What will happen when Rosen’s kid leaves for college? How does the Twilight Lounge resemble Patrick Bateman’s apartment in “American Psycho?” How will Goldbrener be spending his time during his upcoming Israel trip? Where is Gwyneth Paltrow on her conversion process and are religious-themed schools — not just Jewish ones, but religious schools of all … Continue reading Episode #37: “You’re like the Zionist version of the Maxell guy.” →

Is polite indifference good for the Jews? Is it good for anyone? Eric earns big egghead points by referencing Ze’ev Jabotinsky in this far-reaching (and chronologically out of order) discussion that touches on irreparable conflict, fundamentalist Mormons, having Rosen’s mom on the podcast, whether or not the world was more full of hate in 2014 … Continue reading Episode #36: “You sound great! You look terrific!” →

When does an innocuous discussion about Jewish Mount Rushmore resident Barbra Streisand becomes an in-depth analysis of the one-state solution for Israel? When Goldbrener is involved, back and revved up after an elongated holiday break. Other topics covered: failing hard drives, lost music, “the usual gang of idiots,” Gene Simmons and the Westboro Baptist Church … Continue reading Episode #35: “They may not all be geniuses.” →

No, the title does not refer to the Jews behind this podcast Though this episode does explore what Goldbrener does not want to call “morality.” There are disagreements aplenty as the boys discuss an “American Christian” would-be terrorist and a potentially inflammatory quote from Yossi Sarid, but not until first musing over Rosen’s first experience … Continue reading Episode #34: “Perfect, virtuous men.” →

Rosen and Goldbrener present a special holiday-themed episode, during which they ruminate about the commercialization of Hanukkah, but not before discussing bad gelt, a charismatic rabbi, the folly of thinking you can change anyone’s mind, dental x-ray hijinks and the only Jew in Lake Chelan, Washington. Legalized gambling, Jewish-style.

Rabbi Ruth Abusch-Magder joins Goldbrener and Rosen to discuss whether your bris was good for the Jews in this, the 32nd episode of (Is it) Good for the Jews? podcast.

Road construction makes Rosen late, earning his ire and forcing him into a street-level drag race with another Audi driver, but this is just a prologue to the main course: Goldbrener’s astute deconstruction of the day’s dark news coming from Jerusalem. Looking for strife? You’ll find it here.

Rosen’s intentions — to discuss the latest unrest in the Middle East — do not match his execution — to talk about going to the dentist for about 20 minutes, then to launch into a diatribe about Lyndon LaRouche, followed by Goldbrener outlining his dislike of all conspiracy theorists — which, on its surface, may … Continue reading Episode #30: “I am the best arguer in the world.” →

Rosen is bent but not bowed by his experiences purchasing a new car. Does his inability to get a good deal make him less of a Jew? Do some stereotypes actually work out in our favor? Why have a beard if you don’t live having a beard? Is there anyone who thinks the Glenn Close … Continue reading Episode #29: “I once drove your van to San Jose.” →

The boys can’t avoid election season, no matter how hard they try, and it’s weighing hard on Rosen’s psyche, unlike Ocean Avenue, which rates barely a blip on Goldbrener’s radar despite being the nearest commercial strip to the Twilight Lounge. Also discussed this week: Israel (of course), Gavin Newsom’s helmet hair, whether Reagan was Satan … Continue reading Episode #28: “The private sector is responsive.” →