13 Dec
Hussein Aboubakr Mansour on the Fall of Syria and the Death of Baathism: How Arab intellectuals understand the latest ideological revolution
Hussein Aboubakr Mansour and Jonathan Silver explore the ideological consequences of the recent fall of Syria's Baathist regime, marked by Bashar al-Assad's departure to Russia. The discussion delves into the potential ideological shifts in the Middle East as the Sunni Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham takes the helm, questioning the future political landscape and stability of Syria.
5 Dec
Bella Brannon and Benjie Katz on Anti-Semitic Employment Discrimination at UCLA
Jewish students at UCLA are facing formal employment discrimination, specifically from the Cultural Affairs Commission, where applicants who express a Jewish identity are unjustly disqualified. Bella Brannon and Benjie Katz discuss the barriers and biases Jewish students encounter within campus employment practices, drawing attention to policies conflating Zionism with discrimination.
29 Nov
Ari Lamm on the Biblical Meaning of Giving Thanks
Rabbi Ari Lamm discusses the profound and diverse expressions of gratitude in the Hebrew Bible, focusing on Leah and Cain as key biblical figures to understand the nuances of biblical gratitude. The conversation explores the covenantal nature of gratitude, contrasting the transactional understanding of gratitude with the deeper, faith-driven gratitude found in the scriptures.
22 Nov
Maury Litwack on the Jewish Vote in the 2024 Elections
Maury Litwack discusses the Jewish vote in the 2024 elections, highlighting flaws in widely reported exit polls and his own findings that suggest the Jewish vote is not monolithically Democratic. His analysis indicates that Jewish voters are more divided than previously thought and that antisemitism is a significant concern across denominations.
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.
8 Nov
Mark Dubowitz on the Dangers of a Lame-Duck President
Mark Dubowitz discusses the potential implications of a lame-duck Biden administration on Israel, particularly concerning executive actions and sanctions. Highlighting the example of past presidential actions, he warns of the dangers posed by UN Security Council Resolutions and Executive Orders aimed at undermining Israeli political and economic stability.
1 Nov
Matthew Levitt on Israel’s War with Hizballah: How the terrorist group continues on despite its catastrophic losses.
Matthew Levitt offers an analysis of Israel's military successes against Hezbollah, detailing significant disruptions in the organization's arsenal, leadership, and communications. Despite these setbacks, Hezbollah continues operations, and the question remains how Israel can secure lasting peace and stability on its northern border.
16 Oct
Meir Soloveichik on the Meaning of the Jewish Calendar
Rabbi Meir Soloveichik discusses how the Jewish calendar serves as an instrument for national cohesion and cultural memory, illuminating the connection between Jewish holidays and the principles of Jewish history and identity. Using examples from both Jewish tradition and modern Zionism, Soloveichik explains the profound impact of a unitive time consciousness intrinsic to Jewish life, as explored in his new book, "Sacred Time."
11 Oct
Elliott Abrams on Whether American Jewry Can Restore Its Sense of Peoplehood
Elliott Abrams discusses the challenges facing American Jewry, focusing on the decline in Jewish identity and commitment among non-Orthodox Jews in the U.S., despite socio-economic successes. He explores potential solutions for strengthening Jewish identity, such as enhancing Jewish education, promoting Jewish summer camps, and increasing time spent in Israel.
27 Sep
Assaf Orion on Israel’s War with Hizballah
Brigadier General Assaf Orion discusses Israel's multifaceted conflict with Hizballah following the October 2023 escalation, exploring Israeli military strategies and broader regional implications. The conversation examines Israel's goals in neutralizing Hizballah's threat, potential actions against Iran, and the necessity of international coalitions for enduring conflict management.
20 Sep
Podcast: Abe Unger on America's First Jewish Classical School
Emet Classical Academy, led by Abe Unger, is America's first Jewish classical school, aiming to merge the Jewish and Western educational traditions to produce well-rounded leaders. Despite cultural pressures de-emphasizing traditional education, Emet emphasizes language mastery, critical thinking, and Jewish identity, aligning them seamlessly with American values.
13 Sep
Marc Novicoff on Why Elite Colleges Were More Likely to Protest Israel
Marc Novicoff discusses his findings on why protests against Israel were more prevalent at elite U.S. colleges, correlating protest activity with the wealth and prestige of the student bodies. He explains that these schools have a higher concentration of students from affluent backgrounds and less economic diversity, which may contribute to the prominence of certain political activities.
