From Jewfros to Jew hatred, Amy and Dor plunge into the weight of history amid distractions and news updates. Casual banter about personal style morphs  into a raw reckoning with intergenerational trauma, and the pressure for Jews to be 'good victims’ and ‘just get over it.’

Amy questions if history repeats itself, and finds solace in Haskel Lookstein's 1985 book, Were We Our Brothers' Keepers?, exploring the American Jewish response to the Holocaust, and featuring a foreword by Elie Wiesel. 

Despair sets in, intensifying the feeling of being stuck in a holding pattern. Amy and Dor debunk theories, challenge preconceived notions, and confront Jew hatred. They unravel layers of history, navigating guilt and critiquing "good Jew" coverage, sharing personal family stories that interweave with broader historical narratives.

Both grandchildren of Holocaust survivors, Amy and Dor reflect on the intricate threads woven into the fabric of time, family trees, and DNA. Peeling back layers from the British mandate to modern geopolitics, Amy urges listeners to confront the complexities shaping the present.  

The episode unfolds as a mosaic of emotions, closing with a plea for understanding and resilience. A profound meditation on intergenerational trauma, vilification, and a woman's relentless struggle to be heard—an urgent attempt to process lived histories and echoes from the past.

Special thanks to Jonathan Gal for the recap.

Recorded on October 26 (Day 20).

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🌻 𝕊𝕋𝔸𝕐 𝕊𝔸𝔽𝔼 & 𝕊𝕋𝔸𝕐 𝕋𝕌ℕ𝔼𝔻​ 🎧

Dor's wild night sparks a fiery debate when he asks Amy and special guest host Jonathan Gal “Are we the bad guys?” No punches are pulled in this emotionally charged heart-to-heart as Jonathan and Amy lay bare their pain, confusion, and even resentment over being vilified for defending their home. 

In a raw exchange, the hosts share their struggles with feeling demonized by the outside world, the profound loss of life on both sides, and the ongoing quest for hope amid despair. They navigate personal guilt and the challenges of explaining the situation to children, all while living through ongoing security threats.

The blame game takes center stage, they unpack and dissect the barbs thrown around, applying an unsparing critical lens to scrutinize media coverage and analyze the nature of the attacks.  In a pointed examination, Amy questions the New York Times' attempt to walk back its initial coverage of the explosion at al-Alhi hospital in Gaza City in a recent Editor’s Note. Jonathan introduces a new dimension by pondering whether the Hamas infiltration and attack on the Start-Up Nation were in fact "low tech."  They applaud UK barrister Natasha Hausdorff for taking a BBC presenter to task in a segment so good Amy watched it at least twice.

While not shying away from criticism of Israeli policies, they push back on one-sided narratives and the polarizing effect of single-issue politics on society. They advocate for a comprehensive understanding and bigger picture thinking, urging listeners to resist oversimplification, peel back the layers and shake it off. 

Amidst the chaos and complexities, they express cautious optimism that this "perfect storm" could be the catalyst for reconciliation and healing. 

Recorded on October 24 (Day 18).

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🌿 𝕊𝕋𝔸𝕐 𝕊𝔸𝔽𝔼 & 𝕊𝕋𝔸𝕐 𝕋𝕌ℕ𝔼𝔻​ 🎧

Embark on a transatlantic journey through time as special guest Jonathan Gal, the voice of recaps (Episodes 5-13), joins Amy in a captivating conversation. They navigate personal anxieties, delve into historical movements, and reflect on the enduring Jewish experience of being "on the run" from oppression for millennia.

Jonathan candidly shares his fears, as a father, husband and resident of an agricultural community along Israel’s central-North coast, delving into the complexities of applying for a gun license. He shares perspective gained from a character in Paul Auster’s novel 4 3 2 1 and wisdom imparted by his son: “If you’re going to run from a bully, you’re going to run forever.”

Comforted by the notion that interesting questions don’t have simple answers, Amy faces the dread of a grim future sealed by the present. She offers an alternative trajectory by way of New York City's storied past, drawing inspiration from Ken Burns' documentaries.  Amy dismantles illusions that the city has always been a haven like Larry Levan’s Paradise Garage, reflecting on its wild ride – from interracial strife and massive public works projects to bankruptcy and 9/11.  Railing against our tendency to take things for granted, she explores the fragility and resilience, multicultural, diverse, and tolerant metropolis, acknowledging how easily it almost didn’t come to pass.

Acknowledging that there’s “nowhere to run to baby, nowhere to hide,” and bolstered by Jonathan’s son’s wisdom, they affirm their decision not to run anymore and stand their ground. 

Recorded on October 24 (Day 18).

