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
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.
Sep 12, 2025 • 33min
Daniel Samet on the U.S.-Israel Relationship and the American National Interest
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.
14 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 45min
Richard Goldberg on How American Energy Dominance Is Reshaping the Middle East
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
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
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
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.
