The Promised Podcast

The holiday of Shavuot, once about one thing, and then about another, is now about, well, everything. (For your convenience and for the sake of quality control, this episode includes time-tested, proven bits from prior shows!)

Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron talk about (1) Prime Minister Netanyahu's decision to reinstate the transfer of humanitarian aid to Gaza: why did this happen now and why the hell did it not happen before; and (2) What we learn (if anything) from the fact that Israel won the popular vote in this week's Eurovision Song Contest, and what we learn (if anything) from the fact that Israel came in 15th (!) in the contest's professional “jury” vote, and what we learn (if anything) from juxtaposing the two votes. All this and the sixtieth anniversary of the execution-by-hanging of Eli Cohen, “our man in Damascus”.  Plus, more music of these times. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Yair Golan, head of the “Democrats Party” (what used to be Labor and Meretz), says that Israel “wages war against civilians” and “kills babies for a hobby”. Well, what can you say to that?

Linda Gradstein, Sara Hirschhorn and Noah Efron talk about (1) The “Pacts Americana,” being the trade and investment pacts that US President Donald Trump is reaching with Gulf states on his visit to the region this week, and where it leaves Israel; and (2) The “Cracks Americana,” being awkward ambivalence some Israelis feel about a hostage being released solely because he has an American passport and the American government intervened on his behalf, doing what Israel's government could not or would not do. All this and the return of a fallen soldier after 43 years, plus more music of these times. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Why does Israel go to such great length to return the bodies of soldiers and hostages killed and held beyond our borders?

Linda, Allison and Noah talk about (1) the reserve call-up and the new IDF operation – it's already got a name: Gideon's Chariots – that the government plans to launch in Gaza, and whether or not it is a good idea; and (2) The violent protests of a “Joint Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Event” in Raanana, and what we do and do not learn from them. All this and the crooked timber of humanity on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Dachau, and a mystical Challah dough-offering ceremony in Jerusalem and a story we learned at the Bicycle Museum that is unbelievable even after three generations!

To celebrate Israel's 77th Independence Day, the crew asks "What is Israeli in our eyes?" Plus, midrashic covers of classic Israeli songs!

Linda and Noah talk about (1) Head of the General Security Agency, or Shabak, Ronen Bar's affidavits to the Supreme Court that one journalist says “will shape the security and democratic future of the State of Israel”; and (2) The strange quantum-entanglement of the Holocaust and October 7th, and whether we learn anything about the one event from the other. All this and, ahead of Memorial Day, last words left by soldiers for their families. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: The controversy behind this year's picks to light the Mesuot.

Miriam Herschlag, Sara Hirschhorn and Noah Efron talk about (1) The open-letter from Airforce reservists and retirees, calling on the Government to end the war, the army's scorched-earth response, and the flood of letters-of-support for the original letter – What's it all mean?; and (2) The decision by Hebrew University's elite publishing house, Magnes, to shelve plans to publish a Hebrew translation of Mein Kampf, and whether or not there is a place on Israeli shelves for Hitler's now-100-year-old manifesto. All this and a singular record launch, a memorial tribute to Yaakov Kirschen, the auteur behind “Dry Bones,” and meeting a legend of Israeli song.

Linda Gradstein, Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron talk about (1) the IDF's at-least-partly debunked explanation for how and why 15 Palestinians in rescue vehicles were shot dead by Israeli soldiers in Rafah, and (2) Prime Minister Netanyahu's embarrassing visit to the White House this week. All this and new glosses on the Passover Haggadah, a living-room recital and a debate among memorial posters. Plus, music from “The Safe Space Sessions”! Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: How is this Passover different from all other Passovers?

Linda Gradstein, Gilad Halpern and Noah Efron talk about (1) the anti-Hamas demonstrations in Gaza and what, if anything, we learn from them about the hearts and minds of Gazans, and (2) on the fifth anniversary of the pandemic, how, if at all, COVID-19 changed us as a society and as individuals. All this and bagels, boondoggles and kabbalistic blessings. Plus, brand new music of our troubled times. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Qatargate?

