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
Dec 5, 2025 • 29min
Walter Russel Mead and Elliott Abrams on Navigating the New Middle East
Walter Russell Mead, a foreign-policy scholar, and Elliott Abrams, a seasoned diplomat, dive into the transformative shifts in the Middle East. They discuss how Israel's military victories have altered regional dynamics yet failed to stabilize relations with Saudi Arabia. Abrams emphasizes the necessity of U.S. power for stability, especially in light of Iran's threats. Mead analyzes the hesitance of Russia and China to engage directly in the conflict. Together, they explore the future of Gaza and the complexity of U.S.–Israel ties shaped by historical and religious narratives.
14 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 48min
Josh Tolle on the State of Hillel on Campus
Josh Tolle, a writer and former Hillel staffer, shares critical insights on the current state of Hillel and its role for Jewish students today. He discusses how Hillel's responses to the crisis post-October 7 fell short of student expectations for solidarity. Tolle argues that progressive ideologies have diluted Hillel's mission, leaving students confused and unsupported. He critiques the organization’s curriculum for lacking a focus on Zionism and calls for a restoration of Hillel's core values to engage effectively with today's challenges.
Nov 21, 2025 • 51min
R.J. Snell on Modern Expressions of the Marcionite Heresy
R.J. Snell, a Christian philosopher and expert on early theology, explores the controversial figure Marcion and his impact on Christianity. He discusses Marcion's radical belief in two gods—a vengeful Hebrew God and a loving Christian God. The conversation delves into how Marcion's ideas challenged church formation, influenced the canon, and echoed in modern debates, such as those raised by figures like Tucker Carlson. Snell also examines the responses from early church fathers and the implications for understanding scripture today.
10 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 45min
Ambassador Ron Dermer Looks Back on His Years in Washington (Rebroadcast)
Ron Dermer, former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. and close advisor to Prime Minister Netanyahu, reflects on pivotal moments in U.S.–Israel relations. He discusses his journey from American life to Israeli politics and shares insights on Zionism's influence on his vision. Dermer tackles common misconceptions about Israel's identity and highlights the nation's missile defense innovations and future tech partnerships with the U.S. He also defends Netanyahu's controversial 2015 Congress speech, underscoring its significance during a challenging diplomatic era.
Nov 7, 2025 • 38min
Jonathan Leaf on What New Research about Men and Apes Says about Human Nature
Jonathan Leaf, a playwright and critic known for his work The Primate Myth, challenges the longstanding belief that humans are merely advanced primates. He discusses groundbreaking research showing that humans share only about 86% of our genes with chimpanzees, particularly in traits governing cooperation and empathy. Leaf argues this allows us to reconsider human nature as more cooperative than aggressive. He also explores the implications of language on social development and contrasts chimp violence with human social structures.
13 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 48min
Samuel Kassow on the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising
Samuel Kassow, a historian and professor at Trinity College, delves into the poignant narrative of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. He vividly recounts the vibrant prewar Jewish community and the brutal transition into ghetto life. Kassow highlights survival strategies, including smuggling and civilian support, which culminated in the brave resistance of April 1943. He emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation through the Ringelblum Archive and the moral complexities of resistance. His insights urge listeners to remember the dignity and resilience exhibited during such dark times.
10 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 59min
John Spencer on the Fate of Gaza's Tunnels
John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute, dives into the complexities of Gaza's extensive tunnel network. He reveals how Hamas's strategy uniquely relies on these subterranean defenses, built under civilian infrastructure. The discussion covers the staggering scale and cost of the tunnels, their dual offensive and defensive roles, and the psychological challenges faced by soldiers. Spencer also outlines the difficulties militaries face in neutralizing these tunnels and the implications for future conflicts, emphasizing the need for global awareness.
14 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 43min
Tomer Persico on the Image of God: How Genesis gave rise to modern secularism
Tomer Persico, a research fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute and author of 'In God's Image,' delves into the profound implications of the biblical concept of imago Dei, or 'image of God.' He discusses how this idea revolutionized notions of individual significance and human equality, tracing its influence on modern secularism. Their engaging conversation covers the evolution from ancient collective identities to personal conscience and the unexpected origins of liberal democracy in biblical teachings. Persico also examines critiques of universal humanism and the need for meaning in contemporary liberalism.
11 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 42min
Yaakov Katz on Israel's New Laser Defenses
Yaakov Katz, former editor of the Jerusalem Post and author of *While Israel Slept*, lends his expertise on Israel's groundbreaking Iron Beam laser defense system. The discussion unveils Iron Beam's revolutionary impact on missile defense, drastically reducing interception costs from thousands to a mere two dollars. Katz delves into Israel's innovative spirit, driven by existential threats and cutting-edge R&D. He also raises critical points about the balance of technology and human judgment in defense strategies, especially in light of past intelligence failures.
25 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 44min
Andrew Roberts and Meir Soloveichik on Winston Churchill and His Detractors
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.
