Jewish History

TJS S4 Interlude: Interview with Rena Rossner

The power of fairy stories goes well beyond entertainment. In this interlude Rena Rossner, author of The Sisters of the Winter Wood joins me to explore myth, story and the power of fairy tale. Along the way we touch on God, history and my favorite author as well!

Read More

TJS S4E10 War of Attrition part III – an honorable peace

The battlefield and the boardroom come together for the last episode in the series on the War of Attrition. Meet new Prime Minister Golda Meir as she balances war and politics in her new policy of ‘asymmetrical response.’ Unfortunately this may win her the battle just as it looses the war. Hear from the likes…

Read More

TJS S4E9 War of Attrition part II: the diplomatic front

Every major conflict is fought on many fronts. This second installment on the War of Attrition explores the diplomatic front. We will encounter Yitzchak Rabin as the new Israeli ambassador and get our first look at American Jewish policy maker Henry Kissinger as our story leaves the battle ground for the boardroom.

Read More

TJS S4 Interlude 10th of Tevet: it’s not too late

Every fast day is an chance for cheshbon nefesh, for making an accounting of life and the world. The Tenth of Tevet offers an additional, unique opportunity – to think about immanent dangers. Here is an exploration of some of the challenges which our world faces and how this holy day can leave us better…

Read More

TJS S4E8 War of Attrition part I

Changing our conceptions is one of the hardest things in life to do, for countries as well as individuals. Israel’s stunning victory in the Six Day War of 1967 brought many blessings, but it also posed certain challenges in how to understand the post-war reality. Here is the first episode on the War of Attrition…

Read More

TJS S4 Interlude: Interview with Rabbi Berel Wein

It is not every day that you get to speak with a legend, much less interview one. Here are some precious words I had with the ‘alter rebbe’ of Jewish history, Rabbi Berel Wein. We touch on the nature of history, the Jewish people, the experience of salvation and much more.

Read More

TJS S4E7 Israel post 1967 part III Settling Hebron

The return to Israel can have two meanings – a return to the Land and a return to essential self. The birth of a settlement movement striving for redemption was one of the most significant results of the Six Day War, and no community tells the story better than Hebron. Learn about IDF Chief Rabbi…

Read More

TJS S4E6 Israel post 1967 part II – A Greater Israel

One can look at life as one long string of decisions, whether for individuals or nations. Israel had a number of decisions to make in the wake of the Six Day War and none was more pressing than where to place the borders. Here is an episode about some of the factors in that decision…

Read More

TJS S4 Interlude – Interview with Yossi Klein Halevi

This week I host author and thought leader Yossi Klein Halevi. Our conversation touches on his personal experience the early struggle for Soviet Jewry, the challenges of writing, the power of Jerusalem to evoke dreams and much more. Tune in for an inspiring episode treating the impact of 1967 on past, present and future.

Read More

TJS S4 Interlude: Interview with Dr. Michael Oren

In this interlude I am joined by special guest Dr. Michael Oren, author of Six Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East among many other books. The topic at hand is how the Six Day War helped shaped the special relationship between Israel and the United States. Along the…

Read More