A hundred years ago this week, a Hebrew University was founded in Jerusalem.

Miriam Herschlag, Don Futterman and Noah Efron talk about (1) Israel's return to active fighting in Gaza, and what it may mean for the hostages, for Gazans and for the rest of us here and (2) Prime Minister Netanyahu's decision to sack Ronen Bar, the head of the General Security Services, the Shabak, and what it says about the state of Israel's government and the state of Israeli democracy. All this and the return of a crown, the football playoff, and surprise brain surgery. Plus, brand new music of our troubled times. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Trying to shore up the fortitude to face a return to fighting in Gaza, and coming up short.

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   —Horror Vacui— There's an odd mélange of diplomatic proposals for what-comes-next-in-Gaza, from an Egyptian and Arab League plan to various American plans, including one hatched in direct negotiations with Hamas. This leads us to wonder, why is Israel silent about something that matters so much? —Amalakites— It is a fact that we are living in a moment of “peak-Amalek,” especially as we celebrate Purim. What are we to make of this problematic idea? —Is Yad Vashem Pandering to the TikTok Generation?— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Is Yad Vashem pandering to the TikTok generation? All this and Rav Menachem Froman, the unveiling of under-wraps art and the Simba we need today, plus brilliant new music by Amir Sade.

Sara Hirschhorn, 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. —Out of Phase— With the stalled ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas giving way to the emergence of the mysterious “Witkoff Plan,” what might (and should) happen next? —Commission Perdition— What should we make of the controversy surrounding Prime Minister Netanyahu's proposed “Egalitarian State Commission of Inquiry” into the October 7 attacks? All this and the centenary of Israel's greatest “Bible Reciter”, plus new, sad music from Eran Tzur.

Linda Gradstein, 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   —Findings— The IDF shares its investigation of itself and what it did and did not do on October 7 with the victims of the attack on a community-by-community basis. Is this the sort of investigation we need? —No Other Land— The Palestinian-Israeli movie up for an Oscar next week for best documentary feature, “No Other Land,” is about an ongoing effort of the IDF to evict Palestinians from a contested tract of land in the West Bank. What we do and don't learn from it? —Podcasts = the Death of Civilization— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Are podcasts the death of civilization (wonder three long-time podcasters)? All this and counting our blessings, plus brand new music of our troubled times.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon   —Why Does a Knitted Kippah Mean Keep-on Fighting?— Religious-Zionists oppose the hostage and prisoner release and ceasefire agreement more than any other sector of society (more than secular Zionists, more than Haredim). Why? —War Games— There's a strange and profound simpatico between sports clubs, athletes and fans, on the one hand, and the hostages and their families on the other. —What We Knew and When Did We Know It— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Bringing home the bodies of the Bibases (and Oded Lifshitz). All that and the 40th anniversary of the most popular protest song in Israel's history. Plus, more music of our troubled times.

Sara Yael Hirschhorn, 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   —Rite of Return— How and why did the images of the gaunt, shrunken, clearly-tortured hostages change something and cast into doubt the future of the present ceasefire agreement? —Our Side, Their Side, Genocide— What should we make of Historian Benny Morris's warning that, if Palestinians and Israelis do not find to see in each other humans deserving of life, liberty and dignity, a genocide is inevitable (though just who kills whom is still up in the air)? —Arguing With Celebs on Twitter— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: When you find yourself arguing with TV stars on Twitter. All that and an appreciation of Liri Albag. Plus, a new war record by Maor Ashkenazi.

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   —Nobody Expects the Pax Trumpiana!— What's behind US President Donald Trump's plan to move Gazans to Jordan and Egypt and turn Gaza into a place where maybe they'll film the next season of White Lotus? —Suitable for Framing?— Why do Hamas men in black balaclavas and semi-automatic rifles give gift bags and souvenir swag to hostages they let go? —Peter Beinart Questions Israel's Right to Exist— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: When Peter Beinart writes in the times that “States Don't Have a Right to Exist. People Do,” he ain't talking about Mississippi! All that and an appreciation for Yisroel Rutnitsky, may his memory be for a blessing, and tales of returning hostages. Plus, a sad and soulful new album by Ravid Plotkik.

