The Tikvah Podcast

Jacob J. Schacter, a Rabbi and academic historian, delves into the profound concept of collective memory in Jewish culture. He explores how individuals connect with tragic historical events they've never experienced, particularly the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem. Memory plays a critical role in shaping Jewish identity, supported by six essential remembrances in daily life. The significance of fast days in fostering reflection and repentance is discussed, as well as the cultural resilience displayed on the Ninth of Av, uniting collective grief and identity.

October 7th exposed to everyone what many in and around the academy have known for years: American universities—not all, but many—are failing catastrophically to educate the next generation about the history, cultures, and politics of the Middle East. Instead of producing students versed in the region’s complexities, these institutions have become factories for ideological activism. And nowhere is this truer than in the case of Israel and its history: Zionism in the modern university classroom is rarely examined as a movement of national liberation but instead as a caricature of colonialism, racism, repression, and occupation. And outside of the classroom, we’ve seen the most prestigious campuses in the United States transform into nodes of anti-Israel activism and Jew hatred. These are immense and long-standing problems. But instead of just diagnosing their sources and discussing their perils, today we’re going to talk to someone who’s actually done something about it. Robert Satloff saw this crisis clearly. Having published back in 2001 the eminent historian Martin Kramer’s short volume on the corruption of Middle East Studies, Ivory Towers on Sand, Satloff has spent decades watching the field drift toward anti-Israel political advocacy. As the executive director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, he decided to stop complaining and found his own professional master’s program. Working with Pepperdine University, the Washington Institute has established a completely new graduate program designed to train policy professionals with rigorous scholarship and historical accuracy, without anti-Israel bias. The program offers full scholarships, accepts no foreign funding, is fully accredited, and will convene its inaugural cohort in Washington, DC this fall.

In this discussion, Yuval Levin, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and editor of National Affairs, delivers a thought-provoking speech linking the biblical figure Nehemiah to America's need for cultural renewal. He emphasizes the importance of citizenship as America approaches its 250th anniversary, advocating for a balance between rebuilding institutions and defending values. Levin's insights highlight the necessity of nurturing tradition while embracing contemporary challenges, making a compelling case for both toughness and compassion in societal progress.

On June 22, American B-2 bombers dropped hundreds of tons of explosives on three nuclear sites in Iran—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Right after President Trump announced that the pilots were out of Iranian air space, the world started to learn the details of Operation Midnight Hammer, the extraordinary American mission to neutralize Iran’s nuclear-weapons program. News coverage started immediately—and some of the most incisive and careful analysis appeared outside of the legacy media. Some of the best news coverage in English could be found at the Free Press, the Daily Wire, and the Call Me Back podcast.   Rather than bring on the guests who’ve already offered up their analysis in those venues, we thought it would be valuable to have a series of conversations on dimensions of this war—not only Operation Midnight Hammer, but the last two weeks beginning with the Israeli airstrikes on Iran—that take up some of the deeper, less immediate concerns. War is violent and bloody. But war is also a teacher, and it reveals things about the nations who wage it.   “Living Through History: Learning from the Twelve-Day War” is a series of conversations from the Tikvah Podcast at Mosaic and featuring its host, Jonathan Silver. These include a discussion with Rabbi Meir Soloveichik on what the war reveals about providence and Jewish history; with Hussein Aboubakr Mansour about what the war reveals about the clash of civilizations; with the Israeli ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, about what the war reveals about the U.S.- Israel relationship at this moment in Zionist history; and with Victor Davis Hanson about what the war reveals about the American interest. Today you can listen to the first, with Rabbi Soloveichik.  

Jay Lefkowitz, a senior partner at Kirkland and Ellis and former U.S. envoy on human rights in North Korea, joins the discussion to dissect the upcoming Democratic primary in New York City. He highlights the dominant role of Jewish voters and their unique concerns, such as anti-Israel sentiments and educational funding. The conversation delves into the radical candidacy of Zoran Mandami and how his socialist proposals resonate with some Jewish voters. Lefkowitz also explores the intersection of local and national politics and the potential implications for the Democratic Party.

Sadanand Dhume, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and author, dives into the evolving dynamics between India and Israel following a recent conflict spurred by terrorism in Kashmir. He discusses India's remarkable shift from a critic of Israel to its largest arms customer, revealing the complex geopolitical landscape. Dhume explores the pivotal role of Israeli technology in India's defense and the growing common ground between two democracies facing similar threats, while contrasting this with Pakistan's reliance on China and Turkey.

Jeffrey Herf, a historian and analyst of anti-Semitism, delves into the alarming rise of domestic terrorism targeting Jewish individuals in the U.S. He connects recent violent acts to ideological movements, exploring both historical influences and contemporary radicalism. Herf discusses the complex dynamics of anti-Israel sentiment, radical speech on campus, and the repercussions of political rhetoric. He urges a critical examination of these issues, emphasizing the responsibility of society to confront rising antisemitic violence and promote informed discourse.

Matthew Solomson, a federal judge and chief judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, shares insights on balancing deep Orthodox Jewish faith with public service. He discusses the unique role of his court, covering everything from military contracts to the Affordable Care Act. Solomson reflects on his upbringing and the complexities of maintaining identity in a secular world. He also touches on a thought-provoking judicial visit to Israel and the implications of free speech amid political controversies on campuses. His journey exemplifies the fusion of faith and patriotism in the legal field.

Yossi Melman, a prominent Haaretz reporter and an expert on Israeli intelligence, delves into the life and legacy of Eli Cohen, Israel's most celebrated spy. He shares fascinating insights into how Cohen infiltrated Syrian politics by adopting a new identity, showcasing the art of social engineering. Melman discusses the implications of recently uncovered documents that reveal Cohen's daring missions and tragic end. He also highlights the ongoing challenges in Israeli intelligence, emphasizing the need to balance digital signals with human insights, inspired by Cohen’s exceptional legacy.

J.J. Kimche, a Jewish historian and Assistant Professor at the University of Austin, discusses the legacy of Paul Johnson, a British Catholic historian who took a keen interest in Jewish history. Kimche explores why Johnson viewed Judaism sympathetically and how his non-Jewish perspective offers unique insights into Jewish identity. The conversation touches on the complexities of Jewish belief, the evolution of Reform Judaism, and the significance of major historical events like the Holocaust and Zionism, highlighting the value of understanding Jewish history from diverse viewpoints.