s defense of the free-speech rights of BDS’ers as a cudgel and what, if anything, can be done about this. Secrets of Israel’s High-Tech Boom, Revealed! We mull over Minister of Education Naftali Bennett’s explanation in the Wall Street Journal of Israel’s high tech success: Why are we so damn good at start-ups? What’s Wrong with Kiryat Gat? Why Do Sephardim Vote for the Right? We ask why Mizrahim/Sephardim keep voting for the right. Music by Nahum Silverman who just dropped a new record and put the 33 albums he’s recorded over the past 19 years on sale in a digital boxed set on Bandcamp!: UlLe-Ehovai Achshav Ani Motek Heart of Gold Lech ad ha-sof

The "BDS and the Rat Bastard Conundrum" Edition

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and Don Futterman discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. What Just Happened?!? The votes are counted. What the hell just happened? The Via Media Given the alternative, is a coalition of the center and the Likud really such a bad idea after all? Getting Out of Bed in the Morning The Likud has led Israel for 30 of the past 42 years, and more are ahead. What reason does an Israeli leftist have to get out of bed? Is Israel Experiencing a Decline in the Quality of Its Democracy? For our most extremely generous Patreon supporters, we discuss in our extra-special, special extra segment a remarkable new Brookings Institute Policy Brief called “Is Israel in Democratic Decline?” by Tamara Cofman Wittes and Yael Mizrahi-Arnaud. In a moment of I-happen-to-have-Marshall-Mcluhan-right-here, Mizrahi-Arnaud joins us to say, “You understand nothing of our work, how you ever got a podcast is beyond me!” Music The viral positivity of Tazazo:  Kuli Ahava, with Mazzal Damsia Mona Lisa, with Tzemer Insomnia Halivai Ani 

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and Don Futterman discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. What Just Happened?!? The votes are counted. What the hell just happened? The Via Media Given the alternative, is a coalition of the center and the Likud really such a bad idea after all? Getting Out of Bed in the Morning The Likud has led Israel for 30 of the past 42 years, and more are ahead. What reason does an Israeli leftist have to get out of bed? <a href="http://www.patreon.com/posts/26014532" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Is Israel Experiencing a Decline in the Quality of Its Democracy?</a> For our most extremely generous Patreon supporters, we discuss in our extra-special, special extra segment a remarkable new Brookings Institute Policy Brief called “<a href="https://www.brookings.edu/research/is-israel-in-democratic-decline/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Is Israel in Democratic Decline?</a>” by Tamara Cofman Wittes and Yael Mizrahi-Arnaud. In a moment of I-happen-to-have-Marshall-Mcluhan-right-here, Mizrahi-Arnaud joins us to say, “You understand nothing of our work, how you ever got a podcast is beyond me!” Music The viral positivity of Tazazo: <ul> <li>Kuli Ahava, with Mazzal Damsia</li> <li>Mona Lisa, with Tzemer</li> <li>Insomnia</li> <li>Halivai Ani</li> </ul>

The “Deep Breath” Edition

Noah Efron, Don Futterman, and Time of Israel Ops &amp; 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. The Coalition Prohibition Supposition No Palestinian-Israeli party has ever joined the country’s ruling coalition. Has the time come to break that taboo? Judaeo-Scriptio Continua Israel’s “New Right” Party launches a campaign proposing that Judaism, Israeli identity and right-wing politics fit together hand-in-glove. Is it gonna get them votes? Moving Advice Your friend asks for help moving into a new apartment in a West-Bank settlement. Should you do it? Extra Patron Segment For our most extremely generous Patreon supporters, we discuss in our extra-special, special extra segment a remarkable essay in Tablet Magazine by former editor at Wired and the Times and plutonium-grade mensch Mark Horowitz called, “Michael Sfard Can’t Win,” about how very nearly impossible it is to say anything about Israel and be heard. Music Shira Gavrielov (and her Dad, Miki, and friends):  Noten Li Koach Kshehaolam Yaatzor, with E-Z Ani Ve’ata (with Miki Gavrielov) The Pain 

Noah Efron, Don Futterman, and Time of Israel Ops &amp; 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. The Coalition Prohibition Supposition No Palestinian-Israeli party has ever joined the country’s ruling coalition. Has the time come to break that taboo? Judaeo-Scriptio Continua Israel’s “New Right” Party launches a campaign proposing that Judaism, Israeli identity and right-wing politics fit together hand-in-glove. Is it gonna get them votes? Moving Advice Your friend asks for help moving into a new apartment in a West-Bank settlement. Should you do it? <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/25024354" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Extra Patron Segment</a> For our most extremely generous Patreon supporters, we discuss in our extra-special, special extra segment a remarkable essay in Tablet Magazine by former editor at Wired and the Times and plutonium-grade mensch Mark Horowitz called, “<a href="https://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-news-and-politics/281011/michael-sfard-cant-win" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Michael Sfard Can’t Win</a>,” about how very nearly impossible it is to say anything about Israel and be heard. Music Shira Gavrielov (and her Dad, Miki, and friends): <ul> <li>Noten Li Koach</li> <li>Kshehaolam Yaatzor, with E-Z</li> <li>Ani Ve’ata (with Miki Gavrielov)</li> <li>The Pain</li> </ul>

