The Tikvah Podcast
Tikvah
The Tikvah Fund is a philanthropic foundation and ideas institution committed to supporting the intellectual, religious, and political leaders of the Jewish people and the Jewish State. Tikvah runs and invests in a wide range of initiatives in Israel, the United States, and around the world, including educational programs, publications, and fellowships. Our animating mission and guiding spirit is to advance Jewish excellence and Jewish flourishing in the modern age. Tikvah is politically Zionist, economically free-market oriented, culturally traditional, and theologically open-minded. Yet in all issues and subjects, we welcome vigorous debate and big arguments. Our institutes, programs, and publications all reflect this spirit of bringing forward the serious alternatives for what the Jewish future should look like, and bringing Jewish thinking and leaders into conversation with Western political, moral, and economic thought.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 18, 2025 • 44min
Andrew Roberts and Meir Soloveichik on Winston Churchill and His Detractors: The perils of the new historical revisionism
Meir Soloveichik, a rabbi and director at Yeshiva University, teams up with Andrew Roberts, a renowned British historian and Churchill biographer, to explore the rise of historical revisionism targeting Winston Churchill. They discuss Churchill's enduring legacy and his support for Jewish causes during WWII. The duo highlights alarming trends in modern narratives that misconstrue Churchill's role. They emphasize the importance of factual rebuttals to combat these distortions and promote civic memory to ensure history remains accurately understood.
Sep 12, 2025 • 33min
Daniel Samet on the U.S.-Israel Relationship and the American National Interest: How the cold war shaped an enduring alliance between Washington and Jerusalem
Daniel Samet, a Jean Kirkpatrick Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, delves into the nuanced U.S.-Israel relationship shaped during the Cold War. He debunks the myth that American foreign policy is manipulated by a powerful Israel lobby, emphasizing that U.S. support stemmed from strategic interests. Samet analyzes how presidential perspectives influenced this alliance and highlights key historical events that have defined military cooperation. He also draws parallels between past and current geopolitical rivalries, notably with China.
Sep 5, 2025 • 45min
Richard Goldberg on How American Energy Dominance Is Reshaping the Middle East: A new era of U.S.-Israel cooperation
Richard Goldberg, a senior advisor at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, discusses how American energy dominance has reshaped the Middle East's strategic landscape. He explains the pivotal role of the National Energy Dominance Council in coordinating energy policy and enhancing security against adversaries like Iran and China. Goldberg highlights U.S.-Israel collaboration on energy and AI, stressing the importance of strategic partnerships. He also delves into the complexities of energy security during conflict and the geopolitical implications of initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor.
21 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 48min
Ido Hevroni on Teaching Homer in Wartime: The dust and blood and bronze of the Trojan War come to life in Gaza
Ido Hevroni, a literature professor at Shalem College in Jerusalem, shares insights on teaching Homer's epics to students with military backgrounds. He discusses how these modern warriors connect deeply with themes of honor, duty, and sacrifice found in the Iliad and Odyssey. Hevroni highlights the emotional resonance of Hector's farewell to Andromache and Odysseus's journey home, showing how literature offers a lens to understand personal transformation amid conflict. The profound challenges of returning home after war are also explored.
14 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 33min
David Myers and Andrew Koss on Whether Jewish Studies Has Turned against the Jews: Has the field lost its way, and can it recover?
Andrew Koss, a Mosaic colleague and author of "Jewish Studies Against the Jews," shares his concerns about anti-Jewish activism and the responses from Jewish studies professors. He engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with David Myers, a prominent UCLA historian known for his insightful commentary on public policy. Together, they explore the challenges within Jewish studies, the tensions between particularism and universalism, and the role of scholars in addressing rising anti-Semitism on campuses, all while challenging the future and relevance of the field.
13 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 48min
Barry Strauss on the Jewish Conflict with Ancient Rome: Two Centuries of Rebellion
Barry Strauss, a former classics professor at Cornell and senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, discusses the Jewish struggles against Rome from 63 BCE to 136 CE. He explores the contrast between Roman narratives, which viewed Jews as rebels, and Jewish perspectives that emphasize a fight for autonomy. Strauss delves into the life of Josephus, revealing his complex identity, and highlights the cultural clash between Jewish ideals of freedom and Roman order. The conversation connects historical events to modern geopolitical issues, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.
6 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 48min
Michael Doran on Israel and the American Right: Republicans remain staunchly pro-Israel, despite their social-media eccentrics
Michael Doran, a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and an expert in Middle East policy, discusses the intriguing dynamics of Republican support for Israel amidst changing public opinions. Despite declining overall support, Republicans’ backing for Israel remains strong and even grows, as seen in recent polls. Doran critiques the influence of social media voices, like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Tucker Carlson, which often contradict traditional pro-Israel sentiments. He examines the complex relationship between American identity and support for Israel, especially among evangelical Christians.
11 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 1h 18min
How Islamism Took Over the Middle East
Hussein Aboubakr Mansour, an Egyptian-American writer, discusses his essay on the Arab mindset and its link to jihadism rooted in European philosophy. Ze’ev Maghen, a professor focused on Islamic history, and Bernard Haykel, a political Islam expert, join the conversation. They delve into the complex historical and political landscape of the Middle East, the impact of colonialism on ideology, and the struggles of Arab intellectuals. The dialogue also covers the evolving nature of Islamism, authenticity in religious thought, and the effects of modernity on traditional beliefs.
Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 15min
Tal Fortgang and David E. Bernstein on Defending Jewish Civil Right on Campus: How the government can fight anti-Semitism effectively and legally
Tal Fortgang, a Manhattan Institute fellow and civil rights lawyer, teams up with David E. Bernstein, a George Mason law professor and author, to tackle rising anti-Semitism on campuses. They discuss the historic Columbia settlement and effective legal strategies for protecting Jewish students. The duo critically examines the relationship between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism, advocating for a shift towards grassroots advocacy. They also explore the complexities of civil rights laws impacting Jewish identities and the necessity of a robust response from organizations to confront contemporary challenges.
Jul 18, 2025 • 35min
Rabbi J.J. Schacter on the Jewish Meaning of Memory: What does it mean to remember the destruction of the Temples?
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.
