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.

The “God Gave My People the Torah at Sinai… and All I Got Was this Lousy Podcast” Edition