Russ Roberts, President of Shalem College in Jerusalem and host of the EconTalk podcast, shares his experiences of immigrating to Israel. He delves into the unique hurdles of establishing universities and managing diverse teams. The conversation touches on the cultural significance of Israeli military service, the richness of local television, and the vibrant complexities of life for both Jews and Arabs in Israel. Through personal anecdotes, he highlights the challenges of fostering community ties while navigating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the excitement of cultural integration.
59:12
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
New University Challenges
New universities are rare due to regulatory hurdles and reputational challenges.
Shalem College's unique funding model involves stipends covering tuition and living expenses, funded by private donations.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Management in Israel
Russ Roberts had limited managerial experience before becoming Shalem College's president.
Managing in Israel involves navigating cultural and linguistic differences within his team.
insights INSIGHT
Military's Impact on Society
Military service in Israel is a significant socializing experience, impacting lifelong connections and perspectives.
The prevalence of weapons and reserve duty are aspects of Israeli life unfamiliar to many Americans.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In 'The Wondering Jew', Micah Goodman delves into the complexities of Jewish identity in Israel, examining the tension between modern values and ancient traditions. He argues for a revitalized Judaism that bridges the divide between secular and religious communities, promoting a dynamic engagement with Jewish heritage. Goodman draws on various Jewish thinkers to support his vision of a more inclusive and vibrant Jewish society.
Where are we now
Silke Wittig
Marius Babias
Catch 67
The Left, the Right, and the Legacy of the Six-Day War
Micah Goodman
Catch 67 delves into the ongoing national debate in Israel regarding the land conquered in the Six-Day War. Micah Goodman argues that while Israelis have differing views on the occupation, both the right and the left have valid points, yet their positions create an impossible bind. The book advocates for 'radical listening' and understanding of both sides, drawing inspiration from Talmudic debates. It became a bestseller and sparked intense public debate upon its release in 2017, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Six-Day War.
The Wealth of Nations
Adam Smith
Published in 1776, 'The Wealth of Nations' is Adam Smith's magnum opus that laid the groundwork for modern economics. The book critiques mercantilist economic theories and introduces the concept of the 'invisible hand,' which describes how individual self-interest leads to societal benefit. It emphasizes the division of labor, the accumulation of capital, and the importance of free markets. Smith argues that a nation's wealth is not measured by its gold and silver reserves but by the stream of goods and services it produces. The book also outlines the core functions of government, such as maintaining defense, enforcing civil law, and promoting education, while advocating for limited government intervention in market activities.
The Odyssey
Homer
The Odyssey, attributed to Homer, is an ancient Greek epic poem that tells the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. The poem explores Odysseus's encounters with various mythical creatures, divine interventions, and natural challenges. Upon his return to Ithaca, he must confront the suitors who have been vying for his wife Penelope's hand in marriage. With the help of his son Telemachus and the goddess Athena, Odysseus devises a plan to defeat the suitors and reclaim his throne. The poem is a reflection on human nature, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions, and it remains a crucial component of ancient Greek literature and Western cultural heritage.
In this special crossover special with EconTalk, Tyler interviews Russ Roberts about his new life in Israel as president of Shalem College. They discuss why there are so few new universities, managing teams in the face of linguistic and cultural barriers, how Israeli society could adapt to the loss of universal military service, why Israeli TV is so good, what American Jews don’t understand about life in Israel, what his next leadership challenge will be, and much more.
Check out Macro Musings. Follow Macro Musings on Twitter. Subscribe to Macro Musings on your favorite podcast app.
Conversations with Tyler 
