The Promised Podcast

The "'We Did Nothing Special': Remembering Uri Lupolianski" Edition

Uri Lupolianski was the first ultra-Orthodox mayor of Jerusalem, and he was convicted of corruption. A week after his death, Noah says that he was also a reflection of all of us, at our imperfect best.

The "Candles in the Wind and Candles in the Window" Edition

In this last episode before our two month break (save for an occasional special, check your feed!) Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron talk about (1) What to make about Bondi Beach and the many, many violent things around the world that maybe led up to it, and (2) What does Hanukkah mean in 2025? For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What do we look for in a Rabbi? All that and a Mufti and a Chief Rabbi studying the New Testament in Gaza City. Plus some really good music that sounds more or less how we feel these days.

The "Aftermaths" Edition

Allison, Don and Noah talk about (1) whether we are being buffeted by what some experts call a "mental health tsunami," after all that has happened, and (2) the decision by members of Kibbutz Be'eri not to preserve as memorials the mostly wrecked houses where almost a hundred of their loved ones were murdered on October 7. For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Most Israelis think this is just a lull, and the fighting will start up again soon. All that and a long forgotten Israeli worth remembering and things that made our week. Plus some really good music that sounds more or less how we feel these days.

The "Pardon Me?" Edition

Miriam and Noah talk about (1) the Prime Minister's request that the President pardon him, to put an end to our long, national downer, and (2) what to make of the movie, The Sea, which took all the important Israeli prizes this year, for its depiction of a kid living under occupation, trying to get a glimpse of the sea. For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: It's not easy being Peter Beinart. All that and a farewell to the general in charge of IDF intelligence who did not foresee the Yom Kippur War, a train ride to Bat Yam, and a celebration of America that says more still about Israel.

The "Old Ends & New Beginnings" Edition

Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron talk about (1) our slow slouch seemingly back towards war on four fronts – Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Iran – why is it happening and where might it lead? and (2) what to make of three new political parties that have set themselves up, as we near the start of Knesset election campaigns. For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: How does celebrating the Pilgrim's first year in the New World look and feel when you do it in the very old world of the Holy Land? All that and Isaac and ourselves, Israelis in paradisical Hawaii, and Opera in Tel Aviv. Plus, new music for these uncertain times.