6 Sep
Liel Leibovitz on What the Protests in Israel Mean
In the wake of recent developments in Israel, Liel Leibovitz analyzes the protests against the government, sparked by tensions related to the ongoing conflict with Hamas and the issue of hostages. The discussion delves into how American-style politics are influencing Israeli society and explores deeper ideological divides about the future of Zionism.
30 Aug
Gary Saul Morson on Alexander Solzhenitsyn and His Warning to America
In this episode, Jonathan Silver discusses Alexander Solzhenitsyn's Harvard commencement address with Gary Saul Morson, examining Solzhenitsyn's critique of both the Soviet and Western systems. Solzhenitsyn's insights highlight the enduring value of truth and literature in resisting societal decay and promoting moral values.
23 Aug
Podcast: Adam Kirsch on Settler Colonialism
This episode explores the contentious theory of settler colonialism, especially its application to Israel and its implications in academic and political discourse. Adam Kirsch critiques the theory as applied to Israel, arguing that it distorts historical and present realities, often romanticizing native populations and demonizing perceived colonizers without offering paths to reconciliation.
16 Aug
Podcast: Raphael BenLevi, Hanin Ghaddar, and Richard Goldberg on the Looming War in Lebanon
The podcast features Raphael BenLevi, Hanin Ghaddar, and Richard Goldberg discussing the escalating tensions in Lebanon, particularly due to Hizballah's rocket fire towards Israel and Iran's support. BenLevi's essay in Mosaic sheds light on the history of Israel's northern border security and suggests ways to address the current challenges. The podcast, hosted by Jonathan Silver, delves into the threats posed by Hizballah in the broader context of the conflict between Iran and Israel, offering insights on the looming war in Lebanon and the strategies that Israel can employ to mitigate the risks.
8 Aug
Josh Kraushaar on the Democratic Party’s Veepstakes and American Jewry
In a recent discussion, Josh Kraushaar examines the Democratic Party's vice-presidential selection process and its implications for American Jewry. Vice President Kamala Harris's decision to choose Tim Walz as her running mate raised speculation due to Walz's conventional views on Israel, similar to other candidates like Mark Kelly and Josh Shapiro. The possible exclusion of Shapiro, believed to be a frontrunner, has sparked concerns that being an Israel-supporting religious Jew could be seen as a liability in the Democratic Party. Despite no official confirmation linking Shapiro's faith to the decision, the choice of Walz has prompted discussions on the role of such factors in contemporary politics among both Jewish and anti-Semitic groups. Kraushaar's analysis sheds light on the activist opposition and interpretation of these selections within the Democratic Party.
2 Aug
J.J. Schacter on the First Tisha b'Av Since October 7
Rabbi J.J. Schacter, a seasoned leader in Tisha b'Av services and an expert in Jewish history and commemoration, discusses the significance of this year's Tisha b'Av, falling on August 12-13, which marks the first observance since the October 7 attack on Israel. In a conversation with Jonathan Silver, they delve into how the traditional Tisha b'Av observances can be adapted to incorporate more recent tragedies, like the October 7 attack. They consider questions about expanding the liturgy, determining when new fast days are warranted versus being included within Tisha b'Av, and how to integrate new tragedies into Jewish collective memory through the recitation of kinnot. Schacter's insights offer a thoughtful exploration into the evolving nature of Jewish communal mourning and remembrance practices.
26 Jul
Noah Rothman on Kamala Harris’s Views of Israel and the Middle East
Vice President Kamala Harris, a potential future Democratic presidential candidate, has drawn attention for her stance on the U.S.-Israel relationship and the Middle East, particularly during Israels conflict in Gaza where she urged a ceasefire for humanitarian reasons. Questions arise about whether her views are influenced by her role in the Biden administration or by her Jewish family background. In a discussion with Noah Rothman, a senior writer at National Review, they explore Harris' true opinions on these topics and the complexities within the Democratic party regarding Israel, considering various political pressures and influences.
19 Jul
Avi Weiss on the AMIA Bombing 30 Years Later (Rebroadcast)
Avi Weiss reflects on his journey to Argentina following the 1994 AMIA bombing and the subsequent cover-up by Argentine authorities. He discusses his alliances with local activists and his confrontations with political leaders to seek justice for the victims of the attack.