The “With Us or Agin’ Us!” Edition

Allison, Don and Noah discuss: Whether PM Netanyahu ought to leave his opponents in the Likud behind and start a new party, à la Arik Sharon; A Knesset committee’s vote to force Haredim into the army (well, maybe); and Whether keeping foreign produce off local shelves is screwing the poor or helping farmers.    Playlist: Music by a crazy-hip female punk foursome, “Not on Tour”I Wanna Be Like You!All This TimeThis is RevealingThe Question Came Up

Allison, Don and Noah discuss: Whether PM Netanyahu ought to leave his opponents in the Likud behind and start a new party, à la Arik Sharon; A Knesset committee’s vote to force Haredim into the army (well, maybe); and Whether keeping foreign produce off local shelves is screwing the poor or helping farmers.  Playlist: Music by a crazy-hip female punk foursome, “Not on Tour”I Wanna Be Like You!All This TimeThis is RevealingThe Question Came Up

Screw You, Screw Them and Screw Us!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and Don Futterman discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. The Bombshell was a Dud A week after the Attorney General announced he’d be indicted for bribery and breach of trust, PM Netanyahu is more popular than before. Why? أعتقد أن الأطفال هم مستقبلنا (I Believe Our Children are the Future) More and more Israelis are sending their kids to Arabic-Hebrew bilingual schools. Are parents pursuing peace with their tots? Long Ago, in the Cowshed An American-Israeli posts on Facebook that Benny Gantz, who is challenging Netanyahu for Israelis premiership, exposed himself to her 42 years ago, when they were both in high school. Now what? Extra Patron Segment For our most generous Patreon supporters, we discuss in our extra-special, special extra segment a recent essay in Haaretz by Anschel Pfeffer, on-the-nosedly headlined, “After Replacing Netanyahu, Gantz's Party Will Self-destruct. And That's OK.” But is it really OK? Music By child reality star turned teenage internet star turned just normal-old-23-year-old-pop-star, Shira Margalit!  Hey, Niv Imma Tzodeket Tamid Od Lo Ba ve-Holekh 

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and Don Futterman discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. The Bombshell was a Dud A week after the Attorney General announced he’d be indicted for bribery and breach of trust, PM Netanyahu is more popular than before. Why? أعتقد أن الأطفال هم مستقبلنا (I Believe Our Children are the Future) More and more Israelis are sending their kids to Arabic-Hebrew bilingual schools. Are parents pursuing peace with their tots? Long Ago, in the Cowshed An American-Israeli posts on Facebook that Benny Gantz, who is challenging Netanyahu for Israelis premiership, exposed himself to her 42 years ago, when they were both in high school. Now what? <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/25206278" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Extra Patron Segment</a> For our most generous Patreon supporters, we discuss in our extra-special, special extra segment a recent essay in Haaretz by Anschel Pfeffer, on-the-nosedly headlined, “<a href="https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-centrist-parties-are-short-lived-even-if-gantz-s-outfit-beats-netanyahu-1.6995354" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">After Replacing Netanyahu, Gantz's Party Will Self-destruct. And That's OK.</a>” But is it really OK? Music By child reality star turned teenage internet star turned just normal-old-23-year-old-pop-star, Shira Margalit! <ul> <li>Hey, Niv</li> <li>Imma Tzodeket Tamid</li> <li>Od Lo</li> <li>Ba ve-Holekh</li> </ul>

The “Things Change (or They Don’t)” Edition

For our most extremely generous Patreon supporters, we discuss in our extra-special, special extra segment a remarkable new Brookings Institute Policy Brief called “Is Israel in Democratic Decline?” by Tamara Cofman Wittes and Yael Mizrahi-Arnaud. In a moment of I-happen-to-have-Marshall-Mcluhan-right-here, Mizrahi-Arnaud joins us to say, “You understand nothing of our work, how you ever got a podcast is beyond me!”

For our most extremely generous Patreon supporters, we discuss in our extra-special, special extra segment a remarkable new Brookings Institute Policy Brief called “<a href="https://www.brookings.edu/research/is-israel-in-democratic-decline/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Is Israel in Democratic Decline?</a>” by Tamara Cofman Wittes and Yael Mizrahi-Arnaud. In a moment of I-happen-to-have-Marshall-Mcluhan-right-here, Mizrahi-Arnaud joins us to say, “You understand nothing of our work, how you ever got a podcast is beyond me!”

Extra: Is Israel Experiencing a Decline in the Quality of Its Democracy?

Twenty years ago, a week after Israel celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, a 26 year-old former drag-queen and trans woman won the world’s biggest song contest, The Eurovision. She also forever changed the way we Israelis see ourselves. In this very special edition of The Promised Podcast, Noah tells her story, and explains why he thinks that in this moment of anxiety and dreadful Nation-State laws, Dana International represents the humane and decent Zionism so many of us long for.

Twenty years ago, a week after Israel celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, a 26 year-old former drag-queen and trans woman won the world’s biggest song contest, The Eurovision. She also forever changed the way we Israelis see ourselves. In this very special edition of The Promised Podcast, Noah tells her story, and explains why he thinks that in this moment of anxiety and dreadful Nation-State laws, Dana International represents the humane and decent Zionism so many of us long for.

The “International” Edition

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The best podcast episodes on non-current politics. Covering topics such as universal basic income, democracy, poverty & justice and more. For anyone interested in learning more about politics that affect that world, not just now, but in the longer term. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!