In today’s hyper-paced, screen-driven world, making—and keeping—new friends has become incredibly challenging. Same goes for nurturing long-lasting friendships. So, what’s a Jew to do?Journalist, author, and unofficial friendship correspondent Anna Goldfarb joins us to talk about modern friendship, a topic she delves into in her book, Modern Friendship: How to Nurture Our Most Valued Connections. During our conversation, we look at how we can keep the friends we want, and successfully build new relationships. Hosted by Courtney Hazlett, Rabbi Diana Fersko, and Josh Kross, each episode of How to Be a Jew takes a look at a current, cultural topic and what it means for us as Jews, and how we react to it because we are Jews.Want to send us an email? Send it off to podcasts@tabletmag.com For more podcasts, visit tabletmag.com/podcasts 

Tony Badran, news editor at Tablet Magazine and Middle East expert, discusses the controversial proposal for evacuating Gaza's 1.8 million residents. He critiques traditional peace strategies and highlights the challenging geopolitical dynamics faced by Palestinians. Badran also emphasizes the flawed notions of territorial recovery and the significant impact of deteriorating infrastructure. Addressing refugee acceptance, he illuminates security concerns for neighboring countries and delves into the nuances of Palestinian identity amid shifting political landscapes.

Ben M. Freeman, an author focused on Jewish identity, shares insights from his new book on the Jewish people’s indigenous ties to Israel. He discusses the complexities of Jewish identity in modern society, especially after the October 7th events. Freeman also reflects on his upbringing as a Jewish individual in Glasgow and the cultural richness of Jewish heritage. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing duality in identity, navigating the evolving political landscape, and fostering dialogue within the community.

Not long ago, a prominent Silicon Valley technologist told anyone who would listen that he believed he would never die because Artificial Intelligence was basically a God-like machine that could override all human frailties, including aging. This idea, says author and classicist Spencer Klavan, isn’t new: the history of science is in large part the story of trying to take the Creator out of the picture, only to come back again to the same stirrings described so eloquently in the first chapter of Genesis. Klavan, the author of the new bookLight of the Mind, Light of the World: How New Science is Illuminating Ancient Truths About God, talks to Liel about the future of AI, the arrogance of the new atheists, and the hopeful future that groundbreaking discoveries are ushering in by bridging the gap between faith and science. 

Lisa Edelstein has always been a woman of many hats, from 80’s “It” girl, to acting in shows like House, and painting. She joins us to talk about her latest exhibition, “Dance Me to the End of the World,” and how the paintings are so …. Jewish. We also talk about how her Judaism has affected the rest of her career, and how 10/7 impacted her work and relationships. Hosted by Courtney Hazlett, Rabbi Diana Fersko, and Josh Kross, each episode of How to Be a Jew takes a look at a current, cultural topic and what it means for us as Jews, and how we react to it because we are Jews.Want to send us an email? Send it off to podcasts@tabletmag.comFor more podcasts, visit tabletmag.com/podcasts

Melanie Phillips, a British journalist and author known for her sharp commentary on social issues, joins to discuss the Rotherham child sex scandal and its implications. She highlights how mismanagement and multiculturalism exacerbated this tragedy. Phillips critiques the British political landscape, emphasizing the dangers of cultural disillusionment and systemic abuse. She also advocates for reclaiming foundational Jewish and Christian values to unite diverse faiths against societal decline, stressing the importance of truth and effective leadership in preserving Western norms.

On the brink of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, Yohanan ben Zakkai made an astonishing decision. When faced with an opportunity to ask for anything from the new Roman emperor, Vespasian, rather than choosing to ask him to spare the Temple, Yochanan asked only for permission to start a school and preserve Jewish teachings in Yavneh, south of modern day Tel Aviv. Rabbi Marc Katz argues that this decision underscores how the Rabbis were the ultimate pragmatists in his new book Yochanan’s Gam­ble: Judais­m’s Prag­mat­ic Approach to Life. Is Katz right, and how should we consider pragmatism through a modern perspective?

Gadi Taub, a prominent Israeli journalist and co-host of Tablet’s Israel Update, discusses the controversial hostage deal with Hamas that many view as compromised. He examines the challenges faced by the Israeli government and public frustrations, especially among right-wing factions. Taub also delves into the shifting U.S.-Israel relations amidst an incoming administration, raising concerns about declining support for Israel. The tension between judicial constraints and military action is another focal point, highlighting the complexity of national security in a fraught landscape.

Rabbi Bo Shapiro, a thoughtful leader skilled in guiding others through loss, shares his insights on coping with the emotional aftermath of the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. He discusses the profound feelings of helplessness and community grief, emphasizing the importance of faith and support during crises. The conversation also touches on how to help children navigate their fears and reflects on the essential role of sacred spaces in healing. Listeners are encouraged to look out for one another, especially in such challenging times.

R.R. Reno, the Editor of First Things Magazine, joins Liel to tackle the complex interplay between forgiveness and justice in today's world. They discuss the essential role forgiveness plays in healing society’s deep wounds, contrasting it with pervasive anger and outrage. The conversation dives into the challenges of reconciling traditional religious views with modern secular perspectives. Reno highlights the transformative power of forgiveness and encourages introspection regarding our own grudges and the moral implications of letting go.