21 Nov
How to Change Politically, with Dr. Sebastian Gorka
Liel Leibovitz discusses his political transformation after defending Dr. Sebastian Gorka, who was accused of being a Nazi by some media outlets. Together, they highlight the misuse of inflammatory rhetoric in politics and stress the importance of fostering a more balanced political landscape.
20 Nov
Around the World with Jewish Newspapers
Jewish newspapers from around the world in the 19th and 20th centuries served as crucial mediums for cultural, political, and social dialogue within the Jewish communities. By delving into the Yiddish and Ladino presses of Argentina and the United States, scholars reveal their role in shaping Jewish thought and identity across time and geography.
20 Nov
The Transition and the Transgendered
The Commentary Magazine Podcast discusses Trump's controversial cabinet picks, Donald Trump's policy on transgender rights and its political implications. The show explores the challenges the Democratic Party faces in moderate restructuring post-election and the complex dynamics of U.S. support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.
20 Nov
Facets of Emuna & Authorship of Midrashim
Emuna, a central concept in Jewish belief, must be used wisely and not lead to blind adherence or confusion, as seen in both religious and political realms. Rabbi Avrohom Vilner's careful editing of Midrashim emphasizes the importance of authentic traditions and textual integrity in Jewish scholarship.
20 Nov
Israel at War – They are Dying
The episode addresses the grave situation of Israeli hostages in Gaza, outlining their neglect and the political complexities surrounding their release. It highlights the Israeli government's lack of urgency and empathy in addressing the hostages' conditions while examining the internal and international political struggles impacting potential rescue efforts.
20 Nov
Filmmaker Allan Novak turns the camera on his family: the oldest living Holocaust survivors in the world
Veteran filmmaker Allan Novak created "Crossing the River: From Poland to Paradise," a documentary about his family, the world's oldest living Holocaust survivor siblings who remarkably survived by being deported to Siberia. Novak shares the resilient and life-affirming story of his family, their survival without witnessing the atrocities of concentration camps, and their eventual thriving life in Canada.
19 Nov
Why Massachusetts Leads the Nation in Gun Safety
Ruth Zacharin discusses how Massachusetts has become a leader in gun safety through legislative advocacy, community-based approaches, and comprehensive data collection. She emphasizes the need for a holistic approach addressing mental health, domestic violence, and community violence prevention.
19 Nov
Is Trump Ditching Gaetz Already?
The podcast analyzes Donald Trump's wavering support for Matt Gaetz's nomination and explores the implications for other controversial nominees, as well as strategic moves within the Israeli government amid the Gaza hostage crisis. The episode also touches on internal tensions within the Trump transition team featuring Elon Musk's involvement and Prime Minister Netanyahu's challenges regarding leaked documents and public perception.
19 Nov
Amsterdam's mayor says the violence wasn't a pogrom. Dutch Jewish leaders agree, but demand protection
The episode explores the aftermath of a violent incident involving mobs targeting Jewish tourists in Amsterdam, paralleling the 86th anniversary of Kristallnacht. While the mayor refrains from labeling it a 'pogrom', Dutch Jewish leaders voice their concerns about rising antisemitism and the demand for better protection.
19 Nov
Malka Simkovich: When Did The Jewish Diaspora Begin? [Israel & Diaspora 2/5]
Dr. Malka Simkovich explores the ancient Jewish experience of diaspora, starting from the Babylonian exile, and how it shaped Jewish identity through changing theological interpretations over time. The discussion delves into the differences between the biblical terms for exile, the nature of Jewish life in ancient diasporas, and how these themes relate to contemporary issues of Jewish identity and Israel-diaspora relations.
19 Nov
Is the 'Trump effect' preventing Iran from attacking Israel?
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's engagement with Russia for a ceasefire involving Hezbollah is criticized due to Russia's close ties with Iran. Ksenia Svetlova discusses the shifting Middle Eastern alliances post-U.S. election and the complex geopolitical dynamics influencing Israel's strategy towards Iran and its proxies.
18 Nov
What President-Elect Trump’s Nominees Mean for Israel, Antisemitism, and More
AJC Managing Director of Policy and Political Affairs, Julie Fishman Rayman, analyzes the potential impacts of President-elect Trump's nominees on U.S. policies towards Israel and antisemitism, emphasizing a shift towards more populist Republican figures. Rayman discusses specific nominees, their backgrounds, and how their appointments could influence both domestic and foreign policies relating to the Jewish community and Israel.
18 Nov
Keep Your Powder Dry
Discussion focuses on the political landscape post-2024 U.S. election, featuring the challenge of maintaining rational discourse in the Trump-centric media environment and Biden's latest move in the Ukraine conflict. Additionally, there's an examination of recent liberal discontent with social media and internal strife in media narratives post-election.
18 Nov
Yaakov Katz: 'The Israeli military has fought in probably the most humane way possible'
Yaakov Katz emphasizes the Israeli Defense Forces' (IDF) commitment to humane warfare while critiquing Western media's portrayal of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Despite acknowledging the complexities of the conflict and Israel's military and political strategies, Katz argues that long-term peace requires clear political resolutions beyond military action.
