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.

The “IDF: Inspiring Despite Failing?” Edition