Does it make sense to use the “A word” to describe Israel? Is a little politicization good for judicial appointments? Plus “The Way Home” – a road trip with a difference.

What can we learn from Israel’s unilateral withdrawal from Gaza? Is Israel trying to “Jew up” the diaspora? Is Israel shifting from a “Hebrew” to a “Jewish” state?

We discuss the Jewish diaspora’s ambivalence toward Israel; whether the Israeli sense of community is eroding; and whether “smart” cities are a dumb idea.

We discuss J Street’s upbeat campaign in support of the Iran deal; the potential new face of Israel’s opposition; and the grim calculus of hostage negotiations.

We discuss this week’s historic Iran nuclear deal; the resurgence of the Knesset’s rabbis; and poet Roy Hasan’s ode to Ashkenazi hypocrisy.

We discuss Israel’s controversial gas deal; signs of life in Israel’s peace movement; and whether the country’s ‘hipperati’ are too hip for Hebrew.

We discuss the Israel “Jewish Heritage Network”; the Israeli right as “princes of resentment”; and whether we should be grateful for smoke-filled rooms.

We discuss three essays by former Israeli Ambassador to the US Michael Oren; the UN report on last summer’s Gaza war; and Tel Aviv-Jaffa Mayor, Ron Huldai.

Today’s topics include a “two state, one homeland” solution, the seemingly everlasting housing crisis and the sensitivity of our Minister of Culture/Sport.