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 New Crisis, and this Time, It's Constitutional— What does it augur when the Justice Minister refuses to “recognize” the newly selected chief justice of the Supreme Court? —Survivors— Why did this year's International Holocaust Remembrance Day become a referendum on October 7th? —The Trump-Netanyahu Tete-A-Tete— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What should we think, ahead of the Trump-Netanyahu tete-a-tete next week? All that and how living-and-dead have stopped being a simple binary. Plus, the music of Aviv Shriki.

Miriam Herschlag, Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon   —You Be the Judge— Is the new “compromise” proposal for judicial reform any good, and is now the time to debates such matters? —Word— How have the hostages become the aperture through which we understand most everything that has happened here since October 7? —What A Week— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: None of us have ever had a week like this last week. All that a stab at making sense of this weird, wonderful, unnerving week of great joy and high anxiety. Songs Yakir Hillel — Laila Bar Tzabari — Chan Yunis, Live Esther Shamir — Od Neshama Ehat

Miriam Herschlag, Sara Hirshhorn 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   —Ending this F*#!ing War— What should we make of the hostage release and “permanent cessation of hostilities” agreement with Hamas, and why is the agreement only signed now (and not eight months ago or eight months from now) and does what it means politically? —A Utopic Future, Right Before Our Eyes— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: You may say I'm a dreamer, but I am not the only one. Plus, a new record by Idan Amedi that started in a hospital bed, recovering from an explosion in Gaza that almost took Amedi's life. And an appreciation of Avraham Luria, proprietor of Israel's oldest and best costume emporium and a beloved figure in the world of Tel Aviv theater. Songs Lidfo ta'rosh  Latet la-Hayyim lirkod  Shum Davar Aher

Linda Gradstein, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon   —Thinkin' Blinken— What are we to make of Antony Blinken's interview with the times, in which he said it was Hamas, not Prime Minister Netanyahu, who have scuttled the hostage negotiations until now? —Making an Offense of Defense— What are we to think about the Palestinian campaign to have low-level IDF soldiers arrested abroad for war crimes, as part of an effort to criminalize fighting in Israel's army? —The American Historical Association Censures Israel for “Scholasticide”— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What is “scholasticide,” and why has the American Historical Association censured Israel for doing it? Plus, a kind word for Haredim and Jean Shepherd, with music by Bekka.

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   —Standard Deviation— An expose in the New York Times shows that on October 7th the IDF took an extraordinary decision to double the number of civilians whose lives it was willing to risk in order to attack Hamas leaders and rank-and-file fighters. What should we make of that? —Again, This Time With Less Feeling— Anthropologist Amalia Sa'ar asserts that Israeli political discourse is filled-to-the-gills with a “narrative of trauma” that keeps us from being able to have rational political discourse and make rational political and military decisions. Is she right? —New Year's Resolutions— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: It's January.  What are our political political “resolutions” for the new year? Plus, Yehudit Ravitz with a new record at 68.

Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron are live from the astonishing, brilliant, taste-of-the-world-to-come Limmud Festival in Birmingham, England. —What's Changed, Here?— How we in Israel, and the lives we lead, have changed since, and because of, October 7th. —What's Changed, Everywhere Else?— How Jews around the world, and the lives they lead, have changed since, and because of, October 7th. Plus, how a 56 year old Soviet song came to express our longing and fears today. Plus, International Dalek Remembrance Day.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and scholar-extraordinaire Sara Hirschhorn 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   —(Un)settling— Why do Israeli Jews who think it might be a good idea to set up Jewish towns in Gaza, think what they think? —Hostage (Dis)agreement— Would an agreement that brings home some of the hostages might, in the end, be worse than no agreement at all? —Safe, Save for the Bombs and Bullets— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Why do most Israelis think the safest place in the world for Jews is Israel when, statistically, that's not even close to being true? Plus, a remembrance of Corinne Allal, may her memory be for a blessing.

