Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing: Your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday.

Today’s panel comprises Times of Israel health reporter Nathan Jeffay and culture editor Jessica Steinberg, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

Jeffay updates with optimistic studies regarding the effects of the coronavirus vaccination and how it is preventing death and hospital ventilation as the country is swept by the new British variant.

We speak about a new study that has found that spirulina is effective in combatting the COVID cytokine storm and a lovely initiative in which Holocaust survivors are treated to a day out at the beach on the way back from being vaccinated.

Steinberg fills us in about what cultural activities have come back to life throughout the country. Museums are open and shows must go on -- with hefty regulations. We'll keep an eye on what's going on.

As COVID furloughs continue, many are "pivoting" to new careers and cottage industries. Steinberg gives us a few examples.

And finally, as the Golden Globes are over, Steinberg lets us now what could be Israeli about the upcoming April 25 Oscars.

Discussed articles include:

Vaccines in action: Over-70s now use no more ventilators than under-50s

Study: Vaccine saved Israel elderly from full force of UK strain in nick of time

Algae extract may avert severe COVID deterioration, say Israeli researchers

EMT group pushes to get Holocaust survivors out of the house and vaccinated

After 11-month hiatus, Israeli cultural events come roaring back, cautiously

From tempeh to yoga, pandemic downtime fuels cottage industry boom

Israeli actress Shira Haas misses out on Golden Globe for ‘Unorthodox’ role

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

PHOTO: Tel Aviv kicks off the return of live performances with a concert by singer Nurit Galron for the city’s older residents in Ganei Yehoshua park, February 24, 2021. (Jack Guez/AFP)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.