Alan and Liz discuss the difficulties of managing our expectations for real-time updates and 24-hour news cycles - with the realities of war and the necessary military secrecy. We talk Rosh Hashanah amidst this murky backdrop and ideas to bring symbols of hope and renewal to our holiday tables.
*Alan passed away shortly after recording this episode and we are heartbroken. He cared so deeply about Israel, the Jewish people, democracy, values, identity. And his voice - sharing those ideas and asking to hear the ideas of others - is already missed. We remember his concern and passion for others, and his certainty that the world CAN be better.

Alan asked Liz what is the mood of the country as October 7th is approaching soon. How will Rosh Hashanah feel this year? Liz looks back to Rosh Hashanah of 1948 while Israel was fighting for survival. 

In this episode Alan asks Liz about the tone in the country following the discovery of the murder of the six hostages discovered last week. Recognizing the strain on Israel and the support work to help others in Israel. Liz shared her observation of the funeral for Hersch Goldberg-Polin and the funerals. Also the cruelty of Hamas releasing the videos of the hostages before they were murdered. What does a protest of 500,000 people due for a country in pain.

Alan closed with the success the Israeli Paralympic team had in Paris check out the link in the Times of Israel below.
Times of Israel

The tragic news of these six hostages how were close to being rescued. 

For the past month Alan and Liz swapped homes. Alan moved into Liz's home in Jerusalem and Liz and her family moved into Alan's home. In this episode they share what it was like re-entering to their home countries and a few highlights from their experiences. Alan shared how much he appreciated the corner store-ha mokelt and Liz shares her joy of walking into a large grocery store.  Liz shares her experience on the plane and Alan discusses the challenge of flying home when he needed to be rerouted because of the threat of war. 

In this episode Liz asks Alan what it is like to be in Israel during this very tense time. He has always been the one to ask that question. One understands that there is view in Israel and a view outside of Israel during times like this. For those outside of Israel time sometimes stops for those inside Israel time has to go on. Half of the Jewish world lives in Israel and they aren't going any where. 

The threat of an attack from Iran and its proxies during Tisha B'av is interesting on many levels. More next week. 

In this episode Liz and Alan change places. Alan is in Israel and Liz is in America. Alan shares what he has been seeing in Israel from the National Library to the impact of Oct 7th in the south. Also, a challenging look at the massacre at Majdal Shams and Israel's retaliation from that attack. Alan also is paying attention to the threat by Iran to attack Israel. In light of the pending attack many airlines have canceled flight to and from Israel. But, being in Jerusalem seems fine.

Here is a link to a story about the medals won by Israelis.
Times of Israel

Also the story of American Israeli Amit Elor wrestler who won gold and acknowledged the hostages.

Other stories of Jews winning medals in Paris

In this episode Alan asks Liz how Israelis are responding to the assassination attempt on former President and current republican candidate Donald J. Trump. What the impact on the extending military service from 2.8 years to 3 years. Liz pointed out that if it passes it is a temporary change for five years.  What else is the Knesset working on before the 3 month recess. Enjoy.

In this episode Alan and Liz discuss the idea of resilience and day to day life in Israel and America during these challenging times. Alan discusses with Liz the recent issue of the journal Sapir and the theme Resilience see below for the link to the journal he also shared Noa Tishby's new book co-authored with Emanuel Echo, Uncomfortable conversations with a Jew.

Sapir

Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew

In this episode Alan asks Liz how are people getting on with life after being at war for over 270 day and over 100 individuals are still being held in captivity. Liz shares insights into how she is experiencing this. Israel is still not able to act like "business as usual"