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   —Gradually, then Suddenly, then OMG— The shocking, sudden fall of strong-man ophthalmologist Bashar al-Assad from power in Syria left Jihadist Islamists poised to replace him. What does it all means for, well, us? —Day in Court— Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu takes the stand to testify on his own behalf in his four-years-and-running bribery, fraud and breach of trust trial. What does it all means for, well, us? —Quo Vadis, Adis?— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: The renowned and storied DC Conservative Synagogue, Adis Israel, disinvites former Israeli Foreign Minister Yoav Gallant, after congregants complain about this community hosting an architect of Israel's war in Gaza, and a man indicted by the ICC for war crimes. We ask, Quo Vadis, Adis? Plus, a remembrance of the man who hanged Adolf Eichmann, and a tribute to the star quality of the impossibly-talented and enchanted daughter-of, Naomi Sommer!

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   —Boogie Unbound— Former IDF Chief of Staff and former Defense Minister Moshe “Boogie” Ya'alon's flatly asserts that Prime Minister Netanyahu's Gaza policy amounts to ethnic cleansing. —Putting the Press in Suppression and Depression— A Knesset declaratory motion resolves that the government will no longer advertise in Ha'aretz, after its publisher Amos Schoken presses the world to sanction and boycott Israel on account of its “war crimes.” —“ALL HELL TO PAY?”— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: We talk about the social media post by once and future President Donald Trump calling for the return of all hostages by the time he enters the Oval Office. Plus, Omer Neutra and an encouraging word about El Al.

Linda Gradstein, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. —For the Time Being, Anyway— The cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah: It ain't victory and it sure ain't peace. —ICC You— Why does the world court want to put our prime minister in the slammer? Plus, An Ethiopian Room-of-Their-Own, before-and-after selfs, and an exploration of the age-old question, “When is a challah not a challah?”

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and Tova Cohen discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon   —“Hope Is Patience With the Lamp Lit” (With Apologies to Tertullian)— A voice in the wilderness. Should we listen? —“Cabinet of Wonders”— Is Donald Trump's new cabinet more pro-Israel than most Israelis? —Freshman Leninism at Berkeley— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: We talk about the fufera that developed over a Berkeley course description. We ask, “WTF?” Plus, Nir Oz votes to go home and Eden Hasson comes out.

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   —Jabalia, Again— Israel conquers northern Gaza for a third deadly time. —The “J” is Silent— Is Amsterdam a harbinger? —Limping Towards the Light— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: We talk about the essay written by Rachel Goldberg-Polin that was recently published on the Times of Israel. Plus, a tribute to Prof. Aharon She'ar Yashuv,  the Orthodox Rabbi son of an Waffen SS officer father. And music for 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   —Gallantry— Is it o.k. to sack the guy in charge of your army, while generals in Iran are planning to attack? —Trumpery— Prime Minister Netayahu tweets to once-and-future US President Donald Trump that his “huge victory” in “history's greatest comeback” is “a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America.” But what will Trump's win mean to the Middle East? —12 Hours That Shook, Well, Us— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: How did we handle the Gallantry & Trumpery one-two punch, and how do we now gather our broken selves and move forward? All that and more music of our times.

Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon   —Days of Repentance, This Time With Bombs— What are we to make of Israel's weekend attack on Iran? —All We Know— What Wikipedia has to say about Israel and Zionism is changing before our eyes, and not for the better. —Other Peoples' Elections— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Two of every three Israelis polled say they're pulling for Trump to win. Is this true and, if so, why? All of that and more music of our times.

Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss one topic of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon   Making Sense of Sinwar, asking four questions: Now that Yahya Sinwar is dead, should Israel take the win or fight on? In light of the fact that Yahya Sinwar was killed in Rafiah, can we conclude retrospectively that going into Rafiah was a good idea? Is the unremitting and uncompromising focus with which Israel pursued Yahya Sinwar – at the cost of hundreds of Israeli lives and tens of thousands of Palestinian lives – a demonstration of its alpha-and-omega security policy, first set out by Zev Jabotinsky 101 years ago, called “The Iron Wall”?, and What should we think and feel about the very violent death of that very violent man, Yahya Sinwar? —Simchat Tora One Hebrew Calendar Year After Oct. 7th— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: One Hebrew calendar year after Hamas' attack on Israel, our religious communities have thought long and hard about the appropriate way to celebrate Simchat Tora.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron and Tova Cohen discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon   —Best Laid Schemes (Lea'e Us Nought but Grief An' Pain), With Apologies to Robert Burns (And to Mice)— Bringing down the Azrieli Towers? Conquering Israel top-to-bottom by 2025? Minutes of Hamas meetings sets out the groups grim vision. —What's So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love and Understanding?— Has “peace” left the building? —Jed Bartlet Is in the Sukkah!— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Who, this year, would be our “Ushpizin” in our (notional or real) Sukkah. All of that and Sukkot suddenly turning up everywhere.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon   —Regional Inferno?— Israel's war with Gaza may soon become an all-out regional war. How do you say “Yikes!” in Farsi? —Accounting of the Soul— What should we have in mind, this Yom Kippur, when we thump our chests in repentance? —Prayer in the Square?— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Our hot take on last night's Supreme Court ruling regarding the legality of organized gender-separated public prayer in liberal Tel Aviv. All of that and marking a year of the nightmare of October 7. Plus, music that moves us from the memorials.

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

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

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Hear the Extra-Special Special Extra Segment on Patreon   —Major Pager Rager— A stunning attack-by-pager left dozens of Hezbollah militiamen dead and thousands maimed and wounded. What are we to make of a thing like that? —Commemoration Vexation— How do you memorialize October 7, when October 7 hasn't ended yet? —Testicles in the Twitterverse?— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Hezbollah pagers explode, social media memes erupt, but not all Israelis are laughing. All this and the music from the remarkable new record רוח באה מדרום (Wind Comes from the South).

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon   —Not Too Brotherly, Not Much Love— How did the “Philadelphi Corridor” become a matter of life and death? —Errors of Omission and Commission— The government hasn't investigated itself, so a bunch of citizens took it on itself. Is that a good thing? —Much Ado About a Handful of Sand— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: A 27-year-old Tel Aviv resident was arrested for allegedly tossing wet sand at National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Was the minister being purposely provocative for personal political gain? Songs Tuna — Bein ha-Ir LaPardes Pe'er Tasi — Yoni Yarin — Ein Laila  

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

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

Linda Gradstein, Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon   —Bennett, Done That— Israel's next prime minister will be … Naftali Bennett? —Jewish Life During Wartime— Why does war make more-secular Israelis more secular, and less-secular Israelis less secular? —Our Flights Are Cancelled— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What happens when every airline stops flying to Israel? Plus, a reflection on how time itself has stopped working, and music by women we've loved for decades, speaking now to our present moment.

Miriam Herschlag, Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon   —TIME Is on His Side?— Prime Minister Netanyahu gives his longest interview since October 7. What's it tell us? —Time Is on HIS Side?— How is this man growing more popular at this time, after everything? —Fraying at the Edges— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: How we doin' at this moment? Plus, co-joined Kibbutzim, Tisha B'Av at Hostage Square, and the bipolar music of Tamir Grinberg.

Miriam Herschlag, Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon   —Dead to Rights?— When, if ever, is it o.k. to assassinate deadly enemies? —Now, in the Awful Quiet of the Moment— Six-packs of water and go bags: Are we doing this imminent-attack-from-Iran thing right? —Days of Wine and Jelly Beans?— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: How are the 3 of us reacting to this tense moment? Plus, the Olympics, John Lennon glasses and new music by artists from just outside of Gaza.

Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon   —Will Israel and Hezbollah (and Who Knows? Maybe Iran) Go to War?— Will Hezbollah's murder of twelve kids in Majdal Shams lead to all out war? —Druze Clues— What is it like to be Druze in Israel? —Et tu, MCU?— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: The folks at Marvel are turning Sabra into a Marrano? Plus, the Olympics, science breakthroughs and music of our troubled times.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon   —Move Over, Winston— Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to congress, again. What did he say to the senators and congresspeople, and what didn't he say? —Kamala Harris and the Jewish Question— Kamala Harris anagrams to “A rakish alarm.” Who is Kamala Harris, and if she becomes president, what will it mean for, well, us? —You're Voting for Who?!— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: When Israeli-Americans say they're voting for Trump because he's good for Israel, what do they mean? Plus, consecrating a Torah scroll for Hersh Goldberg-Polin, and trans-folk in Tel Aviv City Hall, and more music of these days.

Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon   —The Valley of the Shadow of Deif— Can you do a cost-benefit analysis of assassinating a man personally responsible for thousands of Israeli deaths? —Unboxing Gaza?— What's it like for Israelis to watch videos of Palestinian resilience? —“Dos” and “Don't-So-Much-Dos”— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Why did a short video about the “Dos” and “Don't-So-Much-Dos” of workplace relations between secular and ultra-Orthodox colleagues tick off so many of us here in Israel? Plus, the profound humanity of the people fighting to release the hostages, and music from Netta Barzilai's first album, which is like a warm hug from an old friend.

Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon   —God Will Avenge His Blood?— The IDF has allowed, for the first time ever, military gravestones to add “הי״ד” — “God will avenge his blood” — after the name of a slain soldier. Vengeance carved in stone? —Heroes of Israel— There's a new line of “Heroes of Israel” action figures: IDF soldiers for kids to play with. What exactly do they teach our kids? —It's Been Long Enough to Make a Baby— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Nine months of war (long enough to make a baby). Miriam and Noah talk about how they're doing now. Plus, a tribute to two people we remember from iconic photographs, and a new exhibit imagines a very different Zionism than the one we got. Plus more new tunes of our times.

In a very special, tribute-to-America episode, the sax-and-fiddle player (Alon Tal), the lead-singer-and-keyboardist (Bill Slott), and the bass-player (Noah Efron) of the fondly-remembered band, “Liquid Plumr” discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon   —Bill in Them Hills— What can we learn from Bill who spent three months in the West Bank trying to keep local Palestinians from being harassed by local Israelis? Sometimes, you just need to be there. —The U.S. and Us— How have America and Americans influenced Israeli culture and politics? —Are Two Better Than One?— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What is it like to have two countries? Plus, music by three great Israeli singers, each born-in-the-U.S.A.

Linda Gradstein, Allison Kaplan Somer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon   —Exemption Preemption— A bombshell unanimous Supreme Court decision says that, until the Knesset passes a law that says otherwise, Haredi men of army age need to enlist, and those that don't cannot get government stipends. Are we about to find Yeshiva boys in foxholes? —New Day in Gaza?— A new report is making the rounds in Jerusalem about how to end the war and coax Gazans to accept Israel, which, new report, may or may not be nuts. —AIPAC vs. Bowman— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: AIPAC vs. the Squad's Jamaal Bowman. Decision, AIPAC? Plus, Hebrew Book Week 100 years on, and more music of our times.

Linda Gradstein, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Special on Patreon   —The Other War— The war with Hezbollah up north seems to be getting hotter and more deadly with each passing day. Will missiles rain down on Tel Aviv? And when can the nearly 100,000 evacuees from their homes near the Lebanese Border expect to go back home? —Spring of Despair— New polls show despair and pessimism of a sort Israelis have never known before. What do we do when more than 2/3 of Israelis are not optimistic about our future? —When Nothing Feels Right— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Summer's here and the time is right for what exactly? Plus, Bnei Brak at 100, and more music of our times.

Linda Gradstein, Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon   —Home— Four hostages were rescued from the depths of Gaza. We need a new word for absolute joy mixed with absolute worry mixed with absolute sadness. —Gantz, But Not Forgotten— Benny Gantz announces that he is leaving the government and its tiny “War Cabinet,” which brought relief, anxiety and ambivalence. With Gantz gone, where will the government go? —Shavuot In Israel— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Shavuot in Israel, after eight months of war. Plus, the LGBTQ “Vigil of Pride and Hope” in Tel Aviv, celebrating Shavuot, and more music of our times.