Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—God Will Avenge His Blood?—

The IDF has allowed, for the first time ever, military gravestones to add “הי״ד” — “God will avenge his blood” — after the name of a slain soldier. Vengeance carved in stone?

—Heroes of Israel—

There’s a new line of “Heroes of Israel” action figures: IDF soldiers for kids to play with. What exactly do they teach our kids?

—It’s Been Long Enough to Make a Baby—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Nine months of war (long enough to make a baby). Miriam and Noah talk about how they’re doing now.

Plus, a tribute to two people we remember from iconic photographs, and a new exhibit imagines a very different Zionism than the one we got. Plus more new tunes of our times.

In a very special, tribute-to-America episode, the sax-and-fiddle player (Alon Tal), the lead-singer-and-keyboardist (Bill Slott), and the bass-player (Noah Efron) of the fondly-remembered band, “Liquid Plumr” discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Bill in Them Hills—

What can we learn from Bill who spent three months in the West Bank trying to keep local Palestinians from being harassed by local Israelis? Sometimes, you just need to be there.

—The U.S. and Us—

How have America and Americans influenced Israeli culture and politics?

—Are Two Better Than One?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What is it like to have two countries?

Plus, music by three great Israeli singers, each born-in-the-U.S.A.

Linda Gradstein, Allison Kaplan Somer and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Exemption Preemption—

A bombshell unanimous Supreme Court decision says that, until the Knesset passes a law that says otherwise, Haredi men of army age need to enlist, and those that don’t cannot get government stipends. Are we about to find Yeshiva boys in foxholes?

—New Day in Gaza?—

A new report is making the rounds in Jerusalem about how to end the war and coax Gazans to accept Israel, which, new report, may or may not be nuts.

—AIPAC vs. Bowman—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: AIPAC vs. the Squad’s Jamaal Bowman. Decision, AIPAC?

Plus, Hebrew Book Week 100 years on, and more music of our times.