In this very special, collectors’ edition of the Promised Podcast, we rebroadcast a conversation with one of our favorite writers, the brilliant and enchanting magical-realist writer Etgar Keret, soon after the publication of his 2015 memoir, The Seven Good Years. The interview was done by the wonderful Ilene Prusher, long-time fill-in Promised Podcast panelist, and one-time TLV1 program director.

We also speculate, with Allison, Noah, and The Tel Aviv Review’s Gilad Halpern, about what six items we would each send up in a Voyager-Spacecraft sort of time capsule, to teach eager aliens everything they need to know about Earth’s only Jewish State.

Etgar Keret, on life, literature and low expectations

Etgar Keret on life, literature, longing and lowering expectations.

Israel, Encapsulated

What six items should we pack into a Voyager-Spacecraft sort of time-capsule, to teach eager aliens all they need to know about Earth’s only Jewish State. (And, no, BDS has not yet reached the outer atmosphere.)

Music

Shahar Saul, the 24 year old Tel Aviv rapper who says that his goal is to conquer Israel with his music, then America, then the world: He just might succeed!

• “Bachur Shechunah” by Shahar Saul, along with Tzagai Boy and Avi Hailu
• “Instagram”, by Shahar Saul with Tzukush
• “Mesiba Shehora” by Shahar Saul, with Tzukush