The Promised Podcast

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

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

All songs by jazz genius, Yakir Arbib!

Songs

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!