18 Nov
Keep Antisemitism Off Our Pitches
Daniel Lörcher, founder of 'What Matters', discusses the challenge of antisemitism in soccer and the broader role the sport can play in promoting tolerance and pluralism. He explains how soccer clubs can address discrimination by educating fans and creating spaces for reflection and action.
18 Nov
Gratitude and Sorrow
Elana Stein Hain and Christine Hayes explore how traditional Jewish texts guide us in balancing gratitude and sorrow, particularly from Chapter 9 of Tractate Brachot, which outlines different blessings for joyful and sorrowful times. They discuss how these teachings can help maintain a sense of stability and prevent despair in times of difficulty.
18 Nov
Mississauga organizers cancel vigil honouring Sinwar as ‘Our Mandela’. But local Jews aren’t relaxing yet
The controversial vigil planned in Mississauga to honor Yahya Sinwar, a Hamas leader, was canceled but not due to pressure from Jewish groups, according to the organizers. Jewish community leaders express continued concern over antisemitism and lack of engagement from Mayor Carolyn Parrish, highlighting the challenges they face in public schools and local politics.
15 Nov
Why He Picked RFK
The discussion revolves around the controversial selection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. by President-elect Trump, amidst a broader context of public distrust in institutions and expertise following recent political and health crises. The episode delves into RFK's history, public perception, and the potential implications of his appointment on both public health and political dynamics.
15 Nov
Don't Heart Huckabees
In this episode, Avi and Phoebe discuss the controversial appointment of Mike Huckabee as U.S. Ambassador to Israel and its implications for Jewish-American relations, highlighting Huckabee's Christian Zionist perspective. They also explore recent incidents of violence in Amsterdam related to a soccer match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and AFC Ajax, examining the complexities of antisemitism and soccer hooliganism.
15 Nov
11/16/24 – Shiur 489 – How long should you date before getting engaged? How long does it take to get to know the other person?
This episode features discussions on the appropriate length of dating before engagement in Jewish communities, evaluating both traditional practices and contemporary concerns with secrecy in matchmaking. The conversation includes insights from Rabbi Yitzchok Berkovits, Mrs. Aleeza Ben Shalom, Dr. Jacob Freedman, and Rav Shea Landau, addressing the balance between time, personal connection, disclosure of sensitive information, and communal expectations.
15 Nov
Jon Levenson on Understanding the Binding of Isaac as the Bible Understands It (Rebroadcast)
John Levenson, a renowned scholar, delves into the Binding of Isaac, analyzing its complex themes and context within ancient Near Eastern and biblical traditions. By examining the text’s nuances, Levenson challenges modern interpretations and argues for an understanding rooted in the narrative's original context and religious symbolism.
14 Nov
You're Hired - with Alyssa Farah Griffin and Amos Harel
Yonit and Jonathan discuss Donald Trump's appointment choices for his new administration, particularly regarding impacts on Israel and the Middle East, alongside rising antisemitic violence in Amsterdam. Former Trump official Alyssa Farah Griffin and military analyst Amos Harel provide insights on these developments, including the ongoing situation in Gaza.
14 Nov
Volatile Emotions
Arielle Angel, Naomi Klein, and Hala Alyan discuss the role of emotions like grief and rage in the movement for Palestinian liberation and how these emotions intersect with political strategies. They explore how emotions can both fuel activism and present challenges, emphasizing the need for movements to accommodate diverse emotional expressions.
14 Nov
What Matters Now to Haviv Rettig Gur: Rising resentment as Haredi men refuse to draft
The podcast examines the rising resentment in Israel due to the Haredi community's continued exemption from military service despite the country's heightened need for soldiers due to ongoing conflicts. This discussion addresses both the challenges faced by those carrying the military burden and explores potential solutions to integrate more Haredim into national service roles.
14 Nov
Trump's Return
Natan Sachs and Neri Zilber discuss the potential impact of Donald Trump's anticipated return to the U.S. presidency on Middle Eastern geopolitics, particularly regarding Israel's policies. They explore the implications of Trump's possible foreign policy appointments, Israel's current internal political turmoil, and the Biden administration's potential actions during its remaining months.
14 Nov
The “Violence, Here & There” Edition
In this episode, the hosts discuss recent Israeli military actions in northern Gaza, examining the implications and ethics of these operations amid accusations of ethnic cleansing. They also cover violent anti-Israeli incidents in Amsterdam following a soccer match, considering the broader implications of such events for Jewish communities in Europe.
14 Nov
Gaetz Tulsi RFK: An Infernal Golden Braid
The episode delves into the controversial appointment of Matt Gaetz as Attorney General and Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence in the Trump administration, sparking discussions on their potential impact on national policies. The episode also explores the broader implications of these appointments on American politics, focusing on issues like partisanship, governance, and the media’s portrayal of political figures.
