Allison Kaplan Sommer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.
Horror Vacui
There’s an odd mélange of diplomatic proposals for what-comes-next-in-Gaza, from an Egyptian and Arab League plan to various American plans, including one hatched in direct negotiations with Hamas. This leads us to wonder, why is Israel silent about something that matters so much?
Amalakites
It is a fact that we are living in a moment of “peak-Amalek,” especially as we celebrate Purim. What are we to make of this problematic idea?
Is Yad Vashem Pandering to the TikTok Generation?
For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Is Yad Vashem pandering to the TikTok generation?
All this and Rav Menachem Froman, the unveiling of under-wraps art and the Simba we need today, plus brilliant new music by Amir Sade.
Songs
- Basof ha-Kol Nishar Oto Davar
- Avraham
- Vincent
Thank you, Noah, for your compelling podcast featuring Krieger Shechter Day School and the eighth grade play. Your most beautiful and sincere remarks filled our hearts with gratitude. I taught Judaica and chaired the Jewish History department until I retired a few years ago. Fortunately, my love of text study together with Hebrew and Jewish History led me to the Hebrew U. where I studied for two years with the promise of teaching in the Diaspora. When Rabbi Zaiman (long a) fulfilled his dream of building a Conservative Day School in Baltimore, I was able to realize my desire to teach these subjects that I love..
Your expressive words capture every feeling and all of the significant elements that have distinguished KSDS plays in Hebrew for over 30 years, and it is to the credit of our long standing former Hebrew language head, Dafna Tasch that both the play and the 8thgrade Israel trip have succeeded.
I hope your wise words will reach all of Jewish America, because as you so prophetically advise, now is the time for American Jews to embrace Judaism and Israel in the home and in the choice of a Jewish Day School in order to preserve the future of American Jewish life.
With deep appreciation,
Rita Plaut
Oh, thank you so much for this lovely message, Rita. I was enchanted by what I saw of KSDS, and it lifted my spirits at a moment when I was much in need of inspiration. I think that I am going to see the play again, here (well, in Jerusalem) when they perform it in just a few weeks. It is clear that many people did a lot that was right for a long time in creating that school and the community and traditions that go with it, and I am so glad to meet you, one of those people.
It was so kind of you to take the time to discover how to leave a comment for the podcast, and then to go to the trouble to do it, all so that you could give me an encouraging word. That is so generous and beautiful – thank you!