Tablet Studios

In this conversation, Erica Pelman, founder and director of SHIFRA, shares her transition from the Department of Labor to supporting Jewish women facing unplanned pregnancies. She encourages a fresh perspective on the abortion debate, emphasizing compassionate dialogue over divisive labels. Pelman discusses the importance of understanding women's diverse experiences and the need for community care in pregnancy crises. She advocates for a shift in attitudes within the Jewish community, focusing on support rather than politics, to foster a more nuanced conversation.

Tony Badran, Tablet's news editor and a specialist in Middle Eastern politics, dissects the newly brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon. He argues that the agreement reflects Barack Obama’s stance on the region and complicates Trump-era policies. Badran dives into U.S.-Israel relations, highlighting military coercion and Israeli sovereignty issues. He critiques the potential benefits to Hezbollah from the ceasefire and discusses the intricate geopolitical dynamics at play, revealing the complexities of American intervention in ongoing conflicts.

In 2017, Liel, back then no fan of Donald Trump, wrote a piece defending one of the president’s advisors, Sebastian Gorka, who was outrageously accused of being an actual Nazi. The reaction it generated sent Liel on a journey of political transformation, one that many Americans have recently shared, away from intimidation and lies and towards freedom and enthusiastic faith in America. Dr. Gorka joins Liel to talk about why Trump’s detractors are still smearing his top aides as extremists, and why we even conservatives should want the Democrat Party to reinvent itself and grow saner and stronger.  Tale of Trump Adviser’s Alleged Nazi Ties Unravels What We Talk About When We Talk About Gorka The Turn

Adam Bellow, a legendary book editor and author, joins media buyer Melody Notkin to explore the challenges gripping American publishing. They discuss the rise of censorship and the targeting of Jewish writers, reflecting on the impact of activism in the industry. Bellow shares insights on the shift from independent publishers to corporate giants and how that influences creativity. The duo also examines the clash between free speech and political pressures, raising important questions about diversity of ideas in literature today.

With Donald Trump slated to return to the White House after a truly historic upset, many Americans are feeling joyful and many others bereft. Both may be missing the point, which is that change, in America, often comes by precisely in a string of revolutions, tearing down old and crumbling institutions and replacing them with ones better geared to serve the needs of their constituents. Free Press columnist Eli Lake joins Liel to deliver a quick and insightful recap of what happened on Tuesday and what it means for Democrats, Republicans, Israel, the media, and everybody else. And Tablet's Editor in Chief Alana Newhouse delivers a master class on why everyone, regardless of party affiliation, should feel tremendously hopeful about America's future. 

In this discussion, writer and podcaster Will Tanner delves into the fragile state of American democracy, emphasizing the complexities of voting rights and electoral integrity. He draws parallels between contemporary issues and the decline of the late Roman Republic, offering cautionary tales for today’s leaders. Tanner critiques the impact of diversity and welfare policies in both the U.S. and South Africa, warning of the risks they pose to political stability and public safety. The conversation urges a reevaluation of current societal norms and government actions.

On this episode of Tablet Radio Hour, our Minyans are casting their vote. Tablet executive editor Wayne Hoffman, Jamie Betesh Carter and author and journalist Abigail Pogrebin assembled not one, but TWO minyans, one of which was made up of of Harris/Walls supporters and a second made up of of Trump/Vance supporters. They discuss their methods and what they learned from each group and why each group of has chosen their candidate for the upcoming election.You can find the stories from both on Tabletmag.com. The Harris/Walz voters are here, and the Trump/Vance voters are here.  

These days, a lot of people are feeling anxious about America, Israel, and the precarious state of the world. But Jews have always had a superpower—hope, not the facile and silly sort but the kind that motivates people to change the world. Liel is joined by singer, songwriter and author Peter Himmelman, who explains why giving up is never an option, why he chose a life of Jewish observance and reflection over greater fame and fortune, and why he decided to write a deeply moving song dedicated to the Bibas boys, Kfir and Ariel, still held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, a song he shares on the show. They also discuss Himmelman's new book, Suspended by No String.  

Rabbi Ammi Hirsch, a leading voice in the Reform movement and senior rabbi of the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, discusses the importance of Zionism for contemporary Jews. He explores the historical transformation of the Reform movement's stance on Zionism, from initial opposition to strong support. The conversation delves into the challenges of anti-Zionism among younger American Jews and the necessity of a clear articulation of Zionist principles. Hirsch emphasizes the need to strengthen Jewish identity through education and connection to heritage in a rapidly changing world.

In this engaging conversation, Karol Markowicz, a columnist for the New York Post and Fox News contributor, shares her insights on Ta-Nehisi Coates's latest book, *The Message*. They delve into Coates's controversial choice to ignore direct conversations with Israelis, leading to critiques of his oversimplified views on race and power. Markowicz offers a personal perspective on immigrant experiences and the intersection of cultural Judaism and American identity. The duo also discusses the evolving perceptions of Jewish resilience in today’s sociopolitical landscape.