Allison Kaplan Sommer, Don Futterman and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

—Cutting to the Core—

Benjamin Netanyahu promises ultra-Orthodox politicians, in exchange for their support, to fully-fund Haredi schools no matter what they do and do not teach. Is that unhinged and irresponsible?

—A Woman’s Place—

It’s the patriarchy, Stupid!

—Curses & Blessings—

Reflections on the year that was.

All this and songs to take us from the end of the month of Elul through the Days of Awe!