The Tikvah Podcast

Ruth Wisse, a literary scholar and former Harvard professor, shares her insights on the legacy of Norman Podhoretz, a pivotal figure in Jewish journalism and neoconservatism. She delves into Podhoretz's commitment to truth and clarity in writing, contrasting it with today’s trend of social media shortcuts. Wisse also highlights his critical views on thinkers like Hannah Arendt, his zealous defense of Israel, and his moral courage in confronting critics. Podhoretz’s example serves as a beacon of integrity that Wisse argues is crucial for preserving Western values.

On the evening of December 14, 2025—the first night of Hanukkah—Rabbi Benjamin Elton was driving home from performing a wedding, looking forward to lighting candles with his family. Then his phone began to explode with messages. There were gunmen at Bondi Beach. His wife and children were in lockdown at a nearby event. Names of the dead were coming through—colleagues, community members. For several terrible minutes, he couldn't reach his wife. And he wondered whether he was going to come home to find that he had lost his family. By the time the shooting stopped, fifteen people were dead, among them two rabbis, an eighty-seven-year-old Holocaust survivor, and a ten-year-old girl. They had been gunned down at a public Hanukkah celebration on one of Australia's most iconic beaches, before a large crowd of Jews who had gathered to light the menorah in the open air—because that's what confident, integrated diaspora communities do. The massacre at Bondi Beach was the culmination of two years of escalating anti-Semitism that the community had been warning about since October 7. Synagogues firebombed with congregants inside. Cars set ablaze in Jewish neighborhoods. Swastikas painted on schools and daycares. Weekly pro-Palestinian marches past synagogues, with chants of "globalize the intifada." A van discovered full of explosives along with a list of the addresses of Jewish institutions. And through it all, a government that offered sympathy and money for security, but never quite confronted the deeper problem. Until, finally, the community's darkest warnings came true. Rabbi Benjamin Elton is the chief minister of the Great Synagogue in Sydney—Australia's oldest Jewish congregation, founded in the 1820s, whose pulpit has traditionally made its occupant a primary representative of Judaism to the wider society. He holds a PhD in Jewish history from the University of London, and before entering the rabbinate, he worked in Britain's Ministry of Justice. He is a scholar of Anglo-Jewish history, a fellow of the Royal Historical Society, and a Sacks scholar, and, just over a decade ago, spent a year in residence as a fellow at Tikvah. This week, Rabbi Elton has been burying his friends. He joined Jonathan Silver, the editor of Mosaic, to discuss the recent trials of his family and community, and the growing threat to Australian Jewish security.

Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, an Orthodox rabbi and scholar, discusses the profound impact of the Psalms, inspired by a Jeopardy moment where contestants failed to recognize Psalm 23. He explores how these ancient texts offer a unique window into human emotion and resilience, serving as comfort during crises. The conversation delves into the Psalms' literary significance, their first-person intimacy, and their historical influence, including connections to America's founding ideals. Soloveichik's passion brings the Psalms alive, providing a roadmap for navigating both personal and collective struggles.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.