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🦋​ 𝕊𝕋𝔸𝕐 𝕊𝔸𝔽𝔼 & 𝕊𝕋𝔸𝕐 𝕋𝕌ℕ𝔼𝔻​ 🎧

Traversing the unpredictable currents of the present landscape, Amy and Dor formally introduce themselves to the audience, sharing personal desires, political aspirations, and offering a resilient vision for the uncertain road ahead. 

Against the backdrop of the looming threat of targeted missiles from Lebanon, Amy opens a window into her pragmatically anxious mind, tells us about her new bike, and explores humanity's penchant for nostalgic fetishization and doomsday theories like the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Contemplating unintended consequences and the interconnectedness of life, Amy draws parallels to a precarious Jenga game. In the face of uncertainty, they passionately champion love and freedom, underscoring the significance of individual expression in the age of reason.

The evocative conversation conjures up an eclectic mix of cultural references, from Slavoj Žižek to Fight Club, Janusz Korczak, Albert Hoffman, and even Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. 

Amy boldly looks to the future, delivering a defiant message to antisemites, a resolute commitment to a future shaped by creativity, expression, and imagination, and a steadfast refusal to yield to destructive forces aiming to unravel the age of reason.

Special thanks to Jonathan Gal for the recap. 

Recorded on October 23 (Day 17).

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🌞​ 𝕊𝕋𝔸𝕐 𝕊𝔸𝔽𝔼 & 𝕊𝕋𝔸𝕐 𝕋𝕌ℕ𝔼𝔻​ 🎧

Amy and Dor delve into a myriad of topics, from patriotism to PTSD to the wait for the messiah, weaving in humorous musings on linguistic improvements, and even pondering the function of coat check. Inspired by listener feedback, Amy reflects on survival, expressing a yearning to move beyond mere existence and embrace the fullness of living. They explore the theme of hope in challenging times, drawing parallels to Pandora's box and creation myths, ultimately embracing impermanence. Amy passionately denounces denial of the atrocious gender-based violence by supposed feminists abroad, in stark contrast with the #meToo era’s “we believe her” mantra, lambasting them or effectively sentencing Jewish and Israeli women to a collective rape sentence. Doubling down on her commitment to take up space and her refusal to be a punching bag, Amy questions why she, like many Jews, should accept a reality in which she is too afraid to wear a Star of David. 

Special thanks to Jonathan Gal for the recap. 

Recorded on October 20 (Day 14).

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🚀​ 𝕊𝕋𝔸𝕐 𝕊𝔸𝔽𝔼 & 𝕊𝕋𝔸𝕐 𝕋𝕌ℕ𝔼𝔻​ 🎧

In the wake of President Biden's visit to Tel Aviv, Amy and Dor navigate the complex terrain of celebrity statements and silence, drugs, and gridlock, and ask whether it’s still okay to dream. 

Amy follows up on a hot tip that some of the terrorists were possibly hopped up on an illicit synthetic methamphetamine called Captagon, inspiring Dor to ponder whether all drugs are created equal. Conversation courses through drugs in the Third Reich, crystal meth labs in the forests of the MidWest, and the urgent need for psychedelic drug reform.  They question the role of celebrity support, reflecting on the silence from #MeToo advocates and recent comments by celebrities like Cynthia Nixon. 

The episode wraps up with a commentary on the slow road of change, both metaphorically and in the context of Tel Aviv traffic.

Special thanks to Jonathan Gal for the recap. 

Recorded on October 19 (Day 13).

Editor’s Note: Please note that this episode was recorded before reports came out that some of the Hamas terrorists were in possession of Captagon. Please note too that nothing herein should be regarded as an excuse for the heinous atrocities committed or that those committing the atrocities knew not what they did; The use of performance-enhancing drugs to carry out heinous atrocities demonstrates intent rather than the absence of it. 

Thanks for tuning in! 🗣️ If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share. Taking a moment to leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform helps us improve and reach more listeners! 🌟

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📧 Have thoughts, questions, or just want to say hi? Shoot us an email at [email protected]. Hearing from you means the world to us! 💖

🌍​ 𝕊𝕋𝔸𝕐 𝕊𝔸𝔽𝔼 & 𝕊𝕋𝔸𝕐 𝕋𝕌ℕ𝔼𝔻​ 🎧

Embark on a profound exploration of identity as Amy, an Israeli-American of Hungarian descent, invites listeners into her world as she reflects on her childhood in in the late 80s and early 90s in New York City—a time when cross-cultural friendships and diverse experiences shaped her understanding of belonging. However, the joy of those formative years stands in stark contrast to the divisive landscape of present-day identity politics, where Amy finds herself pigeon-holed both in Israel and the US.

Throughout the episode, Amy bravely shares her personal journey, navigating the complexities of feeling fragmented and struggling to find continuity and stability. As she grapples with the challenge of being labeled and boxed in by society, Amy articulates the profound struggle of feeling like an outsider looking in.