14 Nov
The Strange Death of American Publishing with Adam Bellow
American publishing, once a beacon of literary and intellectual excellence, is now mired in ideological rigidity that stifles free expression, particularly towards Jewish perspectives. Adam Bellow examines how the industry's focus on ideological activism over diverse storytelling has led to significant censorship and marginalization of Jewish voices.
14 Nov
Amsterdam riots: 'Violence like this is a boon for Wilders and the anti-Muslim far right'
Violence erupted in Amsterdam after a soccer match, highlighting tensions in the Netherlands related to the Middle Eastern conflict and leading to misinformation in media narratives. The situation has fueled far-right sentiments, benefiting political figures like Geert Wilders, who capitalize on the anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric.
13 Nov
Yosl and the Yingels balance classic klezmer with modern jazz in their debut EP
Joseph Landau discusses his Yiddish swing and folk band, Yosl and the Yingels, and their efforts to revive Yiddish music with their debut EP, Zikhroynes. Landau shares his journey learning Yiddish and how his music bridges classic klezmer and modern jazz influences to reach both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences.
13 Nov
Hunting Jews and Restoring the Military
The episode discusses the alarming rise of antisemitic incidents in Amsterdam and the United States, examining how societal and governmental factors have enabled such acts. It also delves into Donald Trump's appointment of Pete Hegseth as head of the Pentagon, highlighting controversies and expectations tied to his leadership style and military reform vision.
13 Nov
Israel at War – Amsterdam
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi analyze the recent violent attack on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam, drawing parallels with rising antisemitic sentiments in Europe and exploring Israeli perceptions of safety abroad. They juxtapose Jewish powerlessness with vulnerability, suggesting that while Jews globally feel more at risk, conflating different threats without nuance can hinder effective responses.
13 Nov
Elections 2024 - Lessons & Perspectives
Examining the 2024 Presidential election, this episode explores the historical context and shock of Donald Trump's victory, the nature of media and public polarization, and Torah perspectives on leadership. Rabbi Wittenstein discusses the role of the Electoral College, historical analysis of elections, and the qualities of true leaders from a Jewish perspective.
13 Nov
Why this Canadian Catholic leader is rallying Christians to stand up against antisemitism
Rev. Dr. Andrew Bennett, a Catholic leader in Ottawa, has successfully rallied over 700 Christian faith leaders across Canada to sign the Canadian Christian Declaration Against Antisemitism, spotlighting their commitment to combat anti-Jewish hate crimes. Bennett aims to extend this solidarity into active interfaith engagements through a planned summit in 2025, fostering long-term partnerships between Jewish and Christian communities.
12 Nov
Moshe Taragin: Does Israel Need American Jews? [Israel & Diaspora 1/5]
Rabbi Moshe Taragin discusses the evolving relationship between American and Israeli Jews, emphasizing a shared mission in the broader narrative of Jewish redemption. The episode explores how cultural differences affect religious experiences and responsibilities connected with Israel, particularly in the wake of current events such as the aftermath of October 7.
12 Nov
Neocon Trump?
The episode delves into the implications of Marco Rubio, Mike Waltz, and Elise Stefanik taking on senior foreign-policy roles in a potential Trump administration, examining the potential shift away from neo-isolationism towards a more traditional conservative foreign policy approach. It discusses the nuanced positioning on key issues such as Ukraine, Israel, and relations with China, as well as the effect of the Jewish vote in the recent election.
12 Nov
Honoring Felice Gaer: A Lifelong Champion for Human Rights
Felice Gaer's extensive career in human rights advocacy is celebrated, emphasizing her influence within organizations like the American Jewish Committee’s Jacob Blaustein Institute. Her contributions to women's and human rights, including significant work at the Beijing World Conference on Women, mark her as a transformative figure in international human rights discourse.
12 Nov
Game-changer: Two Jewish founders are creating a new pro women’s baseball league
Justine Siegal and Keith Stein are launching the Women's Pro Baseball League set to begin in 2026, with the aim of providing a professional platform for women in a sport that hasn't seen a professional league since the 1950s. Meanwhile, the podcast delves into the recent disturbances in Amsterdam involving Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters, raising questions about anti-Semitism and soccer hooliganism intersecting in Europe.
11 Nov
Who's Whispering in Trump's Ear?
The episode discusses key appointments in Trump's incoming administration, particularly focusing on the likely roles of Elise Stefanik as U.N. Ambassador and Tom Homan as Border Czar, and their potential implications for U.S. foreign and immigration policy. It also delves into the political dynamics within the Senate, including leadership election controversies and the Republicans' stance on filling administration appointments, which may shape Trump's governance approach in a prospective second term.
11 Nov
Uri Zaki: "The war has to end in Gaza'
Uri Zaki, a left-wing Zionist thinker, grapples with the consequences of Israel's prolonged campaign against Hamas in Gaza, advocating for a political shift toward peace negotiations. Central to the discussion are the complexities of Israeli democracy, military ethics, and the crucial need for a Palestinian alternative to secure regional stability.