The Promised Podcast

The holiday of Shavuot, once about one thing, and then about another, is now about, well, everything. (For your convenience and for the sake of quality control, this episode includes time-tested, proven bits from prior shows!)

Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron talk about (1) Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to reinstate the transfer of humanitarian aid to Gaza: why did this happen now and why the hell did it not happen before; and (2) What we learn (if anything) from the fact that Israel won the popular vote in this week’s Eurovision Song Contest, and what we learn (if anything) from the fact that Israel came in 15th (!) in the contest’s professional “jury” vote, and what we learn (if anything) from juxtaposing the two votes. All this and the sixtieth anniversary of the execution-by-hanging of Eli Cohen, “our man in Damascus”.  Plus, more music of these times. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Yair Golan, head of the “Democrats Party” (what used to be Labor and Meretz), says that Israel “wages war against civilians” and “kills babies for a hobby”. Well, what can you say to that?

The hosts delve into the intriguing trade pacts between the U.S. and Gulf states during Trump's visit, examining its implications for Israel. They discuss the mixed feelings surrounding the release of a hostage thanks to American intervention, revealing deeper societal rifts. The emotional return of a fallen soldier after decades adds a poignant layer to the conversation. Amid humor and serious talks, they also explore the unique dynamics of Israeli military decisions and the heartwarming aspects of community celebrations.

Linda, Allison and Noah talk about (1) the reserve call-up and the new IDF operation – it’s already got a name: Gideon’s Chariots – that the government plans to launch in Gaza, and whether or not it is a good idea; and (2) The violent protests of a “Joint Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Event” in Raanana, and what we do and do not learn from them. All this and the crooked timber of humanity on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Dachau, and a mystical Challah dough-offering ceremony in Jerusalem and a story we learned at the Bicycle Museum that is unbelievable even after three generations!

To celebrate Israel’s 77th Independence Day, the crew asks "What is Israeli in our eyes?" Plus, midrashic covers of classic Israeli songs!

Linda and Noah talk about (1) Head of the General Security Agency, or Shabak, Ronen Bar’s affidavits to the Supreme Court that one journalist says “will shape the security and democratic future of the State of Israel”; and (2) The strange quantum-entanglement of the Holocaust and October 7th, and whether we learn anything about the one event from the other. All this and, ahead of Memorial Day, last words left by soldiers for their families. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: The controversy behind this year’s picks to light the Mesuot.

Miriam Herschlag, Sara Hirschhorn and Noah Efron talk about (1) The open-letter from Airforce reservists and retirees, calling on the Government to end the war, the army’s scorched-earth response, and the flood of letters-of-support for the original letter – What’s it all mean?; and (2) The decision by Hebrew University’s elite publishing house, Magnes, to shelve plans to publish a Hebrew translation of Mein Kampf, and whether or not there is a place on Israeli shelves for Hitler’s now-100-year-old manifesto. All this and a singular record launch, a memorial tribute to Yaakov Kirschen, the auteur behind “Dry Bones,” and meeting a legend of Israeli song.

Linda Gradstein, Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron talk about (1) the IDF’s at-least-partly debunked explanation for how and why 15 Palestinians in rescue vehicles were shot dead by Israeli soldiers in Rafah, and (2) Prime Minister Netanyahu’s embarrassing visit to the White House this week. All this and new glosses on the Passover Haggadah, a living-room recital and a debate among memorial posters. Plus, music from “The Safe Space Sessions”! Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: How is this Passover different from all other Passovers?

Linda Gradstein, Gilad Halpern and Noah Efron talk about (1) the anti-Hamas demonstrations in Gaza and what, if anything, we learn from them about the hearts and minds of Gazans, and (2) on the fifth anniversary of the pandemic, how, if at all, COVID-19 changed us as a society and as individuals. All this and bagels, boondoggles and kabbalistic blessings. Plus, brand new music of our troubled times. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Qatargate?

A hundred years ago this week, a Hebrew University was founded in Jerusalem.