Joined by co-host Dor, the conversation delves into the limitations of identity politics and the importance of celebrating diversity authentically rather than merely tolerating differences. Amy and Dor offer insights, challenges, and an inspiring vision for a world where differences are embraced and celebrated.

The episode culminates in a poignant rendition of "Creep," capturing the emotional depth and complexity of Amy's reflections on identity and belonging. Join Amy and Dor on a transformative journey through the intricacies of identity, offering hope, understanding, and the possibility of a more inclusive and harmonious future.

Special thanks to Jonathan Gal for the recap. 

Recorded on October 18 (Day 12).

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📧 Have thoughts, questions, or just want to say hi? Shoot us an email at [email protected]. Hearing from you means the world to us! 💖

🌊​ 𝕊𝕋𝔸𝕐 𝕊𝔸𝔽𝔼 & 𝕊𝕋𝔸𝕐 𝕋𝕌ℕ𝔼𝔻​ 🎧

Immersed in the enormity of the ongoing war and dumbfounded by the frenetic energy sweeping U.S. college campuses, Amy and Dor explore the contagion of joy, the limits of understanding, and potential paths through a hyper-fragmented world. 

Drawing parallels to historical events like the Manhattan Project, Amy muses on the impossibility of comprehending everything, both internally and externally. Amidst the controversy surrounding coverage of the al-Ahli Arab Hospital blast, they question the (im)possibility of balanced coverage and dilemmas surrounding the release of Hamas atrocities footage. 

Addressing a Cornell University professor's "exhilaration" over Hamas' terror attack on Israel, the hosts delve into the nature of joy, Amy's struggle with depression, and even Marie Kondo's Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up.  Amy reveals her love of soda (aka seltzer), and shares recent shower thoughts on everything from socioeconomic disparity to the erosion of public space, inspired by Dor’s suggestion that trailers trump movies.   

Navigating a world without a complete picture or all the answers, they chart a third way, underscoring the significance of listening and understanding the external world through the lens of internal experiences, emphasizing the necessity of engaging both the head and the heart.

Special thanks to Jonathan Gal for the recap. 

Recorded on October 17 (Day 11).

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📧 Have thoughts, questions, or just want to say hi? Shoot us an email at [email protected]. Hearing from you means the world to us! 💖

☀️​ 𝕊𝕋𝔸𝕐 𝕊𝔸𝔽𝔼 & 𝕊𝕋𝔸𝕐 𝕋𝕌ℕ𝔼𝔻​ 🎧

Amidst air raid sirens, Amy and Dor confront the complexities of family dynamics burdened by intergenerational and collective trauma, the harsh persistence of Jew hate, and the disturbing silence and equivocation from so-called allies. 

They delve into unsettling obsessions with body counts and the incomprehensible denial of the October 7 atrocities despite video footage taken by Hamas terrorists themselves. 

Dor's revelations about his dreams, frustrations, and dissociative apathy spark a conversation about dimensions of care. Meanwhile, Amy confesses that her lifelong struggle with brevity is reaching a breaking point in an overwhelmingly messy reality. 

Amy questions Black Lives Matter's apparent indifference to the plight of non-Jewish black refugees sheltering with them from air raid sirens, let alone black Jewish Israelis. 

The episode crescendos with an impassioned plea for public funding and support for trauma research and Amy railing against the double standard faced by Israeli-Americans, sharing that she "can’t sing 'I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free,' where all across the land, people are chanting 'from the river to the sea.'"

Special thanks to Jonathan Gal for the recap. 

Recorded on October 16 (Day 10).

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📧 Have thoughts, questions, or just want to say hi? Shoot us an email at [email protected]. Hearing from you means the world to us! 💗

🌠​ 𝕊𝕋𝔸𝕐 𝕊𝔸𝔽𝔼 & 𝕊𝕋𝔸𝕐 𝕋𝕌ℕ𝔼𝔻​ 🎧

Amy and Dor unpack the weekend's emotional rollercoaster, with anecdotes from their travels. Dor recounts the surreal mix of mourning and celebration at Keshet's funeral in the south and Amy pulls through a weekend traveling within, navigating the haunting specter of trauma in a time laden with triggers. 

As more details of the gruesome atrocities come to light, they call out social media organizations for failing to curb misinformation, incitement to violence, hypocrites prioritizing narrative over humanity, and the cruel silence of so-called human rights activists and movements, such as #meToo. 

Amy, unveiling a new warrior side, breaks her silence and opens up about the mortifying desire to disappear, offering solace to those who feel the same. Join us for a visceral journey into the heart of crisis, an exploration of resilience, and a defiant stand against silence.

Special thanks to Jonathan Gal for the recap.

Recorded on October 15 (Day 9).

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🍀​ 𝕊𝕋𝔸𝕐 𝕊𝔸𝔽𝔼 & 𝕊𝕋𝔸𝕐 𝕋𝕌ℕ𝔼𝔻​ 🎧